January 18, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Sustainable California

Here are my top wine picks from the January 18, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, where the theme of the release focuses on Sustainable wines from California, while the mini-feature includes a few wines for Lunar New Year Celebrations. In all, there are just over 75 wines in this release, including a half-dozen Online & Flagship Exclusives. The release is definitely red heavy, and all the wines should be available for purchase by this Saturday, if not earlier.

Of the twelve wines included in the feature story on Sustainable California, three wines are among my top wine recommendations. First up is a Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Coast, while the second white wine is a Chardonnay broadly labelled as from California, with the majority likely coming from the Sonoma Coast. The lone red wine from California is a lovely Pinot Noir from Central Coast.

The selection of wines for Lunar New Year Celebrations is much more exciting, with three of the four wines on my recommended list. At the top of the list is an excellent and lusciously sweet Vidal Icewine from Niagara, while the off-dry Riesling from Niagara will also delight if you enjoy your wines a little sweet. Lastly, there is a Super Tuscan featuring a dragon on the label that is crafted with 60% Sangiovese and equal parts Merlot and Sagrantino.

Among my top red picks, we'll begin in Bordeaux with the Wine of the Month, which is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Merlot completing the cuvée, along with the Arrive in Style Rhône red that is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault & Syrah. Staying in France, there is also the Saint-Chinian that is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, while the red from Roussillon is mainly Syrah with Grenache in support. From the U.S.A., the Petite Sirah actually includes small amounts of Grenache, Syrah, and other Rhône varietals, while the red wine from Washington State is straight Merlot. Mono-varietal wines include the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico that is crafted with pure Sangiovese, as well as the Malbec from Argentina, and the Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. On the local front, there is a lovely Gamay Noir, as well as the Thirty Bench red, which is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 22% Merlot.

There are only two other white wine picks in this release - a perennial favourite Marsanne from Australia, as well as a Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CAMPET SAINT MARIE VIEILLES VIGNES SAINT-CHINIAN 2022 - AP, Languedoc, France (#38858) (XD) - $15.95
• PIATTELLI LUJÁN DE CUYO RESERVE MALBEC 2022 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#452029) (XD) - $16.95
• SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL 2022 - Old vines, AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#195107) (XD) - $16.95
• ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Sustainable, Valle del Maipo, Chile (#13434) (XD) - $17.95
• YALUMBA GALWAY VINTAGE SHIRAZ 2021 - Vegan, Barossa, South Australia (#41311) (XD) - $19.95
• RUE NAUJAC 33 MERLOT 2019 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#39143) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• XAVIER VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AC, France (#12987) (XD) - $21.95

• STONEY RIDGE SMALL LOT BUCKNALL VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2022 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#42483) (XD) - $22.95  90 pts  wine review
• WENTE BAILY HILL PINOT NOIR 2021 - Sustainable, Central Coast, California, USA (#39674) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#320986) (XD) - $24.95
• CHÂTEAU FONTIS 2019 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#41081) (XD) - $25.95
• IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE 2019 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#19875) (XD) - $36.95
  
• CECCHI VALORE DI FAMIGLIA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#32313) (XD) - $39.95  91 pts  wine review
• STAGS' LEAP PETITE SIRAH 2020 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#590356) (XD) - $59.95

White Wine:

• MOUNT RILEY LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Vegan, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447425) (XD) - $19.95
• TAHBILK MARSANNE 2023 - Sustainable, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (#117945) (XD) - $19.95
• WENTE LOUIS MEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Sustainable, Central Coast, California, USA (#368563) (XD) - $20.95  89 pts  wine review
• BENZIGER CHARDONNAY 2022 - Sustainable, California, USA (#34777) (XD) - $22.95
• JADE RIESLING 2023 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#42484) (M) - $24.95

Dessert Wine:

• INNISKILLIN VIDAL ICEWINE 2022 - With Gift Box, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#388306, 375 mL) (S) - $54.95  92+ pts  wine review

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Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueyras 2010 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a mature Vacqueyras that I purchased over a dozen years ago when it arrived on shelves across Ontario in the December 8, 2012 LCBO VINTAGES Release. While this vintage is long sold out, this wine does come through LCBO VINTAGES every fall, with a small amount of the latest vintage (2021) currently available at the LCBO.

This Southern Rhône red wine is produced by the renowned Famille Perrin winemaking family. It is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was grown in the Southern Rhone Valley Cru of Vacqueyras. The grapes were hand-harvested and placed in 25 kg boxes. Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were crushed and underwent a month-long fermentation, with half going into 50 hectolitre tanks, while the other half was fermented Foudres. The wines underwent malolactic fermentation, and was then blended and aged for one year in a combination of Foudres and barrels.

The growing conditions in the Southern Rhone Valley in 2010 produced an exceptional vintage. There was heavy rainfall during spring, followed by a very hot summer. September featured an Indian summer, which allowed for long hang-time and great harvest conditions. Yield reduction during the initial phase of the growing season greatly benefited the grapes that remained on the vine, which resulted in a legendary vintage that produced very balanced wines with intense fruit notes and great finesse. I imagine that I've held on to this a bit too long, but let's see how this 2010 Vacqueyras is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#973453) (XD) - $23.95
Pours a deep garnet colour. This blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah has an open, medium-high intensity nose that offers mature, stewed dark berry aromas alongside sweet baking spices, leather, dried purple flowers, and savoury wet earth, plus some dried dark berry tones. On the dry, tangy, and medium-full bodied palate, the fruit is shifting into the mature, dried spectrum, and is joined by savoury wet earth, leather, and dried spice flavours, It has tangy, lemony acidity, while the grippy textured and astringent tannins overwhelm the palate. Savoury earth, spice, floral, plus smoky mineral notes linger on the finish, with a touch of heat at the tail end. Enjoyable, but certainly past its drinking window. Drink now if you have a bottle. Score: 89 pts

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El Goru 38 Barrels Monastrell / Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 El Goru Gold Monastrell / Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon last year, we go up a notch for tonight's red wine review with another vegan and organic Monastrell-based blend from the same producer that is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO, landing on shelves across Ontario as part of this weekend's January 4 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Ego Bodegas, a prominent winery located in Jumilla, Spain. The project was founded from scratch in 2011 by Santos Ortiz, of Spanish origin, and Ioana Paunescu from Romania. Born out of the partners' passion and effort, while short on financial resources, Santos and Ioana had extraordinary talent for creating wines and coordinating the financial, marketing, and sales departments.

As a couple that was united and committed, both personally and professionally, Santos and Ioana built the winery together from top to bottom, from the roof down, just a few kilometres away from the historical city of Jumilla, after falling in love with a spectacular farm in an area locally known as the carpenter's place. The farm was situated in an elevated area, where they enjoyed the beauty of the landscape that was surrounded by old vineyards planted to the Monastrell varietal. Like any business, their objectives were sales and profitability, but in order to achieve this goal they needed to find the right balance between the three concepts of Quality, Image, and Price. After two years of hard work, Ego Bodegas was launched in 2013 with good wine, a good design, and good pricing. The name "Ego Bodegas" is based on the philosophy centred on ego, talento, and infinito (self, talent, and infinity). With a continuous commitment to improve, Ego Bodegas has quickly gained recognition and a foothold now in over 30 countries.

Today, Ego Bodegas uses its modern winemaking facilities to improve quality and efficiency, while striving to seek out the best technology available. Since the beginning, Santos and Iona have taken a contemporary twist on winemaking by combining traditional methods with modern techniques. With 35 hectares of vineyards planted mostly to native varieties, the winery is focused on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Monastrell is of particular focus for Ego Bodegas as it is native to Jumilla and has adapted well to the climatic and soil conditions of the region. The continental climate is sunny and arid in Jumilla, and is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and by the plateau of La Mancha to the west. Moreover, Jumilla receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and is one of the driest areas in Spain. The soil in Jumilla is dark and enriched with lime, while also being permeable with good moisture retention, which helps the vines during periods of drought. To craft their exquisite wines, Ego Bodegas spares no detail in delivering wines of consistent quality that are ready to drink, but can also improve with time.

This red wine is a blend of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was organically grown in the winegrowing region of Jumilla in southeastern Spain. The grapes were manually selected, harvested, and placed in small boxes with great care. To extract a great amount of aroma and colour, the grapes underwent a week-long cold maceration that was aided by the pigeage method (punch-down), which helps control and regulate the extraction. Temperature-controlled malolactic fermentation and oak ageing took place exclusively and carefully in 38 barrels - where this wine gets its name from. Ageing occurred for 12 months in a combination of both French and American oak. Each varietal was vinified separately prior to blending and bottling.

The 2020 growing season in southern Spain was marked by early budding, a rainy spring, and a hot, dry summer, conditions which resulted in an early harvest. Yields were also mostly down due to mildew issues in the region. From a qualitatively excellent vintage, let's see how this 2020 Jumilla red tastes tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, DO Jumilla, Spain (#41096) (XD) - $22.95 $20.00
This organic blend of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium+ intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering a ripe black fruit core accented with blackcurrant, purple fruit, oak spice, violet, and savoury earth aromas. Plum, black cherry, and cassis notes emerge with time in the glass. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and sweetly fruited with delicious blackcurrant, black cherry, savoury oak spice, and earthy flavours, along with hints of cassis and plum. Acids are fresh, juicy, and succulent, while the smooth, well-structured tannins feel a bit tight at the moment. Composed with a sense of elegance, it is nicely balanced throughout with lovely flavour replays joined by mineral notes on the long, savoury finish. This highly recommended buy is enjoyable now, but should really shine in about 3 years. Score: 90 pts

There is one El Goru wine readily available at the LCBO, while the entire range by Ego Bodegas can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Domaine Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko / Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Happy New Year! For tonight's red wine review, I'm starting off the new year with this terrific Smart Buy from Greece that is a brand-new arrival in this Saturday's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on January 4th - and already widely available for purchase across Ontario.

Like the excellent 2023 Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko that I enjoyed a couple of months ago, this red wine is produced by Domaine Skouras, a well-known winery based in the Nemea wine region that is dedicated to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Greece.

Domaine Skouras was established in 1986 by George Skouras in the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of the city of Argos, in the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece. He established the winery in his homeland following his studies in oenology in Dijon, Burgundy. George then created a boutique winery in the village of Gymno, in northeastern Peloponnese, within the Nemea appellation, where he performed countless hours of manual work on a minuscule scale, while learning invaluable lessons about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination.

Today, Domaine Skouras is located in the highlands of Argolida, within the village of Malandreni in Nemea, in northeastern Peloponnese, just a few kilometres from Argos. Established in 2004, this ultra-modern winemaking facility is situated among vineyards in an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly Agiorgitiko. The facility was designed to ensure proper and thorough procedures of the highest standards in all aspects from wine production to bottling to ageing, while also offering a first-class experience for visitors. George and his wife, Ourania, continue to work at the winery and are joined by their two children - Dimitris and Stella. Dimitris studied Viticulture and Oenology in France, while Stella is a graduate of Economics and Marketing studies in Scotland.

The philosophy at Skouras that permeates through each step from vineyard to bottle is reflected in the words: purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and the imprint of the terroir. Everyone in the team at Skouras works, observes, supervises, acts and reacts, advises and consults with the goal of achieving optimum ripeness and obtaining the best possible grape. The premise behind this goal is that the better the fruit, the better the wine. With better fruit, Skouras wines show all the hallmarks of their creator with intensity, vibrancy, and complexity, characteristics which are expressed with elegance, grace, and nobility. In Domaine Skouras, the wines are engraved with the character of their terroir.

This red wine is crafted using 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with both grapes grown in the winegrowing region of Nemea. It would have been classified as PDO Nemea, Greece's most important appellation, if it was 100% Agiorgitiko, but is instead classified as the regional appellation of PGI Peloponnese. The Agiorgitiko was harvested in the middle of September from 26-year-old vines grown in clay soil at 650 metres above sea level, while the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at the end of August from 21-year-old vines grown in sandy soil at 500 metres above sea level. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation and extraction in stainless steel vats at 23˚C for 6 days, followed by full malolactic fermentation in vats, and short ageing on its fine lees.

The growing season in Greece 2023 proved to be somewhat challenging as it was a warm vintage, with water scarcity and the prevalence of downy mildew, conditions which resulted in reduced yields. However, the quality of this vintage is promising and looks high indeed. Let's see how this 2023 Greek red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#38581) (XD) - $14.95 $13.00
Enclosed by screw cap, this unoaked blend of 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon has a fruity, medium-high intensity nose that delivers ripe red & black berry, cranberry, black cherry, mulberry, and brambly aromas with hints of spice, and dried herbs adding savoury complexity. It has good weight on the medium-full bodied and dry palate with delicious ripe red & black berry, cran-cherry, plum, and dried herb flavours with touches of stony minerality. Quite savoury on the mid-palate, along with fresh, juicy acidity. Tannins are smooth, refined, and lightly structured. It's nicely balanced and harmonious throughout with plummy berry notes tapering to savoury minerals on the lengthy, gently grippy finish. Really well-made and a smart buy! Score: 89 pts

Several fine wines by Domaine Skouras are available in various quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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January 4, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Smart Buys

Happy New Year! Here's my top wine picks from the first release of the year, which is always the annual Smart Buys Release, where most of the wines are priced at under $20. In this release, 52 of the 74 wines are less than $20. Interestingly, the average price of a bottle is just north of $21, including HST. All the wines in this release should be available for purchase by Saturday, with many on shelves already. Please note that the prices indicated below include HST, which will be deducted when purchasing in-store, while the prices on lcbo.com have already deducted the HST.

We'll begin with the feature story that is titled "Smart Buys" and includes thirty wines, which represents surprisingly 40% of the Release. Five wines, of which four are red, are among my top wine recommendations from this Release, with the only blend a red wine from Greece that is composed of 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The other wines are a Syrah from Hawke's Bay, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, and the 2019 Chianti Classico Annata that is made with 100% Sangiovese. The lone white "Smart Buy" is a delicious Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Among my top red wine picks, the Riserva Chianti Classico is a blend of 92% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, while the red from Jumilla, Spain, is composed of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, while the red from California is also mainly Grenache (61%) with 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, and 4% Petite Sirah completing the blend. The last red blend is from Costières de Nîmes, and it is crafted with 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. Among the mono-varietal reds, there are a couple of wines from Chile - a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Carmenère. And lastly, the red wine from Beaujolais is a Gamay from 40-year-old vines.

There are two blends among my top white wine picks from this Release. The Creekside wine from Niagara is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, while the Chilean white is composed of 94% Chardonnay and 6% Roussanne. Mono-varietal dry white wines include the Muscadet from Loire, which is made using the Melon varietal, and the Verdicchio from Marche. If you enjoy sweeter wines, either Riesling from Mosel or Niagara will delight.

Enjoy my top recommendations from this Release and wish you all the best in 2025!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU GRAND ESCALION 2021 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#18141) (XD) - $13.95  89 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#38581) (XD) - $14.95  89 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE FOND CROZE LE SERRE DE LA GARDE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 - AP, France (#28545) (XD) - $15.95
• TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2022 - Sustainable, Vegan, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• KARL'S SCEPTER COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#33732) (XD) - $15.95
• VIGNERONS DES PIERRES DORÉES VIEILLES VIGNES LA ROSE POURPRE 2022 - AP Beaujolais, France (#42095) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Las Piedras, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• BONNY DOON LE CIGARE VOLANT 2022 - Central Coast, California, USA (#18516) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $21.95  91 pts  wine review
• EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, DO Jumilla, Spain (#41096) (XD) - $22.95  90 pts  wine review
• TRINITY HILL SYRAH 2021 - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#194274) (XD) - $23.95
• TRASQUA FANATICO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283861) (XD) - $24.95  review coming soon...

White Wine:

• VELENOSI QUERCIANTICA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO 2023 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#16607) (XD) - $15.95
• DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER RIESLING 2022 - QbA, Mosel, Germany (#39799) (M) - $15.95
• INVINITI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Carbon Zero, Sustainable, Vegan, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#36907) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2023 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $18.95
• 13TH STREET EXPRESSION SERIES RIESLING 2022 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#19345) (M) - $19.95
• EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN CHARDONNAY / ROUSSANNE 2022 - DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#37756) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#520627) (XD) - $23.00

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Palmer Brut Réserve Champagne (France) - Wine Review

Just in time for year-end celebrations, tonight's sparkling wine review is a beautiful, non-vintage Champagne that is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving as part of the recent December 14th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection as an Online & Flagship Exclusive.

It is produced by Palmer & Co., a prestigious Champagne house that was established in 1947 by seven families who were also growers that owned prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. These seven families shared a desire for perfection and had a vision to create a Champagne house known for its passion and pursuit of excellence, and wines with harmony and balance, qualities that still define the Champagne Palmer style today.

Palmer & Co represents a true search for harmony and balance that was initiated by the 7 founding winegrowers. Today, Champagne Palmer has become a house of reference and is well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Palmer & Co is able to distinguish itself through its grands terroirs of Montagne de Reims, where all of its vineyards are classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru. Additionally, Palmer & Co also has vineyards in the areas of Côte de Sézanne, Côte des Bar, and Marne Valley, and during the blending process these areas add elegance and balance that are iconic to the Palmer & Co style.

For Palmer & Co, the Cellar Master plays a role that is just as important as the work of nature. To create each cuvée, Xavier Berdin, the Cellar Master at Palmer & Co, and his four oenologists blend the different varieties, crus, and reserve wines until the perfect balance is achieved. A significant percentage of reserve wines constitute the backbone of Palmer & Co's non-vintage cuvées, which are selected for their structure and aptitude for ageing, while also lending richness and depth to the blend. One other important distinguishing factor is that Palmer & Co is one of the few Champagne houses that has adapted the famous Solera system of Jerez to the wines of Champagne with a perpetual reserve system that is refreshed every year with the wines from the latest harvest. For over 35 years, Palmer & Co has been working with three Soleras in two stages - the first in oak casks for the new vintage, and then added to the perpetual reserve in stainless steel vats. Xavier and his team passionately watch over the wines of yesterday, today, and tomorrow with unrelenting vigilance.

The Palmer & Co style is made up of several inspired collections which are an expression of a very special art that combines technical precision with harmony to produce champagnes characterized by their elegance and balance. Palmer & Co Champagnes are expressed fully after a long maturation period in their chalk cellars, which are located 18 metres below ground. The traditional method sparkling wines of Palmer & Co are dominated by the freshness and purity of its Chardonnays, leading to a style that is seductive through its precision and clarity. Pinot Noir adds grace and power, while Pinot Meunier adds generosity, and the significant contribution of reserve wines adds rich fullness and rare maturity.

Palmer & Co is also committed to the environment. They produce wines while respecting the environment and preserving the integrity of the grapes. Palmer & Co is heavily committed to sustainable winegrowing, with an action plan that involves soil and vine nutrition, soil maintenance, treatment of the vines, sustainable protection of the vineyards, and waste management. The technicians of Palmer & Co are actively involved with winegrowers to ensure maximum respect for everyone and the environment in the vineyard and the winegrowing process.

This non-vintage Champagne by Palmer & Co. is the flagship wine of the house. It is made from a selection of the most prestigious terroirs of Champagne, with Premier Cru and Grand Cru grapes of the Montagne de Reims dominating the blend and leaving their mark. It is typically a blend of 50-55% Chardonnay, 35-40% Pinot Noir, and 10-15% Pinot Meunier. This Champagne is also typically composed of a significant amount of reserve wine (30-35%), which brings a rare fullness and maturity to this class of traditional method sparkling wine. This 750 mL bottling is aged on its lees for 4 years, while the Magnum is aged on its lees for 6 years. Crafted in the timeless Palmer-style, this Brut Réserve Champagne exudes excellence and is distinguished above all by its remarkable finesse and elegance. Let's see how this Champagne tastes tonight...

Tasting Note:

PALMER BRUT RÉSERVE CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#39865) (XD) - $85.95 $74.80
Blend of 51% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 19% Pinot Meunier, with 22% reserve wine that was bottled Jan. 22, 2019, aged on its lees for 4 years, and disgorged on Feb. 20, 2023. Lot L23131C. Rich and elegantly fragrant, the medium-high to highly aromatic nose has a lovely, complex mix of biscuit, toasty, brioche, autolytic, lemon citrus, and pear/apple aromas, plus leesy mineral accents. The mid-weighted palate is crisp and refreshing with lovely autolytic, lemon citrus, brioche, toasty, pear, and apple replays on the flavour profile. It has an elegant mouthfeel with crisp acidity and a fine bead of bubbles. Harmonious and well-balanced throughout with fine citrus, toasty, and leesy mineral notes joined by white florals on the long, crisp, and elegant finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Limited quantities of other fine Champagnes by Palmer can be found at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Arterra Wines Canada.

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Blu Giovello Prosecco (Italy) - Wine Review (Dec. 2024)

For Christmas day celebrations, I opened up this delicious, crowd-pleasing Prosecco DOC from Italy that is readily available at the LCBO and currently on promotion at $2 off until the beginning of January.

Blu Giovello is a wine brand that was created many years ago and is now produced by Gruppo Martellozzo Srl, a wine producer with a long history dating back to the end of the 19th century. The name Blu Giovello comes from two things: Blu refers to its Italian origins and is represented by its blue skies and the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, while Giovello is a combination of the Italian words Giovane (young) and Bello (beautiful). Blu Giovello was created with the aim of combining the freshness of elegant and fragrant wines with the seduction of unconventional colours and shapes, ending with each bottle of Blu Giovello wine packaged in a strikingly transparent blue bottle.

The dragonfly in flight is the brand's logo and is prominently displayed on each Blu Giovello bottle of wine, while symbolizing harmony and prosperity. The creator of Blu Giovello wanted to bring all the lightness, joy, and elegance of the dragonfly together as an invitation to celebrate life and freedom from conventions. The wines of Blu Giovello are light and carefree, just like a dragonfly in flight, with the scents of Blu Giovello wines combining with any occasion for conviviality, with the blue bottles evoking the blue of the sea and the rivers that bathe the land from which the grapes come from, as well as the blue skies of Italy.

This Prosecco D.O.C. Extra Dry Spumante is crafted in the Charmat method using 100% Glera that was grown on Morainic soil at 400 metres above sea level. The vines were trained using the Guyot system. After harvesting the grapes in the first half of September, the grapes were lightly pressed and then fermented using selected yeast at a controlled temperature of 15°C – 16°C. It underwent secondary fermentation with selected yeast in a small tank for two months at a low temperature.

After last enjoying a previous bottling of this Blu Giovello Prosecco back in May 2023, let's see how this Prosecco is tasting...

Tasting Note:

BLU GIOVELLO PROSECCO - DOC, Italy (#85316) (D) - $15.95 $13.95 until Jan. 5
100% Glera. Faint aromas of lemon citrus, pear, orchard fruit, and a whiff of white floral rise out of the glass. The mid-weighted palate is off-dry and flavourful with delicious lemon citrus, pear, white floral, and white peach notes, plus touches of nectarine, leesy minerality, and spice. Acids are crisp, clean, and vibrant alongside effervescent mousse. More leesy mineral and savoury on the crisp finish, with good length. Score: 87 pts

One other Blu Giovello wine is available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Andrew Peller Import Agency.

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