VINTAGES Release November 12: Holiday Gifts & Parties

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

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

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

White Wine:

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

Sparkling Wine:

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

Fortifieds:

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

Dessert Wine:

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

Read More

Château Guillou 2014 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

Read More

Chianti Classico Tasting - Celebrating 300 Years

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More

Rémy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (Loire) - Wine Review

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

Read More

Giveaway - Win Tickets to 2016 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

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

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

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

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

Some of this year's highlights include:

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

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

Event Details:

When:

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

Where:

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

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

How to Enter:

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2016 Ticket Giveaway

Good luck!

Read More

Seriously Cool Red 2013 (Ontario) - Wine Review

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

Read More

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

Read More