La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014 (California) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was released into VINTAGES last Spring and will be back as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on Saturday, December 10th.

This wine is produced by La Crema, a winery emphasizing boutique, small-batch winemaking and a commitment to sustainability. I had the opportunity to visit this Sonoma winery in October and will be reporting on this in the near future - stay tuned.

The fruit for this wine comes from various vineyards across the diverse region of Sonoma Coast, including the Laghlin, Fulton, Ramal, Saralee's, Shiloh and Kelli Ann vineyards. The vintage was very good, with the weather co-operating beautifully by offering ample sunshine to achieve optimal ripeness and flavour development, while the cooling breezes maintained vibrant acidity. The wine spent 7 months in barrel, mostly French and some American, 18% new.

Tasting Note:

LA CREMA SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2014 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#962886) (XD) - $29.95
Aromas of peach, stone fruit and apple with a twist honey from the cork. Lovely medium+ intensity ripe apple, lemon citrus, pear, butterscotch, sweet vanillan oak aromas with a whiff of mineral at the tail end. The rich palate is medium-full bodied with bright, balanced acids. It's dry with pleasing aroma replays and hints of lemon peel. Moderate use of oak is nicely integrated. Well-balanced overall. Hints of mineral linger on the long finish. Finely crafted, deserves rich seafood or pair with poultry. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

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Château Bertin 2014 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is another sneak preview of a wine that will be in LCBO VINTAGES on December 10th.

This red wine is produced by Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, a family-owned winery with a winemaking history dating back to the 18th Century and spanning 9 generations.

The grapes for this wine come from Château Bertin, within the town of Lussac, on the right bank, approximately 45 kilometres from the city of Bordeaux. The plot of land where these grapes were grown are near the centre of village, next to a school and bordering the house of Château Haut Brion. The vineyard is south-facing and has extraordinary potential.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU BERTIN 2014 - AC Lussac St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#244046) (D) - $19.95
100% Merlot that was hand-harvested and matured in oak for 12 months. Wet earth, forest floor, plum and whiffs of incense aromas from the cork. Ripe black cherry, cassis aromas followed by notions of milk chocolate, herbs and vanilla oak of medium intensity. Medium-bodied with a soft, plush mouthfeel and dusty tannins that become chalkier with air. Acids are juicy. Black cherry, currant, cocoa, milk chocolate, and cedar oak flavours, finishing long with earthy notes. Will be a fine match over the holidays with poultry or red meats. Score: 88 pts

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Bodegas Hermanos del Villar Oro de Castilla 2015 (Spain) - Wine Review

I opened up this crisp, refreshing dry white wine from Bodegas Hermanos del Villar last night. After having tasting their 2014 Oro de Castilla at the Rueda Tasting in May, I was very excited to try the latest vintage of this wine.

The 2015 vintage in Rueda was marked by a lack rain, causing a delay in sprouting by 15 days and resulting in lower than usual yields. However, due to the large root development of the vineyards, the vines were able to withstand one of the driest growing seasons in many years. Furthermore, no chemical treatments were applied to the vines this year.

Surprisingly, this delicious white wine is still currently available at the LCBO, even though it was released through VINTAGES on September 3.

Tasting Note:

BODEGAS HERMANOS DEL VILLAR ORO DE CASTILLA 2015 - DO Rueda, Spain (#745562) (XD) - $15.95
Screw cap. 100% Verdejo fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aromas of medium-high intensity featuring a mix that dances between tropical fruits, guava, herbs and earthy notes. The dry palate medium bodied and fleshy with lemon/lime, grassy, herbs, and ripe tropical fruits framed by vibrant acids. Finish length is very good. Perhaps not quite as fragrant as the 2014, but every bit as delicious. Serve this nicely chilled with salads, pasta, seafood, or poultry dishes. Score 88 pts

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VINTAGES Release November 26: Fine Holiday Wines

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on November 26 is titled "A Fine Romance" and features 29 fine wines and spirits that are splurge-worthy for the holidays. Wines from this release will be on shelves this coming Saturday.

Leaving out the spirits, there are 25 wines included in this mono-thematic release, and a full 9 are included among my wine picks. A local red wine that is on this list is the impressive Stratus Red from the very good 2012 vintage that's made with traditional Bordeaux varietals. From South America, there is the Catena Alta Malbec from Argentina, and Chilean icon wine Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon that also contains 7% Cabernet Franc. The legendary Sassicaia is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, while the Amarone consists of traditional grapes (70%) Corvina Veronese and Corvinone, (25%) Rondinella, (5%) Molinara. Other single-varietal wines include the Dead Arm Shiraz and the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from Beringer.

Among non-red wines, the splurge-worthy white wine is a multi-site mountain vineyard Kistler Chardonnay. In sparkling wine, the Bollinger Champagne - which is available in 2 sizes in this release - consists of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier.

Other sparkling wines that are also in this Release include a dry version that is almost equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from South Africa, while the Le Mesnil Champagne is 100% Chardonnay. Lastly, the Vouvray is a slightly off-dry style (i.e. a touch sweet) and made with Chenin Blanc. In white wines, the Hermit Crab for 2015 is a crisp blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne.

In red wine recommendations, the Borsao Bole is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, while the Rioja is 100% Tempranillo. The 2010 Bordeaux is a returnee to VINTAGES and is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. From Portugal, the Mondego is a blend of 88% Touriga Nacional, 5% Tinta Roriz, 5% Alfrocheiro and 2% Jaen, while the Torbreck is an unoaked blend of 85% Grenache, 8% Shiraz and 7% Mataro with vines ranging from 40 to 150 years old.

This is the second last release of 2016 - so you might want to stock up now. Enjoy my wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• BORSAO BOLE 2013 - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (#471565) (XD) - $15.95
• MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $15.95  reviewed here
• SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2014 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DE PANIGON 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#348250) (XD) - $19.95
• QUINTA DO MONDEGO 2010 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#399766) (D) - $19.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ 2012 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#433060) (XD) - $22.95
• TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES 2014 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#723940) (XD) - $27.95
• STRATUS RED 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#131037) (XD) - $44.20  reviewed here
• REX HILL PINOT NOIR 2013 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#275735) (XD) - $46.95

• CATENA ALTA HISTORIC ROWS MALBEC 2013 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (D) - $49.95
• SASSETTI PERTIMALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#474734) (XD) - $49.95
• D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2012 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#430512) (D) - $54.95
• MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2012 - Collezione Ca’ del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#075127) (D) - $56.95
• VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (XD) - $59.95
• CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile (#403980) (D) - $74.95  reviewed here
• ANAKOTA HELENA MONTANA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#181131) (XD) - $158.95  FSE
• BERINGER PRIVATE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#149955) (XD) - $166.95
• SASSICAIA 2013 - DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (XD) - $212.95  reviewed here

White Wine:

• TENUTE MESSIERI VISIONI OFFIDA PECORINO 2013 - DOCG, Marche, Italy (#414011) (XD) - $16.95
• D’ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2015 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#662775) (XD) - $17.95
• BARBUNTÍN ALBARINO 2014 - DO Rîas Baixas, Spain (#461285) (XD) - $17.95
• WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (D) - $19.95
• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2015 - IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy (#474742) (XD) - $19.95
• VIGNE SURRAU BRANU VERMENTINO DI GALLURA 2014 - DOCG, Sardinia, Italy (#455246) (XD) - $21.95
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER RIESLING 2012 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#061176) (XD) - $27.95
• TAWSE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#344804) (D) - $38.40  reviewed here
• DOMAINE DANIEL-ÉTIENNE DEFAIX CÔTES DE LECHET CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2003 - AC, Burgundy, France (#470435) (XD) - $51.95
• KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2014 - Sonoma Mountain, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $111.95

Sparkling Wine:

• DOMAINE DE VAUGONDY BRUT VOUVRAY - Méthode traditionelle, AC, Loire, France (#154567) (D) - $17.95
• GRAHAM BECK BRUT CHARDONNAY/PINOT NOIR SPARKLING - Méthode Cap Classique, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#593483) (XD) - $18.95
• LE MESNIL BRUT GRAND CRU BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#460840) (XD) - $49.95
• BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#234104 / #384529) (D) (375 mL / 750 mL) - $42.95 / $78.95

Fortifieds:

• WARRE’S LBV BOTTLE AGED PORT 2004 - Unfiltered, bottled in 2008, DOP, Portugal (#434936) (S) - $35.95
• KOPKE COLHEITA PORT 1996 - Matured in wood, btld. in 2016, DOC, Portugal (#063743) (S) - $59.95

Sherry:

• ALVEAR SOLERA 1927 PEDRO XIMÉNEZ - DOP Montilla-Moriles, Spain (#463034) (S) (375 mL) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95
• DOMAINE CAUHAPE SYMPHONIE DE NOVEMBRE 2012 - AC Jurançon, Southwest, France (#470344) (S) - $38.95  FSE

Mead:

• ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE 2015 - Barrel aged, Canada (#296178) (S) (500 mL) - $16.95

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EastDell Unoaked Chardonnay 2015 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is an unoaked Chardonnay and, similar to the 2014 EastDell Gamay Noir, is now on LCBO shelves with an updated, modern label that still retains the iconic heron.

The 2015 vintage began with unusually cold temperatures throughout Winter and Spring. Fortunately, weather conditions improved greatly during the Summer growing season, with favourable conditions continuuing through to harvest.

Produced by Diamond Estates, this easy-drinking Chardonnay is available at the Winery Boutique (at Diamond Estates) and at the LCBO.

Tasting Note:

EASTDELL UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#609867) (XD) - $13.95
Screw cap. Aromas of fresh lemon/lime citrus with ripe golden apple undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with more ripe apple and citrus fruit flavours. Some grapefruit notes emerge with time in glass. Acids are clean and balanced. Good length on the finish. This is a clean, easy-drinking (unoaked) Chardonnay to drink in the near term with seafood, salads or poultry. Score: 86 pts

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Celebrating #GarnachaDay

International Grenache Day is celebrated around the world every 3rd Friday of September. This year, the celebration fell on Friday, September 16th and I was invited to an exclusive tasting of a few spectacular Grenache (or Garnatxa as they say in Spain) wines at Archive 909 on Dundas Street West in downtown Toronto.

The origins of Grenache are found in Aragon, in northern Spain and the grape was known as the Red of Aragon (Tinto Aragonés). From there, it spread to Sardinia, Southern France, Australia and California. Over centuries, naturally occurring Grenache mutations formed, resulting in the prevalence of Grenache blanc, a grapes that's used in making white wines.

Today, Grenache is one of most widely planted grapes in the world, with Spain being the #1 grower. Single varietals wines made from Grenache noir are plenty, but it's also commonly used in GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre/Mataro) from Southern France and Australia.

On this day in September, I had the opportunity to taste through various Grenache wines, including some Garnatxa blanc wines, and pairing them with some delicious Mediterranean tapas prepared by the fine folks at Archive 909. All of the wines were from Spain, and wine reviews of my favourite Garnacha wines are provided below. Unfortunately, none of the my favourite wines are currently available at the LCBO, so you'll have to reach out to the Agent to place your order.

If you missed celebrating #GrenacheDay this year, mark you calendar as it will return in 2017 on Friday, September 15th. In the meantime, you can drink Grenache throughout year as its quite commonly found at the LCBO. Salud!

Tasting Notes:

BOTERA VILA-CLOSA GARNATXA BLANCA 2015 - DO Terra Alta, Spain (XD) - $16.02
Medium+ intensity nose offering plenty of mineral character combined with lemon, stone fruit and pear aromas. The palate has nicely balanced aroma replays with earthy and some flinty notes making a statement on the long finish. Fresh and succulent acids. Contact That's Life Gourmet for availability. Score: 88+ pts

LAFOU ELS AMELERS GARNATXA BLANCA 2015 - DO Terra Alta, Spain (XD) ~ $29
10% of this exotic wine rested in 300-litre lightly toasted barrels. The medium intensity nose has exotic waxy, honey and tropical nuances. Lemony acids are fresh with a nice mineral texture on the palate. Some herbally flavours. Finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

LAS ROCAS VINAS VIEJAS DE SAN ALEJANDRO OLD VINE GARNACHA 2013 - DO Catalayud, Spain (XD) - ??
From vines between 80-100 years old, this has medium+ intensity aromas of cranberry, oak spice, and red & purple florals that all make an appearance on the medium+ bodied palate. It has nicely integrated tannins, balanced and juicy acids. Long finishing. Score: 88+ pts

CRUZ DE PIEDRA SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2014 - DO Catalayud, Spain (XD) - $12
Grapes for this wine come from old bush vines, ranging between 50-100 years old. Appears closed for the moment, but shows hints of blackberry, mineral, dark fruits, sweet oak spices. Full-bodied with a dense, concentrated mouthfeel and pleasing aroma replays. It has fresh, balanced acids that are just a touch tart. Excellent length on the finish. This is a big wine that can be decanted and enjoyed now, or aged for at least half dozen years. Contact Rogers & Company for availability. Score: 89 pts

BODEGAS ARAGONESAS FAGUS DE COTO DE HAYAS SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2013 - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (XD) - $29.95
From old vines ranging between 40-50 years old. Lovely, captivating nose offers complex raspberry, leafy, floral, clove and hints of mineral. Medium+ bodied on the palate with astringent tannins that softened with air. Very nice, well balanced, floral and cherry, clove, subtle sweet oak spice flavours. Balanced use of oak with hints of vanilla on the medium-long finish. My favourite wine of the tasting. Contact Hobbs & Co. for availability. Score: 89 pts

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Montebuena Cuvée KPF 2014 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a red wine that will be available in LCBO VINTAGES on November 26.

Having enjoyed the 2012 Montebuena Cuvée KPF that showed up in VINTAGES in June 2015, I am expecting the 2014 to be equally as good as (or better than) the 2012 vintage to due a harvest that improved in quality.

It is produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Labastida, a winery that is part of the Unión de Cosecheros of Labastida co-operative. This co-op was formed in the 1960s and is now the largest co-operative winery in the Basque Country, with a production capacity of 7 million litres.

Tasting Note:

MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2014 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $15.95
100% Tempranillo that was hand-harvested from the Montebuena vineyard. The 2012 was bottled under cork, but this vintage is now under screw cap. Nicely appealing mulberry, sweet herbs, freshly tilled earth and red fruit aromas of medium intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with nice aroma replays. Acids are juicy and tannins are ripe and smooth. Forest floor notes linger on the finish. Delicious wine to drink over the next 2 years. Score: 88 pts

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