VINTAGES Release April 28, 2018: Pacific Northwest + Germany

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES April 28, 2018 Release features as the main theme the cool-climate regions of the Pacific Northwest, which includes British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. The mini-theme features the wines from Germany. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features the wines from British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington, commonly grouped together as the Pacific Northwest. None of the five wines listed from Oregon and eight wines listed from Washington are included among my wine picks. British Columbia seemed to get shortchanged (again?) with just three wines listed. However, the Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin is the only wine among my top wine recommendations from the Pacific Northwest; it is always a classy wine and for the 2014 vintage is a blend of 68% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec.

The mini-feature on German wines is also rather weak, with six wines listed and just one included among my top wine picks. My lone pick from the German feature is a dry Riesling that's also known as Riesling Trocken. As part of the Flagship Store Exclusives (FSE) at the back of the magazine is a very sweet Riesling Spätlese and is one of the top wines of the Release.

From my top red wine picks, the Saint-Roch is a blend of approximately equal parts Syrah and Grenache, while the Vacqueyras is an organic wine from the excellent 2015 vintage made with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The Douro red wine from Portugal is made with Touriga Nacional. Lastly, the Rioja is a blend of 89% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, and 2% Garnacha.

Among my white wine picks, the Soave wine is made with 100% Garganega from vines that range between 10-50 years old. The Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is an organic wine. For sweet wine lovers, in order of least sweet to most sweet, there is the Hidden Bench Riesling (organic), Megalomaniac Riesling, and the Gewürztraminer, as well as the aforementioned Riesling Spätlese. For fans looking for lusciously sweet wines, the Tawse Chardonnay Icewine is also worth seeking.

As the weather gets warmer, Rosé wines return with more frequency at the LCBO. One of the first to arrive is the Miraval Rosé, with vines coming from an average of 1,200 feet above sea level and made using a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. This wine is also featured as the Wine of the Month and will be available at just about every LCBO outlet.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#195107) (XD) - $16.95
• MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2014 - Single vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile (#371112) (XD) - $17.00
• QUINTA DAS CARVALHAS TINTO 2013 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#523647) (XD) - $17.95
• BISQUERTT ECOS DE RULO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Single vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#546515) (XD) - $18.95
• ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF SHIRAZ 2015 - Great Southern, Western Australia (#453209) (XD) - $19.95
• CASAR DE BURBIA MENCÍA 2014 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#392530) (XD) - $19.95
• TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540849) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DE L’OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#537951) (XD) - $27.95
• FLAT ROCK GRAVITY PINOT NOIR 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#001560) (XD) - $34.95
• KENWOOD JACK LONDON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#944843) (XD) - $39.95
• OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2014 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#626325) (XD) - $47.95
• RODA RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#664557) (XD) - $52.95  FSE  91 pts  wine review
• BREZZA SARMASSA BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#999730) (D) - $87.95  FSE

White Wine:

• INDOMITA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#544213) (XD) - $16.95
• MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#067587) (D) - $18.95
• FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#286278) (D) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• WEINGUT TINA PFAFFMANN T NO. 9 RIESLING TROCKEN 2016 - Qualitätswein, Pfalz, Germany (#549774) (XD) - $19.95
• MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#009167) (XD) - $19.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
• PIERRE SPARR MAMBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER 2015 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#915157) (M) - $26.95
• CAVE SPRING CSV CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#529941) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• PIEROPAN LA ROCCA SOAVE CLASSICO 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#092437) (D) - $39.95
• BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER-SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2014 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#298182) (S) - $40.95  FSE
• FESS PARKER BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA (#547158) (XD) - $44.95

Rosé Wine:

• MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#342584) (XD) - $23.95

Dessert Wine:

• TAWSE CHARDONNAY ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#443739) (200 mL) (S) - $35.95  92 pts  wine review

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Château d'Aigueville Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2016 (France) - Wine Review

I had the pleasure of tasting the 2015 Château d'Aigueville Côtes-du-Rhône Villages last Spring, so I was delighted to try the latest vintage of this red wine tonight.

Château d'Aigueville is the Rhône property of Burgundian producer Henri de Villamont. It is located on a plateau between the villages of Sérignan and Uchaux, close to Orange. The estate benefits from exceptional terroir that has a very large proportion of pebbles, which is also commonly found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir.

The grapes for this red blend come from a cluster of hills in Uchaux, at an altitude between 100 and 250 metres, from vines that are 30 years old. Soil consists of pebbles and either siliceous or clay limestone. Furthermore, plots are separated from each other by garrigue and olive groves.

Within the hierarchy of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, this wine is a level up from the generic/entry level designation. A "Villages" wine indicates a sense of place, which in turn is an indication of terroir and quality. There are approximately 90 municipalities within Rhône that can produce Côtes-du-Rhône Villages wines. Since this wine is designated as a Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, among other stipulations, it must contain at least 50% Grenache and at least 20% Syrah or Mourvèdre.

When the 2015 arrived at the LCBO last year, it was placed in the VINTAGES section. Now, due to its immense popularity and relatively low price point, the 2016 vintage is placed in the General List section and began arriving at LCBO outlets this week.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU D'AIGUEVILLE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE VILLAGES 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#544031) (XD) - $15.95
A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, and the balance other varietals. Faint notes of plum, dark berry and currant aromas from the cork. In the glass, this has ripe blackberry and blueberry aromas mingling with charcuterie and peppery notes, and hints of cocoa and oak spice. It is medium-to-full bodied on the palate with fresh acidity providing lift. More blackberry, blueberry, pepper, and oak spice notes on the flavour profile. Fine-grained tannins are richly structured and gain grip with air. The finish is long and juicy with blackberry and earthy notes. 15% abv is held together quite well. Still quite young. Enjoyable now, but I would age this 3+ years for more enjoyment later. Score: 88 pts

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Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico 2013 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious red wine is a new release that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on April 28.

Tenuta di Renieri is the Chianti-area estate of Bacci Wines, a winery based in Montalcino. It is located in the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, approximately 14 km east of Siena and in the southern half of the Chianti Classico production zone. The property is contiguous with Castello di Bossi vineyards and covers 60 hectares, with 22 hectares planted to vineyards. The vineyards are south-facing and planted in soils that vary from yellow clay to tufa, along with a mixture of rounded pebbles that provide natural drainage.

Tasting Note:

TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540849) (XD) - $22.95
This 100% Sangiovese was aged for 12 months in (French) Allier Barriques and oak casks. A mix of red cherry, plum and sweet oak spice aromas from the cork. In the glass, this has a generous nose of sweet oak spice, red cherry, floral with some earthy elements and rustic charm. Hints of dried cherry emerge with time. The palate is light-to-medium bodied with soft, balanced, and well-integrated tannins that provide just a touch of grip. Fresh, food-friendly acids lift the palate. Flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, earth, and hints of dried cherry. Nicely balanced overall. Earthy notes with cherry linger on the long finish. There's just enough here to keep you coming back for another sip. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89 pts

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VINTAGES Release April 14, 2018: Grapes Gone Global + Lighter Reds

The main theme of the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on April 14 is titled "Grapes Gone Global", while the mini-theme features the lighter side of red wines. All of these wines will be on VINTAGES shelves by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme, which looks at 10 classic European grape varietals and compares how they express themselves in Europe versus around the globe. In all, there are 20 wines featured as part of this theme, with 7 included among my top wine picks. From the old world in Burgundy, there is a Chardonnay from Meursault, as well as a Pinot Noir from Santenay. Riesling is a varietal that thrives in old world Germany, as well as here in new world Niagara - and with both wines under $20, try them both and see the differences. Another fine comparison would be Sauvignon Blanc from old world Sancerre (Loire) versus the new world style in New Zealand. And lastly, from the new world is a Chenin Blanc from South Africa.

The mini-theme on lighter red wines features 9 wines, with only the Beaujolais included in my list of wine recommendations. Like most wines from Beaujolais, this light red wine is made using Gamay Noir.

From the rest of the release, among my red wine picks, the Ventenac Languedoc wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Syrah, and 15% Merlot/Grenache. From Sicily, the Zisola is made with Nero d'Avola, while the Greek red is a blend of indigenous varietals consisting of 60% Mavrodafne and 40% Mavro Kalavritino. Lastly, the excellent Amarone is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Molinara.

Among my top white wine picks, the Savennières from Loire is made with Chenin Blanc, while the Lugana is made with Trebbiano. Both of these wines will be crisp, bright and refreshing.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• COLLE SECCO RISERVA MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2012 - DOP, Abruzzo, Italy (#541508) (XD) - $15.95
• MAISON VENTENAC LES HAUTS DE VENTENAC CUVÉE JULES 2014 - AP Cabardès, Languedoc, France (#538017) (XD) - $16.95
• VIÑA CONO SUR RESERVA ESPECIAL PINOT NOIR 2015 - San Antonio Valley, Chile (#546432) (XD) - $18.95
• MAZZEI ZISOLA 2015 - DOC Sicilia Noto Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#303925) (XD) - $19.95
• VILLA PONCIAGO LA RÉSERVE FLEURIE 2015 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#299917) (XD) - $19.95
• BARTALI RISERVA CHIANTI 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#541524) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAIN MEGA SPILEO RED 2011 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#466110) (XD) - $29.95  FSE  90 pts  wine review
• CANTALICI BARUFFO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#541078) (XD) - $35.95  90+ pts  wine review
• BOSCARELLI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#477620) (XD) - $39.95  FSE
• ROUX PÈRE & FILS BEAUREPAIRE SANTENAY 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#527994) (XD) - $54.95
• MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $69.95

White Wine:

• FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#080234) (D) - $16.95
• KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $17.95
• ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA 2016 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#707158) (D) - $18.95
• DOMDECHANT WERNER HOCHHEIMER RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, Rheingau, Germany (#722413) (MS) - $19.95
• MARGAN FAMILY HUNTER VALLEY SÉMILLON 2017 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#493338) (D) - $19.95
• ASTROLABE PROVINCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#010421) (XD) - $24.95
• DOMAINE DU PETIT MÉTRIS CLOS DE LA MARCHE SAVENNIÈRES 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#250571) (D) - $24.95  FSE
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#616466) (XD) - $29.95
• MATTHIAS ET ÉMILE ROBLIN ORIGINE SANCERRE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#556548) (XD) - $33.95
• DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#373548) (XD) - $54.95  FSE  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS LES CLOUS MEURSAULT 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#661322) (XD) - $62.95  91 pts  wine review

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René Barbier Mediterranean White (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was gifted to me during the holidays. This white wine blend is a General List wine that is readily available at the LCBO.

Tasting Note:

RENÉ BARBIER MEDITERRANEAN WHITE - DO Catalunya, Spain (#332767) (XD) - $9.95
Screw cap. A non-vintage blend of 40% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, and 30% Parellada. Honeyed aroma profile with melon and lemon rind notes. The medium-bodied palate is sweetish and juicy with balanced acidity and honeydew melon flavours joined by lemon rind and ripe tropical fruit notes. More lemon notes, with hints of white flowers, and good length on the dry finish. Fairly basic and simple, but should have wide appeal. Chill well. Score: 84 pts

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La Ferme Du Mont (Rhône) 2017 Wine Tasting

In late November, I had the pleasure of tasting through the wines of La Ferme Du Mont. Taking us through the tasting was the winemaker and vigneron Stéphane Vedeau. This was my third time tasting the wines from this Rhone winery, having previously met and tasted with Stéphane back in 2015 and 2013. I was quite impressed with the quality of the wines on both prior tastings, so I was expecting high quality this time around too.

The event got off to a very slow start as we waited for quite some time for other guests to arrive - some didn't even show up, so I was told. The pace of the wine tasting was also a bit slow. However, these shortcomings were forgotten as the event moved along as the quality of the wines just kept getting better and better.

The most interesting aspect of this tasting was the opportunity to taste multiple vintages of the same wine. We got to taste different vintages of three different wines - including five different vintages of the Côtes-du-Rhône Premiere Côte, two vintages of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Le Ponnant, and two vintages of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vendage. How often does one get to taste five different vintages of the same wine on the same day? Thus, it was most fascinating for me to taste the 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Premiere Côte wines. Each Premiere Côte was quite different from each other, and you could sort of see the evolution of this wine, as well as how the growing season and the blend contributed to the vintage.

Grenache is the main component in nearly all of the wines at La Ferme Du Mont's. 50 hectares of old vines are cultivated on the estate, incorporating several AOC's, and grown in a completely natural environment in harmony with Provencal vegetation. Vines are tended all throughout the year while using only organic fertilizers to help produce top quality fruit and fine wines year after year.

Thank you to Eurovintage International Wines & Spirits for the opportunity to taste these lovely wines. Some of these wines may be available for purchase at the LCBO - click six-digit the product code (if listed) to find out. You can also reach out to Eurovintage directly for availability or to order by the case.

Tasting Notes:

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2011 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD)
Medium-high intensity nose that is quite complex with sweet oak spice, blackberry, dark fruit, licorice, plum, cherry, and mature hints of dried fruit and floral. It's medium-full bodied with fresh acids and a spiced palate with lovely savoury aroma replays. This has supple tannins and a long, clean finish. Drink over the next 3-5 years. Score: 89 pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2013 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD)
Quite light in colour and has focused red cherry and earth aromas of medium-high intensity with subtle oak and smoke notes. The palate of medium bodied with nice red currant aroma replays plus chalky mineral flavours. It has fine tannins, juicy acids and a long finish with a nice mineral underpinning. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2014 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD)
The medium+ intensity nose offers dark berry, oak spice, raspberry, and sweet spices. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins, fresh balanced acids, and dark berry aroma replays. It finishes long with a currant and mineral aftertaste. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2015 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD) - $17.95
A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, this has a medium+ intensity nose of dark berry, dark plum, oak, blackberry and herbal aromas that follow through on the flavour profile. The palate is medium+ bodied and more savoury with supple and ripe tannins that provide some grip. It has a crunchy texture. Still young and a bit tight. Acids are juicy and the finish length is very good. Should evolve nicely over the next 5-6 years. Score: 88+ pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2016 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD)
Medium+ intensity nose is ripe with dark cherry, dark berry, earth, brett, licorice, and raspberry aromas gain complexity with air, introducing kirsch liqueur and coffee aromas. It's medium+ bodied with ripe tannins, nice aroma replays plus some floral notes. Acid are very good and the finish length is good. Drinkable now, but will improve in a few years time. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2014 - Unfiltered, AC, Rhône, France (#171371) (XD)
An 80/10/10 blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that has an elegant medium-high intensity nose of dried cherry, floral and sweet spices. On the palate, this is medium-full bodied with medium-firm tannins that are ripe and offer some structure and fine aroma replays of dark berry, dark cherry, and licorice. This has very good juicy acids.and a long finish. 89 pts

LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2015 - Unfiltered, AC, Rhône, France (#171371) (XD) - $20.95
A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. The medium-high intensity nose is ripe and high-toned with dark red berry, blackberry, white pepper, sweet oak aromas, all of which come through nicely on the medium+ bodied palate. It has bright, sharp, and fresh acidity. Medium+ tannins are supple and textured. Balanced acids. Long mineral finish. Softer than the 2014. Score: 89+ pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VENDANGE 2011 - AC, Rhône, France (XD) - $48.95
Highly aromatic nose is elegant and savoury, showing fine maturity with forest floor, wet earth, dried cherry, and a whiff of florality. It's medium-full bodied with very nice aroma replays and silky, sweet tannins that still have some crunch to them. Acids are finely balanced. Earthy and barnyard notes on the long finish. Score: 91+ pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CÔTES CAPELAN 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#078857) (XD) - $82.95
A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The medium-high intensity nose is complex with dried cherry, floral, sweet spice, raspberry, red fruit, and some minerality. The medium+ bodied palate is chalky textured with medium-firm tannins that are well structured. Nice, complex aroma replays plus some graphite notes on the flavour profile. Acids are nice and bright, while the long finish is a touch warm, yet balanced. This is a powerful wine that is still quite young and should be aged 4-5 years and will continue to drink well for a decade or more. Score: 92 pts

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Cattail Creek Estate Series Cabernet Merlot 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is something I purchased at the winery when I visited Niagara during the Icewine Festival in January 2014.

The 2012 vintage in Niagara was an excellent vintage due to the long, hot summer that's a pre-requisite for Bordeaux-style reds to flourish in this region. Looking back at my tasting note, I gave this red wine a score of 89 pts and noted that it would develop well in bottle for another 2 years. At more than 4 years now, let's see how this wine is tasting...

Tasting Note:

CATTAIL CREEK ESTATE SERIES CABERNET MERLOT 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $17.95
Aged in French oak barrels for 1 year. Blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Screw cap. This has a medium-high intensity nose that leads with earth and dried cherry/floral notes, followed by some dark currant, blackberry, oak and a whiff of olive. Tannins are nicely resolving into the medium-full bodied palate, with some grippiness arriving with time. Savoury earthy, dark cherry, blackberry flavours, while the acids are still quite lively. Some dried cherry/red floral notes arrive mid-palate and continue through to the long, earth-driven finish. Should continue to drink well for at least another 2-3 years. Delicious! Score: 89 pts

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Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a companion to the Nederburg Manor House Shiraz that I enjoyed on the weekend. Like it's companion, this red wine is an LCBO VINTAGES product. However, since this Cabernet Sauvignon was released into VINTAGES last October, there isn't much inventory available at the moment, but I suspect new stock will arrive in short order.

Produced by Nederburg, one of South Africa's most awarded wineries, the grapes for this wine were sourced from two dryland sites in the Paarl and Groenekloof regions where the soil is red/yellow Tukulu/Clovelly and ideal for root penetration. Both sites are low-yielding and produced small-berried, loose bunches picked at good phenolic ripeness. The Groenekloof fruit provided strong aromatics and dark fruit flavours, while the Paarl fruit contributed red fruit and gooseberry characters. Each block of fruit was vinified separately and matured in a combination of new-, second-, and third-fill French oak barrels for a period of 18 months prior to blending.

Tasting Note:

NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#068767) (XD) - $16.95
Vague notions of curranty red and black fruit aromas from the cork. The medium intensity nose is ripe, offering aromas of cassis, black currant, dark fruit, grilled pepper and oak, with touches of mint. The medium-full bodied palate has a mix of red & black fruits, cassis, and oak notes on the flavour profile. Lively acids on the mid-palate. Tannins are supple and rounded, but gain some grip on the mid-palate. Woody notes linger on the long, dry finish. Drinking well now and should continue to drink well over the next 2-4 years. Score: 87 pts

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VINTAGES Release March 31, 2018: Sonoma + Aged Wines

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on March 31, 2018 features wines from Sonoma as its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on aged wines. All of these fine wines will be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme on wines from Sonoma. In case you didn't know, Sonoma is California's first fine wine region, with winemaking roots beginning in the early 1800s. Twelve wines are featured in this thematic, with two included among my top wine picks. First up is the Kistler Chardonnay - always a blockbuster, complex wine - from a Sonoma Mountain vineyard that has a mix of volcanic and limestone soils. The second wine is the La Crema Pinot Noir, which comes from the Sonoma Coast, a cool-climate appellation known for producing exceptional wines using Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Rodney Strong Pinot Noir is also from Sonoma, but for some reason was not featured as part of the thematic.

The mini-theme focuses on aged wines, and three of the ten wines are included among my top wine recommendations. The 2010 Merryvale Napa Cab is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot, while the 2008 La Granja is made with Tempranillo. And last but not least, the 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made with Sangiovese.

Red wines from the rest of the release include a Crianza that is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and 5% Mazuelo, while the GTS from Australia is a unique blend consisting of Grenache, Tannat, and Shiraz. From the excellent 2015 Rhône vintage, the Crozes-Hermitage is made with Syrah.

Among my top white wine picks, the Mâcon-Uchizy is made with Chardonnay, while the Muscadet is made with the Melon grape varietal. If you prefer sweeter wines, the Mosel Riesling is your best bet, while the Cave Spring Riesling will show just a touch of sweetness.

Enjoy my wine picks from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#471854) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• IL FEUDUCCIO FONTE VENNA MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2014 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#541474) (XD) - $16.95
• TERRA NOBLE GRAN RESERVA CARIGNAN 2015 - Maule Valley, Chile (#542118) (XD) - $18.95
• PIRRAMIMMA KATUNGA GTS 2014 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#203174) (XD) - $19.95
• CLAIRMONT CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#537811) (XD) - $19.95
• ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2008 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $21.95
• LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR 2015 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#719435) (XD) - $34.95  89 pts  wine review
• ANTINORI BADIA A PASSIGNANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#384552) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• RODNEY STRONG RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2014 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#677690) (XD) - $59.95
• POGGIO SANT’ENRICO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#998211) (XD) - $62.95
• DAMILANO LISTE BAROLO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#451807) (D) - $75.95
• MERRYVALE NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#470682) (XD) - $99.95

White Wine:

• FEUDO MACCARI GRILLO 2016 - IGP Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy (#477877) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
• SAN SILVESTRO SABBIE ROERO ARNEIS 2016 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#541482) (XD) - $15.95
• MALLORY & BENJAMIN TALMARD MÂCON-UCHIZY 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#733956) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DE LA GRAVELLE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#527192) (XD) - $18.95
• CASAL DE VENTOZELA ALVARINHO 2016 - DOC Vinho Regional Minho, Portugal (#523621) (XD) - $19.95
• ST. URBANS-HOF OLD VINES RIESLING 2016 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#995746) (M) - $22.95
• HOWARD PARK FLINT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2016 - Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia (#410027) (XD) - $22.95
• WHITEHAVEN GREG RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Awatere Single Vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325944) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#124305) (XD) - $29.95
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2016 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (XD) - $29.95
• KISTLER MCCREA VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#353706) (XD) - $119.95

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Nederburg Manor House Shiraz 2014 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's Shiraz from South Africa was most recently released into LCBO VINTAGES on March 3rd and featured as part of its main theme on wines from South of the Equator. It is widely available across Ontario.

Nederburg is one of South Africa's most awarded wineries and was most recently named Platter's Winery of the Year in 2017.

The story of Nederburg begins in 1791, when Philippus Wolvaart purchased a farm that lay between the Berg and Palmiet rivers. Together with his wife, Margaretha, they nurtured the land, innovated, and paid close attention to details, all of which helped build a strong foundation on which Nederburg flourishes today.

The Manor House is but one of a few wine labels among the Nederburg portfolio, and is comprised of single varietal wines made from Nederburg's best-of-best fruit. The line is inspired by the Cape Dutch manor house built by Philippus Wolvaart, Nederburg's founder and original wine master, for himself and his wife in 1800.

Tasting Note:

NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE SHIRAZ 2014 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#068775) (D) - $16.95
Plummy, blackberry and blueberry aromas from the cork. This has a medium+ intensity nose featuring ripe blackberry and blueberry, along with some minty herbal and meaty notes, all wrapped in vanillan oak. It is full bodied on the palate with suave, well-integrated tannins and crunchy, juicy acids. The palate is sweet-fruited with ripe blackberry, blueberry, pepper, and sweet oak flavours. The finish length is very good. If you like 'Shiraz', you will like this. Score: 88 pts

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Giveaway - Win Tickets to 2018 County in the City in Toronto

TRY & BUY many of Prince Edward County's most spectacular wines, while they are available in Toronto for one night only! At the 7th annual County in the City, presented by WineAlign, samples of more than 70 different wines will delight the palates of guests and introduce them to some of the most enticing flavours of Prince Edward County - Ontario’s hottest growing wine region.

Receive FREE DELIVERY on orders of 12 bottles or more. $10 delivery for minimum 6 bottle orders.

I have personally attended this event every year and can tell you firsthand that the delicious wines have been getting better every year, and some are downright excellent. As such, I am pleased to have the opportunity to give away two (2) pairs of tickets to this fabulous try & buy wine tasting!

Participating Wineries & Vendors:

Broken Stone Winery, By Chadsey's Cairns Winery, Casa Dea Winery, Closson Chase Winery, Grange of Prince Edward Winery, Hillier Creek Estates, Huff Estates Winery, Karlo Estates, Keint-He Winery and Vineyard, Lacey Estates Winery, Lighthall Vineyards, Norman Hardie Winery & Vineyard, Rosehall Run Winery, Sandbanks Estate Winery, Stanners Vineyard, Trail Estate Winery, Traynor Family Vineyard, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits, and Cured Spice Co.

Event Details:

County in the City presented by WineAlign
Where: Berkeley Church - 315 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario
When: Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $49 in advance and include all wine samples plus two food items.
($60 at the door - subject to availability)
BUY TICKETS NOW

A portion of all ticket sales from this event goes directly to the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund.

This is a Beck Taxi sponsored event. Beck Taxis will be on hand to get you home safe. Please drink responsibly.

Contest:

Here's your chance to WIN a pair of tickets to County in the City presented by WineAlign.
Two (2) winners will be announced! Each winner will receive one (1) pair of tickets valued at $98 per pair.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jean-Max Roger Cuvée La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rouge 2013 (Loire) - Wine Review

Tonight's Pinot Noir from Loire is a new release that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on March 3rd (with plenty still available for purchase as of this post).

This red wine is from Sancerre, a wine appellation in Loire, France, that is normally associated with fine expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. However, 30% of the vines at Jean-Max Roger are planted to Pinot Noir on flint, "terres blanches", and "caillottes" soil types. "La Grange Dîmière" refers to one of the village of Bue's ancient tithe barns. This barn was used by ancestors to make wine, and today it remains the oldest part of the winery.

I've enjoyed many wines from Jean-Max Roger over the years, but this is the first red wine from this winery. I am expecting another quality wine.

Tasting Note:

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LA GRANGE DÎMIÈRE SANCERRE ROUGE 2013 - AC, Loire, France (#539858) (XD) - $29.95
100% Pinot Noir aged for 10-15 months, with 20-30% aged in 300 litre oak barrels, while the rest is aged in stainless steel tanks. Black plum, dark cherry and oak spice aromas from the cork. This has a medium+ intensity nose that offers ripe red berry and floral aromas with hints of candied cherry, earth and sandalwood oak spice. The tangy palate is light-bodied with fine tannins that are well-integrated and gains some grip with air. Tart acids are fresh. Sour cherry, floral and earthy flavours linger on the long, juicy finish, with touches of bitterness. Score: 89 pts

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Rawson's Retreat Private Release Chardonnay 2013 (Australia) - Wine Review

This wine was purchased at a Liquor World (the liquor store attached to New World IGA Supermarket) in Suva, Fiji, and opened while there on a recent vacation. At each of the few liquor shops I visited, shelves were stocked with mostly wines from Australia and New Zealand. I recognized quite a few of the wine brands, however, I would be hard pressed to find these specific wines at an LCBO.

Since I wanted to try something new, and with almost no shelf talkers or award stickers, I was pretty much in the dark as to what to get. I opted for this white wine made by Penfolds, a fairly reliable brand owned by Treasury Wine Estates that tends to produce quality wines throughout the range, and because Chardonnay tends to pair well with local Spiny Lobster.

Tasting Note:

RAWSON'S RETREAT PRIVATE RELEASE CHARDONNAY 2013 - South Eastern Australia (XD) - $33 FJD / ~$22 CAD
The medium intensity nose is very ripe with banana, tropical fruit, melon, and citrus fruit aromas. On the medium bodied palate it is a touch sweet with stone fruit and pear aroma replays, plus a salty mineral character and hints of lime. It has fresh acids and sweet vanilla notes with good length on the finish. Score: 87 pts

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Aniello 006 Riverside Estate Pinot Noir 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is new to the LCBO and was recently released into LCBO VINTAGES on March 3rd. It was featured as part of the main theme on wines from South of the Equator.

Bodegas Aniello is a small winery with Italian roots that was originally built in 1927 and looks to explore the value of the ancient winemaking tradition of Patagonia. The winery is currently on the path of moving from conventional to sustainable agriculture and integrated vineyard management by using natural alternatives for fertilization, pests, disease and weed prevention.

The name '006' derives from the cadastral nomenclature of the estate and is one of the few vineyards in Argentina, located next to an actual flowing river. Indeed, the image on the label depicts all of the elements of the varied alluvial-type soils that characterize the vineyard.

As this is a recent release, this wine is still widely available in the VINTAGES section at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Tasting Note:

ANIELLO 006 RIVERSIDE ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2016 - Río Negro Valley, Patagonia, Argentina (#542092) (XD) - $17.95
Fermented in small concrete tanks, with a portion oak-aged for 12 months. Red cherry and raspberry aromas from the cork. This has a cinnamon spice driven nose with dark red cherry, strawberry and raspberry laying underneath, with good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with cran-cherry-raspberry and forest floor flavours joined by some baking spice and beetroot notes which are lifted by fresh acids. Tannins have a touch of grip and are finely structured. Some mineral notes arrive mid-palate and continue through to the long finish. Drink over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

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Castelo do Mar Albariño 2016 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's delicious wine will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on March 17.

This white wine is produced by the Pazo do Mar Group, a family business with over 40 years of experience in producing Galician wines in northwestern Spain, just north of Portugal. The winery, Veiga da Princesa, is located in Arbo, Pontevedra, and produces only single estate/property wines using modern equipment and winemaking techniques. It was formed after merging more than 200 small farms that were owned by more than 70 different owners, with the first vines planted in 2002.

The Albariño vines for this wine come entirely from their own 18 hectare estate on granite soils in Tea County. The vines were cultivated on trellises, which helps produce grapes that are airy and sun-kissed, while also less acidic when compared to other vine-training techniques. This wine was hand-harvested and raised completely in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts.

Tasting Note:

CASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO 2016 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#488734) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. This has a fairly generous nose featuring citrus, green apple, white flower and lemon oil aromas. On the ripe medium-to-full bodied palate, this has appealing lemon oil, citrus, and orchard fruit flavours. Some herbally notes add complexity as it warms in the glass. Fresh, crunchy, and balanced acids offer nice texture. Hints of stony mineral come through on the mid-palate and on the long, juicy finish. Score: 88+ pts

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VINTAGES Release March 17, 2018: Classic Euro Regions + Merlot + Argentina

The next LCBO VINTAGES Release on March 17, 2018 features wines from Europe's classic wine regions as it's main theme. There are two mini-themes - one featuring Merlot, the other featuring Argentina - however, none of the wines from the mini-themes are included among my wine picks. All of these new wines will be on shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

The main theme is interesting, featuring Europe's top 11 classic wine regions and lists 18 wines, four of which are included among my top wine picks. The 11 regions listed are Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Mosel, Douro, and Rioja. Among my top wine picks, you'll find an excellent Champagne that is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. From the Mosel region in Germany, there is a sweet Riesling that will pair really well with spicy dishes. Lastly, both Rhône wines - from the outstanding 2015 vintage - listed in this feature are among my wine recommendations. The Costières de Nîmes is an organic wine consisting of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and other varietals making up the balance.

Among red wines from the rest of the release, Australia continues to explore Italian varietals, and the results are promising. From Australia, there is a Nero d'Avola, as well as a blend of Sangiovese and Shiraz. From Tuscany, the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is made with 100% Sangiovese. From South Africa, the Ernie Els (yes, the golfer) wine is a blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Grenache, 3% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsaut, and 5% Viognier. From France, the La Clape red from the Languedoc is a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 20% Carignan, while the 2015 Vacqueyras is a blend of 68% Grenache, 27% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault.

From my white wine picks, the Fumé Blanc is actually a blend of 89% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Sémillon that was barrel-fermented and aged in French oak. For sweet wine lovers, the Siegerrebe will surely please your palate, as will the Ontario Riesling. The Pinot Gris also offers some sweetness.

Please note that the four Flagship Store Exclusives included among my wine picks will only be available in limited quantities at Flagship stores. Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CORIOLE SANGIOVESE/SHIRAZ 2016 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#534610) (XD) - $17.95
• MONTERRA FLEURIEU PENINSULA NERO D’AVOLA 2016 - Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia (#534743) (XD) - $18.95
• ARBOLEDA CARMENÈRE 2015 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#046284) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#040964) (XD) - $19.95
• ERNIE ELS BIG EASY 2016 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#220038) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU PECH REDON L’ÉPERVIER LA CLAPE 2014 - AC Coteaux du Languedoc, Midi, France (#129965) (XD) - $22.95
• DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2014 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#529107) (XD) - $39.95
• DOMAINE LES ONDINES PASSION VACQUEYRAS 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#536854) (XD) - $39.95  FSE
• IL MOLINO DI GRACE IL MARGONE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#435115) (XD) - $42.95  92 pts  wine review
• FONT DE MICHELLE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#400358) (D) - $51.95
• MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2013 - Collezione Ca’ del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#075127) (D) - $55.95

White Wine:

• ANSELMANN EDESHEIMER ROSENGARTEN SIEGERREBE SPÄTLESE 2016 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#910554) (S) - $16.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#557165) (M) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• CASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO 2016 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#488734) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
• A TO Z PINOT GRIS 2016 - Oregon, USA (#258145) (D) - $19.95
• ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2016 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Venezie, Italy (#707950) (XD) - $19.95
• TOHU SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536177) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER BERNKASTELER BADSTUBE RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2015 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#727370) (S) - $29.95
• WAKEFIELD ST. ANDREWS CHARDONNAY 2015 - Single Vineyard Release, Clare Valley, South Australia (#237933) (XD) - $34.95  FSE
• MARCO FELLUGA RUSSIZ SUPERIORE RISERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 - DOC Collio, Friuli, Italy (#541599) (XD) - $48.95  FSE
• ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#326165) (XD) - $59.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• MOUTARD PÈRE & FILS CUVÉE PRESTIGE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#514372) (XD) - $51.95

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Tohu Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Hot on the heels of enjoying a wonderful NZ Sauvignon Blanc earlier this week, tonight's wine is another delightful Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Producing fine wines in New Zealand's premier grape growing regions since 1998, Tohu (pronounced Tor-who) means "sign" or "signature" and is the world's first Maori owned wine company. The Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The grapes for this single vineyard bottling of Sauvignon Blanc was grown on their own vineyards in the upper reaches of the Awatere Valley at approximately 200 metres above sea level and machine harvested. In stainless steel tanks, this was fermented and left to settle on the less, following by maturation. Each batch was meticulously classified during the entire process, then finally blended together to capture the unique characteristics of the vineyard and the season. In 2016, Marlborough produced larger than average berries, which should emphasize more passionfruit flavours over herbally flavours.

This new wine will be available on shelves as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on March 17.

Tasting Note:

TOHU SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536177) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. The pungent, aromatic nose offers passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseberry, and guava with hints of minerality. It's very ripe with sweet and sour flavours on the palate with appealing aroma replays. Racy acids provide freshness. Juicy mid-palate. Fine length on the crisp, mouth-watering finish. Inclined to let this sit for another 6 to 12 months to let the acids settle down and enjoy to 2020. Score: 89 pts

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