Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2023 (Barossa) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Barossa Shiraz that arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature story about Women in Wine in the recent March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Yalumba, one of Australia's most historically important wineries. Recognized as Australia's oldest continuously family-owned winery, Yalumba was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith when he planted his first vines in the heart of the Barossa with a genuine respect for the land and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

As Yalumba has always had a deep connection to the Barossa, their long-term vision is manifested in their marble and sandstone Clocktower - a solid monument that is their commitment to the region. Their passion is displayed by their Cooperage, which is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, where they continue a proud tradition of crafting barrels.

In 1893, Fred Caley Smith, the third generation of the family, took to the seas on a grand scientific discovery and returned with progressive horticultural developments that laid the foundation for sustainable viticulture and winemaking at Yalumba.

Today, Yalumba is in the hands of the fifth and sixth generations of the Hill-Smith family. As custodians, they have enormous respect for the generations that came before them, and also realize that a family wine business doesn't thrive across three centuries by standing still, and that change is a constant. The family spends most of their time looking forward and always strive to innovate and reduce their impact on the environment. The winemaking philosophy at Yalumba is based on minimal intervention, which includes organic and vegan-friendly practices, as well as wild fermentation.

The team at Yalumba is led by Robert Hill-Smith, the fifth generation of the family. Robert led Yalumba into the modern era by cementing their reputation as an internationally-focused and innovative wine business. He pioneered Viognier in Australia and established Australia's First Families of Wine. Sisters Jessica and Lucy Hill-Smith, daughters of Robert and the sixth generation, have also joined the family business, with Jessica taking on the role of General Manager of PR & Communications, while Lucy is based in the UK as a Fine Wine Ambassador.

At Yalumba, the winemaking team is led by Head Winemaker Sam Wigan, along with Louisa Rose, who is also a Winemaker and Head of Sustainability. Louisa is featured on page 20 of the Vintages Catalogue and is the reason for the inclusion on the feature about Women in Wine. Louisa joined Yalumba in 1992 and is one of Australia's most respected winemakers. She has gained international recognition as a pioneer for her work with Viognier and cool-climate Riesling, as well as her passion and push for sustainable viticulture without synthetic insecticides. Over the years, Yalumba has won 43 accolades for their sustainable practices, including the International Award of Excellence for Sustainable Wine Growing & the International Green Apple Gold Award, with Louisa playing an instrumental role.

First crafted in 1943, the Galway Shiraz is named after Lord Galway who served as Governor of South Australia. Lord Galway was an enthusiastic supporter of the local wine industry, particularly Yalumba and the broader Barossa wine community. To craft this 100% Shiraz, the grapes were sourced from various vineyards throughout the renowned Barossa wine region, from terroirs ranging from sandy soils to sandy loam, and from red-brown earth over red clay, which are ideal for growing expressive Shiraz. The grapes were harvested in March and April 2023, traditionally vinified, and then matured in French oak for 6–8 weeks.

The growing season during this vintage began with wet soils from abundant rainfall, along with cooler than average temperatures in September and October. This delayed the growing season by several weeks, and was joined by windy conditions during flowering, which resulted in lower fruit set at some vineyards. A relatively mild summer allowed the grapes to thrive, resulting in an elegantly restrained wine with character and charm. From a low-yielding, cool-climate year yielding high-quality and elegant wines, let's see how this 2023 Barossa Shiraz is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

YALUMBA GALWAY VINTAGE SHIRAZ 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Barossa, South Australia (#41311) (XD) - $19.95
Enclosed by screw cap, the medium-high intensity nose leads with savoury earth and slightly meaty aromas layered over an attractive and complex mix of black pepper spice, ripe dark red fruits, black cherry, cassis, plum, and black currant notes with a touch of oak. The medium+ bodied palate is dry with lovely, well-balanced flavours of dark red fruit, currant, cassis, black pepper spice, plum, savoury earth, gentle oak spice, and touches of smoky mineral. It's well-structured with elegant and mildly grippy tannins that are supple, smooth, and refined. Acids are fresh and juicy. A touch tangy with currant, cassis, and peppery spice notes tapering to savoury, smoky mineral notes on the long, juicy, and well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Several wines by Yalumba are available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

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Domaine Gioulis Agia Paraskevi Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic, single vineyard Agiorgitiko from Greece. It made its debut at the LCBO in last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on March 7th.

It is produced by Domaine Gioulis, a family estate winery that was founded in 1993 by George Gioulis, an Agronomist & Oenologist who studied at the University of Bordeaux. Domaine Gioulis is situated in Klimenti, an old village located in the province of Corinth, near the valley of Nemea in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Klimenti was built in 1400 A.D. on the steep slopes of Mount Ziria, at approximately 960 metres above sea level, close to Lake Stymphalia and 20 km upstream from the coastal city of Kiato (ancient Sikyon). Viticulture has been practiced in this area by residents since the early 19th century. Based on the mountainous characteristics of the region, Mr. Gioulis decided to establish this winery in his place of origin and planted his first vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This vineyard is regarded as one of the first certified organic vineyards in Greece.

Over the years, Domaine Gioulis has expanded and grown by adding vineyards and buildings. The second generation of the Gioulis family have also become active in the business after completing their studies. Dimitris, son of George, studied oenology at the University of Athens and now oversees winemaking and production, while daughter Ermioni studied Business Administration and the trade of wines & spirits and now handles commercial and marketing activities. Together with their father, the family aims to produce fine wines from their privately owned vineyards, while also highlighting the qualitative characteristics of the mountainous Klimenti wine region.

The climate in Klimenti is semi-continental with heavy winters and cool summers, conditions which favour organic farming. During the growing season, the climate is sunny with adequate rainfall and cool, northerly winds, which contribute to the absence of insects and reduced diseases. This climate gives rise to wines with minerality and length that is rare for hot-climate wines, and even during very hot and dry years, the quality of the wines remains unaffected. The southern Mediterranean microclimate in this area is also balanced by the mountain breeze from the Ziria mountains.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Agiorgitiko that was grown organically at the Agia Paraskevi Vineyard that is situated at a high altitude of 870 metres above sea level. This plot is located on the Peloponnese peninsula within the PGI Korinthia subzone, but borders the famous PDO of Nemea to the southeast. The grapes were manually harvested at optimum maturity, traditionally vinified, and aged in oak barrels. Grown at high altitude, the wine gives rise to elegant aromas due to the cooler growing conditions, lower grape maturation temperatures, and a continuous light breeze.

In 2023, the growing season was marked by heavy rainfall during spring, which caused severe diseases such as downy mildew, followed by elevated temperatures and drought during the summer months. Combined, these conditions impacted the vines and reduced yields. However, quality is high. Let's see how this 2023 Agiorgitiko from Korinthia in Peloponnese, Greece, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO 2023 - PGI Korinthia, Greece (#48276) (XD) - $19.95
This organic Agiorgitiko has a medium-high intensity nose that offers an intriguing and funky mix of savoury blackberry, earth, and leather aromas followed by hints of ripe fruits such as pomegranate, black cherry, ripe raspberry, and plum. On the dry, medium+ weighted palate it offers delicious cran-black cherry, pomegranate, plum, raspberry, and spice flavours surrounding a core of savoury earth. It has crisp and juicy acidity, alongside supple, textured tannins. Some minerality on the back palate, while cran-black cherry and raspberry notes taper to savoury earth on the crisp finish, with very good length. A unique wine and a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Gioulis can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of a terrific, vegan-friendly Xinomavro from Greece that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Kir-Yianni is the producer of this lovely Greek red wine. The highly-regarded wine producer was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a legendary winemaker and Greek wine maverick who also represented the 4th generation of the famed Boutaris winemaking family.

As a visionary and innovator, Mr. Boutaris' career path seemed predestined, leading to studies in Chemistry and Oenology. By1970, Yiannis left his family's wine business to chart his own path, eventually settling in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where he planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines. This single vineyard planting of Xinomavro was the pioneering viticulture which both inspired and jolted the status quo in Greek winemaking, and also marked a new era in Greek winemaking which rejuvenated the region and empowered local growers.

This vineyard would go on to become Ktima Kir-Yianni - a name that was chosen because everyone used to call him "Kir", which meant "Sir" in Greek. Thus, the name Kir-Yianni was born. After planting more vines over the years, Yiannis would go on to purchase an old winery in 1996 in the village of Agios Panteleimon. This winery was completely rebuilt and inaugurated a year later to become the new Ktima Kir-Yianni.

In 1999, Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, became Managing Director, and he was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis. There was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal during this period, which led to replanting and acquisition of vineyards. In 2004, Stellios took over the family business as CEO and winemaker. Today, the philosophy at Kir-Yianni is a fine balance between a hundred-year-long family tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques, with the aim of producing appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties. Furthermore, activities in the vineyard and at the winery are based on the principles of integrated farming and protecting the environment. At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision that entails dedication, realism, and systematic investment, and in 2023 they started their journey to carbon neutrality.

Like the 2021 Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro I enjoyed around this time last year, this red wine is crafted with 100% Xinomavro. As the name suggests, the "Cuvée Villages" is a strict selection of grapes from younger vines grown on the Estate and parcels from small winegrowers across the PDO zone of Naoussa. The villages of Naoussa offer an interesting and diverse mix of hilly terrain with variations in altitude, slope, soil structure, and orientation. This wine by Kir-Yianni is a wine enthusiast's introduction to the great richness of the viticultural and winemaking traditions of the region, as well as the dynamics of Xinomavro in its heartland terroir.

To craft this Xinomavro, the grapes were harvested from the end of September, cooled to 10°C, then underwent a rigorous grape selection on a conveyor belt. After cold-soaking for 6 days at low temperatures, it underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 12 to 15 days at temperatures of 20–23°C. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place in mainly 225 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels, in a combination of both new and 3rd-to-5th fill used barrels, for 12 months. The first blend was made on the 6th month of maturation. After bottling, the wine is further matured for 12 months in the cellar prior to release.

In 2022, the season began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops, along with rain which contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. Spring started colder and was drier than usual, which resulted in a later, but even budbreak. Summer featured mild temperatures, apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. September began with 100 mm of heavy rain and continued with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Xinomavro from Naoussa is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI CUVÉE VILLAGES XINOMAVRO 2022 - Vegan, PDO Naoussa, Greece (#14151) (XD) - $21.95
This 100% Xinomavro has a lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is open with ripe red berry, cherry, tomato, and Damson plum nuanced with hints of rose floral, tar, dried cherry, earth, and sweet spice adding elegance and complexity. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe, Damson plum, red berry, tomato, savoury earth, and sweet spice flavours in a gently spicy profile. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the well-structured tannins are refined and finely textured with a gentle grip. Cherry and tomato notes taper to earthy and oak notes with touches of mineral on the long, savoury, and crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Quite a few wines by Kir-Yianni are available online and in a couple of stores in the GTA, and can also be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2024 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly white wine blend crafted with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. It arrived at the LCBO in today's March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Maison Raymond, a family winery based in the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region, about 50 km southeast of Bordeaux. The roots of Maison Raymond begin in 1850 when the first generation of the Raymond family settled in the region and practiced winegrowing at Château de Lagarde.

In 1980, Jean-Pierre Raymond, the 6th generation of the family, took over the business and converted 100% of the family farm to wine production. In total, Jean-Pierre converted 30 hectares of crops exclusively into vineyard land, a number which grew as he expanded Château de Lagarde to 260 hectares of mixed farming across the communes of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Felix, and Saint-Martial.

Organic farming at Maison Raymond was introduced when Lionel Raymond, son of Jean-Pierre, joined the family business in 2000. Lionel expanded the vineyard area at the estate from 70 hectares to 180 hectares, while also acquiring new (and organic) properties. As Lionel had strong respect for the environment and terroir, he was convinced that organic was the way to move forward and proceeded to convert all 130 hectares of vines at Maison Raymond to organic viticulture. As a result, the Raymond family was one of the very first in Bordeaux to convert their entire estate to organic farming, with a firm commitment to sustainability and soil health. As a pioneer and visionary with nearly 250 hectares of certified organic vineyards, Maison Raymond is now the largest independent organic winery in France.

The winemaking philosophy at Raymond is based upon a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, a set of values that have been passed down through the generations to produce exceptional and authentic wines. In 2010, the Lagarde wine cellar was completely renovated and features over 6000 m² of state-of-the-art equipment. As the largest sustainable wine development project at the time, they also installed 2500 m² of photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate renewable electricity.

I've enjoyed previous vintages of this white wine, including most recently the 2022 Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc a couple of years ago. It is produced using a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon. The grapes were grown organically on hillside sites within the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, on clay-limestone soil with gravels. The vineyard experiences a mild climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and also receives lots of sunshine and regular rainfall. The vines were trained using Bordeaux tradition of the double Guyot system, which also helps the grapes reach maturity and avoid phytosanitary disease. It was traditionally vinified in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, without any oak ageing.

The 2024 growing season in Bordeaux was an uneven and challenging vintage that featured rain, rain, and more rain, which led to problems with downy mildew, coulure, and millerandage. However, white wines found great success and consistency in this challenging vintage with freshness, good concentration, and expressive aromas. White wine varieties benefitted from the less extreme temperatures of the year and cooler nighttime temperatures in August and September. Vineyards on earlier-ripening sites and clay-based soils also benefitted from this low-yielding vintage. From a good vintage for white wines in Bordeaux, let's see how this 2024 Bordeaux Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC 2024 - Vegan, AOC Bordeaux, France (#387787) (XD) - $19.95
Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this organic white wine has a delicate, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers attractively ripe and gently honeyed aromas of lemon peel, citrus, yellow apple, quince, and hay with touches of white floral. On dry, medium-full bodied palate it is impressively dense and concentrated with delicious citrus, yellow apple, waxy, and quince flavours in a slightly tart profile, plus white floral and leesy minerals adding a pleasant savoury component. Acids are juicy and fresh. With a nicely textured mouthfeel, the citrus and orchard fruit notes taper to savoury, leesy minerals, plus a touch of dried spice on the long and juicy finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy with seafood, salad, creamy cheeses, or poultry. Score: 89 pts

One other wine by Maison Raymond is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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March 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Women in Wine

Here are my top wine picks from the March 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where Women in Wine is the feature story of the release. With 103 products on offer, this is a relatively large and very good release with some fine wines at various price points. Also included in this release are a relatively high number of quality Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines, with everything readily available for purchase both online and in-store.

We'll begin with the feature story on Women in Wine, an annual thematic that shows up every year in March to coincide with Women's History Month. In this release there are seventeen wines featured as part of the thematic, of which seven wines are among my top wine picks. Both sparkling wine recommendations are from the thematic, with the vintage bubbly from Niagara crafted with Chardonnay, while the Cava from Spain is composed of Parellada, Macabeu, and Xarel·lo. Among the white wines, there is a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, as well as a Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Red wine recommendations from the thematic begin in Rasteau, with a lovely blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, followed by a red from Swartland, South Africa, which consists of 75% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 8% Tinta Barocca, and 2% Grenache. And lastly, there is a Shiraz from the Barossa in Australia.

My top red wine picks from the main release begins in Veneto with a top Amarone della Valpolicella that is crafted with 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, and 5% Oseleta. Other blends include the Chianti Classico Riserva, which is composed of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Rioja is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, and 5% Mazuelo. The rest of my red wine recommendations are mono-varietal wines, including a trio of wines from Greece – one Xinomavro and two Agiorgitikos.

Among my top white wine picks from the main release, we'll begin with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, which is principally Grenache Blanc with Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Piquepoul, and Picardin in support. Other blends include the wine from Croatia, which is a blend of 70% Posip, 20% Vugava, and 10% Chardonnay, while the white wine from Bordeaux is equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Mono-varietal dry white wines include a Chardonnay from South Africa, a Carricante from Etna in Sicily, and a partial-skin contact Sémillon from Chile. For wine lovers who enjoy some sweetness to their wines, there are a pair of lovely Rieslings from the Benchlands area in Niagara. The last wine is a bone-dry Sherry from Spain, which is crafted with 100% Palomino.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHAKANA NUNA VINEYARD MALBEC 2022 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#46401) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO 2023 - PGI Korinthia, Greece (#48276) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• YALUMBA GALWAY VINTAGE SHIRAZ 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Barossa, South Australia (#41311) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• KIR-YIANNI CUVÉE VILLAGES XINOMAVRO 2022 - Vegan, PDO Naoussa, Greece (#14151) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
• PERICA VIÑA OLAGOSA RESERVA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#37634) (XD) - $23.95
• TYRRELL'S HUNTER VALLEY SHIRAZ 2023 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#13990) (XD) - $24.95
• MULLINEUX KLOOF STREET SWARTLAND ROUGE 2023 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#460964) (XD) - $24.95
• DOMAINE LES EVIGNEAUX CUVÉE BELLE DAME RASTEAU 2022 - AOP, Rhône, France (#47575) (XD) - $28.95  review coming soon...
• KTIMA PAPAIOANNOU OLD VINES SINGLE VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO 2015 - PDO Nemea, Greece (#30615) (XD) - $46.95  91+ pts  wine review
• TENUTA DI ARCENO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#47677) (XD) - $49.95  OFE  92+ pts  wine review
• ILATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2018 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#334300) (D) - $59.95  94 pts  wine review
• TESSELAARSDAL PINOT NOIR 2024 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa (#32934) (XD) - $68.95  OFE

White Wine:

• LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC 2024 - Vegan, AOC Bordeaux, France (#387787) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#224428) (XD) - $19.95
• STINA CUVÉE WHITE 2024 - PDO Central and South Dalmatia, Croatia (#32035) (XD) - $21.95
• MULLINEUX KLOOF STREET OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC 2023 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#21111) (XD) - $21.95
• THREE DOG FOXCROFT RIESLING 2024 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#50119) (D) - $23.95
• MATURANA PARELLON NATURAL SEMILLON 2024 - DO Valle de Colchagua Costa, Chile (#15745) (XD) - $28.95  OFE  review coming soon...
• THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WOOD POST VINEYARD RIESLING 2021 - Sustainable, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#359760) (D) - $28.95  OFE  94 pts  wine review
• TORNATORE PIETRARIZZO ETNA BIANCO 2023 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#632489) (XD) - $39.95
• TESSELAARSDAL CHARDONNAY 2024 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa (#32933) (XD) - $49.95  OFE
• E. GUIGAL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2023 - AOC, Rhône, France (#28618) (XD) - $82.95  OFE

Sparkling Wine:

• PARÉS BALTÀ V BRUT CAVA - Vegan, Traditional Method, DO, Spain (#650648) (XD) - $17.95
• TAWSE SPARK QUARRY ROAD BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING 2017 - Traditional Method, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48055) (XD) - $39.95

Fortified Wine:

• HIDALGO LA GITANA EN RAMA MANZANILLA - DO, Spain (#47038) (D) - $34.95  OFE

Dessert Wine:

• INNISKILLIN RIESLING ICEWINE 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#50313, 200 mL) (S) - $43.95

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Maturana Puente Austral Gran Reserva Carmenère 2022 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Chilean Carmenère that made its debut at the LCBO about ten days ago in the February 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It was also featured on the cover of the release catalogue and was part of the thematic on wines from the Southern Hemisphere.

It is produced by Maturana Winery, a family-owned boutique winery that was established by the Maturana brothers, José Ignacio and Sebastian. The brothers had a great passion for viticulture and wine, and after the great earthquake in Chile in 2010, they decided that there was no time to waste in pursuing their passion.

With sustainability at the top of mind, the Maturana brothers have been producing unique wines which represent a way of life. Their philosophy since the beginning has been to capture the identity of each variety and specific place, and allow each to be expressed in the wine. In order to achieve the best expression of each variety and place, Maturana uses innovative approaches to fermentation and ageing by using different materials such as concrete in different sizes and shapes, clay jars, or French oak. The brothers welcome differentiation and look at doing things differently as an opportunity. To further their sustainability efforts, Maturana supports the natural and responsible management of vineyards, which benefits the growers and their families. As an example, Maturana pays their growers more than 7 times the market average for the price per kilo of grapes.

At Maturana, passion and quality are the main drivers. They are also firmly committed to making known old vineyards and native strains of varieties that exist in central Chile, with some of these vineyards dating back to the year 1900. Their mission is to produce the best quality wines, with the image, name, and communication method all playing a role and contributing to their concept of creating something unique. Their motto is based on the Walt Disney phrase - "Dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them."

While I enjoyed the 2022 Maturana Puente Austral Reserva Privada Carmenère just over a year ago, this red wine is from the same vintage, but comes from their Gran Reserva line, which is a step up from their Reserva Privada line. Like the wine tasted last year, this red wine is also crafted with 100% Carmenère, but was aged for 12 months in third-use French oak barrels.

In 2022, the growing season began with a cold winter that was extremely dry. With parched soil and a cool spring, vine growth was slow, along with several frosts which cut yields. However, budburst and flowering were reasonably successful, leading to a summer that was cooler than normal, until late in the season when it started to heat up, which was vital in helping red grape varieties reach phenolic ripeness. Light rains late in the season also provided some relief. During harvest, the weather was warm and dry, and while yields were down due to drought and frosts, the quality is excellent with wines exhibiting exceptional concentration, balance, purity, and structure. Let's see how this 2022 Carmenère from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MATURANA PUENTE AUSTRAL GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2022 - Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#47474) (XD) - $21.95
This 100% Carmenère is fresh and fragrant with a lovely, medium-high intensity nose of ripe red & black berry fruit, currant, tobacco, cococa, and savoury earth aromas mingling with dried & green herbals, and peppery spice. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is well-structured with very good concentration. Spicy flavours are joined by ripe blackberry fruit, currant, tobacco, and savoury earth notes accented with green herbs in a fairly complex profile. Juicy acids are supported by refined, slightly gritty textured tannins that have a mild grip. The finish is long and savoury with cedar, earth, and hints of smoky mineral. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Limited quantities of other wines, including a Semillon that is coming to LCBO VINTAGES this weekend, are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Eradus Pinot Gris 2024 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, dry Pinot Gris from the Awatere Valley in Marlborough that was featured as part of the thematic on wines from the Southern Hemisphere in last weekend's February 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Eradus Wines, a small, family-owned winery that was established by Har and Sophie Eradus, a couple who had emigrated from Holland in 1982 and grew flowers in Auckland. The couple embarked on a semi-retirement project in the 1990s and settled on an extraordinary footprint of land at the edge of the Awatere River, in the Awatere Valley of Marlborough, to grow grapes. At the time, this dryland was sheep country with only a few pioneering winegrowers.

The couple's connection to this land seemed fated when Sophie cleared a shed on the property and found an old potbelly door with an embossed logo that entwined their initials - "H", "S" and "E" - which inspired the Eradus logo. The couple's imagination was captured by this sliver of land that was nestled between a higher terrace and the glacial river below, with its guarding boundary of gnarled old macrocarpa cypress trees. From the beginning, Har and Sophie desired to have the unique and untameable terroir of the Awatere Valley express itself through their vines, grapes, and ultimately, the wines.

In 2004, Michiel, son of Har and Sophie, and his Kiwi wife, Hanna, took over the family business with a commitment to celebrating the unique terroir of this place. Their philosophy is based upon bending to nature and letting the Awatere Valley imprint itself upon every Eradus wine.

Eradus' piece of land has a unique mesoclimate that is truly cool-climate viticulture. To the east is the Pacific Ocean, a windswept stretch of blue which influences diurnal temperatures. To the south is towering Mount Tapuae-o-uenuku, while on the western horizon are sun-bleached high country hills. In between, on a sliver of terrace at the edge of a river, Eradus grows wines that encapsulate this extraordinary place. The windier nature of this area naturally protects their vines from disease. The area is also drier with a harsh sun, cool winds, and rocky soils that ensure small berries with concentrated flavours. The vine's roots dig deep into the rocky terrace, four metres above the mountain-fed Awatere River, to create wines of minerality and crisp, clean acidity.

Like other wines in the Eradus portfolio, including the lovely 2023 Eradus Pinot Noir I enjoyed last year, this white wine is also a single vineyard that was grown on the estate in the Awatere Valley. Crafted with 100% Pinot Gris from 19-year-old vines that are grown on a slender terrace at the edge of the Awatere River, on alluvial and river stone soils. With a unique microclimate and soil structure that is influenced by a fault line, a river, and the power of the nearby Pacific Ocean, their land is stony, dry, windy, and cool, elements which create wines of elegance and minerality with a lively and lingering finish.

The 2024 vintage in New Zealand is widely considered to be the best in living memory. The growing season began with unpredictable weather, including during budburst and flowering, but then settled down without any extreme weather. Summer was warm and dry, which created drought conditions for most of the country. However, temperatures during summer never got intensely hot, while autumn brought cooler weather, which helped cool the grapes and retain acidity and aromatics, and also extended the harvest season. Although yields were down in most of the country, the results were brilliant with clean and fresh fruit. From an exceptional vintage, let's see how this 2024 Pinot Gris from New Zealand is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ERADUS PINOT GRIS 2024 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#439000) (XD) - $21.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this single vineyard Pinot Gris underwent fermentation and ageing in both stainless steel and barrel. Fresh, crisp, and clean medium-high intensity nose delivers ripe citrus, lemon pith, pear, stone fruits, white peach, and melon aromas with hints of leesy mineral. The medium+ bodied palate is dry with a lovely textural mouthfeel and flavours of zesty lemon citrus, pear, melon, and white peach alongside spice notes and touches of stony minerals. It has a fresh and zesty acidity, while citrus and grapefruit notes taper to savoury and stony minerals on the long, dry, crisp, and textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

One other wine by Eradus is readily available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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