Axel Pauly Generations Mosel Riesling 2019 (Germany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly, off-dry Riesling from Mosel that arrived at the LCBO as a VINTAGES Online Exclusive in the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release and can be purchased online only at LCBO.com.

Axel Pauly is the third generation of the family to work the vines on the very steep slopes of Mosel. Passed along from his grandfather to his father, Axel started managing the cellar in 2004, and then took over the entire family estate in 2009. In 2011, the family suffered a stroke of fate and the winery burned to the ground. When the estate was rebuilt over the next several years, a wine cellar was added, and in 2014 it was voted one of the 50 most beautiful by the German Wine Institute.

Today, Axel Pauly is considered to be one of the rising stars of the Mosel and is an active member of the next Next Generation of young German winemakers. Practicing artisanal viticulture and winemaking, Axel cultivates his wines on approximately 9 hectares of vines, most of which are planted to Riesling. The vineyards all face south or southwest and consist exclusively of different layers of slate rock. The wines of Axel Pauly are characterized by clarity, a crystalline characteristic, length and great minerality.

Although 2019 was a demanding vintage for winegrowers in the Mosel with frost in spring, drought, heat and sunburn in summer, and rain in autumn, along with reduced yields, winegrowers were generally very satisfied with the quality of the grapes and the resulting wines. This grapes for this 2019 Riesling were grown on blue and grey slate soils in a cool climate, hand-picked, macerated for 10 hours, and underwent spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks using natural yeast. The wine was matured on fine lees for 4-5 months and spent some time in bottle prior to release.

Interesting fact about the label - if you turn the bottle the left and on its side, you will see the profiles of the three winemaking generations of the Pauly family. Also combined in this image is an overhead view of the Mosel River.

Let's see how this fine off-dry Riesling is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

AXEL PAULY GENERATIONS MOSEL RIESLING 2019 - Vegan, Qualitätswein, Germany (#21033) (M) - $22.95
Screw cap. 100% Riesling grown on blue and grey slate soils, the medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of apricot, peach, citrus, and melon with a subtle slatey mineral character and a whiff of petrol. It has fine, crisp, lively acidity that balances the sweet, ripe fruit with delicious off-dry flavours of apricot, peach, honeyed citrus, and slatey minerals with very good fruit concentration. Subtly spicy, zesty, and chalky textured on the mid-palate. Finishes dry with slatey minerals and a pleasantly chalky texture on the long, clean, and juicy finish. Score: 90+ pts

There is another fine Riesling by Axel Pauly available at the LCBO, while others can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

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Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Coletto Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Malbec that was originally supposed to arrive at the LCBO during the summer, but it's release got pushed back to last week's VINTAGES Classics Collection Release on October 7th - and it was certainly worth the wait!

Since its founding in 1883, Bodega Trapiche has received international recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Their understanding of the land is their most valuable asset, and combined with state-of-the-art technology allows Trapiche to venture into otherwise unchartered territory. Trapiche is contantly challenging what is known and pioneered the use of French varieties, French oak barrels, and crafting micro-terroir wines. In order to do their part for the environment,

Trapiche also practices biodynamic winemaking to preserve the natural properties of the crops by eliminating the use of chemicals, herbicides and fungicides, and calculating the moon cycles for harvest. Additionally, they also look to sustain ecosystem balance, biological diversity, and recover bacterial activity in the soil. They believe that to keep on producing, innovating and educating about their wines, they must respect what nature provides.

This red wine is from Trapiche's Terroir Series range - a group of single vineyard wines which aim to convey the extraordinary potential of Mendoza's terroir and its imprint on the Argentina's flagship varietal - Malbec. This particular Malbec is from Finca Coletto - a 58+ year-old vineyard in El Peral, within Tupungato, Uco Valley, that has consistently shown outstanding quality over the years and is one Uco Valley's best expressions of Malbec. The grapes were grown at an altitude of 1,127 metres (3,700 feet) above sea level on alluvial, sandy soils that sit over a layer of rock. The grapes were manually harvested, de-stemmed, then fermented using wild yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks, eggs, and square tanks. For 18 months, 75% of the wine was aged in new French 300 L oak barrels, while the rest was aged 6.000 L oak foudre, followed by further ageing for 12 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA COLETTO MALBEC 2017 - El Peral, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#482968) (XD) - $45.00
The medium-high intensity nose is deep and dark fruited, slightly reductive and bretty, but laying underneath are complex aromas of spice, black and red fruit, currant, forest floor, earthy, and stony mineral notes. On the impressively structured, medium-full bodied palate it has lovely dark fruited blackberry, blueberry, stony mineral, and dried spice notes with hints of black plum. Succulent acids are fresh and juicy, while the suave, structured tannins have a slightly chalky grip. Some warmth on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced. Excellent length on the stony mineral, slightly tart berry finish. Enjoyable now, but still a few years away from prime drinking. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Trapiche are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Vini Ventures - A New Experience in Virtual Wine Tastings

In response to growing demand for private and corporate sustainable wine tastings, Toronto-based entrepreneur Michelle Paris, DipWSET, launched Vini Ventures - Canada's first virtual wine tasting company that focuses on environmental and sustainable practices. I received this sample box of six wines to experience Vini Ventures firsthand.

Launched to great acclaim over the summer, Vini Ventures creates one hundred per cent bespoke, high quality wine tasting kits delivered directly and safely to the customer's door. With an ongoing commitment to a plastic-free planet, Vini Ventures' wine kits are produced using recyclable and reusable glass bottles, packaging made with minimum 75 per cent recycled paper, and recyclable packing materials.

Vini Ventures' uses a vacuum bottle filler system to ensure the wines are fresh and stable. Given that the wines have had minimal exposure to oxygen, all bottles are topped with ArT Wine Preserver to remove oxygen and replaced with Argon - the industry standard for food and wine preservation. Furthermore, by using only glass bottles, the wine is fully protected from oxygen ingress.

The wine kits are fully customizable from three to six bottles per box, and bottle sizes start at two ounces - which are ideal for wine classes, study and tasting groups. There's also a handy QR code in each box so recipients can access tasting notes for each wine that is selected either by the client or Vini Ventures. The company also provides expertise on planning and executing wine tasting events that are fully- or self-guided, large or small, and their clients have ranged from wine associations and producers, to corporate, consumer and private companies. Labels on the bottles can also be customized to suit your brand and needs.

To perfect the art of food and wine pairing, Vini Ventures has partnered with Toronto's La Palette, Cheese Boutique, and other local providers to further personalize each tasting kit. There is a range of quality charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks at different price points which can be customized for each unique Vini Ventures delivery.

All of the wines in my sample box that I tasted tonight were fresh and tasted great - my full tasting notes are provided below. In case you are interested in any of these wines, you might be able to find them at the LCBO.

Contact Vini Ventures to get started on your wine adventure!

Tasting Notes:

LITORALE VAL DELLE ROSE VERMENTINO 2019 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (XD)
Fresh, intense aromas of lemon citrus, herbs, and ripe pear, accented by hints of lemon pith, leesy and saline mineral. The medium-full to full-bodied palate is creamy textured and ripe with lovely pear, apple, lemon citrus flavours, along with herbal touches. Refreshing acids lift the palate, along with saline notes on the mid-palate. Slightly spicy on the tail end with saline, leesy mineral, and zesty notes lingering on the long finish. Score: 90 pts

ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (XD)
The highly aromatic nose offers intense tropical fruit aromas of guava, kiwi, and passion fruit that mingle with subtle smoky and oak influence. It’s full bodied with lovely interplays between the oak vanillin and tropical fruit flavours on the crunchy palate, joined by grapefruit and lemon citrus notes that add complexity. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced. Crisp and long on the lip-smacking finish. Score: 90 pts

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 - AC, France (XD)
This has a medium+ intensity nose that is ripe and fruit forward with plummy, dark red cherry, blueberry, candied licorice and sweet spice aromas. The medium+ bodied palate is also ripe with black-red-blue berry, dark plum, and spice flavours, with savoury, stony mineral undertones. Acids are well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and refined. Savoury and stony on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

BARON DE LEY RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (XD)
Made with Tempranillo, the medium-high intensity nose delivers sandalwood, sweet oak vanillin, red cherry, and coconut aromas, all of which come through on the flavour profile of the medium-full bodied palate, joined by some maturing dried cherry and floral notes. It has very good, juicy acidity, while the well-integrated tannins have a slight grip. Very good length on the finish with savoury, earthy, wood, and red cherry notes with a touch of graphite. Score: 89 pts

ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BARON VON NEMESIS SHIRAZ 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD)
The medium-high intensity nose is ripe and fruit with slightly jammy aromas of blackberry, mint, herbs, and cedar wood with some underlying meaty notes. It’s medium-full bodied with smooth, ripe, and sweet tannins on the dry palate with pleasing aroma replays of ripe dark fruit, blackberry, herbal mint, and wood spice. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while the finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (XD)
The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, and smoke, with touches of olive, herb and wood spice adding interest. The ripe, full-bodied palate has delightful aroma replays of blackberry and black cherry with touches of violet, boysenberry, smoke, and bramble with a savoury and spicy underpinning and fresh acidity. The elegant, well-structured tannins provide a nice mouthfeel. Smoky mineral notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Score: 89 pts

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El Enemigo Syrah/Viognier 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

During Thanksgiving Day long weekend in 2020, I enjoyed a pair of lovely wines from El Enemigo. Surprisingly, a full year later and almost to the day, I am once again enjoying a fine wine from Argentina's El Enemigo with tonight's red wine review - a lovely Syrah/Viognier blend which newly arrived across Ontario last weekend as part of the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

El Enemigo Wines was co-created in 2010 by Winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena. Their philosophy since the beginning is that the land precedes us. The grapes grow and ripen in its care and Alejandro and Adrianna do their part by lending a helping hand while the fruit and terroir do their art. El Enemigo was born out of a desire to carve their own path as they thrive in the thrill of experimentation and delight in the new and unconventional. Alejandro and Adrianna have a shared obsession of terroir and with bottle their aim to create wines that reflect the freshness and character of each vineyard and offer a put expression of their terroir.

This red wine is a blend of two grapes not widely grown in Argentina - Syrah and Viognier. Historically, Syrah was used in the production of blends in Argentina. However, it's popularity has risen over the last decade to become the 4th most widely cultivated red varietal in the country and represents 10% of all red grape varietals. In cooler regions like the Uco Valley - where this wine is from, Syrah produces well-structured wines suitable for ageing. Viognier was introduced in Argentina in 1993 and has been gradually unveiled to become more interesting over time. Today, Viognier is the 8th most cultivated white wine varietal, representing just 2% of all white wine varietals.

Grown in the high altitude Gualtallary GI in Tupungato, within the Mendoza region, this red wine is a co-fermented blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier. The Syrah was grown at 1,470 metres (4,822 feet) above sea level on sandy soil, while the Viognier was grown at 1,400 metres (4,593 feet) above sea level on deep-calcareous and rocky soils. It was fermented using wild yeast and aged for 7 months in 100-year-old foudre. As we have seen in other parts of the world, Syrah and Viognier often make good partners, let's see how this Argentinean Syrah-Viognier blend tastes tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO SYRAH/VIOGNIER 2017 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19390) (XD) - $24.95
A blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, this has elegant, refined, and complex aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, black pepper spice, violet, and meaty with savoury undertones and floral touches rising out of the glass. It's medium+ bodied with lovely ripe blackberry, black pepper spice, meaty, violet, and floral notes on the flavour profile. Fine stony mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate, and it's all supported by fresh, balanced acidity and refined, nicely textured, and plush tannins. Savoury with stony minerals, cocoa, blackberry, and florals linger on the long, very satisfying finish. For Syrah wine lovers. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

You can find other lovely wines from El Enemigo through their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.

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Vanderpump Rosé 2020 (Provence) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely Vanderpump Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines from California back in July, tonight's wine review completes the look at the Vanderpump portfolio with this deliciously dry rosé that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the Sept. 18th LCBO VINTAGES Release, and is also featured again this month in the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

With many decades in the hospitality industry worldwide, the Vanderpump family developed an appreciation for wines of outstanding quality. After living in the South of France for many years, rosé became a passion for the family, inspiring them to create Vanderpump Wines. In 2017, the family created their own rosé in the classic Provence style and launched their first wine - the Vanderpump Rosé - using grapes from the sun-drenched region of Côtes de Provence.

Now in its fifth vintage, the 2020 Vanderpump Rosé is comprised of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah that was sourced from the gorgeous vineyards of the Côtes de Provence AOP, France. More specifically, the grapes come from the interior Valley of Provence and Sainte Victoire, where there is plentiful sunshine and frequent dry, cool mistral winds blow in from the north. The vineyard soils are primarily clay, limestone pebbles and sand, and the hillsides are covered with wild lavender, rosemary and thyme. Crafted in the classical, dry Provencal rosé style, the wine has minimal skin contact to produce a pretty, pale peach colour. Let's see how this dry rosé is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VANDERPUMP ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#14808) (XD) - $29.95
This blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah has a fresh, medium to medium-high intensity nose that delivers dry aromas of grapefruit, citrus, and stone fruits with underlying red currant, minerals, and herbs. The full palate is dry with a honeyed flavour profile of peach, strawberry, grapefruit, citrus, red currant, and spice. It has fresh, lively acidity, while leesy minerals, strawberry, and citrus with a twist of honey linger on the dry, crisp finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

All of the wines from the Vanderpump portfolio are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Hedges CMS Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and CMS Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (Washington) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely wines from Washington State. The Cabernet Sauvignon arrived at LCBO outlets across Ontario this weekend as part of the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release, while the 2019 vintage of the Sauvignon Blanc also arrived in the same Release, but only at Flagship stores in limited quantities.

These two wines are produced by Hedges Family Estate, a family winery whose story begins when Washington State native Tom Hedges marries Anne-Marie Liégeois in her hometown in Champagne, France. With a passion for authenticity and a deep connection to the land in Washington, the Hedges family began shipping their wines to Taiwan in 1986, and a year later Hedges Cellars was born. In 1989, Tom and Anne-Marie purchased 50 acres of land on Red Mountain in the Yakima Valley and planted forty hectares of Bordeaux varieties. With continued success, the Hedges family broke ground in 1995 on their new Chateau on the coveted Red Mountain.

Tom and Anne-Marie's children - Sarah and Christophe - worked in the vineyards and at the winery, eventually earning prominent roles in the family business. In 2005, Christophe Hedges was promoted to Director of National Sales and Marketing, while Sarah Hedges Goedhart followed a year later to become Assistant Winemaker and became the Head Winemaker in 2015.

In 2008, the Hedges Estate Vineyard was converted to biodynamic farming, and by 2019 all five of their vineyards were converted to biodynamics. The Hedges family also sources fruit for some of them wines, including the two reviewed below, and ensure that these vineyards meet their requirements for sustainable farming. The family fosters a true homegrown approach to farming and viticulture, while also uniting the past and present, and evolving tradition for generations to come. Their winemaking philosophy is of less intervention and filtration

Tasting Notes:

HEDGES CMS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#20496) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. This white wine is a unique blend of 78% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, and 2% Marsanne with a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose delivering an attractive and unique bouquet of passion fruit and guava aromas mingling with ripe apple, pear, butter, grapefruit, citrus, and touches of floral characters. The ripe, full palate is slightly creamy with bright acidity and stone fruit, ripe apple, grapefruit, and citrus flavours with underlying guava and white floral notes. Subtle chalky texture on the mid-palate, while lemon peel and leesy mineral notes linger on the long, crisp, lip-smacking finish. Chill and enjoy! Score: 90 pts

HEDGES CMS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#20491) (XD) - $29.95
Blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 8% Syrah. The medium-high intensity nose offers dark fruited blackberry and plum aromas accented with savoury, cocoa, wet earth, and touches of black pepper spice and brett. It's full-bodied, structured, and chewy with smooth, refined, and supple tannins and fresh, juicy acidity that supports the dark fruit, blackberry, cocoa, and earthy flavours. Some peppery spice, tobacco, and dried herbs add complexity on the mid-palate. Savoury cocoa notes linger on the long finish. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Hedges Family Estate are available through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this always delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia that arrived at the LCBO approximately two of weeks ago, as part of the September 18th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The Taylors family founded Wakefield Wines in Australia's Clare Valley in 1969 after making wines for many years prior. Today, three generations of the family are involved in the business, with a goal of producing fine wines with great dedication and care, while also respecting the fruit. Sustainability is also a core value of the Taylor family, and by being responsible they hope to leave a legacy that lasts for future generations.

I enjoyed the 2017 Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon when it showed up in LCBO VINTAGES last March and am curious to see how this latest vintage compares. For 2018, the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes is identical to the previous vintage - 56% Clare Valley and 44% Coonawarra fruit.

In Clare Valley, the 2018 vintage growing season was one of the warmest and driest in recent times - only 2016 was warmer - and helped produce some excellent wines. One of the great things about this vintage is that there were no major heatwaves, thus it was very calm and controlled. In Coonawarra, the growing season delivered superb vintage conditions with fruit of outstanding quality - a slow and cool ripening yielded fruit with fine tannins and strong varietal characters. Let's see how this 2018 Australia Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose is cool, minty and leafy herbal, layered with red and black fruits, currant, and cassis aromas with gentle wood spice accents. On the ripe, full-bodied palate, it has delicious mint, leafy herb, blackberry, and dark currant flavours with touches of tobacco leaf and coffee, supported by succulent, balanced acidity and fine, structured, well-integrated, and slightly chalky tannins. Some intriguing salty and tangy notes on the mid-palate, while the finish has savoury, woody and hints of coffee, with very good length. Great vintage for this wine. Recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Wakefield Wines are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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