Wine of the Week for January 16, 2006

Creekside Black Label Cabernets 2002 - $12.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara

One of the advantages of living in Ontario is wines like this. With a full black-cherry garnet colour, its huge, spicy oak aromas override the whole show, leading eventually to black currant, vanilla and a hint of lemon grass. Rather mouthfilling, showing good integration on the palate, supported by cherry flavours, firm tannins and a lightly tart acidity. A bit of a showpiece in the oak department, and it may seem better balanced in a year, but open it now if you want to revel in that spicy new wood. Literally screams out for a leg of lamb. (LCBO 620708)