A Ripasso-style of wine where the wine is re-passed and fermented on the skins of their appassimento wines. Pressed and aged in French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Highly aromatic with notions of sweet plums, sage, spice and black cherries. On the palate, it's medium+ bodied and fleshy with pleasing aroma replays. Vegetal notes rise to prominence with air. It has just a hint of sweetness and subtle spice notes on the mid-palate. Balanced acids and medium-length finish. Tasted May/2015.

Using the apassimiento technique perfected in the Veneto region of Italy, this Niagara blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot presents black cherry, delicious plum, black pepper, the telltale green apple mentos flavour of cab franc, and blackberry. Now is the time to try it: it’s $2 off at the LCBO until April 24 ($17.95). Pairs perfectly with Italian fare (pizzas/pastas) or red meats off the grill.