VINTAGES Release November 26: Fine Holiday Wines

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on November 26 is titled "A Fine Romance" and features 29 fine wines and spirits that are splurge-worthy for the holidays. Wines from this release will be on shelves this coming Saturday.

Leaving out the spirits, there are 25 wines included in this mono-thematic release, and a full 9 are included among my wine picks. A local red wine that is on this list is the impressive Stratus Red from the very good 2012 vintage that's made with traditional Bordeaux varietals. From South America, there is the Catena Alta Malbec from Argentina, and Chilean icon wine Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon that also contains 7% Cabernet Franc. The legendary Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, while the Amarone consists of traditional grapes (70%) Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, (25%) Rondinella, (5%) Molinara. Other single-varietal wines include the Dead Arm Shiraz and the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from Beringer.

Among non-red wines, the splurge-worthy white wine is a multi-site mountain vineyard Kistler Chardonnay. In sparkling wine, the Bollinger Champagne - which is available in 2 sizes in this release - consists of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier.

Other sparkling wines that are also in this Release include a dry version that is almost equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from South Africa, while the Le Mesnil Champagne is 100% Chardonnay. Lastly, the Vouvray is a slightly off-dry style (i.e. a touch sweet) and made with Chenin Blanc. In white wines, the Hermit Crab for 2015 is a crisp blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne.

In red wine recommendations, the Borsao Bole is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, while the Rioja is 100% Tempranillo. The 2010 Bordeaux is a returnee to VINTAGES and is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. From Portugal, the Mondego is a blend of 88% Touriga Nacional, 5% Tinta Roriz, 5% Alfrocheiro and 2% Jaen, while the Torbreck is an unoaked blend of 85% Grenache, 8% Shiraz and 7% Mataro with vines ranging from 40 to 150 years old.

This is the second last release of 2016 - so you might want to stock up now. Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• BORSAO BOLE 2013 - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (#471565) (XD) - $15.95
• MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $15.95  reviewed here
• SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2014 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DE PANIGON 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#348250) (XD) - $19.95
• QUINTA DO MONDEGO 2010 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#399766) (D) - $19.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ 2012 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#433060) (XD) - $22.95
• TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES 2014 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#723940) (XD) - $27.95
• STRATUS RED 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#131037) (XD) - $44.20  reviewed here
• REX HILL PINOT NOIR 2013 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#275735) (XD) - $46.95

• CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (D) - $49.95
• SASSETTI PERTIMALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#474734) (XD) - $49.95
• D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2012 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#430512) (D) - $54.95
• MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - Collezione Ca’ del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#075127) (D) - $56.95
• VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (XD) - $59.95
• CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile (#403980) (D) - $74.95  reviewed here
• ANAKOTA HELENA MONTANA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#181131) (XD) - $158.95  FSE
• BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#149955) (XD) - $166.95
• SASSICAIA 2013 - DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (XD) - $212.95  reviewed here

White Wine:

• TENUTE MESSIERI VISIONI OFFIDA PECORINO 2013 - DOCG, Marche, Italy (#414011) (XD) - $16.95
• D’ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2015 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#662775) (XD) - $17.95
• BARBUNTÍN ALBARINO 2014 - DO Rîas Baixas, Spain (#461285) (XD) - $17.95
• WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (D) - $19.95
• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2015 - IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy (#474742) (XD) - $19.95
• VIGNE SURRAU BRANU VERMENTINO DI GALLURA 2014 - DOCG, Sardinia, Italy (#455246) (XD) - $21.95
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#061176) (XD) - $27.95
• TAWSE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#344804) (D) - $38.40  reviewed here
• DOMAINE DANIEL-ÉTIENNE DEFAIX CÔTES DE LECHET CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2003 - AC, Burgundy, France (#470435) (XD) - $51.95
• KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2014 - Sonoma Mountain, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $111.95

Sparkling Wine:

• DOMAINE DE VAUGONDY BRUT VOUVRAY - Méthode traditionelle, AC, Loire, France (#154567) (D) - $17.95
• GRAHAM BECK BRUT CHARDONNAY/PINOT NOIR SPARKLING - Méthode Cap Classique, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#593483) (XD) - $18.95
• LE MESNIL BRUT GRAND CRU BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#460840) (XD) - $49.95
• BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#234104 / #384529) (D) (375 mL / 750 mL) - $42.95 / $78.95

Fortifieds:

• WARRE’S LBV BOTTLE AGED PORT 2004 - Unfiltered, bottled in 2008, DOP, Portugal (#434936) (S) - $35.95
• KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1996 - Matured in wood, btld. in 2016, DOC, Portugal (#063743) (S) - $59.95

Sherry:

• ALVEAR SOLERA 1927 PEDRO XIMÉNEZ - DOP Montilla-Moriles, Spain (#463034) (S) (375 mL) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95
• DOMAINE CAUHAPE SYMPHONIE DE NOVEMBRE 2012 - AC Jurançon, Southwest, France (#470344) (S) - $38.95  FSE

Mead:

• ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE 2015 - Barrel aged, Canada (#296178) (S) (500 mL) - $16.95

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EastDell Unoaked Chardonnay 2015 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is an unoaked Chardonnay and, similar to the 2014 EastDell Gamay Noir, is now on LCBO shelves with an updated, modern label that still retains the iconic heron.

The 2015 vintage began with unusually cold temperatures throughout Winter and Spring. Fortunately, weather conditions improved greatly during the Summer growing season, with favourable conditions continuuing through to harvest.

Produced by Diamond Estates, this easy-drinking Chardonnay is available at the Winery Boutique (at Diamond Estates) and at the LCBO.

Tasting Note:

EASTDELL UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#609867) (XD) - $13.95
Screw cap. Aromas of fresh lemon/lime citrus with ripe golden apple undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with more ripe apple and citrus fruit flavours. Some grapefruit notes emerge with time in glass. Acids are clean and balanced. Good length on the finish. This is a clean, easy-drinking (unoaked) Chardonnay to drink in the near term with seafood, salads or poultry. Score: 86 pts

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Celebrating #GarnachaDay

International Grenache Day is celebrated around the world every 3rd Friday of September. This year, the celebration fell on Friday, September 16th and I was invited to an exclusive tasting of a few spectacular Grenache (or Garnatxa as they say in Spain) wines at Archive 909 on Dundas Street West in downtown Toronto.

The origins of Grenache are found in Aragon, in northern Spain and the grape was known as the Red of Aragon (Tinto Aragonés). From there, it spread to Sardinia, Southern France, Australia and California. Over centuries, naturally occurring Grenache mutations formed, resulting in the prevalence of Grenache blanc, a grapes that's used in making white wines.

Today, Grenache is one of most widely planted grapes in the world, with Spain being the #1 grower. Single varietals wines made from Grenache noir are plenty, but it's also commonly used in GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre/Mataro) from Southern France and Australia.

On this day in September, I had the opportunity to taste through various Grenache wines, including some Garnatxa blanc wines, and pairing them with some delicious Mediterranean tapas prepared by the fine folks at Archive 909. All of the wines were from Spain, and wine reviews of my favourite Garnacha wines are provided below. Unfortunately, none of the my favourite wines are currently available at the LCBO, so you'll have to reach out to the Agent to place your order.

If you missed celebrating #GrenacheDay this year, mark you calendar as it will return in 2017 on Friday, September 15th. In the meantime, you can drink Grenache throughout year as its quite commonly found at the LCBO. Salud!

Tasting Notes:

BOTERA VILA-CLOSA GARNATXA BLANCA 2015 - DO Terra Alta, Spain (XD) - $16.02
Medium+ intensity nose offering plenty of mineral character combined with lemon, stone fruit and pear aromas. The palate has nicely balanced aroma replays with earthy and some flinty notes making a statement on the long finish. Fresh and succulent acids. Contact That's Life Gourmet for availability. Score: 88+ pts

LAFOU ELS AMELERS GARNATXA BLANCA 2015 - DO Terra Alta, Spain (XD) ~ $29
10% of this exotic wine rested in 300-litre lightly toasted barrels. The medium intensity nose has exotic waxy, honey and tropical nuances. Lemony acids are fresh with a nice mineral texture on the palate. Some herbally flavours. Finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

LAS ROCAS VINAS VIEJAS DE SAN ALEJANDRO OLD VINE GARNACHA 2013 - DO Catalayud, Spain (XD) - ??
From vines between 80-100 years old, this has medium+ intensity aromas of cranberry, oak spice, and red & purple florals that all make an appearance on the medium+ bodied palate. It has nicely integrated tannins, balanced and juicy acids. Long finishing. Score: 88+ pts

CRUZ DE PIEDRA SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2014 - DO Catalayud, Spain (XD) - $12
Grapes for this wine come from old bush vines, ranging between 50-100 years old. Appears closed for the moment, but shows hints of blackberry, mineral, dark fruits, sweet oak spices. Full-bodied with a dense, concentrated mouthfeel and pleasing aroma replays. It has fresh, balanced acids that are just a touch tart. Excellent length on the finish. This is a big wine that can be decanted and enjoyed now, or aged for at least half dozen years. Contact Rogers & Company for availability. Score: 89 pts

BODEGAS ARAGONESAS FAGUS DE COTO DE HAYAS SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2013 - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (XD) - $29.95
From old vines ranging between 40-50 years old. Lovely, captivating nose offers complex raspberry, leafy, floral, clove and hints of mineral. Medium+ bodied on the palate with astringent tannins that softened with air. Very nice, well balanced, floral and cherry, clove, subtle sweet oak spice flavours. Balanced use of oak with hints of vanilla on the medium-long finish. My favourite wine of the tasting. Contact Hobbs & Co. for availability. Score: 89 pts

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Montebuena Cuvée KPF 2014 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a red wine that will be available in LCBO VINTAGES on November 26.

Having enjoyed the 2012 Montebuena Cuvée KPF that showed up in VINTAGES in June 2015, I am expecting the 2014 to be equally as good as (or better than) the 2012 vintage to due a harvest that improved in quality.

It is produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Labastida, a winery that is part of the Unión de Cosecheros of Labastida co-operative. This co-op was formed in the 1960s and is now the largest co-operative winery in the Basque Country, with a production capacity of 7 million litres.

Tasting Note:

MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $15.95
100% Tempranillo that was hand-harvested from the Montebuena vineyard. The 2012 was bottled under cork, but this vintage is now under screw cap. Nicely appealing mulberry, sweet herbs, freshly tilled earth and red fruit aromas of medium intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with nice aroma replays. Acids are juicy and tannins are ripe and smooth. Forest floor notes linger on the finish. Delicious wine to drink over the next 2 years. Score: 88 pts

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EastDell Gamay Noir 2014 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest Gamay from EastDell Estates.

I tasted the 2010 EastDell Gamay Noir three years ago, but this wine has since undergone a label change and comes to us now with a brand new, modern label that still includes the iconic heron.

The summer in 2014 had average-to-cooler than normal temperatures, while late summer and into September brought much needed sunshine to push the grapes to maturity. Harvest began 10 days later than normal and lasted into October. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days, followed by ageing in French and American oak barrels for 8 months, half which were new oak and half in 2 year old barrels.

This easy-drinking red wine is widely available at the LCBO and at the Diamond Estates winery boutique in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Tasting Note:

EASTDELL GAMAY NOIR 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#214890) (XD) - $13.95
Screw cap. Impressive array of black and red cherry, mushroom and sweet cinnamon spice aromas that also come through on the juicy, light-to-medium bodied palate. There's good fruit concentration and depth here, with fresh acids and supple tannins adding to the widely appealing package. It's juicy and finishes long with red cherry, sweet oak spice flavours and some floral notes with air. I am really impressed by this - well done! Will be enjoyed with homemade Chicken Lasagne. Score: 88 pts

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VINTAGES Release November 12: Holiday Gifts & Parties

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on November 12 is a large one featuring just one theme - wines for holiday gifts and parties. All wines will be on shelves this Saturday, November 12.

Since there is only one theme in this release, there are 31 wines included as part of the feature, and 12 are included among my wine picks. Most of the wines in this theme are red wines, but there are a few other delightful wines to choose from that would make delightful gifts or amazing additions to holiday parties. The vintage sparkling wine from Henry of Pelham is made with Chardonnay, while the vintage Rosé Champagne is a blend of 47% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier. There are only 2 white wines among the 31, and both are highly recommended - they are the Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc and the slightly sweet Cave Spring CSV Riesling.

The red wines listed as part of this theme are numerous, with 8 reds being included among my wine recommendations. We'll begin with a Pinot Noir from Chile, the Barossa Valley Shiraz from Australia that has some age on it. In blends, the Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage is a blend of 46% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 13% Malbec, while the Clos de los Siete is a blend of 57% Malbec, 18% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Syrah. From Veneto, the Masi Amarone is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, while the Quintarelli uses no dried grapes and consists of 50% Corvina/Corvinone and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc. The Penfolds Bin 389 is an almost even split of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) and Shiraz (49%), while the 2007 Rioja is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha.

From the rest of the release in red wines, the wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. From Italy, the Zisola from Sicily is 100% Nero d'Avola, while the Rivera Il Falcone is 70% Nero di Troia and 30% other varietals.

In white wines, the Greek white from Crete is a blend of two indigenous varietals - Vilana (65%) and Vidiano (35%). For Riesling fans, all of my Riesling picks are on the dry side (i.e. not sweet), with only the versions from Cave Spring and Charles Baker showing some sweetness.

Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• THYMIOPOULOS YOUNG VINES XINOMAVRO 2013 - Naoussa, Greece (#466474) (XD) - $17.95
• MAZZEI ZISOLA 2013 - DOC Sicilia Noto Rosso, Italy (#303925) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2014 - AC Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL PINOT NOIR 2014 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#469213) (XD) 750 mL $19.95  reviewed here
• KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (D) - $19.95
• CATENA MALBEC 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#468066) (XD) (1500 mL) - $39.95
• CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#622571) (XD) - $23.95
• RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA CASTEL DEL MONTE 2009 - DOC, Puglia, Italy (#177295) (XD) - $23.95  reviewed here

• HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ MERITAGE 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#505610) (XD) - $38.00  reviewed here
• ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#384552) (D) - $44.95  reviewed here
• LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA 2007 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#315531) (XD) - $44.95
• QUINTARELLI PRIMOFIORE 2012 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#020867) (XD) - $66.95
• PENFOLDS BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - South Australia (#414987) (D) - $69.95
• PENFOLDS BIN 389 CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2013 - South Australia (#309625) (D) - $69.95
• BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#731620) (XD) - $89.95
• STAGS’ LEAP ESTATE THE LEAP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#142844) (XD) - $89.95
• MASI MAZZANO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#215764) (D) - $109.95

White Wine:

• KARAVITAKIS WINERY THE LITTLE PRINCE WHITE 2015 - Crete, Greece (#465930) (XD) - $14.95  reviewed here
• MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#067587) (XD) - $17.95  reviewed here
• WILDASS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#376814) (D) - $18.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#268342) (XD) - $19.95
• TRIMBACH RIESLING 2013 - AC Alsace, France (#734517) (XD) - $23.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $24.95
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2014 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (D) - $29.95  reviewed here
• CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2013 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#241182) (D) - $35.20  reviewed here
• LOUIS MOREAU VAULIGNOT CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#525386) (XD) - $36.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - AC, Burgundy, France (#991562) (XD) - $19.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE BLANC DE BLANC 2011 - Méthode traditionelle, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (D) - $44.95
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2006 - AC, France (#069831) (D) - $95.95

Fortifieds:

• DALVA COLHEITA PORT 1995 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#69930) (S) - $34.95  reviewed here

Dessert Wine:

• REIF VIDAL ICEWINE 2014 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#544791) (S) (200 mL) - $24.95

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Château Guillou 2014 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Last November, the 2012 Château Guillou landed in VINTAGES. Tonight's wine is the 2014 vintage of this wine and will be in LCBO VINTAGES on November 12.

Produced by Jean-Bernard Saby, this family has been making wines for nine generations since the 18th century. Today, the winery's vineyards consist of 62 hectares, yielding well-structured wines that are enhanced by perfectly absorbed tannins.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2014 - AC Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $19.95
Has a bit less Merlot (75%) and more Cabernet Franc (25%) compared to the 2012 vintage. Plummy and milk chocolate aromas from the cork. The nose is not very intense, but offers juicy blackberry and oak along with hints of underbrush and herbal spice aromas. The palate is medium-full bodied and gains volume in the mouth with good fruit concentration. Palate is dry with juicy blackberry, dark fruit, chocolate, earth and well-integrated oak flavours. Appealing sweet spice flavours emerge with time. Acids are very good, balanced. Tannins are finely-grained, dusty, and just a touch grippy. Good length on the finish. Satisfying overall. Ideal with lamb right now. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 88 pts

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Chianti Classico Tasting - Celebrating 300 Years

The final wine tasting of May was held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville, downtown Toronto. Inside was a tasting celebrating 300 years of Chianti Classico wines. The borders of the Chianti Classico DOCG were formed in 1716 and lies in the territory between the provinces of Florence to the north and Siena to the south. The total area of the territory is 173,000 acres, 25,000 acres of which are dedicated to vineyards, and 18,000 acres that are registered as Chianti Classico.

Every bottle of Chianti Classico contains the trademark Black rooster, an historic symbol of the Chianti Military League, among other things. The history of the symbol dates back to a legend from medieval times (approx. between 1202 and 1208), at a time when there was bitter fighting over the territory between the Republics of Florence and Siena. In order to settle the conflict, legend has it that a knight from each Republic would depart from their respective cities and fix the boundary of the territory at the point of where they meet. Departure from each city would take place at dawn, when the rooster crows. The Sieneses chose a white rooster, while the Florentines chose a starved black rooster that was kept in a small, dark chicken coop.

When the big day arrived and the roosters were freed from the coop well before dawn, it was the black rooster that started crowing immediately. On that signal, the Florentine knight began his journey, well before his counterpart from Siena, and reached Fonterutoli, a mere 12 kms from Siena. This resulted in nearly all of Chianti being brought under control of the Republic of Florence and the legend of the Black Rooster was born.

Sangiovese is the primary grape within the region and a minimum of 80% of every wine must contain this varietal. There are three levels of Chianti Classico - Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione. The entry level is the Annata (a term you won't see on the label) and requires a minimum of 12 months ageing. The middle-tier Riserva wines require a minimum 24 months of ageing, including 3 months of bottle ageing. At the top of the quality pyramid is the Gran Selezione - a tier that was created only in 2013 - and states that these wines must use grapes from a single vineyard or from the estate's best grapes, and be aged for a minimum 30 months, including 3 months of bottle ageing.

In all, there were more than 25 wineries in attendance, providing the opportunity to try more than 75 wines. Many of the wines poured were quite good, but the ones that stood out above others were the Gran Selezione wines, specifically from the outstanding 2010 vintage. Wine reviews of some of favourites are provided below. Please contact the agent listed for availability, pricing and ordering information.

Tasting Notes:

CASTELLO VICCHIOMAGGIO SAN JACOPO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#710194) (XD) - $19.95
Matured for 8 months in large oak barrels and contains 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino. Beautiful, highly aromatic, dark scented and focused nose of dark flowers, dark cherry, clov and spice. It's medium-to-full bodied nicely balanced aroma replays and gains texture with air. It has very good acidity providing freshness. Good oak integration. Finish is long with hints of mineral. Contact Signature Wines & Spirits for availability. Score: 90+ pts

CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#047118) (XD) - $29.95
The medium-to-high intensity nose offers nice, sweet herbally spice, clove, sweet oak and cherry aromas. It's medium-to-full bodied on the palate with balanced, full tannins, and very good acidity. Aromas follow through to the palate along with hints of pencil lead and mineral on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 5-8 years. Contact Univins et Spiriteaux for availability. Score: 91 pts

MAZZEI CASTELLO DI FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $75
Lovely, focused and intense nose featuring floral, cherry, clove and sweet oak spice aromas. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with a fine texture and silky smooth, structured tannins. Pleasing aroma replays on the palate. Excellent length on the finish shows hints of mineral. Contact Profile Wine Group for availability. Score: 92 pts

FÈLSINA COLONIA CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
Beautiful, perfumed nose of sweet spice, floral, oak, cherry, red fruits and clove. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with pleasing sweet oak and spice aroma replays, and hints of purple flowers. Very good acidity. Earthy, cherry notes on the excellent finish. Tannins are a bit tight, but provide good tannic structure for ageing. Better in 2-3 years and enjoy until 2026. 100% Sangiovese. Contact Lifford Wine & Spirits for pricing and availability. Score: 92 pts

IL MOLINO DI GRACE IL MARGONE CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#435115) (XD) - $39.95
This 100% Sangiovese has medium-to-high intensity aromas of ripe red fruits, cherry, floral, sweet oak and clove notes. On the medium+ bodied palate, it has firm tannins and juicy acids, along with balanced earth, cherry, floral and spice flavours. Excellent finish length. A bit young, try in 3 years. The 2010 vintage was released into VINTAGES in March. Contact Frontier Wine Merchants for availability of the 2011 vintage. Score: 92 pts

CASTELVECCHI MADONNINO DELLA PIEVE CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
From a great vintage, this 100% Sangiovese, has a highly aromatic and inviting nose of floral, sweet oak, cherry, clove and hints of sweet spices. Maturing very nicely, it has a medium+ bodied palate with yummy purple flower led aroma replays. Well balanced, with juicy acids and balanced tannins. Excellent length on the finish. Drink by 2023. Contact Barrel Select for pricing and availability. Score: 93 pts

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Rémy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (Loire) - Wine Review

Given today's Spring-like weather, tonight's wine calls for something suitable such as this Sauvignon Blanc.

The company was founded by Francois Rémy in 1885. He began as a barrel-making worker, then a wine transporter, and finally, a wine merchant. In the 1930s, his son Louis associated his wife's name to the company to become Rémy Pannier. The company grew further when Louis' son, Maurice, launched business initiatives in the U.S., the French supermarket trade, and other export markets in 1960.

Today, Rémy Pannier is one of the leading brands of Ackerman, and is Loire Valley's single largest wine producer, accounting for approximately 15% of all wine production in the Valley.

For this latest vintage, this wine has been given a fresh, new look and is now widely available at the LCBO.

Tasting Note:

RÉMY PANNIER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - AOP Touraine, Loire, France (#068676) (XD) - $15.95
Light-to-medium intensity aromatics give off ripe tropical fruits, kiwi, and lime, with some earthy mineral notes at the tail end. The palate is fresh with ripe, almost honeyed fruit aroma replays. Rounded mouthfeel with nicely textured acids. Good length on the finish that has a stony mineral character, and a touch warming. This is a patio sipper. Score: 85 pts

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Giveaway - Win Tickets to 2016 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

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

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

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

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

Some of this year's highlights include:

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

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

Event Details:

When:

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

Where:

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

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

How to Enter:

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2016 Ticket Giveaway

Good luck!

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Seriously Cool Red 2013 (Ontario) - Wine Review

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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VINTAGES Release October 29: Bordeaux + Blends

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

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

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

White Wine:

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

 

Sparkling Wine:

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

Dessert Wine:

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

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Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2014 (Argentina) - Wine Review

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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