Trent scored this wine: 91/100

For fans of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre blends from the Southern Rhone, you may want to buy this excellent, good value Cru wine by the case. Deeply coloured, full bodied, and dry, it shows typical garrigue, woody sweet vanilla, blackberry jam, black plum, and strawberry united with ripe tannins. It’s drinking beautifully now or it will hold in your wine racks for another 3-4 years. This would make a marvellous accompaniment for grilled lamb or game.

Trent scored this wine: 90/100

When you want something different for dinner, try topping your burger (recommend Wagyu beef or veggie) with melted Brie, add on mayo, Dijon mustard, and a slice of tomato. Then pair it with this interesting dry, full bodied take on Shiraz from Stellenbosch in South Africa. More red plum, black pepper, and sour cherry than expected when first opened, but if you decant it for an hour, it will reveal more dark fruits and soften the tannins. Can hold for another 2-3 years. 4 stars out of 5

Trent scored this wine: 90/100

This single estate Chianti Classico made with 100% Sangiovese is a perfect food wine. This very dry wine is bigger bodied than most of its brethren presenting dark fruit, cherry, red currant jam, wood tinged vanilla, black olive, and licorice finishing with some tannic grip and wonderful acidity. It’s a wine capable of aging at least another 4-5 years. An excellent wine that would complement Tuscan style steak grilled with garlic then finished with a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon or your pasta with a rich Ragu. 4 stars out of 5

Trent scored this wine: 91/100

If you find most Rose light bodied for your liking, you need to try Tavel. These vineyards on the west side of the Rhone River produce Roses that are full bodied and age worthy. Darker pink than most, it shows ripe cherry jam, strawberry, red plum, red delicious apple, and lemon. It’s mouth filling, dry, and excellent quality. This is a Rose that will stand up to your full flavoured mains from the BBQ. Try it with Italian sausage, pork chops, and/or grilled eggplant. 4 stars out of 5

Trent scored this wine: 86/100

Picked up at Barrie Farmer’s Market, this wine illustrates why blended wines that offer a melange of aromas and flavours can make such an attractive choice for your dinner or patio. A white that’s nicely off dry and fruity with lemon, pear, yellow apple, peach, mineral, lime pith, and rosewater. Drinks nicely alone, but would also pair well with Thai food or mild curries. 3.5 stars out of 5