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  • Date publishedSaturday, September 6, 2025

Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2024 (Greece) - Wine Review

white wine review is the latest vintage of a consistently excellent, and now vegan-certified, Assyrtiko that landed at the LCBO in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It is featured as a wine to 'Arrive in Style', as well as part of the fantastic mini-feature on wines from Greece.

It is produced by Domaine Skouras, a well-respected and highly-regarded winery situated in the highlands of Argolida, within the village of Malandreni in Nemea, in northeastern Peloponnese, just a few kilometres from Argos. Founder George Skouras was born and raised in Argos, studied oenology in Dijon (Burgundy), and had a long-standing vision to create a winery in his homeland. The original Skouras winery was founded in 1986 within the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of Argos, and the goal from the beginning was clear - to produce high-quality wines.

The ultra-modern winery of Domaine Skouras was built in 2004 and resides in the Nemea winegrowing zone, Greece's largest and possibly the most exciting Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for red wines in Greece. The winery is situated among vineyards in an area that is blessed with ideal conditions for viticulture, especially for the indigenous Agiorgitiko. George and his wife, Ourania, energetically continue their passion and vision for the Domaine, and are now also joined at the winery by their two children. Dimitris, their son, studied Viticulture and Oenology in France, while Stella, their daughter, is a graduate of Economics and Marketing studies in Scotland.

The Skouras team uses technology as a tool only for precision and control, as their belief is that true winemaking happens with minimal intervention by always respecting the grape, the land, and the passage of time. At Skouras, every wine is expressed with a clear and consistent philosophy that is based on purity, varietal clarity, expression of the mesoclimate, and true reflection of the terroir. With this philosophy in mind, the vineyard team at Skouras works with an unwavering dedication and constant observation that is driven by a single, uncompromising goal: to produce exceptional grapes. It is the belief, truthfully, that only from outstanding fruit can a truly great wine be made. Each bottle of Skouras wine carries the signature of its creator — wines that are intense, energetic, and complex, and always expressed with elegance, grace, and finesse.

Like the 2023 Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this is also 100% Assyrtiko. The grapes were grown in Nemea, in northeastern Peloponnese, at 620 metres above sea level, on mainly red clay soil, with vines averaging 11 years old. After harvesting the grapes in September, they were whole-bunch pressed, then underwent wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 15°C. The wine was aged sur lie for 4 months, and did not undergo malolactic fermentation.

The 2024 growing season in the Peloponnese peninsula was warm with reduced yields. However, grape quality is high. Let's see how this 2024 Assyrtiko from the Peloponnese is tasting tonight...

Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2024 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#32387) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Lovely, ripe, medium-high intensity nose has impressive depth and complexity with a fine mix of flinty minerality, lemon citrus, ripe apple, quince, pear, leesy, and yellow fruits, plus accents of white melon and floral blossom. The dry, medium-full bodied palate has very good structure and ripe flavours of lemon peel, citrus, apple, pear, flinty mineral, white melon, and blossom flavours in a slightly honeyed profile. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity, along with impressive structure on the mid-palate. Flinty minerals, lemon citrus, and apple notes with a touch of spice on the long, savoury, and slightly textured finish. Must buy! Score: 91 pts

Quite a few wines my Domaine Skouras are available the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, September 3, 2025

Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021 and Les Confluences Vinsobres 2022 (Rhône) - Wine Reviews

red wine reviews are a pair of lovely cru wines from the Southern Rhône Valley that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES recently. The Rasteau returned to VINTAGES on , while the Vinsobres made its debut as the Wine of the Month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and both are widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021 (90 pts) and Les Confluences Vinsobres 2022 (90 pts)

These red wines are produced by Rhonéa, a co-operative winery with deep roots in the Rhône Valley. It all began in the Provençal village of Rasteau in 1925, where singing cicadas and the scent of garrigue filled the air. During this time of economic certainty, a group of visionary and historic winegrowers joined forces to form a co-operative in order to showcase their land and wines. Despite the challenges, the co-operative adapted, grew, and thrived under the guidance of various presidents and directors, while also embracing innovation. The quality and dedication of the village eventually led to Rasteau being officially recognized as a Cru of the Rhône Valley in 2010.

Today, Rhonéa is made up of over 400 families of Artisan Winegrowers who have over a combined 2,900 hectares of vineyards stretching from the southeast of the Rhône to the north of the Vaucluse department. Situated across a diverse range of Rhône terroirs, these vineyards have been cultivated by winegrowing families for 3 or more generations.

In 2025, Rhonéa is celebrating 100 years of history, tradition, and shared dreams. To mark this special occasion, Rhonéa's oenologist carefully crafted the exclusive Centenary Cuvée, a blend of predominantly Grenache that is a testament to the co-operative's century-old expertise and unwavering passion for its terroir. The 2025 centenary is more than just a milestone; it is a celebration of the co-operative's core values - solidarity, heritage, and a shared passion for the vine. As a true symbol of the village, the co-operative tells a collective story, where each winegrower is a vital part of a century-long legacy of success. The co-operative is also focused on a sustainable future with their growth of local and sustainable winegrowing, as well as putting social responsibility and environmental protection at the heart of their project.

Both 2021 and 2022 were challenging vintages in the Southern Rhône Valley. In 2021 there was frost, hail, and rain, which reduced yields and created an uneven vintage. While 2021 will be remembered for being atypical, it will also be remembered for producing quality wines that are fresh, lush, and tasty. The 2022 growing season will be known for its heat and drought conditions. However, with the remarkable resilience of the vines and the dedication of the winegrowers and technical staff, the vintage promises wines of outstanding quality. Let's see how these two Southern Rhône Valley wines from the crus of Rasteau and Vinsobres are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

RHONÉA TRADITION RASTEAU 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#998716) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan that was grown on terraces of clay, limestone, and pebbles in the plains of Rasteau, as well as on hills facing the Dentelles de Montmirail at 200–250 metres above sea level that featured layers of blue marls. The grapes were manually harvested, sorted, and destemmed, and followed by traditional vinification with long maceration and partial punching down. Tasting now for the third time, the medium+ to medium-high intensity has a slightly perfumed nose wafting of savoury, earthy mineral aromas nuanced with black cherry, dark red cherry, raspberry, garrigue, and spice. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious black cherry, raspberry, savoury earthy-stony minerals, garrigue, and spice flavours, plus hints of plum. It has fresh acidity, along with supple, refined, and gently textured tannins with good structure. Savoury and earthy minerals with touches of spice linger on the long, elegant, and juicy finish. In LCBO VINTAGES July 19th and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Rhonéa Tradition Rasteau 2021 (90 pts)

RHONÉA LES CONFLUENCES VINSOBRES 2022 - AC, Rhône, France (#43748) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 49% Grenache, 44% Syrah, and 7% Mourvèdre was grown on red marls soil on the "Eygues" plain, between 200–300 metres above sea level. The grapes were harvested at optimum maturity, fermented at a controlled temperature, vinified using traditional methods, and aged for 12 months in oak barrels. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely spicy, savoury earth, and garrigue layers, alongside blackberry, black raspberry, ripe plum, and black pepper notes. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious ripe black cherry, black raspberry, peppery spice, garrigue, red plum, and savoury, earthy mineral flavours supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity, and smooth, refined tannins with good structure and a touch of tannic grip. Black cherry, raspberry, and peppery spice notes give way to savoury and earthy minerals on the long, satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Rhonéa Les Confluences Vinsobres 2022 (90 pts)

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


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  • Date publishedSunday, August 31, 2025

August 30, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Big Scores

LCBO Wine Picks: August 30, 2025 VINTAGES New Release Collection
Here are my top wine picks from the August 30, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (click here for digital edition). Wines with Big Scores is the feature story of the release, while the Styles of Sake is the mini-thematic. It is a small-ish release with 86 products offered, with Greece and Italy notably shining in this release. All the wines should be readily available for purchase across the province.

We'll begin with the feature story that lists nineteen wines that received high scores from critics and wine publications, and seven of which are among my top wine picks. The lone bubbly is a traditional method sparkling wine from Ontario that is crafted with 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir, while the only white wine is the Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Among the red wines, there is the fine Amarone that is a blend of traditional varieties, as well as the Greek red that is composed of 50% Xinomavro, 30% Limniona, and 20% Mavroudi. The Carmenère is also blended with 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Mono-varietal reds that received high scores are the Malbec from Argentina, and the Garnacha from Spain.

Lakeview Sparkling Brut 2020 (93+ pts)Montes Alpha Special Cuvée Carmenère 2022 (91 pts)

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (89 pts)

Red wine recommendations from the main release are mostly centred around Italy and Chile. At the top of the list is the excellent Gran Selezione Chianti Classico that is made with Sangiovese, followed by the Super Tuscan, which is a blend of 34% Sangiovese, 33% Merlot, and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the wine from Abruzzo is crafted with the Montepulciano varietal. From Chile there are two wines - one made with Pinot Noir, while the other is Cabernet Sauvignon. Lastly, the red from Burgundy is made with Pinot Noir.

Nuiton-Beaunoy Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 (90+ pts)San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (90 pts)

Orapiena Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 (89 pts)

Among my top white wine picks from the main release, the premium Pinot Grigio from Friuli in Italy is at the top of the list. Also from Italy is a Verdicchio from Marche, and a Falanghina from Campania. For Sauvignon Blanc wine lovers, there are three more worthy buys beyond the Sauvignon Blanc mentioned above, with versions from Niagara, South Africa, and the Astrolabe Sauv Blanc from New Zealand. Greece has a pair of brilliant white wines crafted with the indigenous varieties Assyrtiko and Vidiano, while those that prefer slightly sweeter wines should look to the Pinot Gris from Alsace.

Boutari The Authentic Assyrtiko 2023 (90+ pts)Mastroberardino Falanghina del Sannio 2023 (90+ pts)

Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (90 pts)Monte Schiavo Ruviano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2023 (89 pts)

There are also a trio of 2024 vintage French dry rosés worth considering, even as the weather cools down. The rosé from Provence is a blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah, while the Luberon Rosé is composed of Syrah, Grenache, and Rolle. Lastly, the Tavel is a blend of 7 grapes, including 35% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, 22% Grenache, and 11% Mourvèdre.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • SAN ALEJANDRO EVODIA GARNACHA 2022 - Sustainable, Vegan, Spain (#23914) (XD) - $16.95
  • ORAPIENA RISERVA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#36526) (D) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2023 - Sustainable, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#44588) (XD) - $17.95
  • SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Las Piedras, DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
  • OENOPS APLA DRY RED BLEND 2022 - PGI Drama, Greece (#27480) (XD) - $19.95
  • NUITON-BEAUNOY BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2023 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#556456) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • MONTES ALPHA SPECIAL CUVÉE CARMENÈRE 2022 - DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#42098) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
  • ARGENTO FINCA AGRELO SINGLE VINEYARD ORGANIC MALBEC 2020 - Sustainable, Vegan, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#31961) (XD) - $29.95
  • TOLAINI AL PASSO 2021 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#164954) (XD) - $30.95
  • TENUTA PERANO RIALZI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy (#17682) (XD) - $49.95
  • MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2020 - Collezione Ca' del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#75127) (D) - $55.95

White Wine:

  • MONTE SCHIAVO RUVIANO VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO 2023 - Vegan, DOC, Marche, Italy (#44279) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
  • FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#89011) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
  • MOUNT RILEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#981670) (XD) - $18.00  89 pts  wine review
  • RUSTENBERG WILD FERMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#45167) (XD) - $18.95
  • KLADOS WHITE DIVA VIDIANO 2024 - PGI Rethymno, Greece (#38458) (XD) - $19.95
  • PIERRE SPARR SOL CALCAIRE PINOT GRIS 2020 - AOC Alsace, France (#19482) (D) - $20.95
  • BOUTARI THE AUTHENTIC ASSYRTIKO 2023 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#44246) (XD) - $21.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • MASTROBERARDINO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2023 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#562173) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • ASTROLABE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#10421) (XD) - $24.95
  • JERMANN PINOT GRIGIO 2024 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#12812) (XD) - $47.95

Rosé Wine:

  • CHÂTEAU VAL-JOANIS ROSÉ 2024 - AOP Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $19.95
  • VILLA AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ 2024 - AOP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#668426) (XD) - $19.95
  • DOMAINE MABY LA FORCADIÈRE TAVEL ROSÉ 2024 - AOP, Rhône, France (#701318) (XD) - $23.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • LAKEVIEW SPARKLING BRUT 2020 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#46774) (XD) - $34.95  93+ pts  wine review

Dessert Wine:

  • MALIVOIRE GEWÜRZTRAMINER ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#542530, 200 mL) (S) - $39.95


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  • Date publishedThursday, August 28, 2025

Rémy Ferbras Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 (Rhône) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Southern Rhône Valley that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Rémy Ferbras at Les Grandes Serres. Rémy Ferbras is anchored in the Southern Rhône Valley, in the heart of a prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard. The brand is owned by Maison Grandes Serres and pays tribute to the winery's first cellar master - Rémy Ferbras - who is the emblematic character of the house. Rémy was a fervent defender of the Rhône Valley terroir and its grape varieties, and was able to express the full potential of the grapes and terroir from this renowned wine region. Rémy Ferbras contributed with his work and tenacity to expand the house and his notoriety, while his signature is synonymous with rigorous and precise selection, vinification, and ageing. The wines of Rémy Ferbras are consistently rich, elegant, complex, and flavourful.

This red wine is crafted with 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre that was grown in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in a famous vineyard dominated by its papal ruin and exceptional terroir. A rising vineyard teeming with creativity, the soils in this vineyard are mainly sandy and limestone, and covered with rolled pebbles. After manually harvesting the grapes with strict sorting, each varietal was vinified separately using traditional methods. The grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature between 26–28°C, with 2–3 weeks of maceration. The wine was partially aged in French oak barrels for up to 18 months.

The 2021 growing season in the Southern Rhône was a very challenging vintage where frosts reduced yields; Châteauneuf, however, was spared the worst of the frosts. There were also unpredictable temperatures throughout the season, and random thunderstorms in July, but thankfully without any heat spikes. Furthermore, there were untimely rains in mid-September, which affected early-budding grapes such as Syrah. While the quality of Grenache was mixed, it was mostly very good with thin skins, resulting in fresher, lower-alcohol wines with elegant tannins. Let's see how this 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is tasting tonight...

Rémy Ferbras Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

RÉMY FERBRAS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021 - AP, Rhône, France (#15184) (XD) - $50.95
This blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering pleasing ripe red plum, red berry, and spice aromas nuanced with garrigue, savoury earth, and stony mineral notes. The dry, medium-full bodied is youthfully structured with very good concentration and lovely ripe red berry, spice, cassis, black cherry, garrigue, savoury earthy, stony mineral, and gentle smoky oak flavours. It has crisp and lively acidity, while the mouth coating, well-structured tannins have some youthful grip. Red berry, garrigue, and red plum notes give way to earthy and stony minerals on the long, crisp finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar, and should be enjoyable into the mid-2030s. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93 pts

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


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  • Date publishedSaturday, August 23, 2025

Tedeschi Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2024 (Italy) - Wine Review

white wine review is a delicious Pinot Grigio from the Delle Venezie DOC in northeastern Italy. It arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Tedeschi Wines, a winemaking family with a long history and deep bond in the Valpolicella territory of Veneto in northeastern Italy. Since 1630, the Tedeschi family has always sought the path of quality in their terroir wines, which are produced exclusively from grapes grown on hillsides. The family has always believed in the extraordinary potential of local wine production, while enhancing its value with modern and innovative production techniques, as well as practicing environmental management methods.

The modern history of Tedeschi Wines arrived in the 1960s when Lorenzo Tedeschi, the fourth generation of the family, recognized the diverse potential of the grapes grown in the iconic Monte Olmi vineyard, which was acquired by the family in 1918. Lorenzo decided to vinify each varietal separately, and the result was the creation of Amarone Capitel Monte Olmi, a wine that symbolized Tedeschi and became emblematic of the region.

Today, the winery is led by Lorenzo's children - Antonietta, Sabrina, and Riccardo Tedeschi - as they carry forward their father's vision for the winery. They continue to focus on growing grapes on hillside vineyards with poor soils, which results in wines with greater complexity and structure. By combining their extensive experience with scientific vigour, the family has adopted an approach that guarantees the future of the territory. Quality is the priority, while also using a sustainable approach in order to preserve the beauty of their unique lands for future generations.

From a region known for its Pinot Grigio, let's see how this 2024 Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio from Italy is tasting tonight...

Tedeschi Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2024 (87+ pts)

Tasting Note:

TEDESCHI PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE 2024 - DOC, Italy (#562058) (XD) - $19.95
Vinified in stainless steel and enclosed by screw cap, this has a clean, medium+ intensity nose that is fresh with zesty lemon citrus, garden herbs, and savoury earth aromas. The medium+ weighted palate has good concentration in a dry and slightly honeyed flavour profile of lemon peel, citrus, herbs, apple, and savoury earthy mineral notes. It has clean, refreshing acidity, plus a dusty textured mouthfeel. Leesy and earthy mineral notes linger on the savoury finish, with good length. Score: 87+ pts

Several other wines by Tedeschi are available at the LCBO, and can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedFriday, August 22, 2025

August 16, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Summer Smart Buys + Greece

LCBO Wine Picks: August 16, 2025 VINTAGES New Release Collection
Here are my top wine picks from the August 16, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, with digital edition here. The feature story of the release is titled "Summer Smart Buys", while the mini-feature focuses on the exciting wines from Greece. In all, there are 105 products included in this release, with a whopping 25 - nearly a quarter of the release - as Online & Flagship Exclusives (OFE). Overall, this is a very good release, with a relatively high number of OFE wines as recommended buys, while the number of quality red wines below $20 continues to dwindle. All the wines should already be available for purchase online and in-store.

We'll start with the feature story of the release - Summer Smart Buys - which includes 23 wines, most of which are under $20, and nearly all are under $25. There are five recommended Smart Buys among my top wine picks, and at the top of the list is a wine from McLaren Vale that is composed of 70% Grenache and 30% Mataro (aka Mourvèdre). The other reds are a Ventoux from Rhône that is a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 20% Carignan, as well as a Merlot from Niagara. Smart white wine buys are the Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and a Chardonnay from Argentina.

Hither & Yon Grenache / Mataro 2023 (91 pts)Domaine Brunely Ventoux 2022 (88+ pts)

Featherstone Red Tail Merlot 2022 (88+ pts)

The mini-thematic features the exciting wines from Greece. Once again, the mini-theme is small with only four wines included in the topic, but three are among my top recommendations. The lone red is an excellent Single Vineyard Xinomavro, while the whites are a Malagouzia from Evia (Central Greece) and an Assyrtiko from the Peloponnese. Other Greek highlights in the release include a trio of wines from Santorini - a couple of which are world-class Assyrtikos, as well as the Atlantis White, which is a blend of 90% Assyrtiko, 5% Athiri, and 5% Aidani.

Kir-Yianni Single Vineyard Ramnista Xinomavro 2020 (92+ pts)Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2024 (91 pts)

Atlantis White 2024 (90+ pts)

Among my top wine picks, the OFEs lead the way once with a trio of fantastic wines. First up is a Super Tuscan that is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, followed by a couple of wines crafted with Gamay - one from Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the other from the Morgon cru in Beaujolais. Other wines from Tuscany include a Brunello di Montalcino that is straight Sangiovese, while the Riserva Chianti Classico is the Wine of the Month and is mainly Sangiovese. From Veneto, the Valpolicella is a blend of 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, and 20% Rondinella, while the Roussillon-Villages from France is composed of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah. And lastly, there is a fine Cabernet Franc from Niagara.

Brigaldara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2022 (90 pts)Castellani Riserva Chianti Classico 2019 (89 pts)

Most of the white wines from the main release are actually OFEs, starting with the Old Vines blend from South Africa that is composed of 68% Chenin Blanc, 14% Clairette Blanche, 6% Sémillon Gris, 6% Grenache Blanc, and 6% Viognier. Other white wine OFEs are the Saint-Joseph Rhône white which is actually Marsanne, the off-dry Pinot Gris from New Zealand, and the dry Gewürztraminer from Alto Adige in Italy. The only other recommended white is from Costières de Nîmes, and it is a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, and 20% Clairette.

Alléno & Chapoutier Croix de Chabot Saint-Joseph Blanc 2023 (93 pts)Greywacke Marlborough Pinot Gris 2023 (92 pts)

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • DOMAINE BRUNELY VENTOUX 2022 - AP, Rhône, France (#43525) (XD) - $15.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#131540) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2022 - AP, Midi, France (#119354) (XD) - $19.95
  • CASTELLANI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#86298) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
  • BRIGALDARA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2022 - Sustainable, DOC, Veneto, Italy (#16090) (XD) - $22.95  90 pts  wine review
  • HITHER & YON GRENACHE / MATARO 2023 - Sustainable, McLaren Vale, South Australia (#42067) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review

  • LOUIS LATOUR MORGON 2023 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#44210) (XD) - $25.95  OFE
  • WENDING HOME ESTATE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2021 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#46478) (XD) - $29.95
  • BACHELDER BAI XU SINGLE VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2021 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#46460) (XD) - $29.95  OFE
  • KIR-YIANNI SINGLE VINEYARD RAMNISTA XINOMAVRO 2020 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#178020) (XD) - $38.95  92+ pts  wine review
  • CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#579094) (XD) - $59.95
  • RENIERI RE DI RENIERI 2021 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#104653) (XD) - $61.95  OFE

White Wine:

  • CRIOS CHARDONNAY 2024 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#243196) (XD) - $16.95
  • BUTINAGES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES BLANC 2023 - Sustainable, AP, Rhône, France (#20906) (XD) - $17.95
  • PETRIESSA MALAGOUZIA 2024 - PGI Evia, Greece (#37059) (XD) - $17.95
  • SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#32387) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review
  • BADENHORST SECATEURS CHENIN BLANC 2024 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#37537) (XD) - $19.95
  • ATLANTIS WHITE 2024 - Santorini, Greece (#371658) (XD) - $27.95  90+ pts  wine review

  • PETER ZEMMER GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2023 - DOC Alto Adige, Italy (#44241) (XD) - $29.95  OFE
  • GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2023 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#994939) (D) - $32.95  OFE  92 pts  wine review
  • ALLÉNO & CHAPOUTIER CROIX DE CHABOT SAINT-JOSEPH BLANC 2023 - AC, Rhône, France (#43784) (XD) - $39.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
  • MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 2024 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#556597) (XD) - $39.95  OFE
  • ARGYROS CUVEE PALATIA ASSYRTIKO 2023 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#46042) (XD) - $83.95  OFE
  • ARGYROS CUVEE MONSIGNORI ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#35718) (XD) - $98.95  OFE

Rosé Wine:

  • STRATUS CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2024 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#43598) (XD) - $32.20  OFE


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  • Date publishedWednesday, August 20, 2025

Burgo Viejo Reserva 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last month as the Wine of the Month in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Burgo Viejo, a Spanish winery in La Rioja with roots going back to 1950. Bodegas de Familiar Burgo Viejo came together in 1987 when six families of winegrowers in La Rioja - Castillo Garcia, Galán Garijo, Gurría García, Marques Malumbres, Rivas Marques, and Ruiz Casas - brought their vineyards, winegrowing traditions, and age-old knowledge that was passed down from one generation to the next to create wines with an innovative spirit under a single brand.

Today, the winemaking process at Burgo Viejo is based on the highest standards of food safety - Brand Reputation through Compliance (BRCGS) and International Featured Standards (IFS), as well as a deep commitment to quality and meeting the needs of the market. The families at Burgo Viejo are focused on continued growth and offering products of the highest quality.

The six families combine to have more than 200 hectares of vines that are cultivated with passion, attention to detail, and care, which allows them to obtain high-quality grapes, and, in turn, craft a wide range of high-quality wines. The vineyards stretch across the entire municipality of Alfaro, from the Ebro valley right up to the slopes of the sierra of Monte Yerga, in La Rioja of northern Spain. An extensive surface area such as this offers a wide variety of soil types, micro-climates, and distinctive features, which are expressed through each varietal that is planted on these lands. The vineyards average 30 years old, with some parcels almost a century old. Burgo Viejo owns nearly all of their vineyards, allowing them to constantly monitor each site, reduce yields for optimum quality, handle any disease problems, and decide upon the right time to harvest.

It is crafted with 100% Tempranillo, using grapes that were grown in vineyards under the DOCa Rioja appellation of Spain. After harvesting the grapes during the pandemic, the grapes were destemmed and underwent light crushing. It was fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine was matured for at least 18 months in a combination of 225 L American and French oak barriques.

The hot 2020 growing season featured rainfall and early budding, which resulted in an early and uneven harvest. Some areas were severely hit by hail and mildew, which had the effect of smaller yields, while areas not impacted by these conditions had more generous yields. Furthermore, producers that harvested after the rain at the end of September benefited from northern winds, and produced balanced wines with moderate alcohol, good acidity, and deep colour. From a vintage considered "Very Good", let's see how this 2020 Tempranillo from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Burgo Viejo Reserva 2020 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#168823) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Tempranillo has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is savoury with earthy oak, tangy black plum, cran-cherry, dark berry, and coconut aromas. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it offers delicious fine earthy oak spices, coconut, dark berry, cran-cherry, and black plum replays in a slightly tangy profile. It has crisp and juicy acidity, alongside smooth, fine-grained tannins with good structure. Spice touches on the mid-palate. Savoury, earthy oak, and coconut notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

One other wine by Burgo Viejo is available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.


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