Showing posts with label barossa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label barossa. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 12, 2022

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2018 (Barossa) - Wine Review



After enjoying the lovely 2017 Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre last August, red wine review is the next vintage of this lovely GSM blend from Australia that is coming to the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in the Barossa Valley in 1994 by David Powell, Torbreck Vintners was named after a forest in Scotland where David worked as a lumberjack. After gaining his winemaking experience at various Barossa wineries, David was inspired to create his own label and began to share-farm vineyards in order to obtain fruit from some of the Barossa Valley's very best vineyards.

Torbreck Vintners is owned today by Proprietor Peter Kight with a continued focus on the classic Rhône (and Barossa) varieties - Shiraz (Syrah), Grenache and Mataró (Mourvèdre) - all three of which make up this red wine. 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. Torbreck works with multi-generational winegrowers whose ancestors arrived here nearly two centuries ago and have great knowledge of the seasons and soils, while working the vineyards with minimal intervention and aiming to get the best out of each vineyard site.

Compared to the previous vintage, the 2018 edition of this wine contains a little bit less Grenache (59%) and Syrah (19%), and more Mourvèdre (22%). The grapes were hand harvested from vines as much as 100 years old from the red earth sub-regions of Marananga, Gomersal, and Ebenezer of the western Barossa Valley. It was fermented in a combination of open top cement and wooden vats, as well as stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in well-seasoned French oak hogsheads for 24 months. Each parcel of grapes was vinified separately until the final stage of blending and bottling.

The 2018 growing season started with above average winter rainfall, which led into below average spring and summer rainfall, producing small bunches and berries. In the Barossa it was reasonably hot and caused considerable heat stress to some vines. However, once temperatures eased off, the dry and mild conditions allowed the fruit to fully ripen slowly, with both Shiraz and Grenache showing some great potential. Overall, quality was particularly high amongst Torbreck's red varieties Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. Let's see how this 2018 GSM blend from Australia is tasting tonight...

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2018 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE / SHIRAZ / MOURVÈDRE 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#10223) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap enclosure. This blend of 59% Grenache, 22% Mourvèdre, and 19% Syrah has a lovely, fragrant, intense nose of ripe raspberry and black cherry with underlying savoury, meaty, and wet earth aromas, plus with some black pepper spice and dried herb adding further complexity. The medium-full bodied is also quite ripe with more raspberry, black cherry, meaty, wet earth, and black pepper spice flavours. Acids are fresh, juicy, and well-balanced. Lightly structured tannins are smooth and refined. Savoury with smoky mineral notes linger on the long, lightly chalky textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Torbreck are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, October 19, 2021

Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2019 (Barossa) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2017 Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre a couple of months ago, wine review is another lovely wine made with the same varietals from the same producer. It arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release and is featured as part of the theme in that Release on wines from Australia.

Founded in 1994 by David Powell, Torbreck Vintners was named after a forest in Scotland where David worked as a lumberjack. He was inspired to create is own label after working at a number of Barossa wineries. With the share-farm vineyard concept, David was able to obtain fruit from Barossa'a best vineyards to craft highly-acclaimed wines using the classic Rhône varieties Shiraz (Syrah), Grenache and Mataró (Mourvèdre). Today, Torbreck Vintners is owned by Proprietor Peter Kight and they work with multi-generational winegrowers who have great knowledge of the terroir and work their vineyards with minimal intervention.

Cuvée Juveniles was created as a "Côtes du Rhône" inspired bistro wine from the classic Barossa varieties Grenache, Mataro, and Shiraz from mostly old, unirrigated vineyards. These varieties are the cornerstone of the Barossa Valley, and when combined together are often referred to as GSM blends. This particular red wine is a blend of old vines 72% Grenache, 23% Mataro, and 5% Shiraz from multiple vineyards ranging from 40 to 150 year old vines. It was fermented and aged completely in stainless steel tanks, including a completely natural malolactic fermentation, prior to bottling.

The 2019 growing season was defined by a continuously warm to hot summer with no effective rainfall, wind and hail at flowering, and followed with three major frosts - resulting in an earlier and much smaller harvest than average. These tough conditions produced smaller clusters of intensely dark berries with thick, fleshy skins which contrasted against brown, mature stalks. Although 2019 was another year of reduced yields, it did produce wines of very high quality with impressive concentration of colour, tannins, and aromas. Let's see how this 2019 GSM from Barossa is tasting tonight...

Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2019 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES 2019 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#723940) (XD) - $29.95
Screw cap. This unoaked blend of old vines 72% Grenache, 23% Mataro, and 5% Shiraz has fresh, open, intense, and complex aromas of lovely red berry, notes of raspberry, strawberry, cherry, and pomegranate joined by spices, white pepper, and subtle meaty notes. The medium to medium-full bodied palate is fruit-forward with lovely red berry, raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate replays on the flavour profile with spices and meaty notes adding a pleasant savoury component. Exceptionally well-balanced with fresh acidity, smooth, supple, and dusty-textured tannins. Savoury, earthy, even some mineral lingers on the long, clean finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Torbreck are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, October 10, 2021

Vini Ventures - A New Experience in Virtual Wine Tastings

Vini Ventures - A New Experience in Virtual Wine Tastings
In response to growing demand for private and corporate sustainable wine tastings, Toronto-based entrepreneur Michelle Paris, DipWSET, launched Vini Ventures - Canada's first virtual wine tasting company that focuses on environmental and sustainable practices. I received this sample box of six wines to experience Vini Ventures firsthand.

Launched to great acclaim over the summer, Vini Ventures creates one hundred per cent bespoke, high quality wine tasting kits delivered directly and safely to the customer's door. With an ongoing commitment to a plastic-free planet, Vini Ventures' wine kits are produced using recyclable and reusable glass bottles, packaging made with minimum 75 per cent recycled paper, and recyclable packing materials.

Vini Ventures' uses a vacuum bottle filler system to ensure the wines are fresh and stable. Given that the wines have had minimal exposure to oxygen, all bottles are topped with ArT Wine Preserver to remove oxygen and replaced with Argon - the industry standard for food and wine preservation. Furthermore, by using only glass bottles, the wine is fully protected from oxygen ingress.

The wine kits are fully customizable from three to six bottles per box, and bottle sizes start at two ounces - which are ideal for wine classes, study and tasting groups. There's also a handy QR code in each box so recipients can access tasting notes for each wine that is selected either by the client or Vini Ventures. The company also provides expertise on planning and executing wine tasting events that are fully- or self-guided, large or small, and their clients have ranged from wine associations and producers, to corporate, consumer and private companies. Labels on the bottles can also be customized to suit your brand and needs.

To perfect the art of food and wine pairing, Vini Ventures has partnered with Toronto's La Palette, Cheese Boutique, and other local providers to further personalize each tasting kit. There is a range of quality charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks at different price points which can be customized for each unique Vini Ventures delivery.

All of the wines in my sample box that I tasted were fresh and tasted great - my full tasting notes are provided below. In case you are interested in any of these wines, you might be able to find them at the LCBO.

Contact Vini Ventures to get started on your wine adventure!

Tasting Notes:

LITORALE VAL DELLE ROSE VERMENTINO 2019 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (XD)
Fresh, intense aromas of lemon citrus, herbs, and ripe pear, accented by hints of lemon pith, leesy and saline mineral. The medium-full to full-bodied palate is creamy textured and ripe with lovely pear, apple, lemon citrus flavours, along with herbal touches. Refreshing acids lift the palate, along with saline notes on the mid-palate. Slightly spicy on the tail end with saline, leesy mineral, and zesty notes lingering on the long finish. Score: 90 pts

Litorale Val Delle Rose Vermentino 2019 (90 pts)Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2018 (90 pts)

ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (XD)
The highly aromatic nose offers intense tropical fruit aromas of guava, kiwi, and passion fruit that mingle with subtle smoky and oak influence. It’s full bodied with lovely interplays between the oak vanillin and tropical fruit flavours on the crunchy palate, joined by grapefruit and lemon citrus notes that add complexity. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced. Crisp and long on the lip-smacking finish. Score: 90 pts

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 - AC, France (XD)
This has a medium+ intensity nose that is ripe and fruit forward with plummy, dark red cherry, blueberry, candied licorice and sweet spice aromas. The medium+ bodied palate is also ripe with black-red-blue berry, dark plum, and spice flavours, with savoury, stony mineral undertones. Acids are well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and refined. Savoury and stony on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

Xavier Vignon Côte du Rhône 2019 (88+ pts)Baron de Ley Reserva 2015 (89 pts)

BARON DE LEY RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (XD)
Made with Tempranillo, the medium-high intensity nose delivers sandalwood, sweet oak vanillin, red cherry, and coconut aromas, all of which come through on the flavour profile of the medium-full bodied palate, joined by some maturing dried cherry and floral notes. It has very good, juicy acidity, while the well-integrated tannins have a slight grip. Very good length on the finish with savoury, earthy, wood, and red cherry notes with a touch of graphite. Score: 89 pts

ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BARON VON NEMESIS SHIRAZ 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD)
The medium-high intensity nose is ripe and fruit with slightly jammy aromas of blackberry, mint, herbs, and cedar wood with some underlying meaty notes. It’s medium-full bodied with smooth, ripe, and sweet tannins on the dry palate with pleasing aroma replays of ripe dark fruit, blackberry, herbal mint, and wood spice. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while the finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Shiraz 2018 (89 pts)Luigi Bosca Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (XD)
The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, and smoke, with touches of olive, herb and wood spice adding interest. The ripe, full-bodied palate has delightful aroma replays of blackberry and black cherry with touches of violet, boysenberry, smoke, and bramble with a savoury and spicy underpinning and fresh acidity. The elegant, well-structured tannins provide a nice mouthfeel. Smoky mineral notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Score: 89 pts


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  • Date publishedTuesday, August 10, 2021

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

red wine review is a lovely GSM blend from Australia that returned to the LCBO last weekend in the 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.

Torbreck Old Vines Grenache / Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2017 (90+ pts)

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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  • Date publishedThursday, June 3, 2021

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

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 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...

Turkey Flat Barossa Valley White 2017 (90 pts)

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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  • Date publishedMonday, November 11, 2019

Elderton E Series Chardonnay 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

On this cold, wintry , I bring you some sunshine in a glass with a wine review of this Australian Chardonnay that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of Elderton Wines begins 1894, when a vineyard was planted by the Scholz family on the banks of North Para River in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. In 1916, the property was purchased by Tolley family. The homestead is located in the heart of the township of Nuriootpa and was surrounded by extremely old Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. At a time where demand for Australian table wine was negligible, the vineyard had become derelict.

In 1979, Neil and Lorraine Ashmead moved to the Barossa after spending some years in Saudi Arabia. After years of no interest in the homestead, the Ashmead family purchased the property in 1980, which included a 72-acre vineyard as a bonus as part of the sale. Three years later, after restoring the vineyard and with the help of one of Australia's most respected and innovative winemakers, Peter Lehmann, the Ashmead family produced their first wine under Elderton Wines label.

Since that time, Elderton has garnered many accolades. Today, the winery continues to be run by the Ashmead family, with the second generation, Cameron and Allister, taking over the reins in 2003. Neil passed away in 1997, but Lorraine still continues to be involved through her role on the Board. Together, they intend on taking the company to the next level by purchasing other great vineyards, while also implementing sustainable practices so that the next generation of the Ashmead family will have a lot to work with when they are at the helm.

The E Series wines from Elderton are their entry-level wines that are designed to be affordable, everyday drinking wines made with exceptional quality. The E series stands for excellence, excitement, evolution, epicure, elegance and euphoria. E is for earth. E is for Elderton. Embrace and enjoy!

Elderton E Series Chardonnay 2017 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

ELDERTON E SERIES CHARDONNAY 2017 - Barossa, South Australia (#458760) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The medium intensity nose is ripe with melon, peach, and golden apple aromas, plus touches of pear, floral, and butter characters. It is medium-full bodied and dry with clean, refreshing acids and fleshy fruit that delivers golden apple, melon, and citrus flavours. Oak is very subtle, adding mostly a textural element. Leesy, apple, and citrus notes linger on the finish, with good length. Will be a fine match with poultry. Score: 87 pts


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  • Date publishedMonday, June 10, 2019

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed the 2016 Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz. T I opened the 2017 vintage of this delicious Australian Shiraz that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on - and there are plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

This red wine is crafted by the next generation of Peter Lehmann winemakers, showcasing the superb fruit that is sourced from the many fabled sub-regions across the Barossa Valley. The fruit comes from a selection of Barossa's key growers that are renowned for their quality, skill, and passion.

For the 2017 vintage, the winemakers at Peter Lehmann identified various expressions of Shiraz across the Barossa and blended the high-quality parcels together to seamlessly deliver a complex, layered wine. The 2017 vintage began after a long, wet winter, resulting in damp soils and cooler temperatures which lead to vine development that was slower than normal. The summer had average temperatures with two short heat bursts and well-timed rains. An Indian Summer began in March, allowing for consistent ripening, colour development, and good natural acidity.

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2017 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ 2017 - Barossa, South Australia (#522235) (XD) - $21.95
Partially barrel fermented. Matured in a combination of 1-5 year old French and American 300 L oak hogsheads barrels for 12 months. Screw cap enclosure. I like the fairly intense and complex nose that offers cassis, mint, black cherry, licorice, and vanillin oak spices. The medium-full bodied palate has chewy, well-integrated tannins that are quite smooth. More black plum on the flavour profile, followed by cassis, black cherry, oak spice, and licorice notes. Acids are juicy and balanced. Spice and mocha chocolate notes on the mid-palate, lingering through to the long finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 89 pts


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  • Date publishedSunday, May 19, 2019

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review

red wine review is a nice Australian Shiraz. The 2017 vintage of wine will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on .

Peter Lehmann was born in Barossa in 1930 and was the fifth generation of one of Barossa's pioneering families. In 1947, Peter apprenticed as a winemaker at Yalumba and in 1959 he became the Winemaker/Manager at the Barossa winery Saltram. In the late 1970's, during a difficult time in the winegrowing region when there was a grape surplus and contracts were being cancelled, Peter took a massive gamble by working with growers to process their grapes at Saltram (with the permission of Saltram's owners) as a side-project he called "Masterson" - a famous gambler from Guys and Dolls. After Saltram was sold, Peter parted ways with the new owners and he started Masterson Wines in 1979, which evolved into Peter Lehmann Wines.

Today, Peter Lehmann Wines is renowned as one of Australia’s most internationally awarded wineries and its wines are a celebration of the Barossa community and the benefits that passion, craft and collaboration can bring. Peter Lehmann Wines has strong relationships with more than 140 grape growers across the region and has access to some of Barossa’s finest fruit.

The fruit for The Barossan Shiraz come from high quality parcels that are selected from a diverse range of Shiraz vineyards throughout the Barossa Valley, many of which include vines over 100 years old.

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz 2016 (88 pts)

Tasting Note:

PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ 2016 - Barossa, South Australia (#522235) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. Medium+ intensity nose offers ripe black cherry and blackberry aromas combined with enticing black pepper notes. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with mocha, licorice, oak spice and touches of mint joining the black cherry and black pepper notes on the flavour profile. It has fresh acids and smooth, supple tannins. Earthy and mocha notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Enjoyed with lamb burgers off the BBQ. Score: 88 pts


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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 28, 2016

Top Wines from Savour Australia Wine Tasting - May 2016

This mid-May tasting titled "Savour Australia" featured wines from about 25 wineries and was held in a compact room at George Restaurant on Queen Street East. At times, the room felt very small due to the high number of people in attendance. Overall, there were many high quality wines at various price points. As is the case with most tastings, many of the wines are not available at the LCBO, but can be ordered through the winery's representing Agent here in Ontario. Many wines from Australia at this tasting were most definitely savoured and highly recommended. Here are some of my favourite Australian wines from this tasting.

Tasting Notes:

CIRILLO 1850 ANCESTOR SEMILLON 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#250281) (XD) - $42.65
Vines from 1849 and produced by the 9th generation of this family-owned winery, this Semillon has a very appealing and highly aromatic nose of mineral, wet stone, white flowers and hints honey. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel and tart lime and mineral flavours. It is a dry wine with very good acids and excellent length on the finish. Excellent wine will age for at least 5 years. Superb! Contact Bokke Wines for availability. Now available online at LCBO.com and at the Eglinton & Laird LCBO. Score: 92 pts

Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Semillon 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (92 pts)

HOLLICK RAVENSWOOD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Coonawarra, South Australia (XD) - $75
Highly aromatic with elegant notes of sweet spice, red and black fruits, currant, cassis, hints of pencil lead and slightly jammy fruit notes, all of which echo very nicely on the full-bodied palate. Acids are juicy and mouth-watering, while the finish is excellent. Tannins are firm and drying, but also provide very good structure. This should be better in 2-3 years and drink well for at least decade. Contact Lifford Wine & Spirits for availability. Score: 92 pts

Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - Coonawarra, South Australia (92 pts)

ALPHA BOX & DICE APOSTLE SHIRAZ DURIF 2012 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (XD) - $50
This 85/15 blend of Shiraz and Durif (aka Petite Sirah) has a medium-to-high intensity nose of red, black and purple fruits intermingling with sweet spice, herbs, mint and violets. On the palate, it is full-bodied and offers complex aroma replays framed by very good acidity and integrated tannins. In my excitement, I guess I forgot to take a photo of this absolutely delicious wine! Score: 91+ pts

STONIER CHARDONNAY 2015 - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia (#025353) (XD) - $35
Medium-high intensity nose that's fresh and clean with bright orchard fruits and pear aromas. The mouthfeel is full with a nice texture and pleasing aroma replays on the palate. It has very good acidity and finishes long. Very well-balanced. 30% barrel fermented. Contact Select Wines to order. Score: 90+ pts

Stonier Chardonnay 2015 - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia (90+ pts)

KILIKANOON MORT'S BLOCK RIESLING 2015 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#428342) (XD) - $19.95
A medium-to-high intensity nose offers lovely petrol aromas with underlying mineral and wet rock along hints of stone fruit, all of which show up on the flavour profile. There's some sweetness on the palate, but is shaded by bright acids. Minerally finish is long and dry with hints of citrus. Should arrive in VINTAGES in the Fall. Contact Charton Hobbs for quicker availability. Score: 90+ pts
Kilikanoon Mort's Block Riesling 2015 - Clare Valley, South Australia (90+ pts)



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  • Date publishedMonday, September 2, 2013

Loan Wines Unwooded Special Reserve Semillon 2004 (Barossa) - Wine Review

Purchased this organic white wine earlier this year from the April 27 release. At 9 years old, you would think this is well passed its prime, but it definitely is not! Hopefully you picked this up when I recommended it back in April, because it's no longer available.

LOAN WINES UNWOODED SPECIAL RESERVE SEMILLON 2004 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#301127) (D) - $15.95

Label for 2004 Loan Wines Unwooded Special Reserve Semillon from Barossa, Australia
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Complex aromas of orange, tropical fruits, tea leaf, and beeswax. Medium-full bodied with an oily and very creamy texture. Palate is ever-so-slightly off-dry (slightly sweet) and has tropical fruits, tea and beeswax flavours. Smooth, lengthy finish that is slightly tart, bitter and extra dry. For a 2004, this is drinking very well, but drink this yummy white now. It's different. I enjoyed it!


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  • Date publishedMonday, July 29, 2013

Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz Cabernet 2008 (Barossa) - Wine Review

As promised in my most recent wine review post, the next wine I open would be a red wine. I can't believe it's been more than 2 months since I last opened a red wine at home!

I purchased this wine back in June of 2011 from a Father's Day release and opened this last night. Unfortunately, it is no longer available at the LCBO.

CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS FAT CAT SHIRAZ CABERNET 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#222042) - $17.95
2008 Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz Cabernet from Barossa Valley, South Australia - Wine Review
Tasting Note:
Blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Cab. Screw cap. Medium-high intensity aromas of black cherry, currant, cassis, chocolate and tilled earth. Medium-full bodied with a crisp mouthfeel. Ripe fruit on the palate with bumbleberry, blueberry, mint and cedar notes. Chunky tannins are nicely integrated. Crisp acids and medium-long dark chocolate-oak finish. Prime drinking window right now, serve slightly chilled. Was a decent pairing with deliciously made Chicken Korma.


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  • Date publishedSunday, November 6, 2011

2006 Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier (Australia) - Wine Review

Purchased this fine Shiraz/Viognier almost 2 years ago to the day from the Vintages release that was titled "Celebrate for less! 20 party wines under $20."

YALUMBA SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 - Barossa, South Australia, Australia (#524926) (XD) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
This red wine has fresh blueberries, blackberries, white pepper, herbal aromas that follow through on the palate. Finishing with dark chocolate on the medium-long finish. Fine tannins. Well-integrated wine. Aged well and could have been aged another 2-3 years, but is definitely ready to drink now. No decanting necessary. Will be enjoying this with "Limri (curry leaves) Chicken" - sorry could not find a recipe for it. :)


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  • Date publishedThursday, October 6, 2011

2009 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz (Australia) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine over the weekend from the most recent Vintages Release.

THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2009 - Barossa, South Australia, Australia (#595306) (XD) - $16.95
Tasting Note:
Big aromas of lush blackberry, blueberry, earth, mint and pepper. Dark fruit flavours, dark chocolate, turning a bit spicy at mid-palate. Full-bodied, chewy. Dry. Ageable, but ready to drink now. Well-made Shiraz, but is bit too bitter for my taste.


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  • Date publishedSunday, May 15, 2011

2008 Oscar's Estate Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa (Australia) - Review

Purchased this one back in April as part of the New Zealand + Easter Vintages Release.

OSCAR'S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#225631) - $15.95

Tasting Note:
Pepper, mint, herbal, blackberry, light oak/smoke aromas. On the palate, it opens with surprising gobs of sweet mulberry. Settles down with ripe blackberry fruits and cocoa. Easy drinking and fruit forward. It should pair nicely with the Chicken Lasagne we're having tonight!


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  • Date publishedWednesday, February 16, 2011

Review: Cat Amongst the Pigeons Alley Cat Shiraz/Grenache 2008

Wasn't feeling too well the last few days, so I was staying away from the wine and drinking warm Brandy with honey. Yummy. Feeling much better today, so here's what I am drinking tonight:

CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS ALLEY CAT SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia  (#127621) - $15.95


Tasting Note:
Minty blackberry, raspberry, basil aromas. All follow through on the palate. Finishes with earth notes. Chewy, ripe fruit. Smooth tannins. Not a big wine. Smooth and easy drinking with a medium-long finish.


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