Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2022 (Australia) - Wine Review (May 2025)

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious, premium Australian Shiraz. It is a relatively frequent visitor to the LCBO, with a new batch of this 2022 vintage arriving most recently in the May 10th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Wakefield Wines was established in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons. Known locally in their homelands of Australia as Taylors Wines, the family's goal was to establish an estate winery, and eventually settled on a site by the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley.

As a founding member of Australia's First Families of Wine, Wakefield continues to be led by the third generation of the Taylor family - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton, the sons of Bill Taylor and grandchildren of Bill Taylor Sr. Together, the brothers continue their family tradition of crafting delicious wines that stand the test of time, while also firmly fixed upon the future and the next generation. The family's philosophy is to craft wines sustainably and responsibly, while respecting the fruit and where it comes from. The goal at Wakefield is to be Australia's best wine company at applying best practices and principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. They favour the most innovative techniques to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and packaging, while also preventing or eliminating waste and pollution.

This Shiraz is from the Taylor family's Jaraman range of wines, which celebrates Australia's iconic wine regions and provides great diversity. With the Jaraman range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. Each vintage, the fruit for wines in the Jaraman range are sourced from celebrated Australian wine regions that are renowned for the particular variety. There are several wines in the Jaraman range - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay - in addition to this Shiraz. At the winery, the winemakers ensure that the distinct regional characteristics of each grape are preserved and enhanced, with the fruit as the star and any winemaking influencing the supporting act. With the Jaraman range, the wines showcase the skill and dedication of their winemakers and their philosophy of respecting the fruit.

The 2022 vintage of this Shiraz is crafted with fruit from both Clare Valley (72%) and McLaren Vale (28%), in South Australia. It was vinified using traditional methods, with parcels from the two regions kept separate until blending, prior to oak ageing. The wine was matured for an average of 12 to 15 months in a selection of new and used American oak hogsheads before being bottled.

In Clare Valley, the 2022 growing season was a year of both high quality and quantity as the crops basked in the mild, sunny days without any rain or humidity. With stunningly beautiful and uninterrupted weather in the Clare Valley, the grapes blossomed under idyllic conditions. In McLaren Vale, the growing season featured mild conditions of warm days and cool nights, with minimal rain and no heat spikes. However, inconsistent fruit set in McLaren Vale reduced yields by about 15%. The story of the vintage between these two renowned wine regions helps explain the final blend.

I last enjoyed this 2022 Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz back in December and am curious to see how it has evolved over the last 6 months...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2022 - Clare Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia (#377036) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap enclosure. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh and open with lovely dark fruit, blackberry, peppery spice, and cool minty herb aromas balanced with savoury oak, earth, plum, and a touch of woodspice. The ripe, medium+ bodied palate is dry with blackberry, dark berry, and savoury oak flavours alongside minty herbs, wood spice, plum, and black pepper notes. It has fresh and juicy acidity, alongside smooth and refined tannins, with good structure. Blackberry, plum, savoury oak, chocolate, black pepper, mocha chocolate, and earth notes linger on the crisp, long-lasting finish. This recommended buy should drink nicely over the next 5-7 years. Score: 89 pts

A wide selection of Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered from their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2022 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, slightly off-dry, single vineyard, sustainably crafted, and vegan-friendly Pinot Gris from New Zealand. It is a brand-new arrival that landed on LCBO shelves across Ontario as part of the recent April 26 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Spy Valley Wines, a renowned, family-owned winery situated deep in the Waihopai Valley, within the Southern Valleys of Marlborough. It was established in 1993 by Bryan and Jan Johnson, during a period of discovery and courage in Marlborough. Considered too hard, too dry, and too unfertile for wine, the Johnson couple had the audacity and passion for the land to establish 180 hectares of estate vineyards. With a pioneering spirit, Spy Valley Wines would go on to become one of New Zealand's most successful family-run wineries. The name "Spy Valley" is inspired by the winery's proximity to a government communications facility that is often referred to as a spy base.

Today, Spy Valley Wines is run by Bryan and Jan's daughter, Amanda Johnson. After being involved in the family business for many years, Amanda officially took over from her parents in 2016. Under the leadership of Amanda, Spy Valley remains committed to the land and the people who tend it - they are simply farmers at heart, nurturing the soil and vines in order to cultivate complexities in their wine. Sustainability has been a focus and source of pride at Spy Valley for many years, as they were one of the first (since 1999!) wineries to be accredited under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand program. Moreover, their focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility runs deeply throughout all of their decisions and actions. Their mission is to conserve, preserve, and protect as custodians of their land and legacy.

Spy Valley is always searching for the best of the best in order to produce exceptional wines. They manage just over a handful of varieties on the estate and have experience of knowing the land, environment, and climate, and over the years they have classified the viticultural and winemaking traditions. Among their many core beliefs are well-being and safety first, collaborating, growing people, leading innovation, bringing your 'A' game, and happy customers.

This white wine is 100% Pinot Gris and was sustainably crafted. The grapes were grown at their Johnson Vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, a sub-region within Marlborough, a well-drained vineyard with alluvial stony silt loam soil. To craft this wine, the grapes were gently pressed and fermented in a mix of stainless steel and older oak barrels. The wine remained on its lees post-fermentation before final blending and bottling.

The 2022 growing season in the Waihopai Valley featured near-perfect weather patterns during the flowering period, resulting in even crops and healthy canopies. In February, the weather took a turn with above-average rainfall, which was quickly followed by favourable ripening conditions. Daily monitoring of the vines during the harvest period was the key to ensuring quality grapes, and in turn, quality wine. From an excellent vintage for white wines from Marlborough, let's see this 2022 Pinot Gris from New Zealand is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SPY VALLEY PINOT GRIS 2022 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#41807) (M) - $19.95
Screw cap. Ripe and fragrant aromas of honeysuckle, white peach, yellow pear, and lemon citrus, and apple notes rise out of the glass. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is just off-dry, fleshy, and ripe with delicious honeysuckle, peach, pear, apple, and lemon citrus replays joined by some honeyed spice and floral notes. It's nicely textured with good structure and clean and vibrant acidity. Well-balanced throughout honeyed citrus, pear, apple, and honeysuckle notes tapering to leesy minerals on the long-lasting finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Spy Valley can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Estate Label Wines - Degrees Matter

Last month I had the pleasure of attending a media event titled "The Temperature Experience". I had the opportunity to Chill Out with Justin Taylor, a third generation family member of renowned and well-respected Wakefield Wines (also known as Taylors Wines in their home country of Australia). The purpose of this event was to taste Wakefield's latest Estate Series of wines that are now available in Ontario, and, more importantly, to stimulate our senses and find out why degrees matter.

Wakefield Wines was established in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. in South Australia's Clare Valley. Bill found a perfect plot of land by the Wakefield River to establish the family estate and planted his first Cabernet Sauvignon vines that would eventually find its way into the family's first wine in 1973 - the Estate Label Cabernet Sauvignon. During the excavation of the land to find a water source for the vines, they discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock that date back more than 600 million years - seahorses that became the winery's symbol and emblem for over 50 years.

Today, Wakefield Wines is led by the third generation of the family - brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton. Their focus is on continuing the family tradition by crafting delicious wines that not only stand the test of time, but are also crafted in a sustainable and responsible manner that respects the fruit and where it comes from.

With a strong innovative spirit, the Taylor family launched an industry-first on-the-bottle temperature sensor in 2016 that helps ensure that wine drinkers enjoy Wakefield wines at the optimum temperature. I covered the Optimum Drinking Temperature Sensor a few years ago when the wines with these innovative labels first made their way into Canada in 2020.

At this event, we had the opportunity to taste four Estate Label wines that are available in Ontario and compare the difference when experiencing the wine that was served either too warm or too cold and the optimum temperature. First up was a refreshing Chardonnay. However, the aromas and flavours were a bit muted when served too cold. There was much more intensity, depth, flavours, and texture when the Chardonnay was served at the ideal suggested temperature of 10–12°C.

The Sauvignon Blanc was terribly imbalanced and dull when served too warm. The suggested temperature for the Wakefield Sauvignon Blanc is 6–8°C, and at this cooler temperature the wine comes alive with refreshing acidity and bright fruit flavours. It is important to note that the wine shouldn't be served too cold either, because this will mute the wine and you won't get to experience all that it offers.

Both red wines were absolutely gross when served too warm. To illustrate this, the warm wines were poured out of a thermos and one sip had me spit and dump the wine into a spittoon. The suggested temperature for each of their reds is between 16–18°C and each wine was lovely at this temperature, showcasing both the fruit and oak in their aromas and flavours, along with a fine texture, with everything in balance.

The key takeaway is that temperature plays a very important role in how you experience a wine and how it impacts your enjoyment. Serving wine at the correct temperature enhances aromas and flavours, affects the wine's structure, alters perception of sweetness & alcohol, and preserves the wine's integrity. The suggested serving temperature for white wines is between 6–12°C, and I would personally lean a little warmer for richer white wines such as Chardonnay. For red wines, the suggested serving temperature is between 12–18°C. The old adage of serving red wines at "room temp" is from a bygone era when central heating didn't exist and rooms were generally cold. There are various methods you can use to cool down (ice bath, freezer, refrigerator, etc...) or warm up your wine (rest at room temperature, hold glass in your hands, etc...). Personally, all my wines are placed in the refrigerator, at the back of the top shelf for cooling, with the white wines resting there for 50 to 60 minutes prior to opening, and the red wines for 45 minutes.

All Estate Label wines, including the four listed below, have the innovative temperature sensor on the back label. The Chardonnay and the Shiraz are available year-round at the LCBO as they are VINTAGES Essentials products, while the Sauvignon Blanc (which hasn't been in Ontario in many years) and Cabernet Sauvignon arrived in Ontario a week ago in the April 12th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. All four are worthy buys, and with a convenient temperature sensor on the back label, you can actively taste the difference that temperature makes!

To use the sensor, simply wipe away any moisture from the circular Temperature Sensor to reveal its true colour, then match its colour to the chart on the left to see if you are serving the wine at the correct temperature.

Tasting Notes:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Adelaide Hills / Margaret River, Australia (#166942) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers a lovely mix of gooseberry, lime citrus, grapefruit, lemongrass, and green herb aromas with leesy undertones. It's medium-full bodied with good weight, concentration, and richness, along with delicious ripe lime citrus, gooseberry, and grapefruit, herbs, and leesy flavours on the palate. Mostly dry with a vague impression of sweetness and a richly textured mouthfeel. Acids are clean and well-balanced. Lime citrus, gooseberry, and grapefruit notes taper to leesy flavours on the long, crisp, and juicy finish. Best enjoyed at the temperature suggested on the back label. Score: 89 pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CHARDONNAY 2022 - Clare Valley / Limestone Coast, South Australia (#711556) (XD) - $16.95 $15.95 until Apr. 27
Served at 8C, this has fresh, citrusy, lemon, and ripe tropical fruit nose. It's nicely textured and a touch grippy on the medium+ bodied and dry palate with delicious aroma replays on the flavour profile It has fresh and lively acidity, and is nicely balanced throughout. Very good length on the crisp finish. At the ideal temperature of between 10-12C, it allowed the wine to breathe and release more complex aromas and flavours, while also offering a more richer, rounder, and creamier mouthfeel. It was definitely much better at the slightly warmer temperatures and continued to improve as it warmed up in my glass. Score: 89 pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL SHIRAZ 2022 - Clare Valley / Limestone Coast, South Australia (#943787) (XD) - $19.95 $17.95 until Apr. 27

Generously intense with ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry aromas nuanced with some savoury cocoa, milk chocolate, and vanilla notes. The salty, medium-full bodied palate is well-structured with delicious aroma replays and notable spicy, cocoa chocolate, blackberry, and black plum flavours. It has very good, crisp acidity and supple, well-structured tannins. Nicely textured with earthy, cocoa, and savoury notes on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

WAKEFIELD ESTATE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Limestone Coast / Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
52% Limestone Coast and 48% Clare Valley fruit and enclosed by screw cap. The rich, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely dark fruited, black currant, cassis, cedar oak spice, cocoa, and earthy aromas accented with leafy herbs and mint. It's full-bodied and ripe on the dry palate with black & red fruits, currant, cassis, gentle oak spice, and savoury earth flavours accented with plummy and minty herb notes. Acids are crisp and fresh, while the ripe, refined, and mildly grippy tannins are well-structured. Clean and well-balanced with savoury black fruit and cocoa notes lingering on the lengthy finish. Score: 89 pts

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Antech Réserve M Le Mauzac Extra Brut Blanquette de Limoux 2022 (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely Blanquette de Limoux crafted in the traditional method using the Mauzac varietal. This bubbly was featured as part of the theme on Women in Wine in the recent March 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

It is produced by Maison Antech, a family-owned winery that has been passionately producing traditional method sparkling wines for seven generations on the hillsides of the Limoux wine region of Languedoc. Each generation has contributed their energy and passed down their exceptional know-how from one generation to the next, with women playing a central role and demonstrating a strength of character each step of the way.

The estate winery was initially established by the Tisseyre-Limouzy family in the late-19th century. Early in the 20th century, the estate was run by Eugénie Limouzy, a dynamic, courageous, and modern woman who lived through wars unbowed to ensure the winery's long-term survival. Eugénie was one of the first women in Languedoc to manage a vineyard. In 1930, Eugénie's niece, Marguerite, married fellow vintner Edmond Antech, merging two winemaking families and giving birth to the Antech name that still stands today.

In 1965, brothers Georges and Roger, the sons of Edmond and Marguerite, took over the reins of the estate. By the 1970s, the brothers had decided to focus on producing only sparkling wines. Joining the estate in 1996 was Françoise, Georges' daughter and the sixth generation of the family. Françoise carried on the family tradition and has played an instrumental role in elevating Maison Antech into one of the region's top sparkling wine producers.

The family has cultivated the land in Limoux since 1860, a land with a unique terroir where the freshness of the Pyrenees mountain range mixes with the Mediterranean climate. Maison Antech is situated at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, where the vines enjoy ideal growing conditions such as natural drainage, high diurnal temperature ranges between day and night, and the cool breezes coming off the snowy Pyrenees slopes until May. These growing conditions promote the vivacity and tension necessary to produce wines with great effervescence.

With the seventh generation of the family, Françoise's son, Baptiste, also now working at the winery, Maison Antech has been actively engaged in using a sustainable approach to viticulture and winemaking that respects the environment and takes advantage of the omnipresent winds coming off the hillsides. Their efforts are directed towards the development of the Mauzac grape varietal, which is perfectly suited to this microclimate in Limoux. Antech crafts their wines using a minimalist approach, allowing the place to reflect itself without. All the grapes are carefully hand-harvested in order to respect the quality of the grape and preserve freshness. To vinify their wines, the grapes are slowly and delicately pressed, and fermented at low temperatures. The wines spend the winter on their lees, then age for a prolonged period to reveal their complexity. Depending on the wine, dosage is added.

From a very good vintage in Limoux, let's see how this 2022 Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ANTECH RÉSERVE M LE MAUZAC EXTRA BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2022 - Traditional method, AP, Languedoc, France (#656470) (D) - $21.95
The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers a fresh, fine, and elegant mix of ripe lemon citrus, yellow & white floral toasty, autolytic, brioche, and leesy mineral aromas, plus touches of stone fruit, apple, and pear. It's light-to-mid-weighted, dry, and gently honeyed with lovely lemon citrus, brioche, toasty, floral, leesy, and stone fruit flavours supported by crisp acidity and bubbles. Leesy, stony mineral, and toasty notes linger on the crisp, dry, and lengthy finish. Versatile for pairing with food and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely sparkling wines by Maison Antech can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Château Guillou 2022 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of a terrific wine that I've had the pleasure of enjoying several times over the years, including most recently the 2020 Château Guillou a couple of years ago. This Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent March 1 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is widely available across Ontario.

It is produced by Domaine Familly Saby, a winegrowing family of oenologists with a long history of viticulture and winemaking in Bordeaux that goes back nine generations, with knowledge passed down from father to son since the 18th century. Today, the family business is led by Jean-Bernard Saby, the eighth generation of the family, and his two sons - Jean-Christophe and Jean-Philippe. Considered specialists in Bordeaux's Right Bank, the Saby family owns and operates several estates in this historic region of France, one of which is Château Guillou. The Saby family has successfully combined tradition with modernity to craft exemplary wines, while also focusing on sustainable viticulture.

The estate and vineyard of Château Guillou has existed in its current form since 1870. Situated in the highly-esteemed Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC, just north of neighbouring Émilion and east of Pomerol, on Bordeaux's Right Bank, the estate has 62 hectares of vines. Most of the vines are planted on a plateau featuring clay-limestone soils, and hillsides with clayey-silty soils. Wines in this region are typically Merlot-based blends, with Château Guillou following tradition. This particular red wine is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were traditionally hand-picked and sorted on tables. To vinify this red, the grapes underwent a cold soak pre-fermentation and foulage, a temperature-controlled fermentation, and malolactic fermentation. It was aged in a combination of second- and third-use French and American oak barrels.

The 2022 growing season began with higher than average rainfall in December, followed by two months of unusually warm and dry weather. March was slightly warmer, with a little more rain than average. Budbreak was slightly delayed due to a cool and wet March, and occurred after a couple of severe frost episodes that appeared at the beginning of April. Vine development was slowed during this period, but sped back up in the latter half of April. Mid-flowering and mid-véraison were both occurring earlier than usual due to intense heat episodes, with June being one of the hottest Junes since 1947! July was hot and dry and featured the second heatwave, which stressed the vines on free-draining soils, followed by a third heatwave in mid-August. From this period onwards, the weather was warm to very hot, and mostly dry. These conditions resulted in the earliest harvest ever for the region. From a surprisingly good vintage, let's see how this 2022 Montagne-Saint-Émilion red wine from the Right Bank of Bordeaux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2022 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $23.95
This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is fragrant and open, with a medium-high intensity nose that has a whisper of reductiveness followed by lovely ripe, plummy, black & red fruit, cherry, blackberry, and currant aromas nuanced with savoury earth, oak, and touches of mineral. Floral notes emerge with time in the glass. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is deliciously ripe with plummy, black & red fruits, cherry, blackberry, currant, cocoa, and savoury earthy oak flavours. It has crisp and juicy acidity, while the ripe tannins have a supple, slightly chalky textured grip. Touch of florality and spice on the mid-palate, while the berry notes taper to cocoa, savoury earth, and minerals on the long, succulent finish. Should drink nicely over the next 5-6 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other wine by Domaine Famille Saby is available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Xanadu Vinework Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2023 and Circa 77 Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Margaret River) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delightful wines from Margaret River in Western Australia. Both of these wines arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent February 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which featured wines from Australia.

These wines are produced by Xanadu Wines, a winery that was founded in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan, an Irish immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1969, who was drawn to the emerging wine region of Margaret River. Dr. Lagan recognized the viticultural potential of Margaret River because the cool, maritime climate was similar to Bordeaux. Situated in an idyllic setting, only a few kilometres from the coast, in a place radiating with promise and potential, Xanadu was named for an ancient, otherworldly paradise described in the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and symbolizes a winemaking utopia.

Dr. Lagan and his wife, Eithne, were the first to establish vineyards on the property, and one of the first in Margaret River, and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Over the next couple of decades, they developed Xanadu Wines into one of Australia's highly-acclaimed wineries.

In 2005, Xanadu Wines was acquired by Rathbone Wine Group. The Rathbone family invested its resources to continue to enhance vineyard management and winemaking techniques, while also focusing on sustainable viticulture and modernizing the winery. Margaret River is a place filled with life and energy, and the philosophy is to bottle the vibrancy of this place. At Xanadu, there's harmony between the place and the people, and features a dynamic balance that brings out the best of both, and helps create wines filled with energy.

The process at Xanadu is driven by a deep respect for the land, while also ensuring that they protect the integrity and potential of the region. With sustainable practices and nurturing the land, they ensure that the land will continue to thrive for future generations. Xanadu Wines have been certified sustainable since 2011 by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. They have over 65 hectares of vines on the estate, which flourish on the rich, free-draining soils of the Margaret River region. Xanadu uses a minimalist approach to winemaking, which allows the region's richness and vibrancy to shine through. With a goal to make sure that the spirit of the region is unmistakable in every bottle, an energy that you can feel, and genuine characters that you can taste, Xanadu Wines is considered today to be one of Margaret River's top wineries.

Both the 2022 and 2023 vintages in Margaret River were excellent, with the 2022 wines exhibiting vibrant, fine, and elegant characteristics, while the wines from 2023 have a little more density. Let's see how the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

XANADU VINEWORK SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON 2023 - Sustainable, Margaret River, Western Australia (#41315) (XD) - $22.95
This 75/25 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was fermented in both stainless steel and (wild fermented) in French barriques, while also aged on its lees for 3 months. A touch nose tingling, the fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers enticing aromas of kiwi, guava, and passion fruit wrapped around a core of lemon/lime citrus accented with grapefruit, leesy minerals, and whiffs of jalapeño. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is concentrated, ripe, and slightly honeyed with delicious kiwi, guava, passion fruit, lemon/lime citrus, and grapefruit flavours supported by crisp and zesty acidity. Lemon/lime citrus, grapefruit, and leesy mineral notes linger on the long, crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

XANADU CIRCA 77 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#18344) (XD) - $18.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc has a medium+ to medium-high intensity that nose offers fresh evergreen and minty herb aromas wrapped around a core of mocha chocolate, savoury earth, black currant, blackberry, and cassis, plus oak spice. The mid-weighted palate is dry and ripe with a delicious mix of minty herb, evergreen, oak spice, blackcurrant, cassis, and savoury earth flavours. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the smooth, ripe, and fairly round tannins have good structure. Savoury earth, oak, minty herb, and blackcurrant notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

There's a high-end Chardonnay that is available at one LCBO outlet, while the full range of Xanadu Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Coral Duero enVena Tinta de Toro 2022 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Tinta de Toro (aka Tempranillo) from Spain that is a brand new arrival that landed at the LCBO in the recent February 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Coral Duero, a winery that was founded in 2003 by Jesús Fernández, a native of Toro who spent most of his life working in the marine sector. Jesús is a wine lover at heart and harboured a dream to one day return to his home in Toro and produce the best wines in this historic wine region.

Winemaking in the Toro region, in northwestern Spain, dates back to before Roman settlements, while in the Middle Ages the wines from this region were highly regarded and enjoyed royal privileges. Toro wines were also the first to be shipped to America with Columbus. During the 19th century, large quantities were exported to France to replenish stocks that had been devastated by the phylloxera plague. In the 1970s, the first steps were taken to create what was to later become the Toro Designation of Origin, which was formally established in 1987.

To fulfill his dream, Jesús purchased over 30 hectares of the oldest and most resilient vines in El Pego, a small village that was known to have the best terroir in the region. Coral Duero produced its first wine from their first harvest in 2005 with the assistance of a team of experts and the rare and exceptional variety - Tinta de Toro - and gained its first international recognition in 2008.

After retiring in 2019, Jesús' dream lives on as a group of forward-thinking, young wine enthusiasts continue his legacy and bring a breath of fresh air to the traditions of the Toro terroir to create eloquent and elegant expressions of Tinta de Toro. Today, led by a core group of members, Coral Duero is committed to honouring the traditions of Toro's historic terroir and respecting the nature which nourishes its resilient soil. The name 'Coral' is a reference to Jesús' seafaring background and the extraordinary resilience of coral reefs, which also allude to the vitality of their vines that have survived for more than 140 years, resisting even the Phylloxera plague. The 'Duero' part of the name is in reference to the Duero river which bisects the Toro Region, while also replenishing and giving life to the vines.

At Coral Duero, respect for nature and tradition are core values. With centuries-old vines, sustainable winemaking methods, hand-harvested grapes, and a strict selection process, Coral Duero is able to allow their wines to preserve the character, personality, and tradition of Toro. They have approximately 32 hectares of vineyards which are divided into 4 subplots: Rompesedas, El Salgadero, Los Lastros, and Las Parvas. Balance, order, rhythm, and harmony in the vineyard are of paramount importance at Coral Duero as they have some of Spain's oldest vines, some more than 140 years old. In order to achieve these goals in the vineyard, the team at Coral Duero studies the soil, prunes the vines, practices sustainable agriculture, and handpicks the harvest, while also adjusting to the extreme continental climate of each vintage.

In the pursuit of crafting authentic and outstanding wines in honour of Toro's historic terroir, the enVena (or in vein) is crafted Coral Duero's youngest wine in the collection, with most of the grapes from their younger vines nestled in the Rompesedas plot, within the municipality of El Pego, in the province of Zamora. This red wine is crafted using 100% Tinta de Toro, a grape known outside the region of Toro as Tempranillo. The 40-50 year old vines are west-facing and situated close to the Guareña river. The vines are rooted in a sandy loam alluvial soil, with gravel and small pebbles underneath, which allows for proper drainage and imparts minerality into the wine. Furthermore, this type of soil structure lowers pH levels, and helps produce wines of extraordinary quality, balance, and elegance.

To craft this wine, the grapes were manually harvested by selecting only the best bunches, followed by further selecting only the top-quality grapes from these bunches, and immediately placing the fruit in a cold chamber to preserve their fruity intensity. Vinification begins with a cold maceration in stainless steel tanks, followed by fermentation. It was aged for 6 months in French and American oak barrels.

The growing season in El Pego usually features short, hot, dry, and mostly clear summers, while winters are extremely cold and windy. Throughout the year, there are many hours of sunshine, which is essential for the cultivation of the Tinta de Toro grape varietal, while temperatures rarely dip below 5°C or go above 35°C. In 2022, the vintage delivered generous amounts of grapes, but the berries were smaller than usual. Summer featured intense heat, while favourable weather appeared during the final stages of ripening, including some rain in early September and lower temperatures with high diurnal range. While acidity levels were a bit lower, the young wines showed good freshness. Let's see how this 2022 Tinta de Toro from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CORAL DUERO ENVENA TINTA DE TORO 2022 - DO Toro, Spain (#40867) (XD) - $16.95
This 100% Tinta de Toro (aka Tempranillo) has a fragrant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers a pleasing, spicy mix of ripe red & black cherries, plum, and savoury earth aromas. It's medium-full bodied and dry with delicious ripe, plummy, red and black cherry, and spice replays on the flavour profile, plus some dried herbs notes. It's supported by fresh and crisp acidity, alongside well-structured, slightly firm tannins. There's some palate warmth, but still within balance, along with some florality on the back palate. Cherries, spices, and plum notes taper to minerals on the long, textured, youthful, and slightly firm finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Coral Duero can be ordered through their Agent - Buyers+Cellars.

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Maturana Puente Austral Reserva Privada Carmenère 2022 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Carmenère from Chile that made its debut at the LCBO as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on February 15th.

Like the 2021 Puente Austral Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon I enjoyed last year, this red wine is produced by Maturana Winery, a family-owned winery that was established by the two Maturana two brothers - José Ignacio and Sebastian. After the great earthquake in Chile in 2010, the brothers decided that there was no time to waste to start their great passion for viticulture and wine. Since that time, Maturana has produced unique wines which represent a way of life, including how to sustainably keep intact the conditions from which their grapes come from.

Maturana's philosophy is to capture the identity of each variety and specific place, and allow each to be expressed in the wine. In order to achieve the best expression of each variety and place, Maturana uses innovative approaches to fermentation and ageing by using different materials such as concrete in different sizes and shapes, clay jars, or French oak. Maturana welcomes differentiation and looks at doing different things as an opportunity. Furthermore, the brothers support the natural and responsible management of vineyards, which benefits the growers and their families. For example, Maturana pays their growers more than 7 times the market average for the price per kilo of grapes. Moreover, Maturana believes in the concept of horizontal growth, whereby the grower of heritage vineyards, the grape processor, and the international marketing of wines all grow together. Maturana also has a strong commitment to making known old vineyards and native strains of varieties that exist in central Chile, with some of these vineyards dating back to the year 1900.

Passion and quality are the main drivers at Maturana. The brothers are passionate about doing, selling, knowing, and creating something new, while also identifying with the phrase by Walt Disney "Dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them." Their mission is to produce the best quality wines, with the image, name, and communication method all playing a role and contributing to their concept of creating something unique. In order to produce the best quality wines, their search for the best terroir leads them to winegrowers who share their passion for preserving the soil and growing quality grapes.

In 2022, the growing season in Chile started out well with decent rainfall during winter, which offered relief from the prolonged drought. However, another drought period hit in spring, which stressed some of the vines and reduced some yields. Beyond those challenges, the climate offered moderate temperatures with good diurnal range, leading to a vintage comparable to the stellar 2018 vintage. In Colchagua, it was somewhat cooler, which resulted in concentrated and fresh reds. Let's see how this 2022 Carmenère from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MATURANA PUENTE AUSTRAL RESERVA PRIVADA CARMENÈRE 2022 - Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#42113) (XD) - $14.95
Aged in third use French oak barrels for 6 months, this 100% Carmenère has a fragrant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is ripe and spicy with red plum, cassis, currant, and black cherry aromas with earthy and herbaceous undertones. The ripe, rounded, and medium-full bodied palate is dry with plummy, black cherry, currant, cassis, spice, and earthy replays. It has crisp acids, while the tannins are smooth and rounded with a fine, dusty texture. Mildly grippy on the back palate, while savoury earth and touches of plum and cherry notes linger on the crisp finish, with good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Maturana Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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La Ferme du Mont Les Marnes Bleues Rasteau 2022 (Rhône) - Wine Review

To celebrate Valentine's Day, tonight's red wine review is the inaugural vintage of this terrific blend of Grenache and Syrah from the Southern Rhône Valley Cru of Rasteau. It was released into the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on February 1st as part of the feature story exploring France's top wine regions.

La Ferme du Mont was established in 2000 by Stéphane Vedeau, a third-generation winemaker and viticulturalist who started out by understanding Grenache, paradoxes, agreed impossibilities, climates, and elevation. Stéphane spent countless hours and days performing micro-vinifications and journeys deep into the cellar to gain an understanding of Grenache and its verticality and all its freshness. At this point, a perfect balance didn't exist, but he was getting closer. With further experimentation and acquired knowledge, Stéphane eventually gained notoriety for producing high-quality wines and his attention to detail.

In 2010, Stéphane continued his journey into the northern tip of the Southern Rhône Valley by acquiring Clos Bellane in Valréas. In 2016, a new adventure begins after meeting Jean-François. After the two men reconnected through their passion for beauty and vision of the vineyard, as well as to get to know each other for a couple of years, they decide to form a business partnership and dedicate themselves to discovering the beautiful terroirs in the Rhône Valley. In 2020, the business was expanded further by purchasing 10 hectares of Val de Rois, while giving the former owner, Emmanuel Bouchard, carte blanche to maintain the vineyards at both Val de Rois and Clos Bellane. The latest acquisition took place in 2022, when the business partners purchased 12 hectares and the winemaking cellar in Crozes-Hermitage, in the northern Rhône Valley.

Today, Les Domaines du Mont is made up of these four estates and one vision - to seek the most sensitive and true interpretation of each of their terroirs in the pursuit of natural balance. The philosophy is to let nature express itself freely, as well as the constant pursuit of natural simplicity. With a conviction that everything is already in nature, Domaines du Mont seeks to express the characteristics of their terroirs using a holistic vision, one in which man is a 'guide', rather than a 'maker.' With humility a guiding principle, man must restrain the urge to intervene too much, and thus allow nature and the grapes to express their deepest essence. The goal of purity, finesse, and balance is achieved by using a minimalist approach, gentle and traditional vinification methods, including the use of gravity-fed vinification, indigenous yeasts, and minimizing sulfites well-below the limits authorized in organic wine production.

This particular wine is from La Ferme du Mont, a range of wines which I've had the pleasure of tasting several times over the years. The wines of La Ferme du Mont offer a unique and complex mosaic of vineyards, within the finest terroirs of the southern Rhône Valley. Sensible to the integrity of its environment, Stéphane Vedeau has deciphered, interpreted, and adapted to these terroirs to reveal their most sincere expression. Representative of a simple place where plants live in a constant balance within a biotope rich in different species, the goal is to produce the healthiest and most balanced fruits in harmony with the plant. With a goal of achieving harmony and balance, each vineyard parcel is approached individually and harvested at the point where freshness will remain even at high ripeness.

From the Rasteau Cru, this red wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. It gets its name - Les Marnes Bleues - because the grapes were grown on fine, sandy soils underlined by a safre matrix, which has a grey-blue-reflecting terroir that imparts an elegant exuberance to the renowned ripeness of Rasteau, as well as a subtle mineral texture. This vineyard is situated between 160 and 290 metres above sea level. To craft this wine, each grape was vinified separately, with multiple harvests taking place in order to achieve an optimal ripeness level that balances sweetness and harmony for each parcel. It underwent a 5 to 7 week fermentation, without any mechanical extractions prior to pressing, and was aged in uncoated concrete vats situated in a semi-underground cellar.

The extreme conditions during the 2022 growing season in the Southern Rhône were marked by intense heat and drought, with the year beginning as a dry winter that saw very little rain. It was followed by a spring that rapidly warmed up, although April did experience a fleeting cold snap. Even though temperatures continued to rise, budburst and flowering were a success. May was abnormally hot, while rain in June brought some relief. Heat and drought during the summer months kept rot and disease at bay, while humidity arrived in August, which revived the vines and greatly benefited the red grape varieties Grenache and Syrah. With high grape quality this vintage, let's see how this 2022 Rasteau from the Southern Rhône is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA FERME DU MONT LES MARNES BLEUES RASTEAU 2022 - AP, Rhône, France (#40869) (XD) - $26.95
Aged in concrete, this blend of Grenache and Syrah has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is uber ripe and fruit forward with red & black raspberry, black cherry, and touches of dried herb aromas layered over blackberry and stony mineral notes that gain prominence with time in the glass. It is medium-full to full-bodied on the impressively concentrated, dry, and ripe palate with delicious black & red fruits, raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, stony mineral, and dried herbal replays. Harmonious and balanced with crisp, finely tuned acidity and smooth, ripe, and dusty textured tannins that are mildly grippy on the back palate with good structure. Ripe dark fruit, raspberry, savoury stony mineral, and smoke notes linger on long, slightly youthful, and grippy finish. Almost drinks like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Only a few bottles of one other wine by La Ferme du Mont is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Deux Roches Tradition Mâcon-Villages 2022 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is the latest Chardonnay in a line of recent excellent wines by Deux Roches, the Burgundy estate of Collovray & Terrier, that has come through the LCBO. This Mâcon-Villages arrived at the LCBO this weekend in the February 1 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is featured in the theme of the release which explores France's top wine regions.

The origins of Deux Roches begins in 1928, when Joanny Collovray settled in the small village of Davayé, in the south of Burgundy, a few kilometres west of Mâcon. On this land, Joanny made goat cheeses and farmed the land by growing crops, including grapevines. By 1940, Joanny was noted for the quality of his work. In 1956, he was succeeded by his son, Henri, who maintained the family's polyculture, but also expanded the family's vine holdings by purchasing a few parcels of land in the Mâcon-Davayé appellation. Henri's son, Christian Collovray, began working the vines at the age of 16 and devoted himself entirely to vine growing.

The Terrier family had no history of cultivating vines, but Léon Terrier was the village blacksmith and worked alongside local winegrowers. Jean-Luc Terrier, Léon's son, specialized in viticulture at an agricultural college and crossed paths along the way with his neighbour and childhood friend, Christian Collovray.

The two friends - Christian Collovray and Jean-Luc Terrier - shared a love and passion for vines and wine, and married two sisters - Brigitte and Florence - who came from a family of winegrowers. Bringing together two families, the two couples had a dream to create an estate and make wine together using Christian's and his father's vines. The dream became reality in 1986 with the formation of Deux Roches, which translates to "Two Rocks", and is named after the two limestone rocks of Vergisson and Solutré that are situated in the area of Davayé.

Today, there are six members of the Collovray & Terrier involved in the family business, including Julien Collovray, son of Christian and Brigitte, and his wife Caroline, and Pierre-Alexis Terrier, son of Florence and Jean-Luc. Situated in the heart of the Mâconnais wine region in Burgundy, with its soils rich in limestone, Deux Roches is renowned for producing high-quality Chardonnay wines. The philosophy at Deux Roches is to work the soil and respect the vegetation to produce good quality fruit. They aim for perfection by mastering each and every step with each passing vintage, while also adapting to the year's weather conditions. In 2017, with a commitment to the environment, Deux Roches earned their High Environmental Certification - the French certificate for environmental sustainability.

While the excellent 2021 Deux Roches Les Pommards Saint-Véran (and still available for purchase) is from their top-tier Parcel Selections range, this Tradition Mâcon-Villages is from their lower-tiered Timeless Collection - exemplary wines that are crafted for immediate pleasure, sharing, and enjoyment.

This 100% Chardonnay was grown in the Mâcon-Villages appellation of southern Burgundy. The cuvee is a blend of several plots which were selected for their limestone soil and drainage quality, as well as their early, southeast-facing exposure to the sun. This combination of soil and sun exposure characteristics allows Deux Roches to develop straightforward, fruity, lively, and fresh wines in the pure spirit of Mâconnais. After harvest, the grapes are gently loaded by gravity into pneumatic presses, where the grapes undergo slow and long presses in order to delicately extract the juices and preserve aromatic finesse. The musts are cooled and decanted, followed by a temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation depending on the vintage. The wine remains in tanks for aging on its fine lees until spring. Inputs such as SO₂ are limited as much as possible throughout the entire process from picking to bottling.

The 2022 growing season in Mâconnais was marked by ample rain in June, including a big rainstorm at the end of the month, which helped slow down the physiological ripening of the grapes during the heat and dry weather of the summer months. The resilience of the vines, along with two weeks of dry and windy conditions that preceded harvest resulted in healthy grapes of good quality. Overall, it is a classic, juicy vintage with quantity. From an excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Chardonnay from Mâcon-Villages is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DEUX ROCHES TRADITION MÂCON-VILLAGES 2022 - AP, Burgundy, France (#38077) (XD) - $27.95
100% Chardonnay. Lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers elegant ripe apple, pear, lemon citrus, and orchard fruit aromas, plus touches of doughy and leesy characters and hints of white peach, with an underlying stony minerality adding further complexity. The medium-full bodied palate is dry, concentrated, ripe, and honeyed with lovely apple-pear, orchard fruit, lemon citrus flavours accented with mild spice, vanilla, and white peach notes. It has clean, juicy acidity, somewhat creamy, and a fine, mineral texture on the mid-palate. Shows finesse, elegance, and balance throughout with spice and mineral notes lingering on the long, succulent finish. Best enjoyed over the next 3-5 years on its own, with goat cheese, fish, or poultry. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

A couple of wines by Deux Roches are available at LCBO, while the full line-up can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Cave du Château des Loges Les 3 Madones Beaujolais-Villages 2022 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Gamay from the Beaujolais-Villages appellation in France. It is featured in the theme exploring France's top wine regions in this weekend's February 1 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is readily available for purchase now.

It is produced by Cave du Château des Loges, a co-operative winery that was established in 1960 by a group of winemakers in the commune of Le Perréon, Beaujolais, who got together and purchased Château des Loges. Housed in the 19th century winery of Château des Loges, they produced their first wines the following year from 47 hectares of Beaujolais-Villages appellation fruit. Cave du Château des Loges continues to be located in the commune of Le Perréon, in the heart of Beaujolais, and has access to vines grown in very diverse terroirs in the Beaujolais-Villages appellation. Cave du Château des Loges is located on a slope between 250 and 800 metres above sea level, a privileged location which allows them to produce wines of high-quality. This area features a very specific terroir consisting of sandy soil resulting from the decomposition of its granite subsoil, creating sandy areas called "Greae". Moreover, by being situated in these sloping hills, the shallow and very stony soil forces the vine to draw minerals and nutrients from this lean terroir where the Gamay grape finds its favourite land.

Today, the co-operative has grown to nearly 150 members and 430 hectares of vines located in different Beaujolais appellations, including the various Beaujolais Crus, as well as different grape varieties beyond Gamay, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Viognier. Furthermore, many of these vineyards are certified HVE3 (High Environmental Value) - the highest level of French certification for environmental sustainability. HVE certification is completely voluntary, with the co-operative's approach to HVE based on the preservation of biodiversity, phytosanitary (reducing treatments), fertilization management, and water resource management. The co-operative is made up of passionate members and workers who work tirelessly to produce a high-quality harvest and craft wines to be enjoyed by all. Their values of solidarity, democracy, equality, fairness, transparency, and proximity distinguish co-operatives from other companies.

This particular wine is from their Les 3 Madones range - named after the 3 Madonnas that are situated in Perréon and Vaux-en-Beaujolais, who watch over the château and cave and protect their vineyards. This Beaujolais-Villages is 100% Gamay Noir that was grown (likely in Le Perréon) on granitic soils in a continental climate. It was vinified using the traditional Beaujolais method of semi-carbonic maceration, followed by ageing in stainless steel vat in order to preserve the crunchy fruit characters typical of wines from Beaujolais.

The 2022 growing season in Beaujolais began with a cold January, followed by a mild February. March had cool weather, which meant that the frosts of early April caused little damage. The rest of April and May was warm and dry, with successful flowering towards the end of May. The usual summer storm arrived in June and caused some hail damage, while July and August were fiercely sunny and warm with a high of 43.5°C (116°F) in early August. Despite light rains in June and August that helped offset the heat, yields were down by one-third (compared to 2021) due to drought and hail. Overall, quality was outstanding during harvest by the end of August, which resulted in aromatic, intense, and intrinsically balanced wines. From an excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Gamay from Beaujolais-Villages is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DES LOGES LES 3 MADONES BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022 - AP, France (#38266) (XD) - $19.95
100% Gamay. The ripe, fresh, fragrant, and medium-high intensity nose is fruit forward with crunchy, mostly red and some black fruits, red currant, black cherry, cassis, and spice aromas with flecks of mineral. The dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is ripe and fruity with black and red cherry, currant, cranberry, and spice flavours. It has fresh, lively, and well-structured acidity, while the impressively textured tannins have good weight and presence. Finely balanced with black cherry, cranberry, currant, and spice notes tapering to minerals on the somewhat grippy, youthful, and lengthy finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

A lovely Brouilly from this producer arrived in LCBO VINTAGES last October and is still available for purchase, while other wines by Cave du Château des Loges can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Babich Black Label Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is an excellent, sustainably crafted, and dry Pinot Gris from New Zealand. While this is the previous vintage of this wine, the latest vintage is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO that is landing on shelves across Ontario as part of the upcoming February 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the excellent 2017 Babich Winemakers' Reserve Syrah I enjoyed last spring, this wine is produced by Babich Wines, one of New Zealand's most prominent and oldest family-owned wineries. Founded in 1916 by Josip Babich, a Dalmatian immigrant (now part of modern day Croatia) after he immigrated to New Zealand at 14 years old to join his brothers in the far north of the country. Josip's son, Peter, joined the family wine business in 1949, and was followed by his other son, Joe, in 1958. Today, Babich Wines is now led by cousins David and André Babich, sons of Peter and Joe, respectively. Babich Wines is based in Henderson Valley, West Auckland, just a short drive from the city of Auckland, and has estate vineyards located in both Marlborough and Hawke's Bay.

With over 100 years of innovation, achievement and winemaking excellence, the aim of Babich Wines today is to passionately craft sustainable wines that are stylish, refined, and have an easy drinking appeal. For three generations, the Babich family has gently worked in harmony with the land, ecosystem, and seasons to produce wines of outstanding quality, while also making sure that their vineyards and processes get better with each passing vintage. At Babich, there are four important areas of focus to ensure a sustainable future - being careful with water, organic farming and processes, wild fermentation, and waste reduction and elimination.

From Babich's Black Label range, this 100% Pinot Gris was first crafted in the 2009 vintage. The Black Label range consists of three wines using fruit from their estate-owned vineyards and are sustainably crafted to be enjoyed with food in a rich, complex, and textural style suitable for any dining occasion. The grapes were grown in their Echelon (Waihopai), Selmes Road (Wairau) and Cowslip Valley (Waihopai) vineyards. The Echelon Vineyard is an elevated site with deep silt loam "Jordan" soils over underlying clay, while the Selmes Road Vineyard has a slightly heavier soil and is perfect for blending with fruit grown on lighter, gravelly soils. The Cowslip Valley Vineyard has a glacial outwash with free-draining clay loam soils perfect for aromatic varieties. After machine-harvesting the grapes over 6 days at the beginning of April, the grapes were crushed, pressed, and underwent an inoculated fermentation using selected yeasts, mostly in tanks with 40% barrel fermented in older oak barrels. The wine was matured on its lees for 5 months, fined using pea protein, filtered, and then bottled.

The 2022 winegrowing season in Marlborough was marked by a cold and wet February, which resulted in big bunches and berries, and an ensuing large harvest which meant that crop-thinning was especially important. However, finer weather during the autumn months delivered optimal fruit ripeness levels. While there were challenges during the growing season, many producers successfully managed the vintage to produce some beautifully elegant wines. Let's see how this 2022 Marlborough Pinot Gris is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BABICH BLACK LABEL MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2022 - Sustainable, Estate grown, South Island, New Zealand (#36906) (XD) - $20.95
Screw cap. Pours a fairly deep gold colour. The concentrated, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely, rich, and honeyed aromas of ripe orchard and stone fruit, apple, nectarine, lemon zest, citrus, peach, honeysuckle, candied ginger, and spice. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is richly concentrated and dry with honeyed, ripe stone and orchard fruit, apple-pear, nectarine, peach, ginger spice, and honeysuckle flavours underpinned by leesy minerality. It has a fine, zesty, acidic backbone, along with a fine, richly textured mouthfeel. Nicely balanced throughout with leesy mineral notes lingering on the savoury, textured, and exceptionally long finish. Enjoy with seafood or vegetarian fare, or even on its own. Highly recommended buy if you can find it! Score: 91 pts

In addition to their 2020 Organic Single Vineyard Pinot Noir that is also arriving in this release, there are a number of fine wines by Babich that are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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San Marzano Talò Primitivo di Manduria 2022 (Puglia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Primitivo from Manduria in Puglia that returned to the LCBO last weekend as part of the January 18 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Cantine San Marzano, a co-operative winery that was established in 1962 by winegrowers chasing a dream. Named after the small town where it resides, San Marzano is located at the centre of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP on a strip of land between the seas that wash over the Puglia region.

In 1982, Francesco Cavallo was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Francesco is a volcanic and visionary personality, as well as helmsman of their reality. In 1996, with the commitment and dedication of its members, San Marzano purchased a modern bottling plant, which allowed them to move from a bulk commodity to a wine producer and establish a brand with a direct relationship to the end consumer. In 2000, San Marzano produced their first vintage of Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria DOP. Produced from old vines, this wine is an expression of a thousand-year-old relationship between the people of Marzano and the Primitivo grape. The iconic label encapsulates the company's philosophy and essence to produce distinctive and high-quality wines by combining traditional winemaking methods with innovative techniques. With Francesco at the helm while overseeing the winery's present and planning the future, San Marzano has grown to become one of Puglia's most recognized producers and is highly regarded internationally.

San Marzano has several lines of wines, while this red wine is from their "Talò" range, which was created so that the producer could thank the farmers and their families who look after each vineyard as if it were their own garden. Talò is a surname, and the range is made up of a collection of varieties and is a symbol of community.

This particular red wine is crafted with 100% Primitivo that was grown in its spiritual home - the appellation of Primitivo di Manduria DOP in southern Puglia. More specifically, the grapes were grown in the town and commune of San Marzano, within the Province of Taranto, in the region of Salento. The vineyard is situated close to the sea, at about 100 metres above sea level and experiences high average temperatures and medium-low rainfall. The vines were trained using the Espalier training system, and grown on clayey and thin soil that is full of rocks. After harvesting the grapes in mid-September, they underwent a thermo-controlled maceration and alcoholic fermentation for about 10 days with selected yeasts, followed by ageing for 6 months in French and American oak barrels.

In 2022, the growing season in Puglia was generally warmer and dry, with the grapes in the region that are used to the heat basking in the sun in June and July. Some heavy rain events in August helped revive some of the vines, leading to average yields and good quality fruit. Let's see how this 2022 Primitivo di Manduria from Puglia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SAN MARZANO TALÒ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2022 - DOP, Puglia, Italy (#455220) (D) - $19.95
The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is richly spiced with lush and ripe black fruit, blackberry, clove, sweet spices, black plum, and black cherry aromas, plus whiffs of milk chocolate. It's fairly dry on the mid-weighted palate with delicious and impressively complex milk chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, savoury oak spice, black-red berry fruit, clove, and plum flavours. Acids are crisp and well-balanced, while the mildly grippy tannins are smooth and refined. There's a touch of sweetness on the mid-palate, which tapers to cocoa, chocolate, and savoury earth notes flecked with ripe black fruit on the long, savoury, stony mineral finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

One other Primitivo by San Marzano is available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2022 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of an always terrific Australian Shiraz that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent November 30th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Wakefield Wines, which is known as Taylors Wines in Australia. This family estate winery was established near the Wakefield River in South Australia's Clare Valley in 1969 by Bill Taylor Sr. and his two sons. The Taylor family worked as wine merchants, but desired to have their own vineyards and create their own, authentic, and estate-grown wines. By 1969, they settled on a site near the Wakefield River and established Taylors Wines.

Today, Wakefield Wines is led by brothers Mitchell, Justin, and Clinton, the third-generation of the Taylor family, the sons of Bill Taylor and grandchildren of Bill Taylor Sr. The brothers continue their family's tradition of crafting delicious wines that stand the test of time, while also firmly fixed upon the future and the next generation. The family's philosophy is to craft wines sustainably and responsibly, while respecting the fruit and where it comes from. Their goal is to be Australia's best wine company at applying best practiced principles in environmental management to enhance sustainable business activities and products. They also favour the most innovative techniques to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and packaging, while also preventing or eliminating waste and pollution. Through a holistic approach to environmental management, they aim to achieve sustainable land and biodiversity management outcomes for both the present and future. Taylors Wine is also a founding member of Australia's First Families of Wine, which was formed in 2009.

Wakefield Wines has several ranges of wines in their portfolio, with this wine coming from their premium Jaraman range, which celebrates Australia's iconic wine regions which provide great diversity. With the Jaraman range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit which they can use to showcase the distinctive regional characters and style for each grape variety. The fruit for Jaraman wines is sourced from celebrated wine regions in Australia that are renowned for producing particular varieties. At the winery, the winemaker at Wakefield ensures that the distinct regional characteristics of each variety are preserved and enhanced, while also making sure that the fruit is the star of the wine, and any winemaking influence only plays a supporting role. Respecting the fruit is a core value at Wakefield Wines, and the Jaraman range showcases the skill and dedication to this core value.

While the previous vintage of this wine - the 2021 Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz - was nearly equal parts of fruit from Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, this latest vintage is 100% Shiraz with 72% Clare Valley fruit and 28% McLaren Vale fruit. Traditional vinification methods were used to craft this red wine, with parcels from the two regions kept separate until blending prior to oak ageing. The wine was matured for an average of 12 to 15 months in a selection of new and used American oak hogsheads and then bottled.

The 2022 vintage in Clare Valley was a year of both high quality and quantity as the crops basked in the mild, sunny days without any rain or humidity. The stunningly beautiful weather provided uninterrupted and idyllic conditions that were more typical of the better vintages during the 80s and 90s. In McLaren Vale, it was a slightly different story as inconsistent fruit set reduced yields by about 15%, which likely explains the reduction of McLaren Vale fruit in this cuvée. The growing season featured mild conditions of warm days and cool nights, with minimal rain and no heat spikes. The end result produced some of the best McLaren Vale reds in years with vibrant wines having supple tannins and bright, natural acidity. From a mostly cool and very good vintage, let's see how this 2022 Shiraz from Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2022 - Clare Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia (#377036) (XD) - $24.95 $21.70
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose has plummy dark fruit, mulberry, blackberry, and black cherry aromas alongside savoury oak, chocolate, clove, and subtle Asian spice notes. The medium+ bodied palate is dry with delicious mulberry, brambly, plum, blackberry, sweet spice, clove, and chocolatey oak flavours in a slightly jammy profile. It is quite firmly structured on the palate, with smooth, ripe tannins. Gently tangy acids are crisp, juicy, and succulent, while the chocolatey oak, plum, and earthy notes linger on the long, well-structured finish. Recommended buy to enjoy into the early 2030s. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely Wakefield Wines can be purchased at the LCBO, or through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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