Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red 2016 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly red wine blend from South Africa. This customer favourite (and mine too) arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on May 1st.

Jonty's Ducks wines are produced at Avondale's eco-friendly estate in the picturesque Paarl region in South Africa. Avondale Wines is a family owned farm run by proprietor, Johnathan Grieve, who is sometimes also known as 'Jonty'.

The wines celebrate Avondale's natural vineyard eco-system where a posse of glossy Pekin ducks patrol the vineyards to find and eat snails which would otherwise cause serious damage to the vines. These ducks provide a very effective and eco-friendly method to manage pests while also avoiding the use of harmful chemical poisons, and is just one of the many ways Avondale works with nature to produce premium quality, organically certified wines, while also ensuring that our Earth is protected for future generations.

There are only two wines in the Jonty's Ducks range - a lovely white blend that came through VINTAGES back in December and is nearly sold out, and this red blend. Both wines are slow made with natural yeast, free of all artificial additives and low in sulphur.

I was first introduced to this wine, the 2011 Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red back in 2015 and have enjoyed it on a number of occasions since. For the 2016 vintage, this red wine is a blend of 37% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, that was aged in used 225 litre barrels for 12-14 months.

Tasting Note:

AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN RED 2016 - Vegan, WO Paarl, South Africa (#383547) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. Organic and vegan-friendly. The medium+ intensity nose has a lovely mix of red and black fruits, currant, ink, and wood spice with whiffs of wild herbs and white pepper notes adding complexity. It's full-bodied and quite concentrated and dense on the ripe palate with minty, currant, cassis, and herbal flavours surrounding a savoury, earthy core. It has juicy, succulent acids, while sweet, ripe tannins have a subtle, chalky grip. Slightly spicy on the mid-palate, while the long finish is savoury and earthy with touches of mineral. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Wines from Jonty's Ducks and Avondale Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Desiderius Pongrácz Brut Cap Classique Sparkling Chardonnay / Pinot Noir (South Africa) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I bring you this excellent bubbly that I actually intended to open on New Year's Eve 2019, but for reasons I don't recall, I ended up not opening it.

This lovely traditional method, dry sparkling wine from South Africa came to the LCBO last year as part of the December 7, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release. I had the privilege of tasting this wine at the LCBO tasting lab prior to it being available in stores and was delighted to have purchased a bottle as it did not show up in stores again in 2020.

After what started out as a great year, 2020 turned out to be a year like no other and full of challenges, to say the least. But, I think we have all adapted to these trying times and feel hopeful for a better 2021!

Tasting Note:

DESIDERIUS PONGRÁCZ BRUT CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING CHARDONNAY / PINOT NOIR - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#404111) (XD) - $16.95
Made in the traditional method from hand-harvested, maritime cooled vineyards, this is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir from deep red soils and 40% Chardonnay that sees two years of lees ageing. Clean, highly fragrant aromas of brioche, autolytic, and toast layered over nuanced notes of honey, lemony citrus, and almond. It's very fine on the palate with smooth, finely beaded bubbles and creamy textured mousse. The flavour profile is dry with lovely autolytic, brioche, and lemon citrus notes with touches of honey. It has fine acidity and a somewhat textural, chalky grip on the mid-palate. Leesy and mineral notes linger on the long, mouth-watering finish. Lovely! Score: 91 pts

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August 22, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: 90+ pts + South Africa

The main theme of the upcoming August 22, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release is titled "Guide Posts" and focuses on wines that have received high scores, while the mini-theme looks at the stellar wines from South Africa. All of these wines, plus those from the main release, should be on shelves by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at high-scoring wines. Of the fourteen wines that received high scores from international critics and competitions, five wines are included among my top wine picks. At the top of my list is a lovely blend from Paraje Altamira in Argentina that is a co-fermented blend of 78% Malbec and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by a 2016 Chianti Classico that is 100% Sangiovese. There are also a pair of lovely Chardonnay wines - one from Mâcon-Péronne in Burgundy, while the other is from Tumbarumba in Australia. The last wine from this feature is a white wine blend from Rhône that consists of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Viognier.

The mini-theme on wines from South Africa is mini indeed with just seven wines and provides a decent cross section of what comes out of South Africa, although notably absent is any Chenin Blanc. There are some good wines featured as part of the South African theme, but just one wine made my list of wine recommendations - a 2014 Syrah for $18.

Among my top red wine picks, the California Cabernet Sauvignon includes some Petit Verdot and Malbec. From France, the Vacqueyras is a blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Roussillon red is consists of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan. Lastly, the 2015 Chianti Classico is made with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Malvasia Nera, A pair of single varietal wines worth your attention are a Malbec that is consistently one of my favourites and also featured in this Release as the Wine of the Month, and a consistently well-made Gamay from Niagara.

Besides the Rhône white mentioned above, all of my white wine picks are single varietals wines and the most interesting of the bunch might the 2011 Rioja, which is a barrel-aged Viura. The Chablis is, of course, made with Chardonnay. For sweet wine lovers, look to the Riesling from Niagara or the Riesling Kabinett from Mosel. Lastly, the dry rosé from Argentina is an interesting blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ALMENKERK WINE ESTATE SYRAH 2014 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#15780) (XD) - $17.95
• SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• VALE DE LOBOS SYRAH 2015 - DO Tejo, Portugal (#14546) (XD) - $19.95
• 13TH STREET GAMAY 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#177824) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GABRIEL MEFFRE LA CHÂSSE GRANDE RÉSERVE 2015 - AP Vacqueyras, Rhône, France (#15455) (XD) - $19.95
• CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994608) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review
• ZAHA EL CORTE 2016 - Toko Vineyard, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#629972) (XD) - $24.95  91+ pts  wine review
• M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2017 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France (#643239) (XD) - $26.95
• CASA EMMA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#910281) (XD) - $43.95
• ARCHIMEDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#431825) (D) - $79.95  93 pts  wine review
  

White Wine:

• COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS 2019 - Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina (#357913) (XD) - $15.95
• RHÔNE TO THE BONE 2018 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#14033) (XD) - $16.95
• INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#14199) (XD) - $17.00  88 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DU BICHERON MÂCON-PÉRONNE 2017 - AC, Burgundy, France (#14960) (XD) - $19.95
• VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2018 - St. Urban Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#38117) (M) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• PROCELLA TUMBARUMBA CHARDONNAY 2018 - Single vineyard, New South Wales, Australia (#15140) (XD) - $21.95
• BODEGA GARZÓN RESERVA ALBARIÑO 2019 - Maldonado, Uruguay (#646802) (XD) - $22.95
• DR. LOOSEN BERNKASTELER LAY RIESLING KABINETT 2017 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#15295) (S) - $29.95
• DOMAINE LAROCHE VIEILLES VIGNES LES VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#991893) (XD) - $39.95
• R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA VIÑA GRAVONIA CRIANZA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#910711) (XD) - $39.95  FE
  

Rosé Wine:

• LUIGI BOSCA A ROSÉ IS A ROSÉ IS A ROSÉ 2019 - Argentina (#553032) (XD) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• ANDREA BIASIOTTO EXTRA DRY MILLESIMATO PROSECCO 2018 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#516559) (D) - $18.95
• RENÉ GEOFFROY TERRE EXTRA BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE 2006 - AC, Champagne, France (#16166) (XD) - $149.95  FE

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Scattered Earth Bush Vine Cinsault 2018 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious, wallet-friendly, and intriguing Cinsault from South Africa that will arrive in LCBO VINTAGES on April 4th.

Scattered Earth is a relatively new brand of wines - launched within the last couple of years - and created by South Africa's co-operative - KWV. The Scattered Earth brand follows the learnings of The Mentors brand. With Mentors, the story is about innovation and experimentation, along with regionality. The exciting new winemakers created a micro-winery within KWV, and used what they learned about The Mentors line to create a range of Scattered Earth wines that are still regionally specific, and created on a fairly small scale, but bigger than Mentors so that they could be produced in larger quantities.

Cinsault is one of the parent grapes of the hybrid Pinotage, and it is uncommon to find Cinsault on its own in a bottle of wine. The grapes for this Cinsault come from Bush Vines, a system of perfectly straight rows of uniform height and short trunks. The Bush Vines are free-standing and best-suited to low-vigour vineyards in hot, drier climates, such as those found in the Western Cape in South Africa. Bush Vines tend to produce smaller crops with smaller berries that have thicker skins, resulting in much more concentrated colour and flavours. Let's see how this straight Cinsault is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SCATTERED EARTH BUSH VINE CINSAULT 2018 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#13350) (XD) - $12.95
Aged in oak for 8-10 months and enclosed by screw cap. Fresh, fruity nose of red berry, raspberry, cherry notes with floral, violet, and some rustic earthiness, dried herb and spice notes that add intrigue. It is medium-full bodied with impressive concentration on the palate. Ripe flavours of red berry, raspberry, cherry, and strawberry give way to rustic earthy and smoky wood spice notes. It has juicy acidity, while medium level tannins are well-integrated and have some structure. Nicely balanced with earthy, wood spice and touches of dark chocolate on the finish, with very good length. Would pair nicely with lamb burgers. Score: 88 pts

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Klippenkop Pinotage 2018 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a Pinotage from South Africa that newly arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the January 25th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Robertson Winery, a large wine producer situated just outside the town of Robertson, in the Breede River Valley in southwestern South Africa. The winery was established in 1941 in a stone church that was built by the community and serviced by missionaries, but was no longer in use and converted for use in winemaking and cellaring operations.

Robertson is nestled in a valley of abundance, from the sun-drenched mountain vineyards growing select varietals to plentiful river valley vineyards heavy with fruit. The Breede River is the life source of the Robertson Valley and is one of the most important rivers in the Western Cape. It flows from the Skurweberg to the sea at Witsands, and is joined by hundreds of streams off the surrounding Langeberg mountains along the way. They irrigate their vines from this vital artery.

This particular wine gets its name from the geographical term 'klippen', which refers to an outcrop of rock, while 'kop' in Afrikaans translates to either 'hillock' or 'head'.

Tasting Note:

KLIPPENKOP PINOTAGE 2018 - WO Robertson, South Africa (#012428) (XD) - $13.95
Screw cap. Matured on wood for 3 months, this has the distinctive wood-influenced smoky, coffee, and mocha chocolate nose so commonly found in South African Pinotage. The light-to-medium bodied palate is sour and tart with more coffee and mocha chocolate flavours. Acids are succulent, while the lingering finish has more coffee and mocha chocolate notes. Coffee lovers will probably enjoy this. Score: 85 pts

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Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2016 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Bordeaux blend from South Africa that is arriving at the LCBO this weekend as part of the January 25, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Established in 1997, the partnership of Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons was founded under the leadership of Dr. Anton Rupert and Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Both men later relinquished the reigns to their respective sons- Anthonij Rupert and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild. After Anthonij passed away in 2001,  his older brother Johann Rupert and sister Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg assumed his position.

The late Dr. Anton Rupert was an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire. He was held in high regard as a committed conservationist, and together with his art-devoted wife, Huberte, played an immense role in the preservation of art. The Rupert family has a passion for producing world-class wines and own three other wine estates in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, located just east of Stellenbosch in South Africa's Western Cape.

One of the most well-known names in wine, the Rothschild family’s passion for wine began when James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite in 1868. His great-grandson, Baron Edmond de Rothschild embraced his vision and expanded their wine portfolio by acquiring two estates in Listrac and Moulis-en-Médoc in 1973. Eventually, this became Edmond de Rothschild Heritage and today it is run by his son and his wife, Baron Benjamin and Baroness Ariane de Rothschild. Over time, Edmond de Rothschild Heritage continued to grow and now includes vineyards in France, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa.

At Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, meticulous attention is given to the vineyard and cellar practices in order to produce the finest quality wines. The pay special attention preserve the grapes in their optimal state prior to initiating the winemaking process as it is an important aspect in producing exceptional wine. Bunches are carefully hand-harvested and intervention during the winemaking process is kept to a minimum. Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons produces only three wines - a Chardonnay, a flagship Bordeaux blend, this Classique Bordeaux blend which is one of the most sought after South African red wines in its category. Let's see how this red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE 2016 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#717991) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc was hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks with extended skin contact, followed by ageing in small French oak barrels for 16 months. The medium+ intensity nose is complex with enticing herbally notes mingling with dark fruited, dark berry, blackberry, currant, black plum aromas followed by savoury, earthy and wood spice notes. The palate is medium bodied with juicy acids and tight, textured tannins. It has nice herbally, dark berry, and oak spice flavours with some warmth on the mid-palate. Finishes with very good length and more herbally, wood spice, and some bitter chocolate notes. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

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Nederburg The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this casual, fairly easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. It was opened on Saturday night as the 2017 vintage recently arrived at the LCBO and is widely available throughout Ontario.

The story of Nederburg begins in 1791, when Philippus Wolvaart bought a farm that lay between the Berg and Palmiet rivers for 5600 guilder. Philippus was a man of courage and vision, as well as love for winemaking. With his wife, Margaretha, they nurtured the land together to build a strong foundation on which the success of Nederburg flourished.

Today, Nederburg is one of South Africa’s most awarded wineries, with a prize-winning pedigree that stems from a culture of innovation and disciplined attention to detail. Their portfolio consists of many different lines of wines.

The Winemasters range of wines consist of varietal offerings and named to honour the Paarl winery's long-established tradition of winemaking excellence. These classically styled, food-friendly wines have abundant fruit flavours, elegance and finesse, while treasuring the integrity of the grape in every step of the winegrowing and winemaking process. Every drop aims to demonstrate a commitment to vineyard and cellar skills.

Tasting Note:

NEDERBURG THE WINEMASTERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#111526) (D) - $13.95
The medium intensity nose is herbaceous with green pepper, red and black fruit aromas that are layered on top of cassis, oak spice notes. The medium+ bodied palate has herbally, ripe currant, and dark plum flavours, along with subtle oak spice characters. Acids are balanced while tannins are soft and supple. Finish length is very good. Score: 87 pts

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August 3, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Taste Trends + South Africa

The main theme of the upcoming August 3, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release is titled "Taste Trends" and focuses on European wines that represent four current taste trends, while the mini-theme looks at wines from South Africa. All of these wines, plus those from the rest of the Release will arrive on LCBO VINTAGES by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that looks at four trends among European wines. Of the fifteen wines featured, just two are included among top wine picks and both are from the first trend that states that rosé wines are being enjoyed more and more all-year-round - instead of only during the spring and summer months. I am definitely on-board with this trend and enjoy having rosé during the colder months. Both of these rosés are from Provence and can be enjoyed any time of the year - the first is the Perle de Roseline Rosé, while the second wine is from Château la Tour de l’Évêque and is a blend of eight varietals - 41% Cinsault, 29% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 6% Rolle, 2% Mourvèdre, 2% Ugni Blanc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Sémillon.

The South African mini-theme lists eight wines, of which four are included among my top wine recommendations from South Africa. First up is a Shiraz that was sourced from the southernmost vineyards in Africa. The country is also known for producing quality Chenin Blanc, and the version in this Release is from South Africa's highest altitude vineyards - approximately 1,000 m above sea level. There's also an elegant Chardonnay, while the excellent Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my top wines of the Release.

From the rest of the Release and among my top red wine picks, the Atemporal from Argentina is a blend of 60% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot. From Portugal, the Beira Interior red is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Trincadeira, and Tinta Barroca, while the Dão red consists of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. Lastly, the baby Ornellaia is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the lovely Bordeaux red is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, the Bourgogne is made with Chardonnay, while the Lugana from Lombardy is made with Turbiana / Trebbiano di Lugana, also known as Verdicchio. From Loire, the Saumur is actually made with Chenin Blanc, while the Sancerre is, of course, made with Sauvignon Blanc. For those that prefer sweeter wines, you can enjoy the Riesling from Alsace.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ALMEIDA GARRETT ENTRE SERRAS 2015 - DOC Beira Interior, Portugal (#646919) (XD) - $12.95  88 pts  wine review
• ARGENTO RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#668335) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
• STRANDVELD FIRST SIGHTING SHIRAZ 2016 - WO Cape South Coast, South Africa (#652693) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
• INSURGENTE VINHO TINTO 2015 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#630947) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• LAURENT PERRACHON ROCHE BLEUE JULIÉNAS 2016 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#487165) (XD) - $20.95
• ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL 2015 - Albaneve Vineyard, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#144352) (XD) - $22.95
• LE VOLTE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2017 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#964221) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU BEAUSÉJOUR 2015 - AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#644708) (XD) - $37.95  91 pts  wine review
• SPIER 21 GABLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#651810) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review
• SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#922054) (XD) - $50.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• BLASON DE BOURGOGNE 2016 - AC Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France (#648451) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE MONTGUÉRET 2017 - AP Saumur, Loire, France (#667527) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CEDERBERG CHENIN BLANC 2018 - WO Cederberg, South Africa (#651711) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• DELTA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#149542) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• DE WETSHOF LESCA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - WO Robertson, South Africa (#355438) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHARLES SPARR GRAND CRU SCHOENENBOURG RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#667279) (M) - $24.95  FE
• TENUTA ROVEGLIA VIGNE DI CATULLO RISERVA LUGANA 2014 - VQPRD, DOC, Lombardy, Italy (#437004) (D) - $26.95
• CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#148866) (D) - $29.95
• PASCAL JOLIVET SANCERRE 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#264945) (XD) - $31.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2018 - AP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $16.95
• MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2018 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#498535) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• PERLE DE ROSELINE ROSÉ 2018 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#667345) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L’ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2018 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU PIGOUDET CLASSIC ROSÉ 2018 - AP Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France (#668434) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review

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Fleur du Cap Essence du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Approximately three years ago, I enjoyed the 2013 Fleur du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. Tonight, I am opening the 2016 vintage of this LCBO General List red wine that is readily available across Ontario.

The story of Fleur du Cap wines begins in 1968, shortly after the opening of the famous Die Bergkelder, a cellar that cuts deep into the Papegaaiberg (Parrot Mountain) in Stellenbosch. It was built by Dr. Anton Rupert and was the first underground bottle maturation cellar of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The team at Die Bergkelder were important innovators of the wine industry in South Africa as they played a pivotal role in establishing classic noble grape varieties in the vineyards of the Cape and introduced the maturation of quality wine in small casks of new French oak.

The Essence du Cap range of wines are known for their value and the ability to express their true varietal character. The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from different blocks in Stellenbosch, with the bulk coming from Stellenbosch Kloof. The vines are between 11 and 22 years of age and were grown according to South Africa's IPW pest and disease control standards - Integrity and Sustainability Certified.

Tasting Note:

FLEUR DU CAP ESSENCE DU CAP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#457101) (XD) - $13.00
Medium+ intensity nose leads with wood spice and chocolate, surrounding the core aromas of black cherry, currant, cassis, and touches of green pepper. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with ripe flavoured aroma replays and sweet tannins that have some grip. It has juicy acids and a lingering black cherry, cassis and oak spiced finish. Score: 87 pts

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Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an easy-drinking, mid-week Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa that is a General List product at the LCBO and widely available across Ontario. Looking through my blog, I see that I tasted the 2011 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc seven years ago.

Two Oceans is named after the awe-inspiring view at the southern tip of Africa, where the two powerful forces of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The sheer scale and natural grandeur will give you pause and a chance to reflect, leaving you inspired, exhilarated and breathless. The wines of Two Oceans are inspired by this special place, where the elements of climate and natural beauty combine to create wines that are crisp, refreshing and easy drinking.

The grapes for this white wine come from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Robertson and Worcester wine regions. The age of the vines ranges between 10 and 18 years of age and are grown in soils ranging from decomposed granite to deep Clovelly and Hutton, and are located 200 metres above sea level.

Tasting Note:

TWO OCEANS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#340380) (XD) - $11.00
Screw cap. Pale straw colour. Quite generous and fresh on the nose with tropical fruit, lemon citrus zest, and grapefruit with a tinge of grassy and gooseberry aromas. The medium-bodied palate with fleshy with crisp acidity. Flavours are a touched honeyed with grapefruit and lemon citrus notes. Dry overall with herbal and earthy mineral notes on the finish. Widely appealing wine to chill well and pair with fish or poultry. Score: 87 pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Jan. 19, 2019: Euro + South Africa

The January 19, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release is the second release of the year and continues the value parade with wines from Europe for Hearty Winter Suppers as the main theme, while the mini-theme highlights wines from South Africa. All of the wines from the two themes, plus many more will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features European wines for Hearty Winter Suppers. There are 12 European wines paired with 6 classically regional dishes. Only 3 of these wines are included among my wine picks - the Scopeto Super Tuscan is a blend of 40% Sangiovese, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot, while the Lirac from Rhône is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. The third and final wine is an excellent semi-sweet Riesling from Mosel, Germany.

In the mini-theme, there are 9 wines featured from South Africa, a wine region considered "New World" but has been producing wine since the 17th century. Six wines from South Africa made my list of wine picks, including a Chenin Blanc, an Unoaked Chardonnay, and an excellent white wine blend made with 65% Chenin Blanc, 10% Viognier, 10% Clairette Blanche, 13% Grenache Blanc, and 2% Sémillon Gris. Among the reds, there are single varietal wines made with Grenache and Shiraz, while the sparkling wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir. This is a very nice selection of South Africa wines.

From my top red wine picks of the Release, the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, and 5% Colorino, while the Gabarda is a blend of 85% Cariñena (Carignan) and 15% Garnacha. The Douro red is a field blend of indigenous varietals, and the Meritage from B.C. is a blend of 35% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Among my top white wine recommendations, the Australian blend has slightly more Semillon (from Hunter Valley) than Sauvignon Blanc (from Orange), while the Venetian is a barely off-dry (i.e. hint of sweetness) blend containing Garganega, Cortese, and Riesling. If you prefer your wines sweet, the Rheingau Riesling, as well as the aforementioned Mosel Riesling from Germany are both lovely!

It was nice to find a quality dry rosé in this Release as well, with a very good wine from Provence that is a blend of 42% Cinsault, 34% Grenache, and 24% Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• BORGO SCOPETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#023325) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95
• BORGO SCOPETO BORGONERO 2015 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#421396) (XD) - $18.95
• LEEUWENKUIL GRENACHE NOIR 2016 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#630871) (XD) - $19.95
• GABARDA SELECCIÓN 2015 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#629139) (XD) - $19.95
• JOURNEY’S END SHIRAZ 2015 - Single vineyard, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#337642) (XD) - $21.95
• LUA CHEIA EM VINHAS VELHAS RESERVA ESPECIAL TINTO 2015 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#610287) (XD) - $21.95
• XAVIER VIGNON LIRAC 2016 - AP, Rhône, France (#636183) (XD) - $22.95
• EL VALAO PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCÍA 2015 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#629204) (XD) - $24.95  FE
• OUTLOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#633537) (XD) - $29.95
• MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE MERITAGE 2016 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#633628) (XD) - $29.95

White Wine:

• GORGO SAN MICHELIN CUSTOZA 2017 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#428045) (D) - $16.95
• JARDIN INSPECTOR PÉRINGUEY CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#443473) (XD) - $17.95
• SCHLOSS SCHÖNBORN ESTATE RIESLING 2012 - Qualitätswein, Rheingau, Germany (#653535) (MS) - $18.95
• PEPPER TREE ESTATE GROWN SEMILLON/SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Hunter Valley/Orange, New South Wales, Australia (#632067) (XD) - $19.95
• ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#225557) (XD) - $19.95
• DE WETSHOF BON VALLON UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2017 - WO Robertson, South Africa (#403675) (XD) - $22.95
• BISCHÖFLICHE WEINGÜTER TRIER PIESPORTER GOLDTROPFCHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2016 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#629998) (MS) - $25.95
• MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 2017 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#556597) (XD) - $37.95
• JEAN-MARC BROCARD VAU DE VAY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#159012) (XD) - $39.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE L’AUMÉRADE CUVÉE MARIE-CHRISTINE ROSÉ 2017 - AC Provence, France (#562785) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BON COURAGE JACQUES BRUÉRE CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUT 2011 - Traditional method, WO Robertson, South Africa (#630855) (D) - $24.95

Fortified:

• SAN LEÓN MANZANILLA - DO Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain (#703066) (D) - $21.95

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Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2018 - Top Wines

On a cold Thursday night in November, I attended the 24th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo - a 4-day event that ran through Sunday, November 25. The first night was VIP Preview Night and attendance seemed a bit lighter than previous years. There also seemed to be fewer food and wine booths, but more craft breweries. Since my focus was mostly on the wines, I traversed the floor seeking some of the finest on offer and had a great time chatting with familiar faces en route.

Some of the highlights included wines in the Fine Wine Tasting Lounge, and at the Kolonaki Group booth where they featured many lovely Greek wines. There were also some fine wines at Wines from Spain, Wines of South Africa, Villa Maria Wines of New Zealand, and Grenache Wines booths. Here are some of my favourites from the show. All of these wines are available via the LCBO unless otherwise noted. Thank you Foodies on Foot for the tickets I won through their online contest!


CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE CARBON BRUT - AC, France (XD) - $350  92 pts
The official Champagne of Formula 1. Exclusive bottle wrapped in carbon looks awesome! Available via Bianchi & Nero.

VIDAL LEGACY CHARDONNAY 2016 - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (#570895) (XD) - $60  93 pts

CUNE GRAN RESERVA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#393553) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts

MEGA SPILEO GRAND CAVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#539924) (XD) - $27.95  91 pts
Available via Shop Greek Wine.

MARTIN BERDUGO RESERVA 2010 - DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#233741) (XD) - $38  91 pts

TE AWA LEFT FIELD SYRAH 2015 - Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#377837) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts

ARGYROS ASSYRTIKO 2017 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#387365) (XD) - $32  90+ pts
Available via Shop Greek Wine.

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts

ONTAÑÓN RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#725895) (XD) - $25.95  90 pts

GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH / MOURVÈDRE  / GRENACHE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres, France (#413245) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts

UMBERTO CESARI LIANO SANGIOVESE / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - IGT Rubicone, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (#225086) (D) - $27.95  88 pts

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