April 1, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Easter Feasts

Here are my top wine picks from the April 1, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and annual Easter release which focuses on Perfect Old World and New World Wine Pairings for Easter Feasts. Although it is once again a small-ish release, there are many highly quality wines worth getting your hands on, while the sub-$20 category is fading to memory.

We'll begin with the theme on food & wine pairings centered around New World vs. Old World Wines for Easter Feasts. In all there are twenty wines featured across the six pairings and seven wines that are recommended buys. For pairing with appetizers, try the Pinot Grigio from Südtirol - Alto Adige or the sparkling brut rosé sparkling wine from South Africa that is crafted with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. For pairing with Prime Rib or Lamb Breast, you'll want a big, high tannin red such as the Cabernet Sauvignon from Paraje Altamira in Argentina. To pair wine with a Turkey Dinner, try New World wines such as the Pinot Noir from Chile or the Chardonnay from Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara. With Baked Ham, try the medium-sweet Riesling from Niagara, and to pair with Mushrooms try the Chianti Classico that is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino / Canaiolo.

Red wine recommendations from the rest of the release start in Italy with an Amarone that is crafted with 60% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, and 5% Rondinella / Croatina Veronese, then followed by the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Tuscany that is a blend of mainly Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), plus Canaiolo and other permitted grape varieties. The only other blend is by Mascota Vineyards in Argentina that consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Single varietal wines include a pair of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia, a Garnacha (aka Grenache) from Spain, and a Malbec from Argentina.

Among my white wine picks, all are mono varietal wines and the most unique might be the wine from Greece that is made with Mavrofilero, a clone of Moschofilero. Other white wines include a pair of Chardonnays - one from Argentina and the other from Jordan Village in Niagara, as well as a pair of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines. There is also a Chenin Blanc from South Africa and a Grüner Veltliner from Austria.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHILENSIS SIGNATURE SERIES PINOT NOIR 2017 - Sustainable, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#28591) (XD) - $19.95
• MENGUANTE SELECCIÓN GARNACHA 2017 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#313833) (XD) - $19.95
• SOPHENIA KARMA MALBEC 2020 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28085) (XD) - $21.95
• PENLEY PHOENIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#639575) (XD) - $22.95
• CASTELLO DI RADDA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#16448) (XD) - $23.95
• MASCOTA UNÁNIME GRAN VINO TINTO 2018 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#466938) (XD) - $26.95
• ZAHA TOKO VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28080) (XD) - $27.95
• CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $34.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#84996) (XD) - $47.95
• PIEROPAN VIGNA GARZON AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2016 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#16087) (D) - $72.95

White Wine:

• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2021 - Vegan, sustainable, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $19.95
• ALLAN SCOTT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Vegan, sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#27022) (XD) - $21.95
• KELLEREI BOZEN PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - DOC Südtirol - Alto Adige, Italy (#249466) (XD) - $21.95
• SKOURAS SALTO WILD YEAST MAVROFILERO 2021 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#31521) (XD) - $23.95
• STAETE LANDT ANNABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Sustainable, estate grown, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#648691) (XD) - $24.95
• LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2021 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240) (XD) - $24.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (M) - $24.95
  
• EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2020 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $27.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $29.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#184549) (XD) - $49.95

Sparkling Wine:

• L'ORMARINS BRUT ROSÉ CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING 2016 - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#28586) (XD) - $25.95

Read More

March 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Brand New Wines + Easter

The main theme of the March 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release features Brand New Wines specially selected by the LCBO buyers, while the mini-theme looks at wines for Easter. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should be on shelves by Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks Brand New Wines specially selected by the buyers. Of the thirteen wines featured, two are included among my top wine picks. First up is a wine from South Africa's classic white grape - Chenin Blanc, while the second wine is the O: Tu Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Wines for pairing with Easter entrées is the mini-theme of this release and of the twelve wines featured, just one is included among my wine recommendations. The lone wine is a Gamay from Beaujolais that is suggested to pair with vegetarian mains.

There are many lovely red wines from the rest of the release. First up is the excellent wine from Chile that consists of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot, while the Portuguese red is a blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez (Tempranillo), and Castelão. From France, both Rhône reds are made with Syrah, while the Corbières is a tank-aged blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. From Italy, the Chianti Classico is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia Nera, while the always lovely Amarone is a blend of traditional grapes Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Molinara. Single varietal wines include the Malbec from Argentina, and the Barolo that is 100% Nebbiolo.

Among my white wine recommendations from the rest of the Release, the only blend is a white wine from Rhône that consists of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Viognier. For those that prefer sweeter wines, check out that Niagara Riesling that is $3 off for a limited time. The rest of the white wines consist of a fine Sauvignon Blanc and a lovely quartet of Chardonnay wines from British Columbia, Niagara, Burgundy, and California.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CARMIM TERRA LENTA PREMIUM 2018 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#646083) (XD) - $13.95
• TERROIRS DU VENT LA VIOLETTE SYRAH 2017 - IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#18501) (XD) - $17.95
• VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2018 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#534339) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2017 - AP, Languedoc, France (#670505) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• KAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• FAYOLLE LA CUVÉE NICOLAS CROZES-HERMITAGE 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#19283) (XD) - $33.95
• CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#12751) (XD) - $57.95
• CORINO DEL COMUNE DI LA MORRA BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#17538) (XD) - $58.95
• MASI RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $69.95
• MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2017 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#62364) (XD) - $69.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE BUSH VINE CHENIN BLANC 2019 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#18685) (XD) - $13.95
• GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINT-VINCENT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 - AP, France (#17890) (XD) - $16.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#89029) (M) - $18.95 $15.95 until Mar. 28
• O: TU LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Otuwhero Top Block Vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#17548) (XD) - $19.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $27.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE CHARLY NICOLLE PER ASPERA CHABLIS 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#18469) (XD) - $29.95
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES CHARDONNAY 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#16059) (XD) - $34.95  FE
• STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#655381) (XD) - $39.95
• QUAILS' GATE STEWART FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2017 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#639641) (XD) - $44.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• CHARLES MIGNON CUVÉE COMTE DE MARNE BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, Champagne, France (#18133) (XD) - $69.95  FE
• BILLECART-SALMON BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#458570) (XD) - $85.95

Read More

April 4, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Easter + Portugal

While most of us continue to stay at home and practice physical distancing, the LCBO remains open as it is deemed an essential service, albeit with reduced hours and now closed on Mondays until the foreseeable future, the upcoming April 4, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES is nearly upon us and features wines for Easter Feasts in its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on wines from Portugal. All of these wines will be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

It is unlikely we will see any large, family gatherings for Easter this year. However, if you are inclined to host a virtual gathering, there are 14 wines featured as part of theme on wines for Easter Feasts, with 4 wines included among my top wine picks. For vegetarian fare, try the Rosé that is made with Pinot Noir, or the Sancerre that is made using Sauvignon Blanc. If you are inclined to make Turkey during these times, try the Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc or Grüner Veltliner as both will be delicious.

The mini-theme on wines from Portugal is indeed rather small - with just five wines included as part of the feature. My lone wine recommendation is the 2017 Crasto which is a blend of traditional Douro varietals Touriga Nacional (35%), Tinta Roriz (30%), Touriga Franca (25%), and Tinta Barroca (10%). I enjoyed the 2018 Crasto last night and would expect much of the same in the 2017.

From my red wine recommendations, there are a pair of quality Rhône reds - the Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Costières de Nîmes is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah. The latest edition of the Pétalos is a blend of 90% Mencía, 4% Alicante Bouschet, and the balance other varietals, while the Te Kahu is a blend of 63% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon,14% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. Lastly, the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia Nera. Single varietal wines include a Cinsault, a lovely Barolo made with Nebbiolo, and a Sicilian wine made with Nero d'Avola.

Among my white wine picks, the Roussillon Blanc is a blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne, while the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 60% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and 2% Grenache Blanc. From Veneto, the Soave is a blend of 85% Garganega and 15% Trebbiano di Soave. For Riesling wine lovers, the version from Australia is dry, while the version from Ontario has some sweetness. If you want a Riesling more for after dinner sipping, although it will be quite fine for the table, the Late Harvest Riesling from New Zealand is the one to buy.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers and stay safe!

Red Wine:

• SCATTERED EARTH BUSH VINE CINSAULT 2018 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#13350) (XD) - $12.95  88 pts  wine review
• CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#538496) (XD) - $15.95
• FERZO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2016 - DOP, Abruzzo, Italy (#573675) (D) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
• CRASTO 2017 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#81588) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#40964) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review
• DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2017 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#446484) (XD) - $24.95
• CRAGGY RANGE TE KAHU 2016 - Single vineyard, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#493023) (XD) - $29.95  FE  90 pts  wine review
• BOASSO BAROLO DEL COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#109116) (XD) - $39.95  91 pts  wine review
• PLANETA SANTA CECILIA NOTO 2015 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#354589) (XD) - $49.95  FE
• CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#418897) (XD) - $56.95

White Wine:

• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2018 - AP, Midi, France (#175232) (XD) - $15.95
• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $17.95
• E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#290296) (XD) - $18.95
• ALLRAM STRASS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2018 - Vegan, certified sustainable, DAC Kamptal, Austria (#14189) (XD) - $19.95
• SONS OF EDEN FREYA RIESLING 2018 - Eden Valley, South Australia (#12652) (XD) - $19.95
• PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2018 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#946848) (XD) - $19.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING 2019 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#82255) (XD) - $32.95
• QUEENSTON MILE BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2017 - Estate bottled, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#10137) (XD) - $35.00  FE  91 pts  wine review
• DE MORGENZON RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#339762) (XD) - $46.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

• MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#498535) (XD) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• GREYWACKE LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2011 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#12637) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95  FE  91 pts  wine review

Read More

VINTAGES Release April 1, 2017: Visionaries, Innovators and Pioneers + Easter and Passover

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on April 1, 2017 will be on shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday and features wines from "Visionaries, Innovators, & Pioneers" in its main theme. The mini-theme focuses on wines for Easter and Passover.

From the main theme, 14 wines are listed and 4 are included among my top wine picks. A common theme among many of the wineries featured is that they were formed many years ago and passed down from generation to generation, with more recent generations producing wines using traditional methods combined with modern winemaking techniques. From the young and talented winemaker Ben Glaetzer in Australia is the Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Catena Family brings us their single-vineyard Altamira Malbec. The Gaja Family has been making wine since 1856, but their Promis is a more recent wine consisting of 55% Merlot, 35% Syrah, and 10% Sangiovese. From South Africa, Ken Forrester purchased the estate only in 1993, but the vines in his Old Vines Reserve Chenin Blanc are nearly 40 years old.

In red wines, the Les Halos de Jupiter is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah and will be widely available as it is one of the Wines of the Month, while the Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. The Rosso di Montalcino is considered to be a "Baby Brunello" and is made with 100% Sangiovese, with the Portugese red is a blend of local varietals Aragonês, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet. From Argentina, the Chakana blend is mostly Malbec, but also contains 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc.

For sweet wine lovers, the Riesling from New Zealand will be your best bet. And if you like your Roses dry, the latest vintage of Mas des Bressades arrives with the usual blend consisting of mostly Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SENORIO DE LA ANTIGUA MENCÍA 2012 - IGP Castilla y Léon, Spain (#481549) (XD) - $13.95
• LES HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#276956) (XD) - $17.95
• LEONARDO DA VINCI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2011 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#451419) (XD) - $18.95
• HEARTLAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#058099) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• PAULO LAUREANO RESERVE TINTO 2014 - Vidigueira, DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#488775) (XD) - $19.95
• CATENA APPELLATION PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2014 - Single Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina (#492413) (XD) - $22.95
• CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION RED BLEND 2014 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#322602) (D) - $24.95  reviewed here
• DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#381079) (XD) - $47.95
• GAJA CA’ MARCANDA PROMIS 2014 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#745638) (XD) - $54.95  reviewed here
• LA LECCIAIA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#241307) (XD) - $69.95  FSE

White Wine:

• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $16.95
• GIESEN RIESLING 2014 - New Zealand (#277673) (MS) - $16.95
• KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $17.95
• MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#9167) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER LES PRINCES ABBÉS PINOT GRIS 2014 - AC Alsace, France (#21253) (D) - $21.95
• GUADO AL TASSO VERMENTINO 2015 - DOC Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy (#177428) (XD) - $21.95  reviewed here
• KIM CRAWFORD WILD GRACE SMALL PARCELS CHARDONNAY 2015 - Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#378604) (XD) - $24.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $24.95
• LOUIS MOREAU DOMAINE DE BIÉVILLE CHABLIS 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#106161) (XD) - $27.95
• GROTH HILLVIEW VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#225672) (XD) - $57.95

Rosé Wine:

• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ 2016 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#950576) (XD) - $15.95

Fortified:

• DOW’S LBV PORT 2011 - DOP, Portugal (#533364) (S) - $19.95

Read More

March 19 VINTAGES Release: Italy + Israel + Easter

The upcoming March 19, 2016 LCBO VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this Saturday and features classic wines from Italy as its main feature. The mini-theme features wines from Israel, while the Ontario theme features wines for Easter.

For the second consecutive release, Italy is one of the feature themes. This time, there are quite a few amazing wines that wine enthusiasts should seek out, wallet-permitting. Out of the 23 Italian wines featured, 5 are included among my wine picks. The lone white wine is made from the indigenous Greco grape varietal by Terredora di Paolo and is a favourite of mine year-after-year. The Ornellaia is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, while the Quintarelli is a ripasso-style of wine consisting of 55% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and trace amounts of Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Sangiovese. Last, but definitely not least, both the Brunello and the Chianti are 100% Sangiovese.

Wines from Israel were included in this release due to upcoming Purim and Passover celebrations. However, I didn't find much value in this section.

Of the 6 Ontario wines for Easter, two are included among my wine picks. Enjoy Easter appetizers or dinner with Cave Spring's (lightly-oaked) Chardonnay, while finishing off celebrations with Inniskillin's amazing Riesling Icewine.

From the rest of the release, among my red wine recommendations is the Mondeco Red that is a blend of 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 25% Touriga Nacional, 20% Alfrocheiro, 15% Jaen, and 10% Baga. From Spain, the mature Monasterio de las Viñas Reserva is a blend of 70% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, and 10% Carinena, while the Viña los Valles is a 70/30 blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Lastly, the 2005 Château Coufran is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines that are 50 years old.

For lovers of sweeter wines, look for the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Charles Baker Riesling or the medium sweet Tawse Riesling. Want more sweet? Look for Cave Spring Late Harvest Riesling.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this release. Salute!

Red Wine:

• MONDECO RED 2010 - DO Dão, Portugal (#442210) (XD) - $13.95
• MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA 2006 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#166579) (XD) - $14.95
• ANTU SYRAH 2014 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#675371) (D) - $17.95
• SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#260919) (D) - $19.95
• VIÑA LOS VALLES TEMPRANILLO/GRACIANO CRIANZA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#438721) (XD) - $19.95
• RUSTENBERG BUZZARD KLOOF SYRAH 2011 - WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa (#414151) (XD) - $24.95
• IL MOLINO DI GRACE IL MARGONE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#435115) (XD) - $39.95
• DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $44.95  reviewed here
• CHÂTEAU COUFRAN 2005 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#446666) (XD) - $56.95
• GIUSEPPE QUINTARELLI ROSSO CA’ DEL MERLO 2007 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#958595) (D) - $99.95
• ORNELLAIA 2012 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (D) - $195.95

White Wine:

• VINUM AFRICA CHENIN BLANC 2013 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#739995) (XD) - $15.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $17.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY 2013 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
• GARCÉS SILVA AMAYNA BARREL FERMENTED SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - Leyda Valley, Chile (#143511) (XD) - $19.95  FSE
• TERREDORA DI PAOLO LOGGIA DELLA SERRA GRECO DI TUFO 2014 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#983197) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• CULMINA DECORA RIESLING 2014 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#444836) (XD) - $24.95
• CLOS HENRI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#675629) (XD) - $28.95
• CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2012 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#241182) (D) - $35.20

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95
• INNISKILLIN RIESLING ICEWINE 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#558288) (S) (375 mL) - $79.95  reviewed here

Read More

Apr. 4 LCBO Wine Picks: Veneto + Ontario Wines for Easter

The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves this Saturday, April 4, 2015. For those folks in Toronto's downtown core, you may find wines on shelves as early as Wednesday and some stores in and around the city may have them out as early as Thursday or Friday. Pay a visit to your local store prior to Saturday to see when they stock the shelves.

In this release, the major theme is on wines from Veneto, while the secondary theme highlights Ontario wines for upcoming Easter feasts.

The VINTAGES team did something interesting in this release with the Veneto thematic by trying to associate each letter of the alphabet with something from the region (e.g. A is for Amarone, B is for Baroque Music, C is for Corvina, etc.). However, only 11 wines were selected as part of the theme, four of which fell under V is for Valpolicella.

Only three Veneto wines are included among my wine picks, including one of the aforementioned Valpolicellas from Feudi San Pio that is made using the Ripasso technique - expect some sweet-fruited flavours. From the letter "R" is a Recioto from Monte Faustino that takes the sweetness levels up a few notches in this red wine. Lastly, under the letter "S" is a Soave, Veneto's signature white wine, from Montresor that is made using Garganega.

The mini-theme of Ontario wines for Easter featured 6 wines, and only the Fielding Viognier made my wine picks. Other Ontario wines not part of the thematic, but I think would also be perfectly suitable for Easter are the Flat Rock Riesling (medium sweet), Creekside Laura's White (a blend that is mostly Sauvignon Blanc), and Henry of Pelham Chardonnay.

From the rest of the release are a pair of matured Spanish reds, including the 10-year-old Monasterio de las Viñas (60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Cariñena) and the 7-year-old Bodegas Muriel Reserva that is 100% Tempranillo. Another fabulous wine from the great 2010 Bordeaux vintage is the Château Haut Selve Réserve that is nearly 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend and should be cellared for at least a couple of years prior to opening.

And finally, if you want to end your Easter festivities this year with one terrific wine, check out the Château La Tour Blanche. This sweet dessert wine is a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, from Noble Rot-affected grapes. You may see me lining at a VINTAGES Flagship Store up for this one.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week and Happy Easter. Cheers!


Red Wine:

• AGRIVERDE PIANE DI MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2013 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#394999) (D) - $15.95
• MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#082024) (XD) - $16.95
• FEUDI SAN PIO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2012 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#181446) (D) - $17.95
• CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2012 - Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#439166) (XD) - $17.95
• MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#276030) (D) - $18.95
• TSCHARKE MARANANGA GNADENFREI SHIRAZ 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#303370) (XD) - $26.95
• CHÂTEAU HAUT SELVE RÉSERVE 2010 - AC Graves, Bordeaux, France (#235424) (XD) - $27.95
• MONTE FAUSTINO RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#403857) (M) (500 mL) - $45.95
• FULIGNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#245225) (XD) - $49.95
• VITANZA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#236232) (XD) - $89.95  Flagship Store Exclusive

White Wine:

• MONTRESOR SOAVE CLASSICO 2013 - DOP, Veneto, Italy (#408302) (D) - $13.95
• FLAT ROCK RIESLING 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#043281) (M) - $16.95
• GEHRINGER BROTHERS PRIVATE RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2013 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#347203) (XD) - $18.95
• CREEKSIDE LAURA’S WHITE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#121764) (XD) - $18.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#268342) (XD) - $19.95
• FORREST THE DOCTORS’ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#317842) (D) - $19.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $24.95
• FIELDING VIOGNIER 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142323) (D) - $25.95
• DOMAINE JEAN COLLET & FILS MONTMAINS CHABLIS 1 ER CRU 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#405704) (XD) - $31.95

Fortifieds:

• CÁLEM LÁGRIMA WHITE PORT - DOP, Douro, Portugal (#912568) (S) - $16.95

Dessert Wine:

• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE 2011 - 1er Cru, AC Sauternes, Bordeaux, France (#296319) (S) (375 mL) - $49.85  Flagship Store Exclusive

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

Read More

Apr. 12 LCBO Wine Picks: Appassimento + Easter

The next Vintages release will be on shelves across Ontario on Saturday, April 12th. Appassimento wines are the main focus of this release, while wines for Easter are highlighted in the small secondary feature.

In case you didn't know, Appassimento is a winemaking technique that involves drying grapes and tends to produce naturally sweeter wines. There are 3 major styles of Appassimento wines - Recioto, Amarone and Ripasso - all of which are represented in this release. Of the 16 wines featured, quite a few would be worthy additions to your cellar, and 3 of my wine picks below are excellent buys.

The Bertani Ripasso is a blend of Rondinella and Corvina Veronese and during the 2nd fermentation (i.e. ripasso) was refermented on pomaces of Recioto and Amarone. The Tenuta Sant'Antonio is a dry Amarone (i.e. not sweet) and consists of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina and 5% Oseleta; it will age gracefully and can be enjoyed over the next 10 years. And finally, the Brigaldara Amarone is an off-dry version (i.e. slightly sweet) made with 50% Corvinone, 20% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% other grapes and can be enjoyed over the next 13 years. With both of these Amarones, you'll want to wait at least a year before opening as their both still a bit young.

Easter is the second feature of the release and highlights just 5 wines to help make your festive day more festive. Three of these wines made my list of wine picks - Featherstone's Rosé, Lailey's Chardonnay, and Reif's Vidal Icewine are all recommended, even if you don't celebrate Easter.

For Chardonnay fans, all of the Chardonnays mentioned below are oaked, except for the Chablis (50 yr old vines). For Riesling lovers, the German Riesling is the sweetest of the three I recommend and will have exotic notes typical of Piesporter wines. The Godelia Red is 100% Mencía with grapes coming from three zones with differing soils.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!


Red Wine:

• GRANT BURGE 5TH GENERATION SHIRAZ 2012 - Barossa, South Australia (#361295) (XD) - $18.95
• CAPARZO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2011 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#333575) (XD) - $19.95
• BERTANI VILLA NOVARE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2010 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#095810) (XD) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2008 - Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $19.95
• GODELIA RED 2009 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#368043) (XD) - $20.95
• JULICHER 99 ROWS PINOT NOIR 2010 - Te Muna Road, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#367979) (XD) - $24.95
• JIM BARRY THE COVER DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#677476) (XD) - $26.95  reviewed here
• TENUTA SANT’ANTONIO SELEZIONE ANTONIO CASTAGNEDI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#685107) (XD) - $43.95
• BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#300012) (D) - $49.95

White Wine:

• PERRIN & FILS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#499509) (XD) - $14.95
• GUSTAVE LORENTZ RÉSERVE RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace, France (#641639) (D) - $17.95
• LAILEY CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#193482) (XD) - $19.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2011 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• REINHOLD HAART PIESPORTER RIESLING KABINETT 2010 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#727461) (M) - $19.95
• LANDER-JENKINS SPIRIT HAWK CHARDONNAY 2011 - California, USA (#162651) (D) - $19.95
• SYLVAIN MOSNIER VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 2010 - AC, Burgundy, France (#357152) (XD) - $26.95
• BACHELDER OREGON CHARDONNAY 2011 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#273334) (XD) - $29.95
• LA CREMA CHARDONNAY 2012 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California (#067231) (XD) - $37.95

Rosé Wine:

• PETIT RIMAURESQ GRENACHE/CINSAULT/SYRAH ROSÉ 2012 - Provence, France (#276360) (XD) - $13.95
• FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117861) (D) - $14.95

Dessert Wine:

• PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI ASZÚ 3 PUTTONYOS 2008 - Hungary (#980805) (MS) (500 mL) - $20.95
• REIF VIDAL ICEWINE 2012 - VQA Niagara River, Ontario, Canada (#544791) (S) (200 mL) - $24.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

Read More

Mar. 30 LCBO Wine Picks: Southern France + Easter

The next LCBO Vintages release will be in stores on Saturday, March 30th. Major focus in this release is on wines from Southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon), while the secondary feature is local Ontario wines for Easter. The onslaught of California wines continues with 16 wines listed - that's two more than the number of wines from Languedoc-Rousillon. There are lots of great bargains in this release, and something for just about every palate!

We'll begin in Southern France with the Domaine Les Yeuses Les Épices Syrah. This is an IGP wine - meaning that it must be exclusively produced in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and meet certain strict production quality criteria to achieve this label. The following two wines are from different appellations, but share similar soils that consist primarily of rocks known as schist. From the Faugères appellation we have the Calmel + J Joseph, which is blended using 50% Syrah, 30% nearly 50-year-old vines Carignan, and 20% Grenache. The best value of the bunch is the wine from Cave de Roquebrun. This red wine is from the very distinct Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun appellation and blended with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

From the feature on local Easter wines, the Bachelder Chardonnay, the Featherstone Cab Franc, and the Fielding Vidal Icewine are all worthy buys suitable for Easter (or other special occasions). From the rest of the release, the Beronia consists of 92% Tempranillo, 4% Mazuelo, and 4% Graciano, while the L'Aventure Optimus from California is made with 55% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Petit Verdot. From the outstanding 2009 Bordeaux vintage, we have the Château Deyrem Valentin that is made using 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere, and the Château Grand Mayne is about 75% Merlot, with Cab Sauv and Cab Franc making up the rest.

Riesling is one of the most versatile varietals around - it can be made anywhere from bone-dry to sweet - and done well. In this release, we have the extra dry Vieil Armand Riesling from Alsace, a Grand Cru no less! We also have the dry (i.e. off-dry / slightly sweet) Château des Charmes Old Vines Riesling from vines planted in 1978. Going up a couple of notches in sweetness, we have 2 more local Rieslings - The Foreign Affair Riesling that's made using the uncommon-for-Ontario appassimento technique (i.e. to rasinate or dry the grapes), and Rosewood's Natalie's Süssreserve Riesling. The above 3 Riesling's are all featured in the Local Talent section of this release. Also found in this release is a very uncommon blending of Shiraz and Riesling from Dandelion Vineyards in Australia. This combo (97% Shiraz, 3% Riesling) is quite alluring and I am sure I will be adding this to my cellar.

Enjoy my picks for this week. There is lots of good wine to choose from - let me know what you bought! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• DOMAINE LES YEUSES LES ÉPICES SYRAH 2010 - IGP Pays d’Oc, Midi, France (#177584) (XD) - $13.95
• CALMEL + J JOSEPH FAUGÈRES 2009 - AC, Midi, France (#310193) (XD) - $16.95
• FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#64618) (XD) - $16.95  reviewed here
• CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN 2010 - AC, Midi, France (#155804) (XD) - $17.95
• HERMANOS PECIÑA SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA CRIANZA 2007 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#313726) (XD) - $19.95
• DANDELION VINEYARDS LION’S TOOTH OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ/RIESLING 2010 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#311233) (D) - $19.95
• VERSADO MALBEC 2010 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#317008) (XD) - $24.95
• BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#940965) (XD) - $32.95
• CHÂTEAU DEYREM VALENTIN 2009 - AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France (#307223) (XD) - $39.95
• L’AVENTURE OPTIMUS 2010 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#683409) (D) - $58.95
• CHÂTEAU GRAND MAYNE 2009 - AC Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France (#197848) (XD) - $67.85

White Wine:

• ROSEWOOD NATALIE’S SÜSSRESERVE RIESLING 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#258806) (M) - $14.95  reviewed here
• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING 2010 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#277228) (D) - $16.95  reviewed here
• BOLLINI PINOT GRIGIO 2011 - DOC, Trentino, Italy (#951319) (XD) - $16.95
• LIBERTY SCHOOL CHARDONNAY 2011 - Central Coast, California, USA (#960120) (D) - $18.95  reviewed here
• I CAMPI CAMPO VULCANO SOAVE CLASSICO 2010 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#269969) (XD) - $18.95
• CHAVET & FILS LA DAME DE JACQUES CŒUR MENETOU-SALON BLANC 2011 - AC, Loire, France (#525048) (XD) - $19.95
• VIEIL ARMAND GRAND CRU OLLWILLER RIESLING 2009 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#315135) (XD) - $20.95
• CALERA CHARDONNAY 2011 - Central Coast, California, USA (#713313) (D) - $24.95
• THE FOREIGN AFFAIR RIESLING 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#127290) (M) - $24.95
• BACHELDER SAUNDERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#324103) (XD) - $44.95

Dessert Wine:

• FIELDING ESTATE VIDAL ICEWINE 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#086850) (S) (200 mL) - $22.95
• MASSANDRA WHITE MUSCAT 2009 - South Coast, Ukraine (#259697) (MS) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ARGYLE BRUT SPARKLING WINE 2008 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#258160) (D) - $29.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

Read More