Domaine Welty Bélénus Gewürztraminer 2023 (Alsace) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a beautiful, organic, and off-dry Gewürztraminer from Alsace that made its debut at the LCBO last month. It arrived as part of the feature on Great Wines for Takeout Nights in the August 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and would be ideal for pairing with spicy dishes such as Thai or Indian curries.

It is produced by Domaine Welty, a small, family-run winery situated in the commune of Orschwihr in southern Alsace, at the foot of the Bollenberg hill. The family's story began when M. Welty planted her first vines in 1738 on the dry and arid hills of the Bollenberg. Eight generations later, the Welty family continues with the same faith and passion, with a beautiful family history that binds them strongly to the land, vineyard, and wine.

The modern era of Domaine Welty began in 1984, when Jean-Michel took over management of the estate from his father, Fernand. As the seventh generation of the family, Jean-Michel gradually doubled the vineyard size to what is now 14 hectares of vines. In 2012, Jean-Michel was joined by his son, Jérémy, who represented the eighth generation of the family and brought a wind of freshness to the domaine, including new ideas and cultivation techniques – specifically organic agriculture. In 2018, the domaine received its Organic Farming certification, while Jérémy also took over winemaking responsibilities. In 2021, Jérémy took over the domaine from his father.

Since the beginning, the Welty family's daily work has been guided by their conviction that nature will give them what they have given it. Every day they apply with passion and fervor the principles of organic farming, observing the virtues that it generates in the vineyard. Additionally, by cultivating their vines organically, they have gained a better understanding of the vineyard. They have also begun implementing new processes, in particular developing decoctions in order to carry out homeopathic vine treatments. Today, the philosophy at Domaine Welty has evolved strongly in order to listen to nature, respect it, understand it, and seek balance. This allows the family to produce the most natural wines possible, along with the purest expression of their terroir.

Domaine Welty has several ranges of wines, with this particular wine coming from their "Blancs de Terroir" range, a group of terroir-driven white wines. It is crafted using 100% Gewürztraminer that was organically grown on clay-limestone soils. The name Bélénus is associated with the Bollenberg hill near the domaine's vineyards. Belenus (or Belenos) was an ancient Celtic deity whose name is generally associated with brightness, light, and the sun, making the name a fitting reference to the dry Bollenberg hill and its excellent exposure to the sun.

To craft this Gewürztraminer, the grapes were hand-harvested and placed in small crates. Upon arriving at the winery, the whole grapes were direct-pressed using a pneumatic press, and then fermented using indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. It was matured on fine lees until bottling.

The growing season in Alsace in 2023 began with a dry and mild winter, followed by a cool and wet March, which pushed budburst beyond the reach of early April frosts. While April remained wet and cool, May brought summer warmth, particularly towards the end of the month, followed by flowering and significant heat during the first two weeks of June. Gewürztraminer fared well in the weather conditions as July remained warm and dry, however, drought was becoming problematic. The end of July and early August was cooler and wetter, while dry heat arrived towards the end of the month. Due to the dry conditions, phenolic maturity was unusually ahead of sugar maturity, which resulted in harvest taking place a little bit later than anticipated. From another excellent vintage (8th out of the last 9 years), let's see how this 2023 Gewürztraminer from Alsace is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE WELTY BÉLÉNUS GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2023 - AOC Alsace, France (#49863) (M) - $25.95
This organic Gewürztraminer from Alsace has a lovely, intense, medium-high to highly aromatic nose with perfumed aromas of lychee, rose floral, yellow fruit, and citrus with touches of spice. The rich, weighty, medium-full bodied palate has very good concentration with lovely lychee, rose floral, citrus, yellow fruit, and spice replays in an off-dry flavour profile. It's framed by fresh, lively acidity that tempers the sweetness. Clean and well-balanced throughout with leesy, mineral, and spice notes lingering on the long, savoury, and textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Welty can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, organic GSM blend from the Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation of the Southern Rhône Valley. It arrived at the LCBO in the August 15th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and was featured as a Great Wine for Takeout Night, ideally paired with takeout burgers.

It is produced by Domaines Richard, a winemaking family passionate about wine since 1892. The Richard family's expertise has been passed down through the generations and is rooted in the constant pursuit of perfection from vine to glass. Since 1960, the Richard family has drawn inspiration from the major wine regions of the Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, and Beaujolais to craft wines with many expressions that reflect the richness and diversity of their grape varieties.

In 1985, Domaines Richard acquired Château La Nerthe, a historic and renowned estate situated in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In 1994, Domaine de la Renjarde was acquired and would go on to become Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe, just 15 km north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The vineyards of Les Cassagnes are situated in the named village appellation of Massif d'Uchaux, and are composed of three terraces, the highest of which overlaps with the surrounding Mediterranean forest, while garrigue (thyme, rosemary, laurels, evergreen oaks, olive trees, and genista) is found everywhere.

The Les Cassagnes vineyards are made up of 50 hectares in Sérignan-du-Comtat, along with another 20 hectares in Mondragon that were acquired a short time ago. While these two vineyards share proximity and similarities, they are also complementary. The historic vineyard in Sérignan-du-Comtat is situated at the level of the Rhône River, only 70 metres above sea level, while the newly integrated plots in Mondragon are about 200 metres above sea level. In Sérignan-du-Comtat, the vineyard is a succession of large terraces, while in Mondragon it is a mosaic of 38 small plots with their own micro-terroirs, separated by wooded patches. While both vineyards are rich in red sands and siliceous clay, the Mondragon plots seem richer in limestone, with many flat white stones visible on the surface. The vines also seem to be planted directly on rock, a somewhat rare occurrence in the Southern Rhône Valley.

The philosophy at Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe is focused on nature. With a commitment to preserving the environment, terroir, health of consumers, and the teams, the Les Cassagnes vineyard has been certified organic since 2013. In nature, the synergy between the sown plants and the soil microorganisms allows restructuring and enrichment of the soils, especially in organic matter, which is beneficial to the cultivation of the vine. The abundance of plants on the ground also provides a refuge for birds, small rodents, small herbivores, and insects, which promotes a balanced ecosystem and natural regulation of certain insect pests of the vine. By implementing forest hedges, they believe this will help with climate change, keep the plots cool, and protect them from hard-blowing winds. They have also started having sheep graze in the vineyards.

This red wine is crafted using a blend of 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties. The grapes were grown organically at La Nerthe's "Les Cassagnes" vineyards within the communes of Sérignan-du-Comtat and Mondragon. The vineyards are planted at altitudes up to 182 metres above sea level, featuring multiple microclimates and soils composed of poor sand, clay, and calcareous rocks that provide natural filtration. The name Les Cassagnes means oak trees and refers to the green oak forest that surrounds the vineyards.

To vinify this wine, the grapes were hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard. Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were lightly crushed, with several daily pump-overs, to gently extract colour and tannins. The three main varieties were co-fermented over a long maceration of 3–4 weeks. After fermentation, the final blend was aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 12 months before bottling.

In 2023, the growing season in the Southern Rhône began with a dry and windy winter with episodes of Mistral winds, followed by a wet spring with rain that provided the water needed for the growing period. While summer temperatures were hot, water stress was not critical and there was no disease in the vineyards. A final strong heatwave led to harvest beginning at the end of August and ending at the beginning of October, with the end results being generous red grapes that produced lovely, balanced wines. From a good vintage for vines grown on clay soils beneath rolled pebbles in the Southern Rhône, let's see how the 2023 Côtes du Rhône-Villages red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA NERTHE LES CASSAGNES CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE VILLAGES 2023 - AOP, France (#494674) (XD) - $27.95
Organic blend of 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties. Elegant, gently perfumed aromas of medium-high intensity rise out of the glass with black raspberry, garrigue, strawberry, cherry, and peppery spice aromas flecked with stony minerals and scorched earth. The mid-weighted, slighty warm palate is dry and ripe with lovely black raspberry, garrigue, plum, cherry, strawberry, peppery spice, stony mineral, and earthy flavours in a complex profile. Acids are well-balanced, while the smooth, refined tannins have a somewhat creamy mouthfeel that leads to a supple, fine-grained, and gently chalky textured back palate. Red berry, garrigue, and peppery spice notes taper to stony mineral and savoury earth on the long, balanced, and very satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Extremely limited quantities of other fantastic wines by Château La Nerthe are available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

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Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache and Syrah that arrived at the LCBO at the beginning of the month in the August 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Xavier Vins, a Rhône wine producer that was established in the late 20th century by Xavier Vignon, a renowned and pioneering Rhône oenologist. Xavier caught the wine bug after a chance encounter with an oenologist while studying in the faculty of pharmacy in the Champagne capital of Reims. This led to Xavier gaining valuable experience at several Champagne houses and marked the beginning of his journey into wine. In 2002, Xavier Vignon began making and marketing his own wines under the name Xavier Vins.

The philosophy at Xavier Vins is based on a creative approach that is original, unusual, and daring. Having spent time in both Champagne and Bordeaux, Xavier developed strong values around the freedom of blending and the notion of beginning with an idea before embarking upon the creation of a wine. Naturally, each year will be different and a source of surprise. The combination of different grape varieties in a blend can impart complexity while also enhancing the expression of terroir. To create a faithful expression of wine, Xavier works with a wide range of ingredients, including grapes, terroirs, parcels, exposures, altitudes, vintages, wooden vessels, and stainless-steel vessels. With his in-depth knowledge of each and every part of the Rhône Valley, Xavier uses this knowledge to select the soil, parcel, and varietal combinations needed to create a loyal and harmonious wine.

Xavier believes that wines are always the result of contrary or complementary unions, and that bringing together these different entities can give the best possible result. Therefore, each cuvée is a unique experience and an expression of a vintage, varietal, or terroir. The wines of Xavier Vignon are a source of emotion, guided by the pleasure of sharing, and an invitation not only to dream but also to better understand the landscapes of the Rhône Valley, which he holds so close to his heart. Xavier strives to capture this little part of the southern Rhône in the bottle, encapsulating its aromas, colours, and textures, with the ultimate aim of making people happy!

I last enjoyed the 2020 Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône nearly four years ago, when it was a blend of primarily Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. This vintage is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, elaborated from very old vines ranging from 45 to 100 years of age, and the wine is from Xavier Vins' "The Originals" collection. The grapes were selected from more than 250 parcels, mainly located in the southern Rhône, from a diverse range of terroirs consisting of clay, pebbles, limestone, and sandy soils. To craft this wine, the grapes were manually harvested, with harvest dates determined by daily berry tasting. It was fermented at moderate temperatures to favour gentle diffusion of aromatic compounds. 80% of the blend underwent a short period of ageing in concrete vats to enhance the aromas, while the remainder was aged in wooden truncated-cone vats.

The growing season in 2023 began with a very dry start from January to March, which resulted in a relatively late budburst in early April, while the Mistral winds blew frequently during the period between budburst and flowering—precisely when growers would have preferred calmer conditions. Welcoming rains fell in May and June, followed by a warm and arid summer, which climaxed at 43°C in late August and led to some grapes suffering from sunburn and maturation issues. However, rainfall at the end of August allowed the vines to recover and the grapes to resume ripening. In September, the weather cooled with substantial diurnal temperature variation, which helped retain aromatics and acidity, while harvest took place during an Indian summer and continued into mid-October for the red varieties. Coming from a good vintage for vines grown on clay soils beneath rolled pebbles in the southern Rhône, let's see how the 2023 Côtes du Rhône red is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOP, France (#297317) (XD) - $19.95
A 70/30 blend of Grenache and Syrah from very old vines ranging from 45 to 100 years old. This has a lovely, fragrant, medium-high intensity nose of both black & red fruits, white pepper spice, black raspberry, dark red cherry, garrigue, plum, and savoury herb aromas with meaty undertones and touches of scorched earth and stony mineral in a complex profile. On the dry, medium to medium-full bodied palate it has lovely black raspberry, dark red cherry, garrigue, meaty, peppery spice, savoury herbs, scorched earth, and mineral flavours supported by fresh and juicy acidity. Smooth, supple, and elegant tannins have a very gentle grip on the back palate. Savoury herbs with black raspberry, scorched earth, and mineral notes linger on the long, well-balanced finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 4–5 years! Score: 90 pts

A few wines by Xavier Vignon are available in various quantities, while the full range be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Cellier des Dauphins Réserve Côtes du Rhône 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Réserve Côtes du Rhône, a blend of Grenache and Syrah that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the July 18 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône (UVCdR), a co-operative winery founded in 1965 in the southeastern French region of Drôme Provençale by a group of local grower co-operatives. Today, UVCdR unites approximately 2,300 winegrowing families across the Southern Rhône Valley, cultivating more than 12,000 hectares of vineyards to produce wines from numerous Rhône Valley appellations, including several Crus.

As one of the Rhône Valley's largest wine producers, UVCdR has become one of the region's leading co-operative groups, with Cellier des Dauphins serving as its flagship brand. Introduced in 1967, Cellier des Dauphins has grown into one of the Rhône Valley's best-known wine brands, built on the co-operative values of its founding growers. The brand reflects a commitment to quality from vine to glass, while celebrating the collective spirit that has united generations of Rhône winegrowers. Its name—"Cellar of the Dolphins"—pays tribute to the historic Dauphiné region, which bordered the Rhône Valley in southeastern France.

In the vineyard, Cellier des Dauphins growers work their vineyards every day with concrete actions in favour of biodiversity. Their winegrowers have converted 3,000 hectares to High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, and 1,350 hectares to organic agriculture. Cellier des Dauphins is also committed to eco-design of packaging and is constantly seeking sustainable solutions to packaging, along with waste reduction and preserving natural resources.

I last enjoyed this delicious Rhône red when the 2019 Cellier des Dauphins Réserve landed at the LCBO five years ago, and while that vintage was predominantly (90%) Grenache with Syrah playing a very small role, the 2023 blend shifts to 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The grapes were selected from their best terroir in the villages of Richerenche, Vinsobres, Puyméras, Tulette, and Saint Maurice. The vineyards are situated at altitude in the lower Pré-Alpes north of Mont Ventoux, on terraces with a cooler climate where the sunny Mediterranean climate is cooled by the Mistral winds. The soil on these terraces is composed of clay limestone formed of sedimentary rock and pebbles. To craft this wine, the grapes were harvested when extra ripe to obtain maximum aromatic concentration and natural mellowness. It was traditionally vinified with the must macerating for two weeks at a controlled temperature, followed by extended wood ageing.

In 2023, the growing season began with a very dry start from January to March, which resulted in a relatively late budburst in early April. The Mistral winds blew frequently during the period between budburst and flowering—precisely when growers would have preferred calmer conditions. On the bright side, there were welcoming rains in May and June, followed by a warm and arid summer, which climaxed to 43°C in late August, which led to some grapes suffering sunburn and maturation issues. Rain at the end of August allowed the vines to recover and the grapes to resume ripening, although the fierce heat remained until the end of the month. This was a season that suited vines grown on clay soils (under rolled pebbles). The early harvest wasn't particularly good for Grenache as sugar ripening had often got ahead of phenolic ripening, which may help explain the increased proportion of Syrah in this vintage for this wine. Despite the challenges, this is a good vintage for red wines from the Southern Rhône. Let's see how this 2023 Côtes du Rhône red is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2023 - AOC, France (#14081) (XD) - $16.95
This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah has a medium+ intensity nose that takes some coaxing to reveal a fine mix of ripe black raspberry, garrigue, peppery spice, and black cherry aromas with warm stones and scorched earth notes adding further complexity. The medium to medium+ bodied palate is dry with ripe, plummy, dark cherry, black raspberry, black cherry, blackberry, and peppery spice flavours nuanced with meaty, scorched earth, and stony minerals. It's supported by fresh, lively, and slightly tangy acidity, along with grainy textured tannins with good structure. Nicely balanced throughout with savoury black raspberry and scorched earth notes lingering on the long finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A few wines by UVCdR bearing the "Dauphins" name are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Château de Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan 2022 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent Merlot-based red wine from Bordeaux's Left Bank that made its debut earlier this month in the July 4 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

The wines of Château de Rochemorin are produced by Vignobles Famille André Lurton, one of Bordeaux's largest and most respected family-owned wine companies. The Lurton family's ancestors, the Récapet, had been cultivating vines since the middle of the 17th century in the parish of Saint-Laurent-des Combes, not far from the famous village of Saint-Émilion. The know-how of the Récapet has been passed along to successive generations as they became liquorists by the middle of the 19th century.

In 1894, Léonce Récapet married Emma Thibeaud, daughter of an owner-vinegrower in Moulon, who set forth a dream to be fulfilled as he embarked on a winegrowing adventure. Léonce's passion for viticulture took root in the family and was transferred to the couple's only living child and heiress - Denise. In 1923, Denise wed François Lurton, a man from the city, and they settled at Château Bonnet. Together, they had four children, with the eldest being André, who was born in 1924. André Lurton was a man of quiet determination and remarkable foresight who dedicated his life to revealing the full potential of Bordeaux's diverse terroirs. He built a legacy based on discovery and had philosophy rooted in terroir – believing that wine should express where it comes from.

Château de Rochemorin has a long history that begins in 1520, when Jean de Amelin from the Périgord region arrived in Bordeaux. He was lord of the Rochemorin noble stronghold in Saint-Front d'Alemps and decided to invest in winegrowing. He set out to find a property and found Maison Noble de Beaubois, in the parish of Martillac, cleared the forest and planted vines as the Rochemorin vineyard was born. Rochemorin was passed through familial lines over generations until it was acquired in 1919 by a company that specialized in forestry and had little interest in viticulture. The estate changed hands one more time and eventually fell into decline, until 1973.

In 1973, Rochemorin was acquired by the visionary André Lurton, who tore down the trees and replanted the original vineyard. Today, Château de Rochemorin, with its unusual architecture, is situated at 56 metres above level, the highest point within the commune of Martillac, and on one of the highest gravelly hilltops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The 42 hectares of red grape vines are planted on deep gravel soil, and the 14 hectares of white varieties have shelly sand soil, while the entire vineyard has a base of gravel on clay subsoil terroir. Château de Rochemorin is characterized by the great diversity of its terroir, as this variety of soils and appropriate grape varieties planted on each soil type results in minerally, expressive white wines, and fine, elegant red wines. The prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation was established as its own AOC in 1987 (it was previously part of the Graves AOC) and is equally famous for both its white and red wines.

This red wine is crafted using a blend of 65% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that was grown on deep gravel terroir within a vineyard spanning 56 hectares. The vines average 20 years old and were pruned using a double Guyot system with debudding. After harvesting the grapes, they were sorted using an automatic system upon arriving at the cellar. It underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a patented cap-breaking system, followed by ageing for 12 months in oak barrels (30–40% new) with racking each trimester.

The growing season in Bordeaux in 2022 was atypical due to the extreme weather conditions. It began with an early frost in the spring, which affected the vineyard just as the vines were starting to bud. There was also a long period of exceptional drought conditions from May until the end of September. While these exceptional weather conditions resulted in lower yields, the end result was grapes in a perfect state of health at the time of harvest, which was earlier than usual and completed by October 4th. From a hot and dry vintage that produced excellent wines, let's see how this 2022 Bordeaux red wine from Pessac-Léognan is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE ROCHEMORIN PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2022 - AOC, Bordeaux, France (#48823) (XD) - $39.95
This terrific blend of 65% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc is fresh and highly aromatic, with an engaging nose that has lovely dark fruited aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberry, cocoa, and oak spice aromas with accents of barnyard and graphite all wrapped around a savoury core of wet earth. The medium-full bodied palate has a lighter feel to it with fresh acidity lifting the black fruit, currant, black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, savoury earth, and graphite flavours in a nicely balanced profile. Well-structured tannins are smooth and elegant, while leafy herbs and spice add further complexity on the slightly grippy mid-palate. Savoury earth and graphite notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy into the mid-2030s! Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines by Vignobles Famille André Lurton can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Maison Fontan Tattoo Blanc 2024 (Southwest France) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng from Southwest France, that is a brand new arrival at the LCBO, landing in Ontario as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 6th.

Like the delicious 2022 Maison Fontan Tattoo T&M Rouge I tasted in December, this white wine is produced by the historic and family-owned Maison Fontan, a wine estate located in the commune of Noulens, within the Gers department of southwestern France.

The story of the Fontan family began in 1907, when the first generation moved to Maubet Farm in Noulens, and practiced mixed farming. The farm was then given as a wedding gift to Ésilda and Maximen Fontan, the second generation of the family. In 1975, the husband and wife team of Jean-Claude and Aline Fontan, who represented the third generation of the family, began transforming the property into viticulture. Their passion for viticulture played a pivotal role by helping instigate the development of Côtes de Gascogne wines.

In 2001, the fourth generation of the family took over the reins as siblings Sylvain and Nadège Fontan, son and daughter, respectively, of Aline and Jean-Claude, began managing the 80 hectares of vineyards. Together, the siblings have continued to develop the estate, with Sylvain taking on the role of winemaking and cellar master, while Nadège handles marketing and sales.

Until 2021, the estate was known as Domaine de Maubet, at which point it was rebranded as Maison Fontan. The farmhouse in which their great-grandparents moved into is still central to the estate as it is a place where people live, come together and work. Nestled among vines, the traditional Gascon half-timbered building is also a place where the natural world is listened to and respected.

Today, with immense pride and unfailing courage, the Fontan siblings continue down the pathway forged by their great-grandparents. With passion and respect for their forebears and the natural environment that surrounds them, the family has always practiced sustainable winegrowing, while common sense is de rigueur. The winemaking philosophy at Fontan is based on respecting nature and the environment, along with the belief that if they nourish the soil to the right extent, and if they take care of it, it will give their vines the best grapes. From soil to glass, the family takes a thoughtful and thorough approach to every phase of production to deliver wines that are safe, well-controlled, and consistently high in quality.

This white wine is crafted using a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Gros Manseng that was grown on clay-limestone and boulbenne, a very fine, siliceous, and silty-sandy soil that is excellent terroir for white wine varieties. The grapes were machine-harvested and placed into vats to undergo 8 to 12 hours of maceration with the skins, then pressed using a pneumatic press. In order to separate the juice from the solids, it was stored at 8°C for 5 days, then underwent alcoholic fermentation at 18°C for 12 to 18 days. The wines are then filtered, assembled, and stabilized, and kept in vats at 8°C until they are bottled and released, which takes place all year round.

The growing season in 2024 in the French wine region of Southwest was, like much of the country, a difficult one with challenging weather conditions. Coulure, millerandage, mildew, frost, and hail resulted in reduced yields, which followed a poor harvest in 2023. Let's see how this 2024 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng from Côtes de Gascogne in Southwest France is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MAISON FONTAN TATTOO BLANC 2024 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#48562) (D) - $19.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Gros Manseng has a delicate, medium+ intensity nose that is ripe and sweet fruited with candied lemon, pear, apricot, floral, and tropical fruit aromas. On the medium-full bodied palate it is rich and flavourful with delicious ripe, candied lemon, citrus, apricot, tropical fruit, and pear flavours in a zesty, slightly off-dry (i.e. sweet) profile. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the candied lemon, citrus, pear, and tropical fruit notes taper savoury notes on a slightly sticky finish, with very good length. A quality wine that will be a crowd pleaser. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Their Tattoo Rouge is available on clearance at the LCBO, while the full range of Maison Fontan wines can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Antech Cuvée Françoise Brut Nature Blanquette de Limoux (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely bubbly crafted in the traditional method with 100% Mauzac from Limoux (Languedoc). This arrived at the LCBO late last year in the December 20th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (and is likely sold out by now), while the Cuvée Françoise Brut Blanquette de Limoux arrived in the recent May 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Cuvée Françoise is a range of premium wines crafted by Famille Antech. The brand is named in honour of its creator, Françoise Antech-Gazeau, the sixth generation of a family of winemakers in Limoux. Françoise was born and raised in Limoux, in the South of France, and pursued higher education in Paris. She combined her business degree with a passion for "French-style" know-how and taste for international affairs and found employment at L'Oréal.

However, after a decade at this large company, Françoise desired to return to her roots and in 1995 she returned to Limoux to join her father, Georges, and her uncle, Roger, and put her energy and enthusiasm into a project that was dear to her.

With the Cuvée Françoise range there is a constant quest for excellence based on an approach of Learning, Leading, and Sharing. With great respect for the prior generations, Françoise spent her early years learning from her father and uncle, while also discovering and listening. As a leader in Limoux with many vintages in which Françoise was able to understand the history and terroir, Françoise affirmed her ambitions since the beginning of the century and laid the foundations for sustainable viticulture and ambitious winemaking to finally recognize the potential of Limoux sparkling wines. Françoise shares her know-how with family members who joined the team, including her son, Baptiste, who joined the project in 2020.

The style of Cuvée Françoise wines has evolved over the years, always seeking more freshness and precision, while long ageing on lees allows for magnification of minimalist, but very demanding, cellar work. As Françoise is in love with the terroir of Limoux, she has always been a fervent ambassador of this unique place that produces fantastic sparkling wines.

This sparkling wine is crafted with the indigenous Mauzac varietal gown in the Limoux wine region of Languedoc. Some parcels of Mauzac benefitted from the seaside Mediterranean climate, while others were located in the foothills of the cooler Pyrenees mountains. The vineyards were planted on limestone soil, cultivated according to Certified TERRA VITIS standards, and are in conversion to organic farming. The higher altitude vineyards in the Pyrenees were dry farmed. With a firm commitment to sustainability, this wine is bottled in a lightweight bottle that is 15% lighter than average, and is also made from 90% recycled glass. Furthermore, the bio-sourced label is made of natural cotton.

To craft this sparkling wine, the grapes were hand-harvested, then pressed using direct slow and low pressure. Only the freshest juices were selected for this cuvée. It underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and was aged on its lees for an average of 30 months. In the Brut Nature style, no dosage was added.

Tasting Note:

ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional Method, AOP, Languedoc, France (#44204) (XD) - $22.95
100% Mauzac aged on its lees for 30 months. The open, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers a fine mix of lemon citrus, leesy mineral, and ripe apple aromas with touches of toasty brioche, white floral, autolytic, and savoury characters. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry and gently honeyed with delicious, sliightly tangy flavours of apple, lemon, and citrus tapering to savoury, leesy minerals, and toasty brioche. It has fresh acidity and crisp bubbles, along with a fine mineral texture. The mineral notes carry through to the long, savoury, and textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Very small quanities of other wines by Antech are available at the LCBO, while the full range (and in larger quantities) can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Gastronomie Abymes Savoie 2024 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely wine from the Abymes appellation in Savoie crafted with the Jacquère varietal. It made its debut at the LCBO as part of the feature on Summer-Worthy Wines in last weekend's May 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Jean Perrier & Fils, a family-run winery with a long history linked to the wines of Savoie. It was established in 1853 by Catherine Perrier, a native of the commune of Barberaz in Saovie, who purchased a cellar in St André les Marches and started growing vines next to the mountain Mont Granier.

In 1911, Claude Emile Perrier, son of Catherine, acquired a second cellar, but had to replant the vineyard due to phylloxera. The family expanded their vineyard and cellar in 1920 under the guidance of Jean Perrier, son of Claude Emile. The Perrier family made their wine in bulk and sold it to cafés up until 1947, when Jean Victor Perrier, son of Jean, extended the lands further and became the first in Savoie to bottle their own wine. By 1953, Jean and his two employees were farming over 2 hectares of vines.

In 1964, Gilbert Perrier, son of Jean Victor, joined the family business and under his direction further improvements were made - including setting up their first bottling line, extending the cellars, and also building a new winery. By 1984, President Gilbert welcomed his two elder sons into the family, while his third son joined the company about a decade later. The three brothers — Philippe, Christophe, and Gilles — share the tasks of vinification, trade, administration, and marketing. Gilles' son has also recently joined the winery and represents the 7th generation of the Perrier family to work the vines.

Today, Vins Perrier farms over 59 hectares of vineyards across 8 towns throughout the Savoie. All farming is practiced sustainably, and by hand, while time-honoured traditions in the vineyard and cellar are combined with modern techniques to create wines of exacting standards that are fresh, clean, and vibrant, and also express the pure character of Savoie.

Like the lovely 2023 Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Gastronomie Chignin I enjoyed around this time last year, this white wine is also made with pure Jacquère grapes. Indigenous to Savoie, Jacquère is the most widely planted grape varietal in the Savoie winegrowing region, with over 50% of the vineyards planted with Jacquère. The mid-sized grapes naturally grow in tight bunches with a thick skin, juicy pulp, and a slightly bitter taste. It is an early-budding and early-ripening variety with high acid that tends to produce lower-alcohol wines.

This 100% Jacquère was grown on argilo-calcaire (limestone and clay) soils from estate vines on gentle slopes within the Abymes appellation. The terroir in this area was created by a landslide in the 13th century. The grapes are carefully pruned during the growing season as the nights are extremely cool, while aspect and canopy management are used to ensure the grapes ripen with exposure to the midday sun. As an early-ripening variety, the Jacquère grapes were manually harvested and carefully selected at full ripeness. Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were crushed using a pneumatic press and then fermented for three weeks at 20°C in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It was bottled young in order to preserve the fruit and freshness.

In 2024, spring frosts affected the vineyards in Savoie, while mildew was also a threat. However, Jacquère is fairly mildew-resistant. Quality is high in this vintage, even though yields are slightly reduced. Let's see how this 2024 Jacquère from Savoie is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

JEAN PERRIER & FILS CUVÉE GASTRONOMIE ABYMES SAVOIE 2024 - AOP, France (#944264) (XD) - $19.95
Crafted with 100% Jacquère, this has a lifted, medium-high intensity nose that offers lovely lemon oil, ripe citrus, floral blossom, yellow plum, and grapefruit aromatics accented with almond and touches of mineral and spice. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe, gently honeyed flavours of melon, lemon citrus, and grapefruit, and yellow plum, plus touches of almond, leesy mineral, and spice notes adding savoury complexity. Acids are clean and fresh, while fine leesy mineral notes linger on the long-lasting and juicy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Jean Perrier & Fils can be ordered through their Agent - Buyers+Cellars.

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Domaine Cluny Bourgogne Côte d'Or Pinot Noir 2022 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a fantastic Pinot Noir from Burgundy that made its debut at the LCBO last weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on May 23rd.

It is produced by Domaine Cluny, a family-run estate winery situated in the heart of the Côte de Nuits in the historic town of Brochon, between the iconic villages of Fixin to the north and Gevrey-Chambertin to the south. The Cluny family have been passionately farming vineyards in Brochon for six generations since the start of the 20th century. The estate has been extended over the years and passed down from one generation to the next.

It all started with Charles Cluny, who had come to work at Château de Brochon and bought some plots of vines. Paul Cluny, son of Charles, worked on the estate and expanded it before passing it along to his son, Charles. Michel Cluny, son of Charles, further extended the property before passing it on to Hervé Cluny in 1981. After Hervé passed away in 2005, his two daughters, Léa and Camille, inherited the domaine and its vineyards. For about the next decade, the family maintained the vineyards and predominantly sold the grapes to négociants.

In 2014, Édouard Papin, Léa's husband, joined the estate after studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune and a year later produced his first vintage using family estate fruit. Édouard took a rigorous approach to both vineyard and winery management in order to maximize the potential of the outstanding vineyard sites and climats he worked with.

Together, the Cluny family farms 7 hectares of some of the finest vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. They craft regional Bourgogne wines, Villages level wines, and Premier Cru wines using the traditional Burgundian varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Domaine Cluny is actively moving towards environmentally-friendly wine growing while continuing to produce wines using traditional Burgundy methods. The family has chosen to farm sustainably using a quality charter based on caring for the soil, using tillage and restricting yields to harvest the finest fruit every year.

This particular red wine is crafted using 100% Pinot Noir that was grown at the En Comble vineyard site within the village of Brochon in the Côte de Nuits district, and the Burgundy appellation of Côte d'Or. The grapes come from a small plot of only 0.72 hectares of vines which average 40 years old and are planted on a sandy soil mixed with clay. After harvesting the grapes by hand, they were sorted and de-stemmed, and underwent alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeast in concrete vats at a controlled temperature. It was matured for 12 months in (French) oak barrels.

In 2022, the growing season in Burgundy produced an excellent vintage in terms of both quality and quantity. The summer was hot and dry, without any challenges except for a couple of days of heavy storms in June, and some hail damage. After the rains of June, summer featured near-perfect growing conditions for Pinot Noir, with July and August offering warmth for ripening with little drought stress and raisining. 2022 is a 5-star vintage that brings together the fruit, aroma, and tannin of a warm vintage with the freshness, moderate body, and alcohol of a classic, cooler vintage. Let's see how this 2022 Pinot Noir from Côte d'Or in Burgundy is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE CLUNY BOURGOGNE CÔTE D'OR PINOT NOIR 2022 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#49859) (XD) - $29.95
The lifted, medium-high+ intensity nose offers lovely ripe black cherry and wild berry fruited aromas with a touch of reductive notes, followed by accents of earthy mushroom and a touch of fine wood spice. On the dry, medium-bodied palate it is well-structured with delicious black cherry, wild cheery, and oak spice flavours, alongside savoury earth, mushroom, and cocoa notes in a nicely balanced profile. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate. Acids are fresh, crisp, and structured, while the grainy tannins offer impressive structure in the Pinot context. Long and structured with juicy berry, oak spice, and cocoa notes on the succulent finish. Should drink nicely for at least the next 5 years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Cluny can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

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Château d'Aqueria Cru des Côtes du Rhône Tavel Rosé 2025 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's rosé wine review is from Southern Rhone Cru of Tavel, which is typically a Grenache-based blend. As a perennial favourite of mine, I am delighted to see the latest vintage of this excellent, organic, and dry rosé arrive at the LCBO in this weekend's May 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and is already widely available for purchase across the province.

It is produced by Château d'Aqueria, a benchmark estate considered to be one of the jewels of the Southern Rhône Valley that is situated in Cru of Tavel. The historic property was established in 1595 when Louis Joseph d'Aqueria purchased this prime vine-growing area of Tavel known as "Puy Sablonneux" from the monks at the Abbey in Villeneuve les Avignon. Robert d'Aqueria, son of Louis Joseph, and hereditary Count Palatine built a home on the site which was transformed in the 18th century into the Château as we know it today.

The Château and the surrounding area had been in the hands of numerous families since that time, until the estate was acquired in 1919 by Jean Olivier, a doctor of law. Jean passed the estate on to his daughters Mireille de Bez and Nicole Boccon-Gibod. Paul de Bez, son-in-law of Jean, took over management of the property. When Vincent and Bruno de Bez, the sons of Paul, began running the family business in 1984, it represented three generations of the family that put this historically significant place on the map as a stand-out property in the appellations of Tavel and Lirac.

Today, Château d'Aqueria is owned by the Guigal family as they took over the reins from the de Bez family in May 2022. While Château d'Aqueria has been practicing sustainable viticulture for many years, after the acquisition, the Guigal family announced that Aqueria would be converting to certified organic viticulture, and beginning with the 2025 vintage they began producing certified organic wines.

While Aqueria may be under new ownership, the philosophy at the estate remains the same — in search of excellence. Their goal is to also preserve the history and memory of the people who accompanied these excellent terroirs throughout the years. Furthermore, they are taking steps to bring to light the rich diversity of the estate by observing and understanding the land, while also maintaining the centuries-old tradition of conservation and respect for the vineyards. The vinification process at Château d'Aqueria is managed with exact precision so that each wine can offer the purest expression of these terroirs, and at the same time craft exceptional wines.

This rosé has been crafted for over 30 years and, for the first time in its history, it bears the certified organic designation beginning with the 2025 vintage. The wine is typically a blend of several varieties, and in this particular vintage it is composed of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Clairette, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Bourboulenc. The grapes were grown on clayey-sandy hillsides, and upon harvest, each variety was carefully de-stemmed and chilled prior to placing in vats. The varieties were blended two-by-two during the 12 to 24-hour maceration phase in order to enhance aromatic complexity. Once the desired colour was obtained, the entire tank was bled and the marcs (grape pomace) pressed at length, which then goes into the free-run wine. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled tanks for 15 days, after which the wine was matured in both stainless and concrete tanks for 6 months, then bottled and released.

The growing season in 2025 in the Southern Rhone was marked by a series of heatwaves. It began with a mild winter with sufficient rainfall to replenish the soils, followed by a balmy spring. Serious heat arrived during summer, which was beneficial for vines in Tavel, but also cut yields during this hot and fast-growing season. However, autumn rains cooled down the temperatures just enough to prevent overripening and preserve acidity and aromatics. Overall, quality is high in this vintage. Let's see how this 2025 Tavel Rosé is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU D'AQUERIA CRU DES CÔTES DU RHÔNE TAVEL ROSÉ 2025 - AOP, France (#319368) (XD) - $25.95
This lovely organic rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Clairette, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Bourboulenc. Lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers attractive and complex aromas of ripe red berry, strawberry, cherry, and cranberry nuanced with fine mineral undertones and accents of dried spice, and grapefruit citrus. The weighty, medium-full bodied palate is dry with delicious and complex red berry, dried spice, and stony mineral flavours, plus touches of grapefruit zest. It has clean, vibrant acidity, along with a slightly chalky and tannic textured mouthfeel on the slightly spicy mid-palate. Mineral notes linger on the long, textured finish. Always great and a highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

One other wine by Château d'Aqueria is available at the LCBO (in small quantities), while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Château Roquefort Les Roches Blanches Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux that landed at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Château Roquefort, a family estate winery situated between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, within the commune of Lugasson and only a stone's throw away from Saint-Émilion. The estate has a very long, deep-rooted history, and has also passed through several families over the centuries, with the Bellanger family taking over Château Roquefort in 1976.

The name Roquefort takes its name from the Middle Ages: Roca Forte, which means rocky outcrop. Archeological evidence from the Neolithic era at the site finds a human settlement on the Roquefort limestone plateau, including pottery dating back to 4500 BC, along with a walkway and mass burial site at around 3700 BC. Further excavations revealed items from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as from the Gallo-Roman era. The oldest archival documents refer to the Roquefort fortification house in 1291 that was authorized to be rebuilt by King Edward I of England, with only a part of the original tower remaining today and has been restored by the Bellanger family.

From the 18th century onward, the château has evolved and tells a story of agriculture and winemaking in the region. When Jean and Christiane Bellanger fell in love with Château Roquefort in 1976, they breathed new life into the site in Entre-deux-Mers. Together, they understood terroir and gradually replanted the vineyard and worked with the Bordeaux Faculty of Oenology to adopt the best winemaking practices. By 1983, there were 30 hectares of vines, and in 1987 they began winemaking activities.

Today, Château Roquefort is run by the son of Jean and Christiane, Frédéric Bellanger, and his wife Anne. Frédéric took over the reins from his parents in 1995 and continued to develop the estate, which now covers 240 hectares, of which 85 hectares are grape vines. Together, they have succeeded in strengthening the estate's soul by paying tribute to its history and traditions, while also pushing towards a modern era of responsible and expert winemaking. They also share a passion for wine and the products of nature, which tell their history and provide unforgettable tasting moments and emotional experiences. Their four daughters — Victoire, Inès, Eva, and Raphaëlle — could be the future authors of Château Roquefort as each is learning how to produce and share good wine in their own way. With a strong commitment to respect for the environment, Château Roquefort was awarded Haute Valeur Environnementale in 2017, which was followed by the conversion to organic for white wines in 2021.

This white wine is crafted using 100% Sauvignon Blanc and showcases the mineral memory of the limestone terroirs where it is grown. The vineyards are located within the commune of Castelviel, which is the highest point in the Gironde, and the Sauvignon Blanc here thrives on the clay-limestone soils where fossilized oyster beds outcrop. This particular Sauvignon Blanc is from organically cultivated vines averaging 20 years old and are planted on chalky-clay soils. It was vinified by macerating the skins and undergoing a low-temperature fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

In Bordeaux, the 2024 growing season was an uneven and challenging vintage that featured lots of rain, which led to problems with downy mildew, coulure, and millerandage. On the bright side, white wines found great success as they delivered freshness, good concentration, and expressive aromas. The success of white wine varieties can be attributed to the less extreme temperatures of the year, along with cooler nighttime temperatures in August and September. Furthermore, vineyards on earlier-ripening sites and clay-based soils also benefitted from this low-yielding vintage. Let's see how this 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT LES ROCHES BLANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - AOC Bordeaux, France (#35860) (XD) - $15.95
This lovely, organic Sauvignon Blanc has a restrained, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose of grapefruit, lime citrus, gooseberry, and herbal aromas nuanced with stony, yeasty, leesy mineral complexity. It is impressively concentrated on the dry, medium-full bodied palate with delicious grapefruit, lime citrus, herbal, gooseberry, and stony mineral replays on the flavours. It has fresh and zesty acidity, good structure, and a fine, chalky mineral textured mouthfeel. Stony minerals with grapefruit, lime citrus, and herbal notes linger on the long, balanced, and slightly chalky textured finish. Ideal with seafood, vegetarian fare, and poultry, and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Château Roquefort can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

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Château Plantey Pauillac 2020 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent follow-up to the lovely 2018 Château Plantey from Bordeaux that I enjoyed last April. This latest vintage arrived at the LCBO a few weeks ago in the March 21st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Château Plantey is situated in the prestigious Pauillac appellation within Haut-Médoc on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The Pauillac appellation bears almost a third of the 60 classified growths in the 1855 classification and these prestigious estates represent 85% of the surface area of the appellation. The remaining 15% of the area, which represents a few dozen hectares, leaves room for more discreet names, such as Château Plantey.

The small village of Pauillac is located on the west (left) bank of the Gironde, while Château Plantey is only a couple of kilometres west of the village centre. Château Plantey is an old property which used to be owned by the De Gerès family from Loupes, Seigneurs of Camarsac. It was purchased by prominent winegrower Gabriel Meffre, who was originally from Vaucluse, in 1958, along with other properties in the nearby regions of Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien.

Today, Château Plantey is owned by Claude Meffre, son of Gabriel. Claude joined the family business in 1996 and first managed property in Saint-Estèphe - Château La Commanderie. Starting in 2000, Claude began managing Château Plantey.

Like the last vintage, this red wine is crafted with 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Left Bank Bordeaux cru bourgeois appellation of Pauillac. While most red wines from the Left Bank are Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, this red wine is unique in that it is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 27 hectares of vines average 30 years old, reside in an area about 30 metres higher than the area surrounding them, and are planted on sandy-gravelly soils. After harvesting the grapes, they underwent traditional Bordeaux vinification, followed by ageing for 12 months in barrels.

The 2020 growing season in Bordeaux produced yet another high-quality vintage. It began with a rainy winter that provided ample water reserves. However, the rain stretched into spring, which led to severe mildew pressures. Summer was hot and dry, which resulted in an earlier harvest. September brought warm days and chilly nights, which was ideal for the grapes to reach phenolic ripeness. From a superb vintage, which some consider a legendary modern classic, let's see how this 2020 Bordeaux red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU PLANTEY PAUILLAC 2020 - Sustainable, AOC, Bordeaux, France (#38192) (XD) - $34.95
This 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, open, and lifted, with a medium-high intensity nose offering lovely, well-balanced aromas of ripe red & black fruits, currant, cassis, blackberry, and peppery spice layered over savoury earth with accents of graphite and floral. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is well-structured with lovely red & black fruit, currant, cassis, graphite, earth, spice, and black cherry flavours in a complex profile. Acids are juicy and structured, while the youthful, grippy, and chalky textured tannins will reward cellaring. Savoury with graphite and mineral notes lingering on the juicy finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the coming 8-9 years. Score: 92 pts

Larger quantities of this lovely wine can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Praise Bistro Blanc 2024 and Bistro Rouge 2024 (Languedoc) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, vegan-friendly IGP Pays d'Oc wines from Languedoc that are brand-new arrivals at the LCBO, with both landing in-store and online in the March 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Praise Wines was founded a few years ago by sommeliers, friends, and business partners Scott Zebarth and Will Predhomme. Praise was born out of a desire to democratize wine, with the core values of quality, transparency, collaboration, sustainability, empowerment, and life-changing. In addition to making wine accessible for everyone, they wanted to go one step further and launched their Drink Better Initiative.

In today's world, access to clean water is the biggest crisis in the world, and the team at Praise believes that everyone should have access to clean water. At Praise, they are on a mission to combat the water crisis and create a positive impact through their wine brand. Praise believes that businesses can be agents of change and transform the world together. Their vision is to end water scarcity and build a sustainable future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature. With their commitment to making a difference, each bottle of Praise wine helps provide clean and safe water, an essential resource, to those in need for one year.

Praise proudly works with Water.org, who offers a portfolio of smart solutions that break down the financial barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation. Their unique solutions are adapted to the conditions in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as they work in collaboration with their in-country partners to provide efficient and scalable solutions, while using financing as a tool to help those in need.

There are only two wines in the Praise portfolio - the Bistro Blanc and Bistro Rouge. Both wines are crafted using organically cultivated grapes that were grown in Minervois, Languedoc, and labelled as IGP Pays d'Oc wines. Additionally, both wines are vegan-friendly, sustainable HVE3 certified, and packaged with environmentally-friendly packaging.

The growing season in 2024 in Minervois experienced drought conditions for the third year in a row, along with hot (and sometimes very hot) temperatures, which led to reduced yields. The resulting wines were generally aromatic with concentrated and dense flavours. From a very good vintage in terms of quality, let's see how these two IGP Pays d'Oc wines from Languedoc are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

PRAISE BISTRO BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46876) (XD) - $18.95
Blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Viognier grown in Minervios and enclosed by screw cap. The delicate, medium+ intensity nose offers ripe yellow fruit, lemon citrus, pear, and floral aromas with touches of fresh herbs and honeysuckle. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has impressive weight and concentration with flavours of ripe lemon citrus, pear, white peach, floral, and herbs, plus touches of gummy bear notes. It has juicy, well-balanced acidity, along with some warmth and spice on the mid-palate. Pear and citrus notes taper to leesy minerals on the finish, with good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

PRAISE BISTRO ROUGE 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46339) (D) - $18.95
100% Grenache enclosed by screw cap. The fresh, open, medium-high intensity nose is quite ripe and fruity with a fine mix of red berry, raspberry, savoury earth, and spice aromas, plus hints of white pepper and milk chocolate. On the mid-weighted palate it has fresh, juicy, and lively acidity that supports the ripe-fruited flavours of raspberry, white pepper spice, clove, and chocolate, with savoury earth undertones. It has ripe, supple tannins with a slightly gritty texture. The ripe fruit has a touch of sweetness that is masked by the high acids, which makes the wine come off as dry. Ripe raspberry, spice, and savoury earth notes linger on crisp finish, with very good length. Give it a light chill, crack open and enjoy! Score: 87+ pts

Both of these wines can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Domaine les Evigneaux Cuvée Belle Dame Rasteau 2022 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Rasteau from the Southern Rhône that made its debut at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and was part of the feature on Women in Wine.

Domaine les Evigneaux is owned by Maison LAVAU, a well-respected producer situated near the village of Sablet, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail hills in the Southern Rhône Valley. The Lavau family has been involved in winemaking for several generations and have built a reputation as one of the region's top winemakers thanks to their dedication to high-quality standards, attention to detail, and thirst for excellence. After completing their studies in Canada, brothers Frédéric and Benoît Lavau joined the family business, and by 2000 they took over the company as their parents decided to retire.

In 2013, the Lavau family formed a partnership with Bénédicte Bonnet, née Arnaud, and her husband, Charles, who brought along with them the historic Château Maucoil property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Bénédicte and the Lavau brothers have always been fans of Rasteau, which became a Cru in 2010, and have been making wines from this appellation for many years. In 2014, because of their special fondness for vineyards in Rasteau, they decided to acquire a few special and "atypical" vineyards in this area because of their outstanding exposure. In all, they acquired 10 hectares of vineyards consisting of 12 plots in Rasteau's most emblematic terroirs, which formed the plans to create a wine capable of delivering all the complexity and power of this extraordinary AOC, and would go on to become Domaine les Evigneaux.

The vineyards of Domaine les Evigneaux are perched upon a hill overlooking the Dentelles de Montmirail Mountains, with an uneven terrain that offers a great diversity of soils and a fascinating landscape. As you move from one terrace to another, depending on the slope, the soil changes from clay-chalk to blue marl, and from rounded pebbles to red marl. On the lower terraces, the soil is strewn with rounded pebbles that are perfect for Grenache, while the hillsides have poorer soils of clay-chalk, and sometimes almost sandy, which is equally good not only for Grenache, but also the region's other emblematic varietals: Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, among others. The Domaine takes full advantage of this geological diversity and blends grapes from these different profiles to create complex wines which assure the reputation of the Rhône Valley Cru of Rasteau.

This red wine is proudly crafted by Bénédicte Bonnet, who comes from a winegrowing family. She is an independent and hands-on winemaker who personally directs every stage of production from vineyard cultivation to final blending to ageing, ensuring that each bottle reflects her uncompromising standards, vision, and expertise. Her work embodies the confidence, talent, and leadership of women redefining the Rhône's great terroirs.

All grown within the Rasteau appellation of the Southern Rhône Valley, this red wine is composed of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. The Syrah vines are planted on gravel and clay soil of the Quaternary terraces of Bellerive, in the south of the appellation, where it is sunny and early ripening, conditions which are ideal for growing Syrah. The Grenache vines are planted to the north in cooler soils which accentuate the diurnal temperatures (the difference between day and night temperatures), resulting in grapes with enhanced colour and aromatics. The pebble and gravel soils where Grenache is planted are mixed with a complex clay, which allows for constant, even drainage, and water supply.

To vinifiy this wine, the grapes were 100% destemmed, then underwent a cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by 28 days of maceration with pumping over and rack and return. It was aged for 12 months, with 70% in 228 L barrels from the François Frères cooperage in Burgundy and 30% in amphoras.

In 2022, the growing season in the Southern Rhône was marked by extreme conditions with intense heat and drought. The year began with a dry winter and very little rain, followed by a spring that warmed up rapidly. While April did experience a fleeting cold snap, temperatures continued to rise, with successful budburst and flowering. May was abnormally hot, while rain in June brought some relief. On a positive note, the heat and drought during the summer months kept rot and disease at bay. In August, humidity arrived and revived the vines, which greatly benefited the red grape varieties Grenache and Syrah. From a high quality vintage with superb wines, let's see how this 2022 Rasteau is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE LES EVIGNEAUX CUVÉE BELLE DAME RASTEAU 2022 - AOP, Rhône, France (#47575) (XD) - $28.95
This blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault has a medium+ intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering deep and warming aromas of ripe dark red wild berries, black cherry, kirsch, raspberry, garrigue, and spices with hints of stones, meaty, rose floral, and savoury earth. It's medium-full bodied, concentrated, and impressively structured on the dry palate with warming flavours of ripe raspberry, black cherry, garrigue, spices, stony mineral, meaty, and savoury earth. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the fine-grained tannins are structured with a slightly youthful grip. Warming, yet within balance, with wild berry, raspberry, garrigue, spice, and stony-smoky minerals on the long, savoury finish. Could pass for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. At 15% abv, chill and enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 91+ pts

At the moment, this is the only wine by Domaine les Evigneaux, but other wines down the line may be available through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2024 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly white wine blend crafted with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. It arrived at the LCBO in today's March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Maison Raymond, a family winery based in the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region, about 50 km southeast of Bordeaux. The roots of Maison Raymond begin in 1850 when the first generation of the Raymond family settled in the region and practiced winegrowing at Château de Lagarde.

In 1980, Jean-Pierre Raymond, the 6th generation of the family, took over the business and converted 100% of the family farm to wine production. In total, Jean-Pierre converted 30 hectares of crops exclusively into vineyard land, a number which grew as he expanded Château de Lagarde to 260 hectares of mixed farming across the communes of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Felix, and Saint-Martial.

Organic farming at Maison Raymond was introduced when Lionel Raymond, son of Jean-Pierre, joined the family business in 2000. Lionel expanded the vineyard area at the estate from 70 hectares to 180 hectares, while also acquiring new (and organic) properties. As Lionel had strong respect for the environment and terroir, he was convinced that organic was the way to move forward and proceeded to convert all 130 hectares of vines at Maison Raymond to organic viticulture. As a result, the Raymond family was one of the very first in Bordeaux to convert their entire estate to organic farming, with a firm commitment to sustainability and soil health. As a pioneer and visionary with nearly 250 hectares of certified organic vineyards, Maison Raymond is now the largest independent organic winery in France.

The winemaking philosophy at Raymond is based upon a relentless pursuit of quality and innovation, a set of values that have been passed down through the generations to produce exceptional and authentic wines. In 2010, the Lagarde wine cellar was completely renovated and features over 6000 m² of state-of-the-art equipment. As the largest sustainable wine development project at the time, they also installed 2500 m² of photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate renewable electricity.

I've enjoyed previous vintages of this white wine, including most recently the 2022 Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc a couple of years ago. It is produced using a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon. The grapes were grown organically on hillside sites within the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, on clay-limestone soil with gravels. The vineyard experiences a mild climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and also receives lots of sunshine and regular rainfall. The vines were trained using Bordeaux tradition of the double Guyot system, which also helps the grapes reach maturity and avoid phytosanitary disease. It was traditionally vinified in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, without any oak ageing.

The 2024 growing season in Bordeaux was an uneven and challenging vintage that featured rain, rain, and more rain, which led to problems with downy mildew, coulure, and millerandage. However, white wines found great success and consistency in this challenging vintage with freshness, good concentration, and expressive aromas. White wine varieties benefitted from the less extreme temperatures of the year and cooler nighttime temperatures in August and September. Vineyards on earlier-ripening sites and clay-based soils also benefitted from this low-yielding vintage. From a good vintage for white wines in Bordeaux, let's see how this 2024 Bordeaux Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC 2024 - Vegan, AOC Bordeaux, France (#387787) (XD) - $19.95
Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, this organic white wine has a delicate, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers attractively ripe and gently honeyed aromas of lemon peel, citrus, yellow apple, quince, and hay with touches of white floral. On dry, medium-full bodied palate it is impressively dense and concentrated with delicious citrus, yellow apple, waxy, and quince flavours in a slightly tart profile, plus white floral and leesy minerals adding a pleasant savoury component. Acids are juicy and fresh. With a nicely textured mouthfeel, the citrus and orchard fruit notes taper to savoury, leesy minerals, plus a touch of dried spice on the long and juicy finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy with seafood, salad, creamy cheeses, or poultry. Score: 89 pts

One other wine by Maison Raymond is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Domaine Yvon & Laurent Vocoret Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2023 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of an excellent Premier Cru Chablis from Burgundy that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the February 7th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Domaine Yvon & Laurent Vocoret, a small, family-owned winery situated in the Chablis wine region of Burgundy. Originally from the commune of Maligny, in Chablis, the Vocoret family of winemakers is inscribed in the history of vine cultivation and winemaking in the heart of their vineyard since 1713.

The story of the family begins with Jean Vocoret, whose winemaking soul no doubt guided him to pass down his wisdom, his fruits, and the nobility and passion for craftmanship in winemaking to his descendants. Born in 1863, it was Victor Hyppolite Vocoret, the great, great-grandfather of Yvon, who contributed to the renaming of the Domaine when he only had a few acres of vines and small barrels in the cellar.

Born in 1895, it was Yvon's grandparents, Henri and Louise Vocoret, who, despite the suffering during WWI, managed to make the land prosper with the help of their horses, their pride and joy, to produce excellent wine. Next were Maurice and Huguette Vocoret, the parents of Yvon who, hand-in-hand, carefully reflected upon the art of winemaking and invested in high-performing and efficient equipment for the cellar. Maurice and Huguette anticipated that with these improvements, the quality of their wines would gain recognition and respect, and since that time, the Domaine has maintained its reputation for producing high quality wines.

Today, the Domaine is in the hands of Yvon Vocoret and his son, Laurent, the fifth and sixth generations of the family, respectively. Additionally, the spouses Christine (wife of Yvon) and Clémentine (wife of Laurent) are also involved in the family business. Together, they have the same motivation as their ancestors and are grateful and respectful, as they continue to write the story of a humble, but determined, family of winegrowers. By using the same principles as generations that came before them, the Vocoret family produces wines with expertise and passion. With respect for the soil and grapes, the winery works with small volumes, thereby allowing each of their plots to express itself. The current generation of the Vocoret family upholds their family motto of quality, dignity, and respect.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Chardonnay that was grown in Fourchaume, the largest and one of the best known Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis. The vines average 40 years old and are planted on clayey-gravelly soil resulting from Kimmeridgian limestone on marls, along with pebbles of marly limestone with a slightly whitish appearance. With respect for the environment, the family has been farming this vineyard organically since 1974. By 2005 they eliminated the use of anti-botrytis treatments, and by 2009 they stopped using chemical herbicides, and have been practicing sustainable farming for the last 17 years.

To craft this Chardonnay while respecting the character of the vintage, each plot of grapes was harvested at full maturity using both manual and mechanical methods. It was vinified by using the purest and simplest traditions that the family has been applying for five generations. It underwent a very light static settling to retain enough fine lees so that alcoholic and malolactic fermentations can proceed naturally. The wine was aged for 9 months in stainless steel tanks to obtain freshness and character.

In 2023, the season began with a very warm January, followed by average temperatures in February and March, and then a cooler-than-normal April, with enormously varied rainfall amounts during these months. May was also cooler than the long-term average, but warmed up at the end of the month, just in time for flowering and setting the stage for a large crop. June was warmer and drier than usual, while July saw normal rainfall, but was on the cool side, and by early August Chablis was facing drought conditions. August ended with storms and very warm weather, with the warm weather persisting into September and into an early and successful harvest. The extremely good 2023 vintage produced a large crop with wines that are ripe, lush, balanced, and juicy.

After enjoying the excellent 2021 Domaine Yvon & Laurent Vocoret Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru nearly three years ago, let's see how this 2023 Chablis 1er Cru from Burgundy is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE YVON & LAURENT VOCORET FOURCHAUME CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2023 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#22776) (XD) - $58.95
Crafted with 100% Chardonnay, this has an elegant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that feels a bit shy, offering significant flinty and stony mineral aromas layered over rich lemon citrus, golden apple, and pear, plus touches of yellow floral. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is richly concentrated and dense with lovely flinty, stony, and saline mineral flavours alongside lemon citrus, golden apple, and pear, plus touches of floral. Exceptionally well-balanced with fine, succulent acidity. Gentle spice notes on the mid-palate, while the stony, flinty, apple, and lemon citrus notes carry through to the exceptionally long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Yvon & Laurent Vocoret can be purchased through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

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