Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, sustainably crafted Riserva Chianti Classico which arrives at the LCBO this coming weekend as part of the December 3rd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Produced by Castelli del Grevepesa, this modern co-operative winery was established in 1965 by visionary Sir Armando Nunzi and an initial group of 17 winegrowers. Today, this co-operative is the largest Chianti Classico family with over 120 associate winegrowers. Together, they maintain age-old traditions and know-how that is passed along each generation, while also using modern and innovation production methods and techniques to craft their wines. With passion and hard work, Castelli del Grevepesa aims to deliver a combination of fine quality and affordably priced wines.

After enjoying several wines recently from Castelli del Grevepesa's Clemente VII range, this red wine is from their Castelgreve line of wines. The name 'Castelgreve' is a shortened version of the company's full name. This Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico is crafted with mainly Sangiovese (min. 80%) and a small percentage of other red berry varieties. The grapes were hand-harvested with individual grape selection, then fermented at a controlled temperature of 30°C with 12 days of maceration time with skins. It was aged for a minimum of 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels, followed by further refinement and ageing in bottle for at least 3 months. From what was by most accounts an exceptionally good vintage, let's see how this 2018 Riserva Chianti Classico is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#344416) (XD) - $21.95
Crafted with mainly Sangiovese, this has a medium-high intensity nose that is elegant and quite pretty with aromas of sweet red and black cherry, sweet baking spices, cinnamon, and clove, along with touches of plum and earthy, oak spice undertones which add a savoury component. It's medium to medium-full bodied and slightly creamy on the palate with plummy, red and black cherry, sweet spices, and oak flavours. Juicy and succulent with fresh acidity and smooth, refined tannins that have just a touch of chalky grip. Savoury with chocolatey oak and earthy notes lingering on the long finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next few years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Castelli del Grevepesa are available at the LCBO or through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2020 (France) - Wine Review (Nov. 2022)

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic red wine from Rhône that returned to LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario just over a week ago as part of the recent November 19th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Xavier Vignon, a man who started out as an consultant oenologist in 1996 in a laboratory in Vaucluse in the Southern Rhône Valley for 30+ cellars, and three years later started crafted artisanal cuvees from his garage for his friends. After one of his friends secretly took his wines and submitted them to Guide Hachette where they received critical acclaim, Xavier started crafted his own wines under the Xavier Vins label. Today, with two fundamental values of a job well done and the capacity to transmit knowledge, Xavier bottles wines under his own name. He is known as a Terroir Hunter and Master Blender, while also having respect for the environment. The wines of Xavier Vignon are the result of a scientific background, great deal of experience, confidence in others, total involvement, exchange of knowledge, and shared pleasure.

I first enjoyed this organic 2020 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône six month ago when it showed up in VINTAGES in last spring. It is a blend of primarily Grenache from 80-year-old vines, plus Syrah from 45-year-old vines, and Mourvèdre from 60-year-old vines, all grown on Galets roulés (rolled pebbles), sands, clay, and limestone soils located mostly in the northern part of the Vaucluse and altitude parcels. The grapes were manually harvested, fermented at moderate temperatures, and aged in concrete tanks for a short period of time.

The 2020 vintage benefitted from a good amount of rain in late-autumn and the early winter of 2019, providing very good water stores that would help the vines stay hydrated later in the year. The mild and dry winter meant that flowering and bud break took place early, while the dry and hot summer resulted in a long ripening season with vines drawing water from their winter reserves. During the 2020 growing season, there were no sever heat spikes and night-time temperatures were much cooler, thus allowing the grapes to gently and gradually ripen. The Southern Rhône also benefitted from cool winds which refreshed the vines during the summer heat. Conditions were splendid during harvest as the pristine grapes were picked in warm, dry conditions. Wines from the 2020 Southern Rhône Valley are described as well-balanced with finesse and elegance. Let's see how this 2020 organic Côtes du Rhône tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $17.95
Aged in concrete, this is primarily Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. Lovely, elegant, and fragrant mix that is spicy and savoury, joined by ripe dark red cherry, raspberry, and red plum aromas, plus hints of white pepper spice and meaty notes. It's medium-full bodied with good concentration on the crunchy palate with spicy flavours of ripe dark red cherry, raspberry, and red plum that tapers to savoury, earthy, and meaty flavours. Saliva-inducing fresh and juicy acids. Supple, lightly grippy tannins. Nicely balanced throughout with lovely dark red cherry, raspberry, and mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy to enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 89 pts

You can find other lovely wines by Xavier Vignon at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Lakeview Cellars Gewürztraminer Icewine 2019 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Icewine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on November 19 and is featured in the Local Talent column in the release.

Lakeview Cellars is the oldest of several wine brands owned by Diamond Estates. Their winery is located at Lakeview Wine Co. on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Established in Vineland in 1991 by Eddy Gurinskas, Lakeview Cellars has built a worldwide reputation for creating exquisite Niagara wines that are both high quality and affordable.

For Thomas Green, VP of Winemaking and Winery Operations at Lakeview, the brand is nostalgic for him as he began his career at Lakeview Cellars. The label has changed throughout the years, but the high quality wines that they produce under the Lakeview Cellars brand have remained consistent for over 2 decades. Lakeview Cellars is known for big, bold reds and classic whites.

The grapes for Lakeview Cellars' wines are sourced from their best vineyards in the Niagara region which are kissed by Lake Ontario's offshore breezes. The lake's influence creates a more temperate climate, which can produce superior fruit with more intense flavours and complexity. I've enjoyed many wines from Lakeview Cellars over the years, and they have proven to be a premium Niagara wine producer committed to crafting premium VQA wines at affordable prices.

This lusciously sweet Icewine is made with frozen Gewürztraminer grapes that were harvested in late December when the temperatures were between -10°C and -13°C. After gently pressing and settling the juice in stainless steel tanks, it was cool-fermented and then placed outside to complete a natural cold stabilization.

Tasting Note:

LAKEVIEW CELLARS GEWÜRZTRAMINER ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#547703) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95
Beautifully attractive and intense aromas of candied citrus, orange marmalade, honey, tropical fruit, mango, peach, candied ginger, and hints of lychee rise out of the glass. It's lusciously sweet on the rich, medium to medium-full bodied palate that is balanced with fresh acidity, supporting the lovely, sweet candied citrus, orange marmalade, honeyed caramel, and tropical fruit flavours. Juicy and slightly spicy on the mid-palate, with lovely notes of peach, mango, citrus, honey, and caramel lingering on the long, succulent finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

Other lovely wines by Lakeview Cellars are available at the LCBO, as well as direct through the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Chianti Classico 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 vintage of this red wine that was included as part of the Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Trio gift box last month, tonight's wine review is the 2018 vintage that arrived at the LCBO last weekend on its own as the Wine of the Month in the November 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Castelli del Grevepesa, a modern co-operative winery that was established in 1965 by visionary Sir Armando Nunzi and an initial group of 17 winegrowers. They came together because 1960s were difficult years in the Chianti winegrowing region and Sir Armando Nunzi wanted to not only safeguard the land and maintain the age-old traditions of Tuscan winegrowing with the long-established know-how that farmers still today pass on from one generation to the next, but also introduce innovative production methods and techniques such as implementing careful grape selection and rigorously controlling the vinification process. Today, Castelli del Grevepesa is the largest Chianti Classico family with over 120 associate winegrowers. As one of the first co-operatives in Italy, Castelli del Grevepesa strives with a passion and hard work to achieve a combination of fine quality and affordably priced wines.

This Chianti Classico is crafted with 100% Sangiovese that was hand-harvested with individual bunch selection. It was fermented at a controlled temperature of 28°C with 10 days of maceration with skins. Aging occurred for 12 months, with 85% of the wine aged in Slavonian oak barrels, while the remainder was aged in barriques; it was then blended and refined in bottle for a further three months.

Although it can be difficult to generalize vintages in Chianti Classico as the weather tends to be very localized and Sangiovese is particularly sensitive to the site where its grown, the 2018 growing season was characterized as more challenging than 2019. On the whole, Chianti Classico experienced an uneven and changeable weather pattern throughout the growing season with a lack of sustained dry, sunny weather. This changeable weather pattern created a lot of extra work to manage the health of the vineyards. However, when September arrived it brought hot, sunny days with good night-day temperature variation, enabling the grapes to fully ripen and the harvest to go ahead without any further problems. In terms of quality, it was another very good year for those who managed to harvest quite late. Let's see how this 2018 Chianti Classico is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#421388) (XD) - $18.95
100% Sangiovese. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers aromas of ripe red and black cherry, blackberry, earthy forest floor, and wood spice notes with touches of dried herbs and spices. On the medium to medium+ bodied palate it is very ripe with delicious red and dark cherry, savoury earth, woodspice replays, plus some red plum and dried herbal flavours. It's juicy and fresh with light, dusty, and slightly grippy tannins. Long and succulent on the savoury, earthy, and woody finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 88+ pts

While the Clemente VII Trio gift box is available in limited quantities at the LCBO, it can also be ordered along with other wines from the Castelli del Grevepesa portfolio through the Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Nativ Suadens Bianco 2020 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely blend crafted in a slightly sweet style from Campania that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the November 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Vini Nativ was born in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, in the comune Paternopoli, Campania, by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a specialist in food science, with the aim of producing wines of excellence. Together, they are dedicated to the production of typical wines of the territory using the native varieties of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and Aglianico of Taurasi. The vines are grown on 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasion on the soils of the property known for its particular fertility thanks to its volcanic origin.

The name "Nativ" represents the origin of the viticulture of Irpina through autochthonous production and the concept of "original of place" with love and respect for the terroir. The wines are crafted using innovative winemaking methods while also respecting tradition, and always paying attention to keep the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered. Nativ has a wide range of wines in their portfolio that can satisfy every palate, and this particular wine is from their IGT line that is an emblem of Campania.

This white wine is named Suadens to represent the suaveness of the wine. This wine is also a molecular project aimed at valorizing not only the autochthonous vines of Irpinia, but also the typical local fruits that aren't generally cultivated anywhere else in the world. This white wine is a unique blend of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Falanghina Beneventana that was grown on medium soils with some calcareous-clay using the trellis vine-training system with guyot pruning. At the winery, whole clusters of grapes were lightly pressed and fermented with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures, then aged in stainless steel tanks with a brief passage through oak barrels.

Having enjoyed several wines from Nativ in the past, including tasting a previous vintage of this particular wine, let's see how this 2020 white wine from Campania is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV SUADENS BIANCO 2020 - IGT Campania, Italy (#577767) (M) - $27.95
This unique blend of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo and Falanghina Beneventana has rich, fragrant and perfumed aromas of yellow and white florals, lemon citrus, tropical fruit, and melon with herbal undertones. It is impressively concentrated on the creamy, full-bodied palate with juicy, well-balanced acidity and slightly sweet flavours of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, lemon citrus, yellow & white floral, and ripe apple. Subtly spicy on the mid-palate, giving way to a long, dry-ish, leesy and apricot flavoured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Nativ are available through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits, as well as in limited quantities at the LCBO.

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Château Guillou 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2016 Château Guillou when it came through VINTAGES in spring of last year, and for tonight's red wine review I bring you the latest vintage that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the November 19th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Famille Saby, a winegrowing family that are considered specialists on wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The Saby family have been oenologists from father to son for nine generations dating back to the 18th century and are led today by Jean-Bernard Saby and his two sons, Jean-Christophe and Jean-Philippe. The Saby family owns and operates several estates on the Right Bank, including the Château Guillou vineyard which has existed in its current form since 1870. There are 62 hectares of vines at Château Guillou and most are located on a plateau with clay-limestone soils, and hillsides with clayey-silty soils.

I first tasted this wine seven years ago, starting with the 2012 vintage and the quality has improved with each passing vintage. Like the 2012, this vintage is also crafted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from fruit grown at Château Guillou in the Montagne-Saint-Emilion appellation, which is situated in the Libourne subregion on the right bank of the Dordogne, on siliceous soils which are sandy and gravelly. The fruit was traditionally hand-picked and sorted on tables, followed by cold-maceration, temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation, and malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in a combination of new and third-use American and French oak barrels.

From an excellent 2018 growing season in Bordeaux with dry conditions and cool nights, let's see how this 2018 red wine from Bordeaux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2018 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc has a fragrant, elegant, and well-balanced nose that is highly aromatic with lovely dark berry, black cherry, blackberry, and currant with touches of floral violet, chocolate, herbs, and subtle spices. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe palate with delicious dark berry, currant, black cherry, and blackberry replays joined by plummy notes. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the smooth, refined tannins have a slightly chalky textured mouthfeel towards the back palate. Finishes juicy, long and savoury with stony mineral and subtle oak spice notes on the long aftertaste. Really nicely balanced. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Famille Saby can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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November 19, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Finest Holiday Wines

Here's my top wine picks from the November 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release. The theme of the release is titled "Gifts to Celebrate: Our Finest Holiday Wines" and basically continues the theme from the last release - fine holiday wines for gift-giving or yourself, with prices further moving into the premium scale with each passing release. Also in this release are many wines available only at Flagship Exclusive (FE) locations and online at lcbo.com. On the whole, it's another outstanding (and large) release with many lovely options.

From the feature on the "Finest Holiday Wines", many of the twenty-five wines listed in the feature could be considered recommended buys, but I have limited myself to six recommendations - all red wines. We start in Italy with the Amarone that is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, while the Riserva Chianti Classico is an 80/20 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Lastly, the beautiful Barolo is crafted with Nebbiolo. From the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux is a lovely red that is made with 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. On the local front, the Terroir Caché is a blend of 46% Merlot, 31% Malbec, and 23% Cabernet Franc, as well as a Pinot Noir, both from Niagara.

Other top red wine picks from this release includes a Rhône red that is a blend of primarily Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support, while the Bordeaux red from the Montagne-Saint-Émilion appellation is an 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. From Chile, the Vitrum consists of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc, 8% Carmenère, 4% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, while the Portuguese red is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Sousao. Last, but not least, the Cabernet Sauvignon from Lake County is actually a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah, and 1% Syrah.

Among my dry white wine recommendations, the only blend is the wine from Napa Valley that consists of 76% Sauvignon Blanc and 24% Semillon. The Chablis is crafted with Chardonnay, while the Muscadet is made with Melon de Bourgogne, and the rest of the white wines should be self-explanatory.

For sweet wine lovers, there is a nice selection of wines that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Starting at the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) end of the spectrum is a Riesling from Niagara and a Pinot Gris from Alsace. Semi-sweet wines include a blend of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Falanghina from Campania and a Riesling Kabinett from Mosel. The very sweet wines are a Riesling Auslese from Mosel, a lovely Gewürztraminer Icewine from Niagara, and a 2010 Sauternes from Bordeaux that is a blend of 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Muscadelle.

Enjoy my fine wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ABAD DOM BUENO LADERAS DEL NORTE MENCIA 2019 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#244699) (XD) - $15.95
• XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  
• CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#421388) (XD) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
  
• PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CABERNET FRANC 2019 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#10591) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2018 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• QUADRUS RED 2016 - DOP Douro, Portugal (#440305) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHOCALAN VITRUM BLEND 2019 - Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#25640) (XD) - $25.95  92 pts  wine review

• BRANCAIA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#260802) (XD) - $41.95
• HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ 2018 - Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#505610) (XD) - $44.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#184564) (XD) - $47.95
• CHÂTEAU LA GARDE 2015 - AC Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France (#191163) (XD) - $52.95  92 pts  wine review
• AURELIO SETTIMO ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA BAROLO 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#293761) (XD) - $54.95  94 pts  wine review
• OBSIDIAN RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Obsidian Ridge Vineyard, Red Hills, Lake County, California, USA (#544940) (XD) - $58.95  FE
• MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#597476) (XD) - $135.95

White Wine:

• ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO 2021 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#548222) (XD) - $13.95
• DOMAINE DU HAUT BOURG MUSCADET CÔTES DE GRANDLIEU 2019 - Sur lie, AP, Loire, France (#426619) (XD) - $18.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2019 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $19.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING 2020 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• PIERRE SPARR MAMBOURG PINOT GRIS 2019 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#686451) (D) - $26.95  FE
• NATIV SUADENS BIANCO 2020 - IGT Campania, Italy (#577767) (M) - $27.95  91 pts  wine review
  
• REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT SCHARZHOFBERGER FEINHERB SAAR RIESLING KABINETT 2019 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#25716) (M) - $29.95  FE
• CHRISTOPHE PATRICE BEAUREGARD CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2021 - AC, Burgundy, France (#14872) (XD) - $43.95  FE
• INGLENOOK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Estate bottled, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA (#17090) (XD) - $52.95  FE  91+ pts  wine review
• MARKUS MOLITOR WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING AUSLESE*** 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#25715) (S) - $149.95  FE
  

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CELLARS GEWÜRZTRAMINER ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#547703) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE 2010 - AC Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France (#28719) (S) (350mL) - $62.95  FE
  

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13th Street Blanc de Blanc 2020 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely, locally crafted Traditional Method vintage sparkling wine that recently launched at the LCBO and is currently on limited time offer at $3 off and widely available across Ontario.

It is produced by Niagara's sparkling wine specialists - 13th Street Winery. Founded in 1998 in St. Catharines, Ontario, and purchased by the Mann and Whitty families in 2008, 13th Street has developed a reputation for crafting a wide range of high-quality, cool-climate sparkling wines from Niagara. Much of their success can be attributed to their winemaker, Jean-Pierre Colas, who is originally from Chablis in France and joined 13th Street in 2009. His winemaking philosophy is simple - he believes that great wines come from the best grapes grown in the best vineyards, with winemaking techniques only utilized to supplement and capture the very essence of the grapes' terroir and character. Their success has culminated in being awarded the No. 1 Winery in Ontario and No. 2 in Canada at the 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada.

This Tradition Method sparkling wine is crafted with 100% Chardonnay from 13th Street's neighbour Lado Viscek's meticulously farmed vineyard and some of their favourite growers in Niagara-on-the-Lake. All of the fruit was hand-harvested in early September and then transferred gently into the press where the free-run juice was captured separately to preserve the elegant profile. The primary fermentation was kept cool in 100% stainless steel, while malolactic fermentation was suppressed to keep fresh fruit characters in the wine. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle and the wine was aged sur lattes for a minimum of 12 months. It was disgorged in summer 2022 with no dosage added, resulting in a classic Brut Nature dry style of sparkling wine. Having enjoyed many other 13th Street wines over the years, let's see how their 2020 Blanc de Blanc from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

13TH STREET BLANC DE BLANC 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#28420) (XD) - $29.95 $26.95 until Nov. 27
100% Chardonnay made in the traditional method. Elegant, clean, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of lemon citrus, peach, ripe apple, autolytic, and biscuit. It's medium-full bodied on the crunchy palate with crisp acidity and bubbles with peach, lemon citrus, ripe apple, biscuit, and autolytic flavours in a dry style. It's nicely textured with citrus, peach, and apple flavours joined by leesy mineral notes on the long, juicy, and dry finish. Highly recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by 13th Street Winery are available at the LCBO and directly from the winery in St. Catharines, Ontario.

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Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco 2018 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

I got my first taste of this beautiful Barbaresco when a previous vintage made its debut in LCBO VINTAGES a few years ago. Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on November 5 and is featured as part of the theme on "fine holiday wines that would make a perfect gift".

It is produced by Michele Chiarlo, one of Italy's top wine producers and one of only eighteen members of Istituto Grandi Marchi. The story of Michele Chiarlo begins in 1898 with the birth of Pietro Chiarlo who was born into a farming family in Bubbio. As an adolescent, he worked as a farmhand and then at the winery in Canelli. In the 1930s, after working for a period in Abyssinia, Pietro returned to Calamandrana determined to invest in the estate and production of wine. With his brother Felice, he tilled the lands, breaking the soil by hand to replant the vineyards, and had a sense that wine was the future of the Piedmont hills. In 1935, Pietro's first son, Michele Chiarlo was born. After completing middle school, Michele enrolled in the winemaking school in Alba and his classmates were the future protagonists of Italian winemaking: Renato Ratti, Ezio Rivella, Franco Ziliani, Giuliano Noè, and Giacomo Tachis.

In the 1950s, with a passion for the land and viticultural experience, Pietro Chiarlo would take leadership of Cooperative Winery of Calamandrana as president and played a vital role that contributed to the development of viticulture and oenology in Piedmont and Italy. In 1956, Michele Chiarlo started his adventure as a producer of wine and understood that quality wine in the Piedmont hills began with the choice of vineyards in the most suitable areas. The first cru of Barolo bottled under the name of Michele Chiarlo dates back to 1958.

In the 1960s, Michele expanded the boundaries of the market for wine and was among the first Piedmont producers to believe in the success of Italian wine abroad. In 1972, Michele consolidated his success by constructing a larger, more functional winery in Calamandrana. He also selected and purchased some of the best parcels of land in Langhe, Monferrato, and the area of Gavi, including some of the most prestigious crus in Piedmont. In the 1990s, Michele's two sons join the winery with Stefano taking care of the agricultural and oenological side, and Alberto in sales and marketing.

Today, Michele, Stefano, and Alberto Chiarlo continue to work and following the tradition of a family business with an international outlook. They pay great attention to details, maniacal care of the vineyards, and vinification while respecting the terroirs, vines, and artisanship of the processes. Based in Calamandrana, they are one of the most important oenological realities in Piedmont. The Chiarlo family firmly believes in the exclusivity and continued investment in indigenous grape varieties.

This 100% Nebbiolo was grown in the Piedmont region in an area of the Langhe within the communes of Barbaresco and Neive on bluish-grey calcareous clay marl soils with good presence of micro-elements, with the Barbaresco vineyard containing more sand than the vineyard in Neive. The vineyards have southeast / southwest exposure to the sun and were trained using the Guyot system. The grapes were manually harvested and vinified in steel tanks, followed by aging for a minimum of 2 years with 18 months in large casks before further refinement in bottle.

The 2018 vintage was characterized by a late winter and spring with abundant snow and then rain which helped restore the precious water reserve after a dry 2017. The months of May and June put the winegrower sternly to the test, requiring prompt interventions with anti-mildew treatments and suitable agronomic operations aimed at maintaining the grapes’ perfect health. Summer was hot and dry, but the abundant quality of fruit required the elimination of excess bunches and allowed the grapes to continue it's balanced maturation. The ideal climate in the last weeks of summer, along with mild days and cool nights in September allowed for gradual maturation and the development of strong and elegant aromas. According to winemaker Stefano Chiarlo, the wine expresses a fine bouquet, revealing strong
characteristics of the terroir of origin. Let's see how this 2018 Barbaresco is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#583260) (XD) - $36.95
100% Nebbiolo. Fine, intense aromas of cedar wood and spices layered over perfumed dark red cherry, rose floral, dried herbs, forest floor, and a whiff of orange. It's full-bodied and structured with lovely tangy dark red cherry, fine cedary wood, spices, herbs, and rose florals with touches of dried cherry-floral notes. It juicy, well-balanced acids and smooth, structured, and fine tannins that are somewhat youthful. Juicy and minerally on the long, very satisfying finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 10+ years. Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines by Michele Chiarlo are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Univins & Spiritueux.

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Miguel Torres Andica Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Chile) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2021 Miguel Torres Ándica Reserva Sauvignon Blanc in September, tonight's red wine review is another lovely wine from the same producer in Chile. It is a new arrival to the LCBO that landed in LCBO VINTAGES over the weekend as part of the November 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release and is also featured in LCBO's Food & Drink Magazine.

Miguel Torres Chile was founded in 1979 in the Curicó Valley, Chile, in the search for a new project after a long history rooted in winemaking in Spain. The Torres family settled on the Curicó Valley for its excellent conditions to further develop the wine industry and were the first foreign wine producer to establish themselves in Chile. 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.

Like the Sauvignon Blanc, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from their Ándica range of wines that are made under the vision of honouring the natural expression and biodiversity of Chile, a country that welcomed the Torres family 40 years ago. Like all wines in the Ándica range, it is made with the utmost respect for the Chilean ecosystems where they grow their grapes, with a sustainable approach to agriculture and awareness of climate change.

This certified 100% organic red wine is crafted with fruit from southern Chile's Itata Valley, a cool-climate winegrowing region that covers roughly 100 square kilometres. Itata Valley's vine-growing tradition dates back over 400 years with small estates producing wine for family consumption still dominating the landscape. The region has a humid Mediterranean climate, yet considered cool-climate with lower temperatures than in other valleys and well-differentiated seasons, good soil, and lots of light. With these excellent conditions, the vineyards that grow on the eastern side of the Coastal Range produce high-quality vinestocks.

This Cabernet Sauvignon underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel with native yeasts, as well as malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. It was aged in mostly used oak with 70% of the wine passing through French oak of third or more uses for 8 months, and then finally bottled in October 2021. The growing season was affected by a prolonged water shortage, as well as high temperatures in unexpected months which contributed to reduced yields in certain vineyards earlier than expected harvest. However, acidity was unaffected by these conditions, which was a very positive for a hot year, and resulted in red wines with balanced acidity and very good quality. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Itata Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MIGUEL TORRES ANDICA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, Valle del Itata, Chile (#25933) (XD) - $17.00
Certified vegan-friendly and organic, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a complex, highly aromatic nose of forest floor, red and black fruit, dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, leafy green herbs and touches of smoke. It's medium-full bodied with ripe red and black cherry-berry, leafy green herbs, oak spice flavours with forest floor undertones. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate. Saliva-inducing acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the mouth-coating tannins are smooth, refined, and structured with some grip on the back palate. Juicy with savoury earth and spice notes lingering on the long, balanced finish. Highly recommended buy to be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Miguel Torres Chile are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Paso Robles) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this delicious, crowd-pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles that arrived at the LCBO some weeks ago as part of the September 24th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Hope Family Wines, a family that has been farming the land in Paso Robles for more than 30 years. When the family arrived in this barely-discovered region, they planted apples and grapes. Little did they know that the rolling, oak-studded terrain of Paso Robles would one day become a viticultural terroir of significance and one of the top winegrowing regions for quality red wine within the Central Coast.

Today, the Hope family cultivates mature vineyards of varieties best suited to their area including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Mourvedre and Grenache. Vine density has increased and each vine is asked to produce very little fruit. The terroir of the domain expresses itself in its unique regional character which includes spice, licorice, and berry notes to go along with soft textures and silky tannins.

The Hope family range of wines consists of five individual brands, and this particular wine is from their Treana label that began as a dream when the family arrived in Paso Robles at a time when it was a rural, grain farming community with very few grape vines and even fewer wineries. The dream was to create world-class wines that could compete on the world stage, and yet be approachable for all to enjoy. The name "Treana" is inspired by the Spanish word for a trio of natural elements and in Paso Robles it is represented by the sun, soil, and sea - the three elements that make Paso Robles an exceptional winegrowing region. In 1996, the first Treana wines were crafted and became the benchmark for Paso Robles blends. In very recent news, Hope Family Wines won the 2022 American Winery of the Year at Wine Enthusiast's Wine Star Awards.

Owner and winemaker Austin Hope grew up in his family's vineyards and much of his life around Cabernet Sauvignon and three men who helped guide his path - his father Chuck Hope, his Uncle Paul, and winemaker Chuck Wagner. As a tribute to these three men, Austin created the Treana Cabernet Sauvignon that encapsulates the quintessential learning over the course of this career.

To craft this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon red wine from the Paso Robles AVA, the grapes from each vineyard lot were vinified separately. Each lot was fermented in stainless steel tanks, underwent extended maceration, and carefully managed pump overs to enhance the extraction of colour and tannin. Furthermore, each lot was aged for 14 months in a combination of 25% once used French oak and 75% neutral French and American oak. After blending the lots together, the wine spent three months in new French oak. Let's see how this 2020 California Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TREANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#639518) (D) - $39.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The fragrant nose offers sweet and lush aromas of ripe dark berry, blackberry, cassis, sweet oak, milk chocolate, green herbs, licorice, and spice. It's full-bodied and concentrated with sweet chocolatey oak flavours over shadowing the dark berry fruit, cassis, spice, and licorice notes. It's all supported by fresh, juicy acidity and smooth, supple, and lightly chalky tannins. Savoury chocolate with touches of coffee linger on the dry finish, with very good length. Reminds me of a chocolate milkshake. Will be enjoyed by many! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines from Hope Family Wines are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Mark Anthony Group.

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November 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Gifts to Celebrate

As we head into the busy holiday and gift-giving season, here are my top wine picks from the November 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release which is titled "Gifts to Celebrate" and includes many very fine, giftable options. All of the wines from the theme and main release should be available at LCBO outlet across Ontario by Saturday.

We begin with the theme on "Gifts to Celebrate: Fine holiday wines from every corner of the world" and features 18 wines. Many wines from this feature would make fine gifts, but three stood out for me. From Italy, the Chianti Classico Riserva is composed of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, and the rest other red grape varietals, while the Barbaresco is crafted with Nebbiolo. The only rosé wine in this release is a good one from Provence and it is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault.

As this release is very heavy on red wines, most of my top wine picks are red coloured. Italy once again has a strong showing in this release led by the iconic Ornellaia - a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc - and it's Second Wine which is composed of 44% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 13% Petit Verdot. Also from Bolgheri is the excellent Antinori Guado al Tosso which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The last wine from Tuscany is a delicious Chianti Classico that is made up of 90% Sangiovese and the balance other permitted varieties. Moving to Piedmont, there is a full complement of lovely Nebbiolo wines that includes not only the Barbaresco mentioned above, but also wines from Langhe and Barolo. The rest of my red wine picks are all single varietal wines, with the Portuguese red crafted with Touriga Nacional, while the Bordeaux red is Merlot.

Among the few white wines in this release, all of my white wine recommendations are single varietal wines. Dry white wines include a Chablis Premier Cru from Burgundy that is made with Chardonnay, as well as a Viura from Spain, and a Chenin Blanc from South Africa. For off-dry wine lovers, check out the Riesling from Niagara.

Lastly, the dry sparkling wine from Chile is crafted with 100% Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations in this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• MIGUEL TORRES ANDICA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, Valle del Itata, Chile (#25933) (XD) - $17.00  90+ pts  wine review
• BRECA OLD VINES GARNACHA 2019 - DO Calatayud, Spain (#329086) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL 2016 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#14469) (XD) - $19.95
• SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#23408) (XD) - $21.95
• INNISKILLIN RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#17290) (XD) - $25.95

• RENATO RATTI OCHETTI NEBBIOLO 2020 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#475913) (XD) - $27.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#47118) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11582) (XD) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#583260) (XD) - $36.95  93 pts  wine review
• SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR 2019 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#748434) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review

• QUADRUS GRANDE RESERVA 2011 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#26946) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $70.95  93 pts  wine review
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2020 - Second wine of Ornellaia, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $75.95
• GUADO AL TASSO 2019 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $171.95  95 pts  wine review
• ORNELLAIA 2019 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $265.95
  

White Wine:

• ONTAÑÓN VETIVER VIURA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#437707) (XD) - $15.95
• RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CHENIN BLANC 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#698274) (XD) - $15.95
• CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2018 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#241182) (D) - $39.95
• DOMAINE JEAN COLLET & FILS VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#650804) (XD) - $48.95
  

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE L'ESCARELLE LES DEUX ANGES ROSÉ 2021 - Sustainable, AP Coteaux Varois en Provence, France (#19902) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• UNDURRAGA TITILLUM BLANC DE NOIRS 2015 - 135th Anniversary Edition, traditional method, Valle de Leyda, Chile (#23451) (XD) - $19.95

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