Planeta Frappato 2024 (Sicily) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this excellent, organic Frappato from the Sicilia Vittoria DOC in Sicily that arrived at the LCBO after a one-year absence. It was featured as part of the thematic on wines from Italy's islands of Sicily (and Sardinia) in last weekend's August 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Planeta, a family-owned winery that ranks among Sicily's most respected and influential wine producers. Over the course of more than 500 years and 17 generations, the Planeta family has established deep roots on the island, playing an important role in the agricultural evolution of Sicily's diverse and complex landscapes.

The approach at Planeta leans towards openness and innovation, with the family's most recent history beginning in the early 1900s when Grandfather Vito transformed the small, family winery in Menfi, in western Sicily, into a thriving co-operative in a remarkably short period, laying the foundation for future growth and new opportunities. Today, Planeta operates six estates across Sicily, each chosen to express the unique character of its respective terroir.

The family's journey to Vittoria began in the late 1990s with the restoration of the historic Dorilli estate, centred around a grand country house on land long associated with the Planeta family. The first vineyards were planted in 1997, and the estate has since become the family's home for producing wines from Vittoria's distinctive red sandy soils. Rich in history and agricultural tradition, Vittoria has long held a special place in the family's story—so much so that earlier generations debated whether Vittoria or Menfi was the better place to cultivate vines.

Today, Planeta is led by two generations of the family—brothers and sisters, along with their children, nieces, and nephews—who share a common vision rooted in collaboration, respect for the land, and environmental stewardship. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and thoughtful winemaking has earned Planeta an international reputation for producing wines that faithfully express the remarkable diversity of Sicily's terroirs.

I was first introduced to this wine five years ago with the 2018 Planeta Frappato, and it has been a consistently recommended buy ever since. Frappato is a rare variety planted mainly in Sicily and has a close genetic relationship to Sangiovese. There are only approximately 1,000 hectares of vines planted to Frappato, with Planeta cultivating theirs according to sustainable and organic standards in the red sands of Vittoria, where it reaches its ultimate expression, not far from the sea.

First crafted in the 2013 vintage, this red wine is crafted with 100% Frappato that was grown at Planeta's Mogli vineyard in the district of Acate in southeastern Sicily. The vineyard is situated at 70 metres above sea level and planted on sandy textured soils that are the main characteristics of the Vittoria area. Furthermore, the soil consists mainly of loose red sands with a structure of small dimension, moderately deep, and a layer of tufa that lies at about 90 cm, which crucially helps with water capacity and balancing of the water in the plants.

To vinify this wine, the grapes were hand-harvested and transported to the winery in small trolleys, after which they were destalked and pressed, then transferred into 114 hL and 150 hL stainless steel tanks. The grapes were stirred three times a day with very short pump overs of 10–20 minutes according to the phase of fermentation, as well as to protect the skins and fruit as much as possible. It was cool-fermented at the beginning, then raised to about 24°C to allow the final alcohol level to develop. After completing fermentation, the skins remain in contact with the wine for 10–13 days, then racked off. Malolactic fermentation was completed, followed by maturation, all in the same stainless steel tanks.

While the 2024 vintage in Sicily was characterized by a drop in yields, drought, high temperatures, and an early harvest, quality did not suffer as good ripeness levels were attained. It is considered to be a good to excellent vintage with exceptionally healthy fruit that produced balanced wines. In the Vittoria area of southeastern Sicily, the vintage is considered to be excellent as Frappato is suited to areas with low rainfall, along with the significant diurnal temperatures between night and day and cooling sea breezes. Let's see how this 2024 Frappato from Vittoria in Sicily is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PLANETA FRAPPATO 2024 - DOC Sicilia Vittoria, Italy (#508655) (XD) - $23.95
100% Frappato and certified organic, this has a fresh, fragrant, and medium-high+ intensity nose offering attractive dark red berried cran-cherry, strawberry, and red plum aromas mingling with fine spices, peppercorn, earth, mineral, plus a hint of blood orange adding further complexity. It's light-to-medium bodied on the dry palate with lovely cran-cherry, red berry, strawberry, red plum, savoury earth, and dried spice flavours. Some bitter notes appear on the mid-palate, while acids are crisp and fresh. Present and well-structured tannins offer a somewhat chalky textured mouthfeel. It's well-balanced with dark red cherry and spice notes tapering to earth and minerals on the long, savoury finish. Should drink nicely over the coming 5-6 years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Several wines by Planeta are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2021 (McLaren Vale) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Grenache from the McLaren Vale in Australia. It arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature on Summer Smart Buys in the July 18th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by d'Arenberg, a renowned and well-respected winery that was established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. With a long and rich history of winemaking, d'Arenberg has been passed down from one generation to the next and is currently led by Chester Osborn, the fourth generation of the Osborn family, who became Chief Winemaker at the family estate in 1984.

Today, the focus at d'Arenberg is to encourage each vineyard to showcase its personality by practicing viticulture and winemaking with minimal intervention. This is implemented by time-honoured techniques such as open fermentation, foot treading, and basket pressing, which allow the personality of the vineyard to shine. Furthermore, all d'Arenberg estate owned and leased vineyards are ACO Certified for organic and biodynamic processes. By using natural and environmentally friendly processes, this encourages strong root systems that penetrate the soil, which results in lively tannin structures, soil characters, and fine minerality. The environment, sustainability, and community are core values at d'Arenberg as they aim for net carbon zero by 2035 and pass on a sustainable business to the next generation.

Winemaking at d'Arenberg begins with Chester walking the vineyard rows and tasting grapes in order to classify and determine the ideal picking time for each individual vineyard. McLaren Vale is home to some of the oldest vines in the country, with some dating as far back as 1850. McLaren Vale also has a Mediterranean climate with a huge array of soil types, while its proximity to the ocean and cooling sea breezes make it an idyllic location for winegrowing. At the winery, each wine, from entry level to iconic, undergoes basket pressing, with all red ferments foot trod during fermentation, a labour-intensive action that is controlled, extremely gentle, and yields quality results. Importantly, all parcels remain separate until final blending.

The name of this wine comes from a time during the 1980s vine pull scheme when d'Arry Osborn refused to remove his old Grenache vineyards. Today, as keeper of nearly one-third of McLaren Vale's old bush vine Grenache, d'Arenberg has earned the title of "Custodian" of the variety.

To craft this 100% Grenache wine, small batches of grapes were gently crushed and transferred into open fermenters, after which foot treading was undertaken two-thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine was then basket-pressed and transferred into old French oak to complete fermentation and mature. The basket-fermented wine was then aged on its lees for 9 months, without any racking until final blending. After blending, it was bottled without undergoing any fining or filtration.

In McLaren Vale, the 2021 growing season began with a wet winter and spring that replenished soil moisture before a hot, dry November naturally reduced yields. Well-timed February rain refreshed the vines, while warm conditions accelerated ripening, resulting in one of the earliest harvests on record. Mild, dry autumn weather, punctuated by a few warm days in late March and early April, allowed Grenache and other late-ripening varieties to reach full maturity. From a vintage that produced both quantity and quality, along with it being considered as one of the best vintages of this century, let's see how this 2021 Grenache from Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2021 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#713040) (XD) - $19.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this 100% Grenache has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that seems a bit tight, with deep aromas of red & black raspberry, black cherry, dried herbs, and toasted nut notes nuanced with peppery spice, stony minerals, and a touch of red florals adding further interest and complexity. On the dry, mid-weighted palate it has fresh and lively acidity, alongside ripe, fine-grained tannins with good structure. It has lovely red & black raspberry, black cherry, dried herb, peppery spice, and savoury mineral flavours. Well-balanced with juicy acids on the mid-palate leading to savoury, earthy mineral, and toasted nut notes with a slightly chalky texture on the long finish. Should dink nicely over the coming half dozen+ years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

A couple of wines by d'Arenberg are widely available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Cellier des Dauphins Réserve Côtes du Rhône 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Réserve Côtes du Rhône, a blend of Grenache and Syrah that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the July 18 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône (UVCdR), a co-operative winery founded in 1965 in the southeastern French region of Drôme Provençale by a group of local grower co-operatives. Today, UVCdR unites approximately 2,300 winegrowing families across the Southern Rhône Valley, cultivating more than 12,000 hectares of vineyards to produce wines from numerous Rhône Valley appellations, including several Crus.

As one of the Rhône Valley's largest wine producers, UVCdR has become one of the region's leading co-operative groups, with Cellier des Dauphins serving as its flagship brand. Introduced in 1967, Cellier des Dauphins has grown into one of the Rhône Valley's best-known wine brands, built on the co-operative values of its founding growers. The brand reflects a commitment to quality from vine to glass, while celebrating the collective spirit that has united generations of Rhône winegrowers. Its name—"Cellar of the Dolphins"—pays tribute to the historic Dauphiné region, which bordered the Rhône Valley in southeastern France.

In the vineyard, Cellier des Dauphins growers work their vineyards every day with concrete actions in favour of biodiversity. Their winegrowers have converted 3,000 hectares to High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, and 1,350 hectares to organic agriculture. Cellier des Dauphins is also committed to eco-design of packaging and is constantly seeking sustainable solutions to packaging, along with waste reduction and preserving natural resources.

I last enjoyed this delicious Rhône red when the 2019 Cellier des Dauphins Réserve landed at the LCBO five years ago, and while that vintage was predominantly (90%) Grenache with Syrah playing a very small role, the 2023 blend shifts to 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The grapes were selected from their best terroir in the villages of Richerenche, Vinsobres, Puyméras, Tulette, and Saint Maurice. The vineyards are situated at altitude in the lower Pré-Alpes north of Mont Ventoux, on terraces with a cooler climate where the sunny Mediterranean climate is cooled by the Mistral winds. The soil on these terraces is composed of clay limestone formed of sedimentary rock and pebbles. To craft this wine, the grapes were harvested when extra ripe to obtain maximum aromatic concentration and natural mellowness. It was traditionally vinified with the must macerating for two weeks at a controlled temperature, followed by extended wood ageing.

In 2023, the growing season began with a very dry start from January to March, which resulted in a relatively late budburst in early April. The Mistral winds blew frequently during the period between budburst and flowering—precisely when growers would have preferred calmer conditions. On the bright side, there were welcoming rains in May and June, followed by a warm and arid summer, which climaxed to 43°C in late August, which led to some grapes suffering sunburn and maturation issues. Rain at the end of August allowed the vines to recover and the grapes to resume ripening, although the fierce heat remained until the end of the month. This was a season that suited vines grown on clay soils (under rolled pebbles). The early harvest wasn't particularly good for Grenache as sugar ripening had often got ahead of phenolic ripening, which may help explain the increased proportion of Syrah in this vintage for this wine. Despite the challenges, this is a good vintage for red wines from the Southern Rhône. Let's see how this 2023 Côtes du Rhône red is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOC, France (#14081) (XD) - $16.95
This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah has a medium+ intensity nose that takes some coaxing to reveal a fine mix of ripe black raspberry, garrigue, peppery spice, and black cherry aromas with warm stones and scorched earth notes adding further complexity. The medium to medium+ bodied palate is dry with ripe, plummy, dark cherry, black raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, and peppery spice flavours nuanced with meaty, scorched earth, and stony minerals. It's supported by fresh, lively, and slightly tangy acidity, along with grainy textured tannins with good structure. Nicely balanced throughout with savoury black raspberry and scorched earth notes lingering on the long finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A few wines by UVCdR bearing the "Dauphins" name are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Los Clop Paraje Altamira Reserva Malbec 2023 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Malbec from the high-altitude region of Paraje Altamira within the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. It is brand new to the LCBO, arriving both in-store and online in last weekend's July 18 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This Malbec is produced by Clop Wines, a family-run winery whose story begins after José Clop emigrated from Spain to the Mendoza region of Argentina in 1885. José built the Clop family's first winery in 1915, and the business was boosted by his grandson, Don Eraclio Ricardo Clop, in 1991 with a vision to find the best site for the production of premium wines of great depth and unique personality.

In 2002, Ricardo and his sons, Gustavo and Rubén, bought the current winery, not far from the original winery in the district of Fray Luis Beltrán, Department of Maipú, in Mendoza. By 2005, the Clop brothers took on the challenge of producing high-quality wines with the same vision as their father and great-grandfather. In 2007, they began exporting their wines, with the first export to the Island of Mauritius. In 2015, international acclaim arrived as they were awarded Best Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Today, Clop Wines continues to be run by brothers Gustavo and Rubén. They have decided to invest mostly in the oases where some of Argetina's best vines are grown: Agrelo and Valle de Uco. The structure and architecture of the winery mimics the first wineries in Mendoza and offers a large and convenient space for the reception and processing of grapes. To produce quality wines, Clop Wines combines age-old tradition with innovative, leading-edge technology.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec that was grown in the Paraje Altamira appellation within the department of San Carlos, Uco Valley. The vineyard was planted in 2007 at an altitude of 1,070 metres above sea level on soil that is sandy with stones on the surface and a significant presence of calcareous material lying underneath. The area typically receives only 180 millimetres of rainfall annually, thus the vines are watered via drip irrigation.

To craft this Malbec, the grapes were hand-harvested in the second fortnight of April, and then brought to the winery for cluster and berry selection. The grapes underwent a cold maceration at 6°C for approximately 5 days with constant monitoring and assessment, followed by a traditional fermentation with indigenous yeasts between 26°C and 28°C for 15 days. The wine remained in contact with its skins to enhance mouthfeel and texture, after which it was separated from the skins by pressing. Malolactic fermentation was carried out with indigenous bacteria, followed by 12 months of ageing in new French oak barrels.

The growing season in the 2023 vintage in Argentina was the hottest year recorded since 1961. It was also another roller coaster of a vintage as La Niña left the country in a state of drought, including during the winter months which were unnaturally dry but with some polar influences. Spring frosts in Altamira mildly affected yields, which resulted in fewer berries and contributed to the power of the wines this year. From a very good to outstanding vintage in Altamira that produced minerally and age-worthy wines, let's see how this 2023 Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LOS CLOP PARAJE ALTAMIRA RESERVA MALBEC 2023 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#49711) (XD) - $22.95
Elegantly well-balanced with a touch of reductive character, this has a lifted, medium-high to highly aromatic nose of violet, floral, peppery oak spice, blackberry, and black cherry, plus touches of stony/earthy minerals. On the dry, medium to medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and well-structured with violet, black & purple fruits, blackberry, and peppery oak spice flavours. Fresh acids are crisp and lively, while the tannins are quite structured and slightly grippy. Nicely textured throughout with purple and black fruits, and violet notes tapering to savoury, stony minerals on the long, gently chalky textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

A few other Clop Wines are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Château de Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan 2022 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent Merlot-based red wine from Bordeaux's Left Bank that made its debut earlier this month in the July 4 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

The wines of Château de Rochemorin are produced by Vignobles Famille André Lurton, one of Bordeaux's largest and most respected family-owned wine companies. The Lurton family's ancestors, the Récapet, had been cultivating vines since the middle of the 17th century in the parish of Saint-Laurent-des Combes, not far from the famous village of Saint-Émilion. The know-how of the Récapet has been passed along to successive generations as they became liquorists by the middle of the 19th century.

In 1894, Léonce Récapet married Emma Thibeaud, daughter of an owner-vinegrower in Moulon, who set forth a dream to be fulfilled as he embarked on a winegrowing adventure. Léonce's passion for viticulture took root in the family and was transferred to the couple's only living child and heiress - Denise. In 1923, Denise wed François Lurton, a man from the city, and they settled at Château Bonnet. Together, they had four children, with the eldest being André, who was born in 1924. André Lurton was a man of quiet determination and remarkable foresight who dedicated his life to revealing the full potential of Bordeaux's diverse terroirs. He built a legacy based on discovery and had philosophy rooted in terroir – believing that wine should express where it comes from.

Château de Rochemorin has a long history that begins in 1520, when Jean de Amelin from the Périgord region arrived in Bordeaux. He was lord of the Rochemorin noble stronghold in Saint-Front d'Alemps and decided to invest in winegrowing. He set out to find a property and found Maison Noble de Beaubois, in the parish of Martillac, cleared the forest and planted vines as the Rochemorin vineyard was born. Rochemorin was passed through familial lines over generations until it was acquired in 1919 by a company that specialized in forestry and had little interest in viticulture. The estate changed hands one more time and eventually fell into decline, until 1973.

In 1973, Rochemorin was acquired by the visionary André Lurton, who tore down the trees and replanted the original vineyard. Today, Château de Rochemorin, with its unusual architecture, is situated at 56 metres above level, the highest point within the commune of Martillac, and on one of the highest gravelly hilltops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The 42 hectares of red grape vines are planted on deep gravel soil, and the 14 hectares of white varieties have shelly sand soil, while the entire vineyard has a base of gravel on clay subsoil terroir. Château de Rochemorin is characterized by the great diversity of its terroir, as this variety of soils and appropriate grape varieties planted on each soil type results in minerally, expressive white wines, and fine, elegant red wines. The prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation was established as its own AOC in 1987 (it was previously part of the Graves AOC) and is equally famous for both its white and red wines.

This red wine is crafted using a blend of 65% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that was grown on deep gravel terroir within a vineyard spanning 56 hectares. The vines average 20 years old and were pruned using a double Guyot system with debudding. After harvesting the grapes, they were sorted using an automatic system upon arriving at the cellar. It underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a patented cap-breaking system, followed by ageing for 12 months in oak barrels (30–40% new) with racking each trimester.

The growing season in Bordeaux in 2022 was atypical due to the extreme weather conditions. It began with an early frost in the spring, which affected the vineyard just as the vines were starting to bud. There was also a long period of exceptional drought conditions from May until the end of September. While these exceptional weather conditions resulted in lower yields, the end result was grapes in a perfect state of health at the time of harvest, which was earlier than usual and completed by October 4th. From a hot and dry vintage that produced excellent wines, let's see how this 2022 Bordeaux red wine from Pessac-Léognan is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE ROCHEMORIN PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2022 - AOC, Bordeaux, France (#48823) (XD) - $39.95
This terrific blend of 65% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc is fresh and highly aromatic, with an engaging nose that has lovely dark fruited aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberry, cocoa, and oak spice aromas with accents of barnyard and graphite all wrapped around a savoury core of wet earth. The medium-full bodied palate has a lighter feel to it with fresh acidity lifting the black fruit, currant, black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, savoury earth, and graphite flavours in a nicely balanced profile. Well-structured tannins are smooth and elegant, while leafy herbs and spice add further complexity on the slightly grippy mid-palate. Savoury earth and graphite notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy into the mid-2030s! Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines by Vignobles Famille André Lurton can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Gorghi Tondi Maremeo Sauvignon Blanc 2025 and Dumè Frappato 2025 (Sicily) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely, organic wines from Sicily. Both made their first appearance at the LCBO this month, with the Frappato arriving as part of the feature on chilled red wines in the June 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, while the Sauvignon Blanc landed over the weekend in the June 20 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Both of these wines are produced by Tenuta Gorghi Tondi, a family-owned estate winery whose story begins with Dora Sala, the matriarch of the family and great-grandmother of sisters Annamaria and Clara Sala, who had a great love for nature, grapes, and the land. Dora was a strong, far-sighted, and innovative woman who was an inspiration to all the women in the family.

Situated in the extreme western part of the island of Sicily, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi was formally founded in 2000 by Michele, who had worked in the business for over forty years, and his wife, Doretta, who is the granddaughter of Dora. A few years later, their daughters, Annamaria and Clara, returned home from their careers and were surrounded by the family vineyards and wines, while facing a new challenge to build a future and bringing back the old dream of crafting premium wines in Sicily.

Today, Tenuta Gorghi Tondi is led by the two sisters, Annamaria and Clara, who carry on with the same determination and love for the land. The Sala family has always had a strong bond with their territory, especially the High, Medium, and Low "whirlpools" (the so-called "Gorghi") that are at the heart of an oasis, which is also the inspiration for the name of the winery - Gorghi Tondi, or Round Whirlpools. They have two properties within the Mazara del Vallo countryside, named Ramisella and San Nicola, and cover over 130 hectares of vines which overlook the horizon and are cradled by the sea breeze in Western Sicily. The winemaking philosophy at Gorghi Tondi is to produce high-quality organic and sustainable wines, in harmony with a unique and naturally gifted terroir.

As organic viticulture and sustainability are core values at Tenuta Gorghi Tondi, all the grapes are grown organically and certified since 2016, without the use of any synthetic chemicals. Emergency irrigation is practiced only if absolutely necessary to maintain the authentic aromas and flavours of the grapes. On the sustainability front, Gorghi Tondi uses clean energy to allow for sustainable development and to protect the ecosystem. In 2025, Gorghi Tondi achieved their VIVA and SOStain Sicilia certifications, which verifies their commitment to environmental performance, biodiversity protection, responsible water use, carbon footprint management, and sustainable vineyard practices.

First crafted in the 2021 vintage, the Maremeo is the Sicilian expression of Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were grown at approximately 25 metres above sea level in southwestern Sicily, in the countryside area of Mazara del Vallo, province of Trapani, in Contrada San Nicola. It comes from younger vines planted in calcareous and sandy soil that daily breathes the coastal breezes. This wine is from Gorghi Tondi's "Wines of Good Cheer" line, which aims to capture the essence of summer and the vital joy of the Mediterranean Sea's foam.

The Frappato comes from the same Contrada as the Sauvignon Blanc and was first produced in the 2017 vintage. The Dumè represents a fascinating original in the winemaking history of Tenuta Gorghi Tondi as they decided to test themselves for the first time with the indigenous Frappato, one of eastern Sicily's oldest and famous grape varieties. In the Sicilian dialect, the name Dumè literally means "ours or in our way", and Dumè was created with the desire to interpret this historic grape through the unique lens of the Mazara del Vallo terroir. The label for this wine is a lively tribute to the island's art and culture, and is inspired by the iconic geometries and colours of Sicilian ceramics.

In 2025, the growing season in Sicily featured balanced climatic conditions, resulting in fresh, balanced wines of good quality, with coastal areas and those at higher altitudes particularly standing out. Let's see how this 2025 Sauvignon Blanc and 2025 Frappato from Sicily are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

GORGHI TONDI MAREMEO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#49062) (XD) - $19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers a fine and intriguing mix of ripe lemon citrus and sea spray aromas nuanced with passion fruit, tropical fruit, peach, saline mineral, and grapefruit. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is well-structured and lightly honeyed with spiced flavours ripe lemon, citrus, saline mineral, tropical fruit, and peach. It has juicy, well-balanced acidity, alongside a mineral textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Juicy, saline mineral and lemon notes taper to savoury on the long, textured finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

GORGHI TONDI DUMÈ FRAPPATO 2025 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#50571) (XD) - $22.95
100% Frappato. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is ripe and fruity with red berried aromas of black raspberry, cran-cherry, and strawberry joined by whiffs of smoky mineral and savoury earth. It's light-to-mid weighted on the dry palate with lovely spicy notes alongside black raspberry, strawberry, cran-cherry, and red plum flavours surrounding a core of savoury, stony minerals. It has fresh and vibrant acidity, along with slightly grippy textured tannins. The grippy mid-palate leads to raspberry and cherry notes that taper to savoury, stony mineral flavours on the long finish. Chill well for best enjoyment and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine & exciting wines by Gorghi Tondi can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Illuminati RipaRosso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2023 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious red crafted with Montepulciano from Abruzzo. It is a brand new arrival at the LCBO that landed on shelves across the province in the recent June 6th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Illuminati Vini, one of Abruzzo's historic family wine estates that was established in 1890 by Nicola Illuminati. He founded his first winery in the commune of Ripatransone, on the border between Marche and Abruzzo, and called it "Fattoria Nicò".

While this was the beginning of the family's history in wine, their familial history and character goes back much further in time with their ancestor, Pacifico Illuminati. Furthermore, their ancient patronymic surname means "illuminated by faith", while their coat of arms is a crescent moon and candle. These ancient symbols signified wisdom, devotion, and resolve, and were discovered, almost by chance, by more recent generations among old relics whose provenance was lost in time. In the past, the people in the village referred to the family as "grastielle", or "those who unite". The members of the Illuminati family were considered wise people who people could always turn to during a conflict, and always brought people together around a table.

In 1960, Dino Illuminati, grandson of Nicola, left Ripatransone and moved to the south to Controguerra, in Abruzzo, by the Teramo hills, which had a microclimate tempered by the Adriatic Sea and was protected by the Gran Sasso mountain range. In an area called Zanna, Dino purchased a farmhouse and 5 hectares of land, which is still Illuminati Vini's headquarters today and is surrounded by 110 hectares of vineyards.

Today, the winery is led by brothers Stefano and Lorenzo Illuminati, and Stefano's son, Nicola, who represent the 4th and 5th generations of the family. The philosophy at Illuminati Vini is that wine isn't just a craft, but a way of working in symbiosis with the land, and an idea refined from father to son, from choice to choice. Each generation has received something and added something, and together, the team carries forward a method that was built over 150 years of experimentation, preserves tradition, and continues to evolve over time.

Illuminati Vini has several lines of wines, with each wine having its own story and born from an encounter between a unique terroir and the knowledge of five generations of winegrowers. This particular red wine is from their RipaRosso line, which recounts the many facets of the Controguerra Teramo Hills, including geography, memory, and natural elements that define the character of the wines and the land that produces them.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Montepulciano that was grown in vineyards situated within the communes of Controguerra, Corropoli, and Torano Nuovo. The vineyards are planted between 200 and 270 metres above sea level, on medium textured soil that tends toward clayey. It was vinified using a traditional red wine method with long maceration of the skins in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 28°C. It underwent malolactic fermentation in steel, and was then aged in 25 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels for 6 months.

The 2023 vintage in Abruzzo was marked by sweeping changes to the DOC which took effect that year, as well as climatic challenges. Like much of the country, Abruzzo suffered through rain and overcast skies throughout spring, which caused downy mildew, and resulted in drastically reduced yields. Summer was arid and warm, which caused many vines to go into hydric stress and slowed the ripening process. At the time of harvest, the grapes displayed uneven ripeness levels, which meant that severe selection was necessary to identify healthy grapes. Let's see how this 2023 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ILLUMINATI RIPAROSSO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 - DOC, Italy (#269985) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap enclosure. Fragrant and open, the medium-high intensity nose has lifted, ripe and fruity aromas of black plum, black cherry, and spice notes layered over oak and grilled herbs in a slightly jammy profile. The weighty, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry and ripe with plenty of spice notes embedded with dark fruit, black cherry, black plum, currant, and herbal flavours, plus touches of smoky oak. Crisp acids are juicy and succulent, while the refined tannins have a slightly youthful grip. Spice and dark fruit characters lead to savoury, smoky oak notes on the long, well-structured finish. A food-friendly, recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Illuminati Vini can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Monte Schiavo Marzaiola Lacrima di Morro d'Alba 2024 (Marche) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly wine crafted using Lacrima grapes that made its debut at the LCBO in today's June 6th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Monte Schiavo is one of three ranges of wines produced by the Pieralisi family of Tenute Pieralisi. Monte Schiavo represents the family's 60 years of experience in viticulture and production of excellent wines in the Marche winegrowing region.

Since the 1960s, the Pieralisi family have been one of Marche's most famous families of entrepeneurs and winemakers. However, the Pieralisi family's journey of innovation goes back even further as Adeodato Pieralisi founded the first workshop for the maintenance of agricultural machinery in 1888. With innovation in their DNA, the family has an attachment to the land and the region, along with a passion for innovation that has guided the family since the 19th century.

In 1976, the co-operative winery of Monte Schiavo was established in the comune of Maiolati Spontini, in the province of Ancona, in the heart of the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, where it still stands today. In 1995, the Pieralisi group acquired Monte Schiavo and set forth a path with a passion for the land and developed technologies to make the work by humans easier and more effective.

Today, the Pieralisi family have created a cutting-edge winery with a rigorously short production chain, the capability to manage the entire production cycle, and meets modern standards for hygiene and quality. Guided by the experience and passion of first-class oenologists and master winemakers, the Pieralisi family boasts of production excellence and an aim of guaranteeing taste and quality. With a deep respect for the land and its natural processes, along with a conviction that authenticity at the origin is the key to creating a quality product, the estates of Tenute Pieralisi are certified organic (or in conversion to organic), while also fully complying for the production of vegan wines.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Lacrima, an autochthonous vine that is a rare survivor from medieval times in the Marche region. The name "Lacrima" means tear and is derived from the juice that flows out of this ripe and dark berry. It is grown almost exclusively in the comune of Morro d’Alba, within the province of Ancona in Marche. The grapes for this wine were grown on hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea on fertile, medium-soil, at 120 metres above sea level. After manually harvesting the grapes over the last days of September, it underwent traditional vinification and ageing in stainless steel tanks.

The growing season in 2024 in Marche was marked by a torrid, dry summer, which resulted in a low-yielding and early harvest. Let's see how this 2024 Lacrima from Marche is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONTE SCHIAVO MARZAIOLA LACRIMA DI MORRO D'ALBA 2024 - Vegan, DOC, Marche, Italy (#50813) (XD) - $17.95
100% Lacrima in an unoaked style. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose delivers wild berry, floral violet, and raspberry aromas in a slightly perfumed profile, and layered over dark berry, black cherry, and earth with hints of mineral. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied it has a fine balance of fruity and savoury with wild berry, floral violet, raspberry, red currant, and plum flavours surrounding a core of savoury earth and mineral. Mild spice notes join the party on the mid-palate. It has fresh acidity and somewhat firm tannins that are youthfully textured and chalky. The wild berry and violet notes give way to savoury minerals on the long, gently youthful finish. Give it a slight chill and enjoy this recommended buy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

One wine by Monte Schiavo is available in extremely limited quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Domaine Cluny Bourgogne Côte d'Or Pinot Noir 2022 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a fantastic Pinot Noir from Burgundy that made its debut at the LCBO last weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on May 23rd.

It is produced by Domaine Cluny, a family-run estate winery situated in the heart of the Côte de Nuits in the historic town of Brochon, between the iconic villages of Fixin to the north and Gevrey-Chambertin to the south. The Cluny family have been passionately farming vineyards in Brochon for six generations since the start of the 20th century. The estate has been extended over the years and passed down from one generation to the next.

It all started with Charles Cluny, who had come to work at Château de Brochon and bought some plots of vines. Paul Cluny, son of Charles, worked on the estate and expanded it before passing it along to his son, Charles. Michel Cluny, son of Charles, further extended the property before passing it on to Hervé Cluny in 1981. After Hervé passed away in 2005, his two daughters, Léa and Camille, inherited the domaine and its vineyards. For about the next decade, the family maintained the vineyards and predominantly sold the grapes to négociants.

In 2014, Édouard Papin, Léa's husband, joined the estate after studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune and a year later produced his first vintage using family estate fruit. Édouard took a rigorous approach to both vineyard and winery management in order to maximize the potential of the outstanding vineyard sites and climats he worked with.

Together, the Cluny family farms 7 hectares of some of the finest vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. They craft regional Bourgogne wines, Villages level wines, and Premier Cru wines using the traditional Burgundian varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Domaine Cluny is actively moving towards environmentally-friendly wine growing while continuing to produce wines using traditional Burgundy methods. The family has chosen to farm sustainably using a quality charter based on caring for the soil, using tillage and restricting yields to harvest the finest fruit every year.

This particular red wine is crafted using 100% Pinot Noir that was grown at the En Comble vineyard site within the village of Brochon in the Côte de Nuits district, and the Burgundy appellation of Côte d'Or. The grapes come from a small plot of only 0.72 hectares of vines which average 40 years old and are planted on a sandy soil mixed with clay. After harvesting the grapes by hand, they were sorted and de-stemmed, and underwent alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeast in concrete vats at a controlled temperature. It was matured for 12 months in (French) oak barrels.

In 2022, the growing season in Burgundy produced an excellent vintage in terms of both quality and quantity. The summer was hot and dry, without any challenges except for a couple of days of heavy storms in June, and some hail damage. After the rains of June, summer featured near-perfect growing conditions for Pinot Noir, with July and August offering warmth for ripening with little drought stress and raisining. 2022 is a 5-star vintage that brings together the fruit, aroma, and tannin of a warm vintage with the freshness, moderate body, and alcohol of a classic, cooler vintage. Let's see how this 2022 Pinot Noir from Côte d'Or in Burgundy is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE CLUNY BOURGOGNE CÔTE D'OR PINOT NOIR 2022 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#49859) (XD) - $29.95
The lifted, medium-high+ intensity nose offers lovely ripe black cherry and wild berry fruited aromas with a touch of reductive notes, followed by accents of earthy mushroom and a touch of fine wood spice. On the dry, medium-bodied palate it is well-structured with delicious black cherry, wild cheery, and oak spice flavours, alongside savoury earth, mushroom, and cocoa notes in a nicely balanced profile. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate. Acids are fresh, crisp, and structured, while the grainy tannins offer impressive structure in the Pinot context. Long and structured with juicy berry, oak spice, and cocoa notes on the succulent finish. Should drink nicely for at least the next 5 years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Cluny can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Featherstone Gamay Noir 2022 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Gamay Noir from Niagara that arrived at the LCBO in this weekend's May 23rd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection as part of the feature on Local Talent.

It is produced by Featherstone Estate Winery, a boutique, certified sustainable winery that was established in 1999 by Louise Engel and her winemaker husband, Dave Johnson. The estate winery is situated in Vineland, Ontario, among 23 hectares of rolling hills within the prestigious upper Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Escarpment. The name "Featherstone" is an homage to the gourmet food shop which specialized in poultry that Louise and Dave once owned and was named "Feather", while "stone" comes from the stone rock face and quarry adjacent to the vineyard.

Since its founding in 1999, Featherstone has been practicing eco-friendly farming techniques with respect for the land at the heart of making wine that is true to its soil and its site. Since the beginning, Featherstone has been practicing insecticide-free farming, and has employed various sustainable practices over the years. Notably, Featherstone pioneered in the region a small flock of sheep to naturally eat their way through the grape leaves that needed to be removed from the fruiting zone on the vines, while also fertilizing the soil as they moved through the vineyard. Featherstone also takes care of their dirt by avoiding herbicides, planting cover crops, using organic compounds to control mould and mildew, and switching to a recycle sprayer. In 2023, Featherstone received its Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) certification.

After 25 years, Featherstone opened a new chapter in 2024 when it was acquired by philanthropist Rayla Myhal and businessman George Myhal, while Louise and Dave look forward to their retirement years. After a period of transition, the new owners aim to build upon the successes of the past and carry the winery into the future with sustainability at its core.

Other developments since the change in ownership are that Kevin Qin, a graduate of the Niagara College Winery & Viticulture program who joined Featherstone in 2014, is now the Head Winemaker. Bruce Sawchuk also recently joined Featherstone as Junior Winemaker. The winery also completed their renovations of their new tasting room and expanded their hospitality services by opening the Nest Bistro.

Philanthropy is also a focus at Featherstone as both Rayla and George are firm believers in creating stronger communities through philanthropy. Their annual giving through the Myhal Family Foundation has helped to support projects in Education, Healthcare and Humanitarian efforts globally. With the purchase of Featherstone, their hope is to uplift the surrounding community with an ambitious goal of giving back 10% of all profits to local charities in the area.

To craft this 100% Gamay Noir, which was produced by both winemakers David Johnson and Kevin Chuan Qin, the grapes were machine harvested on October 14, 2022, then brought to the winery to be optically sorted to separate the ripest grapes. The selected grapes were then de-stemmed, crushed, and then cold-soaked on the skins for 72 hours prior to undergoing alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeasts in their climate-controlled cellar. The wine also completed 100% malolactic fermentation, and was then aged for 10 months in American oak barrels.

The growing season in 2022 was a very low-yielding vintage due to the wet fall of 2021, which was followed by a severe cold episode in winter 2022. While it wasn't a textbook growing season in Niagara, Indian Summer temperatures during harvest were quite favourable and allowed wineries a broad opportunity to harvest the grapes at optimal maturity. September was warm and dry, and the fruit quality during harvest was excellent, with Gamay grapes showing lots of fruit, energy, and depth. From a low-yield and high-quality vintage, let's see how this 2022 Gamay Noir from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FEATHERSTONE GAMAY NOIR 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#39275) (XD) - $18.95
Enclosed by Stelvin screw cap. Enticing, medium-high intensity aromas of red & black sour cherry, pomegranate, and savoury beetroot notes with hints of smoke, and woody earth. It is light-to-medium bodied on the dry palate with smooth, light, and integrated tannins. Fresh and lively acidity adds a tanginess to the cran-cherry, sour cherry, pomegranate fruit flavours, which are nuanced with savoury wood, and cocoa notes. The crisp and juicy mid-palate leads to savoury, earthy, cocoa, and woody notes on the long, well-balanced, and succulent finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Many other lovely wines by Featherstone are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered direct from the winery in Niagara.

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Yalumba Samuel's Collection Shiraz 2023 (Barossa) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2023 Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz back in March, we go up a notch with tonight's red wine review from the same producer. This lovely, vegan, and certified sustainable Barossa Shiraz from Australia arrived at the LCBO as part of the Good Partners feature on Sustainable Winegrowing Australia in last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on May 9th.

Yalumba is Australia's oldest continuously family-owned winery and one of the country's most historically important wineries. It was founded by Samuel Smith in 1849 after he planted his first vines in the heart of the Barossa with a genuine respect for the land and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

Today, Yalumba is highly regarded for creating wines of authenticity and distinction, with sustainability an integral part of their success. Sustainability entered the picture at Yalumba in 1893, when Fred Caley Smith, the third generation of the family, took to the seas on a grand scientific discovery and returned with progressive horticultural developments that laid the foundation for sustainable viticulture and winemaking at Yalumba.

In 1985, Yalumba opened a new chapter when Robert Hill-Smith, the fifth generation of the family, became Managing Director at a time when the company was transitioning away from its strong reliance on fortified wines. Robert is widely credited for turning Yalumba into a well-respected producer of fine table wines, with a particular focus on premiumization, Rhône varieties, sustainability, and export markets. Robert also spearheaded the founding of Australia's First Families of Wine initiative, and in 2019 Yalumba became a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Daughters Jessica and Lucy Hill-Smith have also joined the business and represent the sixth generation of the family.

The well-respected Louisa Rose first joined Yalumba as a cellar hand during the 1992 vintage, eventually becoming Head of Winemaking at the family business for nearly two decades and one of Australia's most respected winemakers. In 2023, Louisa stepped into the role of Head of Sustainability and brings her vision, leadership, and voice to the future of Australian wine, while championing sustainable practices, progressive thinking, and a united industry. Sam Wigan joined the Yalumba family in 2001 and became Head Winemaker in 2023. Sam now leads a close-knit team of winemakers across the Hill-Smith family's stable and embodies the Yalumba philosophy with a love for bringing people together through storytelling, generosity, and the enjoyment of fine wine.

Yalumba has several collections of wines, and this particular wine is from their Samuel's Collection, which is their core premium range of wines. The range celebrates and honours their founder, Samuel Smith, who planted Yalumba's first vineyard over 170 years ago. Samuel had a spirit of embracing provenance and giving back to the land, which was the starting point for making this collection of fine wines possible. Samuel's Collection wines are designed to offer regional typicity and varietal transparency, alongside serious winemaking and drinkability at a moderate price.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Shiraz that was sourced from vineyards across the Barossa. The vines range from young (approx. 10–15 years old) to old (greater than 35 years), and are planted on a diverse range of sites that have slight variations in microclimates and soil types, such as red brown earths, sandy loams, and dark clay, all of which contributes to the complexity of this wine. Each parcel was vinified separately and fermented using a combination of both wild and cultured yeasts. The wines were matured for 10 months in Yalumba coopered French and Hungarian hogsheads, only 15% new, then blended and bottled prior to release.

The growing season in the 2023 vintage was delayed by several weeks due to abundant winter and spring rainfall, along with cooler than average temperatures in September and October. Further impacting the vintage were the windy conditions during flowering, which resulted in lower fruit set at some of the vineyards. Summer was relatively mild and allowed the grapes to slowly ripen, develop complexity, and thrive. From a late vintage that produced elegantly restrained wines with character and charm, let's see how this 2023 Barossa Shiraz is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION SHIRAZ 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Barossa, South Australia (#12907) (XD) - $21.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this lovely Shiraz has a medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is deep and intense with ripe dark fruits, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper spice, oak spice, and dried herb aromas with a hint of mint. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has above average concentration and delicious ripe dark fruit, black cherry, cassis, blackberry, black pepper spice, and cedary oak flavours, plus hints of dried herb, meaty, and smoky mineral notes. Some minty notes on the mid-palate, alongside fresh acidity and smooth, supple, and fine-grained tannins. A touch warming, but still within balance. Savoury, cedary, and smoky mineral notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Several wines by Yalumba are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

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Tapiz Alta Collection San Pablo Vineyard Malbec 2023 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Happy start to the long weekend! Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Malbec from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO in last weekend's May 9 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Fincas Patagónicas, one of Argentina's most prominent wine producers. It was founded in 2003 by Patricia Ortiz with the goal of crafting exceptional wines from Argentina's most distinctive terroirs. At Fincas Patagónicas, the winemaking philosophy combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to create exceptional wines from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia that truly express each area's unique terroir.

Fincas Patagónicas has several winery projects across Argentina, including Zolo and Wapisa, but Tapiz, where this wine is from, was their first. The state-of-the-art Tapiz winery is located in the high-altitude San Pablo region, within the Tunuyán department, of the Uco Valley, and is surrounded by estate vineyards. Under the guidance of Patricia, Tapiz is a pioneer in the region and helped develop the San Pablo Geographical Indication (GI).

Tapiz wines are crafted by the celebrated winemaking team of Fabian Valenzuela and famed Bordeaux winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet (winemaker of Petrus for 44 vintages), and are a beautiful tapestry (tapiz) of terroir and innovation. The wines of Tapiz combine sustainable winemaking traditions with modern innovation, along with a strong commitment to excellence which is reflected in their environmentally conscious approach and dedication to producing wines that truly express their unique terroir in San Pablo. The San Pablo GI benefits from the extremes of altitude, temperature, and soil heterogeneity, which allows the winemaking team to create full-bodied and concentrated wines that are elegant and balanced. Through her wineries, Patricia is dedicated to giving back to the environment through sustainable practices, while also encouraging responsible practices among their staff, suppliers, and customers.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Malbec that was grown at the San Pablo Estate Vineyard within the Uco Valley. The vineyard is situated at a high altitude of 1,350 metres (4,430 feet) above sea level, which is one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza. The vines average 14 years old and are planted on alluvial soils which have a diverse sandy loam texture, gravel, and significant deposits of calcareous material. The grapes were sustainably farmed and hand-harvested, and vinified by first undergoing a cold pre-maceration for 5 days at 8ºC. It underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for approximately 15 days at 28ºC, as well as 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 10 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels.

Like the year prior, the 2023 vintage in Argentina was another roller-coaster vintage as recent years influenced by La Niña left the country in a state of drought, including the winter months which were unnaturally dry but with some polar influences. Spring frosts attacked nascent buds during budbreak, which massively cut yields in some parts of Mendoza. After the bouts of frost, the season settled into warm days, while the summer was the hottest and driest in years. The grapes ripened quickly, and those vineyards at altitude benefitted from diurnal temperature variation. The end result was an early harvest with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity, and modest alcohol levels. From a good vintage that produced age-worthy wines with great minerality and texture, let's see how this 2023 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD MALBEC 2023 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#450155) (XD) - $20.95
This high altitude Malbec has lovely, open aromatics of medium-high intensity offering notes of ripe, crushed dark berry and blackberry aromas nuanced with hints of violet, mineral, savoury oak, earth, dried herb, and peppery spice. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious ripe dark berry, blackberry, violet, dried herb, savoury earth, oak spice, and peppery replays joined by mineral accents on the flavour profile. It has crisp and fresh acidity, alongside supple, fine-grained, and gently chalky textured tannins. Clean and well-balanced throughout with dark berries, blackberry, savoury oak, earth, dried herb, and mineral notes on the long, gently tight finish. Enjoyable now, but should be even better in a couple of years, and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Fincas Patagónicas can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - DB Wine & Spirits.

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El Enemigo El Mirador Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely single vineyard Bonarda that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 25th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by El Enemigo Wines, a project co-founded in 2008 by two of Argentina's most notable wine figures - Adrianna Catena, the youngest daughter of Nicolás Catena, and winemaker Alejandro Vigil.

Since childhood, Adrianna has lived and breathed wine, and today she blends her experience in Academia in History with her passion for viticulture and winemaking. Alejandro Vigil was the "enfant terrible" of his family as he left school at the age of 14 to join a wine co-operative. However, he did keep up with his studying at night so as to not upset his mother. Alejandro graduated at the top of his class agricultural engineering, and at the age of 27 he became the head of soils division for the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina. Since 2002, Alejandro has been the Chief Winemaker at Catena Zapata.

El Enemigo means "The Enemy", and reflects the personal philosophy of its founders, which is that the biggest enemy is oneself. The philosophy behind El Enemigo is to constantly strive to push boundaries and challenge personal limits. In this same spirit, the wines of El Enemigo emphasize Argentine terroir while focusing on old world winemaking techniques to create new world wines that are creative and energetic. Each wine is also crafted to be in balance between old world elegance and new world, fruit-driven intensity. El Enemigo Wines are produced in the southern foothills of Maipu, Mendoza, using grapes from a number of vineyards across the region. As a soil expert with a Master's Degree in both winemaking and irrigation management, the work of Alejandro Vigil has led to important developments in both vineyard management and winemaking in Argentina.

I've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this wine, including most recently writing about the 2020 El Enemigo El Mirador Single Vineyard Bonarda a couple of years ago. Like previous vintages, this red wine is crafted using 100% Bonarda that was grown in a single vineyard within the El Mirador district of Rivadavia, in the central-north part of the province of Mendoza. The vineyard is situated at 650 metres (2,132 feet) above sea level and is planted on sand and deep clay soil. To vinify this wine, it underwent a wild yeast fermentation at a fairly warm temperature of 28C (82F) for 15 days, followed by a 15-day infusion with minimal movement to gently extract colour, aromas, and flavours. The wine was aged for 12 months in foudre, then rested in bottle prior to release.

According to Alejandro, the 2022 vintage in Mendoza was an exceptional year from every possible qualitative standpoint. It was a roller-coaster vintage with spring frosts followed by a relatively cool and damp season, and then another frost to end spring, which cut yields. Much needed rain arrived at the end and spring and into summer, which refreshed the vines. After the rains passed and the weather cleared, there was just enough heat for red grape varieties such as Bonarda to reach phenolic ripeness in time for harvest. The end result was expressive wines with optimal acidity, concentration, and ripeness. From a vintage that Alejandro Vigil says that "this is the best year that I have lived through", let's see how this 2022 Bonarda from Rivadavia, Mendoza, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO EL MIRADOR SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2022 - Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $29.95
This lovely, single vineyard Bonarda has a fresh and lifted medium-high intensity nose that offers a ripe mix of red, black, and purple fruit with plummy, black cherry, blackberry, and dried herb aromas layered over earthy oak, cocoa, and spices. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has delicious dark fruited blackberry, plum, black cherry, dried herb, oak spice, and earthy flavours, plus mineral accents. It has fresh and succulent acidity, alongside smooth, elegant, and fine-grained tannins with good structure and a subtle chalky grip on the back palate. Plum and dark berry notes taper to oak spice and minerals on the long, dry, and savoury finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the coming 7-8 years. Score: 91+ pts

Several ultra-premium wines by El Enemigo are available in small quantities at the LCBO, while their very popular Chardonnay (and one of my personal favourites) will be arriving in VINTAGES later this month. The full range of El Enemigo Wines can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Bolgrad Select Chardonnay 2024 and Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 (Ukraine) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious wines from Ukraine that made their debut at the LCBO in last month's April 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Both of these wines are produced by Bolgrad Winery, the No. 1 still-wine producing winery in Ukraine, as they produce 18% of the country's still-wine production. Bolgrad is based in the Odesa region, which is at the heart of the country's winemaking, with over 60% of Ukraine's vines rooted in this region. While the brand was only formed in 1990, the company's history goes back more than 100 years.

Bolgrad's history begins in 1900, when it was housed in the State Wine Warehouse, and vines were grown by landowners. Over time, the producer became the country's largest state-owned winery. At the end of the war in 1945, the company's official history with a decree, and it became a factory on paper. The winery has travelled a thorny path since that time, but has maintained its principles and commitment to producing high-quality wine.

Today, Bolgrad is a well-established producer of alcoholic beverages, including wine and spirits, with quality control at every stage and distribution in various countries globally. To produce their wines, they use a combination of both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

These wines are from Bolgrad's Select Collection, which is their export-focused, premium range of wines. Selection Collection wines are varietally expressive, fruit-forward, and designed for international palates. Each of these wines are mono-varietal wines that were grown on the southwestern slopes of Yalpug, one of Ukraine's largest freshwater lakes. This area is nestled in a unique valley, where the grapes are kissed by the sunlight from both the sun in the sky and its shimmering reflection on the water's surface. The grapes were carefully selected and hand-harvested at the precise moment of optimal maturity to produce wines of balance.

Given the challenging conditions that are present in the country, the 2024 vintage in Ukraine is considered to be a success in terms of quality. There was continuous rainfall throughout winter and spring, until late May, while summer was exceptionally sunny and hot, which resulted in an earlier than usual harvest. Yields were impacted by the weather conditions, as well as the ongoing conflict, but overall, the vintage is considered to be of exceptional quality. Let's see how these 2024 vintage wines from Ukraine are tasting...

Tasting Notes:

BOLGRAD SELECT CHARDONNAY 2024 - Odesa, Ukraine (#48301) (XD) - $17.95
Delicate, medium intensity nose features white peach, apricot, and ripe lemon citrus aromas, plus hints of honeyuckle and floral. The weighty, medium-full bodied palate is dry with honeyed notes of lemon citrus, apple, pear, apricot, and honeysuckle flavours. It has clean, well-balanced acidity, along with some spicy warmth on the mid-palate. Citrus and apricot notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 87+ pts

BOLGRAD SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 - Ukraine (#48357) (XD) - $17.95
A gentle nose of red plum and currant aromas with hints of cran-cherry, cassis, and savoury oak. It's medium-full bodied and very ripe with sweet fruited flavours of currant, cassis, plum, black cherry, and oak spice. It's supported by very good, fresh acidity, alongside well-structured and gently grippy tannins. Good length on the savoury, slightly smoky finish. Score: 86 pts

While there is a Brandy by Bolgrad available at the LCBO, any other products may be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Kechris Genesis Xinomavro / Merlot 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely blend of Xinomavro and Merlot from Macedonia in Northern Greece that made its debut at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 11th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Kechris, a family winery with roots going back to 1939 when it began producing "Kechribari" retsina wines at their family restaurant of Kokoras in the old town of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. The Kechris family developed a reputation for producing high-quality retsina wines, which led to increased demand. In order to keep up with demand and grow the family business, the four Kechris brothers — Anestis, Vassilis, Dimitris, and Periklis — established the E. Kechris Bros. liquor company in Kalochori, Thessaloniki, in 1954. They produced a range of products at their modern, state-of-the-art facility including retsina, ouzo, brandy, and fruit liqueurs, and began exporting their products to other countries by 1974.

In 1984, the second generation of the family with Stelios Kechris, son of Vassilis, took over the business. Stelios is widely credited for transforming Kechris from a well-respected regional producer into one of Greece's leading wineries. One of Stelios' most important achievements was to spearhead the renaissance of premium retsina wines, which culminated in the creation of the Tear of the Pine retsina.

Today, in addition to retsina, Kechris also produces several quality wines in all three colours. Kechris' values are based on their identity, which is defined by their actions, and their actions are based on Tradition in Motion, Quality, Innovation, and Directness. The philosophy at Kechris is linked to their culture, to people, and to life itself. For Kechris, wine gives value to life's various moments by bringing us closer and helping us share thoughts and emotions.

This red wine is from Kechris' Genesis range of wines which bridge Greece's indigenous grape heritage with international varieties. There are three wines in the Genesis range, one of each colour, and this particular red wine is a blend of equal parts Xinomavro, Greece's flagship red variety, and Merlot. The grapes were grown in the small town of Goumenissa, in vineyards planted on clay loam soils. The Merlot grapes were harvested in September, while the Xinomavro was harvested from late-September to late-October. Both grapes were vinified separately. After undergoing alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wines remained in contact with their skins for 4–6 weeks, and then remained in tanks.

The growing season in 2022 in the Northern Greece region of Macedonia began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops. Furthermore, rainfall during this season contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. A colder spring, which was also drier than usual, resulted in a later, but even budbreak, while summer had mostly mild temperatures apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. There was heavy rainfall that began at the outset of September, along with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a vintage that produced exquisite grapes, let's see how this 2022 blend of Xinomavro and Merlot from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KECHRIS GENESIS XINOMAVRO / MERLOT 2022 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#30613) (XD) - $22.95
This lovely, 50/50 blend of Xinomavro and Merlot has an open, medium-high intensity nose that offers an enticing medley of sun-dried tomato, dried rose floral, sweet spices, and red cherry aromas with hints of orange, red plum, savoury earth adding further complexity and interest. The dry, medium+ bodied palate has very good structure and lovely, ripe flavours of sun-dried tomato, rose floral, cherry, sweet spices, and savoury earth. It's nicely balanced throughout with juicy acidity and well-structured, gritty, and slightly chalky tannins. All of the flavours taper to savoury, earthy, and mineral-tinged notes on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Kechris are available through the LCBO, or their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2023 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly, and predominantly Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend from South Africa that arrived at the LCBO in last weekend's April 11th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Mulderbosch Vineyards, a winery that was founded in 1989 by Larry Jacobs, a former physician, and winemaker Mike Dobrovic. When Larry and Mike discovered this property, it was a run-down old fruit farm that had been lying fallow for close to a century, with no history of viticulture. With visionary optimism, they saw the potential to create good wine on this humble property, cleared out the years of neglect, and turned the site into one of Stellenbosch's most exciting winegrowing corners.

Mulderbosch Vineyards is situated in Stellenbosch Kloof, South Africa's finest winegrowng area, about 14 km north of False Bay. This particular area has sloped vineyards that offer optimal exposure to the sun, varied soil types ranging from Malmesbury shale and Table Mountain sandstone to sandy duplex and decomposed granite. Furthermore, the region feels the effects of the cooling ocean breezes, which naturally brings down the temperatures and allows for slow ripening, good acidity, and richer, more expressive aromas and flavours in their grapes. Mulderbosch created their first wines from the 1992 vintage and accolades and international acclaim followed immediately thereafter.

While Larry and Mike are no longer involved with Mulderbosch, as the winery has changed ownership several times over the years, the leadership teams over the years have done their best to maintain the founders' track record and build on the reputation that was established. The pursuits and dreams at Mulderbosch are based on the same principles of excellence, creativity, and innovation. These days, many of their innovations come from paying very close attention to what happens below and above ground - from the health of the soils to the well-being, harmony, resilience, and longevity of their vineyards. They practice mindful viticulture and have created an environment to protect and promote biodiversity. At the winery, they gently handle the firm, optimally ripened and flavourful fruit, and stand back and let the wines speak for themselves. Mulderbosch is also committed to eco- and socially-responsible farming and production, and is accredited, along with their supplier growers, with both Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) of South Africa.

As a Bordeaux blend and one of Mulderbosch's first wines since its inception more than 30 years ago, the Faithful Hound's composition changes each vintage. For the 2023 vintage, this red wine is composed of 44% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. Each parcel of grapes is typically vinified separately, with fermentation taking place primarily in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts. The wines were aged for 16 months in neutral French oak barrels, 3rd fill and older, prior to assembling the final blend and then bottling.

The growing season in 2023 in South Africa was beset with various challenges. Winter was relatively mild and dry, which allowed for early budbreak and flowering. However, summer provided cool and wet conditions, which slowed ripening. Those that picked before the rainstorms arrived in Stellenbosch yielded powerful and ripe grapes that were full of flavour, while those that had to pick during the rain were forced to slowly harvest. As is often said, it is the harvest season that makes or breaks the vintage. While phenolic development was sufficient, this could be the reason why there is very little Cabernet Sauvignon in this cuvée in this vintage. Overall, it is considered to be a good year, with the wines exhibiting elegant, cool-climate characters. Let's see how this 2023 Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch in South Africa is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2023 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#922443) (XD) - $20.95
This blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec has a lifted, medium-high intensity nose that delivers fragrant ripe red berry fruit, bay leaf, and green herbal aromas, plus whiffs of tobacco, currant, cassis, cedary oak spice, and earth. The medium to medium-full bodied palate is dry and elegant with lovely ripe red berry fruit, bay leaf, cassis, currant, tobacco, grilled herb, cocoa, and oak spice flavours. It's supported by crisp and juicy acidity, while the ripe, elegant tannins offer a supple, textural grip. More bay leaf, grilled herbs, cassis, and cedary oak notes linger on the long, supple, and well-balanced finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Mulderbosch Vineyards can be ordered through their Agent - Abcon International Wine Merchants.

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