Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2018

 Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2018 (SKU 144937, $22.39 tax included)

This was an updated version of the 2015 vintage that I wrote about two years ago. The 2015 vintage was rated at 92 points by Wine Spectator but available at less than $25. The current version was on sale at $3 off, so I decided to give it a try. The 2016 and 2017 vintages were not as good as the 2015, so there was nothing to write about. However the 2018 vintage, though not rated by Wine Spectator, was similar to the 2015. When I opened the bottle, my nose was filled with intense jammy fruit. On the palate, it was another big fruit bomb. However, there was a hint of some Chinese herbs and an aftertaste of honey. It went very nicely with some satay beef and pork. In fact it probably would go well with any red meat. The classic pairing for Shiraz is always with lamb. I think this very economical wine can be enjoyed now or left in the cellar for ten years. At this price one cannot be wrong by buying half a dozen. Just note that there is a Cabernet Sauvignon version of The Barossan at the liquor store and I have not tasted it. Make sure you buy the Shiraz.

Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

 Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2016  (SKU 176842, WS94 pts., $37.94 tax included)

I read about this in a newspaper column and decided to try it out. It was a Chianti from the Tuscany region of Italy. Upon opening, there was a full nose of fruits. Upon first tasting there were more berry like fruits. I was a little bit surprise because the Sangiovese grape was supposed to be quite dry. Further research indicated that this was a blend with some Merlot grapes. That would explain the fruitiness on the palate. The body was full and the finish was long. It went well with some Italian dishes. It also came with a small poster of the explanation of the name, something to do with some prince marrying some lady. In any case this was a great value wine for the cellar since it was a reserve level Chianti and the price was less than $40. Wine Spectator suggested drinking between 2022 to 2043, so there is a lot of life to it. There is adequate stock in the BC Liquor stores.