Dark to almost opaque ruby in colour with a medium nose. A very pleasant nose indeed showing spruce, carnations, cloves, cinnamon, smoked bacon, plums, cherry pie, coconut & vanilla. Very surprised that the nose isn't bigger, but that's not a negative for this wine. The taste is as good as the nose with similar notes. It's dry, medium tannins, medium+ acidity, medium+ length, medium+ body & balanced. This is a nice alternative to Australian Shiraz as it's a little more restraint than most Australian Shiraz under $20.

This wine taste more like a wine around the $30, so I make it a Best Buy. I bought this on sale at the LCBO for $11.25, which I would classify this as an Amazing Buy. Drink now with Prime Rib or by itself. This wine will can be cellared for another 2-3 years.

Tasted: 7 Sept 11

Score: 9+/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19+/20.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4