November 23, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Coveted, Iconic Wines

The November 23, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release is another big one as we dive into the busy holiday season. This Release is another mono-thematic edition, featuring Coveted, Iconic Wines for your cellar or gift-giving. There are plenty of other great options from the rest of the Release as well, with all of these wines showing up on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

There are 31 wines listed as part of the Coveted, Iconic Wines theme, of which a dozen are included among my top wine picks from the November 23rd LCBO VINTAGES Release. We begin with an excellent 2012 vintage Champagne that was aged for 5+ years and consists of 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 26% Pinot Meunier. For white wine lovers, there are a pair of lovely Chardonnays from the new world - one from Niagara and one from Napa Valley.

Red wines from the main thematic include a high-end Australian Shiraz, a South African Pinot Noir, a lovely Barolo (which is made with Nebbiolo), an Argentinean Malbec, and an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. The blends include the Stratus Red which is a blend of 25% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 10% Malbec, 7% Tannat, and 5% Petit Verdot, while The Chocolate Block consists of 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Viognier.

For sweet wine lovers, the iconic and coveted Noble One Botrytis Semillon and Delaforce Vintage Port will surely satisfy your cravings.

My red wine recommendations from the rest of the Release starts with the iconic $450 Antinori Solaia - easily one of the best wines I've ever tasted - is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the rest of us modest folks, from the southern Rhône Valley, there is the Costières de Nîmes Rouge which is a blend of old vines 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Carignan, while the Cairanne is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. From Roussillon, the Lafage Tessellae is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. From Portugal, the Sagrado is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, while the Porca de Murça consists of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Lastly, coming back to Italy, we have a Chianti Classico that consists of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot.

Among my white wine picks from this Release, the Costières de Nîmes Blanc from Rhône is the companion to the rouge above and consists of 45% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, and 10% Clairette, while the Pomino is an interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. The rest are all single varietal wines, and for those that prefer sweeter wines, check out the always delicious Nadja's Riesling from Niagara.

And that's a wrap for this Release! Only one more to go in 2019! Enjoy!

Red Wine:

• PORCA DE MURÇA RESERVA TINTO 2014 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#684753) (XD) - $17.95
• VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#018721) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2017 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#343517) (D) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2016 - AP, Rhône, France (#040964) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• JEAN-LUC COLOMBO LE PAVILLON DES COURTISANES CAIRANNE 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#120717) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review

• QUINTA DO SAGRADO RESERVA 2016 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#568774) (XD) $24.95  90 pts  wine review
• TRASQUA FANATICO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283861) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
• RYMILL COONAWARRA CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#010541) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2017 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#129353) (XD) - $39.95  91 pts  wine review
• TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA ORELLANA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2015 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#178145) (XD) - $42.95  91+ pts  wine review

• STRATUS RED 2016 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#312058) (D) - $49.20  92 pts  wine review
• AURELIO SETTIMO ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA BAROLO 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#293761) (XD) - $54.95  92 pts  wine review
• HAMILTON RUSSELL PINOT NOIR 2018 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (#999516) (XD) - $59.95  92 pts  wine review
• BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ 2016 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#731620) (XD) - $99.95  93 pts  wine review
• SOLAIA 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#987586) (XD) - $457.95  95 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER 2017 - IGP Pays d’Oc, Roussillon, France (#147975) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DE ROCHEBIN CHARDONNAY MÂCON-AZÉ 2017 - AC, Burgundy, France (#156943) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• FOLLAS NOVAS ALBARIÑO 2018 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#488981) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• FRESCOBALDI CASTELLO DI POMINO POMINO BIANCO 2017 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#065086) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES BLANC 2017 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#479659) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2018 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (D) - $24.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $26.95  92 pts  wine review
• NALS MARGREID PUNGGL PINOT GRIGIO 2016 - DOC Südtirol – Alto Adige, Italy (#395756) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#184549) (XD) - $44.95  93 pts  wine review
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $67.95  93 pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• QUEENSTON MILE BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS 2015 - Traditional method, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#010139) (XD) - $50.00  91+ pts  wine review
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2012 - AC, France (#069773) (XD) - $93.95  92 pts  wine review

Dessert Wine:

• DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2016 - New South Wales, Australia (#917252) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95  93 pts  wine review

Fortified:

• DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 2000 - DOC, Portugal (#344861) (S) - $62.95  92 pts  wine review

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C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2008 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Mosel Riesling Kabinett that I purchased from an LCBO VINTAGES Release in May 2012.

This white wine used to show up quite regularly in LCBO VINTAGES. In fact, I enjoyed the 2009 C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett back in 2013. However, this lovely white wine hasn't been in stores for a number of years now, so your best bet is to either visit the winery or pick up a bottle at the SAQ in Québec.

Tasting Note:

C.H. BERRES ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2008 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#207274) (MD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Wow. Gorgeous aromas of ripe apricot, peach, petrol, candied ginger, and beeswax jump out of the glass along with hints of wet stone mineral. It is medium+ bodied with a weighty mouthfeel to go along with medium-dry (i.e. notably sweet) flavours of apricot, peach, lemon citrus, orange, and wet stone notes that veer towards dry due to the still vibrant, racy acidity. Slatey notes linger on the chalky textured finish, with excellent length. Still has a few years of enjoyment ahead. Score: 91 pts

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Giveaway - Win Tickets to Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2019

The 25th Annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is coming up soon and I am pleased to give away a pair of General Admission tickets to two (2) lucky readers. Prize value is a max. of $60 per pair. The show takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and these tickets are valid for admission on either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday - show dates and hours listed below.

The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo is the biggest show of its kind in Canada, featuring wine, beer and spirits from around the globe and locally. You will also be able to sample many foods from the area's top restaurants and chefs, as well as attend seminars.

I've been attending this event for a number of years and it's always a great time! Instructions on how to enter the contest are provided below. Good luck to all and hope to see you there!

Event Details:.

When:

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. VIP Preview Evening Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Where:

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Hall Building 255 Front Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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

How to Enter:

There are two ways to enter this contest. Head on over to my Facebook Page and Instagram, find the post referencing this contest and follow the instructions. You can enter on both Facebook and Instagram for multiple chances to win. One winner from each social network will be chosen. Each prize winner will receive two (2) General Admision tickets valued at max. $60 per pair. Contest ends Wednesday, November 20, 11:59 P.M. EST. Good luck to all!

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Elderton E Series Chardonnay 2017 (Australia) - Wine Review

On this cold, wintry night, I bring you some sunshine in a glass with a wine review of this Australian Chardonnay that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the October 12th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of Elderton Wines begins 1894, when a vineyard was planted by the Scholz family on the banks of North Para River in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. In 1916, the property was purchased by Tolley family. The homestead is located in the heart of the township of Nuriootpa and was surrounded by extremely old Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. At a time where demand for Australian table wine was negligible, the vineyard had become derelict.

In 1979, Neil and Lorraine Ashmead moved to the Barossa after spending some years in Saudi Arabia. After years of no interest in the homestead, the Ashmead family purchased the property in 1980, which included a 72-acre vineyard as a bonus as part of the sale. Three years later, after restoring the vineyard and with the help of one of Australia's most respected and innovative winemakers, Peter Lehmann, the Ashmead family produced their first wine under Elderton Wines label.

Since that time, Elderton has garnered many accolades. Today, the winery continues to be run by the Ashmead family, with the second generation, Cameron and Allister, taking over the reins in 2003. Neil passed away in 1997, but Lorraine still continues to be involved through her role on the Board. Together, they intend on taking the company to the next level by purchasing other great vineyards, while also implementing sustainable practices so that the next generation of the Ashmead family will have a lot to work with when they are at the helm.

The E Series wines from Elderton are their entry-level wines that are designed to be affordable, everyday drinking wines made with exceptional quality. The E series stands for excellence, excitement, evolution, epicure, elegance and euphoria. E is for earth. E is for Elderton. Embrace and enjoy!

Tasting Note:

ELDERTON E SERIES CHARDONNAY 2017 - Barossa, South Australia (#458760) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The medium intensity nose is ripe with melon, peach, and golden apple aromas, plus touches of pear, floral, and butter characters. It is medium-full bodied and dry with clean, refreshing acids and fleshy fruit that delivers golden apple, melon, and citrus flavours. Oak is very subtle, adding mostly a textural element. Leesy, apple, and citrus notes linger on the finish, with good length. Will be a fine match with poultry. Score: 87 pts

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Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Cuvée Especial 2015 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's vegan-friendly red wine review is the Wine of the Month that just arrived at the LCBO as part of the November 9, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Marqués de Cáceres, one of more widely known Spanish producers with many of their wines available at the LCBO.

The grapes for this particular wine come from vineyards that are 20 to 35 years old and located in and around Cenicero in Rioja Alta from both higher and cooler parcels (600 metres altitude), as well as lower grounds (400 metres altitude). These vineyards are planted on gentle hillsides, as well as on the town's highest altitudes with steep inclines. Soil composition is mainly clay and limestone, with some parcels having more iron-rich subsoils.

It is interesting to note that 100% of the harvest was completed manually, parcel by parcel. In addition, grapes are only harvested after they reach maturity, meaning that they may have to return to some of the vineyards several times depending on the orientation of the vines or if these are planted at different altitudes prior to picking the grapes.

Tasting Note:

MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL 2015 - Vegan friendly, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10684) (XD) - $17.00
This Tempranillo spent 14 months in medium-toasted French oak barrels, and at least a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. This has a quiet nose that offers ripe red cherry, sweet vanillin oak, clove and plum aromas. It is full bodied with oak spice, clove, licorice, and tarry notes surrounding a core of dark cherry. There's juicy, food-friendly acidity, while tannins are firmly structured and chalky and could use a couple of years to soften. Wood spice and earthy notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 87 pts

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November 9, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California

The November 9, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from California in this mono-thematic, third to last Release of 2019. On the whole, there are many lovely wines to add to your collection or for gift-giving throughout this Release.

We begin with the main theme that focuses on top California wines, which lists fifteen as part of this theme. While many California wines as part of this theme are high quality wines, I've limited my recommendations to four from this feature. First up is the lone red which is a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. My top white wines from California includes a barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc (with a splash of Semillon) that is called Fumé Blanc from iconic Robert Mondavi. There's also a lovely Napa Valley Chardonnay and a Chardonnay from Sonoma Mountain.

My red wine picks are littered with blends from Italy and France. From Italy, the Amarone is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, while the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Malvasia Nera, and 5% Canaiolo. Both Super Tuscans - the Luce and Crognolo - are big wines made with Sangiovese and Merlot. From Rhône, France, the outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 5% Cinsault, while the Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre. Lastly, the Rioja from Spain is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Grenache, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo.

My white wine recommendations from the rest of the Release are all single varietal wines. Some of the bigger highlights includes various oaked Chardonnays from New Zealand, Sonoma County, and South Africa, as well as a Pinot Grigio that is consistently delicious year after year. For sweet wine lovers, look to either the very sweet Spätlese Riesling from Mosel, or the off-dry Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

Among my sparkling wine picks, all are crafted in the traditional method, with the Italian bubbly made of 100% Chardonnay, while the Niagara bubbly is 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and lastly, the Rosé Champagne is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. All are dry and aged for a number of years prior to release.

Enjoy my wine picks from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU GRENACHE/CARIGNAN 2017 - AP, Midi, France (#403683) (D) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• SIDEWOOD SHIRAZ 2016 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#446146) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $19.95
• GABRIEL MEFFRE LAURUS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2016 - AP, France (#381053) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - DO Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#203364) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#23408) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review

• RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#350454) (XD) - $32.95  90 pts  wine review
• SOLÉNA GRAND CUVÉE PINOT NOIR 2017 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#486944) (XD) - $33.95  90 pts  wine review
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (D) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• R. LOPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA 2006 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#356337) (XD) - $58.95  93 pts  wine review
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $59.95  92 pts  wine review

• VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (XD) - $59.95  93 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (XD) - $93.95  93 pts  wine review
• LUCE 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#685263) (XD) - $119.95  93 pts  wine review
• CLIFF LEDE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#14217) (XD) - $119.95  93 pts  wine review
• MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#597476) (XD) - $129.95  93 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES TORRONTÉS 2018 - Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina (#330407) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• PENCARROW SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#148429) (XD) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
• CAVE HUNAWIHR KUHLMANN-PLATZ GEWURZTRAMINER 2018 - AP Alsace, France (#12010) (D) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CHRISTINA THE HERITAGE COLLECTION CHARDONNAY 2017 - WO Robertson, South Africa (#10104) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2018 - IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy (#474742) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• BISCHÖFLICHE WEINGÜTER TRIER DOM SPÄTLESE RIESLING 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#11651) (S) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#275552) (XD) - $26.95  90 pts  wine review
• CLOUDY BAY CHARDONNAY 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#359513) (XD) - $38.95  92 pts  wine review
• ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC 2015 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#326165) (XD) - $59.95  93 pts  wine review
• BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2017 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#26682) (D) - $64.95  92 pts  wine review
• KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2017 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $114.95  93 pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• FERRARI BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, DOC Trento, Italy (#352153) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
• 13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2013 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142679) (XD) - $39.95  91+ pts  wine review
• LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2013 - AC, Champagne, France (#368415) (XD) - $104.95  FE

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2017 - Estate grown, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95
• CARMES DE RIEUSSEC 2015 - 1er cru, AC Sauternes, Bordeaux, France (#472092) (S) (375 mL) - $25.95  91 pts  wine review

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San Gregorio Manga del Brujo 2006 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is something I pulled out from my cellar that was purchased more than 10 years ago from the May 2, 2009 LCBO VINTAGES Release. The tasting note that was published in magazine suggested this would drink well to 2020, so here we are, in 2019. Let's see how this Spanish red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SAN GREGORIO MANGA DEL BRUJO 2006 - DO Calatayud, Spain (#015073) (XD) - $17.95
This red wine is a blend of 65% old vines Garnacha, 15% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo, and 5% Monastrell/Mazuelo that was aged for 5 months in new and used oak barrels and bottled unfiltered. Deep garnet colour. The generous nose is full of savoury, earthy, and wet forest floor aromas with hints of dried berry and floral notes. It is medium+ bodied and quite savoury on the palate with more wet forest floor, earthy and savoury characters along with sweet cherry, rose floral, sweet spice, and dried berry flavours. The fruit is fairly dried out at this stage, with tannins offering a grippy textured mouthfeel. Acids are still quite juicy. Very good length on the savoury-earthy, dried berry/floral finish. A treat to drink now if you still have a bottle. Score: 88+ pts

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Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2013 (Niagara) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)

I first enjoyed the organic, biodynamic and vegan-friendly 2013 Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay back in 2015 and mentioned at the time that it should improve in a couple of years, so tonight I am opening the 2nd bottle, 4 years later, to see how it has evolved.

Southbrook Vineyards, a family-owned winery based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is a leader in Ontario in organic and biodynamic viticulture. They have great respect for the soil, water and ecosystems upon which great wine, and our planet, relies. Southbrook was founded in Niagara by Bill Redelmeier in 1991 after much success with their farm just north of Toronto. In 2008, half of their 150 acre property became certified organic, while today 100% of the estate property is certified organic, as well as biodynamic. Also in 2008, Southbrook was the first winery building to receive Gold Level LEED status.

This white wine was crafted by renowned winemaker Ann Sperling, who has been Southbrook's consultant winemaker since 2005. Using exclusively estate fruit, only 6 barrels (180 cases) of this wild fermented Chardonnay were produced. It spent 20 months in French oak barrels (50% new).

Of course, the 2013 is no longer available for purchase. However, the 2017 Southbrook Wild Ferment Chardonnay that I loved last December is still available at the winery and through their online web store.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK ESTATE GROWN SMALL LOT WILD FERMENT CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $34.95
Highly aromatic nose offers mature, slightly oxidized and complex notes of buttery, baked apple, pear and vanilla with touches of hazelnut, smoke and mushroom that become more prominent with air. It is medium bodied with lovely hazelnut, baked apple, and pear flavours mingling with vanilla and hints of butter on the palate. Some saline mineral notes arrive on the juicy mid-palate. Acids are still quite lively and fresh. Finishes long and succulent with more smoke, mushroom, nutty, and baked apple notes. Should continue to drink well over the next 2-3 years. Score: 91 pts

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Chronic Cellars Purple Paradise 2017 (California) - Wine Review

Want something for your Halloween party? You might want to look at tonight's red wine review that is sure to please your guests with it's Halloween-themed label. It just arrived at the LCBO and is widely available across Ontario, just in time for Halloween festivities.

It is produced by Chronic Cellars, a California winery that came together in 2004 when brothers Josh and Jake Beckett combined their winemaking skills with their wit and humour to turn an idea into reality using two tons of the best – or 'chronic' – grapes to make killer wine.

The Beckett brothers grew up in a wine family in Paso Robles and helped by washing barrels, punching down fermenting grapes, and working the bottling line. It was only natural that one day they would make their own wine.

Chronic Cellars' philosophy is to use the best, or 'chronic', grapes to make seriously good wine for people who don’t take themselves too seriously. They have partnered with neighbours and friends in Paso Robles to build an network of growers, allowing Josh to select the grapes he wants for all of his custom, intriguing blends, including this Purple Paradise. The labels are created by Joe Kalionzes, a childhood friend and artist whose style and graphic linocuts perfectly capture their double-take vision for the brand.

While the label of this wine and it's well-timed arrival in Ontario evokes images of Halloween, the vision for Purple Paradise actually appeared when they were in their own paradise - Mexico. Purple represents the juice, while Paradise represents how you feel when drinking it. Sit back, relax, and float away to your own paradise.

Tasting Note:

CHRONIC CELLARS PURPLE PARADISE 2017 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#012011) (D) - $21.95
This blend of 78% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, and 6% Grenache has a fresh, aromatic nose of cherries, spice, strawberry, and a touch brambly, surrounded by vanilla and cocoa notes. The full-bodied palate is confected with sweet spice and vanilla, followed by blueberry, cherry, and strawberry flavours. Acids are fresh and balanced, while tannins are supple with a touch of textural grip. Good length on the finish with sweet vanillin oak and some earthy characters. Crafted for mass appeal. Score: 85 pts

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M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut L'Esquerda 2018 (Roussillon) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely red wine from the highly-acclaimed house of M. Chapoutier. While this is the 2018 vintage, the 2017 vintage will arrive on shelves at the LCBO as part of the October 26th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of M. Chapoutier begins in 1808, when Calvet et Compagnie was created in the Rue de l’Hermitage in Tain. In 1855, ownership was transferred to Octave Calvet and Frédéric Vogelgesang until it was purchased by Rodolphe Delépine in 1883. The Chapoutier name enters in 1897, when Marius Chapoutier joined forces with Rodolphe Delépine to found the company Delépine et Chapoutier. After Delépine retires in 1922, the company is renamed to Chapoutier et Compagnie and Marius creates the new Chapoutier winery in 1929 at the foot of the Hermitage hill. After Marius' death in 1937, his son Marc takes over the family business and in 1955 changes the name to M. Chapoutier, the name it still bears today.

In 1990, winemaker Michel Chapoutier asked for and received control of the company from his grandfather Marc. At this time, he also began applying biodynamic cultivation techniques. Expanding from the Rhône Valley, Michel acquired his first estate in the Roussillon area of France in 2000.

Domaine de Bila-Haut was founded by Chapoutier in Latour-de-France and the vines of the Bila-Haut and Occultum Lapidem wines became the first expression of this terroir. Years later, the L’Esquerda red wine was created from vines near the village of Lesquerde, which is located at 350 metres altitude some 15 kilometres west of Bila-Haut. The terroir here is steep with craggy limestone, arid soil, and is battered by the Tramontane northern winds.

Michel Chapoutier has earned a reputation for producing wines that are highly representative of where they are grown - offering a true snapshot of the terroir. He is also known for being a generous person with a human approach to business, becoming the first in the industry to include braille on all of his product labels in 1996.

Today, Michel and his wife Corinne are joined by their children Mathilde and Maxime - whose names by no coincidence also start with 'M'. Together, they continue to perpetuate the tradition of the family business and philosophy by creating wines based on the concept of 'terroir', while also helping make M. Chapoutier one of the most admired brand names in French wine.

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT L'ESQUERDA 2018 - AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Lesquerde, Midi, France (#381020) (XD) - $27.95
This blend of mainly Syrah with Grenache and Carignan in support was aged in concrete vats for 7-8 months has a complex stream of wild dark berry, plum and garrigue aromas accented by meaty, spice, mineral, earthy, and floral characters wafting out of the glass. It is full bodied, dense, and chewy with ripe, structured, and finely-grained tannins that are a bit chalky textured. Scorched earth and touches of herbal notes join the fine aroma replays on the flavour profile, lifted by fresh, mouthwatering acidity. Mineral and scorched earth notes linger on the juicy finish, with excellent length. Has the stuffing to drink well over the next 7-8 years. Highly recommended buy. Score: 92 pts

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October 26, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: France vs. Italy + Wine & Cheese

The October 26, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release compares and contrasts France and Italy in its main theme, while the mini-theme looks at wine and cheese pairings. All of the wines featured as part of themes, as well everything else from the Main Release will arrive on shelves by Saturday. This is another Release where you'll want to stock up for the holidays or pick up special bottles for holiday gift-giving.

We'll begin with the main theme that compares wines from the two titans of the wine world - France and Italy. There are twenty-two wines featured as part of this theme, eleven from each country, and seven are included among my top wine picks. From the first category on Traditional Method sparkling wines, we have a lovely Bollinger Champagne that consists of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier. From the Classic Premium Grape category, there is a fine Barolo that is made with the Nebbiolo grape. The Southern Values category features a nice Côtes du Rhône that consists of equal parts Syrah and Grenache, plus some Mourvèdre. Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wines are actually made using the same grape, but often in different styles, hence the distinction in name. In this Release, there is a fine, dry, quality Pinot Grigio from a place it calls home in northern Italy. The last category focuses on the Revered Regions of Bordeaux and Tuscany. From Bordeaux, we have a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru that is a blend of roughly 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tuscany also makes some fine Bordeaux blends, such as the baby Ornellaia that consists of 54% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Lastly, the Chianti Classico, which is also from Tuscany, is made with 100% Sangiovese and reminds me a little bit of a wine from Montalcino.

From the feature on wine and cheese pairings, which can be done year-round but becomes especially popular during the holidays. Of the nine wines featured, just one is included among my top wine picks - a lightly oaked Chardonnay from Niagara's Thirty Bench. There is also an excellent Masi Amarone (#548677) included as part of this theme, but I didn't include it in my list below because you would have probably bought it when it came out in VINTAGES last year. You can read more about wine and cheese pairings in the magazine.

My red wine picks include an unoaked blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Carignan from Languedoc, while the Spanish red is a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena (Samsó), Syrah, and Merlot. From France, the Beaujolais is made with Gamay, while the Roussillon red is a blend of mainly Syrah with Grenache and Carignan in support. Lastly, the iconic Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Most of my white wine recommendations happen to be minimally oaked Chardonnays. However, Flat Rock's Unplugged Chardonnay is actually an unoaked Chardonnay, while the Umbrian white is a blend of mostly Chardonnay and some Grechetto. There is also a white blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho from Portugal.

Among my sparkling wine picks, the Tasmanian Brut Rosé is primarily Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier completing the blend, while the Cava is a blend of indigenous varietals Macabeo (67%) and Parellada (33%). Lastly, the Dom Perignon is a traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LES DARONS 2017 - AP Languedoc, France (#448464) (XD) - $16.95
• XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2017 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2016 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#534339) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU LAMARTINE PRESTIGE DU MALBEC 2015 - AP Cahors, Southwest, France (#010315) (XD) - $17.95
• POTENTE 2016 - DO Montsant, Spain (#010682) (XD) - $18.95
• PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN SHIRAZ 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#522235) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994608) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review

• TINTO NEGRO FINCA LA ESCUELA LA PIEDRA MALBEC 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#010443) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT L’ESQUERDA 2017 - AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Lesquerde, Midi, France (#381020) (XD) - $27.95
• CHÂTEAU DE SAINT-PEY 2016 - AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France (#011834) (XD) - $34.95
• BENI DI BATASIOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#330704) (XD) - $39.95
• ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#384552) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2017 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $69.95  92 pts  wine review
• SASSICAIA 2016 - DOC Bolgheri-Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (XD) - $229.95

White Wine:

• MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO 2018 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED CHARDONNAY 2018 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $17.95
• ZUCCARDI Q CHARDONNAY 2017 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#232702) (XD) - $19.95
• THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER’S BLEND CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#547877) (XD) - $19.95
• NALS MARGREID PINOT GRIGIO 2017 - DOC Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy (#290924) (XD) - $19.95
• CAMPBELL KIND WINE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#010556) (XD) - $19.95
• HENRI BOURGEOIS LA CHAPELLE DES AUGUSTINS SANCERRE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#322628) (XD) - $39.95
• BACHELDER WISMER VINEYARD #1 WINGFIELD BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#520403) (XD) - $47.95  FE
• HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2018 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $47.95  FE
• CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO DELLA SALA 2017 - IGT Umbria, Italy (#512376) (XD) - $74.95

Sparkling Wine:

• JANSZ PREMIUM SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, Tasmania, Australia (#037499) (D) - $28.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#558825) (D) - $32.95  90 pts  wine review
• BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#384529) (XD) - $87.95
• DOM PÉRIGNON LUMINOUS BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#422584) (D) - $285.95  FE

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