LCBO VINTAGES Wine Picks & Reviews : Index

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

October 21, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California

LCBO Wine Picks: October 21, 2023 VINTAGES New Release Collection

Here are my top wine picks from the October 21, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which is titled "Golden State". As is the norm for this time of the year, the releases get bigger and pricier, with 157 products offered in this release, including many Gift and Sampler packs. The most expensive gift pack is over $2,000 and the person receiving it would be a very lucky duck. All of the wines in this release will be available in stores or online by this Saturday.

We begin with the shining wines from the Golden State of California, which include 12 premium-priced wines for your holiday shopping list - and three of which are among my top wine picks. The lone white wine is an always impeccable Chardonnay from Sonoma Mountain. Unsurprisingly, the other two wines are top California Cabernet Sauvignons, with the Cliff Lede version composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, while the Grgich Hills is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6.5% Merlot, and 6.5% Petit Verdot.

Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (94 pts)

Even though California is the theme of the release, Italy could have made the case for being the mini-theme with many fine offerings from the boot-shaped peninsula. Leading off is the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, which is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia Nera, followed by a pair of Riserva Chianti Classico wines - the 2016 is 100% Sangiovese, while the 2018 Riserva Chianti Classico is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. The last red wine from Italy is the Modus Super Tuscan, which is composed of 44% Sangiovese, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Merlot. Moving westwards to France, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache Noir, 25% Mourvèdre, 1% Cinsault, and 1% other permitted varieties, while the Côtes du Rhône Villages is made with 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 10% Counoise. The last wine from France is from Languedoc and it is a blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre. The last blend is a Malbec from Argentina that actually consists of 90% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 (94 pts)

Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018 (91 pts)

La Roselière Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun 2020

The only blend among my white picks from the rest of the release is the Marsanne from Niagara, which is actually a blend of 93% Marsanne and 7% Viognier. The other wines include a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand, a Chardonnay from Chablis, a Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and a Pecorino from Italy. If you prefer an off-dry style of wine (i.e. slightly sweet), you should take a look at the Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

Pfaff Tradition Gewurztraminer 2020 (89 pts)

Umani Ronchi Vellodoro Pecorino 2022 (89 pts)

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release!

Red Wine:

S. DELAFONT MOSAÏQUE 2020 - AP Languedoc, France (#31697) (XD) - $19.95
MONTERRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Vegan, McLaren Vale, South Australia (#12835) (XD) - $21.95
LA ROSELIÈRE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES LAUDUN 2020 - AP, France (#31694) (XD) - $21.95
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP NATURE'S CRUX SHIRAZ 2020 - Vegan, Fleurieu, South Australia (#33367) (XD) - $21.95
CAVALIERE D'ORO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#216309) (XD) - $24.95 91 pts wine review
TEHO ZAHA TOKO VINEYARD MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#441691) (XD) - $25.95

RUFFINO MODUS 2019 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#912956) (XD) - $32.95 91+ pts wine review
BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11582) (XD) - $34.95
CASTELLO DI RADDA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#31409) (XD) - $43.95
CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2020 - AC, Rhône, France (#735407) (XD) - $64.95
CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#12751) (XD) - $64.95 94 pts wine review
GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#71407) (XD) - $109.95
CLIFF LEDE STAGS LEAP DISTRICT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#14217) (XD) - $124.95 94 pts wine review

White Wine:

PFAFF TRADITION GEWURZTRAMINER 2020 - AC Alsace, France (#29822) (D) - $16.95 89 pts wine review
UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO 2022 - IGT Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy (#289553) (XD) - $17.95 89 pts wine review
KEW VINEYARDS MARSANNE 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $19.95
RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2022 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $19.95
WHITEHAVEN GREG SINGLE VINEYARD RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325944) (XD) - $25.95
THE CRATER RIM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Single vineyard, Waipara, South Island, New Zealand (#26359) (XD) - $29.95
JEAN-MARC BROCARD SAINTE CLAIRE CHABLIS 2021 - AC, Burgundy, France (#356634) (XD) - $34.95
KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2021 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $121.95

Fortified Wine:

TAYLOR FLADGATE HISTORIC LIMITED EDITION RESERVE TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#581561) (S) - $53.95

Chakana Finca Los Cedros Malbec 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely organic and vegan Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on October 7th.

Chakana Wines was founded by the Pelizzatti family in 2002 when they acquired 300 hectares of land in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The Pelizzatti family is originally from the mountainous region of Valtellina in Lombardy, Italy, where their ancestors had a long history of making quality wines. In 2003, Chakana had their first successful grape harvest at Finca Nuna in Agrelo.

Expansion and an exhaustive study of the soils occurred during the decade until tragedy struck in 2009, where late frosts affected 70% of the vines at Finca Nuna. In 2010, a group of families who were inspired by the Pelizzatti family and moved by their passion and strength joined the winery project as shareholders. This has led to further exploration in the search for quality, including developing an appreciation for agroecology (sustainable farming that works with nature) and alternative production methods.

Later in 2010, a 15-hectare farm was purchased south of the Tunuyán River, in Paraje Altamira, and it was named Finca Los Cedros. Further expansion occurred, including exporting wines to international markets, and in 2012 they started the formal transition to organic certification. In 2014, Chakana obtained organic certification for their vineyard and winery in Agrelo, and furthermore, obtained Demeter biodynamic certification in 2016.

As the Pelizzatti family stepped away from the project in 2019, Chakana continues today with this same spirit and purpose under renewed leadership. Chakana is considered one of the benchmarks and models in winegrowing due to their essence and philosophy, including their sustainable and organic winemaking practices. As soil is not only essential for food production, it also serves as a reflection of terroir, and in the search for the best wines, one cannot underestimate the importance of soil or fail to attend to its care or knowledge.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec, a single vineyard wine that was grown at Chakana's Finca Los Cedros vineyard high up in the Paraje Altamira GI at 3,600 feet above sea level, in the district of La Consulta, in the department of San Carlos. The climate in this area is cool and sunny, with good thermal amplitude, but is also relatively more humid than other areas of Mendoza due to its location at the foot of the mountain. The vineyard is drip-irrigated using a reservoir of crystalline meltwater. The grapes were planted at a high density on sandy loam soil with calcareous gravel. The grapes were manually harvested and placed into small boxes. Upon arriving at the winery in Agrelo, the grapes were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 10 months in a combination of 5,000 Litre oak barrels and concrete vats.

The 2020 growing season was a challenging one in Mendoza. The vintage was one of the earliest and warmest on record, and along with low rainfall, led to reduced yields. However, the grape quality was excellent if you were able to pick at the right moment. Let's see how this 2020 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Chakana Finca Los Cedros Malbec 2020 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHAKANA FINCA LOS CEDROS MALBEC 2020 - Vegan, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#32142) (XD) - $20.95
Organic and vegan. 100% Malbec. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and spicy with dark fruited aromas of blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, and stony-earthy mineral notes accented with dried herbs and spices. It's medium-full bodied and ripe with chewy, well-structured tannins and juicy acidity that frames the dark fruited, blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, black plum, and mineral flavours with a touch of spice. Some smoky and tea leaf characters add further intrigue on the nicely textured and somewhat chalky and drying mid-palate. Mineral and smoky notes linger on the long, juicy finish. On the bigger, savoury side of Malbec and a highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely Chakana Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Les Vignerons du Castelas Le Monarque Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2022 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic, Viognier-based white wine blend from Rhône that arrived at the LCBO over the long weekend in the October 7th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Les Vignerons du Castelas, a co-operative winery that was established in 1952 by a handful of winegrowers that were keen to combine their efforts and wills to produce appellation wines of high quality. The co-op is located in Rochefort du Gard, between Pont d'Avignon and Pont du Gard, on the right bank of the Rhône River, and is named after a XII century Romanesque chapel that is perched atop the village. The origins of Rochefort du Gard as a winegrowing village goes back to 1933, when it became one of the first villages to be approved in the, at the time, very young Côtes du Rhône Appellation, officially gained its status within the appellation in 1937.

Following the formation of the co-op, the winery opened its doors three years later, in 1955, on the eve of harvest, and inscribed on the cellar walls was the quote "Less wine but better" - a philosophy that still holds today. Since that time, several generations have followed one another and, together, they continue to make wines with respect for tradition, while also respecting the people and the land.

Today, 45 families of winemakers, who are attached to their land and vineyard, form Les Vignerons du Castelas. Together, they have over 450 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the Côtes du Rhône appellation, with four distinct soil characteristics - deep soils on stony spreads, marl soils, sandy soils, and Villafranchian terraced floors - with each soil type playing an important role in the character of the wine. The families of winegrowers cultivate their quality vines in order to create supple and pleasurable wines for every occasion. The winemakers of Rochefort du Gard are committed, by vocation, to healthy vines on a living soil, to create wines that express the enthusiasm and sincerity of their work accomplished with passion, knowledge, and sensitivity.

The name of this wine - Le Monarque - comes from the butterfly that is found in their region, in the Rhône Valley, and migrates every summer to Africa, travelling more than 4,000 kilometres during its journey. As a wine that seems to show up every couple of years, I last enjoyed the 2019 Les Vignerons du Castelas Le Monarque Côtes du Rhône Blanc just over two years ago. For this vintage, it continues to be a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne, as per the back label. The grapes were grown on sandy marl soils which are mainly composed of clay, limestone, and carbonate sand. The grapes were harvested by machine at night to preserve freshness and underwent a slow, 1-month fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. The wine was matured in concrete tanks and bottled at the property without any added sulphites. Let's see how this 2022 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is tasting tonight...

Les Vignerons du Castelas Le Monarque Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2022 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS LE MONARQUE CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2022 - AP, France (#18570) (XD) - $17.95
This organic white wine is a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne. Fragrant and highly attractive aromas of yellow and white florals, lemon citrus, ripe apple, and pear with white peach and herbally tones. It's medium-full bodied and impressively concentrated on the fleshy palate with lovely yellow and white floral, lemon citrus, apple, pear, and herbal replays in a dry flavour profile. Some leesy mineral notes appear on the nicely textured, slightly oily palate. Juicy with fresh, zesty acidity, while citrusy, orchard fruit, and leesy mineral notes linger on the long, succulent, and lightly spicy finish. Lots going on here and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other delicious wines by Les Vignerons du Castelas can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

El Petit Bonhomme 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the delicious 2018 Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme nearly three years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this vegan-friendly wine from Spain that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the September 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Les Vins Bonhomme, a brand of wines that was established by Canadian-born winemaker Nathalie Bonhomme. She was born and raised in Quebec, then left to travel the world over 30 years ago and eventually settled in Spain. Inspired by Nathalie's last name - Bonhomme - which translates to "fellow or man", the label of each Les Vins Bonhomme wine is adorned with a distinctive stickman.

Today, Les Vins Bonhomme is a collaboration of wineries and small, family growers. They produce wines from across Spain with a team of winemakers using grapes from small, family growers, aiming to transport you with each sip to the most interesting corners of Spain. You can expect to discover some enticing vineyards - from the joyful and indigenous Monastrell of the sunny Mediterranean, to the southern version of Cabernet Sauvignon showing its Spanish colours, and to the traditional Tempranillo from the land of castles of Castilla y León. At Les Vins Bonhomme, the key to fabulous wines is picking the best grapes, while seeking to produce fun wines of value and quality.

Like the 2018, this vintage is also composed of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah, and it was produced in collaboration with the prestigious Bodegas Juan Gil and their winemaker, Bartolome Abellán. The grapes were dry-farmed at an elevation of 2,300 feet above sea level, with the Monastrell planted on 5 hectares of calcareous and sandy loam soil. After hand-harvesting the grapes, they underwent cold maceration on the skins, followed by a temperature-controlled fermentation for 2 weeks in small, stainless-steel vats. Each individual wine underwent malolactic fermentation and ageing for 6 months in oak, with the Monastrell and Syrah in 225 L French oak barrels, while the Garnacha was in 300 L American oak, then blended together and bottled.

Monastrell was well-suited to the 2020 growing season, with the quality of the grapes described as "magnificent" by many. With generous yields, the harvest was the best in many years. Let's see how this 2020 red wine from Jumilla is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL PETIT BONHOMME 2020 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#16578) (XD) - $16.95
Enclosed by screw cap and a blend of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah. The medium+ intensity nose offers pleasing, ripe, dark fruited, blackberry jam, peppery spice, black plum, and dried herb aromas with hints of rosemary and thyme. On the medium-full bodied palate it has deliciously ripe dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, cassis, currant, and sweet spice favours flecked with black pepper and dried herbs. Acids are juicy, fresh, and well-balanced, while the well-structured tannins are somewhat youthful and drying. Blackberry and black cherry notes taper off to a long, savoury, earthy, and mineral-tinged finish. Best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Les Vins Bonhomme can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Altugnac Terres Amoureuses 2021 (Limoux) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Chardonnay (with a splash of Mauzac) from the Limoux appellation in Languedoc that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on September 23rd.

It is produced by Domaine Altugnac, one of two wine estates owned by Collovray et Terrier - two winegrowing families situated in Burgundy and Languedoc. Christian Collovray and Jean-Luc Terrier had been friends since childhood and shared a love for the vines and wine. Their bond grew even closer when they married two sisters, Brigitte and Florence, who also came from a family of winegrowers. Together, the four of them dreamt of creating an estate to make wine from Christian's and his father's vines - a dream that became a reality in 1986.

The story of Domaine Altugnac begins in 1997, when the Collovray & Terrier families arrived in Languedoc with a desire to explore new horizons and take on new challenges. Coming from Burgundy, the quality of the white wines in Languedoc appealed to them, especially those from high in the Aude Valley where mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted on limestone soils. Harvest dates were within a few days compared to those back in Davayé (Burgundy), while the vegetative cycles were also very similar.

Altugnac is located on the western edge of Languedoc, in the Pyrenean foothills, where the vines flirt with the scrub land and the woods. It is at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Mediterranean winds and experiences sunny days and cool nights. The village of Altugnac is peaceful, dominated by an amphitheatre of mountains, and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes - all an invitation to imagine and create unique wines.

Prior to the arrival of Collovray & Terrier, the domaine was owned by Mr. Ramirez. He was one of the founding members of the association of private cellars, and one of the first to imagine Chardonnay in the Aude Valley. After taking over the domaine, Collovray & Terrier undertook the colossal project to revitalize the 45 hectares of vineyards and rebuild the facilities.

Today, as a family business, six members of the Collovray & Terrier family work within the company, with a strong sense of cohesion, and with the support of a close-knit, loyal, and dedicated team. With roots in agriculture, their philosophy begins in the vineyard by working the soil and respecting the vegetation - prerequisites for healthy, ripe, and high-quality grapes. The objective is perfection, by which they strive to master each step of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle. They also adapt to the year's weather conditions and evolve and experiment. The goal is to reveal the diversity of their terroirs, while also protecting and developing biodiversity.

This white wine is named "Terrres Amoureuses", which translates to "Lands of Love", and is crafted mainly with Chardonnay that was grown among 30 hectares of vines that were planted in the early 1970s and are some of the oldest in Languedoc. Grown in the Aude Valley at 400 metres above sea level, the terroir consists of clay and limestone soils that are covered with a gravelly surface layer composed of black earth rich in schist debris, which is typical of the area and unique to Antugnac. At this altitude, the vines have a south/south-easterly aspect while facing the Pyrenees, while also having great exposure to the sun, winds, and a micro-climate that favours a slow and long maturation period. Overall, the valley has a Mediterranean climate with mountain influences, and experiences dramatic diurnal temperatures between days and nights.

To craft this white wine, which is mainly Chardonnay and a small amount of Mauzuc, the grapes were harvested manually and delicately loaded into the press by gravity. The grapes are slowly pressed and decanted into stainless steel tanks. After settling, the juice is transferred by gravity into barrels to undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. The wine remains in barrels, with only 20% new, and is aged on fine lees for a further 10 to 12 months. The wines are then assembled with their lees and undergo further ageing in stainless steel vats prior to bottling the following spring. Let's see how this 2021 white wine from Limoux is tasting tonight...

Altugnac Terres Amoureuses 2021 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

ALTUGNAC TERRES AMOUREUSES 2021 - AP Limoux, Languedoc, France (#16413) (XD) - $26.95
Primarily Chardonnay with a splash of Mauzac, this barrel-fermented white wine has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose that offers attractive and ripe stone fruit, pear, quince, apple, and citrus aromas which mingle with mealy and earthy mineral notes. On the medium-full bodied palate it is dry and ripe with apple, quince, pear, and lemon citrus flavours joined by lovely mealy and mineral notes, plus touches of vanilla and a twist of honey adding further complexity. Elegant, structured, and finely textured with fresh, juicy acidity, while mealy, mineral, stone fruit, and citrus notes with a touch of spice linger on long, flavourful finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Altugnac and Collovray et Terrier can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

October 7, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Classic European Regions

LCBO Wine Picks: October 7, 2023 VINTAGES New Release Collection

Here's my top wine picks from the October 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection which is titled "Classic European Regions. It is a big, and very fine release with 141 wines that also includes a selection of Online & Flagship Exclusive wines. All of these wines should be available by this Saturday.

We begin with the feature on Classic European Regions, which include twenty-three wines from seven classic wine producing countries across Europe. From the theme, there are five wines included among my top picks, with the lone white wine is from Spain and it is a blend of 70% Viura (from 80 year old vines) and 30% Maturana Blanca that was fermented and aged in oak. There are three wines from the classic wine producing country of Italy - an Amarone that is a traditional blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, a Barolo that is made with Nebbiolo, and a Brunello di Montalcino that is made with Sangiovese. From France, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is composed of 60% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Counoise.

Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015

Tenuta Rocca Comune di Serralunga d'Alba Barolo 2018

Red wine recommendations from the main release begins in France with a 2012 vintage blend from Bordeaux that is crafted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernets, while the red from Gigondas is roughly 70/20/10 Grenache / Syrah / Mourvèdre, and the wine from Madiran in Southwest France is composed of 50% Tannat, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 24% Cabernet Franc. The only other blend is a Rioja from Spain that is composed of 80% Tempranillo, 11% Graciano, and 9% Garnacha. Mono-varietal wines should be self-explanatory, but include wines crafted with Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina, an Aglianico from Campania, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.

Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (90 pts)

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the release, the only blend is the white wine from Rhone that is a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne. Other fine offerings include a quartet of lovely Chardonnays from Piedmont, California, and Burgundy. If you would like to explore a new grape variety, try the Greek wine that is made with the Kydonitsa varietal. And lastly, if you want something a bit sweet, check out the Riesling from Niagara.

Domaine Pinson Frères Mont-de-Milieu Chablis 1er Cru 2021 (94 pts)

Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 (92 pts)

Other wines include a fine vintage sparkling rosé from Champagne that is a blend of 52% Pinot Noir (14% red wine), 27% Chardonnay, and 21% Meunier, while the Vin Santo is composed of 40% Malvasia Bianca, 30% Trebbiano Toscano, and 30% San Colombano.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!