LCBO VINTAGES Wine Picks & Reviews : Index

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

July 24, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Big Scores + South Africa

LCBO Wine Picks: July 24, 2021 VINTAGES Release

The main theme of the July 24, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on high scoring wines, while the mini-theme looks at wines from South Africa. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that offers a dozen high-scoring wines, of which two are included among my top wine picks. The first wine is an always excellent Assyrtiko from Santorini, while the other wine is a lovely Pinot Noir from Oregon.

The mini-theme features the wines from South Africa, the world's oldest New World wine region as wine has been made here since the year 1659. With six wines featured in this theme, three are included among my top wine recommendations. First up is a traditional method sparkling wine that is made with Pinot Noir. The other two wines are both South African red wines - one is a Cabernet Sauvignon, while the other is made with Syrah.

My red wine picks from the main release includes an excellent Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that is made with 100% Sangiovese, as well as a red wine from Greece that is a blend of 87% Xinomavro and 13% Syrah. From Argentina, the are two wines of similar blends - the Kaiken consists of 80% Malbec, 15% Bonarda and 5% Petit Verdot, while the Catena is a blend of 75% Malbec, 19% Bonarda, and 6% Petit Verdot that would be interesting to compare side-by-side. The last blend is from Roussillon and it is made with 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 30% Carignan.

Tenuta Perano Rialzi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 (93 pts)

D.V. Catena Historic Red Blend 2018 (88+ pts)

Kaiken Terroir Series Malbec / Bonarda / Petit Verdot 2018 (88+ pts)

Most of my white wine recommendations from the main release are single varietals. Fresh and aromatic whites include a Moschofilero from Greece and a fine Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. From Italy, the Pecorino and Verdicchio are light and crisp white wines. There are also a pair of delicious Chardonnays - one from Argentina and the other from Sonoma County. The lone blend is a rich, oak-aged blend from Rhône that consists of 70% Roussanne, 15% Viognier, and 15% Grenache Blanc. For sweet wine lovers, the Riesling from Niagara should be on your shopping list.

Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2017 (90 pts)

Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2019 (90 pts)

Among my rosé wine picks, all are dry rosés in style, with the Rioja consisting of 60% Garnacho, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Viura. From Provence, the Whispering Angel is made with Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, while the Inspiration Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

ALAMOS SELECCIÓN MALBEC 2018 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#322800) (XD) - $16.95 89 pts wine review
GAUCHEZCO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#17460) (XD) - $16.95 88+ pts wine review
HEREDAD DE URUEÑA SANTO TERROIR TEMPRANILLO 2014 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#629832) (XD) - $16.95
GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13316) (XD) - $17.95
KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES MALBEC / BONARDA / PETIT VERDOT 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#450163) (XD) - $18.95 88+ pts wine review
D.V. CATENA HISTORIC RED BLEND 2018 - Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#555466) (XD) - $19.95 88+ pts wine review

Gauchezco Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (88+ pts)

CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES GRENACHE / SYRAH / CARIGNAN 2018 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#119354) XD) - $19.95
RUSTENBERG BUZZARD KLOOF SYRAH 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#414151) (XD) - $24.95
SOUTHBROOK LAUNDRY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2018 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#646323) (XD) - $29.95
SOLÉNA GRAND CUVÉE PINOT NOIR 2018 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#486944) (XD) - $32.95
TENUTA PERANO RIALZI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17682) (XD) - $49.95 93 pts wine review
KIR-YIANNI DIAPOROS SINGLE VINEYARD XINOMAVRO 2016 - PGI Imathia, Greece (#14131) (XD) - $53.95 FE

White Wine:

FEUDO ANTICO ORGANIC PECORINO 2019 - IGP Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy (#644930) (XD) - $15.95
KAIKEN ULTRA CHARDONNAY 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#355552) (XD) - $19.95 89 pts wine review
CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2019 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#268169) (XD) - $19.95 90 pts wine review
TSELEPOS MOSCHOFILERO 2020 - PDO Mantinia, Greece (#724583) (XD) - $19.95
CHARLES BAKER RIESLING 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#20373) (M) - $19.95
AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
MICHEL GASSIER CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT WHITE 2018 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#485854) (XD) - $27.95
RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#275552) (XD) - $28.95 90 pts wine review
ARGYROS ASSYRTIKO 2019 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#387365) (XD) - $45.95

Rosé Wine:

BERNE INSPIRATION ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#278861) (XD) - $23.95
THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL 2020 - AC Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France (#562595) (XD) - $24.95
LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA GRAN RESERVA ROSÉ 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#15781) (XD) - $43.95 FE

Sparkling Wine:

HAUTE CABRIÈRE PIERRE JOURDAN BELLE ROSE BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#18569) (XD) - $19.95

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay 2018 (Oregon) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Willamette Valley that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Sokol Blosser Winery was founded by Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser when they planted their first vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA in Willamette Valley in 1971. At the time, they needed all of their youthful confidence, energy, and determination as there was no wine industry in Oregon. They are located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Portland, in an area in Dundee Hills whose geology dates back 15 million years, when lava flowed from northeast Oregon and pushed into Willamette Valley to create the red volcanic Jory soils that the Dundee Hills AVA is known for.

Today, the certified-organic 106 hectare estate winery is family-owned and -operated by the children of Susan and Bill, siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser. They produce wines of world-class quality in a sustainable manner, mindful of the environment, and express the different flavours of their hillside vineyards. Among their many achievements, Sokol Blosser's underground barrel cellar was the first winery building in the U.S.A. to receive LEED certification in 2002. In 2015, Sokol Blosser became a Certified B Corporation.

This 100% Chardonnay is crafted with certified organic grapes from their Thistle Vineyard estate in the Dundee Hills. The vines were planted on a steep hillside site in the year 2000 with popular clones 95, 76, and 96. It was fermented in a variety of formats, including new and neutral French oak barrels and concrete egg, followed by secondary fermentation and ageing for 10 months in both barrel and larger format puncheons that included some lees ageing. The 2018 vintage was their coolest since 2012, and they believe it's their best since that then. I've tasted previous vintages of this wine and it's always been a delight - let's see how this 2018 is tasting tonight...

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay 2018 (91+ pts)

Tasting Note:

SOKOL BLOSSER DUNDEE HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#16988) (XD) - $28.95
From red volcanic Jory soils, the elegant, medium+ intensity nose is rich with lemon citrus and ripe stone fruits mingling with earthy volcanic minerals, plus hints of tropical fruit. It is impressively textured on the medium+ bodied palate with lovely, complex flavours of citrus and minerals with hints of mealy, honey, and a kiss of vanilla. Vibrant acidity lifts the slightly spicy mid-palate. Somewhat tight on the long, textured finish with mineral flavours joined by touches of apple and butter. Best enjoyed with only a light chill. Highly recommended buy. Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines from Sokol Blosser can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Luigi Bosca D.O.C. Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I continue the recent string of fine Argentinean wines with another lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last month, as part of the June 12 LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty still available on shelves across the province.

The story of Bodega Luigi Bosca begins when Leoncio Arizu arrived in Argentina in 1890 searching for new opportunities, and founded a winery in Mendoza in 1901. The Arizu family had a strong European legacy dating back to the XVIII century, in the small village of Unzue in Basque country. Soon after founding the winery, he joined forces with the Bosca family that emigrated from Piamonte, Italy, to found what is today Bodega Luigi Bosca – Arizu Family.

Today, the winery remains in the hands of Leoncio Arizu's grandchildren and great-grandchildren to honour the tradition of producing great wines. They are committed to continuous innovation, an unwavering work spirit, and a perpetual quest to achieve the ultimate expression of Argentine wine which includes the best expression of the terroir and region's style. The Arizu Family also played a leading role in major changes in the local wine producing industry. One of the most important changes was participating in the founding in 1989 of Argentina's first Controlled Denomination of Origin (C.D.O.) - the Lujan de Cuyo C.D.O - from which this wine was borne.

The Luigi Bosca D.O.C Malbec is one of the first Argentine wines with a Designation of Origin. The grapes come from their iconic, 70-year-old Finca La Linda vineyard in the Vistalba district, within the Luján de Cuyo DOC. It is located in the western part of Mendoza at an altitude of 960 metres (3,150 feet) altitude. The climate is continental with high diurnal temperatures, well-defined seasons, and many hours of good sunlight. The soil structure consist of 60% sand, 35% silt, and 5% clays with 10% boulders scattered throughout. The vineyard produces below 7,000 kg per hectare, which is equivalent to 1 kg per plant, and one plant produces one bottle of wine. The grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and destemmed. After fermentation, this red wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, then filtered, bottled, and stored at the winery for 6 months prior to release. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LUIGI BOSCA D.O.C. MALBEC 2018 - Single vineyard, DOC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#74922) (XD) - $29.95
Aged in new French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, this lovely Malbec has medium-high intensity aromas led by oak, vanilla, sweet spice, and cocoa surrounding the slightly maturing dark fruit and blackberry notes. It's medium-full bodied, with very good concentration on the palate with chewy, supple tannins and juicy, balanced acidity supporting the ripe dark fruit, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa, and oak flavours. Slightly spicy on the mid-palate, with savoury oak and dark berry notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy now or hold into the mid-to-late 20's. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Luigi Bosca are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - FWM Canada.

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec earlier this year, and for tonight's wine review I am delighted to try the 2019 edition as it returned to the LCBO last weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Zuccardi Wines was founded with a strong visionary and innovative spirit in Maipú, Mendoza in 1963. In 2005, Sebastián Zuccardi, the grandson of founder Alberto Zuccardi, becomes the third generation of the family to continue the strong family tradition and lead the development of the new stage of the winery. Starting in 2008, Sebastián dedicated an area of the winery to Research and Development to study of the terroir and the different variables that affect wine production. In 2016, Zuccardi Wines opened their new winery with the goal of producing wines with identity through the different terroirs of the Uco Valley, while also crafting their wines using sustainable practices.

This Malbec is from Zuccardi's "Q" range of regional wines, a project that began in 1999 when they marked the best vineyards and plots with the letter "Q" - which stands for Quality. During the growing and vinification process, these grapes are given extra care and attention in order to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Like the previous vintage, this Malbec is composed of fruit from the Uco Valley, specifically from IG Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) grown at 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) elevation, and IG Los Chacayes (Tunuyán) that was grown at 1,000 metres (3,200 feet) elevation. The soils in Altamira, which is located on the southern side of the Tunuyán river, originated from in the alluvial fan of the Tunuyán river, in its upper zone. The soils are very heterogeneous (diverse) with sandy loam on the surface and medium and large gravels at various depths, along with an abundance of calcareous material. In Los Chacayes, which is located at the foot of the Andes, the soils originated in a series of superimposed alluvial fans, in the middle zone of the Uco Valley. Again, the soils are heterogeneous with a mix of mostly sandy loam with strata of moderately eroded small stones, with occasional coverage of calcium carbonate or gypsum.

The exceptional harvest in 2019 was fresh and dry, with temperatures below average and great thermal amplitude (diurnal temperatures). The result was very good natural acidity, tannin structure, and excellent, ripe (but not over-ripe) fruit. Let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Malbec from Altamira (70%) and Los Chacayes (30%) was fermented in concrete vessels using native yeasts, followed by ageing 70% in concrete and 30% in used 500 L untoasted French oak barrels. The intense, bright, and spicy nose offers aromas of dark berry, purple fruit, stony mineral, and dried herbs. The chewy, medium+ bodied palate has lovely spicy, dark berry, and purple fruited flavours with stony mineral notes adding interest. It's framed by fresh, lively acidity and refined, supple tannins that have a slightly dusty/grippy texture, leading to a nicely balanced, juicy, spicy, and savoury finish, with very good length. A perennial recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

There are many fine Zuccardi wines available at the LCBO, while other wines not found at the LCBO can be ordered through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.

Altosur Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the delicious 2018 Finca SOPHENIA Altosur Malbec last September, tonight's wine review is a lovely white wine from the same producer. This Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina is new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release. This is the first of what will be many posts in the coming weeks highlighting the exciting and diverse Wines of Argentina.

Roberto Luka, the former President of Wines of Argentina, founded Finca SOPHENIA in 1997 by combining the names of his partner's daughter, Sophia, and his own daughter, Eugenia. The wine producer is based in the high-altitude sub-zone of Gualtallary in Tupungato, within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Today, Finca SOPHENIA is recognized as one of the highest quality wine producers in Argentina. Finca SOPHENIA is Sustainability Certified and the young, dynamic, and ambitious winemaking team is led by Ing. Julia Halupczok and winemaker Matías Michelini; Eugenia Luka has also joined the family business.

Finca SOPHENIA is a pioneer in the cultivation of vines in Gualtallary. Tupungato has an ideal micro-climate that allows for the slow ripening of grapes. The combination of height, cold weather, and sandy and stony soils result in wines with ideal natural acidity, intense aromas and flavours, concentration, and good structure. The small terroir of Gualtallary yields wines that are some of Argentina's most freshest and minerally.

With Argentina's unique conditions, notably the Andes mountain range and its latitudinal extension, the country is able to cultivate a wide range of grapes to produce many distinct styles of wines. Although Sauvignon Blanc isn't widely planted, it is being cultivated more in recent years and is now the fifth most widely planted white varietal in the country.

This particular Sauvignon Blanc is from their "Altosur" range of wines. Altosur translates to "high in the south", referring to the elevation of its terroir at the southern part of the world. It was grown in Finca SOPHENIA's high-altitude estate vineyard by the Andes in the Gualtallary sub-zone of Tupungato, in the Uco Valley, at an altitude of 1,219 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level. The soils here are of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable structure. To obtain a balanced vineyard with high quality grapes, special pruning, irrigation and canopy management tasks are performed. The grapes are harvested manually and vinified using gentle pressing at low pressures in a pneumatic press, and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Let's see how this delicious Argentinean Sauvignon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALTOSUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Estate grown and bottled, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19385) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The fresh, intense nose is highly aromatic with ripe guava, kiwi, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas nuanced with earthy minerals and herbs. The clean, fresh palate has more ripe tropical fruit, guava, kiwi, citrus, and melon flavours in a spicy profile with fresh, clean acidity. Juicy herbs with citrus and melon linger on the long, distinctively mineral finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

While a few Altosur Malbec's are still available at the LCBO, other delicious wines from Finca SOPHENIA can be purchased through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

Vanderpump Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018 (California) - Wine Reviews

Vanderpump Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018 (91 pts) and Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (92 pts)

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely wines from Sonoma - a California Cabernet Sauvignon and California Chardonnay. Both of these wines are new to the LCBO and arrived on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

With many decades in the hospitality industry worldwide, the Vanderpump family developed a passion for outstanding wines. The family has deep roots in California - it is where they call home and raised their family. Vanderpump Wines was founded in 2016, when Lisa and her family decided to collaborate with renowned Winemaker Tom Hinde to produce wines that combine the family's love of Old World style with the excellence of New World fruit from Sonoma.

Their first wine was a rosé, which they launched in 2017 after developing a passion for it from living in the South of France for many years. Last year, they expanded their portfolio with the addition of these two wines, both crafted using fruit Sonoma within their home state of California. Both of these "celebrity wines" beat my expectations and have impressively high quality.

Tasting Notes:

VANDERPUMP SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2018 - Estate grown, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#18636) (XD) - $37.95
Hand-sorted and whole cluster pressed, this barrel-fermented Chardonnay with some lees ageing was raised in French oak for 11 months. It has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose with aromas of ripe stone fruits such as pear, apple, and lemon citrus, along with some tropical fruit and peach layered over butter and toasty vanilla notes. It's medium+ bodied on the slightly warming palate with more ripe apple, pear, and lemon citrus notes joined by vanilla and butter flavours. Acids are well-balanced, while some leesy mineral and coffee notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 91 pts

Vanderpump Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018 (91 pts)

VANDERPUMP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#20176) (XD) - $49.95
The grapes for this lovely blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot were sourced from Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley, and aged in French oak for 18 months. Elegant, medium-high intensity aromas of dark fruited, blackberry, black cherry, plum, and currant notes are nuanced with cocoa and sweet spices. It's full-bodied and chewy with lovely dark fruited aroma replays plus cocoa, sweet spice, and vanilla flavours adding savoury complexity. It's supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and very smooth, refined tannins that have a supple texture. Savoury and earthy with dark fruited notes linger on the long, elegant finish. Score: 92 pts

Vanderpump Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (92 pts)

The portfolio of Vanderpump wines and are proudly represented by their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

July 10, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: BBQ + Cool-Climate Chardonnay

LCBO Wine Picks: July 10, 2021 VINTAGES Release

As we head into the sizzling heat of the summer, the main theme of the July 10, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on all-purpose BBQ wines that will appeal to many tastes and budgets, while in the mini-theme we cool off with the annual Cool-Climate Chardonnay selection. All of these wines, including those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on BBQ wines, of which six of the eighteen wines featured are among my top wine picks, with all three colours represented. The white wines are an organic Vernaccia from Tuscany and a barrel-fermented Chardonnay from Sonoma. The red wines are a Brunello di Montalcino made with 100% Sangiovese, and a consistently delicious Malbec from Argentina. The pink wines include a rosé from Spain that is made with 100% old-vine Garnacha, while the other rosé is from Coteaux d'Aix en Provence and consists of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah.

Izadi Larrosa Garnacha Rosé 2020 (88+ pts)

From the mini-theme on Cool-Climate Chardonnay wines, two of the eleven wines featured are included among my top Chardonnay recommendations. Both of these delightful white wines are $25 and come from Niagara.

At the top of my red wine picks is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, and the rest a mix of other red and wine varieties. Also from Rhône is the Lirac that consists of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, while the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. The last wine from France is the Madiran which consists of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet Franc. From Portugal, the Douro red is mainly Touriga Nacional with Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Souzão in support, while the Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Château Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2016 (91 pts)

Among my white wine recommendations, the Vinho Verde is a blend of mainly Alvarinho with Trajadura in support, while the Rioja Blanco is a barrel-fermented blend of 70% Viura and 30% Maturana Blanca. From France, the Rhône white is a blend of roughly 70% Viognier and the rest equal parts Grenache Blanc and Clairette, while the Roussillon white is mainly Grenache Blanc with 20% Roussanne making up the final blend. Single varietal wines include a fine Chardonnay from Oregon, and an high-altitude Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina. The only wine with some sweetness is the off-dry Riesling Kabinett from Mosel.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!