Rosy, berry nose, rich red colour, dark cigar shop on the palate, pleasing on so many levels but a long chalky finish ruins a lot of that initial exuberance.  We decanted without improvement.  It was exceptionally versatile food-wise, shone through even with an ad-hoc Mark Bittman NYT carrot soup and coleslaw, and lost a little of the “tongue paste” feel.  On sale it’s worth getting a doz, yes, but pales in comparison to many similar reds from Oz.  A great weeknight red.

Price: On sale at BC Liquor for $19.99, regularly $22.99.

Market Liquidity: Under $20 a “BC bargoon.”