A trio of warming reds on a chilly Sunday—one from France, one from Italy and one from Australia—each of which is age-worthy, but just delightful to polish off right now.

 

Rocca Delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Single Vineyard Gran Selezione 2015 – Tuscany, Italy ($34.95)

A brand new release in the LCBO, Riserva di Fizzano hails from a vineyard that covers just over 35 hectares in a hilly site in Tuscany acquired in 1984. One of the pillars of Rocca delle Macie, it’s classified Chianti Classico Gran Selezione—the highest tier of Chianti Classico wines with regard to production and aging parameters. That means the grapes are both grown and bottled on the estate, and the wine aged no fewer than 30 months.

The depth in character should therefore not come as a surprise. Featuring a little more than 90% Sangiovese, with Colorino filling in the rest. The latter grape, primarily cultivated in Tuscany, adds a dark red hue to the blend, as well as some juiciness. If there’s such a thing as balsamic tea, this is the most forward aroma, although dried black cherries and blackberries follow immediately, carrying through on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied with medium-plus tannins. It’s a little ‘tar-ish’ on the finish, but a pretty impressive Chianti all in all. And while it declares 14.5% alc., it really doesn’t rear its head in a negative way. It’s drinking great now, but has at least a decade of cellar-ability. Pair it up with a roast or, ideally, lamb with rosemary and garlic. 91

 

Tahbilk Grenache/Shiraz-Mourvedre – Goulburn Valley, Victoria, Australia ($22.95)

Established in 1860, Tahbilk is among the more scenic and historic family-owned wineries in Australia. Derived from the Aboriginal meaning of “place of many waterholes,” Tahbilk fronts some 11 kms of the Goulburn River and 8 kms of permanent backwaters and creeks. And even more to love is the fact that it earned a carbon-neutral status eight years ago. And oh ya, they make some exceptional wine here. This full-bodied Aussie version on the traditional Rhone blend of Grenache (45%), Shiraz (40%) and Mourvèdre (15%) is a rugged, smoky-oak, earthy, juicy concoction rich in dark wild berries and plums. The winery estimate a medium-term cellaring potential, and there’s so much raw power here than I expect it will really evolve in the bottle over the next few years. But it’s also packed with flavour and drinkability now. 90

 

Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Organic 2017 ­– Rhone Valley, France ($19.95)

I’m a big fan on winemaker Michel Gassier, and he has nailed this full-bodied yet artfully balanced organic blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Carignan. Plucked from the Costières de Nîmes—the Rhone Valley’s most southern vineyard, near the confluence of the Rhone River and the Mediterranean Sea—the Syrah is softened in older barrels, with the rest aged in concrete, producing a wine that finishes silky, but with a strong fruit component (plum/strawberry) and plenty of acidity. The 14.5% alc. is a little more prominent in the glass than I’d prefer. But you can always decant to take the edge off, or, better yet, sit it down for another couple of years and investigate its evolution. A really strong value here. 90