Deep ruby with a garnet tinge and medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Not a complex wine but it’s a great wine for BBQs. Wine features cedar, sandalwood, cherry, licorice, plums & bramble fruit pie. Medium body with medium tannins, good acidity & a medium length.

Negatives: Slight heat from the 14% alcohol.

Interesting Point: Not as good as the 2006 I reviewed last year but for the price, especially the sales price, which the LCBO does a couple of times a year, is a really great buy.

Drink now on its own or have it with BBQ spare ribs.

Tasted: 29 Aug 12

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 18.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

I like the big oak, smoke and cherry flavour of this wine. It's bold and goes well with spicy foods, and BBQ ribs.

The only negative is that you can feel the alcohol heat (14%), though I, personally, don't find it too strong. Let it breath an hour or two and it mellows, appreciably.

Food paring mushroom pate, parmesan garlic triscuit crackers, basil pesto fresh blueberries, arugala and smoked gouda. Would be good with BBQ. Better with savory than sweet.