Providing a Unique & Affordable Selection of High Quality Red Wines and White Wines for Your Enjoyment. Also featured: Rosé, Port, Icewine, Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions. Cheers!
white wine review is an oaked Chardonnay from Marynissen Estates Winery in Niagara. While a previous vintage has shown up in LCBO VINTAGES, this wine is currently only available through the winery.
Marynissen Estates Winery was founded after the property - which is located in the Four Mile Creek sub-Appellation at the base of the Niagara Escarpment and contained an existing vineyard - was purchased in 1953 by viticulture pioneer John Marynissen and his wife Adrianna (Nanny) who immigrated to Canada from Holland.
In 1975, they began planting European vinifera
grape varietals. John was one of the first grape growers in Canada to plant vinifera grapes, at a time when most people thought it could not be done. Cabernet Sauvignon was added to the vineyard in 1978 is now the oldest commercial planting in Canada and the pride of the estate.
The vineyards rich history was born out of a strong devotion to the land, pioneering spirit and passion for excellence. The Marynissen family spent decades watching over the vines, hand farming and harvesting to craft award-winning wines. Sadly, John passed away in January 2009, while his daughter, Sandra, retired. However, their family legacy and vision for the winery remains intact.
Tasting Note:
MARYNISSEN CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#907683) (XD) - $15.95
Binned apple and lemon aromas from the cork. In the glass, the medium intensity nose has buttery, binned apple, lemon, and tropical fruit aromas, a touch reductive, and hints of butterscotch and earth. On the medium-bodied palate, it is clearly an oaked Chardonnay with buttery, baked apple, lemon peel, and sweet oak flavours. Food friendly acids lift the palate, while the finish is juicy with good length. Shows best with some aeration and only a slight chill. Score: 86 pts
wine review is a unique white wine that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on .
The Kerner grape is an aromatic white grape variety that was bred in Germany in 1929 by crossing Trollinger (a red grape variety) with Riesling. Today, most Kerner plantings are in Germany, while some are also grown in Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol (in Northern Italy).
With only a few vineyards in Niagara producing Kerner, this wine by Lakeview Cellars comes from the Morgan Vineyard located on the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation. Approximately 2 acres of vines are 20+ years old, and are all planted on sandy soils. This wine has been produced since at least the 2000 vintage. Let's see how the 2017 is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
LAKEVIEW CELLARS MORGAN VINEYARD KERNER 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#443614) (D) - $17.95
Screw cap. The generous nose has white floral, ripe apple and peach aromas, with some honeyed and grapey notes. It's off-dry on the palate with more apple, floral, and peach flavours lifted by bright acidity. There's some bitterness on the honeyed-floral finish, with good length. A casual sipper to enjoy on a hot summer's day. Serve well-chilled. Score: 87 pts
wine review is a recent arrival to the LCBO, as it was part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.
It is produced by Wither Hills, a winery in New Zealand that takes its name from the landmark Wither Hills mountain range that borders their vineyards. It was founded as a small boutique winery in 1994 by (former) winemaker Brent Marris with a passion to craft the very best wine from Marlborough’s beautiful natural surroundings. In 2002, the winery was sold to Lion Wines.
Wither Hills is an accredited winery with Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. This industry standard was developed to allow grape growers
and winemakers to protect the environmental integrity of wine
production.
The winery is located in Marlborough at the northeast tip of the South Island of New Zealand, and the grapes for this lovely Sauvignon Blanc come from the Wairau Valley, not far from the winery. 2016 was one of the warmest vintages on record, allowing the grapes to ripen to optimum maturity.
Tasting Note:
WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant nose offers ripe kiwi, guava, and tropical fruit notes along with some with green, nettle and earthy characters. It's light-to-mid weight on the ripe palate with ripe, citrusy flavoured aroma replays. Acids are bright, juicy and nicely balanced. Hints of salty minerality linger on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy well-chilled. Score: 89 pts
On , we threw a birthday party at Bombay Touch in Thornhill for my son who just turned a year old. I brought in my own wines for the occasion, spanning a fairly wide range of categories so that each guest could find at least one wine that would appeal to their palate. Wines styles included a dry rosé, a dry white wine, a sweet white wine, and a variety of dry red wines. The most popular wines were the Mencía, the rosé, and the Riesling.
All of the wines are fairly recent additions to VINTAGES and should still be available for purchase in the VINTAGES section at the LCBO. Wines reviews of each of the wines are posted below.
Tasting Notes:
MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#498535) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Pale pink colour much the same as Provence. Lovely, highly aromatic, bright and fresh aromas of mineral, white grapefruit, and lemon citrus. The palate is dry with complex white grapefruit, orange peel, herbs, and mineral with hints of lemon, on a medium-full bodied frame and lifted with crisp, vibrant acidity. Nicely balanced throughout with hints of strawberry and cherry flavours. Excellent finish length with lemony nuances. Released in LCBO VINTAGES on . Score: 91 pts
TAHBILK MARSANNE 2017 - Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (#117945) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. Fresh and highly aromatic with grassy, lemon/lime, pear, flinty mineral, and hints of herbal and stone fruits. It has a dry, medium+ body palate with a nice, slightly chalky texture and balanced aroma replays. Balanced acids with a touch viscous mouthfeel on the mid-palate, while the finish is long with nice mineral notes. Released in LCBO VINTAGES on . Score: 89 pts
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $18.95
Screw cap. Wow. Highly aromatic and pretty aromas of peach and orange which give way to ripe apple, mineral and hints of petrol. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with very good fruit concentration and medium sweet flavours that are nicely balanced and mimic the aroma profile. High acids are crisp and provide a lip-smacking, long finish with just a touch of sourness. Released in LCBO VINTAGES on . Score: 90 pts
MARRENON VERSANT NORD LUBERON 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#537969) (XD) - $15.95
A single vineyard blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. The medium-high intensity aromas offer complex blackberry, dark currant, pepper, and meaty aromas with some savoury and dark cherry notes as well. On the medium-full bodied, crunchy palate, it has plummy, blueberry, and dark berry flavours, plus savoury hints of oak spice and peppery notes. Vibrant acids and supple tannins with a touch of grip add to the character of this wine, while the finish length is very good. Released in LCBO VINTAGES on . Score: 88+ pts
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Full review here.
GANCEDO XESTAL MENCÍA 2010 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#553743) (XD) - $17.95
From 60+ year old vines, this maturing Mencía has a gorgeous, highly aromatic nose offering a pretty bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, red floral, and sweet oak spice. It's full bodied with fine, dusty tannins providing some grip, and very appealing aroma replays, plus some baking spice and cinnamon, and earthy/savoury elements on the flavour profile. Acids are juicy.
Touch warming on the mid-palate. Excellent finish length. Released in LCBO VINTAGES on . Score: 90 pts
wine is a frequent visitor to the LCBO, and mostly recently arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on . You can still find this yummy white wine in the VINTAGES section at your local LCBO.
Produced by a well-known Californian winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines was formed in the early 1970's when founder Jerry Lohr chose Monterey County's Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils, which are ideal for Chardonnay. The establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery resulted in the emergence of Central Coast as a world-class winegrowing region, with Jerry Lohr recognized as one of the region's pioneers.
The vineyards for this white wine are located in J. Lohr's Block 9 plantings in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County, near the mouth of the Arroyo Seco River in a slightly more wind-protected environment. The loamy soils are laden with "Greenfield potatoes" - stones that resemble potatoes in size and appearance.
Tasting Note:
J. LOHR OCTOBER NIGHT CHARDONNAY 2015 - Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, USA (#225375) (XD) - $34.95
Aged in French barrels (50% new) sur lie for 10 months. Baked apple with hints of vanilla and smoke aromas from the cork. Pours a fairly deep yellow gold colour. The ripe medium+ intensity nose has aromas of baked apple, sweet vanilla oak, and tropical fruit notes with hints of yellow floral and marzipan. It's medium-full bodied on the sweet-edged palate with more baked apple and vanilla flavours, with bracing acids and some warmth on the mid-palate. Some toffee aromas and butterscotch flavours appear with time. Touch oxidative and bitter on the long finish. Best with a light chill. Score: 88 pts
Produced by Domaine la Haute Févrie in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine protected designation of origin (DO), the estate vines grow on the hills overlooking the Sèvre, between Saint-Fiacre and Monnières.
In 2016, Muscadet vines in the Loire Valley were heavily affected by frost and hydric stress (i.e. lots of water). However, perfect weather conditions in September ensured that grapes were of high quality, resulting in wines that should have good texture and mouthfeel, and plenty of fruit. Let's see how this Muscadet is tasting.
Tasting Note:
LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $14.95
100% Melon de Bourgogne hand-picked from 40-70 year-old vines. Lemony aromas from the cork. In the glass, the nose is subtle, offering apple and citrus aromas with hints of stony minerals. Very good intensity on the crunchy palate with green apple and tart citrus flavours, plus some mineral and fennel notes, Fresh with vibrant, lively acids and a light spritz on the medium-bodied frame that is nicely textured. Stony mineral with hints of herbal linger on the finish, with very good length. The ideal oyster wine, but can also paired with shrimp. Very good buy. Score: 88 pts
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 .
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
The fun-filled began at Vineland Estates Winery where we were given a guided tour of the property and facilities by David Hulley. The tour began on the patio over looking the prized Bo-Teek Vineyard with a gorgeous view of the Bench, and in the distance Lake Ontario, followed by a visit to the St. Urban Vineyard where some of Niagara's oldest Riesling vines (late '70's / early 80's) can be found. The winery is housed in picturesque structures that date back to the 1840's, including a former farmhouse, century barn, and a charming Carriage House. The tour concluded with a visit to the production facility, where I had the opportunity to get a closer look at their state-of-the-art optical sorting machine. This game changing machine accurately sorts up to 2,000 berries per second, separating lower quality grapes from the higher quality grapes. Vineland Estates is the only Canadian winery to have such technology.
Following the tour, we headed downstairs to the tank room to enjoy their Discovery Pass Experience, which featured a Beer and Cheddar Bisque paired with their 2016 Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc (#594127, $14.95, 88 pts). The soup was made using Shawn & Ed's LagerShed Beer and Cow's Creamery 2-year-old Cheddar. It was creamy, if a touch sour, but offered nice balance when paired with the wine. A comfort pairing perfect for cooler months. After the food and wine pairing, we went to the tasting room to taste through some wines from their delicious portfolio. Wine reviews of some of these wines, plus others tasted on this day are provided below.
The second stop of the day was at Megalomaniac Winery. The wine pairing here was the 2016 Megalomaniac Selfie (#453506, $17.95, 86 pts), an easy-drinking, off-dry blend of Chardonnay Musqué, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling that paired very nicely with the small-proportioned Japanese-style buttermilk and panko-crusted chicken tenders, finished with a local freestone peach and ginger root glaze. The chicken tenders were very tasty, a little spicy, and when paired together with the off-dry white wine, the chicken tenders became even spicier and really enhanced the ginger flavours from the root glaze. A lively pairing that was really well done! Megalomaniac sits atop a hill, and relaxing on their outdoor patio while enjoying the view really enhanced the whole experience.
Our third stop of the day was at Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they were celebrating Canada's 150th birthday by offering potato skins topped with ingredients from every province and territory in our great nation. With 13 ingredients making up this potato skin, you can bet there were going to be many flavours vying for your attention. Some of the ingredients included potatoes from Prince Edward Island (obviously), cheese from the three other Atlantic provinces, honey from Ontario, juniper berries from British Columbia, and Ox tail from the Yukon. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of this food item, and the fact that Pillitteri was very busy on this day, they weren't able to customize my potato skin. This led to me trying only a couple of bites before discarding it. Two wines were offered with this pairing - a choice of either the Pillitteri Gewurztraminer Riesling Fusion (#349126, $13.95) or the Pillitteri Cabernet Merlot ($20). I opted for the heartier Cab Merlot, thinking that it should go well with the starchy and complex, loaded potato skin. The Discovery Pass Experience was a bit of downer here for me, but I did get to taste some really special Icewines afterwards, which made the visit to Pillitteri worthwhile.
The fourth and final stop of the day was a very interesting one at Coyote’s Run Estate Winery. The culinary creation here was a farm-raised chicken, slow-cooked in a Jamaican jerk glaze and topped with Your Farm Gate’s fresh Ontario peach chutney, while served on a bed of basmati rice salad. Once again, two wines were offered - the 2016 Coyote's Run Lambert Vineyard Riesling ($19.95, 87 pts) and the 2015 Coyote's Run Estate Cabernet Franc ($24.95, 88 pts). However, here at Coyote's Run we were encouraged to try both wines with the food pairing to see how they fare. The Jerk chicken was mildly flavoured and not spicy, while the Riesling was bordering on off-dry, bringing out peach flavours from the chutney and wine. With the Cab Franc, the pairing became earthier and comforting, along with some of the jerk spice flavours becoming more prominent. While this pairing was quite interesting, our visit went to a whole other level after we met Assistant Winemaker Chris Protonentis. He was able to give us a quick tour of the facility before heading to the cellar for some barrel sampling of a few wines coming down the pipeline.
This was another fine day spent touring Niagara Wine Country during the annual Grape and Wine Festival. And just like on the first day, I was able to bring home recipes of some of the food items so we could try them at home. Get in touch with me if you would like a copy of any of the recipes.
Tasting Notes:
VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION CHARDONNAY 2014 - Bo-Teek Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#164459) (XD) - $25
The medium+ intensity aromas offer golden apple, pear, and butter notes with hints of hazelnut. It's medium-bodied on the somewhat creamy palate with balanced acids and nice aroma replays. The nutty finish has very good length. Score: 89 pts
VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2008 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#038117) (MD) - $30
The highly aromatic nose is showing some maturity, offering lemon citrus with whiffs of petrol and hints of minerality. It's medium-bodied and nicely textured on the palate with acids that are still quite lively. Off-dry flavour profile with lovely lemon/lime citrus, honeyed peach and floral flavours. Excellent finish length. Will easily age another 10 years. Score: 91 pts
VINELAND ESTATES CABERNET FRANC RESERVE 2012 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $50
From a very good vintage, this has highly aromatic aromas of ripe blackberry, herbal, currant, cassis, mocha chocolate, and barnyard, all of which come through in appealing fashion on the medium+ bodied palate with smooth, refined tannins supported by very good, energetic acids. The smooth finish has excellent length. Score: 91+ pts
MEGALOMANIAC BESPOKE PINOT NOIR 2015 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $49.95
Highly aromatic on the nose with elegant candied cherry, floral, raspberry, baking spice, and hints of minerality aromas. Fine tannins are light on the light-bodied palate with pretty aroma replays plus some oak spice elements that are lifted by fresh, bright acids. There's some structure to the palate and it's very well balanced. Great tension between fruit and oak. The long finish is a touch bitter. Score: 90+ pts
MEGALOMANIAC BESPOKE MERLOT 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $59.95
The intense aromas reveal lovely forest red berry, dark cherry, mocha, forest floor aromas with hints of bay leaf and evergreen. On the medium-full bodied palate, this offers layers red and black forest fruits, chocolate, blackberry, cedar oak and some floral nuances. Medium-level tannins offer some structure and is balanced with fresh acids. Textured, classy, and long finishing. Age 3-4 years and drink to 2027. 91 pts
MEGALOMANIAC BESPOKE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $59.95
The medium-high intensity nose offers lush cassis, blackcurrant, and hints of olive, game and earthiness. The palate is full-bodied with smooth, silky, and structured tannins. It has very nice aroma replays, followed by an earthy mid-palate. Bright acids provide lift, and the finish is long and smooth. Drink or hold until 2027. Score: 91+ pts
PILLITTERI VIDAL RESERVE ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (S) (375 mL) - $65
Fragrant and open with peach, apricot, lychee, orange citrus, honey and marmalade aromas. The palate is medium+ bodied and lush with delicate acids providing balanced freshness to complement the sweet aroma replays. The long finish is accented with some oak spice. Score: 91 pts
PILLITTERI GEWURZTRAMINER ICEWINE 2000 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (S) (200 mL) - $35
The medium-high intensity nose has a mature character, showing notes of molasses, burnt brown sugar, earth, and orange peel, in a slightly reductive style. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with smooth, silky, voluptuous and velvety mouthfeel with sweet, honeyed aroma replays. Palate still has some freshness. Excellent finish length. Such a treat to taste an Icewine at this age. Score: 90 pts
PILLITTERI CABERNET SAUVIGNON ICEWINE 2004 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (S) (375 mL) - $70
This has a medium-high intensity nose of dried cassis, dried red fruit and blackberry aromas. The palate is full bodied and sweet with raisiny, dried fig flavours lifted with very good acids, Long finishing with nice aroma replays. Score: 89 pts
COYOTE'S RUN ESTATE SYRAH 2015 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $34.95
From the red soil vineyard and matured for 18 months in an even split between Hungarian and French oak. The medium intensity nose seens closed, but offers complex glimpses of white pepper, meat, gamey, dark berry, earth, and savoury aromas. On the medium+ bodied palate, this offers crunchy tannins and very good acidity with balanced aroma replays that lean more towards fruit forward, with some savoury elements. The finish is long and clean. Very drinkable now, but I would age this for 2 years. Score: 89 pts
COYOTE'S RUN ESTATE SYRAH 2016 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $34.95
Barrel
sample. A mix of sweet and savoury bouquet with ripe dark berry, white
pepper, sweet oak spice, and gamey notes. It's full-bodied on the palate
with nice aroma replays. fresh acids, touch grippy tannins, and long
finishing. Score: 89+ pts
COYOTE'S RUN RED PAW VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2016 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#079228) (XD) - $35
Barrel sample. Aged on the lees. This has floral, cherry, and earth aromas and flavours. It's light-weighted on the palate with structured tannins that are a touch grippy. Clean acids and a balanced, long finish. Score: 89 pts
COYOTE'S RUN BLACK PAW VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2016 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#116442) (XD) - $35
Barrel sample. This has a medium-high intensity nose featuring dark fruit, dark berry, tea leaf, and mineral aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied with more dark berry and dark fruit flavours lifted by fresh acids. It has grippy tannins and a long finish. Needs at least a couple of years to come together. Score: 90 pts
white wine is an award-winner that is available at the winery, as well as in the VINTAGES section at select LCBO outlets across Ontario.
Hinterbrook Estate Winery is located on a historic site in Niagara-on-the-Lake that was first settled in 1789 by the United Empire Loyalists Servos family. In 1963, the Nickel family purchased the property and grew orchard stone fruit and concord grapes, eventually planting Vinifera grapes in 1998. Current owners, George Lau and winemaker Violet Yeh, took over the winery in 2014. The vines for this Sauvignon Blanc were damaged during the winter of
2013, but have since recovered and started producing quality fruit
in 2016.
NOMAD Wine is the expression of Hinterbrook, with the aim of expressing the land, terroir, and its people through authentic, thoughtfully crafted wines using a minimalist approach. NOMAD Wine is also the story of people, like you and I. The label is intentionally clean and sparse, with plenty of white space allowing you to create your own story by drawing or painting on the label and sharing your experience with the world. I personally won't be drawing on the label as I think it looks nice just way it is, but if you do pick up a bottle, I would love to see your creativity.
Tasting Note:
NOMAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada (#446088) (XD) - $16.95
Cork has aromas of grapefruit, lime peel and gooseberry aromas. In the glass, this offers medium+ intensity aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, lime peel, along with whiffs of ginger and earthy mineral. Juicy acids are vibrant on the medium-bodied palate with a nice chalky mineral texture adding complexity. Nicely balanced aroma replays continue through to the spicy mid-palate, and lingers on the long, juicy finish. Drink over the next 6 months. Score: 88 pts
wines are a pair of entry-level wines from Malivoire Wine Company - one of Niagara's most respected boutique wineries, renowned for its creativity and use of wine-growing practices. Its carefully crafted VQA wines are made exclusively from grapes grown locally on the Niagara Peninsula.
Malivoire Wine is the magnum opus of Martin Malivoire, and was founded after the purchase of the Moira Vineyard on the Beamsville Bench in 1995. Minimal environmental impact is a foundation block of Malivoire Wine's corporate mission. They subscribe to the Oregon-based “LIVE”, or Low Impact Viticulture and Enology programme, whose guidelines determine their farming practices, including the use of eco-friendly winemaking techniques. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the 2017 Ontario Wine Awards.
Martin always insisted that he would never focus on Bordeaux varietals and Bordeaux blends, and instead focus on Pinot Noir and Gamay. He also said he wouldn't focus on Riesling. Over the years, many people kept asking for these styles of wines from Malivoire, so Martin said that "If we make these styles of wines, we would be Guilty Men", based on the male group assembled from the winemaking team, and the fact that he had been very vocal about not going down this road for many years. Guilty Men eventually launched in 2010.
Both of these wines are easy-drinking, food-friendly, and made in a crowd-pleasing style that is also fairly light on the wallet. Moreover, both of these wines are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario, and the white wine is currently on sale (save $1) until .
Tasting Notes:
MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN RIESLING SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#192666) (D) - $15.10 $14.10 until .
A unique blend of 80% Riesling and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Screw cap. This has a fruity medium intensity nose with aromas of ripe apple, citrus zest, peach, along with hints of tropical fruit, white flowers and flinty mineral. The light-to-medium bodied palate is off-dry (i.e some sweetness) with apple and stone fruit flavours that mingle with some tropical fruit notes. Clean, juicy acids are nicely balanced, while apple notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Clean, easy drinking wine to enjoy on the patio, or with seafood or poultry. Chill well and drink to 2019. Score: 87 pts
MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN RED 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#192674) (D) - $15.95
From the very good 2016 vintage, this is a blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Gamay, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, with about 2/3 of the wine aged in tank, while the remainder was in mostly French barrels for 9 months. Screw cap. The medium+ intensity nose offers cranberry, raspberry, dark currant, and black spice with hints of tea leaf and minty cassis. It is medium-bodied on the palate with soft, gentle tannins with just a touch of sweetness that's held in check with the lively acids. Appealing tea leaf and oak spice flavours with hints of raspberry and blueberry on the palate. Good length on the finish. Chill slightly and enjoy to 2020. Score: 87 pts
wine is a back vintage of a wine that was recently released into LCBO VINTAGES on .
This white wine is produced by Lakeview Wine Co. (formerly known as Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits) and is one of the largest wine producers in the country. The re-brand of the winery coincided with the launch of their brand new retail and tasting centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the spring of 2017. The building features a unique architectural and interior design that creates a welcoming atmosphere. I visited Lakeview last month for Sip & Sizzle and must say the building is quite nice - much improved over the old building and it feels warm and inviting. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
Founded in 1991 by Eddy Gurinskas, Lakeview Cellars is the winery's oldest brand. Lakeview Cellars wines use grapes sourced from their best vineyards in Niagara. The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc come from 5 acres of mature vines that have been farmed by the Tregunno family for four generations.
While the 2015 vintage is no longer available, and the 2016 vintage looks to be sold out at the LCBO, you can pick up the 2016 at the winery or shop online.
Tasting Note:
LAKEVIEW CELLARS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#483958) (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. The nose is subtle, offering grassy and tropical fruit aromas with hints of gooseberry, kiwi, guava, and orange zest. It's light-to-medium bodied and dry on the palate with crisp and fresh acids. Ripe fruited flavour profile - think melon, guava, kiwi, with lemon citrus and grassy notes. Some bitterness on the finish. Score: 87 pts
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release features Milestone Moments from the wine world as its main theme, while the mini-thematic focuses on cool Summer white wines. All of these wines will be shelves by this coming .
We'll begin with the main theme that focuses on Milestone Moments in the wine world. There are fourteen wines listed among the seven different milestones. The advent of appellations is an important milestone in the world of wine and began in 1716; in Ontario, the VQA appellation and standards system began in 1988 and the wine representing this milestone is the Fumé Blanc (i.e. barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc) from Niagara. The only other wine among my top wine picks is from the "South Africa goes global" milestone and is an Old Vine Chenin Blanc, where significant progress swept through South Africa after the election of Nelson Mandela in 1994.
From the mini-theme on cool and refreshing Summer white wines, four of the ten wines featured are included among my top wine picks. First up is a variety native to Burgundy called Aligoté. Also on my list is a Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch in South Africa, and a Falanghina from Campania, Italy. Lastly, there is a Marsanne from an Estate in Australia that first planted this grape back in the 1860's and still has vines dating back to 1927.
Among my red wine picks from the rest of the release, the Romanian wine is made using Cadarca (Kadarka), while the Crianza is made with Tempranillo. The wine from Gérard Bertrand is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan. From Faugères, the blend consists of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Carignan, while the Arana from Rioja is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo. And lastly, the Dievole is a blend of mostly Sangiovese.
And last, but definitely not the least, the brilliant Champagne is made with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
white wine is the latest vintage of a wine that frequently visits LCBO VINTAGES.
Domaine Queylus was formed by a group of friends in 2006 after recognizing the immense potential to produce great wines in Niagara. The name 'Queylus' refers to Gabriel Thubières de Levy de Queylus, Seigneur of Montréal, and superior of the Sulpicians in New France in 1670. Gabriel de Queylus oversaw the first vinification ever on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Today, Queylus wines are produced under the guidance of chief winemaker Thomas Bachelder, who joined in 2010, and winemaker Kelly Mason. The winery is located in the Niagara Peninsula, where they utilize the strong terroir to attain an exceptional elegance in their wines. They are dedicated to a select, limited number of varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc - that they have identified as perfectly adaptable to their vineyard's soils and microclimate. Their vineyards, which are all organic, cover 16 hectares spread over the Lincoln Lakeshore (Beamsville), Twenty Mile Bench (Jordan), and Vinemount Ridge (St. Ann's) appellations.
This delicious wine is currently available at the winery and through their online web store, while 2014 vintage is currently available in the VINTAGES section at the LCBO.
Tasting Note:
DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#489591) (XD) - $24.95
Hand-harvested from their organically-grown Estate vines in the Lincoln Lakeshoure sub-appellation in Beamsville. Fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged for 16 to 18 months in (20% new) French oak barrels. Rich buttery pear, vanilla, and butterscotch aromas from the cork. The medium+ intensity nose in the glass offers bright notions of lemon oil, pear, and vanilla with hints of butterscotch and baked pineapple aromas. The mid-weighted palate is fresh with bright acidity and more lemony, pear, and vanilla oak spice flavours. Subtle use of oak is well-integrated. Just a touch of creamy, glycerin-like texture gives way to more of a chalky-mineral texture. The finish offers stony mineral, lemon, and vanilla notes, with very good length. Keeps me coming back for another sip. Score: 89 pts
white wine is another new release that is coming to LCBO VINTAGES on .
The farm La Valentina began operations in 1990 and is located in the hills overlooking Spoltore, near Pescara on the Adriatic - on the eastern side ("calf") of Italy within the Abruzzo DOC. The owners, Sabatino, Roberto, and Andrea Di Properzio have been running the company since inception and continually strive to improve the quality of their wines. Sustainable development, as well as respect for the environment are core values at La Valentina.
By understanding, respecting, and tending their land to produce healthier vines with each passing vintage, leading to vines being able to fight off parasites and disease on their own. Healthy vines lead to healthy grapes, which in turn helps produce better quality wine. La Valentina uses low intervention viticulture and winemaking techniques, allowing the wines to express their terroir.
Personally, I've always preferred Italian white wines other than Pinot Grigio as there are such a wide variety of pleasant & interesting wines to choose from that are also food-friendly, including wines like this Pecorino.
Tasting Note:
LA VALENTINA PECORINO 2016 - IGT Colline Pescaresi, Abruzzo, Italy (#541433) (XD) - $17.95
Raised completely in stainless steel tanks, with a couple of months sur lie. Crisp lemon/lime zest, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas from the cork. The medium+ intensity nose offers ripe apple and lemon with hints of white floral and tropical aromas in the glass. The medium+ bodied palate is slightly creamy and oily textured. Ripe with nice aroma replays and a salty mineral character emerging as it warms in the glass. Zesty acids keep the palate fresh. Very good length with white floral notes on the finish. Best served with a light chill. Score: 88+ pts
International Sauvignon Blanc Day is celebrated around the globe the first Friday in May. This year, the occasion falls on and I am celebrating with this yummy Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. This white wine is a General List product at the LCBO and is widely available across Ontario. It is also suitable for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets.
Peter Yealands is part of the Yealands Wine Group that was formed in 2008 with a vision to become the world's leading sustainable wine producer. In 2008, the winery opened to become the first winery in the world to be accredited carboNZero certified from inception. Mr. Yealands himself is known for his pioneering and innovative ways, all of which is chronicled in the book A Bloke for All Seasons: The Peter Yealands Story.
Today, Peter and his family focus their energies on building Yealands Estate into a global brand with sustainability at top of mind. The winery opened in August 2008 Some of the sustainable initiatives at Yealands include developing wetlands, making their own special compost, and using natural pest control methods. They are also working at reducing their emissions by producing their own renewable energy, and using environmentally-friendly packaging.
Which Sauvignon Blanc is in your glass tonight? Leave a comment below or join the conversation online by using the hashtags #SauvBlancDay and #SauvBlanc.
Tasting Note:
PETER YEALANDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#277731) (XD) - $17.20
Fruit comes from 75% (Seaview) Awatere Valley and 25% Wairau Valley. Screw cap. Bright nose is typically pungent for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with green aromas with lime zest, passion fruit, guava, and herbs. The medium bodied palate is crunchy and fresh with lip-smacking acidity and flavours of green herbs, lemon, guava, passion fruit, and asparagus. Touches of salty mineral on the mid-palate. Finishes long and juicy with some sourness and hints of mineral. Enjoy nicely chilled. Score: 88 pts
wine was gifted to me during the holidays. This white wine blend is a General List wine that is readily available at the LCBO.
Tasting Note:
RENÉ BARBIER MEDITERRANEAN WHITE - DO Catalunya, Spain (#332767) (XD) - $9.95
Screw cap. A non-vintage blend of 40% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, and 30% Parellada. Honeyed aroma profile with melon and lemon rind notes. The medium-bodied palate is sweetish and juicy with balanced acidity and honeydew melon flavours joined by lemon rind and ripe tropical fruit notes. More lemon notes, with hints of white flowers, and good length on the dry finish. Fairly basic and simple, but should have wide appeal. Chill well. Score: 84 pts
This wine was purchased at a Liquor World (the liquor store attached to New World IGA Supermarket) in Suva, Fiji, and while there on a recent vacation. At each of the few liquor shops I visited, shelves were stocked with mostly wines from Australia and New Zealand. I recognized quite a few of the wine brands, however, I would be hard pressed to find these specific wines at an LCBO.
Since I wanted to try something new, and with almost no shelf talkers or award stickers, I was pretty much in the dark as to what to get. I opted for this white wine made by Penfolds, a fairly reliable brand owned by Treasury Wine Estates that tends to produce quality wines throughout the range, and because Chardonnay tends to pair well with local Spiny Lobster.
Tasting Note:
RAWSON'S RETREAT PRIVATE RELEASE CHARDONNAY 2013 - South Eastern Australia (XD) - $33 FJD / ~$22 CAD
The medium intensity nose is very ripe with banana, tropical fruit, melon, and citrus fruit aromas. On the medium bodied palate it is a touch sweet with stone fruit and pear aroma replays, plus a salty mineral character and hints of lime. It has fresh acids and sweet vanilla notes with good length on the finish. Score: 87 pts
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
