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Time to take a sip of the season

Brr -- as sad as it is, summer seems to be officially over here in Prince George. The beautiful fall colours are out in full force, all the trees on the hill behind my house have turned quickly.
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Brr -- as sad as it is, summer seems to be officially over here in Prince George. The beautiful fall colours are out in full force, all the trees on the hill behind my house have turned quickly. The nights are feeling chilly; I'm no longer craving my usual chilled whites but looking for some rich red wine to warm me. While I begin shifting into the fall, I have two perfect red wines to introduce and a white from Chile to enjoy in the dying days of summer. All three of these wines are very affordable. Who knows? You might just find a new favourite.

The Mystery Key

Red Blend 2013 (863928)

Australia

$13.99

Repeat Wines are known for their dynamic packaging and fashionable, contemporary and very unique labels. The Mystery Key red blend label is mysterious with an almost newspaper like back drop with an actual old fashioned key hole cut out that appears real. These wines are produced in the Langhorne Creek Region of Southern Australia. This region is responsible for producing half of all the wines produced in Australia. You could say Southern Australia has the best of both worlds. The climate and geography allows them to plant both cool climate varietals in the Eden Valley and big, bold heat loving Shiraz grapes in the Barossa Valley. The Mystery Key is a red blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe dark fruits cruise your palate with a boldness that leads into a medium finish bursting with spices.

The Chocolate Shop

The Chocolate Lover's Wine (157545)

USA

$16.99

I'm pleased to announce our search for a chocolate wine is now over. Yummy is the best way I can describe this decadent red wine. Reviews range from great to glowing. Wine Spectator considers it to be their "favourite chocolate flavoured red wine." While NBC's Today Show called it "Pure Heaven." You have to try it!

Chocolate Shop is produced in Washington State near Walla Walla and uses only the best Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet. This really is a one and only red wine with dark chocolate blended right in. If you're looking for a dry red wine, this isn't the one. It could be used as a dessert after dinner or the perfect pairing for black forest cake or even cappuccino brownies. In your glass, this wine's rich red colour make way for silky flavours of chocolate dipped chocolates, rich mocha and hints of vanilla from the oak.

Carmen

The Wave Series

Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (880070)

Chile

$14.99

The Wave Series by Carmen reflects Head Winemaker Sebastien Labb's passions starting with the label. The waves represent his passion for surfing, skills which he learned while pursuing his degree in viticulture and oenology (winemaking) in New Zealand. Carmen is Chile's oldest winery. A native Chilean, Labb loves nature and uses his knowledge to identify the best terroir for Carmen's wine production. Labb has produced two wines for the Wave series --Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir This Sauvignon Blanc is produced in Chile's Leyda Valley. This wine region is near the Chilean capital of Santiago and in close proximity to the coast. This location balances long warm days with cool night breezes and ensures the grapes retain their crispness and balanced acidity.

If you're in the mood for just one last crisp clean white before summer comes to a close, this Sauvignon Blanc is worth trying. The intense aromas and flavours follow through to a lighter wine, crisp, clean and refreshing -- with its robust aromas of grapefruit, intense gooseberry and bursts of lime. Definitely offers great value.