Those aware of the beauty of the 2012 vintage know the Dean’s List wines from Niagara College (their highest level of wines) were bound to be good – and they are: bolstered by Cabernet Franc (44%) with Merlot (38%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (18%) aged 18 months in a mix of Canadian, American and French oak: smoky tobacco and black cherry lead the way with some aggressive tannins from the get-go … but give it time to settle into the glass and blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cocoa begin to emerge. 

Price: $24.95 - Rating: ****+