Calcu Tiny Blocks Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2020 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, sustainable and vegan-friendly Cabernet Franc from Chile. It is brand new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves earlier this month as part of the feature on wines from Chile in the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on February 3rd.

It is produced by Calcu Vineyards, a winery project that was established in 2003 by the Hurtado family. With over a century's worth of experience making quality wines in the Colchagua Valley, the Hurtado family found a unique place in Marchigüe, within the Colchagua Valley in central Chile, that is marked by hills of granite stone. The hills are the inspiration for the name Calcu Vineyards - "CAL: Hill" and "CUrá: Stone" - and means Hills of Stone.

The granite hills with clay seams, combined with the proximity of the vineyard to the sea at just 26 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, as well as the altitude of the vineyard with different orientations of the slopes allows for a perfect blend that reflects the personality of the vineyard. By combining all of these features, it enables each Calcu wine to showcase the brand's characteristic freshness, structure, verve, and depth.

The core values at Calcu Vineyards are excellence, perseverance, and honesty. While sustainability is also one of the four essential values of the Hurtado family, whereby caring for the environment, workers, and the local community is key, Calcu Vineyards was created with the ambition of redefining the Colchagua Valley with world-class, handcrafted wines. With the assistance of winemaking advisor, Xavier Choné, the Hurtado family designed each of the 166 micro-terroirs using a high-precision manual process that followed the orientation of the slopes and natural clay seams that are present on the site. This resulted in a vineyard architecture of small blocks, with many less than 1 hectare in size, with varying slopes and irregular shapes. The nature of these blocks allows each variety to find the ideal place within the vineyard, where it can express its maximum potential. One of the most important aspects of the site is the gentle granitic slopes on the coastal hills. The soil on these slopes contains important seams of clay, which are preserved and maintained as they contribute structure, texture, and depth to the resulting wines.

To craft this red wine, the grapes were manually harvested and double sorted from vineyards situated at their Marchigüe Estate vineyard, 25 km from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is planted on the gentle hills of the coastal hills, where the soft sea breeze moderates the temperatures and allows the grapes to develop excellent concentration and fresh, aromatic fruit. The soil in this vineyard is mainly granitic with a significant clay content, characters that positively influence concentration and persistent aromas. The tiny blocks selected for this Cabernet Franc (which also includes splashes of Petit Verdot and Carménère) are planted in the highest sectors of soil with a high presence of quartz, which provides a fantastic combination of fresh fruit, structure, and elegance. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 20ºC and 24ºC, and underwent 18 days of maceration time with its skins. After completing malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, it was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.

The 2020 growing season at Calcu was marked by a warm and dry climate. This challenged the team at Calcu because they needed to be more alert than ever in identifying the opportune time for harvest in order to maintain the elegance and natural balance that characterizes the wines from this terroir. The resulting wines from the high quality 2020 vintage have high concentration, excellent colour intensity and complexity, and very good ageing capability. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Franc from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CALCU TINY BLOCKS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2020 - Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#35677) (XD) - $14.95
This blend of 95% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Carménère has a lovely, lifted, medium-high intensity nose of wet earth, mineral, dark fruited (blackberry, black cherry), minty herb, and sweet tobacco aromas. On the dry, ripe, medium+ bodied palate it has lovely, elegant, and balanced aroma replays of dark fruit, mineral, savoury wet earth, blackberry, black cherry, and tobacco flavours with some spicy and herbal notes. It is well-structured with very good acidity and grippy, structured, and mouth puckering tannins. Minerally with dark fruit and tobacco notes linger on the long, crisp, and juicy finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with 2-3 years in the cellar. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

While only a limited number of the excellent 2018 Calcu Winemaker's Selection Blend is available on clearance at the LCBO, all wines in the Calcu Vineyards portfolio can be ordered through Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Calcu Winemaker's Selection Blend 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent five-grape blend led by Cabernet Franc that is sustainably crafted from Chile. It arrived at the LCBO earlier this month in the LCBO VINTAGES May Cellar Collection (formerly Classics) and is available for purchase directly from VINTAGES Shop Online.

It is produced by Calcu Vineyards, a special and unique project that was established by the Hurtado family in 2003. The Hurtado family has over a century's worth of experience making quality wines in the Colchagua Valley and found a unique place in Marchigüe, within the Colchagua Valley in central Chile that is marked by hills of granite stone. This hill is the inspiration for the name Calcu Vineyards - "CAL: Hill" and "CUrá: Stone".

One of the fundamental pillars of the Hurtado family business is the passion for the pursuit of excellence. This is reflected in each of their wines and implemented by each member of the viticultural and winemaking team in the pursuit of excellence through precision viticulture and winemaking that accurately reflects the character of Calcu Vineyards in Marchigüe. Calcu Vineyards and the historic Viña Maquis share a winery in Palmilla, in the Colchagua Valley, for vinifying and ageing their wines. This winery was built in 2002, a year prior to the establishment of Calcu, under a sustainable concept by using gravity-flow technology to gently move the fruit and juice throughout the winery. The facility also uses geothermal energy for its wine production and is the only winery of its kind in Chile.

Sustainability is also a core value of the Hurtado family. They care for the environment, workers, and local community. One such example is the small vineyard blocks with short rows which were intentionally planted this way so that it minimizes soil erosion, while the sloping rows help reduce the risk of accidents for farm workers. The vineyards were also planted with extra care devoted to respecting natural rock formations, clay deposits, and native trees; 4,500 plants were also planted in ravines near the vineyards to increase biodiversity and protect endangered native species.

With this red wine blend, Calcu seeks to rediscover Colchagua Valley from the exceptional terroir in Marchigüe, a town and commune located in the province of Cardenal Caro, a few kilometres from the Pacific coast. The vineyard here has a unique architecture that was designed by hand to craft world-class wines that faithfully reflect the terroir, with deep care for the winegrowing and natural landscape. A blend that changes every year, this particular vintage is composed of 38% Cabernet Franc, 25% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot.

The grapes were grown in Calcu's own vineyards in Marchigüe on gentle hills where it is influenced by the sea breeze in the afternoon and at night, which helps moderate temperatures to produce particularly fresh grapes. The soils are primarily granitic with some important clay content, but poor in organic matter which helps to obtain low yields, delivering power, structure, and elegance to the wines. The grapes were manually harvested and selected in bunches, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.

The 2018 growing season in Chile was somewhat cool during spring and early summer, resulting in a harvest that was a little later than normal. This helped deliver grapes with great freshness, outstanding elegance, and natural balance with round and delicate tannins. With dry weather during the ripening phase, the grapes were very healthy with developed impressive concentration. From an exceptional vintage that is described as the year of finesse, let's see how this 2018 red wine from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CALCU WINEMAKER'S SELECTION BLEND 2018 - Sustainable, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#28585) (XD) - $43.00
A blend of 38% Cabernet Franc, 25% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, it is elegantly fresh and fragrant on the nose with lovely, complex aromas of crushed red and black berry, currant, cassis, floral and fine oak spices with touches of dried herbs and stony mineral. On the full-ish bodied, warming palate it has well-structured and velvety smooth tannins along with fresh, juicy acidity that supports the ripe red and black berry, cassis, currant, smoky oak, mineral, and dried herbal flavours on a well-structured frame. Impressive depth and complexity. Some tannic grippiness on the back palate. Savoury with mineral and smoky oak notes lingering on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy over coming 10 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

Other lovely wines by Calcu Vineyards can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Syrah Organic 2020 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious organic wine that is a blend of three varieties from Chile that is readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

It is produced by Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery, one of the leading wine producers in Chile. Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1993 with the vision of producing premium, expressive, and innovative wines that convey the spirit of the New World. Quality, innovation, and sustainability are the three core values of Cono Sur. They are orientated towards growing quality grapes in order to produce quality wines, innovating with the creative use of technology, and respect for the environment and people. The company's name "Cono Sur" is translated to "Southern cone" and refers to company's geographic position - wines proudly made in South America's southern cone, on whose western edge lies Chile and its gifted wine valleys.

Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery is committed to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future, while also taking care of the environment without neglecting the aspects of social development and economic growth. In 1998, they switched from conventional agriculture to an integrated vineyard management system that favours natural alternatives to fertilize the soil and to prevent and control pests and disease. Their commitments have led to 17 years of organic certification, 13 years of Carbon Neutral Delivery, and 12 years of Wine Biodiversity and Climate Change. In 2007, Cono Sur became the first winery in the world to receive the CarbonNeutral delivery status, and in 2011 they were awarded Green Company of the Year by British magazine Drinks Business. Today, Cono Sur has over 300 hectares under organic management and they have vineyards in 7 of Chile's wine valleys.

This organic red wine is made with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Carmenère, and 28% Syrah, with grapes grown in vineyards across Chile in the valleys of Maipo, Maule, Colchagua, and Limarí. Thus, this red wine bears the country of the appellation of Chile. There grapes were grown in a Mediterranean climate on various soil types, but mostly consisted of alluvial and gravelly, pumacita, red clay, and mineral soils. After a combination of hand-picking and mechanically harvesting the grapes, the wine was vinified at their estate in Chimbarongo, about 160 km south of Santiago. It was aged for 12 months, with half aged in French oak barrels and the other half in stainless steel tanks. From an extremely early and hot growing season, and a challenging harvest, let's see how this 2020 Chilean organic red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CONO SUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON CARMENÈRE SYRAH ORGANIC 2020 - Chile (#553792) (XD) - $16.55
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Carmenère, and 28% Syrah has a medium to medium-high intensity nose that is rich and ripe with red and black cherry, currant, cassis, peppery spice, vanilla, and cedary oak spice aromas. It's medium+ bodied on the dry palate with delicious currant, cassis, dried herbs, herbaceous, peppery spice, and gentle cedary oak flavours supported by fresh acidity and supple, fine-grained tannins. Cedary oak spice and dried herbal notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88 pts

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Powers Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Washington) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley in Washington State that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the January 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Powers Winery was founded by the legendary Bill Powers, a man who was drawn from Oklahoma to the Columbia Valley in the 1950's. After years of farming multiple crops, Bill and his son, Greg, planted their estate Badger Mountain Vineyard in 1982 and soon after they went organic. In 1990, their Badger Mountain estate was the first certified organic vineyard in Washington.

Since the release of their first wines in 1992, Powers Winery has remained committed to crafting concentrated, structured, and age-worthy wines, while also practicing and innovating environmental, community, and fiscal sustainability. Bill Powers passed away in 2014, but he was highly respected for his progressive techniques and farming expertise. He was honoured by his colleagues many times over the years and was considered a Washington wine industry pioneer.

Today, Bill's legacy lives on through his son, Greg Powers, Director of Winemaking. They have a dynamic winemaking team and long-time grower partnerships that allows Powers Winery to continue to showcase Washington State's diverse micro-climates and distinctive vineyards. All Powers wines reflect a devotion, experience, and integrity that result in products worthy to carry the family name.

Their comprehensive approach to sustainability comes from a long-held belief that they are responsible not only to the land from which the fruit comes, but also to their employees, grower partners, and to the larger communities in which they operate. Powers Winery believes that stewardship in the vineyard, the winery, and the community is rewarded with better wines, but more importantly they believe it is simply the right thing to do. By utilizing both tradition and technology, they are able to produce compelling wines with a sustainable approach. Their continued approach to reduce their carbon footprint led to the installation of solar panels and giving back to the grid in 2011, making their own bio-diesel by sourcing recycled cooking oil from local restaurants, and switching to lighter weight glass for their wines.

This red wine actually a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Carménère, and 1% Merlot which was sourced from seven vineyards across the Columbia Valley. I love the transparency that Powers Winery lists exactly where the grapes were sourced from. The Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine was grown in five different vineyards - Goose Ridge Vineyard (36%) in Columbia Valley, Champoux Vineyard (28%) in Horse Heaven Hills, Rivercrest Vineyard (25%) in Columbia Valley, Ravenscliff Vineyard (5%) in Wahluke Slope, and Kiona Vineyard (3%) in Red Mountain. With all of these great vineyard sites to choose from, Powers was able to have the lots harvested from late-September into early-November and blend the perfectly ripe and balanced fruit with great acidity and tannin structure into a very complex, yet approachable Cabernet. It was fermented using PDM yeast in a combination of pump-under method and in upright stainless steel tanks. It was aged in mostly used French oak barrels for 22 months, with 50% in third-use and 38% in second-use barrels. Let's see how this Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

POWERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#434456) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. This blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Carménère, and 1% Merlot has a medium-high intensity nose that delivers complex sage, herbal, and minty freshness aromas layered over dark currant, blackberry, black raspberry, savoury wet earth, and subtle plum and oak spices. On the medium to medium-full bodied, dry palate it has delicious ripe dark berry, blackberry, black currant, raspberry, spices, savoury earth, and chocolate flavours that are supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, fine-grained, and lightly grippy tannins. Blackberry, savoury earth, mineral, and chocolate notes linger on the finish, with very good length. A delicious, recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Powers Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Viña del Pedregal Kidia Reserve Carmenère 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, single vineyard Carmenère from Chile that is new to the LCBO, arriving on shelves across Ontario on the weekend as part of the January 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Viña del Pedregal, a family with a long history in wine that dates back to the mid-19th century when Carlos Adolfo del Pedregal Neumann was one of the first to introduce French Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cot to the Chilean market. The passion for the wine trade and the land they developed and worked on was passed along from one generation to the next, eventually reaching Alberto del Pedregal Aldunate, the 6th generation of the family. In the middle of the 19th century, Alberto, who is now President, was the person responsible for materializing years of experience into what is known today as Viña del Pedregal.

Alberto left behind artisan production to develop wines for export, raising industry standards, and positioning the winery as one of the most renowned in Chile. José Manuel del Pedregal Labbé is the 7th generation of the family and the driving force behind the company's internationalization process, reaching over 40 countries. José Manuel del Pedregal Mujica and Matías Gutiérrez del Pedregal are the 8th generation of the family and they currently focus on innovation while promoting their premium wines and the development of the new look. Today, with time and commitment, Viña del Pedregal has grown to become one of the oldest and most recognized vineyards in Chile.

Viña del Pedregal's vineyards are located in the Loncomilla Valley, in the Maule Region in central Chile. The Maule Valley is a transverse valley with an east-west orientation, encompassing an area from the Andes Mountains in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. Their vineyards start at the foothills, extending along the banks of the Loncomilla River until they reach the vicinity of the Chilean Coastal Range, a setup which provides soil and climate variability among the vineyards, which in turn contributes to the diversity and complexity of their wines.

This particular wine is from Viña del Pedregal's Kidia range of wines. Kidia is another name for the orchid, a flower with approximately 35,000 different species. The orchid represents both delicacy and strength - it is a flower that blossoms in innumerable forms and colours. For Viña del Pedregal, Kidia is a wine that symbolizes femininity and, therefore, this line of wines was designed and inspired by, and for, women. The Kidia range has 18 wines designated as either Gran Reserva, Reserva and Varietal, with each wine assigned a specific species of this delicate flower. Each wine seeks to transmit this flower's elegance, colour, and complexity.

Depicted on the label of this Carmenère is the Vanda Kultana species of orchid. Crafted with 100% Carmenère, the grapes were grown in the D.O. Valle Pencahue, in the Loncomilla Valley. It was grown on loamy clay soils and harvested at the beginning of May. It was cold-soaked for 5 days, fermented with selected yeasts and remained in contact with skins for 25 days. The wine was aged for 8 months in mostly used French oak - 20% new, 50% second-use, and 30% third-use, and bottled without any filtration.

From an excellent harvest in terms of both quantity and quality with no extreme events, let's see how this 2018 Carmenère from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VIÑA DEL PEDREGAL KIDIA RESERVE CARMENÈRE 2018 - Sustainable, Single Vineyard, DO Valle Pencahue, Valle de Loncomilla, Valle del Maule, Chile (#24766) (XD) - $18.95
Sustainably crafted and vegan-certified, this 100% Carmenère has clean, refined, well-balanced, and generous aromas of resinous herbs layered over dark berry, black cherry, plus savoury touches of wood spice and minerals. It's medium-full bodied on the smooth, refined palate with lovely herbal, dark berry, black cherry, peppery spice, and earthy mineral flavours with a hint of plum. Acids are fresh and well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and well-structured. Impeccably well-balanced throughout with smoky mineral notes lingering on the long, very satisfying finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Viña del Pedregal can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Clos de Luz Massal 1945 Carmenère 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2018 Clos de Luz Massal 1945 Cabernet Sauvignon back in January, tonight's red wine review is a lovely Carmenère from the same producer and vintage. This red wine arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the March 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The family run winery of Cloz de Luz is situated in the Almahue Valley within the Rapel Valley D.O. in Chile's Central Valley. The Alamhue Valley is 150 km south of Santiago, 65 km west of the Pacific, and 45 km east of the Andes. The winery and vineyards are naturally walled in by the Mancuman Hill, benefiting from the early morning sun and cooler afternoons with the Pacific Ocean breeze. The vineyards were planted in 1945 by the family's Grandmother Luz, have been part of the family for five generations, and are now among the oldest in Chile. Today, the estate is owned by the Edwards Cosmelli branch of the family and with 33 hectares of estate vineyards, the principal focus is on crafting elegant, quality wines in a non-interventionist style with freshness and subtle use of oak to enhance the natural fruity character of the wines.

Like the Cabernet Sauvignon, this Carmenère also includes 5% Syrah and is from Clos de Luz's Massal 1945 range of wines. The Massal range is named because of the old and rigorous technique used in the vineyard to select the best vines in a vineyard and propagating them through cuttings - it is the opposite of clonal propagation. As such, all of their vineyards are ungrafted and non-clonal. The grapes are sustainably grown and ploughed by horses, while also aiming to conserve the natural diversity of the plants to create more complex and unique wines.

The grapes for this wine are from the Amalhue Valley - an area considered the birthplace of Carmenère. From vines planted in 1945 on granitic soils with quartz components of volcanic origin, the grapes were manually harvested. After gentle extraction, the juice was spontaneously fermented using native yeasts. After fermentation, it was aged for 12 months, with 50% aged in 4,000 L Gamba French oak tanks, 44% in 225 and 300 L French oak barrels, and 6% in new 600 L Sylvain French oak barrels. From a brilliant 2018 vintage, let's see how this Chilean Carmenère is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CLOS DE LUZ MASSAL 1945 CARMENÈRE 2018 - Almahue, DO Valle de Cachapoal, Chile (#11861) (XD) - $24.95
A blend of 95% Carmenère and 5% Syrah, the fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers herbaceous, leafy green notes sitting atop currant, cassis, and savoury earth aromas with hints of minerality. On the medium-full bodied palate it has lovely, fresh acidity that lifts the clean red and black fruits, cassis, and currant flavours which interplay nicely with the herbaceous, savoury, and spice tones. Really nicely balanced with supple, lightly textured tannins. Juicy, earthy, and minerally on the long, balanced and fresh finish. Recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

The Cabernet is available at the LCBO, while other wines from the Clos de Luz portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Touchstone Brands.

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Laura Hartwig Single Vineyard Carménère 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2017 Laura Hartwig Edición de Familia back in November, tonight's wine review is another fine offering from Laura Hartwig that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the April 3rd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Osvaldo Bisquertt purchased the property in 1928 to cultivate annual crops and raise cattle. In 1966, his daughter Laura Bisquert inherited the "Santa Laura" farm and further expanded the estate with her husband Alejandro Hartwig. In the 1970's, while the Hartwig family lived in Toronto and Montreal, Alejandro Hartwig (Sr.) took wine courses and developed a passion for wine, eventually deciding to establish a winery back in Chile as their active retirement project. In 1978, Laura Hartwig Premium Wines was borne when they planted their first vines in the Colchagua Valley. Today, Alejandro Hartwig Jr. has also joined the family project as winegrower.

This Single Vineyard Carménère is Laura Hartwig's top selling wine from the Colchagua Valley. It is crafted using grapes, which were planted in 2000, from the Block "Isla" at the Laura Hartwig Estate in Santa Cruz, the heart of Colchagua Valley. This site has clay loam soils on the surface with sand deposits located much deeper in the ground. The grapes were hand-harvested and sorted, then vinified in stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months. The 2018 vintage Chile was considered to be brilliant in terms of quality and quantity. Let's see how this Chilean Carménère is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LAURA HARTWIG SINGLE VINEYARD CARMÉNÈRE 2018 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#213512) (XD) - $15.95
Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, this 100% Carménère has a fragrant nose offering aromas of herbaceous and grilled red pepper notes joined by blackberry and touches of vanilla, chocolate, and walnut. On the medium-bodied palate it has vanilla-infused flavours of grilled red pepper, herbs, and black cherry. Acids are fresh and well-balanced, while the polished tannins have a fine-grained texture. Chocolatey oak, black cherry, and red pepper notes linger on the juicy, balanced finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts

While you might find a couple of other wines from Laura Hartwig at the LCBO, your best bet is to contact their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenère 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

To start off the long weekend, tonight's wine review is this lovely Carmenère from Chile that arrives at the LCBO this long weekend as the Wine of the Month from the April 3rd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Viña Errázuriz was founded in 1870 by businessman and politician Don Maximiano Errázuriz. With a great vision for the future, along with an innovative and pioneering spirit, he planted the first French grape varietals in the Aconcagua Valley, about 65 km north of Santiago. The winery has since passed through generations of the family and today still remains with the descendants of Don Maximiano. Today, Eduardo Chadwick represents the fifth generation of the family to lead Viña Errázuriz, an iconic Chilean winery that has become one of the world's most noteworthy.

I've had the opportunity to taste previous vintages of this wine and it has always been a delight. The 2018 vintage of this Carmenère is sourced from their vineyard site located 600 metres above sea level, on the second ancient alluvial terrace of the Aconcagua River where the deep gravel soil has a clay-loam texture. These unique soil conditions, plus the radiant sun, allows this late-ripening varietal to have great success in the Aconcagua Valley. The grapes for this red wine were hand-picked, double sorted, and then crushed. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, it was aged in French oak barrels (35% new) for 14 months. Overall, the 2018 vintage in Chile was considered to be brilliant. Let's see how this Carmenère is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CARMENÈRE 2018 - DO Valle de Aconcagua, Chile (#546424) (XD) - $21.95
Fresh, herbally, tomato leaf, and roasted red pepper aromas surround a core and red and black fruits, and subtle wood spice. The medium-full bodied palate offers juicy, slightly tart red and dark berry fruits, tomato leaf, paprika, and wood spice flavours, with herbally and red pepper notes in the background. Very clean and well-balanced throughout with balanced acidity and textured, slightly chalky tannins. Earthy and savoury on the long, structured finish. Enjoy this fine Carmenère over the next 3-5 years. Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines from Viña Errázuriz can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2019 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Chilean Carmenère that I've enjoyed and recommended many times over the years. The latest vintage is the 2019 and arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the February 20th LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

It is produced by Viña Tarapacá, an historic winery in Chile whose roots go back to 1874 in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Today, Viña Tarapacá forms part of VSPT Wine Group, one of Chile's leading and benchmark wine producers.

Viña Tarapacá is located at the El Rosario Estate in Isla de Maipo, an area considered as the finest and most traditional for producing fine wines in Chile. This particular Carmenère comes from their Gran Reserva range of wines - a line that aims to express the essence of terroir at the El Rosario Estate using Viña Tarapacá's expertise and many years of tradition on this land. The Gran Reserva wines are meticulously crafted, contemporary, and versatile, while striving to faithfully reflect its origin. This Carmenère is a blend of Maipo Valley's best blocks at the El Rosario Estate and was aged in American and French oak barrels for 8 months.

Having enjoyed the 2018 Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon in January, I fully expect this red wine to be just as wonderful. Let's see how the 2019 Carmenère is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2019 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $17.95
The medium-high intensity aromatics are fresh with wild herbs mingling with blackberry, black cherry, and spice notes. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with fine herbally, blackberry, black cherry replays joined by savoury oak spice flavours. Acids are fresh and uplifting while the smooth, refined tannins are nicely textured. More savoury and earthy on the juicy finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Viña Tarapacá also available at the LCBO, while others can be ordered through their Agent - Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Errázuriz Icons Wine Tasting 2019 with Winemaker Francisco Baettig

In late January, I had the pleasure of tasting some iconic wines from the quality, award-winning Chilean producer Viña Errázuriz with Winemaker Francisco Baettig in attendance. I've tasted previous vintages of the Icon wines - La Cumbre, Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve, and Kai - recalling the time I was first introduced to these delicious wines back in September 2013, but these wines are so good that it's always a treat to taste them every year.

However, this tasting was really about introducing the Las Pizarras wines. Eduardo Chadwick Claro is the President of Viña Errázuriz and also a descendant of Don Maximiano Errázuriz, the winery's founder. He was named Decanter's Man of the Year in 2018 and is one of the most important people within the Chilean wine scene. He has worked tirelessly to promote the wines of Chile around the world, becoming a true ambassador for the country’s potential to produce premium wines. As Francisco explained, the Las Pizarras wines were borne out of Eduardo Chadwick's desire to create an Icon white wine - as there were none among the existing portfolio. This desire resulted in the creation of a very fine Las Pizarras Chardonnay (now in its 4th vintage) that expresses the estate's terroir. Tagging along with the Chardonnay is also an excellent Las Pizarras Pinot Noir, The Las Pizarras collection also includes a Syrah, which was unfortunately not available for tasting.

In addition to the Icon Wines, there were also wines from their Aconcagua Costa and Aconcagua Alto ranges. The tasting was held at Oretta Restaurant in downtown Toronto and featured a unique food pairing with each of the 10 wines that were available for tasting. I didn't try any of the food items (since my focus was on the wine), but was told by a few others in attendance that the food was quite delicious and paired really well with the wines.

Most of these wines are available at the LCBO, but you can also reach out to Dandurand or Galleon Wines to purchase the Las Pizarras Icon Wines, back vintages, or other wines from the Errázuriz portfolio.

Tasting Notes:

ERRÁZURIZ LAS PIZARRAS CHARDONNAY 2017 - Aconcagua Coast, Chile (XD) - $69.95
From a 5 hectare plot on the Aconcagua Coast estate. The shy nose has a nutty profile with some passion fruit, ripe and slightly baked apple, citrus and vanilla nuances. It is medium-full bodied with lively, fresh acids that are well-balanced with nutty aroma replays. Very nice chalky texture on the palate with nutty aroma replays and touches of vanilla. Cool-climate style. Excellent finish length. Score: 92 pts

ERRÁZURIZ LAS PIZARRAS PINOT NOIR 2017 - Aconcagua Coast, Chile (XD) - $92.95
One of the stars of the tasting. From the cool-climate terroir of the Aconcagua Coast estate that has slate and schist soils. Clean, medium-high intensity aromatics offer elegant spice, red berry, currant, mineral, earth, and hints of tobacco. Nicely textured with fine, elegant tannins on the medium-bodied palate with hints of black tea and spice flavours, plus lovely aroma replays. Lively, balanced acidity lifts the palate. Long, persistent finish. Score: 92 pts

ERRÁZURIZ LA CUMBRE SYRAH 2016 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#579821) (XD) - $90
100% Syrah with lovely white pepper, herbs, dill, meaty, black and blueberry, and spice aromas of medium-high intensity. It is medium+ bodied on the palate with elegant, refined tannins that provide structure. There's nice dark-fruited aroma replays on the flavour profile, plus some earthy minerality. Juicy mid-palate with balanced acidity and a nice, long finish. Drinking well now. Score: 92 pts

ERRÁZURIZ KAI CARMENÈRE 2016 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#055863) (XD) - $150
93% Carmenère and 7% Syrah. This has an elegant, medium-high intensity nose of dark berry, tobacco, black pepper, graphite, and cedar oak spice. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with nice peppery replays and well-integrated oak flavours. Structured with supple tannins and balanced acidity add to the elegance. Excellent finish length. Score: 93 pts

ERRÁZURIZ DON MAXIMIANO FOUNDER'S RESERVE 2016 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#501247) (XD) - $90
This blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 8% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc has a fairly intense, and pleasing nose of currant, cassis, black and blue fruit and oak aromas. It is full-bodied and dense with very good fruit concentration on the palate with big tannins that are integrating nicely. A touch drying with succulent, mouth-watering acids and lovely aroma replays on the flavour profile. Excellent finish length. Should age gracefully for 10-15 years. Score: 94 pts

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Pérez Cruz Limited Edition Carménère 2012 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's lovely red wine had been sitting in my cellar for nearly 5 years and, according to my notes, was reaching full maturity. It was purchased from the March 29, 2014 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Of course, the 2012 is long gone from stores, but the 2016 is available for purchase at $20.95.

Tasting Note:

PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CARMÉNÈRE 2012 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#670539) (XD) - $19.95
Hand-picked blend of 93% Carménère, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot from the piedmont stony soils of the Fundo Liguai de Huelquen vineyard. Maturing reddish-brown colour. Lovely, fragrant aromatics from the glass with herbally, olive tapenade, savoury earthy characters and subtle oak spice. It is full-bodied on the palate with suave, silky smooth, and finely-grained tannins. Nicely textured with well-balanced acids, A touch warm on the mid-palate. Mature flavours of tilled earth, dark berry, leather, oak spice with hints of dried berries and floral, all of which linger on the long, slightly chalky finish. Fine, mature wine that should drink well for another 1-2 years. Score: 90 pts

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Emiliana Coyam 2013 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is the first in a series from PMA Canada's portfolio that highlights a few top scoring wines from around the globe to help you gear up for the International Sports Stage in February, namely the 2018 Winter Olympics.

As the world comes together this February to celebrate their top athletes, PMA Canada celebrates diversity by offering a selection of award-winning wines from around the globe.

PMA Canada not only prides itself on offering a vast selection of international wines, but also on the fact that the wines presented are of the highest and most renowned quality. So, as different countries battle to come out on top, cheer on your team with a top scoring wine from PMA Canada.

This particular red wine from Chile's Emiliana - Organic Vineyards is the winery's signature wine. "Coyam" means "Chilean oak" and is named in honour of the trees that surround the vineyard that supplies the grapes for this blend. The label, with its tree ring pattern, stylishly matches the name. Scores for this wine range from 90 to 93 points, including 90+ points from me when I tasted this delicious wine back in November 2016. Let's see how this wine is tasting tonight.

Tasting Note:

EMILIANA COYAM 2013 - Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#063891) (XD) - $29.95
This organic and biodynamic wine is made with 48% Syrah, 24% Carmenere, 11% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Mourvedre, 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot that was manually harvested and double sorted. Ageing occurred for 13 months in French (85%) and American oak, spread evenly between casks that were new, single use, and twice used. Dark plum with hints of savoury meaty notes from the cork. This has fine, savoury, meaty, forest floor, crushed blackberry, and evergreen aromas along with hints of white pepper and licorice that gain intensity with air. Very complex and fairly intense nose. It's medium-full bodied on the palate and shows finesse with smooth, supple tannins that fold into the wine very nicely. Complex savoury, blackcurrant, pepper and herbal flavours are well-balanced and lifted by bright, juicy acids. Some evergreen on the mid-palate. Finishes long and savoury. An amazing wine to enjoy over the next 4-5 years. Score: 91 pts

Last released into VINTAGES on October 14, 2017, and (surprisingly!) is still widely available throughout Ontario.

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Novas Gran Reserva Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's organic red wine is the last in a series featuring delicious turkey recipes that I'm sure would also work well with chicken. It is produced by Emiliana, a winery known for producing fine organic wines and was recently named Winery of the Year in 2015.

This particular wine comes from their Novas line, and is made with organic grapes from carefully selected vineyards, resulting in wines of excellent quality that fully express their terroir. Its name comes from the ancient astronomers who used the word “Novas” to denote the birth of a new star.

This red wine is a General List product at the LCBO and readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Tasting Note:

NOVAS GRAN RESERVA CARMENERE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#434662) (XD) - $16.15
An organic wine that's a blend of 85% Carmenere and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak, as well as stainless steel tanks. Light plum and blackberry notes from the cork. An initial red pepper nose gives way to oak spice, blackberry, and herbs, with whiffs of minty cassis and chocolate. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with supple tannins that are a touch chalky, and acids are lively and food-friendly. More dark berry, blackberry and herbal flavours with some cassis and mint on the palate. The finish length is very good, with an earthy chocolate aftertaste. Enjoyed with oven roasted chicken. Score: 87 pts

Southern-Style Rotisserie Turkey Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 12 lb. turkey, preferably fresh

Brine:

• 1 tbsp peppercorns
• 5 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 6 cups water
• Ice

Rub:

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1-1/2 tsp fresh oregano
• 1 chipotle pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 sprig fresh sage, roughly chopped

Stuffing:

• 1 apple, cored and quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 2 sprigs fresh sage
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley
• 1/2 white onion, cut into six
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

To Prepare:
Place all brine ingredients – except for ice – in a pot large enough to fit the turkey. On the stovetop, heat until sugar and salt dissolve, stirring gently. Remove from heat and let sit until liquid reaches room temperature. Place turkey inside the pot and fill with ice. Cover and place in the fridge for 12 hours.

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the rub. Mix with a fork until fully incorporated. Set aside.

To Cook:
Remove the pot from the fridge and remove turkey from the brine. Place the turkey in a sink and wash with cold water. Pat the turkey as dry as possible and let sit out at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Using your fingers, gently separate turkey skin from the muscles. Using your hands, grab small portions of the butter and place between turkey skin and meat. Make sure to evenly spread throughout as this will help with consistent browning. Lather the outside skin as well.

Stuff the bird with apple, lemon, sage, parsley, onion and garlic. Twine the legs together and fold the wings under the breast. Season outside skin with salt. Outfit the turkey with the rotisserie rod and forks. Place a parchment-lined tray on the bottom rack of your oven and add the turkey to the rotisserie. Let the turkey cook for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 320°F and cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

When finished, remove from the oven and rest for 1 hour at room temperature. Remove rod and forks before serving.

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LCBO VINTAGES September 2, 2017: New World Benchmarks + Syrah vs. Shiraz

The upcoming release in LCBO VINTAGES on September 2, 2017 is titled "Reference Library" and features benchmark varietals in new world wine regions as its main theme. Meanwhile, the mini-theme compares Syrah and Shiraz. These new wines will be on shelves this coming Saturday.

We'll begin with the feature on new world benchmark varietals, which lists 11 wines across 7 varietals. The wines in this feature include Ontario Chardonnay, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon Pinot Noir, Argentinean Malbec, Australian Shiraz, Chilean Carmenere, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Just two wines from this theme are included on my list of top wine picks - the lovely 2027 Chardonnay (which came through VINTAGES in March) and a Carmenère from Chile.

The mini-theme compares Syrah and Shiraz, two grapes that are identical but can yield very different styles of wines. Personally, I prefer the Syrah style of wine, which tends to be savoury, earthy, and meaty with black pepper nuances instead of the riper, jammy style of Shiraz found so often in Australia. In this thematic, there are eight wines listed and two made my list of wine recommendations - both are Syrah.

From the rest of the release among red wines, the Forca Real is an unoaked blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Family Tree Red is a blend of 33% Syrah, 29% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Baco Noir. The Schild GMS is a blend of 52% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, and 24% Shiraz. Also, the California Cab contains 9% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. Single varietal wines include the Crianza that's made with Tempranillo, and the wine from Lazio that is made using a grape you've probable never heard of - Cesanese.

Among my white wine picks, the Creekside Iconoclast is a blend of 74% Semillon and 26% Sauvignon Blanc, while the Anselmi is an off-dry wine made with Garganega. The rest are all single varietals. For sweet wine lovers, you'll want to check out the Gewürztraminer or the Riesling from Ontario. For those who want just a hint of sweetness, look to the Riesling from Austria, or the Semillon from Australia.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• DOMAINE FORCA REAL CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES 2013 - AP, Roussillon, France (#494161) (XD) - $17.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY TREE RED 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#247882) (XD) - $18.95
• CASALE DEL GIGLIO CESANESE 2014 - IGT Lazio Rosso, Italy (#498188) (XD) - $18.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2014 - Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• SCHILD ESTATE GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE/SHIRAZ 2014 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#108183) (XD) - $19.95
• SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA CRIANZA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#313726) (XD) - $21.95
• CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH 2014 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#471797) (XD) - $24.95  reviewed here
• MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES 2007 - AC, Burgundy, France (#487447) (XD) - $29.95
• FESS PARKER SYRAH 2013 - Santa Barbara County, California, USA (#942136) (XD) - $34.95
• SILVERADO VINEYARDS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#111880) (XD) - $61.95

White Wine:

• RIVERVIEW ANGELINA’S RESERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2014 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#511642) (M) - $17.15  reviewed here
• FLAT ROCK RIESLING 2015 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#043281) (M) - $17.95  reviewed here
• MARGAN FAMILY HUNTER VALLEY SÉMILLON 2016 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#493338) (D) - $19.95
• REDSTONE CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#398966) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL RIESLING 2015 - DAC Wachau, Austria (#491902) (D) - $21.95
• CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SÉMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#520627) (XD) - $22.50
• 2027 WISMER VINEYARD FOX CROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#421362) (XD) - $22.95  reviewed here
• ANSELMI CAPITEL CROCE 2015 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#966655) (D) - $26.95  FSE
• VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447474) (XD) - $29.95  reviewed here
• LA CHABLISIENNE CHABLIS BEAUROY 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#490110) (XD) - $34.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• VINELAND ESTATES SPARKLING PINOT MEUNIER RESERVE 2015 - Charmat method, VQA Ontario, Canada (#520700) (D) - $30.00

Fortified:

• DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 2003 - DOP, Portugal (#459784) (S) - $77.95

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Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Carmenère 2008 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious wine was purchased back in the Spring of 2014 from the April 12 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Obviously, the 2008 is no longer available at the LCBO, but this wine is always solid year after year, and the latest vintage should will show up in VINTAGES in September. Keep an eye out on this blog as I'm sure it will be a recommended buy.

Tasting Note:

CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2008 - Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $19.95

Black plum with hints of red flowers and earth from the cork. Complex nose is showing fine maturity with lovely dried flowers and wet earth aromas which give way to lush blackberry, wild herbs, cassis, black licorice, and vanilla with very good intensity. The palate is full-bodied with dark currant, blackberry, cassis, mint, and herbs surrounded by mouth watering acidity. It's slightly chalky on the palate with refined, dusty tannins that are smooth and integrated very nicely. The long finish is earthy with hints of chocolate and dried flowers. Beautiful wine to enjoy now or over the next 2-3 years. Enjoyed with chicken fajitas. Score: 90+ pts

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Arboleda Wine Tasting with Emily Faulconer

In late-May, I had the pleasure of tasting the wines of Arboleda from Chile with winemaker Emily Faulconer. The venue was El Catrin, in the Distillery District, where after tasting through the Arboleda portfolio, we had the opportunity to try the wines with various Mexican dishes.

Viña Arboleda is a relatively young winery, founded in 1999 by Eduardo Chadwick. He is a 5th generation member of the family that founded Viña Errazuriz. The name Arboleda means "a grove of trees" and is a tribute to the more than 1,450 hectares of native forest that is preserved among its vineyards. Arboleda's philosophy is to offer elegant wines that are the purest expression of the Aconcagua Valley, from sustainable vineyards. The main pillars of this philosophy include having a deep understanding and respect of the terroir, a passionate winemaking team, and the quest for excellence.

The Aconcagua Valley is located 100 km north of Santiago and stretches from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. The wines for Arboleda come from two properties. The coastal Chilhué Vineyard is located just 12 km from the ocean and is where the cool-climate varieties are grown - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The cool maritime winds that blow in from the sea allow the grapes to ripen slowly, which intensifies elegance and freshness. The soils at this site are quite diverse with metamorphosed rocks (including schist) and loam-clay, which produce grapes with different characteristics depending on where it's grown. This inevitably leads to a blending of grapes from different sites.

Chilhué Vineyard

Las Vertientes Vineyard

Further inland is the Las Vertientes Vineyard, where the 40 km distance to the ocean creates a warmer climate, allowing grapes to ripen over a long growing season. The climate in this zone is Mediterranean, with cold, rainy winters and warm, dry summers and autumns. Here, red varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc and Syrah are planted between 380-590 metres above sea level. Daily temperature oscillation can reach a difference of 20°C, resulting in grapes with good acidity levels at time of harvest. The soils are of coluvial origin and vary from clay piedmont to terraces with high stone content, with a wide diversity in soil structure, depth and drainage. Once again, grapes from various sites contribute to the final blend.

Viña Arboleda is certified under Chile's National Code of Sustainability, which guarantees environmentally-friendly practices and social responsibility within the communities. The sustainability philosophy at Arboleda focuses on Integrated Vineyard Management and Efficient Water and Energy Use to reduce consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases.

The entire lineup of Arboleda wines consists of the 6 wines we tasted on this day, totalling about 50,000 cases, 70% of which is Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. While both the Cab Sauv and Carmenere are quite nice, I would love to see Emily create small lot wines of each and see the results, which I believe would produce an excellent wine.

We were told that pricing was $19.95 across the board, except for the Pinot Noir which was $21.95. However, as I was checking inventories on the LCBO website, it seems as though the LCBO may have negotiated slightly different prices for some of the wines.

If you're interested in purchasing any of these wines, click on the 6-digit product code of any wine below to view it on the LCBO website, then click on "check all stores" to view inventory. My quick check revealed a couple of wines that are available at the new Destination Chile LCBO located at 5100 Erin Mills Parkway. Moreover, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is scheduled to come through VINTAGES on September 3rd - stay tuned for that one. These wines can also be purchased by the case from the agent Noble Estates Wine & Spirits - please contact them directly for more information.

Thank you Ana and El Catrin for your gracious hospitality, and to Emily for providing her insight into the wines of Arboleda - it was a pleasure to meet you.

Tasting Notes:

ARBOLEDA CHARDONNAY 2015 - DO Aconcagua Coast, Chile (#208842) (XD) - $19.95
Medium+ intensity nose offering clean lime, apple, pear, stone fruits and some butter notes in a fresh package. It's medium-bodied on the juicy palate with sharp acids and pleasing aroma replays. It has a rounded mouthfeel, with good texture and some creaminess. Wild fermented. Good length on the finish. Paired really well with the fish tacos and really started to come to life as it warmed up in the glass. Score: 87 pts

ARBOLEDA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - DO Aconcagua Coast, Chile (#223007) - $19.95
Shows a lifted nose of kiwi, passion fruit and green aromas that also show up on the medium-bodied palate. Somewhat austere in style with a rounded mouthfeel, and lacking a bit of acidity. Good length on the finish. Was a lovely pairing with the freshly made guacamole. Score: 86 pts

ARBOLEDA PINOT NOIR 2014 - DO Aconcagua Coast, Chile (XD) - $21.95
The medium-intensity nose offers wet earth, cran-cherry, strawberry and develops some sourness with air. Appealing on the palate with aroma replays and beet root flavours on a medium-bodied frame. Acids are good, nicely balanced and juicy. Very good length on the finish. Good tannic structure should allow this wine to mature and drink well over the next 3-4 years. Really grew on me over the course of lunch. Score: 88 pts

ARBOLEDA CARMENERE 2014 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#223015) (XD) - $19.95
Contains 5% Petit Verdot, this has medium+ intensity aromas that are herbaceous with green pepper, hints of bramble, black olive, white pepper and brett adding complexity. The palate is medium-full bodied with pleasing aroma replays and juicy, mouth-watering acids. Long, earthy finish. Still a bit tight, but should be better in 1-2 years. Score: 88+ pts

ARBOLEDA SYRAH 2014 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (XD) - $19.95
Closed at the moment but dark fruited tones of blackberry, black cherry, some black pepper and just a hint of jam that all appear on the full-bodied palate along with mint flavours. It has very good acids. Tannins a little drying, but have good structure and provide rich mouthfeel. Drink over the next 5-8 years. Score: 89 pts

ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#208859) (XD) - $19.95
Medium-high intensity nose of currant, cassis, floral, and some barnyard and oak adding interest. It's full-bodied with very nice aroma replays, juicy acids and excellent length on the finish. My favourite of the afternoon. Contains 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Syrah. Score: 89 pts

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