This excellent 2019 Merlot (95%) will soon be replaced by the outstanding 2020. A youthful 2020 cuvée that is remarkably ripe and concentrated. The lightly well oaked nose also displays field berry and typical mineral scents. Rich and surprisingly structured, with firm tannins and lots of extract for lengthy aging (5 to 8 years). A full flavoured entry level Pomerol that should surprise the Bordeaux aficionado. A vintage that will still be talked about in 50 years! Serve this tasty yet charming red with simply grilled lamb chops. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 34,75 $
Code SAQ: 739623
Score : 90/100
The Priorat appellation was resurrected in the 90s by a small group of reputed Spanish producers including Alvaro Palacios and René Barbier. Today Priorat is amongst the top wine regions of Spain. Unfortunately, prices have skyrocketed! Luckily this lovely Priorat from Torres is offered at a reasonable price for this denominacio. A charming typical blend of Carignan (40%), Grenache (40%) and Syrah (20%) that exudes field berry and plum scents with a kiss of oak. Good extract and structure, very ripe flavours with surprising acidity that assures balance and adds elegance. Good aging potential: 4 to 7 years. A simply grilled steak will do the trick. Enjoy!
Country : Spain
Price : 40,75 $
Code SAQ: 13950435
Score : 91/100
From the Irpinia appellation in the region of Campania, this elegant red is entirely made with the aglianico (100%) grape. The nose exhibits lovely fruity aromas (cherry and cranberry), with floral and mineral hints. A charming rosso in a slightly rustic traditional southern Italian style, displaying surprisingly ripe tannins. Medium bodied, perfectly balanced with good length, it should marry well with a classic Osso Bucco. Enjoy!
Country : Italy
Price : 28,30 $
Code SAQ: 15012549
Score : 89+/100
The Côte de Brouilly appellation is amongst the smallest of the Beaujolais region. In fact it ranks third behind St-Amour and Chénas. Côte de Brouilly is reputed for producing wines with more volume, character and aging potential. Brimming with ripe fruit flavours, the nose exhibits red plums enhanced by subtle terroir floral hints. Elegant yet flavourful, this lovely Cru offers fresh acidity, perfect balance and good length. A typical Beaujolais that will age favourably 3 to 5 years. Serve with roasted chicken and mushrooms. Enjoy!
Country : France
Price : 28,80 $
Code SAQ: 14716819
Score : 89+/100
This lovely Chardonnay benefits from from the cool ocean breezes. Lightly oaked, with charming fruity aromas: apple, pear and tropical fruits. Quite fresh, remarkably elegant, with good volume and length. Offering great value, this perfectly balanced Chilean white should marry perfectly with grilled swordfish and a squirt of lemon juice. Enjoy !
Country : Chile
Price : 23,15 $
Code SAQ: 12531394
Score : 89/100
This high quality producer is part of the Antinori stable of Tuscany. Dominated by Cabernet Franc (with 15% of Carmenère), this deeply coloured red bursts with charming ripe flavours. Rich and full, with surprising freshness that assures balance. A modern harmonious red quite supple and easy drinking. Just a kiss of oak enhanced by ripe field berry scents, with hints of smoke and graphite. A well structured rojo offering good aging potential (3 to 5 years), that displays ripe tannins and very good length. A great match with simply grilled lamb chops. Enjoy!
Country : Chile
Price : 35,75 $
Code SAQ: 14691383
Score : 90+/100
Hidden Bench Winery: This high quality winery was founded in 2003 by the owner, Harald Thiel. Located in the heart of the Beamsville Bench sub-appellation of Niagara, Hidden Bench focuses on producing quality whites, reds and sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir , Sauvignon and now adding Gamay to the portfolio. The Hidden Bench terroir is mainly composed of limestone, clay and silt soils. The motto at HB is «Sustainability, Terroir, Technology and Passion», but
The 2008 vintage of this lovely red sold for 24,75$. An increase of 15c in eight years! Proof that many producers from reputed regions abused with substantial unjustified increases in the last decade! This excellent red from Puglia offers great value! In a traditionnel style displaying complexity and elegance while remaining rich and balanced. A typical blend of Nero di Troia (70%) and Montepulciano (30%) exuding animal, floral and forest floor scents. Full, flavourful and supple, it will match perfectly with veal scaloppini and porcini mushrooms. Enjoy!
Country : Italy
Price : 24,90 $
Code SAQ: 14790795
Score : 90/100
From a reputed chilien appellation, this full flavoured red is a perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Syrah (50%). Deeply coloured as expected, offering intense aromas of blueberry and currant with hints of smoke, oak and bell peppers. Lots of extract, ripe charming flavours, velvety texture, good length and aging potential (3 to 5 years). Try this tasty rojo with simply grilled red meats or roast beef.
Country : Chile
Price : 29,95 $
Code SAQ: 928853
Score : 90/100
A great value Italian sparkler that compares favourably to many more expensive Champagnes! Entirely from Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs), this high quality elegant spumante is quite fresh, balanced and rather tasty. A hint of residual sugar (6,5 gr/li) adds volume and richness. Aromatic complexity (toasted bread, citrus and apple) enhances its charming character. Enjoy!
Country : Italy
Price : 25 $
Code SAQ: 10496898
Score : 90/100