Wine for the Weekend

The Foreign Affair “The Conspiracy” Red Blend, VQA Niagara Peninsula, 2012
$19.95 Vintages 149237
Rich, ripe and dense, this is exactly the kind of wine that chilly fall evenings demand. A Bordeaux blend, done in the ripasso style of Northern Italy, this is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and a splash of Merlot. With the 1-2 punch of a warm vintage combined with the ripasso intensity, this inky purple wine has deep aromas of cassis, mocha, black cherry, and some earthy wild herbs. A velvety palate with sticky tannins and voluptuous dark fruit and spice, this keeps from going over the top with a great backbone of acid, tying it all together. Try with braised lamb, grilled mushrooms or blue cheese.