Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Sept. 29, 2018: Famed Producers + Riesling

The upcoming September 29, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from four famed producers as its main theme, while the mini-theme looks at the Riesling varietal. All of these wines, plus many others leading up to the holiday season, will be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features ten wines from four famed producers from around the globe. Masi is first on the list and their Mazzano is a very fine Amarone made only in the best years, and in limited quantities, using Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes from a vineyard that is famous for the quality of its produce since the 12th century. The other wines from this theme include a Torrontés and a high-altitude (2,700 m) Malbec, both from Bodega Colomé in Argentina, one of a few family wine estates owned by Donald Hess (from The Hess Collection in Napa).

The mini-theme focuses on the lovely Riesling varietal, a grape that is so versatile that it can be produced in styles ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet, and can age for many years. It is a small feature with just six wines listed, but two are included among my top wine picks. First up is a medium sweet Ontario Riesling that is returning to VINTAGES with another year under its belt, while the second wine is a dry Riesling from Alsace that should age nicely for a decade.

Among my red wine picks, the Minervois is a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan, while the Rioja is made with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. The Australian Shiraz is actually 98% Shiraz and 2% Barbera. Lastly, the wine from Washington State is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. The rest of the red wines are all single varietals.

From my white wine selections, the Roussillon white from Michel Chapoutier is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu. If you enjoy very sweet table wines, you should check out the Loire wine from Château la Varière that is made with Chenin Blanc.

Both rosés are dry, with the Tavel consisting of 60% Grenache Noir, 30%Cinsault, and the rest other local varietals, while the rosé from Provence is a blend of 50% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, and 25% Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME MINERVOIS 2011 - AC, Midi, France (#493643) (XD) - $16.95
• WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ 2016 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#311258) (XD) - $17.95
• MOMO PINOT NOIR 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#163972) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• MAQUIS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2014 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#576066) (XD) - $19.95
• TRAPICHE MEDALLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#568865) (XD) - $19.95
• COLOMÉ LOTE ESPECIAL EL ARENAL MALBEC 2016 - El Arenal, Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#575290) (XD) - $29.95
• FEUDO MACCARI SAIA NERO D’AVOLA 2015 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#128967) (XD) - $32.95
• BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD OLD VINES PINOT NOIR 2015 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#361816) (XD) - $44.95  FE
• LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#315531) (XD) - $47.95
• CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS MALBEC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (XD) - $49.95
• L’ECOLE NO. 41 PERIGEE 2014 - Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA (#374413) (XD) - $89.00  FE
• MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#597476) (XD) - $129.95

White Wine:

• LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2016 - AC, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95
• COLOMÉ TORRONTÉS 2017 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#357913) (XD) - $15.95
• CITRA FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE 2016 - DOP, Abruzzo, Italy (#573683) (XD) - $17.95
• 2027 FALLS VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#294041) (M) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• BORTHWICK VINEYARD PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#361220) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU LA VARIÈRE LE SAVETIER COTEAUX DU LAYON 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#559930) (S) - $24.95
• DOMAINE DE RIAUX POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#200063) (XD) - $27.95
• CARABELLA DIJON 76 CLONE CHARDONNAY 2015 - Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#180133) (XD) - $27.95
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING 2015 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#061176) (XD) - $29.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE BERNE ÉMOTION 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#556183) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $19.95

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Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 (Ontario) - Wine Review (Bottle 3)

Diving into my cellar, tonight's wine review is bottle #3 from a case I ordered in 2016 through VINI - a wine app that no longer seems to be available. This cool-climate Chardonnay was also came to LCBO VINTAGES this summer on July 8th.

The 2014 Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay was drinking exceptionally well when I opened a bottle back in July 2017. Fast forward to this year, I tasted this lovely wine at a trade tasting in the spring and it was showing considerable reductive qualities, albeit still quite pleasing. Let's see how this white wine from Closson Chase Winery - one of my favourite wineries in Prince Edward County, Ontario - is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#148866) (XD) - $28.95
Pours a medium yellow gold. Subtle, reductive aromatics offer apple and pear notes, with layers of buttered popcorn, smoke, vanilla and hints of caramel coming through with air. It is elegant on the medium-bodied, maturing and complex palate, with cooked apple, smoke, butter, and pear flavours, along with some stony minerality and hints of lemon. Acids are still quite fresh and lift the palate. Very good length on the stony-lemony finish. A maturing wine to be enjoyed over the next year or so. Score: 90+ pts

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Momo Pinot Noir 2016 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a nice organic Pinot Noir from New Zealand that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on September 29th.

Momo, meaning 'offspring' in Maori, is the second line of wines from the organic and biodynamic winery Seresin Estate. The estate is located in sun-soaked heart of Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand's South Island. It was founded by cinematographer Michael Seresin in the early 1990s with a desire to create wines in the most natural way possible, and without compromising on quality. The Momo range of wines is fermented naturally with wild yeasts and produced true to variety and reflect the essence of their fruit characters.

The majority (97%) of the fruit for this Pinot came from their Raupo Creek vineyard where the soils are rich and clay-based, while the remaining portion came from the Wairau Valley. The fruit was hand-picked and destemmed, and fermented using wild yeasts. Ageing occurred in French oak barriques for 10 months. This organic and biodynamic wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Tasting Note:

MOMO PINOT NOIR 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#163972) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. This organic wine has a medium intensity nose that offers ripe and attractive raspberry and cherry aromas with earthy and spicy undertones. It is light-to-medium bodied with smooth, elegant tannins on the palate with cherry, raspberry, earth, and beetroot flavours. Hints of tea leaf and cola arriving mid-palate add to the complexity, while tannins have a nice chalky texture. Acids are fresh. Very good length on the earthy, forest floor, and somewhat grippy finish. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 88+ pts

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Château Mourgues du Grès Fleur d'Eglantine 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely rosé that I picked up while visiting the winery in Rhône Valley back in May.

Château Mourgues du Grès is a family-owned, certified organic winery located in Beaucaire, on the slopes of Costières de Nîmes and nestled between vineyards, orchards, and heath. Their terroir is quite rich and made up of the rounded stones (grès) and lies on argilo-calcerous marl, which help the vines draw moisture from greater depths. The stony alluvium was transported from the Alps by the glacier of the Rhône in the quaternary era (nearly 2 million years ago) and imparts miinerality, balance and freshness to the wines. The area is also nurtured by the influences of the Rhône river and the Mediterranean Sea.

The winery is committed to preserving the environment by being mindful of nature and respect for their terroir. The vineyards are maintained and kept fertile by sheep grazing and cover crops to prevent erosion and promote biodiversity. Since 2015, wines have been vinified without the use of sulphur, except for a small amount during bottling to ensure stability of the wine.

Vigneron François Collard returned to the family estate in 1990 and produced his first bottling in 1993. He strives to reveal the purity of fruit, freshness, aromas, and balance between the richness and minerality of every wine he produces, including this delightful rosé.

For availability in Ontario, please contact Brand New Day Wines & Spirits.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU MOURGUES DU GRÈS FLEUR D'EGLANTINE 2017 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (XD) - €7.5
Mostly Grenache and Mourvèdre, with a dash of Syrah. Vague notions of spring flower and grapefruit from the cork. In the glass, this has delicate aromas of grapefruit and rhubarb with a fine mineral underpinning, and hints of strawberry. It's medium-full bodied on the clean, fresh palate with nicely dry grapefruit and rhubarb flavours. Fresh acids are nicely balanced. A fine salty mineral note and some spiciness arrives mid-palate and continues through to the long, juicy finish. Best with a light chill. Score: 88+ pts

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Lakeview Cellars Viognier 2016 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a locally made white wine made with Viognier, a varietal not commonly grown here in Ontario.

It is produced by Lakeview Wine Co., a division of Diamond Estates Wine & Spirits Ltd., a large winery based in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This particular wine was sourced from high quality Niagara vineyards and gently pressed in pneumatic bladder style presses. It was then cool fermented in stainless steel for 14 days at 16ºC, followed by ageing in stainless steel tanks and cold stabilized and bottled to preserve natural and typical fruit characters.

I picked up this delicious white wine while visiting the winery in the spring, and you can too as it is only available at the winery or through their online web store.

Tasting Note:

LAKEVIEW CELLARS VIOGNIER 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $18.95
Screw cap. This has a tart and floral nose with orange blossom, lime citrus, and a whiff of anise and herbally aromas. On the mid-weighted palate, it has vibrant, crunchy acids supporting the citrus, floral, and herbal flavours. There's a touch of candied lime giving off an impression of sweetness. Good length on the finish. Score: 87 pts

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Pure Chablis Escape Room Experience - May 2018

Earlier this spring, I was invited to a very interesting Escape Room Experience that was all about Chablis. The event was held on a fine spring day at Brassaii Restaurant and Lounge in the King West neighbourhood in downtown Toronto, and our team consisted of approximately a dozen members from the local wine community.

After a brief introduction and going over the rules of the game, we were led inside the wine-themed Escape Room. Inside sat a large table with various wine paraphernalia, books, jigsaw puzzles, and other items resting upon it. There were also clues on the walls and around the rest of room to help us in our quest. The end goal was to unlock the combination lock on the bottle of Chablis and reveal the message inside to escape the room. The clock started and we had about 1 hour to solve the puzzle. Solving one clue took us to the next stage of the game, and the previous clue often helped in solving the next puzzle. We did ask for assistance on a couple of occasions - which we were allowed to do as per the rules. A combination of wine knowledge and excellent team work prevailed, as we were able to solve the puzzle with about 15 minutes to spare.

At the conclusion of the game, we "Escaped" to the main dining hall and got to the business of tasting some very fine Chablis, beginning with the 2015 Bouchard Pere & Fils Petit Chablis ($24.95, #051466, 88 pts) as an apertif. We sat down at the long dining table and were led through the tasting by Christian Moreau from Domaine Christian Moreau Père & Fils, one of oldest and most respected names in Chablis.

Christian actually lived in Canada for 11 years, before returning to Chablis with his Canadian wife and their three sons in 1972. Under the guiding hand of his father Guy, Christian began to learn and master the art of winemaking, and we got to taste an excellent Grand Cru Chablis that bore his name.

After we tasted all the wines, we were offered a lovely spread of appetizers that paired very nicely with Chablis. My favourite was the jumbo garlic shrimp - so yummy that I can't recall how many I had and almost felt like I could skip dinner at home.

In all, we tasted seven wines, and wine reviews of my four favourites are provided below. Thank you to everyone involved with putting on such a fun event with some lovely wines! Santé!

Tasting Notes:

LA CHABLISIENNE CHABLIS LES VÉNÉRABLES 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#215525) (XD) - $26.95
Pleasant medium-high intensity nose leads with limestone mineral aromas followed by clean lemon/lime, citrus zest, and herbally notes. It's medium-to-full bodied on the palate with brightly lit acids and very nice aroma replays. There is some creaminess mid-palate, but is balanced with clean acids. Nicely balanced overall with a long, elegant finish. Classy and refined. Agent: Vinexx. Score: 90 pts

DOMAINE DE LA MOTTE CHABLIS 1ER CRU BEAUROY 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#524306) (XD) - $42.95
Highly aromatic and richly concentrated aromas of lemon, lime, herbs, and stony mineral. Acids are lively on the full-bodied palate with very nice aroma replays. Mineral character comes for the fore on the mid-palate and lingers on the long finish, with excellent length. Will be even better in 2-3 years. Agent: The World Winery. Score: 91 pts

DOMAINE PINSON CHABLIS 1ER CRU MONT DE MILIEU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#700914) (XD) - $52.95
This is a rich and highly aromatic wine with elegant, refined and rope aromas of lemony, stony mineral, lemon oil and citrus. It is full-bodied with bright acids. The palate is a touch on the nutty side, with delicate use of oak. Terrific complexity with flavours of lemon oil and hazelnut that continue through to the very long finish. Should drink well for nearly a decade. Agent: Connexion Oenophilia. Score: 93 pts

DOMAINE CHRISTIAN MOREAU PERE & FILS CHABLIS GRAND CRU LES CLOS 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#042366) (XD) - $82
Highly aromatic on the nose with all kinds of nutty, hazelnut aromas with lemon oil and herbs adding complexity. It's full-bodied on the palate with lovely aroma replays lifted with bright and lively acids. Subtle use of oak is well-balanced. The nutty mid-palate continues through to the long finish with some herbally hints. Agent: Rogers & Company. Score: 92 pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Sept. 15, 2018: Bringing Local Home

The upcoming September 15, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on the local scene here in Ontario and is the only theme of the release. All of these wines, plus many more, will be available on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday.

In all, there are 21 wines featured in the "Bring Local Home" theme that looks at the people, places, and passion from wineries across Ontario. Just one wine made my list of wine picks - a nice Chardonnay from Flat Rock Cellars where a portion of sales from this bottle are donated to the Ontario Association of Food Banks. There are also a couple of other lovely Ontario wines that I did not include below because they are re-releases, but the 2016 Hidden Bench Estate Riesling ($24.95, #183491, 90+ pts ) and 2016 Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard Riesling ($19.95, #38117, 89+ pts) are off-dry to medium-dry (quite sweet) and would be worthy additions to your cellar.

Among my top red wine picks, the Madiran is a blend of about half Tannat, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc completing the blend, while the Corbieres is 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 30% Syrah that was aged in tanks. Also from France, the 2010 Bordeaux (from an excellent vintage) is made with approximately 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. From Argentina, the 1350 is nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and a small amount of Casavecchia, all of which come from 1,350 metres above sea level. From Italy, the Brunello is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, while the Sicilian red comes from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna and consists of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. From Spain, the Rioja is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 5% Graciano, while the Priorat is a blend of 50% Garnatxa (Grenache), 10% Carinyena (Carignan), and 40% Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah. Lastly, there are a pair of Spanish reds made with the relatively unknown Mencía varietal - try both and compare.

From my top white wine picks, the only blend is from South Africa, and it is Chenin Blanc driven with balance made up of Roussanne, Viognier, and Semillon. Single varietal wines that you may have not heard of includes a Melon de Bourgogne from Loire, an Aligoté from Burgundy, and a Falanghina from Campania.

Among the rosé wines, the Rioja is a blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha Tinta, while the Rhône rosé is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. Lastly, the rosé from Provence is a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, and 10% Carignan.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCÍA 2016 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#268805) (XD) - $15.95
• BRUMONT TOUR BOUSCASSÉ 2012 - AC Madiran, Southwest, France (#414615) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU OLLIEUX ROMANIS CUVÉE CLASSIQUE CORBIERES 2016 - AP, Languedoc, France (#568444) (XD) - $18.95
• VIÑADEMOYA CENTENARIA MENCÍA 2016 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#574608) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE CLOTTE 2010 - AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France (#550426) (XD) - $19.95
• DOÑA PAULA 1350 RED TERROIR BLEND 2015 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#568956) (XD) - $22.95
• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#702761) (XD) - $24.95
• SENTIERI SICILIANI ETNA ROSSO 2016 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#582874) (XD) - $27.95  FE
• CELLER DE L’ENCASTELL MARGE 2014 - DOQ Priorat, Spain (#462077) (XD) - $29.95
• BERTANI VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#713719) (XD) - $48.95

White Wine:

• PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2016 - Sur lie, AC, Loire, France (#082461) (XD) - $15.95
• FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#356873) (XD) - $16.95
• AVONDALE JONTY’S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE 2016 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#439554) (XD) - $16.95
• PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#983395) (D) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CLOTILDE DAVENNE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ 2016 - AP, Burgundy, France (#570432) (XD) - $19.95
• MASTROBERARDINO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2016 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#562173) (XD) - $22.95
• ARTHUR METZ STEINKLOTZ PINOT GRIS 2013 - AP Alsace Grand Cru, France (#557819) (M) - $24.95  FE
• DOG POINT VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $43.95  FE
• GRGICH HILLS FUMÉ BLANC DRY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Estate grown, Napa Valley, California, USA (#346296) (XD) - $47.95  FE  91 pts  wine review

Rosé Wine:

• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES ROSADO 2017 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#622142) (XD) - $14.95  87 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2017 - AP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $15.95
• HENRI GAILLARD ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#450825) (XD) - $16.95

Sparkling Wine:

• GÉRARD BERTRAND CUVÉE THOMAS JEFFERSON BRUT CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX 2016 - Traditional method, AC, Languedoc, France (#438838) (D) - $19.95
• LOUIS ROEDERER ET PHILIPPE STARCK BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 2009 - AC, France (#440891) (XD) - $112.95  FE

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Marqués de Caceres Rosado 2017 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice rosado (a.k.a. rosé) from Spain that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on September 15th.

The story of Marqués de Cáceres begins its roots in 1920, when Enrique Forner's grandfather and father founded Vinícola Forner - a small family business devoted to producing wine. Enrique worked in the wine trade as a boy and, after being exiled to France during the Civil War, he founded a similar business in France in 1952. Eventually, he returned to Spain and founded Marqués de Cáceres in 1970. He has been part of an enterprising family that has been devoted to the wine trade now for five generations, including his daughter, Cristina Forner, who manages the winery today.

In the 1990s, the trend for innovation continued as young oenologists and wine producers looked to Bordeaux for inspiration. Michel Rolland, the most influential enologist in Bordeaux at the time, was brought on as an adviser. Marqués de Cáceres and Michel were united in their obsession to produce quality wines.

Today, Marqués de Cáceres has the leading Rioja in Spain and exports their wines to more than 120 countries around the globe, including delicious wines such as this Rosado in Ontario, Canada.

Tasting Note:

MARQUÉS DE CACERES ROSADO 2017 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#622142) (XD) - $14.95
Blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha Tinta from 15-20-year old vines grown on mainly clay and limestone. Screw cap. This has a medium+ intensity nose with herbally and red currant aromas surrounded by a core of red cherry, strawberry, and watermelon notes. The crunchy palate is a touch honeyed, yet dry, and offers more cherry, strawberry, and watermelon flavours on a medium+ bodied frame. It has food-friendly acids, while the finish length is very good. Score: 87 pts

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Carpineta Fontalpino Riserva Chianti Classico 2012 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

A recent arrival to the LCBO, tonight's red wine review was released into LCBO VINTAGES on July 7th.

This organic wine is produced by Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino, an organic winery in Tuscany that traces its past back to the 1800's. It is located in the heart of Tuscany, very close to Siena and in the historical commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, at the bottom of the hill of Montaperti where the famous battle between Siena and Florence took place on September 4, 1260. The name of the winery comes from a historical place, where you would find Carpineta (an area that has trees with silver backed leaves) and Fontalpino (the fount with the pine trees of Montaperti).

Italo Cresti founded the winery in 1967, and today it is run by his children, the brother-and-sister team of Gioia and Filippo Cresti. Gioia is a French-trained oenologist and responsible for all of the production phases, from winegrowing to ageing, while Filippo runs the operational and marketing development side of of the business.

Tasting Note:

CARPINETA FONTALPINO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540997) (XD) - $41.95
Organic wine made with 100% Sangiovese. Forest floor, dried cherry, and subtle oak spice aromas from the cork. Nicely maturing, savoury aroma profile with wet forest floor, sweet oak spice, dried cherry, and dried florals, of medium+ intensity. On the medium-full bodied palate, gritty tannins are still quite grippy, while flavours are savoury with currant, earth, cherry, clove and oak spice notes. Succulent acids are vibrant and juicy. The finish is long and savoury with more earthy, forest floor flavours. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

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Wine Reviews from August 5, 2018 Birthday Party

Last month, we held a birthday party for my toddler daughter and a few of her close friends. And for the adults - there was wine!

The dry rosé was easily the most popular wine at the party, while the Riesling and Shiraz were a close second. All three wines are fairly recent releases to VINTAGES, so you should be able to pick up a bottle at your local LCBO. Full wine reviews are provided below.

Tasting Notes:

GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ 2017 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#373985) (XD) - $18.95
Glass enclosure. The medium+ intensity nose has appealing aromas of grapefruit, citrus, spring meadow and herbally notes. On the medium+ bodied palate, it has clean and crisp acids with nice texture. Herbally and grapefruit flavours on the dry flavour profile. Touch honeyed, with some bitterness on the long finish. Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. Enjoy over the next 18 months. Part of the VINTAGES Essentials collection and released as part of the May 12 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Score: 89 pts

REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.95
Screw cap. Lovely limestone mineral and petrol aromas mingle with white peach and citrus. It's medium-sweet with nicely balanced acids and flavours with white peach, orange zest, citrus, and green apple flavours with hints of mineral. Tart fruited, lip-smacking finish, with very good length. July 21 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Score: 89 pts

DANDELION LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ 2016 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#357475) (XD) - $21.95
Full wine review here.

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McMichael Collection Group of Seven Cabernet Merlot 2015 (Niagara) - Wine Review

National Cabernet Day is celebrated every August 30th, so I'm a couple of days late in celebrating with tonight's wine review of a locally-made Cabernet-Merlot blend from Niagara that honours our Canadian Artists.

Produced by Niagara's Lakeview Wine Co. (a division of Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd.), the McMichael Collection of wines were created in celebration of McMichael Art Collection's 50th anniversary.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is located in Kleinburg, just north of Toronto and is renowned for its collection of stunning Canadian art, including works by the Group of Seven. This line of Niagara wines were created to pay tribute to the artists that were part of this group. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle helps support the preservation of the art collection.

This red wine is available for purchase at the winery and at your local LCBO. Additionally, it is currently on promotion at the LCBO until September 15th, where you will receive 7 bonus Air Miles with every bottle purchased.

Tasting Note:

MCMICHAEL COLLECTION GROUP OF SEVEN CABERNET MERLOT 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#456590) (XD) - $14.95
A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot that was aged in French and American oak barrels for 10 months. Screw cap. It's light on the aromatics, featuring hints of red berry, earth, oak vanillan, and herbs. It's medium-bodied and more savoury on the palate, with hints of black cherry, herbs, and oak flavours. Dusty tannins are well-integrated, with some grip mid-palate. Balanced acids keep everything nice and fresh. Good length on the finish. Simple, easy drinking. Score: 86 pts

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Wakefield Jaraman Shiraz 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an Australian Shiraz that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on June 23rd.

Like the 2016 Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed in June, this red wine is produced by the family-owned and -operated Wakefield Wines. This particular red wine is part of their Jaraman Collection - a selection of premium wines that represent the celebration the regional diversity, bringing together two of Australia's finest wine regions in a single varietal wine.

This is a blend of 63% Clare Valley fruit and 37% McLaren Vale fruit. Clare Valley experienced low, but timely, rainfall, while flowering conditions were ideal. Combined with the vines being stress-free heading into winter, this led to the vintage being called one of the greats. In McLaren Vale, there was low rainfall leading up to the growing season, as well as lower than average rainfall during vintage and long dry spells in between. However, intense rainfall over two days in early February helped increase yields. Overall, it was fairly dry year in McLaren Vale, which is ideal for Shiraz.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2016 - McLaren Vale/Clare Valley, South Australia (#377036) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. The richly spiced nose has aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, mocha chocolate, and vanilla oak with hints of black plum. It is full-bodied on the richly concentrated and ripe palate with blueberry and blackberry fruit flavours. There is some jamminess on the flavour profile, but it's backed by earthy, mocha, and savoury notes with hints of pepper spice, putting the jamminess firmly in the background (which I like). Acids are fresh, while tannins are smooth, supple and well-integrated. Very good finish length. Score: 88 pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES September 1, 2018: Euro Benchmarks

The upcoming September 1, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release is a mono-thematic release titled "The Grand Tour" and features wines from Europe's top Benchmark wine regions. In addition, there are many fine values to be found as we head toward the busy holiday season. It is also a very good release to re-stock your cellar if it was depleted during summer. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming Saturday.

We'll begin with The Grand Tour from Europe's top wine regions that lists fifteen wines, four of which are included among my top wine picks. From Bordeaux, there is a nicely matured 2006 red that is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. From the Rhône Valley, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault from vines that are 60 years old. From Tuscany, the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. And lastly, if you're looking for something quite sweet, from the Mosel is a lovely Riesling Kabinett.

Among my red wine picks, the Rubus from Spain is a blend of roughly equal parts Garnacha and Syrah, and 20% Tempranillo, while the Cannonau di Sardegna is commonly known as Grenache in other parts of the world. It's rare to see a Ripasso Valpolicella on my list of recommended wines, but there is a good one made in a dry style from Albino Armani that is a traditional blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The red wine from Puglia is a blend of 65% Aglianico, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah, while the Roussillon red is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Carignan. Last but definitely not the least, the Australian red is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

My top white wine picks are all in the dry spectrum, save for the aforementioned Riesling. The Portuguese white is a blend of Encruzado and Malvasia, while the Sicilan white is made from the Carricante varietal that is indigenous to Sicily, with the grapes for this wine coming the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. And lastly, the Loire white is made with Sauvignon Blanc, while the white Burgundy is Chardonnay.

There is also a fine selection of dry rosé wines in this release. The Tavel is a blend of 50% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah, while the rosé from the Languedoc is mostly Mourvèdre with some Syrah and Cinsault. Both rosés from Provence are primarily Mourvèdre, with Grenache and Cinsault in support. You'll want stock up on these as this just might be the end of new release quality rosé in our market until next spring.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#167619) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• BODEGA JESÚS ROMERO RUBUS 2016 - DO Aragón, Spain (#575944) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• ALBINO ARMANI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#558759) (XD) - $18.95
• ANTICHI PODERI JERZU CHUÈRRA RISERVA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2015 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#270272) (XD) - $18.95
• BASTIDE SOBIRANA LIEU DIT LA COLOMINE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#561217) (XD) - $18.95
• TORMARESCA TRENTANGELI ROSSO 2015 - DOC Castel del Monte, Puglia, Italy (#435529) (XD) - $19.95
• MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#288530) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• CREEKSIDE CABERNET FRANC 2014 - Serluca Vineyard, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#444034) (XD) - $25.00
• SOUTHERN RIGHT PINOTAGE 2016 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa (#486167) (XD) - $27.95  90 pts  wine review
• LAKE BREEZE BERNOOTA SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#575886) (XD) - $27.95
• DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE SAINT-JULIEN 2006 - AC Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France (#550475) (XD) - $38.95
• DOMAINE CHANTE CIGALE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#194993) (D) - $51.95

White Wine:

• CASA DA PASSARELLA DÃO BRANCO 2016 - DO Dão, Portugal (#548859) (XD) - $13.95
• PONTE PELLEGRINO GRECO DI TUFO 2016 - IGT Campania, Italy (#477760) (XD) - $14.95
• BELLINGHAM HOMESTEAD SERIES THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#484055) (XD) - $15.95
• NOMAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#446088) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ 2015 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#640516) (XD) - $16.95
• TORNATORE ETNA BIANCO 2016 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#577676) (XD) - $22.95
• REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT SCHARZHOFBERGER RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, VDP Grosse Lage, Mosel, Germany (#282343) (MS) - $25.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE TRACY MADEMOISELLE DE T POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AP, Loire, France (#106773) (XD) - $27.95
• DOMAINE LES VIEUX MURS POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#241117) (XD) - $33.95
• DOG POINT SECTION 94 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325977) (XD) - $43.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

• LAVAU TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#556175) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• LA CADIÉRENNE CUVÉE GRANDE TRADITION BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Provence, France (#119453) (XD) - $22.95
• CHÂTEAU LA NÉGLY LA NATICE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#492199) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU VAL D’ARENC BANDOL ROSÉ 2017 - AP, Provence, France (#557884) (XD) - $29.95

Sparkling Wine:

• LOUIS ESCHENAUER BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX - Traditional method, AP, Bordeaux, France (#543108) (XD) - $16.95

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Bodega Jesús Romero Rubus 2016 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is another new release that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on September 1st.

It is produced by Bodegas Jesús Romero in partnership with San Alejandro's winemaker, Juan Vicente Alcañiz. Together, they purchased a three-hectare vineyard of 70-year-old Garnacha in Báguena, Aragón. They also work together on a nearly four-hectare plot of 10-year-old vines at 980 metres altitude.

The name "Rubus" was chosen for this red wine for two reasons. Firstly, it is a nod to its origins in the municipality of Rubielos de Mora (in Teruel, Aragón, Spain) and secondly, it refers to Rubus Ulmifolius, a species of wild blackberry that evokes its aromas and defines the landscape of the area.

Tasting Note:

BODEGA JESÚS ROMERO RUBUS 2016 - DO Aragón, Spain (#575944) (XD) - $18.95
A blend of roughly equal parts Garnacha and Syrah, and 20% Tempranillo completing the blend from vines on pebble soil with sandy loam texture, in a mountainous area between 900 and 1000 metres elevation. All raised in stainless steel and concrete tanks, and spent 5 months on the lees. This is quite fragrant in the glass with blackberry, red berry, and spice aromas accented by earthy mineral. It is medium-full bodied on the fresh, clean, and ripe palate that is fruit forward with blackberry, dark cherry, and spice flavours with a smoky mineral underpinning. Tannins are fairly soft and dusty, offering a nice textural character, with just a touch of grip. Fresh, juicy acids. Long, blackberry and spice finish. Enjoy over the next couple of years. Score: 89 pts

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Lavau Tavel Rosé 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's lovely wine is a new release that is coming to LCBO VINTAGES on September 1st.

This rosé wine is produced by the Lavau family that has been involved in winemaking for several generations and settled in the Rhône Valley in 1964. Today, brothers Frederic and Benoit Lavau are rapidly building a reputation for excellent, value-oriented and critically-acclaimed wines which embody their savoir-faire and respect of terroir, including the many Lavau wines I've enjoyed over the years.

The vines producing this rosé average 30 years old and are located on the slopes of the right bank of the River Rhône, between the famous Pont d'Avignon and the Pont du Gard bridges. The soil type consists of sand, marly-limestone, and pebbles. Grapes are harvested at night (to keep the grapes cool) and are immediately pressed and transferred into stainless steel vats to undergo slow fermentation.

Tasting Note:

LAVAU TAVEL ROSÉ 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#556175) (XD) - $18.95
A blend of 50% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah. Fresh strawberry and raspberry with herbally hints from the cork. In the glass, this has a medium+ intensity nose featuring pretty aromas of ripe strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes sprinkled with herbs. It's medium-full bodied and somewhat structured on the palate with vibrant, juicy acids that gains body in the mouth. The dry flavour profile is clean and richly concentrated with cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavours. Nice chalky texture. Hints of cran-cherry on the lingering finish. Score: 89 pts

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Henri de Villamont Wine Tasting 2018

In April, I had the pleasure to taste the latest wines from Burgundy's Henri de Villamont with Pierre Jhean, Winemaker and Director at the winery. Having met Pierre and enjoyed the wines from Henri de Villamont in May 2017, I was excited to see what he had to offer this time around.

Pierre is always experimenting and trying new strategies and techniques to produce fine wines. One of the most interesting things I learned was that the Macon-Villages was aged with oxygen only and had no barrel contact. Combined with long lees contact, this Burgundian white wine seemed like it saw some time in barrel.

This small, exclusive tasting was held at The National Club, in the Financial District in downtown Toronto and approximately ten people were in attendance. Ten wines were presented at the tasting, and the five below were among my favourites.

For availability of these delicious wines, please click on the six-digit LCBO product code, as some of these may be available at the LCBO or might be arriving soon. Alternatively, you can also contact the Agent Eurovintage Fine Wines & Spirits for availability.

Tasting Notes:

HENRI DE VILLAMONT MACON-VILLAGES 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (XD) - $21.95
Unique process with long lees contact, oxygen ageing, and no barrel ageing. Fragrant and ripe with nutty, pear, apple, and white flower aromas. The palate is medium+ bodied with nicely balanced aroma replays with some creamy texture. Acids are fresh. Mid-palate just a touch warm. A touch reductive with hints of mineral, while the finish is long and nutty. Score: 89 pts

HENRI DE VILLAMONT CHASSAGNE MONTRACHET 1ER CRU LES EMBAZEES 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#524041) (XD) - $89
Beautiful, gorgeous aromas of sweet nut, lemon citrus and oak emanates from the glass in a nicely integrated fashion. The medium-full bodied is structured with chalky mineral notes, very nice aroma replays. Acids are clean and very nicely balanced. Mouthfeel has finesse. The very long finish is juicy with some nut and earthy notes. Beauty! Score: 92 pts

HENRI DE VILLAMONT SANTENAY LES CHAMPS-CLAUDE 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (XD) - $21.95
The medium+ intensity nose is oak spice driven with red cherry, wild berry, and strawberry tones, and hints of earth. The palate is medium-full bodied and ripe with nice aroma replays, if a touch candied. Acids are very good, while the tannins are supple and smooth. Complex, dark berry finish with very good length. Still young, this will drink well to 2025. Score: 89 pts

HENRI DE VILLAMONT SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE LE VILLAGE 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (XD) - $35
This has a medium-to-high intensity nose that's very savoury with mushroom, forest floor, wet earth, dark berry, and currant aromas. It's medium-bodied with dark berry and well-integrated oak flavours on the palate with refined tannins that gain some grip with time, as well as some chalkiness mid-palate. It has balanced acidity and very good finish length. Score: 91 pts

HENRI DE VILLAMONT CORTON GRAND CRU LES RENARDES 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#561225) (XD) - $104.95
Open and highly aromatic, this offers sweet oak spice surrounded by ripe and perfumed black cherry aromas. The medium-full bodied palate is structured with smooth, refined tannins that have some grip. Very fine aroma replays with sweet herbs, and hints of mineral, cassis, and blackberry joining the fray. Fresh acids lift the palate. Excellent finish length. Elegance in a glass. Score: 93 pts

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Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a red wine that came through VINTAGES earlier this year (and sold out), but will be returning to shelves as part of the upcoming September 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Zuccardi Wines, a winemaking family going on three generations. It was founded in 1963 by engineer, Alberto Zuccardi, when he planted his first acre of vines in Maipú, Mendoza, Zuccardi has continued to develop and grow, while positioning itself as an important benchmark for Argentina's winemaking industry.

Today, Sebastian Zuccardi represents the third generation of the family and heads up a young agricultural and winemaking team responsible for producing quality wines from the Uco Valley. In 2008, the winery created an area for Research & Development to study terroir and the different variables that affect wine quality. The aim is to produce wines that express the place and region.

The "Serie A" (or Argentina Series) wines seek to reveal the richness of Argentina's soils and micro-climates through wines that express each grape variety. Malbec, such as tonight's wine, shows best in the Uco Valley.

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#167619) (XD) - $16.95
Fermented and aged mostly in concrete, with 10% aged in used French barrels. Plummy with black and red cherry aromas from the cork. The medium+ intensity nose is pretty and ripe with blackberry and black plum aromas, with touches of floral, mineral, tea leaf, and herbs. It is medium-full bodied and clean with nice aroma replays and very good fruit expression on the palate. Ripe tannins are smooth and well-integrated. Nicely textured with some chalkiness. It has good acidity and a juicy mid-palate. Very good finish length. Drink over the next 1-2 years. Score: 88 pts

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Château La Négly La Natice Rosé 2017 (Midi) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2016 Château La Négly La Natice Rosé last year and am pleased to see the lovely 2017 vintage come to LCBO VINTAGES on September 1st.

Tonight's wine review is a lovely dry rosé that is produced by Château de la Negly. The winery is located in the Languedoc, overlooking the Mediterranean. The unique geographical location of the winery allows a synergy of the elements to take place - stroked by sea spray, and buffeted between the Tramontane (strong, cold winds from the north) and the sea wind, the land is bathed under the hot, Mediterranean sun that captures the heat which warms up the berries. The grapes for this rosé come from silty, sandy soils dating from the Miocene period (5 to 23 million years old) and face the Mediterranean sea.

Several families have managed the Domaine over the years. Today, it is the Paux-Rosset family that manages the vineyards and winery with the help of consultant oenologist and friend, Claude Gros. The winemaking process at Château La Négly is entirely focused on creating wines of quality and distinction, such as this gastronomic rosé wine.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU LA NÉGLY LA NATICE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#492199) (XD) - $24.95
Mostly Mourvèdre with some Syrah and Cinsault completing the blend. Made using the saignée method and aged in tank on fine lees for 6 months. Glass enclosure. The medium intensity nose is spicy, herbally, and citrusy with hints of cherry and melon, and mineral undertones. It's medium bodied on the dry palate with melon, tart citrus, garrigue and spice flavours supported by crisp, vibrant acids that are nicely balanced. Very good flavour intensity. Spiced, juicy mid-palate. Nice mineral notes linger on the long finish. Give it a slight chill enjoy to 2019. Score: 90 pts

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