J. Denuzière Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Syrah from the northern Rhône appellation of Crozes-Hermitage that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the May 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Based in Condrieu, the story of J. Denuzière begins in 1876 when founder of the estate, Joanny Paret, wished to develop the reputation and distribute local Rhône wines. Joseph Paret, son of Joanny, continued the traditions of the family business for forty years, eventually handing it over in the 1940s to his son-in-law, Pierre Denuzière. Since that time, the Denuzière name has been part of the vineyard landscape in northern Rhône Valley.

Today, J. Denuzière handcrafts a number of micro-cuvées around their Condriot heritage that strengthen with each passing vintage. In addition to owning 1 hectare vineyard plots in both Condrieu and Cornas, J. Denuzière also works exclusively and closely with a number of regional winegrowers, ensuring that each terroir is carefully studied to get the best expression of each grape variety. The vinification philosophy is to be gentle and natural, while combining tradition with modernity. Since 2010, and more recently with the help of Caroline Moro (whom I had the pleasure of meeting back in May 2018), all J. Denuzière wines are handcrafted, requiring working plot-by-plot on the terraced vineyards, and giving rise to a small quantity of wines with excellent quality.

This particular red wine is from the northern Rhône Valley's largest appellation, Crozes-Hermitage. It is 100% Syrah and was grown on old alluvial terraces with a lot of rocks and pebbles in the soils. The grapes were hand-picked, then destemmed at the cellar. Fermentation occurred in stainless steels vats, followed by ageing in barrels for 6 to 8 months. Let's see how this northern Rhône Syrah is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

J. DENUZIÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#667485) (XD) - $29.95
The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy, but offers dark fruited aromas of black and blueberry alongside white pepper spice, wood, and touches of floral. It's medium+ bodied with good fruit concentration on the palate and fruit forward flavours of dark berry and blackberry joined by savoury, earthy, white pepper spice, and wood notes supported by fresh acidity and refined, dusty-textured tannins. Lovely floral notes emerge on the mid-palate and linger to the stony mineral finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this classy Syrah over the next 7-8 years. Score: 91 pts

A limited number of other lovely wines from J. Denuzière are available at the LCBO, while the rest of the portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

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Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2016 (Puglia) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) that is often referred to as the Amarone of Puglia. This popular red wine returns to the LCBO this weekend and is featured as part of the theme on wines "Back by Popular Demand" from the May 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine is produced by Varvaglione 1921, a family that began making wine in 1921 and are one of the oldest wineries in Southern Italy. They are based in Leporano on the Gulf of Taranto, in the famous Salento region of Puglia. Four generations of the family have grown the business to become one of the biggest and fastest developing companies in Puglia. They combine the traditions of the territory with newer methods to continually evolve with trends, while never losing sight of traditions and terroir.

Owner Cosimo Varvaglione, along with his wife Maria Teresa and their three children aim for excellence by taking the best of the land and transforming it into quality wines. They own over 150 hecatres of land dedicated to the cultivation of grapes, while also collaborating with local winegrowers who have worked with them for more than 30 years.

Varvaglione 1921 produces wines from many, mostly native, varieties, but Primitivo is the most famous of the Puglian grape varieties. Primitivo has been well-known since Medieval times and is widely grown throughout the province of Taranto, especially in the area known as Manduria.

The Primitivo grapes for this wine were carefully hand harvested in the heart of the DOP, then macerated at the winery using controlled temperature. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine was refined and aged for at least 10 months in French oak barrels and American barriques. Let's see how this Primitivo is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2016 - DOP, Puglia, Italy (#261784) (D) - $23.95
The rich, focused nose of medium-high intensity delivers aromas of dark berry, blackberry, currant, bramble, and spices. The chewy, full-ish bodied, structured palate is spicy with some warmth and has slightly sweet flavours of wood spice, tart cherry, dark berry, plum, and touches of leather. Bright, tart acidity lifts the palate, while ripe tannins are smooth with a slightly chalky texture. Finishes pleasantly dry with mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Quality Primitivo with high crowd appeal. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Varvaglione 1921 can be ordered through their Agent - Caliber Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Finca La Escuela La Grava Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2016 Finca La Escuela La Piedra Malbec back in 2019, tonight's wine review is another fine Malbec from the same Estate in Argentina that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the May 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is crafted by TintoNegro, a producer whose name literally translates to 'black wine' in Spanish as they celebrate the Malbec varietal that is known for its dark, blackish colour. TintoNegro was founded by friends and colleagues Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, and were joined soon thereafter by Jorge Crotta in 2013. The wines of TintoNegro are meant to reflect the heart of soul of Malbec in Mendoza with a particular emphasis on exploring the terroirs of Mendoza by isolating vineyard sites and winemaking techniques.

This lovely bottle of Malbec is from the Finca La Escuela vineyard that is named after an active 100-year-old rural school house that resides on the vineyard property in Paraje Altamira, at the base of the Andes at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level. This small 7.5 hectare vineyard has a very unique soil profile that consists of limo (silt), piedra (stone), grava (gravel) and arena (sand). With each soil profile lending its own aromas, flavours and textures to Malbec, a grape known for being a window to its terroir, TintoNegro crafts four distinct single soil wines that are harvested, vinified, and aged in the exact same way, thus allowing each wine to best express a sense of place.

This particular Malbec was grown on a small patch in the middle of the La Escuela vineyard where the soil is gravelly, or grava in Spanish. The vineyard has small stones and pebbles on the surface, resulting in slightly warmer temperatures, producing wines of intense floral aromas, dark red fruit flavours, and soft, supple tannins. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FINCA LA ESCUELA LA GRAVA MALBEC 2017 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#547851) (XD) - $24.95
The fresh, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers a lovely, complex mix of floral, earth, milk chocolate, stony mineral, dark red berry, and violet aromas in a savoury profile. The medium-bodied palate has supple, fine-grained tannins balanced with fresh, vibrant acidity that supports the lovely aroma replays joined by white pepper, slightly spicy notes on the flavour profile. Really well-balanced with stony mineral, dark red berry, and violets lingering on the long, slightly chalky finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from TintoNegro can be ordered from their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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May 1, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Popular Demand + New Zealand

The main theme of the May 1, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines that are "Back by Popular Demand", while the mini-theme looks at new wines from New Zealand. All of the wines from the themes, plus those from the main release will be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at wines that are "Back by Popular Demand". Of the twenty-two wines featured, six are included among my top wine picks. The lone white is a Premier Cru Chablis that is, of course, made with Chardonnay, while the Côtes du Rhône Rosé is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. Red wine blends include the wine from British Columbia that consists of 57% Syrah and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the South African red is a blend of 37% Shiraz, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot. From Italy, the Chianti Classico is a blend of roughly 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, and 10% Pugnitello, while the wine from Puglia is made with 100% Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel).

From the mini-theme on new wines from New Zealand, of the ten wines featured, five are included among my top wine recommendations. Although the feature is small, it does touch upon some of the trends in New Zealand winemaking that I discovered during my visit to NZ last year. Originally from Spain and Portugal, Albariño is finding a home in New Zealand, most notably in the northeastern part of North Island in Gisborne. A perennial favourite is the low alcohol (9%) off-dry Riesling, as well as a pair of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wines. And lastly, from the region of Martinborough - where the climate and soil profile is similar to that of Burgundy - comes a fine Pinot Noir from a producer that is primarily focused on this varietal.

Interestingly, the majority of my red wine picks from the rest of the release are blends from southern France - the only wines that are not are a lovely Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina and a Crozes-Hermitage from Northern Rhône that is 100% Syrah. From Languedoc, the Corbières is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, and 15% Syrah, while the Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun consists of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre. From Rhône, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault, while the Gigondas consists of 74% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre, and 2% Cinsault.

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is from Portugal and it's made with the indigenous varieties Côdega de Larinho, Rabigato, and Viosinho. The rest of the white wines are all Chardonnays - two from Niagara and one from California, as well as a Grüner Veltliner from Austria, and a dry Riesling from Germany.

Lastly, the lovely Tavel is a bigger, dry rosé that consists of 45% Grenache Noir, 20% Clairette, 15% Cinsault, 8% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah, 4% Bourboulenc, and 2% Picpoul.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU CAMPLONG GRANDE RÉSERVE CORBIÈRES 2018 - AP, Languedoc, France (#12990) (XD) - $14.95  89 pts  wine review
• AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN RED 2016 - Vegan, WO Paarl, South Africa (#383547) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#282996) (XD) - $19.95
• CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN 2018 - AC, Languedoc, France (#155804) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
• PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2016 - DOP, Puglia, Italy (#261784) (D) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• FINCA LA ESCUELA LA GRAVA MALBEC 2017 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#547851) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• LUNA ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2016 - Sustainable, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#17544) (XD) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review
• J. DENUZIÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#667485) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DE FONT-SANE TRADITION GIGONDAS 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#18557) (XD) - $31.95
• BURROWING OWL ATHENE 2017 - Estate bottled, BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#371336) (XD) - $44.95
• LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#700922) (XD) - $68.95
  

White Wine:

• LEFTFIELD GISBORNE ALBARIÑO 2019 - Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand (#17551) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• THE HUNTING LODGE EXPRESSIONS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#17667) (XD) - $19.95
• THE DOCTORS' RIESLING 2019 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#12321) (MS) - $19.95
• QUADRUS WHITE 2019 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#667162) (XD) - $19.95
• AWATERE RIVER BY LOUIS VAVASOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Vegan, Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#492272) (XD) - $21.95
• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#430991) (XD) - $24.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#616466) (XD) - $29.95
• LA CHABLISIENNE GRANDE CUVÉE CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#685222) (XD) - $34.95
• TESCH KARTHÄUSER RIESLING TROCKEN 2018 - Qualitätswein, Nahe, Germany (#18238) (XD) - $34.95
• TÜRK RIED OBERE KREMSER SANDGRUBE RESERVE GRÜNER VELTLINER 2017 - DAC Kremstal, Austria (#12465) (XD) - $34.95  FE
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2017 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $65.95
  

Rosé Wine:

• FAMILLE PERRIN RÉSERVE ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#719062) (XD) - $15.95
• CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL 2020 - AC, Rhône, France (#319368) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
  

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Flor de Maio Mayflower Alentejano Branco 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Following up on the 2016 Flor de Maio Mayflower Tinto that I opened back in February, tonight's wine review is this nice, crisp, dry, white wine from the same producer. This Portuguese white wine is new to the LCBO and featured as part of the theme on Sustainable Wines from the April 17th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This white wine is produced by Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos, a winery founded in 2011 by winemaker Carlos Lucas. With over 25 years of winemaking experience and a dream to produce quality wines, Carlos works today with a dynamic team to continuously innovate while also respecting winemaking traditions and its history. Magnum produces wines from all of the major wine regions of Portugal and is pursuing sustainable winegrowing practices while also aiming to show the authentic characters of every region where it has vineyards.

Like the companion red, this white wine is also a blend of grapes grown in the Mora municipality within the Évora district in central Alentejano. This white wine is a blend of indigenous varieties Arinto and Antão Vaz grown in a 60 hectare vineyard on a low altitude plain, low slope terrain with exposure to the South. The soils are poor and consist of mainly clay and limestone. Vinification took place by destemming and pressing, followed by fermenting in stainless steel vats, then ageing (in tank) and bottling.

Tasting Note:

FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER ALENTEJANO BRANCO 2019 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#18378) (XD) - $13.95
This blend of indigenous varieties Arinto and Antão Vaz has a pretty, fresh, medium+ intensity nose of melon, citrus, tropical fruit, apple and papaya aromas. The fleshy, medium-bodied palate is dry, ripe, and gently spicy with floral, honeysuckle, citrus, melon, and apple flavours with a tinge of honey that is balanced with fresh, balanced acidity. Subtle mineral notes arrive on the crisp, lengthy, and slightly spicy finish. Recommended buy for Spring sipping. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Magnum - Carlos Lucas Vinhos can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice Cabernet Sauvignon from Spain that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the April 17th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine is produced by Bodegas Nekeas, a winery that was founded in 1990 by a group of eight families native to Navarra who have also been friends for decades. These eight families all have a long, rich history based in viticulture.

Winegrowing in Navarra can be traced back to the 16th century, with ancient documents as evidence located at the winery. Winegrowing was a thriving industry for several centuries, but eventually collapsed by 1900 with the onset of phylloxera. However, the tenacity and vocation of vine growers led to the rebirth of the industry to pre-phylloxera levels by the 1950s. However, industrial development in the Pamplona District from the 1960s onward nearly wiped out all of the vineyards.

In 1989, the descendants of the original winegrowers came together and pooled their lands to grow vines again. They also united all of their individual estates to form Bodegas Nekeas in 1990, and built their first winery together in 1993. Today, the estate has grown to be recognized as a figurehead of quality in Navarra, with a firm commitment towards viticulture and the cultivation of old vineyards.

Navarra is a wine region located in northern Spain and is gaining attraction for its high quality red wines, particularly those made with Cabernet Sauvignon. This particular red wine comes from the Valdizarbe Valley, in central Navarra, just south of the Pamplona basin, an area considered one of Spain's finest for the production of quality wine (and olive oil) due to its climate and high exposure to the sun. This Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in red clay soils at 1,500 feet above sea level and require tender loving care to be nurtured to maturity over a very long growing season, with harvest occurring in November. Let's see how this Navarra Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VEGA SINDOA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Estate bottled, DO Navarra, Spain (#281246) (XD) - $15.95
Aged for 9 months in French oak barrels, this Navarra Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium+ intensity nose of dried fruit aromas of red cherry and cassis to go along with earthy, wood, and sweet spice notes. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with dried cherry, wood spice, and earthy flavours supported by sour acidity and smooth, supple tannins. Some alcoholic warmth on the mid-palate with savoury, earthy, and dried berry notes lingering on the finish, with good length. Score: 87 pts

Other delicious wines from Bodegas Nekeas can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Tenuta Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2019 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

To celebrate Earth Day, tonight's wine review is a lovely white wine made with the Arneis varietal from its native home in Piedmont and arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the feature on wines from Piedmont in the LCBO VINTAGES Release on April 17.

It is produced by Cantine Povero, a family that has been winemaking on the lands of Roero, Monferrato, and Langhe in Piedmont for almost 200 years. In 1948, Grandfather Tumlin planted his first vineyard and felt a strong emotional bond towards the land and pride to continue the traditions of his ancestors, whose roots go back to 1837.

In 1976, the sons of Tumlin, brothers Giovanni and Michelino Povero acquired their current headquarters in Cisterna d'Asti, at the foot of a medieval castle in Piedmont and planted 10 hectares of vineyards to expand their production. In 1987, Giovanni's three sons founded Tenuta Fratelli Povero where they produce wines from the best grapes of the oldest vineyards in the Roero area. The winery was renovated in 1998, and in 2010 they installed an innovative photovoltaic system that satisfies most of their energy needs with renewable sources. Dedicated to both tradition and innovation, the 3rd and 4th generation of the family is leading the winery into the future with a strong commitment to nature, while also transforming its fruits into wines that delight.

The name 'Arneis' literally translates into 'little rascal' in Piemontese and is so called because this varietal is somewhat difficult to grow. However, it has found a home in the hills of the Roero, northwest of Alba, where it is part of the DOCG wines of Roero. This particular Arneis comes from Tenuta Fratelli Povero's own organic vineyards in the hilly, sandy, and clayey soils of Roero. The grapes were manually harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks, while also spending 2-3 months sur lie. Let's see how this Arneis is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA FRATELLI POVERO TERRE DEL CONTE ROERO ARNEIS 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#436915) (XD) - $17.95
This organically grown Arneis has a medium+ intensity nose that leads with mineral followed by lovely ripe, lemon citrus, green apple, and yellow floral with delicate hints of honey. The medium-bodied, ripe palate is creamy and dry with honeyed notes of floral, citrus, pear, and apple and subtle spice flavours. It has very good, well-balanced acidity with notes of oyster shell minerality, lemon, apple, and pear lingering on the juicy finish, with very good length. Lovely! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Cantine Povero can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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