Greywacke Riesling 2018 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

I had the opportunity to taste this fantastic Riesling back in March, in New Zealand with winemaker Kevin Judd (a full report on this is coming soon), and am delighted to see it come to LCBO VINTAGES on October 31st. For tonight's wine review, we take a look at how this Riesling has evolved, 8 months after my first tasting.I have tasted many wines from Greywacke over the years...

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October 31, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California + Italy

After nearly a month without a VINTAGES Release, we return with a fairly large October 31, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release that focuses on high-quality (and high-priced wines) from California as the main theme, while the mini-theme features wines from Italy. All of these wines, plus those from the rest of the Release, will be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.We begin...

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13th Street June's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious, locally-made, unoaked Chardonnay from Niagara that arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on October 31.It is produced by 13th Street Winery in St. Catharines, Ontario, within the Niagara Peninsula. 13th Street Winery was founded in 1988 and purchased by the current owners, John & June Mann and Doug & Karen Whitty, in 2008. Doug is the third...

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Rocca delle Macìe Single Vineyard Riserva di Fizzano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent Gran Selezione Chianti Classico from Tuscany that arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on October 31st.Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973 by by Italian film producer Italo Zingarelli to fulfill a life-long dream to have his own winery when he acquired the "Le Macìe" estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. Today, Rocca delle Macìe has four...

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Zirkova One and Together Ultra Premium Vodka (Ukraine) - Spirit Reviews

For tonight's reviews, I bring you a pair of lovely vodkas from Ukraine that are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.The Zirkova Vodka brand was founded by Canadians headquartered in Ontario and is authentically made in the Ukraine at the original factory that Tsar Nicholas II began distilling vodka in the 1800s. While this vodka is made with wheat and rye, it...

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Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Personally, I enjoy drinking rosé all year-round, so for tonight's wine review I opened this lovely rosé from Argentina that arrived during the summer as part of the July 11 LCBO VINTAGES Release.It is produced by Susana Balbo Wines, a family winery located at the foothills of the Andes in the town of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, within the province of Mendoza. After working in...

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Monte Creek Ranch Cabernet/Merlot 2017 and Hands Up Red 2017 (British Columbia) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of red wine blends from British Columbia that are available in Ontario for the first time!Monte Creek Ranch Winery is owned by a local B.C. family and supported by a trusted team of on-site professionals to manage daily winery and ranch operations. They are one of four wineries located in the cool climate region of Thompson Valley GI (Geographical...

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Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent organic Brunello di Montalcino that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 19th - with plenty still available. I opened this wine tonight to coincide with an interactive Col d'Orcia Tasting Event via Zoom hosted by Francesco Marone Cinzano - the Count of Montalcino and owner of Col d'Orcia - and moderated by Carolyn Evans Hammond.The...

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El Enemigo Chardonnay 2017 and Bonarda 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Reviews

To cap off a relaxing Thanksgiving Day long weekend, tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely Wines of Argentina by El Enemigo. Both of these delicious wines arrived in LCBO VINTAGES in July, and while there are still a few bottles available for purchase across Ontario, you may also be able to find these wines aplenty via their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.Winemaker...

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Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costières de Nîmes 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely organic red wine from Rhône that returned to LCBO VINTAGES on October 3. I had the pleasure of visiting Château de Nages back in Spring 2018 and still recall fond memories of the visit. I have also tasted this previous vintages of this wine and have always loved it.Château de Nages is now owned by the highly-acclaimed winemaker Michel Gassier,...

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Kahurangi Mount Arthur Reserve Riesling 2017 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely medium dry (i.e. somewhat sweet), vegan-friendly Riesling from New Zealand. This white wine is new to the LCBO and arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5 - with plenty of bottles available in store, or online ordering for pick-up in store or home delivery.The story of Kahurangi begins in 1973 when they planted their first Riesling vines...

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Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I opened this nice Cabernet Sauvignon from Wines of Argentina that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on June 27th - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.It is produced by Trapiche, a winery that was founded in 1883 and has received worldwide recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Trapiche has constantly challenged itself over...

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