Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: Deep reds

Watching serious brooding films at TIFF? Pair them with these value-priced but deep reds. Findable via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot 2009
$24.95 (88 Points)
The guy who brought you Apocalypse Now brings you this warm climate California merlot sourced from fruit grown in Napa, Sonoma and Monterey. Firm, fruity and balanced with lots of berry character, it’s enjoyable without being easy. For a richer tipple, try his Inglenook Rubicon label wines.

Chateau La Gorce 2008
$16.95 (89 Points)
This Cru Bourgeois from Medoc is anything but middle class — it deservedly took a gold medal at the Concours de Bordeaux 2010. Open and cedary with underbrush notes in its bouquet, it’s smooth with dark plums and savoury flavours. Lovely silky tannins and a soft texture make it the kind of wine that transports you into the wee hours of the night.

Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2010
$15.95 (89 Points)
Truly delicious at an incredible price. This medium-full bodied Valpolicella, made mainly from Corvina Veronese grapes, is velvety with savoury, leather and spice notes and a firm little red berry finish. It delivers far beyond what might be expected from a Valpolicella.