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  • Date publishedTuesday, December 8, 2015

Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Merlot 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

red wine is the second in a series of wines from Southbrook Vineyards.

The grapes for this wine come from the Saunders Vineyard in Niagara. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and ageing occurred in neutral oak barrels. This wine is certified organic and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Currently available as part of the Triomphe Gift Package that also includes two other Southbrook Triomphe wines, a bottle of Southbrook Preserve Chardonnay Vinegar, and a copy of the Ontario Table Cookbook that features 109 recipes using local ingredients.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET MERLOT 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $22.95
Capped with a Stelvin closure, this relatively unique blend of 69% Cabernet Franc and 31% Merlot is an organic red wine with medium+ intensity aromas of raspberry, black cherry, licorice, and sweet tobacco. Some earthy and stewed fruit notes arrive later. Essentially dry aroma replays on the medium+ bodied palate with sandalwood and chocolate notes arriving mid-palate add complexity. Acids are fresh, while tannins are light and gritty. Finishes long and earthy. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. This will go great with lamb and buffalo mozzarella pizza (recipe provided below). Score: 88 pts

Recipe: Lamb Meatballs, Red Wine Braised Shallots and Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza

Pizza Crust:
  • K2
  • Red Fife 60%
  • 3 Star Canadian Flour 40% (This flour is comparable to the Tippo ‘00’)
  • Salt 3%
  • Bioflavia 3% (dry yeast if used instead will also be 3%)
  • Cool water 63%
  • 250 mL of Southbrook Wine
Technique:
  1. Mix all of the ingredients except for the wine by hand for about 4 to 5 minutes or in a mixer on a lower speed for about two minutes. You do not want to over develop the gluten or each pizza will always shrink on you. After mixing the dough, drink the wine as your reward. You just made pizza dough from scratch!
  2. Let the dough stand overnight, preferably in the pre-weighed balls. The typical individual pizza is about 140 g. The easiest ratio is to work with 1000 g of flour and do the percentages back from that. You will get about 10 individual pizzas.
  3. Pull dough out 1 hour before rolling. If you don’t have a pizza oven, put your stove to 450°F and fill a small pot or pan with water and place on the bottom of the oven. Keep the dough nice and thin with a little corn meal on the bottom so it does not stick to the tray.

Pizza Sauce Pomodoro:
  • 1 large 3.5 L can of quality whole tomatoes
  • 5 mL of sea salt per litre of canned tomatoes
  • 1/2 bunch of basil (optional)
Technique:
  1. Pass the whole tomatoes through a food mill and bring to a slow simmer for about 2 hours.
  2. When finished throw in salt a few leaves of basil.

Red Wine Braised Shallots:
  • 2 lbs shallots
  • 250 mL Southbrook Triomph Cabernet Franc
  • 250 mL dark chicken stock
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp fennel
  • 1/4 tsp chilli
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
Technique:
  1. Peel shallots and cover half way with red wine and dark chicken stock.
  2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, some sugar, dried chili and fennel.
  3. Cover with tin foil and cook at 250°F for about two hours and remove the foil.
  4. Keep cooking until they take on a nice caramel colour.
  5. Make a lot at a time and just place them in the fridge.
  6. Take two of the shallots and slice for the pizza

Lamb Meatballs:
  1. Add chopped thyme, rosemary and parsley with a splash of 10% cream to ground lamb.
  2. Roll meat balls at a size of about 40 g.
  3. Cook for approximately 25 minutes at 325°F.

To Assemble Pizza:
To build the pizza, roll out the dough to create a thin layer and place on a tray with corn meal sprinkled on it to avoid sticking. Ladle on a thin layer of pomodoro sauce, add three sliced meatballs, two shallots, and 60 g of torn buffalo mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle charred garlic scapes.


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  • Date publishedMonday, December 7, 2015

December 12 VINTAGES Release: Wines for Holiday Feasts + Sparkling Wine

LCBO Wine Picks from December 12, 2015 VINTAGES Release
The final release of new wines for the year will be the December 12 VINTAGES Release and be on shelves this coming . The major theme of this release focuses on fine wines for holiday feasts. Since this is the final release of 2015, this release also features quite a few Champagne and Sparkling Wines for ringing in the New Year.

There are 27 wines featured in the "wines for holiday feasts" thematic and 4 are included among my wine picks. Begin the feast with something off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) such as the Tawse Sparkling Riesling. In white wines, the Lugana has a hint of sweetnes and is made with Trebbiano di Lugana (a.k.a. Verdicchio), while the Fumé Blanc is a locally made Sauvignon Blanc that is barrel-fermented in oak barrels. To finish off your holiday feast is a 10-year-old Tawny Port that is sourced from old vines.

A small selection of Champagne is featured in this release for toasting in the New Year, of which only one Champagne made my list of wine picks. That single sparkler is the dry Grand Cru Champagne from Henri Giraud which is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Fortunately, there are quite a few other delightful (and more affordable) sparkling wines offered in this release, such as the Tawse Sparkling Riesling mentioned above. Other options include slightly sweet sparkling wines from Henry of Pelham (100% Chardonnay) and Louis Bouillot (Chardonnay-based blend). Lastly, there is a bone-dry sparkling wine from Lombardy, Italy that is made with 75% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero and 10% Pinot Bianco.

Among red wines, there are plenty of options in this release, including the organic 85/15 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from Emiliana. At 10 years old, the Spanish red wine is nicely aged for you and made using 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Carinena, while somewhat younger is the Sicilian red wine that is a blend of 90% Nero d'Avola and 10% Cab Sauv. The Portuguese red is a blend of traditional indigenous varietals Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz. Lastly, the Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo.

For sweet wine lovers, look for the Gewürztraminer from either Germany or France, or the Tokaji from Hungary.

Enjoy my wine recommendations over the holidays!

Red Wine:

  • EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#437947) (XD) - $15.95
  • MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#082024) (XD) - $16.95
  • LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (D) - $17.95
  • CABRIZ RESERVA 2012 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#021410) (XD) - $17.95
  • ORESTIADI LUDOVICO 2009 - IGT Rosso Sicilia, Italy (#388645) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
  • DOMAINE KARYDAS XINOMAVRO 2010 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#272013) (XD) - $25.95
  • BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#971705) (D) - $39.95
  • CATENA ALTA MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (D) - $49.95  reviewed here
  • STONESTREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#435099) (XD) - $52.95
  • PUNSET BARBARESCO 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#302786) (XD) - $55.95  FSE
  • CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DU CASSE 2010 - AC Pomerol, Bordeaux, France (#436097) (XD) - $59.95
Catena Alta Malbec 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (91 pts)Orestiadi Ludovico 2009 - IGT Rosso Sicilia, Italy (89 pts)

White Wine:

  • ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA 2014 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#707158) (D) - $16.95
  • RUPPERTSBERGER LINSENBUSCH GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2014 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#320473) (S) - $17.95  reviewed here
  • WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2014 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#468728) (XD) - $17.95
  • WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (D) - $19.95
  • DOMAINE ZINCK PINOT BLANC 2014 - AC Alsace, France (#435040) (XD) - $19.95
  • MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia (#333211) (XD) - $23.95
  • PIERRE SPARR MAMBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER 2013 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#915157) (MS) - $24.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH FUMÉ BLANC 2013 - Rosomel Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#068825) (XD) - $27.95
  • DOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1 ER CRU 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (#391805) (XD) - $33.95  reviewed here
  • JERMANN CHARDONNAY 2014 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy (#429902) (XD) - $34.95
  • CHÂTEAU DERESZLA 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2008 - Hungary (#012203) (S) (500 mL) - $45.95
Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (91 pts)Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Gewürztraminer Spätlese 2014 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (88 pts)

Sparkling Wine:

  • LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’IVOIRE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#048801) (D) - $19.95
  • TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING 2013 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#370361) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
  • CA’ DEL BOSCO CUVÉE PRESTIGE BRUT FRANCIACORTA - DOCG, Lombardy, Italy (#105353) (XD) - $39.95
  • HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC 2010 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (D) - $44.95
  • HENRI GIRAUD HOMMAGE FRANÇOIS HÉMART AŸ GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#436071) (XD) - $79.95

Fortifieds:

  • BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $28.95


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  • Date publishedSaturday, December 5, 2015

Southbrook Connect Organic White 2014 (Ontario) - Wine Review

white wine is a blend of 4 varietals and is certified organic. It is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Produced by Southbrook Vineyards, this organic white wine is currently available in a gift package directly from the winery that includes the 2014 Connect Red and a jar each of the Southbrook Preserves Raspberry Jam with Framboise and the Southbrook Chardonnay Mustard. Details and other holiday gifting ideas from Southbrook are available on their website.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK CONNECT ORGANIC WHITE 2014 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#249078) (D) - $15.95
Interesting blend of 58% Vidal, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Riesling, and 9% Sauvignon Blanc capped with a Stelvin closure. Perfumed nose of melon, peach, and clementine. The palate is soft and round with honeydew and citrus flavours that are slightly sweet. Fleshy in style with balanced acidity and some honeyed sweetness flavours that linger through to the medium-length finish. Crafted in an easy drinking, crowd pleasing style, this will be fine to sip on its own or pair with poultry or seafood dishes. Available at the LCBO. Score: 86 pts


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  • Date publishedWednesday, December 2, 2015

Pillitteri Cabernet Franc 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is from Pillitteri Estates Winery and is only available at the winery (or online) through their website.

This red wine hails from the great 2012 Niagara vintage and it shows in the quality. This is a wine that you want to buy a few bottles of and watch it develop and mature over the years. It has very good ageing potential.

Pillitteri Cabernet Franc 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

PILLITTERI CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $23.20
Aromas of plums and raisins from the cork. Aged in French oak barrels for 19 months, this Cabernet Franc has a pleasing nose of ripe red berry mixed with herbs and scorched earth. Whiffs of cassis, currant, cigar, and raspberry also come through as it warms up in the glass. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with fresh acids and astringent, mouth-coating tannins that need time to integrate. Mocha, coffee, dark berry and earthy flavours round out the long finish. Enjoy now with red meats or cellar for 2-3 years. Score: 88+ pts


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  • Date publishedTuesday, December 1, 2015

Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2009 (Rhône) - Wine Review

This gorgeous, savoury red wine was enjoyed night with homemade Chicken curry. It was purchased nearly 3 years ago from the March 3, 2012 VINTAGES Release.

If you still have this Syrah in your possession, you can enjoy it over the 2-3 years.

Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#701359) (XD) - $20.95
Spice and twig aromas from the cork. This Syrah has fine mature savoury notes of earth, forest floor, potpourri, tobacco leaf, and blackberry aromas that follow through on the smooth, full-bodied palate. Slightly tart cherry notes mid-palate. Tannins have integrated very well, while the acids are juicy and balanced. Black pepper notes linger on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. A joy to drink. Score: 90 pts


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  • Date publishedSunday, November 29, 2015

Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2012 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

wine is this yummy unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy, France.

Domaine Hamelin was started in the 1840's by Gustave Hamelin when he planted 2 hectares of vines alongside his mixed farm. It is located in northwest Burgundy and about 2 hours southeast from Paris. The small, family-owned operation had been passed along from generation to generation. Today, the 6th and 7th generation of the family carry on the family's wine growing tradition that is a mix of old traditions and modern-day techniques from more than 36 hectares of vines from the villages of Poinchy, Beines and Lignorelles.

The vineyards, all Chardonnay, are planted on soil that is 150 million years old, from the Kimméridgien era of the Jurassic period. During this period, Burgundy was under the sea and has now left behind many remains in the rock such as small oysters and ammonites. Thierry and his son Charles strive to produce Chablis wines that are true expressions of place or terroir.

This delicious white wine will be available at the LCBO as part of the upcoming December 12 VINTAGES Release.

Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (#391805) (XD) - $33.95
Harvested from an area of 3.9 ha, located on south-facing slopes, opposite Lake Beines. Stone fruit, citrus and saline aromas from the cork. Elegant nose of medium+ intensity featuring tropical fruit, lemon peel, cilantro and stony minerality. The palate is medium-bodied with finely cut acids. Lemon citrus, herbs, and mineral flavour profile with some saline notes mid-palate. Shows excellent balance and finishes long and clean with minerally aftertaste. Mouth-watering acids keep you coming back for another sip. Score: 91 pts


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  • Date publishedThursday, November 26, 2015

Château Guillou 2012 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

wine is part of the November 28, 2015 VINTAGES Release and is most likely already available for purchase on some LCBO shelves.

From the same producer as the 2011 Château Hauchat red wine that I tasted earlier this month, this Jean-Bernard Saby wine is produced by the 9th generation of the Saby family. Jean-Christophe and Jean-Phillippe are both oenologists and apply their new skills, as well as respecting the traditions and know-how of their father and grandfather in producing the wines at this estate.

Château Guillou 2012 - AC Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (87 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2012 - AC Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $18.95
Blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Dried spice, oak and whiff of plum from the cork.  Medium intensity herbally, spice, black currant, dark cherry, and some earthy characters on the nose. The palate is light-to-medium bodied with gritty, astringent tannins. Raspberry and dusty cocoa flavours join the aroma profile on the palate. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the finish length is good. Has a mineral/steely aftertaste. Perfectly fine for a Thursday night. Score: 87 pts



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