June 11 VINTAGES Release: Sparkling Wine + California Zin + Father's Day

The June 11 VINTAGES Release has 3 themes and will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming Saturday. The first theme is titled "Fizz Fest" and features sparkling wines for all occasions, while the second theme features California Zinfandel. The third and final theme of this release features a small selection of wines (and spirits) for Father's Day gifts.

We'll begin with the main feature on bubbly that has 16 sparkling wines, 5 of which are included among my wine picks. If you prefer your sparklers to be extra dry (i.e. not sweet), look for Chile's first organic sparkling wine that is a 77/23 blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Also extra dry, and more Pinot (82%) than Chardonnay (18%) is leads us to a rosé sparkling wine from South Africa. Single varietal sparkling wines with a hint sweetness, from less sweet to more sweet, include a Chardonnay from Burgundy, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Riesling, the latter two which are from Ontario.

The first mini-theme of 6 wines focuses on California Zinfandel. I'm not a big fan of Zinfandel, but if there's one wine I would add to my cellar, it would be the Ridge Lytton Springs from Sonoma County that, in addition to 74% Zinfandel, also includes 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignan and 2% Mataro (aka Mourvèdre). This is a wine to put away for at least a couple of years and enjoy into the 2030's.

Only one selection from the Father's Day mini-theme made my list of wine picks. It's a beautiful Brunello di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese) from Tenuta La Fuga, from the great 2010 vintage.

From the rest of the release, the Chinon is made with Cabernet Franc, while the Chianti Classico is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Creekside's Laura's Red (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot) returns to VINTAGES with another year under it's belt. From Rhône, there are two fabulous reds: the Vacqueyras is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, while the Gigondas is mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre adding texture.

In white wines, the Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine is an extra dry wine made using the Melon de Bourgogne grape. If you like your wines on the sweet side, take a look at a pair of Ontario Rieslings, or go even sweeter with a Riesling Spätlese from Germany.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SERGE ET BRUNO SOURDAIS CHINON 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#451898) (XD) - $16.95
• UGGIANO PRESTIGE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#454553) (XD) - $16.95
• CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Ribera del Tinguiririca, Marchigue, Central Valley, Chile (#256693) (D) - $17.95
• CREEKSIDE ESTATE LAURA’S RED 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117960) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (D) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO PEUMO VINEYARD BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE 2012 - Entre Cordilleras, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#562892) (XD) - $29.95  reviewed here
• FOREST HILL ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Great Southern, Western Australia (#380840) (XD) - $29.95
• DOMAINE LA FOURMONE LE POÈTE VACQUEYRAS 2013 - AP, Rhône, France (#452268) (XD) - $29.95
• OLIVIER & LAFONT GIGONDAS 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#452300) (XD) - $29.95
• TENUTA LA FUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#212837) (XD) - $42.95
• RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2013 - Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#982413) (XD) - $57.95

White Wine:

• MICHEL DELHOMMEAU CUVÉE HARMONIE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2013 - AC, Loire, France (#164624) (XD) - $16.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $17.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY 2013 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
• WEINRIEDER KLASSIK GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013 - Niederösterreich, Austria (#446641) (XD) - $18.95
• ST. PAULS PINOT GRIGIO 2014 - DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige, Italy (#391870) (XD) - $19.95
• CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CHARDONNAY 2013 - Atalayas Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#947937) (XD) - $24.95
• SERESIN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#735043) (XD) - $24.95
• FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2015 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (M) - $24.95
• DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2013 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#339150) (S) - $26.95
• JEAN DAUVISSAT VAILLONS VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#457002) (XD) - $49.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• EMILIANA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING - Charmat method, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#451914) (XD) - $15.95
• TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING 2014 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#370361) (D) - $19.95
• GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSÉ 2010 - WO Western Cape, Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa (#004085) (XD) - $21.95
• CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BUBBLY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#398628) (D) - $24.95
• BAILLY-LAPIERRE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#369066) (D) - $24.95

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Top Wines from Port & Douro Tasting - May 2016

May was an extremely busy month for tastings, so I've decided to highlight some of my favourites from each tasting.

The first post in this series is the Porto and Douro wine tasting - a small event held at the beginning of May. This annual tasting normally has a very low turnout, but this time attendance was very good. The room at the Hyatt Regency Toronto was also on the small side, but suited the event perfectly and helped create a buzzy atmosphere. The tasting featured a combination of mostly Port wine, some very fine red wines, and at least one white wine. Here were my top wines from the Port & Douro tasting.

Tasting Notes:

DALVA COLHEITA PORT 1995 - Douro, Portugal (#69930) (S) - $32.95
This vintage-dated Tawny Port has a highly aromatic, complex nose that's nutty and warm with caramel and hints of orange. Lovely aroma replays on the palate, plus some honey and molasses flavours. Mouthfeel is soft. Excellent length on the warm finish. Will age for many years. Should arrive in VINTAGES again. Contact The Case For Wine for ordering information. Score: 92 pts

TAYLOR FLADGATE 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (#149047) (S) - $68.95
The nose is highly aromatic with complex notes of nutty, honey, caramel and sweet spice aromas. On the smooth medium-to-full bodied palate, it shows many of the same aromas in a nicely balanced, sweet package that continues through to a slightly spiced mid-palate. The finish length is excellent and shows hints of raisin. Well balanced overall and consistently well-made, year after year. Readily available in VINTAGES. Score: 92 pts

ESPORÃO QUINTA DOS MURÇAS 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (S)
Highly aromatic nose of caramel, honey and some orange citrus. It's medium-to-full bodied with a silky mouthfeel and some very nice aroma replays. The mid-palate has some mildly spiced notes to add complexity. Very good length on the finish. Contact Fine Wines of Portugal to order. Score: 91 pts

WARRE'S OTIMA 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (#566174) (S) (500mL) - $21.95
Burnt nose featuring complex aromas of orange, caramel, maple wood, burnt sugar and fig that follow through on the sweet, creamy palate joined by hints of fruitcake and more nuttiness. The finish is long and smooth. Rather easy drinking and should have wide appeal. Readily available at the LCBO. Score: 90 pts

DFJ VINHOS ESCADA 2007 - DOC Douro, Portugal (XD)
Blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional that is highly aromatic with lovely violet, flowers, and sweet herbs notes that follow through to the medium-bodied palate. It has juicy acids, supple tannins, and a fine mineral streak on the long finish. Drink over the next 5-7 years. Contact Fine Wines of Portugal to order. Score: 91 pts

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Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2009 (Spain) - Wine Review

For the Victoria Day long weekend, I opened up this beauty of a wine Monday night to pair with Greek-marinated chicken wraps. It was purchased from a VINTAGES Release back in January, 2012 and has been slowly evolving for more than 4 years.

This delicious wine has been consistently good vintage-after-vintage and regularly shows up on VINTAGES shelves.

Tasting Note:

DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2009 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#675207) (XD) - $22.95
Dark plum, earth and spice aromas from the cork. Medium-to-high intensity aromatics offering forest floor and umami off the top with underlying herbs, sweet spice, and dark fruits. The palate is medium-bodied that picks up more body with air. Definitely on the savoury side with herbs, sweet oak, earth, black cherry and hints of mineral flavours on the palate. Acids are mouth-watering while the tannins are smooth and well-integrated. A warming mid-palate continues through to the long, earthy finish. Shows a lot of finesse. A nicely maturing wine to enjoy over the next half dozen years. 100% Mencía. Score: 91 pts

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May 28 VINTAGES Release: Veneto + Judgment of Paris

The May 28 VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this coming Saturday and features the wines from Veneto as its main theme, while the mini-theme features the players from the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.

We'll begin with the secondary theme that honours the 40th anniversary of the famous Judgment of Paris tasting that pitted the relatively unknown Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays from California against the top red wines from Bordeaux and top Chardonnays from Burgundy. California fared quite well in the tasting and ended up taking top prize in both red and white wine categories. The rest, as they say, is history. This mini-theme is anything but mini, with four excellent wines from the seven included among my wine picks.

Three California Chardonnays from Judgment of Paris players made my list of wine picks, including wines from Chateau Montelena, Heitz Cellar, and an organic wine from Grgich Hills. The only red wine chosen from this mini-theme is the Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon which contains 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot, and needs some time before it can be enjoyed over the ensuing three decades. Not included as part of the Judgment of Paris theme but also available in this release as part of the Flagship Store Exclusive (FSE) program is another Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon that's blended with 14% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

From the major theme of the release, the wines from Veneto were mostly lacklustre except for a Masi Amarone that came through VINTAGES last November in a magnum bottle, but now returns in the more popular 750 mL format. The other Venetian wine is the Pieropan Soave Classico crisp, dry white wine that is a blend of 85% Garganega and 15% Trebbiano di Soave.

South Africa is well-represented among my wine picks with a Chenin Blanc and an oaked Chardonnay, but there's also a lovely little South African organic red wine that is a blend of 37% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Other red wines in this release include a Portuguese wine blend consisting of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, while the Rhône blend consists of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.

The latest vintage of the dry rosé wine returns to VINTAGES shelves, consisting of Syrah and Grenache, while the sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• AVONDALE JONTY’S DUCKS PEKIN RED 2011 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#383547) (D) - $14.95  reviewed here
• HERDADE DA PIMENTA ALENTEJANO 2013 - DO Alentejo, Portugal (#445114) (XD) - $16.95
• MONTGRAS ANTU CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#444703) (XD) - $17.95
• D’ARENBERG THE FOOTBOLT SHIRAZ 2013 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#984021) (D) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU PEGAU CUVÉE MACLURA CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#452250) (XD) - $19.95
• VITICCIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283580) (XD) - $22.95
• JOHN GLAETZER JOHN’S BLEND NO. 38 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#927640) (D) - $39.95
• BACHELDER LA PETITE CHARMOTTE NUITS SAINT GEORGES 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#357228) (XD) - $58.95  FSE
• MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $69.95  reviewed here
• RIDGE VINEYARDS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA (#89284) (XD) - $74.95  FSE
• RIDGE MONTE BELLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA (#405332) (XD) - $191.95

White Wine:

• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $16.95
• PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2014 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#946848) (D) - $17.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2013 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• FORREST THE DOCTORS’ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#317842) (D) - $19.95
• RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#598631) (XD) - $19.95
• OLDENBURG VINEYARDS CHENIN BLANC 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#443358) (XD) - $20.95  FSE
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2013 - Estate bottled, Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (D) - $29.95  reviewed here
• HEITZ CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#205500) (XD) - $49.95
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $67.95
• CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#701748) (D) - $75.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2015 - AP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT 2011 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#234161) (D) - $24.95

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Castillo Perelada Wine Tasting

On April 27, I had the pleasure of tasting some nice Cava and red table wines from Castillo Perelada. This old Spanish winery is making it's first appearance in Canada and I was delighted to be among the first group of people to try some of their delicious wines.

Castillo Perelada was founded by Miguel Mateu when he purchased the site in 1923. This historic site is made up of a castle and the Carme Monastery, both dating back to the 14th century. Family-owned and operated since its inception, the legacy Castillo Perelada now spans three generations after it passed from Miguel Mateu to his only daughter Carmen Mateu de Suqué (and her husband Arturo Suqué Puig), and now to their children Isabel, Javier and Miguel Suqué Mateu. Today, it is Javier that manages the day-to-day operations.

There are 5 vineyards that encompass Castillo Perelada. The Garbet vineyard is 12 hectares, located north of Cap de Creus, and has slatey soil farmed terraces which overlook the Mediterranean. The Malaveïna vineyard has reddish clay and pebbles on 19 hectares of gentle slopes. La Garriga vineyard is 41 hectares of flat terrain, clay silt with sand and gravel, and contains Perelada's oldest vineyards - Garnatxa (Garnacha/Grenache) and Samsó (Cariñena) that are both over 50 years old. The Espolla vineyard is located on the slopes of the Pre-Pyrenees in l'Albera and is 21 hectares of slatey, black soil. Lastly, the Pont de Molins vineyard is 38 hectares of flat terrain with a sandy texture and a slight silt content. The 5 Fincas Reserva that is reviewed below uses grapes from all 5 vineyards.

Representing the Castillo Perelada at the tasting was Daniel Marquez, Sales Manager for North America.

Below you will find wine reviews of some of the wines I enjoyed on this evening. I am expecting a few wines from the Perelada portfolio show up on LCBO shelves in the future. However, if you're interested in purchasing sooner rather than later (and from a wider selection), you can contact the agent Hanna Neal Wine Merchants.

Thank you to Andrew, Peter and Chris for the invite and your hospitality! The wines were delicious and so were the hors d'oeuvres!

Tasting Notes:

CASTILLO PERELADA BRUT RESERVA CAVA - DO, Spain (D) - $15.95
Medium intensity nose featuring toasty, yeasty notes with hints of lime and peach. It has fine, mouthfilling mousse with off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) flavours of apricot and orchard fruits. It has good acidity and good length on the finish. Fairly easy drinking and should have wide appeal. Score: 87 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA STARS BRUT NATURE CAVA 2014 - DO, Spain (XD) - $15
Shows very good intensity on the nose, and after an initial whiff of sulphur reveals appealing smoke, citrus and peach aromas. On the palate it has fine, soft mousse on a medium+ bodied frame. Hint of sweetness with tangy citrus and orchard fruit flavours that continue through to the long, dry-ish finish. Score: 88 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA 5 FINCAS RESERVA 2012 - DO, Spain (XD) - $21.95
Grapes from each of the 5 Castillo Perelada vineyards make up this blend of Merlot (40%), Garnatxa (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Syrah (15%), Tempranillo (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Medium+ intensity nose featuring sour cherry and hints of barnyard and earth. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with supple tannins and good acidity. Brambly flavours with hints of floral and sweet vanilla are quite appealing. Finishes long. Score: 88 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA FINCA GARBET 2007 - DO Empordà, Spain (XD) - $125
Here's a lovely 100% Syrah from vineyards located along the banks of the Mediterranean. Highly aromatic nose on the dark fruit side with lovely black cherry, blackberry, black pepper, dark currant and subtle hints of oak. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with very nice aroma replays that weave together seamlessly. It has juicy acids and ripe, integrated tannins. The finish is long and earthy with hints of currant. Only 1000 bottles made, and tasted from bottle #0843. Score: 91 pts

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Win Tickets to Homegrown Country Music Festival at Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival

The Homegrown Country Music Festival is an extension of the Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival and will take place on June 19th at the Grape Grower of Year's vineyard. This year, it will take place at Pillitteri Icewine Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. On site, there will be VQA wines available for purchase by tokens and Food Truck Culinary will be offered at Market.

This music festival will celebrate local talent along with Niagara's agricultural abundance. It will also be a showcase of an all-Canadian New Country artist lineup. Each performer selected for the showcase has a deep rooted tie to the Niagara region and a passion for the local community. Artists with roots in Niagara will be scheduled to perform, including well-known Country singer and multi-genre songwriter, Tebey; high energy singer/songwriter Ryan Creelman, who grew up in Thorold and now resides in London, Ontario; and St. Catharines' own Brad Battle. A new twist to the Country festival scene is Country mashup by DJ Dave Stiles and DJ Tanner.

Event Details:

Homegrown Country Music Festival
Where: Pillitteri Icewine Farm, Niagara-on-the-Lake (shuttle service required)
When: Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Admission:

$25 + HST in advance
$30 + HST at the gate (if available)
Click here to purchase your tickets

Contest:

Here's your chance to win a pair of tickets to this fabulous event!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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La Crema Chardonnay 2014 (Monterey) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a sneak peak of the La Crema Monterey Chardonnay that will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario on July 9th.

Originally named La Crema Vinera, meaning "best of the vine", the once family-owned and operated winery concentrated on exclusively on cool-climate appellations, while emphasizing boutique, small-batch winemaking to produce elegant, quality wines.

This Chardonnay comes from the cool-climate vineyards in Monterey that are nestled in a long valley with Monterey Bay on one side and Central California on the other. The cool-climate means that grapes spend more time on the vine, and 2014 was an especially long, cool growing season in Monterey. The winemaker is Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, born and educated in Canada, and has been part of the La Crema team since 2001, becoming head winemaker in 2010.

Tasting Note:

LA CREMA CHARDONNAY 2014 - Monterey, California, USA (#158683) (XD) - $26.95
Lemon and ripe fruited aromas from the cork. Aromas of medium intensity showing butter, poached apple, butterscotch and orchard fruits. Full bodied on the palate with butterscotch and baked apple flavours, along with hints of caramel. There's hints of sweetness on the palate and notable oak influence, but it's not overdone. It has delicate acids and good length on the slightly warming finish. Score: 88 pts

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