WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Varias La Bona Vida N/V, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Penedès, Catalonia, Spain $19.99 | 88/100 UPC: 8414617240018
Cava Varias has been bottling sparkling wine since 1918 in the Alt Penedès region of Spain, the historic birthplace of D.O. Cava. The nose is Cava bright with a strong, citrus, melon nose flecked with savoury, dried herbs. The blend is 30/40/20 Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. The plate is similar in taste but creamy with some delicious lees, brioche notes in the finish. Estate grown and bottled, this offers solid value. A perfect party sparkler for sushi, tacos or a charcuterie plate.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $18.99 | 87/100 UPC: 9419227005162
I feel a style adjustment here, with softer acidity and less bitter lime rind notes that mark a lot of commercial, Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is a mix from the Wairau Valley and neighbouring Awatere Valley’s fast draining, alluvial loams over gravelly subsoils. Expect a bright citrus entry with mango, pineapple and passion fruit flavours and a dusting of tomato leaf. Juicy sweet fruit, easy-sipping style. We suggest asparagus, young goat cheese or mussels.
Singletree Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Fraser Valley $19.05 | 87/100 UPC: 626990226284
This Fraser Valley Sauvignon is 100 per cent estate fruit that was barrel fermented in both new and neutral French oak. The nose is a mix of tropical fruits, the palate rich toasted lees characters with fruity marmalade notes throughout. The finish is lighter, almost watery in a good way with more toasted, nutty lees. We like the pursuit of complexity here and the zeal for texture and length even if it tastes more like Chardonnay than Sauvignon. Fresh and balanced, try this with creamy pasta or fish dishes. Winery direct.
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards The Unwinder Ehrenfelser 2015, Okanagan Valley $18.49 | 87/100 UPC: 626990252856
The Fitzpatrick family made an unfailing good Ehrenfelser at CedarCreek for many years so I’m not surprised to see this variety among the still wine list at Greata Ranch. The style is clean, rich and sweet with big orange fruit but not as much acidity as we like in 2015. Pair this with spicy dishes for now or chill it down and serve liberally on the patio.
Rodney Strong Merlot 2013, Sonoma County, Calif. $24.49 | 89/100 UPC: 087512073395
Rodney Strong has been growing Merlot since the early 1970s in Geyserville, the heart of Alexander Valley. Today the fruit comes off three Alexander Valley vineyards. The 2013 season was perfect from its dry, frost-free spring to a summer of no heat spikes and a warm, rain-free autumn. The nose and palate are lush with plenty of dark plums and baking spices with just a light chocolate dusting in the finish. There is just enough tannin, albeit silky, to give this delicious-drinking-now Merlot some elevated status. A great match with grilled vegetables, Italian-style sausages or veal chops.