By Zoltan Szabo
2008 Santa Carolina Petit Verdot “Barrica Selection” Rapel Valley Chile (Vintages Nov. 13 # 0007484) $14.95
Purple in colour. Aromas of currants, fresh herbs, violet and pleasant oak notes. Full and with lots of flavour, medium intensity tannins and a great length. Ideal for a nice and juicy beef roast or spaghetti meatballs. Good value.
2007 Castello di Farnetella “Lucilla” Tuscany Italy (Vintages Nov. 13 # 0190033) $18.95
Deep ruby. Plums, spicy oak, truffles, earth – leather, dried flowers. Medium to full bodied and savoury – spicy with gentle tannins and a long, smooth finish. Worth trying it with Provimi veal chop with red wine – sauteed funghi sauce.
2007 Henry of Pelham Cabernet/Merlot “Reserve” Niagara Peninsula Ontario Canada (Vintages Nov. 13 # 0395855) $24.95
Ruby with purple edge. Bouquet of currants, herbal, coffee and vanilla bean. Full weight with an excellent balance of fruit – acid – tannin – alcohol – oak and an on – going finish. Will age very well for up to a decade, or try it now, decanted for two hours before serving, with luscious slow braised short ribs and fluffy gnocchi in tomato – herbs ragout on the side.
Read more of sommelier Zoltan Szabo at zoltanszabo.org.
