LCBO VINTAGES Wine Picks & Reviews : Index

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

August 17, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Argentina + Euro Gems

LCBO Wine Picks: August 17, 2019 VINTAGES Release

The main theme of the upcoming August 17, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from Argentina for perfect pairings, while the mini-theme focuses on hidden treasures from Europe. All of the wines from the themes, plus the main release will arrive on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features wines from Argentina that will pair perfectly with grilled fare off the barbecue. Of the twelve wines featured as part of the theme, five are included among my top wine picks. The lone white wine is a barrel fermented Chardonnay. Among the red wines from Argentina, there are a trio of lovely Malbec wines that would be awesome to try side-by-side. The last of the reds is a very nice Cabernet Franc. All of these delicious wines should go great with foods made over the barbecue.

H J. Fabre Barrel Selection Malbec 2016 (90 pts)

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Franc 2016 (90 pts)

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2016 (89 pts)

The mini-theme is titled "Hidden Treasure" and focuses on wines from Europe's up-and-coming and lesser-known wine regions. Of the nine wines featured as part of this theme, three are included among my wine recommendations. The white wine is a dry Grüner Veltliner from the Kremstal appellation in Austria. The first red wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan from Tautavel, an appellation in Roussillon in the South of France. Lastly, from Alentejo in Portugal is an indigenous blend of 45% Trincadeira, 35% Aragonez, and 20% Alicante Bouchet.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel 2016 (89 pts)

Carmim Terra Lenta Premium Reguengos 2016 (88 pts)

Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner 2017 (88 pts)

From my red wine recommendations, the Bordeaux red is made with 100% Merlot, while the Rioja is the Wine of the Month and consists of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. The rest are all single varietal wines.

Among my white wine picks from this Release, the only blend is from Roussillon and it consists of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. If you prefer sweeter wines, the Niagara Riesling will be off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet), while the 2009 Riesling Spätlese from Germany will be fairly sweet and still has all the right elements to continue further ageing.

Dr. Siemens Herrenberg Riesling Spätlese Feinherb 2009 (91 pts)

Leaning Post Wismer-Foxcroft Vineyard Riesling 2016 (90 pts)

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

CARMIM TERRA LENTA PREMIUM REGUENGOS 2016 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#646083) (D) - $13.95 88 pts wine review
CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2016 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#123489) (XD) - $17.95 88 pts wine review
FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#492736) (XD) - $18.95 90 pts wine review
H J. FABRE BARREL SELECTION MALBEC 2016 - Patagonia, Argentina (#114983) (XD) - $18.95 90 pts wine review
GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR TAUTAVEL 2016 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#272575) (D) - $19.95 89 pts wine review
WESTMOUNT PINOT NOIR 2015 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#010704) (XD) - $19.95 89 pts wine review
HAZAÑA VIÑAS VIEJAS 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#648204) (XD) - $21.95 89 pts wine review
EL ESTECO MALBEC 2015 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#113191) (XD) - $22.95 91 pts wine review
WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Coonawarra & Clare Valley, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95 89 pts wine review
COLOMÉ ESTATE MALBEC 2016 - Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina (#477315) (XD) - $24.95 90+ pts wine review
PECCHENINO SAN GIUSEPPE BAROLO 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#181396) (XD) - $66.95

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (89 pts)

White Wine:

WINZER KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2017 - DAC Kremstal, Austria (#647735) (XD) - $15.95 88 pts wine review
LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2017 - AC, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95
EDETÀRIA VIA TERRA GARNATXA BLANCA 2017 - DO Terra Alta, Spain (#105908) (XD) - $16.95 89 pts wine review
CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ 2017 - AC, Burgundy, France (#557728) (XD) - $18.95 89 pts wine review
MOUNTADAM EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2017 - Eden Valley, South Australia (#010411) (XD) - 19.95 89 pts wine review
QUAILS’ GATE DRY RIESLING 2018 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#308312) (XD) - $19.95
DR. SIEMENS HERRENBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE FEINHERB 2009 - Prädikatswein, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany (#665992) (MS) - $19.95 91 pts wine review
SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2016 - Finca Dominio Gualta, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#688077) (XD) - $20.95 89 pts wine review
LEANING POST WISMER-FOXCROFT VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#644740) (D) - $24.95 90 pts wine review
LUNAE VERMENTINO 2017 - DOC Colli di Luni, Liguria, Italy (#336644) (XD) - $36.95 FE

Edetària Via Terra Garnatxa Blanca 2017 (89 pts)

Mountadam Eden Valley Chardonnay 2017 (89 pts)

Closerie des Alisiers Bourgogne Aligoté 2017 (89 pts)

Rosé Wine:

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2018 - AP, France (#450908) (XD) - $16.95
CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES ROSÉ 2018 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#496919) (XD) - $19.95
FLEURS DE PRAIRIE ROSÉ 2018 - AP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France (#667329) (XD) - $23.95 90 pts wine review

Fantini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rosé 2018 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an Italian rosé made with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is available in the General List section at the LCBO and widely available across the province.

Vini Fantini is one of a number of wineries that make up the Farnese Vini group. Farnese is a young company has become the leading export company in the South of Italy, producing of over 24 million bottles per year, and garnering many awards over the years.

The refined Fantini wines are made with the best selected grapes coming from the Farneto Valley and other important estates in Abruzzo. The aging process for these wines is completed in the beautiful cellars of the Caldora Castle, a historical building that has a cultural heritage and viticultural traditions of the territory of Ortona, The winemaking team at Fantini is headed by two internationally renowned super-consultants who constantly dedicate their work to the care of each production phase and provide direction to the team of talented young winemakers and agronomists.

This particular rosé underwent soft stalk-stripping and crushing, followed by a brief maceration on skins for approximately 6 hours. It was fermented without skins for 15 days in order to obtain the desired colour and taste.

Fantini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rosé 2018 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

FANTINI CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO ROSÉ 2018 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#635342) (D) - $10.95
Made with 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and pours a fairly deep red with tinges of blood orange. Ripe red berry, strawberry, and cherry aromas with herbally hints. It's light-to-mid weighted on the spicy palate with more ripe red berry, herb, and white pepper flavours. There's some sweetness, but it hides well due to the lively, food-friendly acidity. Chalky textured on the finish, with good length. Score: 87 pts

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2018 (Alsace) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely, slightly sweet white wine from Alsace that was recently promoted from General List to a VINTAGES Essentials listing at the LCBO and should arrive on shelves within a week or so.

It is produced Pierre Sparr, from the historic Sparr winemaking family that has been making wine since 1680. In 1785, François Pierre Sparr influenced expanded the size of vineyards. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business further by increasing activities with trade and influencing the wine ageing process. Charles' son, Pierre, succeeded his father at the tender age of 20 and became a pioneer of estate bottling of wines in Alsace.

Unfortunately, the commune of Sigolsheim and all of its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. However, with courage and determination, Pierre Sparr rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. With contributions from his sons René and Charles, Vins Sparr continued to grow and develop the business, expanding vineyards and exporting their wines to new markets.

Today, the 9th generation of the Sparr family continues the family tradition of making quality wines using ancestral knowledge and modern technology with passion and emotion. They also respect each varietal's own character that is a special harmony of soil and climate in Alsace. Maison Pierre Sparr is located in the heart of Alsace’s famous vineyard, working on 15 ha of estate vineyards while also sourcing grapes from 130 ha owned by experienced winegrowers.

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2018 (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

PIERRE SPARR GEWURZTRAMINER 2018 - AC Alsace, France (#373373) (M) - $17.95
This single-vineyard Gewurztraminer comes from 35-year-old vines that were grown on granitic, limestone, and gneiss chalk & clay soils. Screw cap. Fragrant aromas of lychee, floral, and spice lift out of the glass. The medium+ bodied palate is structured and spicy with very good, mouthfilling fruit. It's medium sweet with nicely balanced flavours of lychee, rose floral, lemon citrus, and touches of honeyed apricot. Acids are lively and fresh, while the finish is long and dry. Enjoy nicely chilled. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Nederburg The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this casual, fairly easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. It was opened on Saturday night as the 2017 vintage recently arrived at the LCBO and is widely available throughout Ontario.

The story of Nederburg begins in 1791, when Philippus Wolvaart bought a farm that lay between the Berg and Palmiet rivers for 5600 guilder. Philippus was a man of courage and vision, as well as love for winemaking. With his wife, Margaretha, they nurtured the land together to build a strong foundation on which the success of Nederburg flourished.

Today, Nederburg is one of South Africa’s most awarded wineries, with a prize-winning pedigree that stems from a culture of innovation and disciplined attention to detail. Their portfolio consists of many different lines of wines.

The Winemasters range of wines consist of varietal offerings and named to honour the Paarl winery's long-established tradition of winemaking excellence. These classically styled, food-friendly wines have abundant fruit flavours, elegance and finesse, while treasuring the integrity of the grape in every step of the winegrowing and winemaking process. Every drop aims to demonstrate a commitment to vineyard and cellar skills.

Nederburg The Winemasters Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

NEDERBURG THE WINEMASTERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#111526) (D) - $13.95
The medium intensity nose is herbaceous with green pepper, red and black fruit aromas that are layered on top of cassis, oak spice notes. The medium+ bodied palate has herbally, ripe currant, and dark plum flavours, along with subtle oak spice characters. Acids are balanced while tannins are soft and supple. Finish length is very good. Score: 87 pts

Bottega Gold Prosecco (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's shiny sparkling wine review was recently listed as a VINTAGES Essentials product at the LCBO and is now widely available all year round across Ontario.

It is produced by Bottega, a family-owned, third generation company led by Barbara, Sandro, and Stefano Bottega in Bibano, Treviso, north of Venice, that has been producing premium quality, typical Italian wines, grappa, spirits and food products since 1977. The headquarters are located in a 19th century farmhouse that was renovated to preserve the original architectural and environmental characteristics, and is surrounded by 10 hectares of vineyards.

Bottega Gold is a premium quality Italian Prosecco characterized by its shiny, iconic metallized bottle, an idea that was conceived by Sandro Bottega in 2000 to create an eye-catching package for their premium quality Prosecco. However, this Prosecco is more than just a fancy bottle.

Even though this bottle is labelled as DOC, the Bottega Gold is actually the higher designated DOCG - where the native Glera grapes used for Prosecco are grown (in a mix of old and new vines) and hand-picked in Valdobbiadene within the heart of the DOCG area. It is labelled as DOC because Italian regulations preclude Bottega’s gold-plated bottle from being labelled as a DOCG.

This Prosecco undergoes a single fermentation, directly transforming the grape must into sparkling wine, followed by a second fermentation in autoclaves (pressurized tanks) with the addition of selected yeasts for approximately 40 days. This unique method is known as the Charmat-Martinotti method and helps preserves freshness and all of the characteristics that the Glera varietal is known for, such as white flowers, green apple, pear and citrus.

Tasting Note:

BOTTEGA GOLD PROSECCO - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#621458) (D) - $27.95
Faint aromas of pear, white peach, citrus and floral from the glass. The palate has an initial crispness, giving way to frothy, mouthfilling mousse and flavours of pear, floral, and citrus with just a touch of sweetness. There's good structure and balanced acidity. It's also nicely balanced throughout with lingering citrus notes on the finish that veers towards dry, with good length. A well-made Prosecco that can be enjoyed at the table. Score: 87 pts

August 3, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Taste Trends + South Africa

LCBO Wine Picks: August 3, 2019 VINTAGES Release

The main theme of the upcoming August 3, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release is titled "Taste Trends" and focuses on European wines that represent four current taste trends, while the mini-theme looks at wines from South Africa. All of these wines, plus those from the rest of the Release will arrive on LCBO VINTAGES by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that looks at four trends among European wines. Of the fifteen wines featured, just two are included among top wine picks and both are from the first trend that states that rosé wines are being enjoyed more and more all-year-round - instead of only during the spring and summer months. I am definitely on-board with this trend and enjoy having rosé during the colder months. Both of these rosés are from Provence and can be enjoyed any time of the year - the first is the Perle de Roseline Rosé, while the second wine is from Château la Tour de l’Évêque and is a blend of eight varietals - 41% Cinsault, 29% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 6% Rolle, 2% Mourvèdre, 2% Ugni Blanc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Sémillon.

Château la Tour de l’Évêque Rosé 2018 (90 pts)

The South African mini-theme lists eight wines, of which four are included among my top wine recommendations from South Africa. First up is a Shiraz that was sourced from the southernmost vineyards in Africa. The country is also known for producing quality Chenin Blanc, and the version in this Release is from South Africa's highest altitude vineyards - approximately 1,000 m above sea level. There's also an elegant Chardonnay, while the excellent Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my top wines of the Release.

Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (92 pts)

De Wetshof Lesca Estate Chardonnay 2018 (91 pts)

Strandveld First Sighting Shiraz 2016 (88 pts)

From the rest of the Release and among my top red wine picks, the Atemporal from Argentina is a blend of 60% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot. From Portugal, the Beira Interior red is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Trincadeira, and Tinta Barroca, while the Dão red consists of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. Lastly, the baby Ornellaia is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the lovely Bordeaux red is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Almeida Garrett Entre Serras 2015 (88 pts)

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, the Bourgogne is made with Chardonnay, while the Lugana from Lombardy is made with Turbiana / Trebbiano di Lugana, also known as Verdicchio. From Loire, the Saumur is actually made with Chenin Blanc, while the Sancerre is, of course, made with Sauvignon Blanc. For those that prefer sweeter wines, you can enjoy the Riesling from Alsace.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!