Virtual wineries are all the rage these days; winemakers who want to show off their skills but don't have the money to purchase their own estate; let's face it a winery is an expensive proposition, when all you want to do is make wine the growing part shouldn't be what stops you. After winning a bronze for his Sauvignon Blanc at this year's Ontario Wine Awards, I decided to give winemaker Steve Byfield’s other wines a try. I was really drawn to this wonderful Cabernet-Merlot. Steve likes to think of himself as more of a white wine maker (he’s thinking of adding other whites to his stable next year), but he's done an excellent job with this red. The nose is full of inviting aromas: strawberry, spice, vanilla, caramel and chocolate, while the palate deliver sweet red and black fruit, spices and pepper with a long smooth finish along with nice balancing acidity. I sure hope Steve continues to play around with reds because he seems to do these well too. This one's good for five-plus-years and offered at a good price. Price: $18.00 - Rating: ****½