WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Trim Chardonnay 2019, California $20-$24 I 88/100 UPC:
752830952119
You don't see Ray Signorello's name on this label, but his Napa team is responsible for this California white, one of only two wines made under the Trim label. The Trim wines are made without additives. They don't add sugar, concentrate, colouring, or anything else that shouldn't be there. As Ray Signorello says, “We believe in winemaking, not winefaking, and we are transparent about this.” The Chardonnay opens with an apple honey nectarine note streaked with citrus almond and vanilla. Bright and refreshing, it is more next world, mixing bright acidity, peach, apple butter and fresh bread — a wine that will brighten any lunch.
Trim Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, California $20-$24 I 89/100 UPC:
752183270915
You don't see Ray Signorello's name on this label either, but his Napa team is responsible for this California red that is drier and trimmer than most other wines that play at this price point. The fruit is juicy and pure with intense cassis and black cherry fruit with savoury licorice notes, a hint of black tea inviting vanilla notes. It is an introductory wine, but it is for wine drinkers, not influencers. Anything grilled on the barbecue will be set free at the dinner table. Well priced but in private wine shops only.
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, California $39.99 I 91/100
UPC:
752183274029
The 2018 Edge fruit is sourced exclusively from premium Alexander Valley vineyards. The mix is 91/9 Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. It spends 16 months in 50 per cent new French oak barrels. The style is savoury Sonoma/alexander Valley with some subtle Napa polish. It is a stylish entry-level premium cabernet rich in spice, black fruits, licorice, figs and supple tannins. You can feel the Signorello style, more finesse, less oomph, and you get the impression you can wait on this wine for another five to seven years — a perfect weekend steak wine that will impress your guests.
Maverick Estate Winery Bush Vine Syrah 2019, Okanagan Valley $29.95 I 92/100 UPC:
626990140450 This Syrah won a platinum medal at Canada's 2021 National Wine Awards, and it easily lives up to the hype. The fruit is pure and vibrant, with a balanced ripeness that clocks in at just 13 per cent ABV. However, what sets it apart is the expressive aromatics, with perfumed violets and savoury spices, nicely accented by integrated wood. It's the real deal and impressively structured and sophisticated, too.
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California $58.99 I 91/100
UPC:
097546182000
It's been a while, but I'm always surprised by its bright, lively character when I come back to this wine. The Roederer connection significantly affects this multi-vintage blend of 56/44 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The light salmon colour springs from a small portion of Pinot Noir (3-5 per cent) with extended maceration added to the blend before the secondary fermentation in the bottle. In addition, a small amount of oak-aged reserve juice adds another layer of complexity.