Giveaway - Win Tickets to 2016 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

I am giving away three (3) pairs of 'Elite Pass' tickets (valued at $100/pair) to the upcoming 2016 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo that is taking place from Thursday, November 17 to Sunday, November 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Tickets are valid for any one day of your choosing.

Your chance to win tickets to #GFWE and contest entry form is at the bottom of this post.

The 22nd annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo offers you 1,500 wines, beers, spirits and gourmet foods to experience - more than ever before. You can journey around the globe with cooking pros, talk one-on-one with industry experts and taste the newest dishes and drinks.

You will have the opportunity to sample tons of new craft beer, awesome spirits, world-class wine and of course, food from some of the area’s top restaurants and chefs.

Some of this year's highlights include:

• Tutored Tastings Program offers the opportunity to taste some of the world's best wines while learning from top industry experts. Separate ticket required - purchase here.
• Chef Stage features complimentary cooking demonstrations all weekend hosted by celebrity guests and incredibly talented locals.
• #TrendCentral Stage presents interactive tastings sessions of cutting-edge wines, beers and spirits.
• Spiritology Pavilion infuses passionate bartenders into the heart of the action to showcase the latest from Toronto’s exciting cocktail scene.
• Grand Tasting Bar offers a unique opportunity to taste incredible wines alongside top industry experts.

Having attended this event each of the past 5 years, I can tell you firsthand that you'll have a great time!

Event Details:

When:

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, 6-10 p.m. VIP Preview Evening Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, 12-10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, 12-6 p.m.

Where:

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building 255 Front Street West Toronto, ON

Must be 19 years of age or older. No children or infants permitted.

How to Enter:

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2016 Ticket Giveaway

Good luck!

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Seriously Cool Red 2013 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a General List product at the LCBO and widely available throughout Ontario. You may have noticed that this bottle is on the cover of LCBO's current fall catalogue.

The 2012 Seriously Cool Red was a Gamay-based blend that I tasted in the Spring, while this latest vintage is Pinot Noir dominated. It continues to be suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Produced locally and sustainably by Niagara's Southbrook Vineyards, it also continues to be bottled using the funky cool labels under three different designs created by Laura Wills of Messenger.

Tasting Note:

SERIOUSLY COOL RED 2013 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#453639) (D) - $15.95
The blend for 2013 has changed quite a bit compared to the 2012, now composed of 65% Pinot Noir, 25% Gamay, 8% Zweigelt, and 2% Syrah. Stelvin screw cap. Light nose featuring red cherry, raspberry, subtle spice, white pepper, and whiffs of earth aromas. The dry palate is also light-weighted but gains body with air. It has fresh acids and light, ripe tannins. Flavours of white pepper, black tea, cherry and hints of forest floor linger through to the finish. Pair with pizza, poultry or heartier fish. Score: 86 pts

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San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio 2015 (Veneto) - Wine Review

Opened up this organic white wine last night ahead of it's release onto LCBO VINTAGES shelves on October 29th.

The grapes for this organic Pinot Grigio come from vineyards in the area around Verona, west of Venice, and is managed by winegrowers who have been cultivating organically for more than 25 years.

This 2015 vintage is a step up in quality from the 2014 San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio that I tasted last year, and is sure to be liked by many.

Tasting Note:

SAN RAFFAELE MONTE TABOR PINOT GRIGIO 2015 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#204768) (XD) - $13.95
Organic wine. Light aromas of fresh lemon and tropical fruits from the cork. Perfumed aromas of melon, tropical fruit and lemon of medium intensity. The palate is ripe and juicy with good fruit concentration, showing peach, apricot and lemon flavours in a dry style (i.e. not sweet). Acids are fresh, while the finish length is good. Should appeal to many. Score: 87 pts

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VINTAGES Release October 29: Bordeaux + Blends

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on October 29th focuses on approachable and affordable Bordeaux wines as its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on the art of blended wines.

We'll begin with the feature on Bordeaux that lists 11 wines, 3 of which are included among my wine picks. From Médoc and Fronsac are a pair of wines from outstanding 2010 Bordeaux vintage - both are Bordeaux blends, with the Fronsac wine consisting of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Also from the 2010 vintage is the Margaux Grande Cru Classé that is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot. The 2012 Bois Chantant is also mostly Merlot (79%), with 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc added to round out the blend.

The fact that the majority of Bordeaux wines are blends is a nice segue into the mini-thematic - the art of the blend. This feature lists 8 wines, none of which are from Bordeaux, and only 1 wine is included in my wine recommendations. The vintage Champagne is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, and 23% Pinot Meunier.

In red wines, we have a lovely blend Touriga Nacional, Jaen, and Alfrocheiro blend from Portugal - a wine region where most wines are blends. Surprisingly, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is 100% Grenache from vines that are 80-100 years old. The dry (i.e. not sweet) Amarone is a blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara. Last, but not definitely not the least, is the Solaia that is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Among my white wine picks, the Greek wine is a blend of 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Roditis, while the Sancerre is strictly Sauvignon Blanc. The sparkling Cava is a blend of local varietals Macabeo (67%) and Parellada (33%).

Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#18721) (XD) - $17.95
• LAPILLI BENEVENTANO AGLIANICO 2014 - IGT, Campania, Italy (#472696) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU HAUT-CANTELOUP 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#466565) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DU BOIS CHANTANT CUVÉE LAURENCE H. 2012 - AP Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#421206) (XD) - $18.95
• NIEPOORT DÃO RÓTULO RED 2013 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#452722) (XD) - $18.95
• CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC 2014 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#219261) (D) - $21.95  reviewed here
• CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH 2013 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#471797) (XD) - $22.95  reviewed here

• CHÂTEAU HERVÉ-LAROQUE 2010 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#446393) (XD) - $26.95
• MENDEL MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#108225) (XD) - $29.95
• FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#928028) (XD) - $53.95  reviewed here
• CHÂTEAU DURFORT-VIVENS 2010 - Second wine of Château Durfort-Vivens, AC Margaux, Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France (#466540) (XD) - $54.95
• ZENI BARRIQUES AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2009 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#472688) (XD) - $59.95
• DOMAINE DE CRISTIA VIEILLES VIGNES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#71381) (XD) - $107.00  FSE
• SOLAIA 2012 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#987586) (D) - $254.95

White Wine:

• SAN RAFFAELE MONTE TABOR PINOT GRIGIO 2015 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#204768) (XD) - $13.95  reviewed here
• KIR-YIANNI ESTATE WHITE 2015 - Samaropetra Vineyard, PGI Florina, Greece (#464511) - $17.95
• TYRRELL’S LOST BLOCK SEMILLON 2015 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#933200) (XD) - $17.95
• ST. PAULS CHARDONNAY 2014 - DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige, Italy (#455170) (XD) - $18.95
• ANDRÉ BLANCK & FILS ALTENBURG GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2015 - AC, Alsace, France (#168906) (M) - $19.95
• MASTROBERARDINO RADICI FIANO DI AVELLINO 2014 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#323998) (XD) - $19.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2014 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.75  reviewed here
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $26.95  reviewed here
• WEINBACH CUVÉE LAURENCE GEWURZTRAMINER 2013 - AC Alsace, France (#581975) (M) - $64.00  FSE
• STONY HILL CHARDONNAY 2010 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#444471) (XD) - $71.00  FSE

 

Sparkling Wine:

• SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT RESERVA HEREDAD CAVA - Méthode traditionnelle, DO, Spain (#558825) (D) - $29.95
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#69773) (D) - $89.95

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING RIESLING ICEWINE 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#447441) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95  reviewed here

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Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is featured as the "Arrive in Style" product in the upcoming VINTAGES Release on October 29 and will be on shelves this coming Saturday.

Chakana wines are made in Agrelo, near the centre of Mendoza, in a facility with a capacity of 2 million litres. However, small tank sizes are used to maintain grape identities which come from different soil types. The modular design of the winery is tailored to vineyard development, while also helping with careful and detailed management of the grapes and process control as part of the winemaking process.

After making key contributions to the Super Tuscan movement at Antinori and Frescobaldi, consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini came to Argentina in 1995 and immediately sensed the potential of Malbec. The following 15 years were devoted to the re-discovery and perfection of what is now Argentina's signature grape. Mr. Antonini's winemaking philosophy is focused on using modern technology to express terroir and the true nature of grape flavours.

Tasting Note:

CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC 2014 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#219261) (D) - $21.95
Black plum and dark fruit aromas from the cork. Initial oak aromas give way to dark cherry, plum and cocoa, with hints of white pepper and mineral. The dry palate is full bodied, juicy and nicely textured with dark berry, dark plum, white pepper, oak spices and some herbally flavours. Some mocha notes on the long finish. Tannins are drying and a bit hard - needs some time to integrate. Drinkable now, but should be prime drinking in 2 years. Score: 88 pts

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Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Les Caillottes Sancerre 2015 (Loire) - Wine Review

Opened up this pretty white wine last night. It is a lovely peak into a wine that will be in LCBO VINTAGES on October 29th.

The Roger family descends from a long line of winegrowers from the village of Bue, dating back to the early 17th century. Jean-Max Roger took over the vines left to him by his parents in the early 1970s and expanded the estate to its current size. Today, the estate now covers 26 hectares in the Sancerre AOC along the Loire River.

The grapes for this wine come from various plots in the villages of Bué, Amigny and Sancerre, where the soil is a stony, clay-limestone mix known locally as "caillottes". The vines range in 6-40 years old and are located on a south/southwestern exposure.

Tasting Note:

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $26.95
100% Sauvignon Blanc with lees ageing has inviting orange citrus and peach aromas from cork. Medium-high intensity aromatics featuring candied lemon with hints of grass, nettle, herbaceousness and mineral. The palate is medium-fullish with a somewhat fleshy and creamy mouthfeel. Ripe fruited aroma replays with fresh acids coat the tongue. Finish length is very good. Will have wide appeal. Paired well with Dungeness crab curry. Score: 90 pts

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Rueda Wine Tasting at Patria

It was a hot day on the last Sunday in May, setting the stage perfectly for the crisp, refreshing white wines that were being poured. The location was Patria - a Spanish restaurant located on King Street West. The event was called "A Taste of Spain" offered a variety of wines from Rueda - a small wine region in central-northwestern Spain, about 170 km northwest of Madrid.

The region is known for it's white wines, primarily made using Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. In all, there were about 40 wines for tasting, most of which were of the crisp, palate-quenching, refreshing style that was ideal for this day. The venue was quite busy, but Patria's servers managed to get around easily, going all out by offering gourmet bites and sweet treats when a break from wine tasting was needed. Of course, there was also a paella.

There were numerous high quality wines at this tasting, and I've posted wine reviews of my favourites below. Most of these are only available through the Agency - please contact the respective Agent listed below for pricing and availability.

Tasting Notes:

BODEGAS JOSÉ PARIENTE FERMENTADO EN BARRICA 2013 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
From old vines, barrel fermented in French oak barrels, this Verdejo has aromas of smoke and herbal spice with underlying white peach and citrus tones waft from the glass of medium-to-high intensity. It's medium+ bodied palate offers a very nice texture with pleasing aroma replays, very good acidity and long finish. Score: 91 pts

BODEGAS JOSÉ PARIENTE CUVEÉ ESPECIAL 2013 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
This 100% Verdejo offers a medium-to-high intensity nose of apple, butter, stone fruits and some vanilla aromas which echo very nicely on the medium-bodied palate. It has balanced acids and very good length on the finish. Score: 90 pts

BODEGAS JOSÉ PARIENTE VERDEJO 2015 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
This crisp, bright wine has mineral, stone fruit, citrus and some herbally aromas and flavours. The bright, refreshing acids balance the fruit well. Excellent length on the finish. Beautifully balanced. Score: 88 pts

For availability and pricing of wines from Bodegas José Pariente, please contact Cottonwood Agency.

BODEGAS PROTOS VERDEJO 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
Highly aromatic flinty mineral, herbally, pear and stone fruit aromas which also appear on the medium-bodied palate. Bright acids, long finishing. Contact SpainOnly1 Imports to order. Score: 88 pts

BODEGAS TRASLAGARES VERDEJO 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
A somewhat closed nose offers stone fruit, pear and flinty mineral aromas. On the palate, it is medium+ bodied with nice, clean mineral-driven aroma replays. Bright acids provide freshness. Very good length on the finish. Score: 89 pts

BODEGAS HERMANOS DEL VILLAR ORO DE CASTILLA 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (#745562) (XD) - $15.95
Medium-to-high intensity nose offers lovely citrus, tropical fruit, orange. It's medium-bodied with bracing acids and juicy herbaceousness on the palate adding to the aroma replays. Excellent length on the finish. One of my favourites of the tasting! This vintage was available in VINTAGES in May, while the 2015 vintage was released into VINTAGES in September and is currently available on shelves. Score: 89 pts

BODEGA LA SOTERRAÑA ERESMA VERDEJO 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
Clean, medium+ intensity nose featuring ripe fruited lime, tangerine, tropical fruits and some mineral. It's medium-bodied with very good texture and mineral, stone fruit flavours on the palate. It has good acidity and finishes long. Contact Brand New Day Wines & Spirits for availability. Score: 88 pts

BODEGAS REINA DE CASTILLA VERDEJO 2014 - DO Rueda, Spain (XD)
Clean, elegant, medium-intensity nose featuring stone fruit, citrus and an earthy, mineral character. It's light-to-mid weighted with more mineral and stone fruits on the palate. Very good acidity and finishing long with a minerally texture. Quite elegant. Contact Brand New Day Wines & Spirits for availability. Score: 88 pts

CANTONSAN ESPUMOSO RESERVA FAMILIAR N/V - DO Rueda, Spain (D) - $20
This sparkling wine is made with 100% Verdejo and features a medium+ intensity nose with brioche, toast, and leesy aromas. It has fine bubbles, crunchy fruit texture with flavours of lemon, citrus, and brioche. Just a hint of sweetness, with fresh acidity and bubbles holding things together. Long, clean finish. Contact JH&S to order. Score: 88 pts

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Domaine Galaman Fitou 2013 (Midi) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is included as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on October 15.

This red wine comes from Langeudoc's Fitou appellation in southern France, bordering the Mediterranean sea. Fitou is one of the oldest wine sub-appellations in the Languedoc-Roussillon and the primary grapes grown in the region are Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.

Domaine Galaman is produced by Jean Paux-Rosset (owner of Château de la Négly) and his consulting winemaker Claude Gros. The area has a multi-coloured sandy schist soil-type that naturally imparts acidity and elegance to the grapes.

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE GALAMAN FITOU 2013 - AP, Midi, France (#395467) (XD) - $14.95
Ripe black plum, blackberry and dark cherry aromas from the cork. This blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah has earthy mineral aromas that give way to blackberry and currant, with herbal and gentle baking spice accents. Quite dense on the full bodied palate with currant, herbally, dark berry, and boysenberry flavours. Acids are mouth-watering and the fine tannins are a touch drying. Finish length is very good. Approachable now, but should improve in 1-2 years and enjoy over the next half dozen years. Score: 88 pts

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VINTAGES Release October 15: 3 Top California Vintages + Nebbiolo

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on October 15th continues the onslaught of blockbuster wines leading up to holidays (I can only imagine what other goodies are coming down the pipeline over the next 6 weeks). This release focuses on the golden vintages of 2012, 2013 and 2014 in California, while the mini-focus highlights the noble Nebbiolo grape from Piedmont, Italy.

From the California focus, just 2 of the 18 wines are included among my wine picks. There is a fine 2013 Napa Chardonnay, while the 2014 vintage brings us a mostly Zinfandel blend that also contains 24% Carignane, 12% Petite Sirah, and 4% Mataro (Mourvèdre) using some vines that are more than 130 years old.

The small selection of Nebbiolo wines is very good, with half of the wines included among my wine recommendations. From the Langhe DOC in Piedmont, the Sottimano is 100% Nebbiolo, while the Rocche dei Manzoni is from the excellent 2010 vintage and consists of 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Barbera. No talk about Nebbiolo is complete without mentioning Barolo, and the wine from Gianni Gagliardo is a stunner to be cellared for at least a couple of years.

Among other red wines, both Portuguese reds are blends, while the Fitou is a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. The Bordeaux red is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, while the Bolgheri is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Lastly, the latest Beaucastel CdP is a blend of mostly Grenache and Mourvèdre.

In white wines, the Saint-Roch is a blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne. For sweet wine lovers, in order from least sweet to most sweet Riesling, there are wines from Ontario's neighbours Mike Weir and Fielding, and from Germany the Paul Anheuser and Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinetts.

After having tasted some amazingly sweet PX (Pedro Ximenez) at the recent Spain Is Wine tasting, I am in absolute awe of this fortified style of wine. As luck would have it, a quality PX from Osborne will be available as part of this release.

Enjoy my wine picks from this release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LUA CHEIA OLD VINES RED 2014 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#266882) (XD) - $13.95
• DOMAINE GALAMAN FITOU 2013 - AP, Midi, France (#395467) (XD) - $14.95  reviewed here
• 3C PREMIUM SELECTION CARIÑENA 2013 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#461350) (XD) - $14.95
• HERDADE DO ROCIM 2012 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#423574) (D) - $17.95
• DE BORTOLI G.S. PINOT NOIR 2015 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#015511) (XD) - $19.95
• SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#275958) (D) - $21.95  reviewed here
• SOTTIMANO LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2013 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#454017) (XD) - $29.95

• SOLÉNA HYLAND PINOT NOIR 2012 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#462986) (XD) - $35.95
• ROCCHE DEI MANZONI BRICCO MANZONI LANGHE ROSSO 2010 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#459651) (XD) - $38.95
• GIANNI GAGLIARDO BAROLO 2011 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713602) (XD) - $54.95
• RIDGE GEYSERVILLE 2014 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#723072) (XD) - $63.95
• SÉGLA 2010 - Second wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla, AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France (#359810) (XD) - $64.95
• MASI SEREGO ALIGHIERI VAIO ARMARON AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#462812) (D) - $84.95
• CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (XD) - $89.95
• ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2013 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $104.95

White Wine:

• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2015 - AP, Midi, France (#175232) (XD) - $15.95
• PAUL ANHEUSER SCHLOSSBÖCKELHEIMER KÖNIGSFELS RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Estate Bottled, Prädikatswein, Nahe, Germany (#161828) (MS) - $17.95
• MOUNT BROWN ESTATES PINOT GRIS 2015 - Waipara Valley, South Island, New Zealand (#466037) (XD) - $18.95
• MIKE WEIR LIMITED EDITION RIESLING 2014 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#229286) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• FIELDING ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING 2015 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#251439) (M) - $19.95
• DR. LOOSEN BLUE SLATE RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#160846) (MS) - $22.95
• SPERLING CHARDONNAY 2014 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#378570) (XD) - $29.95  FSE
• HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2015 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $42.95
• JEAN-MARC BROCARD BUTTEAUX CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#294165) (XD) - $46.95  FSE
• NEWTON UNFILTERED CHARDONNAY 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#001537) (XD) - $68.95

Fortifieds:

• OSBORNE PEDRO XIMENEZ 1827 - DOP, Spain (#047944) (S) - $17.95

Dessert Wine:

• DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2013 - Riverina, New South Wales, Australia (#917252) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95  reviewed here

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Southbrook Organic Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine returns to VINTAGES soon and will be on shelves at the LCBO as part of the upcoming VINTAGES Release on October 15th.

I tasted this organic wine produced by Southbrook Vineyards previously at the epic Ontario Cabernet Franc tasting in June, 2015. It's now had more than a year in bottle to soften any hard edges and comes across as quite smooth today, as noted in my wine review below.

The organic grapes for this wine were sourced from Southbrook's own vineyards, as well as 3 other growers, and picked, de-stemmed and fermented separately in either a stainless steel tank or oak vat over an average total maceration time of 3 weeks. Gentle pressing, settling and racking to oak barrels occurred for nine months before careful blending, filtering and bottling, without fining.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK ORGANIC TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#275958) (D) - $21.95
Blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Stelvin screw cap. Cocoa-dusted, forest floor and earthy aromas give way to lovely sweet herbs, clove, red floral, black cherry, blackberry notes. The tannins have integrated very nicely, offering a nice and smooth mouthfeel on the medium bodied frame. Nice, sweet-fruited aroma replays - clove, red currant, floral, and vanilla flavours open up nicely with air. Acids are juicy and finish length is very good. In a nice place right now, but will drink well over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89 pts

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Southbrook Organic Triomphe Chardonnay 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

I opened up this nice organic Chardonnay last night to pair with rotisserie chicken - and it paired very well indeed!

This white wine is the latest vintage of Southbrook Vineyards' Triomphe Chardonnay and is included as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on October 1st. Having tasted both the 2013 and 2012 vintages of this wine, this latest vintage comes across as quite reductive in style and may shock you if you've never tasted a style of wine like this.

The organic grapes for this wine come from both the Saunders and Sabourin vineyards and were handpicked, sorted and gently whole cluster pressed to extract the juice. Fermentation and lees aging occurred in 100% French cooperage over a period of 12 months prior to barrel selection, blending and bottling.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK ORGANIC TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#172338) (XD) - $22.95
Stelvin screw cap. Lifted aromatics that are reductive in style with matchstick most prominent followed by lemon, herbs, buttered popcorn and yellow pear aromas. It's medium-bodied on the palate with clean, refreshing lemony acids. Balanced flavours of lemon, buttered popcorn, herbal and smoky nuances linger on the long finish. This should improve in a year's time as the wine integrates. Paired really well with the smoky flavours from the rotisserie chicken off the BBQ. Score: 89 pts

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VINTAGES Release October 1: Tuscany + Rioja + Thanksgiving Wines

New wines from the VINTAGES Release on October 1st on will be on LCBO shelves this coming Saturday and features wines from Tuscany for elegant dining, as well as a mini-feature on Rioja, and wines for Thanksgiving celebrations. As we approach the holiday season, now would be a good time to start collecting those fine wines for holiday gift giving, as there are quite a few very nice wines in this release.

The Tuscany thematic features only 8 wines, but 2 are included among my wine picks and both are top tier wines. The Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera and Merlot, while the Brunello di Montalcino is from the excellent 2010 vintage and made with 100% Sangiovese.

From Rioja, Spain, there are 7 wines listed and 2 made my list of wine recommendations. The Crianza is a light-weighted red blend consisting of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha Tinta and Mazuelo. The other Rioja is also a blend made mostly with Tempranillo, but offers a more substantial mouthfeel in a refined, elegant package.

Wines for Thanksgiving include a barely off-dry (i.e. just slightly sweet) and ever versatile Riesling from Alsace, and a Pinot Noir from Ontario from the 6 wines that were highlighted in the Thanksgiving wines feature.

From the rest of the release in red wines, there is a Portuguese red blend (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz) that is dry and firmly structured that should be bought and placed in your cellar for at least a couple of years to allow the tannins to soften. The Malbec comes from vines that are more than 80 years old and located 1,150 metres above sea-level. From Washington, the red blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec, while the lovely Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the usual blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 5% Cinsault.

In white wines, there is a surprising selection of fine Italian white wines, none of which are named Pinot Grigio. Instead, they are Soave (100% Garganega), Falanghina, and Arneis. There's also an aromatic white from Lebanon that is a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat d'Alexandrie. And lastly, the Loire white is 100% Chenin Blanc made in a semi-sweet style.

The sparkling wines among my wine picks include a Blanc de Blanc vintage sparkler from South Africa that's 100% Chardonnay, while the vintage Champagne is a blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations with your Thanksgiving feast. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CUNE RIOJA CRIANZA 2012 - DO Rioja, Spain (#039925) (XD) - $17.95
• QUINTA DA REDE RESERVA 2012 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#431742) (XD) - $17.95
• CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2014 - DO Peumo, Chile (#274043) (XD) - $17.95
• CREEKSIDE ESTATE QUEENSTON ROAD PINOT NOIR 2014 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415877) (D) - $18.95
• ATAMISQUE CATALPA OLD VINES MALBEC 2013 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#194126) (XD) - $19.95
• WATERKLOOF CIRCUMSTANCE SYRAH 2012 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#455782) (XD) - $22.95
• BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $29.95

• HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE RED 2012 - Red Mountain, Washington, USA (#001594) (XD) - $39.95  FSE
• CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#418897) (XD) - $48.95
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2011 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $53.95
• HAMILTON RUSSELL PINOT NOIR 2015 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa (#999516) (XD) - $57.95
• FLOWERS PINOT NOIR 2014 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#215202) (XD) - $68.95  FSE
• POGGIO SAN POLO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#650812) (XD) - $74.95
• CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2014 - AC, Rhone, France (#711317) (XD) - $89.95

White Wine:

• SAN RAFFAELE MONTE TABOR SOAVE 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#277392) (XD) - $14.95
• TEANUM ALTA FALANGHINA 2014 - IGT Puglia, Italy (#161653) (XD) - $15.95
• KUHLMANN-PLATZ RIESLING 2014 - AC Alsace, France (#196741) (D) - $16.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING 2013 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#557165) (D) - $17.95
• DOMAINE DES TOURELLES WHITE 2015 - Bekaa Valley, Lebanon (#447169) (XD) - $19.95
• CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO ARNEIS LANGHE 2015 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#455162) (XD) - $21.95
• SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#172338) (XD) - $22.95  reviewed here
• DOMAINE LOEW VÉRITÉ SYLVANER 2013 - AC Alsace, France (#462598) - $25.95  FSE
• DOMAINE DES CHESNAIES CÔTEAUX DU LAYON 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#456129) (MS) - $27.95
• DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD LES NARVAUX MEURSAULT 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#012369) (XD) - $74.00  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• AVONDALE ARMILLA BLANC DE BLANC 2009 - Méthode Cap Classique, WO Paarl, South Africa (#451930) (XD) - $29.95
• DUMANGIN LE VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE 2004 - AC, France (#439232) (XD) - $61.95

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Bodega Norton Barrel Select Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a General List product that is always available at the LCBO. New shipments of this latest vintage will arrive on shelves with something new and unique - a cold sensor sticker called "Wine Polar".

This Sauvignon Blanc by Bodega Norton is the first white wine to use Polar Technology to help you enjoy your wine at the ideal temperature. Experience this wine best when the Polar sticker turns blue.

For my "experiment", this bottle was placed in the refrigerator this morning and remained there until late afternoon. Upon removing from the fridge, the snowflake on the Polar sticker showed blue, indicating that the wine was ready to be served. Using my Vacu Vin Thermometer, the blue started to fade at around 13° Celsius and sure enough, the wine did start to taste a little warm. At 15° Celsius, the blue indicators had just about disappeared and the wine was clearly too warm to be served. Based on my unscientific observations, I would say that Polar Technology works!

Tasting Note:

BODEGA NORTON BARREL SELECT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#400564) (XD) - $13.10
Screw cap. Partially barrel-fermented in French oak barrels, this has a rather soft and closed nose of earth, flint, with hints of lemon/lime and tropical fruits. The fleshy palate has lemon/lime, guava, tropical fruit and some vanilla flavours. Acids are fresh and finish length is very good. Easy drinking wine that should have wide appeal. Score: 86 pts

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Winetario - Top Wines from 2016 Ontario Wine Awards

In mid-June, I had the pleasure of attending Winetario, an event put together by iYellow Wine Club and George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts to showcase local Ontario VQA wines that won medals at the 2016 Ontario Wine Awards. The event was held in the atrium at the George Brown College campus located on Adelaide Street East in downtown Toronto.

I was in attendance for the entire tasting session and managed to taste through most of the wines. However, I was disappointed that I ran out of time and missed tasting the Icewine - a category Ontario excels in year after year. I also noticed a distinct lack of Chardonnay amongst the wines being poured - another category which Ontario does quite well. Having said that, there were plenty of other delicious wines to taste, across many different grape varieties, with Ontario Riesling and Syrah being my top favourites. Listed below are wine reviews of some of my favourite wines at Winetario, some of which you can find right now at the LCBO. Alternatively, you can always contact the winery or pay them a visit in Niagara Wine Country.

If you're in the Greater Toronto Area, the WiNETARiO Harvest Edition wine tasting takes place on November 3rd. Venue and ticketing information can be found on the iYellow Wine Club website.

Tasting Notes:

KONZELMANN LATE HARVEST GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#392357) (M) - $14.75
Highly aromatic nose is very inviting with notions of lychee, floral and roses. The medium-dry palate is sweet with nicely balanced acids and lovely aroma replays. Very good finish length. Score: 89 pts

ANDREW PELLER ESTATES SIGNATURE SERIES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#405043) (XD) - $24.75
An austere Sauvignon Blanc showing gooseberry, kiwi and some smoke on the nose. It's medium-bodied with barrel-fermented oak providing texture. Acids are well-balanced. Nice aroma replays on the palate continue through to the long finish. Score: 90 pts

TWO SISTERS RIESLING 2014 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (M) - $35
Pleasing mineral, petrol and orange aromas that also shine through on the palate with a slight leesy character. Medium in sweetness with juicy, balanced acids. Excellent length on the finish. Score: 90 pts

THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WOOD POST RIESLING 2014 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (M) - ~$30
Lovely, highly aromatic nose offers peach, mineral and petrol notes. Nicely balanced and harmonious aroma replays on the palate with a stony mineral texture. It's off-dry in style, with bracing acidity and excellent length on the finish. Always good year after year. Score: 91 pts

HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE BACO NOIR 2013 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#461699) (D) - $24.95
A medium-high intensity nose offers blackberry, black cherry, sweet oak and brambly aromas that balances fruit and oak well. It's medium-full bodied with nicely balanced aroma replays on the palate, along with some mineral notes. Juicy with a long cherry-floral finish. Very appealing. Released in VINTAGES on June 25th. Score: 90 pts

PALATINE HILLS NEUFELD VINEYARD MERLOT 2012 - VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $24.80
This Merlot is quite complex, offering earthy, blackberry, dark fruits, dark cherry, and hints of barnyard aromas that all follow through to the full-bodied palate. It has dusty tannins that are integrating very nicely. Very good acids and fine length on the earthy, dark-fruited finish. Still a bit young and should age well for half dozen years or more. Score: 90 pts

SOUTHBROOK ESTATE GROWN SMALL LOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $39.95
Organic and biodynamic, composed of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc. This red wine was Served decanted, and has lovely cherry, sweet oak, cassis, ripe red berry and earthy aromas. Full-bodied with smooth tannins and tart aroma replays. It has balanced acids and excellent length on the finish. Score: 90+ pts

CREEKSIDE BROKEN PRESS SYRAH 2012 - Queenston Road Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#202127) (XD) - $42.95
Highly aromatic nose offers meaty, black peppercorn and sour cherry notes. The full-bodied palate has fine aroma replays with hints of violet and floral notes. The juicy acids and integrated tannins are well-balanced, and the finish length is excellent. Such a delight! Score: 92 pts

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La Crema Los Carneros Chardonnay 2014 (California) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a lovely oaked Chardonnay that will be available in VINTAGES on September 17th.

La Crema has been practising small-batch winemaking since 1979, focusing on cool-climate appellations. The grapes for this white wine come from Los Carneros, an AVA that includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa, and located just north of San Pablo Bay. The area is a combination of soft, rolling hills, wide-open skies, rocky soils, cooling fog, and late-afternoon breezes sweeping up from the bay to naturally cool the countryside.

Conditions for the 2014 vintage were once again near ideal. The final blend of this Chardonnay consists of fruit from 7 block of the Ramal West estate vineyard in the Los Carneros appellation. It contains several less common clones such as 131, Calera, Mount Eden and Long, grown on a combination of Haire clay loam and Diablo clay soils. Furthermore, all blocks and clones were kept separate until the final blending.

Tasting Note:

LA CREMA LOS CARNEROS CHARDONNAY 2014 - Los Carneros, California, USA (#184929) (XD) - $39.95
100% Chardonnay that is barrel-fermented and aged for 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 28% new. Spring meadow and lemon peel aromas from the cork. This fragrant and inviting oaked Chardonnay has a nose of vanilla, butter, ripe pear and apple. It's full bodied and rich on the palate with a creamy, leesy texture that's balanced by high acids. More vanilla, butter, binned apple, and ripe pear flavours with hints of blood orange and wet stone on the long finish. Nicely balanced overall and richly textured, it's ideal for pairing with rich seafood dishes or poultry. Best enjoyed with only a light chill. Score: 92 pts

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