LCBO VINTAGES Wine Picks & Reviews : Index

Monday, November 5, 2018

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release Nov. 10, 2018: California + Rioja

LCBO Wine Picks: November 10, 2018 VINTAGES Release

The parade of premium wines continues with the November 10, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release that features coveted and iconic California wines as its main theme, while the mini-theme features classic gems from Rioja. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with main theme that features fifteen of some of California's most coveted and iconic wines, four of which are included among my top wine picks. From the whites, both are high-end Chardonnay. One is from Beringer, California's oldest continually operating winery (founded in 1876), while the other from a specialist in Sonoma Chardonnay - Kistler Vineyards. Among the reds, there is a lovely Pinot Noir from Flowers Vineyards & Winery, as well as a Napa Cab from Joseph Phelps that is actually a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot.

Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2016 (93 pts)

The mini-theme features only seven wines from Rioja (Spain), but four are include among my top wine recommendations. First up is the lone white that is made with the Viura (aka Macabeo) grape and can be aged for at least another 5 years. The red wines include some stellar mature wines from 1996, 2005, and 2009. The '96 is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo, while the '05 is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. Lastly, the '09 is 100% Tempranillo.

Wine blends among my top red wine picks include the Saint-Roch that is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan, while the Madiran is a blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc from 40-50 year old vines. From Rhône, the '15 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, while the '16 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a made with 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 5% Cinsault. From Tuscany, the Luce is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, while the baby Ornellaia is a blend of 44% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, and 12% Cabernet Franc.

Cave Spring Indian Summer Riesling 2016 (90 pts)

Among my white wine picks, the Marsannay is made with Chardonnay, while the Muscadet is made with Melon de Bourgogne from old vines that average 80-years-old. If you like your wines with some sweetness, the Niagara Riesling is your best bet. Moving on to dessert wines, the Cave Spring Riesling is a Late Harvest and along with the Tokaj are the least sweetest of the bunch. Both the Vidal Icewine and the Botrytis Semillon are lusciously sweet dessert wines.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2016 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#119354) (D) - $17.00
LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL 2016 - DO Alicante, Spain (#490011) (XD) - $17.95
SALENTEIN RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#578179) (XD) - $18.95
GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH / MOURVÈDRE / GRENACHE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres, France (#413245) (XD) - $18.95
CHÂTEAU PEYROS VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN 2013 - AC, Southwest, France (#234997) (XD) - $19.95

FEUDO MONTONI LAGNUSA NERO D’AVOLA 2015 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#523738) (XD) - $23.95
MONTECILLO GRAN RESERVA 2009 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#239277) (XD) - $29.95
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#560987) (XD) - $41.95
VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#356337) (XD) - $49.95
URBINA GRAN RESERVA 1996 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#355743) (XD) - $54.95

LE SERRE NUOVE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2016 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $64.95
FLOWERS PINOT NOIR 2016 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#215202) (XD) - $64.95 92 pts wine review
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (XD) - $93.95
LUCE 2015 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#685263) (XD) - $114.95 91 pts wine review
JOSEPH PHELPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#189795) (XD) - $118.95

White Wine:

ILOK CELLARS CLASSIC GRASEVINA 2017 - Croatia (#517474) (XD) - $14.95
VETIVER VIURA 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#437707) (XD) - $16.95
GADAIS VIEILLES VIGNES MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2015 - Sur lie, AC, Loire, France (#444406) (XD) - $17.95
KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#231282) (XD) - $17.95
PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT GRIS 2016 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#555516) (XD) - $19.95
TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH ESTATE BOTTLED RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $23.95
LOUIS LATOUR MARSANNAY BLANC 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#435156) (XD) - $32.95
BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2016 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#026682) (D) - $64.95
KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2016 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $107.95 93 pts wine review

Rosé Wine:

MIMI EN PROVENCE GRANDE RÉSERVE ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#452573) (XD) - $18.95

Fortified:

QUINTA VALE D. MARIA VINTAGE PORT 2015 - DOP, Portugal (#582965) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95

Dessert Wine:

BIRO SO SWEET TOKAJ 2016 - Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (#617324) (S) (375 mL) - $17.95
CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95 90 pts wine review
DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2016 - New South Wales, Australia (#917252) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95
SOUTHBROOK ORGANIC VIDAL ICEWINE 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#581165) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95

Nativ Bicento 2013 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely new wine that arrived as part of the October 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release that featured some illustrious Italian wines in its main theme.

It is produced by Nativ and was founded in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, in Paternopoli, Campania (the shin of Italy's boot), by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a specialist in food science, with the aim of producing excellent wines from grapes that are typical of the territory.

The name "Nativ" was chosen to represent the origin of the Viticulture of Irpina, through autochthonous production which outlines the concept of "origin of place", and is carried out through the production of wines from indigenous varietals, using vines that are known for their particular fertility in volcanic soils. The winery's precious vineyards span approximately 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasi.

"Bicento" is the name of this important red wine, which translated literally means “twice 100”. It is named as such because the grapes for this wine come from 200-year-old ungrafted vines that are grown on volcanic soils on the Taurasi hills, 500 metres above sea level. These vines are among the oldest in all of Europe!

Tasting Note:

NATIV BICENTO 2013 - DOC Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy (#575035) (XD) - $41.95
100% Aglianico aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Medium-high intensity aromatics are complex with spicy, blackberry, dark berry, leather, herbs, earth, and a touch of savoury funk. Some smoky mineral notes develop with air. It is full-bodied and concentrated with nicely balanced aroma replays, plus black pepper, fig, and floral nuances supported by fresh, bright acidity to keep things quite light on the palate. Firm, drying, mouth-puckering tannins have a dusty and chalky texture. The finish length is excellent with dark berry, black plum, licorice, and spice flavours. Lovely savoury-earthy character throughout. A pleasure now, but will be better in 5 years as tannins soften and integrate. An amazing wine to enjoy over the next 10-15 years. Buy 4 and enjoy one every 5 years. Score: 94 pts

Giveaway - Win Tickets to Hamilton's Food & Drink Fest

I am giving away Two (2) General Admission tickets (valued at $30/pair) to Hamilton's Food & Drink Fest that is taking place from Friday, November 9 to Sunday, November 11 at the FirstOntario Centre in downtown Hamilton. These tickets are valid for any one day of your choosing.

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

At Hamilton's Food & Drink Fest, you can experience an exciting variety of Ontario VQA and international wines, spirits, craft beers, local gourmet food, specialty coffees, teas, decadent desserts and more, all while helping to support a great local initiative, Food 4 Kids!

Created and presented by Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Halton, Brant, Haldimand, Lake Erie North Shore, Pelee Island, Prince Edward County, Niagara Peninsula and Niagara-on-the-Lake's most popular restaurants, culinary experts, chefs, innovative food trucks, breweries and wineries.

Also enjoy entertaining live musical acts and fun informative cooking demonstrations all in one convenient and central location! You can also bring your kids on Sunday as the event opens up to all ages.

Personally, I have never attended this event, but I am very excited to attend this year!

Event Details:

When:

Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, 12-10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, 12-5 p.m. - Family Day

Where:

FirstOntario Centre
101 York Boulevard
Hamilton, ON

Must be 19 years of age or older on Friday/Saturday. Children and infants welcome on Sunday.

Contest:

Here's your chance to WIN a pair of tickets to Hamilton's Food & Drink Fest. Winner will receive two (2) tickets valued at $30 per pair. List of exhibitors.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cantina di Negrar Corvina 2016 (Veneto) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a General List product that is widely available at the LCBO and sells for under $10!

This red wine is produced by Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, a co-operative that was founded in 1933 and is located just a few kilometres from Verona, near Lake Garda, in northeastern Italy. The people of Cantina Valpolicella Negrar includes 230 families of winemakers who cultivate over 700 hectares of vineyards, and are led by a highly professional technical staff. Together, they are dedicated to the production of quality wines that are a true expression of the land from which they are born.

The winery is constantly doing research to gain insights and knowledge, with an eye towards keeping tradition as well as innovating. As such, all of the work in the vineyards is done by hand with respect for the environment and its biodiversity due to the need for sustainable viticulture. The in-depth study of the biology, ecology and environment where winemakers work allows them to adopt good practices in soil management, promote biodiversity in the vineyards, and pest control with minimal environmental impact on operators and consumers.

Tasting Note:

CANTINA DI NEGRAR CORVINA 2016 - IGT Verona, Veneto, Italy (#519199) (D) - $9.95
Screw cap. Made with 100% Corvina, the principle grape used in the production of Amarone and Valpolicella wines, and uncommon to find as a single varietal wine. Generous nose is plummy with spice surrounded by a dark berry-cherry, savoury, and earthy core, and hints of white pepper. The light-to-medium bodied palate is dry, ripe and fruit forward, with slightly raisined plum, cherry, and blackcurrant flavours, with a touch of spice. It is supported by supple, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. The finish length is very good. Will have wide-appeal. Score: 87 pts

Mauro Molino Barolo (Piedmont) Wine Tasting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes:

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

Mauro Molino Roero Arneis 2017 (90+ pts)

Mauro Molino Dolcetto Langhe 2017 (89 pts)

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

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

Mauro Molino Barolo Bricco Luciani 2014 (93 pts)

Mauro Molino Barolo La Serra 2014 (92 pts)

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

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

Mauro Molino Barolo Conca 2014 (92+ pts)

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

LCBO Wine Picks: October 27, 2018 VINTAGES Release

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

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

Palazzo Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (93 pts)

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2014 (92 pts)

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

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (93 pts)

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

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2016 (90 pts)

Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2016 (89 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Grazie!