Dachshund Pinot Grigio 2017
I’m not a great fan of Pinot Grigio, but here’s one on the LCBO’s general product list that surprised me: It comes from Germany’s Rheinhessen region: Dachshund Pinot Grigio 2017, produced by the Moselland company. Light straw in colour, with a fresh, minerally nose of white peach and lemon, it’s medium to light-bodied, dry on the palate with a peachy flavour nicely balanced with lively acidity that gives it good length. At $12.10 a bottle it’s great value. Serve it with antipasto or grilled fish. That’s Dachshund Pinot Grigio 2017 from Germany at the LCBO. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler. ($12.10, LCBO #539536) (89)

Millbrook Barking Owl Shiraz 2014
Recently released at Vintages is Millbrook Barking Owl Shiraz 2014 from Western Australia. I didn’t know that there was a strain of owls that barked so I checked it on the Internet – and there is! This Shiraz is opaque purple with a savoury bouquet of blackberries with a note of iodine.  Medium to full-bodied, it’s dry, firmly structured with the flavour of ripe black plums carried on lively acidity. Ideal for barbecued meats and ribs. It costs $20.95 a bottle. That’s Millbrook Barking Owl Shiraz 2014 from Australia at Vintages outlets. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($20.95, Vintages #561324) (89)