Argentina National Wine Day Nov. 24, 2021 - Virtual Tasting Event

I had the pleasure of attending a virtual wine tasting event a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Argentina's National Wine Day - an event held annually since November 24, 2010, the day when a presidential decree was signed recognizing wine as the country's national drink and honouring the wine industry's contribution to Argentina's national identity. This virtual event was presented by The Embassy of Argentina, The Consulate of Argentina in Toronto, and Wines of Argentina. Leading the tasting of the 4 wines (all are lovely and reviewed below) was Argentine wine writer and oenologist, Joaquin Hidalgo, and moderated by Christopher Waters, Dip, WSET, Director of Education at IWEG, as they explored the diversity, resiliency and culture of Argentina through its national drink: Vino Argentino.

The first Vitis Vinifera vines were introduced in Argentina by Spanish settlers in 1551 and they soon discovered that the soil and weather conditions favoured the growth of vines, especially in regions near the Andes Mountains. With the first Quinta Normal de Agricultura (School of Agriculture) inaugurated in 1853, the wine industry expanded nationwide. Fast forward to more recent times, modernization of the wine industry occurred during the 90s, leading to more wine being produced, as well as much more wine being exported to markets worldwide. Today, Argentina is the world's 5th largest wine producer, and 10th largest wine exporter with 895 wineries producing Vino Argentino. Locally, Argentina is the 9th most consumer of wine, with Buenos Aires 2nd in wine consumption per capita, behind only Paris.

Winegrowing activities are spread throughout the Argentina, from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south, as well as in the Atlantic provinces. However, the workhorse of winegrowing in the country is the Cuyo region, representing 95% of the country's cultivated surface area. Moreover, Cuyo is the most prolific winegrowing region in South America and one of the most important worldwide.

Cuyo means "desert country" in the Huarpe Millcayac language of the native peoples that inhabited this area, prior to the arrival of the colonizers. This area is an arid and fertile region located in the central-west of the country, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. Making up Cuyo are the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan, and the famous Mendoza. Importantly, it is in Cuyo where the diverse character of Argentine viticulture is most evident. The region has a semi-arid climate with scarce vegetation, cold winters and hot summers which are enhanced by the influence of the Andes that also shows off its highest altitudes here and provides the main source of irrigation. The pure snowmelt water from the Andes feeds the main rivers of the region, which are then used by a system of reservoirs and channels for the irrigation of crops.

All of the lovely wines included as part of this tasting are from Mendoza. Malbec is by far the most widely grown varietal in the country, and these two wines are a chance to compare and contrast. Cabernet Sauvignon is becoming more widely planted, while Semillon from Argentina is a rare treat here in Ontario. The Cabernet Sauvignon arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on the weekend, while the other 3 wines are available right now in LCBO VINTAGES for your enjoyment as you explore some of the diverse wines of Argentina.

Tasting Notes:

NIETO SENETINER SEMILLON 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19399) (XD) - $15.95
100% Semillon from vineyards planted in 1947 at more than 1,200 metres (3,930 feet) altitude, with 30% of the wine aged in barrels for 10 months. The elegant, fragrant, and complex nose delivers lovely aromas of paraffin, white floral, smoke, and herbs surrounding a core of white fleshed orchard fruit. The medium-full bodied, concentrated, structured, and powdery-textured palate is dry with spicy flavours of orchard fruit, tangy citrus, white floral, and herbs backed by fresh, lively, and juicy acidity. The paraffin and smoky flavours return on the leesy mineral finish, with excellent length. New in Oct. 30 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Agent: Sylvestre Wines & Spirits. Score: 90 pts

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#452672) (XD) - $18.95 $16.95 until Jan. 2, 2022
This 100% Malbec was grown in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, from vines averaging 35 years of age, and between 900 to 1,100 metres (2,950 to 3,600 feet) altitude. It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers lovely aromas of ripe, dark fruited, blackberry, black cherry, and dark currant aromas surrounding a core of smoky, earthy, and savoury mineral. On the ripe, full-bodied, and fleshy palate, it has spicy dark berry flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and grilled herb with violet and boysenberry accents, followed by savoury, stony mineral notes. Acids are fresh, juicy, and well-balanced, while the smooth, refined tannins are dusty textured. Subtly spicy on the mid-palate, with smoky, stony mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. VINTAGES Essentials. Agent: FWM Canada. Score: 89 pts

LUPA MALBEC 2018 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#629964) (XD) - $38
100% Malbec from 60 year old vines grown on calcareous soils of alluvial origin at 1,180 metres (3,609 feet) above sea level. It was fermented in concrete tanks with native yeasts, then aged for 21 months in mostly used French oak barrels. Recyclable, plant-based cork. Fine, attractive, and highly aromatic nose has spicy and minerally aromas surrounding a core of ripe dark berry, blackberry, and purple fruit, accented with dried herbs and subtle wood spice. It’s medium-full bodied and slightly warming with spicy, ripe blackberry, violet, mineral, and wood flavours supported by juicy, mouth-watering acidity. The structured and refined tannins are lightly chalky textured and drying. Very satisfying, minerally aftertaste with excellent length on the finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. VINTAGES Classics September 2021. Agent: DB Wine & Spirits. Score: 91+ pts

BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA GRAN LURTON SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#980334) (XD) - $24.95
The fresh, fragrant nose offers lovely dark red fruited, cassis, currant, earthy, and mineral aromas accented with leafy herbs and whiffs of cocoa powder. On the full-ish bodied palate it is ripe and complex with tangy red and black fruits, currant, blackberry, raspberry, black plum, oak spice, and graphite flavours, all supported by fresh, juicy acidity. The structured and youthful tannins are quite firm and drying at this stage. Lovely graphite and dark berry notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Approachable now, but will reward cellaring for 2-3 years. Dec. 11 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Agent: Trajectory Beverage Partners. Score: 90 pts

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Greywacke Marlborough Pinot Gris 2017 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent, off-dry Pinot Gris from New Zealand that arrived at the LCBO in limited quantities over the weekend as part of the recent November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Greywacke (pronounced Greywacky) is the Marlborough label of iconic winemaker Kevin Judd. After spending many years working at another winery, he wanted to create his own label of wines and established Greywacke in 2009. The name comes from New Zealand's most abundant bedrock and these understated grey river stones are found throughout Marlborough's rivers alluvial vineyard soils.

Today, Greywacke is very much a Judd family affair with a keep it simple and hands-on approach, with minimal intervention techniques adopted for winemaking. Greywacke is located in the heart of Marlborough's Omaka Valley, one of the Southern Valleys, and the fruit is sourced from mature vineyards in prime viticultural sites. All of the vineyards are sustainably managed, with substantial and increasing portions coming from organically farmed sites. Kevin is also a renowned photographer, using his own photos that adorn the labels of his wines.

Much of fruit for this 100% Pinot Gris is from the Selection Ovaille and Mission clones grown at the Wrekin Terrace Vineyard in the Brancott Valley, a valley floor site on gravelly clay-loam soils that is typical of the Southern Valleys. A smaller parcel of fruit is from the Entav 52 clone that is known for its small bunch and berry size and was grown at the Riverbrook Vineyard in Rapaura where the young alluvial soils contain high proportions of greywacke river stones. All of the grapes were hand-picked at high ripeness levels, then whole bunch pressed. Most of the resulting juice was naturally fermented with indigenous yeast in old French oak barriques, while the rest was fermented with cultured yeast in stainless steel tanks. Towards the end of the fermentation, all of the wine was combined into stainless steels tanks, then aged on yeast lees for a year, with 6 months spent in old barrels followed by 6 months in stainless steel tanks.

While I had the pleasure and honour of tasting this same Pinot Gris at the winery with Kevin back in March 2020, I am curious to see how it has evolved and tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#994939) (D) - $29.95
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose offers an initial flinty, sulphide, yeasty mineral, and lightly nose tingling experience, but laying underneath are rich, ripe and complex aromas of stone fruit, pear, apple, peach, citrus, floral, and grapefruit with touches of honey. On the rich, ripe, concentrated, and creamy palate are off-dry flavours of poached pear, ginger, honey, and spice. Slightly warming on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced with juicy acidity. Honeyed ginger, citrus, spice, and yeasty minerals linger on the long finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Small quantities of other excellent wines from Greywacke are available at the LCBO, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent Malbec from Argentina that returned to the LCBO over the weekend, as part of the recent November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Bodega Trapiche was founded in 1883 when founder Tiburcio Benegas purchased the property that contained asmall vineyard. The winery was passed down through generations of the family, and was eventually sold to the Pulenta family in 1971 and became one of several brands owned by the new owners. Today, Trapiche is the largest producer of wine in Argentina, and is owned by Grupo Peñaflor, one of the top ten largest wine producers worldwide. Since it's founding, Bodega Trapiche has received worldwide recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. With a fairly deep understanding of the land, combined with state-of-the-art technology, Trapiche ventures into otherwise unchartered territory to constantly challenge what is known and gain a fuller understanding of the land. Pioneers in Argentina, Trapiche innovated with the introduction of French varieties, the use of French oak barrels, and the production of micro-terroir wines.

This Malbec is from the same range of wines as the 2016 Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed last year. The Gran Medalla range is an homage to the winery's 125th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2008, and the grapes for these wines are crafted using their best vineyards in the Uco Valley to create exceptional wines that epitomizes all of the potential of Argentina's flagship varieties.

The 2017 growing season was a great success with a return to characteristically dry weather delivering intensely flavoured grapes, although with reduced yields due to a spring frost. In general, the 2017 vintage produced refined, terroir-driven Malbec-based wines, especially in prime districts within the Uco Valley, such as this Malbec which was grown in the Las Piedras vineyard in the Uco Valley. I've tasted previous vintages of this lovely Malbec and it always pleases. Let's see how this 2017 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $28.95
100% Malbec from the Las Piedras vineyard in the Uco Valley and aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely, rich, dark fruited aromas of blackberry, new wood spice, purple fruits, wet earth, and savoury notes. On the medium-full bodied palate, it has more ripe blackberry, fine wood spice, violets, and savoury earthy flavours all wrapped around fine, fresh acidity and refined, structured, and lightly chalky textured tannins. Some earthy minerals and spices add complexity on the mid-palate. Ripe and tangy blackberry flavours along with earthy, wood, and savoury notes linger on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Trapiche wines are plentiful at the LCBO, but other lovely wines can also be found through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend 2018 (Hawke's Bay) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Bordeaux varietal from Hawke's Bay in New Zealand that arrived at the LCBO this weekend, as part of the November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Trinity Hill was jointly established in the early 1990's on a stony site in Hawke's Bay, on the North Island of New Zealand, by founding winemaker John Hancock and Robert and Robyn Wilson over a glass of wine. Together, they were convinced that they could produce world-class wines in this region by recognizing the outstanding potential of Hawke's Bay's Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district. In 1993, Trinity Hill became one of the region's early pioneers by planting grapevines on a barren plot on the former bed of the Ngaruroro River, a vineyard that is now 18 hectares and known as the Gimblett Estate Vineyard. In 1998, they produced their first Gimblett Road wines to critical acclaim and a number of awards. In 2000, a 20 hectare parcel of prime Gimblett Gravels land was purchased and planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot - a vineyard now known as the Gimblett Stones Vineyard. A year later, Trinity Hill joined the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association as a founding member.

Having tasted and enjoyed the 2015 and 2014 Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend wines in prior years, this wine is always a multi-varietal blend led by Merlot, with supporting varietals changing with each vintage. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 32% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec using grapes grown in the Gimblett Stones and Tin Shed Vineyards within the Gimblett Gravels appellation in Hawke's Bay. Each individual vineyard parcel was harvested separately and gently de-stemmed prior to fermentation. It was fermented to extract a soft, complex structure, followed by extended skin maceration for up to 4 weeks to further integrate and soften the tannins. After 15 months of aging in a combination of small French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, the individual blocks were blended to create the ideal wine.

The growing season in 2018 was very warm with humid conditions arriving in late summer and autumn - ideal conditions to produce rich, supple, ripe, and robust red varietals. Trinity Hill winemaker Warren Gibson was very enthusiastic about the results of the 2018 vintage, describing it has a "cracker" of a vintage. Let's see how this 2018 red wine from Hawke's Bay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRINITY HILL THE TRINITY RED BLEND 2018 - Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#551630) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. This delicious blend of 32% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec has a medium to medium-high intensity nose offering rich dark fruited, plum, and leathery accents with currant, cassis, cedar wood spice, and savoury earthy undertones adding complexity. On the medium+ bodied, ripe and dark fruited palate it is spicy with black and blue fruits, currant, cassis, plum, and savoury cocoa flavours, all framed by fresh acidity and smooth, dusty, and well-integrated tannins. Savoury cocoa with blackcurrant notes linger on the long, supple finish, with very good length. A recommended buy best enjoyed over the next 3-4 years. Score: 89 pts

While a very small quantity of other wines from Trinity Hill are available at the LCBO, they can also be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2020 (Midi) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2018 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc at the beginning of this year, tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of a perennial favourite from Roussillon that arrives at the LCBO tomorrow as part of the November 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This white wine is produced by the legendary Rhône producer M. Chapoutier. The origins of this company go back to the year 1808, but today it is owned by Michel Chapoutier who took over the reigns in 1990. In 2000, Chapoutier purchased its first estate in Roussillon and this particular wine is from Domaine de Bila-Haut, a domain that Chapoutier founded in Latour-de-France, Roussillon. Today, Mathilde and Maxime, the children of Michel, form the next generation of the Chapoutier family to join business, and together they perpetuate the family tradition and vision to craft wines based on the concept of terroir.

For this vintage, the blend remains a mix of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. The grapes come from limestone, clay soils, and gneiss in the Agly Valley, as well as from granite soils at 500 metre higher altitude, later ripening sites. There were manually harvested early in the morning and hand selected to protect the aromas, following by pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It was aged for a few months in order to preserve freshness and enhance minerality. Despite record-low yields in what was a challenging growing season, the 2020 vintage, in general, produced wines exhibiting the perfect trilogy of elegance, freshness and complexity. Let's see how this 2020 Roussillon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2020 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95
This lovely blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu has fresh, elegant, ripe, and honeyed aromas of floral, lemon citrus, orange blossom, and apple rising out of the glass with hints of grapefruit and smoky notes. On the medium+ bodied, slightly creamy palate, it has very good concentration with lovely, ripe, honeyed flavours of floral, lemon citrus, grapefruit, and leesy minerals in a dry flavour profile. It's very well-balanced and nicely textured with fresh acidity, while leesy minerals, with touches of white florals and citrus lingering on the long, flavourful, and slightly spicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from M. Chapoutier are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

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November 27, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Finest Holiday Wines + Local Sparkling

The November 27, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release is the 2nd to last release of the year and the main theme is titled "Finest Holiday Wines", while in the Local Talent feature there are a few, fine sparkling wines from Ontario. All of these wines should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on Finest Holiday Wines - a group of sixteen wines which can be purchased as gifts or to add to your personal collection. While many of the wines featured in this thematic are of high-quality, I have opted to include just five of these wines. At the top of this list is the latest vintage of the Solaia Super Tuscan that is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 7% Cabernet Franc. From Bolgheri, the Guado al Tasso is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, while the iconic Ornellaia consists of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Moving away from Italy, the Red from Niagara is a blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 6% Tannat, while the Rioja consists of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, and 5% Graciano.

In the feature on Local Talent, the theme is on sparkling wines and there are a few beauties among the group and all of my recommendations are crafted in the traditional method. First up is the 2016 Blanc de Blancs that is made with Chardonnay, while the 2015 sparkling wine from 13th Street is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Lastly, the Sparkling Rosé is made with Pinot Noir.

From my top red wine recommendations, the red wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Rhône red consists of 75% Grenache, the rest Syrah, and a dollop of Mourvedre to complete the blend. The Portuguese red consists of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. New Zealand has a large and strong showing in this release with a pair of lovely reds included among my wine picks - an excellent Marlborough Pinot Noir and a red blend from Hawke's Bay that consists of 32% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. From Italy, the Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese, while the Brunello is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, and lastly, the Barolo is 100% Nebbiolo.

Additionally, there are also a couple of lovely reds not listed below as they came through VINTAGES earlier this year, but have returned to the LCBO as part of this release - the 2018 Clos de Los Siete (90+ pts, $25) and the 2015 Lealtanza Reserva (90 pts, $22) - and both are worth checking out if you missed them the first time.

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is the wine from Roussillon that consists of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. Notable single varietal wines includes a beautiful 2019 Sancerre (which is made with Sauvignon Blanc), as well as a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand. If you like your wines a little sweet, look for the delicious Pinot Gris from New Zealand or the semi-sweet Riesling from Mosel.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2017 - AC, France (#538496) (XD) - $15.95
• ENRIQUE MENDOZA LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL 2018 - DO Alicante, Spain (#490011) (XD) - $16.95
• CAP ROYAL ROUGE 2018 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#486761) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• TRINITY HILL THE TRINITY RED BLEND 2018 - Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#551630) (XD) - $19.95   89 pts  wine review
• QUINTA DO PENEDO RESERVA 2013 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#21809) (XD) - $19.95

• IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#382945) (XD) - $27.95
• TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $28.95  91+ pts  wine review
• HERAS CORDÓN RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#144113) (XD) - $32.95
• STRATUS RED 2017 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#312058) (D) - $49.20
• DOG POINT PINOT NOIR 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#329672) (XD) - $49.95  FE  92 pts  wine review

• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016 - Estate bottled, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $59.95
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $69.95
• GUADO AL TASSO 2018 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $161.95
• ORNELLAIA 2018 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $249.95
• SOLAIA 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#987586) (XD) - $475.95

White Wine:

• LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2020 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95  90 pts  wine review
• FONTANAFREDDA PRADALUPO ROERO ARNEIS 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#577700) (XD) - $18.95
• INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#14199) (XD) - $18.95
• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2019 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $18.95
• ELGIN VINTNERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#21156) (XD) - $19.95
• SELBACH TRADITION FEINHERB RIESLING KABINETT 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#21031) (M) - $24.95
• GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#994939) (D) - $29.95  FE  93 pts  wine review
• VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447474) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $32.95  92 pts  wine review
• DOG POINT CHARDONNAY 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $44.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#53215) (D) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• MEGALOMANIAC BUBBLEHEAD SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#363655) (D) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• 13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2015 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142679) (XD) - $39.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANCS 2016 - Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (XD) - $49.95
• VILMART ET CIE GRANDE RÉSERVE 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#12619) (XD) - $73.95  92 pts  wine review

Fortified:

• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  
• WARRE'S QUINTA DA CAVADINHA VINTAGE PORT 2005 - DOP, Portugal (#21811) (S) - $54.95

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Cap Royal Rouge 2018 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely, vegan-friendly red wine from Bordeaux that is coming to the LCBO this weekend, as part of the November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Cap Royal, a brand that owes its name to the Cordouan lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Europe. This lighthouse located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary always had a bleak reputation due to the perilous nature of the area. The original lighthouse was built in 1360 and has evolved over the centuries to become the one-of-a-kind, "King of Lighthouses" seen today.

Cap Royal is a brand of La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus, an historical wine merchant that has established itself a key player in the sales of Bordeaux wines around the globe. La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus is a subsidiary of AXA Millésimes, the wine branch of AXA group, and encompasses many of Europe's most renowned wine domaines. More than just a company, La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus is a team of people of who ensure that they provide the highest quality wines possible. This team is led by Jean-René Matignon, a man who was born in Anjou and grew up in a family of winemakers. He actually spent a year in Canada in 1982 working for a wine domaine in British Columbia. Upon returning to France, he developed new vinification techniques with a winemakers association and became known as a perfectionist. In 2013, he worked with La Compagnie Médocaine des Grands Crus to create the Cap Royal brand with the sole objective to offer high quality, yet accessible, Bordeaux wines that can be enjoyed by all.

Certified vegan, this Bordeaux blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted using fruit chosen by Jean-René Matignon and his winemaker partners from specially selected lots that offered quality and complexity. The grapes were fermented in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats, and carefully aged in oak barrels under the regular supervision of Jean-René Matignon to guarantee a quality wine. Let's see how this 2018 Bordeaux red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAP ROYAL ROUGE 2018 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#486761) (XD) - $18.95
This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon has an open and fragrant nose with lovely dark fruited aromas of blackberry, black plum, currant, cassis, wood spice, and vanilla with savoury undertones. On the ripe, medium-full bodied, and structured palate it has dark berry, blackberry, leather, and wood spice flavours, with a hint of jammy notes. Fresh acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the structured tannins are youthful. Savoury, earthy, and cocoa notes linger on the long, drying finish. Highly recommended buy that is enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar and drink well towards the end of the decade. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Cap Royal are available through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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