Zacharias Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Assyrtiko from Greece that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the June 8th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Zacharias Winery, a notable family-owned winery that was established over 30 years ago in the Nemea region, which is situated in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, in Greece.

The Zacharias family has forty hectares of blessed land located on slopes that embrace the village of Leontio. The family's vineyards on these lands are spread sluggishly, offering the finest fruit for the production of high-quality wines. Zacharias plants thirteen grape varieties, including top indigenous varieties such as Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, and Mavrodaphne, as well as international varieties. With small yields and an integrated environmental management system which respects both nature and man, the juices from these grapes create quality wines.

Situated 115 km southwest of Athens, historically, Nemea was better known for the famous feat of Hercules who exterminated the terrible Lion of Nemea that inhabited the area. According to legend, the son of the god of wine, Dionysus, reigned this land and founded a city that bore his name - Fliounta. Nemea used to be called Agios Georgios, from the homonymous Byzantine church from which the famous grape variety - Agiorgitiko - took its name. Winegrowing, including the Agiorgitiko variety, and the production of wine in the region date back to 2000 B.C.

For the Zacharias family, the art of winemaking has been more than a passion for over 30 years. As the most historic winery in Nemea, since 1974, it has continuously offered a vision, mood, and work ethic to qualitatively improve the wines made with Agiorgitiko. The aim of Zacharias Winery is to offer approachable wines with a unique identity, while preserving the tradition and dissemination of grape varieties of the PDO Nemea and PGI Peloponnese appellations, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the place.

The production area in and around Nemea is quite extensive, ranging from 200 metres up to 850 metres above sea level, with most of the area's vineyards planted on slopes. The climate in the region is the typical Mediterranean climate, with average annual temperatures of 17°C, and average annual rainfall of 750 mm. The soil in the vineyards have average organic content, with moderate alkaline pH, and a relatively high content of calcium carbonate.

To craft this 100% Assyrtiko, the grapes were grown within the PGI Peloponnese appellation, the southernmost of the Balkan peninsula and Greece's largest and most productive wine region. After hand-harvesting the grapes in late-September, they underwent a cold maceration for 12 hours, followed by a cooler fermentation in stainless steel vats. Let's see how this 2022 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#588814) (XD) - $18.95
Fresh and fragrant, the inviting, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely yellow flowers, ripe lemon citrus, and melon aromas accented with fresh herbs and anise notes. On the dry, well-structured, medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and very lightly honeyed with delicious lemon citrus, floral, melon, and herbal replays on the flavour profile. It's supported by crisp and refreshing acidity, along with some spice notes and a fine, chalky textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Crisp and fresh, with leesy mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Zacharias Winery can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay 2023 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Chardonnay from Margaret River in Western Australia. It is brand-new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across the province as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 8th.

It is produced by Deep Woods Estate, a Margaret River gem that was established in 1987 by Dr. Thomas Cullity. The founder was a fan of the popular comic "Phantom" and named the winery Deep Woods, a fictitious location from the comic, while also designing the logo based on the Phantom ring. In 1992, Deep Woods was acquired by the Gould family.

In 2005, Deep Woods Estate was purchased by the Fogarty family, a wine group currently run by Peter and Lee Fogarty, and is one of a number of wine estates owned by Fogarty Wine Group. Under the guidance of the Fogarty group, Deep Woods has been transformed into one of Margaret River's most highly regarded wineries. Wine production at Deep Woods is based on a combination of traditional philosophy using modern techniques. The talented team is led by Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy, who produces wines of prestige and provenance.

The Estate is situated in the heart of the Yallingup Hills in Margaret River, Western Australia, perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley and surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The terroir in this area is unique with soils that are comprised of deep, sandy gravels over clay, as well as a dual maritime influence from both the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay - factors that contribute to this world-class wine region.

After being acquired by the Fogarty family, the vineyards were re-worked and a new maintenance program was introduced to utilize sustainable vineyard practices to improve fruit quality and produce small, higher-quality yields. As of 2024, Deep Woods' vineyards are certified sustainable under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, a process which has led to outstanding fruit and superior wines, including award-winning Chardonnay that is processed and bottled in small batches on-site. Sustainable viticultural practices, together with Margaret River's exceptional and unique terroir, help deliver high-quality fruit year after year, which is then used to craft high quality wines across a number of ranges in the pursuit of excellence.

This white wine is from Deep Woods' Estate range of wines that display individual varietal character and represent incredible value in the Margaret River wine region. Crafted with 100% Chardonnay, the fruit was sourced from vineyards across the Margaret River wine region. It was fermented using wild yeast and left to mature on its lees for six months in new and seasoned French oak to impart great texture and length.

The 2023 growing season in Margaret River began with a mild spring with adequate soil moisture, which resulted in a slightly later start to the season. The moderate summer led to ideal ripening conditions, with little pressure in the vineyard, including the lack of any major rain events. Consistently warm days and cool evenings allow for great acid retention within the grapes, while also achieving optimal fruit expression. From an excellent vintage, let's see how this 2023 Margaret River Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DEEP WOODS MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33569) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose leads with smoky, mineral, barrel-influenced aromas layered over apple, pear, orchard fruit, lemon citrus, nutty, and leesy notes. The dry, medium-full bodied palate is more fruit forward with ripe apple, pear, lemon citrus flavours mingling with smoky oak, leesy mineral, and spice notes, plus a tinge of honey adding further complexity. It's nicely balanced with a slightly chalky textured mouthfeel, with some sense of elegance. Acids are juicy and succulent. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Enjoy to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other lovely wine by Deep Woods Estate can be found at the LCBO, while the entire portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Born Rambla Rosé 2023 (Spain) - Wine Review

Today is National Rosé Day, and for tonight's rosé wine review I opened a lovely, organic, dry rosé from the Penedès region in Spain. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO that landed in stores across Ontario today as part of the theme on rosé wines in the June 8 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Born Rosé, a trendy wine brand that was established by a group of women in Barcelona who are passionate about rosé wines. Together, they have poured their energy, expertise, and savings into producing fine, Mediterranean rosé.

The leader of this group is Jana Robles, a Barcelona-based entrepreneur who loves rosé wine. She merged her passion for rosé wine with international business, which included years of experience living in the U.S.A., China, and the Netherlands. With a thirst for constant learning, Jana's global vision redefines her role as CEO and founder of Born Rosé on a daily basis.

As the rosé of Barcelona, each of their wines, all of which are rosé, are 100% organic, dry, light, pale, and with low alcohol levels. Born Rosé makes several rosé wines, including sparkling rosé, and rosé in convenient cans. The brand is noted for its stylish, minimalist, and modern packaging.

A relatively new winery with medals in tow, Born Rosé asserts that the best rosé is produced in the Mediterranean region, which connects Provence, Languedoc, and Barcelona. The Greeks planted their first vineyards 2,600 years ago and spread their culture of wine to the Mediterranean region - regions which share the same climate, land, and the Grenache grape variety, with Born Rosé contributing their know-how and passion. Let's see how this dry rosé from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BORN RAMBLA ROSÉ 2023 - Penedès, Spain (#37863) (XD) - $15.95
Certified organic, this pretty pale salmon pink coloured dry rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Tempranillo. Fresh, elegant, medium+ to medium-high intensity aromas of peach, strawberry, and red cherry with hints of mineral, dried herb, and spice. On the dry, concentrated, medium-full bodied palate it has delicious citrus, grapefruit, peach, strawberry, and cherry flavours, with a touch of honeyed notes supported by very good, juicy acidity. Fine texture with subtle spice notes on the mid-palate. It's nicely balanced throughout with grapefruit, citrus, and spice notes tapering to mineral on the juicy finish, with very good length. Enjoy this recommended buy over the summer! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Born Rosé can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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June 8, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Rosé

Here are my top wine picks from the June 8, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which features Rosé Wines from Around the World is the theme of the release. It is a big release with over 125 wines offered. Included in the printed magazine is a sneak preview of the next release, which will be an Online & Flagship Exclusives only release. All the wines from this release are already in stores, and can also be ordered online.

We'll begin with the theme on Rosé wines, of which twenty-two are featured as part of the theme and seven are included among my top rosé wine picks. At the top of the list is a locally crafted rosé from Niagara that is a blend of 94% Pinot Noir and 6% Viognier. The rosé from Provence is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, while the rosé from the Rhône Valley is composed of mainly Grenache, plus Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The rosé from Spain is also Grenache-based and made with 60% Grenache and 40% Tempranillo, while the rosé from Tuscany is, somewhat unsurprisingly, a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. The only mono-varietal rosés are from Chile and the Loire Valley in France, and both are crafted using 100% Pinot Noir.

Among my top red wine recommendations, Tuscany really shines with five recommendations. At the top of this list is the Brunello di Montalcino, which is crafted with Sangiovese Grosso, while the other Tuscan wines are all blends. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is mainly Sangiovese (~80%), while the Riserva Chianti Classico is composed of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Colorino. The Bolgheri Rosso is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, while the Super Tuscan by Avignonesi is composed of precisely 50.82% Sangiovese, 24.58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.51% Merlot, 0.78% Syrah, and 0.30% Canaiolo. Moving to France, there are a couple of Grenache-led Rhône Valley wines, with the Rasteau made with 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, while the Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The last blend is from Portugal, and it is a blend of 30% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, and 20% Syrah. Only a few of my red wine picks are single varietal wines, and among them is the Rioja that is made with Tempranillo.

There is only one blend among my white wine picks - a 70/30 blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho. There are a trio of Chardonnay wines - one each from the Sonoma Coast, Napa Valley, and Margaret River, as well as a pair of Assyrtiko wines from Greece. Wines that are a bit rare to see here in Ontario are a Pinot Bianco from northern Italy, and the Godello from Bierzo. If you enjoy some sweetness in your wines, look for the Riesling from Niagara.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release!

Red Wine:

• CASA SANTOS LIMA QUID PRO QUO RED 2021 - Vegan, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#37768) (XD) - $11.95  88+ pts  wine review
• MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2022 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#37937) (XD) - $15.95  88+ pts  wine review
• AVIGNONESI CANTALORO 2019 - Vegan, IGT Toscana, Italy (#36519) (XD) - $18.95
• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL COLECCIÓN PRIVADA CRIANZA 2019 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10684) (XD) - $18.95
• RHONÉA TRADITION RASTEAU 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#998716) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#930966) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review

 

• VECCHIA CANTINA RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2016 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#36523) (XD) - $23.95  91+ pts  wine review
• MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE LISCONE 2018 - DOC Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy (#36549) (XD) - $24.95
• LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#171371) (XD) - $26.95  91 pts  wine review
• LE MACCHIOLE BOLGHERI ROSSO 2021 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#483412) (XD) - $42.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#84996) (XD) - $44.95
• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2018 - Estate Bottled, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $64.95

White Wine:

• MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO/ALVARINHO 2022 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• GODELIA BODEGA SELECCION PARCELAS LA PELONA GODELLO 2023 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#37706) (XD) - $17.95
• ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#588814) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• DEEP WOODS MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33569) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#89029) (M) - $19.95
• MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $22.95  90 pts  wine review
• NALS MARGREID BERG PINOT BIANCO 2022 - DOC Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy (#36511) (XD) - $22.95
• STAGS' LEAP CHARDONNAY 2022 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#655381) (XD) - $44.95
• KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2022 - Unfiltered and Unfined, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $139.95

Rosé Wine:

• BORN RAMBLA ROSÉ 2023 - Penedès, Spain (#37863) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2023 - Sustainable, Las Dichas, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#15277) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• RICASOLI ALBIA ROSÉ 2023 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#556266) (XD) - $18.95
• FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL 2023 - AC, Rhône, France (#680801) (XD) - $23.95
• HIDDEN BENCH LOCUST LANE ROSÉ 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68833) (XD) - $24.95  92 pts  wine review
• SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2023 - AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#451906) (XD) - $26.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER LA GRANGE DÎMIÈRE SANCERRE ROSÉ 2023 - AC, Loire, France (#490813) (XD) - $29.95

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Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Southern Rhône Valley red from the Cru Rasteau appellation that is arriving at the LCBO this weekend as part of the June 8th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection - and is available in many stores already.

It is produced by Cave de Rasteau - Rhonéa (formerly Ortas), a co-operative winery that was formed after the merger of two historic co-operatives who had deep roots in the Rhône Valley going back to the year 1925. As a co-operative, Rhonéa is today a collective of 400 families of Artisan Winegrowers who have over a combined 2,900 hectares of vineyards that have been cultivated in Rhône's terroirs for 3 to 4 generations.

The initial project at the beginning of the 20th century consisted of only a handful of passionate and visionary families who laid the first stones of the village wineries. Their aim was to create a shared asset which put everyone's talents to use in order to provide the best conditions for producing, ageing and selling wines.

Rhonéa is the innovative, new generation co-operative model made up of 400 families who are winegrowers with small vineyards averaging 10 hectares each. They are united with a common passion, but with know-how that has been passed on from one generation to the next to create their own, unique stories. With perfect knowledge of their terroirs, plots, and grape varieties, they aim to reveal the very best of them. All Rhonéa winegrowers are committed to ethical and sustainable winegrowing, vintage after vintage. The main mission of Rhonéa is to craft wines that are accessible, without compromising on quality, while also innovating with sustainability commitments, which includes social responsibility and environmental protection, at the top of mind.

I enjoyed a previous incarnation of this wine, the 2017 Ortas Tradition Rasteau, nearly five years ago, and like that wine, this edition is also mainly Grenache. In fact, this edition is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan. The grapes were grown on terraces of clay, limestone, and pebbles on the plain, and blue marls on the hills situated between 200 and 250 metres altitude, facing the Dentelles de Montmirail. After manually harvesting, sorting, and destemming the grapes, they underwent a traditional vinification with long maceration and partial punching down.

The 2021 growing season for red grape varieties presented many difficulties with frost, hail, and rain. With poor weather, disease, pests, and low yields, the vintage will be remembered for being atypical, but also resulting in qualitative, fresh, lush, and tasty wines. Let's see how this 2021 Southern Rhône red from Rasteau is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RHONÉA TRADITION RASTEAU 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#998716) (XD) - $19.95
This blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is musky and woodsy, giving way to a core of ripe raspberry, black cherry, black pepper spice, stony minerals, and black olive aromas, with touches of savoury earth. On dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied, and slightly warming palate it has savoury stony minerals, black raspberry, black cherry, woodsy oak spice flavours. Acids are crisp, fresh, and juicy, while the supple, fine-grained tannins have with some textural grip. Savoury stony mineral and spice notes linger on the well-structured finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other lovely wines by Rhonéa can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

With BBQ season upon us and Father's Day around the corner, tonight's red wine review is a delicious Malbec that is widely available as a VINTAGES Essentials product at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

It is produced by Terrazas de los Andes, a prominent Argentine winery renowned for its high-altitude vineyards. It was established in 1996 when a team of visionaries recognized the unique potential of Mendoza and the majestic Andes mountains, well before Argentina's oenological potential was recognized worldwide. With a firm conviction to create world-class wines, Terrazas ventured into the unexplored lands of the Andes to search for a refined, varietal expression of the vine that could only be achieved on the cool, high-altitude terraces of Mendoza - places where the sky and the earth meet in harmony.

Today, Terrazas de los Andes is located in the heart of Perdriel, at the foot of the Andes mountains, while the majority of their vineyards are situated in Mendoza's Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, and surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes. They are also constantly searching for perfection and exploring the limits of high-altitude viticulture, while challenging established standards to create truly exceptional wines. Owned by Moët Hennessy Group, which itself is a division of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, Terrazas de los Andes is committed to sustainable viticulture practices which aim to reduce environmental impact and ensure the long-term health of the vineyards and surrounding ecosystems. Some of these initiatives include water optimization and promoting biodiversity. They are also reducing their carbon footprint by using lightweight bottles for all of their Reserva wines.

As Guardians of Mountain Life, Terrazas de los Andes is committed to unleashing and protecting the magic of the top of the world by preserving the Andes' sacred glacier water and living soils, mitigating their impact on the climate, engaging mountain communities, and empowering their people.

I first came across this wine with the 2018 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec that I enjoyed just over two years ago. The 2021 vintage of this 100% Malbec is crafted using fruit from 100+ parcels (and 200+ terraces) of 8 high-altitude estate vineyards that are sustainably farmed and transitioning to organic, and in a magical place where the earth meets the sky. As great wine is grown, all the vineyards are situated between 1,000 to 1,650 metres (3,280 to 5,413 feet) above sea level, with seven of the vineyards located in the best appellations of the Uco Valley, while the eighth vineyard is in Luján de Cuyo.

To craft this wine, the grapes were harvested early and fresh, at the peak of fruit expression. The grapes were gently macerated for 15 to 20 days, with the aim of slowly and precisely extracting the right tannic structure of the wine while preserving its fineness. After fermentation, most of the wine was aged for 12 months in new to fourth-use oak barrels, with a proportion kept in tank to preserve fruit freshness and purity.

The 2021 growing season was characterized by lower than average temperatures during the ripening season, as well as above-average rainfall during the key months of January through March. It was a cool vintage and rather early, even for Terrazas as they are usually among the first to harvest. The grapes were allowed to develop intense colour and a bright, fruity profile with a vibrant and elegant mouthfeel. Each parcel was cultivated individually, including picking decisions which were made plot-by-plot. By generally picking earlier, Terrazas emphasizes elegance over power and avoids any over-ripening to preserve Malbec's bright floral and fruity aromas, and natural acidity. From a good vintage that delivered a cool growing season, let's see how this 2021 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2021 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
From a cooler vintage, the medium-high intensity nose is cool and fresh with green herbs and dried spices layered over dark fruit, blackberry, raspberry, white pepper, and black plum aromas with subtle touches of smoke and violet. On the medium-bodied palate it has smooth, refined, and lightly structured tannins to go along with fresh and lively acidity. It is dry with delicious dried spice, white pepper, green herbs, blackberry, and raspberry flavours, while peppery spice with touches of smoke and mineral notes linger on the long, well-structured finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 3+ years. Score: 88+ pts

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PHI Chardonnay 2021 (Yarra Valley) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 De Bortoli Estate Vineyard Chardonnay last month, we go up a notch with tonight's white wine review - a fantastic single vineyard Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley in Victoria. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO, arriving a few months ago in the March 2 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is still available for purchase Online and in-person at Flagship Exclusive locations.

It is produced by De Bortoli Wines, one of Australia's leading family-owned wine companies. De Bortoli Wines was established in 1928 after Vittorio De Bortoli, an Italian immigrant from Treviso, arrived in New South Wales to discover that the flat plains and red earth were very different compared to his homeland and purchased a 55 acre mixed fruit farm. That same year, there was a glut of Shiraz grapes in the region and Vittorio was able to get 15 tonnes of Shiraz grapes for free since other farmers preferred to let them rot. Vittorio's wine was very popular among local Italians and other Europeans in the area, and they wanted to buy the wine off him. With this first of many successes, Vittorio established De Bortoli Wines.

Vittorio married his fiancée, Giuseppina, on the farm a year later, and the 1930s brought the second generation of the De Bortoli family with the births of Florrie, Deen, and Eola. The family business continued to grow over the years, while Deen left school (against his parents' wishes) at the age of 15 in 1951 to work at the family winery, and by 1957 he was itching to modernize it. In 1958, Deen married Emeri Cunial and the third generation of the De Bortoli family arrived with the births of Darren, Leanne, Kevin, and Victor. Deen was instrumental in expanding the family business during the 1970s, and in 1987, De Bortoli expanded into Yarra Valley, Victoria. In 1990, De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate was established and led by Leanne De Bortoli and her husband, Steve Webber, and together they welcomed the 4th generation of the family. Their daughter, Kate Webber, joined the family wine business and is the winemaker for this Chardonnay.

This particular white wine is from De Bortoli's PHI range of wines. PHI is the 21st letter of the Ancient Greek alphabet and symbolizes balance, harmony, and proportion. Similarly, with PHI wines, the third and fourth generations of the De Bortoli family are working together to create Single Vineyard wines that give proportion to climate, soil, and maker.

The Yarra Valley is one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions and is located approximately 50 km northeast of Melbourne, near the towns of Yarra Glen and Healesville. This Chardonnay was grown at the Lusatia Park Vineyard in the town of Woori Yallock, one of the most iconic single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. The Lusatia Park Vineyard was purchased from the Shelmerdine family in 2016 and forms part of De Bortoli's plans to establish iconic vineyards to produce single plot fine wines. The 18 hectare, north-facing vineyard was first planted in 1985 at an altitude of 240 metres, while the soil is deep decomposed basalt that is quite rich in iron.

To craft this lovely Chardonnay, the grapes were hand-harvested in mid-to-late March, whole-bunch pressed, and allowed to settle overnight. The juice was then racked into older French oak casks where it underwent natural fermentation. The wine was then left on its yeast lees for 9 months, with occasional stirring.

It was a classic, cooler growing season in Yarra Valley and Lusatia Park in 2021. Spring featured timely rain, while ripening season temperatures tracked long-term averages. From a good-to-excellent vintage that featured idyllic growing conditions, let's see how this 2021 Chardonnay from Yarra Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PHI CHARDONNAY 2021 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#33567) (XD) - $33.95
Vegan-friendly and enclosed by screw cap. The fragrant, perfumed, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers lovely saline minerality aromas layered over green apple, lemon citrus, pear, savoury earth, and subtle spice notes. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has a creamy mouthfeel with lovely green apple, lemon citrus, and saline mineral flavours joined by accents of almond and mealy notes on the back palate. It's supported by fresh, lively, and slightly tangy acidity. A touch spicy on the mid-palate with a finely textured mouthfeel, while saline mineral, citrus, and apple notes linger on the long, balanced, and savoury finish. Enjoy to the early 2030s. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

The Estate Vineyard Chardonnay is still available at the LCBO, while the entire portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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