Miguel Torres Ándica Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is this lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly Sauvignon Blanc from the Curicó Valley in Chile. It's a fairly new wine that made it's debut at the LCBO last weekend as part of the September 24 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Backed by a long history rooted in winemaking in Spain, Miguel Torres Chile arrived in the Curicó Valley in 1979 in the search for a new project. Miguel Torres Chile was the first foreign wine producer to establish themselves in Chile and chose the Curicó Valley for its excellent conditions to further develop the wine industry. As an innovator, Miguel Torres Chile introduced many new technologies and winemaking techniques to Chile, including the first use of fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing in French oak barrels in 1979, while also helping grow the Chilean wine industry.

The Torres family acquired their first 100 hectares of land and exported their first wines from Chile in 1981. Over the years, the company acquired more land and currently has approximately 350 hectares of vineyards planted on eight estates, each with different climate characteristics, enabling them to grow a diverse range of varieties to produce wines of intense varietal character. Today, Miguel Torres Chile maintains its cornerstone concepts of innovation, organic vine-growing, and Fair Trade certification, while also becoming more sustainable. With a global presence, Miguel Torres Chile family winery has established itself one of the main producers of high-quality wines through its products' identity, respect for the environment, and social responsibility. In 2010, the fifth generation of the Torres Family took over as Miguel Torres Maczassek became President of the family business in Chile.

Miguel Torres Chile has several ranges of wines and this Sauvignon Blanc is from their newest label - Miguel Torres Ándica. Wines from the Ándica label are made under the vision of honouring the natural expression and biodiversity of the country that welcomed them over 40 years ago. All wines under the Ándica label are 100% certified organic and crafted with the utmost respect for the Chilean ecosystems where the grapes are grown, from the north to Patagonia, with a sustainable approach to agriculture and awareness of climate change. This particular Sauvignon Blanc was organically grown in the Curicó Valley. It was de-stemmed and macerated for 3 hours at low temperatures. After a 16-day fermentation, the wine was aged without the use of any oak. Let's see how this 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MIGUEL TORRES ÁNDICA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Vegan, Valle de Curicó, Chile (#25641) (XD) - $16.95
Organic and vegan. Screw cap. Fresh, fragrant, and highly aromatic with pungent aromas of gooseberry, grassy, guava, tropical fruit, lemongrass, and herbs with earthy-smoky undertones. It's medium+ bodied and dry with fresh, lively, and juicy acidity lifting the citrusy, grapefruit, gooseberry, grassy, guava, tropical fruit, and lemongrass flavours. Really well-balanced and succulent with a subtle chalky textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Leesy minerals join the citrus, gooseberry, grassy, and tropical fruit replays on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Several lovely wines by Miguel Torres are available not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Dandurand.

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M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2021 (Midi) - Wine Review

A perennial favourite of mine that seems to get better every vintage, tonight's white wine review is this lovely wine from Roussillon that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the September 24, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

M. Chapoutier is the legendary producer from Rhône whose origins go back to the year 1808. In 1990, the renowned Michel Chapoutier took over the reins of the family business. In 2000, he forayed into Roussillon when he purchased his first estate in the region. Michel set up Domaine de Bila-Haut in Latour-de-France, Roussillon, an area with an intense, forceful, and sometimes violent past with contoured terraces, stony soils, and a rich geology. Michel's children, Mathilde and Maxime,
have since joined the family business to form the next generation of the Chapoutier family to perpetuate the family's tradition and vision to craft biodynamic wines which express the full potential of its terroir and true character of the soils.

I enjoyed the 2020 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc last November, and while the 2021 growing season was a tough year across France where most regions experienced record rainfall, Roussillon suffered its most severe drought in the last 10 years. However, Chapoutier's use of biodynamic practices helped save the day! A cold winter led to later than normal budburst, while frost only affected a few of Chapoutier's plots on the plains and lower valleys - their Domaine is actually located in the upper reaches of the Agly Valley. Cool weather continued into late spring, and summer was not as hot as recent years, with no scorching hot days. This worked out well given the lack of water.

In Roussillon, the growing season runs counter to the rest of the winegrowing regions where the lack of water, combined with biodynamic growing practices, avoids any cryptogrammic pressure and they were able to bring in a perfectly healthy crop. When there is a lack of water, biodynamic compost, fermented forest litter help to invigorate the soil, and horn dung, allowed Chapoutier to produce an average harvest in terms of quantity, where much of Roussillon is recording the smallest harvest in its history. 2021 produced a later than average harvest due to some rain at the beginning of September. The grapes ripened during the second half of September, without excessive heat, and produced a very fine vintage.

This delicious white wine continues to be a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. The grapes come from two places - limestone, clay soils and gneiss in the Agly Valley, and granite soils at higher altitude (500 metre), later ripening sites. The grapes were manually harvested early in the morning to preserve freshness, and hand-selected to protect the aromas. At the winery, after pressing, the must is cold-settled. It underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing for a few months (on its lees) in order to preserve freshness and enhance minerality. Let's see how this 2021 Côtes du Roussillon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2021 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $16.95
Composed of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. Elegant, yellow floral, herbs, waxy, and lemon pith aromas rise out of the glass with hints of grapefruit and smoke. It's medium-full bodied with a rich mouthfeel and ripe flavours of lemon citrus, grapefruit, yellow floral, orange, white peach, and herbs with melon and mineral undertones. Acids are fresh and lively. Some spiciness and a subtle chalky texture on the mid-palate. Nicely balanced with a satisfyingly long, crisp, minerally finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

You can get other lovely wines by M. Chapoutier at the LCBO and through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2021 (Provence) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2020 Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé in Spring of last year when it made its debut at the LCBO, tonight's dry rosé wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific wine that comes to the LCBO this weekend in the September 24, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Château des Ferrages, a domain cherry-picked by Mathilde Chapoutier Selection in 2016 that is located in the village of Pourcieux, halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Maximin, in the prime, lowland plots of the Sainte-Victoire appellation. Previously, Château des Ferrages was owned winemaker Jose Garcia. His family had been running the 30 hectare domain for three generations, making primarily rosé wines since 1980. Today, Château des Ferrages is in the hands of legendary Rhône wine estate Maison M. Chapoutier and produces wines using the principles of biodynamic farming.

This dry rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Rolle (aka Vermentino) that was grown on shallow, well-draining, clay-limestone soils with varying amounts of sand. The parcels of grapes come from the villages of Pourcieux and Pourrières, at the feet of Mount Aurélien and Mount Sainte-Victoire, where the climate is Mediterranean. Harvest was carried out at night to preserve freshness and aromas. At the winery, the grapes were direct-pressed and underwent stabulation on fine lees. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine was aged for a short period in stainless steel vats.

2021 was a tough vintage in Provence with frost, fire, and hail all coming in to play, and Grenache taking the hardest hit. Yields were down on average of 30% and the quality of wines will vary depending on how hard the winegrower was affected by the weather, along with the competence of the winemaker to handle this difficult vintage. Given the name behind this wine, I fully expect very good results. Let's see how this 2021 rosé from Provence is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSÉ 2021 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#19834) (XD) - $24.95
Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. The enticing, medium+ intensity nose offers a lovely, complex mix of grapefruit, melon, orange, white peach, citrus, honeysuckle, and herbal aromas with an underlying minerality. It's medium+ bodied on the dry, ripe palate with appealing grapefruit, floral, white peach, melon, and citrus flavours that taper to herbal and mineral on the juicy mid-palate. Nicely balanced throughout with fresh acidity. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Château des Ferrages can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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September 24, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: High Scores

As we go head first into the busy holiday season, here's my top wine picks from the September 24, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release. The feature of the release is titled "High Scores", and like all other releases this year, there is no mini-feature. All of the wines in this release should be in stores across Ontario by Saturday. The Online Exclusives (OE) wines included as part of this release will also be available at Flagship locations.

We begin with the feature on High Scoring wines, and of the seventeen wines included as part of the theme, six are included among my top wine picks. Among the white wines, both the Charles Baker Riesling and the Gewurztraminer are just off-dry (i.e. a hint of sweetness), while the dry white from Niagara is a blend of 75% Marsanne and 25% Viognier. Among the reds, the wine from Roussillon is a tank-aged blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that was all grown on schist soils, while the Cahors consists of 90% Malbec and 10% Tannat. Lastly, there is also a consistently delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.

Among my top red wine picks from the main release, we begin in Spain with a pair of lovely Riojas - the Gran Reserva is a blend of approximately 94% Tempranillo and 6% Mazuelo, while the Reserva consists of 85% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo. From Tuscany, the 2016 Chianti Classico is one the Wines of the Month and crafted with 100% Sangiovese, while the 2018 Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. For GSM wine lovers, Barossa red is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Shiraz, and 5% Mataro. Single varietal wines worth noting are the Crozes-Hermitage which is made with Syrah, and the Etna Rosso from Sicily that is crafted with 100% Nerello Mascalese.

The only blend among my white wine recommendations from the main release comes from Roussillon and it is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. Contrasting new world vs. old world single varietal wines, there is a Sauvignon Blanc from both Chile and Loire, as well as a Chardonnay from both New Zealand and Burgundy. If you want to try something off the beaten path, check out the Posip grape variety from Croatia. For those that prefer their wines somewhat sweet, the always lovely Hidden Bench Riesling should be on your radar.

My lone rosé wine pick is a dry rosé from Provence that is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino).

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• DOMAINE FORÇA RÉAL SCHISTES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2018 - AP, Midi, France (#494161) (XD) - $16.95
• VIGNOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17404) (XD) - $19.95
• SISTER'S RUN COW'S CORNER GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MATARO 2019 - Barossa, South Australia (#346510) (XD) - $19.95
• WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Clare Valley/Limestone Coast, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CUNE RESERVA 2017 - Rioja Alta, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#417659) (XD) - $21.95
• IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#85209) (XD) - $21.95
• CHÂTEAU LAMARTINE CUVÉE PARTICULIÈRE CAHORS 2018 - AC, South of France, Southwest, France (#441238) (XD) - $26.95
• CAVE DE TAIN HÉRITIERS GAMBERT NOBLES RIVES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2020 - Sustainable, AP, Rhone, France (#572230) (XD) - $27.95
• NICOSIA CONTRADA MONTE SAN NICOLÒ 2018 - DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#26507) (XD) - $29.95  OE
• LAN GRAN RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#928622) (XD) - $33.95
• BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#361816) (XD) - $47.95  OE

White Wine:

• MIGUEL TORRES ÁNDICA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Vegan, Valle de Curicó, Chile (#25641) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review
• M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2021 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review
• KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2018 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $19.95
• PIERRE SPARR SOL CALCAIRE GEWURZTRAMINER 2018 - AC Alsace, France (#25370) (D) - $21.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (M) - $24.95
• MERGA VICTA POSIP 2020 - Smokvica, Dalmatia, Korcula, Croatia (#25828) (XD) - $26.95
• CHATELAIN LES CHARMES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#727990) (XD) - $26.95
• CHARLES BAKER IVAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#359794) (D) - $29.95
• DOMAINE BEGUE-MATHIOT FOURCHAUME CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#26452) (XD) - $36.95  OE
• BLANK CANVAS REED CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#20183) (XD) - $39.95  OE

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSÉ 2021 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#19834) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• STEORRA PÉTILLANT NATUREL SPARKLING CHARDONNAY 2016 - Ancestral method, Arroyo Secco, Monterey County, California, USA (#20177) (XD) - $29.95  OE

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Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Les Caillottes Sancerre 2019 and Cuvée Genèse Sancerre 2020 (Loire) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of perennially excellent white Sancerre wines crafted with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the September 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

These lovely wines are produced by Jean-Max Roger, one of my favourite producers from the Loire Valley. The Roger family descends from a long line of winegrowers from the village of Bué, with the first mention of the family name dating back to the 17th century. Up until the 1960s, the Roger family practiced mixed farming with animal rearing. In the 1970s, Jean-Max Roger took over the 4 hectares of vines from his parents left for him and together with his wife, Nicole, they focused on developing the vineyards and estate to make it the highly regarded producer it is today. In 2004, their sons, Thibault and Etienne, joined them at the estate. Today, Thibault and Etienne carry on their parents' passion for wine and terroir and define the estate's identity. The brothers complement each other, perpetuating their family's know-how and techniques to improve their wines with each passing vintage.

Both of these wines are crafted with 100% Sauvignon Blanc that was grown on Sancerre's famous limestone soils called "caillottes". The vineyards were managed to produce grapes that reveal its terroir, including the use of organic principles and working the deep soils to revitalize the soil life. Jean-Max Roger also uses Guyot Poussard pruning to have a better balance of stock, while also performing spring debudding to control yields. Weeds are controlled mechanically while also respecting soil life.

In the winery, Jean-Max Roger uses a similar vinification process for each wine. They start by using a pneumatic press with cold settlement for between 48 and 72 hours. The wines undergo a temperature-controlled, long fermentation using natural yeasts to develop aromatic complexity, followed by ageing on heavy lees to develop minerality. After fining and filtration to stabilize the aromas and wine, it is bottled at the estate and rests for a couple of months prior to release.

While these wines come from different vintages, both the 2019 and 2020 vintage are considered very good years for Sauvignon Blanc. Let's see how this Sauvignon Blanc wines from Sancerre are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $31.95
100% Sauvignon Blanc from vines ranging between 6 to 40 years of age that were grown in the villages of Bué, Amigny, and Sancerre. Clean, elegant, and fresh aromas of lemon citrus, white floral, and ripe orchard fruit with subtle herb, spiciness and leesy mineral aromas rising out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied with lovely aromas replays and fine, well-delineated acidity gliding across the palate. Elegant and drinking beautifully at this stage. Lightly spicy on the slightly chalky textured, juicy mid-palate. Lovely citrus and apple, along with a fine mineral streak lingers on the well-balanced finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2020 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $32.95
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was grown in ancestral plots exclusively in the village of Bué on caillottes soils, from vines between 10 to 40 years of age. Lovely, intense aromas of lemon/lime citrus, white floral, and spice layered over stony minerals with a hint of white peach. It has very good weight on the medium-full to full-bodied palate. Elegant citrus, white floral, and stony mineral flavour replays are lifted by fresh, juicy acidity. There's a nice, subtle chalky texture on the mid-palate, while citrus, leesy-stony mineral and floral notes linger on the very long, crisp, and balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other excellent wines by Jean-Max Roger are available through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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LAVAU Vacqueyras 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

For Rhône wine lovers (like me!), tonight's red wine review is this lovely Vacqueyras that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the September 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Maison LAVAU, one of my favourite Southen Rhône producers. Maison LAVAU was founded in the Rhône Valley in 1964 by the Lavau family that had been involved in winemaking from Bordeaux to Tunisia for several generations. The Lavau family decided to settle in the Rhône Valley after being seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soils. Today, Lavau is a renowned and respected name in Rhône Valley winemaking with brothers Benoit and Frédéric Lavau at the helm of the family business. Over the years, the Lavau brothers have enhanced their expertise by becoming creators of cuvées and producers. Not only do they own wine estates covering more than 180 hectares of vines across the Rhône Valley, but they also have long-running partnerships with more than 350 growers so that Maison LAVAU is able to select the best terroir and grapes in order to craft top quality wines.

This red wine is crafted with 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, all grown in plots on the plain of Vacqueyras. The vines average 35 years old and are planted on alluvial and sandy, well-draining soils. Grenache is the emblematic variety of the Southern Rhône Valley, tolerating drought very well, while also providing juice that is very sweet, and often contributes power and volume to wine blends. Syrah is often trellised because it is not very resistant to the mistral winds, while adding a beautiful purple colour to the wines, along with intense fruit aromas and spices; Syrah also pairs very well with Grenache. Mourvèdre is the late-maturing variety that originated in Spain and produces intense and powerful wines with great finesse, and is particularly suited for ageing and ageing in wood. At the winery, the grapes for this wine were de-stemmed and placed in stainless steel, thermo-regulated vats for a 24-hour maceration, followed by fermentation. 60% of the cuvée is matured in vats, while the rest was aged in 450 L first and second-use barrels for a period of 12 months, before being blended together with the tank-aged portion.

The 2018 growing season in Rhône was a bit of a hit and miss. Winter and spring were wet and mild, but reasonably successful. In the Southern Rhône, there was unexpected rainfall in June that caused some difficulties with mildew and rot. The damp weather eventually dried up and gave way to a hot, dry summer. Despite a challenging growing season, the resulting wines were generally good with red wines more densely concentrated than typical with strong fruit flavours and structure. After enjoying the excellent 2017 LAVAU Vacqueyras in Spring of last year, let's see how this latest vintage is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The fragrant, medium-high intensity offers lovely perfumed, ripe dark berry, purple fruit, dark cherry, and floral aromas with swarthy, scorched earth undertones. The medium-full bodied palate is ripe with smooth, refined, subtly structured and grippy tannins that support the ripe dark berry-cherry, purple fruit, earthy, and smoky flavours with subtle spicy notes. Acids are fresh and lively, Nicely balanced throughout with lovely dark berry, subtle smoky earth, and spice notes linger on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Maison LAVAU can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Monte Creek Living Land Series Chardonnay 2020 (British Columbia) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2017 Monte Creek Ranch Cabernet/Merlot a couple of years ago, and tonight's wine review is a lovely Chardonnay made by the same producer in British Columbia. This new wine is coming to the LCBO this weekend as part of the September 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Monte Creek Winery, which is owned by a local B.C. family and supported by a trusted team of on-site professionals to manage the operations. Established in 2009, Monte Creek Winery is located in the Thompson Valley, near Kamloops. Today, Monte Creek is turning its unique growing conditions in the Thompson Valley through quality, innovation and sustainability into award-winning premium wines. They also re-branded (and for the better, in my opinion) since the last time I tasted their wines to better align with their vision.

This particular wine is from their Living Land Series - a celebration of the idea that great wines only come from balanced vines, and earth that is truly alive and thriving. Their philosophy is that in order to grow incredible fruit, you must promote and maintain an environment that is healthy and working with nature, not against it. Far from just dirt, the grapevines used to grow the grapes in the Living Land Series wines are grown not from just dirt, but soils that are biodiverse and alive, and enhancing their vitality is the guiding principle of their viticulture. Flourishing soils make for healthy grapes, and healthy grapes help produce vibrant wines.

Crafted with 100% Chardonnay, the grapes for this wine were grown in the Thompson Valley on Olhausen glaciolacustrine sandy loam and Similkameen glaciofluvial silty loam soils. It underwent wild fermentation and was aged sur lie, with 75% aged in French oak, while the remainder was aged in concrete eggs. By using both of these ageing methods, Monte Creek aims to integrate the oak slightly while also preserving the acidity.

The 2020 growing season in the Thompson Valley is characterized by a relatively cool and slightly compressed season, with 50% budbreak occurring about a week later than normal. Harvest came to an abrupt end due to temperatures falling to -11 Celsius on October 25th. However, with a cool a start to the season combined with the warm late-summer period, the grapes reached phenolic maturity at the same level as sugar maturity. Overall, the wines from 2020 tended to have moderate alcohol levels and well-extracted, refined structure. Let's see how this 2020 Chardonnay from B.C. is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONTE CREEK LIVING LAND SERIES CHARDONNAY 2020 - BC VQA British Columbia, Canada (#25658) (XD) - $22.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose is richly structured with orchard fruit, apple, and pear aromas nuanced with subtle oak, butter, lemon citrus, and touches of tropical fruit. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it offers lovely apple, pear, buttery, and citrus replays on the flavour profile and supported by fresh acidity. Well-balanced throughout and impressively structured. More orchard fruits with lemon citrus, and butter with hints of vanilla, tapering to a long, fine, leesy mineral finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other delicious wines by Monte Creek are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Perigon Beverage Group.

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September 10, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Local Love

As we leave Summer and head into the Fall and Winter gift-giving season, here are my top wine picks from the large September 10, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release. There are a whopping 173 wines in this release and theme focuses on the local wines from Ontario. With this release, the LCBO also returns to its normal bi-weekly in-store releases, and I am expecting large releases right through to the end of the year. All of the wines from this release should be available for purchase by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme that's titled "Local Love" and focuses on Ontario wines. Although there are quite a few nice wines among the nineteen featured in the thematic, just one is among my top wine picks - a lovely Cabernet Franc from Niagara.

As this is a big release, there are more than the usual number of red wine picks. We start in Rhône with a lovely Vacqueyras that is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvédre, while the Plan de Dieu is also a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The last wine from France is from Corbières in Languedoc and it's a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 15% Carignan. From Italy, the Sicilian red is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, while the Brunello di Montalcino is made with 100% Sangiovese, and the Chianti Cliassico is composed of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. If you're seeking some top California Cabernet Sauvignon at the LCBO, you should get either the Napa Valley Cab which is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot, or the Alexander Valley (Sonoma) Cab that consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec. Lastly, the red wine from Spain is a blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Monastrell.

From my white wine recommendations, Sauvignon Blanc could well have been the mini-thematic of the release as there are many very nice Sauv Blanc wines in this release. Three Sauvignon Blanc wines are included among my picks, with a pair from it's classic home in Sancerre (Loire), while the third Sauv Blanc is from the New World in Chile. For Chardonnay wine lovers, there are a pair of lovely wines from the west coast - one from British Columbia and the other from Sonoma Coast. The Crianza from Rioja is a barrel-aged Viura. For those that prefer a pinch of sugar in their wines, there is a Pinot Gris from Oregon and a Riesling from Germany.

Among my dry rosé wine picks, the lovely $25 rosé from Tavel is a blend of mainly Grenache, Clairette, and Syrah, while the $20 Tavel rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. The rosé from Languedoc is a blend of mainly Cinsault and Grenache, with Caladoc and Syrah in support.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU CAMPLONG GRANDE RÉSERVE CORBIÈRES 2020 - AP, Languedoc, France (#12990) (XD) - $13.95
• RÉMY FERBRAS TERRE DE MISTRAL PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2018 - AP, Rhône, France (#538009) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2017 - Valle del Elquí, Chile (#16793) (XD) - $16.95
• LAYA 2020 - Vegan, DOP Almansa, Spain (#132605) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• THE PARTY MALBEC 2020 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#24881) (XD) - $19.95
• TORNATORE ETNA ROSSO 2018 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#487090) (XD) - $24.95

• LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (XD) - $26.95  92 pts  wine review
• TRINITY HILL MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#25802) (XD) - $28.95  90 pts  wine review
• TAWSE GROWERS BLEND CABERNET FRANC 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#284570) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#953828) (XD) - $32.95
• TENUTE SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#922054) (XD) - $49.95
• SEQUOIA GROVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#60020) (XD) - $79.95  93 pts  wine review
• ARCHIMEDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#431825) (XD) - $89.95

White Wine:

• DEL RIO VINEYARD ESTATE PINOT GRIS 2020 - Rogue Valley, Oregon, USA (#25110) (D) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• ARESTI TRISQUEL GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Valle de Leyda, Chile (#17611) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• DOMDECHANT WERNER GUTS-RIESLING TROCKEN 2019 - Rheingau, Germany (#25710) (D) - $19.95
• MULLINEUX GREAT HEART CHENIN BLANC 2021 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#24764) (XD) - $22.95
• MONTE CREEK LIVING LAND SERIES CHARDONNAY 2020 - BC VQA British Columbia, Canada (#25658) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review
• NALS MARGREID PUNGGL PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - DOC Südtirol - Alto Adige, Italy (#395756) (XD) - $28.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $31.95  92+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2020 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $32.95  92 pts  wine review
• R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA VIÑA GRAVONIA CRIANZA 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#910711) (XD) - $48.95
• FLOWERS CHARDONNAY 2020 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#215210) (XD) - $59.95

Rosé Wine:

• LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ 2021 - IGP Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc, France (#20012) (XD) - $15.95
• FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL 2021 - AC, Rhône, France (#680801) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2021 - AC, Rhône, France (#319368) (XD) - $24.95  91+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• DRAPPIER BRUT NATURE PINOT NOIR CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#179275) (XD) - $68.95

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Trinity Hill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Pinot Noir from Marlborough that makes its debut at the LCBO this weekend as part of the upcoming September 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Trinity Hill, a winery that was established in the 1990's on a stony site in the Hawke's Bay wine region, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. It was founded by Robert and Robyn Wilson and winemaker John Hancock over a glass of wine as they were convinced they could produce world-class wines with grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district within Hawke's Bay. As one of the region's early pioneers, Trinity Hill planted grapevines in 1993 on a barren plot on the former bed of the Ngaruroro River, a vineyard which is now 18 hectares and known as the Gimblett Estate Vineyard. In 2001, Trinity Hill joined the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association as a founding member. Today, Trinity Hill crafts all except one of its wines using fruit from Hawke's Bay.

This Pinot Noir is from Trinity Hill's regional range of wines and crafted using fruit grown in Marlborough on the South Island. The growing season in 2019/2020 was long and dry, but slightly cooler at the end which allowed the grapes to be picked in pristine condition and featured ripe, concentrated flavours. It was vinified by first de-stemming the fruit prior to fermentation and gently pumped daily over skins during fermentation to help extract a silky structure. The wine was matured in stainless steel tanks for capture and preserve the perfumed aromas and fruit freshness. Let's see how this Marlborough Pinot Noir is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRINITY HILL MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#25802) (XD) - $28.95
Screw cap. Elegant, medium-high intensity nose of red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas with sweet spices, beet root, earth, and hints of black tea adding intrigue. It's medium+ bodied and ripe on the palate with delicious strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and spicy replays on the flavour profile. Lively acids are fresh and juicy. Light, grainy tannins add a nice, textural mouthfeel. Earthy and minerally with tangy red cherry and strawberry notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Trinity Hill are available through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia, or in very limited quantities at the LCBO.

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Rémy Ferbras Terre de Mistral Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2018 (France) - Wine Review

After the enjoying the lovely 2017 Rémy Ferbras Terre de Mistral Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages in Spring of last year, for tonight's red wine review I'm delighted to see the next vintage come to the LCBO next weekend as part of the September 10th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Rémy Ferbras, a range of wines that pays tribute to the first cellar master of Maison Grandes Serres - a winery with deep roots in the Southern Rhône Valley at the heart of the presigious vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Rémy Ferbras is an iconic figure of the winery as he was a tireless advocate of the Rhône terroir and its grape varieties. He also contributed largely through his work and tenacity to the development and recognition of Grandes Serres. The Rémy Ferbras range is a result of strict selections, precise vinification and ageing, to produce rich, elegant, complex, and flavourful wines, just as Rémy Ferbras would have it.

This red wine from Rhône is a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, or GSM for short. The grapes were grown within the Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation on soils mostly composed of limestone pebbles and brown clay. After harvesting the grapes at optimum maturity, each variety was vinified separately and after alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was blended and bottled.

The 2018 vintage in the Southern Rhône was a bit of a hit and miss with humidity, mildew, and uneven ripening issues due to unexpected rainfall. However, despite a challenging growing season, the resulting wines were generally good and more densely concentrated that normal with strong fruit flavours and structure. Let's see how this 2018 Rhône wine from Plan de Dieu is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RÉMY FERBRAS TERRE DE MISTRAL PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2018 - AP, Rhône, France (#538009) (XD) - $15.95
This classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre has a fresh, perfumed, medium-high intensity nose with a lovely bouquet of ripe dark red cherry, floral, and spices with touches of red plum and subtle earthiness. On the medium to medium-full bodied palate it offers delicious red cherry and raspberry flavours in a slightly cooked profile, plus spices and earthy-stony-smoky minerality notes. Acids are fresh and well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, refined, and lightly structured with a subtle grip on the back palate. Tangy with lovely stony mineral notes lingering on the very long aftertaste. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Rémy Ferbras are available through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

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