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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 29, 2021

Paxton AAA Shiraz/Grenache 2019 (Australia) - Wine Review

wine review is a lovely organic and biodynamic red wine made with Shiraz and Grenache from Australia that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across the province.

Paxton Wines is a family-owned wine company that was founded in 1979 in McLaren Vale by David Paxton, one of Australia's most highly respected viticulturalists. The Paxton family has nurtured their own vineyards in McLaren Vale for over 30 years and produced their first wine in 2000. Today, the family produces wines under direction and guidance of consultant winemaker Kate Goodman and winemaker Ashleigh Seymour.

In 2011, Paxton became a fully certified organic and biodynamic wine producer and today they are considered leaders in both organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. The fruit for all of their wines are sourced from their own estate vineyards in McLaren Vale. These vineyards are spread across a diverse number of sites and soil types, all of which are managed with minimal inputs, including no synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and focusing on promoting healthy, living soils through the use of natural compost preparation. Lastly, their concept of "terroir" includes the interaction between the vine, it's environment, and the impact of the human element with the moisture balance of the soil being possibly the major influence.

The 2019 vintage of this red wine is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache, with each individual vineyard parcel fermented separately in a combination of open top and static fermenters. After fermentation, the wine was aged in seasoned French oak barriques (225 L) and puncheons (500 L) for 12 months prior to blending and bottling. The growing season in 2019 experienced below average rainfall, as well as regularly very high temperatures. However, due to Paxton's proximity to the Gulf of St. Vincent (a mere 5 km), the cooling winds moderated the extreme weather events. Overall, although yields were down, the berries were intensely flavoured and had very good density, producing structured wines that can be cellared for many years.

Paxton AAA Shiraz/Grenache 2019 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#149898) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. This organic and biodynamic blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache has fresh, fragrant, minty herb aromas with ripe raspberry and strawberry, red licorice, spice, and subtle wood notes. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with raspberry, cherry, strawberry, and spice flavours balanced with savoury, earthy, and some mineral notes. It has fresh, energetic acids, and smooth, refined tannins, while mineral, spice, and red berry notes linger on the long finish, with a fine mineral aftertaste. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Paxton can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, June 27, 2021

LAVAU Rasteau 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

I last enjoyed the 2015 LAVAU Rasteau when it came to the LCBO VINTAGES just over 2 years ago, and for wine review I am delighted to bring you the latest vintage of this perennially delicious Rhône red that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The Lavau family has been involved in winemaking for several generations, and in 1964 they settled in the Rhône Valley to form Maison LAVAU. Today, the negociant producer is managed by brothers Benoit and Frederic Lavau. They own three cellars in the southern Rhône and have a partnership with over 300 grape growers to produce appellation and cru wines from both southern and northern Rhone Valley. These long-established partnerships with local growers allows Maison LAVAU to choose the best terroir and grapes to craft their blends.

This red wine is a blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah that was grown in the Rasteau cru appellation, from parcels near the village, on east-facing, stony hillsides that are fairly deep and dry, with a pebbly terrain. The grapes were completely de-stemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled vats, then aged in barrels for 12 months, half of which was aged in 450 L barrels that were previously used for 1 or 2 vintages.

In general, southern Rhône experienced frost, rain, and heatwaves, resulting in an early and smaller than normal harvest, especially with Grenache. This also meant that the berries were petite, but with marked concentration. Quality is on par with 2015, but in 2017, the red wines are a bit more structured and ageworthy. Let's see how this 2017 Rasteau is tasting tonight...

LAVAU Rasteau 2017 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

LAVAU RASTEAU 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#394650) (XD) - $21.95
This blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose with classic aromas of ripe blackberry, crushed stones, garrigue, spice, and dark plum. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe and spicy palate with dark berry, blackberry, currant, crushed stone, and Provençal herb flavours. Slightly warming on the mid-palate, but it's supported by the fresh, juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, refined, and lightly structured and grippy tannins. Stony mineral notes linger on the long, pleasantly satisfying finish. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

The LAVAU Vacqueyras is available at the LCBO, while other lovely wines from Maison LAVAU can be purchased through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.


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  • Date publishedFriday, June 25, 2021

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Fiano di Avellino & Primitivo

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Fiano di Avellino & Primitivo
On , I had the pleasure of attending the 4th masterclass in the series on "Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties". This class focused on the white wine Fiano di Avellino, and the red wine Primitivo, which you may also know as Zinfandel.

In this masterclass, we first travel to the southwestern Italy, to visit the wine growing region of Campania. Forming the "shin" of Italy’s boot, the region is surrounded by the wine regions Lazio, Molise, Puglia, and Basilicata, and on its western coast is the famous Amalfi coastline that borders that Tyrrhenian Sea. Campania is made up of 5 Provinces - Naples (Capital), Caserta, Benevento, Avellino, and Sorrento, and also has 3 islands - Capri, Ischia, and Procida.

Campania owes much of its winegrowing success to its varied climates and terroirs. It has an abundance of sunshine, dry and hot summers, mild winters, a long growing season and the volcanic soils from Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, and Mount Epomeo. The coastal Mediterranean breezes blow in from the Tyrrhenian Sea, tempering the heat and adding freshness and bright acidity to the fruit.

With vine growing and winemaking dating back to the 12th century, Campania is among the oldest wine regions in Italy. They cultivate a wide variety of indigenous grapes, most of which are grown on hilly and mountainous terrain. 60% of the wines produced are red and rosé wines, while 40% are white wines. In my view, Campania makes some of the most interesting white wines in Italy using the varieties Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina.

Fiano is one of Italy's oldest grape varieties and was cultivated during Roman Times. The Romans called this grape "Vitis Apiana", which was Latin for "vine of the bees" as the bees were very attracted to the sweet pulp of this grape. Fiano is mostly grown in Southern Italy, primarily in Campania in the hills surrounding Avellino, and thrives in this warm, dry climate, while also preferring high altitudes and volcanic soils.

The Fiano grape is straw yellow in colour and offers intense aromas and flavours of tropical fruits like pineapple, peach, golden apple, pear, citrus, floral, nutty hazelnut, spice and honey notes with balanced acidity, good weight and texture on the palate, and has good ageing potential. The wine we tasted in this masterclass is from the Summonte sub-zone withing the Fiano di Avellino DOCG appellation, an appellation known for producing some of Italy's most distinguished white wines. This DOCG specifies that 85% of the wine must be Fiano, with varieties Greco, Coda di Volpe, and Trebbiano Toscano permitted to make up the final blend.

For the second topic of this masterclass, we travel east to the winegrowing region of Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, which is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Ionian Sea to the south. Puglia is a land of agriculture and a leader in wine and olive production. Although Puglia produces the second most volume of wine in Italy (behind Veneto), a new era has emerged in recent times with a focus on quality over quantity. Approximately two-thirds of the wine produced in Puglia is red, while the remainder is white wine. The landscape is mostly flat, with some hilly terrain, while the climate is sunny, hot, and dry, with Mediterranean winds blowing in from the seas.

Primitivo's origin's are unknown at this time, but it is thought to have existed since the 8th century B.C., before Greek colonization. The name Primitivo translates to "early one" as this varietal is early ripening. Today, Primitivo's home is in Puglia and is the region's most famous variety. With over 12,000 hectares of vines cultivated, Primitivo is among Italy's top 10 most planted red varieties. It is worth mentioning that Zinfandel - commonly found in California - is genetically the same as Primitivo.

Primitivo is a dark blue skinned grape with high pigmentation, but can be fussy to cultivate and cellar. It grows best in dry and hot climates and accumulates a lot of sugar - hence, the perceived sweetness in many Primitivo wines. The aromas and flavours commonly found in Primitivo wines are fruit forward with black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, plum, prune, marmalade, violet, spice, and earthiness, and acquire additional complexities when aged in wood. The wines tend to be high in alcohol with good tannins, full bodied, rich, and smooth.

The tasting kit for this masterclass included an antipasto platter with authentically Italian Grana Padano DOP cheese, Fior di Latte from Campania, Olive Verdi di Cerignola from Puglia, and a traditionally Puglian Focaccia Barese that was made in-house by Head Baker Luca Rotatori at Spaccio, Terroni's central kitchen.

Previous masterclasses explored Montepulciano & Aglianico, Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Nebbiolo & Valpolicella. These classes are quite informative and the wines are fantastic! I am very much looking forward to the final masterclass in the series that takes place in , where we will explore the volcanic wines of Mount Etna in Sicily. Anyone can register for the free online masterclass via the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada, as well as purchase the wines by the bottle through the Agent - Cavinona - so you can taste along. For a limited time, use special discount code ICCOJUNE for 10% off any case purchase on Cavinona.com.

@trueitaliantaste #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk

Tasting Notes:

GUIDO MARSELLA FIANO DI AVELLINO 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (XD) - $43.93
100% Fiano from Summonte that was organically grown at 650 metres elevation on clay and rocky soils. Aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 12 months. Clean, fragrant, and elegant aromas of ripe tropical fruit, peach, golden apple, and citrus with subtle nutty notes. It’s medium+ bodied with very good fruit concentration and slightly oily texture on the structured palate with ripe golden apple, pear, and citrus with leesy mineral and saline adding savoury notes to the flavour profile. It has fresh, bright acidity, while the leesy mineral flavours linger on the long, structured finish. Score: 92 pts

Guido Marsella Fiano di Avellino 2018 (92 pts)Carvinea Primitivo 2017 (90+ pts)

CARVINEA PRIMITIVO 2017 - IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy (D) - $28.11
Grown on tufaceous and calcareous soils, this 100% Primitivo was aged in French oak for 9 months. The fresh, medium-high intensity aromas offer sweet spice, dark berry and cherry notes with touches of plum and raisin. Pretty floral aromas appear with time in the glass. On the medium+ bodied palate, it has juicy acidity and refined, textured tannins. It is slightly off-dry (i.e. a touch sweet) and jammy on the flavour profile with more sweet spices, dark berry, and licorice flavours that tapers to savoury, minerally and slightly spicy with very good length on the persistent finish. Score: 90+ pts


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  • Date publishedThursday, June 24, 2021

June 26, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Cottage Wines + California

LCBO Wine Picks: June 26, 2021 VINTAGES Release
The main theme of the June 26, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release features cool wines for the cottage, while the mini-theme looks at hot wines from California. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should be on LCBO shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

From the main theme on wines for the cottage, or simply summer sipping, six of the sixteen wines featured are included among my top wine picks. In the "super sipping" category, there is a fine Greco di Tufo from Campania, as well as a dry rosé from Niagara that is made with 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Viognier. The other four wines have great complexity and are ideal for grilled foods. First up is a brilliant Chenin Blanc from South Africa, while the other white wine is a lovely Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The red wines include a Cabernet Franc from Argentina, and the Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico which consists of 92% Sangiovese and 8% Canaiolo.

Villa Maria Taylors Pass Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (91+ pts)

Of the eleven wines featured as part of the mini-theme on "hot" wines from California, the lone wine included among my top wine recommendations is a high-quality Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast.

There are a pair of fine Tuscan reds as part of my top red wine picks. First up is the Montepaldi Chianti Classico that consists of 80% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet, 5% Merlot, 5% Alicante, and 5% Colorino, while the Fontodi Chianti Classico is made with 100% Sangiovese. From Rhône, the Rasteau consists of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, while the Crozes-Hermitage is made with Syrah. The last blend is made with Tannat, Pinenc (a native Occtaine grape with different names by location), and Cabernet Sauvignon from Southwest, France.

LAVAU Rasteau 2017 (90+ pts)Cave de Tain Héritiers Gambert Nobles Rives Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (91+ pts)

Among my white wine picks, the Ventoux is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Clairette, while the Vinho Verde is a blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho. The rest are all single varietal wines, including a Melon de Bourgogne from Loire, and a Turbiana (similar to Verdicchio) from Lugana. On the local front, there is a fine Chardonnay from Niagara.

Le Fils des Gras Moutons Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2019 (90 pts)

Lastly, the rosé wines are both blends crafted in a dry style. The rosé from Provence is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, while the rosé from Italy is an unspecified blend of red grapes.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • MONTEPALDI TAGLIAFUNE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - Single vineyard, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#18588) (XD) - $17.00
  • MI TERRUÑO EXPRESIÓN CABERNET FRANC 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#22007) (XD) - $17.95
  • SAINT MONT LES VIEILLES VIGNES 2016 - AC, Southwest, France (#10316) (XD) - $19.95
  • HACIENDA ARAUCANO HUMO BLANCO EDICION LIMITADA CARMENÈRE 2019 - Lolol Valley, Chile (#19243) (XD) - $19.95
  • LAVAU RASTEAU 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#394650) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#680496) (XD) - $23.95
  • CAVE DE TAIN HÉRITIERS GAMBERT NOBLES RIVES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - Sustainable, AC, Rhône, France (#572230) (XD) - $25.95  91+ wine review
  • LECONFIELD COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#18476) (XD) - $34.95  FE
  • FONTODI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#933317) (XD) - $39.95
  • FLOWERS PINOT NOIR 2018 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#215202) (XD) - $64.95

White Wine:

  • PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ VENTOUX LES TRAVERSES 2018 - AC Côtes du Ventoux, Rhône, France (#18615) (XD) - $13.95
  • MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO 2019 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $16.95
  • LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review
  • TRE FIORI GRECO DI TUFO 2019 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#17677) (XD) - $17.95
  • KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2020 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $17.95
  • LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#578864) (XD) - $22.95
  • TENUTA ROVEGLIA VIGNE DI CATULLO LUGANA RISERVA 2016 - DOC, VQPRD, Lombardy, Italy (#437004) (D) - $28.95
  • VILLA MARIA TAYLORS PASS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#13901) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review

Rosé Wine:

  • ALBINO ARMANI ROSÉ 2020 - IGT Vallagarina, Trentino, Italy (#19852) (XD) - $14.95
  • SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2020 - AP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France (#451906) (XD) - $24.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH LOCUST LANE ROSÉ 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68833) (XD) - $24.95

Fortified:

  • LUSTAU EAST INDIA SOLERA SHERRY - DO, Spain (#342931) (S) (500 mL) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review

Lustau East India Solera Sherry (91 pts)


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  • Date publishedSunday, June 20, 2021

Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2012 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there! For wine review I dive into my cellar for this lovely Mosel Riesling that I purchased nearly 7 years ago when it arrived at the LCBO as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release. Of course, this vintage is long sold out, while the 2018 vintage appeared on VINTAGES shelves back in April for a few dollars more, with plenty still available for purchase.

Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2012 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

STUDERT-PRÜM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT 2012 - Prädikatswein, Gutsabfüllung, Mosel, Germany (#160853) (M) - $20.95
Screw cap. Gorgeous, highly aromatic nose is complex and elegant, delivering petrol and beeswax, plus apple, peach, pear, lemon citrus, some ripe tropical fruit and pineapple notes. It's medium-full bodied and richly concentrated with lovely, fairly sweet flavours of orange citrus, honey, and roasted pineapple with touches of petrol and wet stone. The sweetness is balanced with still vibrant acidity, while wet stone, slate, petrol, and mineral flavours linger on the finish, with excellent length. Will continue to drink well into the late 20's, maybe even longer. Score: 93 pts


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  • Date publishedFriday, June 18, 2021

Laura Hartwig Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Following up on the delicious 2018 Laura Hartwig Single Vineyard Carménère that I enjoyed back in April, wine review is another delicious offering from the same producer. This Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon arrived at the LCBO last weekend and was featured as part of theme on wines from Chile in the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Laura Hartwig Premium Wines, a winery whose roots go back to when Osvaldo Bisquertt purchased the property in 1928 to cultivate annual crops and raise cattle. In 1966, his daughter Laura Bisquert inherited the "Santa Laura" farm and further expanded the estate. While living in Toronto and Montreal in the 1970's, Laura and her husband, Alejandro Hartwig, developed a passion for wine and decided to turn their estate back in Chile into a winery. Together, they planted their first vines in 1978 with the aim of producing wines that reflect their origin in Santa Cruz, the heart of the Colchagua Valley. Laura Hartwig uses a non-interventionist philosophy and human scale production to craft their wines. In this way, they are able to take detailed care with each step of the winemaking process.

This Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot that was crafted from carefully selected 40 year old vines grown in the town of Santa Cruz, in central Chile's Colchagua Valley. The soils here are clay on the surface with sandy deposits in the deeper strata. The grapes were hand-harvested, then gently destemmed and sorted, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in French oak barrels and staves for 13 months. Let's see how this Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is tasting tonight...

Laura Hartwig Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (88 pts)

Tasting Note:

LAURA HARTWIG SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#13428) (XD) - $16.95
This Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes 5% Petit Verdot has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose that delivers aromas of red and black fruit, cassis, currant, herbal and spice with savoury undertones. The fresh and chewy, medium-full bodied palate has ripe red and black fruit, currant, cassis, and herbal aroma replays on the flavour profile that turns savoury on the mid-palate. Acids are fresh, while the finely textured, powdery tannins are a touch drying. Savoury graphite with hints of dark berry linger on the finish, with good length. Score: 88 pts

The aforementioned Carménère can be found at the LCBO, while other delicious wines from Laura Hartwig can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group, who also now offer Air Miles® Reward Miles with purchase.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, June 16, 2021

Château Guillou 2016 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

wine review is this delicious red wine from Bordeaux that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Château Guillou has been winegrowing in its current form since 1870. It is located within the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC, a satellite of the Saint-Émilion appellation, on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River in Bordeaux. The Château's 62 hectares of vines are mostly located on a plateau with clay-limestone soils, and hillsides with clayey-silty soils. Today, the wines of Château Guillou are produced by Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, a family that has been making wine for nine generations since the 18th century.

I last enjoyed the 2014 Château Guillou nearly five years ago when it came through VINTAGES in November 2016. It is typically a blend of mostly Merlot and some Cabernet Franc, with the exact composition varying slightly each vintage. This particular vintage consists of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, which is more Merlot than the last time I tasted this wine. The grapes were hand-picked and sorted, fermented in temperature-controlled tanks, then aged in a combination of new and used oak barrels. Although the 2016 vintage was mixed across Right Bank appellations, some estates produced their best wines ever. Let's see how this lovely Bordeaux red wine is tasting tonight...

Château Guillou 2016 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2016 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $23.95
Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the fresh, open, medium-high to highly aromatic nose is ripe, plummy, and dark berry scented with some lovely floral, sweet spice, and licorice notes adding interest and complexity. It's medium-full to full-bodied with lovely savoury, earthy, tobacco, and dark berry flavours, while the acidity is fresh and juicy. Tannins are smooth with a very fine, dusty texture, yet still somewhat chalky and drying. Savoury, earthy, and chocolatey oak notes linger on the long finish. An impressive step up from previous vintages. Highly recommended buy to enjoy over the next few years. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.


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  • Date publishedMonday, June 14, 2021

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Pinot Noir 2018 (Australia) - Wine Reviews

wine reviews are a pair of delicious Australian red wines from the ever-reliable Wakefield Wines. Both arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the main feature on wines from Australia in the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Wakefield Wines was founded in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons, Bill and John, by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley with a desire to create authentic, estate grown wines where the vineyards and winery both reside at the same location. The very first wines the Taylor family crafted were the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (reviewed below) and Shiraz, which are the heart and soul of the business. Wakefield Wines achieved overwhelming success over the years, expanding and growing their portfolio. Today, they also source fruit for their Estate Label wines from other wine regions mainly due to the fruit's higher quality, as is the case with the Pinot Noir that is reviewed below. Both of the wines reviewed in this post are from Wakefield's Estate Label range of wines.

A perennial visitor to LCBO VINTAGES, I last enjoyed the 2017 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon back in August of last year. The 2018 vintage in Clare Valley can be characterized as warm and dry, and warmer than 2017. Thankfully, there were also no major heatwaves as these can be very damaging to the grapes. Overall, the team at Wakefield Wines was very excited about the quality of the wines from this vintage. With Cabernet Sauvignon in particular, the general consensus was that it may be one of the best vintages in quite a while with fantastic colour, flavour development and tannin structure.

The grapes for the Pinot Noir were sourced from Adelaide Hills, a vibrant, cool-climate wine region located in the Mount Lofty Ranges just east of the city of Adelaide in South Australia. Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's largest geographical wine regions, stretching north-south in a narrow band approximately 70 km in length, and bordered by Barossa Valley to the North and McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek to the South. For reference, Clare Valley is located further north, just over 100 kilometres north of Adelaide Hills.

All Estate range wines, which includes these two wines, have an Optimum Drinking Temperature sensor on the back label that will tell you when each wine is ready to enjoy. This innovative sensor is calibrated to each varietal and wine. It is touch-activated and changes colour depending on the temperature of the wine. To use, simply touch the sensor and compare its colour to the chart located on the left. If the colour of the sensor falls between the optimum temperature indicated in the chart, then the wine is ready to drink. Let's see how these wines are tasting...

Tasting Notes:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, lifted nose has aromas of minty-leafy, dark berry, currant, and cassis with savoury, earthy undertones rising out of the glass. It's medium-to-full bodied with minty, cassis, dark berry, blackberry, currant, and savoury oak flavours supported by fresh, balanced acidity and smooth, dusty-textured tannins that have a subtle grip. Nicely balanced throughout with savoury, earthy oak notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (89 pts)Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 with Optimum Drinking Temperature Sensor

WAKEFIELD PINOT NOIR 2018 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#197392) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The pretty, medium+ intensity nose offers sweet and ripe red cherry, red berry, and strawberry aromas flecked with tea leaf, earthy, and beet root notes. There's a kiss of sweetness on the ripe, light-to-mid weighted palate balanced with fresh, lively acidity and flavours of ripe red cherry, red berry, and sweet cinnamon spice with subtle wood notes. Light tannins are subtly textured, while sweet spice, vanilla, and cherry notes linger on the juicy finish, with very good length. Delicious New World Pinot! Score: 89 pts

Wakefield Pinot Noir 2018 (89 pts)Wakefield Pinot Noir 2018 with Optimum Drinking Temperature Sensor

Other fine wines from Wakefield Wines can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group. In some exciting news, Profile Wine Group also now offers Air Miles® Reward Miles with purchase.


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  • Date publishedThursday, June 10, 2021

Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2020 (Provence) - Wine Review

For , which is the second Saturday in June every year and coming up in a couple of days, wine review is a lovely dry rosé from Provence. This dry rosé wine is a new arrival to the LCBO and will be on shelves across Ontario as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Château des Ferrages is located in the village of Pourcieux, between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Maximin in the lowland of Sainte-Victoire. Château des Ferrages was owned by winemaker Jose Garcia, whose family had been running the 30 hectare estate for three generations and making wines, primarily rosé, since 1980. In 2016, Château des Ferrages was cherry-picked by Mathilde Chapoutier Selection and acquired by legendary Rhône wine estate Maison M. Chapoutier. Two Sélections Parcellaires have emerged from these lands and apply biodynamic farming principles.

This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino) was grown on shallow, well-draining clay-limestone soils with varying amounts of sand. The parcels are located in the villages of Pourcieux and Pourrières, at the feet of Mount Aurélien and Mount Sainte-Victoire, respectively, which have a Mediterranean climate. The grapes were machine harvested at night to preserve freshness and aromas. It was produced by using the direct press method, then aged on fine lees in stainless steel vats. Let's see how this rosé is tasting tonight...

Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2020 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#19834) (XD) - $22.95
This lovely dry rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino) that has a medium+ intensity nose offering lovely grapefruit, white floral, red berry, strawberry, and citrus aromas with mineral undertones. The medium-full bodied, concentrated palate is dry and complex with flavours of floral, grapefruit, orange rind, citrus, and mineral with hints of white peach. It has balanced acidity and a lick of saline on the mid-palate, while the long finish is dry, crisp, and minerally. Enjoy this recommended buy nicely chilled with hearty fish or poultry. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Château des Ferrages can be ordered through their Agent who recently launched their new website - Connexion Oenophilia.


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  • Date publishedThursday, June 10, 2021

June 12, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Chile + Fizz

LCBO Wine Picks: June 12, 2021 VINTAGES Release
The main theme from the June 12, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on wines from Chile, while the mini-feature looks at sparkling wines. All of these wines from the themes, as well as those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at the wine valleys of Chile. Among the thirteen wines featured, six are included among my top wine picks. Starting in one of Chile's northernmost winegrowing regions, the Limarí Valley, there is a traditional method sparkling wine made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. From the coastal part of the Aconcagua Valley, just north of Santiago, is a lovely cool-climate Syrah. Moving to the south-side of Santiago, from Cachapoal Valley, which is a sub-region of the Rapel Valley, the Sideral is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Carmenère. Just south of Cachapoal Valley is the Colchagua Valley, and from here there is a fine Sauvignon Gris - a clonal mutation of Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon that is blended with 5% Petit Verdot. The fifth and final wine is a little further south, from the Maule Valley, Chile's largest winemaking region, and this red wine is made with 100% Carignan.

Errázuriz Syrah 2018 (91 pts)Laura Hartwig Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (88 pts)

In all, there are eight wines featured as part of the mini-theme on sparkling wines and just one bubbly is included among my wine recommendations. Surprisingly, the lone fizz is from New Mexico (!) and is made in the traditional method using 100% Pinot Noir.

From my red wine picks, the Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, while the Bordeaux red consists of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The rest are all single varietal wines that offer a fairly wide array of options for just about any palate.

Château Guillou 2016 (91 pts)Anthony Joseph Vidal Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (90 pts)

Among my white wine picks, all are single varietal wines with quite a few Chardonnay recommendations, including an unoaked Chardonnay from Niagara. Other wines include a Torrontés from Argentina, a Vermentino from Italy, and a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. If you want a wine with a little bit of sweetness, the Niagara Riesling is your choice!

Both of my rosé recommendations are dry rosé wines. The lovely rosé from Provence is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino), while the rosé from Roussillon consists of 45% Grenache Gris, 45% Grenache Noir, and 10% Macabeu.

Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2020 (91 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Salud!

Red Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2018 - AC, France (#224592) (XD) - $15.95
  • LAURA HARTWIG SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#13428) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU SAINT-SERNIN MALBEC DE CALCAIRE 2015 - AC Cahors, Southwest, France (#15773) (XD) - $18.95
  • PENLEY PHOENIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#639575) (XD) - $18.95
  • EMILIANA VIGNO VIGNADORES DE CARIGNAN 2017 - Vegan, sustainable, DO Maule Valley, Chile (#19247) (XD) - $19.95
  • PAXTON MV SHIRAZ 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#327403) (XD) - $19.95

  • ERRÁZURIZ SYRAH 2018 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#387910) (XD) - $21.95  91 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2016 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
  • ANTHONY JOSEPH VIDAL RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2017 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#538900) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
  • SAN PEDRO SIDERAL 2018 - DO Cachapoal Valley Andes, Chile (#632927) (XD) - $29.95
  • QUINTA DO COVÃO RESERVA TOURIGA NACIONAL 2016 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#18410) (XD) - $33.95
  • BRAMASOLE LA BRACCESCA SYRAH 2017 - DOC Cortona, Tuscany, Italy (#12741) (XD) - $66.95  FE

White Wine:

  • FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $17.95
  • KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES TORRONTÉS 2020 - Vegan, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#330407) (XD) - $18.95
  • CASA SILVA 1912 VINES SAUVIGNON GRIS 2020 - Sustainable, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#19580) (XD) - $19.95
  • CANTINE DI DOLIANOVA PRENDAS VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2019 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#17770) (XD) - $21.95
  • VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#974527) (XD) - $21.95
  • NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Vegan, sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#331652) (XD) - $27.95
  • HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING 2019 - Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#643361) (D) - $27.95
  • SOUTHBROOK LAUNDRY VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2018 - Vegan, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#16078) (XD) - $35.00  FE
  • KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $96.95

Rosé Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#19834) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE LAFAGE GALLICA ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#19848) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • GEMMA SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, Limarí Valley, Chile (#18558) (XD) - $18.95
  • GRUET BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, New Mexico, USA (#15686) (XD) - $25.95

Dessert Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE 2018 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#565861) (S) (200 mL) - $28.95




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  • Date publishedSaturday, June 5, 2021

Errázuriz Syrah 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Following up on the lovely 2019 Errázuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir, wine review is another fine wine from the Chile's Viña Errázuriz. This cool-climate Syrah arrives at the LCBO next weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Viña Errázuriz is one of Chile's best and most internationally recognized wineries. It was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errázuriz, a man whose family played an important role in Chile's social and cultural life for over two and a half centuries. In addition to Don Maximiano's duties as a politician, diplomat, and entrepreneur, he was also passionate about wine and ventured to plant the country's first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley. Viña Errázuriz has since been passed down along familial lines and today it is led by the fifth generation of the family - Eduardo Chadwick Claro.

Like the Pinot Noir, this Syrah is from Errázuriz's "Specialties" range of wines which explores the Aconcagua Valley for the best and purest expression of each variety through wines that show their true sense of origin. Two geographical landmarks make up this line of wines: Mount Aconcagua - the highest peak in the western hemisphere; Pacific Ocean - the coldest waters in the world. Aconcagua Alto (Mount Aconcagua) wines are from the highest area of the Aconcagua Valley, while wines from Aconcagua Costa are located in vineyards just 12 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean.

This cool-climate Syrah was grown in a coastal vineyard in DO Aconcagua Costa, 12 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, from vines planted by Viña Errázuriz in 2005 and 2009. The soil here is composed of a thin layer of loamy texture and sitting on a base of clay and metamorphic rock (slate/schist) that add mineral characters to the wine. The grapes were hand-picked and fermented using native yeasts. It was matured for 14 months, 85% of the which was aged in mostly used French oak barrels, while the remainder was aged in aged in Stockinger foudres. Although I have tasted many wines from Errázuriz over the years, I believe this is the first time I am tasting this Syrah. Let's see how it's tasting tonight...

Errázuriz Syrah 2018 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

ERRÁZURIZ SYRAH 2018 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#387910) (XD) - $21.95
The medium-high intensity nose is intriguing and complex with black olive and peppery spice aromas layered over crushed blackberry, raspberry and savoury notes with touches of violet and meaty notes. On the medium-full bodied palate it has lovely blackberry, raspberry, pepper spice, savoury, meaty, and nut flavours with touches of olive, all framed by fresh, mouth-watering acidity and smooth, fine-grained, slightly grippy tannins. Tar notes join the savoury, blackberry, and spice finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy for Syrah wine lovers! Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines from Viña Errázuriz can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.


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  • Date publishedThursday, June 3, 2021

Turkey Flat Barossa Valley White 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

wine review is this lovely Australian white wine made with Rhône varietals that newly arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the feature on Australia in the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Turkey Flat was established on the edge of Tanunda in the Barossa Valley in 1847 by Johann Fiedler. The name "Turkey Flat" is derived from a large, native bird that frequented the rich flats by Tanunda Creek. However, this bird was not a turkey - it was actually an Ardeotis australis, or known locally as the Plains Bustard, a bird rarely seen now. Fiedler was one of the first Prussian Lutherans to make wine in the Barossa and is noted for his early efforts in experimenting with grape varietals (he planted at least 72 varietals in the vineyard!) to test the viticultural viability of the new settlement.

Since the 1860's, the Schulz family have been the custodians of Turkey Flat and they have continued the legacy laid down by Fiedler to grow vines and make wines that suit the landscape. Today, Christie Schulz is the fourth generation of the family to become caretaker of this remarkable estate. With the extensive viticultural research undertaken in the vineyards, Christie and her team have been able to sensitively blend traditional Rhône varietals that express their sense of place, such as this Barossa Valley White.

In the vineyard, Turkey Flat aims to optimise the ecological system and using natural influences to control vegetative growth and yields. One of their biggest successes is the use of permanent cover crops in all their vineyards, an approach which shifts the vineyard from a monoculture to a managed ecosystem. All aspects of Turkey Flat Vineyards are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

This exact composition of this blend of Marsanne, Viognier, and Roussanne blend changes every year. The 2017 vintage, which was another exceptional growing season, consists of 45% Marsanne, 33% Viognier, and 22% Roussanne that was sourced from the Bethany and Stonewell regions of the Barossa. Traditional to the Turkey Flat style, the Marsanne was picked early and pressed lightly. The Viognier was handpicked, chilled, crushed and saw 48 hours on skins, and then pressed lightly, while the Roussanne was a little riper when handpicked and subsequently whole bunch pressed. After fermentation, including partial malolactic fermentation, 45% of the wine was aged in large puncheon barrels, 50% new. Let's how this white wine is tasting tonight...

Turkey Flat Barossa Valley White 2017 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

TURKEY FLAT BAROSSA VALLEY WHITE 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#17646) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. Blend of 45% Marsanne, 33% Viognier, and 22% Roussanne that was partially oak aged. The medium-high intensity nose offers lactic and vanilla-infused aromas of stone fruit and citrus with touches of sweet herb and floral. On the medium+ bodied, creamy palate it has lovely stone fruit, buttery, lactic, and sweet herbal flavours with floral touches. It has fresh, juicy acidity and a fine, slightly chalky textured, minerally finish, with excellent length. Recommended buy and enjoy nicely chilled. Score: 90 pts

Although there's one other Turkey Flat wine available at the LCBO, the rest of the wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, June 1, 2021

Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019 (Italy) - Wine Review

wine review is a nice, organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is a general list product at the LCBO and readily available across Ontario.

Vini Fantini is one of the brands that form the Farnese Group of wineries. Fantini is located in Ortona, within the Province of Chieti in Abruzzo, along the Eastern coast of central Italy. The wines from the Abruzzo estate became famous during the 16th century when Princess Margaret of Austria and her husband, Prince Farnese, began producing high-quality wines that were enjoyed across Europe. Throughout the years, Farnese has ensured that wines from this Abruzzo estate have kept their excellent reputation.

In addition to producing high-quality wines, the Farnese Group also gives back to the surrounding community by partnering and signing long-term contracts with small family-run farms that have been in the area for generations. Farnese also brings in world-class consultants to work with these families to grow higher-quality grapes. At the winery, Farnese uses advanced winery technology to ensure the wines reflect the authentic characteristics of the varietal.

The Casale Vecchio Lot 23 is Fantini's first foray into production of organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from the areas surrounding their winery in Ortona. The grapes for this red wine come from Lot 23, the first plot in their vineyard within the municipality of Ortona that was converted to organic farming. This coastal land is in a sun-kissed area at 320 metres above sea level that overlooks and exposes itself to the blue Adriatic sea while also under the presence of the massif Majella.

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is planted on steep slopes with medium-textured soils tending to clayey. Located on coastal lands, there is great variation in temperatures between day and night, thus creating a natural balance between the flavours and acidity. At the winery, the grapes were carefully selected and destemmed, then softly crushed. After fermentation, the wine is aged in American and French oak barrels for 6-7 months.

Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019 (88 pts)

Tasting Note:

FANTINI CASALE VECCHIO LOT 23 MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#612788) (D) - $9.80
This organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has a medium intensity nose offering aromas of blackberry, cassis, and sweet spices in a slightly honeyed profile. It's medium bodied on the palate with fresh acidity supporting the very ripe, sunny flavours of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. The structured tannins are somewhat grippy, while woody notes linger on the finish, with good length. Score: 88 pts

Other wines from Fantini can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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