Tom de Baton dos Heredias 2021 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious, vegan-friendly red blend from Portugal that returned to the LCBO as part of the recent September 7th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Magnum Wines, a winery that was born from the dream of Winemaker Carlos Lucas. He created this company in the Dão region in 2011 with the dedication to producing high quality wines, surrounding himself with a team that brings experience and youth that has a continuous interest in innovation and dynamism, while respecting tradition and history.

Carlos is a man of the land and a modern farmer. He has over 25 years of winemaking experience and has worked in various wine regions, including Montpellier, Piemonte, Priorat, and Vale de S. Francisco. Carlos was also one of the first to bring a spotlight to the Dão region.

Since the beginning, Carlos has been concerned about the environment and respectful of the land, and his practices led to Magnum Vinhos being awarded "The Best Farmer of the Year" in 2014 by the Ministry of Agriculture of Portugal. Today, Magnum Wines is pursuing a sustainable growth strategy that respects the land and wines, while aiming to show the authentic character of every region where it has vineyards.

Magnum Wines produces several ranges of wines from across Portugal, with this red wine under the "Tom de Baton" label and being produced at the Quinta das Herédias property in Douro. The name "Tom de Baton" refers to the traditional winemaking tool called "bâton", which is used for stirring the wine during fermentation, a process which is known as "bâtonnage". Tom de Baton wines are crafted to be easy to drink, while also maintaining quality and structure, and often have a complexity that reflects the terroir.

This red wine is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca that was grown in the Douro on schist soil with slight granitic outcrops. The vineyards are between 15 and 50 years old and planted at an altitude between 100 and 500 metres above sea level. These vineyards experience hot summers, low annual precipitation, and are protected by the Serra do Marão and Serra do Montemuro mountains. To craft this blend, the grapes were manually harvested and de-stemmed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of about 22°C, with gentle stirring to extract colour and aromas. It underwent natural decanting and filtration prior to bottling.

The 2021 growing season is characterized by early budbreak, a dry and cooler year with healthy yields (just a bit below average), and slow ripening. The nights were cool during harvest, with some rain that interrupted picking. The resulting wines are slightly less concentrated when compared to the year prior, with lower alcohol levels. From a cool and somewhat challenging vintage for red wines, let's see how this 2021 Douro red from Portugal is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TOM DE BATON DOS HEREDIAS 2021 - Tabuaço, DOC Douro, Portugal (#363168) (XD) - $17.95
This vegan-friendly blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca has a fragrant, open, medium-high intensity nose that is slightly spicy with ripe plum, red & black fruits, blackberry, and black cherry aromas with underlying stony minerality. It's medium-bodied on the dry palate with ripe plummy flavours, plus red & black fruits, black cherry, blackberry, and gentle oak spice notes. Well-balanced with crisp and fresh acidity, as well as slightly grippy, youthful tannins with good structure. Smoky mineral notes linger on the crisp, juicy, and savoury finish, with very good length. Enjoyable now, but will be even better in 1-2 years. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious Magnum Wines can be purchased at the LCBO, or through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Quinta das Carvalhas Touriga Nacional 2011 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Touriga Nacional that I purchased over 9 years ago when it appeared as a new arrived at the LCBO in the May 30, 2015 LCBO VINTAGES Release. While a newer vintage did show up in VINTAGES a few years later, this red wine hasn't been seen on LCBO shelves since 2018 and, of course, is long sold out!

The excellent 2011 vintage had a cooler-than-normal summer, followed by a warm and dry harvest which produced powerful and structured red wines. Let's see how this 2011 Touriga Nacional from Douro Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

QUINTA DAS CARVALHAS TOURIGA NACIONAL 2011 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#408112) (XD) - $21.95
Lovely, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose reveals maturing red berry and rose floral aromas surrounding a perfumed core of blackberry, plum, fine wood spice, and sweet spice notes. On the medium+ weighted palate it has very smooth and fine, integrated tannins and crisp, juicy acidity that supports the maturing black cherry, savoury wet earth, wood spice, cinnamon, plum, and blackberry flavours in a complex profile. Still has some fresh fruit characters and good structure on the well-balanced palate. Savoury wet earth with some dried cherry and floral character notes linger on the long, crisp, and gently grippy finish. Should continue to drink well over the next 3+ years. Score: 91 pts

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Herdade do Sobroso Red 2021 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Portuguese red blend crafted with 4 grape varietals that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent April 13th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Herdade do Sobroso, an estate winery situated near the pretty little town of Vidigueira in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It is bordered by the Mendro mountain range to the north, the Guadiana River to the east, and to the south is a vast plain that stretches as far as the eye can see. Set among the vast golden plains, cork trees, olive trees, and vineyards of the early 16th century, Vidigueira has a long and rich history and is noted for being the place where Vasco da Gama lived happily with his family for some years after discovering the sea route to India. The landscape around Herdade do Sobroso has many historical references, and today it is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Alqueva Dam - Europe's largest artificial lake.

Today, Herdade do Sobroso is a distinctive property of 1,600 hectares that is heavily populated with cork trees. In recent years, over 600,000 cork trees were planted on the banks of the Guadiana River next to the Alqueva Dam, in the DOC Vidigueira Region, where the Upper and Lower Alentejo converge. The property was acquired by architect António Ginestal Machado, and then handed down to his daughter, Sofia, and her husband, Filipe Teixeira Pinto. The couple developed the project as a wine and country house that bonded wine production with architectural quality to become a dynamic presence in the region. Herdade do Sobroso arose from the love of Alentejo, a deeply-rooted connection to the land, a passion for wine, and a strong desire to create something that can be handed down to future generations.

This red wine is a blend of 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah that was grown on loam-clay soil at their Sobroso Vineyard along the banks of the Guadiana River, in the Alentejo wine region of southern Portugal. The grapes were hand-harvested and transported to the winery, upon which they were fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, followed by a post-fermentation maceration for approximately 20 days. The wine was then aged in 500 Litre French oak barrels for 6 months.

The growing season in 2021 provided cooler conditions and resulted in a later harvest throughout Portugal, while yields were up compared to the prior year. In Alentejo, it is described as an almost brilliant year that began with winter rains replenishing water reserves in the soil, followed by cooler than usual conditions, which resulted in less irrigation. Spring was warm and dry - the perfect conditions for flowering and fruit setting. Summer was much milder than usual, and when combined with the cool nights, this allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and steadily. A heatwave at the beginning of August caused the vines to temporarily shutdown and halted ripening, but this was relieved once temperatures dropped by mid-August. Overall, the quality of the grapes is very good and resulted in some exceptional wines. Let's see how this 2021 Alentejo red from Portugal is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

HERDADE DO SOBROSO RED 2021 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#306563) (XD) - $19.95
This blend of 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), 30% Alicante Bouschet, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is enticing with ripe dark red/black cherry, blackberry, plummy, currant, cassis, and peppery spice aromas with accents of savoury, earthy oak, and meaty notes. It's medium+ bodied and dry with delicious dark fruits, blackberry, black cherry, plum, and spice flavours surrounding a core of savoury earth. It has fresh, juicy, and lively acidity, along with ripe, smooth, and fine-grained tannins. Dark berry and plummy notes taper to savoury earth, oak, and cocoa on the long and juicy finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next few years. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Herdade do Sobroso can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Rosé 2022 and Tinto 2020 (Portugal) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of very popular, wallet-friendly, and delicious wines from the Dão wine region of Portugal. You can grab both of these wines this weekend as the Tinto (red wine) will be on shelves this weekend as it will arrive in the August 19 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, while the rosé arrived at the LCBO last month in the July 22nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Cabriz is a well-known, entry-level brand of wines from Dão, the oldest winemaking region of Portugal. The brand is part of Dão Sul, which itself is the Dão branch of the Global Wines conglomerate, one of Portugal's leading wine producers. As a visionary company, they have done an excellent job of restoring the estate's 17th century manor and outlying buildings, as well as making a concerted effort to elevate wine tourism and fine dining within the region to the highest of international standards.

These two wines are among Cabriz's most popular, and when you look at the entire portfolio, it is like travelling to the heart of Portugal, through the plains, the mountains, the rivers, the food, and the people. The goal of the brand is to give more to those who choose Cabriz. They want to have a wine for everyone and for every moment, and made with the best that nature can provide, at the best possible price.

To craft Cabriz wines, the company draws fruit from 200 hectares of vines across the Dão. The winegrowing and production techniques used are ultra-modern and internationally-influenced. However, the wines do reflect Dão's terroir and style. After enjoying both the Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Rosé 2020 and Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Tinto 2019 last summer, let's see how the latest vintage of these two wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CABRIZ ROSÉ 2022 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#30445) (D) - $14.95
This unoaked blend of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro has a medium+ intensity nose that offers enticing aromas of grapefruit, raspberry, honeysuckle, and citrus with a whiff of minerality. It has good weight on the medium+ to medium-full bodied palate with ripe citrus, grapefruit, raspberry, honeysuckle, apple, and red berry flavours. There is a vague impression of sweetness, but it's tempered by the fresh, crisp, and lively acidity. Nicely textured on the mid-palate, while oyster shell mineral and white cherry notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Delicious! Chill and enjoy this recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA TINTO 2020 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, this blend of 40% Alfrocheiro, 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 20% Touriga Nacional has an intriguing, medium+ intensity nose of herbal and wood spices that surrounds a core of ripe, plummy, dark cherry-berry fruit. It's medium bodied with fine, bright acidity and dark cherry-berry, blackberry, wood spice, and dark plum flavours. Supple, well-structured tannins offer a nice mouthfeel, while cedary wood spice notes with hints of smoky mineral linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

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

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Portugal: A Region to Dream About

Tonight's red wine reviews are a trio of wines from some of Portugal's best red wine growing appellations - Douro (& Porto), Dão, and Alentejo.

Given the time of year when the days are cold and the leaves have long fallen, many wine lovers gravitate to sipping a warming glass of red wine and daydream about warmer climes. If you combine the two on a vinous reverie - you will reach sunny Portugal!

With a mainly hot, dry Mediterranean climate, Portugal offers a wealth of elegant, structured wines. For lighter reds, you can head further north on the Atlantic coast. Portugal boasts an impressive diversity of vineyard terroirs, from rugged mountains to verdant river valleys. There are more than 250 native grape varieties grown in Portugal, and they are often crafted into highly distinctive wines in a variety of styles. Portuguese wines are the ideal choice for adventurous wine lovers looking for wines off-the-beaten track. To get started, let's look at some of Portugal's best red wine appellations.

Situated in northern Portugal, the Douro region is made up of mainly granite and schist slopes, and the steep, terraced vineyards follow the sinuous path of the Douro River from the Spanish border, gradually flattening as they near Porto. I visited Porto many years ago and the slopes along the Douro River are quite the sight and a must visit for every wine enthusiast. The rugged beauty and long-standing quality reputation of Douro wines have garnered the region UNESCO World Heritage status.

In the hot, dry climate of the Douro, which is protected from wet coastal weather by the Serra do Marão mountains, red grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão thrive. These are the favoured varieties to craft the Douro's famous fortified dessert Port wines, as well as the region's ageworthy, structured, and dark fruited dry red wines.

Travelling southwest from Douro, we arrive in the mountainous region of Dão. The Dão appellation is sheltered from the extremes of both continental and maritime weather patterns, giving it a temperate climate. Like the Douro, the Dão winegrowing region takes its name from the river of the same name that traverses its vineyards. The reigning red grape in Dão is Touriga Nacional and it is often blended with Tinta Roriz, while the granite soils in Dão offer a a slightly fresher, more mineral-laced quality to these red blends compared to Douro wines. Excellent red wines are also being made from the region's Alfrocheiro and Jaen varieties.

The third wine region covered in this post is Alentejo. Located in the southwestern part of Portugal, the hot, dry region of Alentejo represents one-third of Portugal's total surface area. Due to it's size, the appellation is divided into eight distinct sub-regions because of the multitude of different soil types and varied topography, from steep mountainous terrain in the north to vast, gently undulating vineyards further south. Alentejo is known as the heartland of Portugal's red wine production and the major grapes grown here include Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, and Trincadeira. Although difficult to generalize given the region's wide diversity, red wines are commonly rich, velvety, and ripe-fruited.

Portugal has a proud tradition for fine winemaking dating back thousands of years. Each Portuguese wine is unique and tells us a story that, if you let it, can transport you into the heart of its vineyards.

The Alentejo red in this post is part of the VINTAGES Essentials Collection and is available year-round, while the Dão and Douro red wines arrived at the LCBO as part of a VINTAGES Release earlier this year and are still available for purchase. To explore more Portuguese wines from these producers, you can look on lcbo.com or contact each producer's Agent, while other wines from Portugal can be found at the LCBO, including their Portugal Destination Collection store located at 2151 St Clair Ave. West in Toronto.

Tasting Notes:

JOSÉ MARIA DA FONSECA DOMINI 2019 - DOP Douro, Portugal (#452730) (XD) - $17.95 $15.25
Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Touriga Francesa grown on schist soils and aged for 3 months in new French and American oak. Ripe and fruity medium+ intensity nose is dark fruited with blackberry, black plum, peppery spice, and mineral undertones. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe plummy and blackberry flavours along with some peppery spice, herbs, and minerals adding a pleasant savoury component. Acids are fresh, juicy, and well-balanced, while the supple tannins have a nice, textural mouthfeel. Savoury minerals linger on the long, juicy finish. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 88+ pts 

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA 2019 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Blend of 40% Alfrocheiro Preto, 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 30% Touriga Nacional. The medium-high intensity nose offers intriguing aromas of red berry, cherry, raspberry, and spices and touches of plummy. Savoury mineral notes add further interest. On the medium-bodied palate it is ripe with red berry, plum, cran-cherry-raspberry, and subtle spice flavours. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the tannins are smooth and supple. Nicely balanced with minerally and smoky notes on the finish, with very good length. In a nice place right now compared to when first tasted earlier this year. Agent: Noble Estates Wines & Spirits. Score: 88+ pts

ESPORÃO RESERVA RED 2019 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#606590) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Touriga Franca that was grown organically on granite/schist soils with clay/loam structure. It was aged for 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak barrels. The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering aromas of sweet wood spice, sandalwood, and ripe dark berries, blackberry, and hints of licorice. It is also very ripe on the medium-full bodied palate with youthful, gritty tannins and fresh acidity. Dark berry, blackberry, sweet wood spice, sandalwood, and licorice flavours on the palate, turning savoury and smoky on the finish, with very good length. Interesting fact: Each vintage of this wine features a new label graced with works from some of Portugal's finest artists. Agent: FWP Trading Inc. Score: 89 pts

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Cabriz Colheita Selecionada 2019 and Rosé 2020 (Portugal) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, budget-friendly wines from Cabriz of Portugal. Both wines arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the June 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Cabriz wines are part of Global Wines and are one of the leading brands and best-selling wines from the Dão wine region in Portugal. Quinta de Cabriz is located in the heart of Dão in Carregal do Sal and is also the headquarters of Global Wines. Dão is one of the oldest established wine regions in Portugal and it's located in the mountainous northern central part of the country and has a temperate climate. The rugged terrain has predominantly granitic soils with a high thermal amplitude. One of the main red grape varieties of Portugal is Touriga Nacional and it originated in Dão.

In 2015, Global Wines celebrated 25 years of the Cabriz brand. Today, the Cabriz portfolio consists of Colheita Selecionada everyday wines, two of which are reviewed below, along with premium Reserva wines, organic wines, as well as Portugal's first white wine made with Touriga Nacional. Cabriz also makes a range of sparkling wines and a limited production fortified wine. The wines of Cabriz are known for the consistent quality, harvest after harvest, and are very popular globally. Let's see how their Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Tinto and Rosé wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

CABRIZ ROSÉ 2020 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#30445) (D) - $13.95
Blend of 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Alfrocheiro that was de-stemmed and underwent soft pneumatic pressing. Unoaked and aged for at least 2 months in bottle. The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of red berry, cherry, raspberry, and grapefruit with mineral accents. It is medium+ bodied, ripe, tangy, and honeyed on the palate with cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and grapefruit flavours with a kiss of sweetness that's balanced by fresh, crisp acidity. Some apple and stone fruit flavours come through on the back palate, joining the cherry and raspberry notes, plus touches of leesy mineral that linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA 2019 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Blend of 40% Alfrocheiro Preto, 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 30% Touriga Nacional. Fresh, perfumed aromas are generously intense with dark cherry, violet, dark currant, and floral notes accented with touches of oak spice and licorice. On the medium-full bodied palate it is ripe with plummy, dark cherry, currant, and sweet vanillin oak spice flavours that have a touch of sweetness, tempered by fresh, vibrant acidity. Smooth, refined tannins have a subtly dusty and chalky texture. Cherry, plum, and smoky oak notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

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

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São Miguel Escolha dos Enologos 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Portuguese blend that arrives at the LCBO this coming weekend as part of the April 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Casa Relvas, a family that has been living from the land on two continents for five generations. With a desire to continue the family's history, Alexandre Relvas (Sr.) purchased Herdade de São Miguel in São Miguel de Machede - Redondo in 1997 after he saw the landscape at this site which was similar to his African roots. The Relvas family developed a passion for Alentejo and respected the region's unique and authentic nature, leading to the planting of a typical afforestation. But their true passion was in the vineyard of this region that had a culture of more than 2000 years of history.

In 2001, the Relvas family planted their first 10 hectares of vines, followed by another 25 hectares in 2002 after Nuno Franco, a viticulture and oenology consultant, joined the project. The winery was built in 2003 and they launched their first wines a year later. In 2006, Alexandre Relvas Jr. joined the company after a year of viticultural training in Bordeaux, and success soon followed. With a love for celebration, the mission at Casa Relvas is to produce quality wines that accompany every moment in life. Today, as the family has grown, the Relvas family now manages 750 hectares of forests, 250 hectares of olive groves, and 350 hectares of vineyards. Casa Relvas believes in the importance of sustainability in social, environmental, and financial aspects and is a pioneer of the Alentejo Wine Sustainability Program.

Casa Relvas has number of estates and ranges of wines within their portfolio. This particular red wine is from their Herdade de São Miguel estate located in Redondo, east of Evora in the middle of the Alentejo. The vineyards are planted in clay-loam soils derived from schist and surrounded by a cork oak forest. Herdade de São Miguel wines are nationally (and internationally) recognized for their special terroir where the sun of Alentejo perfectly combines with the soil to produce grapes with a lot of character to produce strong and vigorous wines, without losing freshness.

This red wine is a blend of 50% Alicante Bouschet, 30% Touriga Franca, and 20% Touriga Nacional from grapes grown on exclusively at the Herdade de São Miguel estate on clay and schist soils. The grapes were hand-harvested and completely de-stemmed, followed by maceration for 48 hours and then fermented in with controlled temperatures in open vats with automatic pigeurs. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, and was then aged for 9 months in 400 L French oak barrels.

With a cold winter that had some rain, followed by a mild and dry spring and summer, the weather was ideal as the cool, dry nights allowed for perfect phenolic maturation. Although yields were low, 2019 was a year of excellent in Alentejo. Let's see how this 2019 red from Portugal is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS 2019 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#445122) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 50% Alicante Bouschet, 30% Touriga Franca, and 20% Touriga Nacional has rich, perfumed, dense, and spicy aromatics that deliver a lovely bouquet of ripe dark and red berries, black cherry, florals, damson plum, and sweet oak spice notes. It's full-bodied and richly concentrated with lovely dark and red berry, and floral aromas replays on the slightly warming, yet balanced, palate. Juicy and elegant with gritty, refined, and structured tannins. Savoury wood notes, even a touch of mineral, linger on the long, juicy finish. Gorgeous! Will be even better in a couple of years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Casa Relvas are available through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Trio of LCBO General List Wines (Dec. 2021)

Happy Holidays! Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of General List wines I received several months ago and finally got around to tasting. Both red wines are new arrivals to the LCBO and available in standard 750 mL bottles, while the white wine from Abruzzo comes in a 1.5 L large format magnum bottle. All of the wines are readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Tasting Notes:

CESARI ESSERE VALPOLICELLA 2019 - DOC Veneto, Italy (#19774) (D) - $13.95
Founded in 1936, Gerardo Cesari soon became synonymous with creating quality wines from the Verona area. Today, Cesari wines draw on tradition but also use the latest knowledge in vineyard cultivation and environmentally sustainable growing techniques to create elegant, balanced, and fine wines. This vegan-friendly red wine is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Negrara / Rossignola with a medium intensity nose that leads with a hint of bretty and funky earth characters, followed by delicate aromas of dried cherry, plum, and oak spice. On the medium-full bodied palate, it is tangy with red cherry, herb, and earthy spice notes in a dry flavours profile. It has balanced acidity and soft, supple tannins providing a subtle textural mouthfeel. Earthy wood spice notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

FANTINI TREBBIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 - DOC Abruzzo, Italy (#20082) (XD) (1.5 L) - $16.60
Fantini is part Farnese Group, an estate associated with quality winemaking since the late 1500s. This white white is enclosed by a 100% recyclable cork and made with Trebbiano from Abruzzo. The medium-high intensity nose is clean and fresh with lemon citrus, grapefruit, white floral, herb, and leesy aromas. On the ripe, medium+ bodied palate it has pleasing citrus, grapefruit, white floral, and herbal replays in a dry flavour profile and supported by fresh, balanced acidity. Lingering on the finish are notes of lemon pith and leesy characters, along with some bitterness, with good length. Pleasantly surprising and highly satisfying recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

LISBON BY NIGHT RED BLEND 2018 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#18998) (D) - $9.80
Crafted by Vicente Faria, a winemaking family that settled in the Douro at the end of the 18th century to become one of the region's pioneer winemakers. This Syrah-based blend has a medium intensity nose with sweet and ripe aromas of black cherry, plum, pepper spice, and sweet oak. The medium-bodied palate is slightly sweet vanllin oak, ripe black cherry, and black plum flavours supported by balanced acidity and soft, rounded tannins. The slightly sweet black cherry, plum, and oak spice flavours continue through to the finish, with good length. Commercially styled crowd pleaser. Score: 86 pts

Other wines from these producers are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Crasto 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the lovely 2018 Crasto back in March 2020 when it came through VINTAGES that spring and am delighted to see the new vintage for tonight's wine review as it arrived on shelves across Ontario as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES Release on October 30th.

Quinta do Crasto, which means "Roman fort" in Latin, has a long history of winemaking which begins at least as far back as the year 1615. Of historical importance is that in the mid-18th century, large granite markers were installed around the Douro Valley to delineate the first ever Demarcated Region in the world, and one of these pillars is still visible near the century-old farmhouse that is located at Quinta do Crasto.

Today, Quinta do Crasto is owned by Jorge Roquette - a man who first came into contact with the Douro Valley and Quinta do Crasto in 1962 when he married Leonor Guedes de Almeida, the granddaughter of Constantino de Almeida who was the founder of the famed Constantino Port house. Since that time, Quinta do Crasto has become the Jorge's life's work, bringing immense joy. After taking over majority ownership as well as the management of the estate with his wife in 1981, they began the process of renovating and expanding the vineyards. And with the passion, hard work, and energetic commitment of their three children - Miguel, Tomás and Rita - Quinta do Crasto has earned its eminent position on the global wine map. With growing interest in Douro wines around the globe, Quinta do Crasto purchased more vineyards, as well as renovated its barrel cellar, wine cellars, and lagares, eventually leading to the addition of many Douro DOC table wines to their portfolio, including this Crasto Red.

Although the growing season of the previous two years resulted in significantly reduced yields, the 2019 growing season produced a generous harvest more in line with what they are used to seeing at Quinta do Crasto. The red wines from the 2019 vintage benefited from an equilibrium enjoyed during the vegetative cycle to produce highly complete and well-balanced wines with vibrant aromas, excellent concentration, and solid structure, with excellent ageing potential.

This red wine is a blend of roughly equal parts Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and 10% Tinta Barroca from 20+ year old vines between 120 to 450 metres above sea level on slopes and terraces. After fermentation in stainless steel vats, the majority of the wine was remained in stainless steel vats for ageing, with only 15% of the wine spending 6 months in 225 L French oak barrels. After bottling in November last year, let's see how this delicious red wine is tasting this November...

Tasting Note:

CRASTO 2019 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#81588) (XD) - $18.95
This blend of roughly equal parts Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and 10% Tinta Barroca has a fresh, ripe, medium-high intensity nose offering lovely aromas of dark berry, blackberry, schist mineral, wet earth, and spice notes with hints of wild herb. On the medium+ bodied palate it has lovely replays of dark berry, schist-smoky mineral, licorice, and wild herbs flavours supported by fresh, well-balanced acidity and structured, slightly chalky tannins. Enticing purple fruit and floral notes emerge with time in the glass. Minerally and savoury with subtle spice notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Consistently well-made and a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Quinta do Crasto as available not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Dandurand.

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May 15, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: France + Portugal

With the arrival of Spring weather, the main theme of the May 15, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on fresh, French sippers, while the mini-theme looks at wines from Portugal. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should arrive on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at fresh French wines for sipping - which can surely be enjoyed on their own or with a meal. Of the fourteen wines featured, four are included among my top wine picks. First up a traditional method sparkling wine from Limoux that is made using 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay. The white wine from Rhône is a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne, while the Minuty Rosé consists of Grenache (Noir), Cinsault, and Syrah. Lastly, the wine from Beaujolais is made with 100% Gamay.

The mini-theme on wines from Portugal is a small feature with just six wines, and the lone wine included among my Portuguese wine recommendations is an unoaked red that is a field blend of 27 grape varieties from old vines.

From my red wine picks from the rest of the release, the South African red is a blend of 71% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Viognier, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape consists of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. There are also a pair of lovely Syrah/Shiraz and Grenache blends - the wine from Roussillon consists of 70% Syrah and 30% old vines Grenache, while the Australian red is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Grenache. Lastly, the wine from Sicily is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Single varietal wines include a pair of Cabernet Franc wines - one each from Niagara and Argentina, as well as a pair of Pinot Noir wines - one from Chile and one from New Zealand - that you can compare and contrast with each other.

Among my white wine recommendations, all are single varietal wines including a pair of fine Sauvignon Blanc wines, one from Sancerre and the other from New Zealand. From South America, there is also a nice Semillon from Argentina, as well as a lovely Chardonnay from Chile. For Riesling wine lovers, there is a dry Riesling from Australia, an off-dry Riesling (i.e. slightly sweet) from Niagara, and a very sweet Riesling from Mosel.

All of my top rosé wine picks from this release are stylistically dry rosé wines. From Provence, the Pigoudet is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache, while the Ott Rosé consists of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Lastly, the rosé from Languedoc consists of 45% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 10% Caladoc, and 5% Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LUA CHEIA OLD VINES RED 2019 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#266882) (XD) - $15.95
• DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2019 - AC, France (#981175) (XD) - $17.95
• FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#492736) (XD) - $18.95
• FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#64618) (XD) - $19.95
• BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE 2018 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#320499) (XD) - $19.95
• PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#149898) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
  
• BABICH PINOT NOIR 2018 - Sustainable, estate bottled, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#216) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR 2019 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#541151) (XD) - $24.95  91+ pts  wine review
• TORNATORE ETNA ROSSO 2017 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#487090) (XD) - $25.95  91 pts  wine review
• THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2019 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#129353) (XD) - $39.95
• LA FERME DU MONT VENDANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2018 - AP, Rhône, France (#309245) (XD) - $57.95
  

White Wine:

• LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS LE MONARQUE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2019 - AP, France (#18570) (XD) - $15.95  88+ pts  wine review
• WAKEFIELD RIESLING 2019 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#301523) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review
• ARBOLEDA CHARDONNAY 2019 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#606772) (XD) - $18.95
• PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#361220) (XD) - $19.95
• EL ENEMIGO SEMILLON 2018 - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#17457) (XD) - $23.95  FE
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2018 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (D) - $29.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $33.95  92 pts  wine review
• DR. H. THANISCH ERBEN MÜLLER-BURGGRAEF BERNKASTELER GRABEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2018 - Estate bottled, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#18287) (S) - $33.95
  

Rosé Wine:

• LE BIJOU DE SOPHIE VALROSE 2020 - IGP Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc, France (#20012) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU PIGOUDET CLASSIC ROSÉ 2020 - AP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France (#668434) (XD) - $24.95
• M DE MINUTY ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#575316) (XD) - $26.95
• OTT BY.OTT ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#490896) (XD) - $31.95
  

Sparkling Wine:

• J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• BLUE MOUNTAIN BLANC DE BLANCS 2011 - Estate bottled, traditional method, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#17693) (XD) - $54.95  FE
  

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Flor de Maio Mayflower Alentejano Branco 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Following up on the 2016 Flor de Maio Mayflower Tinto that I opened back in February, tonight's wine review is this nice, crisp, dry, white wine from the same producer. This Portuguese white wine is new to the LCBO and featured as part of the theme on Sustainable Wines from the April 17th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This white wine is produced by Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos, a winery founded in 2011 by winemaker Carlos Lucas. With over 25 years of winemaking experience and a dream to produce quality wines, Carlos works today with a dynamic team to continuously innovate while also respecting winemaking traditions and its history. Magnum produces wines from all of the major wine regions of Portugal and is pursuing sustainable winegrowing practices while also aiming to show the authentic characters of every region where it has vineyards.

Like the companion red, this white wine is also a blend of grapes grown in the Mora municipality within the Évora district in central Alentejano. This white wine is a blend of indigenous varieties Arinto and Antão Vaz grown in a 60 hectare vineyard on a low altitude plain, low slope terrain with exposure to the South. The soils are poor and consist of mainly clay and limestone. Vinification took place by destemming and pressing, followed by fermenting in stainless steel vats, then ageing (in tank) and bottling.

Tasting Note:

FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER ALENTEJANO BRANCO 2019 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#18378) (XD) - $13.95
This blend of indigenous varieties Arinto and Antão Vaz has a pretty, fresh, medium+ intensity nose of melon, citrus, tropical fruit, apple and papaya aromas. The fleshy, medium-bodied palate is dry, ripe, and gently spicy with floral, honeysuckle, citrus, melon, and apple flavours with a tinge of honey that is balanced with fresh, balanced acidity. Subtle mineral notes arrive on the crisp, lengthy, and slightly spicy finish. Recommended buy for Spring sipping. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Flor de Maio Mayflower 2016 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice Portuguese red ideal for a Friday night. It arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the February 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

In 2011, winemaker Carlos Lucas founded his winery, Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos, It was born out of a dream to produce quality wines with a team that was dynamic and continuously interested in innovation, while also respecting tradition and history. Carlos is originally from Dão and the company has various production facilities throughout all of the major wine regions of Portugal, including his own private domain in Dão - Quinta do Ribeiro Santo. He has always had concern for the environment and respect for the land, and is now pursuing a sustainable growth strategy with the goal of producing authentic wines from each region where it grows vines.

This red wine is named after the many flowers that bloom every May, including the green fields filled with red poppies in Alentejano in the South of Portugal. It is a blend of Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah from vines that are 13 years old and sourced from poor soils (remember, this is good for wine) that consist of mainly clay, granite, schist and limestone from the Mora municipality within the Évora district in central Alentejano, which itself is a large region that covers the lower third of Portugal. The south-facing, 60 hectare vineyard is located on a low-altitude, slightly sloped plain. The wine was fermented and aged without the use of any oak, and bottled in May.

Tasting Note:

FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER 2016 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#427195) (XD) - $13.95
Fermented and aged completely in stainless steel tanks, this unoaked red wine is a blend of Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, and Syrah, and has generous aromas of black fruit, blackberry, spice, and black plum with some savoury notes rising out of the glass. It's medium-bodied on the palate with ripe, dark-fruited, blackberry, spice, and savoury flavours. Acids are still fresh, while the rounded tannins are slightly chalky textured. Nicely balanced with very good length on the succulent, savoury and spicy finish. For the price, this is very good wine. Score: 87 pts

Other delicious wines from Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a red wine from Portugal that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the November 28th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Parras Wines, a wine business that was formed in 2010 by Luís Vieira, but whose roots took hold with the acquisition of Quinta do Gradil in 1999. Parras Wines is based in the wine region of Lisbon and has more than 120 hectares of vines planted across 200 hectares of land. They also have their own bottling facility and produce wines from other parts of the country through partnerships with other local producers.

The Lisbon Geographical Indication (IG) appellation is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions in terms of vineyard area and wine production. It is formed by gentle hills of low relief, and extends north from the capital city of Lisbon, along the Atlantic coast no more than 40 km from the ocean. This multi-faceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. It has a temperate climate of Atlantic influence, with relatively mild summers that are cooler and wetter in areas closer to the sea, and warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto Mountain.

This particular bottle is crafted by winemaker Carlos Eduardo using Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. It was fermented in stainless steel vats and then aged in oak for a brief period.

Tasting Note:

RUELAS RESERVA RED 2019 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#17519) (XD) - $11.95
A blend of 50% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, and 20% Syrah that was aged for only a brief time in oak. The medium+ intensity aromas are ripe and fruity with dark red cherry and sweet spices with touches of raisin and fig. It's medium+ with more ripe dark cherry, sweet spice and some raisiny flavours to go along with fresh, balanced acidity and supple, slightly chalky tannins. Sweet vanillin oak and savoury notes linger on the finish. Casual, weekday wine that has crowd-appeal. Score: 86 pts

Other wines from this producer can be ordered via their Agent - Capital B Wines.

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Gloria Reserva 2018 (Portugal) - Wine Review

I last enjoyed the 2016 Gloria Reserva back in the summer of 2019, and for tonight's wine review I am pleased to bring you the latest vintage of this Portguese red wine that arrived at the LCBO as part of the July 11, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release and is still available for purchase throughout Ontario.

The story of Vicente Faria Vinhos, which is currently located in Moreira, just north of Porto, begins seven generations ago, in the 18th century when Vicente's family settled in the Douro Valley to become one of the region's pioneering winemaking families. According to UNESCO, the Douro Valley is the first and oldest demarcated wine region in the world, where wines have been produced for over 2000 years. In this region, the diurnal temperatures are very high, ranging from 50° Celsius during the intense summer, down to -7° Celsius in the winter. The soils are essentially schist, and the vineyards develop very long roots in search of water and nutrients. Both of these conditions are ideal for winegrowing. Vicente Faria uses only sustainable farming practices, without irrigation and fertilization. Let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

GLORIA RESERVA 2018 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#146522) (D) - $16.95
This blend of 40% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 30% Touriga Franca, and 30% Touriga Nacional was manually harvested and transported in small boxes to the winery before undergoing selection. It was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. The medium-high intensity nose offers very ripe black cherry, dark berry, and wood spice aromas, plus touches of currant and herbs. The medium-bodied palate is ripe fruited, slightly sweet and a touch raisiny with flavours of black cherry, savoury wood spice, and herbs. It has good acidity and rounded tannins. Slightly sweet red berry and earthy notes linger on the finish, with good length. A casual wine that should appeal to many. Score: 87 pts

Other wines from Vicente Faria can be ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Wine:

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

White Wine:

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

Rosé Wine:

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

Dessert Wine:

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

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