Wakefield Estate Chardonnay 2020 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest edition of the lovely Estate Label Chardonnay by Wakefield Wines that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the April 30th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Wakefield Wines, a family-owned and -operated winery that was founded by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons near the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley in 1969. Today, the third generation of the family - Mitchell, Justin and Clinton - continue the family tradition of making delicious wines that stand the test of time. The Taylor family is firmly committed to sustainability and producing wines in a responsible manner that respects the fruit and the land where it came from. The Taylor family also has an innovative spirit, and one of these innovations includes an Optimum Drinking Sensor that is on the back label of many of their wines.

Like the 2019 Wakefield Estate Chardonnay that I enjoyed just over a year ago, this vintage is also crafted with Chardonnay from Padthaway and Clare Valley. Although the percentage from each region was unspecified last time, this vintage is composed of 57% Padthaway and 43% Clare Valley Chardonnay. A small portion of this wine was barrel-fermented and stirred on its lees for 4 months. After 6-8 months of ageing in French oak, the wine was blended and bottled. Let's see how this 2020 Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020 - Padthaway & Clare Valley, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh with ripe apple, citrus, pear, and butter aromas nuanced with vanilla, lactic, and yoghurt notes. On the dry, medium+ bodied, and creamy palate it is lightly honeyed with citrusy, apple, pear, butter, and vanilla flavours supported by crisp, fresh acidity. Leesy mineral, apple, citrus, butter, with touches of sweet vanillin oak and saline linger on the long finish. Might be my favourite vintage so far. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Wakefield are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Read More

April 30, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Signature Europe

The theme of the upcoming, and relatively large, April 30, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release features Signature wines from Europe. Also previewed in the magazine are the next batch of Online Exclusives that will be available for purchase starting May 12. As well, this release is the last in-store release until the May long weekend as the LCBO shifts to one in-store and one online-only release per month for the summer. Wines from this release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme titled "Signature Europe" that looks at nine classic European wine regions, with fifteen wines represented and five included among my top wine picks. Among the white wines is a Chardonnay from the Montagny appellation in Burgundy, and a Sauvignon Blanc from the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in Loire. Red wines from Europe's signature wine regions include a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Rhône that is a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, while the Rioja red consists of Tempranillo and Graciano. Lastly, the Barolo from Piedmont is crafted with Nebbiolo.

Red wine picks from the rest of the release begin with both Wines of the Month - a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine from Languedoc that is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre. Blends from Rhône include the Gigondas which is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, while the Lirac is made with 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault. Also from France, the wine from Roussillon consists of approximately 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Carignan, while the Malbec from Uco Valley is actually a blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot.

Among my white wine recommendations, the only blend is from Roussillon which consists of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Single varietal white wines include a pair of lovely Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand and a trio of Chardonnays - one each from Niagara, Argentina, and Australia. If you enjoy wines with some sweetness, the off-dry Riesling from New Zealand should be on your shopping list, and if you enjoy more sweeter, try the semi-dry (i.e. quite sweet) Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

Both of my rosé wine picks are dry rosé wines crafted with a single varietal. The rosé from Rioja is made with Garnacha (i.e. Grenache), while the Californian rosé with crafted with Petite Sirah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA 2020 - Mendoza, Argentina (#261586) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#471854) (XD) - $16.95
• ANGOVE FAMILY CREST SHIRAZ 2018 - Vegan, McLaren Vale, South Australia (#12842) (XD) - $19.95
• SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95  89 pts  wine review
• CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN 2019 - AC, Languedoc, France (#155804) (XD) - $20.95

• FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC 2019 - Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#64618) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
  
• ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - DO Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#203364) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• MATETIC CORRALILLO SYRAH 2017 - Estate bottled, DO Valle de San Antonio, Chile (#146407) (XD) - $21.95
• CATENA APPELLATION AGRELO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Agrelo, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#484303) (XD) - $21.95
• CHÂTEAU DE MONTFAUCON 2019 - AP Lirac, Rhône, France (#15447) (XD) - $24.95

• M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2018 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France, France (#643239) (XD) - $26.95  92 pts  wine review
• PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE MACHOTTE GIGONDAS 2019 - AC, Rhône, France (#17400) (XD) - $27.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2019 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#529107) (XD) - $42.95  92+ pts  wine review
• TENUTA ROCCA COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2016 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#154591) (XD) - $56.95
• LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2019 - AC, Rhône, France (#700922) (XD) - $68.95

White Wine:

• WAKEFIELD ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020 - Padthaway & Clare Valley, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON GRENACHE BLANC / ROUSSANNE 2020 - AP, France (#175232) (XD) - $16.95
• JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER 2019 - Sustainable, AC Alsace, France (#224626) (M) - $17.95
• PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#361220) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY 2019 - AC, Burgundy, France (#382879) (XD) - $20.95
• KAHURANGI MOUNT ARTHUR RESERVE RIESLING 2017 - Vegan, sustainable, single vineyard, Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#14559) (D) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $24.95
• HENRI BOURGEOIS EN TRAVERTIN POUILLY-FUMÉ 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#12097) (XD) - $29.95
• VILLA MARIA TAYLORS PASS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#13901) (XD) - $29.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#184549) (XD) - $44.95

Rosé Wine:

• IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2021 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#490961) (XD) - $16.95
• GRANDEUR ROSÉ 2021 - Vegan, estate grown, White Flower Vineyard, Monterey County, California, USA (#25115) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• WOLFBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE - Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France (#460832) (XD) - $19.95
• MEDICI ERMETE & FIGLI ARTE E CONCERTO LAMBRUSCO 2020 - DOC Reggiano Lambrusco, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (#208967) (D) - $20.95

Read More

La Posta Estela Armando Bonarda 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2018 La Posta Estela Armando Bonarda back in August 2020, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this lovely Bonarda from Argentina that arrives at the LCBO this weekend in the April 30th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Produced by La Posta Vineyards, a range of entry-level wines which are part of the Catena family and formed in the year 2000 after Dr. Laura Catena discovered a handful of growers who consistently showed impressive results with specific varietals year-after-year. La Posta wines salute these hard-working growers who strive for superior flavours from grapes they grow on their own estate, and produce wines that are often single vineyard bottles. Each La Posta label illustrates a story of these individual families and are inspired by Art Nouveau and Art Déco designs of the 1920s and 1930s.

The grapes for this Bonarda were grown by Estela Armando. Her family has been growing grapes in Mendoza since 1887, one year after they arrived from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Estela's great-grandfather started the family wine business by growing grapes, making wine, and then taking the wine by mule train in leather wine bags to sell to the workers building the Trans-Andean railroad. The grapes used in this Bonarda were planted by Estela's grandfather and father in 1963 in the vineyard that she still tends to. The combination of a unique place, old vines, and very little irrigation helps create grapes of high quality. With this Bonarda, Estela invites you to venture into the Andes as Summer gives way to Fall and the snow-capped mountains grow whiter, while the water of the Desaguadero River gets bluer with each day.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Bonarda, Argentina's second-most widely planted red varietal. It was grown in a single vineyard planted in 1963 and located in Guaymallén in eastern Mendoza at an elevation of 700 metres (2,300 feet). The soils at this vineyard are shallow loamy clay with gravel subsoils. During vinification, 30% of this Bonarda was aged for 10 months in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels. The exceptional 2020 harvest is noted as one of the earliest and warmest vintages in Mendoza, with reduced yields, but also produced extraordinarily high quality grapes under the otherwise terrible circumstances. Let's see how this 2020 Bonarda is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA 2020 - Mendoza, Argentina (#261586) (XD) - $15.95
The fresh, lifted nose offers generous aromas of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and plum with whiffs of stony minerals and violet. On the ripe, medium-full bodied palate it has pleasing black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, mineral, and plum replays on the flavour profile. Acids are juicy, while the supple, dusty textured tannins have a nice mouthfeel. Fine mineral notes with dark berries linger on the long finish. Even better than the 2018, this is a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by La Posta are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review (Apr. 2022)

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that returned to the LCBO in the April 16th VINTAGES Release last weekend.

Wakefield Wines was founded by the Taylor family in the Clare Valley of South Australia, in 1969. After many years of making wines for others, Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons wanted to create their own estate wines inspired by Bordeaux producers and settled by the Wakefield River in Clare Valley. Upon excavating the site to secure a water source, Bill discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock and served as a reminder that these lands were under water more than 600 million years ago. Today, three seahorses grace the labels of Wakefield Wines and represent three generations of Taylor family winemakers. Wakefield is one of the most respected names and consistently reliable producers in the industry. As a family-owned wine company operating for more than 50 years, Wakefield is committed to sustainability and has a desire to leave a legacy for future generations.

I first enjoyed the 2018 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon last September and am curious to see if it has evolved much over the past 7 months. Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes are actually from two regions - Clare Valley in the northern part of South Australia, and Coonawarra with its rich terra rossa soils located in the south. In 2018, Clare Valley experienced a warm and dry growing season that was also relatively and controlled, while avoiding major heatwaves. Coonawarra delivered excellent fruit quality at harvest due to the winter and spring rainfall providing good conditions for fruit set, followed by slow and cool ripening producing fruit with fine tannins and strong varietal characters.

Let's see how this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
Matured in French oak barrels (50% 1 year old, and the rest 2 and 3 year old) for 10-12 months before being bottled and enclosed by screw cap. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose leads with cool minty herbs, red & blackcurrant, cassis, and raspberry aromas layered over savoury earthy and wood spice notes. It's full-bodied and rich with pleasing minty herbs, currant, and earthy wood spice replays on the flavour profile and fresh, vibrant acidity. Ripe, structured tannins are smooth and refined with a very subtle chalky grip. Minty, currant, and mocha chocolate notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Give it a light chill and enjoy this recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Wakefield are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Read More

J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux (Midi) - Wine Review (Apr. 2022)

I've enjoyed this lovely Limoux sparkling wine on a couple of occasions now, including most recently in May 2021 when it showed up in VINTAGES that month. For tonight's sparkling wine review, I bring you the latest batch of this delicious sparkling wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Limoux wine is produced around the city of Limoux in Languedoc, in southwestern France, with sparkling wines dominating the production. The main grape of the region is Mauzac, known locally as Blanquette because of a fine white coating that forms on its leaves, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Historically, it is widely believed that the world's first sparkling wines were produced in the region of Limoux in 1531 by the monks of the abbey in Saint-Hilaire. Fast forward to 1929 and the Limoux production area was the first delimited area in France, followed by the first Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in Languedoc (and one of the very first in France) in 1938.

This Limoux sparkling wine is produced by Domaine J. Laurens. Established in the 1980s by Michel Dervin of Champagne, J. Laurens is located in the south of France in the small village of La Digne d'Aval, 5 kilometres from Limoux, a stone’s throw away from the famous old city of Carcassonne, one hour from Toulouse, and two hours from Montpellier. A native of Limoux, Jacques Calvel took over the domaine in 2002 and with the help of Michel and cellar master Henri Albrus, the domaine was expanded and modernized in order to guarantee high quality wines every year.

Today, J. Laurens produces a fine range of AOC Limoux sparkling wines in the traditional method. Among the many rules of the AOC, yields are limited to 50 hl/hectare, hand-harvested and uncrushed grapes only, and the wines must rest on their lees for a minimum of 9 months. J. Laurens is aware of the importance of protecting the environment and respecting biological diversity, and applies the principles of sustainable agriculture with the help of a qualified technician.

Tasting Note:

J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95
This non-vintage traditional method sparkling wine is a blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay and has fresh golden apple and lemon citrus aromas mingling with yeasty and biscuit notes of generous intensity rising out of the glass. On the crisp, light-to-mid weighted palate it has lightly frothy mousse and more ripe apple, lemon citrus, and yeasty notes joined by lightly honeyed and grapefruit flavours in a dry profile with fresh, zesty acidity. Citrus, apple, and yeasty notes linger on the dry, clean, and crisp finish, with very good length. Lot L21344.1. Always a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by J. Laurens can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

Read More

Feudo Maccari Noto Neré Nero d'Avola 2018 (Sicily) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Nero d'Avola from Sicily that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Although the story of Feudo Maccari begins only in the late 1990's, the history of the vineyards go back much further in time. Founder Antonio Moretti Cuseri (of Tenuta Sette Ponti that crafted the lovely 2018 Crognolo I enjoyed last week) wanted a new oenological challenge and was fascinated by Val di Noto in southeastern Sicily after visiting the area in the late 90's. Starting in 2000, Antonio began acquiring land by units of "tumulo", an ancient Sicilian unit of measurement equal to 1,744 square metres, and acquired more than fifty properties.

Today, the Maccari estate covers 50 hectares of vines, with some more than 30 years old and located on mostly calcareous soils and different elevations to achieve overall balance in the wines. At the heart of the Maccari label is Nero d'Avola, a grape varietal that best expresses itself in this territory. Nero d'Avola is a varietal with ancient traditions and one of the most interesting of the Sicilian varieties. Among its expressive characteristics is its structure, richness, and roundness of its fruit, as well as its capability for lengthy cellaring. This particular Nero d'Avola underwent a controlled-temperature fermentation and maceration for about 15 days and was aged completely in stainless steel tanks. It was also aged for 4 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this unoaked Nero d'Avola from Sicily is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERÉ NERO D'AVOLA 2018 - DOP, Sicily, Italy (#339101) (XD) - $17.95
Aged in stainless steel tanks, followed by 4 months in bottle, this unoaked Nero d'Avola has a medium-high intensity nose that is quite attractive with aromas of sweet & ripe red berries, strawberry, baking spices, and sandalwood with touches of red plum. It's ripe and fruit forward on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with dried red berry, cherry, strawberry, sweet spice, sandalwood, and dried floral flavours, all supported by fresh, succulent acidity and soft, supple, lightly grippy tannins. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate with earthy, dried red berries & florals, and mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Feudo Maccari are available at the LCBO and can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Celebrating Malbec World Day 2022 - Argentina's Flagship Grape

Today is Malbec World Day, a celebration held worldwide every April 17th since 2011. As Argentina's flagship grape varietal, Malbec arrived in Argentina 169 years ago and on April 17, 1853, the government of Mendoza took the first steps to make wine production an important industry focus for the country. This focus led to the establishment of the country's first agricultural school that focused on winemaking.

Malbec was originally grown in Bordeaux and in the southwestern French region of Cahors, where it is still the primary red wine grape. It's history can be traced back to at least the year 1316, when Pope John XXII founded the University of Cahors and the clerical elites enjoyed the "black wine of Cahors". In 1853, the first Malbec vines entered Argentina by crossing the Andes on the backs of mules in the saddlebags of Miguel Amado Pouget who was hired to lead Quinta Agronomica, Mendoza's first agronomic school. The graduates from this school were Argentina's first formal, homegrown agronomists and vine growers.

Descending from France's pre-phylloxera vines, Argentine Malbec thrives today in the high-elevation, sunny, and desert climate of Argentina. In 1974, the first Malbec varietal wine was registered for export, and in 1991, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was established. Founded by a handful of pioneering wineries, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was the first of its kind in Argentina and helped promote and protect the development of Malbec, while also setting the stage for the future development and understanding of terroirs.

Today, Malbec is the most widely cultivated varietal in Argentina with more than 109,000 acres planted across the country's wine growing regions spanning from the north to Patagonia in the deep south, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavour profiles. Since the early 2000s, wineries and researchers began studying the relationship between Malbec and terroir, with many studies showing the impact of climate and temperature on aromatic and flavour components and profile. In February 2021, the Catena Institute of Wine published a study in Scientific Reports that "irrefutably proves the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages." Winemaker's continue to explore and break new ground by seeking higher-altitude, cooler climates to create Malbec wines of elegance and structure.

Here are seven Malbec wines that I've had the pleasure of enjoying over the last couple of weeks that should provide you with a nice introduction to the varietal, and all are available at the LCBO.

Tasting Notes:

DOMAINE BOUSQUET GRAN MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21983) (XD) - $24.95
Blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and dark with fine wood spice aromas layered over blackberry, currant, cassis, violet, and vanilla. Full-bodied, structured, and dry on the palate with lightly tangy blackberry, herb, black currant, cassis, wood spice flavours with touches of pepper. Fresh, juicy acids whet the palate, while the youthful tannins have some grip. Savoury wood and spice notes linger on the structured finish, with very good length. On the bigger side of Malbec. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 90+ pts

VIRGEN NATURAL MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Sustainable, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21987) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. This organic, unoaked Malbec has a fresh and fragrant nose that is ripe and fruit-forward with black-blue-purple fruit, plum, grapey, and white pepper spice aromas, plus whiffs of stony mineral. On the medium-full bodied palate it shows impressive fruit concentration with more fruity black-blue-purple fruit, and grapey flavours joined by touches of dried herbs and spice adding a pleasant savoury component. Mild tannins have a refined, slightly dusty texture. Acids are juicy. Tapers to a minerally, finish, with very good length. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 89 pts

TRAPICHE MEDALLA MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#547869) (XD) - $19.95
The nose seems somewhat quiet, offering glimpses of ripe plum, purple fruit, peppery spice, and stony mineral aromas with subtle oak nuances. The medium-full bodied palate is rich and ripe with fleshy concentration and lovely flavours of purple and black fruits, plum, white pepper spice, and stony mineral notes. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the dusty, fine-grained, and lightly structured tannins offer a pleasingly textured mouthfeel. Stony mineral and meaty notes linger on the savoury finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 89 pts

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of freshly crushed dark berries, blackberry, violets, and savoury earthy, stony minerality notes. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, chewy palate with more dark berry, blackberry, violets, dried herb, and earthy mineral characters on the flavour profile. Showing a touch of warmth at this stage, but still balanced, while the acids are fresh and juicy. Smooth tannins have a fine, dusty texture. Minerally with violet, dark berry, and subtle oak notes linger on the long finish. Agent: Charton Hobbs. Score: 89 pts

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Sylvestre Wines & Spirits. Score: 89 pts

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Profile Wine Group. Score: 89 pts

EL ESTECO DON DAVID RESERVE MALBEC 2020 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#483263) (XD) - $17.20 $15.20 until Apr. 24
Grown at high altitude in the Calchaquí Valley in the North of Argentina at over 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) elevation. Screw cap. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is fresh and intense with spice and stony mineral aromas surrounding notes of dark berry, blackberry, tobacco, and dark chocolate with flecks of violet. The medium-full bodied palate has very good structure with dry, savoury flavours of chocolate, spice, tobacco, plus dark berry and blackberry notes. On the salty mid-palate it has fresh, juicy acidity, while the tannins are smooth and well-rounded. Savoury chocolate and earthy notes on the fresh finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 90 pts

Read More

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Leading up to Malbec World Day celebrations on April 17th, tonight's wine review is this delicious Malbec from Paraje Altamira that first arrived at the VINTAGES late last year (with bottles still available), and a new shipment arriving later this month as part of the April 30th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Susana Balbo is Argentina's first female winemaker and after almost two decades dedicating her talent to national and international companies in the wine business working as a consultant, in 1999 she founded her namesake wine brand and the Dominio del Plata winery in the heart of Lujàn de Cuyo, Mendoza. Some of Susana's many accomplishments include being elected by her industry peers as the first President of Wines of Argentina, and also chairing the Buenos Aires W20 summit - a group within the G20 organization that promotes gender equity in the world's 20 leading economies. With a pioneering spirit and innovative winemaking, Susana continues to the push limits searching for uncharted territory in the wine world. In 2011 and 2012, Susana was joined by her son José and daughter Ana. Together, the Balbo family continues to focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

This red wine is from Susana's Signature range of wines that captures her ultimate expression as a winemaker by creating bold wines with artistic finesse. The Signature range highlights Susana's breadth of winemaking expertise, while her approach is to seamlessly apply her human touch to enhance the grape's character and preserve all elements of terroir.

The Signature Malbec is actually a blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot with the grapes coming from Susana's favourite vineyard - Finca La Delfina. This vineyard, which is also named after her mother, is located in the high altitude winegrowing region of Paraje Altamira at 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level, in the Uco Valley. The grapes were hand-harvested, fermented with selected yeasts, spent some time on lees with battonages. The wine was aged for 13 months in 70% second-use and 30% new French oak.

Across Argentina, the 2019 vintage is receiving rave reviews as a chilly spring with cool breezes kept frost and disease mostly at bay. Summer was hot and dry, particularly in Mendoza where temperatures regularly reached 40 degrees Celsius. Noticeably cooler temperatures at the tail-end of summer preserved acidity and aromatics. Harvest was mostly smooth and grape quality was excellent. The 2019 vintage is described as one for the history books, so let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines my Susana Balbo are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent -Profile Wine Group.

Read More

Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Continuing my journey towards Malbec Word Day which is being celebrated globally this Sunday, April 17th, tonight's red wine review is this lovely Malbec from Mendoza that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Nieto Senetiner, a winery that was founded in 1888 by Don Nicanor and a group of Italian immigrants in the town of Vistalba in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. The families planted their first vines and shared their winemaking secrets with each other, while also sharing their love of nature, respect for terroir, and the value of patience.

In 1969, the Nieto and Senetiner families acquired the estate and started the next chapter of producer's story of growth and development by expanding the facilities and consolidating their presence in the marketplace. In 1998, Nieto Senetiner became part of the Pérez Companc family group of wineries. With a commitment to high standards of winemaking and quality, and backed by continual investments in both the vineyards and technology, Nieto Senetiner continues to evolve and grow without losing its a noble origins.

Today, Nieto Senetiner combines tradition with artisanal winemaking and technology to create their fine wines. Nieto Senetiner has three estate vineyards - Finca Las Tortugas in Agrelo, Finca Las Toracazas in Alto Agrelo, and their original estate vineyard Finca Villa Blanca in Vistalba which is home to vines planted in 1900. Let's see how this Malbec from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
100% Malbec from Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, and was aged for 12 months in French oak. The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Some bottles of their lovely 2019 Nieto Senetiner Semillon are available at the LCBO, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

Read More

April 16, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California

Wines from California is the theme of the upcoming April 16, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Also coming in this release is April's monthly selection of Online Exclusives (OE) that will be available online only at lcbo.com.

We begin with the theme titled "State of Grace" that focuses on the elegant and refined wines of California that are loved the world over. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are generally two grapes that first come to mind when thinking about California wines, and of the thirteen wines featured in the theme, the two wines that are included among my top wine picks are made with these two varietals. The first wine is an excellent Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, while the other wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon made with fruit from Sonoma County and Contra Costa County. Not part of the theme, but a great wine coming as an Online Exclusive is the excellent Fumé Blanc which is a blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon that was barrel-fermented in French oak.

Italy is showing strong in this release with five of my red wine picks coming from this old world wine region. From Tuscany, the Super Tuscan Crognolo is a blend of 90% ancient Sangiovese clone and 10% Merlot, while the Montecucco consists of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Chianti Classico DOCG, the Riserva is 100% Sangiovese, while the Gran Selezione should be mostly Sangiovese with some Merlot. The last wine from Italy is a Nero d'Avola from Sicily, while the Crozes-Hermitage from northern Rhône in France is crafted with Syrah.

From my white wine recommendations, there are no blends and single varietal wines include an organic Soave that is made with 100% Garganega, while the Chablis is an unoaked Chardonnay. Wines that spent some time in oak include the Viura from Spain, the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and the Chardonnays from Australia and Niagara. For those that prefer some sweetness to their wines, you should try the off-dry (i.e. lightly sweet) Vouvray that is made with Chenin Blanc, or the medium-sweet Riesling from Niagara that always delights!

Among my sparkling wine picks, the 2007 Champagne is a blend of 57% Chardonnay and 43% Pinot Noir, while the Limoux consists of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERÉ NERO D'AVOLA 2018 - DOP, Sicily, Italy (#339101) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2020 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• HOLLICK WRATTONBULLY SHIRAZ 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#165944) (XD) - $19.95
• CLINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Vegan, Contra Costa County, Sonoma County, California, USA (#24914) (XD) - $22.95
• CASTELLO DI COLLEMASSARI MONTECUCCO ROSSO RISERVA 2016 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#23039) (XD) - $22.95

 

• WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#33894) (XD) - $24.95
• SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#716266) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• PHILIPPE & VINCENT JABOULET NOUVELÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2016 - Sustainable, AP, Rhône, France (#635680) (XD) - $36.95  OE
• TENUTA SAN VINCENTI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#414417) (XD) - $39.95  OE
  

White Wine:

• ONTAÑÓN VETIVER VIURA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#437707) (XD) - $16.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#468728) (XD) - $16.95
• TESSARI BARCO ORGANIC SOAVE CLASSICO 2019 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#14345) (XD) - $17.95
• DOMAINE GENDRON CUVÉE CLOS CARTAUD VOUVRAY 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#22584) (D) - $18.95
• URLAR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Gladstone, North Island, New Zealand (#22852) (XD) - $19.95
• TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE NORTH BLOCK RIESLING 2019 - Estate bottled, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $21.95
• J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS 2020 - AC, Burgundy, France (#466144) (XD) - $24.95
• ON SEVEN THE PURSUIT CHARDONNAY 2018 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#25856) (XD) - $45.00  OE
• FLOWERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#215210) (XD) - $59.95
• ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC 2016 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#326165) (XD) - $79.95  OE
  

Sparkling:

• J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GOSSET CELEBRIS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2007 - AC, France (#344952) (XD) - $204.95  OE
  

Read More

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Super Tuscan that returns to the LCBO next weekend in the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Tenuta Sette Ponti is a story of passion, dedication, and love for vineyards and their traditions. Their business philosophy is based on quality, research, long-lasting knowledge, age-old customs, respect for the land and its balance, while also keep pace with modern agricultural and enological practices.

Although Tenuta Sette Ponti is a relatively new producer that was only established in the 1990s, it's history begins in 1935 when Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta and Viceroy of Ethiopia planted the first vineyards on this property in Tuscany between Florence and Arezzo to celebrate having taken over the Ethiopian Empire. It was called "Vigna dell'Impero", or Vineyard of the Empire, and is home to an ancient clone of Sangiovese that is the only one of its kind.

In the 1950s, Architect Alberto Moretti Cuseri acquired the first 55 hectares of land directly from Princesses Margherita and Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, daughters of Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta, and dedicated himself to the production of winegrowing and olive oil. For many years, he produced grapes to sell to producers.

Antonio Moretti Cuseri, Alberto's son, was driven by a passion and interest in wine since he was a young boy. In 1997, he took control of his father's winery and worked alongside the best viticulturists and enologists to evaluate the suitability of the land for the production of quality wines, although the area was already declared one of the most suitable areas for wine production in Tuscany in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. After numerous studies, research, consultancy, and testing, Antonio stopped selling grapes to other producers and established Tenuta Sette Ponti, releasing his first label - Crognolo - in 1998. The name "Tenuta Sette Ponti" comes from the seven bridges that extend over the Arno River on the road from Florence to Arezzo, while Crognolo is named after a wild plant that is also known as Cornelian cherry or cornus mas, and grows abundantly on the estate. With in-depth research, an incredible love for vines, and for age-old expertise about the art of winemaking, Tenuta Sette Ponti makes exceedingly high quality, organic wines in line with Tuscan traditions. Their iconic Oreno Super Tuscan red wine is among the top wines in the world.

In 2018, the third generation of the Moretti Cuseri family joined the business with Amedeo taking on the role of director and Italian market manager, while Alberto is the communications and export director. This new generation continues to represent the company's strong values of tradition and great passion passed down by their father. With a fresh and new vision that is strengthened by high quality wines, Tenuta Sette Ponti is consistently recognized globally and are becoming symbols of Italian excellence and authentic style.

The 1997 Crognolo was Antonio Moretti Cuseri’s first quality wine. It was crafted from clones of the historic Sangiovese vines in the estate's oldest vineyard, Vigna dell'Impero. This unique Sangiovese clone was multiplied across Tenuta Sette Ponti's other Sangiovese vineyards and is still incorporated in this wine. This particular vintage of Crognolo is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot that was grown on clay and sand soils, as well as Tuscany's special stony galestro limestone. The area offers ideal sun exposure and a climate tempered by the Mediterranean, which are ideal for cultivating the Sangiovese grape. Yields are kept low, while the fruit is hand-harvested, sorted, and de-stemmed. After fermentation in a combination of temperature-controlled and lined open-top tanks, the lots are blended and aged in French Allier barriques for 10-14 months, followed by 5-6 months in bottle prior to release. After enjoying the 2016 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo a few years ago, I am curious to see how this 2018 edition is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95
This Super Tuscan is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and has a medium-high intensity nose with a lovely bouquet of sweet red cherries, rose floral, and sweet spice aromas with subtle earthy and mineral tones. On the medium-full bodied, chewy palate it has lovely, balanced replays of red cherry, rose floral, and savoury wood spices. It's really nicely balanced with juicy acidity, and plush, textured tannins that have just subtle chalky grip. A pleasing mix of savoury, woody, minerally, and red berry notes linger on the long, very satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti's iconic Oreno is available at the LCBO, while other lovely wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Ahead of Malbec World Day celebrations that will be held on Sunday, April 17th this year, tonight's red wine review is this lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO a couple of months ago in the February 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release, with plenty available across the Ontario.

Established in 1996 with 35 years of winemaking experience, the story of Terrazas de Los Andes actually began when the current winery was built in 1898 by Sotero Arizu, one of the pioneers in the production and commercialization of Argentinian wines. The winery is located in the heart of Perdriel, at the foot of the impressive Andes mountain range, while the majority of their vineyards are situated in the heart of Mendoza's Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes. The scarcity of the high-altitude climate with its low rainfall, rocky soil, and lack of organic elements in the ground, forces the vines to work hard for hydration and nutrients, resulting in grapes that are vivid and intense. The high-altitude also means warm, sunny days for grapes to flourish, and cool nights that slow down the ripening process. Each variety is cultivated on terraced vineyards at a specific altitude to optimize the grape's purest expression.

While Terrazas has quite a few vineyards spread out over 925 km across Argentina, their oldest is the Las Compuertas vineyard in Luján de Cuyo that was planted in 1929 at 1,070 metres (3,500 feet) to produce the ultimate expression of Malbec. The land characteristics of each vineyard is carefully studied to determine which grapes are most suitable. Furthermore, each parcel of land is segmented into sub-blocks to precisely consider the slightest variations so they can adapt and improve viticultural practises. This process allows Terrazas to achieve the best quality of each micro-terroir to optimize fruit expression and wine precision.

Today, the Terrazas de Los Andes project is owned by luxury brand LVMH, with fruit coming their own 500 hectares of vineyards. This Malbec is from Terrazas' Reserva range of wines - their signature style that aims to be consistent, layered, and generous. The Reserva range offers a panoramic picture of their high elevation terroirs in Mendoza, while also delivering a consistent expression of each varietal, vintage after vintage.

This regional blend of 100% Malbec is crafted using their own grapes located in vineyards aged between 15 to 90 years old across Mendoza in Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo), Paraje Altamira, Eugenio Bustos Los Chacayes and Gualtallary (Uco Valley) at altitudes between 1,020 - 1,250 metres (3,346 - 4,101 feet) above sea level. The grapes were hand-harvested, cluster de-stemmed, and only slightly crushed. After fermentation, 40% of the wine was aged in 4th use French oak barrels for 12 months.

The 2018 harvest was marked by a temperate and dry spring, followed by a warm January with temperatures above the norm in the lower areas and similar to the average in the higher zones, while autumn was very even and mild, allowing the grapes to be harvested at optimum maturity. Overall, the memorable 2018 growing season was a return to normality with excellent grape quality. Uco Valley was a stand out with very good natural acidity. Temperature conditions and exceptional thermal amplitudes helped to obtain fresh and healthy fruit with very good concentration of colour and coarse skins, all of which produce very high quality wines. Let's see how this 2018 Malbec from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of freshly crushed dark berries, blackberry, violets, and savoury earthy, stony minerality notes. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, chewy palate with more dark berry, blackberry, violets, dried herb, and earthy mineral characters on the flavour profile. Showing a touch of warmth at this stage, but still balanced, while the acids are fresh and juicy. Smooth tannins have a fine, dusty texture. Minerally with violet, dark berry, and subtle oak notes linger on the long finish. Recommended buy to drink now. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Terrazas de Los Andes can be ordered through their Agent - Charton Hobbs.

Read More

Domaine Bousquet Gran Malbec 2018 and Virgen Natural Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Reviews

Continuing my trek towards Malbec World Day that is coming up on April 17th, tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, organic, and vegan-friendly Argentine Malbec wines that recently came to LCBO VINTAGES as new arrivals.

Both of these wines are produced by Domaine Bousquet, a family with 4 generations of winemaking tradition originating in the city of Carcassonne, in the South of France. Third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet vacationed in Argentina in 1990 and fell in love with the country. It was love at first sight when he visited the scenic and remote terrain of the Gualtallary Valley high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina's Mendoza region. At the time, it was virgin territory as the locals dismissed the area as too cold for grape growing due to altitudes ranging up to 1,600 metres (5,249 feet). However, Bousquet reckoned that he'd found the perfect blend between his French homeland and the New World that was sunny with high natural acidity, and the potential for relatively fruit-forward wines. Today, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza's viticultural limits and is the source for some of province's finest wines.

Bousquet's daughter, Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid Al Ameri, were both working in fields outside of wine, but were soon drawn to the cause and offered to put their shared philosophy of sustainability into effect. In 2005, Al Ameri joined his father-in-law full-time to help with the construction of the winery, and Anne joined the family business in 2008. In 2011, the couple assumed full ownership of Domaine Bousquet.

Today, the estate consists of 240 hectares in Gualtallary at an altitude of 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) and due to its location the vineyards benefit from a cool climate and constant fresh air. With very little rainfall, the vineyards are irrigated using a drip system that harnesses pure (and special) Andean mountain snowmelt run-off that creates lower pH in the grapes, resulting in higher acidity. The climate is also desert-like with high 15° C (59° F) day/night temperature differential. The soil surface has low concentrations of organic material, which produces favourable stress in the vines, while the sandy soils offer great drainage and help create elegant wines. Farmed organically since 2001, Domaine Bousquet is Argentina's leading exporter of organic wines, exporting to more than 50 countries. Let's see how these two wines that are brand new to the LCBO in Ontario are tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE BOUSQUET GRAN MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21983) (XD) - $24.95
From the Gran Bousquet line that stars the best grapes from their "home" vineyard that was originally planted by the Bousquet family in the late 1990's. Blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah that was organically grown on sandy soils with low fertility, the grapes were manually harvested, selected, and sorted. It was fermented using selected yeasts and aged for 10 months in French oak. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and dark with fine wood spice aromas layered over blackberry, currant, cassis, violet, and vanilla. Full-bodied, structured, and dry on the palate with lightly tangy blackberry, herb, black currant, cassis, wood spice flavours with touches of pepper. Fresh, juicy acids whet the palate, while the youthful tannins have some grip. Savoury wood and spice notes linger on the structured finish, with very good length. On the bigger side of Malbec and a recommended buy. Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on March 5. Score: 90+ pts

VIRGEN NATURAL MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Sustainable, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21987) (XD) - $17.95
From Bousquet's Virgen line that has no sulfites added, Virgen wines offer the purest expression of terroir from grapes grown on a mix of sandy and gravel soils. This organic 100% Malbec is crafted from estate fruit grown at a cool 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) elevation in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, in the foothills of the Andes. Screw cap. This unoaked Malbec has a fresh and fragrant nose that is ripe and fruit-forward with black-blue-purple fruit, plum, grapey, and white pepper spice aromas, plus whiffs of stony mineral. On the medium-full bodied palate it shows impressive fruit concentration with more fruity black-blue-purple fruit, and grapey flavours joined by touches of dried herbs and spice adding a pleasant savoury component. Mild tannins have a refined, slightly dusty texture. Acids are juicy. Tapers to a minerally, finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on April 2. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Bousquet are available in limited quantities at the LCBO, while the rest of their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc.

Read More