Here’s an under $20 bottle that is sure to please.

Say it with an accent. You'll sound like a wine snob!

Loaded with blackberry and rasberry on the nose, this medium to full bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Reif Estate Winery packs a punch of black cherry and dark chocolate on the tongue.  Do I sound like a wine critic?  I didn’t detect any hints of baby diaper, or tar bubble, which is probably a good thing. I’ll leave that to the wine snobs!

Seriously though, this is a great wine at $13.95 (LCBO#565713 750ml) — it’s actually $1 off for a few more days.  In my limited experience I think this would pair well with pork or beef off the grill.  I had it with grilled salmon and I wouldn’t recommend it paired with fish.  It has enough acidity to cut through food, which is a rare quality in Niagara reds.  At 12.5% alcohol it’s not obnoxious either; very little ‘heat’ on the pallate, smooth.  The finish is reasonably long as well.

Everyone in the wine world seems to be buzzing about the 2007 vintage.  2007 was stupid hot in Niagara.  Actually, it was stupid hot just about everywhere.  This helped with the sugar content of the grapes, yadda yadda, whatever… All I know is that it makes for a surprisingly delicious red from Niagara, a region not well known for it’s reds.  I think the 2007 vintage will grab some attention.

Grab a bottle or two and enjoy!

Cheers!