LCBO Sale Wine of the Week: July 21

Mitolo Jester Shiraz (South Australia, Australia)

Sale $19.95, Regular $22.95
Discount (until Aug. 14): $3.00
LCBO # 659607 | 750 mL bottle

Tastes like: Blackberries and plum wrapped up in velvety spice.
Pairs with: Smoky and grilled things, as good Aussie Shiraz's want to do.
Good for: Those cool summer nights and lakeside breezes.
Alcohol: 15%
Drink: Now.

Why we're drinking this
Even in the depths of summer, sometimes you want a nice hefty wine to go with your spicy grilled meats. And a big bruiser of an Aussie Shiraz is just the ticket. The “Jester” from the McLaren Valley has crept up in price over the past couple of years, but at $3 off it’s back under the $20 mark, making it a pretty good deal in a premium Shiraz. It’s a hefty wine, to be sure, so save it for after the sun goes down.

Tasting note
Big aromas of spiced black berries, black cherry, blueberry and kirsch. Lots of spice and coffee in the nose and on the palate, with a hefty dose of menthol heat. The alcohol is high — the label says 14.5% but the LCBO pegs it at 15% — and noticeable, so make sure the bottle is below room temperature or you’ll feel the burn. This is a supple wine, well made and quite delicious. The tannins are smooth and well integrated and it has enough acid to keep it nice and lively. It’s a really nice sipper all on its own — but nice with anything from a smoky grill, especially lamb and Italian sausage.

Find it at your LCBO
Check availability on the LCBO website!


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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder