In our last edition of Decanting Digest, we looked at three white wines in the Holiday Surprise Pack from Ontario wine distributor Savvy Company back in December.

This time, we’re taking a closer look at the three red wines that was part of the same package.
Their surprise packs average in the $20 per bottle range, including shipping to the Greater Toronto Area. They feature wines from smaller producers that you won’t find in the LCBO.

20-ish years ago, Ontario was a hotbed for great white and dessert wines, but reds were often lacklustre. Between innovative winemakers and our changing climate, there are now some excellent and affordable red wines to be found.

One of Savvy Company’s fun features is that they label a couple of bottles in each case as being “the really good stuff.” In our holiday surprise pack, two of the red wines were identified as such, and they delivered. That’s not to say the other wine wasn’t very good; it definitely was.
The “good stuff” wines really boost the value quotient in these fun-to-unbox packages. 

If any of these wines get your attention, they may still be available to order directly from Savvy Company.
Visit their website to inquire to sign up to be notified when new cases and surprise packs go on sale.

Meldville 2018 Syrah
Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario
$27.00 at legendsestate.com

Meldville wines are available online, in-person at Legends Estate Winery, or at select local restaurants. Great Syrahs are hard to come by in Ontario, but this one impresses with a translucent garnet colour and a nose that hits instantly and impactfully with blackcurrant, ripe strawberry, and hints of brown sugar. The flavours are pleasantly astringent, a mix of plum, sour cherry, and delicate tobacco undertones. This would be fabulous with a rich wintry dish like gnocchi with a gorgonzola sauce.
Score: 8/10.

Muscedere Vineyards 2017 Merlot
Erie Pelee Island Coast, Ontario
$20.20 at muscederevineyards.com

Run, don’t walk to secure some of this stunning Merlot from Canada’s most southerly wine region. Its brilliant ruby colour invites you in and follows through with sweet scents of red berries and vanilla, a profile that follows into the palate while adding a touch of leather and a pleasant dose of oak from spending 16 months in French barrels. The refreshingly dry and tannic finish would let this stand up to grilled vegetable skewers brushed with balsamic vinegar, or with teriyaki pork. It’s also delightful to sip all on its own.
Score: 8.5/10.

Pelee Island Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Essex Pelee Island Coast, Ontario
Not available online

I was skeptical when I first encountered this wine in a Savvy surprise pack, but I’ve received several more since and I now welcome it every time. Aged to perfection, this bold and deep red carries scents of cherry and spice with an almost mulled character, a profile that continues into the palate and on to a finish that’s smooth and lightly astringent yet low on tannins. This time around, I paired it with a vegan three-bean chili and thoroughly enjoyed the match.
Score: 8/10.

Steph is a successful, established freelance writer and has been a wine aficionado for more than two decades. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
Decanting Digest appears every other Wednesday.
Send your wine questions to info@modernmississauga.com with Decanting Digest in the subject line.