June 11 VINTAGES Release: Sparkling Wine + California Zin + Father's Day

The June 11 VINTAGES Release has 3 themes and will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming Saturday. The first theme is titled "Fizz Fest" and features sparkling wines for all occasions, while the second theme features California Zinfandel. The third and final theme of this release features a small selection of wines (and spirits) for Father's Day gifts.

We'll begin with the main feature on bubbly that has 16 sparkling wines, 5 of which are included among my wine picks. If you prefer your sparklers to be extra dry (i.e. not sweet), look for Chile's first organic sparkling wine that is a 77/23 blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Also extra dry, and more Pinot (82%) than Chardonnay (18%) is leads us to a rosé sparkling wine from South Africa. Single varietal sparkling wines with a hint sweetness, from less sweet to more sweet, include a Chardonnay from Burgundy, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Riesling, the latter two which are from Ontario.

The first mini-theme of 6 wines focuses on California Zinfandel. I'm not a big fan of Zinfandel, but if there's one wine I would add to my cellar, it would be the Ridge Lytton Springs from Sonoma County that, in addition to 74% Zinfandel, also includes 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignan and 2% Mataro (aka Mourvèdre). This is a wine to put away for at least a couple of years and enjoy into the 2030's.

Only one selection from the Father's Day mini-theme made my list of wine picks. It's a beautiful Brunello di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese) from Tenuta La Fuga, from the great 2010 vintage.

From the rest of the release, the Chinon is made with Cabernet Franc, while the Chianti Classico is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Creekside's Laura's Red (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot) returns to VINTAGES with another year under it's belt. From Rhône, there are two fabulous reds: the Vacqueyras is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, while the Gigondas is mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre adding texture.

In white wines, the Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine is an extra dry wine made using the Melon de Bourgogne grape. If you like your wines on the sweet side, take a look at a pair of Ontario Rieslings, or go even sweeter with a Riesling Spätlese from Germany.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SERGE ET BRUNO SOURDAIS CHINON 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#451898) (XD) - $16.95
• UGGIANO PRESTIGE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#454553) (XD) - $16.95
• CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Ribera del Tinguiririca, Marchigue, Central Valley, Chile (#256693) (D) - $17.95
• CREEKSIDE ESTATE LAURA’S RED 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117960) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (D) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO PEUMO VINEYARD BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE 2012 - Entre Cordilleras, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#562892) (XD) - $29.95  reviewed here
• FOREST HILL ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Great Southern, Western Australia (#380840) (XD) - $29.95
• DOMAINE LA FOURMONE LE POÈTE VACQUEYRAS 2013 - AP, Rhône, France (#452268) (XD) - $29.95
• OLIVIER & LAFONT GIGONDAS 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#452300) (XD) - $29.95
• TENUTA LA FUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#212837) (XD) - $42.95
• RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2013 - Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#982413) (XD) - $57.95

White Wine:

• MICHEL DELHOMMEAU CUVÉE HARMONIE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2013 - AC, Loire, France (#164624) (XD) - $16.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $17.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY 2013 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
• WEINRIEDER KLASSIK GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013 - Niederösterreich, Austria (#446641) (XD) - $18.95
• ST. PAULS PINOT GRIGIO 2014 - DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige, Italy (#391870) (XD) - $19.95
• CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CHARDONNAY 2013 - Atalayas Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#947937) (XD) - $24.95
• SERESIN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#735043) (XD) - $24.95
• FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2015 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (M) - $24.95
• DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2013 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#339150) (S) - $26.95
• JEAN DAUVISSAT VAILLONS VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2009 - AC, Burgundy, France (#457002) (XD) - $49.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• EMILIANA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING - Charmat method, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#451914) (XD) - $15.95
• TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING 2014 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#370361) (D) - $19.95
• GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSÉ 2010 - WO Western Cape, Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa (#004085) (XD) - $21.95
• CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BUBBLY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#398628) (D) - $24.95
• BAILLY-LAPIERRE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#369066) (D) - $24.95

Read More

Top Wines from Port & Douro Tasting - May 2016

May was an extremely busy month for tastings, so I've decided to highlight some of my favourites from each tasting.

The first post in this series is the Porto and Douro wine tasting - a small event held at the beginning of May. This annual tasting normally has a very low turnout, but this time attendance was very good. The room at the Hyatt Regency Toronto was also on the small side, but suited the event perfectly and helped create a buzzy atmosphere. The tasting featured a combination of mostly Port wine, some very fine red wines, and at least one white wine. Here were my top wines from the Port & Douro tasting.

Tasting Notes:

DALVA COLHEITA PORT 1995 - Douro, Portugal (#69930) (S) - $32.95
This vintage-dated Tawny Port has a highly aromatic, complex nose that's nutty and warm with caramel and hints of orange. Lovely aroma replays on the palate, plus some honey and molasses flavours. Mouthfeel is soft. Excellent length on the warm finish. Will age for many years. Should arrive in VINTAGES again. Contact The Case For Wine for ordering information. Score: 92 pts

TAYLOR FLADGATE 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (#149047) (S) - $68.95
The nose is highly aromatic with complex notes of nutty, honey, caramel and sweet spice aromas. On the smooth medium-to-full bodied palate, it shows many of the same aromas in a nicely balanced, sweet package that continues through to a slightly spiced mid-palate. The finish length is excellent and shows hints of raisin. Well balanced overall and consistently well-made, year after year. Readily available in VINTAGES. Score: 92 pts

ESPORÃO QUINTA DOS MURÇAS 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (S)
Highly aromatic nose of caramel, honey and some orange citrus. It's medium-to-full bodied with a silky mouthfeel and some very nice aroma replays. The mid-palate has some mildly spiced notes to add complexity. Very good length on the finish. Contact Fine Wines of Portugal to order. Score: 91 pts

WARRE'S OTIMA 10 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT - Douro, Portugal (#566174) (S) (500mL) - $21.95
Burnt nose featuring complex aromas of orange, caramel, maple wood, burnt sugar and fig that follow through on the sweet, creamy palate joined by hints of fruitcake and more nuttiness. The finish is long and smooth. Rather easy drinking and should have wide appeal. Readily available at the LCBO. Score: 90 pts

DFJ VINHOS ESCADA 2007 - DOC Douro, Portugal (XD)
Blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional that is highly aromatic with lovely violet, flowers, and sweet herbs notes that follow through to the medium-bodied palate. It has juicy acids, supple tannins, and a fine mineral streak on the long finish. Drink over the next 5-7 years. Contact Fine Wines of Portugal to order. Score: 91 pts

Read More

Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2009 (Spain) - Wine Review

For the Victoria Day long weekend, I opened up this beauty of a wine Monday night to pair with Greek-marinated chicken wraps. It was purchased from a VINTAGES Release back in January, 2012 and has been slowly evolving for more than 4 years.

This delicious wine has been consistently good vintage-after-vintage and regularly shows up on VINTAGES shelves.

Tasting Note:

DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2009 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#675207) (XD) - $22.95
Dark plum, earth and spice aromas from the cork. Medium-to-high intensity aromatics offering forest floor and umami off the top with underlying herbs, sweet spice, and dark fruits. The palate is medium-bodied that picks up more body with air. Definitely on the savoury side with herbs, sweet oak, earth, black cherry and hints of mineral flavours on the palate. Acids are mouth-watering while the tannins are smooth and well-integrated. A warming mid-palate continues through to the long, earthy finish. Shows a lot of finesse. A nicely maturing wine to enjoy over the next half dozen years. 100% Mencía. Score: 91 pts

Read More

May 28 VINTAGES Release: Veneto + Judgment of Paris

The May 28 VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this coming Saturday and features the wines from Veneto as its main theme, while the mini-theme features the players from the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.

We'll begin with the secondary theme that honours the 40th anniversary of the famous Judgment of Paris tasting that pitted the relatively unknown Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays from California against the top red wines from Bordeaux and top Chardonnays from Burgundy. California fared quite well in the tasting and ended up taking top prize in both red and white wine categories. The rest, as they say, is history. This mini-theme is anything but mini, with four excellent wines from the seven included among my wine picks.

Three California Chardonnays from Judgment of Paris players made my list of wine picks, including wines from Chateau Montelena, Heitz Cellar, and an organic wine from Grgich Hills. The only red wine chosen from this mini-theme is the Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon which contains 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot, and needs some time before it can be enjoyed over the ensuing three decades. Not included as part of the Judgment of Paris theme but also available in this release as part of the Flagship Store Exclusive (FSE) program is another Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon that's blended with 14% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

From the major theme of the release, the wines from Veneto were mostly lacklustre except for a Masi Amarone that came through VINTAGES last November in a magnum bottle, but now returns in the more popular 750 mL format. The other Venetian wine is the Pieropan Soave Classico crisp, dry white wine that is a blend of 85% Garganega and 15% Trebbiano di Soave.

South Africa is well-represented among my wine picks with a Chenin Blanc and an oaked Chardonnay, but there's also a lovely little South African organic red wine that is a blend of 37% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Other red wines in this release include a Portuguese wine blend consisting of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, while the Rhône blend consists of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.

The latest vintage of the dry rosé wine returns to VINTAGES shelves, consisting of Syrah and Grenache, while the sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• AVONDALE JONTY’S DUCKS PEKIN RED 2011 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#383547) (D) - $14.95  reviewed here
• HERDADE DA PIMENTA ALENTEJANO 2013 - DO Alentejo, Portugal (#445114) (XD) - $16.95
• MONTGRAS ANTU CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#444703) (XD) - $17.95
• D’ARENBERG THE FOOTBOLT SHIRAZ 2013 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#984021) (D) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU PEGAU CUVÉE MACLURA CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#452250) (XD) - $19.95
• VITICCIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283580) (XD) - $22.95
• JOHN GLAETZER JOHN’S BLEND NO. 38 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#927640) (D) - $39.95
• BACHELDER LA PETITE CHARMOTTE NUITS SAINT GEORGES 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#357228) (XD) - $58.95  FSE
• MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $69.95  reviewed here
• RIDGE VINEYARDS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA (#89284) (XD) - $74.95  FSE
• RIDGE MONTE BELLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA (#405332) (XD) - $191.95

White Wine:

• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $16.95
• PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2014 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#946848) (D) - $17.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2013 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• FORREST THE DOCTORS’ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#317842) (D) - $19.95
• RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#598631) (XD) - $19.95
• OLDENBURG VINEYARDS CHENIN BLANC 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#443358) (XD) - $20.95  FSE
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2013 - Estate bottled, Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (D) - $29.95  reviewed here
• HEITZ CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#205500) (XD) - $49.95
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $67.95
• CHATEAU MONTELENA CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#701748) (D) - $75.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2015 - AP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT 2011 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#234161) (D) - $24.95

Read More

Castillo Perelada Wine Tasting

On April 27, I had the pleasure of tasting some nice Cava and red table wines from Castillo Perelada. This old Spanish winery is making it's first appearance in Canada and I was delighted to be among the first group of people to try some of their delicious wines.

Castillo Perelada was founded by Miguel Mateu when he purchased the site in 1923. This historic site is made up of a castle and the Carme Monastery, both dating back to the 14th century. Family-owned and operated since its inception, the legacy Castillo Perelada now spans three generations after it passed from Miguel Mateu to his only daughter Carmen Mateu de Suqué (and her husband Arturo Suqué Puig), and now to their children Isabel, Javier and Miguel Suqué Mateu. Today, it is Javier that manages the day-to-day operations.

There are 5 vineyards that encompass Castillo Perelada. The Garbet vineyard is 12 hectares, located north of Cap de Creus, and has slatey soil farmed terraces which overlook the Mediterranean. The Malaveïna vineyard has reddish clay and pebbles on 19 hectares of gentle slopes. La Garriga vineyard is 41 hectares of flat terrain, clay silt with sand and gravel, and contains Perelada's oldest vineyards - Garnatxa (Garnacha/Grenache) and Samsó (Cariñena) that are both over 50 years old. The Espolla vineyard is located on the slopes of the Pre-Pyrenees in l'Albera and is 21 hectares of slatey, black soil. Lastly, the Pont de Molins vineyard is 38 hectares of flat terrain with a sandy texture and a slight silt content. The 5 Fincas Reserva that is reviewed below uses grapes from all 5 vineyards.

Representing the Castillo Perelada at the tasting was Daniel Marquez, Sales Manager for North America.

Below you will find wine reviews of some of the wines I enjoyed on this evening. I am expecting a few wines from the Perelada portfolio show up on LCBO shelves in the future. However, if you're interested in purchasing sooner rather than later (and from a wider selection), you can contact the agent Hanna Neal Wine Merchants.

Thank you to Andrew, Peter and Chris for the invite and your hospitality! The wines were delicious and so were the hors d'oeuvres!

Tasting Notes:

CASTILLO PERELADA BRUT RESERVA CAVA - DO, Spain (D) - $15.95
Medium intensity nose featuring toasty, yeasty notes with hints of lime and peach. It has fine, mouthfilling mousse with off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) flavours of apricot and orchard fruits. It has good acidity and good length on the finish. Fairly easy drinking and should have wide appeal. Score: 87 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA STARS BRUT NATURE CAVA 2014 - DO, Spain (XD) - $15
Shows very good intensity on the nose, and after an initial whiff of sulphur reveals appealing smoke, citrus and peach aromas. On the palate it has fine, soft mousse on a medium+ bodied frame. Hint of sweetness with tangy citrus and orchard fruit flavours that continue through to the long, dry-ish finish. Score: 88 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA 5 FINCAS RESERVA 2012 - DO, Spain (XD) - $21.95
Grapes from each of the 5 Castillo Perelada vineyards make up this blend of Merlot (40%), Garnatxa (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Syrah (15%), Tempranillo (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Medium+ intensity nose featuring sour cherry and hints of barnyard and earth. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with supple tannins and good acidity. Brambly flavours with hints of floral and sweet vanilla are quite appealing. Finishes long. Score: 88 pts

CASTILLO PERELADA FINCA GARBET 2007 - DO Empordà, Spain (XD) - $125
Here's a lovely 100% Syrah from vineyards located along the banks of the Mediterranean. Highly aromatic nose on the dark fruit side with lovely black cherry, blackberry, black pepper, dark currant and subtle hints of oak. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with very nice aroma replays that weave together seamlessly. It has juicy acids and ripe, integrated tannins. The finish is long and earthy with hints of currant. Only 1000 bottles made, and tasted from bottle #0843. Score: 91 pts

Read More

Win Tickets to Homegrown Country Music Festival at Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival

The Homegrown Country Music Festival is an extension of the Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival and will take place on June 19th at the Grape Grower of Year's vineyard. This year, it will take place at Pillitteri Icewine Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. On site, there will be VQA wines available for purchase by tokens and Food Truck Culinary will be offered at Market.

This music festival will celebrate local talent along with Niagara's agricultural abundance. It will also be a showcase of an all-Canadian New Country artist lineup. Each performer selected for the showcase has a deep rooted tie to the Niagara region and a passion for the local community. Artists with roots in Niagara will be scheduled to perform, including well-known Country singer and multi-genre songwriter, Tebey; high energy singer/songwriter Ryan Creelman, who grew up in Thorold and now resides in London, Ontario; and St. Catharines' own Brad Battle. A new twist to the Country festival scene is Country mashup by DJ Dave Stiles and DJ Tanner.

Event Details:

Homegrown Country Music Festival
Where: Pillitteri Icewine Farm, Niagara-on-the-Lake (shuttle service required)
When: Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Admission:

$25 + HST in advance
$30 + HST at the gate (if available)
Click here to purchase your tickets

Contest:

Here's your chance to win a pair of tickets to this fabulous event!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read More

La Crema Chardonnay 2014 (Monterey) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a sneak peak of the La Crema Monterey Chardonnay that will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario on July 9th.

Originally named La Crema Vinera, meaning "best of the vine", the once family-owned and operated winery concentrated on exclusively on cool-climate appellations, while emphasizing boutique, small-batch winemaking to produce elegant, quality wines.

This Chardonnay comes from the cool-climate vineyards in Monterey that are nestled in a long valley with Monterey Bay on one side and Central California on the other. The cool-climate means that grapes spend more time on the vine, and 2014 was an especially long, cool growing season in Monterey. The winemaker is Elizabeth Grant-Douglas, born and educated in Canada, and has been part of the La Crema team since 2001, becoming head winemaker in 2010.

Tasting Note:

LA CREMA CHARDONNAY 2014 - Monterey, California, USA (#158683) (XD) - $26.95
Lemon and ripe fruited aromas from the cork. Aromas of medium intensity showing butter, poached apple, butterscotch and orchard fruits. Full bodied on the palate with butterscotch and baked apple flavours, along with hints of caramel. There's hints of sweetness on the palate and notable oak influence, but it's not overdone. It has delicate acids and good length on the slightly warming finish. Score: 88 pts

Read More

May 14 VINTAGES Wine Release: Customer Favourites + New Zealand + Sake

New wines from the May 14, 2016 LCBO VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this coming Saturday and features Customer Favourites as it's main theme. The mini-themes of this release features wine from New Zealand and an assortment of Sake.

Twenty-three wines are listed as part of the "Customer Favourites" theme and 6 made my list of wine picks. First up is a lovely rosé wine from Mas des Bressades that usually consists of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The Crémant de Bourgogne dry sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, Aligoté. Another favourite is the Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. In red wines, customer favourites include a Carménère from Chile and a premium Malbec from Argentina. Also delightful year-after-year is the Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape that in the 2013 vintage consists of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Cinsault.

Of the 8 wines featured in the New Zealand theme, three are included among my wine picks and all are very fine Sauvignon Blancs. The grape does very well there and the ones I have chosen are of the single vineyard variety from the producers te Pā, Auntsfield, and Villa Maria.

In red wines from the rest of the release, the Rosso do Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, while the Sicilian wine is made with the indigenous Nerello Mascalese. The 2010 Château de Panigon (50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) appeared in VINTAGES in 2014 and has developed and matured quite well over the last couple of years. The Domaine Courbis is a northern Rhône wine made using Syrah. Lastly, the Amarone is a blend of 70% Corvina Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta & Croatina.

Among my white wine picks, the lovely Mas des Bressades Blanc is a blend of traditional Rhône varietals Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. while the Pouilly-Fuissé from Burgundy is made with Chardonnay.

Last but not least is the highly regarded Fielding Rosé wine that is a blend primarily consisting of Gamay and Cabernet Franc.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• RENDOLA ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#438564) (XD) - $15.95  reviewed here
• ANTICHI VINAI IL MASCALESE NERELLO 2013 - IGT Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy (#442376) (XD) - $16.95
• BOUTARI GRANDE RESERVE XINOMAVRO 2010 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#140111) (D) - $18.95  reviewed here
• TERRANOBLE GRAN RESERVA CARMÉNÈRE 2012 - Maule Valley, Chile (#957050) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU DE PANIGON 2010 - Cru Bourgeois, AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#348250) (D) - $19.95
• FABRE MONTMAYOU GRAN RESERVA MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#279802) (D) - $24.95
• DOMAINE COURBIS SAINT-JOSEPH 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#007914) (XD) - $36.95
• LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2010 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#334300) (D) - $47.95
• VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#713719) (XD) - $48.95  reviewed here
• CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (XD) - $89.95

White Wine:

• CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2013 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#287995) (XD) - $16.95
• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION BLANC 2015 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#701094) (XD) - $17.95
• THÖRLE-WEIN ESTATE DRY RIESLING 2014 - Rheinhessen, Germany (#445817) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• TE PĀ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#450668) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• NORMAN HARDIE RIESLING 2015 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#131169) (D) - $21.00  reviewed here
• AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $22.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $24.95
• VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447474) (XD) - $29.95
• ERNEST MEURGEY-PERRON POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (#448852) (XD) - $31.95

Rosé Wine:

• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ 2015 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#950576) (XD) - $15.95
• FIELDING ROSÉ 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#053421) (XD) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#991562) (XD) - $19.95

Read More

Niagara New Vintage Festival Announces the Inaugural Homegrown Country Music Festival Funded by Celebrate Ontario

This June marks the arrival of the annual Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival and this year includes the inaugural Homegrown Country Music Festival.

The music festival will take on June 19 from noon until 7 p.m. and is a celebration of local talent and Niagara’s agricultural abundance that will showcase an all-Canadian New Country artist lineup. Each performer selected for the showcase has a deep rooted tie to the Niagara region and a passion for the local community. Artist lineup includes Tebey, Ryan Creelman and Brad Battle. A new twist to the Country festival scene is Country mash-up by DJ Dave Stiles and DJ Tanner.

Enjoy the soothing sounds of Country music in a unique vineyard location, sipping VQA favourites and singing along amongst the vines. Food trucks will take the stage, offering Niagara sourced produce from local chefs who believe in making the most of the farm-to-table freshness the region has to offer.

Also included in the farm-to-table celebrations of Niagara’s wine country is the Annual TD Tailgate Party, taking place June 18 at the Pillitteri Icewine Farm. Join 35+ of Niagara’s celebrated wineries as they share their stories alongside ten local chefs who will wow you with fresh culinary delights from our own backyard. It promises to be an unforgettable summer solstice best paired with friends, old and new.

Grape Grower of the Year, Jamie Slingerland, looks forward to welcoming festival goers to the Pillitteri Icewine Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “As Grape King, please accept my invitation to the award-winning Reserve Vineyards of Pillitteri Estates for the 2016 Tailgate Party and Homegrown Country Music Festival. The vineyards are nestled in the heart of wine country in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake where great 100% Ontario wines are grown.”

For those looking to tour Niagara’s wine country, the New Vintage Discovery Pass is the key to two weekends of wine and culinary adventures at wineries across Niagara. Discovery Pass holders can enjoy eight (8) experiences per pass during Festival weekends June 11-19. Designated drivers can also indulge in culinary offerings with the Driver’s Discovery Pass.

For fans of the vine, these are the weekends to visit wine country. Sip and savour the best of Niagara’s farm-to-table favourites and delicious VQA wine pairings at the Niagara New Vintage Festival and Homegrown Country Music Festival.

For a complete listing of all Niagara New Vintage Festival programming and events, visit www.niagarawinefestival.com

Read More

Lacroix-Vanel Fine Amor Pézenas 2008 (Midi) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is this delightful offering from Lacroix-Vanel that was purchased from a VINTAGES Release back in September, 2013.

Tasting Note:

LACROIX-VANEL FINE AMOR PÉZENAS 2008 - AC Coteaux du Languedoc, Midi, France (#343418) (XD) - $19.95
About 50% Grenache, with Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Carignan making up the other half of the blend. Black cherry, plum and barnyard aromas from the cork. Medium+ intensity, perfumed nose of dried herbs, garrigue, black fruits, blackberry surrounded by earthy, barnyard elements. It is medium-to-full bodied with chunky, dusty tannins that are slightly drying, but well supported by good fruit concentration. Yummy flavours of violets, black cherry, black berry, and oak spices. It has juicy acids and is long finishing with earthy, black cherry flavours. Fantastic! Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Read More

Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

I received this wine as a gift during the Christmas holidays and opened it up last night. This is a VINTAGES Essentials product and is always available at the LCBO, with the 2013 vintage being the latest vintage to arrive on our shores.

Tasting Note:

ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#606541) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Syrah. Wood and black cherry aromas from the cork. Subtle notes of green olive, cherry and strawberry on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with polished tannins and flavours of cherry, wet earth, leather and a hint of barnyard. Rustic in style. Tannins become a touch grippy with air, while acids are juicy and well-balanced. Lasting finish is savoury and earthy. Score: 87 pts

Read More

April 30 VINTAGES Release: Pacific Northwest + Aussie Whites + Rosé

The upcoming April 30 LCBO VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this coming Saturday and features wines from the Pacific Northwest as its main thematic - although noticeably absent this time around is the omission of British Columbia. There are two mini-themes in this release - great Australian white wines and some very fine rosés - both arriving just in time for warmer weather.

From the major theme of the release, the 8 wines from Washington are mostly a disappointment with only a dry Riesling making my list of wine picks. Meanwhile, the Oregon portion of the Pacific Northwest feature was only 6 wines, but 2 (of 4) Oregon Pinot Noirs are included among my wine picks. The Pinot from Two Messengers is a very big Pinot, but will also likely arrive late to shelves.

The first mini-theme is on great Australian whites and highlights 6 wines for your pleasure this Spring. Of the 6 wines, fully half are included among my wine recommendations. First up is an Organic Viognier from Australia's oldest family-owned winery. There's also an off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Riesling, and from Western Australia an off-dry blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon.

A rather large selection of 12 rosé wines yielded 4 fine wines, all of which are blends from the 2015 vintage from France. From Tavel, Rhône, is the Domaine Maby rosé that is a blend of 74% Grenache Noir with the balance made up of at least 5 other grapes, while the Gabriel Meffre rose is primarily Grenache with Syrah and Cinsault added in support. Lastly, the Château La Tour de l’Évêque is a blend primarily of Cinsault (40%), Grenache (35%), and Syrah (12%), with the balance made up of 5 other varietals.

In red wines from the rest of the release, the Bordeaux red is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Wildass Red is a Meritage type of blend. In white wines, the Spanish white is mostly Albariño.

Enjoy my wine picks for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES DEMOISELLES 2011 - AC Côtes de Bordeaux – Castillon, France (#348755) (XD) - $17.95
• TABALÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH 2012 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#213538) (XD) - $17.95
• WILDASS RED 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#086363) (XD) - $19.95
• ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#203364) (XD) - $19.95
• PASCUAL TOSO BARRANCAS VINEYARDS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#083337) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• SOLÉNA DOMAINE DANIELLE LAURENT PINOT NOIR 2012 - Yamhill-Carlton, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#446112) (XD) - $35.95
• RENDOLA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#181412) (XD) - $39.95  reviewed here
• TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA AMBROSIA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2010 - Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina (#402941) (XD) - $39.95  FSE
• MAISON L’ENVOYÉ TWO MESSENGERS PINOT NOIR 2013 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#453357) (XD) - $41.95  late arrival
• SORDO GIOVANNI ROCCHE DI CASTIGLIONE RISERVA BAROLO 2008 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#442004) (XD) - $49.95
• FERRARI-CARANO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Mountain Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, USA (#450429) (XD) - $74.95

White Wine:

• FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#080234) (M) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC 2014 - AP Corbières, Midi, France (#438747) (XD) - $17.95
• YALUMBA ORGANIC VIOGNIER 2015 - South Australia (#288217) (XD) - $17.95
• SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2014 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#047621) (D) - $18.95
• JOEL GOTT RIESLING 2012 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#443143) (XD) - $19.95
• PIKES TRADITIONALE RIESLING 2015 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#066894) (D) - $23.95
• QUINTA DE COUSELO O ROSAL 2014 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#440362) (XD) - $23.95
• VINCENT MOTHE CHABLIS 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#390468) (XD) - $26.95
• NORMAN HARDIE UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#184432) (XD) - $39.00

Rosé Wine:

• DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $18.95
• GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINT FERRÉOL TAVEL ROSÉ 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#450866) (D) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L’ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2015 - Harvested by hand, AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $19.95
• SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2015 - AP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France (#451906) (XD) - $22.95

Dessert Wine:

• PUKLUS PINCÉSZET SZAMORODNI SWEET TOKAJI 2009 - Hungary (#179374) (S) (500 mL) - $18.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#672402) (S) (200 mL) - $39.95

Cider:

• DOMAINE FÉLIBRE GIVRÉ ICE CIDER 2014 - Product of Quebec, Canada (#393611) (S) (375 mL) - $21.95  reviewed here

Read More

Domaine Félibre Givré Ice Cider 2014 (Quebec) - Review

Opened up this yummy cider tonight ahead of its release into LCBO VINTAGES on April 30th.

This is a vintage cider from Domaine Félibre, the same producer as the Sweet Ginger Cider I opened recently. This multi-award winning cider is made with apples from the Stanstead and Compton orchards in the Quebec Eastern Townships. It consists of 90% McIntosh apples and 10% Paulared/Melba apples. To achieve the desired sweetness levels, once the apples are pressed, the juices are left to freeze outside at -30°. The concentrated extracts of these juices are then fermented at a low temperature.

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE FÉLIBRE GIVRÉ ICE CIDER 2014 - Product of Quebec, Canada (#393611) (S) (375 mL) - $21.95
Zesty, crisp apple aromas from the cork. Plenty of sweet apple, apple sauce, and hints of honey aromas in the glass. On the palate, it's medium bodied and sweet with apple, honey, tangy citrus, and orange flavours framed by crisp acids. Finish length is very good. Ideal for pairing with apple-based desserts.

Read More

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Carménère / Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (Chile) - Wine Review

Last month, I was invited to the iYellow Wine Cave to attend iYellow's most recent #WinemakerRAW event with Emiliana Organic Vineyards from Chile.

Having tasted quite a few Emiliana wines over the past few years at the annual Chilean Wine Tasting, I had a good feeling about this tasting. This night was about getting an up close and personal look at the 2013 Emiliana Nova Gran Reserva Carménère/Cabernet Sauvignon that was just released a few weeks prior to this event at the LCBO as a general list product (and is widely available throughout the province).

In attendance representing the winery was the Winemaker Emilio Contreras, as well as the Export Director Fernando Pavon. Mr. Contreras joined Emiliana's team of winemakers in 2007 and is currently responsible for the reserve wines (including the wine below) and the two premium organic lines.

Emiliana Organic Vineyards is an organic and biodynamic winery that is focused on creating high quality wines while showing respect for the environment and their people. Emiliana firmly believes that using sustainable, organic, and biodynamic agricultural practices help produce better-balanced, healthier, and more productive vineyards, which in turn results in better grapes and unique, terroir-driven wines.

Tasting Note:

EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA CARMÉNÈRE/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#434662) (XD) - $15.80
Blend of 85% Carménère and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium+ intensity nose of sweet oak, brett and earth with underlying sweet ripe black cherry and hints of purple fruit. It is medium-bodied on the palate with soft, rounded tannins. Black cherry, sweet vanilla and hints of cocoa on the medium-to-long finish. Organic wine made in an approachable style that should have wide appeal. Score: 88 pts

Read More

Reinhold Haart Haart to Heart Piesport Riesling 2013 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is this lovely Piesport Riesling that was picked up last year when it was released into VINTAGES on July 11th.

Surprisingly, there are still a few bottles of this delicious wine available at the LCBO.

Tasting Note:

REINHOLD HAART HAART TO HEART PIESPORT RIESLING 2013 - Qualitätswein, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany (#672683) (M) - $19.95
Screw cap. This wine was fermented spontaneously with natural yeast and features a lovely slatey, wet stone, tangy citrus nose followed by hints of petrol. It is medium in sweetness with vibrant tangy citrus flavours on the light-to-mid weighted palate with hints of stone and honey adding interest. Acids are delicately balanced while citrus notes lingering on the very good finish. Score: 90 pts

Read More

Domaine Félibre Givré Sweet Ginger Cider (Quebec) - Review

Tonight, I enjoyed this mildly sweet cider that was recently released into VINTAGES on April 2nd.

This dessert wine is produced by Domaine Félibre in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Hauts-Cantons region in West-Barnston (between Stanstead and Coaticook) at an altitude of 425 metres and has an exceptional view that extends from Mount Orford to the edges of the Appalachian Mountains. Ciders, liqueurs, and wines are made in a traditional manner from fruit cultivation through to bottling.

This cider is infused with old ginger roots from China and a bit of honey. Try it while there are plenty of bottles still available on LCBO VINTAGES shelves!

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE FÉLIBRE GIVRÉ SWEET GINGER CIDER - Quebec, Canada (#441949) (S) (375 mL) - $19.95
Cork smells of freshly cut ginger. In the glass, it offers medium intensity aromas of fresh ginger, sweet spice, candied lemon and hints of apple and honey with much of same on the flavour profile. It's light-weighed and mildly sweet with ginger and honey tones lingering on the aftertaste. The producer recommends serving this as an apértif, but it could also be served after dinner. Would make a lovely cocktail.

Read More

Terre di Talamo Tempo Morellino di Scansano 2012 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Opened up this delicious red wine from Tuscany Sunday night and it paired really well with homemade Chicken Fajitas.

Terre di Talamo is owned by Marco Bacci and located south of Grosseto in the southern part of Tuscany's Maremma coastal area, facing the Gulf of Argentario. The estate covers 52 hectares on a hillside facing the sea, with 32 hectares planted to vines, and is mostly brown clay and quite stony.

This old world wine is new to VINTAGES and will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves as part of the upcoming April 16th VINTAGES release.

Tasting Note:

TERRE DI TALAMO TEMPO MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#438556) (XD) - $21.95
Hints of cherries and plums from the cork. In the glass, it has complex and inviting medium+ intensity aromas of dark cherry, earth, dried herbs and hints of meatiness. The palate is medium+ bodied and quite juicy with fresh acids with supple tannins. Evident oak aging is nicely integrated, with flavours of earth and hints of vanilla accenting the dark-fruited flavours. Becomes more earthy, savoury with air. Very good length on the earthy finish. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Read More

April 16 VINTAGES Release: Europe + California

The April 16, 2016 VINTAGES Release will be on shelves this coming Saturday and the major theme of the release is titled "European Vocation" and features wines from Europe's 10 benchmark regions. The mini-theme looks at wines from California's "other" wine regions.

Of the 20 wines featured from the 10 benchmark regions of Europe, just three wines were included among my wine recommendations. Both of the red wine picks from this thematic are from Italy - a gorgeous Brunello made with Tuscany's signature grape Sangiovese, and the famous Barolo made using Nebbiolo. The only white wine chosen from this theme is a very nice Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley.

From California's "other" wine regions of Mendocino, Lodi, Monterey and Paso Robles, none of the 10 wines featured made my list of wine picks.

In red wines from the rest of the release, we are going to begin with wines a little bit off the beaten path. From Croatia is a red blend consisting of indigenous 30% Teran, 50% Merlot, and 20%
Blaufränkisch (a.k.a Lemberger), while the wine from Sicily is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola - both of these wines are new to VINTAGES. The São Miguel from Portugal is also new to VINTAGES and consists of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional. The mature Rhône red is a blend of 80% Grenache old vines and 20% Syrah from young vines. All of the Tuscan reds are made with Sangiovese.

In white wines, the Fumé Blanc is mostly Sauvignon Blanc - plus 6% Semillon - that was barrel fermented and oak-aged in barrel for 9-months. If you enjoy sweeter wines, look for the off-dry Old Vines Riesling from Château des Charmes, or if you prefer very sweet wines, go for the Vineland Estates Riesling.

Enjoy my LCBO wine picks from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• VINA LAGUNA TERRA ROSSA 2013 - Istria, Croatia (#450437) (XD) - $15.95
• SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS 2011 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#445122) (XD) - $17.95  reviewed here
• CLOS TROTELIGOTTE K-OR MALBEC 2014 - AC Cahors, Southwest, France (#299982) (XD) - $18.95
• HAUNER SALINA ROSSO 2013 - IGP, Sicily, Italy (#440784) (XD) - $19.95
• SANTA DUC ROAIX LES CROTTES 2010 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France (#437491) (XD) - $19.95
• TERRE DI TALAMO TEMPO MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#438556) (XD) - $21.95  reviewed here
• PATRIZI BAROLO 2011 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#653527) (XD) - $34.95
• AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#943670) (XD) - $39.95
• SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#403477) (D) - $46.95
• LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#121905) (XD) - $57.95
• CATENA ZAPATA NICASIA VINEYARD MALBEC 2011 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#132357) (XD) - $89.95  FSE

White Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES OLD VINES RIESLING 2013 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#277228) (D) - $16.95
• FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#286278) (XD) - $18.95
• CANTINA ANDRIAN FLOREADO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige, Italy (#435396) (XD) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUÉS DE CASA CONCHA CHARDONNAY 2013 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#342857) (XD) - $19.95
• VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#038117) (MS) - $19.95
• FANTINEL SANT’HELENA PINOT GRIGIO 2014 - DOC Collio, Friuli, Italy (#310144) (XD) - $20.95
• ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#221887) (XD) - $22.95  reviewed here
• ARGYROS ASSYRTIKO 2015 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#387365) (XD) - $22.95
• TWO RIVERS CONVERGENCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#277707) (XD) - $23.95
• F. TINEL-BLONDELET L’ARRÊT BUFFATTE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#169730) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• GRAHAM BECK BRUT ZERO 2009 - Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa (#435453) (XD) - $22.95

Read More