Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this always reliable, premium Australian Shiraz from Wakefield Wines that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month, as part of the August 7th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons founded the winery in Clare Valley in 1969 to create estate wines. Today, Wakefield produces wines not only from estate fruit, but also sourcing fruit from other growers. The Wakefield's Jaraman range of wines takes advantage of Australia's iconic wine regions which provide great diversity. With the Jaraman range, the family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit, from Australia's celebrated wine regions that are renowned for a particular variety, to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style.

I have enjoyed previous vintages of this red wine, including most recently the 2017 Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz back in December. For this vintage, this 100% Shiraz is composed of 59% Clare Valley and 41% McLaren Vale fruit, which is more or the less the same composition as the 2017. In Clare Valley, the 2019 growing season experienced a lower than average winter and spring rainfall, along with some hail and frost events affected yields. There were also some extreme temperatures - the lowest temperature ever recorded in spring, as well as the highest ever temperature in the summer. However, the vines showed great resilience and wine quality is strong with intense flavours and colour. In McLaren Vale, dry conditions, plus a hail event in November, and hot weather in January and February resulted in reduced yields, but an increase in flavour intensity. Overall, while yields were down, the fruit quality is, once again, very good. Let's see how this 2019 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2019 - Clare Valley & McLaren Vale, South Australia (#377036) (XD) - $24.95
100% Shiraz from Clare Valley (59%) & McLaren Vale (41%) and aged in a mix of coopers' American oak hogsheads (30% 1 year old and 70% 2-3 year old) for an average of 12 months before being bottled. Screw cap. The highly aromatic nose is ripe with slightly jammy dark berries and spices nuanced with sweet oak vanillin and cocoa aromas. The medium-full bodied palate delivers pleasing aroma replays which are joined by black pepper spice, savoury, and earthy tones with touches of olive in a slightly warming profile, but still well-balanced. There's a fresh lick of acidity, while the finely textured tannins are slightly grippy. Some herbal complexities show up on the cocoa-dusted, savoury finish, with very good length. Enjoyable now, but should be even better in a couple of years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group, who also now offer Air Miles Reward Miles with purchase.

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Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2017 (Barossa) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely GSM blend from Australia that returned to the LCBO last weekend in the August 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release as a "VINTAGES Online Exclusive", meaning that it is only available for purchase online through LCBO.com. To purchase, simply click on the product code below to visit its product page on the LCBO website.

Torbreck Vintners was founded in 1994 by David Powell. It was named after a forest in Scotland where David worked as a lumberjack. David gained his experience in winemaking by working at other wineries in Barossa prior to forming Torbreck, but was inspired to create his own label. In order to achieve this, he began to share-farm vineyards, which allowed Torbreck to obtain fruit from the very best vineyards in the Barossa Valley. With his love for wines from France's Rhône Valley, Torbreck's highly-acclaimed red and white wines were also based on classic Rhône varieties - Shiraz (Syrah), Grenache and Mataró (Mourvèdre) - all of which are considered classic varieties of the Barossa.

Today, Torbreck Vintners is owned by Proprietor Peter Kight with the aim of building one of the best wine estates in the world. Torbreck considers Barossa to be the most exciting place to make wine in the world, with its gentle Mediterranean climate and 175 years of Silesian and English commitment to grape-growing and winemaking. They work with multi-generational winegrowers, whose ancestors arrived here nearly two centuries ago, and have great knowledge of the seasons and soil, while working the vineyards with minimal intervention and aiming to get the best out of each vineyard site.

This red wine is a blend of 62% Grenache, 26% Shiraz, and 12% Mourvèdre that was hand-harvested from old vines, some as much as 100 years old, from the sub-regions of Marananga, Gomersal, and Ebenezer. As each parcel of grapes enters the winery, they were fermented in a combination of open top cement and wooden vats, as well as stainless steel tanks. It was aged in well-seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months. Each parcel was kept separate throughout the vinification process, until it was finally blended and bottled.

During the growing season in the Barossa Valley, a wet spring replenished sub-soil moisture, while a warm, dry Indian summer created perfect ripening conditions through to April 2017, resulting in an outstanding vintage that produced intense, well-structured reds. I had the opportunity to taste this 2017 back in January 2020 and am curious to see how it has evolved since then.

Tasting Note:

TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE / SHIRAZ / MOURVÈDRE 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#10223) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. This GSM blend of 62% Grenache, 26% Shiraz, and 12% Mourvèdre is open and complex on the nose with lovely aromas of red berry, strawberry, and cherry mingling with savoury, black pepper, dried spice, earth, and a touch of rosemary. The medium-full bodied palate has slightly maturing flavours of dried red and black berries, strawberry, raspberry, black pepper, and spices supported by fresh, lively acidity and smooth, refined, and lightly chalky tannins. Nicely balanced flavours throughout with savoury, earthy and red berry complexity on the long finish. Enjoy this recommended buy lightly chilled. Score: 90+ pts

A limited selection of Torbreck wines are available at the LCBO, while others from the Torbreck portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Quarisa Mrs Q McLaren Vale Shiraz 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Australian Shiraz that arrives at the LCBO next weekend as part of the August 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Quarisa Wines was established by John and Josephine Quarisa, and their three children. They live by the belief that "Passion is Everything". John and Josephine's lifelong, energetic partnership started at school when they became high-school sweethearts. Over the years, they have grown and developed, and still work together today. John Quarisa has been a winemaker for over 30 years, receiving some of Australia's greatest accolades while working for some of the country's largest wineries. In 2005, John and Josephine Quarisa founded Quarisa Wines. This small, family-run winery crafts wines that are down to earth, full of character and approachable, attributes which are both characteristic of the winemaking style and the winemaker, John Quarisa.

Quarisa has many ranges of wines in their portfolio, and this is from their Q Series, which communicates the partnership between Johnny Q and Mrs Q. Johnny Q is hardworking, effervescent, and represents the winemaker and nature of the wines, and his wines are fresh, flavoursome, fruit driven, with consistent quality using grapes sourced from various renowned viticultural regions in South Australia. Mrs Q is the better half of Johnny Q - she is intriguing, bubbly, selfless, and enticing. Her collection of indulgent luscious wines are sourced from Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. Together, Johnny Q and Mrs Q go hand-in-hand and without one another, neither can thrive.

The Shiraz grapes for this red wine were picked in the cool of the night to retain freshness, then fermented in a combination of rotary and "headed down" open fermenters, with a portion of the juice completing their fermentation in new and used oak barrels. The wine was aged for 18 months in new and used French and American oak barrels prior to bottling. 2017 was a relatively cool and wet vintage, with mostly dry weather during harvest that produced soft, and elegant wines of high quality. Let's see how this McLaren Vale Shiraz is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

QUARISA MRS Q McLAREN VALE SHIRAZ 2017 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#12909) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. Intense, spicy, ripe black and blue fruited aromas joined by black pepper spice and earthy nuances rising out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied with nicely balanced dark fruit, blackberry, spice, black pepper flavours with hints of blueberry, vanilla, savoury, and earthy notes adding further complexity. It has fresh acidity and very smooth, well-knit tannins. Nicely balanced throughout with dark fruit, earth, cocoa, and even some minerals on the long, juicy finish. Quality Aussie Shiraz. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines from Quarisa can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Paxton AAA Shiraz/Grenache 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely organic and biodynamic red wine made with Shiraz and Grenache from Australia that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the May 15th LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across the province.

Paxton Wines is a family-owned wine company that was founded in 1979 in McLaren Vale by David Paxton, one of Australia's most highly respected viticulturalists. The Paxton family has nurtured their own vineyards in McLaren Vale for over 30 years and produced their first wine in 2000. Today, the family produces wines under direction and guidance of consultant winemaker Kate Goodman and winemaker Ashleigh Seymour.

In 2011, Paxton became a fully certified organic and biodynamic wine producer and today they are considered leaders in both organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. The fruit for all of their wines are sourced from their own estate vineyards in McLaren Vale. These vineyards are spread across a diverse number of sites and soil types, all of which are managed with minimal inputs, including no synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and focusing on promoting healthy, living soils through the use of natural compost preparation. Lastly, their concept of "terroir" includes the interaction between the vine, it's environment, and the impact of the human element with the moisture balance of the soil being possibly the major influence.

The 2019 vintage of this red wine is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache, with each individual vineyard parcel fermented separately in a combination of open top and static fermenters. After fermentation, the wine was aged in seasoned French oak barriques (225 L) and puncheons (500 L) for 12 months prior to blending and bottling. The growing season in 2019 experienced below average rainfall, as well as regularly very high temperatures. However, due to Paxton's proximity to the Gulf of St. Vincent (a mere 5 km), the cooling winds moderated the extreme weather events. Overall, although yields were down, the berries were intensely flavoured and had very good density, producing structured wines that can be cellared for many years.

Tasting Note:

PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#149898) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. This organic and biodynamic blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache has fresh, fragrant, minty herb aromas with ripe raspberry and strawberry, red licorice, spice, and subtle wood notes. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and spice flavours balanced with savoury, earthy, and some mineral notes. It has fresh, energetic acids, and smooth, refined tannins, while mineral, spice, and red berry notes linger on the long finish, with a fine mineral aftertaste. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Paxton can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Pinot Noir 2018 (Australia) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious Australian red wines from the ever-reliable Wakefield Wines. Both arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the main feature on wines from Australia in the May 29 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Wakefield Wines was founded in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons, Bill and John, by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley with a desire to create authentic, estate grown wines where the vineyards and winery both reside at the same location. The very first wines the Taylor family crafted were the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (reviewed below) and Shiraz, which are the heart and soul of the business. Wakefield Wines achieved overwhelming success over the years, expanding and growing their portfolio. Today, they also source fruit for their Estate Label wines from other wine regions mainly due to the fruit's higher quality, as is the case with the Pinot Noir that is reviewed below. Both of the wines reviewed in this post are from Wakefield's Estate Label range of wines.

A perennial visitor to LCBO VINTAGES, I last enjoyed the 2017 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon back in August of last year. The 2018 vintage in Clare Valley can be characterized as warm and dry, and warmer than 2017. Thankfully, there were also no major heatwaves as these can be very damaging to the grapes. Overall, the team at Wakefield Wines was very excited about the quality of the wines from this vintage. With Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, the general consensus was that it may be one of the best vintages in quite a while with fantastic colour, flavour development and tannin structure.

The grapes for the Pinot Noir were sourced from Adelaide Hills, a vibrant, cool-climate wine region located in the Mount Lofty Ranges just east of the city of Adelaide in South Australia. Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's largest geographical wine regions, stretching north-south in a narrow band approximately 70 km in length, and bordered by Barossa Valley to the North and McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek to the South. For reference, Clare Valley is located further north, just over 100 kilometres north of Adelaide Hills.

All Estate range wines, which includes these two wines, have an Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor on the back label that will tell you when each wine is ready to enjoy. This innovative sensor is calibrated to each varietal and wine. It is touch-activated and changes colour depending on the temperature of the wine. To use, simply touch the sensor and compare its colour to the chart located on the left. If the colour of the sensor falls between the optimum temperature indicated in the chart, then the wine is ready to drink. Let's see how these wines are tasting...

Tasting Notes:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, lifted nose has aromas of minty-leafy, dark berry, currant, and cassis with savoury, earthy undertones rising out of the glass. It's medium-to-full bodied with minty, cassis, dark berry, blackberry, currant, and savoury oak flavours supported by fresh, balanced acidity and smooth, dusty-textured tannins that have a subtle grip. Nicely balanced throughout with savoury, earthy oak notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

WAKEFIELD PINOT NOIR 2018 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#197392) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The pretty, medium+ intensity nose offers sweet and ripe red cherry, red berry, and strawberry aromas flecked with tea leaf, earthy, and beet root notes. There's a kiss of sweetness on the ripe, light-to-mid weighted palate balanced with fresh, lively acidity and flavours of ripe red cherry, red berry, and sweet cinnamon spice with subtle wood notes. Light tannins are subtly textured, while sweet spice, vanilla, and cherry notes linger on the juicy finish, with very good length. Delicious New World Pinot! Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines from Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group. In some exciting news, Profile Wine Group also now offers Air Miles® Reward Miles with purchase.

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Turkey Flat Barossa Valley White 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely Australian white wine made with Rhône varietals that newly arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the feature on Australia in the May 29th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Turkey Flat was established on the edge of Tanunda in the Barossa Valley in 1847 by Johann Fiedler. The name "Turkey Flat" is derived from a large, native bird that frequented the rich flats by Tanunda Creek. However, this bird was not a turkey - it was actually an Ardeotis australis, or known locally as the Plains Bustard, a bird rarely seen now. Fiedler was one of the first Prussian Lutherans to make wine in the Barossa and is noted for his early efforts in experimenting with grape varietals (he planted at least 72 varietals in the vineyard!) to test the viticultural viability of the new settlement.

Since the 1860's, the Schulz family have been the custodians of Turkey Flat and they have continued the legacy laid down by Fiedler to grow vines and make wines that suit the landscape. Today, Christie Schulz is the fourth generation of the family to become caretaker of this remarkable estate. With the extensive viticultural research undertaken in the vineyards, Christie and her team have been able to sensitively blend traditional Rhône varietals that express their sense of place, such as this Barossa Valley White.

In the vineyard, Turkey Flat aims to optimise the ecological system and using natural influences to control vegetative growth and yields. One of their biggest successes is the use of permanent cover crops in all their vineyards, an approach which shifts the vineyard from a monoculture to a managed ecosystem. All aspects of Turkey Flat Vineyards are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

This exact composition of this blend of Marsanne, Viognier, and Roussanne blend changes every year. The 2017 vintage, which was another exceptional growing season, consists of 45% Marsanne, 33% Viognier, and 22% Roussanne that was sourced from the Bethany and Stonewell regions of the Barossa. Traditional to the Turkey Flat style, the Marsanne was picked early and pressed lightly. The Viognier was handpicked, chilled, crushed and saw 48 hours on skins, and then pressed lightly, while the Roussanne was a little riper when handpicked and subsequently whole bunch pressed. After fermentation, including partial malolactic fermentation, 45% of the wine was aged in large puncheon barrels, 50% new. Let's how this white wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TURKEY FLAT BAROSSA VALLEY WHITE 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#17646) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. Blend of 45% Marsanne, 33% Viognier, and 22% Roussanne that was partially oak aged. The medium-high intensity nose offers lactic and vanilla-infused aromas of stone fruit and citrus with touches of sweet herb and floral. On the medium+ bodied, creamy palate it has lovely stone fruit, buttery, lactic, and sweet herbal flavours with floral touches. It has fresh, juicy acidity and a fine, slightly chalky textured, minerally finish, with excellent length. Recommended buy and enjoy nicely chilled. Score: 90 pts

Although there's one other Turkey Flat wine available at the LCBO, the rest of the wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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May 29, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Spain + Australia

The main feature of the May 29, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release looks at the wines from Spain, while the mini-theme goes Down Under to look at the wines from Australia. All of these wines, plus those from the main release, should be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at the wines from Spain. There are many lovely wines among the 14 featured in the theme, with four included among my top wine picks. From Rioja, first up is an excellent 1998 Reserva that is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo / Graciano, while the 2015 Reserva from Rioja Alta consists of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha / Graciano / Mazuelo. Single varietal wines include a lovely Tempranillo from Castilla y León, and a Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre) from Alicante.

The mini-theme on Australian wines features 11 wines, and while there are a number of good wines listed, only three are included among my top wine recommendations from Australia. The lone white wine is a blend of non-traditional Australian varietals that consists of 45% Marsanne, 33% Viognier, and 22% Roussanne, nearly half of which was aged in oak. The other two Australian wines are red wines - a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir.

There are quite a few blends among my red wine picks. From South America, the Chilean red wine is a blend of 31% Syrah, 29% Cabernet Franc, 25% Carménère, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Argentinean red wine consists of 55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The Rhône red is a blend of Syrah and Grenache, while the Sicilian red is made with Nero d'Avola and Syrah. Lastly, the red wine from South Africa is a Shiraz-led blend that also includes Cinsault, among other varietals.

Among my white wine recommendations from the rest of the release, all are single varietal wines. Dry white wines include the Muscadet that is made with the Melon de Bourgogne grape, as well as a trio of lovely whites from Italy - Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, Falanghina from Campania, and the Gavi from Piedmont that is made with the Cortese grape. If you prefer off-dry wines (i.e. some sweetness), look to either Riesling from Ontario or the Pinot Blanc from British Columbia. If you like even sweeter wines, the Riesling from Mosel will surely satisfy.

Lastly, the dry rosé from Provence is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• TARAPACÁ ORGANIC GRAN RESERVA 2018 - Sustainable, Maipo Valley, Chile (#19245) (XD) - $17.95
• LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL 2017 - DO Alicante, Spain (#490011) (XD) - $17.95
• WAKEFIELD PINOT NOIR 2018 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#197392) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• FIRRIATO SANTAGOSTINO BAGLIO SORÌA NERO D'AVOLA/SYRAH 2014 - IGT Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy (#291369) (XD) - $19.95
• LEEUWENKUIL RESERVE RED 2019 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#14890) (XD) - $19.95

• ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2015 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $21.95
• CUNE RESERVA 2015 - Rioja Alta, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#417659) (XD) - $21.95
• J.L. CHAVE SÉLECTION MON COEUR CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018 - AC, France (#995548) (XD) - $23.95
• CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2018 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#622571) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• URBINA RESERVA 1998 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10723) (XD) - $42.95  92 pts  wine review
• BURROWING OWL SYRAH 2018 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#73072) (XD) - $43.95
• MICHELE CHIARLO TORTONIANO BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#586388) (XD) - $44.95

White Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE LA GRANGE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE GRAND LIEU SUR LIE MUSCADET 2018 - AP, Loire, France (#637868) (XD) - $13.95
• ST. HUBERTUS PINOT BLANC 2016 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#648899) (D) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• TURKEY FLAT BAROSSA VALLEY WHITE 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#17646) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
• CASA DEA RIESLING 2018 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#19915) (D) - $18.95
• MASTROBERARDINO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2018 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#562173) (XD) - $20.95
• FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#366948) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• HILL PINOT GRIGIO 2018 - DOC Alto Adige, Italy (#17365) (XD) - $21.95
• CAPE POINT RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - WO Cape Town, South Africa (#18698) (XD) - $24.95  FE
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• BISCHÖFLICHE WEINGÜTER TRIER PIESPORTER GOLDTROPFCHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#629998) (MS) - $27.95

Rosé Wine:

• MIMI EN PROVENCE GRANDE RÉSERVE ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#452573) (XD) - $21.95

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Wakefield Riesling 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely dry Riesling from Australia, a varietal we unfortunately don't see much of from Australia here in Ontario. This white wine arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the May 15, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Wakefield Wines are hand-crafted by three generations of the Taylor family at their estate in Clare Valley. In 1969, Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons, Bill and John, founded Wakefield Wines by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley with a desire to create a proper "old-world" style Estate where the vineyards and winery are at the same location. Today, the third generation of the Taylors - Mitchell, Justin and Clinton - continue the family's long term goal to make wines that will stand the test of time and the next generation will be proud of.

This particular Riesling is from their Estate Label range of wines. This Estate Label white wines are intended to over deliver in every aspect, while also displaying great varietal expression with elegance and finesse.

Like other wines in the Estate Label range, this Riesling also has a handy, touch-activated Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor on the back label. The sensor is calibrated for each wine, with the ideal temperature suggested as between 8-10°C for this particular Riesling. When the wine is at the optimum drinking temperature, the colour of the sensor will fall within the optimum range on the accompanying colour chart.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD RIESLING 2019 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#301523) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. Fresh, clean, medium-high intensity aromas of lime citrus, white floral, and pear with hints of petrol and melon adding complexity. The medium-bodied palate has a fleshy mouthfeel with a dry flavour profile of lime citrus, floral, ripe pear notes, joined by a twist of honey. It has fresh, balanced acidity with oyster shell mineral, tart lime, and floral notes coming through on the long, lip-smacking finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of this always popular Australian Shiraz (which includes a small amount of Viognier) that arrives at the LCBO next weekend as part of the April 3rd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The Black Chook brand was founded with its first vintage in 2003 using premium fruit from winegrowing regions in South Australia. The Back Chook struts wines that are affordable, enjoyed and adored, shared and celebrated, and has enjoyed great success in Australia, Canada, and USA. With careful vineyard selection and an exceptional winemaking team, The Black Chook strives to have consistent varietal expression in their wines which are approachable and generous with character.

While seeking a name for this new line of wines, a black chicken - or Black Chook - stopped by and lingered around. They decided to immortalize that single Black Chook and today it can be seen scratching and pecking for grubs under the big old gum tree by the Cellar Door.

I last enjoyed the 2017 The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier back in July 2019 and am curious to see how this vintage compares. For this vintage, the fruit was sourced solely from the premium grape growing region of McLaren Vale in South Australia. The wine region of McLaren Vale has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making it well-suited to growing high quality Shiraz grapes. Although the vintage was smaller than average, the quality of the fruit was good with concentrated berries and intense flavours. Let's see how this 2019 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#66738) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. This co-fermented blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Viognier has fresh aromas of red berry, cherry, and floral aromas rising out of the glass. The ripe, full-bodied palate has a dark fruited profile of blueberry, cold cream, and peppery spice flavours along with touches of wood and floral. It has fresh, lemony acidity, while the tannins are sweet, ripe, rounded, and dusty textured. Woody, pepper, and dark berry notes linger on the finish, with good length. Highly quaffable and goes down easy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from The Black Chook can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits Ltd.

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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of the always reliable and delicious Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still widely available across the province.

Wakefield Wines are crafted by the Taylors family. They have been making wines since the 1950s and founded their own winery by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley in 1969. With three generations of the family involved in the business, their principle is to create fine wines made with great dedication and care, while also respecting the fruit. Being family-owned and -operated, they wish to leave a legacy for future generations and operate the business in a responsible and sustainable manner.

This red wine is part of their Jaraman range where they search for parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. Recent vintages of the Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon have leaned heavily towards fruit from Coonawarra over Clare Valley. For the 2017 vintage, there is slightly more Clare Valley fruit (56%) versus Coonawarra (44%). In Clare Valley, the weather was favourable throughout much of the growing season and the vintage was declared to be above average in quantity and fruit quality. It was a cooler growing season in Coonawarra, and combined with a large rain event during harvest resulted in not all of the fruit being harvested. The end result was less fruit being picked, although what was picked was of good quality.

Having enjoyed previous vintages of this wine, including most recently the 2016 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon last September, I would expect a wine of similar quality, but perhaps a slightly different profile for this vintage. Coonawarra Cabernets tend to have a range of fruit flavours when young, and develop earthy, savoury, and spicy notes with age. Clare Valley Cabernets are strong, bold, powerful, and earthy. Let's see how this Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from both Clare Valley (56%) and Coonawarra (44%) that was raised in used French oak barrels for 10-12 months. Screw cap enclosure. The medium+ intensity nose has a pretty, minty-eucalypt-herbal notes layered over currant, cassis, and blackberry aromas, all of which surrounds a savoury, earthy core. The full-bodied, structured palate has more minty-herbal flavours mingling with red currant, cassis, savoury earth, and wood spice flavours. It has juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, fine-grained tannins. Very good length on the textured, savoury, earthy, and minty finish. Enjoy this fine Australian Cab over the next 6-7 years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, and can also be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Margan Family Hunter Valley Semillon 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Semillon from the Hunter Valley in Australia that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the February 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Margan Wines was established in 1996 by Lisa and Andrew Margan in the picturesque Broke Fordwich wine region of Hunter Valley. Prior to establishing Margan Wines, Andrew learned the art of grape growing and winemaking at Tyrrell's for 20 years, along with working as a flying winemaker in France. Together with his wife, Lisa, the Margans have evolved to become the leading winery in the Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley.

Today, they have over 100 hectares of quality vineyards, some of which were planted in the late 1960s. All of the wines are single vineyard, Estate Grown wines that are hand-crafted at the Estate by Andrew. The uniquely-styled wines of Margan are strongly defined by the climate of the Hunter Valley and the ancient red volcanic soils of the Fordwich Sill which run through the area. These soils are free-draining, but the soils cell structure absorbs moisture quickly and releases it slowly, a beneficial feature for inland, high-latitude (32.5 degrees South) regions such as Broke Fordwich. These free-draining, alluvial soils and sandy loams also produce particularly fine Semillon - the variety for which the Hunter Valley is best known.

Environmentally sustainable practices are a core value at Margan Wines. They are fully accredited with sustainable winegrowing Australia and committed to looking after the land and be sustainable for generations to come. They have many sustainability initiatives at the winery and restaurant - too numerous to mention here - and are also looking to become carbon neutral.

I have enjoyed Hunter Valley Semillon for many years now. They can be enjoyed young, but are best with some age on them. Let's see how this Semillon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MARGAN FAMILY HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLON 2018 - Estate grown, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#493338) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. From 40 year old, low-yielding and mature vines grown on the red volcanic soils of the ancient Fordwich Sill, the medium-high intensity nose is elegant with distinctive lanolin, earthy mineral, grapefruit citrus, lemon, and floral aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied on the dry, racy palate with bright acidity and flavours of lanolin, citrus, floral, and touches of herb. Very good length with citrus, herb, earthy mineral notes lingering on the juicy finish. Enjoyable now, but I would cellar this for 5 years to allow for additional complexities to develop. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from the Margan Family can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Wakefield Clare Valley Estate Chardonnay 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I opened this delicious Australian Chardonnay that is a frequent visitor to the LCBO. This particular bottle is the 2019 vintage that arrives on our shores as part of the February 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Wakefield Wines are hand-crafted by three generations of the Taylor family at their estate in Clare Valley. In 1969, Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons, Bill and John, founded Wakefield Wines by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley. Today, the third generation of the Taylors - Mitchell, Justin and Clinton - continue the family's long term goal to make wines that will stand the test of time and the next generation will be proud of.

The Taylors are committed to sustainability and acting responsibly for future generations. Their goal is to apply the best practices in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. They use innovative techniques to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and packaging, while also minimizing waste and pollution. Through a holistic approach to environmental management, they also aim for biodiversity and sustainable land for the present and future.

I last enjoyed this wine when the previous vintage - the 2018 Wakefield Clare Valley Estate Chardonnay - came to LCBO VINTAGES last August. The 2019 vintage was a difficult one in South Australia due to the hot weather and drought. The heat and water stress led to an early and condensed vintage with reduced yields. However, careful canopy management and water irrigation helped reduce the effects. Due to the reduced yields, the fruit for this vintage comes from both Clare Valley and further south in Padthaway.

Back in August, I looked at the innovative and exclusive, touch-activated Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor that is found on the back label of many Wakefield Wines. Temperature is very important when enjoying a glass of wine and because every wine has its own ideal drinking temperature, the sensor is calibrated to each individual wine and changes colour depending on the temperature of the wine. When the colour of the sensor falls within the ideal range using the accompanying chart, the wine is ready to be enjoyed. Personally, I think it works well, however, I tend to enjoy my Chardonnays on the warmer side. How cold (or warm) do you prefer your Chardonnay?

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2019 - Clare Valley & Padthaway, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95
With fruit from both Clare Valley & Padthaway, the majority of the fruit was fermented in used French oak barrels. Screw cap. The medium+ intensity nose is ripe with apple, pear, tropical fruit, and vanilla aromas along with subtle peach and butterscotch notes. The medium+ bodied palate is also very ripe with delicious pear, apple, tropical fruit, vanilla and butterscotch. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while some leesy notes arrive on the ripe apple, pear, and vanilla flavoured finish, with very good length. Reliably delicious year after year. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)

Tonight's wine review is this consistently well-made Australian Shiraz by the ever-reliable Wakefield Wines. I enjoyed the 2017 Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 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 December 12, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Produced by the Taylor family, one of Australia's First Families of Wine, 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.

This 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.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2017 - Clare Valley/McLaren Vale, South Australia (#377036) (XD) - $24.95
Screw 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

Many other Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Tournon Shays Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2013 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent Australian Shiraz that came to the LCBO over the weekend as part of the November 28th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The Chapoutier 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.

Michel 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.

The Domaine Tournon portfolio consists of four ranges of wines. At the low end is the Mathilda range from Victorian vineyards - I enjoyed the 2011 Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 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.

Tasting Note:

TOURNON SHAYS FLAT VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2013 - Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia (#311480) (XD) - $23.95
Cork 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

Other lovely wines from M. Chapoutier can be ordered via their Agent - Dandurand.

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Wakefield Merlot 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice Merlot from the always dependable Wakefield Wines. This red wine is a regular visitor to VINTAGES for many years now and, in fact, looking through my database, I actually purchased a 2004 vintage of this wine in 2006 and opened it that same year. The latest vintage of this Merlot arrived at LCBO outlets across Ontario recently as part of the October 31st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The Taylor family established their wine business in 1969 and decided to create a proper 'old world' style Estate like the great producers of Bordeaux, but in the 'new world' location of the Clare Valley in South Australia. In the language of wine, an Estate means that the vineyards and winery are in the same location, thus allowing the producer to have ultimate control over the vineyards and winery. Today, the Taylor family continues to craft and bottle wines at the Estate. However, not all of the fruit comes from their own property these days mainly because their wines are so popular that they need to source fruit from elsewhere, but they sometimes also seek out fruit from other areas because the fruit is of higher quality. This commitment to crafting quality wines from quality fruit has helped the Taylor's develop an enviable reputation and garnered much success over the years.

The first wines they crafted were the Estate range Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, while the Merlot followed sometime thereafter. Like the trio of Wakefield Estate Wines I enjoyed back in August, this Merlot also has the innovative Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor on the back label. The fruit for this Merlot comes from the Taylor family estate and was de-stemmed and underwent a quick, yet gentle, warm fermentation using a yeast that enhances fruit expression. It was then pressed and went through malolactic fermentation. Finally, it was matured in mostly second use and older American & French oak barrels, then blended and bottled with minimal filtration.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD MERLOT 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#683201) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant nose on this Merlot offers spicy ripe currant and green herbal aromas with savoury, earthy, and vanilla undertones. It's medium-bodied on the ripe, slightly candied and jammy palate with blackberry, minty cassis, vanilla, and sweet spice flavours with touches of plum. Acids are fresh while soft, supple tannins have some texture. Savoury wood spice and chocolate notes linger on the finish, with good length. Crafted in a casual, crowd-pleasing style. Score: 87 pts

Many other Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that returned to LCBO VINTAGES on August 22nd.

Bill Taylor and his family have been crafting fine wines in Clare Valley for three generations, beginning in 1969. They carefull selected this site for its red-brown loam over limestone soils, also known as terra rossa, and the cool climate which they immediately recognized would grow excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. The three seahorse logo - one for each generations of the family - comes from the fossilized remains of seahorses they discovered on their land during excavations for the vineyard's dam. In the Southern Hemisphere, the family makes their wines under the Taylors label, but they sell their wines in the Northern Hemisphere, including here in Ontario, as Wakefield Wines.

The Jaraman collection of wines includes a Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and this Cabernet Sauvignon, With the Jaraman range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. The fruit for these wines are sourced from Australia's celebrated wine regions that are renowned for the particular variety. At the winery, the winemakers ensure that distinct regional characteristics are preserved and enhanced through any winemaking techniques, all the while having respect for the fruit.

I last enjoyed this same 2016 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon when it came to LCBO VINTAGES in August of 2019 and recall that the tannins were a bit tight at the time. Let's see how this bottle is tasting now, a full 12 months after last year's tasting.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Coonawarra & Clare Valley, South Australia (#142398) (D) - $24.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon composed of 73% Coonawarra and 27% Clare Valley fruit. Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose offers menthol, currant, and cassis with hints of leafy, dried herb aromas. It's full-bodied with minty cassis, ripe blackberry, and currant flavours accented with oak spice and just a touch of jamminess. It's well-balanced with fresh acidity while tannins have softened since last year, having a touch of chalky grip. Savoury chocolatey oak with currant and herbal notes linger on the long finish. Score: 89 pts

There are quite a few Wakefield Wines available at the LCBO, but can also be ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Wakefield Estate Wines (Australia) and Optimum Drinking Temperature

Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of wines from Australia's Wakefield Wines where we take brief look at wine serving temperatures.

But first, the story of Wakefield Wines begins in 1950, when the Taylor family's long-standing association with Clare Valley results in a partnership with a local co-operative to bottle and distribute their own wines. In 1969, Bill Taylor finds a perfect plot of land by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley to establish their family estate and plants its first Cabernet Sauvignon vines. At the same time, Bill was excavating the land to find a water source and discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock that date back more than 600 million years. These seahorses are featured prominently in the company's logo.

In 1973, the Taylor family completed construction of the winery and also released their first wines - the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Estate Shiraz which are the heart of the business. As the company grew and expanded, they began exporting wines to the UK in 1985 under the name "Wakefield" due to international trademarks held by the Taylors family of Portugal. In 2004, Wakefield became the first major Australian wine company to bottle all of their wines under screw cap. The latest innovation came a few years ago, when they launched the Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor on the back label.

A world first, the back label of the Wakefield Estate and Promised Land range of wines feature their exclusive, touch-activated, Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor. The temperature of a wine plays an important role in the experience and enjoyment of wine. However, most people serve their wine without really thinking about the temperature of it and serve red wines at room temperature - which is too warm - and white wines too cold. The myth surrounding enjoying red wine at room temperature originated from the chilly drawing rooms of medieval French castles. In my younger days, I was also guilty of this behaviour as I would bring a nicely cooled red wine up from the basement and let it warm up to room temp before opening. I learned, and these days I chill all of my wines - how much time in the fridge depends on the varietal/style - and gradually let them warm up to see how the wine changes. I would strongly encourage you to try this at home as well.

Wakefield's solution to the temperature problem is to provide temperature sensors on the back label that indicate when the wine is ready to enjoy. Each wine has its own calibrated sensor that is touch-activated and changes colour depending on the temperature of the wine. By referencing the temperature guide (also printed on the back label) with the colour of the sensor, you can easily tell if the wine is too warm, too cold, or at the right serving temperature. Pictures of the back label are provided below, as well as wine reviews of three Wakefield Estate wines. Based on my personal experimentation, the temperature sensor is a useful guide that will help you determine when to drink the wine. However, since I tend to slowly sip my wines, I would serve them a little cooler than recommended and gradually let the wine warm up in the glass for best enjoyment.

All three of these wines are readily available in the VINTAGES section at the LCBO. Other wines from the Wakefield portfolio can be found at the LCBO or ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Tasting Notes:

WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. Ripe, medium+ intensity nose has buttery, pear, golden apple, and some leesy aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the creamy palate with ripe banana and pineapple flavours balanced by apple, lemon, and sweet vanillin oak, and touches of butterscotch. Acids are fresh while the lemony, spicy finish has very good length. Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES August 8th. Score: 88 pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE SHIRAZ 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#943787) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh with herbal, leafy, mint and spice layered over black cherry, plum, and gentle oak aromas. The medium-full bodied palate offers well-integrated oak spice, black cherry, plum, and peppery spice flavours supported by smooth, fine-grained, and sweet tannins. It has fresh, juicy acidity. Pleasantly dry (but undeniably Shiraz) and well-balanced overall with a touch of chocolate on the long finish. VINTAGES Essentials product and always available year-round. The 2018 is a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity aromatics lead with herbal, green pepper, and black cherry liqueur followed by cassis, wood spice, and touches of olive. It is full-bodied on the palate with herbal, dark cherry, cassis, and woodsy replays on the flavour profile. Acids are well-balanced, while tannins are slightly chalky and grainy, softening somewhat since tasting in Sept. 2019. Earthy and wood spice notes linger on the finish, with good length. Available in LCBO VINTAGES now and also featured in the September 19, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Score: 88 pts

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May 30, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Australia

The May 30, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release is another mono-thematic Release and features top wines from the land down under - Australia. All of these wines, including those from the Main Release will be on shelves at the top 100 LCBO stores across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on top wines from Awesome Australia. There are 14 wines featured as part of this theme and 5 are included among my top wine picks. Of course, we all know about Australian Shiraz - and there is one Shiraz (which is also the Wine of the Month) recommended from this Release - but it was quite nice to see a diverse range of other varietals and styles also featured from the Land Down Under, although notably absent are any wines from Tasmania. White wines recommended from Australia in this Release include a fine Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula, and a Hunter Valley Semillon. Red wine picks from Australia include a Bush Vine Grenache and a lovely single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Red wine recommendations from the rest of the Release include a pair of budget-friendly Portuguese reds - the Dão red is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz, while the Douro red is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. From Italy, the Ripasso is a blend of mainly Corvina, with Rondinella, Corvinone, and Oseleta in support, while the lovely Spanish Rioja is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha Tinta, and 5% Mazuelo. High-end single varietal wines include a Barolo made with Nebbiolo, and an organic Brunello that is made with 100% Sangiovese.

Among my white wine picks, the only a blend is a barrel-fermented white from South Africa that consists of 74% Chenin Blanc, 8% Clairette Blanche, 6% Grenache Blanc, 7% Viognier, 2% Semillon Gris, 2% Viura, and 1% Verdelho. The rest are all single varietal wines such as a trio Sauvignon Blanc wines and a Chardonnay. There is also a nice wine made with the indigenous Coda di Volpe varietal from Campania. For sweet wine lovers, try both Rieslings from Niagara as they are made by the same producer, and if you like very sweet wines, the Riesling Spätlese from Germany will suit your palate.

Arriving with this Release is the much welcomed warm weather, and with that comes a slew of rosé wines. Three rosé wines are among my wine recommendations and all are of the dry variety. The rosé from Niagara is a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 27% Gamay, and 8% Pinot Noir. From France, the Tavel is consists of mostly Grenache Noir with Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Bourboulenc, Carignan, and Clairette completing the blend, while the rosé from Provence is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers and be well!

Red Wine:

• PEDRA CANCELA WINEMAKER SELECTION RED 2016 - DO Dão, Portugal (#14438) (XD) - $13.95
• QUINTA DA REDE RESERVA 2015 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#431742) (XD) - $17.95
• DURIGUTTI CABERNET FRANC 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#14916) (XD) - $18.95
• SHANAHANS THE OLD DOG SHIRAZ 2016 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#13030) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• PROVOLO CAMPOTORBIAN RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2013 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#974402) (D) - $19.95
• RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#194753) (XD) - $20.95  89 pts  wine review
• YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2018 - Barossa, South Australia (#531228) (XD) - $24.95
• NUGAN ESTATE ALCIRA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#393686) (D) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• CLOSSON CHASE CHURCHSIDE PINOT NOIR 2017 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#265074) (XD) - $39.95  FE
• FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#943290) (XD) - $49.95  91 pts  wine review
• COL D'ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#306852) (XD) - $53.95  91 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• IL POGGIO TABURNO SANNIO CODA DI VOLPE 2018 - DOP, Campania, Italy (#14270) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• VIDAL ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#12636) (XD) - $19.95
• REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2018 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.95
• ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#462614) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING 2017 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $21.95
• WITHER HILLS RARANGI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Single vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#551721) (XD) - $22.95
• STUDERT-PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#114777) (S) - $24.95  FE
• BROKENWOOD SEMILLON 2018 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#657726) (XD) - $27.95
• MONTALTO PENNON HILL CHARDONNAY 2018 - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia (#12694) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 2019 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#556597) (XD) - $37.95  FE
• KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2018 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $101.95

Rosé Wine:

• MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2019 - AC, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE DE TRIENNES ROSÉ 2019 - IGP Méditerranée, Provence, France (#409771) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BLUE MOUNTAIN GOLD LABEL BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#206326) (XD) - $34.95  90 pts  wine review

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