Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of the perennially lovely Errázuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the August 21, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The renowned Viña Errázuriz was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errázuriz, a man whose family has played an important role in Chile's social and cultural life for over two and a half centuries. His passion for wine led him to plant Chile's first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley. By 1873, the winery had over 300 hectares of vineyards and launched their first wine. By 1890, Rafael Errázuriz, son of Don Maximiano, took over the property and established 700 hectares of vines, becoming the largest vineyard in the world in the hands of a single owner. Today, Viña Errázuriz is led by the fifth generation of the family - Eduardo Chadwick Claro.

Like the 2018 Errázuriz Syrah I enjoyed a couple of months ago, this lovely Cabernet Sauvignon is from Viña Errázuriz's "Specialties" range of wines that reflects the producer's exploration of the Aconcagua Valley for the best and purest expression of each variety through wines that show their true sense of origin. With two geographical landmarks making up this range (Mount Aconcagua and the Pacific Ocean), this particular Cabernet is from Aconcagua Alto, the highest area of the Aconcagua Valley.

This Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced primarily from Viña Errázuriz's Max vineyards in the interior of the Aconcagua Valley at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. These vineyards have a predominantly silty texture and are of colluvial origin, with particular nutrition and drainage conditions of the diverse soils helping control plant vigour to producer balanced fruit loads with small bunches and berries. The grapes were handpicked, double sorted, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged in French oak barrels (35% new) for 14 months.

The 2018 vintage experienced much-needed winter rainfall that replenished water levels, which was followed by a dry, slow-ripening season that allowed for good flavour accumulation. Moderate temperatures were slightly cooler-than-average and delivered structure and concentration to the grapes. Overall, the 2018 vintage in Chile is considered one of the best in recent years, and among the best in the last 20 years! Let's see how this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#203364) (XD) - $21.95
Rich, intense aromas of black and red fruits, currant, cassis, herbs, and sandalwood with hints of evergreen laying underneath. The full-bodied palate is ripe with blackberry, dark currant, cassis, and herbal flavours balanced by savoury, earthy, and oak undertones. It has tangy, juicy acidity, while the smooth, structured tannins are a bit tight. Tangy, savoury, and earthy, even some mineral, on the finish, with very good length. Enjoyable now, this lovely Cabernet Sauvignon will improve in 1-2 years and drink well to 2027. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines from Viña Errázuriz can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Catena Appellation Series White Clay 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely white wine composed of Semillón and Chenin Blanc - two grape varietals uncommonly blended together, from a country not really known for growing these varietals. It is a new arrival from Argentina, landing on LCBO shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the August 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Bodega Catena Zapata was founded by Nicola Catena when he planted his first vines in Mendoza in 1902. Today, the Catena family is recognized for its pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina led by the 4th generation of the Catena family - Dr. Laura Catena, and Winemaker Alejandro Vigil. This particular wine is from their Appellation "Village" range of wines that expresses the diversity of terroir and the historic farming customs of the local families. I've tasted a number of Catena Appellation wines, including most recently the 2019 Catena Appellation Tupungato Chardonnay, and they have all been lovely.

Semillón was first established in Argentina in the late 19th century and was among the most widely planted varietals. Since Semillón has been in sharp decline since the 1960s, today it is the 10th most widely planted white wine varietal. With just over 600 hectares of Semillón planted, it represents only 1.8% of the total surface area of all white wine varietals. 85% of Semillón plantings can be found in Mendoza, while the 5.6% is planted in Río Negro (Patagonia). In Mendoza, most of the plantings are in Tupungato, followed closely by Luján de Cuyo, where this Semillón is from. In Cuyo, Semillón acquires aromatic tones of white fruits and honey and evolves well in the bottle to form additional complexities.

Chenin Blanc is the 6th most widely planted white wine varietal in Argentina with approximately 1,700 hectares planted. Just like Semillón, unfortunately, plantings of Chenin also declined, with current levels half of what used to exist in 2002. Today, Chenin Blanc represents less than 5% of white wine varietal plantings in the country. However, Chenin Blanc has adapted well to Argentine terroirs, bringing freshness and structure to white blends with aromas of white peach.

Even though plantings of both Semillón and Chenin Blanc have declined, there is a renewed interest among winemakers in Argentina to rediscover these classic varieties. This white wine blend by Catena is a perfect example. It is a fairly new addition to the Catena portfolio as the 2019 appears to be only 2nd vintage of this wine, and it consists of 60% Semillón and 40% Chenin Blanc. The grapes were grown in Luján de Cuyo at an altitude of 950 metres (3,117 feet) on soils of alluvial origin with clay topsoil and rounded rocks on the bottom. Soil distribution is 30% clay, 40% silt, and 30% sand.

Tasting Note:

CATENA APPELLATION SERIES WHITE CLAY 2019 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#19392) (XD) - $19.95
This lovely blend of 60% Semillón and 40% Chenin Blanc spent 6 months in contact with lees has a medium to medium-high intensity nose that offers a pleasing mix of grapefruit, white floral, lemon peel, and leesy mineral aromas. The medium+ bodied palate is dry, fleshy and concentrated with lovely floral, lemon peel, grapefruit replays, plus some herbs and thyme flavours adding complexity and interest. It has balanced acidity, with flavours of apple and pear appearing on the mid-palate and continuing through to the long finish, where it is joined by leesy mineral notes. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

You can find other lovely wines by Catena at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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LAVAU Côtes du Rhône 2018 (France) - Wine Review

New to the LCBO, tonight's wine review is a delicious Côtes du Rhône red that arrived on shelves across Ontario over the weekend as part of the August 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Maison LAVAU, a family who has been involved in winemaking for several generations. Formerly of St. Emilion,, the Lavau family settled in the Rhône Valley in 1964. Today, Maison LAVAU is a negociant producer with 3 cellars in the Southern Rhône and with a partnership with over 300 grape growers, the Lavau family produces high-quality and authentic appellation and Cru-level wines from both the Southern and Northern Rhône Valleys. The cellar is managed by brothers Benoit and Frederic Lavau, and using long-held partnerships established with local growers, they are able to carefully choose the best terroir and grapes to create their blends.

This red wine is crafted from the Southern Rhône Valley's two most popular red grape varieties - Grenache and Syrah. Grenache is the emblematic grape varietal of the Southern Rhône Valley. It grows well in drought-like conditions, is often used in blends, and contributes much of the volume of wine in the Rhône Valley. Syrah is often trained because it is not very resistant to the Mistral winds, but produces beautiful purplish-hued wines with intense fruit aromas and spices, and is a great partner for blending with Grenache.

This particular red is made with 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, with fruit selected from vineyards planted on clay-limestone plains across the Southern Rhône Valley, stretching from Montélimar in the north to Nîmes in the south. At the winery, the grapes for this wine were completely de-stemmed and placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for maceration and fermentation. To complete the wine, it was aged in vats for 12 months prior to bottling. Although 2018 was a challenging growing season in Southern Rhône, the resulting wines were generally good, more densely concentrated than usual, and offered strong fruit flavours and structure. Let's see how this 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#18783) (XD) - $14.95
The blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah has a medium+ intensity nose of candied red cherry and red licorice layered over black fruits, and sweet spices, with hints of black pepper and savoury notes. On the medium bodied, slightly warming and dry palate, it has dark red fruit, plummy, black pepper spice, and savoury flavours with virtually no oak influence, It's supported by fresh, tangy acidity and grainy, structured, slightly chalky textured tannins. Savoury mineral notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy with a light chill. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Maison LAVAU are available at the LCBO, but can also be purchased through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Henri Champliau Brut Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé (France) - Wine Review (Aug. 2021)

Tonight's wine review is a lovely pink Crémant from Burgundy that is a new arrival to the LCBO this weekend. This Traditional Method sparkling wine is featured in the "Taste Wine Like A Pro" theme in the August 21 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Henri Champliau, a family winery located in the village of Mercurey, in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise sub-region of Burgundy. It was founded by Alexandre Graffard, the grandson of Henri Champliau. Alexandre's grandfather was a man who was passionate about his region of Burgundy and the riches it offered. He loved fine food, great wines, and owned vineyards in Mercurey, while always taking time to share his passion with Alexandre and others in the family. Alexandre's interest in wine started when he was 7 years old and today has an absolute admiration for the terroir and craftsmanship of Burgundy.

Henri Champliau produces only sparkling wines of Crémant de Bourgogne appellation, as well as a pair of Signature Cuvées that pay homage to Henri's passion for horse racing as a breeder and owner. They seek to craft wines of elegance, clarity, strength, and freshness. In order to achieve this level of quality, they pay great attention to the blend selection, respect the time spent maturing in the cellar, and use precise dosage quantities.

This non-vintage traditional method sparkling wine is crafted with fruit primarily from the 2016 vintage from vineyard plots dedicated to the production of Crémant de Bourgogne. The vines in these plots are worked specifically to obtain the best possible base wines, including limiting yields. The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed, and the bases are then vinified separately. To create their house style of wines, the base wines are meticulously blended, then bottled, while respecting the traditional method of second fermentation to create the bubbles and aged for a minimum of 12 months. To complete the wine, they carry out disgorgement, dosage, and finally label the bottles. This particular bubbly is predominantly Pinot Noir, which brings elegance and strength, and is joined by the freshness of Chardonnay, and the generosity and delicacy of Gamay, and was aged on its lees for at least a year. Let's see how this rosé sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

HENRI CHAMPLIAU BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE ROSÉ - Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France (#20945) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of approximately 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and 10% Gamay has a pretty, salmon-pink colour. The focused, intense nose offers fragrant toasty and brioche aromas accented with grapefruit, citrus, floral, and red berry notes. The crisp and dry palate has good weight along with fresh, vibrant acidity and bubbles. Appealing grapefruit, citrus, floral, red berry, and brioche flavours with a fine mineral texture. Elegant and nicely balanced overall with leesy mineral and brioche notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended dry sparkling wine. Lot #L1832-4HC. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely sparkling wines from Henri Champliau can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Closerie des Alisiers Bourgogne Chardonnay 2019 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely, unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy. It's a new arrival to the LCBO that's included in the August 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Closerie des Alisiers wines are produced by Stéphane Brocard, son of renowned Chablisian winegrower Jean-Marc Brocard. in 2007, Stéphane moved to Marsannay and founded his Trading House. In addition to owning his own vineyards, he also works with the same winegrowers and plots who share his philosophy to create authentic wines based on purity of fruit, freshness, and great respect for the terroir and environment.

In Burgundy, the concept of clos is very old, with the first clos appearing in the 7th century. The stone walls that formed a clos were initially of religious influence, but also made it possible to retain the soil gave personality to each Burgundy estate. A Closerie is a small clos, a small property surrounded by walls or hedges.

This Chardonnay was crafted using fruit from various regional appellations within Burgundy, from vines averaging 25 years of age that were farmed using Reasoned Agriculture. It was vinified in Burgundian tradition by sorting in the vineyard (or table), then pressing and settling, followed by fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness, fruit, and minerality of the terroirs. Typical for white Burgundy, this Chardonnay has no oak contact.

The 2019 vintage in Burgundy is described by many as "one of the best ever" due to the long, hot and dry summer, yielding ripe and concentrated fruit to produce rich and deeply aromatic wines. Let's see how this 2019 Bourgogne is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2019 - AC Burgundy, France (#20911) (XD) - $18.95
This unoaked Chardonnay has a rich, deep nose that delivers generous aromas of lemon citrus, white flowers, and earthy mineral with hints of ripe stone fruit, apple, and white peach. On the medium+ bodied, it has lovely ripe yellow fruit, citrus, earthy mineral, apple and floral flavours framed by bright acidity. Hints of honey and yellow plum join the mineral, citrus, and apple notes on the spicy mid-palate. Excellent length on the long, minerally finish. Highly recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Stéphane Brocard are available through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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August 21, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Mediterranean + Taste Wine Like Pros

With 159 wines listed, the upcoming August 21, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release is a big one. And just like the last Release, there are number of wines listed as a VINTAGES Online Exclusive (VOE) which are only mentioned and available for purchase on LCBO.com. The main theme of this Release tours the wines of the Mediterranean, while the mini-theme is titled "Taste Wine Like a Pro". All of the wines (except the VOEs, of course) should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with a tour across the Mediterranean, which includes wines from Italy, Southern France, and Spain. Of the 15 wines featured, the majority of which are from France, 4 are included among my top wine picks. From France, there is a lovely Bandol Rosé that is composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, and 25% Mourvèdre, while the Roussillon is an unoaked Carignan from 70+ year old vines. The other two wines are from Italy - one is a lovely Nero d'Avola from Sicily, while the other is an unoaked red made with the indigenous Gaglioppo varietal from Calabria.

The mini-theme on "Taste Wine Like a Pro" offers some useful tips if you are a relative newcomer to wine and want to learn how to taste wine. In addition to what is mentioned in the magazine, I would pay particular attention to the temperature of the wines being served, including the reds. Of the 10 wines list in this feature, 3 are included among my top wine recommendations. First up is a Traditional Method Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé that is made with 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and 10% Gamay. In still wines, there is the Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and the Muga which is a barrel fermented blend of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía de Rioja.

From my red wine recommendations, there are a pair of Côtes du Rhônes - the LAVAU is the blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, while the Dauphins consists of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. At the higher-end of the price scale, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, and 7% Cinsault. while the Tuscan red is 100% Sangiovese. Lastly, both reds from Argentina are 100% Malbec.

Although not listed below, there's also a fine quartet of sub-$20 red wines that I previously enjoyed and returned to VINTAGES in this release. These wines are: Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (90 pts), Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2019 (89 pts), Salentein Reserve Malbec 2018 (89 pts), and Château Hauchat 2018 (88+ pts).

Among my white wine picks, at the top of the list is a 2012 Crianza that was barrel-aged for 4 years and made with 100% Viura. The Argentinean white is a blend of 60% Semillón and 40% Chenin Blanc, while the dry Alsatian wine consists of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and Sylvaner. The Viognier from California is actually a blend of 83% Viognier, 6.7% Chardonnay, 5% Gewurztraminer, and 5.3% Muscat. The rest of the white wines are single varietals, and if you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, there are three others in addition to the one mentioned above that would make for an interesting comparative tasting. Lastly, the pale-coloured dry rosé from Argentina is (surprisingly!) made with 100% Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ALBERT BICHOT SÉLECTION PARCELLAIRE BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2018 - AC Beaujolais, France (#18781) (XD) - $13.95  88+ pts  wine review
• LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#18783) (XD) - $14.95  89 pts  wine review
• CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE 2019 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#14081) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• LIBRANDI DUCA SANFELICE CIRÒ RISERVA ROSSO 2017 - DOC, Calabria, Italy (#695874) (XD) - $17.95  90+ pts  wine review
• SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2018 - Valle del Limarí, Chile (#19236) (XD) - $17.95
• TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2018 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#343509) (XD) - $18.95
• CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#219261) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#203364) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
• MATÍAS RICCITELLI TINTO DE LA CASA 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#19400) (XD) - $29.95
• FEUDO MACCARI SAIA NERO D'AVOLA 2017 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#128967) (XD) - $29.95
• CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - AC, Rhone, France (#735407) (XD) - $59.95
• ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2017 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#12818) (XD) - $128.95

White Wine:

• MUGA BARREL FERMENTED WHITE 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#958736) (XD) - $17.95
• CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2019 - AC Burgundy, France (#20911) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• HUGEL GENTIL 2019 - AC Alsace, France (#367284) (XD) - $18.95  VOE
• MONTPELLIER VIOGNIER 2020 - California, USA (#658138) (D) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• BODEGA GARZÓN MALDONADO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Garzón, Uruguay (#12678) (XD) - $19.95
• CATENA APPELLATION SERIES WHITE CLAY 2019 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#19392) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#388421) (XD) - $23.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $27.95
• BROKENWOOD SEMILLON 2019 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#657726) (XD) - $27.95  FE
• LEYDA LOT 4 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Valle de Leyda, Chile (#18997) (XD) - $29.95
• R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA VIÑA GRAVONIA CRIANZA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#910711) (XD) - $44.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

• SALENTEIN RESERVE ROSÉ 2020 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#19555) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• LA CADIÉRENNE CUVÉE GRANDE TRADITION BANDOL ROSÉ 2020 - AC, Provence, France (#119453) (XD) - $24.95  91+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• PONGRÁCZ BRUT CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING CHARDONNAY/PINOT NOIR - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#404111) (XD) - $16.95  91 pts  wine review
• HENRI CHAMPLIAU BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE ROSÉ - Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France (#20945) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review

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Cellier des Dauphins Réserve 2019 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this delicious Côtes du Rhône red that comes to the LCBO this weekend, as part of the August 21st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of Cellier des Dauphins begins with the formation of Union of Côtes du Rhône winegrowers (UVCDR) in 1967. The UVCDR brought together 2,300 winemaking families in the southern Rhône Valley, a territory that covered 2,500 hectares of vines and approximately 20 AOCs. Founded in 1967 by UVCDR, Cellier des Dauphins has become the pride of the member winemakers as it has risen to regional preeminence. The sun-drenched wines of Cellier des Dauphins are highly esteemed and synonymous with the voluptuous south's art de vivre.

Proud of their terroir, the founding winemakers of Cellier des Dauphins are driven by constant innovation, preparing for the future, and striving relentlessly to raise quality from vine to glass. They have a wide variety of soils and terroirs within their vineyards which offers oenologists a rich palette of grapes for blending. Cellier des Dauphins is committed to sustainable agriculture and has launched various eco-friendly initiatives to meet this goal. Their goal is to ensure that their wines are environmentally-sound by reducing their environmental footprint, earning Haute Valeur Environnementale accreditation, and reducing by-product waste. As of today, Cellier des Dauphins has over 1,000 hectares of organically farmed vines.

Tasting Note:

CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE 2019 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#14081) (XD) - $16.95
Harvested at full maturity on sunny terroirs in the Côtes du Rhône, this blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah has a medium+ intensity nose that offers red berry, raspberry, and spice aromas with subtle savoury and mineral undertones. On the fleshy, medium-full bodied palate it has very ripe red currant, raspberry, and spice flavours that are balanced with tangy, juicy acidity. Touch grapey on the mid-palate. The refined, grainy tannins are a bit tight, while the taut finish tapers to savoury and slightly mineral, with very good length. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Cellier des Dauphins can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Churchill Cellars Ltd.

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