October 25, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: France

Here are my top wine picks from the October 25, 2025, LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where Fine French Wines are the feature story of the release. With the holidays creeping up, this is a big release with nearly 155 SKUs offered — nearly 40 of which are Gift and Sampler Packs. There are many fine wines in this release that are worthy gift-giving options or adding to your cellar, and everything should be available for purchase in-store and online.

We'll begin with the feature on Fine French Wines, and of the twenty-two wines included as part of the thematic, nine are included among my top wine picks. Champagne is synonymous with fine French wines, and there are a couple of fine bubblies from Champagne in this release - with the 2016 Champagne composed of 43% Pinot Noir (13% red wine), 42% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, while the non-vintage Champagne is crafted with Pinot Noir. The lone French white recommendation is the Muscadet from Loire that is crafted with Melon de Bourgogne, while the lone rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Caladoc, and Syrah. From the Rhône Valley, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, while the Crozes-Hermitage is 100% Syrah. The red wine from Saint-Chinian in Languedoc is crafted with 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, while the Bordeaux red is 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The last wine from France is the Madiran, which is primarily Tannat with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in support.

Red wine recommendations from the main release begins in Italy with a Bolgheri from Tuscany that is crafted with 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot, followed by the Sicilian red that is a blend of 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Franc. From Chile, the Cabernet Sauvignon is actually blended with 10% Syrah and 5% Carmenere, while the Central Valley red from Chile is composed of 45% Grenache, 40% Petite Sirah, and 15% Mourvèdre. From Spain, the Rioja is made with 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, and the rest is Mazuelo and Graciano., while the Priorat is a blend of 55% Cariñena and 45% Garnacha. Among the single varietal wines, there are a couple of fine Pinot Noirs - one each from Niagara and New Zealand, as well as a pair of Malbecs from Argentina. There's also a lovely Pinotage from South Africa, and a Garnacha from Spain.

All of my top white wine picks are mono-varietal wines. There are a trio of Chardonnays worth your attention, with versions from New Zealand, Argentina, and an unoaked Chardonnay from Niagara. Also recommended buys are the Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and the Grüner Veltliner from Austria. If you enjoy off-dry (i.e. mildly sweet) Riesling, there are a pair of fine Rieslings from the Niagara Escarpment appellation. Lastly, and staying on the local front, there is a delicious, dry Gewürztraminer from Niagara-on-the-Lake, followed by a lovely Gewürztraminer Icewine.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• FORTANT GRANDS TERROIRS SAINT-CHINIAN 2022 - AOC, Languedoc, France (#43564) (XD) - $19.95
• PLANETA LA SEGRETA ROSSO SICILIA 2022 - Sustainable, DOC, Sicily, Italy (#477950) (XD) - $19.95
• SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2023 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• RADFORD DALE VINUM PINOTAGE 2022 - Vegan, WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#45165) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ 2019 - AOP Madiran, Southwest, France (#743385) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review

• VOLCANES DE CHILE TECTONIA GRENACHE/ PETITE SIRAH/ MOURVÈDRE 2021 - Valle Central, Chile (#44597) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CLOS BALTASAR GARNACHA 2021 - Vegan, DO Calatayud, Spain (#22444) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#649160) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• ERADUS PINOT NOIR 2023 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#41809) (XD) - $24.95  review coming soon...
• VERSADO CENTENARY VINES MALBEC 2019 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#46352) (XD) - $29.95
• DOMAINE DU GRAND ORMEAU 2020 - Sustainable, AOC Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France (#33040) (XD) - $33.95

• CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11665) (XD) - $36.95  92 pts  wine review
• TORRES SALMOS 2021 - DOCa Priorat, Spain (#450734) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review
• XAVIER VIGNON CROZES-HERMITAGE 2021 - AOP, Rhône, France (#43809) (XD) - $48.95  91+ pts  wine review
• R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA BOSCONIA RESERVA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#529586) (XD) - $59.95
• CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#735407) (XD) - $74.95
• ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2022 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $203.95

White Wine:

• BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Sustainable, Coast Zone, DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#389726) (XD) - $15.95  88 pts  wine review
• 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOXCROFT BLOCK RIESLING 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#47642) (D) - $18.95
• REIF RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#360255) (XD) - $19.95
• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2023 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $19.95
• CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#918805) (XD) - $20.95
• LAURENZ V. FRIENDLY GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#66225) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2021 - Sustainable, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $24.95
• DOMAINE POIRON DABIN CHÂTEAU-THÉBAUD MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2019 - AOP, Loire, France (#42743) (XD) - $28.95
• AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#12623) (XD) - $32.95
• TWO SISTERS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2021 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#423103) (XD) - $39.00

Rosé Wine:

• LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE ROSÉ 2024 - IGP Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc, France (#20012) (XD) - $17.95

Sparkling Wine:

• DRAPPIER ZERO DOSAGE BRUT NATURE PINOT NOIR CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#179275) (XD) - $74.95
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE EXTRA BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2016 - AOC, France (#69831) (XD) - $131.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW GEWÜRZTRAMINER ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#547703, 200 mL) (S) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review

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Ackerman Bulle Royale Crémant de Loire Brut Sparkling (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a delicious traditional method sparkling wine from Loire that made its debut at the LCBO in last month's September 27 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Maison Ackerman, a winery whose roots began as a skilled grain and wine merchant in 1811. The initial business was established by Jean‑Baptiste Ackerman, of Belgian origin, and Jean Pierre Apollinaire Laurance-Olivier, in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, near Saumur in the Loire Valley. In the 1830s, Jean‑Baptiste began experimenting with méthode traditionnelle (i.e., traditional method sparkling wine) and eventually became one of Loire's sparkling wine pioneers.

The troglodyte limestone cellars in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, on the banks of the Thouet, where the small river meets the Loire, were optimal for storing and crafting his sparkling wines because they have a cool and constant temperature, low light, and a large storage capacity. From the middle of the 19th century onwards, the number of sparkling wine houses multiplied and settled on either side of the Ackerman-Laurance cellars. These cellars were a source of new economic activity in Saumur, as the resulting sparkling wines were exported all over the world.

Today, these cellars are a key element of the natural and industrial landscape of the Saumur region of the Loire, which is a World Heritage Site. While these cellars are no longer the place where their wines are produced, they remain the soul of the company. Ackerman is an historic wine house with a rich heritage, and its longevity and prosperity are based on its winegrowers, its employees, and its customers.

With core values focused on elegance, diversity, and audacity, Ackerman is highly involved in the vineyard from pruning through to harvesting, while a research & development centre is at the very heart of the vineyard. They also have a spirit of innovation and employ the latest in winemaking and bottling technologies. Ackerman is also committed to limiting their impact on the environment and sustainable development. Their vineyards are HVE (High Environmental Value) certified, while also making their winegrowers and partners aware of alternative and eco-responsible practices, as well as protecting biodiversity.

This particular sparkling wine is from Maison Ackerman's Bulle Royale range, which is inspired by the "Cuvée de l'Aiglon" that was created by Maurice Rémy in 1956 to revive the trade of fine sparkling wines from Saumur. This Crémant de Loire was crafted in the traditional method using 70% Chenin, 15% Chardonnay, and 15% Cabernet Franc grapes that were grown in Saumurois soils and terroirs. The region is primarily known for its chalky and porous soil, which allows the roots of the vines to go deep into the soil in search of water, while the climate is Oceanic with low rainfall. After hand-harvesting the grapes at optimal maturity, the grapes were brought to their cellars in Vaudelnay. Each grape variety was vinified separately, gently whole-cluster pressed, then blended at the end of winter. It was aged on its lees for 18 to 25 months. For this cuvée, they assembled the most fruity and expressive Chenin Blanc from clayey terroirs with very ripe and concentrated Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc from limestone plots. Let's see how this Crémant de Loire Brut sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ACKERMAN BULLE ROYALE CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional Method, AOP, Loire, France (#42057) (D) - $20.95
Blend of 70% Chenin, 15% Chardonnay, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The delicate, medium+ intensity nose delivers lemon citrus, acacia floral, and green apple aromas nuanced with white peach, melon, toasty and biscuit notes. The light-to-mid-weighted palate is crisp and lively with energetic acidity. Dry on the flavour profile with toasty, leesy, biscuit, lemon peel, citrus, green apple, and acacia floral flavours, plus touches of melon and white peach, with a kiss of underlying sweetness. The juicy mid-palate leads to savoury, leesy minerals, and touches of stone fruits on the long, crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Maison Ackerman can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Monasterio de las Viñas Reserva Garnacha / Tempranillo / Cariñena / Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious blend of 4 varieties from the Cariñena appellation in northeastern Spain. It is a frequent visitor to the LCBO, arriving most recently in last month's September 27th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Grandes Vinos, a grower-driven wine company whose roots go back more than half a century when winegrowers in the district of Cariñena formed five cooperatives between 1950 and 1967. This passion for wine and everything that surrounds it were the beginnings of Grandes Vinos, which was officially formed in 1997.

Today, Grandes Vinos is the union of more than 700 families of winegrowers who share their hard work and know-how to create wines that combine tradition and innovation, and have no borders. The winegrowers are the protagonists, ensuring that the legacy of Cariñena lives on today and is passed down from one generation to the next. To speak of Grandes Vinos is to speak of a unique land, of tradition, of sunshine, of rain, of effort and dedication, and, of course, passion. For their protagonists, vine growing is not only a passion, but a way of life.

Cariñena is the only land in the world that gives its name to a grape varietal - Cariñena - which is also known as Carignan. The land of Cariñena is a territory that treasures old vineyards at different altitudes, soil with ancient stones, and a strong, dry wind (El Cierzo) that gives personality to the wine. Cariñena, the land, has been linked to wine since the Romans of the 3rd Century B.C., when they mixed wine with honey. Today, Grandes Vinos has over 4,500 hectares of vineyards of all ages (some over 100 years old) located in the foothills of the Iberian sierras of Algairén and Pecos, and between the rivers Huerva and Jalón, at altitudes between 320 and 850 metres above sea level. The land below these vineyards is made up of age-old stony soil, with layers of rocks and earth.

Grandes Vinos produces many wines under several different and unique brands, with this particular wine bottled under their Monasterio de las Viñas range - their Spanish brand which has the greatest international presence. The fruit for all Monasterio de las Viñas wines come exclusively from vineyards in the municipality of Aguarón, one of the highest areas and with the highest quality production of Cariñena PDO wines. The wines of Monasterio de las Viñas are produced mainly using indigenous varieties and pay homage to the famous Monasterio de las Viñas that was built by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. The monastery was erected in a privileged place in the Sierra de Aguarón, and whose widespread notoriety is in turn attributed to its spirituality as well as the great quality of its wines.

This particular red wine is a blend of Garnacha (Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena (Carignan), and Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown in Aguarón, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, in northeastern Spain. These vineyards are more than 30 years old and feature clayey clear soil with stones on the upper substrates. The grapes were traditionally vinified, then aged for 12 months in 70% American and 30% French oak barrels.

The 2020 vintage was a difficult one in Spain, not only due to the fall-out from COVID, but also from the growing season, which began with an unusually wet but warm spring, which brought humidity and any associated disease problems. Producers that remained vigilant in managing mildew produced quality fruit. Hot weather eventually arrived, which helped the grapes dry out and rid them of disease, while allowing the grapes to reach phenolic ripeness ahead of time, which led to an earlier than normal harvest. From a good vintage that produced wines with elegance, let's see how this 2020 red blend from the Cariñena appellation in Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA / TEMPRANILLO / CARIÑENA / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#166579) (XD) - $16.95
The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers a lovely mix of ripe red cherry, dried herbs, dark berry, fine wood spice, and chocolate aromas nuanced with touches of dried rose floral, dried cherry, and sweet spices. The medium+ weighted palate is dry and quite ripe with delicious red & black cherry, wood spice, coconut, vanilla, and dried herb flavours supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and fine, dusty textured tannins. It's nicely balanced throughout with savoury, earthy oak, and coconut notes on the lengthy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A couple of other wines from Monasterio de las Viñas brand are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of a consistently delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia that returned to Ontario in last month's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on September 27th.

It is produced by Wakefield Wines, also known as Taylors Wines in their home market of Australia. The estate winery was established in 1969 in Australia's Clare Valley by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons, Bill Taylor Jr. and John Taylor. They acquired some land near the Wakefield river in Clare Valley and discovered fossilized seahorses during an excavation - elements which exist as part of their current branding.

Today, Wakefield Wines is led by the third generation of the Taylor family — brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton. After 25 years as Managing Director, Mitchell stepped into the role of Chairman of the Board a few months ago, thus allowing him to focus more on vision, succession, and guiding the next generation of leadership. Justin focuses more on the Export market and Global Key Accounts, while Clinton is the General Manager - Winery Operations.

As one of Australia's most renowned and respected wine producers, the philosophy at Wakefield has always rested on the principle that the finest wines are those made with the greatest dedication and care, while also respecting the fruit. The Taylor family is committed to both the land and sea, with sustainability a core pillar with a goal of applying the best practiced principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. As a family-owned company, they are committed to ensuring that they operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, thus setting up the future for generations to come.

Wakefield has several lines of wines, and this particular red wine is from their Jaraman range. The name "Jaraman" is derived from an indigenous term meaning "seahorse" and is a nod to the discovery of fossilized seahorses in the Clare Valley. The premium range of Jaraman wines celebrates Australia's iconic wine regions, which provide great diversity in soil and terroir. With the Jaraman range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. The fruit for Jaraman wines is sourced from celebrated Australian wine regions that are renowned for the particular variety - Clare Valley and Coonawarra in the case of this Cabernet Sauvignon. When crafting these wines, the winemakers ensure that rhe distinct regional characteristics of each variety are preserved and enhanced, with the fruit as the star and any winemaking influencing the supporting act. Jaraman wines showcase the skill and dedication of our winemakers, while maintaining their philosophy of respecting the fruit.

While this red is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is composed of 51% Clare Valley and 49% Coonawarra fruit, and is almost identical in composition to the 2021 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed a couple of years ago. After undergoing traditional vinification, the parcels of fruit were blended and matured for up to 14 months in French oak barrels (10% new and remaining in 1 to 2 year old), followed by fining, minimal filtration, and then bottling.

The growing season in Clare Valley in 2022 featured mild and sunny days without rain or humidity. It was an idyllic season of uninterrupted and stunningly beautiful weather, which resulted in a vintage of both quality and quality. In Coonawarra, it was a cool season with good yields and an extended ripening period due to the mild autumn days and cool nights, resulting in wines with great varietal definition, including depth of colour. Cabernet Sauvignon was a predictable standout in Coonawarra in this vintage. Let's see how this 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit from both Clare Valley and Coonawarra has a fresh, lifted, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is cool and minty with red & black fruits, cassis, and currant aromas, plus shadings of smoky oak, savoury earth, leafy herbs, and spice notes. The medium-full bodied palate is dry and ripe with red & black fruited currant, cassis, raspberry, and blackberry flavours in a slightly brambly profile, plus leafy herbs, mint, and savoury oak notes adding a savoury component. It has crisp, fresh, and slightly tangy acidity, along with smooth, finely textured tannins with supple grip. Minty herb notes give way to savoury oak flavours on the long finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A wide assortment of Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, and can also be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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October 11, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Italy

Here are my top wine picks from the October 11, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), with "Inimitable Italy" the feature story of the release, while Chile gets the mini-spotlight. Also included in this release is a large selection of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. As we get closer to the holiday and gift-giving season, the releases tend to get larger and more expensive, and this release is no exception, with 137 products offered and the average price per bottle coming in at just under $33. Overall, this is a very good release with many fine wines at various price points, and all the wines should be readily available for purchase.

We'll begin with the feature story that focuses on wines from Italy, and of the twenty wines featured in the theme, five are included among my top wine recommendations. Starting in Tuscany and at the top of the list is the Cepparello Super Tuscan that is crafted with 100% Sangiovese, followed by the Chianti Classico that is also Sangiovese. The last wine from Tuscany is a Bolgheri crafted with 44% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot. From Campania, there is a fine Falanghina, and the last wine is a Prosecco made with Glera.

Staying in Italy for red wine picks from the main release, there is the Brunello di Montalcino that is made with 100% Sangiovese, as well as the wine from Sicily that is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. From Portugal, the Douro red is a blend of 55% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and 5% Sezão, while the Alentejo red is composed of 42.5% Alicante Bouschet, 27.5% Alfrocheiro, 15% Syrah, and 15% Touriga Nacional. The only other blend is from Bordeaux, and it is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. My remaining red wine picks are single varietal wines, including the Rioja that is Tempranillo, and the wine from Bulgaria that is crafted with Gamza (aka Kadarka).

Most of my top white wine recommendations in this release are mono-varietal wines, with the only blends being the McLaren Vale white that is composed of 55% Viognier and 45% Marsanne, and the Marsanne from Niagara that actually includes 2.4% Viognier and 2.4% Pinot Gris. Chardonnay wine lovers will find joy in this release with a quartet of wines — two from South Africa, and singletons from Margaret River (Australia) and Niagara. There's also a fine Melon de Bourgogne from the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation. And lastly, for Riesling fans, there is the dry Riesling by Cave Spring, and a medium-sweet Riesling by Tawse.

Among my rosé wine picks, the Tavel is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Clairette, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Bourboulenc, while the slightly off-dry rose from Niagara is a blend of 46.7% Gamay, 42.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11.1% Cabernet Franc.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cin cin!

Red Wine:

• LOVICO GAMZA 2021 - AOC Suhindol, Bulgaria (#10877) (XD) - $17.95
• JOURNEY'S END THE BLUEGUM MERLOT 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#45381) (XD) - $18.95
• HUGH HAMILTON JIM JIM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Vegan, McLaren Vale, South Australia (#45334) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• FAMILLE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR 2022 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#354191) (XD) - $19.95
• BEST'S BIN NO. 1 GREAT WESTERN SHIRAZ 2022 - Victoria, Australia (#222323) (XD) - $19.95

• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• VOLCANES DE CHILE TECTONIA SYRAH 2020 - DO Valle del Limarí, Chile (#41903) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU TOUR DU HAUT-MOULIN 2015 - AOC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#26295) (XD) - $27.95  review coming soon...
• HIDDEN BENCH GAMAY 2023 - Sustainable, Unfiltered, VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20422) (XD) - $29.95  90+ pts  wine review
• QUINTA DA FONTE SOUTO RED 2019 - DOC Alentejo - Portalegre, Portugal (#45163) (XD) - $29.95  OFE  91 pts  wine review
• OLABARRI GRAN RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#329102) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review

• SOLICCHIATA SECONDO DI CASTELLO 2012 - IGP Sicily, Italy (#46776) (XD) - $34.95  OFE  review coming soon...
• QUADRUS RESERVA 2017 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#534271) (XD) - $35.95
• LEEU PASSANT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#24601) (XD) - $49.95  OFE
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2023 - Second Wine of Ornellaia, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $84.95
• CASANOVA DI NERI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#85498) (XD) - $99.95  OFE
• ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2021 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#28768) (XD) - $198.95  96 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• FLEURON DE LA REBOURGÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2023 - AOC, Loire, France (#557207) (XD) - $16.95  review coming soon...
• D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/ MARSANNE 2024 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#662775) (XD) - $17.95
• ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS 2024 - Sustainable, Salta, Argentina (#389262) (XD) - $17.95
• MILES FROM NOWHERE MARGARET RIVER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Western Australia (#41794) (XD) - $18.95  review coming soon...
• IL POGGIO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2023 - DOP, Campania, Italy (#17695) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• BLAAUWKLIPPEN CHARDONNAY 2023 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#45188) (XD) - $19.95

 

• TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH RIESLING 2021 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $21.95
• KEW MARSANNE 2020 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $21.95  91+ pts  wine review
• VASSE FELIX FILIUS CHARDONNAY 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#416511) (XD) - $23.95  OFE
• FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#149302) (XD) - $24.95  review coming soon...
• CAVE SPRING CSV CAVE SPRING VINEYARD ESTATE GROWN RIESLING 2022 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2024 - Vegan, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $65.95

Rosé Wine:

• FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2024 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117861) (D) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU D'AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2024 - AOP, Cru des Côtes du Rhône, France (#319368) (XD) - $26.95  91+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• CARPENÈ MALVOLTI 1868 BRUT CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#727438) (D) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• KEN FORRESTER SPARKLEHORSE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT SPARKLING CHENIN BLANC 2022 - Traditional Method, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#32030) (D) - $29.95  review coming soon...

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Casal di Serra Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2022 (Marche) - Wine Review

After taking some time away to deal with a personal family matter, tonight's white wine review is an exceptional Old Vines Verdicchio from the Castelli di Jesi DOC in Marche that arrived at the LCBO last month in the September 13 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Umani Ronchi, a family winery that was established by Gino Umani Ronchi in 1957 after he set up a small farm within the comune of Cupramontana, in the heart of Verdicchio Classico country in Le Marche. The history of Umani Ronchi is one of people, vineyards, terroirs, and values. In 1968, the property was acquired by Roberto Bianchi and his son-in-law Massimo Bernetti, and it was reconstituted as a wine estate. Massimo oversaw the winery and focused his efforts on expanding market share abroad, increasing production through the addition of Rosso Conero wines, and increasing the area under vines. Over time, Umani Ronchi would extend to over 200 hectares of vines between Le Marche and Abruzzo.

In the early 1990s, Massimo Bernetti was joined by his son Michele, who had recently graduated in economics and business, and completed an internship in London where he worked in the sales department of Umani Ronchi's UK distributor. It was at this time that Massimo decided to further probe advanced cultivation and winemaking techniques, thanks in part to collaborations with experts from major university study centres.

Michele joined Umani Ronchi with his sights set beyond regional borders and decided to partner with Giacomo Tachis, the skilled winemaker known for celebrated wines such as Solaia and Sassicaia. This collaboration resulted in the study of international varieties and how to integrate them into the local territory, and eventually led to an award-winning wine that brought Umani Ronchi into the national and international spotlight. Michele and the technical team are constantly fine-tuning their wines with the goal of crafting wines of uncompromising quality and the ability to stand out. In 2009, this Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio won Gambero Rosso's award for White of the Year. For 20 years, Umani Ronchi has also been a member of the Istituto del Vino di Qualità – Grandi Marchi, an organization that brings together 18 of Italy's most important wine families.

Today, Umani Ronchi is a true international brand and a symbol of Italian excellence. The people behind Umani Ronchi — the human capital — are an asset whose value is inestimable and without which businesses couldn't build their present and future. They promote human well-being and protecting the environment, while innovation, improving production processes, training and skill development are distinctive features of their work culture and identity.

Umani Ronchi's philosophy for sustainability is based on green viticulture. They have a strong ethical approach with deep respect for the environment and its biodiversity, and is manifested through precision viticulture, vineyard management and the use of organic fertilizers. Umani Ronchi embraces sustainability in their choice of materials by using low-impact packaging and light glass bottles to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions, as well as synthetic corks produced from sugar cane, which are 100% recyclable. They also use photovoltaic energy for about half of the winery's annual needs to conserve energy, and reuse the water from the cellar for irrigation. Their thinking and actions are based on ecological and sustainable values.

It is crafted with 100% Verdicchio, from 4 hectares of vines that were planted in the early 1970s in the heart of Verdicchio country, on the left bank of the Esino river. The vineyard is situated at about 250–300 metres above sea level, on an east-facing hillside, where the soil is very deep and fairly fresh, with clay loam composition, conditions which are ideal for Verdicchio vines. The vines were trained using the Double Guyot (arched canes) system. The grapes were hand-harvested and collected in boxes from the end of September to the first ten days of October. After lightly pressing the grapes, the prime must was rapidly cooled and then goes through static decantation. It was fermented in steel tanks over 10–15 days at a controlled temperature between 16°C and 18°C, and did not undergo malolactic fermentation in order to preserve freshness and acidity. The wine was aged for about 10 months in contact with its lees in concrete tanks, followed by a further 6 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2022 growing season in Marche was marked by drought and extreme heat in the vineyards. However, it was the above average rainfall in September that brought the drought index back to normal levels and turned the season into an almost cool one. From a good vintage that was beyond all expectations, let's see how this 2023 Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio from Marche is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CASAL DI SERRA VECCHIE VIGNE VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2022 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#98111) (XD) - $27.95
Elegant and refined, the medium-high intensity nose offers a lovely mix of white citrus, lime, stony mineral, pear-apple, and almond aromas with herbally accents. It's medium+ bodied and dry with lovely structure and clean acidity that supports the strony mineral driven palate. Citrus, lime, pear-apple flavours are joined by touches of chamomile and spice to add further complexity and intrigue. Juicy, well-structured, and finely textured on the mid-palate. Citrus, lime, and chamomile notes give way to an exceptionally long, stony mineral finish. Ideal with seafood, but will also pair well with poultry, pasta, and vegetarian fare. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Many other lovely wines by Umani Ronchi can be found at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Inniskillin Illuvia Cabernet Franc 2022 (Niagara-on-the-Lake) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, cool-climate, and single vineyard Cabernet Franc from Niagara that was launched in July to celebrate Inniskillin's 50th Anniversary and is available for purchase direct from the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as online at Great Estates Niagara.

On July 31st, Inniskillin Wines celebrated its 50th Anniversary as Canada's oldest winery. While Inniskillin was granted the first winery license since prohibition in 1975, thus making it Canada's first estate winery, Inniskillin's roots go back much further. The winery is named after the Inniskilling Fusiliers of Ireland, who travelled overseas to help protect the Canadian land that the estate resides on from American troops in the War of 1812.

Inniskillin Wines was founded by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, who became instant pioneers in Canadian winemaking after taking big risks and earning many firsts in the Canadian wine history. Some of these firsts include planting Canada's original Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling grapes. Their greatest innovation was harvesting the Vidal grape to serve as the foundation for Canada's first Icewine, which was followed by shocking the world when their 1989 Vidal Blanc Icewine won the Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vin Expo France in 1991.

Inniskillin’s Head Winemaker at the Niagara Estate, Nicholas Gizuk, says that "If you asked anyone in France in the 80s if they knew Canadians made wine, they would have said ‘No.' Donald and Karl were six years into building the estate, with no idea of what would happen. It was a huge risk that helped set the stage for the Canadian wine industry to compete with vineyards around the globe."

Today, Inniskillin is synonymous with Canadiana and part of a family of wineries owned by Arterra Wines Canada. As they look to the future, Inniskillin is ready to redefine what premium Canadian wine can be once again with innovative techniques and over 50 years of experience that focus on every aspect of from terroir to winemaking, to deliver high-quality wines that can only be made in Canada.

Nicholas Gizuk is part of a new generation of winemakers that stand on the shoulders of Donald and Karl. This new generation of winemakers are using the success of the last 50 years as the foundation for what’s next and believe that the next chapter will be even more exciting. There is a renewed focus on single vineyard expressions, and they're showcasing the incredible diversity of Canadian terroir through wines that are unmistakably Inniskillin.

To celebrate their anniversary, Inniskillin launched a new, premium range of wines called the "50th Anniversary Series". The range is made up of five single vineyard wines — this Illuvia, three other wines that will be covered in a separate post, and a Riesling Icewine. Each wine is available exclusively at Inniskillin and online at Great Estates Niagara.

This red wine is named Illuvia, from the Latin term 'alluvio' and means "the sediment deposited by flowing water" — silt, sand, clay, and gravel, a natural process that shaped the fertile terroir of Niagara-on-the-Lake and created the ideal conditions for exceptional winegrowing. It is crafted using 100% Cabernet Franc, from 30-year-old vines that were grown at Seeger Farms Vineyard, just across the road, north of Inniskillin, within the VQA Four Mile Creek appellation in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This vineyard site benefits from increased sunlight hours, wider spaced rows, and cool nights from the airflow by the river. After undergoing a 2-day cold soak to build colour and tannin structure, it was fermented at 28C for 12 days until dry, with co-inoculation for MLF (malolactic fermentation) completed alongside primary fermentation. The wine was racked to French oak barrels (25% new) and aged for 22 months to build structure and complexity. The final blend was composed of only the best barrels to showcase the beautiful terroir of this vineyard site. Only 300 cases were produced.

The growing season in 2022 began with a colder-than-normal January, which resulted in bud death and a lighter-than-normal crop during harvest. Summer was relatively warm and dry, while early precipitation in the fall helped maintain the vines without any stress going into harvest. In Niagara, it is notably the harvest season that tends to make or break the vintage. September began with typical conditions, without high humidity, while late September brought moderate precipitation in short bursts, which allowed maturity and ripening to happen with no stress to the vines. As conditions were ideal, the later-ripening varietals were allowed to hang to reach their full ripening potential. Harvest was relatively quick due to the lighter than normal crop. From a vintage that produced excellent quality overall, let's see how this 2022 Cabernet Franc from Niagara-on-the-Lake is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

INNISKILLIN ILLUVIA CABERNET FRANC 2022 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $48.89
This 100% Cabernet Franc has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose that delivers clean red & black fruits, currant, and raspberry aromas nuanced with herbs, perfumed oak spices, plus touches of smoke and savoury earth adding further complexity. The medium-full to full-bodied palate is ripe with red & black fruits, currant, raspberry, oak spice, and herbal flavours in a slightly brambly profile. More savoury and smoky on the mid-palate, alongside crisp, well-balanced acidity, and ripe, well-structured, and very fine tannins. Gently grippy on the back palate. Tangy berry with savoury earth, and oak spice notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy to enjoy over the next 8-9 years. Score: 92+ pts

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