December 6, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Finest Festive Wines + Ribera del Duero

Here are my top wine picks from the December 6, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), which follows the massive Nov. 22nd VINTAGES Release, with a bigger selection of fine wines for your pleasure. There are 162 products offered in this release, of which 47 are among my recommended buys, and there are many more that I could've added to my list, but it was already quite lengthy and difficult to whittle down. The theme of the release is titled "Finest Festive Wines", which simply translates to more premium wines for festive gatherings, while the mini-feature looks at wines from Ribera del Duero. Also included in this fantastic release are a new batch of Online & Flagship Exclusive (OFE) wines. All the wines should be readily available for purchase both online and in-stores across Ontario.

Of the twenty-five wines included in the thematic on Finest Festive Wines, six are included among my top wine picks. We'll start with bubbles, beginning with a limited edition Dom Pérignon Champagne that is crafted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, followed by a non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Champagne that is made exclusively with Chardonnay. The last bubbly recommendation from the thematic is the Prosecco DOCG from Veneto that is made with 100% Glera. The lone white wine from the feature story is an excellent, locally crafted Chardonnay from Niagara. Among the red wines, there is the Super Tuscan that is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, followed by the Riserva Amarone, which is a blend of 80% Corvina and Corvinone, and the balance Rondinella.

The mini-thematic shines a spotlight on the Ribera del Duero wine region of Spain. Primarily known for its red wines, all four wines featured in the mini-thematic are red wines, and my lone recommendation from the Ribera del Duero is a blend of 93% Tempranillo, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Merlot.

There are many recommended red wines from the main release. We'll start in Italy with the Pieropan Amarone, which is a blend of 60% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, and 5% Croatina Veronese, followed by a pair of Riserva Chianti Classicos, with the 2018 primarily Sangiovese with Merlot in support, while the 2019 is a blend of 92% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot. The Valpolicella Ripasso is composed of 75% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella. From Sicily, there is a wine crafted with Perricone, while the Etna Rosso is made with Nerello Mascalese. Chile shows strongly, especially in the under-$25 category with five recommended buys. The 2023 Cab Sauv is actually a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, while the 2021 Cab Sauv is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Other wines from Chile include a Pinot Noir, and a consistently delicious Carmenère. Other blends include the lovely Rasteau from the Southern Rhône Valley, which is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, while the GSM from Australia is composed of 52% Grenache, 38% Shiraz, and 10% Mataro.

Among my top white wine picks from the main release, the only blend is the white from Portugal, which is composed of Rabigato and Viosinho. Chile also stands out among other white wines in this release with a trio of recommendations - a Chardonnay from Leyda Valley, a Sauvignon Blanc from Atacama Valley, and an Albariño from the Aconcagua Coast.

Other sparkling wines not part of the theme include a pair of fine local wines from Niagara - the Blanc de Noirs is 90% Pinot Noir and the rest Meunier, while the 2017 Natural Brut Sparkling is crafted with 100% Chardonnay. The last bubbly is the Friuli Prosecco DOCG that is made with Glera.

Sweet wine enthusiasts have several fine options in this release. The Hattyús Tokaji from Hungary is composed of 77% Furmint and 23% Zéta, while the Passito from Sicily is 100% Zibibbo (aka Muscat of Alexandria). Last, but definitely not the least, the Sauternes is a blend of 93% Sémillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Muscadelle.

Happy holidays and enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release!

Red Wine:

• TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2023 - Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN GRENACHE/ SHIRAZ/ MATARO 2023 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#412189) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GARAGE OLD VINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Valle del Maule, Chile (#47671) (XD) - $19.95
• COLOMBA BIANCA RESILIENCE PERRICONE 2023 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#32685) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• PEREZ CRUZ PIEDRA SECA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - Sustainable, DO Maipo Andes, Chile (#36167) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review

• MONTGRAS INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Vegan, Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57901) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SANTA MARIA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2021 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#47033) (XD) - $23.95
• LA CHEVALIÈRE RASTEAU 2023 - AOP, Rhône, France (#18502) (XD) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO 1865 TAYÚ PINOT NOIR 2024 - DO Valle del Malleco, Chile (#16628) (XD) - $23.95  91+ pts  wine review
• VILLACRECES PRUNO 2022 - Vegan, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#312140) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  updated review soon...
• TRASQUA FANATICO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283861) (XD) - $24.95

• ESTATE PAPAIOANNOU SAINT GEORGE AGIORGITIKO 2019 - Vegan, PDO Nemea, Greece (#27217) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2021 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review
• DONNAFUGATA DEA VULCANO 2022 - Sustainable, DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#32533) (XD) - $34.95  OFE  91 pts  wine review
• FRESCOBALDI TENUTA PERANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#13496) (XD) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
• REDSTONE REDSTONE VINEYARD MERLOT 2020 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48247) (XD) - $40.95  92 pts  wine review
• VIETTI PERBACCO NEBBIOLO 2022 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#15087) (XD) - $42.95  review coming soon...

• MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES SANTENAY VILLAGES 2022 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#45170) (XD) - $52.95
• WINE ART ESTATE IDISMA DRIOS XI DRY RED WINE 2020 - Drama, Greece (#35719) (XD) - $56.95  OFE
• BOLLA LE ORÍGÍNÍ RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#204792) (XD) - $67.95  92 pts  wine review
• PIEROPAN VIGNA GARZON RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2018 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#16087) (XD) - $79.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
• TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2023 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#72439) (XD) - $98.95

White Wine:

• ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP EXCALIBUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#311456) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE HATZIMICHALIS ALEPOTRYPA VINEYARD ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, PGI Atalanti Valley, Greece (#27182) (XD) - $19.95
• VENTISQUERO GREY GLACIER SINGLE BLOCK LONGOMILLA VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - DO Valle de Atacama, Chile (#17461) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHURCHILL'S ESTATES GRAFITE BRANCO 2023 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#45408) (XD) - $20.95  91 pts  wine review
• MONTES OUTER LIMITS ALBARIÑO 2024 - DO Zapallar, Chile (#47156) (XD) - $24.95  OFE  90+ pts  wine review
• LEYDA LOT 5 CHARDONNAY 2023 - DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#47081) (XD) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review

• GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#164228) (XD) - $28.95
• J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2024 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#466144) (XD) - $31.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MARC BROCARD SAINTE CLAIRE CHABLIS 2024 - AOC, Burgundy, France (#356634) (XD) - $35.95  91 pts  wine review
• TAWSE ROBYN'S BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2022 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#416321) (XD) - $46.95  93 pts  wine review
• LAURENZ V. L5 GRÜNER VELTLINER 2020 - Niederösterreich, Austria (#45356) (XD) - $53.95  OFE  91+ pts  wine review
• DOG POINT CHARDONNAY 2023 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $59.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE - DOCG, Friuli, Italy (#16602) (D) - $22.95  88 pts  wine review
• BOTTEGA IL VINO DEI POETI BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE 2024 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#46058) (D) - $29.95  89 pts  wine review
• CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS CSV ESTATE GROWN NATURAL BRUT SPARKLING 2017 - Sustainable, Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#237198) (XD) - $49.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
• TRIUS SHOWCASE BLANC DE NOIRS SPARKLING - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#47776) (XD) - $58.00  93 pts  wine review
• GONET SULCOVA CUVÉE GAÏA BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#45903) (XD) - $106.95  OFE
• PHILIPPE GONET TER BLANC DE BLANCS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#45280) (XD) - $123.95
• DOM PÉRIGNON MURAKAMI LIMITED EDITION CHAMPAGNE 2015 - In Gift Box, AOC, France (#46637) (XD) - $382.95

Fortified Wine:

• BARBEITO 5-YEAR-OLD MALVASIA RESERVA MADEIRA - DOP, Portugal (#39480, 500 mL) (S) - $18.95
• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $32.95

Desssert Wine:

• PANNON TOKAJ 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2017 - Tokaj, Hungary (#278937, 500 mL) (S) - $40.95
• LA CHAPELLE DE LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY SAUTERNES 2015 - AOC, second wine of Ch. Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Bordeaux, France (#477588, 375 mL) (S) - $40.95  review coming soon...
• DONNAFUGATA BEN RYÉ PASSITO DI PANTELLERIA 2022 - Sustainable, DOC, Sicily, Italy (#324723, 375 mL) (S) - $54.95  94 pts  wine review
• HATTYÚS 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2017 - Tokaj, Hungary (#46595, 500 mL) (S) - $59.95

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Monasterio de las Viñas Reserva Garnacha / Tempranillo / Cariñena / Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious blend of 4 varieties from the Cariñena appellation in northeastern Spain. It is a frequent visitor to the LCBO, arriving most recently in last month's September 27th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Grandes Vinos, a grower-driven wine company whose roots go back more than half a century when winegrowers in the district of Cariñena formed five cooperatives between 1950 and 1967. This passion for wine and everything that surrounds it were the beginnings of Grandes Vinos, which was officially formed in 1997.

Today, Grandes Vinos is the union of more than 700 families of winegrowers who share their hard work and know-how to create wines that combine tradition and innovation, and have no borders. The winegrowers are the protagonists, ensuring that the legacy of Cariñena lives on today and is passed down from one generation to the next. To speak of Grandes Vinos is to speak of a unique land, of tradition, of sunshine, of rain, of effort and dedication, and, of course, passion. For their protagonists, vine growing is not only a passion, but a way of life.

Cariñena is the only land in the world that gives its name to a grape varietal - Cariñena - which is also known as Carignan. The land of Cariñena is a territory that treasures old vineyards at different altitudes, soil with ancient stones, and a strong, dry wind (El Cierzo) that gives personality to the wine. Cariñena, the land, has been linked to wine since the Romans of the 3rd Century B.C., when they mixed wine with honey. Today, Grandes Vinos has over 4,500 hectares of vineyards of all ages (some over 100 years old) located in the foothills of the Iberian sierras of Algairén and Pecos, and between the rivers Huerva and Jalón, at altitudes between 320 and 850 metres above sea level. The land below these vineyards is made up of age-old stony soil, with layers of rocks and earth.

Grandes Vinos produces many wines under several different and unique brands, with this particular wine bottled under their Monasterio de las Viñas range - their Spanish brand which has the greatest international presence. The fruit for all Monasterio de las Viñas wines come exclusively from vineyards in the municipality of Aguarón, one of the highest areas and with the highest quality production of Cariñena PDO wines. The wines of Monasterio de las Viñas are produced mainly using indigenous varieties and pay homage to the famous Monasterio de las Viñas that was built by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. The monastery was erected in a privileged place in the Sierra de Aguarón, and whose widespread notoriety is in turn attributed to its spirituality as well as the great quality of its wines.

This particular red wine is a blend of Garnacha (Grenache), Tempranillo, Cariñena (Carignan), and Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown in Aguarón, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, in northeastern Spain. These vineyards are more than 30 years old and feature clayey clear soil with stones on the upper substrates. The grapes were traditionally vinified, then aged for 12 months in 70% American and 30% French oak barrels.

The 2020 vintage was a difficult one in Spain, not only due to the fall-out from COVID, but also from the growing season, which began with an unusually wet but warm spring, which brought humidity and any associated disease problems. Producers that remained vigilant in managing mildew produced quality fruit. Hot weather eventually arrived, which helped the grapes dry out and rid them of disease, while allowing the grapes to reach phenolic ripeness ahead of time, which led to an earlier than normal harvest. From a good vintage that produced wines with elegance, let's see how this 2020 red blend from the Cariñena appellation in Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA / TEMPRANILLO / CARIÑENA / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#166579) (XD) - $16.95
The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers a lovely mix of ripe red cherry, dried herbs, dark berry, fine wood spice, and chocolate aromas nuanced with touches of dried rose floral, dried cherry, and sweet spices. The medium+ weighted palate is dry and quite ripe with delicious red & black cherry, wood spice, coconut, vanilla, and dried herb flavours supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and fine, dusty textured tannins. It's nicely balanced throughout with savoury, earthy oak, and coconut notes on the lengthy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A couple of other wines from Monasterio de las Viñas brand are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Burgo Viejo Reserva 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last month as the Wine of the Month in the July 19th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Burgo Viejo, a Spanish winery in La Rioja with roots going back to 1950. Bodegas de Familiar Burgo Viejo came together in 1987 when six families of winegrowers in La Rioja - Castillo Garcia, Galán Garijo, Gurría García, Marques Malumbres, Rivas Marques, and Ruiz Casas - brought their vineyards, winegrowing traditions, and age-old knowledge that was passed down from one generation to the next to create wines with an innovative spirit under a single brand.

Today, the winemaking process at Burgo Viejo is based on the highest standards of food safety - Brand Reputation through Compliance (BRCGS) and International Featured Standards (IFS), as well as a deep commitment to quality and meeting the needs of the market. The families at Burgo Viejo are focused on continued growth and offering products of the highest quality.

The six families combine to have more than 200 hectares of vines that are cultivated with passion, attention to detail, and care, which allows them to obtain high-quality grapes, and, in turn, craft a wide range of high-quality wines. The vineyards stretch across the entire municipality of Alfaro, from the Ebro valley right up to the slopes of the sierra of Monte Yerga, in La Rioja of northern Spain. An extensive surface area such as this offers a wide variety of soil types, micro-climates, and distinctive features, which are expressed through each varietal that is planted on these lands. The vineyards average 30 years old, with some parcels almost a century old. Burgo Viejo owns nearly all of their vineyards, allowing them to constantly monitor each site, reduce yields for optimum quality, handle any disease problems, and decide upon the right time to harvest.

It is crafted with 100% Tempranillo, using grapes that were grown in vineyards under the DOCa Rioja appellation of Spain. After harvesting the grapes during the pandemic, the grapes were destemmed and underwent light crushing. It was fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine was matured for at least 18 months in a combination of 225 L American and French oak barriques.

The hot 2020 growing season featured rainfall and early budding, which resulted in an early and uneven harvest. Some areas were severely hit by hail and mildew, which had the effect of smaller yields, while areas not impacted by these conditions had more generous yields. Furthermore, producers that harvested after the rain at the end of September benefited from northern winds, and produced balanced wines with moderate alcohol, good acidity, and deep colour. From a vintage considered "Very Good", let's see how this 2020 Tempranillo from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#168823) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Tempranillo has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is savoury with earthy oak, tangy black plum, cran-cherry, dark berry, and coconut aromas. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it offers delicious fine earthy oak spices, coconut, dark berry, cran-cherry, and black plum replays in a slightly tangy profile. It has crisp and juicy acidity, alongside smooth, fine-grained tannins with good structure. Spice touches on the mid-palate. Savoury, earthy oak, and coconut notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

One other wine by Burgo Viejo is available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2017 (Rioja) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2015 Barón de Ley Gran Reserva a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific, vegan-friendly Rioja from Spain that returned to the LCBO last month as part of the June 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by the prestigious Barón de Ley, a family-owned winery that is situated in a 16th-century monastery on the banks of the Ebro river, where vineyards and winemaking were introduced by monks in 1568. Inspired by French châteaux to craft premium, estate-grown Rioja wines, Barón de Ley was founded at the monastery in 1985, within the Rioja DOCa wine region of Spain. The name 'de ley' comes from the Spanish expression for 'legit', and at Barón de Ley they take care of every little detail to offer in every bottle an excellent, trustworthy wine - a genuinely good Rioja.

In 1990, Barón de Ley launched their first wines, including one of the signature wines of the Estate - this Gran Reserva. Success and growth followed soon thereafter, and by 2000, Barón de Ley renewed their winemaking philosophy with Gonzalo Rodríguez recruited as the new Chief Winemaker. Gonzalo encouraged the planting of new indigenous grape varieties, and further success and expansion followed. By 2008, Barón de Ley owned over 600 hectares of vineyards across the different sub-regions with a variety of microclimates and soils in Rioja. In 2018, Barón de Ley renovated their vinification facilities in order to use state-of-the-art winemaking techniques, while also constructing a new oak ageing cellar to expand their long-ageing capacity, which takes place in traditional French and American oak barrels.

Like the previous vintage, this red wine continues to be composed of Tempranillo and Graciano. The grapes were grown in Barón de Ley's old vineyards of low-yielding vines in Cenicero, Rioja Alta. The vineyard in Cenicero has alluvial calcareous soil, spans 94 hectares, and is situated at an elevation of 450 metres above sea level. At this site, the combination of the Mediterranean climate that is clearly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, results in elegant wines with great ageing capabilities.

To craft this wine, they hand-harvest and hand-select the bunches, followed by mechanical selection of the berries using their state-of-the-art sorting table, ensuring that only the best grapes are selected with care in order to produce a wine of maximum quality. After undergoing alcoholic fermentation, the wine was aged for a minimum of 24 months in American and French oak casks, followed by a further 36 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2017 vintage in Rioja was rated as 'Very Good'. The growing season began with a dramatic frost in late April, which resulted in significantly lower yields and an extremely short vintage. This was followed up by a lack of rain during the ripening period, along with hot temperatures, which resulted in the earliest picking ever recorded in Rioja. The most difficult part for producers was managing two separate buddings - with the higher acidity from the second budding helping offset the ripeness of the first budding. However, overall quality was good, despite the challenges of the vintage. Let's see how this 2017 Gran Reserva Rioja from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2017 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $32.95
This blend of Tempranillo and Graciano has some initial woodsy and oak aromas, but after that it delivers a fine, fragrant, very complex, and highly aromatic nose of sandalwood, fine wood spices, dried rose florals, red cherry, cedar, and coconut notes accented with savoury earth, leathery, olive, and vanilla. The medium-full bodied palate is dry and ripe with delicious red cherry, dried roses, wood spices, sandalwood, cedar, olive, and coconut flavours. It has tangy, crisp, and juicy acidity, while a touch spicy on the mid-palate with well-integrated, lightly textured tannins. Tangy, wood spices, and olive notes linger on the long, crisp finish. This recommended buy is best enjoyed over the next 4-5 years. Score: 91 pts

One other wine by Barón de Ley is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Izadi Reserva 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO a few weeks ago in the May 10 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection - with plenty of bottles still available for purchase across Ontario.

It is produced by Bodegas Izadi, a relatively new winery that was established in 1987 by Gonzalo Antón and a group of friends and business people from nearby Vitoria. The groundbreaking project was developed deep in the Rioja Alavesa wine region, on the northern bank of the River Ebro, known for its poor soils.

Gonzalo chose the village of Villabuena de Alava, at the western end of Rioja Alavesa, where his family was already growing grapes, as the location of Bodegas Izadi, where the focus would be on making fine wine. Gonzalo's knowledge of hotels and restaurants soon made Izadi one of the most highly-regarded wines in gastronomic circles. Furthermore, Izadi introduced new winemaking techniques and made continuous improvements in quality over time, which helped develop their house style of wines.

In 2000, Lalo Antón, Gonzalo's son, joined the company and quickly helped it expand and grow, while also increasing its exports. Under Lalo's leadership, the Antón family acquired several other notable bodegas across Spain. Today, all four wineries are under the family's umbrella company - Artevino Group.

The family's commitment to quality, bond with gastronomy, and love of the land are the cornerstones of Bodegas Izadi. Their core values are encapsulated in the words: Sensitivity, Hospitality, Respect, and Curiosity. Sensitivity refers to their attention to detail in all areas of the business, from the vineyard to the point where the bottle is opened by the consumer. Hospitality is the starting point and the driving force behind their growth as they are restaurateurs at heart. The name "Izadi" means "Nature" in Basque, and reflects the family's commitment to sustainability and nature. They take care of their natural surroundings and ask their customers to do the same. Izadi practices integrated and sustainable farming, as well as being socially and environmentally responsible. Curiosity drives Izadi to new horizons, encourages them to grow, constantly improve, and do things differently.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Tempranillo that was grown in vineyards spanning 178 hectares, 70 hectares of which it owns, from vines planted before 1970 and averaging 45 years of age. Trained using the Goblet system, these vineyards are located within a triangle formed by three villages - Villabuena, Samaniego, and Abalo. The soil in these sloped vineyards is composed of clay-chalk, with a northeast-to-south aspect, and situated between 450–550 metres above sea level. Situated in northern Spain, the climate is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. The vineyards are managed using integrated viticulture practices, while the soil is cultivated using traditional techniques. After manually harvesting the grapes, they were destemmed, gently pressed, and underwent alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged for 16 months in 73% American oak and 27% French oak, with only 20% new oak and the rest no more than 4 years old. It was filtered and clarified prior to bottling.

In 2020, the growing season in Rioja featured rainfall and early budding, which resulted in an early and uneven harvest. Some areas were also severely hit with hail and mildew, which contributed to a drop in yields. It was a mixed bag of a vintage with some producers devastated by losses. However, those that were lucky enough to avoid the inclement weather conditions and harvested after the rain benefited from the subsequent northern winds; these producers were enthusiastic about the results and produced balanced wines with moderate alcohol, good acidity, and deep colour. With strict selections on the sorting table, it is considered a "Very Good" vintage. Let's see how this 2020 Tempranillo from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

IZADI RESERVA 2020 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#461269) (XD) - $23.95
100% Tempranillo. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose has rich sandalwood, oak spice, nut, and savoury earth aromas surrounding a core of ripe red cherry, florals, currant, and red plum mingling with dried cherry and rose petals. The medium-full bodied palate is dry and spicy with oak spice, sandalwood, nut, red cherry, currant, red plum, and savoury earth flavours, plus touches of rose floral. Hints of orange on the mid-palate adds further complexity and interest. It has fresh acidity, along with somewhat grippy and chalky textured tannins, with good structure. The finish is long, savoury, and earthy. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Izadi's rose is coming to the LCBO this weekend, while the full range of their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2016 Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this excellent Tempranillo from Spain that landed at the LCBO in the March 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Familia Fernández Rivera, a renowned Spanish wine producer that was established in 1972 by Alejandro Fernández and his wife, Esperanza Rivera, after they acquired a small 16th-century stone winery in Ribera del Duero. The wines of Fernández Rivera quickly gained international recognition and helped pave the way for the creation of DO Ribera del Duero. The success of Familia Fernández Rivera is rooted in the couples' entrepreneurial souls and the unity of the family, followed by an encouragement and driving force to become what they are today - a family company that has four wineries, a hotel, and a team of staff of over 120 people.

In 2019, the granddaughters of Esperanza and Alejandro took charge of the family business. Representing the third generation of the family, together they continue to champion the values that have always defined the brand, while also committing to the evolution of the company based on the family's commitment and passion. With a clear philosophy, love for wine, and a passion for sharing it with the world, Familia Fernández Rivera has continued to dream and grow for over five decades, with its wines and products currently reaching over 70 countries.

Acquired in 1998 by the Fernández Rivera family, Bodegas Dehesa La Granja is one of four wineries owned by the family. Dehesa La Granja represents the union between wine and produce from the land. The three-century-old bodega is situated on the outskirts of Vadillo de Guareña and brought together the passions of the Fernández Rivera family to become one of the most beautiful estates in Zamora. The concept of "Liberty" is what inspires the winemaking, flora, and fauna which prosper on this estate, while the cornerstone of Dehesa La Granja is the underground cave which was built in 1750 and spans 3,000 square metres, and offers the ideal underground climate and temperature for ageing wine. Today, Dehesa La Granja is an 800-hectare estate which comprises of 13,000 olive trees, garbanzo bushes, cereal crops, rolling hills planted with 25-year-old Tempranillo vines in an ideal climate and soil, and hundreds of heads of sheep and cattle. The family brings together their passions for winemaking, agriculture, and livestock farming to produce Extra Virgin Olive Oil, cured cheeses, and grow chickpeas.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Tempranillo that was grown at Dehesa La Granja, on clay and sand soil, at 700 metres above sea level. It was aged for 12 months in American oak barrels, followed by several years of maturation in bottle. Dedicated to natural winemaking techniques, all their wines are produced without any filtering or fining prior to bottling.

The 2018 vintage in Spain was largely a success. It was a cooler-than-average vintage that featured lots of rain, leading to damp conditions and posing problems related to humidity, rot, and mildew. The cooler year led to gradual vine development, while the rains meant that intense work in the vineyard was required in order to keep yields in check and vineyard diseases at bay. It was a later harvest, which benefited the grapes due to the fine autumn weather. With generous yields, the best quality wines can be found where careful management of the vines takes place, as well as the selection of grapes in both the vineyard and the cellar. The wines of 2018 are described as fresh with good aromas, slightly lower alcohol levels, and good varietal definition. Let's see how this 2018 Tempranillo from Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León in Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2018 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $22.95
100% Tempranillo. The fresh and perfumed nose of medium-high intensity offers attractive aromas of fine oak spice, sandalwood, coconut, and dark red cherry accented with whiffs of floral, olive, tangy blackberry, and savoury earth adding complexity. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is elegant and well-structured with lovely sandalwood, dark red cherry, oak spice, blackberry, olive, and savoury earth flavours. Acids are fresh and lively, while with ripe tannins are somewhat youthful. The textured and fairly grippy mid-palate leads to sandalwood, earthy, and dark chocolate notes on the long finish. This tasty red should to drink well to the end of the decade and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

One other wine by Familia Fernández Rivera is available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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El Goru Gold Mad Hairy Fella Monastrell / Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of a lovely, vegan-friendly Monastrell-based blend from Jumilla (Spain) that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month in the March 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Ego Bodegas, a winery project that was established from scratch in 2011 by the husband-and-wife team of Santos Ortiz and Ioana Paunescu. Santos is of Spanish origin, while Ioana was from Romania, and together they settled in the Jumilla wine region of Spain, not far from the historical centre of Jumilla. The project was borne out of their passion and effort, with a vision to produce high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of Jumilla.

Santos and Ioana built the winery together, not from the bottom up, but from the roof down, from top to bottom, after they fell in love with a spectacular farm in an elevated area of Jumilla, locally known as the carpenter's place. It was surrounded by old vineyards planted to Monastrell and offered a naturally beautiful landscape. While their business objectives were sales and profitability, they needed to find the right balance to achieve this goal by focusing on the three core concepts of Quality, Image, and Price. In 2013, after two years of hard work, the couple launched their wine brand: Ego Bodegas. The name "Ego Bodegas" is based on the philosophy centred on ego, talento, and infinito - or self, talent, and infinity.

From the beginning, Ego Bodegas has taken a contemporary twist on winemaking by combining traditional methods with modern techniques. They use their modern winemaking facilities to improve quality and efficiency, while striving to seek out the best technology available. With 35 hectares of vineyards planted mostly to native varieties, the winery is focused on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Their focus is mainly on the native Monastrell varietal as it has adapted well to the soil and climatic conditions of Jumilla. The soil in Jumilla is dark and enriched with lime, while also being permeable with good moisture retention, which helps the vines during periods of drought. The climate in the region is continental, arid, and influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and by the plateau of La Mancha to the west, while also receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, which makes Jumilla one of the driest areas in Spain. Today, Ego Bodegas crafts their wines with a dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence in winemaking.

Like the 2019 El Goru Gold I enjoyed last year, this red is predominantly Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), with this particular vintage including a bit more Monastrell this time, and the final blend consisting of 80% Monastrell, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. To craft this wine, all three grape varieties were hand-harvested in 15 kg boxes through a strict selection in the vineyard. The grapes underwent supervised maceration in order to achieve the ideal wine profile, and during the entire process, the pigeage pumping down technique was used in order to favour a slower extraction and a synthesis of varietal aromas. It underwent temperature-controlled fermentation, up to a maximum of 28ºC, in order to extract the full potential of each grape variety. The final wine was blended and aged for 12 months in new French and American oak barrels.

The 2020 growing season in Jumilla and southern Spain was marked by early budding, a rainy spring, and a hot, dry summer, conditions which resulted in an early harvest. Yields in the region were also mostly down due to mildew issues. However, 2020 produced an excellent quality vintage. Let's see how this 2020 Monastrell-based red from Jumilla is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL GORU GOLD MAD HAIRY FELLA MONASTRELL / SYRAH / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#13621) (XD) - $18.95
This blend of 80% Monastrell, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon is fragrant and open, with a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers ripe black & purple fruits, blackberry, cedary oak, spice, black cherry, and plum aromas with whiffs of reductive notes. On the medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is dry and spicy with ripe black & purple fruits, cedar oak, plum, black cherry flavours supported by crisp and bright acidity. Touches of licorice and sweet vanillin oak join the party on the mid-palate. Ripe tannins are mildly grippy, with good structure. Ripe black fruits with cedary oak and cocoa notes linger on the long and juicy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A couple of other wines by Ego Bodegas are available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Coral Duero enVena Tinta de Toro 2022 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Tinta de Toro (aka Tempranillo) from Spain that is a brand new arrival that landed at the LCBO in the recent February 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Coral Duero, a winery that was founded in 2003 by Jesús Fernández, a native of Toro who spent most of his life working in the marine sector. Jesús is a wine lover at heart and harboured a dream to one day return to his home in Toro and produce the best wines in this historic wine region.

Winemaking in the Toro region, in northwestern Spain, dates back to before Roman settlements, while in the Middle Ages the wines from this region were highly regarded and enjoyed royal privileges. Toro wines were also the first to be shipped to America with Columbus. During the 19th century, large quantities were exported to France to replenish stocks that had been devastated by the phylloxera plague. In the 1970s, the first steps were taken to create what was to later become the Toro Designation of Origin, which was formally established in 1987.

To fulfill his dream, Jesús purchased over 30 hectares of the oldest and most resilient vines in El Pego, a small village that was known to have the best terroir in the region. Coral Duero produced its first wine from their first harvest in 2005 with the assistance of a team of experts and the rare and exceptional variety - Tinta de Toro - and gained its first international recognition in 2008.

After retiring in 2019, Jesús' dream lives on as a group of forward-thinking, young wine enthusiasts continue his legacy and bring a breath of fresh air to the traditions of the Toro terroir to create eloquent and elegant expressions of Tinta de Toro. Today, led by a core group of members, Coral Duero is committed to honouring the traditions of Toro's historic terroir and respecting the nature which nourishes its resilient soil. The name 'Coral' is a reference to Jesús' seafaring background and the extraordinary resilience of coral reefs, which also allude to the vitality of their vines that have survived for more than 140 years, resisting even the Phylloxera plague. The 'Duero' part of the name is in reference to the Duero river which bisects the Toro Region, while also replenishing and giving life to the vines.

At Coral Duero, respect for nature and tradition are core values. With centuries-old vines, sustainable winemaking methods, hand-harvested grapes, and a strict selection process, Coral Duero is able to allow their wines to preserve the character, personality, and tradition of Toro. They have approximately 32 hectares of vineyards which are divided into 4 subplots: Rompesedas, El Salgadero, Los Lastros, and Las Parvas. Balance, order, rhythm, and harmony in the vineyard are of paramount importance at Coral Duero as they have some of Spain's oldest vines, some more than 140 years old. In order to achieve these goals in the vineyard, the team at Coral Duero studies the soil, prunes the vines, practices sustainable agriculture, and handpicks the harvest, while also adjusting to the extreme continental climate of each vintage.

In the pursuit of crafting authentic and outstanding wines in honour of Toro's historic terroir, the enVena (or in vein) is crafted Coral Duero's youngest wine in the collection, with most of the grapes from their younger vines nestled in the Rompesedas plot, within the municipality of El Pego, in the province of Zamora. This red wine is crafted using 100% Tinta de Toro, a grape known outside the region of Toro as Tempranillo. The 40-50 year old vines are west-facing and situated close to the Guareña river. The vines are rooted in a sandy loam alluvial soil, with gravel and small pebbles underneath, which allows for proper drainage and imparts minerality into the wine. Furthermore, this type of soil structure lowers pH levels, and helps produce wines of extraordinary quality, balance, and elegance.

To craft this wine, the grapes were manually harvested by selecting only the best bunches, followed by further selecting only the top-quality grapes from these bunches, and immediately placing the fruit in a cold chamber to preserve their fruity intensity. Vinification begins with a cold maceration in stainless steel tanks, followed by fermentation. It was aged for 6 months in French and American oak barrels.

The growing season in El Pego usually features short, hot, dry, and mostly clear summers, while winters are extremely cold and windy. Throughout the year, there are many hours of sunshine, which is essential for the cultivation of the Tinta de Toro grape varietal, while temperatures rarely dip below 5°C or go above 35°C. In 2022, the vintage delivered generous amounts of grapes, but the berries were smaller than usual. Summer featured intense heat, while favourable weather appeared during the final stages of ripening, including some rain in early September and lower temperatures with high diurnal range. While acidity levels were a bit lower, the young wines showed good freshness. Let's see how this 2022 Tinta de Toro from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CORAL DUERO ENVENA TINTA DE TORO 2022 - DO Toro, Spain (#40867) (XD) - $16.95
This 100% Tinta de Toro (aka Tempranillo) has a fragrant, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers a pleasing, spicy mix of ripe red & black cherries, plum, and savoury earth aromas. It's medium-full bodied and dry with delicious ripe, plummy, red and black cherry, and spice replays on the flavour profile, plus some dried herbs notes. It's supported by fresh and crisp acidity, alongside well-structured, slightly firm tannins. There's some palate warmth, but still within balance, along with some florality on the back palate. Cherries, spices, and plum notes taper to minerals on the long, textured, youthful, and slightly firm finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Coral Duero can be ordered through their Agent - Buyers+Cellars.

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El Goru 38 Barrels Monastrell / Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 El Goru Gold Monastrell / Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon last year, we go up a notch for tonight's red wine review with another vegan and organic Monastrell-based blend from the same producer that is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO, landing on shelves across Ontario as part of this weekend's January 4 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Ego Bodegas, a prominent winery located in Jumilla, Spain. The project was founded from scratch in 2011 by Santos Ortiz, of Spanish origin, and Ioana Paunescu from Romania. Born out of the partners' passion and effort, while short on financial resources, Santos and Ioana had extraordinary talent for creating wines and coordinating the financial, marketing, and sales departments.

As a couple that was united and committed, both personally and professionally, Santos and Ioana built the winery together from top to bottom, from the roof down, just a few kilometres away from the historical city of Jumilla, after falling in love with a spectacular farm in an area locally known as the carpenter's place. The farm was situated in an elevated area, where they enjoyed the beauty of the landscape that was surrounded by old vineyards planted to the Monastrell varietal. Like any business, their objectives were sales and profitability, but in order to achieve this goal they needed to find the right balance between the three concepts of Quality, Image, and Price. After two years of hard work, Ego Bodegas was launched in 2013 with good wine, a good design, and good pricing. The name "Ego Bodegas" is based on the philosophy centred on ego, talento, and infinito (self, talent, and infinity). With a continuous commitment to improve, Ego Bodegas has quickly gained recognition and a foothold now in over 30 countries.

Today, Ego Bodegas uses its modern winemaking facilities to improve quality and efficiency, while striving to seek out the best technology available. Since the beginning, Santos and Iona have taken a contemporary twist on winemaking by combining traditional methods with modern techniques. With 35 hectares of vineyards planted mostly to native varieties, the winery is focused on producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Monastrell is of particular focus for Ego Bodegas as it is native to Jumilla and has adapted well to the climatic and soil conditions of the region. The continental climate is sunny and arid in Jumilla, and is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and by the plateau of La Mancha to the west. Moreover, Jumilla receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, and is one of the driest areas in Spain. The soil in Jumilla is dark and enriched with lime, while also being permeable with good moisture retention, which helps the vines during periods of drought. To craft their exquisite wines, Ego Bodegas spares no detail in delivering wines of consistent quality that are ready to drink, but can also improve with time.

This red wine is a blend of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was organically grown in the winegrowing region of Jumilla in southeastern Spain. The grapes were manually selected, harvested, and placed in small boxes with great care. To extract a great amount of aroma and colour, the grapes underwent a week-long cold maceration that was aided by the pigeage method (punch-down), which helps control and regulate the extraction. Temperature-controlled malolactic fermentation and oak ageing took place exclusively and carefully in 38 barrels - where this wine gets its name from. Ageing occurred for 12 months in a combination of both French and American oak. Each varietal was vinified separately prior to blending and bottling.

The 2020 growing season in southern Spain was marked by early budding, a rainy spring, and a hot, dry summer, conditions which resulted in an early harvest. Yields were also mostly down due to mildew issues in the region. From a qualitatively excellent vintage, let's see how this 2020 Jumilla red tastes tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL GORU 38 BARRELS MONASTRELL / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, DO Jumilla, Spain (#41096) (XD) - $22.95 $20.00
This organic blend of 85% Monastrell and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium+ intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering a ripe black fruit core accented with blackcurrant, purple fruit, oak spice, violet, and savoury earth aromas. Plum, black cherry, and cassis notes emerge with time in the glass. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and sweetly fruited with delicious blackcurrant, black cherry, savoury oak spice, and earthy flavours, along with hints of cassis and plum. Acids are fresh, juicy, and succulent, while the smooth, well-structured tannins feel a bit tight at the moment. Composed with a sense of elegance, it is nicely balanced throughout with lovely flavour replays joined by mineral notes on the long, savoury finish. This highly recommended buy is enjoyable now, but should really shine in about 3 years. Score: 90 pts

There is one El Goru wine readily available at the LCBO, while the entire range by Ego Bodegas can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Born Rambla Rosé 2023 (Spain) - Wine Review

Today is National Rosé Day, and for tonight's rosé wine review I opened a lovely, organic, dry rosé from the Penedès region in Spain. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO that landed in stores across Ontario today as part of the theme on rosé wines in the June 8 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Born Rosé, a trendy wine brand that was established by a group of women in Barcelona who are passionate about rosé wines. Together, they have poured their energy, expertise, and savings into producing fine, Mediterranean rosé.

The leader of this group is Jana Robles, a Barcelona-based entrepreneur who loves rosé wine. She merged her passion for rosé wine with international business, which included years of experience living in the U.S.A., China, and the Netherlands. With a thirst for constant learning, Jana's global vision redefines her role as CEO and founder of Born Rosé on a daily basis.

As the rosé of Barcelona, each of their wines, all of which are rosé, are 100% organic, dry, light, pale, and with low alcohol levels. Born Rosé makes several rosé wines, including sparkling rosé, and rosé in convenient cans. The brand is noted for its stylish, minimalist, and modern packaging.

A relatively new winery with medals in tow, Born Rosé asserts that the best rosé is produced in the Mediterranean region, which connects Provence, Languedoc, and Barcelona. The Greeks planted their first vineyards 2,600 years ago and spread their culture of wine to the Mediterranean region - regions which share the same climate, land, and the Grenache grape variety, with Born Rosé contributing their know-how and passion. Let's see how this dry rosé from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BORN RAMBLA ROSÉ 2023 - Penedès, Spain (#37863) (XD) - $15.95
Certified organic, this pretty pale salmon pink coloured dry rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Tempranillo. Fresh, elegant, medium+ to medium-high intensity aromas of peach, strawberry, and red cherry with hints of mineral, dried herb, and spice. On the dry, concentrated, medium-full bodied palate it has delicious citrus, grapefruit, peach, strawberry, and cherry flavours, with a touch of honeyed notes supported by very good, juicy acidity. Fine texture with subtle spice notes on the mid-palate. It's nicely balanced throughout with grapefruit, citrus, and spice notes tapering to mineral on the juicy finish, with very good length. Enjoy this recommended buy over the summer! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Born Rosé can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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