La Chevalière Rasteau 2023 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Grenache-based blend from the Côtes du Rhône Cru of Rasteau that arrived at the LCBO in last month's December 6th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

La Chevalière is a label produced by Les Grandes Serres, a well-regarded winery located in the Southern Rhône Valley. Founded in 1977, Les Grandes Serres is known for its expertise with the classic Rhône varietals of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and producing high-quality wines from the Southern Rhône's most prestigious appellations. The name "Grandes Serres" translates to "large greenhouses", which once existed on the property.

Today, Les Grandes Serres is dedicated to expressing the diversity and unique terroirs of the Southern Rhône Valley. They emphasize sustainable viticulture and have deep respect for the environment. Mainly a négociant firm, Les Grandes Serres sources most of their grapes from contract growers.

The grapes for this red wine come from the village of Rasteau, an appellation by the same name which also became a Cru in 2020. Rasteau is situated in the Southern Rhône Valley, in the north of Vaucluse, and features a diversity of terroirs and a Mediterranean climate. The soil in Rasteau includes red marl and sandstone, clay and limestone soils, and is covered with worn pebbles on the surface. The pebbles accumulate heat throughout the day, and at night they release all that heat, which in turn cools down the vines. Rasteau is an ideal environment for wines to fully express their structured, generous, and powerful nature.

This lovely cuvée is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan. When compared with the excellent 2022 La Chevalière Rasteau that I enjoyed in 2024, the 2023 has 10% more Syrah, while the amount of Mourvèdre and Carignan went down. To vinify this wine, the grapes were destemmed, gently crushed, and placed into temperature-controlled vats, followed by a three-week maceration with regular pumping-over and délestage (rack and return). After ageing, the different terroirs (and grapes) were blended together in order to achieve optimum balance, which highlights the characteristics of Rasteau.

In 2023, the growing season in the Southern Rhône began with a dry start and a relatively late bud burst. Welcoming late-spring rains arrived in May and June, and were followed by a warm and arid summer, with the fierce heat remaining until the end of August. This was a vintage that suited clay soils, rather than sandy soils, and while the weather conditions did present some challenges, the resulting wines from Rasteau excelled and showed detailed terroir expression. Let's see how this 2023 Rasteau is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA CHEVALIÈRE RASTEAU 2023 - AOP, Rhône, France (#18502) (XD) - $23.95
This blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan has a lovely, perfumed, medium-high intensity nose of dark red berry, garrigue, stones, peppery spice, blackberry, earthy mineral, with a touches of olive, leafy dried herbs, and meaty characters in a complex profile. The medium+ bodied palate is dry, ripe, and slightly warming with delicious black raspberry, peppery spice, garrigue, stones, and savoury, earthy mineral flavours. It's supported by crisp and juicy acidity, while the ripe and supple tannins are smooth and well-structured. Savoury and stony on the long, crisp finish. Best enjoyed at cooler temperatures and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by the producers of La Chevalière can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

Read More

Maison Fontan Tattoo T&M Rouge 2022 (Southwest France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious blend of Tannat and Merlot that is brand-new to the LCBO. It arrived both online and in-store as part of last month's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on November 22nd.

It is produced by Maison Fontan, an historic, family-owned wine estate located in the comune of Noulens, within the Gers department of southwestern France. The Fontan family's story begins when the first generation moved to Maubet Farm in Noulens in 1907.

The family farmed this land for 4 generations, eventually moving from polyculture farming to organized viticulture in the 1980s thanks to the passion and initiatives of Aline and Jean-Claude Fontan, the third generation of the family. Aline and Jean-Claude also played a pivotal role by helping instigate the development of Côtes de Gascogne wines.

In 2001, siblings Sylvain and Nadège Fontan, the son and daughter of Aline and Jean-Claude, took over the reins of the vineyard and continued to develop the estate. Sylvain is the winemaker and cellar master, and by enhancing the grapes he makes a range of Côtes de Gascogne wines and Armagnacs. Nadège handles marketing and sales, and ensures that their vineyard products are available at wine merchants and the best restaurants.

Formerly Domaine de Maubet, the estate was rebranded in 2021 as Maison Fontan. The house which their great-grandparents moved to is more than just a vineyard - it is a place where people live, come together and work, and where the natural world is listened to and respected. Nestled in the middle of vines, the traditional Gascon half-timbered building welcomes visitors with open arms and a warm embrace, and is a place where people feel good.

Today, Sylvain and Nadège continue down the pathway forged by their great-grandparents with immense pride and unfailing courage. The siblings also have passion and respect for their forebears and the natural environment that surrounds them. With the elegance of their vines heralding sophisticated wines and eau-de-vie, the entire team at Maison Fontan is also focused on conserving the ecosystem, taking great care, and innovating. Maison Fontan is the hallmark of a family identity with shared and continuously upheld values.

Maison Fontan has always practiced sustainable winegrowing, while common sense is de rigueur, and respect is inherent. The family also respects nature and the environment, and has 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. The family also believes in being thorough and mindful during all the phases of production, from soil to glass, in order to make a safe, appealing, and carefully-controlled product of consistently high quality.

This red wine is from their "Les Tattoo" range of wines which are original, daring, and bold. The Tattoo wines combine local grape varietals with innovative winemaking methods to produce gourmet wines that may come as a surprise. This particular red wine is crafted using a blend of 50% Tannat and 50% Merlot which were grown on clay-limestone and highly-compacted sandy/silty soil. After harvesting the grapes, they were destalked and placed into vats for 5 days of maceration. The grapes were fermented between 25°C–30°C, depending on the vintage, with one pumpover and two rack and returns. The juice is run off before malolactic fermentation, and is judged and tasted daily before finally undergoing filtration and kept in vat until bottling.

In 2022, the growing season in the Southwest of France featured black frosts, violent hailstorms, and severe summer drought. In spite of these challenges, the result was a significantly small harvest but with excellent quality. Let's see how this 2022 Tannat & Merlot from Côtes de Gascogne is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MAISON FONTAN TATTOO T&M ROUGE 2022 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#43894) (D) - $18.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this 50/50 blend of Tannat and Merlot has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is ripe and fruit forward with plummy, dark fruit, blackberry, cassis, black cherry, and currant aromas with hints of licorice. The medium-full bodied palate is dry-ish with plummy, black cherry, and cassis flavours with touches of spice and mineral adding a savoury component. It has fresh and juicy acidity, alongside supple, rounded, and mildly textured tannins. Comes off a little sweet, but finishes crisp and dry with black cherry, cassis, and a lingering minerality. The finish length is very good. Crafted in a crowd-pleasing style. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines by Maison Fontan can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Read More

Rémy Ferbras Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific Côtes du Rhône-Villages that arrived at the LCBO in last month's November 22 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This red wine is produced by Rémy Ferbras at Grandes Serres. Rémy Ferbras is a wine brand anchored in the Southern Rhône Valley, in the heart of the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. It is owned by Maison Grandes Serres, which is in turn owned by Picard Vins & Spiritueux, and pays tribute to the winery's first cellar master - Rémy Ferbras.

As an emblematic character of the house, Rémy Ferbras was a fervent defender of the Rhône Valley terroir and its grape varieties. Rémy always aimed to express the full potential of the grapes and terroir from this renowned wine region, and contributed with his work and tenacity to expand the house and his notoriety. The Rémy Ferbras signature is synonymous with rigorous and precise selection, vinification, and ageing, values which remain with the brand. Furthermore, the wines of Rémy Ferbras are consistently rich, elegant, complex, and flavourful.

Like the 2022 Rémy Ferbras Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages I enjoyed last year, this red wine is crafted using the same 4 grapes that were grown in the Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation of Plan de Dieu. The named village appellation of Plan de Dieu, or "God's Plain", is a vast, flat terrace covered in vines, and makes more wine than any other Named Village. The plain lies in the Southern Rhone Valley, between the Aygues and Ouvèze rivers, which feed into the Rhône River from the east. Over thousands of years, the rivers laid down a deep bed of pebbles and clay that is perfect for cultivating vines. The vineyards in Plan de Dieu bask in the sun and are cooled by the north wind. The homogeneous terroir of Plan de Dieu has a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Mistral wind, while the soil consists of clay, limestone, and sands. As a red wine appellation, the main grape is Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre in supporting roles. Grenache loves this stony, arid plateau, which used to be covered with a vast garrigue forest.

In this particular vintage, this red wine is composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Mourvèdre, from vines planted in mainly limestone chippings and brown clay. The grapes were picked at optimum harvest maturity. Each grape varietal was traditionally and separately vinified. After two weeks of maceration, the grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation between 26°C and 28°C, followed by malolactic fermentation, then blended and bottled.

The growing season in 2023 began with a dry start, and a relatively late bud burst. Late-spring rains in May and June were welcome, which preceded a warm and arid summer, with the fierce heat remaining until the end of August. It was a season that suited clay soils, rather than sandy soils. While the season did present some challenges, it is considered to be a very good vintage for red wines from the Southern Rhône. Let's see how this 2023 Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RÉMY FERBRAS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 - AOP, France (#538009) (XD) - $17.95
This blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Mourvèdre has a deep, medium-high intensity nose that offers warming black raspberry, garrigue, black cherry, floral, and spice aromas accented with stony mineral and earth notes that gain prominence with time in the glass. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry and well-structured with delicious and complex black raspberry, black cherry, licorice, stony mineral, garrigue, earth, and spice flavours. It's supported by crisp and juicy acidity, alongside mouth-coating, grainy textured tannins. Shows good balance with savoury, stony mineral notes lingering on the long, crisp finish. Should drink well over next 5+ years and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Only one wine (all in one store) from Rémy Ferbras is available at the LCBO, while the full range of wines can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

Read More

Fleuron de La Rebourgère Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2023 (Loire) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of a terrific Melon de Bourgogne from the Loire Valley that arrived at the LCBO in last month's October 11th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Domaine Girard, a family estate winery that was established in the 1940s by the husband and wife team of Marcel and Gabrielle Girard in Rebourgère, a hamlet of Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, in the heart of the region of Nantes, Loire Valley. Gaston Girard, the only son of Marcel and Gabrielle, began working on the family farm at an early age and helped his mother, who had lost her husband after he returned from the war with an illness. Like most farms of the period, the Girard family practiced mixed farming with some cattle, cereal crops, and vines.

In 1961, Gaston married Georgette, a young woman from the nearby village of La Haie-Fouassière, and together they grew the farm by giving up on mixed farming and focusing on grapevines. As pioneers in the 1970s, the Girard family focused on direct-selling of their wines. With the entire family involved in the business, Gaston focused on winemaking, while his son, Patrick, helped bottle, label, and wrap the product. At the end of the week, the whole family would travel to other regions in France to hand-deliver their wines to cafés, restaurants, and private clients.

Patrick Girard, the third generation of his family to farm these lands, followed his father's footsteps and began to work in the vineyard and help with winemaking in the late 1980s, after completing his studies in winemaking. In 1991, after Gaston retired, Patrick took over the family estate. In the spring of 1991, the vines froze, and the crop was completely annihilated. In May 1991, Gaston married Martine, and together with bravery and amibition, they rebuilt the family vineyard over the years, while also making numerous improvements using modern techniques both in the vineyard and cellar.

Today, Domaine Girard's philosophy is based on the quality of the work, precision, and the flawless quality of the wines. They have 93 acres of vines in reasoned culture, and use 40% of the crop to create a diverse range of wines. As winemaker, Patrick also works in the vineyard and takes care of the commercial aspects of the business, while Martine works in the cellar, prepares orders, administrative, and accounting activities. The fourth generation of the family, Guillaume Girard, son of Patrick and Martine, joined the family estate in 2013, after completing his studies in winemaking and marketing, and like his father, combines tradition with modernity to craft their lovely Loire Valley wines.

Like the 2022 Domaine Girard Le Fleuron de La Rebourgère Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie I enjoyed in Spring of last year, this white wine is crafted with 100% Melon de Bourgogne that was grown on silty, clayey, and shallow soils (less than 30 cm), with a sub-soil made of schist and gneiss. The vines are more than 40 years old and planted on weak-to-moderate slopes. The grapes were mechanically harvested, then direct-pressed into underground, thermo-regulated vats for fermentation. The wine was left on its lees for 9–10 months, with one or two bâtonnages (lees stirring) in order to increase richness and texture.

In 2023, the Loire Valley had a challenging vintage due to variable weather conditions which encompassed both rain and heatwaves, with producers fighting against mildew and acid rot. However, one of the most successful areas of the Loire in this vintage was in the western area of Pays Nantais, which encompasses the Muscadet appellations. Because the Melon de Bourgogne varietal is an early ripening grape, producers were able to the Melon grape during the heatwave at the beginning of September, and prior to the heavy rains that fell mid-month. The result was Muscadet with perfectly ripe grapes, very good concentration, and slightly higher alcohol levels. Let's see how this 2023 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine from the Loire Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FLEURON DE LA REBOURGÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2023 - AOC, Loire, France (#557207) (XD) - $16.95
This 100% Melon de Bourgogne has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is clean and refined with elegant lemon citrus, stone fruit, and ripe apple aromas, plus touches of leesy minerals and a whiff of honey adding nuance and interest. The dry, medium-full bodied palate is rich and densely concentrated with ripe apple, lemon citrus, and leesy mineral flavours, plus stone fruit, melon, and spice characters adding complexity. It has crisp and finely detailed acidity, along with a richly textured mouthfeel. Apple notes give way to leesy and oyster shell minerals with touches of spice on the long, succulent, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy to enjoy with seafood. Score: 89 pts

Other terrific wines by Domaine Girard can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

Read More

Château Tour du Haut-Moulin 2015 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine is a lovely Cabernet-Merlot from the Haut-Médoc wine region of Bordeaux that was featured on the back cover of last month's October 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Château Tour du Haut-Moulin, an historic wine estate situated in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, at the heart of Haut-Médoc, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. The commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc lies between Saint-Julien to the north, and Margaux to the south. The estate was established in 1870 and was managed by the Cazaux-Poitou family for 6 generations. As the 6th generation of the family, the current proprietor, Lionel Poitou, has been a part of the property since he was born and has been managing the family estate for nearly four decades. Lionel's philosophy is based on careful observation, attention to nature, and respect for tradition.

In 2024, Château Tour du Haut-Moulin was acquired by Tzora Vineyards, a wine company owned by the Hevrony and Flam families, two leading producers of the Judaean Hills region of Israel. The team at Château Tour du Haut-Moulin is now led by four individuals: Eran Pick MW, Golan Flam, Dan Sheinman, and Lionel Poitou. Eran holds a B.Sc. degree in Viticulture and Enology with Highest Honours from University of California, Davis. Golan has been making wine for over 25 years, while also having a B.Sc. from the Faculty of Agriculture and a Masters in Enology. Dan has a B.Sc. degree in plant sciences, and then began his journey in winemaking by focusing on both vineyard and cellar approaches and practices in Burgundy. Together, they have a shared vision to maximize the potential of the estate, while maintaining its long-standing history and tradition.

The 10-hectare vineyard at Château Tour du Haut-Moulin is planted to mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a small amount of Petit Verdot, all of which is grown on the gravelly soils of the Médoc. The wines of Lionel Poitou are crafted in a style that emphasizes finesse and elegance over brute power.

The 2015 growing season with a combination of warm days and cool nights during March and early April, while the rest of April through May featured very warm and dry conditions, leading to a rapid and precocious flowering. June and July were exceptionally hot and without any rain, which eventually caused some drought stress on the vines. However, four separate rainstorms in August brought some relief to the vines. Heavy rains came in mid-September, prior to the red wine harvest, followed by sunshine with cool nights. There was more rain during the first weekend of October, but both Merlot and Cabernets were picked in unhurried conditions. From a very good to outstanding vintage for wines from the southern Médoc, let's see how this 2015 Haut-Médoc from Bordeaux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU TOUR DU HAUT-MOULIN 2015 - AOC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#26295) (XD) - $27.95
Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot that was matured in French oak, only 30% new. The medium-high intensity nose is rich with ripe black fruits, black cherry, currant, and blackberry aromas that mingle with oak spice, graphite minerality, and savoury earth, plus touches of dark plum. The elegant, well-structured, medium+ bodied palate is dry with lovely black fruited, black cherry, currant, blackberry, graphite, savoury minerals, and earth flavours. Acids are succulent and juicy, while the tannins are youthfully grippy and chalky textured, yet approachable. Graphite mineral notes linger on the long, savoury, and slightly grippy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Any other wines by this Château can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

Read More

October 25, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: France

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

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

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

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

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

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

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

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

White Wine:

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

Rosé Wine:

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

Sparkling Wine:

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

Dessert Wine:

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

Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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

Read More

Alléno & Chapoutier Croix de Chabot Saint-Joseph Blanc 2023 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is an excellent Marsanne from the AOC Saint-Joseph Cru des Côtes du Rhône of the Northern Rhône Valley. It is brand new to the LCBO, arriving in last month's August 16th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection as an Online & Flagship Exclusive, with quite a few bottles still available for purchase both online and in-store.

This white wine was borne out of a collaboration between two passionate créateurs and strong characters who are on a quest for refinement: Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier. Yannick is a gifted, Michelin three-star chef, and true perfectionist. Yannick's cuisine reinvents tradition, while blending classicism with modernity. The world-renowned Michel is a pioneering and deeply committed Rhône Valley winemaker with very strong values. Michel is also an ambassador and campaigner for winemaking in general, and his wines reflect their terroir and reveal their truth. Both have a shared passion for the Rhône Valley.

Alléno & Chapoutier collaborated on their first wine in October 2010 — a Saint-Joseph Syrah from Tournon, a hillside vineyard which the two men had selected together, worked traditionally, and converted to biodynamic viticulture. The two men are lovers of the land and its produce, as well as creative and innovative trailblazers. They are driven by a love and respect for terroir, and when they met, a strong bond was instantly and naturally forged. The story has continued since that time as the passion for the Rhône Valley and its terroirs grows ever stronger.

The wines of Alléno & Chapoutier come from both Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, in the northern Rhône. The vines in Saint-Joseph are grown in the Chabot area, north of Tournon, between 240–310 metres elevation. The unique part of this land area is the rare type of soil found here: granite with low ferrous mineral content, and interspersed with layers of gneiss. The unique geological features in this area of Chabot produce unique red and white wines with elegance and powerful characteristics.

While the AOC Cru of Saint-Joseph is mostly known for its Syrah, the appellation also grows small amounts of Roussanne and Marsanne, with demanding producers seeking to produce only the best wines. This particular white wine is crafted with 100% Marsanne that was grown in a single vineyard on granite, southeast-facing slopes with excellent exposure to wind, in the southern part of the Saint-Joseph appellation, within the Chabot area. The soil type in this vineyard is made up of granite and granitic sand. The vines are 30 years old and were Gobelet pruned and trained on stakes in a traditional fashion. After hand-harvesting the grapes, they underwent fermentation using indigenous yeasts for 3 weeks in a 50/50 mix of 600 L barrels and stainless steel tanks, followed by bâtonnage (lees stirring) for 4 weeks. The wine was aged for 7 months on its fine lees in 600 L barrels. Final blending and maturing of the two portions took place in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the wine's mineral expression.

The 2023 growing season in the Northern Rhône tested the resilience of wine producers. The season began on a dry note, followed by slightly warmer than usual temperatures. Rainfall arrived in mid-May, with moderate amounts of rain continuing to the end of June. Rain combined with slightly warmer temperatures led to persistent humidity and created the ideal conditions for mildew to develop. Signs of drought also appeared by mid-July. The vintage was also marked by a significant 16-day heatwave in early August, followed by a torrential downpour during peak harvest in September. Overall, the Saint-Joseph AOC generally delivered good results, with wines exhibiting elegance and restraint. Let's see how this 2023 Marsanne from Saint-Joseph in the Northern Rhône is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALLÉNO & CHAPOUTIER CROIX DE CHABOT SAINT-JOSEPH BLANC 2023 - AC, Rhône, France (#43784) (XD) - $39.95
Rare to see 100% Marsanne such as this. Lovely, elegant, medium-high intensity, and complex aromas of doughy, lemon oil, citrus, and baked pear, plus accents of vanillin oak spice and minerals. The dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is rich and well-structured with lovely spice, lemon oil, citrus, pear, and vanilla flavours supported by fine, well-delineated, and juicy acidity. Exudes elegance with spice notes tapering to savoury, earthy, and stony minerals on the long, crisp finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

There are only seven wines in the Alléno & Chapoutier collaboration, and they can all be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Read More

Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021 and Les Confluences Vinsobres 2022 (Rhône) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's red wine reviews are a pair of lovely cru wines from the Southern Rhône Valley that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES recently. The Rasteau returned to VINTAGES on July 19th, while the Vinsobres made its debut as the Wine of the Month in the August 2nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and both are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

These red wines are produced by Rhonéa, a co-operative winery with deep roots in the Rhône Valley. It all began in the Provençal village of Rasteau in 1925, where singing cicadas and the scent of garrigue filled the air. During this time of economic certainty, a group of visionary and historic winegrowers joined forces to form a co-operative in order to showcase their land and wines. Despite the challenges, the co-operative adapted, grew, and thrived under the guidance of various presidents and directors, while also embracing innovation. The quality and dedication of the village eventually led to Rasteau being officially recognized as a Cru of the Rhône Valley in 2010.

Today, Rhonéa is made up of over 400 families of Artisan Winegrowers who have over a combined 2,900 hectares of vineyards stretching from the southeast of the Rhône to the north of the Vaucluse department. Situated across a diverse range of Rhône terroirs, these vineyards have been cultivated by winegrowing families for 3 or more generations.

In 2025, Rhonéa is celebrating 100 years of history, tradition, and shared dreams. To mark this special occasion, Rhonéa's oenologist carefully crafted the exclusive Centenary Cuvée, a blend of predominantly Grenache that is a testament to the co-operative's century-old expertise and unwavering passion for its terroir. The 2025 centenary is more than just a milestone; it is a celebration of the co-operative's core values - solidarity, heritage, and a shared passion for the vine. As a true symbol of the village, the co-operative tells a collective story, where each winegrower is a vital part of a century-long legacy of success. The co-operative is also focused on a sustainable future with their growth of local and sustainable winegrowing, as well as putting social responsibility and environmental protection at the heart of their project.

Both 2021 and 2022 were challenging vintages in the Southern Rhône Valley. In 2021 there was frost, hail, and rain, which reduced yields and created an uneven vintage. While 2021 will be remembered for being atypical, it will also be remembered for producing quality wines that are fresh, lush, and tasty. The 2022 growing season will be known for its heat and drought conditions. However, with the remarkable resilience of the vines and the dedication of the winegrowers and technical staff, the vintage promises wines of outstanding quality. Let's see how these two Southern Rhône Valley wines from the crus of Rasteau and Vinsobres are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

RHONÉA TRADITION RASTEAU 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#998716) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan that was grown on terraces of clay, limestone, and pebbles in the plains of Rasteau, as well as on hills facing the Dentelles de Montmirail at 200–250 metres above sea level that featured layers of blue marls. The grapes were manually harvested, sorted, and destemmed, and followed by traditional vinification with long maceration and partial punching down. Tasting now for the third time, the medium+ to medium-high intensity has a slightly perfumed nose wafting of savoury, earthy mineral aromas nuanced with black cherry, dark red cherry, raspberry, garrigue, and spice. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious black cherry, raspberry, savoury earthy-stony minerals, garrigue, and spice flavours, plus hints of plum. It has fresh acidity, along with supple, refined, and gently textured tannins with good structure. Savoury and earthy minerals with touches of spice linger on the long, elegant, and juicy finish. In LCBO VINTAGES July 19th and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

RHONÉA LES CONFLUENCES VINSOBRES 2022 - AC, Rhône, France (#43748) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 49% Grenache, 44% Syrah, and 7% Mourvèdre was grown on red marls soil on the "Eygues" plain, between 200–300 metres above sea level. The grapes were harvested at optimum maturity, fermented at a controlled temperature, vinified using traditional methods, and aged for 12 months in oak barrels. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely spicy, savoury earth, and garrigue layers, alongside blackberry, black raspberry, ripe plum, and black pepper notes. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious ripe black cherry, black raspberry, peppery spice, garrigue, red plum, and savoury, earthy mineral flavours supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity, and smooth, refined tannins with good structure and a touch of tannic grip. Black cherry, raspberry, and peppery spice notes give way to savoury and earthy minerals on the long, satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

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

Read More

Rémy Ferbras Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Southern Rhône Valley that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month in the August 2nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Rémy Ferbras at Les Grandes Serres. Rémy Ferbras is anchored in the Southern Rhône Valley, in the heart of a prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. The brand is owned by Maison Grandes Serres and pays tribute to the winery's first cellar master - Rémy Ferbras - who is the emblematic character of the house. Rémy was a fervent defender of the Rhône Valley terroir and its grape varieties, and was able to express the full potential of the grapes and terroir from this renowned wine region. Rémy Ferbras contributed with his work and tenacity to expand the house and his notoriety, while his signature is synonymous with rigorous and precise selection, vinification, and ageing. The wines of Rémy Ferbras are consistently rich, elegant, complex, and flavourful.

This red wine is crafted with 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre that was grown in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in a famous vineyard dominated by its papal ruin and exceptional terroir. A rising vineyard teeming with creativity, the soils in this vineyard are mainly sandy and limestone, and covered with rolled pebbles. After manually harvesting the grapes with strict sorting, each varietal was vinified separately using traditional methods. The grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature between 26–28°C, with 2–3 weeks of maceration. The wine was partially aged in French oak barrels for up to 18 months.

The 2021 growing season in the Southern Rhône was a very challenging vintage where frosts reduced yields; Châteauneuf, however, was spared the worst of the frosts. There were also unpredictable temperatures throughout the season, and random thunderstorms in July, but thankfully without any heat spikes. Furthermore, there were untimely rains in mid-September, which affected early-budding grapes such as Syrah. While the quality of Grenache was mixed, it was mostly very good with thin skins, resulting in fresher, lower-alcohol wines with elegant tannins. Let's see how this 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RÉMY FERBRAS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#15184) (XD) - $50.95
This blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering pleasing ripe red plum, red berry, and spice aromas nuanced with garrigue, savoury earth, and stony mineral notes. The dry, medium-full bodied is youthfully structured with very good concentration and lovely ripe red berry, spice, cassis, black cherry, garrigue, savoury earthy, stony mineral, and gentle smoky oak flavours. It has crisp and lively acidity, while the mouth coating, well-structured tannins have some youthful grip. Red berry, garrigue, and red plum notes give way to earthy and stony minerals on the long, crisp finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar, and should be enjoyable into the mid-2030s. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Other fine wines by Remy Ferbras can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

Read More

Les Dauphins Réserve Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly white wine blend that is predominantly Grenache Blanc and Viognier that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the July 5th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Les Dauphins is one of several wine brands produced by Union des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône (UVCDR), a co-operative winery that was founded in the southeastern French region of Drôme Provençale in 1965 by a group of local grower co-operatives. Together, they specialize in the production of an extensive range of AOC Côtes du Rhône, Villages, and Cru wines, thanks to the wealth of terroirs and grape varieties cultivated by their growers. The wines of UVCDR are crafted with the aim of encapsulating the beauty of their landscapes and the fabulous diversity of their Rhône Valley vineyards.

With its colourful, retro-style label, the Les Dauphins brand captures the "Joie de Vivre" of Paris in the Roaring 1920s, at a time when Paris was the festive capital of culture, and creativity was at its peak. The brand's origins go back to the 1920s, when family winegrowers in the region of Dauphiné joined forces in a co-operative style. The wines quickly became very popular because of their fruit-forward and palate-pleasing style.

The name "Les Dauphins" pays tribute to the terroir of the former Dauphiné province in southeastern France, where these wines originate from. The area, which has some of the Southern Rhône's best plots of vineyards, is bordered by the French Alps to the east, the Rhône River to the west and Provence to the south. The climate in this area is typically warm and sunny with little rainfall, while the soils range from stony clay-limestone to sandy soil.

Today, Les Dauphins wines are crafted by the new generations of winegrowers in the southern Rhône Valley as they work together with care and dedication to their terroir and by practicing environmentally-friendly viticulture. To obtain the unique style of Les Dauphins wines, the winemakers of Les Dauphins wines first select the plots among their vineyards, guide the vinification at their facilities, then select, blend, and age the best wines that will adorn the Les Dauphins label.

This white wine is a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier, and 10% Marsanne. The grapes were grown in a vineyard situated in the southeast of France, around the village of Tulette, within the old historic region of Dauphiné, on two different soil types: clay-limestone soil formed of sedimentary rock and pebbles, and stony soil with a sandy subsoil. With careful attention throughout the winemaking process, the grapes were grown in carefully selected plots and picked at dawn in order to preserve a pale colour, crunchy aromas, and freshness. It was aged for 4 months to increase drinking pleasure and soften the wine.

The 2023 growing season in the southern Rhône was very good for white wine varieties. The season began with a very dry start from January to March. Bud burst was relatively late (early April), while the Mistral winds were often influential from early April to flowering in mid-May. Following some welcoming late-spring rains in May and June, the summer months were warm and arid, reaching a climax of 43°C on August 22nd, and the fierce heat remained until the end of the month. White varieties were picked from mid-to-late-August. It was a season well-suited for vines planted in clay soils, rather than sandy soils. Let's see how this 2023 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2023 - Sustainable, Vegan, AC, France (#18600) (XD) - $14.95
Screw cap. Blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier, and 10% Marsanne. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is open and ripe with lovely yellow apple, pear, and lemon citrus aromas nuanced with white peach, melon, mealy, leesy, and vanilla. The dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied has good weight with delicious, ripe yellow fruit, apple, pear, citrus, leesy, spice, white peach, and vanilla flavours. Gently spicy on the mid-palate along with fresh and juicy acidity. Yellow orchard fruit and leesy notes with touches of vanilla linger on the long, very satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious Les Dauphins wines are available at the LCBO, and can also be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars Ltd.

Read More

Château de Fontenille Blanc 2023 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, sustainable Sauvignon Blanc-based blend from Bordeaux that was included as part of the feature story on "Summery White Wines" in the recent June 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection a couple of weeks ago.

It is produced by the historic Château de Fontenille, a winery whose roots can be traced back to the 4th century, when the poet Ausone praised the wines of the area within the Entre-deux-Mers wine region of Bordeaux. In the 4th century, this site was a Roman villa, of which there are only scattered remains today, and featured grape vines. The history of the property is traced back to the 15th century, when it was mentioned in the archives of the neighbouring Benedictine monastery - Abbey of La Sauve Majeure. This monks of the monastery tended to the vines on this site for hundreds of years. In 1923, the property was known for its use of high-quality wine barrels.

A property as old as Château de Fontenille has changed hands many times over the years, and in 1989 the property marked its rebirth as its 16 hectares of vineyards were acquired by a young Belgian, Stéphane Defraine. Château de Fontenille has since grown to 63 hectares of vines, and in 2020, Stéphane was joined by his daughter Macha. Together, with a dream and ambition, they imagine, probe, prepare, wait, adjust, and improve as they seek to improve their wines with each passing vintage. As part of this process, they master each row of plots, micro-vinify, and delicately mature their wines with meticulous precision.

With the proper choice of varietal origin, reproduction of the vines, caring for their longevity, the intra-parcel selections, micro-vinifications, and ageing techniques, including the selection of wood, the family aims to take Château de Fontenille one step further to produce high-quality wines. They have divided their 63 hectares of vineyards across the appellations of Entre-deux-Mers and Cadillac, which are spread over 5 islets, into 67 plots, and have great diversity in soil, grape varieties, and vineyard management techniques. Among their vine plantings are century-old Sémillon, as well as the re-discovery of Sauvignon Gris from the Loire, and young plantings of Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Since 2005, Château de Fontenille began working their soils without the use of chemical weedkillers, and are actively trying to limit their interventions to control pests and disease. After receiving their HVE environmental approach certification, they began their conversion to organic in 2020. Their approach to sustainability includes social and economic improvements. Among their sustainability initiatives include reducing energy consumption, preserving water resources, the maintenance of a singular plant heritage, the sorting and recycling of waste, and protecting the health and well-being of their employees, local residents, and consumers.

This white wine is from the Entre-deux-Mers appellation of the Bodeaux. Entre-deux-Mers, whose name originates from the Latin term "Inter duo maria”, which means between two tides, is situated between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Indeed, the name is related to the two tides that go up the course of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers via the Gironde estuary. While it is often referred to as "Bordeaux Tuscany", the Entre-deux-Mers appellation is renowned for its exemplary white wines.

This white wine is crafted with 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Muscadelle, and 10% Sémillon that was grown on soil composed of siliceous clay and gravel, at an elevation of 380 feet above sea level. The wine was vinified completely in stainless steel tanks, with skin maceration for 10 to 24 hours, and was aged on its fine lees for 4 months.

The 2023 growing season in Bordeaux began as a dry and warm vintage, with flowering and fruit set looking textbook perfect from late-May to the first week of June. However, the weather turned tropical with three weeks of heat and relentless rain, which led to downy mildew outbreaks. July was also hotter and drier than average, however, it was also unusually cloudy. There were also a couple of pre-harvest heatwaves in August and September. From a great vintage that delivered freshness for white wines, let's see how this 2023 Bordeaux Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE FONTENILLE BLANC 2023 - Sustainable, AC Entre-deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France (#140046) (XD) - $23.95
Blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, 20% Muscadelle, and 10% Sémillon. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose seems a bit reserved, offering attractive and ripe aromas of lemon citrus and white peach nuanced with leesy mineral, spice, and grapefruit with touches of earthiness and guava adding further complexity and interest. On the dry, medium-full to full-bodied palate it is richly structured and faintly honeyed with delicious yellow citrus, grapefruit, lemon, spice, and green fruit flavours. Nicely textured with succulent and juicy acidity. More savoury with leesy mineral, spice, earthy, and grapefruit citrus notes on the long, well-structured, and juicy finish. Should continue to drink well over the next 2-3 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines by Château de Fontenille can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Blason de Bourgogne Aligoté 2023 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

For Father's Day, tonight's white wine review is a lovely Aligoté from Burgundy that arrives in Ontario about every three years, with the most recent vintage landing on shelves last weekend in the June 7th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Blason de Bourgogne, a collective of more than 200 families of winegrowers who are deeply rooted in the vineyards of Burgundy that stretch from Côte d’Or to Mâconnais. It was established in the 1980s by several co-operatives with the aim of promoting accessible, high-quality wines from Burgundy under a single label. The diversity of terroirs that each family brings gives richness and aromatic complexity to the wines. Furthermore, the fruit of traditions and viticultural know-how has been passed down from one generation to the next. As winegrowers for several generations in Burgundy, the producer families of Blason de Bourgogne are proud to unveil their values of solidarity and unique know-how to produce wines of authenticity and quality.

Driven by the love of their profession and respect for nature, the winegrowing families of Blason de Bourgogne do not cease to ensure the preservation of their territories. Committed to a unique continuous improvement process, they practice sustainable winegrowing, which covers the entire production cycle from vineyard to bottle, while also taking into account the environmental, economic, and social impacts of each action. Among their many initiatives include producing their own energy, protecting their soil and terroirs, reducing their carbon footprint, encouraging biodiversity in the vineyard, and sponsoring young growers.

This white wine is crafted by Blason de Bourgogne's Cellar Master with 100% Aligoté that was grown on clay-limestone soils, typical of Burgundy, between the plains of the Saône and the hills of the Mâconnais, with West-to-East exposure to the sun, allowing the vines to flourish beautifully. After harvesting the grapes, they underwent direct pressing, followed by alcoholic fermentation at a temperature-controlled 18°C in stainless steel tanks.

The 2023 vintage in Burgundy had generous yields and ripeness. It was an engaging vintage for white varieties in Burgundy and highly determined by the heatwave in early September that escalated ripeness levels into the aromatics and flavours. This heatwave also affected alcohol levels, body, richness, and acidity. I tasted the 2017 vintage of this Aligoté, and some say the 2023 vintage in Burgundy is comparable to 2017, but with more alcohol and body, but less acidity. Let's see how this 2023 Aligoté from Burgundy is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BLASON DE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ 2023 - AC Bourgogne Aligoté, France (#648436) (XD) - $19.95
The generous, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is ripe with stone fruits, peach, pear, lemon citrus, and apple aromas mingling with flinty minerals. It is impressively weighted on the dry palate with delicious, gently honeyed and spice flavours joining the ripe apple, pear, lemon citrus, and peach notes. It has crisp, well-balanced acidity, along with a slightly textured mouthfeel. Stone and orchard fruits give way to flinty minerals on the juicy and gently spicy finish, with very good length. Ideal with seafood and salads, and a highly recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Blason de Bourgogne can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

Read More

Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Gastronomie Chignin 2023 (Savoie) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely white made with the Jacquère varietal that was grown in the Savoie Cru of Chignin. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO, landing on shelves across Ontario in last weekend's May 10 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Jean Perrier & Fils, an historic, winegrowing family that has been cultivating vines and making wine in Savoie and the French Alps since 1853. The Perrier family is linked to the history of wines in Savoie. Famous around the world, the wines of Savoie represent a quaint and wild way of life, and is a unique tradition in French winegrowing.

The Perrier family's story begins in 1853, when Catherin Perrier, who was born in 1820 in the commune of Barberaz (Savoie), bought a cellar in St André les Marches and started growing vines next to the mountain Mont Granier. In 1911, Catherin's son, Claude Emile Perrier, acquired a second cellar, but had to start from the beginning due to phylloxéra. As a winegrower and trader, Claude Emile delivered products to café owners on the backs of donkeys. In 1920, Jean Perrier, son of Claude Emile, extended both the vineyard and cellar.

In 1947, Jean Victor Perrier, son of Jean, extended the lands further and was the first in Savoie to bottle the wine. By 1953, Jean Perrier had purchased a wine trading licence, sold 150,000 litres/year, and farmed over 2 hectares of vines with two employees.

Today, Vins Perrier is led by President Gilbert Perrier, son of Jean Victor, who joined the family business in 1964. In 1973, under the direction of Gilbert, the family wine company established their first bottling line, extended their cellars further, while also building a new winery. Further expansion took place in the 1980s, while Gilbert's two elder sons also joined the family business. In 1993, Gilbert's third son joined the company. The three brothers - Philippe, Christophe, and Gilles - share the tasks of vinification, trade, administration and marketing.

The company continues to grow, expand, and modernize throughout the years, including expanding their farming areas into other towns of Savoie. With the 2023 vintage of this wine, the family wine company celebrates 70 years of Perrier wines.

This white wine is crafted using the Jacquère grape, a varietal grown primarily in the Savoie wine region of eastern France. The grapes themselves are mid-sized with very tight bunches, have thick skins and juicy pulp. The grapes for this wine were grown on clay-limestone soil in one of the more important Crus of the Vin de Savoie appellation - Chignin. The village and commune of Chignin is situated in the French Alps on the southeastern edge of France, near the Swiss border and Lake Geneva. More specifically, Chignin lies on the southwestern side of the Bauges mountains in the Combe de Savoie - a deep valley that runs for 40km between the winter resort town of Albertville in the northeast and Montmélian in the southwest - while the Cru of Chignin is essentially one steeply-sloped vineyard that sits atop soils rich in clay and limestone.

The Savoie wine region is primarily known for its white wines, and almost all of it is enjoyed locally as only 5% is exported, so having a high-quality wine from this region, especially the tiny Cru of Chignin, is a real treat! To craft this wine, the grapes were manually harvested, then pressed using a pneumatic press. It was fermented over three weeks at 20°C in temperature-controlled tanks.

In 2023, the growing season in Savoie featured a late frost, hail, and a heatwave. However, plenty of sunshine in August and re-hydrating rains in September resulted in a healthy harvest and helped save the vintage. From a providential growing season, let's see how this 2023 Jacquère from Chignin in Savoie is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

JEAN PERRIER & FILS CUVÉE GASTRONOMIE CHIGNIN 2023 - AP, Savoie, France (#41428) (XD) - $19.95
100% Jacquère. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose has attractive aromas of pear, quince, yellow stone fruit, and lemon citrus nuanced with white floral and honeysuckle. The light-to-mid-weighted palate is dry, ripe and lightly honeyed with delicious pear, lemon citrus, honeysuckle, and floral flavours accented with touches of peppery spice. It's got clean, vibrant, and well-balanced acidity, while citrus, pear, and spice notes are joined by leesy minerals on the long, succulent, juicy, and well-balanced finish. For summer sipping, or at the table with salad or seafood. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

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

Read More