Rocca delle Macìe Single Vineyard Riserva di Fizzano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent Gran Selezione Chianti Classico from Tuscany that arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on October 31st.

Rocca delle Macìe was established in 1973 by by Italian film producer Italo Zingarelli to fulfill a life-long dream to have his own winery when he acquired the "Le Macìe" estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. Today, Rocca delle Macìe has four estates within the southwest area of Chianti Classico, more specifically in the Municipality of Castellina in Chianti. This area is particularly suited to the cultivation of vines and is characterized by very heterogeneous soils that guarantee a variety of aromas and unique organoleptic characteristics.

I've enjoyed many wines from Rocca delle Macìe over the years, including tasting this Gran Selezione that is made with grapes exclusively from Tenuta Riserva di Fizzano, one of Rocca delle Macìe's four estates in Chianti Classico. Tenuta Riserva di Fizzano was purchased in 1984 and is locally renowned for its excellent exposure of its primarily south-facing vineyards. Just over half of the 61 hectares of the estate are devoted to vineyards growing Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Colorino at an altitude between 623 to 985 feet above sea level, on soils with Miocene deposits with a sandy-loamy texture that is deep and calcareous. This site also has over 4 hectares of olive groves, along with an oil mill that produces all of Rocca delle Macìe's olive oil, as well as the company's hospitality hub - a place I would love to visit one day.

Even though the Gran Selezione classification only became official with the 2010 vintage, this winery's historic cru already had the characteristics of producing very special wines. Like all Gran Selezione which must use only estate grown fruit, this Riserva di Fizzano is also a single vineyard wine grown on sandy and pebbly soils that are ideal for Sangiovese. Every vintage, this wine is made with a minimum 90% Sangiovese, and the balance Colorino. After fermentation, most of the wine matures in 35 hL French oak barrels, while the rest is aged in 225 L barriques. After the two batches are blended, the wine rests in the bottle for another year prior to release. Let's see how this Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE SINGLE VINEYARD RISERVA DI FIZZANO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#699454) (XD) - $34.95
The 2015 is a blend of 93% Sangiovese and 7% Colorino and offers a complex and elegant mix of savoury earth, spice, black and red cherry with a touch of dried floral aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with lovely dried cherry and floral notes, plus sweet baking spice, forest floor, tobacco, leathery. and cherry liqueur flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced while tannins are smooth and refined with a touch of grip on the back palate. Forest floor with some dried cherry and floral notes linger on the savoury finish, with excellent length. An elegant wine to enjoy throughout the decade. Score: 91+ pts

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Zirkova One and Together Ultra Premium Vodka (Ukraine) - Spirit Reviews

For tonight's reviews, I bring you a pair of lovely vodkas from Ukraine that are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

The Zirkova Vodka brand was founded by Canadians headquartered in Ontario and is authentically made in the Ukraine at the original factory that Tsar Nicholas II began distilling vodka in the 1800s. While this vodka is made with wheat and rye, it is certified by the LCBO as gluten-free.

After extensive testing, gluten was not detected in Zirkova Vodkas, with results detecting less than 5PPM - the standard for gluten-free certifications is less than 20PPM. This means that those who are celiac or gluten-intolerant can safely enjoy Zirkova Vodka. It was important for Zirkova's Director of Marketing to get this proof as she has Celiac. Proudly formulated and distilled to be all-inclusive, accessible and welcoming to everyone, Zirkova Vodka is also vegan, plant-based, and keto-friendly.

Zirkova has handcrafted in small batches these two vodkas for your pleasure - the Zirkova One was designed to be sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a martini, while the Zirkova Together was crafted to enhance and elevate your favourite cocktail. Zirkova One and Together are both quadruple distilled and centre cut from the finest Ukrainian rye and wheat spirits, blended with pure artisan water, then slow-filtered through massive columns of birch charcoal and quartz. Although both of these lovely vodkas are not considered flavoured vodkas, there are some subtleties worth nothing, and both are worth a try as they are very good quality. Budmo!

Tasting Notes:

ZIRKOVA ONE ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA - Ukraine (#638197) (750 mL) - $30.95 $28.95 until Nov. 8.
Aromas of almond, hay, earth, and mineral elegantly rise out of the glass. The mouthfeel is quite smooth and velvety. Some warmth as it glides down your throat, but nicely balanced overall with a tinge of citrus joining the aroma replays on the smooth, long finish. Very nice!

ZIRKOVA TOGETHER ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA - Ukraine (#638205) (750 mL) - $30.95
Subtle aromas of anise, hay, earth, and spice which follow through on the spicy palate. Although this is not a flavoured vodka, it is quite flavourful with some enticing anise and cucumber notes also coming through on the mid-palate. It is rounded and plump with hints of sweet vanilla and almond on the finish, with very good length. Recommended in cocktails, but I would also enjoy this on its own after dinner.

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Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Personally, I enjoy drinking rosé all year-round, so for tonight's wine review I opened this lovely rosé from Argentina that arrived during the summer as part of the July 11 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Susana Balbo Wines, a family winery located at the foothills of the Andes in the town of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, within the province of Mendoza. After working in the wine business as a consultant around the globe for nearly two decades, Susana Balbo decided to fulfill a dream of having her own winery and established Susana Balbo Wines in 1999. After ten years of steady growth, Susana welcomed her children - José, winemaker who graduated from UC Davis (California) and Ana, Bachelor of Business Administration from University San Andrés (Buenos Aires) - to the family business as they joined the team.

The team at Susana Balbo Wines is devoted to sustainable winemaking, quality, and innovation. They work daily to address issues related to their product's sustainability throughout all of their production processes, including corporate social responsibility, environmental impact, and economic growth. Susana Balbo Wines has acquired various sustainability certifications and is in the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation.

Argentina is characterized by having large tracts of fertile land with diverse climates. Being situated at the foothills of the Andes, these high mountains accumulate ice of the purest water which will then slowly melt during the spring and summer months to provide a unique source for the development of their vineyards. And even though Malbec is the most widely planted varietal in Argentina, it offers a wide palate of flavours depending on the altitude and soil where it is planted. weather conditions, and the winemaking process. This brings us to the art of blending, where Susana combines the knowledge of terroir and winemaking skills, allowing her to express her talent.

As with the 2018 Susana Balbo Signature White Blend that I enjoyed back in August, tonight's rosé wine is also a blend. This dry rosé is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Pinot Noir that was grown in vineyards 1,200 metres above and hand-harvested. Susana decided to experiment by creating a new, fresh, aromatic, and engaging rosé in the style of Provence, applying similar techniques used for white wines - early picking times and extremely gentle pressing to get a very light-pink, red onion peel, salmon colour.

If you are in the Ottawa area, there are quite few bottles this delicious rose available for purchase at the LCBO, while only minute quantities remain elsewhere across Ontario. This rosé is also available, along with other wines from Susana Balbo, via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Tasting Note:

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE ROSÉ 2019 - Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#493130) (XD) - $22.95
A hand-harvested 60/40 blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir grown at 1,200 metres above sea level. It has an elegant melange of melon, grapefruit, orange citrus and floral aromas. It is medium-full bodied with good concentration on the palate with bright, lively acidity. Tangy citrus, grapefruit, peppery, and mineral with a kiss of honeyed notes in a dry flavour profile. Crisp and dry on the long finish with a touch of mineral. Lovely! Score: 90 pts

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Monte Creek Ranch Cabernet/Merlot 2017 and Hands Up Red 2017 (British Columbia) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of red wine blends from British Columbia that are available in Ontario for the first time!

Monte Creek Ranch Winery is owned by a local B.C. family and supported by a trusted team of on-site professionals to manage daily winery and ranch operations. They are one of four wineries located in the cool climate region of Thompson Valley GI (Geographical Indication) which became BC's newest VQA appellation in 2018, and is located near Kamloops. Since 2009, Monte Creek has been focused on growing strong vineyards and raising healthy animals, with many efforts geared towards sustainability. With an agricultural background, the family understands how important it is to have healthy permaculture - diversity in offering and land use - for successful and sustainable farming, while practicing organic farming methods at every opportunity.

Their 1,200 acre ranch has 75 acres of vines planted at two estate vineyards in the cool climate South Thompson valley - Monte Creek and Lion's Head - where the climate is semi-arid, with hot, dry days and cool nights. Located at the bottom of an old glacial lake, the soils here are rich in calcium and minerals, silty, uniform, and free-draining, thus requiring irrigation. The ultimate focus is to produce premium wines that showcase this unique terroir.

Monte Creek has won numerous awards for its wines, but they are most proud of their 2018 Reserve Riesling which won Best White Wine of the Year (Double Gold) at the 2020 All-Canadian Wine Championships. This was the first time an award of this level was given to a winery in colder climate Thompson Okanagan wine region. To order this dry Riesling in Ontario, you can reach out directly to the winery or contact Perigon Beverage Group (formerly Hobbs and Co.).

Tasting Notes:

MONTE CREEK RANCH CABERNET/MERLOT 2017 - BC VQA, British Columbia, Canada (#15770) (XD) - $23.95
A blend of 69% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc from carefully selected vineyards in Oliver, Osoyoos and Similkameen. It was partially fermented in oak vats, and then aged for 18 months in mostly used French oak barrels. Screw cap. Clean, medium+ intensity aromas of dark fruited currant, cassis, pepper spice, and oak. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with pleasing, fine-grained, and textured tannins and fresh, juicy acidity. More dark berry, cassis, and currant flavours are joined by minty, bay leaf, herbs, tobacco, and plum notes that add interest and complexity. Savoury with graphite and cedar oak notes linger on the long, juicy, slightly grippy finish. Enjoy over the next 4-5 years. Recommended buy. Arriving in LCBO VINTAGES Oct. 31, 2020. Score: 90 pts

MONTE CREEK HANDS UP RED 2017 - British Columbia, Canada (#15769) (XD) - $21.95
Hands Up pays homage to the area's past as the town of Monte Creek achieved fame after the last train robbery by the notorious "Gentleman Bandit" Bill Miner - whose photo is on the front label. A blend of predominantly Merlot, plus some Frontenac Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon that was mostly aged in large French oak tanks, with a smaller portion in barrel. Screw cap. The perfumed nose is very ripe with cassis and black cherry with some earthy, beetroot, and strawberry characters in a slightly jammy profile. It's medium+ bodied on the ripe palate with more jammy dark fruit and oak flavours. It has food-friendly acidity, while tannins are soft and rounded. Jammy fruit and oak notes linger on the finish, with good length. Crowd pleaser. Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES Oct. 3, 2020. Score: 86 pts

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Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2015 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent organic Brunello di Montalcino that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 19th - with plenty still available. I opened this wine tonight to coincide with an interactive Col d'Orcia Tasting Event via Zoom hosted by Francesco Marone Cinzano - the Count of Montalcino and owner of Col d'Orcia - and moderated by Carolyn Evans Hammond.

The iconic Col d'Orcia is one of Montalcino's oldest established wineries and is very much a part of the history of Brunello. The modern-day lineage of Col d'Orcia can be traced back to at least 1890 when the Franceschi family purchased the property that was then known as Fattoria di Sant'Angelo in Colle. In 1933, the winery presented it's Brunelli at an Italian trade show, decades before Brunello would become a prized, world-class wine. Brothers Leopoldo and Stefano Franceschi inherited the property, with Stefano taking over the farm in 1958 and changing its name to Col d'Orcia (hill above Orcia) after the river that runs through the property. In 1973, Stefano Franceschi sold the property, which only had a few hectares of grapes, to the Cinzano family of Piedmont. Under the leadership of Count Alberto Marone Cinzano, winegrowing activities increased the number of vines to 70 hectares by the early 1980s. In 1992, Alberto's son Francesco took over and expanded the vineyards further to 140 hectares, of which 108 are designated to Brunello, making Col d'Orcia the third largest owner of Brunello vineyards in Montalcino.

Col d'Orcia is located on the southern slope of the Montalcino territory, on a hill overlooking the Orcia River and is an integral part of the Orcia Valley, the Val d'Orcia. On the property, there is evidence of agricultural farming from 400 years ago because of the very old olive trees that are planted in rows and still exist today. The vineyards are protected by the barrier of Mount Amiata (1.750 metres) which prevent floods and hail, and benefits from the mild climate off the Tyrrhenian coast which is 35 km to the west. The soils are favourable to winegrowing with fundamentally loose grounds that are poor in clay and rich in limestone and inert materials.

This interactive tasting of Col d'Orcia wines introduced the exceptional 2015 vintage of the estate's Brunello di Montalcino (reviewed below) as well as a selection of older vintages from the estate. This Brunello has been produced organically for each of the last three vintages. In fact, the whole estate is now farmed organically. The fruit for the 2015 vintage comes from the Sant'Angelo hill overlooking the Orcia River, on South-Southwest facing slopes that are influenced by the sea winds an average of 300 metres above sea level. The grapes were manually harvested and sorted in the vineyard, then undergoing further selection at the winery. Vintage yields were just over half of what is allowable under regulations. It was aged for three years in large old Slavonian and Allier oak barrels, followed by 12 months in bottle for further refinement.

As part of this Tasting Event, there are a number of VINTAGES Special Offers from Col d'Orcia consisting of many wines from different vintages in multiple sizes from half-size bottles up to 5 L Jeroboams. Some of these bottles include rare back vintage Brunellos going as far back as 1990. You'll want to get your order in today as there aren't many bottles available, and this Col d'Orcia VINTAGES Special Offer closes October 29, 2020.

Tasting Note:

COL D'ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#306852) (XD) - $55.95
100% Sangiovese, this organic Brunello di Montalcino has lovely, elegant, perfumed and very complex aromas of red cherry, sweet tobacco, earth, and leather with touches of rosemary, herb, dried rose floral, and balsamic wafting out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with savoury, earthy, oak, clove, and red cherry flavours. Acids are succulent and juicy while firm tannins are grippy. Savoury, bitter chocolate, and earthy notes linger on the long, persistent, and grippy finish. While enjoyable now, this should improve further with about 3 years in the cellar and drink well into the early 2030s. Score: 92 pts

The wines of Col d'Orcia are represented in Ontario by Dionysus Wines & Spirits Ltd.

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El Enemigo Chardonnay 2017 and Bonarda 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Reviews

To cap off a relaxing Thanksgiving Day long weekend, tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely Wines of Argentina by El Enemigo. Both of these delicious wines arrived in LCBO VINTAGES in July, and while there are still a few bottles available for purchase across Ontario, you may also be able to find these wines aplenty via their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.

Winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena (daughter of Nicolás Catena) created Bodega Aleanna (El Enemigo Wines) in 2008 and it appears as though the name "Aleanna" is a combination of their first names. The name El Enemigo translates to enemy. The wines of El Enemigo are a tribute to internal battles, an enemy, if you will, that make us who we are, and are brought to fruition by Alejandro and Adrianna by trying to capture the era when European immigrants first settled in Argentina and sought to make fine wines as good (or better) than those of their old homeland.

El Enemigo Wines are produced in the southern foothills of Maipu, Mendoza. They have a number of vineyards across Mendoza, a region known for its high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Alejandro is a soil expert, holding a Master's Degree in both winemaking and irrigation management, and has been the Winemaking Director at Bodega Catena Zapata since 2007. His strong scientific background led to important developments in both vineyard management and winemaking.

Chardonnay is the 2nd most widely planted white varietal in Argentina, however, it makes up just less than 3% of the total cultivated area in the country. This Chardonnay is from Mendoza, where more than 80% of all Chardonnay plantings are located. Moreover, Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine varietal in Mendoza. And within the Tupungato GI, which is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Chardonnay is considered to be one of the main grape varietals of the regions. Chardonnay is highly appreciated in Mendoza due to its ability to ripen well in the region and produce a wide range of elegant wines, such as this example from the high-altitude area of Gualtallary.

Until fairly recently, Bonarda was the most widely planted grape in Argentina. It was brought to Argentina by immigrants in the late 19th century. Today, it is the second-most cultivated varietal in Argentina, behind only Malbec. Bonarda is a thick-skinned, very late-ripening grape that is usually one of the last grapes to be harvested. It has much success in warmer climates, thus 60% of all Bonarda in Argentina is grown in the East of Mendoza, such as Rivadavia, where the climate is warmer at about 700 metres above sea level.

The last grape worth a mention in this post is Cabernet Franc, as it makes up 15% of the 2016 El Enemigo Bonarda. Cabernet Franc is not commonly grown in Argentina, making up just 1% of all red varietals cultivated in the country, placing it about 8th on the list. It is relatively new to Argentina as it was first planted in the 1990's and has adapted well to the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Today, nearly 80% of all Cabernet Franc in the country is grown in Mendoza. Since there isn't much Cabernet Grown, it is mostly used in blends to give strength, although the grape does excel in quality on its own.

A naturally restless person, Alejandro strives to channel his creative energy into pushing
the limits of conventional viticultural and winemaking wisdom. As Alejandro says, "Winemaking is a way of life that revolves around contact with nature and a true love for the work. To produce wines from a place you need to breathe the same air as the vine, suffer the cold and the heat, and feel a sense of belonging to that place". Let's discover the wines of El Enemigo...

Tasting Notes:

EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2017 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $23.95
100% Chardonnay grown between 1,400 to 1,500 metres above sea level on calcareous, rocky soils. It was barrel-fermented using wild yeasts and spent 9 months in French oak with veil. The elegant, medium+ intensity nose offers ripe lemon citrus and apple with touches of banana, tropical fruit, and vanilla. It is almost full bodied on the creamy palate with lovely ripe lemon citrus, and apple, and banana replays joined by leesy and nutty tones. Notes of pink bubblegum add further interest on the slightly hot mid-palate that is juicy with mouth-watering acidity. Apple and lemon with a leesy-nutty aftertaste on the long finish. LCBO VINTAGES July 11, 2020 Wine of the Month. Score: 90 pts

EL ENEMIGO BONARDA 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $24.95
An interesting blend of 85% Bonarda from El Mirador (Rivadavia) grown at 650 metres on sandy soils, and 15% Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary (Uco Valley) at high-altitude of 1,470 metres above sea level on calcareous, rocky soils. It was fermented using wild yeast and then aged for 15 months in 100 year old foudre. This has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose of dark berry, blackberry, plum, spices, and minty herb with savoury/meaty undertones and a fine streak of stony minerality. It is full-bodied on the ripe palate with dark berry, chocolatey oak, and spice flavours supported by fine, integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Some chalkiness on the mid-palate, while the long, satisfying finish has plummy, dark berry, and mineral notes. Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES July 25, 2020. Score: 90 pts

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Château de Nages Vieilles Vignes Costières de Nîmes 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely organic red wine from Rhône that returned to LCBO VINTAGES on October 3. I had the pleasure of visiting Château de Nages back in Spring 2018 and still recall fond memories of the visit. I have also tasted this previous vintages of this wine and have always loved it.

Château de Nages is now owned by the highly-acclaimed winemaker Michel Gassier, the 4th generation of the Gassier family to work this property in Costières de Nîmes, within the Southern Rhône Valley. The vineyards of Château de Nages are organically farmed and situated in the heart of a Natura 2000 zone - an ecological network of protected areas of the European Union. Being family-owned, Michel and the team are committed to protecting the ecosystem and using resources wisely.

Their vineyards are planted with typical Rhône varietals. Syrah is a grape variety that excels in their terroirs, while Grenache is reserved for the leaner soils that temper its natural exuberance. The last red grape variety is Mourvèdre that confers a striking spicy complexity. For white wine grapes, certain parcels of their terroir have a predilection for Roussanne that offers great aromatic richness, while Grenache Blanc rounds out the blends with its crystalline mineral imprint. I had the privilege of enjoying a pair of top wines from Château de Nages over the last few months, one of which is still available at the LCBO. To order Château de Nages wines that are not available at the LCBO, please contact their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Michel swore that the 2016 vintage was the best of his career, but his sense is that the 2017 may be even better even though it was a tiny harvest. For 2017, the blend consists of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, which translates to no Carignan and less Syrah compared to the '16. The grapes were certified organically farmed with particular attention to soil health on grès (sandstone) with rolled pebbles from the Rhône river over iron‐rich red clay soils. All of the grapes were manually harvested and sorted, and fermented using native yeasts. One-quarter of the wine was aged in French oak barrels, with the remaining in cement tank for 12 months. Let's see how this organic red wine that is available in LCBO VINTAGES now is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#40964) (XD) - $19.95
This organic red wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah that was aged mainly in cement tanks for 12 months. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is open, complex, and well-knit with lovely ripe and spicy black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, kirsch, black pepper, and smoky mineral aromas with touches of black plum and violet. It is medium-full bodied on the slightly warming, but balanced palate, with black cherry, raspberry, smoky mineral, pepper spice, and herbal flavours. Succulent acids are juicy and while smooth tannins are somewhat chalky textured. Smoky mineral and black cherry notes linger on the long, mineral-textured finish. Highly recommended. Score: 90+ pts

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Kahurangi Mount Arthur Reserve Riesling 2017 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely medium dry (i.e. somewhat sweet), vegan-friendly Riesling from New Zealand. This white wine is new to the LCBO and arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5 - with plenty of bottles available in store, or online ordering for pick-up in store or home delivery.

The story of Kahurangi begins in 1973 when they planted their first Riesling vines - which are now some of the oldest on the South Island - while the Kahurangi brand was born in 1998, bringing together four families with a shared desire to craft wines that people will love. Kahurangi Estate is a small, boutique winery near Nelson, South Island, specialising in hand-made wines dedicated to quality.

Kahurangi is a Māori word with multiple meanings such as "treasured possession" and "precious jewel", while the logo is a stylised Nikau palm which is commonly found in the valleys and west coast beaches of the Kahurangi National Park.

Mt. Arthur is one of the highest mountains in Kahurangi National Park at 1,795 metres above sea level and stands as a magnificent backdrop to Kahurangi Estate vineyard. Kahurangi selected Mt. Arthur for their range of premium Reserve wines which stand out for their superior quality and structure.

The grapes for this delicious Riesling come from their estate vineyard in Upper Moutere, on soils that are made up of Moutere clay that add richness and texture to the grapes. Although 2017 was a challenging growing season, it was a longer than average flowering period with cooler summer temperatures. Harvest was also later than usual, but with careful vineyard management the fruit looked great! Let's see how this Riesling is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KAHURANGI MOUNT ARTHUR RESERVE RIESLING 2017 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#14559) (M) - $23.95
Screw cap. Vegan-friendly. Lovely, elegant floral, lemon/lime, and peach aromas with a touch of petrol rising out of the glass. The textured, medium+ bodied palate is both slightly tart and honeyed with lemon pith and floral flavours in a slightly sweet profile that is balanced by lively acidity. It's chalky textured with floral and touches of earthy mineral on the long, dry, slightly taut finish. Enjoyable now, but should provide even more pleasure in a couple of years. Score: 89 pts

The Kahurangi Estate Sauvignon Blanc arrived in LCBO VINTAGES this weekend, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I opened this nice Cabernet Sauvignon from Wines of Argentina that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on June 27th - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

It is produced by Trapiche, a winery that was founded in 1883 and has received worldwide recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Trapiche has constantly challenged itself over the years, improving their understanding of the land and using state-of-the-art technology to produce high quality wines. The winery pioneered innovations such as the introduction of French varieties, the use of French oak barrels, and the production of micro-terroir wines.

Bodega Trapiche's inquisitive nature led the winery to find unique, remote locations to grow grapes not only in the mountainous landscape of Mendoza, but also in the oceanic influenced region of Chapadmalal. The grapes for this red wine come from La Consulta, in the Uco Valley, one of the key regions that became specialized in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables during the twentieth century.

This Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon was created to pay homage to the winery's 125th anniversary, with the grapes coming from vineyards in La Consulta, in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, that were grown at an altitude of 950 to 1,050 metres above sea level on clay-sandy loam soils settled on boulders. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in a combination of classic and spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in concrete eggs. It was aged for 18 months in new Frenck oak barrels, then aged in bottle for a further 6 months prior to release. Let's see how this Argentine Cab is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#13608) (XD) - $26.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown at high-altitude of 950 to 1,050 metres above sea level. The medium-high intensity aromas are rich with red and black fruits, cherry, currant, and cassis surrounded by oak vanillin. Pretty, dried berry and floral aromas emerge with time in the glass. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated with firm, structured, slightly chalky textured tannins and lively, sour acidity. Spicy flavours of red and black berries, currant and oak lead to a long, juicy, chocolatey, and lightly mineral finish. Approachable now, but I would cellar for 2-3 years. Score: 88+ pts

Many other delicious wines from the Trapiche are also available at the LCBO, as well as ordered via their Agent - Dandurand.

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Gloria Reserva 2018 (Portugal) - Wine Review

I last enjoyed the 2016 Gloria Reserva back in the summer of 2019, and for tonight's wine review I am pleased to bring you the latest vintage of this Portguese red wine that arrived at the LCBO as part of the July 11, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release and is still available for purchase throughout Ontario.

The story of Vicente Faria Vinhos, which is currently located in Moreira, just north of Porto, begins seven generations ago, in the 18th century when Vicente's family settled in the Douro Valley to become one of the region's pioneering winemaking families. According to UNESCO, the Douro Valley is the first and oldest demarcated wine region in the world, where wines have been produced for over 2000 years. In this region, the diurnal temperatures are very high, ranging from 50° Celsius during the intense summer, down to -7° Celsius in the winter. The soils are essentially schist, and the vineyards develop very long roots in search of water and nutrients. Both of these conditions are ideal for winegrowing. Vicente Faria uses only sustainable farming practices, without irrigation and fertilization. Let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

GLORIA RESERVA 2018 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#146522) (D) - $16.95
This blend of 40% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 30% Touriga Franca, and 30% Touriga Nacional was manually harvested and transported in small boxes to the winery before undergoing selection. It was aged in oak barrels for 12 months. The medium-high intensity nose offers very ripe black cherry, dark berry, and wood spice aromas, plus touches of currant and herbs. The medium-bodied palate is ripe fruited, slightly sweet and a touch raisiny with flavours of black cherry, savoury wood spice, and herbs. It has good acidity and rounded tannins. Slightly sweet red berry and earthy notes linger on the finish, with good length. A casual wine that should appeal to many. Score: 87 pts

Other wines from Vicente Faria can be ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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October 3, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Food Pairings + Washington & Oregon

The main theme of the upcoming October 3, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on Favourite Wines Styles & Perfect Food Pairings, while the mini-theme takes a look at wines from the Pacific Northwest regions of Washington and Oregon. All of the wines from this Release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday. You may want to stock up from this Release as the next VINTAGES Release is pushed back to October 31st - likely due to the "Second Wave" of COVID-19.

We begin with the theme on food pairings that lists eighteen wines that fit neatly into 8 styles of wine. Three wines from this theme are included among my top wine picks. From the Aromatic White Wine category there is a lovely, medium sweet Niagara Riesling - sweeter wines pair well with spicier foods. Dry Rosé Wines, like the version from Provence that is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and a touch of Carignan, are very versatile, can be enjoyed year-round, and paired with a variety of meats and seafood such as pork chops or grilled salmon. The last wine is a $20 Full Bodied Australian Shiraz that will pair nicely with boldly flavoured, heartier fare such as steak and lamb.

From the mini-feature looking at the nine total wines from Washington and Oregon, the only wine included among my wine recommendations is a fine $25 Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, Oregon. While not part of the theme, there is also lovely $36 Pinot Gris from the sub-appellation of Dundee Hills that is listed as a Flagship Exclusive and available in limited quantities only. Although none of the five wines from the Washington feature are included among my wine picks, there is a nice red that comes in as a Flagship Exclusive and consists of a kitchen sink blend of 38% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Touriga Nacional, 1% Tinta Cao, and 1% Souzao.

From my top red wine recommendations from this Release, we begin with the coveted Super Tuscan that is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Also from Italy, the Chianti Classico is made with 100% Sangiovese. From France, the wine from Roussillon is an old vines blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is primarily Grenache with a small percentage of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Single varietal red wines include a Mencía from Spain, as well as a trio of wines from Argentina - a Cabernet Franc, a Pinot Noir, and a Malbec.

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is from Niagara's Kew Vineyards that is composed of 68% Marsanne and 32% Viognier. Single varietal wines include Chardonnays from France, Argentina, South Africa, Niagara, and a Chablis from Burgundy. There are also a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines - one each from Loire and New Zealand, while the dry Riesling is from Australia. Lastly, the rose from New Zealand is predominantly Pinot Noir with some Pinot Gris.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers and stay safe!

Red Wine:

• CONDEMINAL PONCHO PAMPA PINOT NOIR 2018 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15095) (XD) - $18.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET FRANC 2017 - Paraje Altamira and San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15121) (XD) - $19.95
• TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE / SYRAH / MOURVÈDRE 2017 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France (#343517) (D) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• SIDEWOOD SHIRAZ 2017 - Sustainable, Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#446146) (XD) - $19.95
• GODELIA MENCIA RED 2015 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#368043) (XD) - $24.95
• TEHO ZAHA TOKO VINEYARD MALBEC 2016 - Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#441691) (XD) - $24.95
• BEN GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#627869) (XD) - $39.95
• HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE RED 2016 - Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA (#1594) (XD) - $42.95  FE
• LE PARVIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#638551) (XD) - $56.95
• ORNELLAIA 2017 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $249.95

White Wine:

• NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY 2018 - France (#390781) (XD) - $18.95
• CLOS DE CHACRAS CAVAS DE CRIANZA CHARDONNAY 2018 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15078) (XD) - $19.95
• KAHURANGI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#14567) (XD) - $19.95
• KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $19.95
• BEST'S GREAT WESTERN RIESLING 2019 - Great Western, Victoria, Australia (#688259) (XD) - $19.95
• LA DAME DE JACQUES COEUR MENETOU-SALON BLANC 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#525048) (XD) - $21.95
• SOLÉNA CELLARS PINOT GRIS 2018 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#665877) (XD) - $24.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (M) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#185736) (XD) - $28.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68817) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• RADFORD DALE CHARDONNAY 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#227223) (XD) - $31.95  FE
• EYRIE VINEYARDS DUNDEE HILLS PINOT GRIS 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#15574) (XD) - $35.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

• BLACK COTTAGE ROSÉ 2019 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#539320) (XD) - $16.95
• SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2019 - AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#451906) (XD) - $25.95

Sparkling Wine:

• GEOFFROY ROSÉ DE SAIGNÉE BLANC DE ROSE EXTRA BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#16172) (XD) - $134.95

Dessert Wine:

• PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 2013 - Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (#47209) (S) (500 mL) - $35.95

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Clairmont Classique Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

If you're a Syrah wine lover like me, tonight's wine review is this lovely Crozes-Hermitage from Rhône that landed in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5th - with plenty still available for purchase across Ontario.

Clairmont is a northern Rhône mini co-operative that was formed in 1972 by three families with an ambition to work together and share resources. With a team spirit, Clairmont's strength stems from this alliance of skills, shared values, and relationships. Although Clairmont is still a small company today, they are the second largest producer of Crozes-Hermitage. Clairmont is situated in the town of Beaumont-Monteux and is a key stakeholder in Crozes-Hermitage, owning 115 hectares in the heart of the appellation. The younger generation has taken over the responsibilities, working closely and collaboratively with their group of winegrowers.

It is interesting to know that Clairmont is one of the only producers in the world where the winegrowers play an active role in the winemaking process. Each harvest, the winegrowers bring the grapes to the cellar and help plan the different wines that will be produced. Good wines come from good grapes, and plot selection plays an important role in determining which which grapes go into each cuvée - with everyone playing a role in deciding which wines will be conceived. The end goal is to produce wines of high quality that are desired by everyone in the company.

This particular Crozes-Hermitage is a favourite of one of their winemakers - Florent Martinelli. It is a blend of several plots of Syrah grapes planted on two very specific terroirs - ancient alluvial terraces off the Isère and the Rhône rivers comprised of deep pebbly soils, and south/southwest-facing slopes on high terraces featuring smooth, rounded pebbles.

Tasting Note:

CLAIRMONT CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#537811) (XD) - $24.95
100% Syrah matured solely in vats, the nose is open and very ripe with blackberry, violet, savoury, and crushed rock aromas. It is medium+ bodied on the lively palate with ripe blackberry, wild berry, black pepper spice, and savoury meaty flavours, along with touches of stony mineral. Acids are fresh and lively, while tannins are smooth and finely grained with a pleasant chalky grip developing with each sip. Long, satisfying finish has stony and black pepper notes. Lovely! Score: 90 pts

Other wines from Clairmont can be ordered via their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Lafazanis Geometria Moschofilero 2018 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely white wine from Greece that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5th. It is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario, as well as available online for delivery to store or home delivery.

It is produced by Lafazanis Winery, a producer whose roots go back to 1946, when Vassilis Lafazanis started making wine in Piraeus, a port city in Attica, Greece. In 1960, the Lafazanis family built its first family-owned winery in Magoula (Attica), some distance northwest of Piraeus. In 1985, the second generation of the family acquired an education in oenology and had a vision which helped pave the way to create a high-quality, state-of-the-art winemaking facility. In 1993, Spyros Lafazanis decided to move the winery to Nemea, a region he grew to love as a young oenologist, to cultivate the native grapes of Greece and produce superb quality wines.

Today, 80% of the approximately 4 million litres of Lafazanis' wine production is consumed locally. They have more than 10 hectares of their own vines, but also work in co-operation with 300 winegrowers. The vision is to produce high quality wines enthusiastically and environmentally responsibly, evolving to set the bar higher and higher over the time.

If you know me, you already know that I love this grape. Moschofilero (pronounced mow-sko-FEEL-err-oh) is a grape variety native to Greece that has existed in various iterations since ancient times. It's popularity grew in the 1970's and 1980's when producers studied the varietal more closely and crafted elegant, terroir-driven Moschofilero wines. The grape has a rather high degree of difficulty to grow because of its location and cultivation conditions, but the results are lovely when everything lines up. Moschofilero is typically grown in the misty, mountainous vineyards of the Peloponnese region of Mantinia, in central Greece. It is a pink-skinned grape and produces lively and floral white wines such as this expression from Lafazanis.

Tasting Note:

LAFAZANIS GEOMETRIA MOSCHOFILERO 2018 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#15753) (XD) - $17.95
The inviting nose is fresh and aromatic with floral and peach aromas plus touches of tropical fruit, candied ginger, spice, and citrus. It is medium+ bodied on the slightly oily palate with very good fruit concentration alongside crisp, lively acidity. It's dry with flavours of yellow stone fruit, spice, and lily florals. Nicely textured on the mid-palate with floral, spice, peach, and saline mineral notes lingering on the long, slightly drying finish. Recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

Other wines from the Lafazanis portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Lungarotti San Giorgio 2016 (Umbria) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely "Super Umbrian" that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on September 5 as a Flagship Exclusive. Wines featured as Flagship Exclusives are available in limited quantities at select LCBO outlets across Ontario - click the 5-digit product code below to find a location with bottles available closest to you.

Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti was founded in the 1960's in Torgiano, the heart and birthplace of Umbrian wine. Lungarotti became a major driving force for new opportunities in the region - with wine as the centrepiece. Today, the 250 hectares of vineyards are run by sisters Chiara Lungarotti & Teresa Severini who have implemented innovative cultivation techniques based on sustainability and respect for the environment.

This red wine bears the signature of founder Giorgio Lungarotti, whose continuous desire to experiment led him to try Cabernet Sauvignon in Umbria. He introduced Cabernet Sauvignon in Umbria in the late 1950's to early 1960's, and it was still an uncommon varietal in the mid-1970's.

The Lungarotti San Giorgio was first created in 1977 and is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, becoming one of the first great wines to blend these two varietals and known as Super Umbrian. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine come from a vineyard with a medium mix of pebbles and mostly limestone on a tufa subsoil, while the Sangiovese is from the Monticchio Vineyard that has clay layers alternating with sandy fringes in the lower part of the hillside. It was aged in barriques for 12 months, followed by at least 1 year in bottle.

The current bottling of the San Giorgio label depicts Saint George and the Dragon, from the famous painting by Raffaello displayed in the Gallerie degli Uffizi (a museum I visited many years ago), paying homage to the traditional feast of Saint George when propitiatory bonfires are still lit in the Torgiano vineyards with cuttings from the winter vine pruning.

Tasting Note:

LUNGAROTTI SAN GIORGIO 2016 - IGT Umbria Rosso, Italy (#62877) (XD) - $51.95
A 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, this Super Umbrian has a medium-high intensity nose that needs some coaxing, but reveals pretty and complex aromas of red cherry, baking spice, clove, and savoury earthy notes with touches of dried spice and floral. The full-bodied, structured palate has cherry, clove, oak spice, earthy, and mocha chocolate flavours with touches of dried floral and berry tones. Tannins are fine-grained, textured, and quite drying, while acids are very good. Savoury and earthy on the long, juicy finish. You could open this now, but this will be great in 2-3 years and drink well until at least the end of the decade. Score: 90+ pts

A few bottles from Lungarotti are available through LCBO, while others can be purchased via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Finca SOPHENIA Altosur Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the first of what will be a series on Malbec from Argentina. This Malbec arrived at the LCBO as part of the June 13, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release and, surprisingly, there are many bottles still available across Ontario.

It is produced by Finca SOPHENIA, a winery recognized as one of the highest quality wine producers in Argentina. Finca SOPHENIA was established in 1997 by founder and conductor, Roberto Luka, after choosing a site in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, one of the most prestigious wine regions in Argentina to produce high quality wines. The name "SOPHENIA" is combination of names - Sophia, his partner's daughter, and Eugenia, his own daughter.

The young and dynamic winemaking team at SOPHENIA is led by Julia Halupzcok. After working for a number of years at Alta Vista, O. Fournier, and in California, she joined SOPHENIA in 2016 and immediately found great success. Julia's wines show elegance with a modern style, reflecting the essence of this unique terroir. As Julia said in a Decanter Magazine interview "Oenology is like make-up: If there's too much it can be a disaster, but a little can enhance beauty".

This particular Malbec is a vegan-friendly example from the high-altitude region of Gualtallary, within Tupungato, at the northern part of the Uco Valley. The vineyards from Gualtallary are planted at the foot of the Andes, up to 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) above sea level, and the long, narrow region is noted for producing grapes with freshness and balance. Gualtallary also noted for its poor stony and alluvial soils interlaced with sand and limestone. This diverse combination leads to free-draining soils, thus stressing the vines to search ever deeper for water while also picking up minerality along the way. Gualtallary is in the process of becoming an official Geographical Indication (GI) due to its diverse climates and soils and is one of the most exciting wine regions in South America.

Tasting Note:

FINCA SOPHENIA ALTOSUR MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#13113) (XD) - $17.00
Estate grown at 1,200 metres (3,936 feet) above sea level on rocky soils of loose structure, this vegan-friendly Malbec is minimally oaked with 3 to 4 months in French and American oak barrels. The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of spicy mulberry and blackberry with stony mineral undertones, developing some nice smoky mineral aromas with air. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with nicely balanced flavours of blackberry, mulberry, and peppery spice, if a touch sour. Oak is firmly in the background. It has fresh acidity and dusty, textured tannins. Mineral notes come to the fore on the mid-palate, lingering through to the slightly chalky finish, with very good length. Nicely done. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other wines from Finca Sophenia are available via their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review (Bottle 2)

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that returned to LCBO VINTAGES on August 22nd.

Bill Taylor and his family have been crafting fine wines in Clare Valley for three generations, beginning in 1969. They carefull selected this site for its red-brown loam over limestone soils, also known as terra rossa, and the cool climate which they immediately recognized would grow excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. The three seahorse logo - one for each generations of the family - comes from the fossilized remains of seahorses they discovered on their land during excavations for the vineyard's dam. In the Southern Hemisphere, the family makes their wines under the Taylors label, but they sell their wines in the Northern Hemisphere, including here in Ontario, as Wakefield Wines.

The Jaraman collection of wines includes a Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and this Cabernet Sauvignon, With the Jaraman range, the Taylor family searches for parcels of extraordinary fruit to craft wines that showcase their distinctive regional characteristics and style. The fruit for these wines are sourced from Australia's celebrated wine regions that are renowned for the particular variety. At the winery, the winemakers ensure that distinct regional characteristics are preserved and enhanced through any winemaking techniques, all the while having respect for the fruit.

I last enjoyed this same 2016 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon when it came to LCBO VINTAGES in August of 2019 and recall that the tannins were a bit tight at the time. Let's see how this bottle is tasting now, a full 12 months after last year's tasting.

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 - Coonawarra & Clare Valley, South Australia (#142398) (D) - $24.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon composed of 73% Coonawarra and 27% Clare Valley fruit. Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose offers menthol, currant, and cassis with hints of leafy, dried herb aromas. It's full-bodied with minty cassis, ripe blackberry, and currant flavours accented with oak spice and just a touch of jamminess. It's well-balanced with fresh acidity while tannins have softened since last year, having a touch of chalky grip. Savoury chocolatey oak with currant and herbal notes linger on the long finish. Score: 89 pts

There are quite a few Wakefield Wines available at the LCBO, but can also be ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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September 19, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Ontario

The upcoming September 19, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release is the annual mid-to-late September Release that features wines from Ontario, coinciding with harvest that occurs this time of year. Ontario is the only theme of the Release, and along with the other wines featured in this Release, these wines will all be on shelves across the province by this Saturday.

We begin with the seventeen wines featured as part of the Ontario theme, of which five are included among my top wine picks. Firstly, it was nice to see wines from each of the three major wine regions represented - Niagara, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore, as well as the emerging wine regions of Mono (just north of Toronto) and the Ottawa Valley. From Niagara-on-the-Lake, there is a fine Vidal Icewine that always delivers pleasure year after year. From a winery located in Mono, but currently sourcing much of their grapes from Niagara because their own estate vines are still too young, there is a nice, medium-sweet Riesling. Also from Niagara is a Baco Noir from a winery that specializes in the grape. From Prince Edward Country there is a lovely Pinot Noir. And lastly, if you've always wanted to try Mead, a wine made with honey, try the barrel aged honey wine that was produced in Niagara.

From my red wine recommendations, the 2010 Rioja is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha. The rest are all single varietal wines - the Barolo is made with Nebbiolo, while the organic Brunello is made with pure Sangiovese. Other wines among my picks are wines made with well-known varietals that have strong roots within their respective country/region - Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from Australia, Malbec from Argentina, Carmenère from Chile, and Pinot Noir from Oregon.

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, all are single varietal wines. Beyond the three Chardonnay wines from the New World, there is also a Chenin Blanc from South Africa, a dry Riesling from Alsace, and a Malagousia from Greece. There is also a fine Torrontés from Argentina, as well as a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. For those that prefer wines with a little bit of sweetness, try the Vouvray from Loire that is made with Chenin Blanc.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers to sipping local!

Red Wine:

• WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
• MONTERRA SHIRAZ 2018 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#477059) (XD) - $19.95
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CARMENÈRE 2018 - DO Maule Valley, Chile (#249201) (XD) - $19.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR 2018 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#461699) (D) - $24.95
• CLOSSON CHASE CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2017 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#145888) (XD) - $34.95
• SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR 2016 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#748434) (XD) - $39.95
• COL D'ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#306852) (XD) - $55.95  92 pts  wine review
• ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#413484) (XD) - $59.95
• LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#315531) (XD) - $59.95

White Wine:

• SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC 2019 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#610907) (XD) - $13.95  88 pts  wine review
• PIERRE SPERRY COEUR DE GRANIT RIESLING 2018 - AC Alsace, France (#15523) (XD) - $16.95
• SANTA ANA LA MASCOTA CHARDONNAY 2018 - Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina (#126870) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• ADAMO LEPP DAVID'S VINEYARD RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#17203) (M) - $19.95
• SUTHERLAND CHARDONNAY 2018 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#146423) (XD) - $19.95
• BERNARD FOUQUET DOMAINE DES AUBUISIERES CUVÉE SILEX VOUVRAY 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#15615) (D) - $20.95
• PLANO MALAGOUSIA 2018 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#15444) (XD) - $21.95
• WINZER KREMS RIED KREMSER WACHTBERG RESERVE GRÜNER VELTLINER 2018 - DAC Kremstal, Austria (#15704) (XD) - $24.95
• EL ESTECO 1945 OLD VINES TORRONTÉS 2019 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#10695) (XD) - $24.95  FE
• STONESTREET CHARDONNAY 2016 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#991380) (XD) - $49.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• CYGNUS ORGANIC BRUT NATURE CAVA - Vegan, Traditional Method, DO Penedès, Spain (#352856) (XD) - $17.95

Dessert Wine:

• REIF ESTATE VIDAL ICEWINE 2017 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#544791) (S) (200 mL) - $24.95

Specialty Wine:

• ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE 2018 - Barrel aged, Canada (#437319) (S) (500 mL) - $19.95

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