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  • Date publishedThursday, September 28, 2023

Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2021 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

white wine review is a beautiful Chablis Premier Cru from Burgundy that arrived at the LCBO as an Online & Flagship Exclusive in the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Domaine Hamelin, a small, family-owned winery with a long winemaking history in the village of Lignorelles, in Burgundy, just minutes from the town of Chablis. The history of the domaine begins when Gustave Hamelin planted 2 hectares of vines in 1840, alongside his mixed farm. In 1880, Pierre Hamelin grew the domaine to 3 hectares of vines and used his mules to help work them. At this time, the wines were held in 132 litre barrels and gave rise to the name "feuillette" or little cask, and were transported by river using barges or rafts.

In 1911, Georges Hamelin extended the property to 4 hectares and worked the vines by horse, while transporting the wines in feuillettes by railway. In 1936, Pierre Hamelin took over the domaine from his father and further developed the vineyard and winery by using some of the industry's latest technological advancements and continuing well into the next decade. In 1970, Marc Hamelin created his own vineyard, while also adding an area he inherited from his father.

Today, Domaine Hamelin is run by the sixth and seventh generations of the family - Thierry and his son, Charles. They run the estate together while perpetuating the wine traditions of Chablis and knowledge that has been handed down from one generation to the next. They harvest their grapes from nearly 37 hectares of vines which extend over the villages of Poinchy, Beines, and Lignorelle. The focus at Domaine Hamelin is mainly on Chablis wines, using a mix of old traditions and modern-day techniques to craft wines that express their terroir. The wines are crafted by the Hamelin family in a well-controlled environment with thermo-regulated processes, including bottling at the estate at the optimal moment.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Chardonnay, from vines that were planted between 1980 and 1982 on very strong, south-facing slopes (30 - 45% / 16.5 - 24 degrees), opposite the Lac de Beines, and extends from the bottom of the valley to the top of the slopes. The soils on this slope consist of Kimmeridgian sub-soils that give the wine its intensity and the typicity of the character of a fine Chablis Premier Cru. The 3.9 hectare vineyard is managed under the strict conditions of Chablis tradition, with the grapes virtually guaranteed to reach maturity every year. The grapes are mostly harvested mechanically, and after being selected, sorted, and fermented, the wine is aged for 12 to 18 months in stainless steel vats prior to bottling.

The 2021 growing season in Chablis was a difficult one with frost, mildew, oidium, and botrytis, resulting in reduced volumes. However, with great attention to the vineyard and technical expertise in the winery, this vintage did produce wines with a classic profile full of vibrant acidity and a particularly strong terroir influence that highlights minerality. Having enjoyed the excellent 2019 Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru last year, let's see how this 2021 Chablis 1er Cru is tasting tonight...

Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2021 (94 pts)

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2021 - AC, Burgundy, France (#391805) (XD) - $45.95
100% Chardonnay raised in stainless steel, this has a lovely, open, fragrant, and highly aromatic on the nose with earthy/stony minerals flecked with lemon citrus, apple, pear, and herbal aromas, plus touches of pleasant bitter notes adding further savoury characters. It is quite the mouthful on the medium-full bodied, well-structured palate with very impressive concentration. It's dry with stony mineral flavours layered over lemon citrus, apple, pear, and green herbal notes which are supported by crisp, juicy acidity. It has a nice texture on the gently spicy mid-palate, while oyster-shell notes join the stony mineral, apple, pear, and lemon replays on the exceptionally long, balanced finish. Enjoy to the end of the decade, maybe a bit longer. Highly recommended buy! Score: 94 pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Hamelin can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia and Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, September 23, 2023

Henkell Brut Crémant de Loire 2016 (France) - Wine Review

sparkling wine review is a delicious vintage Crémant from Loire that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

It is produced by Henkell, a leading, family-owned sparkling wine producer that is based in Wiesbaden, Germany. Henkell is an international star and best seller when it comes to exporting the German sparkling wine culture as their wines are found globally in more than 100 countries.

It all began when wine lover, Adam Henkell, opened a store as a wine merchant in 1832. He later discovered the fine art of crafting traditional method sparkling wine in France and brought this knowledge back home to Germany, marrying the French art of the cuvée with the German art of cellar-mastery. Following the French example, Henkell made his first outstanding sparkling wines in 1856, marking the beginning of a unique German success story. The Henkell brand of sparkling wines was famous all over the world before the end of the 19th century thanks to Otto Henkell, Adam's grandson. Henkell was also an export pioneer and market leader before the turn of the century, and in the 1950's, after Otto Henkell II took the helm, the company played an important role in the German economic miracle. Since its inception, Henkell has used the best base wines and the perfect technical skills of both German and French cellarmasters to guarantee its inimitable flavour and consistently high quality.

This sparkling wine was launched by Henkell in the fast-growing product segment of Crémant de Loire as a tribute to its French roots. Founder Adam Henkell learned the fine art of sparkling wine production in France and also had his own winery in the French town of Reims, the home of Champagne.

It is not often we see vintage-dated Crémant, but the grapes for this bubbly were hand-harvested at the end of the 2016 growing season, and only the best juices were selected for this wine. It is crafted in the traditional method using 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The first fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It was aged on its lees for a short period of time, then underwent a second fermentation in bottle for about 3 years in natural cellars, where the temperature remains a constant 12-13°C and provides the optimal environment for secondary fermentation. Let's see how this 2016 Crémant de Loire sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Henkell Brut Crémant de Loire 2016 (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

HENKELL BRUT CRÉMANT DE LOIRE 2016 - Traditional method, AP, Loire, France (#29893) (D) - $21.95
A blend of 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The attractive, medium+ intensity nose has lemon citrus, pear, and peach aromas nuanced with brioche, autolytic, and toasty characters. It's medium-full bodied with some sweetness on the palate with honeyed flavours of ripe pear, peach, lemon citrus, plus some toasty, brioche, and hazelnut notes adding a savoury component. It has a crisp mouthfeel with a fine mousse and fresh acidity. More savoury with leesy mineral notes and hints citrus lingering on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious sparkling wines by Henkell are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedFriday, September 22, 2023

September 23, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: High-Scoring Wines

LCBO Wine Picks: September 23, 2023 VINTAGES New Release Collection
Here's my top wine picks from the September 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection which is titled "High-Scoring Wines". It's a good sized release with 114 wines, and as we move closer to the gift-giving season, the prices also move up, with the average price per bottle settling in at just above $28/btl in this release. All of the wines should be available at the LCBO beginning this Saturday.

We begin with the feature on "High-Scoring Wines", which has nineteen wines listed, of which four are included among my top wine picks. There are a pair of red wines, including a perennially lovely Pinot Noir from Niagara, as well as a Chianti Classico that is mainly (~90%) Sangiovese. The other two wines are surprisingly both from Portugal - a white wine that is a blend of Viosinho, Arinto, Rabigato, and Gouveiro, and a Port wine that is a field blend of unspecified varieties.

Hidden Bench Pinot Noir 2021 (92 pts)Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2020 (89 pts)

Poças Colheita Port 2010

At the top of the stack among my red wine picks is an Amarone that is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Molinara, while other blends include a wine from Jumilla that is composed of 55% Monastrell, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah. The only other blend is the Cab Franc from Argentina, which is actually crafted with 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec. The single varietal wines are all pretty straightforward with a pair Pinot Noirs - one from Germany and one from New Zealand, as well as a pair of Garnacha (aka Grenache) wines from Spain. There is also a fine Malbec from Argentina, and a Nero d'Avola from Sicily.

Neiss Bockenheim Pinot Noir 2019 (91 pts)Garnacha de la Madre 2018

El Petit Bonhomme 2020 (88+ pts)

Moving on to my white wine recommendations from the main release, there are a couple of blends. First up is a wine from Limoux that is mainly Chardonnay, but also includes a splash of Mauzac, while the regionally blended Greek wine is composed of 70% Xinomavro and 30% Malagousia. Some of the excellent single varietal wines include a pair of Chardonnays - one from South Africa and one from Napa Valley, as well as a 100% Malagousia from Drama in Greece, and a Torrontés from Argentina. If you enjoy something on the sweeter side, try the always reliable Riesling from Niagara.

Altugnac Terres Amoureuses 2021 (91 pts)Wine Art Estate Plano Malagousia 2022

Among my top sparkling wine picks, which are all from Champagne, the Monmarthe Champagne is a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, while the 2009 Vintage Champagne is composed of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay. Lastly, the Brut Rosé Champagne is an unspecified blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Monmarthe Secret de Famille 1er Cru Brut Champagne (91+ pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • EL PETIT BONHOMME 2020 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#16578) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • NAVASCUÉS ENOLOGÍA CUTIO GARNACHA 2019 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#30586) (XD) - $16.95
  • DESQUICIADO CABERNET FRANC 2021 - Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#32146) (XD) - $17.95
  • FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERÉ NERO D'AVOLA 2020 - DOP, Sicily, Italy (#339101) (XD) - $19.95
  • GARNACHA DE LA MADRE 2018 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain (#18927) (XD) - $19.95
  • CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#680496) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ALTA YARÍ GRAN MALBEC 2020 - Gualtallary, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#32147) (XD) - $24.95
  • JULES TAYLOR PINOT NOIR 2020 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#329805) (XD) - $27.95
  • NEISS BOCKENHEIM PINOT NOIR 2019 - Vegan, sustainable, Pfalz, Germany (#25769) (XD) - $30.95  91 pts  wine review
  • HIDDEN BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#274753) (XD) - $37.95  92 pts  wine review
  • MASI COSTASERA RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $79.95

White Wine:

  • CABRAL RESERVA 2020 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#35446) (XD) - $14.95
  • THYMIOPOULOS ATMA WHITE XINOMAVRO/MALAGOUSIA 2021 - Greece (#33249) (XD) - $17.95
  • ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS 2022 - Sustainable, Argentina (#389262) (XD) - $17.95
  • AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
  • WINE ART ESTATE PLANO MALAGOUSIA 2022 - PGI Drama, Greece (#33256) (XD) - $23.95
  • ALTUGNAC TERRES AMOUREUSES 2021 - AP Limoux, Languedoc, France (#16413) (XD) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review
  • HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING 2022 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#643361) (M) - $32.95
  • HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2022 - WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $64.95
  • GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2019 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $78.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • MONMARTHE SECRET DE FAMILLE 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#624775) (D) - $52.95  91+ pts  wine review
  • DUVAL-LEROY PRESTIGE PREMIER CRU BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#483107) (XD) - $93.95
  • LANSON LE VINTAGE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2009 - AC, France (#29949) (XD) - $102.95

Fortified Wine:

  • POÇAS COLHEITA PORT 2010 - Vegan, aged in cask, DOC, Portugal (#21813) (S) - $38.95


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  • Date publishedWednesday, September 20, 2023

Château de Tréviac Corbières 2020 (Languedoc) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely, unoaked blend of Syrah and Grenache from the Languedoc wine region in southern France that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

It is produced by Arnaud Sié at Château Tréviac, a family-owned estate that was established in the early 20th century by Arnaud's grandfather, Fernand, and 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 story of Château Tréviac begins when Fernand settled in the village of Talairan after World War I, as he was convinced that the wild and untapped terroir of the region was full of great potential. He built a house on an old priory and cleared the hillsides in order to build the vineyard that exists to this day. The next generation, Lucette and her husband Roger, owned a labour-horse and, against all odds, managed to remain independent and out of the co-operative system. The journey continued with their daughter, Ginette, and her husband, André Sié. Each generation of this family of winemakers brought great passion as they built the walls and cellars of the Château, stone by stone. Today, with the same passion and dedication as his ancestors, Arnaud Sié manages Château Tréviac and crafts his wines. The name Tréviac came to be over time and refers to the three old roads: the Trois Voies junction (or TRI-VIA) where traces of former construction and burial sites remain today.

The rugged and stony terroir in Corbières is not only shaped by the hot Mediterranean sun, but also by the terroir of garrigue and scrub that affords its wines such bold characters. Château Treviac extends over 36 hectares of vines, which are primarily planted with Syrah and Grenache, on the rolling hillsides of the Corbières Massif, in one of the wildest parts of France with its picturesque countryside and rich biodiversity. The soils in the area are rich in limestone and clay, with calcareous rocks on the surface, while the micro-climate offers good sun exposure and a high-altitude, which allows the vines to enjoy hot temperatures during the day, and cooler temperatures at night. With a commitment to the preservation of biodiversity and terroir, Arnaud Sié made the decision in 2019 to begin the conversion process towards organic farming.

I've enjoyed previous vintages of this terrific unoaked red, including most recently the 2019 Château de Tréviac Corbières last October. It continues to be a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that was hand-harvested. The grapes were crushed and pressed immediately upon arriving at the cellar and macerated for 4 to 5 weeks with regular punch downs to extract the aromas while respecting the integrity of the berries. In order to preserve freshness, the wine is raised in thermo-regulated concrete vats.

The 2020 growing season in Languedoc delivered excellent quality, albeit with slightly lower yields. It began with generous autumn rains, followed by a very mild December and a warm February, which helped get the vines off to an early start. The warm conditions continued into April and May, although rain arrived in unusually copious amounts in May, which led to downy mildew. However, the damage was limited. Cool and stormy weather arrived at the beginning of June, but thereafter, summer was hot and dry, without any heatwaves. Harvest arrived earlier than normal and growers were generally happy with the average-to-good crop size of juicy grapes, resulting in wines that are elegant, fresh, and aromatic. Let's see how this 2020 Corbières from Languedoc is tasting tonight...

Château de Tréviac Corbières 2020 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2020 - AP, Languedoc, France (#670505) (XD) - $17.95
This blend of 60/40 Syrah and Grenache was aged in concrete vats and has a medium-high intensity nose that offers a complex and attractive mix of ripe dark berry, blackberry, plum, garrigue, black raspberry, stony mineral, pepper spice, and meaty aromas. It's medium+ to medium-full bodied on the dry, ripe palate with lovely dark berry, blackberry, garrigue, stony mineral, and spice flavours which are supported by fresh acidity and fine-grained, grippy tannins. The dark berry notes taper to smoky minerals on the very long, crisp, and savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Arnaud Sié can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, September 17, 2023

Pauly Generations Riesling 2021 (Mosel) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 Axel Pauly Generations Mosel Riesling a couple of years ago, white wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific vegan wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as an Online & Flagship Exclusive in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This white wine is produced by Axel Pauly, the third generation of his family to work the vines on the very steep slopes of Mosel, Germany. Axel started managing the cellar in 2004, after it was passed down from his grandfather to his father, Rudolf. In 2009, Axel took over the entire family estate and, just two years later, unfortunately, the winery burned to the ground. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise and Axel had the estate rebuilt over the next several years and, in 2014, it was voted one of the 50 most beautiful vinotheques in Germany by the German Wine Institute. The labels of Axel Pauly wines were designed by Swedish designers and (turn the bottle 90° counter-clockwise for a better visual) feature three curved lines which are actually profiles of three generations of the Pauly family - Peter, Rudolf and Axel. Furthermore, an overhead view of the Mosel River is also embedded in the label.

Axel Pauly is known for producing high-quality wines, and particularly for its Riesling wines. He cultivates his vines on approximately 9 hectares of vineyards that are situated in some of the most prestigious and sought-after locations along the Mosel River, some of which have a gradient of up to 70%! These steep slopes provide the optimal conditions for Riesling cultivation, with the angle of the slopes maximizing sun exposure and heat retention. All of the vineyards face south or southwest, and consist exclusively of different layers of slate rock. When developing his wines, Axel is committed to traditional winemaking techniques, while focusing on naturalness, straightforwardness, and the typical taste patterns imparted by the soils of Mosel. Like many others in the region, Pauly has adopted sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which helps preserve the unique character of the region and its wines. Axel Pauly wines are characterized by clarity, a crystalline characteristic, length, and great minerality.

This medium-sweet Riesling was grown on grey and blue slate soils in a cool, moderate climate. The grapes were hand-picked from the steep slopes and then macerated for 10 hours, followed by spontaneous fermentation using natural yeasts in stainless steel. The wine was matured on its fine yeast lees for 4-5 months.

The growing season in Mosel in 2021 was significantly cooler and wetter compared to previous years for the south-facing, top vineyards. This was particularly favourable for the vines and allowed them to continue their old successes. The cooler and wetter year was most reflected in higher must weights, which is the amount of sugar in the juice. With Mosel characterized by its steep slopes and 90% of the grapes' white wine varieties, mainly Riesling, most winemakers in the area assessed the grapes positively and in good health, while expecting predominantly fruity and tangy wines. Let's see how this 2021 Mosel Riesling is tasting tonight...

Pauly Generations Riesling 2021 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

PAULY GENERATIONS RIESLING 2021 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#21033) (M) - $25.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this vegan-friendly Mosel Riesling has a medium-high intensity nose that offers slatey, earthy mineral, lemon citrus, and pear aromas with touches of white peach and floral. It has good weight on the medium to medium-full bodied palate with lovely tangy and off-dry flavours of lemon citrus, white peach, pear, and ripe apple joined by hints of honey and floral characters. Fresh, lively acidity keeps the sweetness in check. It's nicely balanced with lightly honeyed, citrus, and mineral notes lingering on the pleasantly long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Axel Pauly can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.


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  • Date publishedThursday, September 14, 2023

Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Les Caillottes Sancerre 2021 (Loire) - Wine Review

After enjoying the beautiful 2020 Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Les Caillottes Sancerre in April, white wine review is the latest vintage of a perennially excellent Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre that arrived at the LCBO last weekend, as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

This white wine is crafted by one of my favourite producers, Jean-Max Roger, a renowned wine producer based in the village of Bué, just southwest of the town of Sancerre, within the Loire Valley wine region in France. The Roger family comes from a long line of winegrowers, with the first mention of the family name dating back to the 17th century. Up until the 1960s, the Roger family practiced mixed farming with animal rearing. When Jean-Max Roger and his wife, Nicole, took over the 4 hectares of vines from his parents in the 1970s, they focused their attention on developing the vineyards and estate.

Under the guidance of Jean-Max, the winery experienced significant growth and gained recognition for producing exceptional Sancerre wines. Today, the estate covers 28 hectares of vines within the Sancerre appellation, with more than 40 plots that offer exceptional diversity of exposure, slope, and soil profiles which are dispersed among the region's three most renowned terroirs - Caillottes, Kimmeridgian Marl, and Flint. This diversity, combined with the Roger family's winemaking expertise, allows each wine to express all of the uniqueness of their terroirs through their structure, elegance, and finesse.

Jean-Max Roger's passion for wine was naturally passed on to his sons, Thibault and Etienne, and in 2004, the brothers joined their father at the family estate. While complementing each other, the brothers perpetuate the family's know-how, vineyard and winemaking techniques to improve their wines with each passing vintage. The Roger family is dedicated to producing terroir-driven wines with finesse, purity, and typicity, which has helped solidify Jean-Max Roger's reputation as one of Sancerre's top wine producers.

Like previous vintages, this Sauvignon Blanc was grown in the villages of Bué, Amigny, and Sancerre, on limestone soils called "caillottes", with vineyard exposure to the south and southwest. The vines are roughly between 6 to 40 years of age and tended to produce grapes that reveal their terroir. Yields are controlled, while organic amendments and deep soil working revitalize soil life. At the winery, the wines are vinified to reflect the fruitiness and density of the vintage. After harvest, the grapes are immediately pneumatically pressed and cold settled for between 48 and 72 hours to protect the aromas. Temperature-controlled, long fermentation was carried out using natural yeasts, followed by ageing on its heavy lees to develop minerality. After fining and filtration to stabilize the wine, it was bottled at the estate using their own facilities.

The 2021 growing season in Sancerre was a complicated one with frost, mildew, and storms, with great variability on a daily basis. Yields were down with fewer clusters, but the fruit that was harvested is of high quality, resulting in wines that were surprisingly good. Let's see how this 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre is tasting tonight...

Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Les Caillottes Sancerre 2021 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2021 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $36.95
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Elegant and beautifully intense, the aromatic nose offers lemon/lime citrus, stony minerality, grassy herbs, guava, tropical fruit, and grapefruit aromas with hints of melon. It's medium-full bodied, impressively concentrated, and well-structured on the crunchy palate. Dry and complex with lightly honeyed flavours of lemon/lime, citrus, white floral, ripe apple, and pear, with touches of guava, tapering to stony mineral notes. Gently spicy on the mid-palate. It has nicely textured mouthfeel that is supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity. Stony, leesy mineral notes linger on the exceptionally long, balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

Other fine wines by Jean-Max Roger are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia and Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, September 12, 2023

Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2020 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely, organic Chianti Classico made with Sangiovese that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as the Wine of the Month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Castello di Bossi wines are produced by Bacci Wines, a family-owned winery located in Tuscany. The Bacci family has a long history rooted in Tuscany. Bacci Wines was founded by Marco Bacci, who began his working career at the age of 19 in their family business that specialized in clothing, a company that eventually became an icon in Italy's fashion sector. From this success, Marco founded a real estate company to take advantage of the period of economic growth in the sector. In a short time, Marco acquired several properties, including Castello di Bossi in 1984.

Winemaking was a pleasant pasttime for Marco until 1985, when he bottled his first wine. In 1996, he left the fashion sector to dedicate his body and soul to the wine industry and acquired several more estates to reach a grand total of 6 wine estates, mostly in Tuscany. Today, Bacci Wines is not only dedicated to producing high-quality wines from the Tuscan region, but are well-known for their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices, prioritizing environmental sustainability, and producing their wines with great respect for the land.

Castello di Bossi is situated in the southern half of the Chianti Classico zone, within the territory of the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga UGA. The site where Castello di Bossi resides has a long history going back to when the first tower was built there in the year 1090. In 1450, the original structure was expanded into the 4-walled fortress that can be seen today. The historic castle is an iconic landmark that also serves as the centrepiece of the winery. The estate has changed hands several times over the years and now covers 650 hectares, with 124 hectares under vines that are mostly planted with Sangiovese. The grapes for this Chianti Classico are typically grown at 350 metres (1,148 feet) above sea level on tufo, brown and yellow clay, and broken stone soils.

I've enjoyed this wine for many years, including most recently the 2018 Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico last year. The 2020 growing season was a challenging one (due to the pandemic), but offered winegrowers the opportunity to concentrate their efforts towards every aspect of cultivation, vineyard management, and production. While it is difficult to generalize a vintage in Chianti Classico because each UGA experiences its own unique conditions, the vintage quality and quantity in 2020 is good, and in some cases excellent. Let's see how this 2020 Chianti Classico from the Castelnuovo Berardenga UGA is tasting tonight...

Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2020 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994608) (XD) - $22.95
This organic Sangiovese was aged in barrel for 12 months and is fresh and intensely aromatic with a very pretty nose of ripe pure red and dark red cherries that are joined by red currant, baking spices, clove, cinnamon, and gentle oak spice aromas. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with fresh, juicy acidity and ripe flavours of red fruited currant, plum, and cherry, plus cedary oak spice and clove notes adding a savoury component. Ripe, gently drying, and grippy tannins coat the palate. Tangy on the mid-palate, while red currant, plum, cherry, and cedary oak notes with hints of mineral linger on the long finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Castello di Bossi can be purchased from the LCBO or through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia./ Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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