November 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: All Aboard for the Holidays

Here are my top wine picks from the November 7, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). Titled “All Aboard for the Holidays,” this release features wines for pairing with great bites, with a focus on versatile boards for holiday entertaining and references to specific boards featured in Food & Drink magazine. The ongoing trend of smaller releases continues, with just 69 products featured, 49 of which are red wines. Quality is good once again, with one-third of the wines making my recommended list, and everything should be available for purchase both online and in stores at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature story, which focuses on wines that are perfect pairings for versatile boards at holiday gatherings. Of the fifteen wines included in the thematic, six are among my top wine picks. Up first are a couple of sparkling wines: a traditional method bubbly from Niagara crafted with 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier, and 6% Pinot Blanc; and, for those who prefer sweeter bubblies, a 100% Moscato from Piedmont. Red wine recommendations begin with the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino, made with 100% Sangiovese, followed by the 2017 Douro, composed of 55% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and 5% Sezão. There's also a fine Gamay from Niagara, followed by a 2023 Carmenère from Chile.

Among my top red wine recommendations from the main release, most are blends, beginning with a Wings Carmenère that includes 15% Cabernet Franc. From South Africa, the 2022 Stellenbosch red is a blend of 41% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, while the 2023 Stellenbosch red is composed of 38% Pinotage, 34% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. From Portugal, the 2023 Douro red is composed of 59% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barroca, and 5% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo). The 2024 Tinto from Douro, meanwhile, is an unoaked blend of 30% Tinta Barroca, 33% Tinta Roriz, and 23% Touriga Franca. The Bordeaux red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, while the red from Veneto is made with 45% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, and 15% Rondinella.

Among the mono-varietal reds, the Rosso di Montalcino is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, while both the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino and the Chianti Classico are 100% Sangiovese. Last but not least, the fantastic Barolo is crafted with 100% Nebbiolo.

It was a bit of slim pickings among the white wines, with only a dozen to choose from. Fabulous wines from Niagara lead the way among my top white wine picks, starting with a Chardonnay from the Twenty Mile Bench, an off-dry Riesling from the Short Hills Bench, and a barrel-fermented and -aged Sauvignon Blanc from the Beamsville Bench. The final white wine is a blend of 50% Malagousia, 30% Vidiano, and 20% Assyrtiko from Greece.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CASA FERREIRINHA PAPA FIGOS TINTO 2024 - Sustainable, DOC Douro, Portugal (#11157) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU LOIRAC MÉDOC 2020 - Sustainable, AOP, Bordeaux, France (#50677) (XD) - $18.00
• ARBOLEDA CARMENÈRE 2023 - DO Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#46284) (XD) - $19.95
• VERGELEGEN THE MILL RED BLEND 2022 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#52072) (XD) - $19.95
• MANUEL CARVALHO MARTINS GOLPE RED 2023 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#26834) (XD) - $20.95
• KANONKOP KADETTE CAPE BLEND 2023 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#21108) (XD) - $21.95

• BRIGALDARA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2024 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#16090) (XD) - $22.95
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES GAMAY NOIR 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#17239) (XD) - $25.95
• CASISANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#551267) (XD) - $27.95  91 pts  wine review
• DIEVOLE PETRIGNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#39448) (XD) - $29.95
• PRATS & SYMINGTON POST SCRIPTUM DE CHRYSEIA 2023 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#67538) (XD) - $34.95  OFE  92 pts  wine review
• QUADRUS RESERVA 2017 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#534271) (XD) - $39.95  92+ pts  wine review

• CLOUDSLEY HANCK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#54649) (XD) - $59.95  OFE
• MONTES WINGS CARMENÈRE 2021 - DO Apalta, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#33354) (XD) - $67.95  93 pts  wine review
• RÉVA BAROLO 2021 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#490045) (XD) - $69.95  92+ pts  wine review
• CORTONESI LA MANNELLA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#39283) (XD) - $69.95  OFE
• LUCE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#120881) (XD) - $165.95  93 pts  wine review
  
  

White Wine:

• OENOPS APLA WHITE BLEND 2025 - Greece (#51115) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• HIDDEN BENCH ROSOMEL VINEYARD FUMÉ BLANC 2025 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68825) (XD) - $29.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#643361) (M) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CLOUDSLEY WINGFIELD VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16074) (XD) - $59.95  OFE

Sparkling Wine:

• VIETTI MOSCATO D'ASTI 2025 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#45155) (S) - $24.95
• KEW TRADITION SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#491092) (XD) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review

Fortified Wine:

• QUINTA DO PILOTO MOSCATEL DE SETÚBAL 2023 - DOC, Portugal (#52408) (S) - $16.95

Read More

Cave du Château de Chénas Coeur de Granit Moulin-à-Vent 2023 (Beaujolais) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Gamay from the Moulin-à-Vent Cru in Beaujolais that was featured as the Wine of the Month in the recent October 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It was also included in the feature story on wines to stock up on for the holidays!

It is produced by Cave du Château de Chénas, a cooperative winery based in the commune of Chénas, in northern Beaujolais near the border of southern Burgundy. The historic wine cooperative has its roots in a large vaulted cellar, dating back to 1730, which is among the largest in Beaujolais and naturally maintains a constant temperature of 13°C year-round. In 1821, the property and its cellar were acquired by Adrien Delahante, who subsequently built the present Château de Chénas in the style of a large Italian villa.

In 1934, a group of winegrowers led by founding President Louis Sylvestre purchased the château, cellar, and part of the surrounding vineyards, establishing the Cave du Château de Chénas cooperative. The cooperative also owns approximately 4.9 hectares of vineyards in Moulin-à-Vent and 0.25 hectares in Chénas. Initially, there were 40 winegrowers representing 44 hectares of vineyards. Today, more than 80 winegrowing families cultivate approximately 200 hectares, most of which are located on hillsides. Additionally, 180 members bring their grapes to the cooperative for vinification and marketing. In total, the cooperative produces more than 10,000 hectolitres of AOC wines, with the majority coming from the Chénas and Moulin-à-Vent Crus, while also producing smaller quantities from the other eight Beaujolais Crus.

This red wine is from the cooperative's Cœur de Granit (Heart of Granite) range, which features a selection of grapes from its oldest vines, producing smaller berries. Furthermore, wines in the Cœur de Granit range undergo longer vinification and ageing. To craft this Gamay, the grapes were grown in the Moulin-à-Vent Cru, where the homogeneous soils include pink granite, limestone, marl, and sandstone. It was traditionally vinified using semi-carbonic maceration and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and vibrant fruit character.

In 2023, the growing season in Beaujolais began with alternating cold, warm, and wet conditions over the first three months of the year, leading to budbreak on schedule without any bouts of frost. April and May alternated between cold and wet or hot and dry conditions, with successful flowering taking place in early June. Hot and sunny weather in June and July resulted in early véraison and expectations of an August harvest. However, August turned cool and wet before warm, sunny weather returned towards the end of the month, ultimately leading to an early harvest in September. Yields were up 20% over the previous year, and the vintage produced wines emphasizing purity of fruit, aromatics, and balance. Following a second consecutive outstanding vintage, let's see how this 2023 Gamay from the Beaujolais Cru of Moulin-à-Vent is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS COEUR DE GRANIT MOULIN-À-VENT 2023 - AOC, Beaujolais, France (#648477) (XD) - $23.95
100% Gamay Noir. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose has savoury herb aromas followed by hints of earthy red berry, strawberry, cran-cherry, currant, red plum, peppery spice, and cocoa notes. The light-to-mid-weighted palate is ripe, crunchy, and gently structured with delicious red berry, strawberry, cran-cherry, black cherry, currant, and spice flavours surrounding a core of savoury earth and cocoa. It has fresh and lively acidity, along with light, fine-grained tannins with good structure. Well-balanced throughout, while the long finish is savoury and juicy. Shows best at a slightly warmer temperature of 16°C and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Cave du Château de Chénas can be ordered through their Agent - Vinexx.

Read More

El Goru 38 Barrels Monastrell/Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious, organic and vegan-friendly Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. It was featured on the cover and as part of the holiday stocking-up theme in the recent October 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

El Goru wines are produced by Ego Bodegas, a prominent winery located in Jumilla, Spain. Established in 2011 by husband-and-wife team of Santos Ortiz and Ioana Paunescu, the project was borne out of the partners' passion and effort. Although they started with limited financial resources, the couple had extraordinary talent for creating wines and coordinating the financial, marketing, and sales departments.

Santos, who is Spanish, and Ioana, who is originally from Romania, fell in love with a spectacular farm in the elevated area of Hoya Torres in Jumilla, locally known as the carpenter's place, surrounded by old vineyards planted to Monastrell. Their approach was to build a commercially viable wine business around three core concepts: Quality, Image, and Price. After two years of planning and hard work, they established Ego Bodegas, a wine brand based on a philosophy that is captured in three words: ego, talento, and infinito — or self, talent, and infinity — reflecting their passion, learning, and dreams without limits.

Today, Ego Bodegas has 35 hectares of vineyards, most of which are planted to native varieties, with a particular focus on Monastrell, a varietal exceptionally well adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of Jumilla. The dark, calcareous soils have good permeability and moisture-retention properties, helping the vines endure long periods of drought. The climate in Jumilla is continental and arid, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the plateau of La Mancha to the west. Since the beginning, Santos and Ioana have taken a contemporary approach to winemaking, combining traditional methods with modern techniques. While Monastrell remains central to Ego Bodegas, the winery continues to innovate, expanding its portfolio to include wines made from other varieties, as well as blends that combine international grapes with Monastrell to create modern expressions of Jumilla.

Like the 2020 El Goru 38 Barrels I enjoyed early last year, this vintage is also primarily crafted with Monastrell (approx. 85%) and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. The selected grapes were collected manually with great care, placed in small boxes and brought to the winery. It underwent a cold maceration for a week to extract the greatest amount of aromatics and colour, which was helped by using the pigeage method (punch-downs) for a controlled and regulated extraction. The wine was made exclusively and carefully from a selection of 38 barrels, in a combination of both French and American oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation took place in these 38 barrels, followed by ageing for 12 months in their temperature-controlled cellars.

Like the 2020 El Goru 38 Barrels I enjoyed early last year, this vintage is also primarily crafted with Monastrell (approximately 85%), with the balance being Cabernet Sauvignon. The selected grapes were harvested manually, carefully placed in small boxes, and brought to the winery. They underwent a week of cold maceration to extract maximum aromas and colour, with punch-downs (pigeage) used to help regulate extraction. The wine was made exclusively and carefully from a selection of 38 barrels, in a combination of both French and American oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation took place in these 38 barrels, followed by ageing for 12 months in their temperature-controlled cellars.

The 2021 growing season in Jumilla began with a cold and rainy spring, while summer was also cooler than usual. August brought higher temperatures, including a week of intense heat that challenged some varieties. Rainfall towards the end of harvest meant extra work in the vineyards, while northerly winds and favourable temperatures from late September to early October helped the grapes reach optimal ripeness and develop intense varietal flavours. From a cooler vintage, let's see how this 2021 Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Jumilla is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Vegan, DO Jumilla, Spain (#41096) (XD) - $21.95
Organic. Mainly Monastrell with Cabernet Sauvignon in support, this has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose that offers ripe black fruits, blackberry, and black cherry aromas alongside purple fruit, and spice with savoury earth, and oak undertones. On the dry, medium+ weighted palate it is quite spicy with a delicious core of ripe black & purple fruits, blackberry, black cherry, plum, cedar oak, and savoury earth flavours in a slightly warming profile. Refreshing acids are crisp and juicy, while the refined tannins have a slightly grippy, chalky textured mouthfeel, with good structure. Ripe black fruits taper to cedar oak, smoke, and earth notes on the long, crisp finish. Give this highly recommended buy a slight chill and enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Ego Bodegas are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Read More

Tasca d'Almerita Regaleali Nero d'Avola 2023 (Sicily) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, certified sustainable Nero d'Avola from Sicily that arrived at the LCBO last weekend in the October 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Tasca d'Almerita, one of Sicily's most renowned and influential winemaking families, whose history dates back to 1830, when brothers Lucio and Carmelo Mastrogiovanni Tasca purchased the Regaleali estate, encompassing approximately 1,200 hectares in central Sicily, and introduced modern agricultural technology to the Sicilian countryside. Since then, successive generations of the family have cared for this land and shared its bounty with passion.

In 1840, the dowry of Lucio's wife, Beatrice Lanza, included Villa Camastra, known today as Villa Tasca, which became the Palermo residence of the Tasca d'Almerita family and remains in family ownership today. In 1854, Regaleali was awarded the distinction of "model farm" for agriculture. At the time, growing grains and producing fodder were the estate's main activities, while vineyards occupied only a small portion of the land. In 1890, the vines at Regaleali were decimated by the phylloxera epidemic sweeping across Europe, prompting the creation of a special nursery at Villa Camastra to graft grapevines onto healthy American rootstock.

Tenuta Regaleali was reshaped in 1950, when the estate and its lands were redistributed as part of the Italian agricultural reform, reducing its size to approximately 500 hectares. This period also marked the beginning of its modern vineyard development, including Nero d'Avola vines planted at the San Lucio vineyard in 1954. Over the ensuing years, the family planted additional indigenous and international grape varieties while establishing new estates across Sicily.

Since 2001, the family business has been led by Alberto Tasca, representing the eighth generation of the family, with a vision of strengthening its longstanding commitment to quality and continuous experimentation. Tenuta Regaleali is an oasis tucked among the high, green hills of central Sicily and represents the history of an entire family. Today, Tenuta Regaleali spans nearly 600 hectares, encompassing 12 different soil types and six hills ranging from 450 to 850 metres above sea level, offering considerable diversity in growing conditions. All wines bearing the Regaleali name come from a single vineyard or multiple vineyards within the estate. In 2017, Tasca d'Almerita became certified under the VIVA/SOStain sustainability programme, and in 2023, it achieved B Corp certification.

This red wine is crafted from 100% Nero d'Avola grown at the family's Regaleali estate in the Contea di Sclafani DOC in central Sicily. It is one of the estate's historic wines, representing a legacy spanning 68 harvests of Nero d'Avola production. The grapes were harvested at the optimal point along their maturation curve to ensure elegance and achieve the perfect balance between austerity and fullness. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 26–28°C, with an average maceration period of 10 days, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Half of the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks, while the other half spent 10 months in 300- and 600 L Slavonian oak barrels.

The 2023 growing season in Sicily began with challenges during flowering, as rainfall caused significant coulure, naturally reducing yields and concentrating the berries into fewer bunches. Frost was also a concern, with several distinct cold snaps during budbreak keeping vineyard managers on high alert. Climatic conditions were otherwise cool and classical, without any significant summer temperature spikes, allowing fresh aromatics to develop rather than concentrating on power. Harvest took place under mixed skies. Overall, the vintage produced wines of elegance, versatility and freshness, with good terroir expression. Let's see how this 2023 Nero d'Avola from Sicily is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TASCA D'ALMERITA REGALEALI NERO D'AVOLA 2023 - Sustainable, DOC Sicilia, Italy (#39660) (XD) - $18.95
Fresh, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers rustic, wild black cherry aromas mingling with spices, underbrush, and savoury earth, plus touches of brambly berry and leafy herbs. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and impressively structured with delicious wild black cherry, spices, and earth flavours joined by oak accents and dried herbs. It has crisp, well-structured acidity, along with ripe, structured, and slightly youthful tannins. Really nicely balanced throughout with mineral notes coming through on the mid-palate and carrying into the long, savoury, and crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other lovely wine by Tasca d'Almerita is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Vinexx.

Read More

October 24, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Stock Up For The Holidays

Here are my top wine picks from the October 24, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where “Stock Up for the Holidays” is the feature story. Not only is this another small release, with just 68 SKUs, but the LCBO has also managed to shrink the catalogue to 20 pages by eliminating some duplication, removing tasting notes from the print edition (though they remain available on the LCBO website), and dropping the checklist at the back. On the bright side, the quality is quite good, with nearly a third of the wines included among my top wine picks. Everything should be readily available for purchase at the LCBO, both online and in stores across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature on wines to stock up on for the holidays. Of the twenty-one wines included in the feature, eleven are among my top wine picks in this release, making for an exciting thematic! Of the sparkling wines, both are VINTAGES Essentials products made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the bubbly from 13th Street crafted in a sparkling rosé style. At the top of my white wine picks from the feature is an excellent wine by Niagara's Kew Vineyards, a blend of 53% Marsanne and 47% Viognier, followed by a consistently reliable Chardonnay from Niagara. Other white wine recommendations include an Encruzado from Portugal, a Chardonnay from South Africa, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Australia.

Most of my red wine recommendations from the feature story are blends, beginning with an Amarone made with 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta, and 5% Molinara. Next is the 2018 Rioja, which is approximately 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, with the balance made up of Graciano and Mazuelo. Rounding out the blends is a wine from Jumilla in Spain, composed primarily of Monastrell with Cabernet Sauvignon in support. The lone mono-varietal red is a Gamay from the Moulin-à-Vent Cru in Beaujolais, which is also the Wine of the Month in this release.

Among my top red wine recommendations from the main release, at the top of the list is the iconic Tignanello, a blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in support. Next is the second wine of Ornellaia, composed of 49% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, and 13% Cabernet Franc. The only other blend is a Côtes du Rhône-Villages made with 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. Among the mono-varietal reds, we can sip local with an excellent Pinot Noir from Niagara. From Italy, there is a fine Brunello di Montalcino made with Sangiovese, as well as a Nero d'Avola from Sicily, a Montepulciano from Abruzzo, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Venezie.

With only twelve white wines included in the main release, there isn't a great deal of choice for white wine lovers. As such, there are just three top white wine picks, led by a Chardonnay from New Zealand. There's also a Verdicchio from Marche and a dry Gewürztraminer from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 - DOC Venezia, Italy (#39484) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE LA DÉCELLE RÉSERVE VALRÉAS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 - AOC, France (#14391) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• TASCA D'ALMERITA REGALEALI NERO D'AVOLA 2023 - Sustainable, DOC Sicilia, Italy (#39660) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#41096) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS COEUR DE GRANIT MOULIN-À-VENT 2023 - AOC, Beaujolais, France (#648477) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• TORRE ZAMBRA COLLE MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2024 - DOC, Italy (#36690) (XD) - $26.95  89 pts  wine review

• CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11665) (XD) - $36.95  92+ pts  wine review
• R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA CUBILLO CRIANZA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#692780) (XD) - $38.95
• ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994095) (XD) - $74.95  92 pts  wine review
• MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $84.95  92+ pts  wine review
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2024 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $84.95
• TIGNANELLO 2023 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#986786) (XD) - $209.95

White Wine:

• CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2024 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#268169) (XD) - $18.95
• SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#518357) (XD) - $18.95
  
• REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#360255) (XD) - $19.95
• CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2023 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#328559) (XD) - $19.95
• CABRIZ RESERVA ENCRUZADO WHITE 2025 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#45051) (XD) - $19.95
• KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $22.95  92 pts  wine review
• NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#331652) (XD) - $33.95
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY 2024 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16059) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• 13TH STREET CUVÉE BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ - Vegan, Sustainable, Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147504) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#224766) (D) - $32.95  90+ pts  wine review

Read More

Domaine La Décelle Réserve Valréas Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2022 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Côtes du Rhône-Villages from Valréas in the Southern Rhône that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the October 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

The wines of Domaine La Décelle are produced by Maison LAVAU, a well-respected wine producer situated near the village of Sablet, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail hills in the Southern Rhône Valley. The Lavau family's winemaking heritage dates back to the 19th century in Saint-Émilion. After returning to France from Tunisia in the 1960s, the family took charge of a small winemaking cellar in Sablet, at the heart of the Rhône Valley.

Maison LAVAU was established in 1965 by Jean-Guy Lavau and his wife Anne-Marie, and went on to become an important player in the local wine industry. Their sons, brothers Frédéric and Benoît Lavau, joined the family winery after completing their studies and took over the business in 2000 when their parents retired. In 2010, the brothers fell in love with the terroir at Domaine La Décelle and purchased the estate.

Domaine La Décelle is situated in the heart of the Enclave des Papes, a small part of the Vaucluse department situated in Drôme provençale, south of the village of Valréas. The 100-hectare estate has distinctive characteristics due to its latitude and altitude, creating unique climatic conditions that are ideal for producing structured and complex wines with great freshness. The vineyards encompass different sectors of Valréas, with elevations reaching up to 320 metres above sea level. The cooler climate and significant diurnal temperature variation help preserve freshness, while the southwest-facing vines benefit from abundant sunshine. The vineyards are planted on varied soil types, including clay-limestone and sandy soils, and are cultivated according to the principles of reasoned agriculture.

Like the 2017 Domaine La Décelle Réserve Valréas I enjoyed some years ago, this red wine is crafted with 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah grown at the estate on clay-limestone soils. It was traditionally vinified using rack-and-return (délestage) and regular pump-overs (remontage), followed by a relatively long 30-day maceration. The wine was then aged for 6 months in previously used French oak barrels.

In 2022, the growing season in the Southern Rhone was marked by extreme heat and drought conditions. Spring was very dry with only 50 mm of rain from March to May, while an early Summer was even dryer with hot and arid conditions. Welcoming rainfall in the middle of August saved the vines and helped produce red wines that are lush, balanced, supple, and lively. From a disease-free vintage that was the hottest and driest on record since 1950, and produced great wines, let's see how this 2022 Valréas Côtes du Rhône-Villages is tasting tonight...

The 2022 growing season in the Southern Rhône was marked by extreme heat and drought conditions. Spring was particularly dry, with only 50 mm of rainfall from March to May, while early summer brought further hot and arid conditions. Welcome rainfall in mid-August helped the vines recover and contributed to the production of red wines that are described as lush, balanced, supple and lively. The Despite being disease-free and the hottest and driest since 1950, the 2022 vintage has proven excellent, with remarkable balance and quality. Let's see how this 2022 Valréas Côtes du Rhône-Villages is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE LA DÉCELLE RÉSERVE VALRÉAS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 - AOC, France (#14391) (XD) - $16.95
This 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah has a delicate, medium+ intensity nose offering ripe dark fruit, black raspberry, blackberry, plum, black pepper, meaty, savoury earth, and stony mineral aromas. On the dry, medium+ bodied, dense, and well-structured palate it has delicious dark fruit, black raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, black pepper, meaty, and earthy/stony mineral flavours joined by hints of lavender/violet and garrigue adding interest and complexity. It has fresh and lively acidity, along with smooth, supple, and well-structured tannins. Juicy and well-balanced throughout, with dark berry, peppery spice, meaty, and smoky mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Domaine La Décelle can be ordered through their Agent - Marchands des Amériques.

Read More

Kew Marsanne/Viognier 2024 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is this excellent blend of Marsanne and Viognier from Niagara that arrived at the LCBO in today's October 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection as part of the feature on wines to stock up on for the holidays.

It is produced by Kew Vineyards, a boutique winery focused on small-batch wine production situated on the Beamsville Bench in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula. Kew Vineyards is housed in a 160+ year old homestead that was built by William Kew sometime in the mid-1800s. The Kew family lived in the home and operated a successful carriage making company from the house. Historically, the Kew homestead was known for mixing business with pleasure.

It is produced by Kew Vineyards, a boutique winery focused on small-batch wine production situated on the Beamsville Bench in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula. Kew Vineyards is housed in a homestead dating back more than 160 years that was built by William Kew sometime in the mid-1800s. The Kew family lived in the home and operated a successful carriage-making company from the property, making the historic homestead a place where business and country life came together.

In the 1970s, the Kew family's chapter ended and a new one began when Mr. Hermann Weis brought his own vine clones from the Mosel Valley in Germany and planted some of Niagara's first Riesling vines surrounding the former Kew homestead. This marked the beginning of Kew Vineyards and, as a result, Mr. Weis also became a true pioneer of Ontario's wine region.

Kew Vineyards has changed hands several times over the years and is currently owned by Arterra Wines Canada, which acquired the historic homestead and its 80+ acres of land, including vineyards, in 2023. The philosophy at Kew Vineyards is not only about beautiful wine, but also gracious country hospitality. The winery offers an opportunity to go off the beaten path, take your time, and enjoy the surroundings, blending old-world elegance with new-world charm. The wines at Kew Vineyards are an expression of passion for winemaking, the land, and the way wine celebrates daily life. In early 2024, Phillip Brown was named estate winemaker at Kew Vineyards.

I last enjoyed the 2020 Kew Marsanne, which included a splash of Viognier. In the 2024 vintage, it is composed of nearly equal parts of the two grapes, with the exact blend being 53% Marsanne and 47% Viognier. Kew Vineyards prides itself on its unique vineyard, which includes some of the oldest vines in Ontario, as well as a few varietals that are rarely grown in the region. The Marsanne vines, which are rare to find in Ontario, are particularly special as they remain unique to Kew and continue to thrive despite the cool climate and the challenges it presents.

The 2024 growing season in Niagara had near-perfect conditions, beginning with a mild winter and no spring frost events. Spring was warmer than usual, resulting in an early start to the season and early bud break. Summer was marked by above-average temperatures, with warm days and warmer-than-usual nights. The reduced diurnal temperature range contributed to grapes with intense flavours and colour development. During harvest in September, warm temperatures and some humidity linked to extreme weather events created disease risk for white varieties that had not yet been picked. From a very good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2024 Marsanne/Viognier blend from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $22.95
Enclosed by Stelvin screw cap, this blend of 53% Marsanne and 47% Viognier is rich and highly fragrant with lovely, ripe, lemon citrus, yellow & white florals, apple, and winter melon aromas flecked with anise, fennel, herbal complexity, plus hints of wood spice and vanilla. On the dry, full-ish bodied palate it is richly concentrated, ripe, and gently honeyed with delicious lemon citrus, apple, yellow & white floral, anise, herbs, and peppery spice flavours with hints of vanilla adding further complexity. There's some warmth on the finely textured mid-palate, while acids are juicy and well-structured. The lemon citrus, apple, floral, and herbal flavours are joined by touches of leesy minerals on the exceptionally long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Several lovely wines by Kew Vineyards are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered direct from the winery in Niagara, as well as through Arterra Wines Canada.

Read More