Showing posts with label wine-picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine-picks. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedTuesday, October 9, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Oct. 13, 2018: Bouquet List + Wine Wisdom



LCBO Wine Picks: October 13, 2018 VINTAGES Release
As we head into the busy holiday season, the VINTAGES Releases tend to get larger with an emphasis on pricier wines. The main theme of LCBO VINTAGES Release is titled "The Bouquet List", while the mini-theme is titled "Wine Wisdom". All of the wines from this Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming .

We'll begin with the Bouquet List that features a 11 "must-try" wines and a $3,700 Cognac. There isn't a bad wine in the group and 7 are included among my top wine picks. First up are a pair of big wines - a Shiraz from Australia, and the Purple Angel from Chile which is a blend of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot. The Gigondas is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, while the Barolo is 100% Nebbiolo. Staying in Italy, the Brunello is 100% Sangiovese, while the Super Tuscan Oreno is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Lastly, there is a 2008 Cristal Champagne made with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay that will continue to age for many years.

Réva Barolo 2013 (92 pts)Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2015 (90 pts)

The mini-theme talks about 8 wine terms and associates that term with a particular wine. From this theme, 4 of the 8 wines made my list of wine picks. Some of these terms include "malolactic conversion" that is associated with the lovely Davis Bynum Chardonnay, "lees contact" which occurred on the Sur Lie (on the lees) Muscadet Sèvre et Maine that is made with Melon de Bourgogne. The Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc underwent "stainless steel fermentation", and the last term is "Icewine production" and associated to the Cabernet Franc Icewine from Henry of Pelham.

Red wines from southern France include a Ventoux that is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, while the Roussillon is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Carignan. Also from France, the Bourgueil is made with Cabernet Franc. The Spanish red is a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, while the Clos de los Siete is a blend of 54% Malbec, 18% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Clos de los Siete 2014 (89 pts)

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, the Bordeaux white is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, while the rest are all single varietal wines. The organic Sauvignon Blanc is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. For those who like off-dry (i.e. a little sweet) wines, look for the Gewürztraminer or the Henry of Pelham Riesling. If you prefer more sweeter in your wines, look for the Fergie Jenkins Riesling or the Riesling Kabinett.

Momo Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (90 pts)Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2015 (90 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • XAVIER VENTOUX 2016 - AP, Rhône, France (#413211) (D) - $15.95
  • LOMA GORDA VINO DE PARCELA CERVERA DE LA CAÑADA 2013 - DOP Catalunya, Spain (#575571) (XD) - $16.95
  • ZUCCARDI SERIE A BONARDA 2016 - Santa Rosa, Mendoza, Argentina (#355560) (XD) - $16.95
  • DOMAINE LES PINS CUVÉE LES ROCHETTES BOURGUEIL 2015 - AP, Loire, France (#478263) (D) - $18.95
  • THUNEVIN-CALVET CUVÉE CONSTANCE 2015 - AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#168690) (D) - $18.95
  • CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2014 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#622571) (XD) - $23.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ACHÁVAL FERRER MALBEC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#024737) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review

  • GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINTE-CATHERINE GIGONDAS 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#370270) (XD) - $32.95
  • DOMAINE GASTON & PIERRE RAVAUT LADOIX 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#557777) (XD) - $40.95
  • DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2015 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#529107) (XD) - $41.95  91+ pts  wine review
  • ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#154609) (XD) - $59.95
  • RÉVA BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#490045) (XD) - $59.95  92 pts  wine review
  • MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2015 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#62364) (XD) - $62.95
  • ORENO 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#735597) (XD) - $86.95
  • ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2014 - Barossa, South Australia (#716142) (XD) - $99.95
Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir 2015 (91+ pts)Achával Ferrer Malbec 2015 (90 pts)

White Wine:

  • ROCKWAY FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485326) (M) - $16.95
  • LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2017 - Sur lie, AP, Loire, France (#948182) (XD) - $17.95
  • CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2015 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#302059) (D) - $18.95
  • HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#557165) (D) - $19.95
  • MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#009167) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
  • DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#557652) (M) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
  • GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#164228) (XD) - $24.95
  • LE G DE CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD 2016 - AC Bordeaux, France (#519892) (XD) - $28.95  FE
  • DAVIS BYNUM RIVER WEST VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#205815) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CLOS PEGASE MITSUKO’S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2016 - Estate grown, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA (#986737) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
Clos Pegase Mitsuko's Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 (91 pts)

Sparkling Wine:

  • CRISTAL BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#268755) (XD) - $311.95

Dessert Wine:

  • HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET ICEWINE 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#672402) (S) (200 mL) - $39.95


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  • Date publishedMonday, September 24, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Sept. 29, 2018: Famed Producers + Riesling

LCBO Wine Picks: September 29, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from four famed producers as its main theme, while the mini-theme looks at the Riesling varietal. All of these wines, plus many others leading up to the holiday season, will be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming .

We'll begin with the main theme that features ten wines from four famed producers from around the globe. Masi is first on the list and their Mazzano is a very fine Amarone made only in the best years, and in limited quantities, using Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes from a vineyard that is famous for the quality of its produce since the 12th century. The other wines from this theme include a Torrontés and a high-altitude (2,700 m) Malbec, both from Bodega Colomé in Argentina, one of a few family wine estates owned by Donald Hess (from The Hess Collection in Napa).

The mini-theme focuses on the lovely Riesling varietal, a grape that is so versatile that it can be produced in styles ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet, and can age for many years. It is a small feature with just six wines listed, but two are included among my top wine picks. First up is a medium sweet Ontario Riesling that is returning to VINTAGES with another year under its belt, while the second wine is a dry Riesling from Alsace that should age nicely for a decade.

2027 Falls Vineyard Riesling 2016 (88+ pts)

Among my red wine picks, the Minervois is a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan, while the Rioja is made with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. The Australian Shiraz is actually 98% Shiraz and 2% Barbera. Lastly, the wine from Washington State is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. The rest of the red wines are all single varietals.

Momo Pinot Noir 2016 (88+ pts)

From my white wine selections, the Roussillon white from Michel Chapoutier is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu. If you enjoy very sweet table wines, you should check out the Loire wine from Château la Varière that is made with Chenin Blanc.

Both rosés are dry, with the Tavel consisting of 60% Grenache Noir, 30%Cinsault, and the rest other local varietals, while the rosé from Provence is a blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, and 25% Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME MINERVOIS 2011 - AC, Midi, France (#493643) (XD) - $16.95
  • WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ 2016 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#311258) (XD) - $17.95
  • MOMO PINOT NOIR 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#163972) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • MAQUIS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2014 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#576066) (XD) - $19.95
  • TRAPICHE MEDALLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#568865) (XD) - $19.95
  • COLOMÉ LOTE ESPECIAL EL ARENAL MALBEC 2016 - El Arenal, Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#575290) (XD) - $29.95
  • FEUDO MACCARI SAIA NERO D’AVOLA 2015 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#128967) (XD) - $32.95
  • BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR 2015 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#361816) (XD) - $44.95  FE
  • LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#315531) (XD) - $47.95
  • CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS MALBEC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (XD) - $49.95
  • L’ECOLE NO. 41 PERIGEE 2014 - Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA (#374413) (XD) - $89.00  FE
  • MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#597476) (XD) - $129.95

White Wine:

  • LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2016 - AC, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95
  • COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS 2017 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#357913) (XD) - $15.95
  • CITRA FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE 2016 - DOP, Abruzzo, Italy (#573683) (XD) - $17.95
  • 2027 FALLS VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#294041) (M) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • BORTHWICK VINEYARD PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#361220) (XD) - $19.95
  • CHÂTEAU LA VARIÈRE LE SAVETIER COTEAUX DU LAYON 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#559930) (S) - $24.95
  • DOMAINE DE RIAUX POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#200063) (XD) - $27.95
  • CARABELLA DIJON 76 CLONE CHARDONNAY 2015 - Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#180133) (XD) - $27.95
  • DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING 2015 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#061176) (XD) - $29.95

Rosé Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DE BERNE ÉMOTION 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#556183) (XD) - $16.95
  • DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $19.95


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  • Date publishedTuesday, September 11, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Sept. 15, 2018: Bringing Local Home

LCBO Wine Picks: September 15, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming September 15, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on the local scene here in Ontario and is the only theme of the release. All of these wines, plus many more, will be available on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday.

In all, there are 21 wines featured in the "Bring Local Home" theme that looks at the people, places, and passion from wineries across Ontario. Just one wine made my list of wine picks - a nice Chardonnay from Flat Rock Cellars where a portion of sales from this bottle are donated to the Ontario Association of Food Banks. There are also a couple of other lovely Ontario wines that I did not include below because they are re-releases, but the 2016 Hidden Bench Estate Riesling ($24.95, #183491, 90+ pts ) and 2016 Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling ($19.95, #38117, 89+ pts) are off-dry to medium-dry (quite sweet) and would be worthy additions to your cellar.

Among my top red wine picks, the Madiran is a blend of about half Tannat, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc completing the blend, while the Corbieres is 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 30% Syrah that was aged in tanks. Also from France, the 2010 Bordeaux (from an excellent vintage) is made with approximately 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. From Argentina, the 1350 is nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and a small amount of Casavecchia, all of which come from 1,350 metres above sea level. From Italy, the Brunello is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, while the Sicilian red comes from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna and consists of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. From Spain, the Rioja is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 5% Graciano, while the Priorat is a blend of 50% Garnatxa (Grenache), 10% Carinyena (Carignan), and 40% Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah. Lastly, there are a pair of Spanish reds made with the relatively unknown Mencía varietal - try both and compare.

From my top white wine picks, the only blend is from South Africa, and it is Chenin Blanc driven with balance made up of Roussanne, Viognier, and Semillon. Single varietal wines that you may have not heard of includes a Melon de Bourgogne from Loire, an Aligoté from Burgundy, and a Falanghina from Campania.

Among the rosé wines, the Rioja is a blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha Tinta, while the Rhône rosé is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Lastly, the rosé from Provence is a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, and 10% Carignan.

Marqués de Caceres Rosado 2017 (87 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCÍA 2016 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#268805) (XD) - $15.95
  • BRUMONT TOUR BOUSCASSÉ 2012 - AC Madiran, Southwest, France (#414615) (XD) - $17.95
  • CHÂTEAU OLLIEUX ROMANIS CUVÉE CLASSIQUE CORBIERES 2016 - AP, Languedoc, France (#568444) (XD) - $18.95
  • VIÑADEMOYA CENTENARIA MENCÍA 2016 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#574608) (XD) - $18.95
  • CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE CLOTTE 2010 - AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France (#550426) (XD) - $19.95
  • DOÑA PAULA 1350 RED TERROIR BLEND 2015 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#568956) (XD) - $22.95
  • MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#702761) (XD) - $24.95
  • SENTIERI SICILIANI ETNA ROSSO 2016 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#582874) (XD) - $27.95  FE
  • CELLER DE L’ENCASTELL MARGE 2014 - DOQ Priorat, Spain (#462077) (XD) - $29.95
  • BERTANI VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#713719) (XD) - $48.95

White Wine:

  • PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2016 - Sur lie, AC, Loire, France (#082461) (XD) - $15.95
  • FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#356873) (XD) - $16.95
  • AVONDALE JONTY’S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE 2016 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#439554) (XD) - $16.95
  • PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#983395) (D) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • CLOTILDE DAVENNE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ 2016 - AP, Burgundy, France (#570432) (XD) - $19.95
  • MASTROBERARDINO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2016 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#562173) (XD) - $22.95
  • ARTHUR METZ STEINKLOTZ PINOT GRIS 2013 - AP Alsace Grand Cru, France (#557819) (M) - $24.95  FE
  • DOG POINT VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $43.95  FE
  • GRGICH HILLS FUMÉ BLANC DRY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Estate grown, Napa Valley, California, USA (#346296) (XD) - $47.95  FE  91 pts  wine review
Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (91 pts)Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2016 (88+ pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES ROSADO 2017 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#622142) (XD) - $14.95  87 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2017 - AP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $15.95
  • HENRI GAILLARD ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#450825) (XD) - $16.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • GÉRARD BERTRAND CUVÉE THOMAS JEFFERSON BRUT CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX 2016 - Traditional method, AC, Languedoc, France (#438838) (D) - $19.95
  • LOUIS ROEDERER ET PHILIPPE STARCK BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 2009 - AC, France (#440891) (XD) - $112.95  FE


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  • Date publishedMonday, August 27, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES September 1, 2018: Euro Benchmarks

LCBO Wine Picks: September 1, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release is a mono-thematic release titled "The Grand Tour" and features wines from Europe's top Benchmark wine regions. In addition, there are many fine values to be found as we head toward the busy holiday season. It is also a very good release to re-stock your cellar if it was depleted during summer. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming .

We'll begin with The Grand Tour from Europe's top wine regions that lists fifteen wines, four of which are included among my top wine picks. From Bordeaux, there is a nicely matured 2006 red that is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. From the Rhône Valley, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault from vines that are 60 years old. From Tuscany, the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. And lastly, if you're looking for something quite sweet, from the Mosel is a lovely Riesling Kabinett.

Mazzei Ser Lapo Riserva Chianti Classico 2014 (90 pts)Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2015 (90 pts)

Among my red wine picks, the Rubus from Spain is a blend of roughly equal parts Garnacha and Syrah, and 20% Tempranillo, while the Cannonau di Sardegna is commonly known as Grenache in other parts of the world. It's rare to see a Ripasso Valpolicella on my list of recommended wines, but there is a good one made in a dry style from Albino Armani that is a traditional blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The red wine from Puglia is a blend of 65% Aglianico, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah, while the Roussillon red is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Carignan. Last but definitely not the least, the Australian red is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bodega Jesús Romero Rubus 2016 (89 pts)

My top white wine picks are all in the dry spectrum, save for the aforementioned Riesling. The Portuguese white is a blend of Encruzado and Malvasia, while the Sicilan white is made from the Carricante varietal that is indigenous to Sicily, with the grapes for this wine coming the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. And lastly, the Loire white is made with Sauvignon Blanc, while the white Burgundy is Chardonnay.

Château La Négly La Natice Rosé 2017 (90 pts)Lavau Tavel Rosé 2017 (89 pts)

There is also a fine selection of dry rosé wines in this release. The Tavel is a blend of 50% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah, while the rosé from the Languedoc is mostly Mourvèdre with some Syrah and Cinsault. Both rosés from Provence are primarily Mourvèdre, with Grenache and Cinsault in support. You'll want stock up on these as this just might be the end of new release quality rosé in our market until next spring.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#167619) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
  • BODEGA JESÚS ROMERO RUBUS 2016 - DO Aragón, Spain (#575944) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ALBINO ARMANI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#558759) (XD) - $18.95
  • ANTICHI PODERI JERZU CHUÈRRA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2015 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#270272) (XD) - $18.95
  • BASTIDE SOBIRANA LIEU DIT LA COLOMINE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#561217) (XD) - $18.95
  • TORMARESCA TRENTANGELI ROSSO 2015 - DOC Castel del Monte, Puglia, Italy (#435529) (XD) - $19.95
  • MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#288530) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CREEKSIDE CABERNET FRANC 2014 - Serluca Vineyard, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#444034) (XD) - $25.00
  • SOUTHERN RIGHT PINOTAGE 2016 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa (#486167) (XD) - $27.95  90 pts  wine review
  • LAKE BREEZE BERNOOTA SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#575886) (XD) - $27.95
  • DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE SAINT-JULIEN 2006 - AC Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France (#550475) (XD) - $38.95
  • DOMAINE CHANTE CIGALE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#194993) (D) - $51.95
Southern Right Pinotage 2016 (90 pts)Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2016 (88 pts)

White Wine:

  • CASA DA PASSARELLA DÃO BRANCO 2016 - DO Dão, Portugal (#548859) (XD) - $13.95
  • PONTE PELLEGRINO GRECO DI TUFO 2016 - IGT Campania, Italy (#477760) (XD) - $14.95
  • BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SERIES THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#484055) (XD) - $15.95
  • NOMAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#446088) (XD) - $16.95
  • CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ 2015 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#640516) (XD) - $16.95
  • TORNATORE ETNA BIANCO 2016 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#577676) (XD) - $22.95
  • REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT SCHARZHOFBERGER RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, VDP Grosse Lage, Mosel, Germany (#282343) (MS) - $25.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU DE TRACY MADEMOISELLE DE T POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AP, Loire, France (#106773) (XD) - $27.95
  • DOMAINE LES VIEUX MURS POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#241117) (XD) - $33.95
  • DOG POINT SECTION 94 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325977) (XD) - $43.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

  • LAVAU TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#556175) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LA CADIÉRENNE CUVÉE GRANDE TRADITION BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Provence, France (#119453) (XD) - $22.95
  • CHÂTEAU LA NÉGLY LA NATICE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#492199) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU VAL D’ARENC BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AP, Provence, France (#557884) (XD) - $29.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • LOUIS ESCHENAUER BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX - Traditional method, AP, Bordeaux, France (#543108) (XD) - $16.95


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  • Date publishedMonday, August 13, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release August 18, 2018: Australia + Europe Less Travelled

LCBO Wine Picks: August 18, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from Australia as its main theme, while the mini-theme is titled "Europe less travelled". The underlying message is really a chance for you to explore what's new in Australia, as well as the wines from Europe's lesser-known wine regions. There are also a couple of other relatively obscure wines from the New World. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this .

We'll begin with the main theme that features fifteen wines, five of which are included among my top wine picks. The island of Tasmania has been making wine for many years, but only recently has it been gaining notoriety (some of it due to climate change) for wines such as the Jansz Sparkling Rosé that is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Australians are also innovating with wines such as rosé made with Sangiovese, a blend of 81% Syrah and 19% Gamay Noir, and an interesting Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley. And if you've never tried Hunter Valley Semillon, this release has a good one that should age for at least half a decade. Lastly, there is a wild fermented Savagnin that is a Flagship Exclusive (FE).

The mini-theme features a total of ten wines from six off-the-beaten-path European winemaking countries - Austria, Georgia, Lebanon, Greece, Hungary, and Romania. Personally, I wouldn't include Greece as part of this list, but that is a discussion for another day. Four of the wines are included among my wine recommendations. There is a Grüner Veltliner from Austria and a nice dessert wine from Hungary that is a blend of 70% Furmint and 30% Harslevelu. Both Greek wines featured are also among my recommended buys - a nicely floral Moschofilero and a 2010 red made with Agiorgitiko.

Cavino Nemea Grande Reserve 2010 (89 pts)Lakeview Cellars Morgan Vineyard Kerner 2017 (87 pts)

A pair of wines off-the-beaten-path from the New World include a Tannat from Uruguay, and for sweet wine lovers there is an off-dry Kerner from Niagara.

La Ferme du Mont Première Côte Côtes du Rhône 2016 (88 pts)Villacreces Pruno 2016 (89 pts)

Among my top red wine picks, the Côte du Rhône from France is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Ribera del Duero from Spain is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • CAVINO NEMEA GRANDE RESERVE 2010 - PDO Nemea, Greece (#295618) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2016 - AP, France (#251645) (XD) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
  • GARZON RESERVA TANNAT 2015 - Uruguay (#558916) (D) - $19.95
  • CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#555540) (XD) - $19.95
  • DE BORTOLI G.S. PINOT NOIR 2017 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#015511) (XD) - $19.95
  • VILLACRECES PRUNO 2016 - DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#312140) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LA BOHÈME ACT FOUR SYRAH/GAMAY 2017 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#571141) (XD) - $24.95
  • KEINT-HE PORTAGE PINOT NOIR 2014 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#373415) (XD) - $25.00  89 pts  wine review
  • STEPHEN ROSS SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS PINOT NOIR 2015 - Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA (#568246) (XD) - $42.95
  • VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (XD) - $59.95
Keint-He Portage Pinot Noir 2014 (89 pts)

White Wine:

  • ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO 2016 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#548222) (XD) - $14.95
  • ESTERHÁZY GALÁNTHA GRÜNER VELTLINER 2017 - Qualitätswein, Burgenland, Austria (#568501) (XD) - $16.95
  • LAKEVIEW CELLARS MORGAN VINEYARD KERNER 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#443614) (D) - $17.95  87 pts  wine review
  • ORGANIZED CRIME CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#408435) (XD) - $18.95
  • VILLA SPARINA GAVI DI GAVI 2016 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#541854) (XD) - $19.95
  • PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO 2017 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#350041) (XD) - $19.95
  • RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#598631) (XD) - $19.95
  • BROKENWOOD SEMILLON 2016 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#657726) (XD) - $22.95
  • HENRI DE VILLAMONT PRESTIGE BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#416123) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
  • SOUMAH WILD SAVAGNIN 2015 - Hexham Vineyard, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#572743) (XD) - $31.95  FE
  • RADFORD DALE RENAISSANCE CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#320853) (XD) - $39.95  FE
Henri de Villamont Prestige Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015 (89 pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • THE FLOOZIE SANGIOVESE ROSÉ 2017 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#558106) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • JANSZ PREMIUM SPARKLING ROSÉ - Tasmania, Australia (#037499) (D) - $27.95
  • CHÂTEAU DE BLIGNY BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#385112) (D) - $54.95

Dessert Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DERESZLA 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2009 - Tokaj, Hungary (#012203) (S) (500 mL) - $46.95


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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 31, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release August 4, 2018: Eco-Friendly + Puglia + Campania

LCBO Wine Picks: August 4, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on takes a look at Eco-Friendly Wines in its main theme, while the mini-theme compares the southern Italian wine regions of Puglia and Campania. All of these wines be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario beginning this .

We'll begin with the main theme that lists sixteen wines that are Eco-Friendly, including wines that are organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. Only one wine from this feature made my list of wine picks - a biodynamic wine from Spain that is a blend of 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano.

The mini-theme features the two southern Italian neighbouring wine regions of Puglia and Campania. Puglia is the "heel" of Italy, while Campania is the "shin". Puglia is mostly flat and known for producing big, rustic reds, and was historically known as a bulk wine producing region. Campania, on the other hand, is mostly hilly and produces sophisticated whites and aromatic reds, historically for Rome's emperors. It's a small theme, listing just six wines, but three of these wines are included among my top wine picks. From Puglia, there is a red wine made with the ancient Negroamaro grape. From Campania, there are a pair of white wines - a Falanghina and a Fiano.

Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2012 (92 pts)

Among red wines from the rest of the Release, the Minervois is a blend of Syrah and Carignan, while the 2010 Bordeaux is maturing well and consists of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. From Veneto, the Ripasso is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Corvinone, while the Amarone is a blend of 70% Corvina/Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Croatina/Oseleta. The Quanta da Rede from Portugal is a Touriga Nacional based blend, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a Grenache based blend. And lastly, the Brunello is, of course, made with 100% Sangiovese.

Among my top white wine picks, you're looking at mostly dry whites - Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albariño. For sweet wine lovers, the 13th Street Riesling is off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet), while the Nomad Riesling is medium sweet, kicking up the sweetness levels a few notches.

Malivoire Vivant Rosé 2017 (91 pts)Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Rosé 2017 (90 pts)

Lastly, there are three lovely dry rosé wines, all at $20 a bottle. From Rhône, the first rosé is from Costières de Nîmes and is made with old vines consisting of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, while the second rosé is a Tavel that is blended with Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The rose from Niagara is made with Pinot Noir. I would recommend trying all three of these wines to see which one(s) you like the most.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2014 - DO Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#569681) (XD) - $15.95
  • LI VELI PASSAMANTE NEGROAMARO 2016 - DOC Salice Salentino, Puglia, Italy (#570077) (XD) - $16.95
  • GÉRARD BERTRAND MINERVOIS SYRAH/CARIGNAN 2015 - AP, Midi, France (#952804) (XD) - $16.95
  • TEZZA MA ROAT RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#084053) (XD) - $17.95
  • PABLO CLARO BIODYNAMIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/GRACIANO 2015 - Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain (#574467) (XD) - $18.95
  • CHÂTEAU LA CARDONNE 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#550244) (XD) - $26.95
  • QUINTA DA REDE GRANDE RESERVA 2013 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#491993) (XD) - $28.95  FE
  • DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#539882) (XD) - $47.95
  • LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#334300) (D) - $48.95
  • FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#928028) (XD) - $54.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

  • INDOMITO FALANGHINA DEL BENEVENTANO 2016 - IGT, Campania, Italy (#562454) (XD) - $14.95
  • NOMAD TRAVELLERS RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada (#445775) (M) - $16.95
  • DONNACHIARA MONTEFALCIONE FIANO DI AVELLINO 2015 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#372482) (XD) - $18.95
  • 13TH STREET JUNE’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95
  • PAZO DAS BRUXAS ALBARIÑO 2016 - DO Rîas Baixas, Spain (#417667) (XD) - $19.95
  • LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#578864) (XD) - $21.95
  • AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
  • STAGS’ LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2016 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#655381) (XD) - $39.95
  • DE MORGENZON CHENIN BLANC RESERVE 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#339762) (XD) - $39.95  FE
  • DOMAINE FEVRE VAULORENT CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#558593) (XD) - $49.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES ROSÉ 2017 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#496919) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
  • FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#680801) (XD) - $19.95
  • MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#498535) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review


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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 17, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release July 21, 2018: BBQ Wines + Lodi

LCBO Wine Picks: July 21, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on BBQ wines as its main theme, while the mini-theme highlights wines from Lodi, California. All of these wines, plus other goodies throughout the Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming .

We'll begin with the main theme that highlights 18 wines for pairing with grilled items off the BBQ, of which 4 are included among my top wine picks. Red wines include a Carménère from Chile, while the Douro red is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. For pairing with finely herbed chicken off the BBQ there is a Bandol Rosé that consists of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault, while the Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is also suitable.

None of the 8 Lodi wines made my list of wine picks, so I'll just skip over that section.

Emiliana Coyam 2014 (91 pts)Pierre Amadieu Les Hautes Rives Cairanne 2015 (89 pts)

Among red wine recommendations from the rest of the Release, the lovely Rhône red from the excellent 2015 vintage is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah, while the Crianza is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha Tinta/Mazuelo. The blend in the organic Emiliana Coyam is led by Syrah and Carménère. Lastly, the Bordeaux blend consists of 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.

Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2016 (88 pts)Mont Gravet Colombard 2017 (87 pts)

From my white wine picks, the Muscadet is made with Melon de Bourgogne, while the wine from Southwest, France, is made using Colombard, a varietal we don't see too often here in Ontario. The Pouilly-Fumé from Loire is made with Sauvignon Blanc. For sweet wine lovers, look for the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Gewürztraminer from Alsace, or the sweeter Riesling from Ontario.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • CUNE CRIANZA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#039925) (XD) - $16.95
  • APALTAGUA ENVERO GRAN RESERVA CARMÉNÈRE 2015 - DO Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#481010) (XD) - $18.95
  • PORCA DE MURÇA RESERVA TINTO 2014 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#684753) (XD) - $18.95
  • ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#606764) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
  • PIERRE AMADIEU LES HAUTES RIVES CAIRANNE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#539890) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ERNIE ELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#278358) (XD) - $24.95
  • MOILLARD CUVÉE PRESTIGE RULLY 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#556407) (XD) - $28.95
  • EMILIANA COYAM 2014 - Los Robles Estate, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#063891) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  • DENIS PÈRE ET FILS PERNAND-VERGELESSES 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#559906) (XD) - $44.95  FE
  • CHÂTEAU TRONQUOY-LALANDE 2012 - AC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France (#553008) (XD) - $57.95  FE
Arboleda Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (88 pts)

White Wine:

  • LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
  • MONT GRAVET COLOMBARD 2017 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#521930) (XD) - $15.95  87 pts  wine review
  • WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.95
  • HUNAWIHR KUHLMANN-PLATZ VIEILLES VIGNES GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#169474) (D) - $19.95
  • RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#388421) (XD) - $23.95
  • GÉNETIN POUILLY-FUMÉ 2015 - AP, Loire, France (#653154) (XD) - $28.95
  • LA CHABLISIENNE MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#265090) (XD) - $34.95
Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (89 pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • KIR-YIANNI AKAKIES XINOMAVRO ROSÉ 2017 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#071050) (XD) $12.95  87 pts  wine review
  • CARTE NOIRE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#319384) (XD) - $18.95
  • HECHT & BANNIER BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Provence, France (#450767) (XD) - $27.95
  • CHÂTEAU LÉOUBE ROSÉ DE LÉOUBE 2017 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#491100) (XD) - $28.95
Kir-Yianni Akakies Xinomavro Rosé 2017 (87 pts)


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