Showing posts with label south-west. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south-west. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedThursday, July 29, 2021

Château Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2016 (South West) - Wine Review



wine review is a lovely red wine from the Madiran appellation in the South West of France that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Chateau Peyros was built in the 17th century. It's name "Peyros" means "stony place" in the local language of Gascony and is very representative of its terroir. The Madiran vineyards of Chateau Peyros are located in the Haut Béarn region in South West, France, in the heart of Vic Bilh - or "old country" in the local dialect. The Madiran region is shaped by Pyrenean moraines, with a succession of South-North oriented valley and slopes that have an East-West exposure.

However, Chateau Peyros is unique in that it has a very specific terroir and micro-climate. Chateau Peyros sets itself apart by planting their vines over a significant rocky mass, while also having the only vineyard with a fully southern exposure, thus allowing their grapes to reach greater maturity and higher quality. The soils are a mix of rolled pebbles and clay known as pouzzolanes.

Today, Chateau Peyros is part of Maison Léda, an independent, family-owned company that specializes in the distribution of premium French wines and spirits. Maison Léda was established by the Lesgourgues family in 1982 to better control and develop the distribution of the family's Armagnacs and wines, including Chateau Peyros. Their cellars are one of the most modern in the appellation. They are also moving towards sustainable agriculture and have reduced the use of chemicals by more than 40% since they took over the property.

The 2016 vintage is a blend of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet Franc from old vines averaging 40 to 50 years of age. The vineyard is located at the southernmost end of the Madiran appellation and has rolled pebble with some gravels on a clay, silty soils. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in on oak barrels (50% new) for 15 months. I've tasted and enjoyed previous vintages of this red wine, and expect this to be just as good. Let's see how this 2016 Madiran is tasting tonight...

Château Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2016 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU PEYROS VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN 2016 - AC, South West, France (#234997) (XD) - $23.95
This blend of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet Franc from 40 to 50 year-old vines has rich, intense, and ripe dark black fruited aromas with spice, wood, and hints of stony minerals rising out of the glass. On the concentrated, full-bodied palate it has a complex mix of dark fruits, currant, blackberry, wood spice, earthy, and stony mineral flavours supported very good, juicy acidity. Structured, fine-grained, and slightly drying tannins are integrating very nicely. Dark fruits with mineral and earthy notes linger on the long finish. I like the approachability and balance at this stage, but it will reward handsomely with some time in the cellar and drink well to at least the end of the decade. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Chateau Peyros can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 10, 2018

Mont Gravet Colombard 2017 (Southwest) - Wine Review

wine review is a white wine made using Colombard, a French white wine grape variety that is the offspring of Chenin Blanc and Gouais Blanc. Traditionally, this grape was grown in France for distilling into Cognac and Armagnac. Today, it is grown in South West France, Bordeaux, and in a few other wine regions around the world.

It is produced by Mont Gravet and hails from the appellation of Côtes de Gascogne, near the city of Toulouse, in the South West of France. The "Mont Gravet" name comes from the hills (i.e. "Mont" in French) in the area, while "Gravet" refers to the oval-shaped rocks commonly found in the area. This cool-climate area is ideal for viticulture with its Oceanic and Mediterranean influences. Mosaics, along with an excavation site revealed that wine-growing occurred as early as the 4th century.

This refreshing white wine will be arriving in LCBO VINTAGES on .

Mont Gravet Colombard 2017 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

MONT GRAVET COLOMBARD 2017 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#521930) (XD) - $15.95
Screw cap. Aged on fine lees for 3 months. Fresh, clean and generous aromas of ripe peach, spring flower and pear, with some herbally hints. It is medium-bodied with clean, vibrant, and juicy acids supporting the ripe, slightly honeyed palate with citrus, peach, and herbal flavours. Good length on the finish with lemony notes. Score: 87 pts


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  • Date publishedMonday, November 6, 2017

LCBO VINTAGES November 11, 2017: France + After-Dinner Drinks

LCBO Wine Picks: November 11, 2017 VINTAGES Release
The next release in LCBO VINTAGES on is features wines from France as its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on after-dinner drinks. It's a big release, with many top wines to add to your cellar. These new wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario starting this .

We'll begin with the main theme that lists twelve wines, nine of which are included among my top wine picks. Both Champagnes are of the Rose type, with the Deutz made with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, while the Veuve Clicquot is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Meunier. In white wines, there is the Picard Premier Cru Chablis and Servin Grand Cru Chablis, both of which are Chardonnay with little oak influence. From Sancerre, there is a Sauvignon Blanc made from vines that are at least 50 years old. The final white is a dry Riesling from Alsace. Among French reds, the 2006 Madiran is made with Tannat, while the 2001 Burgundy is made with Pinot Noir. Lastly, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre.

Red wines from the rest of the release include the Fontaine du Clos, which is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. From Spain, the Murrieta is a blend of 83% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, and 3% Garnacha, while the Remelluri is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Viura and Malvasia. From Italy, the "baby" Ornellaia is a big wine that consists of 64% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Petit Verdot. Lastly, the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon also contains 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 2% Merlot.

Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2015 (92 pts)Cliff Lede Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (92 pts)

Among my white wine recommendations, the Hugel Gentil is a dry blend made with 50% Sylvaner & Pinot Blanc, 22% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewürztraminer, 7% Riesling, and 6% Muscat. For sweet wine lovers, look for the Riesling from Ontario or British Columbia, or the Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

From the drinks to enjoy after-dinner section, there are two lovely Port wines, as well as the Botrytis-affected Semillon from Australia that always makes an appearance around this time of year.

Enjoy my top wine picks from the release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • GÉRARD BERTRAND SAINT CHINIAN SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2014 - AP, Midi, France (#370247) (D) - $16.95
  • DEMORGENZON DMZ SYRAH 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#404202) (D) - $16.95
  • SANTA CAROLINA SPECIALTIES DRY FARMING CARIGNAN 2013 - Cauquenes Valley, Chile (#213520) (XD) - $17.95
  • FONTAINE DU CLOS CONFIDENCES 2014 - AP Côtes du Rhône, France (#498451) (XD) - $17.95
  • FOWLES STONE DWELLERS SHIRAZ 2015 - Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia (#265967) (XD) - $19.95

  • CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2014 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#525022) (D) - $24.95  reviewed here
  • MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#209148) (XD) - $30.95
  • CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN 2006 - AP, Southwest, France (#132415) (D) - $38.95
  • TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA AMBROSÍA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2012 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#402941) (XD) - $39.95  reviewed here
  • REMELLURI RESERVA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#480160) (XD) - $39.95
  • PIETRANERA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#189761) (XD) - $44.95
Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Ambrosía Single Vineyard Malbec 2012 (91 pts)Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2014 (89 pts)

  • DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 - AP, Rhône, France (#062711) (D) - $44.95
  • BORGOGNO BAROLO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#283499) (XD) - $45.95
  • LE SERRE NUOVE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2015 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (D) - $64.95  reviewed here
  • CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Puente Alto, Chile (#403980) (D) - $89.95
  • MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE COLLECTION BELLENUM PETITE CHAPELLE GEVREY CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU 2001 - AC, Burgundy, France (#514257) (XD) - $106.95
  • CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#014217) (XD) - $122.95  reviewed here

White Wine:

  • HUGEL GENTIL 2015 - AC Alsace, France (#367284) (XD) - $17.95
  • CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2015 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
  • DIRTY LAUNDRY RIESLING 2014 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#514976) (M) - $19.95
  • TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2016 - IGT Vignetti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy (#474742) (XD) - $19.95
  • DOMANE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2015 - DAC Wachau, Austria (#031534) (XD) - $19.95
  • FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (M) - $24.95

  • LA CHABLISIENNE GRANDE CUVÉE CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#685222) (D) - $31.95
  • CAVE DE TURCKHEIM BRAND GRAND CRU RIESLING 2013 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#021303) (XD) - $37.95
  • JEAN-MAX ROGER VIEILLES VIGNES SANCERRE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#527218) (XD) - $39.95
  • PICARD LE CHARMOIS SAINT AUBIN 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#522078) (XD) - $57.95
  • WEINBACH CUVÉE LAURENCE GEWURZTRAMINER 2015 - AC Alsace, France (#581975) (M) - $62.95  FSE
  • DOMAINE SERVIN BOUGROS GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#145623) (XD) - $69.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#558825) (D) - $32.95
  • DEUTZ BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#092833) (D) - $80.95
  • VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2008 - With gift box, AC, France (#588475) (XD) - $109.95

Dessert Wine:

  • ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE 2015 - Barrel aged, Canada (#437319) (MS) (500 mL) - $16.95  reviewed here
  • DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2014 - Riverina, New South Wales, Australia (#917252) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95
Rosewood Mead Royale Honey Wine 2015 (88 pts)

Fortified:

  • BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $28.95
  • FONSECA VINTAGE PORT 2009 - DOP, Portugal (#256875) (S) - $58.95


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  • Date publishedFriday, June 24, 2016

VINTAGES Release June 25: Southern France + Canada Day

LCBO Wine Picks from VINTAGES Release June 25, 2016
The VINTAGES Release on June 25 features wines from southern France as its main theme, while the mini-theme highlights some wines for a Canada Day picnic. All these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming Saturday.

From the main theme on wines from southern France - which in this release encompasses the regions of Southwest, Languedoc, Roussillon, Rhône and Provence - 3 of the 16 wines made my list of wine picks, and all are red wines. We'll begin with the Domaine les Yeuses Syrah, one of the best values around, year-after-year. Also in this release is the Domaine de l'Alba l'Ermite that is a blend of 60% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 10% Syrah. Lastly, the Domaine des Terrisses is a rich blend, mostly consisting of grapes you've likely never heard of - 60% Braucol (a.k.a. Fer Servadou), 20% Duras, and 20% Syrah.

Domaine de l'Alba l'Ermite 2013 - AC Corbières, Midi, France (88 pts)

To celebrate Canada Day with some Canadian wine, there is a fine selection of wines, all of which happen to come from Ontario. Among my wine recommendations for Canada Day celebrations is a 55/45 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, an always delicious off-dry Riesling, a lovely oaked Baco Noir - a grape I generally don't like but found this wine to be quite nice, and an Icewine that's rarely made using Chardonnay. A pair of rosé wines not included as part of the "Canada Day" theme, but can certainly be opened to celebrate the day include a dry rosé from Southbrook, and an off-dry version from Wildass.

Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2013 - VQA Ontario, Canada (90 pts)Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (88 pts)

Among the red wines from the rest of the release, the Australian wine is a biodynamic wine made using a 65/35 blend of Shiraz and Grenache, while the Amarone is a blend of 65% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 15% Corvinone.

In white wines, the Gavi is made with the Cortese varietal. And for sweet wine lovers, in order from least sweetest to most sweetest, look for the Gewürztraminer or the Rieslings from Alsace, Niagara, or Germany.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • DOMAINE LES YEUSES LES ÉPICES SYRAH 2013 - IGP Pays d’Oc, Midi, France (#177584) (XD) - $15.95
  • DOMAINE DE L’ALBA L’ERMITE 2013 - AC Corbières, Midi, France (#446138) (XD) - $17.00  reviewed here
  • DOMAINE DES TERRISSES GRANDE TRADITION GAILLAC 2012 - AC, Southwest, France (#451922) (XD) - $17.95
  • KACABA CABERNET/SYRAH 2013 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#317925) (XD) - $18.95  reviewed here
  • PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2013 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#149898) (D) - $19.95
  • HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE BACO NOIR 2013 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#461699) (D) - $24.95  reviewed here
  • CA’ VIOLA BRICHET BARBERA D’ALBA 2012 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#452813) (XD) - $36.95  reviewed here
  • PODERE LA CAPPELLA QUERCIOLO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 - Unfiltered, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#095893) (XD) - $38.95  FSE
  • GEMMA GIBLIN RISERVA BAROLO 2007 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#185025) (XD) - $38.95
  • MONTE DEL FRÁ LENA DI MEZZO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#047506) (D) - $53.95  reviewed here
  • CHIMNEY ROCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#731810) (XD) - $99.95

Ca' Viola Brichet Barbera d'Alba 2012 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (91 pts) Monte del Frá Lena di Mezzo Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (92 pts)

White Wine:

  • JARDIN INSPECTOR PÉRINGUEY CHENIN BLANC 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#443473) (XD) - $15.95
  • BERSANO GAVI DI GAVI 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#999979) (XD) - $16.95  reviewed here
  • EL GORDO DEL CIRCO VERDEJO 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (#441220) (XD) - $17.95
  • CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2013 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#302059) (D) - $17.95
  • PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2014 - South Australia (#447029) (XD) - $19.95
  • ST. URBANS-HOF OLD VINES RIESLING 2014 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#995746) (M) - $21.95  reviewed here
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2014 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.95
  • DOMAINE BOTT-GEYL SCHOENENBOURG GRAND CRU RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace, France (#456970) (D) - $50.95  FSE
  • TOLPUDDLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2013 - Tasmania, Australia (#447045) (XD) - $58.95  FSE
Bersano Gavi di Gavi 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (88 pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • WILDASS ROSÉ 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#071712) (D) - $17.95
  • SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#279117) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here

Dessert Wine:

  • TAWSE CHARDONNAY ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#443739) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95


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  • Date publishedMonday, March 16, 2015

Mar. 21 LCBO Wine Picks: Cali Icons + Southwest France

Wine Picks from March 21, 2015 LCBO VINTAGES Release
The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves this . The major theme of this release highlights many of the biggest names in California's wine scene and is titled "Cali Icons". As such, we find many high-priced wines that are beyond the reach of most people. However, if you have the deep pockets or are really into wine, there are 5 wines worth your attention and all are north of $70.

First up is the Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon that hails from the Santa Cruz Mountains and contains 14% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc - it will drink well for the next 6-7 years. The Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is organic & biodynamic and almost all Cab with just dashes of Petit Verdot (5%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Merlot (1% ). The Cade Cabernet Sauvignon is also all Napa Valley fruit, but specifically from Howell Mountain, and includes 7% Merlot to round out the blend. The Dominus is the most expensive wine in the release and it is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc and can be enjoyed over the next decade. Lastly, the Cakebread Dancing Bear Ranch is available as part of the Flagship Store Exclusive release and contains 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot.

The mini-theme of this release features 6 big, food-friendly wines from Southwest, France. From this portion of the release, only a premium Cahors made the list - a red wine that is 100% Malbec from vines that are 60+ years old.

If you're looking for quality red wines under $20, this release is a little light. However, there is a big 100% Xinomavro from Greece that could be aged for at least another 10 years. There is also traditional Bordeaux-blend from Ontario - a 2012 Cab Franc/Cab Sauv/Merlot blend from Pondview. Actual Bordeaux wines that are worth considering are a Cab Sauv/Merlot blend from Les Charmes de Magnol and a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot (60/35/4/1%) from iconic Château Pontet-Canet.

In white wines, the only blend is from Rhône's E. Guigal and it consists of 65% Viognier, 15% Roussane, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, and 2% Bourboulenc. For sweet wine lovers, you'll want to check out either Riesling from Germany or Ontario, or the Pinot Gris from Alsace.

Enjoy my wine picks for this week. Cheers!


Red Wine:
  • CASTELLO DI AMA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#403824) (XD) (375 mL) - $16.95
  • BOUTARI GRANDE RESERVE 2008 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#140111) (XD) - $17.95
  • PONDVIEW RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#307561) (XD) - $18.95
  • LES CHARMES DE MAGNOL 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#403709) (XD) - $18.95
  • CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION RED BLEND 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#322602) (D) - $26.95
  • CHARLES CIMICKY RESERVE SHIRAZ 2012 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#685594) (XD) - $31.95
  • CHÂTEAU PINERAIE L’AUTHENTIQUE CAHORS 2011 - AC, Southwest, France (#408294) (XD) - $39.95

  • RIDGE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA (#089284) (XD) - $73.95
  • GRGICH HILLS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#071407) (XD) - $80.95  reviewed here
  • CADE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA (#325027) (XD) - $112.95
  • CAKEBREAD DANCING BEAR RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CABERNET FRANC 2011 - Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA (#220459) (XD) - $159.95  Flagship Store Exclusive
  • CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2011 - 5e Cru, AC Pauillac, Bordeaux, France (#297739 / #300335 / #297747 / #298885) (XD) - $174.85
  • DOMINUS 2011 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#212381) (XD) - $176.95

White Wine:
  • RABL LÖSS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#295709) (XD) - $14.95
  • CAPE POINT VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - WO Cape Point, South Africa (#285221) (XD) - $15.95
  • DR. HERMANN ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2010 - Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany (#402420) (S) - $17.95
  • E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#290296) (XD) - $18.95
  • WOLFBERGER SIGNATURE PINOT GRIS 2013 - AC Alsace, France (#398172) (D) - $18.95
  • FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2013 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
  • TRIMBACH RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace, France (#734517) (XD) - $21.95
  • DOMAINE LE VERGER CHABLIS 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#181289) (XD) - $22.95
  • SAINT CLAIR WAIRAU RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#415653) (XD) - $35.95
  • CALERA CHARDONNAY 2013 - Mt. Harlan, Central Coast, California, USA (#968925) (D) - $49.95


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


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  • Date publishedSaturday, December 7, 2013

Aimery Grand Cuvée 1531 Crémant De Limoux (Southwest) - Wine Review

This is the second wine sample from the fine folks at Philippe Dandurand, and just in time for the peak season of sparkling wines.

It is not widely known that in 1531 the Limoux region was the first to create sparkling wine - a full one century prior to Dom Perignon - using what is now known as the "Traditional Method". The Grande Cuvée 1531 is a tribute to that first wine and is from the September 28th LCBO Vintages release.

If you didn't find anything you liked from the last release, there are bottles of this fine sparkler available throughout the Ontario. For those that like slightly sweet sparkling wines, you will enjoy this.

AIMERY GRAND CUVÉE 1531 CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX - AC Crémant de Limoux, Southwest, France (#350371) (D) - $19.95

Wine Review of Aimery Grand Cuvée 1531 Crémant De Limoux from France
Tasting Note:
Blend of mostly Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, and some Pinot Noir. Medium intensity aromas of apple, mineral and chalk from the glass. Palate has flavours of poached apple and nutty notes, along with hints of peach and honey. Medium-bodied with fine mousse that is plentiful. It is off-dry with balanced acids to keep the sweetness in check. Lengthy finish that is slightly bitter and on the dry side. Quite nice and a recommended buy. Score: 88 pts


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  • Date publishedWednesday, August 7, 2013

Pierre Laplace Madiran 2009 (Southwest) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine last December from the annual Vintages "Festive Season" release and opened it over the weekend. It's no longer available.

PIERRE LAPLACE MADIRAN 2009 - AC, Southwest, France (#103705) (XD) - $14.95
Photo of 2009 Pierre Laplace Madiran from Southwest, France
Tasting Note:
Blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernets. Oak and raisin aromas from the cork. Medium-high intensity plum and black fruit aromas from the glass. Palate is medium-full bodied with plum, raisin, sweet blackberry, licorice and light spice flavours. Fruit is ripe with smooth, integrated tannins. Mouth-watering acidity and medium-length finish. Easy drinking.


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