November 14 LCBO VINTAGES Release: Top Wines for the Holidays

The November 14 VINTAGES Release will be on LCBO shelves this coming Saturday. This is a thick release that is using a more expensive perfect bound to keep the magazine together. It features a star studded lineup of wines for the holidays as it's main theme, while the secondary theme highlights crowd pleasing wines that are available in large format magnum (1500 mL) bottles.

Thirty-two wines are featured as part of the star studded lineup, and eight are included among my wine picks. Red wines among my wine recommendations include the Versado Malbec, the organic Emiliana Coyam (38% Syrah, 31% Carmenère, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Mourvedre, and 1% Malbec), and The Dead Arm Shiraz.

In white wines, there are a pair of cool-climate Chardonnays - the Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Bachelder Chardonnay from Niagara.

A trio of fortified wines are also available in this release, including a 2003 LBV Aged Port and a Vintage Port from the great 2011 vintage. There is also a very sweet Sherry that is made using the Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez grapes.

If you're looking to stock up on Amarone, this would be a great release to pick up a few bottles. The first wine recommendation is a single vineyard Amarone from Speri. Meanwhile, the big house of Masi has a 750 mL bottle of Campolongo di Torbe Amarone that also comes from a single vineyard that has been producing grapes since the 12th Century. There is also 1500 mL magnum bottling of the Masi Costasera Amarone. The primary grapes in all of these very special wines is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella.

Of the 10 magnum bottles featured in the mini-thematic, 2 are recommended buys. The Masi Amarone mentioned above is definitely a special buy, while at the lower end of the price spectrum is the Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon.

From the rest of the release, the Glenelly Red is 42% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, while the gorgeous PoggioVerrano Dròmos is an unspecified blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alicante, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. And last - but definitely not the least - is the second wine of Ornellaia that consists of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 12% Petit Verdot.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• BOUTARI GRANDE RESERVE XINOMAVRO 2008 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#140111) (D) - $18.95
• CANTINA DEL TABURNO FIDELIS SANNIO AGLIANICO 2011 - DOP, Campania, Italy (#651299) (XD) - $19.95
• MICHELE CASTELLANI I CASTEI COSTAMARAN RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2012 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#972406) (D) - $19.95
• GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• GRAND VIN DE GLENELLY RED 2009 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#360339) (D) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review

• EMILIANA COYAM 2011 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#063891) (XD) - $29.95  reviewed here
• MARCHESE ANTINORI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#512384) (D) - $32.95
• SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#430728) (XD) (1500 mL) - $37.95
• POGGIOVERRANO DRÒMOS 2005 - IGT Maremma Toscana, Italy (#107383) (XD) - $39.95  reviewed here
• RUFFINO GREPPONE MAZZI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#926402) (XD) - $49.95  FSE
• D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2010 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#430512) (XD) - $54.95  reviewed here
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2013 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $59.95  reviewed here
• VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC 2011 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (D) - $59.95

• SPERI VIGNETO MONTE SANT’URBANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#205294) (D) - $74.95
• MASI CAMPOLONGO DI TORBE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2009 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#548677) (D) - $101.95  reviewed here
• MASI RISERVA COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO RISERVA 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#348037) (D) (1500 mL) - $149.95  reviewed here

White Wine:

• QUERCUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Goriška Brda, Slovenia (#429936) (XD) - $14.95
• TERREDORA FALANGHINA 2014 - IGT Campania, Italy (#642074) (XD) - $16.95
• CASA SILVA COOL COAST SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#419812) (XD) - $16.95
• FRITZ WILLI RIESLING 2013 - Mosel, Germany (#436873) (M) - $18.00
• J. FRITSCH RIESLING 2014 - AC Alsace, France (#430520) (XD) - $19.95
• CLOSSON CHASE CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#148866) (D) - $27.95  reviewed here
• JERMANN PINOT GRIGIO 2014 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy (#117093) (XD) - $32.95
• ZILLIKEN SAARBURGER RAUSCH RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2009 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#949966) (S) - $43.00  FSE
• BACHELDER SAUNDERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#324103) (D) - $44.95
• DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS 1 ER CRU 2010 - AC, Burgundy, France (#373548) (XD) - $44.95  FSE
• FLOWERS SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2013 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#215210) (XD) - $64.95

Fortifieds:

• WARRE’S LBV BOTTLE AGED PORT 2003 - Unfiltered, DOP, Portugal (#434936) (S) - $34.95
• SANDEMAN VINTAGE PORT 2011 - DOP, Portugal (#362491) (MS) - $70.00

Sherry:

• LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY - DO, Spain (#342931) (S) (500 mL) - $24.95

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PoggioVerrano Dròmos 2005 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a very special red wine that'll be in LCBO VINTAGES on November 14th.

This wine comes from Tenuta PoggioVerrano, located in the Maremma wine region in southern Tuscany. The vineyards are 27 hectares in size with rocky soils of calcareous and clayey nature, and height between 170 and 300 metres above sea level, and 15 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. PoggioVerrano uses gravity flow technology that is fully underground and must be quite the impressive sight to see.

The winemaker, Francesco Bolla, is a third generation winemaker who started up this winery in 2000 with the vision "to create a red wine that is expression of the territory it comes from, the Maremma Toscana".

Let's see how the wine is...

Tasting Note:

POGGIOVERRANO DRÒMOS 2005 - IGT Maremma Toscana, Italy (#107383) (XD) - $39.95
This Super Tuscan is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alicante, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc and underwent malolactic fermentation. Lovely mature nose of violets, dried fruit, and floral with hints of fig, cedar wood, earth and whiffs of prune. On the medium-bodied palate it has earthy, herbal, and resin notes with hints of mint and leather throughout. Some high-toned spice tones and warmth mid-palate is balanced well by fruit, oak and acids and gives way to long, smooth finish. Tannins are almost fully resolved. Should continue to drink well for another 4-5 years. Superb! Score: 92 pts

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Giacomo Mori Chianti 2012 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious red wine will be available at the LCBO soon, as part of the November 14 VINTAGES Release.

The Giacomo Mori estate is located in San Casciano dei Bagni, at the southern edge of the Province of Siena and Tuscany in Central Italy. Eight of the ten hectares of vineyards were replanted in 1995 with meticulous attention paid to the selection of grape varieties, clones and rootstocks. The winery was renovated over 5 years, between 1996-2000.

Tasting Note:

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (D) - $19.95
Mostly Sangiovese (95%) with Colorino and Canaiolo rounding out the blend. Black plum and cherry scents from the cork. Enticing aromas of red berries, earth, baking spice, and hints of leather. The plush palate is medium+ bodied with sweet red berries, tilled earth, herbs and sandalwood flavours. It is well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Dusty tannins become tight on the long, cocoa-tinged finish. Enjoyable now, but give this another 2 years to further integrate and drink to 2022. Score: 90 pts

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PondView Lot 74 Red and White 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Reviews

Here are wine reviews of a pair of wines from PondView Estate Winery that were recently re-launched with a new, classic heritage label that is reminiscent of a time when farmlands in Niagara-on-the-Lake were referred to as nothing more than Lot numbers.

Giuseppe Puglisi emigrated from Sicily (Italy) to Canada in 1965 and brought with him a passion for grape-growing and winemaking. More than 40 years ago, the Puglisi family bought their first plot of farmland in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was Lot 74. Located on Line 2 in the heart of the Four Mile Creek appellation, the vines planted on that lot bore fruit for several wineries over the years, including many award-winning vintages.

Lou Puglisi, Giuseppe's son, was eventually handed the torch. After Lou was crowned the 2008 Grape King, it was decided that the efforts in the vineyard would be replicated in a winery, drawing on generations of winemaking heritage from the Puglisi family's Sicilian roots. All the grapes for the Lot 74 wines come from vines surrounding the property.

Both of these approachable, easy drinking wines are readily available at LCBO outlets throughout the province.

Tasting Notes:

PONDVIEW LOT 74 WHITE 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#308718) (D) - $14.95
Screw cap. Based on Chardonnay, with Gewürztraminer and Riesling added to round out the blend, this white wine has a perfumed nose of ripe tropical fruit, melon and lemon peel. Fleshy mouthfeel on the off-dry palate with honeyed aroma replays. Vibrant acidity and decent length on the finish. Should have wide appeal. Score: 85 pts

PONDVIEW LOT 74 RED 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#336495) (D) - $14.95
Screw cap. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of ripe strawberry, and cherry, with hints of salsa and green pepper. The palate on this red wine is medium-bodied with sweet ripe red fruits, red currant, and black cherry flavours and a hint of sweetness. It has juicy acidity and soft, rounded tannins. Good length on the finish. Crowd pleaser. Score: 86 pts

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Ontario Cabernet Franc Wine Tasting

On a rainy Sunday afternoon in June, I had the opportunity to taste 47 different Cabernet Franc wines from Ontario. The tasting event was organized by André Proulx and took place at Archive 909. Among those in attendance was Krista Lamb to reunite our #BlendedCru wine tasting group.

The small venue was perfect for this tasting as we had the whole place to ourselves. The impressive display of wines were placed in a line and very nearly filled the full length of the expansive bar. Wines ranged in vintage from 2009 to 2013, while pricing fell between $12 and $78. It was great to see all three major Ontario wine regions represented - Niagara Peninsula and it's sub-appellations, Prince Edward County and Lake Erie North Shore. Quite a few of the wines are available at the LCBO, but most are available only at the winery.

Below you will find wine reviews of the wines I enjoyed the most - and there were quite a few! Looking back, I am disappointed to see that no wine under $20 is in my list, including my usual "go-to" Ontario Cabernet Franc from Featherstone ($18.95, #064618). Having said that, less than 1/3 of the wines we tasted were less than $20, while the majority were between $20-$35.

I spoke to André after the event and we both agreed it was pretty crazy to taste so many wines in one sitting. However, it was a great experience that we all enjoyed and is something I hope we can do again with another grape that does well in Ontario. Varietals such as Chardonnay, Riesling and Gamay are ideal candidates for the next tasting.

A big thank you to André for organizing this huge, epic tasting, as well as all the wineries who provided the samples for us to taste!

Tasting Notes:

BACK 10 CELLARS THE BIG LEAP CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $28.95
Screw cap. Fragrant nose featuring raspberry, bramble, green pepper, and herbaceous aromas of medium+ intensity. Light tannins and light-to-medium bodied with nice aroma replays. It has bright acids and a medium-to-long finish. Score: 89 pts

BENCH TRIAL SUBPOENA CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $40.00
Nose appeared somewhat closed but featured notes of plum, raspberry, oak spice, dark cherry and chocolate. On the palate, it's full-bodied with good fruit extraction and complex aroma replays. It has mouth-watering acids and a very long finish. Decant for an hour and serve to allow the aromas to fully bloom. Score: 90 pts

BENCH TRIAL TESTIMONY CABERNET FRANC 2011 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $35.00
Perfumed medium-to-high intensity aromas of spice, black cherry, herbs, and exotic flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy taut tannins and very nice aroma replays accented by vanillan oak spice. It has very good acids and finishes very long. Score: 91 pts

CAVE SPRING CABERNET FRANC ESTATE BOTTLED CAVE SPRING VINEYARD 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (D) - $29.95
Medium+ intensity aromas of sweet ripe fruit, spices, sage, and herbally notes. The palate is medium+ bodied and fleshy with spice and aroma replays. It has very good acidity and finishes long. Taut tannins will reward with 1-2 years in cellar. Drink up to 2019. Score: 88+ pts

COOPER'S HAWK RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, Canada (#335729) (XD) - $34.95
Medium-to-high aromatics showing grilled pepper, white pepper and herbaceous aromas. It's medium-to-full bodied with black cherry, black plum, and vanillan oak flavours. Very good acidity, medium-to-firm tannins and an oak-spiced finish. Drinkable now, will reward 2 years ageing. Score: 90 pts

COYOTE'S RUN RARE VINTAGE CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $32.95
Aromas of medium-to-high intensity featuring savoury earthy and black cherry notes. On the palate, it's medium-to-full bodied with white pepper and sour cherry flavours. It has mouth-watering acids, good structure, firm tannins and a excellent length on the finish. Drinking well now, but will reward with 2 years in cellar. Score: 89-90 pts

FIELDING CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#036194) (XD) - $21.95
Medium+ intensity aromas featuring complex black cherry, oak spice, currant and cedar notes. The palate is medium+ bodied with savoury aroma replays. It has very good acids, taut tannins amd finishes long and smooth. Drinkable now, but should be better in 2 years. Score: 89 pts

KACABA CABERNET FRANC RESERVE 2010 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $44.95
Inviting aromas of forest floor, cherry, dark red fruit and grilled pepper of medium+ intensity. The flavour profile consists of oak spice, chocolate and aroma replays on a medium+ bodied frame. It has very good acids, slightly chalky tannins and a long, smooth finish. Score: 88 pts

MEGALOMANIAC GROUNDED CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $44.95
Medium-to-high aromatics with a nose featuring savoury, earthy, forest floor and green pepper notes. The palate is medium+ bodied with ripe fruited flavours black cherry, oak spice, and plum. It has very good acids and finishes long. Score: 89 pts

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY DEAN'S LIST CABERNET FRANC 2012 - Donald Ziraldo Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $28.15
Perfumed medium+ intensity nose featuring lovely floral, black cherry, raspberry and sweet spice aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acids and nice aroma replays while finishing long. Medium-to-firm tannins could use 1-2 years to soften, but quite drinkable now. Score: 89 pts

PILLITTERI RISERVA FAMIGLIA CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (D) - $78.20
Made in the appassimento style, this Cab Franc has medium-to-high aromas of sweet red cherries, caramel and orange. It's medium-to-full bodied with off-dry flavours of sweet oak spice, vanilla, milk chocolate and cherry. It has very good acids and excellent length on the finish. Memorable and different. Score: 90+ pts

RAVINE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $35.00
Medium-to-high aromas featuring earthy, bretty, savoury and dark red fruit notes. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins and flavours of black cherry, mocha, earth and vanilla. It has mouth-watering acids and a medium+ length finish. 88+ pts

RAVINE VINEYARD RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $45.00
Aromas of black cherry and oak of medium intensity. This is full-bodied with big, brooding tannins, oak spice, black cherry, herbaceous, and green pepper flavours. It has mouth-watering acids and excellent length on the finish. Better in 2-3 years and beyond. Score: 90 pts

ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY CABERNET FRANC 2011 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $29.95
Medium intensity aromas of green pepper, black cherry and sour cherry which replay on the palate. It's medium-bodied and ripe with a medium level of tannins, good acids and a long, sour finish. Ageing nicely. Score: 88+ pts

ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $29.95
Medium+ intensity, focused nose featuring green herbally notes, blackberry, black cherry and a hint of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy tannins, aroma replays along with olive flavours. Good, balanced acidity and excellent length on the finish. Score: 88 pts

ROSEWOOD ORIGIN CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#427534) (XD) - $25.95
Complex medium-to-high aromatics featuring oak spice, sage, white pepper, pomegranate and bramble which follow through on the complex palate. It's medium-to-full bodied and shows excellent balance with mouth-watering acids and medium-level of tannin. The finish is very long and smooth. Could cellar 3-4 years but drinking great now! Vegan-friendly. Score: 90+ pts

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#275958) (XD) - $21.95
Medium+ intensity aromas featuring white pepper, green pepper, herbaceous with underlying black cherry aromas that replay nicely on the palate. It has good structure and acids, fine tannins, while finishing long. Score: 89 pts

SOUTHBROOK WHIMSY! CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $34.95
Medium-to-high aromatics with a pleasing bouquet of herbs, black pepper, herbaceous, raspberry and black cherry notes. On the palate, it's medium-to-full bodied with nice aroma replays and hints of ripe fruit, all surrounded by smooth, rounded tannins and balanced acids. Excellent length on the finish. Score: 90 pts

TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND CABERNET FRANC 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#284570) (XD) - $26.95
Medium intensity nose of sour cherry, white pepper, and hints of green pepper. The palate has nice aroma replays plus cassis flavours on a medium-to-full bodied frame that has good structure. The long finish has hints of coffee. Firm tannins could use 2-3 years to integrate. Score: 90 pts

VINELAND RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $40
Medium+ intensity nose featuring black pepper, spice, cherry and herbaceous aromas. Medium-bodied on the palate with nice aroma replays, balanced acids, resolved tannins and a long finish. Very good balance between fruit and savoury oak flavours. Score: 90+ pts

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Ziraldo Riesling Icewine Tasting

In September, as part the Senhora Do Convento wine tasting, I had the pleasure of meeting Donald Ziraldo and his wife Victoria to taste their latest Riesling Icewine. Mr. Ziraldo and his business partner/winemaker Karl Kaiser were the founders of Inniskillin Winery in the spring of 1974, the first new winery in Canada since prohibition. Together, Donald and Karl helped put Canada on the international wine map with Canadian Icewine. They also had an interesting book that I was introduced to titled "Icewine: Extreme Winemaking".

The 2014 vintage of the Ziraldo Riesling Icewine is the first Icewine produced from the Victoria Vineyard which was planted in 2007. This site was an original Inniskillin Winery site in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are 5 Riesling clones planted on this site, and all are used in the production of the 2014 Riesling Icewine.

Tasting Notes:

ZIRALDO RIESLING ICEWINE 2014 - Estate Bottled, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (S) (375 mL) - $89
Lovely apricot, peach, and some tart lemon aromas which replay nicely on the full-bodied and slightly syrupy palate. A luxurious, rich Icewine made in a fleshy, plush style that has balanced acids and a long finish. Score: 90 pts

ZIRALDO RIESLING ICEWINE 2012 - Estate Bottled, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (S) (375 mL) - Sold Out
Sweet lemon, white and citrus aromas along with a mature hint of petrol. On the palate, it's light on its feet with citrus and orange flavours with finely tuned acids. The finish is medium-to-long in length. Score: 88 pts

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October 31 LCBO VINTAGES Release: Tuscany + Chile

The October 31st VINTAGES Release will be on LCBO shelves this coming Saturday and the major feature is on wines from Tuscany while minor feature explores the wines of Chile. As we approach the holiday season, the releases (and my wine picks) are getting larger to help you stock up for the holidays. Based on recent years, after this release there should be only 3 more VINTAGES releases in 2015.

We'll begin with the Tuscan feature that lists 15 wines, all red, and most are in the premium price point category. From here, 3 wines are included among my wine picks. The new category of "Gran Selezione" was only formed in February 2014 and is now considered to be the top classification of Chianti. So, it's no surprise that we are starting to see more and more Gran Selezione Chianti's on our shelves. Included in this release is the Il Grigio San Felice that is 80% Sangiovese and 20% indigenous varietals. Also among my Tuscany wine picks is a Brunello that is 100% Sangiovese, while the wine from Tenuta Sette Ponti is an IGT blend consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Chile is filled with high achievers and very good values in this release with 6 out of 12 wines making my list of wine picks. All three Cabernet Sauvignon wines are unique, single vineyard wines that will offer pleasure for a number of years. The Tabalí red blend consists of 74% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the blend from Luis Felipe Edwards is 58% Syrah, 33% Carménère, 4% Petite Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre. The De Martino Sauvignon Blanc is one of only 2 white wines from Chile in this release and continues to be a rising star grape within Chile.

Among my white wine recommendations are a trifecta of Sauvignon Blanc wines from Marlborough (New Zealand) and a Fumé Blanc (90% Sauvignon Blanc / 10 % Semillon) from Napa that would provide a nice comparison to the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

In red wine, the Heartland is 52/48% Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Muriel is 100% Tempranillo. From France and the great 2010 Bordeaux vintage is the Chateau Pey la Tour which consists of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Also from France is the Val Auclair that is a blend of 75% Carignan and 25% Syrah, while the Lavau Vacqueyras is a GSM blend (50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre). Lastly, the Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo.

Enjoy my LCBO VINTAGES wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• HEARTLAND SPICE TRADER SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#429241) (D) - $17.00
• MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#276030) (D) - $18.95
• CLOS DES FOUS GRILLOS CANTORES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Alto Cachapoal, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#429613) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU PEY LA TOUR RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU 2010 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#349308) (XD) - $19.95
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#37911) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• VAL AUCLAIR LES BARRAS ROUGE 2013 - IGP Vallée du Paradis, Languedoc-Roussillon, France (#417568) (XD) - $19.95

• TABALÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL 2011 - Limari Valley, Chile (#107540) (XD) - $23.95
• LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (D) - $24.95  reviewed here
• SOCRÉ BARBARESCO 2011 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#305284) (D) - $29.95
• CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO ANDES PIRQUE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Las Terrazas Block, Pirque Vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile (#562918) (D) - $29.95  reviewed here
• LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS LFE 900 SINGLE VINEYARD BLEND 2012 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#431809) (XD) - $29.95

• IL GRIGIO DA SAN FELICE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#403477) (XD) - $46.95  reviewed here
• MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - Collezione Ca’ del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#075127) (D) - $56.95
• ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#651141) (D) - $69.95
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2012 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#735597) (D) - $77.95
• CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#014217) (D) - $112.95  reviewed here
• DUNN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#709501) (D) - $113.95  FSE

White Wine:

• DE MORGENZON DMZ CHENIN BLANC 2015 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#429522) (XD) - $14.95
• DE MARTINO LEGADO RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#427658) (XD) - $16.95
• CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2014 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#268169) (D) - $17.95  reviewed here
• ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#225557) (XD) - $18.95  reviewed here
• INNISKILLIN RESERVE SERIES CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#383562) (XD) - $18.95
• GIESEN THE BROTHERS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#247213) (XD) - $19.95
• STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#324228) (XD) - $21.95  reviewed here
• ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#221887) (XD) - $22.95
• DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON VIEILLE VIGNES MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS 1 ER CRU 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#328344) (XD) - $49.95  FSE
• DUTTON ESTATE KYNDALL’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2012 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#420976) (XD) - $57.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#234104 / #384529) (D) (375 mL / 750 mL) - $45.95 / $79.95

Dessert Wine:

• MUSKOKA LAKES WINERY RED MAPLE CRANBERRY MAPLE 2012 - Product of Canada (#050039) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95  reviewed here

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Lavau Vacqueyras 2012 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a nice follow-up to the 2011 Lavau Côtes du Rhône Villages that arrived in the General List section at the LCBO during the Summer. This delicious red wine will be available in the October 31 VINTAGES Release.

Tasting Note:

LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (D) - $24.95
Blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Sweet dark fruits and hint of prune aromas from the cork. Medium+ aromatics from the glass with seductive violet, acacia flower, dark fruit, eucalypt, dusty earth notions with blackberry, plum, and black pepper notes forming as it warms up. On the palate, it is medium bodied with refined, dusty tannins and nicely balanced aroma replays. Sweet tannins provide good structure while acids are juicy. Very good length on the dry finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

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Piazzano Chianti 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine will be in VINTAGES on October 31st. It comes from Fattoria di Piazzano, a family-owned and operated estate located in the hills south of Empoli and traversed by the Rio di Camerata.

The estate was purchased by Otello Bettarini in 1948. His nephew Riccardo worked alongside Otello and eventually took over the operations. In the late 90's, Riccardo handed over the property to his children Rolando and Ilaria. The two, along with other family members continue the winemaking traditions with the passion and tenacity of their heirs.

Tasting Note:

PIAZZANO CHIANTI 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#393199) (D) - $14.95
Unoaked blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% other indigenous grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino from Estate. Plum and cherry sauce aromas from the cork. In the glass, barnyard, bretty, and earth aromas lead the way, with light scents of cherry and strawberry at the back end. The palate is medium-bodied with some tannic grip. Savoury flavour profile consisting of wet earth and black cherry. Balanced acidity and decent length on the finish. Score: 86 pts

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Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2013 (Austria) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious dry white wine was purchased almost a year ago to the day from the October 25 VINTAGES Release. Of course, it's all sold out by now, but I expect we'll see the 2014 vintage on shelves next month.

This is better than the 2011 vintage that I enjoyed in November 2013.

Tasting Note:

LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Fine lemon/lime, mineral and hints of honey aroma profile.  The mid-weight palate has ripe fruit flavours, lemon/lime, and hints of white pepper. Juicy acidity throughout, dry, balanced, hints of pink grapefruit on the long crisp finish. Lovely! Will be enjoyed with Dungeness Crab Curry. Score: 90 pts

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Château Renard Mondesir 2009 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Opened up this delicious red wine on Sunday to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family. It is produced by the Négociant Chassagnoux & Fils.

The story of Chassagnoux & Fils begins with Amedee Chassagnoux arriving in Bordeaux in the early 50's. His son Pierre discovers the vineyards of Saint Emilion and distributes them with a passion in Northern France and Belgium. Today, Pierre's son, Xavier and his daughter Laurence manage the property, marking 4 generations of family involvement.

An 18th Century residence, Château Renard was purchased in 1978 by Xavier. It is located in The Rivère within the Fronsac appellation in Bordeaux and surrounded by 12 hectares of vines planted on hillsides, ensuring fully ripened grapes.

The wine below is the first wine of Château Renard and has been regularly produced since 1990. It comes from the best plots and is a selection of rich, concentrated grapes, harvested with great care.

It will be available in VINTAGES on October 17th.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU RENARD MONDESIR 2009 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#420299) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Blackberry, dark fruits and a whiff of dried fruit aromas from the cork. Dark garnet coloured with a tinge of brown forming along the rim. Savoury medium intensity nose with earthy, cherry, dried herbs and hints of tobacco in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, spiced tobacco, black cherry, sage, and leathery notes. Has very good acidity. Finishes long and a touch warm with dark currant, earthy and mineral after taste. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 89 pts

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