LCBO Sale Pick of the Week: Jan. 23

Are you Game? 2012 Shiraz (Victoria, Australia)

Sale $15.95, Regular $16.95
Discount (until February 2): $1.00
LCBO #327320 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Fresh ripe blueberry, plum and black cherry, with a hint of cedar
Pairs with: A big juicy roast beef sandwich with lots of drippy jus and horseradish
Good for: Planning a trip to the country 
Drink this: Now through 2016
Alcohol: 13.7%

Why we're drinking this
We were seduced by the fantastic and delectable Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz, but at $35.95 it’s a special occasion tipple for most of us. Are You Game is a solid lady in waiting, with plenty of fresh fruit and a gorgeous, perfumed nose. Coming from the cooler Victoria region, it’s lower in alcohol than typical Aussie Shiraz, which is nice—it makes it easier to drink the whole bottle.

Tasting note
Classic, crowd-pleasing Shiraz aromas of sweet red and black berries, black cherry and only the slightest touch of oak, which you pick up as a delicate cigar box whiff. The palate is just as lively—it’s got a nice touch of acidity, which keeps the palate fresh and makes it a good wine to pair with a wide range of substantial dishes. It’s also a nice sipper—the fruit is just lovely, and everything is in balance.

Find it at your LCBO
Check availability at your nearest LCBO here!

This week's selection by wine writer and CityBites.ca Editor - Dick Snyder