May 11 LCBO Wine Picks: Australia + Rosé

The next batch of wines from LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The major focus of this release is on the "great, powerful and diverse" wines from Australia. However, in my opinion, the majority of these wines are rather uninspiring. So, we'll focus on the secondary feature - Rosé wines that are food-friendly.

Rosé wines are generally blends of various varietals and range from dry to off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet). Which do you prefer? Of the 11 Rosé wines featured, 4 made my list, 3 of which are made in the dry-style.

We'll begin with the dry Muga from Spain, which is made using 60% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo, and at $12.95, you really can't go wrong with this one.

All wines from the Tavel AOC in southern Rhône are Rosé wines. Tavel is historically famous because the French kings Philippe le Bel and Louis XIV both favoured wines from this region. Grenache and Cinsault are the primary grapes in grown in Tavel. The version from Domaine Maby is dry and made with 57% Grenache Noir and 27% Cinsaut. Seven other varietals make up the rest.

The dry Rosé from Château la Tour de l'Évêque is an organic wine and consists of 46% Cinsault, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Rolle.

And finally, we have a local off-dry Rosé wine from Status Wines called "Wildass". Most Rosé wines are a blend of red grapes only, but the Wildass is a blend of 30% Semillon, 25% Gamay, 22% Syrah, 12% Malbec, and 11% Cab Franc.

Not part of the Rosé wine feature, we also have a Sparkling Rosé Crémant d'Alsace that is dry and consists of 100% Pinot Noir.

From the rest of the release, we have the PI-3.1415 that is made using the local Spanish varietal Concejón (thought to be a clone of Tempranillo) from 80-year-old vines. The Famille Perrin is a red-blend consisting of mostly Grenache, with Mourvèdre and Syrah playing a supporting role. The Château Puech-Haut is a blend of 55% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah and 10% Carignan.

Enjoy my wine picks for this week! Let me know if you buy and try anything. I'd love to hear from you! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• BODEGAS LANGA PI-3.1415 CONCEJÓN 2008 - Wine of Aragón, Spain (#313841) (XD) - $17.95
• CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Mendoza, Argentina (#985002) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE PHILIPPINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#286344) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• FAMILLE PERRIN LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#005975) (XD) (375 mL) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU VIALLET NOUHANT 2009 - Cru Artisan, AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#321398) (XD) - $21.95
• CHÂTEAU PUECH-HAUT PRESTIGE SAINT-DRÉZÉRY 2010 - DOP Languedoc, Midi, France (#237289) (XD) - $26.95
• LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH SHIRAZ 2010 - Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia (#243592) (D) - $35.95

White Wine:

• WILLIAM FÈVRE SAUVIGNON BLANC SAINT-BRIS 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#626523) (XD) - $17.95
• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2012 - DOC Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy (#954024) (XD) - $18.95
• TYRRELL’S BROOKDALE SEMILLON 2012 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#269316) (D) - $19.95
• FORREST ESTATE THE DOCTORS’ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#317842) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE SERGE DAGUENEAU & FILLES TRADITION POUILLY-FUMÉ 2011 - AC, Loire, France (#323634) (XD) - $28.95
• DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER BERNKASTELER BADSTUBE RIESLING AUSLESE 2010 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#678011) (MS) - $29.95
• HARTFORD FOUR HEARTS VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2010 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#095919) (D) - $49.95

Rosé Wine:

• MUGA ROSÉ 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#603795) (XD) - $12.95
• DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L’ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2012 - Hand Harvested, AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $18.95
• WILDASS ROSÉ 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#071712) (D) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• DOMAINE ALLIMANT-LAUGNER ROSÉ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE - AC, Alsace, France (#319939) (XD) - $19.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2011 (Niagara) - Wine Review

I'm not much of a Rosé-in-winter kind of guy, so when I purchased this Rosé wine last December, it was with the idea of opening it when warmer climes eventually arrived. Today's temperature of 10°C is a very good day to open this delightful organic wine. Grapes for this wine were sourced from Southbrook's own organically certified vineyards.

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#279117) (D) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Fresh cranberry, baby tomatoes, green leafy and slightly sweet aromas of medium intensity from the glass. Medium bodied on the palate with cherry, orange, mineral, and hints of strawberry flavours that start a touch sweet, but goes dry at mid-palate and continues on the medium-long, smooth finish. Very good acidity and highly recommended (small quantities still available at select LCBO Vintages locations).

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Fantasia Rosé 2011 (California) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a sweet sparkling rosé from Castello di Amorosa that is ideally suited for prior to dinner or with dessert. I believe this is also the first time I've ever had a "Sparkling Rosé" at home.

FANTASIA ROSÉ 2011 - Napa Valley, California, USA (M) - $28

Tasting Note:
Normally, I don't comment on colour, but this one has a gorgeous raspberry colour to it. Fresh & sweet aromas of red cherry and ripe strawberry. Smooth flavours of strawberry on the palate, joined by peach & apricot mid-palate. Round, short finish with hints of honeycomb. Medium in sweetness. Light-bodied. Easy-drinking, low-alcohol (7%) wine with light carbonation. Serve with strawberry shortcake.

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June 23 LCBO Wine Picks: Summer Sipping

Just in time for summer, the next VINTAGES release will be out in LCBO outlets on Saturday, June 23 and is appropriately titled "Refresher Course - Fine Wines for Summer Sipping".

Among the many refreshing summer sippers in this release, my top pick in white wines is the dry Italian Pinot Grigio. Another dry white wine worth checking out is the Spanish Albariño. If you're looking for something off-dry, your best bets are a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, or the Grüner Veltliner from Austria.

Also from the Refresher Course feature in this release is an off-dry rosé from Francis Coppola and a relatively sweet Moscato d'Asti sparkler from Michele Chiarlo.

In red wines, Concha y Toro brings us their lovely 2010 Carmenère. The Barón de Magaña from Spain is a blend made with Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Tempranillo 10% and other varietals to make up the last 10%.

Enjoy my picks for this week!


Red Wine:

• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2010 - Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $17.00
• BARÓN DE MAGAÑA 2007 - DO Navarra, Spain (#280552) (XD) - $17.95
• NIRO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2009 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#278150) (XD) - $15.95
• KAESLER STONEHORSE SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#006551) (D) - $20.95
• J. LOHR SOUTH RIDGE SYRAH 2010 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#948240) (D) - $19.95
• ALTA VISTA PREMIUM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Mendoza, Argentina (#129957) (XD) - $14.95

White Wine:

• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2011 - DOC Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy (#954024) (XD) - $17.95
• ASTROLABE PROVINCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#010421) (D) - $21.95
• SEIFRIED RIESLING 2011 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#989541) (D) - $17.95
• NESSA ALBARIÑO 2010 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#282558) (XD) - $15.95
• MEINKLANG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2010 - Burgenland, Austria (#219014) (D) - $15.95

Rosé Wine:

• FRANCIS COPPOLA SOFIA ROSÉ 2011 - Monterey County, California, USA (#284943) (D) - $19.95
• PETIT RIMAURESQ GRENACHE/CINSAULT/SYRAH ROSÉ 2011 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#276360) (XD) - $13.95

Sparkling Wine:

• MICHELE CHIARLO NIVOLE MOSCATO D’ASTI 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#942888) (MS) - $16.95
• MAGNOTTA LIMITED EDITION SPARKLING ICE SPARKLING VIDAL ICEWINE 2008 - Single Vineyard, Charmat Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#050195) (S) (375 mL) - $69.95

The rest of the wines from this VINTAGES release can be found here.

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May 12 VINTAGES Wine Picks: California Legends + Rosés

The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be out in stores on May 12, and the main "attraction" in this release are California Legends starring Cab, Zin and Chard. However, as is the par for Cali wines in Ontario, many are over-priced and out of budget. However, the Ravenswood Zin is a "star" in this release and worth checking out.

The secondary attraction in this release is on Rosé wines and features 11 wines of various different styles, from dry to off-dry, and made using many different varietal combinations. The Mas des Bressades is made in a dry style using Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, while the dry Carpineto is made using Sangiovese and Canaiolo. The off-dry Ontario versions from Fielding Estate is a blend of Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah, while the Featherstone is made up of almost 50/50 Gamay and Cab Franc.

Among the rest of the release, Morgon is made using Gamay, the Cinghiale is a blend of Syrah, Cab France, Merlot and Petit Verdot, while Vouvray is made with currently trending varietal Chenin Blanc. If you want something sweet, definitely check out the Yalumba Muscat.

When you head into the LCBO this Saturday, you may notice updates to shelf tags. Among other things, the sugar code levels (0, 1, 2, 3, etc...) have been replaced with XD, D, M, MS, S (i.e. Extra Dry, Dry, Medium, Medium-Sweet or Sweet) and indicate the perceived sweetness level of any wine. These sweetness levels are always indicated for wine picks and reviews found on my blog, and now also fall in line with the rest of the world. Alongside this you will also find the actual sugar content, which may or may not affect your decision to purchase a particular bottle of wine. Enjoy shopping on Saturday!


Red Wine:

• MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2009 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#143230) (XD) - $19.95
• RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2009 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#673798) (D) - $23.95
• GEORGES DUBOEUF DOMAINE MONT CHAVY MORGON 2010 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#276477) (D) - $17.95
• GRAFFIGNA GRAND RESERVE MALBEC 2008 - Pedernal Valley, San Juan, Argentina (#162149) (D) - $16.95
• CAMPO DI SASSO INSOGLIO DEL CINGHIALE 2010 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#277012) (D) - $29.95

White Wine:

• ANGELS GATE MOUNTAINVIEW CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#116384) (D) - $18.95
• MONMOUSSEAU VOUVRAY 2010 - AC, Loire, France (#271940) (D) - $14.95
• GEIL BECHTHEIMER ROSENGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2011 - Prädikatswein, Rheinhessen, Germany (#994764) (MD) - $14.95
• PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARDS INOX RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#007328) (D) - $18.95
• TALBOTT LOGAN ESTATE SLEEPY HOLLOW VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2009 - Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA (#716290) (D) - $26.95

Rosé Wine:

• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ 2011 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#950576) (XD) - $13.95
• FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117861) (D) - $14.95
• FIELDING ESTATE ROSÉ 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#053421) (D) - $15.95
• CARPINETO ROSATO 2011 - IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy (#699934) (XD) - $12.95

Dessert Wine:

• YALUMBA MUSEUM RESERVE MUSCAT - South Eastern Australia (#963488) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Vinho Verde Wine Tasting

It was a gorgeous spring evening when I recently attended a walk-around tasting of Vinho Verde wines. The weather was perfectly suited for tasting wines from this Portuguese region.

Prior to this event, I couldn't recall the last time I tasted a Vinho Verde as it must have been many years ago, so I was excited to be attending this tasting and getting re-acquainted the region.

The event was held at Verity Club on Queent St. East (Toronto) and featured about 10 wineries. Most wines produced in Vinho Verde are white wines, while rosé wines are becoming more popular; not many red wines are produced.

Overall, most of the white wines were very high in acidity, slightly tart and many had a slight spritz. The few red wines that were on hand were average at best and generally not my cup of tea. The rosé wines were my favourite of the evening, with notes of candied strawberries and cherries in a light, fruit foward style perfect for sipping on the patio on a hot summer day. Here are some of my tasting notes from the evening:

White Wine:
AVELEDA QUINTA DA AVELEDA 2010 - Colheita Seleccionada Vinho Verde (#089995) (XD) - $9.95
Fresh, delicate floral, herbal aromas. Grassy, tart, some tropical fruits on the palate with a slight spritz.

QUINTA DAS ARCAS CONDE VILLAR LOUREIRO 2009 - DOC (XD)
Grass, nettle, peach aromas and flavours. High acidity. Reminds me of a strong NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

QUINTA DAS ARCAS CONDE VILLAR ALVARINHO 2010 - DOC (XD)
Tropical fruits, floral and citrus aromas follow through on palate. Crisp acidity; will pair nicely with food.

QUINTA DE CARAPEÇOS ESCOLHA 2010 - Vinho Regional Tinto (XD)
This white wine had a closed nose with apple, butter notes on palate. Creamy mouthfeel with spicy notes on mid-palate. Quite nice. Would buy.

QUINTA DE CARAPEÇOS EIRA DOS MOUROS Non-Vintage
Lots of orange and citrus aromas and flavours. Spritzy.

QUINTAS DO HOMEM VALE DO HOMEM BRANCO 2011 (D)
Very aromatic, tree fruits, floral aromas and peach on the palate. Off-dry. Lacking a bit of acidity.

SOLAR DO LOUREDO 2011 (XD)
70% Loureiro, 30% Trajadero. Fresh floral aromas and flavours. Some sweetness, smooth, clean white. Nice.

SOLAR DO LOUREDO TERRAS DE GERAZ 2011 (XD)
50/50 blend of Loureiro and Trajadero. Aromatic white wine with anise notes.

SOLAR DO LOUREDO VIANNA 2011 (D)
Crisp, clean white wine with light acidity levels. Floral aromas and flavours.Slightly off-dry.

SAVAM SOLAR DE SERRADE ALVARINHO 2011 (XD)
Smooth, crisp white wine with citrus notes, followed by floral and mineral flavour profile.

VINIVERDE ESTREIA ALVARINHO 2011 (XD)
Floral aromas with sweet notes in the mouth, followed by slightly earthy tones. Interesting.

VINIVERDE ESTREIA LOUREIRO GRANDE ESCOLHA 2011 - DOC (XD)
Clean, crisp aromas of grass and mineral also evident on palate. Slight spritz.

VINIVERDE ESTREIA BRANCO - DOC (XD)
Clean, fresh white wine, very basic, straightforward and uncomplex.

QUINTA DA LIXA TERRAS DO MINHO BRANCO 2011 - Vinho Verde (XD)
Lime and grass aroma and flavour profile. Very tart and acidic.


Rosé Wine:
AVELEDA CASAL GARCIA ROSÉ 2010 - DOC (D)
My favourite rosé of the event - very fruit forward with fresh raspberries and strawberries aromas and flavours. Off-dry. Perfect patio sipper.

VINIVERDE ESTREIA ROSÉ - DOC (D)
Fairly straight-forward profile with lovely candy coated strawberries aromas and flavours with a nice seam of acidity. Off-dry. Nice!

QUINTA DE CARAPEÇOS ESPADEIRO 2010 - Vinho Verde (XD)
Simple, fruit forward, rosé wine with balanced acidity.

SAVAM TERRAS DE MONÇÃO 2011 (XD)
Dry rosé wine with mineral, grassy and floral aromas and flavours.


Red Wine:
VINIVERDE ESTREIA VINHÃO TINTO (XD)
Fruit-forward red wine with lots of red berries. Light-bodied. Best red at the event.

QUINTAS DO HOMEM VALE DO HOMEM TINTO 2010 (XD)
Smoky, bacon, mushroom and barnyard profile. Not enjoyable.

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2010 Domaine de Rimauresq Rosé (Provence, France) - Wine Review

Who says you can't enjoy a rosé in the middle of Winter when it feels like -22°C outside? This rosé wine was purchased last December from the "Holiday Cheer" release.

DOMAINE DE RIMAURESQ ROSÉ Cru Classé 2010 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#226647) (XD) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Beautiful peach hue. Mineral, orange, lemon, and citrus aromas. Unexpected spicy flavours to start, followed by floral and citrus tones, and finishing with orange blossom nuances. Well made, dry rosé. Will be enjoying this with bhinda (video with Okra recipe, we also add potatoes).

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2010 Mission Hill Five Vineyards Rosé (B.C.) - Wine Review

This pretty Rosé wine was purchased this summer as part of the July 23 Vintages Release - and what a gem it is!

MISSION HILL FIVE VINEYARDS ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#229716) (D) - $15.95

Tasting Note:
A lot of bubbles that sink to the bottom for a wine that is not a sparkling wine. Aromas of sweet cherries, sandalwood and grapefruit. Candy covered cherries and blueberries on the palate. Off-dry and absolutely delicious! Will be enjoying this with chicken nachos. If you know someone who is not a wine drinker, this would a be a great introduction to wine for that person.

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2010 Malivoire LadyBug Rosé (Ontario) - Wine Review

To celebrate Canada Day, I was determined to choose something made locally. Fortunately, I had one Canadian-made wine ready to drink now (the rest are being aged). This wine was purchased from the May 14th Vintages Release, which had a tremendous focus on refreshing rosés.

2010 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) - $15.95

Tasting Note:
I have purchased this wine in previous vintages and enjoyed it each and every time. It has become a personal favourite. The 2010 features citrus, spring flowers, and strawberry aromas. Watermelon, red berries on the palate. Medium-bodied and feels heavy (not typical of a rosé.) Slightly off-dry. It's well made and definitely recommended. Happy Canada Day to all!

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Argentina + Canada Day Toast: June 25 Vintages Wine Release

Alright...here we go again. "The Heat Is On" Argentina as the primary focus of this Saturday's LCBO Vintages Release. With Canada Day celebrations around the corner, a few wines throughout the country (including Quebec) were highlighted - but none made my cut.

Many great value white wines in this Release. If you're looking for a dry offering, seek the Chardonnay (USA), Vinho Verde (Port.), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Italy) or the Torrontés (Arg.). The other white wines are all off-dry - something sweeter for your taste buds.

A couple of rosés once again made my list - and I will likely pick up one of these on Saturday. Enjoy this week`s selection!

Red Wine:

• ZUCCARDI Q TEMPRANILLO 2008 - Santa Rosa Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#973503) - $19.95
• PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#241604) - $15.00
• ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - La Consulta/Tupungato Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#140855) - $19.95
• CARLA CHIARO RESERVE MALBEC 2007 - Mendoza, Argentina (#235085) - $14.95

White Wine:

• CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY 2009 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#232439) - $17.95
• SALTERIO ALBARIÑO 2010 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#002774) - $17.95
• BERTON VINEYARDS THE WHITE VIOGNIER 2010 - South Eastern Australia, Australia (#093435) - $14.95
• SOLAR DAS BOUÇAS LOUREIRO VINHO VERDE 2010 - DOC, Portugal (#221036) - $13.95
• PEDRO ESCUDERO FUENTE ELVIRA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#218313) - $13.95
• TENUTE NICCOLAI SANTA CHIARA VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#231852) - $16.95
• FAMILIA ZUCCARDI ORGANICA TORRONTÉS 2010 - Mendoza, Argentina (#232694) - $ 13.95

Rosé Wine:

• TRUMPOUR’S MILL ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#055046) - $14.95
• FOLIE À DEUX MÉNAGE À TROIS ROSÉ 2009 - California, USA (#120220) - $17.95

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2010 Bieler Père et Fils Sabine Rosé (France) - Review

Purchased this dry Rosé earlier this week from the latest Vintages Release and chilled it for about 90 minutes in the refrigerator (a bit too much I think). But it warmed up quickly thanks to this great weather we're having!

BIELER PÈRE ET FILS SABINE ROSÉ 2010 - AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (#071423) - $12.95

Tasting Note:
Very light, pretty, peachy hue. Aromas: citrus, nectarine, peach, grass. Dry style with flavours of herbs and grass - reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc, but stronger in flavour. Some bubbles, slightly acidic. Long finishing, especially for a rosé. Will be having this home-made chicken souvlaki with Greek salad on the side. Yum!

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Veneto Italy + Father's Day Gifts - June 11 Vintages Wine Release

This week's Vintages Release on Saturday, June 11 features Veneto in all its glory, along with some new & notable wines from Ontario. Some expensive selections for Father's Day are also highlighted.

Among my picks, a Rosé made the list again, as well as a couple of refreshing whites for those sunny days on the patio. Among the several reds on my list, none stood out from the rest, but all appear enticing and ready to drink now! Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS FAT CAT 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#222042) - $17.95
• ROSE HILL PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#233841) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU DU LUC LES MURETS CORBIÈRES 2008 - AC, Midi, France (#219410) - $16.95
• TENUTA SANT'ANTONIO MONTI GARBI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2008 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#029850) - $17.95
• ZENI COSTALAGO 2008 - IGT Rosso Veronese, Veneto, Italy (#220848) - $14.95
• PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARDS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#226001) - $18.95
• COLONIA LAS LIEBRES BONARDA 2009 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#219303) - $11.95
• FALERNIA RESERVA SYRAH 2007 - Elquí Valley, Chile (#208371) - $15.95

White Wine:

• JARDIN BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2009 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#663336) - $17.95
• GIUSEPPE CAMPAGNOLA LE BINE MONTE FOSCARINO SOAVE CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#134551) - $13.95

Rosé Wine:

• BIELER PÈRE ET FILS SABINE ROSÉ 2010 - AC Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (#071423) - $12.95

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Cali Confidential + Alsace Alliance - May 28 Vintages Release

This week's LCBO Vintages Release on Saturday, May 28, 2011 focuses on wines from California. Now, because I'm not a big fan of Cali wines (because I find many of them grossly overpriced), I was left wondering if there would be anything in this release that I might purchase. Sure enough, I did find a couple of wines that appear to be good quality, and within budget!

There is also a minor focus on Alsatians wines from France - the Pinot Noir stood out for me. For the 2nd consecutive release, a couple more Rosés from Ontario were selected. (Check out the May 14 Vintages Release for 2 more quality Rosés.)


Red Wine:

• PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008 - Lodi, California, USA (#219485) - $17.95
• RENZO MASI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#969469) - $14.95
• JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT NOIR 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#224618) - $14.95
• VIÑA HONDA CRIANZA 2006 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#208108) - $17.95
• SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#093799) - $14.95
• BOMMARITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#213918) - $19.95

White Wine:

• DOMAINE ROUX PÈRE & FILS MONTAGNY 1er CRU 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#208017) - $18.95
• TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain, (#218354) - $13.95

Rosé Wine:

• CATTAIL CREEK SERENDIPITY ROSÉ 2009 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#118059) - $14.95
• KACABA SUMMERTIME SERIES REBECCA ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#227025) - $14.95

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Southern Rhône + Refreshing Rosés - May 14 Vintages Release

This week's LCBO Vintages Release on Saturday, May 14 focuses on (mostly Grenache-based red) wines from the Southern Rhône region of France. As well, 3 styles of Rosés from various wine regions around the world - just in time for the Spring/Summer patio season.

The Ladybug from Malivoire is one of my favourite Rosés - and the 2010 looks to be a winner! My red wine picks for this week all look like they will reward if aged for 1-2 years. See for yourself and enjoy this week's selection!

Red Wine:

• LES VIGNERONS D'ESTÉZARGUES LA GRANACHA SIGNARGUES 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Vieilles Vignes, Unfiltered, France (#082560) - $17.95
• DOMAINE MARTIN CAIRANNE 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Unfiltered, France (#223461) - 16.95
• ELEMENTOS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#218974) - $12.95
• SANTA CAROLINA DRY FARMING CARIGNAN 2008 - Cauquenes Valley, Chile (#213520) - $16.95
• DOMAINE CROZE-GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 - AC, France (#736371) - $13.95
• TOR DEL COLLE RISERVA BRINDISI 2006 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#211847) - $12.95
• VINELAND PINOT MEUNIER 2009 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#225508) - $17.95

White Wine:

• SOLS & SENS LAUDUN 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France (#223438) - $13.95
• MICHEL DELHOMMEAU CUVÉE HARMONIE MUSCADET DE SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2009 - AC, Sur Lie, Loire, France (#164624) - $12.95

Rosé Wine:

• MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) - $15.95
• STREWN CABERNET ROSÉ 2008 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#467753) - $13.95

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February & Valentine's Day Release - Vintages Wine Picks

Here are my top picks from the today's Vintages Release. The release has a sub-theme on Tuscany, Valentine's Day, and has a spotlight on Washington State - I have chosen at least one from each.

Red Wine:

• COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT 2007 - Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA (#209874) - $19.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) - $15.95
• LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#207795) - $19.95
• RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia (#606624) - $19.95
• LANGA CENTENARIA GARNACHA 2006 - DO Calatayud, Spain (#194795) - $13.95
• CHÂTEAU LE GRAND MOULIN 2008 - Cuvée Grande Réserve, AC Premières Côtes de Blaye, Bordeaux, France (#198994) - $15.95
• GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER'S RESERVE SHIRAZ 2007 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia (#107904) - $19.95
• L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH 2008 - Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico (#983742) - $11.95

Previous vintages of the Ringbolt from Australia and L.A. Cetto from Mexico are a couple of my favourites. I recall the Mexican wine used to cost $9.95 - and was a steal!

White Wine:

• JOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS 2008 - AC Alsace, France (#196956) - $18.95
• YEALANDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#199935) - $17.95

Rose Wine:

• DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER ROSÉ DE CHEVALIER 2009 - AC Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France (#209734) - $18.95

Icewine:

• FLOURISH VIDAL ICEWINE 2007 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#222356) - $18.95 (200 mL)
• RED LEAF VIDAL ICEWINE 2006 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#179705) - $17.95 (200 mL)
• FLAT ROCK CELLARS SWEET REVENGE VIDAL ICEWINE 2007 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#047803) - $34.95 (375 mL)

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