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Wine Picks \u0026 Reviews"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Providing a Unique \u0026amp; Affordable Selection of High Quality Red Wines and White Wines for Your Enjoyment. Also featured: Rosé, Port, Icewine, Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions. Cheers!"},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026orderby=published"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=26\u0026max-results=25\u0026orderby=published"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"1075"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"25"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-463335903651964685"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-26T17:41:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-26T17:41:16.759-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2019"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organic"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"rueda"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sauvignon-blanc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spain"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"verdejo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"white-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Exploring DO Rueda Wines (Spain)"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-c1k6A8bhne4\/X-QcS36mo1I\/AAAAAAAAQtc\/qvjdj0c06-UIOxnBaafXRdHe4G4WzF4KwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Wines-of-DO-Rueda_05841.JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Exploring DO Rueda Wines from Spain\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"900\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-c1k6A8bhne4\/X-QcS36mo1I\/AAAAAAAAQtc\/qvjdj0c06-UIOxnBaafXRdHe4G4WzF4KwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w900-h900\/Wines-of-DO-Rueda_05841.JPG\" title=\"Exploring DO Rueda Wines from Spain\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EFor \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-26\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine reviews, I explore the wines of Rueda (Spain) thanks to \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dorueda.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDO Rueda\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/glocommunications.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EGLO Communications\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERueda Designation of Origin (DO) is one of the few European wine growing regions specialised in making white wines. Rueda is known for its excellence in producing white wines based on its native varietal, Verdejo, as well as its other principal white varietal, Sauvignon Blanc. While Sauvignon Blanc was introduced to Spain from Loire only in the 1970s, Verdejo has been grown in Rueda for over 10 centuries. In 1980, DO Rueda officially became an appellation, celebrating 40 years in 2020.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDO Rueda is located in northwestern Spain, within the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia and Ávila in the region of Castile and León. The region is located on high plains 700 to 870 metres (2,300 to 2,800 feet) above sea level, and affected by Atlantic winds. Areas close to the River Duero and its tributaries have broad alluvial and diluvial terraces. The brown, rocky soils are rich in calcium and magnesium, with good drainage, along with some limestone at the top of rolling hills, while their texture varies from sandy-loamy to loamy. The geological substratum has evolved on the surface towards rocky allochthonous deposits, giving rise to gravelly plots where the best DO Rueda vineyards are grown.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWinters are cold and very long, springs are short, and late frosts are common. However, summers are hot and dry, resulting in vines that seek water deep into the subsoil. High diurnal temperatures between the hot days and cool nights help maintain balance and excellent acidity. The robust Verdejo has learnt to survive the harsh environment that is Rueda.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHarvesting the grapes of Rueda usually occurs at night, while fermentation is often in stainless steel tanks, but sometimes also occurs in barrels. Oak barrels are also used to age the wine on lees. The wines below, which are all lovely, encompass some aspect of the traditional winemaking process in Rueda. While none of these wines are available at the LCBO, nor through the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/articles\/2020\/08\/12\/a-passport-to-rueda\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EPassport to Rueda Mixed Case via WineAlign\u003C\/a\u003E which is now sold out, you should be able to purchase these lovely wines through each winery's respective Agent.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Notes:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/reinadecastilla.es\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBODEGAS REINA DE CASTILLA\u003C\/a\u003E EL BUFON VERDEJO 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $19.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis Verdejo has a fresh, clean nose of citrus, grapefruit, and herb with a touch of stony minerals. The zesty, medium+ bodied palate has fine concentration with tangy citrus, grapefruit, and herbally flavours tapering into saline mineral notes. Succulent acids are fresh, and juicy. Grapefruit and oyster shell mineral with a touch of bitterness on the long finish. Keeps you coming back for another sip. Agent: \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bndwines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBrand New Day Wines \u0026amp; Spirits\u003C\/a\u003E. Score: 90 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-E9rpA0E93iM\/X-QcmwViH6I\/AAAAAAAAQto\/IndY6PmxogcIOdPFOY50s8dDPdVvp0hDgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Bodegas-Reina-de-Castilla-El-Bufon-Verdejo-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05845.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bodegas Reina de Castilla El Bufon Verdejo 2019 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-E9rpA0E93iM\/X-QcmwViH6I\/AAAAAAAAQto\/IndY6PmxogcIOdPFOY50s8dDPdVvp0hDgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Bodegas-Reina-de-Castilla-El-Bufon-Verdejo-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05845.JPG\" title=\"Bodegas Reina de Castilla El Bufon Verdejo 2019 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Q3UdCCa3Jgk\/X-Qcm-halXI\/AAAAAAAAQtk\/n0NnmnxfCggs-2mvIte-26OmW3FL_YusACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Nekora-by-Diez-Siglos-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05850.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Nekora by Diez Siglos 2019 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Q3UdCCa3Jgk\/X-Qcm-halXI\/AAAAAAAAQtk\/n0NnmnxfCggs-2mvIte-26OmW3FL_YusACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Nekora-by-Diez-Siglos-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05850.JPG\" title=\"Nekora by Diez Siglos 2019 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENEKORA BY \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.diezsiglos.es\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDIEZ SIGLOS\u003C\/a\u003E 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $19.92\u003Cbr \/\u003EPerfumed, fragrant, and aromatics offer lovely ripe tropical fruit, citrus, and pear mingling with floral, and honeysuckle aromas. It is medium+ bodied on concentrated, textured palate with fresh, juicy acidity, and more tropical fruit, citrus, and pear flavours with some minerality coming through on the long, succulent finish. Agent: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.marchandsdesameriques.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMarchands des Ameriques Inc.\u003C\/a\u003E Score: 90 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lagardemoha.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EEL LAGAR DE MOHA\u003C\/a\u003E SAPIENTIA VERDEJO ECOLÓGICO 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $21.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis organic Verdejo was fermented using natural yeasts and aged on fine lees. The medium+ intensity nose has a lessy, lactic characters surrounded by peach, melon, and citrus aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the fleshy, creamy, and spicy palate with flavours of tropical fruit, citrus, and hints of spicy ginger. Acids are clean and well-balanced, while mineral and leesy notes linger on the long finish. Agent: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/violethillwine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EViolet Hill Wine Imports\u003C\/a\u003E. Score: 89 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TNpMSSpFNH4\/X-Qcxmoh9qI\/AAAAAAAAQtw\/6A6Nd4tD02oFOPmWOJiW8GZQbxarNG8YgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/El-Lagar-de-Moha-Sapientia-Verdejo-Ecologico-2018-DO-Rueda-Spain_05859.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"El Lagar de Moha Sapientia Verdejo Ecológico 2018 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-TNpMSSpFNH4\/X-Qcxmoh9qI\/AAAAAAAAQtw\/6A6Nd4tD02oFOPmWOJiW8GZQbxarNG8YgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/El-Lagar-de-Moha-Sapientia-Verdejo-Ecologico-2018-DO-Rueda-Spain_05859.JPG\" title=\"El Lagar de Moha Sapientia Verdejo Ecológico 2018 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Aioj0FNiohg\/X-QeHtqAZtI\/AAAAAAAAQuM\/x3kCP2B0tzYseiTq3t3KOH0r6tmnOcEqgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Bodegas-Verdeal-Ayre-Verdejo-Edicion-Primavera-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05888.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bodegas Verdeal Ayre Verdejo Edicion Primavera 2019 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Aioj0FNiohg\/X-QeHtqAZtI\/AAAAAAAAQuM\/x3kCP2B0tzYseiTq3t3KOH0r6tmnOcEqgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Bodegas-Verdeal-Ayre-Verdejo-Edicion-Primavera-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05888.JPG\" title=\"Bodegas Verdeal Ayre Verdejo Edicion Primavera 2019 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bodegasverdeal.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBODEGAS VERDEAL\u003C\/a\u003E AYRE VERDEJO EDICION PRIMAVERA 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $19.92\u003Cbr \/\u003EFragrant, zesty lemon\/lime citrus, herbs, and leesy aromas rise out of the glass. It's medium+ bodied with a creamy, leesy mouthfeel and sharp, lively acidity. Lovely flavour replays of lemon\/lime citrus, herbal, and leesy flavours with a touch of saline mineral, all of which linger through to the long, succulent and leesy finish. Chill (but not too much) and enjoy! Agent: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bespokewineandspirits.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBespoke Wine and Spirits\u003C\/a\u003E. Score: 89 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/josepariente.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBODEGAS JOSÉ PARIENTE\u003C\/a\u003E VERDEJO FERMENTADO EN BARRICA 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $34.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom 70-year-old vines, this barrel-fermented Verdejo was aged for 6 months in French oak barrels. Elegantly fragrant on the nose with ripe lemon citrus, tropical fruit, lemon curd, and peach with touches of sweet vanilla. It is medium-full bodied on the creamy and spicy palate with more lemon, tropical fruit, pineapple, and peach flavours accented with subtle vanilla oak spice notes. It has juicy, mouth-watering acids while vanilla-tinged lemon and leesy notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Agent: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.azureau.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAzureau Wines \u0026amp; Spirits\u003C\/a\u003E. Score: 91 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yilLi8kY_og\/X-e7NbruJvI\/AAAAAAAAQv8\/D18xuDktv5AZJRZviTNEAbyAh7TBUTpLACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Bodegas-Jose-Pariente-Verdejo-Fermentado-en-Barrica-2018-DO-Rueda-Spain_05973.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Bodegas José Pariente Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica 2018 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yilLi8kY_og\/X-e7NbruJvI\/AAAAAAAAQv8\/D18xuDktv5AZJRZviTNEAbyAh7TBUTpLACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Bodegas-Jose-Pariente-Verdejo-Fermentado-en-Barrica-2018-DO-Rueda-Spain_05973.JPG\" title=\"Bodegas José Pariente Verdejo Fermentado en Barrica 2018 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jJOtW3xZnEU\/X-Qc44G9xhI\/AAAAAAAAQt4\/YcA7w7kAsVYZ9gPYucwmwZw39efmlyMTwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Vinos-Sanz-Montesol-Rueda-Sauvignon-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05904.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Vinos Sanz Montesol Rueda Sauvignon 2019 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jJOtW3xZnEU\/X-Qc44G9xhI\/AAAAAAAAQt4\/YcA7w7kAsVYZ9gPYucwmwZw39efmlyMTwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Vinos-Sanz-Montesol-Rueda-Sauvignon-2019-DO-Rueda-Spain_05904.JPG\" title=\"Vinos Sanz Montesol Rueda Sauvignon 2019 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vinossanz.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVINOS SANZ\u003C\/a\u003E MONTESOL RUEDA SAUVIGNON 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rueda, Spain (XD) - $29.52\u003Cbr \/\u003EFresh, fragrant, intense, and ripe aromas of passion fruit, kiwi, guava, floral, and asparagus with some underlying minerality. It's medium-bodied and fresh on the palate with lively, zesty acidity. Lovely lemon\/lime citrus, passion fruit, and floral flavours plus some white pepper and herbal notes add complexity on the palate. Long, zesty finish with touches of mineral. Chill well and enjoy! Agent: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/spainonly1.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESpain Only 1\u003C\/a\u003E. Score: 90 pts"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/463335903651964685\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/exploring-do-rueda-wines-spain.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/463335903651964685"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/463335903651964685"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/exploring-do-rueda-wines-spain.html","title":"Exploring DO Rueda Wines (Spain)"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-8059358039027984910"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-25T20:59:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-25T21:03:18.685-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2014"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"canada"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"dessert-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"icewine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"niagara"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ontario"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organic"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"southbrook"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vidal"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Southbrook Organic Vidal Icewine 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review (Dec. 2020)"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"To celebrate the holiday season, \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-25\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this gorgeous organic Vidal Icewine from Niagara that showed up in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2018\/11\/wine-picks-lcbo-vintages-release-nov-10-2018-california-rioja.html\"\u003ELCBO VINTAGES on \u003Ctime datetime=\"2018-11-10\"\u003ENovember 10, 2018\u003C\/time\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. While the 2014 is mostly sold out - six bottles actually still remain at LCBO locations - the 2015 vintage is available through the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and online through their \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.southbrook.com\/Wines\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eweb store\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt is produced by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.southbrook.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESouthbrook Vineyards\u003C\/a\u003E at their 150-acre vineyard in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. Southbrook Vineyards is the epitome and evolution of owner Bill Redelmeier's love story with wine, the land, and all things local. Southbrook produces organic and biodynamic wines and strives to the make the finest wines possible in a way that is local and respectful of the land. There were many hurdles along the way, but becoming growers strengthened these principles as control over the quality of grapes is the starting point of produce of fine wines. In 2008, Southbrook became Canada's first wine estate to earn both organic and biodynamic certification for its vineyard and winery.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Vidal grapes for this lovely organic Icewine were ripened throughout the Summer of 2014, then were frozen on the vine, then picked and pressed while the air temperature was at least -8° Celsius (17.6°F), resulting in lusciously sweet juice that is concentrated in flavour, acidity, and sugar.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI actually enjoyed the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2015\/12\/southbrook-vidal-icewine-2014-niagara-wine-review.html\"\u003E2014 Southbrook Organic Vidal Icewine\u003C\/a\u003E back in \u003Ctime datetime=\"2015-12-14\" title=\"December 14, 2015\"\u003EDecember 2015\u003C\/time\u003E when it was just released by the winery and am curious to see how it has developed over the last 5 years.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9kSeptEnByY\/X-aXqaqVDmI\/AAAAAAAAQvA\/wMWMKDAUxkwqp5RPo4_x9fpWMIYDH5GZQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Southbrook-Organic-Vidal-Icewine-2014-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05971.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Southbrook Organic Vidal Icewine 2014 (93 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9kSeptEnByY\/X-aXqaqVDmI\/AAAAAAAAQvA\/wMWMKDAUxkwqp5RPo4_x9fpWMIYDH5GZQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Southbrook-Organic-Vidal-Icewine-2014-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05971.JPG\" title=\"Southbrook Organic Vidal Icewine 2014 (93 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESOUTHBROOK ORGANIC VIDAL ICEWINE 2014\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=581165\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#581165\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) (375 mL) - \u003Cstrike\u003E$49.95\u003C\/strike\u003E $37.25\u003Cbr \/\u003EPours a deep golden colour. Intense and very complex aromas of honeyed peach, apricot, mango, caramel, spice, almond, candied citrus, and touches of ginger rise out of the glass. It's quite full-bodied on the concentrated, very sweet palate with lovely aroma replays supported by very good, mouth-watering acidity. Caramel, dried apricot, and honey notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Ageing nicely and should continue to drink well over the next 4-5 years, possibly more. Score: 93 pts"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8059358039027984910\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/southbrook-organic-vidal-icewine-2014-niagara-wine-review-dec-2020.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8059358039027984910"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8059358039027984910"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/southbrook-organic-vidal-icewine-2014-niagara-wine-review-dec-2020.html","title":"Southbrook Organic Vidal Icewine 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review (Dec. 2020)"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-240720808571630130"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-24T17:49:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-24T17:52:41.206-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2017"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-sauvignon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chile"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"colchagua"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"curicó"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"malbec"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organic"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 and Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (Chile) - Wine Reviews"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tuSt3meGj3k\/X-QDOvqFKbI\/AAAAAAAAQtM\/tVkQGvcRIvA8i9E36K5cNyFPC0OpQUhPgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/St-Stephen-Oda-al-Vino-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Reserva-2017-and-Am-Malbec-Reserva-2016-Chile_05965.JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 (89 pts) and Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"900\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tuSt3meGj3k\/X-QDOvqFKbI\/AAAAAAAAQtM\/tVkQGvcRIvA8i9E36K5cNyFPC0OpQUhPgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w900-h900\/St-Stephen-Oda-al-Vino-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Reserva-2017-and-Am-Malbec-Reserva-2016-Chile_05965.JPG\" title=\"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 (89 pts) and Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (88 pts)\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-24\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine reviews are a pair of nice organic red wines by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/ststephen.cl\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESt. Stephen Organic Vineyards\u003C\/a\u003E from Chile. Both are currently only available via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/don-ackerman-06770816\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDon Ackerman's Wines \u0026amp; Spirits\u003C\/a\u003E, and may potentially appear in LCBO VINTAGES some time next year.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESt. Stephen Organic Vineyards is a family-owned and -operated winery located in the Colchagua Valley at the base of the Andes Mountains. The primary focus is on creating flavourful wines that begin with the sun, soil, temperature, and water. There is little-to-no rainfall during the fruit-bearing months, and because they are situated at the base of the Andes, this provides a plentiful supply of pure snowmelt water. The rich, volcanic soils located in this area are particularly well-suited for winegrowing, especially Cabernets.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe grapes are grown 100% organically using sustainable agricultural methods, and without the use of any preservatives, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or other toxicant. All of the grapes at St. Stephen are grown and harvested by hand to reduce bruising and preserve the sugar and flavours of the grapes, followed by rigorous sorting and quality control through to the use of the finest quality French oak barrels to ensure that the final wine is of high quality.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe winemaking process is artisanal, deliberate and flexible. With no two vintages ever the same, the winemaking team is constantly evaluating and adapting to ensure they are able craft the best possible quality of wine. The goal is to create delicious, consistent, unique, and memorable wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith a strong commitment to organic agriculture, sustainability, and the general welfare of the planet, a portion of the proceeds from each bottle of St. Stephen wine purchased benefits environmental organizations committed to protecting our planet, expanding national parks and wildlife refuges, reducing pollution, defending our oceans, moving beyond fossil fuels, reducing plastic consumption, and slowing climate change. In recognition of their efforts, St. Stephen Organic Vineyards was invited to address the United Nations Climate Change Division's Annual Conference (COP25) in Madrid in December 2019, joining other speakers such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Notes:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003EST. STEPHEN ODA AL VINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Colchagua Valley, Chile (XD) - $30.80\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Cabernet Sauvignon from dark, rich, volcanic soils that are composed of red granite, andesite,\u003Cbr \/\u003Ebasalt, and rhyolite. An Ode to Wine, the medium+ intensity nose offers red berry, raspberry, currant, and strawberry aromas with wood spice notes that nicely accent the fruit. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with slightly tart red fruit flavours joined by savoury oak, cocoa notes. It has fresh acidity, while the dry tannins are quite grippy and chalky. Savoury, earthy, and cocoa flavours with a touch of smoke linger on the long, dry finish. Score: 89 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-p-p6IKhkt14\/X-UY-NWjJxI\/AAAAAAAAQuo\/Wp0vR4VO5EEd5BfEmgb6jzV6mmFOxFcoQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/St-Stephen-Oda-al-Vino-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Reserva-2017-Colchagua-Valley-Chile_05969.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-p-p6IKhkt14\/X-UY-NWjJxI\/AAAAAAAAQuo\/Wp0vR4VO5EEd5BfEmgb6jzV6mmFOxFcoQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/St-Stephen-Oda-al-Vino-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Reserva-2017-Colchagua-Valley-Chile_05969.JPG\" title=\"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JGcrmtlZVLU\/X-QDOZbs4YI\/AAAAAAAAQtI\/aHMHZ79jvBAVz-7zCaSwtD1-QIFIlPr-QCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/St-Stephen-Am-Malbec-Reserva-2016-Curico-Valley-Chile_05968.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"St. Stephen Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JGcrmtlZVLU\/X-QDOZbs4YI\/AAAAAAAAQtI\/aHMHZ79jvBAVz-7zCaSwtD1-QIFIlPr-QCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/St-Stephen-Am-Malbec-Reserva-2016-Curico-Valley-Chile_05968.JPG\" title=\"St. Stephen Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (88 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003EST. STEPHEN AM MALBEC RESERVA 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Curicó Valley, Chile (XD) - $29.10\u003Cbr \/\u003E\"Am\" means \"soul\" or \"spirit\" in the Mapuche language. 100% Malbec grown on dark, rich, volcanic soils. The nose is quite intense with bretty, barnyard, and savoury tones with some dark berry notes adding some fruit characters. It's medium-bodied on the palate with dark berry, boysenberry, and raspberry flavours surrounded by savoury, earthy notes. Acids are fresh and well-balanced while the soft, rounded tannins have a slight textural grip. There's some warmth on the mid-palate. while savoury-earthy tones continue through to the finish, with very good length. Score: 88 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/240720808571630130\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/st-stephen-oda-al-vino-cabernet-sauvignon-reserva-2017-and-am-malbec-reserva-2016-chile-wine-reviews.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/240720808571630130"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/240720808571630130"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/st-stephen-oda-al-vino-cabernet-sauvignon-reserva-2017-and-am-malbec-reserva-2016-chile-wine-reviews.html","title":"St. Stephen Oda al Vino Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017 and Am Malbec Reserva 2016 (Chile) - Wine Reviews"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-7109437292366059704"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-20T17:42:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-20T17:44:19.641-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"argentina"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-franc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-sauvignon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"catena"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"malbec"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mendoza"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"uco-valley"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Catena Zapata Nicolás Cabernet Sauvignon\/Malbec 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"To follow up on the lovely \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/catena-cabernet-sauvignon-2017-argentina-wine-review.html\"\u003E2017 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon\u003C\/a\u003E that I enjoyed last month, \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-20\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is an excellent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec by \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.catenawines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBodega Catena Zapata\u003C\/a\u003E that arrived at the LCBO as part of the VINTAGES Classics Collection back in \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-09-03\" title=\"September 3, 2020\"\u003ESeptember\u003C\/time\u003E - with a few bottles still available for purchase at LCBO outlets in Toronto.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe family winery was founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena when he planted his first Malbec in Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was then passed along to his son, Domingo. It was Domingo's son, Nicolás Catena Zapata, that revolutionized Argentine winemaking. Nicolás was literally born in the vineyard at his family home in Rivadavia in eastern Mendoza in 1939 as his mother never made it to the hospital. Nicolás began planting at higher elevations, looking for cooler temperatures, and planted the Adrianna Vineyard in the Andean foothills. He was instrumental in putting high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza on the world map.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, Nicolás' daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, the fourth generation of the family, runs the winery. To further elevate Mendoza as a world-class wine region, she established the Catena Institute of Wine in 1995 to focus on the study of terroir, sustainability, and other research. The wines of Catena Zapata come from six historic family estate vineyards and each of these vineyards is divided into parcels according to their soil composition, with each parcel farmed individually. Nearly all of Catena's vineyards are farmed sustainably and organically, focusing on lower yields and biodiversity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECatena Zapata has a number of icon wines in their portfolio, but at the top of the list is this profound Nicolás Catena Zapata. It was first crafted in the 1997 vintage using the best grapes from the family's historic vineyards and set a new standard of quality for wines not only from Argentina, but all of South America.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlthough Catena Zapata played an important role in elevating Argentine Malbec on the world stage, Cabernet Sauvignon has also been an important part of the Catena portfolio. The 2016 vintage of this iconic wine is a blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), plus Malbec (31%) and Cabernet Franc (8%) in support. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the La Pirámide Vineyard at 3,117 ft. (950 m) within Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, that has deep alluvial loam soils with 30% clay that decreases soil temperatures by 2ºC. A large portion of the Malbec comes from the Adrianna Vineyard at 4,757 ft. (1,450 m) elevation, in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, and has alluvial, gravelly soils with limestone deposits in the topsoil. Lastly, the Cabernet Franc, as well as some of the Malbec come from the Nicasia Vineyard at 3,593 ft. (1,095 m) in Altamira and La Consulta, Uco Valley, where the very shallow loamy topsoil with surface gravel and gravelly (large stones) dry river bed subsoils have optimal drainage characteristics.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe 2016 harvest was characterised by the cool-climate (the coolest vintage in the last thirty years), vineyards there were mostly dry farmed, and a fully snow-covered Andes throughout the summer growing season. Of particular note, the La Pirámide Vineyard - which makes up the majority of this wine - experienced an excellent vintage in part due to it being completely dry farmed because of the year's increased rain pattern, while the clay soils added a level of freshness. Crafted under the tutelage of Wine Director Alejandro Vigil, the winemaker for this wine is Fernando Buscema. Let's see how this iconic wine is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qZxzq5zVG24\/X9_RMeZ7e7I\/AAAAAAAAQrs\/UF6nO0lQ66IIWg7w-RyGphEl29DV80JNwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Catena-Zapata-Nicolas-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Malbec-2016-Uco-Valley-Mendoza-Argentina_05964.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Catena Zapata Nicolás Cabernet Sauvignon\/Malbec 2016 (95 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qZxzq5zVG24\/X9_RMeZ7e7I\/AAAAAAAAQrs\/UF6nO0lQ66IIWg7w-RyGphEl29DV80JNwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Catena-Zapata-Nicolas-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Malbec-2016-Uco-Valley-Mendoza-Argentina_05964.JPG\" title=\"Catena Zapata Nicolás Cabernet Sauvignon\/Malbec 2016 (95 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECATENA ZAPATA NICOLÁS CABERNET SAUVIGNON\/MALBEC 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=510958\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#510958\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $123.00\u003Cbr \/\u003EBlend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Malbec, and 8% Cabernet Franc that was fermented using wild yeasts and aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Elegant, refined, and fresh aromas of red and black fruits, currant, cassis, blackberry, and earth with a whiff of herb wafting out of the glass. It is full-bodied with lovely replays of currant, cassis, and herb, plus cocoa, earth, oak spice, and touches of graphite on the refined palate. Fresh acidity is well-balanced, while the structured tannins are smooth and fine-grained with some grip. Savoury oak notes come through on the very long, mouth-watering finish. Enjoyable now, but still a bit young. Should improve in 2-3 years and drink well into the early 2030s. Exceptional! Score: 95 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther fine wines from Catena Zapata can be found at the LCBO or ordered through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/nobleestates.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENoble Estates Wine \u0026amp; Spirts\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7109437292366059704\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/catena-zapata-nicolas-cabernet-sauvignon-malbec-2016-argentina-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7109437292366059704"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7109437292366059704"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/catena-zapata-nicolas-cabernet-sauvignon-malbec-2016-argentina-wine-review.html","title":"Catena Zapata Nicolás Cabernet Sauvignon\/Malbec 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-3283020122192762079"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-19T17:21:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-19T17:21:08.079-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"catalunya"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"macabeo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"parellada"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spain"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sparkling-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegan"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"xarel-lo"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White (Spain) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"For \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-19\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review, I have this accessibly-priced, easy drinking, and vegan-friendly sparkling wine from Spain that is a recent arrival to the LCBO and widely available across Ontario.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Toro Bravo brand was born a few years from a collaboration between Alex Patinios of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.dionysuswines.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDionysus Wines \u0026amp; Spirits Ltd.\u003C\/a\u003E (Ontario Agent) and Melanie Nathou, a négociant who owns \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/winesandcompany.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWines \u0026amp; Company S.L.U.\u003C\/a\u003E in Valencia, Spain. After recognizing that very few new value-based wines were coming into Ontario, Alex approached Melanie and together they came up with Toro Bravo.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, there are a number of wines bearing the Toro Bravo label. This particular sparkling wine is crafted in the Charmat method using 50% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, and 20% Xarel-lo, with the majority of the grapes coming from vineyards located between 350 to 600 meters above sea level in rocky areas of the Cataluña region. It is crafted in a very approachable style with some sweetness that will appeal to many. I found it very interesting that this sparkling wine is enclosed by easy-to-open and re-sealable screw cap. The cap was specially designed to withstand the pressures of sparkling wine. I've been tasting it over the last few days and the bubbles and flavours are still quite fresh and persistent.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vMNrvfudqv4\/X95soKvPIXI\/AAAAAAAAQrQ\/05Ncgxj0-iQUsXcMef_AZmxXw4tylDhAQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Toro-Bravo-Sparkling-Secco-White-Spain_05962.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White (85 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vMNrvfudqv4\/X95soKvPIXI\/AAAAAAAAQrQ\/05Ncgxj0-iQUsXcMef_AZmxXw4tylDhAQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Toro-Bravo-Sparkling-Secco-White-Spain_05962.JPG\" title=\"Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White (85 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETORO BRAVO SPARKLING SECCO WHITE\u003C\/b\u003E - Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16191\"\u003E#16191\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $11.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis sparkling wine is made in the Charmat method using a blend of 50% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, and 20% Xarel-lo, and enclosed by screw cap. Sweet citrus, floral, peach, and pear aromas rise out of the glass. On the medium-bodied, creamy palate it has frothy mousse and fine bubbles with pleasantly off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) aroma replays on the flavour profile that linger through to the finish, with decent length. Casual, uncomplicated bubbly to enjoy as an aperitif or in a sparkling wine cocktail. Score: 85 pts"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3283020122192762079\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/toro-bravo-sparkling-secco-white-spain-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3283020122192762079"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3283020122192762079"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/toro-bravo-sparkling-secco-white-spain-wine-review.html","title":"Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White (Spain) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-5399117632291262439"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-16T18:00:00.004-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-16T18:00:50.574-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"argentina"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"la-consulta"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"malbec"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mendoza"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"uco-valley"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"La Posta Pizzella Family Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-16\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this Malbec by \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lapostavineyards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELa Posta Vineyads\u003C\/a\u003E, the entry-level brand of Bodega Catena. This red wine is a frequent visitor to LCBO VINTAGES due to its popularity and last arrived at the LCBO in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/06\/june-27-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-summery-food-wines-italian-whites.html\" title=\"June 27, 2020\"\u003EJune\u003C\/a\u003E - with only approximately 10 bottles still remaining on shelves in Ontario.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn 2000, Laura Catena discovered a handful of growers whose results in the vineyards with specific varietals was impressive year-in and year-out. Her first encounter with many of these growers was at a posta del viñatero, or \"tavern of the grape grower\". They drank wine and spoke passionately for hours about their soils, vines, and quest for superior flavours in their grapes. The wines of La Posta salute these hard-working growers, with each bottle a vineyard-designate wine solely made using their own grapes. Each La Posta label illustrates a story of these individual families and are inspired by Art Nouveau and Art Déco designs of the 1920s and 1930s.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis particular Malbec is grown by the Pizzella Family - two teachers who came from Buenos Aires to Mendoza in 2000 and achieved early success by growing cool-climate Malbec grapes. The soils of their vineyard consist of sandy loam, sand, silt, and clay with 20% stones covered by limestone. Along with their three children, they meticulously work their 10-hectare vineyard together with the goal of uniformity and balance.\u003Cbr \/\u003E‍\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-foUNJObxgpk\/X9qRA7qmYVI\/AAAAAAAAQq0\/qZC0brTkZu8wYSlVz1LMtkrtjiJQkSTbQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/La-Posta-Pizzella-Family-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05960.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"La Posta Pizzella Family Malbec 2018 (87 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-foUNJObxgpk\/X9qRA7qmYVI\/AAAAAAAAQq0\/qZC0brTkZu8wYSlVz1LMtkrtjiJQkSTbQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/La-Posta-Pizzella-Family-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05960.JPG\" title=\"La Posta Pizzella Family Malbec 2018 (87 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=166298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#166298\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Malbec from 20-year-old vines grown at 3,600 feet (1,100 metres) above sea level. 10% of this wine was aged in new French barrels for 10 months, while 30% in 2nd use French barrels. The soft nose is ripe and plummy with blackberry, mulberry, and peppery spice notes along with a streak of stony mineral. It's soft and rounded on the medium-full bodied palate with oak-influenced flavours of dark berry and earth with a touch of sweetness. Acids are well-balanced while light tannins are well-integrated with a mild grip. Savoury and earthy notes linger on the finish, with good length. A casual, entry-level Malbec that has wide appeal. Score: 87 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther wines from La Posta can be found at the LCBO or ordered through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/nobleestates.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENoble Estates Wines \u0026amp; Spirits\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5399117632291262439\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/la-posta-pizzella-family-malbec-2018-argentina-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/5399117632291262439"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/5399117632291262439"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/la-posta-pizzella-family-malbec-2018-argentina-wine-review.html","title":"La Posta Pizzella Family Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-7419425735173710934"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-14T17:48:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-14T17:48:54.293-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"13th-street"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"canada"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chardonnay"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"niagara"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ontario"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"pinot-noir"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sparkling-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut (Niagara) - Wine Review (Dec. 2020)"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"For \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-14\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review, I opened this lovely Rosé Brut Sparkling Wine from Niagara. It is part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vintages.com\/vintages\/essentials\/collection\/en\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVINTAGES Essentials\u003C\/a\u003E collection at the LCBO - which means it is always available in the VINTAGES section, and is currently on promotion at $5 off until \u003Ctime datetime=\"2021-01-03\"\u003EJanuary 3rd, 2021\u003C\/time\u003E. It is also available at the winery for the same price with a home delivery option.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis dry sparkling wine is produced by Niagara's \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/13thstreetwinery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E13th Street Winery\u003C\/a\u003E. Founded in 1998 in St. Catharines, Ontario, and purchased by the Mann and Whitty families in 2008, 13th Street has grown to develop a reputation for crafting a wide range of quality sparkling wines from Niagara. One of the most talented French-trained winemakers, Jean-Pierre Colas joined the team in 2009 and has been instrumental in the rise of quality wines at 13th Street, which starts by using the best grapes from some of Niagara's best vineyards.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI last enjoyed \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2019\/12\/13th-street-cuvee-rose-brut-niagara-wine-review.html\"\u003E13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut back in December 2019\u003C\/a\u003E and am delighted to see how the latest incarnation of this sparkling wine is tasting. This bottling is a blend of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay - which is significantly more Pinot Noir than Chardonnay when compared to last December's bottle - with 70% of the fruit comes from the 2014 vintage. Pinot Noir provides fruit, power, and richness to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds structure and backbone. It underwent secondary fermentation in the final bottle and was aged sur lattes (en tirage \/ on yeasts) for a minimum of 18 months during which the bubbles became smaller and more compact, and the wine became slightly autolytic in character. A dosage of 8 grams of sugar was mixed with reserve Pinot Noir and added to the wine, then aged for another 3 months to allow the wine to integrate prior to release.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-a3tDPijo62w\/X9frSk6KFZI\/AAAAAAAAQpQ\/KFgZE_l3E-Y8oEzcHV_mW24lqhfND9cKQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/13th-Street-Cuvee-Rose-Brut-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05957.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-a3tDPijo62w\/X9frSk6KFZI\/AAAAAAAAQpQ\/KFgZE_l3E-Y8oEzcHV_mW24lqhfND9cKQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/13th-Street-Cuvee-Rose-Brut-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05957.JPG\" title=\"13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut (90 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E13TH STREET CUVÉE ROSÉ\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E BRUT\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=147504\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#147504\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - \u003Cstrike\u003E$29.95\u003C\/strike\u003E $24.95 until \u003Ctime datetime=\"2021-01-03\"\u003EJan. 3\u003C\/time\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003EMade in the traditional method using 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, this has lovely, fresh brioche and autolytic aromas off the top, with medium+ intensity, layered over bright red berries - strawberry, cherry, and raspberry - and some citrusy notes. It is medium+ bodied on the creamy, dry palate with fine mousse and flavours of autolytic, red berry, and citrus with honeyed accents. It has tart, bracing acidity, while mineral notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 90 pts"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7419425735173710934\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/13th-street-cuvee-rose-brut-niagara-wine-review-dec-2020.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7419425735173710934"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7419425735173710934"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/13th-street-cuvee-rose-brut-niagara-wine-review-dec-2020.html","title":"13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut (Niagara) - Wine Review (Dec. 2020)"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-3169937196705572673"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-12T18:06:00.005-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-12T18:11:51.812-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"bordeaux"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-sauvignon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"france"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"margaux"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"merlot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"petit-verdot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-12\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this lovely Margaux from the Left Bank of Bordeaux that newly arrived at the LCBO today as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-12\"\u003EDecember 12th\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA jewel of the Margaux appellation, this red wine is produced by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/prieure-lichine.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChâteau Prieuré-Lichine\u003C\/a\u003E and expresses the very essence of a world-famous terroir. The Priory (or monastery) of Cantenac was founded during the Roman era by the monks of the Abbey of Vertheuil, and its local wines enjoyed a fine reputation from the very beginning. In the 13th century, with the support of Bordeaux's Pope Clément V, the church vineyards flourished. The first mention of Prieuré growth dates to the year 1444.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWith great international interest in the wines of Médoc, vines were completely taking over lands, and in 1745,  the Bordeaux Intendance (Royal Administration) classified  the wines of Prieuré in the category of third growths within the parishes of Margaux and Cantenac. By 1855, Prieuré was promoted to the 4th Classified Growth in the 1855 Imperial Classification. A century later, the vineyard had shrunk to just one hectare due to various factors such as powdery and downy mildew, phylloxera, and the Great Depression.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn 1951, Alexis Lichine, the Pope of Wine, purchased the estate and renamed it to Château Prieuré-Lichine. Alexis was a renowned winemaker and tireless champion of the wines of Bordeaux, heralding the renaissance of this Margaux estate. In 1999, after half a century of close ties with the Lichine family, the Château was acquired by Ballande group with sights firmly looking forward into the new millenium.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe vineyard was extended by 10 hectares in 2012 with plots located in the commune of Arsac. After soil studies were conducted, the technical team was able to match the rootstock with the grape varietal to exploit the full potential of the terroir. The result is that the grape composition was identical to the blend of the First Wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine. In 2013, the vat room was completely renovated and modernized, including the use of gravity-flow. Château Prieuré-Lichine also has a commitment to environment, joining the High Environmental Value (HVE) system.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis particular red wine, from the great 2016 Bordeaux vintage, is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a splash of Petit Verdot, that was grown on terraces of Günz-era Garonne gravelly soils that are mostly fast-draining, The grapes were hand-harvested in small crates, sorted on vibrating sorting tables using manual sorting and optical sorting machine. The grapes were not crushed and used gravity-flow to move the juice around the winery, followed by ageing in 50% new and 50% second use French oak barrels.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uTSvJ5S6T1M\/X9VHwVrqutI\/AAAAAAAAQow\/oeG_1Ez21OU6UgqFb77TLaPe8RgLZwRWACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Prieure-Lichine-2016-4e-Cru-Classe-AC-Margaux-Bordeaux-France_05954.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (93 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uTSvJ5S6T1M\/X9VHwVrqutI\/AAAAAAAAQow\/oeG_1Ez21OU6UgqFb77TLaPe8RgLZwRWACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Prieure-Lichine-2016-4e-Cru-Classe-AC-Margaux-Bordeaux-France_05954.JPG\" title=\"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (93 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - 4e cru classé, AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17487\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17487\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $113.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EA blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, this has rich, complex, dark and red fruited, brooding aromas of spice, currant, and cassis mixed with savoury, earthy, oak, and touches of sweet tobacco and herb. It's medium-full bodied on the elegantly spiced palate, slightly warm, with lovely currant, cassis, tobacco, and earthy notes on the flavour profile. It has very good acidity and structured, fine-grained tannins that are quite integrated with a pleasant grippiness. Savoury, earthy tones with touches of graphite linger on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this beauty now to 2040. Score: 93 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther lovely wines from the Château Prieuré-Lichine portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3169937196705572673\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/chateau-prieure-lichine-2016-bordeaux-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3169937196705572673"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3169937196705572673"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/chateau-prieure-lichine-2016-bordeaux-wine-review.html","title":"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-3856076390515523685"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-10T17:38:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-10T17:51:25.700-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"albarino"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"rias-baixas"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spain"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"white-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-10\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this lovely Albariño from Spain that came to VINTAGES last Fall and returns to our shores as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-12\"\u003EDecember 12th\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ECastelo do Mar wines are produced by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.pazodomar.com\/en\/winery-veiga-da-princesa\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVeiga da Princesa\u003C\/a\u003E, a winery that is part of the Pazo do Mar Group of wineries. Veiga da Princesa is located Arbo, Pontevedra, in western Spain near the Atlantic Ocean and just north of Portugal. The vineyard was first planted in 2002, plot by plot, after two years of merging more than 200 small farms which were the property of more than 70 different owners!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Albariño vines used to produce this white wine are cultivated on trellises, giving more airy, sun-kissed and less acidic grapes than those obtained with other vine-training techniques. This cultivating method also helps avoid the use of many phytosanitary treatments (i.e. disease control) which are applied in other sub-areas of this Appellation. All of the wines are produced and bottled using modern equipment and techniques, with a clear commitment to quality.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI had the pleasure of enjoying the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2018\/03\/castelo-do-mar-albarino-2016-spain-wine-review.html\"\u003E2016 Castelo do Mar Albariño\u003C\/a\u003E a couple of years ago and am sure the 2018 will be just as good, if not better, due to a vintage that was rated 'very good' with a growing season that delivered a typical profile of the Albariño grape.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MPErLD3kAas\/X9Kijv7u2fI\/AAAAAAAAQok\/cE0P_XeLBfka-0AZS8CcDyY3d3nPY4D6QCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Castelo-do-Mar-Albarino-2018-DO-Rias-Baixas-Spain_05952.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-MPErLD3kAas\/X9Kijv7u2fI\/AAAAAAAAQok\/cE0P_XeLBfka-0AZS8CcDyY3d3nPY4D6QCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Castelo-do-Mar-Albarino-2018-DO-Rias-Baixas-Spain_05952.JPG\" title=\"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (90 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=488734\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#488734\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Albariño from their 18 hectare estate in Tea County. Screw cap. The fragrant nose is ripe with tropical fruit, pineapple, peach, citrus and apple aromas with touches of floral. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with a rich, honeyed concentration of fruit and flavours of citrus and apple. Acids are vibrant and zesty, while oyster shell mineral notes arrive on the back palate, adding complexity and lingering through to the long, lip-smacking finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 90 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther lovely wines from Viega da Princesa can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3856076390515523685\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/castelo-do-mar-albarino-2018-spain-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3856076390515523685"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3856076390515523685"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/castelo-do-mar-albarino-2018-spain-wine-review.html","title":"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-1090480682442809293"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-10T05:00:00.030-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-12T18:09:03.723-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vintages-release"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wine-picks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"December 12, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Dinner Wines + Gifts"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/19-1xRtuttQ1x0MGtirpO-42PRX8iapkw\/view?usp=sharing\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"LCBO Wine Picks: December 12, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"800\" data-original-width=\"598\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ei8QNXDwUdk\/X9BjfSGUxxI\/AAAAAAAAQmg\/6Gx8OzIbCRAo_oYfXZwymCPe2EglG1NJwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w598-h800\/201212_en.jpg\" title=\"LCBO Wine Picks: December 12, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EIn what has been a year like no other, the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/19-1xRtuttQ1x0MGtirpO-42PRX8iapkw\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDecember 12, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E is upon us and it is the final Release of the year. This mono-thematic Release features Delicious Dinner Wines and Gifts and all of these wines, plus those from the Main Release will be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe theme of this Release is a big one with thirty-two wines featured, but only four are included among my top wine recommendations. First up is a dry Champagne that is a blend of \u003Cb\u003EPinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier\u003C\/b\u003E. There are also a trio of delightful red wines that includes a lovely \u003Cb\u003EMalbec\u003C\/b\u003E from the Uco Valley in Argentina, as well as an Australian \u003Cb\u003EShiraz\u003C\/b\u003E made with fruit from Clare Valley and McLaren Vale. Lastly, there is a fine blend from the Côtes du Rhône in France that consists of \u003Cb\u003E75% very old Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-O8Puy9r86X4\/X9FOFNCyc9I\/AAAAAAAAQnE\/T03GiIPcSIsyxhXah-W9m64mnZLg7Vl4QCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Kaiken-Ultra-Las-Rocas-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05948.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-O8Puy9r86X4\/X9FOFNCyc9I\/AAAAAAAAQnE\/T03GiIPcSIsyxhXah-W9m64mnZLg7Vl4QCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Kaiken-Ultra-Las-Rocas-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05948.JPG\" title=\"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zBfy9VLQmhM\/X9FOFexCvRI\/AAAAAAAAQnI\/5in0PRVPipMJUdQe0RBXUD6iJPxfjMVZQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Wakefield-Jaraman-Shiraz-2017-Clare-Valley-McLaren-Vale-South-Australia_05946.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zBfy9VLQmhM\/X9FOFexCvRI\/AAAAAAAAQnI\/5in0PRVPipMJUdQe0RBXUD6iJPxfjMVZQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Wakefield-Jaraman-Shiraz-2017-Clare-Valley-McLaren-Vale-South-Australia_05946.JPG\" title=\"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (88 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom my top red wine picks from this Release, the lovely Marguax is a blend of \u003Cb\u003E66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot\u003C\/b\u003E, while the Lirac consists of \u003Cb\u003E60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Cinsault\u003C\/b\u003E. From Spain, the Rioja is a blend of \u003Cb\u003E94% Tempranillo and 6% Mazuelo\u003C\/b\u003E, while the gorgeous Amarone is a fairly traditional blend of \u003Cb\u003E40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, and 20% Rondinella\u003C\/b\u003E. Lastly, the \u003Cb\u003ECabernet Franc\u003C\/b\u003E from Chile usually includes a small amount of Petit Verdot. The rest of the wines are all single varietals, including the wine from Georgia that is made with the indigenous \u003Cb\u003ESaperavi\u003C\/b\u003E varietal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zK0fSwgIL8k\/X9F6IqHClvI\/AAAAAAAAQoQ\/PmY5XzKYBHQXR5LSv6OQEcisRRl7F0olwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Prieure-Lichine-2016-4e-Cru-Classe-AC-Margaux-Bordeaux-France_05950.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (93 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zK0fSwgIL8k\/X9F6IqHClvI\/AAAAAAAAQoQ\/PmY5XzKYBHQXR5LSv6OQEcisRRl7F0olwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Prieure-Lichine-2016-4e-Cru-Classe-AC-Margaux-Bordeaux-France_05950.JPG\" title=\"Château Prieuré-Lichine 2016 (93 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RqRr1Iafeas\/X9FPasrXfUI\/AAAAAAAAQnc\/aZly7zLWJjkT2ZB6HruRn75cCjy3OkEiACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Fumanelli-Amarone-della-Valpolicella-Classico-2015-DOCG-Veneto-Italy_04417.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Fumanelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 (92 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RqRr1Iafeas\/X9FPasrXfUI\/AAAAAAAAQnc\/aZly7zLWJjkT2ZB6HruRn75cCjy3OkEiACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Fumanelli-Amarone-della-Valpolicella-Classico-2015-DOCG-Veneto-Italy_04417.JPG\" title=\"Fumanelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 (92 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9IX0TRtxtt8\/X9FPNl3MiyI\/AAAAAAAAQnY\/rhKVdNOauXc6u8PC2HLWH5fgTS168RDFACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/LAN-Gran-Reserva-2011-DOCa-Rioja-Spain_03975.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"LAN Gran Reserva 2011 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9IX0TRtxtt8\/X9FPNl3MiyI\/AAAAAAAAQnY\/rhKVdNOauXc6u8PC2HLWH5fgTS168RDFACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/LAN-Gran-Reserva-2011-DOCa-Rioja-Spain_03975.JPG\" title=\"LAN Gran Reserva 2011 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAmong my white wine recommendations, the only blend is an organic and biodynamic wine from South Africa is driven by \u003Cb\u003EChenin Blanc with Roussanne, Viognier, and Semillon\u003C\/b\u003E in support. There are also pair of lovely \u003Cb\u003ESauvignon Blanc\u003C\/b\u003E wines - one from New Zealand and the other is from Uruguay. There's also a very nice \u003Cb\u003EAlbariño\u003C\/b\u003E from Spain and a pair of \u003Cb\u003EChardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E wines from Burgundy. For those that prefer some sweetness in their wines, look for the off-dry \u003Cb\u003ERiesling\u003C\/b\u003E from Niagara or the \u003Cb\u003EPinot Gris\u003C\/b\u003E from Alsace.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rX4cuS1b8oU\/X9F5vhO1FCI\/AAAAAAAAQoE\/rEW425KURtoUb8lyOBX-nIj8NMHtdDPTQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Villa-Maria-Southern-Clays-Single-Vineyard-Sauvignon-Blanc-2018-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_002930025.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Villa Maria Southern Clays Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rX4cuS1b8oU\/X9F5vhO1FCI\/AAAAAAAAQoE\/rEW425KURtoUb8lyOBX-nIj8NMHtdDPTQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Villa-Maria-Southern-Clays-Single-Vineyard-Sauvignon-Blanc-2018-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_002930025.jpg\" title=\"Villa Maria Southern Clays Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1HIFfVAdy-0\/X9F6Im535hI\/AAAAAAAAQoM\/-2k71wxQ4PEXMUB-wL0Z7EeN71WSPNdVgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Castelo-do-Mar-Albarino-2018-DO-Rias-Baixas-Spain_05951.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1HIFfVAdy-0\/X9F6Im535hI\/AAAAAAAAQoM\/-2k71wxQ4PEXMUB-wL0Z7EeN71WSPNdVgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Castelo-do-Mar-Albarino-2018-DO-Rias-Baixas-Spain_05951.JPG\" title=\"Castelo do Mar Albariño 2018 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy my wine recommendations from this Release and stay safe during the holiday season!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ERed Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EZANGAURA SAPERAVI 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - PDO Kindzmarauli, Kakheti, Georgia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=617332\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#617332\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESISTER'S RUN EPIPHANY SHIRAZ 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Epiphany Vineyard, McLaren Vale, South Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=269464\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#269464\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=276956\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#276956\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=50849\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#50849\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E89 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/kaiken-ultra-las-rocas-malbec-2018-argentina-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET FRANC 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Fundo Liguai de Huelquén, DO Maipo Valley, Chile (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=10591\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#10591\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVAENI NAOUSSA GRANDE RESERVE XINOMAVRO 2013\u003C\/b\u003E - PDO Naoussa, Greece (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=15849\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#15849\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $20.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Clare Valley\/McLaren Vale, South Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=377036\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#377036\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $24.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E88 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/wakefield-jaraman-shiraz-2017-australia-wine-review-bottle-2.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU DE MONTFAUCON 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - AP Lirac, Rhône, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=15447\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#15447\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $25.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMAJELLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Coonawarra, South Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=301531\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#301531\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $29.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELAN GRAN RESERVA 2011\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCa Rioja, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=928622\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#928622\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $34.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/119747-Lan-Gran-Reserva-2011\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=529107\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#529107\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $42.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFUMANELLI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2015\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=475053\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#475053\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $62.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E92 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/129225-Marchesi-Fumanelli-Amarone-Della-Valpolicella-Classico-2015\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - 4e cru classé, AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17487\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17487\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $113.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E93 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/chateau-prieure-lichine-2016-bordeaux-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWhite Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - WO Paarl, South Africa (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=439554\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#439554\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBODEGA GARZÓN MALDONADO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Garzón, Uruguay (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=12678\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#12678\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $18.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING 2015\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=277228\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#277228\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $18.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=488734\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#488734\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E90 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/castelo-do-mar-albarino-2018-spain-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELA CHABLISIENNE LE FINAGE CHABLIS 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Burgundy, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=556340\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#556340\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $22.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER LES PRINCES ABBÉS PINOT GRIS 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC Alsace, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=21253\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#21253\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $24.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=447474\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#447474\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $29.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E90 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/114629-Villa-Maria-Southern-Clays-Single-Vineyard-Sauvignon-Blanc-2018\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERURIS AMOR LES BURNINS MONTAGNY 1ER CRU 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Burgundy, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16198\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16198\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $29.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ESparkling Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Friuli, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16602\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16602\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $22.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETRIUS BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING\u003C\/b\u003E - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17690\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17690\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $29.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=508614\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#508614\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $107.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EFortified:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EALVEAR PEDRO XIMENEZ DE AÑADA 2015\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP Montilla-Moriles, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=499152\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#499152\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWARRE'S QUINTA DA CAVADINHA VINTAGE PORT 2006\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP, Portugal (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=189605\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#189605\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) - $54.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EDessert Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU HAUT-BERGERON 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - AC Sauternes, Bordeaux, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17503\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17503\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) (375 mL) - $31.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1090480682442809293\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1090480682442809293"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1090480682442809293"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html","title":"December 12, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Dinner Wines + Gifts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-5269749647543289183"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-08T17:42:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-10T07:26:44.504-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"argentina"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"malbec"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mendoza"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"For \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-08\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review, I continue the series on some lovely Malbec \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/argentina\"\u003Ewines from Argentina\u003C\/a\u003E. This particular bottle is arriving at the LCBO as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-12\"\u003EDecember 12, 2020\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt is produced by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kaikenwines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKaiken Wines\u003C\/a\u003E, the name of which comes from the Caiquén wild goose from Patagonia that flies across The Andes between Argentina and Chile. Like the border-crossing Caiquén, Aurelio Montes, founder of Chilean winery Bodega Montes, made several trips across the Andes to Argentina and in the year 2000 he rediscovered Mendoza as a generous land, filled with superb vines and hardworking people. Although the winery was built in 1920, it was in 2001 that Aurelio realized Mendoza was the perfect place to make Kaiken Wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, the winemaking team consists of Chilean Gustavo Hörmann and Argentinean Rogelio Rabino, with support from Aurelio Montes. Kaiken owns vineyards in some of the most prestigious regions of Argentina with the goal of crafting wines that faithfully express the terroir they come from. The philosophy at Kaiken has always been to produce premium wines with respect for the environment and our collaborators, promoting a sustainable culture in all stages of the winemaking process, including the use of biodynamics.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlthough this Malbec is generically labelled from Mendoza, the grapes were actually grown in three separate vineyards located in the sub-regions of the Uco Valley. The first batch comes from Los Chacayes in Tunuyán at an elevation of 4,101 ft. (1,250 m) where the climate is temperate with cool nights and the soils are rocky and mixed with coarse sand and some lime with low fertility and high permeability. The second parcel of Malbec comes from Altamira in San Carlos that was grown at 3,937 ft. (1,200 m) above sea level and has a large diurnal temperature range with cold nights and warm days. The soil in Altamira is chalky with sand, lime, and stones. The third and final parcel of Malbec comes from an extremely high-elevation vineyard in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 4,265 - 5,249 ft. (1,300 - 1,600 m) above sea level. This area in Gualtallary also has a large diurnal temperature range, along with instances of Zonda wind - a strong, dry wind - and has alluvial, poor, and stony soils, with an important quantity of calcium carbonate and sand. All of the grapes were manually harvested and fermented in concrete tanks and aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels for 12 months. The name of this delicious wine \"Las Rocas\" comes from the hundreds of rounded boulders that lie among the vines at their Los Chacayes vineyard in Tunuyán.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EaC9ycBJR5I\/X9AAWnbx4II\/AAAAAAAAQmU\/3zv71EbomRsPJeFv5rcl7hM3mkiKyigkwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Kaiken-Ultra-Las-Rocas-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05949.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EaC9ycBJR5I\/X9AAWnbx4II\/AAAAAAAAQmU\/3zv71EbomRsPJeFv5rcl7hM3mkiKyigkwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Kaiken-Ultra-Las-Rocas-Malbec-2018-Mendoza-Argentina_05949.JPG\" title=\"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (89 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=50849\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#50849\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Malbec from three separate vineyards across the Uco Valley grown at 3,937 - 5,249 ft. (1,200 m - 1,600 m) above sea level. Spicy, medium+ intensity aromas are layered over blackberry, dark berry, and smoky dark minerals with touches of oak. Lovely floral and peppery spice aromas arrive with time in the glass. It's medium-bodied on the palate with nice dark berry, dark mineral, blackberry, and touches of violet on the flavour profile. Succulent acids are juicy and well-balanced, while gritty tannins seem just a bit tight at the moment. Dark berry and mineral notes linger on the tight finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther lovely wines from Kaiken can be found at the LCBO or through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.trajectorybeverages.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETrajectory Beverage Partners\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5269749647543289183\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/kaiken-ultra-las-rocas-malbec-2018-argentina-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/5269749647543289183"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/5269749647543289183"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/kaiken-ultra-las-rocas-malbec-2018-argentina-wine-review.html","title":"Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-2518940472166592629"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-06T17:42:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-10T07:27:02.543-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2017"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"australia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"clare-valley"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mclaren-vale"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"shiraz"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"south-australia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wakefield"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-06\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this consistently well-made Australian Shiraz by the ever-reliable \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.wakefieldwines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWakefield Wines\u003C\/a\u003E. I enjoyed the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2019\/06\/wakefield-jaraman-shiraz-2017-australia-wine-review.html\"\u003E2017 Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz\u003C\/a\u003E when it first came to VINTAGES in July 2019 and am pleased to see it return in time for the holidays as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/december-12-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-dinner-wines-gifts.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-12\"\u003EDecember 12, 2020\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EProduced by the Taylor family, one of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiasfirstfamiliesofwine.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAustralia's First Families of Wine\u003C\/a\u003E, at their home base in the southern end of Clare Valley, South Australia, this red wines comes from their Jaraman range of wines in which they seek parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase the distinctive regional characteristics and style.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis particular wine is 100% Shiraz from 60.5% Clare Valley fruit and 39.5% McLaren Vale fruit. Shiraz from Clare Valley tends to be big on flavour with hints of liquorice and excellent acidity, while also providing some structure. On the other hand, McLaren Vale Shiraz is typically full-bodied with blue fruit and hints of chocolate. Let's see how this bottle has evolved, more than one year after tasting it the first time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8EOdFiU1so0\/X81dQGkA_gI\/AAAAAAAAQlw\/x9g93PpokSY9BWZYsPweRvztZ3DNddZbwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Wakefield-Jaraman-Shiraz-2017-Clare-Valley-McLaren-Vale-South-Australia_05947.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8EOdFiU1so0\/X81dQGkA_gI\/AAAAAAAAQlw\/x9g93PpokSY9BWZYsPweRvztZ3DNddZbwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Wakefield-Jaraman-Shiraz-2017-Clare-Valley-McLaren-Vale-South-Australia_05947.JPG\" title=\"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (88 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Clare Valley\/McLaren Vale, South Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=377036\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#377036\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $24.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EScrew cap. Aromas of ripe black and blue fruit along with oak resin, wood, brown spices, and meaty notes with touches of licorice rise out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied on the slightly warm palate with flavours of blackberry, blueberry, savoury oak spice, and earthy tones with hints of white pepper. Food-friendly acids are juicy and well-balanced, while smooth, polished tannins have a fine-grained texture. Wood and savoury notes linger on the finish, with good length. More savoury than the bottle tasted last year and still a pleasure. Score: 88 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMany other Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/profilewinegroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EProfile Wine Group\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2518940472166592629\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/wakefield-jaraman-shiraz-2017-australia-wine-review-bottle-2.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2518940472166592629"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2518940472166592629"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/wakefield-jaraman-shiraz-2017-australia-wine-review-bottle-2.html","title":"Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-8553027707684322839"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-04T18:07:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-04T18:07:31.544-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"italy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lungarotti"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organic"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sagrantino"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"super-umbrian"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"umbria"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Lungarotti Ilbio Rosso 2016 (Umbria) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-04\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this nice, organic red from Umbria that is new to the LCBO and arrived recently as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-14\"\u003ENovember 14th\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/lungarotti.it\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECantine Lungarotti\u003C\/a\u003E was founded in the early 1960s by Giorgio Lungarotti and soon became a major force on opening up new opportunities not only in Torgiano, but also throughout Umbria with wine as the centrepiece. The history of the Lungarotti goes back to the year 700 - when they were farmers in the Middle Tiber Valley and began to realize the potential of the Umbrian land to produce wine and oil. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe grapes for this wine come from their Estate in Montefalco. Thanks to the contributions of Giorgio Lungarotti, the creation of the DOC Montefalco appellation in 1979 was made possible. In Umbria, Lungarotti has a deep knowledge of the climate, soil, environment, and people to create wines that express the land from which it originates. In the year 2000, Lungarotti purchased 20 hectares in the area and planted vineyards for the production of wines based on the grape Sagrantino.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe winery is located in Turrita di Montefalco and uses gravity-flow to move the wine around the facility. The cellars are completely underground, thereby naturally controlling the ambient temperature. Environmental awareness is central to the operations of Lungarotti, including the production of renewable energy from vine pruning residues. They have also been producing wines organically at the Montefalco Estate beginning with the 2014 harvest.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlthough the label does not mention the varietals used to produce this bottle of red wine, it does mention that it is produced entirely with organically-grown \"king\" of the varietals. In fact, it is made with 100% Sagrantino. However, because Lungarotti wanted to create a fresher, less traditional style of Sagrantino, this led to a different vinification process which fell outside the DOCG regulations, resulting in the wine being classified as an \"IGT\". Let's see how this wine is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CH6xC4sHuoo\/X8rADUsnchI\/AAAAAAAAQlQ\/X_5_pOk08JwSBCQEv9SbsKdtbwgqLJ1iwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Lungarotti-Ilbio-Rosso-2016-IGT-Umbria-Italy_05945.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Lungarotti Ilbio Rosso 2016 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-CH6xC4sHuoo\/X8rADUsnchI\/AAAAAAAAQlQ\/X_5_pOk08JwSBCQEv9SbsKdtbwgqLJ1iwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Lungarotti-Ilbio-Rosso-2016-IGT-Umbria-Italy_05945.JPG\" title=\"Lungarotti Ilbio Rosso 2016 (88 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELUNGAROTTI ILBIO ROSSO 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - IGT Umbria, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16573\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16573\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $23.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Sagrantino grown at 450 metres above sea level on shallow soils with a light presence of rocks, and southern exposure. Medium-high intensity aromatics are fresh with ripe, bright red and dark cherries, if slightly raisined, plus cassis, currant, and earthy vanillin oak notes. It's full bodied on the warm palate with firm, dusty, grippy tannins and juicy acidity. It has dark cherry, earthy, and vanillin oak flavours that linger through to the mouth-puckering, very dry and savoury finish, with good length. A nice introduction to the Sagrantino grape. Score: 88 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther lovely wines from Lungarotti are available at the LCBO, as well as via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/profilewinegroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EProfile Wine Group\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8553027707684322839\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/lungarotti-ilbio-rosso-2016-umbria-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8553027707684322839"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8553027707684322839"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/lungarotti-ilbio-rosso-2016-umbria-wine-review.html","title":"Lungarotti Ilbio Rosso 2016 (Umbria) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-9008377577896542379"},"published":{"$t":"2020-12-02T17:41:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-02T17:41:08.890-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"france"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"jean-max-roger"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"loire"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sancerre"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sauvignon-blanc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"white-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (Loire) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-12-02\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this lovely Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned region of Sancerre in Loire. It returned to VINTAGES as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ENovember 28th\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOne of my favourite producers from Loire, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.jean-max-roger.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJean-Max Roger\u003C\/a\u003E comes from a long line of winegrowers from the village of Bué, just southwest of the town of Sancerre, with the first mention of the name dating back to the early 17th century. Up until the 1960s, generation after generation of the family practiced mixed farming and animal rearing. Jean-Max Roger inherited the 4 hectare property from his parents in the 1970s, and with his wife, Nicole, focused on the vineyards and developed the estate. In 2004, two of their three sons - Thibault and Etienne - joined the family estate. Today, the brothers continue to define the estate's identity with their 28 hectares of Sancerre appellation vines located along the Loire River.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis lovely white wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from selected plots of stony, calcareous clay soils called \"caillottes\" that have shaped the palate of several generations of the Roger family. The Cuvée Genèse (or Genesis) represents the origin of the Roger family's history. The vines are between 10 and 40 years of age, have southeastern exposure to the sun, and are raised using some organic priniciples to reveal its terroir. It was long fermented using natural yeasts and aged on heavy lees to develop minerality in the wine.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this lovely wine, most recently the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2017\/03\/jean-max-roger-cuvee-genese-sancerre-2015-loire-wine-review.html\"\u003E2015 Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre\u003C\/a\u003E back in 2017, and this vintage should be just as good, if not better. The 2018 vintage in Loire was historic in terms of both quality and yield. In 2018, the Spring weather was favourable and unhampered by hail or frost. Although there were heavy rains in June, winegrowers skilfully managed the vineyards. Summer temperatures reached an all-time high and excellent growing conditions continued through to harvest. Let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2ExVs2MV5cU\/X8gXr8kYIzI\/AAAAAAAAQlE\/H9UYRhIgdO0CdbaTXJSgSlW_3_MDRrFDACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Jean-Max-Roger-Cuvee-Genese-Sancerre-2018-AC-Loire-France_05943.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (91+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2ExVs2MV5cU\/X8gXr8kYIzI\/AAAAAAAAQlE\/H9UYRhIgdO0CdbaTXJSgSlW_3_MDRrFDACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Jean-Max-Roger-Cuvee-Genese-Sancerre-2018-AC-Loire-France_05943.JPG\" title=\"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (91+ pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Loire, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=189126\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#189126\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $33.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on stony, calcareous clay soils called \"caillottes\". Intense, stony mineral aromas are layered over fresh, ripe lemon\/lime citrus and white floral notes. It's quite full and powerful on the palate with some warmth due to the hot vintage, but still well-balanced with floral, lime, and stony flavours and lively, juicy, mouth-watering acidity. Tangy mid-palate with a pleasing chalky texture. Stony mineral notes linger on the long finish. Lovely! Score: 91+ pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther fine wines from Jean-Max Roger can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/9008377577896542379\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/jean-max-roger-cuvee-genese-sancerre-2018-loire-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/9008377577896542379"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/9008377577896542379"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/jean-max-roger-cuvee-genese-sancerre-2018-loire-wine-review.html","title":"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (Loire) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-8290655277608763466"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-30T17:50:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-30T17:50:42.178-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2013"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"australia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chapoutier"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"pyrenees"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"shiraz"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"syrah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"victoria"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (Australia) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Tonight's wine review is this excellent Australian Shiraz that came to the LCBO over the weekend as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003ENovember 28th LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mchapoutier.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChapoutier\u003C\/a\u003E family have been working the vineyards and winegrowing in the Rhône Valley since 1808. Michel Chapoutier is the seventh generation of the family to work in the wine business. Michel is a legend in the world of wine with a passion for the expression of soils and a pioneering spirit. In 1997, Michel Chapoutier set out to explore the terroirs of the planet's oldest continent - Australia.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMichel wanted to meet like-minded people who had a passionate interest in bringing out the true character of the vines. He eventually found land awaiting its revelation in the state of Victoria and partnered with a couple of families. The area of Victoria is renowned for its distinct soils and and diversity of microclimates. Later, Maison M. Chapoutier purchased a pair of Australian vineyards in the Victorian Pyrenees region - one of these was Shays Flat - and set up Domaine Tournon with the goal of producing world-class wines that speak of the individual terroirs from which they are grown.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Domaine Tournon portfolio consists of four ranges of wines. At the low end is the Mathilda range from Victorian vineyards - I enjoyed the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2017\/04\/domaine-tournon-mathilda-shiraz-2011-australia-wine-review.html\"\u003E2011 Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz\u003C\/a\u003E a few years ago. There is also the Landsborough Vineyard in Pyrenees, and the Lady's Lane Vineyard in Heathcote. Lastly, there is the Shay's Flat Vineyard, where this Shiraz is from, that . The Shay's Flat Vineyard is located in the cool region of Pyrenees in Western Victoria, nestled in the mountain range with a northeastern aspect on red soils that are a mix of schists, silt, quartz, and clay - ideal for producing high quality red wines, especially Shiraz.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lpZNXvyRTOA\/X8V2b51ZHFI\/AAAAAAAAQkg\/RPFYjDC4sjQ6g8yMSXkD3tKkP9sMIG5IwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Tournon-Shays-Flat-Vineyard-Shiraz-2013-Pyrenees-Victoria-Australia_05942.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (91+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-lpZNXvyRTOA\/X8V2b51ZHFI\/AAAAAAAAQkg\/RPFYjDC4sjQ6g8yMSXkD3tKkP9sMIG5IwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Tournon-Shays-Flat-Vineyard-Shiraz-2013-Pyrenees-Victoria-Australia_05942.JPG\" title=\"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (91+ pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETOURNON SHAYS FLAT VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2013\u003C\/b\u003E - Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=311480\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#311480\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $23.95\u003Cbr \/\u003ECork enclosure. This Shiraz was grown on red podzolic soils that overlay iron schists and quartz. Most of this wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The medium+ intensity nose seems somewhat shy, but offers savoury, earthy, and dark fruited aromas with hints of herbal mint. The medium-full to full-bodied palate has lovely, slightly maturing flavours of dark berry, spice, and herbs surrounding a savoury, earthy, and woody core. Some lovely peppery spice notes arrive with time in the glass. It has balanced acidity and gritty, refined tannins that are pleasantly textured. Savoury and earthy on the finish, with excellent length. More Northern Rhône Syrah than Shiraz in style. Highly recommended buy for Syrah wine lovers. Enjoy over the next 8-10 years. Score: 91+ pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther lovely wines from M. Chapoutier can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vinsdandurand.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDandurand\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8290655277608763466\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tournon-shays-flat-vineyard-shiraz-2013-australia-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8290655277608763466"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/8290655277608763466"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tournon-shays-flat-vineyard-shiraz-2013-australia-wine-review.html","title":"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (Australia) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-1616221168723138073"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-28T17:44:00.000-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-28T17:44:14.068-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"bordeaux"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"france"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fronsac"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"merlot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vignobles-saby"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Château Hauchat 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is a nice Merlot from Bordeaux that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ENovember 28, 2020\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt is produced by \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vignobles-saby.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVignobles Jean-Bernard Saby \u0026amp; Fils\u003C\/a\u003E, a family that has been producing wines on the Right Bank of Bordeaux in Saint Emilion for nine generations. Jean Saby started the family dynasty in the 18th century and the family vineyard properties have been passed down each generation ever since. Today, Jean-Bernard Saby has modernized the various family properties, with 62 hectares of vines located in Saint-Émilion and Fronsac. The 9th generation - Jean-Christophe and Jean-Phillippe - are both oenologists and are applying their new skills while still respecting the traditions and know-how of their father and grandfather. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Château Hauchat property is located on a high plateau within the commune of Saint-Aignan, to the west of neighbouring Pomerol and Saint Émilion. It was re-acquired by the Saby family in 1973, joining Château Rozier and Château Saint André Corbin that make up the family estates. Château Hauchat is situated in one of the finest growing areas of the Fronsac appellation. This site has homogeneity of the soil that is well-drained and consists of clay-limestone, as well as perfect sun exposure. Together, this terroir is ideal for the single grape grown at the property - Merlot. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have tasted this red wine on a number of occasions now, including the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2019\/08\/chateau-hauchat-2016-bordeaux-wine-review.html\"\u003E2016 Château Hauchat\u003C\/a\u003E twice last year. It has improved every time I tasted it and with a 2018 vintage that is slated to be spectacular, I would expect this wine to be even better. Let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gJye6-Pd9X4\/X8LSCa2_wII\/AAAAAAAAQj8\/R5u0dQzw5hc5lLOKtkOIYj_QiJufWRTrgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Hauchat-2018-AC-Fronsac-Bordeaux-France_05941.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Hauchat 2018 (88+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gJye6-Pd9X4\/X8LSCa2_wII\/AAAAAAAAQj8\/R5u0dQzw5hc5lLOKtkOIYj_QiJufWRTrgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Hauchat-2018-AC-Fronsac-Bordeaux-France_05941.JPG\" title=\"Château Hauchat 2018 (88+ pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=123489\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#123489\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u003Cbr \/\u003E100% Merlot that was aged for 15 months in evenly split new, 1-year-old, and 2-year-old barrels. Medium+ intensity nose offers a mix of ripe dark berry, blackberry, oak, wood spice, and cocoa with hints of plum. It's medium+ bodied on the spicy palate with bright acidity and flavours of currant, cassis, oak spice, earth, and cocoa. Some warmth on the mid-palate, but fairly balanced overall. Well-integrated tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky grip that linger through to juicy, earthy and cocoa flavoured finish, with very good length. Approachable now, but should improve over the next few years. Score: 88+ pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther wines from Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby \u0026amp; Fils can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1616221168723138073\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-hauchat-2018-bordeaux-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1616221168723138073"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1616221168723138073"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-hauchat-2018-bordeaux-wine-review.html","title":"Château Hauchat 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-7440489100835379611"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-26T17:42:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-29T20:03:52.563-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"burgundy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chablis"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"chardonnay"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"domaine-hamelin"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"france"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"unoaked-chardonnay"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"white-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (Burgundy) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-26\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this lovely Premier Cru Chablis that arrives in LCBO VINTAGES this weekend. This white wine is featured in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ENovember 28\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E as a Top Holiday Wine and is indeed just that!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have had the pleasure of tasting this wine on a couple of occasions in the past, including the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2016\/08\/domaine-hamelin-beauroy-chablis-1er-cru-2014-burgundy-wine-review.html\"\u003E2014 Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru\u003C\/a\u003E when it came through VINTAGES in 2016. It is crafted by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/domaine-hamelin.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDomaine Hamelin\u003C\/a\u003E, a producer whose roots begin in 1840 when Gustave Hamelin grew 2 hectares of vines alongside his mixed farm. In 1880, Pierre Hamelin grew 3 hectares of vines alongside his farm, using his mule to help work the vines. At the time, the wine was held in 132 Litre barrels, giving rise to their name \"feuillette\", or little cask. The wines were sold in these containers and transported by river. In 1911, Georges Hamelin extends to property and grows 4 hectares of vines and working them by horse. In 1948, they began using a mechanical horizontal press and 5 years later started using a high-clearance tractor. Marc Hamelin created his own vineyard and then added the area he inherited from his father, while also building a new vat room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, Thierry and his son Charles Hamelin, the 6th and 7th generations of the family continue winegrowing activities, perpetuating the Chablis wine tradition. The main focus is to keep the \"flavour\" of the terroir while using a mix of old traditions and modern winemaking techniques.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis Premier Cru Chablis is 100% Chardonnay that was grown on very steep, south-facing slopes, that extend from the bottom of the valley to the top. The vines were planted between 1980 and 1982 and have Kimmeridgien subsoil. It was aged for 12 to 18 months in stainless steel vats prior to bottling. The 2018 vintage in Chablis has been hailed by some as \"one for the ages\". It has a rare combination of high volume and high quality. It started with greater water reserves in the soil from which the vines drew water during the hot summer months. The presence of fog and dew each morning also added juice to vines. During harvest, the fruit was also picked with grapes in perfect balance.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rBm1Ufnar7w\/X8AuuSq8peI\/AAAAAAAAQjg\/mhF9H7VWVBYpWM25vm9B6zWft8pCrZrCwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Domaine-Hamelin-Beauroy-Chablis-1er-Cru-2018-AC-Burgundy-France_05938.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (92 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rBm1Ufnar7w\/X8AuuSq8peI\/AAAAAAAAQjg\/mhF9H7VWVBYpWM25vm9B6zWft8pCrZrCwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Domaine-Hamelin-Beauroy-Chablis-1er-Cru-2018-AC-Burgundy-France_05938.JPG\" title=\"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (92 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Burgundy, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=391805\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#391805\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $39.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom vines planted in the early 1980's on very steep, south-facing slopes, this unoaked Chardonnay has intense, terroir-driven, minerally aromas mingling with ripe, lemon citrus and touches of oyster shell, white floral, and acacia. It's medium+ bodied on the fresh, ripe palate with stony, lemon citrus flavours with hints of peach. It's nicely textured with fresh, bright acids that are crisp and clean. Some nutty and mealy notes arrive on the mid-palate, adding complexity and interest, lingering through to the long, juicy, textured, stony, oyster shell finish. Highly recommended buy. Score: 92 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther fine wines from Domaine Hamelin can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7440489100835379611\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/domaine-hamelin-beauroy-chablis-1er-cru-2018-burgundy-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7440489100835379611"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/7440489100835379611"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/domaine-hamelin-beauroy-chablis-1er-cru-2018-burgundy-wine-review.html","title":"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (Burgundy) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-3888709337703537217"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-26T05:00:00.006-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-12-02T17:42:32.427-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vintages-release"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wine-picks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"November 28, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Top Holiday Wines"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1LfX4kJ3IiMKu0JLE2GNt5CkGodZvrOMe\/view?usp=sharing\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"LCBO Wine Picks: November 28, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"800\" data-original-width=\"598\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Hhmf4jAzSWU\/X73J2C4a4mI\/AAAAAAAAQhw\/dGx_Yu0rVSwc487FuJPmd4EbjdYSsAlyQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w598-h800\/201128_en.jpg\" title=\"LCBO Wine Picks: November 28, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1LfX4kJ3IiMKu0JLE2GNt5CkGodZvrOMe\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENovember 28, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E is another large release focusing on Top Holiday Wines for the season with lots of great options for gift-giving. It's the only theme of the release and is the 2nd-to-last release of the year. All of these will be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis mono-thematic Release features 24 wines as part of the theme on Top Holiday Wines - all with a starting price point of $28.95. Eight of these wines are included among my top wine picks and all will provide pleasure. First up is the iconic Bolgheri that is a blend of \u003Cb\u003ECabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small amount of Petit Verdot\u003C\/b\u003E. Also from the old world, there is an excellent Gran Selezione Chianti Classico that consists of \u003Cb\u003E92% Sangiovese and 8% Malvasia Nera \/ Colorino\u003C\/b\u003E, and a lovely Premier Cru Chablis that is, of course, made with \u003Cb\u003EChardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E. There's also a lovely \u003Cb\u003EPinot Noir\u003C\/b\u003E from Central Otago. On the local front, a pair of lovely wines from Niagara's Le Clos Jordanne make the list again - a \u003Cb\u003EChardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E and \u003Cb\u003EPinot Noir\u003C\/b\u003E. There is also the consistently great Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine that is \u003Cb\u003E100% Chardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E, and the Hidden Bench red that consists of \u003Cb\u003E47% Merlot, 29% Malbec, and 24% Cabernet Franc\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-veKTtP2bo2M\/X78FGOy-83I\/AAAAAAAAQjM\/cc-dShZ1t8ok4NB3shTmfDWo1eAfnFmegCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Domaine-Hamelin-Beauroy-Chablis-1er-Cru-2018-AC-Burgundy-France_05935.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (92 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-veKTtP2bo2M\/X78FGOy-83I\/AAAAAAAAQjM\/cc-dShZ1t8ok4NB3shTmfDWo1eAfnFmegCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Domaine-Hamelin-Beauroy-Chablis-1er-Cru-2018-AC-Burgundy-France_05935.JPG\" title=\"Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2018 (92 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Me-QRCPwuMI\/X73U-hUlmGI\/AAAAAAAAQiI\/kw1Edax8yT4w89ijWfBKFIyhwkULLjzuQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Loveblock-Pinot-Noir-2018-Central-Otago-South-Island-New-Zealand_03227.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Loveblock Pinot Noir 2018 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Me-QRCPwuMI\/X73U-hUlmGI\/AAAAAAAAQiI\/kw1Edax8yT4w89ijWfBKFIyhwkULLjzuQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Loveblock-Pinot-Noir-2018-Central-Otago-South-Island-New-Zealand_03227.JPG\" title=\"Loveblock Pinot Noir 2018 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom my red wine recommendations, the red from Bordeaux is \u003Cb\u003E100% Merlot\u003C\/b\u003E, while the \u003Cb\u003ESyrah\u003C\/b\u003E from Costières de Nîmes actually includes\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003E10% Grenache\u003C\/b\u003E. The Roussillon red consists of \u003Cb\u003ESyrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache\u003C\/b\u003E, while the Hawke's Bay red is a blend of \u003Cb\u003E67% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc\u003C\/b\u003E. The Spanish red consists of \u003Cb\u003E55% Monastrell, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah\u003C\/b\u003E, and lastly, the Brunello is made with \u003Cb\u003E100% Sangiovese\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eqK2iRtkl_M\/X73V_ctmEwI\/AAAAAAAAQig\/IDaOsUDhNg8gRVJjX-zw8JbdI3W38rSzQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-Brunello-di-Montalcino-2013-DOCG-Tuscany-Italy_144158.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (92+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eqK2iRtkl_M\/X73V_ctmEwI\/AAAAAAAAQig\/IDaOsUDhNg8gRVJjX-zw8JbdI3W38rSzQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-Brunello-di-Montalcino-2013-DOCG-Tuscany-Italy_144158.jpg\" title=\"Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (92+ pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nOjb-J64MwU\/X73Vfc6DHBI\/AAAAAAAAQiQ\/ddR6cGwWaGAg0ycXxsxjbV10XoUUNlJtwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Elephant-Hill-Merlot-Cabernet-Malbec-2016-Hawke%2527s-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05445.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Elephant Hill Merlot \/ Cabernet \/ Malbec 2016 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nOjb-J64MwU\/X73Vfc6DHBI\/AAAAAAAAQiQ\/ddR6cGwWaGAg0ycXxsxjbV10XoUUNlJtwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Elephant-Hill-Merlot-Cabernet-Malbec-2016-Hawke%2527s-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05445.JPG\" title=\"Elephant Hill Merlot \/ Cabernet \/ Malbec 2016 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-92aTGgQV5MI\/X78FGOyfmBI\/AAAAAAAAQjI\/B3XMXutxjJoqayQzyWu1r2FrJjTO7Af3QCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Hauchat-2018-AC-Fronsac-Bordeaux-France_05936.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Hauchat 2018 (88+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-92aTGgQV5MI\/X78FGOyfmBI\/AAAAAAAAQjI\/B3XMXutxjJoqayQzyWu1r2FrJjTO7Af3QCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Hauchat-2018-AC-Fronsac-Bordeaux-France_05936.JPG\" title=\"Château Hauchat 2018 (88+ pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6w7DuMuFLXM\/X73ND4sa8GI\/AAAAAAAAQh8\/PsU2fjq8hdoWphs89t4ASB9QF_51M2njgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Les-Vins-Bonhomme-El-Petit-Bonhomme-2018-DOP-Jumilla-Spain_05933.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-6w7DuMuFLXM\/X73ND4sa8GI\/AAAAAAAAQh8\/PsU2fjq8hdoWphs89t4ASB9QF_51M2njgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Les-Vins-Bonhomme-El-Petit-Bonhomme-2018-DOP-Jumilla-Spain_05933.JPG\" title=\"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (88 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAmong my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, the only blend is an (organic) wine from British Columbia that is an intriguing blend of three aromatic varietals - \u003Cb\u003E45% Bacchus, 45% Pinot Blanc, and 10% Riesling\u003C\/b\u003E that is crafted in a slightly sweeter style. The only other wine with any amount of sweetness is a\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003ERiesling\u003C\/b\u003E from Niagara. For single varietal wines, there are a pair of lovely \u003Cb\u003ESauvignon Blanc\u003C\/b\u003E wines worth a look - a lovely \u003Cb\u003ESancerre\u003C\/b\u003E, as well as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. There is also a very nice \u003Cb\u003EChardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E from Oregon, as well as a locally crafted \u003Cb\u003EChardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E by Cave Spring in Niagara. There is also an intriguing \u003Cb\u003EAlvarinho\u003C\/b\u003E from Portugal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EZsFDyuvgZ0\/X78FGHaK6lI\/AAAAAAAAQjE\/zNQe94GQyi0CZOjXrckdSkYzHQfJ9NlVwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Jean-Max-Roger-Cuvee-Genese-Sancerre-2018-AC-Loire-France_05937.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (91+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-EZsFDyuvgZ0\/X78FGHaK6lI\/AAAAAAAAQjE\/zNQe94GQyi0CZOjXrckdSkYzHQfJ9NlVwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Jean-Max-Roger-Cuvee-Genese-Sancerre-2018-AC-Loire-France_05937.JPG\" title=\"Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2018 (91+ pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uyoLUPwRjbI\/X73Vfd-LTOI\/AAAAAAAAQiU\/93un6DMl-MgqyRun8cvmMfX9wG1IIgzWACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Vidal-Estate-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05485.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Vidal Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uyoLUPwRjbI\/X73Vfd-LTOI\/AAAAAAAAQiU\/93un6DMl-MgqyRun8cvmMfX9wG1IIgzWACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Vidal-Estate-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05485.JPG\" title=\"Vidal Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy my wine recommendation from this Release and stay safe during the holiday season!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ERed Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELES VINS BONHOMME EL PETIT BONHOMME 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP Jumilla, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16578\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16578\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E88 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/les-vins-bonhomme-el-petit-bonhomme-2018-spain-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=123489\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#123489\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E88+ pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-hauchat-2018-bordeaux-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMICHEL GASSIER FLEUR DE SYRAH 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=678086\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#678086\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH \/ MOURVÈDRE \/ GRENACHE 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=413245\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#413245\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EEL ENEMIGO LOS PARAISOS BONARDA 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Unfiltered, single vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17286\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17286\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $21.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETOURNON SHAYS FLAT VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2013\u003C\/b\u003E - Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=311480\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#311480\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $23.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91+ pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tournon-shays-flat-vineyard-shiraz-2013-australia-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-50gq9TDYcsU\/X8F93SF6xAI\/AAAAAAAAQjs\/mHfFyOKBYjMa6vC5p7TH7fEzcMhowylIwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Tournon-Shays-Flat-Vineyard-Shiraz-2013-Pyrenees-Victoria-Australia_05940.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (91+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-50gq9TDYcsU\/X8F93SF6xAI\/AAAAAAAAQjs\/mHfFyOKBYjMa6vC5p7TH7fEzcMhowylIwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Tournon-Shays-Flat-Vineyard-Shiraz-2013-Pyrenees-Victoria-Australia_05940.JPG\" title=\"Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (91+ pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EELEPHANT HILL MERLOT \/ CABERNET \/ MALBEC 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=630517\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#630517\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $28.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128951-Elephant-Hill-Merlot%2FCabernet%2FMalbec-2016\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELOVEBLOCK PINOT NOIR 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=313924\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#313924\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $34.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/126586-Loveblock-Pinot-Noir-2018\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=505610\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#505610\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $44.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=184564\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#184564\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $44.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECASTELLO FONTERUTOLI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=244905\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#244905\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $59.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=113357\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#113357\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $68.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E92+ pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/105442-Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-Brunello-Di-Montalcino-2013\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGUADO AL TASSO 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=986380\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#986380\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $161.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWhite Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVONDELING PETIT BLANC CHENIN BLANC 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - WO Voor-Paardeberg, South Africa (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16011\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16011\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $14.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESPERLING MARKET WHITE 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=551374\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#551374\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=256552\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#256552\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAVELEDA SOLOS DE GRANITO ALVARINHO 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Vinho Regional Minho, Portugal (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17514\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17514\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVIDAL ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=12636\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#12636\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E89 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128912-Vidal-Estate-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Loire, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=189126\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#189126\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $33.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91+ pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/12\/jean-max-roger-cuvee-genese-sancerre-2018-loire-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=241182\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#241182\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $37.20\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Burgundy, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=391805\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#391805\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $39.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E92 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/domaine-hamelin-beauroy-chablis-1er-cru-2018-burgundy-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EROSEROCK CHARDONNAY 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=573568\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#573568\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $42.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=184549\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#184549\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $44.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ESparkling Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=53215\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#53215\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC 2015\u003C\/b\u003E - Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=315200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#315200\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $49.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EFortified:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGRAHAM'S 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP, Portugal (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17506\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17506\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) (200 mL) - $11.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMESSIAS 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP, Portugal (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=87205\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#87205\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) - $29.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3888709337703537217\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3888709337703537217"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/3888709337703537217"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html","title":"November 28, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Top Holiday Wines"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-2243587887091268464"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-24T17:46:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-26T07:34:34.843-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2018"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"garnacha"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"grenache"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"jumilla"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"monastrell"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"spain"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"syrah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegan"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-24\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is this nice, vegan-friendly red wine from the Jumilla DO in southeastern Spain. It is a new arrival at the LCBO as part of the upcoming \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ENovember 28, 2020\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lesvinsbonhomme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELes Vins Bonhomme\u003C\/a\u003E produces wines from all over Spain with a team of winemakers and small family owners. Their aim is to transport you to every interesting corner of Spain - from the indigenous Monastrell of the sunny Mediterranean, to the southern version of Cabernet Sauvignon that shows its Spanish colours, and traditional Tempranillo from the land of castles in Castilla y León.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis wine is crafted in an approachable style and is a blend of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah from the harsh climate and bush vines of Southwest Spain. In Jumilla, yields are easy to control due to the lack of water, resulting in a direct impact on the quality of the grapes. The purity of fruit is kept intact during vinification as it is not exposed to any oxygen during the pump-over process. Winemaking knowledge has been acquired using the generational knowledge of Bodegas Juan Gil - who have been cultivating vines in this area since the early 1900s.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WdF7Se2GuyY\/X72MNQhgemI\/AAAAAAAAQhk\/g2yYZUL8wm8vjh2vEj4LtbO3qwQoXsyKgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Les-Vins-Bonhomme-El-Petit-Bonhomme-2018-DOP-Jumilla-Spain_05934.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-WdF7Se2GuyY\/X72MNQhgemI\/AAAAAAAAQhk\/g2yYZUL8wm8vjh2vEj4LtbO3qwQoXsyKgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Les-Vins-Bonhomme-El-Petit-Bonhomme-2018-DOP-Jumilla-Spain_05934.JPG\" title=\"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (88 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELES VINS BONHOMME EL PETIT BONHOMME 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - DOP Jumilla, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16578\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16578\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EScrew cap. Blend of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah that underwent malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels followed by further ageing in oak for 6 months. Ripe, lush, black fruit, spice, rosemary, thyme, and herbal aromas with a savoury core. It's medium-full bodied with gritty tannins supporting the black fruit, pepper spice, and savoury earthy flavours with herbal touches. Some chalky grip on the mid-palate with balanced acidity. Good length on the savoury finish. Score: 88 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther wines from Les Vins Bonhomme can be found via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/profilewinegroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EProfile Wine Group\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2243587887091268464\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/les-vins-bonhomme-el-petit-bonhomme-2018-spain-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2243587887091268464"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2243587887091268464"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/les-vins-bonhomme-el-petit-bonhomme-2018-spain-wine-review.html","title":"Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-6290014049234242292"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-23T08:52:00.020-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-26T07:34:50.992-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2019"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lisboa"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"portugal"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"syrah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tempranillo"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tinta-roriz"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"touriga-nacional"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-23\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is a red wine from Portugal that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-28-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-top-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-28\"\u003ENovember 28th\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt is produced by \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.parras.wine\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EParras Wines\u003C\/a\u003E, a wine business that was formed in 2010 by Luís Vieira, but whose roots took hold with the acquisition of Quinta do Gradil in 1999. Parras Wines is based in the wine region of Lisbon and has more than 120 hectares of vines planted across 200 hectares of land. They also have their own bottling facility and produce wines from other parts of the country through partnerships with other local producers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Lisbon Geographical Indication (IG) appellation is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions in terms of vineyard area and wine production. It is formed by gentle hills of low relief, and extends north from the capital city of Lisbon, along the Atlantic coast no more than 40 km from the ocean. This multi-faceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. It has a temperate climate of Atlantic influence, with relatively mild summers that are cooler and wetter in areas closer to the sea, and warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto Mountain.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis particular bottle is crafted by winemaker Carlos Eduardo using Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. It was fermented in stainless steel vats and then aged in oak for a brief period.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mjd-En1e9d8\/X7w5E1B5mGI\/AAAAAAAAQhU\/ThWpWXgcMo0FEvygGIHJZCo_i6krYCAmACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Ruelas-Reserva-Red-2019-Vinho-Regional-Lisboa-Portugal_05932.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (86 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-mjd-En1e9d8\/X7w5E1B5mGI\/AAAAAAAAQhU\/ThWpWXgcMo0FEvygGIHJZCo_i6krYCAmACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Ruelas-Reserva-Red-2019-Vinho-Regional-Lisboa-Portugal_05932.JPG\" title=\"Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (86 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERUELAS RESERVA RED 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=17519\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#17519\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $11.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EA blend of 50% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, and 20% Syrah that was aged for only a brief time in oak. The medium+ intensity aromas are ripe and fruity with dark red cherry and sweet spices with touches of raisin and fig. It's medium+ with more ripe dark cherry, sweet spice and some raisiny flavours to go along with fresh, balanced acidity and supple, slightly chalky tannins. Sweet vanillin oak and savoury notes linger on the finish. Casual, weekday wine that has crowd-appeal. Score: 86 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther wines from this producer can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalbwines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECapital B Wines\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6290014049234242292\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/ruelas-reserva-red-2019-portugal-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/6290014049234242292"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/6290014049234242292"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/ruelas-reserva-red-2019-portugal-wine-review.html","title":"Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-88184275023924891"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-21T17:47:00.001-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-21T17:47:50.609-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2017"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"argentina"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-franc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-sauvignon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"catena"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mendoza"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"petit-verdot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-21\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is a lovely, high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina that is available year-round in Ontario as it is part of the VINTAGES Essentials collection at the LCBO. The 2017 vintage of this wine is in stores now and currently on promotion at $2 off until \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-29\"\u003ENovember 29th\u003C\/time\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt produced by the iconic \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.catenawines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBodega Catena Zapata\u003C\/a\u003E, which was founded in 1902 and is known for, among many things, discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. With the true belief that great wines begin in the vineyard, the vision at Catena is to produce rich and unforgettable wines that are true to the special place from which they come. It is also the belief that in order to produce world-class wines, they need the right winegrowing and winemaking team. Catena wines are produced by fourth generation Argentine vintner - also biologist, physician and author - Laura Catena, and Chief Winemaker, Alejandro Vigil.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAlthought Catena is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec, this wine is made with Cabernet Sauvignon - in fact, a blend that doesn't include any Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon is the third most cultivated red grape varietal in Argentina and, together with Malbec it is one of the most researched varietals in the country. The Cabernet grown in Argentina all come from continental climates, but depending on where it's grown produces at least three different styles of wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis red wine has traditionally been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but more recent vintages have been blends. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. The 2017 edition of this wine consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, using grapes from 4 high mountain Estate vineyards that are all alluvial in origin. The Agrelo vineyard is located at 3,117 feet (950 metres) above sea level and has clay topsoil with rounded rocks underneath. The Villa Bastías vineyard (Uco Valley) is at 3,675 feet (1,120 metres) elevation and has silt loamy soil over limestone. The Altamira vineyard in La Consulta is located at 3,593 feet (1,095 metres) elevation and sits on loamy soils with rounded rocks underneath. The fourth vineyard is El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos (San Carlos, Uco Valley) and is situated at 3,593 feet (1,090 metres) above sea level on loam-sandy soils with thick calcareous layers, and rounded rocks underneath. The grapes were fermented using wild yeasts and aged for 12 months in barrel. I recall enjoying previous editions of this wine, let's see how the 2017 is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--nOIbAZtqpg\/X7mXcQuW06I\/AAAAAAAAQgs\/diOufyasCxAT4mD2ctAco6q6ODt90RDfACNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Catena-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2017-Mendoza-Argentina_05930.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/--nOIbAZtqpg\/X7mXcQuW06I\/AAAAAAAAQgs\/diOufyasCxAT4mD2ctAco6q6ODt90RDfACNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Catena-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2017-Mendoza-Argentina_05930.JPG\" title=\"Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (90 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=985002\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#985002\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - \u003Cstrike\u003E$19.95\u003C\/strike\u003E $17.95 until Nov. 29.\u003Cbr \/\u003EA blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot from high-altitude vines grown between 3,117 and 3,675 feet (950 to 1,120 metres) above sea level. The perfumed, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely currant, cassis, herbal, and olive aromas with well-integrated oak and touches of graphite and cherry compote adding further interest. It's full-bodied on the smooth palate with dark berry, mild oak spice, and herbal flavours supported by balanced acidity and smooth, velvety tannins. Well-balanced throughout with salty mineral notes arriving on the mid-palate, joined by wood spice, savoury earthy, and chocolate notes that linger on the long, smooth and juicy finish. Enjoy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThere are quite a few lovely Catena wines available at the LCBO, but many others can also be ordered through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/nobleestates.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENoble Estates Wine \u0026amp; Spirts\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/88184275023924891\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/catena-cabernet-sauvignon-2017-argentina-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/88184275023924891"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/88184275023924891"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/catena-cabernet-sauvignon-2017-argentina-wine-review.html","title":"Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-6275709480000460158"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-19T17:49:00.003-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-19T17:49:48.346-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"italy"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"rosé-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sangiovese"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sparkling-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"syrah"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"tuscany"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vegan"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (Tuscany) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-19\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is a nice, vegan-friendly Charmat method sparkling rosé wine from Tuscany that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-14\"\u003ENovember 14\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ELocated southwest of Montecarlo, in the Province of Lucca, the story of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.buonamico.it\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETenuta del Buonamico\u003C\/a\u003E begins around the year 1870 with Giulio Magnani, the owner of the farming estate Marchi-Magnani, Giulio is from Montecarlo and his knowledge and passion for winemaking drew him to France learn the grape varieties and techniques used by the French to create highly valued wines. He travelled to Bordeaux, Rhone, and Burgundy and brought back grapes from each of these classic wine regions. Upon his return, he experimented with these grapes by blending them with Trebbiano, eventually finding success. From that time, wineries in Montecarlo began producing high quality wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe 100 hectare Buonamico Estate is located in the Cercatoja area, southwest of Montecarlo, with 48 hectares planted to vineyards. The current winery was founded in the early 1960s by renowned restaurateurs from Turin (Italy) to furnish their restaurant with Montecarlo wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, Tenuta del Buonamico is owned by the Fontana family. They have expanded the vineyards and wine cellar, while preserving the essential characteristics of a traditional winemaking style. Beginning in 2008, world renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini was brought in long-term to help improve the wines. This assistance has helped Buonamico become one of Montecarlo's leading wine producers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FkxzFhzjg3w\/X7b1DE2fIxI\/AAAAAAAAQgc\/ubCcnxpYxb87RPE7WUu40www5aX95Wb_wCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Tenuta-del-Buonamico-Particolare-Brut-Rose-Sparkling-Charmat-Method-Tuscany-Italy_05927.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-FkxzFhzjg3w\/X7b1DE2fIxI\/AAAAAAAAQgc\/ubCcnxpYxb87RPE7WUu40www5aX95Wb_wCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Tenuta-del-Buonamico-Particolare-Brut-Rose-Sparkling-Charmat-Method-Tuscany-Italy_05927.JPG\" title=\"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (88 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETENUTA DEL BUONAMICO PARTICOLARE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING\u003C\/b\u003E - Charmat method, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16712\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16712\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $20.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EA vegan-friendly blend of Sangiovese and Syrah grown in a hilly area in Montecarlo, within the Province of Lucca, just west of Florence in Tuscany. Modest aromas of red berry, floral, orange citrus and grapefruit rise out of the glass. The palate is chalky textured with tart, lively acidity and bubbles that comes off as essentially dry on the flavour profile with grapefruit, citrus, and red berry flavours with touches of Flintstone vitamins. Mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate and linger through to the citrus, minerally finish, with very good length. Score: 88 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA few wines from Tenuta del Buonamico are available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/capitalbwines.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECapital B Wines\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6275709480000460158\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tenuta-del-buonamico-particolare-brut-Rose-sparkling-tuscany-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/6275709480000460158"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/6275709480000460158"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tenuta-del-buonamico-particolare-brut-Rose-sparkling-tuscany-wine-review.html","title":"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (Tuscany) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-2986854533302510324"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-17T17:57:00.006-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-18T18:12:24.590-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2019"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-franc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cabernet-sauvignon"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"gimblett-gravels"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"hawkes-bay"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"malbec"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"merlot"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"new-zealand"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"north-island"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"sauvignon-blanc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"trinity-hill"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"white-wine"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 and Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (New Zealand) - Wine Reviews"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Olrn4OKw4Mk\/X7Gw8ZtKj2I\/AAAAAAAAQe8\/_3rl_AbC8HAbEI6ONv79LAqlz_F-xrBDwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-and-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05922.JPG\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts) and The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"900\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Olrn4OKw4Mk\/X7Gw8ZtKj2I\/AAAAAAAAQe8\/_3rl_AbC8HAbEI6ONv79LAqlz_F-xrBDwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w900-h900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-and-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05922.JPG\" title=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts) and The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-17\"\u003ETonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine reviews are a pair of lovely wines from New Zealand's iconic \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.trinityhill.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETrinity Hill\u003C\/a\u003E that arrived in \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html\"\u003ELCBO VINTAGES on \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-14\"\u003ENovember 14\u003C\/time\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. I've been enamoured with this winery and the Hawke's Bay region ever since enjoying the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2018\/05\/trinity-hill-trinity-red-blend-2014-new-zealand-wine-review.html\"\u003E2014 Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend\u003C\/a\u003E a couple of years ago that I made it a point to visit the Hawke's Bay and Trinity Hill when I visited New Zealand earlier this year - more on this to come.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe idea of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.trinityhill.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETrinity Hill\u003C\/a\u003E was formed in 1987 when winemaker John Hancock met with Bleeding Heart restaurant owners Robyn and Robert Wilson at their restaurant in London. On a stony site in Hawke's Bay, Trinity Hill became a reality in 1993 because they recognized that this site would give them the ability to produce world-class wines. They also recognized the potential of the Hawkes Bay's Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district and quickly became one of the region's early pioneers by planting grape vines on a barren plot on the former bed of the Ngaruroro River that is now an 18 hectare vineyard.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBy 2001, Trinity Hill helped found the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association. It was created based on the terroir of the area of the old Ngaruroro Riverbed, with 34 member wineries and winegrowers making up the association.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EToday, Robyn and Robert Wilson are still co-owners of Trinity Hill, while John Hancock moved on in 2018 to focus on his own negociant wine business. Warren Gibson is the Chief Winemaker. He worked with John prior to the creation of Trinity Hill and joined the team to work alongside John in 1997, earning several accolades along the way. Trinity produces wines using traditional Hawke's Bay varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as (my favourite) Syrah, and, of course, Sauvignon Blanc. All Trinity Hill wines are produced with the utmost care and respect for the grapes and with minimum intervention. Making world-class wines for more than 20 years, Trinity Hill truly is one of New Zealand's iconic wineries.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Notes:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETRINITY HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=247221\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#247221\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EScrew cap. The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from Mangaorapa Station’s cool climate and argillite soils, in southern Hawke's Bay. Most of the wine was cool fermentated and spent 3 months in contact with lees, while a smaller portion was fermented and aged in small 228 L barriques. Elegant, restrained aromas of lime, citrus and stone fruits with touches of guava, passion fruit, and leesy characters. The medium bodied palate has a nice texture with more citrusy lime and stone fruit flavours joined by subtle leesy and oak notes that balance the crisp, fresh, and lively acidity. Interesting notes of oyster shell minerality linger on the long, juicy finish. Would be a fine pairing with oysters. Score: 89 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oxhs5WsPiBA\/X7Gw8b0XweI\/AAAAAAAAQfA\/rp_AdCq01ngyzEw9NyDzBrLMYrIKFF6YgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Trinity-Hill-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Sustainable-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05925.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oxhs5WsPiBA\/X7Gw8b0XweI\/AAAAAAAAQfA\/rp_AdCq01ngyzEw9NyDzBrLMYrIKFF6YgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Trinity-Hill-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Sustainable-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05925.JPG\" title=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uc9Xt4h7Vg4\/X7RUfW663yI\/AAAAAAAAQfY\/eLBN1JdPQmI_MtHGaIdbB9einZyA0AB0wCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-Gimblett-Gravels-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05926.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uc9Xt4h7Vg4\/X7RUfW663yI\/AAAAAAAAQfY\/eLBN1JdPQmI_MtHGaIdbB9einZyA0AB0wCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-Gimblett-Gravels-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05926.JPG\" title=\"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETRINITY HILL THE GIMBLETT 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=280263\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#280263\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $39.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EScrew cap. This blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 2% Malbec has lovely, perfumed aromas of ripe red and black fruits, currant, cassis and spices with subtle notes of sweet tobacco, floral, herb and leather. Some olive aromas develop with time in the glass. It's medium-full+ bodied on the palate with firm, structured, and grippy tannins along with juicy acidity that supports the blackberry, cassis, currant, earthy, and cedary oak flavours. Savoury, earthy and woody on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy to the late 2020s. Score: 91 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther fine wines from Trinity Hill can be ordered through their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2986854533302510324\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/trinity-hill-gimblett-2016-and-sauvignon-blanc-2019-new-zealand-wine-reviews.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2986854533302510324"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/2986854533302510324"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/trinity-hill-gimblett-2016-and-sauvignon-blanc-2019-new-zealand-wine-reviews.html","title":"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 and Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (New Zealand) - Wine Reviews"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-1466856620143990785"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-12T17:46:00.002-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-12T18:07:52.197-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"2016"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"bourboulenc"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"châteauneuf-du-pape"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"cinsault"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"clairette"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"france"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"grenache"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"lavau"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"mourvèdre"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"organic"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-blend"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"red-wine"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"rhône"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"syrah"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (Rhône) - Wine Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I enjoyed the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2019\/03\/chateau-maucoil-2016-rhone-wine-review.html\"\u003E2016 Château Maucoil Côtes du Rhône-Villages\u003C\/a\u003E when it came through \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2019\/03\/wine-picks-lcbo-vintages-release-mar-30-2019-8-favourite-grapes.html\"\u003EVINTAGES in March 2019\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-12\"\u003Etonight's\u003C\/time\u003E wine review is another fine wine from the same producer. This excellent organic Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes it's first appearance at the LCBO as part of the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html\"\u003E\u003Ctime datetime=\"2020-11-14\"\u003ENovember 14, 2020\u003C\/time\u003E LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chateau-maucoil.lavau.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChâteau Maucoil\u003C\/a\u003E is an historic property located in an area in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has been occupied since the time of the Romans. The Château Maucoil estate and castle was built in 1624, and winegrowing gained prominence some time thereafter when Joseph de La Pise, Lord of Maucoil and archivist of the House of Orange-Nassau (the Dutch royal family) inherited the property. Château Maucoil has changed hands many times over the years, with each family helping establish the estate's reputation for producing quality wines.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Arnaud family, with its deep roots and winegrowing experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape spanning several generations, acquired Château Maucoil in 1995. In 2009, Bénédicte, the youngest daughter of the Arnaud family, along with her husband Charles Bonnet took over the property. In 2013, they merged with the Lavau family and today they run the estate together.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThis Châteauneuf-du-Pape was crafted from the Domaine's oldest vines which average 70 years old. Thirteen varieties are planted at the Domaine and six are included in this Châteauneuf-du-Pape - approximately 50% Grenache, smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc. The grapes are hand-harvested and individually sorted before going to vat. The grapes are fermented together before going into either 228 L or 600 L barrels that are either new or used for one vintage, and then aged for 12 to 18 months. The wine is then aged for several years in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which hails from the classic 2016 Southern Rhône vintage, is tasting tonight...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_SE1RFwC6M\/X626u6EtEJI\/AAAAAAAAQeg\/rH4c8jQPk3w4GzH7eBR7KKOjiKAsALk9wCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Maucoil-Privilege-Chateauneuf-du-Pape-2016-AC-Rhone-France_05924.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (94 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-t_SE1RFwC6M\/X626u6EtEJI\/AAAAAAAAQeg\/rH4c8jQPk3w4GzH7eBR7KKOjiKAsALk9wCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Maucoil-Privilege-Chateauneuf-du-Pape-2016-AC-Rhone-France_05924.JPG\" title=\"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (94 pts)\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ETasting Note:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU MAUCOIL PRIVILÈGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Rhône, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16210\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16210\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $85.95\u003Cbr \/\u003EA blend of approx. 50% Grenache, plus Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc grown on sandy, pebbly soils, with vines averaging 70 years old. The rich, highly aromatic nose is very complex with lovely notes of raspberry, blackberry, stony \u0026amp; smoky mineral, peppery spices, and violets. It's full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with lovely aroma replays plus some garrigue notes adding further complexity. It has juicy acidity and a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but nicely balanced overall. Firm tannins are grainy and textured. Savoury, stony mineral notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Approachable now, but will be better in 5 years and enjoy into the mid-2030s. Gorgeous! Score: 94 pts\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOther fine wines from Château Maucoil can be ordered via their Agent - \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.oenophilia.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConnexion Oenophilia\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1466856620143990785\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-maucoil-privilege-chateauneuf-du-pape-2016-rhone-wine-review.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1466856620143990785"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/1466856620143990785"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-maucoil-privilege-chateauneuf-du-pape-2016-rhone-wine-review.html","title":"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (Rhône) - Wine Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254980354665815083.post-485683545286471245"},"published":{"$t":"2020-11-12T05:00:00.006-05:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-19T17:52:53.862-05:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"vintages-release"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"wine-picks"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"November 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Fine Holiday Wines"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1VI-1oThFxI32MY6cU2i-NqpicHTK3OUm\/view?usp=sharing\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"LCBO Wine Picks: November 14, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"800\" data-original-width=\"598\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zNrrm5v6Wmw\/X6o0U_CWNNI\/AAAAAAAAQbc\/HuV-RlAIoxsX_n4xm_-V_LIbhRVWK97kACNcBGAsYHQ\/w598-h800\/201114_en.jpg\" title=\"LCBO Wine Picks: November 14, 2020 VINTAGES Release\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EAs we head into the holidays, the main (and only) theme of the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1VI-1oThFxI32MY6cU2i-NqpicHTK3OUm\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ENovember 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release\u003C\/a\u003E focuses on fine wines for the holidays. It's a big Release with many quality wines, some of which appeared in VINTAGES previously. All of these wines will be on shelves by this Saturday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe begin with the theme on fine wines for the holidays that would make excellent gifts for yourself, friends, or family. There are twenty-five wines featured as part of the theme, and a number of these I had previously recommended when they came through VINTAGES earlier this year. Thus, just two of the twenty-five wines are included amony my top wine picks. First up is an excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the classic 2016 vintage that consists of mostly \u003Cb\u003EGrenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc\u003C\/b\u003E. The second wine is a lovely traditional method sparkling wine from Niagara that is a dry, zero-dosage blend of \u003Cb\u003E60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-O7cyVqV_W8E\/X6ynh2ZwhRI\/AAAAAAAAQeA\/yweJf7HQQBcx8fPaGAQbTQWpOFYIgtdOgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Chateau-Maucoil-Privilege-Chateauneuf-du-Pape-2016-AC-Rhone-France_05919.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (94 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-O7cyVqV_W8E\/X6ynh2ZwhRI\/AAAAAAAAQeA\/yweJf7HQQBcx8fPaGAQbTQWpOFYIgtdOgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Chateau-Maucoil-Privilege-Chateauneuf-du-Pape-2016-AC-Rhone-France_05919.JPG\" title=\"Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (94 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hNBwmt0VLwA\/X6tB6kb5T3I\/AAAAAAAAQb0\/c1Psww6uNtQ6oT_VKw6NlySFXBilh-SMwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/13th-Street-Premier-Cuvee-Sparkling-2014-Traditional-Method-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05913.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"13th Street Premier Cuvée Sparkling 2014 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hNBwmt0VLwA\/X6tB6kb5T3I\/AAAAAAAAQb0\/c1Psww6uNtQ6oT_VKw6NlySFXBilh-SMwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/13th-Street-Premier-Cuvee-Sparkling-2014-Traditional-Method-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_05913.JPG\" title=\"13th Street Premier Cuvée Sparkling 2014 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFrom the rest of the Release, among my red wine recommendations there is a red from Chile that is made with \u003Cb\u003E44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc\u003C\/b\u003E, while the red from Hawke's Bay consists of \u003Cb\u003E43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 2% Malbec\u003C\/b\u003E. From Washington, the Red Blend consists of \u003Cb\u003E60% Syrah and 40% Merlot\u003C\/b\u003E, while the Spanish red is made with \u003Cb\u003E80% Grenache and 20% Syrah\u003C\/b\u003E. Lastly, the Chianti Classico is made with \u003Cb\u003E100% Sangiovese\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e2HIE-XhME0\/X6ynh-ZjoWI\/AAAAAAAAQeI\/WZ7UpDrewTA7_D9OCxoWPgq3NA77JxBxgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-Gimblett-Gravels-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05921.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-e2HIE-XhME0\/X6ynh-ZjoWI\/AAAAAAAAQeI\/WZ7UpDrewTA7_D9OCxoWPgq3NA77JxBxgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Trinity-Hill-The-Gimblett-2016-Gimblett-Gravels-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05921.JPG\" title=\"Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hAQ_JPV7dEg\/X6tB6vveKLI\/AAAAAAAAQb4\/9oefso1MVDIfYoGSpSRSvk_shdEV_CBwwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Laura-Hartwig-Edicion-de-Familia-2017-DO-Colchagua-Valley-Chile_05911.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Laura Hartwig Edición de Familia 2017 (90 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hAQ_JPV7dEg\/X6tB6vveKLI\/AAAAAAAAQb4\/9oefso1MVDIfYoGSpSRSvk_shdEV_CBwwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Laura-Hartwig-Edicion-de-Familia-2017-DO-Colchagua-Valley-Chile_05911.JPG\" title=\"Laura Hartwig Edición de Familia 2017 (90 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P5xFFebTO0Y\/X6tB6iG9m8I\/AAAAAAAAQb8\/lrjF6yPNutAitzsQMzNO-CE5kp0pLRKFgCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/High-Heaven-Roaming-Elk-Red-Blend-2017-Columbia-Valley-Washington-USA_05909.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"High Heaven Roaming Elk Red Blend 2017 (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-P5xFFebTO0Y\/X6tB6iG9m8I\/AAAAAAAAQb8\/lrjF6yPNutAitzsQMzNO-CE5kp0pLRKFgCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/High-Heaven-Roaming-Elk-Red-Blend-2017-Columbia-Valley-Washington-USA_05909.JPG\" title=\"High Heaven Roaming Elk Red Blend 2017 (88 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAmong my white wine picks, the only blend is an oak-influenced Greek wine that consists of \u003Cb\u003E60% Malagouzia, 20% Assyrtiko, and 20% Chardonnay\u003C\/b\u003E. The only wine with a bit of sweetness is the \u003Cb\u003EPinot Gris\u003C\/b\u003E from New Zealand, while the rest, including the \u003Cb\u003ERiesling\u003C\/b\u003E, are all dry wines. For \u003Cb\u003ESauvignon Blanc\u003C\/b\u003E fans, there are a pair of lovely 2019s from New Zealand - one from Marlborough (South Island) and the other from Hawke's Bay (North Island) - as well as a \u003Cb\u003ESancerre\u003C\/b\u003E from Loire.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ZPcPFSmtq8\/X6t4twTz0RI\/AAAAAAAAQco\/0v0Mzh9cwH4HrHFJGFJR3irE1ZCrT6r3wCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Whitehaven-Greg-Reserve-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Awatere-Single-Vineyard-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05251.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Whitehaven Greg Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5ZPcPFSmtq8\/X6t4twTz0RI\/AAAAAAAAQco\/0v0Mzh9cwH4HrHFJGFJR3irE1ZCrT6r3wCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Whitehaven-Greg-Reserve-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Awatere-Single-Vineyard-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05251.JPG\" title=\"Whitehaven Greg Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bz8Y7OQxf1M\/X6t4t1DEAtI\/AAAAAAAAQcs\/6Gj3HHlRc9MuMCdXZzeTVB4PGI_supYsQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Whitehaven-Pinot-Gris-2018-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05253.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2018 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bz8Y7OQxf1M\/X6t4t1DEAtI\/AAAAAAAAQcs\/6Gj3HHlRc9MuMCdXZzeTVB4PGI_supYsQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Whitehaven-Pinot-Gris-2018-Marlborough-South-Island-New-Zealand_05253.JPG\" title=\"Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2018 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pn8ViC1ADaU\/X6ynh2DcejI\/AAAAAAAAQeE\/cI2orW2Yfsk_S0ljdIH62IqoH3eG4KQugCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Trinity-Hill-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Sustainable-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05920.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pn8ViC1ADaU\/X6ynh2DcejI\/AAAAAAAAQeE\/cI2orW2Yfsk_S0ljdIH62IqoH3eG4KQugCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Trinity-Hill-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019-Sustainable-Hawkes-Bay-North-Island-New-Zealand_05920.JPG\" title=\"Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEnjoy my wine recommendations from this Release and stay safe during this holiday season!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ERed Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFALERNIA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Elquí Valley, Chile (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16793\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16793\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $16.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Coonawarra, South Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=478271\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#478271\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBORSAO BEROLA 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=371518\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#371518\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $18.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHIGH HEAVEN ROAMING ELK RED BLEND 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=15847\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#15847\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E88 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/high-heaven-roaming-elk-red-blend-2017-washington-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015\u003C\/b\u003E - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=85209\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#85209\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=492413\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#492413\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $23.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EINVIVO CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=466029\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#466029\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $24.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128745-Invivo-Central-Otago-Pinot-Noir-2018\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELAURA HARTWIG EDICIÓN DE FAMILIA 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=14147\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#14147\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $27.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E90 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/laura-hartwig-edicion-de-familia-2017-chile-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETRINITY HILL THE GIMBLETT 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=280263\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#280263\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $39.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u0026nbsp; 91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/trinity-hill-gimblett-2016-and-sauvignon-blanc-2019-new-zealand-wine-reviews.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU MAUCOIL PRIVILÈGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2016\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Rhône, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16210\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16210\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $85.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E94 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/chateau-maucoil-privilege-chateauneuf-du-pape-2016-rhone-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uMQ4p2KFmxs\/X6ym_4lrm8I\/AAAAAAAAQd0\/ZoDiA5ITPyAX94N-2DO_IuWZnBKvH9GOwCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Invivo-Central-Otago-Pinot-Noir-2018-Central-Otago-South-Island-New-Zealand_48415.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 (91 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-uMQ4p2KFmxs\/X6ym_4lrm8I\/AAAAAAAAQd0\/ZoDiA5ITPyAX94N-2DO_IuWZnBKvH9GOwCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Invivo-Central-Otago-Pinot-Noir-2018-Central-Otago-South-Island-New-Zealand_48415.jpg\" title=\"Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 (91 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWhite Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III WHITE 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - PGI Achaia, Greece (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=14186\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#14186\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $17.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETAHBILK VIOGNIER 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=271387\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#271387\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $18.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E89 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128706-Tahbilk-Viognier-2019\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWHITEHAVEN PINOT GRIS 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=447516\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#447516\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E89 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128346-Whitehaven-Pinot-Gris-2018\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPADDY BORTHWICK RIESLING 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=648840\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#648840\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETRINITY HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=247221\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#247221\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $19.95 \u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003E89 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/trinity-hill-gimblett-2016-and-sauvignon-blanc-2019-new-zealand-wine-reviews.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECASTELLO DELLA SALA BRAMÌTO CHARDONNAY 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - IGT Umbria, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=176792\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#176792\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $22.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWHITEHAVEN GREG RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019\u003C\/b\u003E - Awatere single vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=325944\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#325944\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $23.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/128329-Whitehaven-Greg-Reserve-Sauvignon-Blanc-2019\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBERNARD REVERDY \u0026amp; FILS SANCERRE 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Loire, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=200055\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#200055\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $30.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECHÂTEAU DE MALIGNY CHABLIS 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, Burgundy, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16209\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16209\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $30.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMOSS WOOD SEMILLON 2018\u003C\/b\u003E - Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=15047\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#15047\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $36.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DvwLqWLnLQc\/X6tH4k1Ev3I\/AAAAAAAAQcc\/Fo9sUFNllF4mhsRplky-xenlqXYWgDuKQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Tahbilk-Viognier-2019-Nagambie-Lakes-Central-Victoria-Australia_04935.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tahbilk Viognier 2019 (89 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DvwLqWLnLQc\/X6tH4k1Ev3I\/AAAAAAAAQcc\/Fo9sUFNllF4mhsRplky-xenlqXYWgDuKQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Tahbilk-Viognier-2019-Nagambie-Lakes-Central-Victoria-Australia_04935.JPG\" title=\"Tahbilk Viognier 2019 (89 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ESparkling Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETENUTA DEL BUONAMICO PARTICOLARE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING\u003C\/b\u003E - Charmat method, Tuscany, Italy (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=16712\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#16712\u003C\/a\u003E) (D) - $20.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E88 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/tenuta-del-buonamico-particolare-brut-Rose-sparkling-tuscany-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003E13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2014\u003C\/b\u003E - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=142679\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#142679\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $39.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91 pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/13th-street-premier-cuvee-sparkling-2014-niagara-wine-review.html\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=384529\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#384529\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $91.95\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELOUIS ROEDERER BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 2012\u003C\/b\u003E - AC, France (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=440891\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#440891\u003C\/a\u003E) (XD) - $124.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EFE\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bWescqwnD1k\/X63Hze-HbvI\/AAAAAAAAQes\/Q8R0FmWcPhAd54k9thfWoeIXXEmUeZc6gCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Tenuta-del-Buonamico-Particolare-Brut-Rose-Sparkling-Charmat-Method-Tuscany-Italy_05923.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (88 pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bWescqwnD1k\/X63Hze-HbvI\/AAAAAAAAQes\/Q8R0FmWcPhAd54k9thfWoeIXXEmUeZc6gCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Tenuta-del-Buonamico-Particolare-Brut-Rose-Sparkling-Charmat-Method-Tuscany-Italy_05923.JPG\" title=\"Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (88 pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EDessert Wine:\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHENRY OF PELHAM RIESLING ICEWINE 2017\u003C\/b\u003E - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.lcbo.com\/lcbo\/search?searchTerm=430561\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E#430561\u003C\/a\u003E) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003E91+ pts\u0026nbsp; \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.winealign.com\/wines\/116350-Henry-Of-Pelham-Riesling-Icewine-2017\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewine review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ndytJDzt8M\/X6tF_qYrmzI\/AAAAAAAAQcQ\/TcjHCxjqlxoT1jRPynEgRc4xs4F6KR5cQCNcBGAsYHQ\/s900\/Henry-of-Pelham-Riesling-Icewine-2017-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_04831.JPG\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2017 (91+ pts)\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"675\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ndytJDzt8M\/X6tF_qYrmzI\/AAAAAAAAQcQ\/TcjHCxjqlxoT1jRPynEgRc4xs4F6KR5cQCNcBGAsYHQ\/w675-h900\/Henry-of-Pelham-Riesling-Icewine-2017-VQA-Niagara-Peninsula-Ontario-Canada_04831.JPG\" title=\"Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2017 (91+ pts)\" width=\"240\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/feeds\/485683545286471245\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/485683545286471245"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/3254980354665815083\/posts\/default\/485683545286471245"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com\/2020\/11\/november-14-2020-lcbo-vintages-release-wine-picks-fine-holiday-wines.html","title":"November 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Fine Holiday Wines"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"cono_sur"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/06219124933976657219"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-JcI2llRpmUU\/XKPcl5vdPVI\/AAAAAAAAL3o\/ywwaLQCUXuAcC1CUnBuXSKlmwO1_9o_dACK4BGAYYCw\/s113\/IMG_0269_154x100.jpg"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});