November 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Gifts to Celebrate

As we head into the busy holiday and gift-giving season, here are my top wine picks from the November 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release which is titled "Gifts to Celebrate" and includes many very fine, giftable options. All of the wines from the theme and main release should be available at LCBO outlet across Ontario by Saturday.

We begin with the theme on "Gifts to Celebrate: Fine holiday wines from every corner of the world" and features 18 wines. Many wines from this feature would make fine gifts, but three stood out for me. From Italy, the Chianti Classico Riserva is composed of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, and the rest other red grape varietals, while the Barbaresco is crafted with Nebbiolo. The only rosé wine in this release is a good one from Provence and it is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault.

As this release is very heavy on red wines, most of my top wine picks are red coloured. Italy once again has a strong showing in this release led by the iconic Ornellaia - a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc - and it's Second Wine which is composed of 44% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 13% Petit Verdot. Also from Bolgheri is the excellent Antinori Guado al Tosso which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The last wine from Tuscany is a delicious Chianti Classico that is made up of 90% Sangiovese and the balance other permitted varieties. Moving to Piedmont, there is a full complement of lovely Nebbiolo wines that includes not only the Barbaresco mentioned above, but also wines from Langhe and Barolo. The rest of my red wine picks are all single varietal wines, with the Portuguese red crafted with Touriga Nacional, while the Bordeaux red is Merlot.

Among the few white wines in this release, all of my white wine recommendations are single varietal wines. Dry white wines include a Chablis Premier Cru from Burgundy that is made with Chardonnay, as well as a Viura from Spain, and a Chenin Blanc from South Africa. For off-dry wine lovers, check out the Riesling from Niagara.

Lastly, the dry sparkling wine from Chile is crafted with 100% Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations in this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• MIGUEL TORRES ANDICA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, Valle del Itata, Chile (#25933) (XD) - $17.00  90+ pts  wine review
• BRECA OLD VINES GARNACHA 2019 - DO Calatayud, Spain (#329086) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU MAYNE-VIEIL 2016 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#14469) (XD) - $19.95
• SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#23408) (XD) - $21.95
• INNISKILLIN RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#17290) (XD) - $25.95

• RENATO RATTI OCHETTI NEBBIOLO 2020 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#475913) (XD) - $27.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#47118) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11582) (XD) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#583260) (XD) - $36.95  93 pts  wine review
• SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR 2019 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#748434) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review

• QUADRUS GRANDE RESERVA 2011 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#26946) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $70.95  93 pts  wine review
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2020 - Second wine of Ornellaia, DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (XD) - $75.95
• GUADO AL TASSO 2019 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $171.95  95 pts  wine review
• ORNELLAIA 2019 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $265.95
  

White Wine:

• ONTAÑÓN VETIVER VIURA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#437707) (XD) - $15.95
• RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CHENIN BLANC 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#698274) (XD) - $15.95
• CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2018 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#241182) (D) - $39.95
• DOMAINE JEAN COLLET & FILS VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#650804) (XD) - $48.95
  

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE L'ESCARELLE LES DEUX ANGES ROSÉ 2021 - Sustainable, AP Coteaux Varois en Provence, France (#19902) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• UNDURRAGA TITILLUM BLANC DE NOIRS 2015 - 135th Anniversary Edition, traditional method, Valle de Leyda, Chile (#23451) (XD) - $19.95

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Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Trio (Tuscany) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of delightful red wines from Tuscany that would make a lovely gift for the holidays as they arrived in a wooden gift box as part of the recent October 22nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The wines are produced by Castelli del Grevepesa, a modern co-operative winery that was established in 1965 by visionary Sir Armando Nunzi together with an initial group of 17 winegrowers. The 1960s were difficult years in the Chianti winegrowing region with economic and technical crisis, along the the region stuck using old production methods. Sir Gualtiero Armando Nunzi managed to bring together winegrowers from the different areas of Florentine Chianti Classico with a shared intention to safeguard the land, maintain the age-old traditions of Tuscan winegrowing with the long-established know-how that farmers still today pass on from one generation to the next.

Castelli del Grevepesa was ambitious in its objective to produce high quality wines in compliance with the strict regulations of the law and of the consortium called Consorzio Gallo Nero, which is now Consorzio del Chianti Classico, while also implementing careful grape selection, and rigorously control the vinification process. Their logo is an iris flower that grows naturally and perennially between Val di Greve and Val di Pesa, while resisting both the sweltering heat of summer and the winter frost. The iris flower is a symbol of the solidity of Castelli del Grevepesa and of its unbreakable bond with Florentine culture and traditions.

Today, Castelli del Grevepesa is the largest Chianti Classico family with over 120 associate winegrowers who with passion and hard work produce fine quality wines that are accessible to everyone, as well as recognised and valued throughout the world. Most of the winegrowers are situated in the areas of Greve in Chianti, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, and Barberino Val d’Elsa and some of the most famous Chianti Classico regions such as Panzano, Lamole, Campoli, and Bibbione.

The wines included in the Trio wooden gift box are from Grevepesa's Clemente VII range of wines that celebrates Giulio de' Medici - a member of the famous Florentine Medici family - who became Pope Clemente VII in 1523 and used to live in Campoli within the Chianti Classico area where Castelli del Grevepesa produces their wines today. Let's see how this lovely wines from Tuscany are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII TRIO - Three bottles in wooden gift box, Tuscany, Italy (#577908) (XD) (2250 mL) - $84.95

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
100% Sangiovese that was hand-harvested with 85% aged in Slavonian oak barrels and the rest in barriques, all for 12 months. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is clean and ripe with aromas of plum, red cherry, and berry joined by hints of sweet spice, orange zest, and forest floor undertones. On the medium bodied palate it has ripe plum, dark red cherry, berry, subtle wood spice, and forest floor flavours that are tangy on the mid-palate. It has fresh, juicy acidity and supple, lightly textured tannins. Savoury wood spice notes linger on the clean, refreshing finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD)
100% Sangiovese with half aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months, and the other half aged in barriques for 12 months. The medium to medium-high intensity nose offers a pleasing, savoury mix of wood spice, forest floor and earth with notes of forest berry and dark red cherry emerging with time in the glass. The medium-full bodied palate ripe with dark red cherry, wood spice, forest floor, and earthy flavours supported by juicy acidity and medium-firm, grippy tannins that should flesh out nicely with a few years in the cellar. Slightly tangy fruit on the mid- and back-palate. Savoury wood spice, earth, and hints of mushroom notes linger on the long, balanced finish. Enjoy over the next 6-7 years. Score: 90 pts

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII SETTIMO ROSSO DI TOSCANA 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (XD)
Blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, and 25% Syrah that was aged in medium toast barriques for 15 months. The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy with perfumed aromas of dark red and black cherry, baking spice, vanillin oak, and a touch of shoe polish. It's medium-full to full-bodied on the ripe, chewy palate with dark red cherry, black plum, earthy woodspice, licorice, and vanillin oak flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and well-integrated. Touches of pepper join the savoury, earthy, and woodspice notes on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Castelli del Grevepesa can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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October 22, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California

The October 22, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release is a humongous release with almost 200 products! The main theme of this release focuses on premium wines from California. A segment of the release also offers a large range of wines for Gift Giving, as well there is an impressive collection of wines offered at Flagship outlets in-store and online. All of the products in this release should be available for purchase across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that focuses on premium wines from California. It is a rather small feature with just ten wines featured, and only one wine is among my top wine picks - a stunning Chardonnay grown in the Sonoma Mountains.

From the Gift Giving feature there are nearly 50 products available, some as single bottles ranging in size from 200 mL up to Double Magnum (3 L), as well as boxes of 2 to 6 wines packaged in wooden gift boxes. One such offering is a delicious trio of wines by Castelli del Grevepesa from Tuscany that includes a Chianti Classico, a Riserva Chianti Classico, and the Rosso di Toscana. Both Chianti Classico wines are crafted with 100% Sangiovese, while the third wine is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, and 25% Syrah.

Among my top red wine picks, at the top of the list is an excellent Bordeaux red that is crafted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Rhône blend wine lovers can savour a Côtes du Rhône-Villages that is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% other permitted varieties, or the Barossa Valley GMS blend that consists of 44% Grenache, 31% Mourvèdre, and 25% Shiraz. From Italy, the Brunello and all of the Chianti Classico wines are made with 100% Sangiovese, while the Etna Rosso is crafted with Nerello Mascalese. Moving to South America, there is a fine blend from Argentina that consists of 55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Lastly, if you enjoy exploring new varieties, try the Pais varietal wine from Chile.

The only blend among my top white wine recommendations is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc which consists of 70% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne, and 10% Clairette. The Lugana is crafted with Trebbiano (aka Verdicchio), while the Pouilly-Fuissé is made with Chardonnay. For Riesling wine lovers, there are a trio of offerings with a pair of off-dry Rieslings from Niagara and a fairly sweet Riesling Kabinett from Mosel. Also for sweet wine lovers, there is a delicious Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

Other lovely wines in this release include a Champagne that is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% (Pinot) Meunier, while the Cava is crafted with Chardonnay, Macabeo, Parellada, and Pinot Noir. The dry rosé from Provence is a blend of 50% Cinsault, 28% Grenache, 13% Syrah, and 9% Cabernet. Moving on to lusciously sweet wines, the Vin Santo is a blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Sangiovese, while the Vintage Port wine is made with Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz, and other varieties from 80-100 year old vines.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CARMENÈRE 2020 - DO Valle de Maule, Chile (#249201) (XD) - $19.95
• GARCÉS SILVA CATALINO PAÍS 2019 - Coronel de Maule, DO Secano Interior, Valle del Maule, Chile (#25638) (XD) - $19.95  FE
• SCHILD ESTATE GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE/SHIRAZ 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#108183) (XD) - $19.95
• LA NERTHE LES CASSAGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 - AP, France (#494674) (XD) - $24.95
• THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND CABERNET FRANC 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#30073) (XD) - $24.95

• CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2018 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#622571) (XD) - $25.95  90+ pts  wine review
• TORNATORE PIETRARIZZO 2019 - DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#18926) (XD) - $32.95  FE
• FONTODI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#933317) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review
• CARPINETO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#16727) (XD) - $49.95  FE  92 pts  wine review
• MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2017 - Collezione Ca' del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#75127) (D) - $50.95

• DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $64.95
• CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII TRIO - Three bottles in wooden gift box, Tuscany, Italy (#577908) (XD) (2250 mL) - $84.95  wine reviews
• CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG  89 pts
• RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG  90 pts
• ROSSO DI TOSCANA 2016 - IGT Toscana  89 pts
• ELDERTON COMMAND SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#716142) (XD) - $99.95
• CHÂTEAU SAINT-PIERRE 2015 - 4e cru, AC Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France (#353516) (XD) -- $129.95  FE

White Wine:

• PETER ZEMMER PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - DOC Alto Adige, Italy (#95802) (XD) - $17.95
• VIEIL ARMAND SÉLECTION GEWURZTRAMINER 2019 - AC Alsace, France (#18153) (M) - $19.95
• SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sustainable, carbon neutral, DO Valle de Itata, Chile (#928580) (XD) - $19.95
• ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA 2021 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#707158) (XD) - $19.95
• ORGANIZED CRIME WILD FERMENT RIESLING 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11952) (D) - $20.95

• BISCHÖFLICHE WEINGÜTER TRIER KANZEMER ALTENBERG FEINHERB RIESLING KABINETT 2020 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#15292) (S) - $27.95  FE
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING 2020 - Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#643361) (D) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LES VIEUX MURS POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2020 - Sustainable, AC, Burgundy, France (#241117) (XD) - $33.95
• BLACK HILLS ESTATE ROUSSANNE 2020 - Black Sage Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#17728) (XD) - $33.95  FE
• DOMAINE DU GRAND TINEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#27430) (XD) - $58.95  FE
• KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2020 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $116.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU PIGOUDET CLASSIC ROSÉ 2021 - AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#668434) (XD) - $25.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ELYSSIA GRAN CUVÉE BRUT CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Penedès, Spain (#392548) (D) - $24.95
• CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT RÉSERVE CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#36962) (XD) - $74.95

Dessert Wine:

• FÈLSINA VIN SANTO DEL CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#26544) (S) (375mL) - $49.95  FE

Fortified Wine:

• NIEPOORT VINTAGE PORT 2019 - DOP, Portugal (#27485) (S) - $135.95  FE

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Château de Tréviac Corbières 2019 (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely unoaked red from the Corbières appellation in Languedoc that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the October 8th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Château Tréviac is located in the heart of the Corbières Massif, halfway between the cities of Carcassonne and Narbonne, in the Occitan region in the South of France. The name refers to three old roads: the « Trois Voies » junction (TRI-VIA), where traces of former constructions and burial sites still remain today. The family estate was established in the early 20th Century by the current owner's great grandfather, Fernand. After World War I, Fernand settled in the village of Talairan because he was convinced that such a wild and untapped terroir was full of potential. He built his house on an old priory and cleared the hillsides in order to build the vineyard as it exists today.

Lucette and her husband Roger were the next generation of the family to own the estate. They owned a labour-horse and managed to remain independent and out of the Cooperative system. Their daughter Ginette and her husband André Sié then took over the journey. In 2000, their son Arnaud Sié took over the family estate after completing his studies in history. As a young and dynamic winegrower, Arnaud continues the family's great passion and dedication to manage his estate and craft his wines.

Today, Château Tréviac has 20 hectares of vineyards, 14 hectares of which are in the Corbières appellation. Since taking over, Arnaud has done extensive work in the vineyards and worked tirelessly to modernize the wine cellars. The vineyards are situated at an altitude between 200 to 350 metres above sea-level, surrounded by garrigue, and on very rocky limestone-clay soils that are ideal for Syrah and Grenache.

With low yields, this wine is composed of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that was hand-harvested. The grapes were crushed and pressed upon arrival at the cellar and underwent 4 to 5 weeks of maceration. In order to preserve freshness, the wine was aged completely in thermo-regulated concrete vats. After enjoying the 2017 Château de Tréviac Corbières in March of last year, let's see how this latest vintage is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2019 - AP, Languedoc, France (#670505) (XD) - $17.95
Blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that was aged in thermo-regulated concrete vats. Gently smoky on the medium+ intensity nose that seems a bit shy with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, red plum, and spices. The medium to medium-full bodied is ripe with lovely black cherry, licorice, garrigue, raspberry, dark berry, and Damson plum flavours with smoky, scorched earth, spice, and meaty undertones adding complexity. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the ripe, supple tannins are smooth and refined. Raspberry, smoke, and scorched earth notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Very tasty and a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Château de Tréviac and Arnaud Sié can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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October 8, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Italy

Happy Thanksgiving! Here are my top wine picks from the October 8, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release where the main feature of the release looks at wines from Italy's beloved wine regions. All of these wines, including those from the main release should be on shelves at LCBO outlets across Ontario by now.

We begin with the feature on wines from Italy. At the top of the list is an excellent Amarone that is crafted with Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. From Tuscany, the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a composed of primarily Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) with Canaiolo and other permitted grape varietals completing the blend, while the Rubio is crafted with 100% Sangiovese. There is a Barbaresco from Piedmont that is made with 100% Nebbiolo, as well as a maturing Aglianico from Campania. Lastly, there is a fine Etna Rosso from Sicily that is a blend of 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% Nerello Cappuccio.

Among my top red wine picks from the rest of the release, we start with a lovely Riserva Chianti Classico from Italy that wasn't part of the feature and is composed of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. For South of France wine lovers, the Ventoux from Rhône is a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre, while the Corbières is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, and lastly, the Roussillon red is a blend of Syrah and Grenache from 60+ year old vines. The only other blend is from the high-altitude Gualtallary district in Argentina that consists of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cab from California is, in fact, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Crianza is crafted with 100% Tempranillo.

The number of white wines in this release was rather small, as is fairly typical for VINTAGES Releases during the colder months. As such, there are only six white wine recommendations and all are single varietal wines. There are a couple of new world Chardonnays from the West Coast - one from California and the other from Washington, as well as a Viognier from Chile, and a Torrontés from Argentina. There is also a Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa and a barely off-dry Riesling from Alsace.

Enjoy your long weekend with some of my top wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE 2019 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#195107) (XD) - $16.95
• XAVIER VIGNON VENTOUX 2019 - AP, Rhône, France (#413211) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2019 - AP, Languedoc, France (#670505) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL COLECCIÓN PRIVADA CRIANZA 2017 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10684) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
• TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2020 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review

• SAN POLO RUBIO 2019 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#216275) (XD) - $22.95
• CATENA APPELLATION SAN CARLOS CABERNET FRANC 2019 - San Carlos, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#450106) (XD) - $22.95
• CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SYRAH 2020 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#471797) (XD) - $25.00  91 pts  wine review
  
• DOUGH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - North Coast, California, USA (#20802) (XD) - $27.95  88+ pts  wine review
• MAZZEI SER LAPO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#288530) (XD)- $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• ANTICHI VINAI PETRALAVA ROSSO 2016 - DOC Etna, Sicily, Italy (#26257) (XD) - $27.95

• ALTA-YARÍ GRAN CORTE 2019 - Gualtallary, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#24894) (XD) - $29.95
• JANARE CANTARI RISERVA AGLIANICO 2014 - DOP Sannio, Campania, Italy (#26249) (XD) - $29.95
• CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $32.95
• NADA GIUSEPPE CASOT BARBARESCO 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#456988) (XD) - $37.95
• MASI CAMPOLONGO DI TORBE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#548677) (D) - $135.95
  

White Wine:

• SIEGEL SPECIAL RESERVE VIOGNIER 2021 - Sustainable, DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#13429) (XD) - $15.95
• THELEMA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Estate grown, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#24245) (XD) - $16.95
• PFAFF CUVÉE JUPITER RIESLING 2020 - AP, Alsace, France (#25384) (D) - $18.95
• ALTA VISTA ESTATE PREMIUM TORRONTÉS 2020 - Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#37127) (XD) - $18.95
• BORNE OF FIRE CHARDONNAY 2019 - The Burn, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#26511) (XD) - $24.95
• DOUGH CHARDONNAY 2019 - North Coast, California, USA (#25598) (XD) - $26.95  89 pts  wine review
  

Rosé Wine:

• TESSELLAE ROSÉ 2021 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#450817) (XD) - $16.95
• OTT BY.OTT ROSÉ 2021 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#490896) (XD) - $33.95

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Dough Chardonnay 2019 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (California) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious wines from the North Coast AVA in California that are coming to the LCBO this weekend as part of the October 8 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Dough is the foundation of bread, signifying new beginnings. Like making bread, thoughtful maturing creates positive change that rises from the simplest of actions. Dough Wines are rooted in purpose by sourcing grapes from some of the most prestigious winegrowing regions on the West Coast (USA) and crafting the most food-friendly wines possible in concert with a diverse group of chefs and leaders of the James Beard Foundation (JBF). Dough wines are crafted by Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen who brings a solid scientific background to her winemaking with a B.S. degree in biochemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her goal in pursuing winemaking is to combine her scientific expertise and her creative skills. She is also a firm believer in the value of exploration and experimentation.

Heidi utilizes DVWP vineyards and its network of growers and négociants to choose high quality lots from top AVAs, and bringing the art of assemblage to life to craft the core wines to be as food-friendly as possible. The final blend for each wine is a collaborative approach with a hand-selected group of JBF Chefs and Sommeliers, where everyone has an opportunity to weigh in on the various aspects of the wine and which will pair best with food. With this feedback, Heidi returns to the cellar to compose the final blend.

At Dough, they believe that they can be a catalyst for good and believe that each glass, bottle and conversation can make a lasting impact. Dough Wines is proud to support the James Beard Foundation's work to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food culture through an annual donation. In Ontario, Dough Wines is providing an annual scholarship of $5,000 to be awarded to Black, Indigenous and other People of Colour (BIPOC) students of the hospitality and culinary arts programs at George Brown College.

Tasting Notes:

DOUGH CHARDONNAY 2019 - North Coast, California, USA (#25598) (XD) - $26.95
Screw cap. 100% Chardonnay that was hand-picked from a few select vineyards. It was mostly barrel-fermented and aged in French oak with a smaller percentage coming from stainless steel fermented parcels. The generous nose offers lovely ripe orchard and tropical fruits, apple, pear, peach, vanilla, citrus, and cold cream aromas with hints of bubblegum adding intrigue. It's full-bodied and richly textured on the palate with delicious ripe apple, pear, vanilla, gentle oak spice, peach, and citrus flavours. Acids are fresh and juicy. I really like the chalky textured mouthfeel throughout, while apple, pear, and citrus taper to mineral, smoke, and coffee notes on the long finish. Solid buy for Thanksgiving dinner. Score: 89 pts

DOUGH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - North Coast, California, USA (#20802) (XD) - $27.95
Screw cap. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Mendocino. The appealing, medium-high intensity nose is a mix of ripe black currant, cassis, blackberry, vanillin oak spice, and chocolate aromas accented with grilled herbs, pepper, and savoury earth notes. It's medium-full bodied with ripe, smooth, and fine-grained tannins with flavours of dark currant, black cherry, blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, grilled herbs and earth with a hint of mint. Acids are juicy and well-balanced. Chocolate, earth, savoury oak spice, and minty notes linger on the textured, fine-grained finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious Dough Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Wine Art Estate (Greece) - Wine Dinner

At the end of August I had the pleasure of attending a Greek wine dinner at Petros 82 featuring the wines of Wine Art Estate.

With a love for wine and passion to explore the vinification procedure, Yiannis Papadopoulos planted a small family vineyard in 1993 on the outskirts of Drama in the northeastern end of Macedonia in northern Greece and founded Wine Art Estate. Yiannis is actually a civil engineer by profession but wanted to make wine that he loves to drink and share with his friends. He pivoted from wine lover to winemaker by first reviving a family-owned vineyard and then constructing a winemaking facility in his old paternal home in Mikrochori, Drama. He also built a small underground cellar for ageing his wines. His first wines were produced with the contributions of consultant oenologists and showed enormous potential. Several years later, his friend and fellow wine lover, Yiannis Kalaitzidis, architect and engineer, joined the company as a partner.

Following the trends at the time, Wine Art Estate focused on growing French varieties, followed by a selection of Greece's emblematic varietals such as Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro. This was evident during dinner as a couple of the wines we tasted were blends primarily based on Bordeaux varieties.

In 2009, Akis Papadopoulos, Yiannis' son, returned from his studies in Bordeaux and took over as Chief Oenologist. Also joining the team as viticulturalist was Iralklis Topalidis whose was focused on the importance of the vineyard in quality winemaking. Today, Wine Art Estate is dedicated to quality, and to a winemaking philosophy that respects harmony and nature. In addition, the believe that great wines begin in the vineyard and are grown by those who adapt, listen to nature, and are respectful of the land’s energy. They are committed to sustainable winegrowing without compromising wine quality and to preserving nature for generations to come. With three decades of winemaking experience and an intimate block-by-block approach in the vineyard, Wine Art Estate is focused on its core belief that the best wines are the result of the connection between nature and man.

Thank you to Kolonaki Group of Companies for the invitation and opportunity to taste these lovely wines, as well as experience the fine cuisine of Petros 82. Wine reviews of each wine tasted are provided below. The Malagousia and Techni Alipias Red are available at the LCBO, while the other two wines can be ordered through Kolonaki.

Tasting Notes:

PLANO MALAGOUSIA 2021 - PGI Drama, Greece (#27225) (XD) - $21.50
100% Malagousia. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is elegant and complex with flinty minerality, citrus, herbs, lemongrass, fennel, and anise aromas. It's nicely textured on the ripe, dry, lightly honeyed, medium+ bodied palate with very nice aroma replays. Fresh acids linger through to the finish, with very good length. Score: 90+ pts

WINE ART TECHNI ALIPIAS WHITE BLEND 2021 - PGI Drama, Greece (#27224) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Assyrtiko has a fresh, medium-high to highly aromatic nose with ripe tropical fruit, guava, passion fruit, grassy, and green aromas joined by citrus, white peach, and herbs. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has pleasing aroma replays and subtle minerality on the flavour profile. With balanced acidity it also has a crunchy mid-palate. Very good length on the citrus and herbally finish. Score: 89 pts

PINK BANG 2021 - PGI Drama, Greece (XD) - $28.95
100% Touriga Nacional from vines planted in 2009. Crafted using the saignée method by Akis who is a fan of the "The Big Bang Theory" sitcom. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh and concentrated with aromas of strawberry, red cherry, and hints of lime citrus. It's fresh with vibrant acidity on the dry palate with lovely aroma replays joined by blueberry notes on the flavour profile. Very good length on the dry, crisp finish. Score: 89 pts

WINE ART TECHNI ALIPIAS RED BLEND 2018 - PGI Drama, Greece (#26944) (XD) - $27.95
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Agiorgitiko, this has an open, highly aromatic, and fragrant nose of dried rose florals, sweet spices, sweet cassis, currant, cherry, and vanillin oak. It's medium-full bodied with smooth, rounded tannins and nice aroma replays surrounded by sweet oak in a slightly commercial profile. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while the finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

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