2012 Tragically Hip Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red (Stoney Ridge) – Vintages 411595 – $24.95 – **** – The label is immediately recognizable as this wine was co-created with the Tragically Hip. A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc right off the nose you get a little barnyard, mixed in with some solid ripe fruit. The flavours are very fruit driven at this point with Plum, Strawberry, Currant, and Blueberry. The tannin in the wine is still a little firm so you will want to decant this before enjoying. This will age for 3-7 years so if you’re a fan of the wine pick up a few bottles … if you’re a fan of the Hip pick up a few more.
2011 Nyarai Cadence – $21.95 – Winery Only (www.nyaraicellars.com) – **** – This is a very nice blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with some Syrah tossed in there to round out the whole package. This wine is very interesting because the nose and flavour are very much driven by the Cab Franc and Sauv. You have flavours of Plum, Blackberry, Raspberry but the finish has a nice pepper note to it thanks to the Syrah. I might go as far as to say that the Syrah is the resolution of the chord? (yes that was a music nerd joke). The soft tannin on this wine has it drinking great right now with no cellaring necessary.
