We all hear about how great the Cabs of California, Australia, France and Chile are to enjoy. There are others that are well worth discovering too. This tasting was a side-by-side looks at Cabernet sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina and Horse Heaven Hills, Washington.

The Trapiche ‘Medalia‘ still had it’s purplish-ruby colours, even as a 2016 vintage. Aromas of black cherry and currant, stewed fruit, bell pepper, tomato leaf and leather. The palate was dry, with a good measure of acidity and tannin (slightly sandy) for structure. Medium body. The taste of fruit came second as the tobacco, smoke, grass and soil (iron) lead the flavours.

The H3 from Columbia Crest was ruby with a pinkish rim for colour. It had aromas of blackberry, strawberry, prune, but also black pepper spice, vanilla and slight vegetal notes. The wine was dry but relatively more soft for palate mouthfeel with less acidity, softer tannins, and medium-full body. Fruit flavours were at the forefront and leathery, vanilla, walnut notes came through on the finish.

These are two very good wines that deliver complexity and great value given that they are both in the $17-20 range.

From the local sake brewery in Toronto’s Distillery district. The colour is pale, almost water white. It has a bouquet of apple peel, granola fruit n’ nut bars. The taste is dry, but has a rounded, almost creamy texture. And although this sake has a higher-than-most alcohol content (true to the genshu style) it is well integrated, rather than overpowering. This is great, considering the very delicate flavours of lychee, Asian pear and cereal grain to enjoy.

At $18 for a 375 ml bottle this sake represents good value for the complexity and the overall balance.