Showing posts with label cabernet-sauvignon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cabernet-sauvignon. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedTuesday, March 5, 2024

El Goru Gold Monastrell/Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Spain) - Wine Review



red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly Monastrell-based blend from Jumilla in Spain that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Ego Bodegas, a winery project that was started from scratch in 2011 by Santos Ortiz, of Spanish origin, and Ioana Paunescu from Romania. The project was born out of the partners' passion and effort. While they were short on financial resources, they had an extraordinary talent for creating wines and coordinating the financial, marketing, and sales departments.

Together, Santos and Ioana, who are united and committed, both personally and professionally, built the winery from top to bottom, from the roof down. They fell in love with a spectacular farm in an area known as the carpenter's place, just a few kilometres away from the historical city of Jumilla. Situated in an elevated area, they enjoyed the beauty of the landscape which was surrounded by vineyards planted to Monastrell that were older than their combined ages. Their objectives were sales and profitability, as when these targets are achieved, it would guarantee the future of the company. The idea was simple: to achieve a balance between the three concepts of quality, image, and price, and then get to work to achieve that balance. The process took two years, and by 2013 Ego Bodegas had a good design, good pricing, and good wine that has been improving ever since, allowing the company to gain a foothold in over 30 countries.

Today, Ego Bodegas is a winery with modern facilities that improve quality and efficiency, and strives to seek out the best technology available. Since the beginning, they have taken a contemporary twist on winemaking by combining traditional methods with modern techniques. They have also been fascinated by the land and the magical combination of its soil and native grape variety - Monastrell, while devoting themselves to finding the best vineyards and obtaining the best fruit possible. Monastrell is a native variety to Jumilla and has best adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of the region. As such, more than 80% of the vineyards in Jumilla are planted to Monastrell. The climate in the region is continental, influenced by the Mediterranean in the east and by the plateau of La Mancha in the west. Along with a sunny and arid climate, it receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and is one of the driest areas of Spain, averaging 300 litres per square metre in annual precipitation over the last few years. The soil in Jumilla is dark and enriched with lime, while also being permeable with good moisture retention, which helps the vines during periods of drought.

This red wine is a blend of mainly Monastrell (70%), which is also known as Mourvèdre and Mataro in other regions. Completing the blend is 20% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. All the grapes were harvested by hand with a strict selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, maceration is supervised in order to reach the ideal wine profile. The pigeage technique for pumping down, which leads to a slower extraction and favours the development of varietal aromas. It underwent a temperature-controlled fermentation up to a maximum of 28ºC in order to extract the full potential of the grapes. It was aged for 12 months in new French and American oak barrels.

The 2019 growing season was a warm, dry year in Spain, with below average rainfall, an early summer heatwave for some regions, and very low levels of disease in the vineyards. Conditions were wet and windy during flowering, which kept yields naturally at a modest level, while berries and bunch weights were significantly smaller than the prior year. Harvest was extended into November, allowing for a long ripening season. According to Wines from Spain, 2019 may end up being one of the best vintages of the decade. Let's see how this 2019 Jumilla red from Spain is tasting tonight...

El Goru Gold Monastrell/Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

EL GORU GOLD MONASTRELL / SYRAH / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#13621) (XD) - $19.95
This blend of 70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon has a fragrant, open, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that delivers a perfumed nose of spices, dark berry, blackberry, woodsy earth, and black plum. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it offers delicious ripe black-purple fruit, blackberry, violet, cedar, earthy oak, and black pepper spice flavours that are framed by smooth, ripe, and refined tannins and crisp, juicy acidity. The mouthfeel has a supple grip on the mid-palate, while earthy oak and smoke notes linger on the long, balanced finish. Very nicely done. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 89 pts

A few wines by Ego Bodegas can be found at the LCBO, while the entire portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, March 3, 2024

Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent, organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maremma Toscana DOC in Italy that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the feature on Italian Women in Wine in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Brancaia, a prominent and modern estate winery that was revived in 1981 when the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer fell in love with each other and purchased an abandoned winery on the Brancaia hill in Castellina in Chianti. There were four hectares of vineyards on the site, and with their location on a hill they thought it should be possible to produce first-class wine here that reflects the character of the region. The Widmer family was able to move forward with the production of quality wine and the infrastructure and know-how of the Mazzei family.

In 1986, the family winery gained recognition at an important 1983 vintage Chianti Classico tasting and international acclaim followed soon thereafter. The success of the winery led to expansion in Radda in Chianti in 1989. In 1998, the Widmer's acquired 82 hectares of land facing the Mediterranean Sea (only 10 kilometres away) in the Maremma, within the territory of the municipality of Grosseto, to establish Brancaia in Maremma. Like their other estates, Brancaia planted vineyards in Maremma that were surrounded by forests and, thus, protected it from any spray from their neighbours.

While the Swiss couple laid the foundation stone, Brancaia has long been in the hands of the second generation of the Widmer family. Today, the family business is run by Barbara Widmer, daughter of Brigitte & Bruno. Living on the estate since the 1990s, Barbara took part in her first harvest in 1993, and began studying oenology in Switzerland in 1995. She is supported by the whole family, including the 3rd generation, who is now also involved in smaller tasks, but getting more and more involved every day. For example, her daughter, Nina, helps out with social media activities, while her son, Nicolas, likes to help out in the Osteria’s kitchen.

Brancaia is a top-producer of high-quality, organic wines. Since 1982, only a year after their founding, Brancaia has been cultivating organic viticulture because their vineyards on Brancaia hill were always completely surrounded by forest, and they never had to be concerned that spray from their neighbours would reach Brancaia. All the wines are vinified at Brancaia in cellars and a logistics centre that meets the highest standards. The Widmer family values traditions and feels a strong connection to Tuscany, while also not being afraid to break new ground. Since day one, Brancaia has been producing top-quality wines typical of the region and without compromise. While they are proud of what they have achieved so far, the Widmer family has a drive to keep developing.

First produced in 2015, the "N°2" is the little brother to their flagship Ilatraia wine from Maremma. It is crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown exclusively in their vineyards in Maremma and is classified as a Maremma Toscana DOC wine, a relatively new appellation that was elevated to DOC status in 2011. The vineyards where this Cabernet Sauvignon was grown are planted on sandy loamy soil, with two-thirds sand and one-third silt and clay, and situated between 75 and 175 metres above sea level with a southwest exposure to the sun. The climate in this area is mediterranean with very hot summers and very mild winters. There are also massive differences between day and nighttime temperatures, as well as a nearly constant coastal breeze from the sea in the west that assures continuous ventilation of the vineyards. To craft this wine, the grapes were hand-picked and spontaneously fermented using cultivated yeast at 28°C, with up to 18 days of must contact. It was matured for 12 months in used tonneaux, followed by further ageing for a few months in bottle.

From a good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany is tasting tonight...

Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (92 pts)

Tasting Note:

BRANCAIA N°2 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (#28451) (XD) - $33.95
This organic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is ripe with black cherry, red currant, cassis, and Doris plum aromas accented with savoury whiffs of earth and reductive notes. On the medium-full bodied, well-structured palate it has ripe and spicy flavours of black cherry, red currant, plum, forest herbs, mineral, and wet earth with touches of iron. It is juicy with crisp acidity and ripe, well-structured tannins that have some youthful grip. Savoury minerals linger on the long, grippy, well-structured finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar. Drink over the next 8-10 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Minimal quantities of other fine wines by Brancaia can be found at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedMonday, February 19, 2024

Puente Austral Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Chile) - Wine Review

red wine review is a delicious, sustainably crafted Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as part of the feature on wines from Chile in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Maturana Winery, a family-owned winery that was established in Colchagua, central Chile, in 2010 by José Ignacio Maturana, together with his brother Sebastian and his family. Their passion for making excellent wines developed after the great earthquake that affected Chile. Since that time, Maturana has developed unique wines, which also represent a way of life and how to sustainably keep intact the conditions from which our grapes come from.

One of the ways Maturana differentiates themselves is due to innovation. They aim to capture the identity of each variety and specific place, and deliver the best expression in each wine. To achieve this goal, they use different and innovative materials such as concrete in different shapes and sizes, clay amphoras, or French oak, which allows Maturana to capture and develop the best ageing capabilities for each variety. While the Chilean wine industry has developed in much the same way for decades, in a classic and traditional way, and there is nothing wrong with that, Maturana wants to do things that are different in every way possible, embracing differentiation as an opportunity.

With sustainability a core value of Maturana, the family supports the management of the vineyards in a natural and responsible manner that also benefits the growers and their families. For example, Maturana pays their growers more than 7 times the market average for the price per kilo of grapes. They believe in the concept of horizontal growth, whereby the grower of heritage vineyards, the grape processor, and the international marketing of wines all grow together. Maturana also has a strong commitment to making known the old vineyards that exist in central Chile, with some of these vineyards dating back to the year 1900 and featuring native strains of grape varieties.

At Maturana, they believe that producing the best quality wines is their responsibility, and it goes hand-in-hand with their concept of creating something unique. The Puente Austral brand of wines is Maturana's second label, with the Reserva Privada range created as a result of their innovative spirit and openness to taking risks. The origin of Reserva Privada wines lies in their constant search for new vineyard sites, new varieties, and unique blends, while restricted in production. The Puente Austral Reserva Privada wines are approachable, medium-bodied wines that stand out for their fruitiness, freshness, and intensity.

From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is tasting tonight...

Puente Austral Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

PUENTE AUSTRAL RESERVA PRIVADA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#21960) (XD) - $16.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in third-use French barrels for 6 months. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose has attractive, ripe, red fruited currant, cassis, cran-cherry, and red plum aromas accented with touches of vanilla and oak spice. On the dry, medium to medium-full bodied palate it offers deliciously harmonious, ripe, and fruit-forward flavours of red currant, cran-cherry, cassis, and red plum, plus touches of earthy oak adding savoury tones. It has fresh, juicy acidity and smooth, creamy, and fine-grained tannins. It has a supple grip with savoury, earthy oak, and touches of mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Maturana Winery can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, January 27, 2024

Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely, sustainably-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from the Uco Valley in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO last year in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. While a few bottles of this vintage still seem to be available at the LCBO, the latest 2021 vintage will be arriving at LCBO outlets as part of the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Zuccardi Wines, an internationally acclaimed winery that was established by Alberto Zuccardi in 1963 in Maipú, Mendoza. He planted his first vineyard in the desert of Mendoza to demonstrate his new, innovative, and efficient irrigation system, which led him to discover his passion for viticulture and pave the way for future generations of the family. In 1985, José Alberto, son of Alberto, assumed responsibility for the management of the family business and, like his father, José Alberto had an innovative and visionary spirit which made him one of Argentina's most enthusiastic wine ambassadors.

Today, the Zuccardi family is considered a key figure in the history and future of viticulture in Argentina. The winery is in the hands of the third generation of the family, viticulturist Sebastián Zuccardi. He joined the family winery in 2007 and led the development of the high mountain region of the Uco Valley, including planting the family's first vineyard in the Uco Valley. In 2009, Sebastián established a Research & Development department to study the soils and terroir of the Uco Valley to gain a deeper understanding and how it's expressed in the wines. This research has led to Zuccardi producing wines that are a true reflection of the place. In 2013, Zuccardi began the construction of a new winery in the Paraje Altamira area of the Uco Valley, with the inauguration taking place in 2016. Named Zuccardi Valle de Uco, the modern building is a tribute to the mountains of Mendoza.

This red wine is part of the Zuccardi Q range of wines that was launched in 1999 and were the first wines to bear the family name. It is named "Q" because the fruit for these wines comes from their best vineyards and plots that were marked with the letter "Q" for Quality. These specially designated vineyards and plots are given extra care and attention during the growing and vinification process in order to produce wines of exceptional quality. All wines in the Zuccardi Q range are regional wines with fruit from across Mendoza, with each plot harvested and vinified separately in order to achieve the best expression of each varietal.

Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes for this red wine were grown in two regions of the Uco Valley - La Consulta within the San Carlos district, and the high-altitude Gualtallary wine region in Tupungato. The vineyard in La Consulta is situated at 990 metres above sea level, while the Gualtallary vineyard is situated at 1,400 metres above sea level. The soil profile is alluvial and gravel covered with calcium carbonate at shallow depth, and calcareous sands. To vinify this wine, the bunches of grapes were selected and then filled into tanks by gravity. It was fermented using indigenous yeasts with gentle extraction using delestage and pigeage techniques. It underwent maceration on the pomace for 25 days, malolactic fermentation, and finally aged in oak barrels.

The growing season in 2019 produced grapes of exceptional quality. This was in part due to the climatic conditions that allowed Zuccardi to harvest each region, variety, and type of soil at the time they expected. Spring was generally wet, while temperatures throughout the season were cool-to-moderate, and always below average. Yields were marginally smaller, while a cool autumn allowed for a longer ripening period. The wines of 2019 are characterized by modest alcohol and fresh acidity.

The only other time I recall tasting this wine was back in 2016, when I opened up the 2006 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon that was probably past its prime drinking window. Let's see how this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28078) (XD) - $19.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from La Consulta and Gualtallary. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose reveals reductive aromas of plummy dark berry, black currant, blackberry, mineral, and touches of cassis. It's medium to medium-full bodied on the dry, ripe, and gently spicy palate with delicious plummy dark berry, cassis, black currant, and blackberry flavours joined by savoury mineral and spice notes. Fresh acidity is juicy and succulent, while the tannins are smooth and refined with a supple grip. It's nicely balanced with dark berry, mineral, and spice notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Zuccardi are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, January 24, 2024

Orestiadi Ludovico 2008 (Sicily) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon that I purchased nearly a decade ago from the LCBO VINTAGES Release. Of course, it is long sold out by now, but you can grab the latest vintage of this wine (link in product code below) as it arrived in LCBO VINTAGES late last year, with some bottles still available for purchase now.

Orestiadi Ludovico 2008 (91+ pts)

Tasting Note:

ORESTIADI LUDOVICO 2008 - IGT Rosso Sicilia, Italy (#388645) (XD) - $19.95
This blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep garnet colour. Lovely, medium-high intensity bouquet of dried floral, dried & stewed dark berry, savoury wet earth, and sweet spice aromas. It's medium-full bodied and dry with smooth, fine-grained tannins that are resolving nicely and with very good acidity. Flavours are savoury with wet earth, forest floor, and woody flavours, plus touches of desiccated dark berry, violet, and dark plum. Still quite composed and balanced, with just a touch of warmth and some chalky grip on the mid-palate. Earthy and savoury, with some stewed dark berry notes on the satisfyingly long finish. Aging nicely and should continue to drink well over the next few years. Score: 91+ pts


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  • Date publishedTuesday, January 16, 2024

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Australia) - Wine Review

red wine review is the latest vintage of a delicious and consistently well-made Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia that arrived at the LCBO just over a week ago as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

It is produced by the renowned and well-respected Wakefield Wines, a winery that is also known in its home market of Australia as Taylors Wines. The estate winery was established by Bill Taylor Sr. and his sons in 1969 in the Clare Valley, South Australia. At the time, Bill Sr. was already an experienced wine merchant with a deep passion for the wine industry. However, he wanted to create his own exceptional wines bearing the family name and sought out a parcel of land to make this dream come true. Bill Sr. established the estate after acquiring a parcel of land by the Wakefield River in Clare Valley.

Today, Wakefield Wines is run by the third generation of the Taylor family - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton. Together, they carry on their grandfather's tradition of staying true to their core values of quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. As stewards of the land, the Taylor family is also committed to sustainability. With a passion for winemaking using innovative techniques, attention to detail, and dedication to quality, the Taylor family continues to craft exceptional wines and are one of the most respected wine producers around the globe.

With several ranges in the Wakefield portfolio, this particular red wine is from their Estate Label range, which celebrates the family's wine business that was established in 1969 after they decided to create a proper "old world" style estate in the Clare Valley. The term "Estate", in the language of wine, means that the vineyards and the winery are in the same location. The Taylor family was inspired by the great producers of Bordeaux, in particular Chateaux Mouton Rothschild, and gave the family ultimate control over the vineyards, winery, and bottling. These days, all the wines are crafted and bottled at the estate, but not all the fruit for Estate Label wines are grown at the property. This Cabernet Sauvignon (and a Shiraz) were the first wines the family released and are the heart and soul of the business.

Like recent vintages, including the 2020 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed last year, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted using fruit from both the Limestone Coast and Clare Valley, with the percentage of fruit from each region almost equal this time around with 52% coming from Limestone Coast and 48% from Clare Valley. The grapes from the two regions were kept separate during vinification, and matured for up to 10 months in used French oak barrels, with half in 2-year-old oak and the other half in 3-year-old oak. After maturation, it was then finally blended and bottled.

The 2021 vintage growing conditions across most of Australia were idyllic, with slightly warmer than average temperatures. The season was markedly calm, with a near perfect ratio between warm, sunny days and intermittent rain. In the Limestone Coast sub-regions of Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and Padthaway, the warm conditions during flowering locked in big yields, followed by much colder than normal conditions. A long, cool, and dry ripening season made for a late harvest, reminiscent of the late 1980s and 1990s. In the Clare Valley, the high-quality grapes produced wines of excellent quality and high acidity. Let's see how this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia is tasting tonight...

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Limestone Coast / Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers a perfumed bouquet of black & red fruit, currant, cassis, grilled herbs, tomato leaf, mint, and gentle oak spice aromas. It's full-bodied and quite salty on the well-structured palate with currant, cassis, cranberry, tomato leaf, mint, herbal, cocoa, and mild oak spice flavours. Tangy acids are juicy and succulent, while the smooth, refined tannins have a lightly chalky textured grip. Earthy and cocoa notes, with smoky overtones linger on the long, savoury finish. Another solid, recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A broad selection of fine wines by Wakefield Wines are available both at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedThursday, January 4, 2024

Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (California) - Wine Review

red wine review is a delicious, crowd-pleasing, and certified sustainable Cabernet Sauvignon (with a splash of Petite Sirah) that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Imagery Estate Winery, a sister of Benziger Family Winery. Imagery was forged from a thirst for experimentation and is dedicated to crafting rare wines from uncommon varietals and character-rich vineyards. Imagery aims to shine the spotlight on interesting varietals that are all too often swallowed up in big blends, including international star varietals such as Malbec, Tempranillo, and Lagrein that would broaden the horizon for all wine lovers.

At Imagery, wine is art, and for over twenty years they have been pairing unconventional wines with original artwork at their Sonoma Estate. This artistic spirit is brought forward in their new generation of wines that offer a unique twist on tradition.

The winemaker at Imagery is Jamie Benziger. She grew up between her family's two Sonoma wineries and knew from a young age that she wanted to be part of the family business and work in wine. Initially, she completed her marketing degree and added wine business to her studies, but after her first harvest working in the lab at Benziger, she realized that her heart was really in winemaking. Jamie worked at other wineries in California and New Zealand, learning the chemistry of fine wine and working harvest, eventually returning home in 2015 to work alongside the most incredible winemaker she knew - her Dad, Joe Benziger. Jamie was mentored by her father and just as adventurous, and after Joe retired in 2017, she took over the reins to become the 2nd generation of the Benziger family to become a Winemaker. Jamie has gained notoriety since that time and continues to blaze her own trail in the wine industry.

This red wine is an introduction to the Imagery portfolio. It is crafted with 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Sirah that was grown in California's benchland and valley floor vineyards. The vines in these areas search deep for water and nutrients, resulting in grapes that are bursting with concentrated flavours. Furthermore, the skin-to-juice ratio is relatively small, resulting in velvety tannins in the final wine. It was aged in French oak, which contributed toasty vanilla characters to the wine, while also helping soften the tannins to create an approachable, easy-to-drink Cabernet.

The growing season in 2020 started warmer and drier than usual at all the vineyards, while also experiencing below average rainfall throughout the year. Conditions were ideal during flowering in spring, and made for a strong fruit set on the vines, while heat in August and September sped up maturity, leading to an early start on harvest. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from California is tasting tonight...

Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

IMAGERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Sustainable, California, USA (#14369) (D) - $23.95
This blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petite Sirah has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offering luscious, ripe dark currant, blackberry, cassis, sweet vanillin, clove, and oak spice aromas. It's medium+ bodied with some sweetness on the palate with ripe, dark currant, cassis, blackberry, clove, vanilla, and oak spice flavours that are supported by fresh, juicy acidity. Smooth, refined tannins are rounded and easy going. It shows nice balance throughout with dark berries notes giving way to a savoury, earthy-smoky finish, with good length. Crowd-pleaser. Score: 87 pts

Other delicious wines by Imagery Estate Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedThursday, December 21, 2023

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent and historic 64th vintage of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra in South Australia that returned to the LCBO earlier this month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Wynns Coonawarra Estate, a historic and renowned winery in Coonawarra, South Australia, that was established in 1891 by visionary Scottish pioneer John Riddoch. After moving to the Coonawarra region in 1861, he divided 800 hectares of terra rossa soil on his land and called it the Coonawarra Fruit Colony. He then offered four-hectare allotments to those interested and began planting his first vineyards in 1891, with 95,000 vines and 10,000 fruit trees planted in the first year. That same year, the famous triple-gabled winery and surrounding vineyards were built and named Chateau Comaum. By 1897, 141 hectares of vines were being cultivated, including 52 hectares by Riddoch. However, after a promising start, the Coonawarra Fruit Colony failed to prosper due to is distance from major markets and poor economic conditions, and John Riddoch died on July 15, 1901, at the age of 73.

In the first half of the 20th century, Coonawarra was at its lowest ebb as a wine-producing area. Although "Coonawarra Claret" was well-recognized in Australia, the red wine market was small as most Australians consumed fortified wines. The winery was destined to become a wool shed and sheep run until it was purchased in 1951 by Melbourne-based winemakers Samuel Wynn and his son David. With no expectations of making a profit, David took over the operations in 1953 and was Australia's first wine producer to use the word "estate" to mark the wine's regionality. It was during this time that David commissioned Melbourne artist Richard Beck to produce a woodcut of the winery facade - an illustration that has appeared on (almost) every Wynns Coonawarra Estate label since, and is one of Australia's most recognized wine symbols.

Beginning in the 1960s, as Australians began to develop a taste for dry red table wine, Wynns consistently marketed Coonawarra Estate wines based on their variety and place of origin, building awareness of the Coonawarra district as a region of outstanding wines. Wynns' success led to expansion, and by 1981 it was the largest grower in the district with 440 hectares under vine. In 1982, Wynns produced their first wine bearing John Riddoch's name.

The 1990s brought a new chapter in the history of Wynns when, in 1993, Winemaker Sue Hodder worked her first vintage at the estate alongside then Senior Winemaker Peter Douglas. In 1998, Sue was appointed Senior Winemaker - a position she holds to this day, while Sarah Pidgeon was welcomed to the team. Since the turn of the century, as Senior Winemaker, the renowned Sue Hodder oversaw the release of all the Wynns' first single vineyard wines, as well as the major rejuvenation projects across 300 hectares of vines. In 2004, Wynns Coonawarra Estate celebrated its 50th vintage of the iconic Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon and marked the occasion by hosting many of the world's most influential wine tasters in Coonawarra for a special tasting of 50 vintages of this iconic wine.

In 2008, another round of replanting took place with new rootstocks, international vine clones, and selections from older top-quality Wynns vineyards. By 2015, Wynns vineyards were consolidated around the Gables winery, in the prime Terra Rossa vineyard sites of the region, with ongoing research and studies to ensure the best winemaking and viticultural practices are engaged for the future.

In 2016, Sue and Sarah were jointly named "Winemaker of the Year" at the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) Awards for excellence, while in 2017 Sue was awarded "Women of Inspiration" at the Women in Wine awards. In 2022, Sue Hodder celebrated her 30th vintage at Wynns and continues to bring valuable experience and passion to her work locally and internationally.

Coonawarra is named after an Aboriginal word meaning "honeysuckle". The region is situated in South Australia, 450 km west of Melbourne (Victoria) and 380 km southeast of Adelaide (South Australia). The region's claim to fame is its natural soil phenomenon called the terra rossa - a low, cigar-shaped ridge of soil stretching 20 kilometres long and up to two kilometres wide. Terra rossa, or red earth, is a topsoil that is rich and free-draining, but also thin. It ranges from 5 to 100 cm deep and is one of the best soils in Australia for winegrowing, producing small, well-coloured berries that develop well in optimal sunlight. The climate in Coonawarra is cool and marginal as it receives the cool Antarctic winds via the Southern Ocean, and helps ensure a long, cool ripening period which builds intensity of flavours slowly in the grape, as well as balanced acidity.

First produced in 1954, the Wynns Black Label Cabernet is truly an icon of Australian wine. Since its first vintage, it has had a reputation for ageing gracefully and displaying excellent varietal and regional characteristics. It is produced from only the top 20 to 25 percent quality of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit that is grown on Wynns' terra rossa vineyards. It was matured for 14 months in 31% new and seasoned French oak, in a combination of 61% hogsheads, 26% barriques, and 13% vats.

The 2019 growing season in Coonawarra was fed by good winter rains, and highlighted the importance of the good quality and quantity of underground water that was used to mitigate temperature and seasonal weather conditions. There was no significant crop loss due to the heat, while canopies remained in excellent condition right through to the end of harvest. The grapes also benefited significantly from the typically cool nights created by the Southern Ocean. A cool and dry April was perfect for ripening, allowing for full flavour development and optimal sugar levels, while yields were between average and just below the long-term average. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were deep and rich in colour with great varietal definition and soft ripe tannins. Overall, the 2019 vintage in Coonawarra is considered to be excellent.

As a wine of style, stature, and a perennial favourite, the Black Label is one of Australia's benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon wines and can consistently be aged over the medium to long-term. Let's see how this 2019 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#84996) (XD) - $47.95
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fragrant and open with attractive aromas of leafy grilled herbs, red & black fruits, currant, cherry, cassis, and fine wood spice with touches of mint and savoury earth. It's full-bodied, ripe, and dry with lovely red and black fruited cherry, currant, cassis, mint, and leafy herb flavours on the palate. It's well-structured with fresh, juicy acidity and ripe, structured, and fine-grained tannins that are youthful and a touch grippy. More savoury with earth and wood spice notes on the mid-palate, which linger through to the long, gently smoky finish. Enjoyable now, but still a few years away from prime drinking and should age gracefully into the 2040s. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

One other fine wine by Wynns Coonawarra Estate can be found at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedThursday, December 14, 2023

Château Coufran 2010 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2009 Château Coufran last year, red wine review is the latest edition and from another legendary vintage. This red wine from the Left Bank of Bordeaux arrived at the LCBO as part of the theme on Fine Wines for Festive Entertaining in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by the renowed Château Coufran, an estate situated in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, and has a long history going back to the 18th century. While the Château changed hands many times in its earlier years, the most notable exchanges occurred from the late 19th century, when the wine merchants families of Cabarrus and Célérier purchased the estate and invested in the Médoc wine region.

Château Coufran is currently the property of the Miailhe family. It was acquired by Louis Miailhe in 1924 and he was responsible for the current spelling of the estate - the Château was previously known as "Cousran" and "Couffran". Upon acquiring the property, Louis undertook a major redevelopment project in the vineyard, which included planting mainly Merlot - a grape which was more charming and highly appreciated at the time. The Miailhe family were wine brokers in France, dating back to the 19th century and continued to 1970, while winemaking was also in the family with Jean Miailhe, son of Louis, the winemaker at Coufran for a period of time.

Today, it is Jean's two children - Marie Cécile Vicaire and Eric Miailhe - who run the estate. Château Coufran is certified to Certified Environmentally Friendly Agriculture in Aquitaine (AREA) level 2, and High Environmental Value (HVE) level 3. In the vineyard, vegetation cover is encouraged between rows, while leaves are thinned after flowering, and bunches are thinned to allow the fruit to ripen in the best conditions possible. There is great attention to detail during the harvest period to ensure that the harvest quality is optimal, while the sorting of grapes is also nuanced based on quality, terroir, and vine age, among other things. In the winery, the grapes are vinified using traditional Bordeaux techniques, in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Work in the tanks and maceration is according to the vintage and the desired style of wine. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the blend of the first wine (i.e. their top bottle, which is this wine) is decided on after tasting and selection by their consultant oenologist, Mr Eric Boissenot. By using only a portion of their entire production to create their top wine, they ensure that the atypical grape variety blend they use at Coufran is expressed to the fullest, to produce a great wine that is ideal for aging and ranks among the best in the appellation each year. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, with 25% replaced with new barrels every year. The wine is blended one last time to ensure homogeneity just prior to fining and bottling. The wines are then stored on-premise, in air-conditioned rooms to optimize the ageing process, allowing them to release ready-to-drink wines after being aged in perfect conditions.

This red wine is crafted with 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend which is unique for Left Bank wines that are normally crafted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon. Located in the village of Saint-Seurin, the property is uniquely known as the Pomerol of Médoc because of the predominance of the Merlot grape variety. Saint-Seurin is located in the canton of Pauillac, within the AOC of Haut-Médoc and borders the commune of Saint-Estephe to the south, running along the river. The average age of the vines is 45 years old, and they are planted across a single 76 -hectare block, on soil that is composed of different types of gravel. To craft this wine, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats, followed by ageing in tight-grain French oak barrels for 12 months, with 25% renewed each year.

While the 2009 vintage was considered legendary right from the get-go, the 2010 growing season got off to a slow start. However, things picked up in 2010 during the beautiful summer with warm and hot days from June to August, and combined with cool nights that helped preserve fresh acidity. The growing season overall in 2010 was largely cool and dry, producing small, thick-skinned berries with perfect phenolic ripeness, producing wines that were concentrated and expressive, with very fine tannins. The result was yet another legendary vintage that was markedly different from the 2009s, with the 2010s considered classical and structured. Let's see how this 2010 Bordeaux red wine is testing tonight...

Château Coufran 2010 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU COUFRAN 2010 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#325555) (XD) - $43.95
From vines averaging 45 years old, this is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The richly aromatic nose of medium-high to high intensity is fragrant, sweet spiced, and maturing with a lovely bouquet of stewed dark berries and Damson plums, dried floral and cherries, leather, and forest floor. On the full-ish bodied palate it offers maturing flavours of dark berry, red and black cherry, fine sweet spices, some dried cherry and florals, savoury forest floor, and leather. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the fine, dusty textured tannins are structured, and still a few more years away from fully resolving. Intriguing salty and leafy herb notes on the mid-palate. Complex and still evolving, with dried cherry and mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Wow! Provides immense pleasure now, and should continue to evolve nicely over the next 5+ years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines from the Château Coufran portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, November 18, 2023

Wine Art Techni Alipias Red Blend 2019 (Greece) - Wine Review

After enjoying the delicious 2018 Wine Art Techni Alipias Red Blend at a wine dinner last October, red wine review is the latest vintage to come to Ontario as it arrived at the LCBO today in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Wine Art Estate, a project of passion and love for wine that began in 1993 when Yiannis Papadopoulos planted a small family vineyard on the outskirts of Drama, in the northeastern end of Macedonia in northern Greece. Wine Art Estate is located in the heart of the Drama wine region that is made up of quiet valleys, exceptional micro-climates, and rich soil that shapes the character of the wines. Yiannis was inspired by the love for the vine, the beautiful landscape, and blessed with a unique terroir that delivers wines of great elegance.

The vineyards at Wine Art Estate are planted on carefully chosen slopes situated between two parallel mountains - Mount Falakro and Mount Menikion - which create a unique winegrowing environment that offers amazing potential for the production of distinctive, high-quality, aromatic, flavourful, and balanced wines. The soil is mainly sandy-clay over limestone layers, and highly suitable for the cultivation of Greek and international varieties. Of particular interest are the blocks in the Kali Vrisi area, a location that has been known since ancient times for the cultivation of vines and production of wines, as indicated at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Kali Vrisi was chosen for its rich soil and is known as a premium wine growing area.

Wine Art Estate has planted many grape varieties among its vineyards, ranging from Greek varieties, French varieties, Italian varieties, and even the Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional. All of the vines are carefully tended to so that top quality fruit can be obtained. The ultimate goal is to produce wines that are firmly rooted with a distinct sense of place, while also characterized by freshness, finesse, and elegance.

Like the previous vintage, this red wine is also a blend composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Agiorgitiko. The grapes were grown in vineyards that are under conversion to organic viticulture in the Drama wine region, in the villages of Mikrochori and Kali Vrisi, areas that are near each other. The soil in these vineyards is sandy-clay over limestone layers in Kali Vrisi, and sandy-clay in Mikrochori. The vineyards have a continental climate with intense diurnal temperature shifts between day and night, along with cool, northern winds during summer. To craft this wine, each variety was vinified separately, with the grapes undergoing a cold soak of the skins to the juice prior to fermentation, thus transferring noble phenols and structure. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-over to extract colour and tannin. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels (1/3 new), and was matured in these barrels for 12 months. After maturation, the wine is blended, then placed in tanks for settling, and finally bottled.

The 2019 growing season in Drama is showing to be an excellent year for red wines. It began with mild temperatures and little rain, while temperatures remained low during the winter months. Temperatures were slightly higher in spring, which led to quality fruit, while almost daily rains from June to mid-July led to a late harvest. The growing conditions allowed for good organoleptic characteristics of the grapes, including good acidity levels due to increased humidity. Let's see how this 2019 red wine from Greece is tasting tonight...

Wine Art Techni Alipias Red Blend 2019 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

WINE ART TECHNI ALIPIAS RED BLEND 2019 - IGP Drama, Greece (#26944) (XD) - $29.95
This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Agiorgitiko has a fragrant, perfumed, medium-high intensity nose that offers attractive black cherry and dark plum aromas flecked with dark red cherry, olive, currant, cedary oak, and wet earth notes that add interest and complexity. It's medium bodied and dry on the palate with lovely dark currant, black cherry, plum, elegant cedary oak spice, with a touch of pleasant medicinal and eucalypt characters. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while the elegant tannins are smooth, supple, and fine-grained. Savoury wet earth and woody notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Wine Art Estate can be found not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, October 28, 2023

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 2017 (Sonoma) - Wine Review

red wine reviews is an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sonoma County that arrived at the LCBO as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Cellar Collection Release and is now available at several stores across Ontario. It will make a fine gift for the holidays or a nice addition to your cellar.

It is produced by Chateau St. Jean, an iconic Chateau that dates back to the 1920's, but whose story as a top wine producer began in 1973 when the three founders of the estate purchased the northern Sonoma Valley property. Their vision for the property was to create wines that captured the nuance, character, and quality of Sonoma's distinct vineyards and growing regions. The founders, Robert and Edward Merzoian, and Kenneth Sheffield, who were San Joaquin Valley table grape growers and shippers, named the winery after the only woman who was "saintly" enough to keep the three of them in line, Jean Sheffield Merzoian, sister-in-law, wife, and sister to the owners.

The Chateau was built by the Goff family, who had established their family fortune in the iron ore mines of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Pacific Northwest lumber. They came to California in 1916 and purchased 300 acres of land in the Valley of the Moon area of Sonoma County, California. Construction of the Goff family summer home - now the Chateau - began in 1920, and white wine grapes were grown on the property. The living room of the home is now the Reserve Tasting Room in the Chateau.

After founding the winery in 1973, they had their first vintage a year later, and produced wines on the property for the first time in 1975 with Dick Arrowood as Chateau St. Jean's first winemaker. In 1980, the founders built a brand new winery in Kenwood, California, that was designed from the ground up to accommodate the numerous grape parcels and keep them separate throughout the winemaking process, ensuring that vineyard designation stayed pure. In 1999, Chateau St. Jean was acquired by Treasury Wine Estates, and a year later they opened a new Visitor Centre and Gardens, which features a statue of Jean in the main courtyard garden by the pool.

In 2021, Foley Family Wines acquired Chateau St. Jean from the Americas division of Treasury Wine Estates. A year later, they welcomed Winemaker Niki Williams, the company's fifth winemaker, while also undergoing renovations that included rebuilding the destemmer, crush pad, and presses, as well as upgrading the gardens and surrounding facilities to improve the visitor experience.

With a proud history and having set the standard for excellence in Sonoma County winemaking, Chateau St. Jean celebrates 50 years in 2023. Some of these achievements for excellence in wine include the 1996 Cinq Cépages being awarded the wine of the year in Wine Spectator's Top 100 list, while the 1999 vintage was awarded second place. In 2008, Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren was also awarded Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

This Cinq Cépages, which translates to "Five Grape Varieties", is the flagship wine of Chateau St. Jean. First introduced in 1990, it is crafted in a Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon the main variety. To craft this wine, Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren, who joined Chateau St. Jean in 1980 and became Winemaker in 2003, selected the best fruit from outstanding and proven Bordeaux varietal vineyards that showcase the very best of Sonoma County. In this vintage, it is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot, with 46% of the fruit coming from Knights Valley, an area which highlights boysenberry flavours and elegant tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Monte Rosso and Mountain Terraces Vineyards on Moon Mountain add structure, while Merlot from the Louvau Vineyard in Dry Creek adds lush juiciness and texture. The Malbec comes from Chateau St. Jean's Estate Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, while some fruit is also from Stuhlmuller Vineyard in Alexander Valley, which brings savoury, dried herb, and bright berry notes. After vinification, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak (68% new). It was bottled in January 2020 and released in October.

The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild spring that resulted in extended flowering. Warm late-summer temperatures moved harvest along quickly, while yields for the 2017 vintage were slightly lower than the previous couple of vintages. While the 2017 vintage was challenging, the wines that were produced are of excellent quality with complex flavours, concentrated colour, and finesse. Let's see how this 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Sonoma is tasting tonight...

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 2017 (94 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHATEAU ST. JEAN CINQ CÉPAGES 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#710913) (XD) - $130
Blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Rich and elegant, the fragrant, medium-high intensity nose delivers lush, complex, ripe, dark fruited, blackberry, black and red currant, fine oak spices, grilled herb, and earth aromas with touches of boysenberry and floral. It's full-bodied with ripe black and red currant, cassis, blackberry, savoury oak spice, earth, peppery spice, grilled herb flavours surrounding a savoury core. It's framed by fresh, juicy acidity and elegant, yet firmly structured, fine-grained tannins. It's a touch palate warming, but still balanced. Savoury and earthy with graphite notes linger on the exceptionally long finish. Provides immense pleasure now, but will reward cellaring. Enjoy to 2035+. Highly recommended buy! Score: 94 pts

Other fine wines from Chateau St. Jean's large portfolio can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, October 18, 2023

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Australia) - Wine Review

red wine review is the latest vintage of a perennial favourite that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Wakefield Wines, a wine brand used in Canada and other export markets by the well-respected and renowned Taylor family who established their own Bordeaux-style estate in Australia's Clare Valley in 1969. Locally in Australia and other nearby countries, the Taylor family markets their wines under their own family name - Taylors Wines.

After making wines for others for many years, Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons acquired some land by the Wakefield river in the Clare Valley and set out to produce their own Estate wines where the vineyards and winery are situated in the same location. Once they acquired property, they planted their first vines - Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz - wines which would become the heart and soul of the family business.

Today, the Taylor family is one of Australia's most renowned wine producers. The team is led by the third generation of the family - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton. Since its founding, the Taylor family has rested on the principle that the finest wines are those made with the greatest dedication and care, while also respecting the fruit. Committed to both the land and sea, sustainability is also a core pillar of the Taylor family as their goal is to apply best practised principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. As a family-owned company, they are committed to ensuring that they operate in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The Taylor family has several ranges of wines, and this particular wine is from their Jaraman range. With this range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit from Australia's iconic wine regions to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. The fruit for each wine in the Jaraman range is sourced from celebrated Australian wine regions that are renowned for their particular variety - Clare Valley and Coonawarra in the case of this Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Jaraman wines showcase the skill and dedication of the winemakers to their philosophy of respecting the fruit.

Like the 2020 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed earlier this year, this vintage is also composed of 52% Clare Valley fruit and 48% Coonawarra. Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it also appears to be vinified using the exact same techniques as the 2020, including oak maturation which occurred in French oak barrels (50% 1-year-old and 50% a combination of 2- and 3-year-old) for a period of 10 to 12 months before being bottled.

From a good-to-excellent vintage that was calm, slightly warmer than average, and just the right amount of sun, let's see how this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia is tasting tonight...

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Clare Valley and Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. The ripe, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering minty cassis, blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and oak spice aromas layered over savoury earthy notes. The bright, medium-full bodied palate has lively acidity which lifts the dark fruited, minty cassis, currant, blackberry, oak spice, and earthy flavours. It's gently spicy on the mid-palate and supported by firm, grainy, and lightly grippy tannins that should soften nicely over the next couple of years. Cassis and blackcurrant notes taper to savoury and earthy oak on the crisp, juicy and lingering finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 5-7 years. Score: 90 pts

Many other fine wines by Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedMonday, September 11, 2023

Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (California) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely California Cabernet Sauvignon that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Ranch 32 Wines, a winery known for producing premium wines from Monterey County. They planted their first vines in 1972, when winegrowing in Monterey County was in its infancy, and are situated on the west side of the Salinas Valley, directly in the path of Monterey's relentless afternoon winds. Although the region was known to have special, unique qualities, it would take a few decades for the vineyards to reach their full potential.

At Ranch 32, their goal is to highlight the natural characteristics of their terroir to convey a sense of place by producing small lots of wines from their sustainable farmed estate vineyards located in Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, and Hames Valley AVAs. Their winemaking approach is very targeted, exerting the highest level of control over details such as vineyard design, pruning, tying, and picking decisions. Clone-specific blocks are harvested and fermented separately in small lots, with oak ageing applied to support the fruit and not overwhelm it. The final blend is composed just before bottling to express the nuances of each terroir and variety.

Sustainability plays a major role at Ranch 32 with a wind turbine that sits at the heart of their property. This turbine became operational in 2017 and powers the entire winery, plus an additional 125 homes with renewable energy. Using wind as a power source is ideal in this location due to the inexhaustible winds of the Salinas Valley. They also use integrated pest management strategies by allowing beneficial insects and birds to control pest populations, as well as herbal-based preparations that are applied in the vineyards to promote soil vitality through increased micro-biologic activity. Water usage is minimized by using 100% drip irrigation in all of their vineyards. Ranch 32's vineyards were certified sustainable by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance in 2014, while their winery operation was certified in 2018.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown - most likely from their vineyards in San Lucas and Hames Valley - in the Monterey County AVA, which is within the much larger Central Coast AVA in California. The grapes were grown on diatomaceous shale, Lockwood and Chamise shaly loams, and in a warm climate with dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. The fruit was picked during the night, at optimum ripeness, and brought to the winery in the very early morning hours. Upon arriving at the winery, select lots of the grapes were carefully sorted, de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented dry for 10 days in open-top stainless steel tanks. It was aged in French and American oak for 12 months.

From a traumatic 2020 vintage that had to battle wildfires and the pandemic, the quality of the wines that were bottled were good to excellent. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from California is tasting tonight...

Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

RANCH 32 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Monterey County, California, USA (#480269) (XD) - $25.95
Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium-high intensity nose has attractive currant, cassis, black cherry, and chocolate aromas with hints of earth and dried herbs. It's full-bodied and dry with delicious currant, black cherry, cassis, chocolate, gentle vanillin oak spice, and earthy flavours that are supported by very good, well-balanced acidity and smooth, refined, and well-structured tannins. It's nicely balanced throughout, with currant, black cherry, savoury cocoa, and vanilla notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Honest Cab and a recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely Ranch 32 Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.


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  • Date publishedFriday, September 8, 2023

Rodney Strong Symmetry 2017 (Sonoma) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent red blend from Sonoma County that I was first introduced to back in 2017 during a very interesting Rodney Strong Blending Seminar with Winemaker Rick Sayre. The latest vintage of Symmetry arrived at the LCBO last month, as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by the pioneering and well-respected Rodney Strong Vineyards, the 13th winery that was established in Sonoma County in 1959. It was founded by Rodney D. Strong and has become one of Sonoma's leading wine producers.

Rodney Strong was an accomplished dancer, but transitioned to winemaking after acquiring a 159-acre vineyard in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, because he saw great potential for growing high-quality wine grapes. In 1979, as Mr. Strong stepped back from daily activities, Rick Sayre came on board as the new winemaker for Rodney Strong Vineyards. It was around this time that Tom Klein was introduced to Rodney Strong Vineyards and in 1989 he purchased the vineyards and winery because he truly loved being in the wine business.

Today, under the leadership of the Klein family, who are also 4th generation farmers in California, Rodney Strong Vineyards is flourishing with a commitment and passion to crafting premium wines. They are also committed to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, and have received certifications such as certifications such as Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and Sonoma County Sustainable. Rodney Strong produces several ranges of wines, with Symmetry part of their Reserve collection. All wines from their Reserve collection are crafted at their state-of-the-art Artisan Winery.

The philosophy behind Symmetry is that at its heart, it is an artfully blended wine that is carefully crafted using fruit from the very best hillside vineyards in Sonoma County. Part of the goal when crafting Symmetry is to capture the essence of each varietal in the blend, while striking the perfect balance between the classic Bordeaux varieties. Only the best is selected for the final blend, which makes Symmetry a unique expression for each vintage. The name Symmetry means balance, and it is their winemakers' ultimate goal to craft a rich blend that is harmonious, elegant, and intensely flavoured.

Like the wine during the blend seminar and other vintages prior and since, this red wine is typically a blend based on at least 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, with this particular vintage composed of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The fruit was grown in the Cooley (45%), Brothers (30%), and Rockway (25%) vineyards. It was crafted by Winemakers Justin Seidenfeld and Greg Morthole, using their small lot winemaking facility which they call the Artisan Cellar. They employed artisan techniques such as cluster pre-sorting, berry sorting, and extended maceration, while also using small tanks and equipment sized for the most discriminating vineyard selection process. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 75% new, for 24 months. The facility is truly state-of-the-art and represents the Klein family's commitment to producing the finest wines.

The 2017 growing season was a complicated one and will be remembered for many years as the all-time precipitation record was set by mid-April, followed by six different heat waves as high as 43°C. The fruit was harvested between September 16th and October 13th. Let's see how this 2017 red wine from Sonoma is tasting tonight...

Rodney Strong Symmetry 2017 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

RODNEY STRONG SYMMETRY 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#641142) (XD) - $74.95
Blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Richly fragrant, fresh, and spicy on the highly aromatic nose with a lovely mélange of red and black fruits, currant, cassis, grilled herbs, and savoury earth aromas with a touch of barnyard and anise adding further complexity. It's full-bodied and dry with ripe, chewy, elegant, and well-structured tannins. Lovely, rich flavours of red and black fruits, black cherry, currant, cassis, grilled herbs, oak spice, and earth flavours. A touch palate warming on the mid-palate, but still balanced, while the acids are fresh and juicy. Grilled herbs, dark fruits, and smoky earth notes linger on the long, elegant finish. Enjoy to at least the end of the decade, and perhaps a bit longer. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Many other fine wines by Rodney Strong are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, August 26, 2023

Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent, old-vine Malbec-based blend from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO last month in the LCBO VINTAGES Cellar Collection Release and is still available for purchase on VINTAGES Shop Online.

It is produced by Achaval Ferrer, a prominent winery in Argentina that is known for producing limited quantity, high-quality wines, particularly from the Mendoza wine region. It was founded in 1998 by a group of friends, including Santiago Achával and Manuel Ferrer, who combined their surnames to form the wine company's name - Achaval Ferrer - and became well-known throughout the world in just a few short years.

As guardians of a legacy, Achaval Ferrer decided to preserve the legacy of time during a period when the old was quickly replaced by the new. The legacy is still treasured today as they keep the DNA of centennial vines intact, combining wisdom with passion, and creating wines that express the magic of the exceptional terroir they come from. Their philosophy is based on its commitment to and respect for nature, and its winemaking is based on a minimal interventionist principle from vine to wine, as well as three fundamental pillars. The first pillar is the centennial vines that are own-rooted and pre-phylloxera. The second pillar is to deliberately obtain low yields, which helps produce concentrated and complex berries. In addition to obtaining low yields, Achaval Ferrer also arranges the vines in a strategic, highly dense layout which makes the vines compete with each other, and thus forcing the roots to reach deeper into the soil, changing the structure of the grapes and producing highly concentrated berries. The third and final pillar is to produce wines with minimum intervention and maximum expression, thus respecting and preserving the terroir and its message all throughout the winegrowing and winemaking process, to obtain pure, highly expressive wines.

Quimera, or Chimera, is the name of this wine and it has two different meanings, both of which have an intimate relationship with this wine. The first is that in Greek mythology, Chimera was a beast made up of the parts of three different animals, while this wine is also made up of different varieties. The second meaning of the word is the one that best represents this wine - Chimera is an impossible search, a search for the unattainable; this is the mentality that everyone in the vineyards and winery has every year when they produce this wine. Without following any rules or tradition, the goal is to produce the best possible blend every year. Chimera is design and architecture, an intimate discovery, and a search for perfection.

Usually a Malbec-based blend, this vintage is composed of old-vine 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot that was grown in various vineyards across Mendoza. The Malbec was grown in the Perdriel appellation in Luján de Cuyo, on soils of alluvial origin that feature a thin sandy loam with gravel underneath, and very good drainage.The Cabernet Sauvignon was grown in Medrano (Junín) and Los Arboles (Tunuyan). In Medrano, the soil is also of alluvial origin, but has an 80 cm surface layer of silty clay on a bed of sand and eroded rock, while in Los Arboles there is a great presence of stones with rounded edges, gravel with a toothed shape and colluvion. Furthermore, the sandy loam frame soil in Los Arboles provides ideal drainage. Both the Merlot and Cabernet Franc come from Tupungato, Uco Valley, where there is very little soil depth with gravel on the surface, while also combining volcanic ash and calcareous rocks, which offers very good drainage. All of the vineyards are managed in a highly sustainable manner.

To craft this red wine, each variety underwent primary fermentation separately in small cement tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, 65% new and 35% second use. It was then aged in barrel for 12 months, and finally bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The 2019 growing season was notable for its dry weather and cool climate, resulting in highly concentrated wines with great colour and acidity. From a good-to-excellent year, let's see how this 2019 Malbec blend from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2019 (93+ pts)

Tasting Note:

ACHAVAL FERRER QUIMERA 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#24752) (XD) - $53
Blend of old vine 59% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Elegantly complex, medium-high intensity aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, violet, currant, cassis, earthy mineral, and fine oak spices. It is full-bodied and nicely concentrated with lovely ripe blackberry, currant, fine oak spice, violet, and earthy-stony mineral flavours which are supported by fresh acidity and firm, chewy, and well-structured tannins. Crisp and fresh with mineral notes lingering on the exceptionally long, dry finish. Enjoyable now and will improve to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93+ pts

Very limited quantities of one of their Malbec wines is available at the LCBO, while the rest of their outstanding portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, August 19, 2023

Undurraga Terroir Hunter Cauquenes Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Chile) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Viña Undurraga, one of Chile's oldest wineries and a producer known for crafting high-quality wines. It was founded in 1885 by Francisco Undurraga Vicuña and has played a significant role in Chile's winemaking history. It all started in 1970, when Francisco brought plants from Germany and France in lead capsules so they wouldn't wilt during their journey through the tropics. He also used oak wood from Bosnia to make the casks that the company started with.

Undurraga was initially founded as "Fundo Santa Ana", in honour of Francisco's wife, Mrs. Ana Fernández de Íñiguez and in 1891 they had their first harvest. At the turn of the century, the winery expanded and built its original cellar. In 1903, Undurraga became the first winery from Chile to export their wines to the U.S. and awards followed soon thereafter. The 1960s brought decades of distinguished visitors to the winery, along with the production of their first sparkling wines in 1975.

Today, Undurraga is headquartered with vineyards in the Maipo Valley. They have six estates and vineyards across five regions in Chile that are exclusively dedicated to the cultivation and production of the finest wine grapes. Each of these locations was carefully selected by the company's viticulture teams based on its suitability for specific varieties, while the unique qualities of the terroir are studied using precision farming techniques. The winemaking philosophy at Undurraga is based on creating characterful, authentic, and consistent wines. The winemakers and viticulturists work together to express the identity and quality of the vineyards through each and every one of their eight lines of wines by meticulously managing the vines and taking the utmost care throughout the vinification process. While each line bears the personal stamp of its winemaker, all Undurraga wines have one thing in common - each line seeks to faithfully represent the character of the grape variety it is made from and its place of origin, while prioritizing good balance, fruit expression, and fine quality.

This particular wine is from their emblematic T.H. (or Terroir Hunter) range, which is made by Head Winemaker Rafael Urrejola. The Terroir Hunter project is a constant search across the diverse Chilean topography for micro terroirs. These small plots of land with strong characters are carefully managed to obtain genuine wines of origin.

For this Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes were grown in their 6.45 hectare vineyard, which was planted in 2009, and situated 5 km south of the town of Cauquenes, on the banks of River Tutuvén, in the southern part of the Maule Valley in central Chile. The Maule Valley is Chile's largest winegrowing region, with 30,000 hectares planted with vines. Undurraga has an estate property in Cauquenes, and the grapes for this red wine come from densely planted vines which reside on gentle slopes of granitic origin, in low-fertility red clay soils which have a high content of quartz. In Cauquenes, summers are warm and dry, with average highs of 32°C and cool night temperatures of 11°C., while autumn is cold and humid, with average rainfall between 700 to 1,000 mm. These conditions contribute to the extended growing season that is ideal for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.

From a balanced and cool growing season that also had good thermal amplitude, let's see how this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is tasting tonight...

Undurraga Terroir Hunter Cauquenes Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (92 pts)

Tasting Note:

UNDURRAGA TERROIR HUNTER CAUQUENES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Valle del Maule, Chile (#24768) (XD) - $26.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was hand harvested. The grape characters were delicately extracted during fermentation, and then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (30% new). The clean, fresh, fragrant, and highly aromatic nose offers lovely evergreen and tomato leaf aromas that surround a core of dark berry, currant, cassis, and subtle earthy, cedary wood spice notes. It's medium-full bodied on the dry, ripe palate with red & black berry, cherry, currant, cassis flavours that are slightly stewed. Some gentle cedary oak, earth, dried herbs, and spices add complexity. It's framed by juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, lightly chalky tannins. It's nicely balanced throughout with earthy, evergreen, dried herb, currant, and cassis all coming through on the exceptionally long, well-balanced finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 6-7 years! Score: 92 pts

Other fine wines by Undurraga are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, August 5, 2023

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Australia) - Wine Review

red wine review is the latest vintage of a lovely, consistently well-made Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that arrived at the LCBO last month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Wakefield Wines, a well-respected winery situated in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia. The family winemaking business was established in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. He was inspired by the producers of Bordeaux and had a vision to craft estate wines that rival the best in the world. In Australia and New Zealand, they trade under their family name, Taylors Wines, but here in Canada and abroad, the wines are marketed under the Wakefield Wines brand.

When the Taylor family established their wine business, they wanted to create proper "old world" style estate wines, which are by definition when both the vineyards and winery are in the same location. This approach allowed the Taylor family to have ultimate control over the vineyards, winery, and even the bottling of the wines. The first wines they crafted were this Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, and an Estate Shiraz. These days, each wine is still crafted and bottled at the estate, but all of the fruit is not grown on the property. This is mainly due to the popularity of the wines - they need more fruit to meet demand, but also because fruit from other regions can be of higher quality.

Today, Wakefield Wines is led by the grandsons of Bill Taylor Sr. - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton, who represent the third generation of the family. The commitment from each generation of the family to the way the wines are crafted has earned the Taylors an enviable reputation and contributed to their continued success. Their love for winemaking, keen eye for detail, and commitment to excellence have made Wakefield Wines a renowned producer of top Australian wines.

The Taylor family is also committed to ensuring that they function in a responsible and sustainable manner on both land and sea. While their strong connection to the land is evident, their connection to the sea is equally strong, starting with their unique seahorse emblem that adorns each bottle of wine. Nationally and globally, the Taylor family has partnered with two organisations that are working to protect seahorses. On land, they favour innovative techniques to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and packaging, as well as prevent or eliminate the production of waste or pollution. Their goal as a company is to apply best practice principles in environmental management which promote biodiversity to enhance sustainable business activities and products.

I've had the pleasure of tasting quite a few vintages of this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, going back to at least the 2016 vintage. This wine is traditionally crafted with fruit exclusively from the Clare Valley. However, fruit from Limestone Coast played a minority role in the final blend of the 2019 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. For this vintage, the wine is still 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but Limestone Coast fruit plays a major role with 67% Limestone Coast and 33% Clare Valley fruit.

The Limestone Coast zone is approximately 400 km south of the Clare Valley and includes, among others, the winegrowing regions of Coonawarra (one of the finest regions for Cabernet Sauvignon) and Padthaway. In 2020, the Limestone Coast zone produced small quantities of high quality fruit due to a cool spring that resulted in small berries with great fruit concentration and lovely tannins. Warm days and cool nights also provided the perfect ripening conditions. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia is tasting tonight...

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Limestone Coast / Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was matured for up to 12 months in used French oak barrels, with half in 2 year old barrels and the remainder in 3 year old barrels, prior to final blending and bottling. Elegantly fragrant, medium-high intensity aromatics offer attractive minty cassis, black currant, tomato leaf, and herbs with a savoury, earthy core, plus some oak spice and cocoa notes. It's medium-full bodied with fresh, lively acidity that lifts the minty, cassis, black currant, tomato leaf, and herbal flavours that become savoury with earthy and cocoa notes on the gently tangy mid-palate. Smooth, refined tannins are well-structured. Clean and well-balanced throughout with very good acid structure. Earthy, cedary oak, and cocoa with touches of mineral, plus some tangy notes on the long, well-structured finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 89 pts

Many other lovely wines from the Wakefield Wines portfolio are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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