Carlo Negri's signature VQA Baco is back in production following the unfortunate non-VQA 2003 release (they had to blend in some foreign wine that year to maintain sales volume - unusually severe winter kill apparently even put a temporary dent in some of their hardy Baco Noir).
With me being a purist, though, I dashed into the store to buy the 2004 when I learned that it was back to being 100% VQA, Ontario Baco.
13% alc. Gorgeous electric-magenta/ruby colour with plenty of glass-staining power. Legs form easily with every swirl. Classic Ontario Baco Noir aromas of hickory smoke and plum/cherry fruit. Rustic nose; very much a farmer-in-overalls kind of wine - but well made. Zingy acidity, good balance and warmth on the mid-palate with flavour replays and high-quality American oak nuances rounding it all out on the warm, admirably dry finish.
One of my favourite all-around table reds, and the price remains a bargain at only $8.95.