Mauro Molino Barolo (Piedmont) Wine Tasting

At the beginning of October, I was invited to a special tasting of some very fine Barolo wines from Piedmont's highly acclaimed Mauro Molino. The tasting was held at the Fine Wine Reserve on King St. W. in downtown Toronto.

Mauro Molino was born in Piemonte and graduated from Alba Winemaking School in 1973. After a few years of making wine in Emilia-Romagna, he returned to start his own winery in the Langhe following the passing of his father in 1979. His father left him some vineyards, which Mauro then envisioned as an opportunity to embark on a new winemaking career in his beloved homeland. After spending a few years improving his vineyards and cellar, which is built in Annunziata of La Morra, he began producing wines such as the top-end Conca in 1982, one of the Barolo area's smallest and unique single vineyards.

In 2003, Mauro's son, Matteo, joined the company as winemaker, and in 2009 his daughter Martina began working with the commercial aspect of the company. Both graduated from Alba Winemaking School and are an integral part of the winery today.

The family winery continues to produce wines in Annunziata of La Morra, with the utmost respect for traditions. In total, they have 14 hectares of vineyards, 50% of which is planted to Nebbiolo destined for Barolo.

Representing the winery at this tasting was Export Manager, Fernando Burani. He graciously poured the first few of the 10 wines that were available for tasting.

Wine reviews of my top 5 wines are provided below. All of the wines available at the tasting can be ordered online via lcbo.com. Thank you Le Sommelier for the invite and the opportunity to taste these fabulous wines.

Tasting Notes:

MAURO MOLINO ROERO ARNEIS 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#588755) (XD) - $27.95
Medium-high intensity nose offers appealing notes of papaya, white peach, orange citrus and hints of Flintstone vitamins. It's medium-full bodied on the structured palate with lovely mineral and savoury character joining the ripe fruits. Clean acids and excellent length with a nice minerally finish. Score: 90+ pts

MAURO MOLINO DOLCETTO LANGHE 2017 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#588763) (XD) - $21.95
Nice dark berry, floral, mint and tobacco aromas and flavours, with a touch raisiny character on the medium intensity nose. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with supple tannins offering nice structure and texture. Very good fruit concentration and a long, balanced finish. Score: 89 pts

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO BRICCO LUCIANI 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#588714) (XD) - $82.95
From vines located 270 metres above sea level on compact clay and limestone soils, this has a gorgeous, highly aromatic and pretty nose featuring rose florals, dried cherry, clove, and sweet vanilla oak. It is full bodied with softened tannins that have presence. Very nice aroma replays and well-balanced overall. Classy, elegant, long-lasting finish. My favourite of the tasting. Score: 93 pts

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO LA SERRA 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#604065) (XD) - $96.95
From vines located in the highest part of the municipality of La Morra, at 370 to 400 metres above sea level, on calcareous/clayey soils, this has a generous nose of dark berry, blackberry, and oak spice aromas with leafy hints. It's medium-full bodied on the crunchy palate and balanced acids. Nicely balanced tannins gain presence with time. Curranty flavours add complexity on the mid-palate. Excellent finish length. Still youthful, will be better in 3-4 years. Score: 92 pts

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO CONCA 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#604073) (XD) - $125.95
The nose seems shy at the moment, offering glimpses of oak spice, dark cherry, cassis and berry aromas. The palate is structured with firm tannins and flavours of mocha, chocolate and red berry notes wrapped around fresh acidity. A big wine that needs 3-4 years to integrate. Score: 92+ pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Oct. 27, 2018: Italy + Whisky

The parade of premium wines we head into the busy holiday season continues with the October 27, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Featured in this Release are impeccable wines from Italy as the main theme, while the mini-theme features whisky from three continents. All of the lovely wines from this Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features twelve illustrious wines from Italy, five of which are included among my top wine picks. The lone white among them is from Umbria, made by iconic producer Marchesi Antinori, and consists of Chardonnay and a small amount of Grechetto. Moving on to the reds, there are some really excellent wines, including a 100% Aglianico from 200-year-old vines in Campania, as well as a Brunello made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso. From Tuscany, the Gran Selezione is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, and 5% Colorino, while the iconic Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Among red wines from the rest of the Release, the Côtes du Rhône Villages is a blend of mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault in support, while the organic wine from South Africa is a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From Armenia(!), there is a nice blend of Syrah, Tannat, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, while the Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. From Spain, the Rioja is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo, while the Priorat is a blend of 90% Carignan and 10% Grenache. Lastly, the Napa Cab is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.

From my white wine picks, the only blend is from Australia, consisting of 50% Marsanne, 42% Roussanne, and 8% Viognier. For those who prefer their wines with a hint of sweetness, you should look for the Riesling from either Cave Spring or Quails' Gate. If you want something off-dry, look for the Gewürztraminer, or something semi-sweet with the Tawse Riesling.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Grazie!

Red Wine:

• CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2015 - AC, France (#538496) (XD) - $15.95
• ALTA VISTA PREMIUM CABERNET FRANC 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#609081) (XD) - $17.95
• REYNEKE ORGANIC RED 2017 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#617217) (XD) - $19.95
• MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2015 - Dry farmed, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#143230) (D) - $19.95
• THELEMA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS SUTHERLAND PINOT NOIR 2015 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#624924) (XD) - $19.95

• KARAS RED 2016 - Armavir Region, Armenia (#492751) (XD) - $21.95
• CARPINETO FARNITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#996553) (XD) - $28.95
• VOLPAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#953828) (XD) - $28.95  FE
• LAN GRAN RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#928622) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• NATIV BICENTO 2013 - DOC Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy (#575035) (XD) - $41.95  94 pts  wine review

• RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2014 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#353201) (XD) - $47.95  92 pts  wine review
• TORRES COS PERPETUAL 2015 - DOCa Priorat, Spain (#265710) (XD) - $49.95  FE
• PALAZZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#660746) (XD) - $69.95  93 pts  wine review
• CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#718452) (XD) - $74.95  93 pts  wine review
• SASSICAIA 2015 - DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (XD) - $225.95

White Wine:

• PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#747600) (D) $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• QUAILS’ GATE DRY RIESLING 2017 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#308312) (D) - $18.95
• REDSTONE CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#398966) (XD) - $19.95
• JOSÉ PARIENTE VERDEJO 2016 - DO Rueda, Spain (#345058) (XD) - $19.95
• VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#974527) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review

• CRAGGY RANGE TE MUNA ROAD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#466011) (XD) - $26.95
• HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#185736) (XD) - $27.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#068817) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• CAVE SPRING CSV RIESLING 2016 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (XD) - $29.95  92 pts  wine review
• COMPLICES DE LOIRE TERRES DE CAILOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#557488) (XD) - $31.95
• JOHN DUVAL PLEXUS WHITE 2016 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#609099) (XD) - $36.95  FE
• CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO DELLA SALA 2016 - IGT Umbria, Italy (#512376) (XD) - $68.95

Fortified:

• OFFLEY 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#297788) (S) - $26.95

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McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2006 (Australia) - Wine Review

Something really special, tonight's wine review is an aged Hunter Valley Semillon that was purchased from an LCBO VINTAGES Release 4 years ago.

Hunter Valley (in Australia, just north of Sydney) is known for producing outstanding Semillon that can be enjoyed young or admired when allowed to age gracefully. Let's see how this is tasting tonight!

Tasting Note:

MCWILLIAM'S MOUNT PLEASANT ELIZABETH SEMILLON 2006 - Cellar aged, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#724492) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Medium yellow-gold colour. Medium-high intensity aromatics are mature and very complex, offering lovely petrol, yellow flower, paraffin, fig, candle and beeswax. It's medium-full bodied with aromas coming up in spades on the mature palate, supported by bracing, juicy acidity. Some lemon/lime flavours appear mid-palate and continue through to the long finish that is flecked with beeswax, butter, and green herb, and finishes with stony minerality. Can be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years. Brilliant! Score: 91 pts

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Cave de Roquebrun La Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2010 (Midi) - Wine Review

Tonight's beverage is a lovely red wine blend that I purchased 5 years ago from the March 30, 2013 LCBO VINTAGES Release. I also have the 2013 and 2015 vintages of this wine, which would've made for a nice vertical tasting, but alas, only the 2010 is opened tonight.

The latest vintage (2016) of this delicious wine can be found in the LCBO VINTAGES section for a couple of dollars more than what I paid for this wine 5 years ago.

Tasting Note:

CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN 2010 - AC, Midi, France (#155804) (XD) - $17.95
Blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre grown on schistous soils facing south and south-east. It was raised in stainless steel tanks and bottled unfiltered. Fragrant earthy, smoky, savoury, meaty nose accented by peppery spice, black cherry, and touches of floral aromas. It is almost full bodied on the lively palate with savoury dark cherry, mineral, smoke, garrigue, blackberry flavours. Acids are still quite fresh, while firm, gritty tannins are chalky and drying. Garrigue, pepper, savoury, and mineral notes linger on the fine, long finish. A pleasure to drink, but tannins are starting to overpower the fruit. Drink now. Score: 90 pts

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Giveaway - Win Tickets to Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2018

I am giving away Two (2) pairs of ELITE Pass tickets (valued at $100/pair) to the upcoming 2018 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo that is taking place from Thursday, November 22 to Sunday, November 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. These ELITE Pass Tickets grant you front-of-the-line access through the special ELITE entrance and are valid for any one day of your choosing.

Your chance to win tickets to #GFWE2018 and contest entry form is at the bottom of this post.

The 24th 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.
• 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.
• The Central Entertainment Area is the pulsating heart of the show, featuring eye-catching décor and dazzling entertainers throughout the four-day expo.

Having attended this event each of the past 7 years, I can tell you firsthand that you'll have a great time!

Event Details:

When:

Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, 6-10 p.m. VIP Preview Evening Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, 12-10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, 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.

Contest:

Here's your chance to WIN a pair of tickets to Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2018. Two (2) winners will be announced! Each winner will receive one (1) pair of tickets valued at $100 per pair. List of exhibitors.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Oct. 13, 2018: Bouquet List + Wine Wisdom

As we head into the busy holiday season, the VINTAGES Releases tend to get larger with an emphasis on pricier wines. The main theme of October 13, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release is titled "The Bouquet List", while the mini-theme is titled "Wine Wisdom". All of the wines from this Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday.

We'll begin with the Bouquet List that features a 11 "must-try" wines and a $3,700 Cognac. There isn't a bad wine in the group and 7 are included among my top wine picks. First up are a pair of big wines - a Shiraz from Australia, and the Purple Angel from Chile which is a blend of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot. The Gigondas is a blend of Grenache and Syrah, while the Barolo is 100% Nebbiolo. Staying in Italy, the Brunello is 100% Sangiovese, while the Super Tuscan Oreno is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Lastly, there is a 2008 Cristal Champagne made with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay that will continue to age for many years.

The mini-theme talks about 8 wine terms and associates that term with a particular wine. From this theme, 4 of the 8 wines made my list of wine picks. Some of these terms include "malolactic conversion" that is associated with the lovely Davis Bynum Chardonnay, "lees contact" which occurred on the Sur Lie (on the lees) Muscadet Sèvre et Maine that is made with Melon de Bourgogne. The Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc underwent "stainless steel fermentation", and the last term is "Icewine production" and associated to the Cabernet Franc Icewine from Henry of Pelham.

Red wines from southern France include a Ventoux that is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, while the Roussillon is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Carignan. Also from France, the Bourgueil is made with Cabernet Franc. The Spanish red is a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, while the Clos de los Siete is a blend of 54% Malbec, 18% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, the Bordeaux white is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, while the rest are all single varietal wines. The organic Sauvignon Blanc is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. For those who like off-dry (i.e. a little sweet) wines, look for the Gewürztraminer or the Henry of Pelham Riesling. If you prefer more sweeter in your wines, look for the Fergie Jenkins Riesling or the Riesling Kabinett.

Enjoy my wine recommendations! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• XAVIER VENTOUX 2016 - AP, Rhône, France (#413211) (D) - $15.95
• LOMA GORDA VINO DE PARCELA CERVERA DE LA CAÑADA 2013 - DOP Catalunya, Spain (#575571) (XD) - $16.95
• ZUCCARDI SERIE A BONARDA 2016 - Santa Rosa, Mendoza, Argentina (#355560) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE LES PINS CUVÉE LES ROCHETTES BOURGUEIL 2015 - AP, Loire, France (#478263) (D) - $18.95
• THUNEVIN-CALVET CUVÉE CONSTANCE 2015 - AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#168690) (D) - $18.95
• CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2014 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#622571) (XD) - $23.95  89 pts  wine review
• ACHÁVAL FERRER MALBEC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#024737) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review

• GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINTE-CATHERINE GIGONDAS 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#370270) (XD) - $32.95
• DOMAINE GASTON & PIERRE RAVAUT LADOIX 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#557777) (XD) - $40.95
• DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2015 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#529107) (XD) - $41.95  91+ pts  wine review
• ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#154609) (XD) - $59.95
• RÉVA BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#490045) (XD) - $59.95  92 pts  wine review
• MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2015 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#62364) (XD) - $62.95
• ORENO 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#735597) (XD) - $86.95
• ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2014 - Barossa, South Australia (#716142) (XD) - $99.95

White Wine:

• ROCKWAY FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485326) (M) - $16.95
• LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2017 - Sur lie, AP, Loire, France (#948182) (XD) - $17.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2015 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#302059) (D) - $18.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#557165) (D) - $19.95
• MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#009167) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#557652) (M) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#164228) (XD) - $24.95
• LE G DE CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD 2016 - AC Bordeaux, France (#519892) (XD) - $28.95  FE
• DAVIS BYNUM RIVER WEST VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#205815) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• CLOS PEGASE MITSUKO’S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2016 - Estate grown, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA (#986737) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• CRISTAL BRUT VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#268755) (XD) - $311.95

Dessert Wine:

• HENRY OF PELHAM CABERNET ICEWINE 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#672402) (S) (200 mL) - $39.95

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Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2016 (Alsace) and Vieni Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Niagara) - Wine Reviews

Opened up these two delicious wines last night to celebrate Thanksgiving long weekend.

The Pinot Gris was purchased from the recent September 15 LCBO VINTAGES Release, while the Cabernet Sauvignon is from an excellent 2010 Niagara vintage and was purchased when visiting the winery in June 2016.

Tasting Notes:

PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#983395) (D) - $18.95
The nose is soft and mild, featuring waxy, lemon, and orange citrus aromas. The plush palate is more lively and a touch oily, with nice orange citrus, honeyed, and peach flavours in an off-dry style on a medium+ bodied frame. Acids are bright, fresh, and provide lift, while the finish is long and juicy. Score: 88+ pts

VIENI RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#373308) (XD) - $19.95
Matured considerably since I last tasted this wine. The mature nose has savoury black plum, earth, and barnyard aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with currant, cassis, red and black fruits all wrapped around a savoury profile. Tannins are soft and nearly fully integrated, with just a touch of grip. Juicy acids. Very good length on the savoury, earthy finish. Score: 88 pts

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Momo Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the delicious white wine companion to the red 2016 Momo Pinot Noir that I enjoyed recently, It was released into LCBO VINTAGES on April 28 and is virtually sold out at the moment, but will be coming back to shelves as part of the October 13 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This organic white wine is produced by Seresin Estate, a leading organic and biodynamic producer in New Zealand, and comes from their second line of wines called 'Momo', which means 'offspring' in Maori. This white wine is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

It was a challenging cold start in 2016, with pressure to fight frosts during the early stage of vine growth. However, a spectacularly long and warm summer, with dry weather during the harvest period allowed the fruit to be picked on-time, delivered intact, and without stress. One-third of the 100% certified organic fruit was sourced from their own Tatou and Raupo Creek vineyards, which also has biodynamic certification, while the remainder was sourced from certified organic growers - whose vineyards they help manage - in Wairau and Waihopai Valleys.

Tasting Note:

MOMO ORGANIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#009167) (XD) - $19.95
Naturally fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks, and aged on the lees for 6 months. Screw cap. This has a lovely, open, fragrant nose of kiwi, guava, tropical fruit, asparagus, and lemon, with hints of yellow pepper and mineral adding complexity. It's medium-bodied on the palate with a nice creamy texture and lovely aroma replays joined by some wet wool flavours. Succulent, crisp acids are juicy. Minerally and grapefruit-tinged on the long finish. This is very nice. Highly recommended. Score: 90 pts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

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

White Wine:

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

Rosé Wine:

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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Momo Pinot Noir 2016 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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Lakeview Cellars Viognier 2016 (Niagara) - Wine Review

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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Pure Chablis Escape Room Experience - May 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes:

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

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

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

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

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