LCBO VINTAGES Wine Picks & Reviews : Index

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release July 7, 2018: Mediterranean + Cool Chardonnay

LCBO Wine Picks from July 7, 2018 VINTAGES Release

The main theme from the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on July 7 features Mediterranean wines, while the mini-theme is the annual cool-climate Chardonnay feature. All of these wines - plus many others - will be on LCBO shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that explores seven Mediterranean hot spots that are as alluring as their wines. Twelve wines are listed in this theme, and only three are included among my wine picks. From Southern France, the rosé from Provence is a blend of 39% Cinsault, 37% Grenache, 11% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 3% Rolle, 2% Sémillon, 1% Ugni Blanc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Languedoc red is a blend of 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre. The last of the three wines is a Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) from Puglia.

Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 (91 pts)

From the cool-climate Chardonnay theme, four of the ten wines made my list of top wine recommendations. First up is one of my favourites from Prince Edward County, while the Chardonnay from South Africa is always a classy, elegant wine. There is also a nice Chardonnay from Jura, France, while the Chardonnay from Südtirol/Alto Adige is an unoaked style.

Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino 2012 (92 pts)

Among my top red wine picks from the rest of the release, the Taurasi is made with 100% Aglianico, while the Brunello is 100% Sangiovese Grosso. The Napa Cab consists of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec, while the spectacular Antinori wine is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. From Vacqueyras, the lovely Rhône red is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. For fans of lighter wines, you'll want to check out either the Bardolino or the Beaujolais, which is made with Gamay Noir.

Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2017 (88 pts)

White wine blends among my top white wine picks include a Rhône white, which is a blend of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache, 10% Marsanne, and 10% Viognier, while the blend from Lazio consists of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Trebbiano Giallo.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

ROMIO PRIMITIVO 2016 - IGT Puglia, Italy (#569954) (XD) - $13.95 87 pts wine review
MONTE DEL FRÁ BARDOLINO 2016 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#134544) (D) - $15.95
DOMAINE D’ALBAS ROUGE 2015 - AP Minervois, Languedoc, France (#562587) (XD) - $15.95
CONO SUR RESERVA ESPECIAL CARMENÈRE 2017 - DO Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#569657) (XD) - $16.95
BAPTISTE & LAURENT LE MEILLEUR DES 2 MONDES SAINT-AMOUR 2015 - AP, Beaujolais, France (#556449) (XD) - $19.95
LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (XD) - $26.95 90+ pts wine review
ANTICA HIRPINIA TAURASI 2010 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#542126) (XD) - $36.95
TRUCHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA (#059683) (XD) - $41.95
CARPINETO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#515486) (XD) - $64.95 92 pts wine review
ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2015 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $117.95

White Wine:

MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2016 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#734921) (D) - $15.95
MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION BLANC 2017 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#701094) (XD) - $17.95 88 pts wine review
CASALE DEL GIGLIO SATRICO 2017 - IGT Lazio Bianco, Italy (#569806) (XD) - $17.95
KELLEREI BOZEN BOLZANO CHARDONNAY 2017 - DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige, Italy (#570457) (XD) - $18.95
MARCEL CABELIER VIEILLES VIGNES CHARDONNAY 2014 - AP Côtes du Jura, France (#485839) (XD) - $19.95
LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2016 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240) (XD) - $22.95 90 pts wine review
CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#148866) (XD) - $29.95 91 pts wine review
DOMAINE DROUHIN ARTHUR CHARDONNAY 2015 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#959619) (XD) - $39.95 91 pts wine review
HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2017 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $44.95
KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2016 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $99.95

Rosé Wine:

CABRIZ ROSÉ 2017 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#030445) (XD) - $13.95
DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#739474) (XD) - $18.95 88 pts wine review
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L’ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2017 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $20.95
JEAN-MAX ROGER LA GRANGE DÎMIÈRE SANCERRE ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#490813) (XD) - $27.95 90 pts wine review

Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rosé 2017 (90 pts)

Domaine des Carteresses Tavel Rosé 2017 (88 pts)

Dessert Wine:

CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (MS) (375 mL) - $24.95

Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rosé 2017 (Loire) - Wine Review

Tonight's lovely wine is the latest rosé from Jean-Max Roger and will be arriving at the LCBO as part of the July 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Having enjoyed the 2016 Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rosé in April of last year, I am expecting a wine of similarly high-quality from this very good, reliable Loire producer.

Tasting Note:

JEAN-MAX ROGER LA GRANGE DÎMIÈRE SANCERRE ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#490813) (XD) - $27.95
Direct pressed 100% Pinot Noir, and then cold settled for between 48 and 72 hours. Citrus, peach and melon aromas from the cork. In the glass, this has clean, fresh aromas of citrus, strawberry, melon, tropical fruit with hints of mineral and red berry, with very good intensity. The palate is medium-full bodied and dry, leading with fine saline minerality joined by citrus, melon, tropical fruit and hints of strawberry flavours. Acids are tart, crisp, very juicy, and lip-smackingly fresh. Finely balanced throughout with berry and citrus flavours lingering on the long finish. Perfect for this hot, summer day! Score: 90 pts

Lavau Vacqueyras 2014 (Rhône) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)

I had previously enjoyed the 2014 Lavau Vacqueyras in January, 2017 and noted that a further 1-2 years of cellar time would benefit an already delicious wine. Well, it's 18 months since I last tasted this beautiful red wine and, lo and behold, tonight's wine is returning to LCBO VINTAGES on July 7.

The Lavau family has been involved in winemaking for several generations, beginning in St. Emilion in the 19th century, then Tunisia, then returning to France and settling in the Rhône Valley in 1962. Maison Lavau was officially created in 1965 by Jean-Guy Lavau and his wife, Anne-Mariein. In the 1990's both of their sons - Frédéric and Benoît - returned to France after completing their studies in Canada to join the family's winemaking business. The sons eventually took over the business as their parents retired in the year 2000.

Today, Maison Lavau is one of the last family-run and independent wine estates in the Rhône Valley. With its three winemaking cellars and 180 hectares of vines, it has made its name as a major winemaker, trader and producer in Rhône wines.

On a side note, while visiting the exciting Cairanne Appellation in the southern Rhône Valley last month (more on this in a future post coming soon), we ended up driving by the Lavau winery. Having enjoyed many of their wines over the years, I was delighted get a glimpse of this fairly large winery.

Tasting Note:

LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#104927) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was aged in a combination of vat and used 450 Litre barrels. Plummy, blackberry and oak spice aromas from the cork. Medium-high aromatic intensity and complex with cassis, blackberry, dark fruit, oak spice aromas with a savoury component throughout. Hints of rocky mineral and peppery notes arrive as it opens up in the glass. The full-bodied palate is smooth and dense with finely knit tannins that have meshed into the palate very nicely. Dark, ripe fruit, plum, cassis with hints of peppery, savoury oak spices on the flavour profile. Acids are juicy and mouth-watering, while the finish is long, smooth and savoury. In a fine place right now, and will continue to age well over the next 3-5 years. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a perennial visitor to the LCBO and was recently released into VINTAGES on May 12th. It is widely available across Ontario.

Wakefield Wines is a family-owned winery based near the Wakefield River in Clare Valley, South Australia. The Taylor family planted their first vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon) in 1969 with a vision to create authentic, estate grown wines. When Bill Taylor Sr. excavated a dam to secure a water source, he discovered tiny seahorses in the limestone bedrock - a reminder that these soils were under water more than 600 million years ago. The seahorse quickly became the symbol of the family's wine brand, with three seahorses now representing the three generations of Taylor family winemakers.

The family is also committed to operating in a responsible and sustainable manner to help protect the environment. In 2009, Wakefield received their ISO14001 certification for their Environmental Management System (EMS) which demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. The EMS assists with identifying and controlling environmental impacts throughout the wine-growing process such as environmental risks, impact on land and biodiversity, and water conservation.

Wakefield has won numerous medals for its wines, including this Cabernet Sauvignon. They also had a run of four years (from 2013 to 2016) being named one of the top 5 wineries in the world. In 2004, they were the first major Australian wine company to bottle 100% of their wines under screw cap - a trend which continues all over the world today.

Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. This has evergreen aromas wrapped around cassis, red and black fruits, dark currants and sweet oak, with medium+ intensity. On the medium-full bodied palate, this has medium-firm, gritty tannins with nice aroma replays, and just a touch of sweetness hidden by the bright acids. The finish length is very good. Age 2+ years for better tannin integration. Score: 87 pts

Romio Primitivo 2016 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a red wine that was opened earlier today during a birthday lunch. It is a new wine coming to LCBO VINTAGES on July 7th.

Romio is a brand of premium quality wines from Caviro, Italy's leading cooperative that was founded in 1966. For this range, they work with a small number of exclusive wineries that have honed their grape-growing and winemaking knowledge over generations, including the use of modern-day winemaking techniques. Core values at Caviro include providing the best value while producing quality wines reliably year-after-year, as well as with minimal environmental impact.

Tasting Note:

ROMIO PRIMITIVO 2016 - IGT Puglia, Italy (#569954) (XD) - $13.95
100% Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) grown on clay soils at up to 300 metres elevation. Raised completely in tanks. Aromas are ripe and fruity with blueberry, blackberry, and sweet spices, along with brambly hints throughout. It's dry on the medium-bodied palate with smooth, supple tannins that add a bit of texture. Nice aroma replays with cola notes joining the dark berry and sweet spice flavours. Lively acids are nicely balanced, while earthy and dark berry tones linger on the finish, with good length. Score: 87 pts

Malivoire Guilty Men Red 2016 and Riesling Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wines are a pair of entry-level wines from Malivoire Wine Company - one of Niagara's most respected boutique wineries, renowned for its creativity and use of wine-growing practices. Its carefully crafted VQA wines are made exclusively from grapes grown locally on the Niagara Peninsula.

Malivoire Wine is the magnum opus of Martin Malivoire, and was founded after the purchase of the Moira Vineyard on the Beamsville Bench in 1995. Minimal environmental impact is a foundation block of Malivoire Wine's corporate mission. They subscribe to the Oregon-based “LIVE”, or Low Impact Viticulture and Enology programme, whose guidelines determine their farming practices, including the use of eco-friendly winemaking techniques. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the 2017 Ontario Wine Awards.

Martin always insisted that he would never focus on Bordeaux varietals and Bordeaux blends, and instead focus on Pinot Noir and Gamay. He also said he wouldn't focus on Riesling. Over the years, many people kept asking for these styles of wines from Malivoire, so Martin said that "If we make these styles of wines, we would be Guilty Men", based on the male group assembled from the winemaking team, and the fact that he had been very vocal about not going down this road for many years. Guilty Men eventually launched in 2010.

Both of these wines are easy-drinking, food-friendly, and made in a crowd-pleasing style that is also fairly light on the wallet. Moreover, both of these wines are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario, and the white wine is currently on sale (save $1) until Sunday.

Tasting Notes:

MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN RIESLING SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#192666) (D) - ~~$15.10~~ $14.10 until June 24.
A unique blend of 80% Riesling and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Screw cap. This has a fruity medium intensity nose with aromas of ripe apple, citrus zest, peach, along with hints of tropical fruit, white flowers and flinty mineral. The light-to-medium bodied palate is off-dry (i.e some sweetness) with apple and stone fruit flavours that mingle with some tropical fruit notes. Clean, juicy acids are nicely balanced, while apple notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Clean, easy drinking wine to enjoy on the patio, or with seafood or poultry. Chill well and drink to 2019. Score: 87 pts

Malivoire Guilty Men Riesling Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (87 pts)

MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN RED 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#192674) (D) - $15.95
From the very good 2016 vintage, this is a blend of 55% Merlot, 20% Gamay, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, with about 2/3 of the wine aged in tank, while the remainder was in mostly French barrels for 9 months. Screw cap. The medium+ intensity nose offers cranberry, raspberry, dark currant, and black spice with hints of tea leaf and minty cassis. It is medium-bodied on the palate with soft, gentle tannins with just a touch of sweetness that's held in check with the lively acids. Appealing tea leaf and oak spice flavours with hints of raspberry and blueberry on the palate. Good length on the finish. Chill slightly and enjoy to 2020. Score: 87 pts

LCBO Wine Picks from June 23, 2018 VINTAGES Release

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on June 23, 2018 features wines from Chile's "tip-top valleys" as the main theme, while the mini-theme celebrates Canadian wines for Canada Day. All of these wines will be on VINTAGES shelves at LCBO outlets across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the theme on Chile that features 14 wines from 8 different wine regions. From the Aconcagua Valley, which takes its name from the nearby river and the highest mountain in the Andes (and the Americas), there are couple of delicious white wines from coastal region of Aconcagua - a Chardonnay and a single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - which benefit from the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean. Maipo Valley is where winemaking began in Chile (plantings date back to the 1500's) and is known for producing red wines, such as the Quintay Winemaker's Experience Blend which is a Malbec-based blend. And last but not least, Cachapoal is a sub-region of the Rapel Valley and often add refinement, elegance and mineral notes to blends. From a single block at the Peumo Vineyard in Cachapoal Valley is a lovely Carmenère.

Arboleda Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (88 pts)

Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2017 (90 pts)

None of the 6 Canadian wines featured for Canada Day made my list of wine picks. However, there are half a dozen other solid buys that will certainly make your Canada Day celebrations special. If you prefer dry (i.e. not sweet) wines, there is a nice Chardonnay, as well as the Hidden Bench Rosé that consists of 93% Pinot Noir and 7% Viognier. If hints of sweetness is more your thing, check out the Riesling from either Henry of Pelham or Charles Baker, or the Wildass Rosé that is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. If you have a sweet tooth, check out the Gewürztraminer Icewine.

Red wines from the rest of the release include a Languedoc red that is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, while the lovely 2009 Infinity Super Tuscan is a blend of 35% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 20% Alicante. Lastly, the Cune is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo (Carignan).

Tenuta PoggioVerrano Infinity 2009 (91 pts)

Moselland Goldschild Single Vineyard Riesling Kabinett 2016 (88 pts)

Among my white wine picks, the Vinho Verde is a blend of mainly Alvarinho and Trajadura, while the Sancerre is a made with Sauvignon Blanc. The unoaked Chardonnay from Washington is quite Chablis-like. For sweet wine lovers, you'll want to look for the Riesling Kabinett.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!