blushun

Olivares Altos De La Hoya Monastrell 2011, Do Jumilla

Bright purple. Black raspberry and cassis aromas, with spicy mineral and floral elements gaining power with air. Powerful dark fruit flavors are sweetened by vanilla and cola nuances and lifted by juicy acidity. Impressively velvety wine, with very good finishing breadth and lingering spiciness. Plenty of bang for the buck here. Score - 91. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept. 2012)

Wildass Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

medium sweetness

green apple and fresh pear character with subtle citrus notes in the backdrop. These aromatic notes reappear on the palate with heightened flavours of ripe, ruby grapefruit. The mouthfeel is soft and balanced with a refreshing spike of acidity on the finish.

Terra Noble Reserva Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley

Vivid ruby. Intense red berry preserve and floral scents are complemented by a deeper note of cherry pit. Bright and nervy on the palate, offering sappy, lithe flavors of raspberry and bitter cherry. Finishes clean and tight, with good clarity and length. This fruity pinot would be nice with a slight chill. Score - 88. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, May 2012)

Pelassa Bricco Enrichetta Langhe 2011, Doc

PELASSA
Aromas of mixed spice, lilac and dark, mixed field berry open this approachable red blend ? an even split between Barbera and Nebbiolo. It makes a balanced, soft landing on the palate with a smooth and mellow wash of racy, lip-smacking red cherry mingling with sweet, ripe briary berry. Mid weight and silky smooth, it finishes in a blaze of mouth-watering zing and tang. Perfect as an aperitif to get the gustatory juices active, it also pairs well with pasta in tomato sauce, pizza or seafood/chorizo paella. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, May 26, 2012)

Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009, Mendoza

2010-2015

Steak Tartar with bourbon sauce

aromas of plum, raspberry, blackberry with tobacco tones; dry, medium to full bodied, with currant, plum and vanilla flavours; round rich palate.

Château La Bastide 2010, Ap Corbières

A full-bodied, rustic red wine with aromas of wild black fruit and toasty oak. Lots of grip on the palate. You can't beat the price. Decant 1 hour to smooth it out.

[translated from the French] The presentation of this 2010 is impeccable: a clear and bright colour, revealing fine fragrances and a happy marriage of fruit, spices with a finely toasted oak. On the palate, one finds elegant flavours and silky tannins. So accomplished a bottle that you would want to open it as an aperitif. Score - 3 Stars (out of 3 (Exceptional Wine)). (Guide Hachette, 2013)

Domaine De Sahari 2006, Guerrouane, Cuvée Du Soleil

"Grilled flank of beef, wild boar stew, tuna à la Sicilienne;
fruit and leather notes. Developed aromas of red fruit, with mellow tannins and spicy notes to finish"

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough

poulty, tuna, salmon

Skn Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley

"cassis, toasty oak and spice aromas; dry, full body; juicy black fruit flavours, soft tannins and long spicy finish;
serve with rack of lamb or grilled steak"

Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wo Paarl

"figs, tropical green pea fruit, balanced by zesty acid. Dry & long;
fish, seafood, scallops"