Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: Reds for fall drinking

This Saturday’s Vintages release features some big, bold, nicely aged reds for fall-weather drinking. Find these via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Viniterra Select Malbec 2005
LCBO No. 177964; $21.95
Argentina’s premium reds go beyond flavoursome, bringing structure and balance to the table, as with this Malbec. Ripe blackberry is enhanced with notes of vanilla and spice from a year of aging in new French and American oak. Smooth with supple tannins and hints of cocoa, its style is a crowd-pleaser.

Poggio Verrano Chance 2005
LCBO No. 239707; $33.95
The Bolla family, whose winemaking tradition dates to 1883, launched Chance to celebrate 150 years of Italy. This Tuscan blend impresses with its serious demeanour. Almost New World in its ripeness, it’s balanced with savoury notes of cedar, menthol, underbrush and spices. Velvety tannins make it ready to drink, though it definitely can age further.

D’Arenberg The Galvo Garage 2007
LCBO No. 907584; $29.95
This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red has 25% Merlot and a surprising 21% Petit Verdot, as well as a small amount of Cabernet Franc in the blend. Grapes come from South Australia. Whiffs of cedar and berry come forth in the bouquet. Medium, full-bodied with good complexity, its oak is nicely integrated into its layers of fruit.