Les Vins Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme 2018 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this nice, vegan-friendly red wine from the Jumilla DO in southeastern Spain. It is a new arrival at the LCBO as part of the upcoming November 28, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Les Vins Bonhomme produces wines from all over Spain with a team of winemakers and small family owners. Their aim is to transport you to every interesting corner of Spain - from the indigenous Monastrell of the sunny Mediterranean, to the southern version of Cabernet Sauvignon that shows its Spanish colours, and traditional Tempranillo from the land of castles in Castilla y León.

This wine is crafted in an approachable style and is a blend of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah from the harsh climate and bush vines of Southwest Spain. In Jumilla, yields are easy to control due to the lack of water, resulting in a direct impact on the quality of the grapes. The purity of fruit is kept intact during vinification as it is not exposed to any oxygen during the pump-over process. Winemaking knowledge has been acquired using the generational knowledge of Bodegas Juan Gil - who have been cultivating vines in this area since the early 1900s.

Tasting Note:

LES VINS BONHOMME EL PETIT BONHOMME 2018 - DOP Jumilla, Spain (#16578) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. Blend of 55% Monastrell from 30-year-old vines, 30% Garnacha, and 15% Syrah that underwent malolactic fermentation in French and American oak barrels followed by further ageing in oak for 6 months. Ripe, lush, black fruit, spice, rosemary, thyme, and herbal aromas with a savoury core. It's medium-full bodied with gritty tannins supporting the black fruit, pepper spice, and savoury earthy flavours with herbal touches. Some chalky grip on the mid-palate with balanced acidity. Good length on the savoury finish. Score: 88 pts

Other wines from Les Vins Bonhomme can be found via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Read More

Ruelas Reserva Red 2019 (Portugal) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a red wine from Portugal that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the November 28th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Parras Wines, a wine business that was formed in 2010 by Luís Vieira, but whose roots took hold with the acquisition of Quinta do Gradil in 1999. Parras Wines is based in the wine region of Lisbon and has more than 120 hectares of vines planted across 200 hectares of land. They also have their own bottling facility and produce wines from other parts of the country through partnerships with other local producers.

The Lisbon Geographical Indication (IG) appellation is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions in terms of vineyard area and wine production. It is formed by gentle hills of low relief, and extends north from the capital city of Lisbon, along the Atlantic coast no more than 40 km from the ocean. This multi-faceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. It has a temperate climate of Atlantic influence, with relatively mild summers that are cooler and wetter in areas closer to the sea, and warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto Mountain.

This particular bottle is crafted by winemaker Carlos Eduardo using Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, and Syrah. It was fermented in stainless steel vats and then aged in oak for a brief period.

Tasting Note:

RUELAS RESERVA RED 2019 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#17519) (XD) - $11.95
A blend of 50% Tinta Roriz, 30% Touriga Nacional, and 20% Syrah that was aged for only a brief time in oak. The medium+ intensity aromas are ripe and fruity with dark red cherry and sweet spices with touches of raisin and fig. It's medium+ with more ripe dark cherry, sweet spice and some raisiny flavours to go along with fresh, balanced acidity and supple, slightly chalky tannins. Sweet vanillin oak and savoury notes linger on the finish. Casual, weekday wine that has crowd-appeal. Score: 86 pts

Other wines from this producer can be ordered via their Agent - Capital B Wines.

Read More

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely, high-altitude Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina that is available year-round in Ontario as it is part of the VINTAGES Essentials collection at the LCBO. The 2017 vintage of this wine is in stores now and currently on promotion at $2 off until November 29th.

It produced by the iconic Bodega Catena Zapata, which was founded in 1902 and is known for, among many things, discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. With the true belief that great wines begin in the vineyard, the vision at Catena is to produce rich and unforgettable wines that are true to the special place from which they come. It is also the belief that in order to produce world-class wines, they need the right winegrowing and winemaking team. Catena wines are produced by fourth generation Argentine vintner - also biologist, physician and author - Laura Catena, and Chief Winemaker, Alejandro Vigil.

Althought Catena is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec, this wine is made with Cabernet Sauvignon - in fact, a blend that doesn't include any Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon is the third most cultivated red grape varietal in Argentina and, together with Malbec it is one of the most researched varietals in the country. The Cabernet grown in Argentina all come from continental climates, but depending on where it's grown produces at least three different styles of wines.

This red wine has traditionally been 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but more recent vintages have been blends. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. The 2017 edition of this wine consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, using grapes from 4 high mountain Estate vineyards that are all alluvial in origin. The Agrelo vineyard is located at 3,117 feet (950 metres) above sea level and has clay topsoil with rounded rocks underneath. The Villa Bastías vineyard (Uco Valley) is at 3,675 feet (1,120 metres) elevation and has silt loamy soil over limestone. The Altamira vineyard in La Consulta is located at 3,593 feet (1,095 metres) elevation and sits on loamy soils with rounded rocks underneath. The fourth vineyard is El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos (San Carlos, Uco Valley) and is situated at 3,593 feet (1,090 metres) above sea level on loam-sandy soils with thick calcareous layers, and rounded rocks underneath. The grapes were fermented using wild yeasts and aged for 12 months in barrel. I recall enjoying previous editions of this wine, let's see how the 2017 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#985002) (XD) - $19.95 $17.95 until Nov. 29.
A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot from high-altitude vines grown between 3,117 and 3,675 feet (950 to 1,120 metres) above sea level. The perfumed, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely currant, cassis, herbal, and olive aromas with well-integrated oak and touches of graphite and cherry compote adding further interest. It's full-bodied on the smooth palate with dark berry, mild oak spice, and herbal flavours supported by balanced acidity and smooth, velvety tannins. Well-balanced throughout with salty mineral notes arriving on the mid-palate, joined by wood spice, savoury earthy, and chocolate notes that linger on the long, smooth and juicy finish. Enjoy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

There are quite a few lovely Catena wines available at the LCBO, but many others can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirts.

Read More

Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice, vegan-friendly Charmat method sparkling rosé wine from Tuscany that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the November 14 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Located southwest of Montecarlo, in the Province of Lucca, the story of Tenuta del Buonamico begins around the year 1870 with Giulio Magnani, the owner of the farming estate Marchi-Magnani, Giulio is from Montecarlo and his knowledge and passion for winemaking drew him to France learn the grape varieties and techniques used by the French to create highly valued wines. He travelled to Bordeaux, Rhone, and Burgundy and brought back grapes from each of these classic wine regions. Upon his return, he experimented with these grapes by blending them with Trebbiano, eventually finding success. From that time, wineries in Montecarlo began producing high quality wines.

The 100 hectare Buonamico Estate is located in the Cercatoja area, southwest of Montecarlo, with 48 hectares planted to vineyards. The current winery was founded in the early 1960s by renowned restaurateurs from Turin (Italy) to furnish their restaurant with Montecarlo wines.

Today, Tenuta del Buonamico is owned by the Fontana family. They have expanded the vineyards and wine cellar, while preserving the essential characteristics of a traditional winemaking style. Beginning in 2008, world renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini was brought in long-term to help improve the wines. This assistance has helped Buonamico become one of Montecarlo's leading wine producers.

Tasting Note:

TENUTA DEL BUONAMICO PARTICOLARE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING - Charmat method, Tuscany, Italy (#16712) (D) - $20.95
A vegan-friendly blend of Sangiovese and Syrah grown in a hilly area in Montecarlo, within the Province of Lucca, just west of Florence in Tuscany. Modest aromas of red berry, floral, orange citrus and grapefruit rise out of the glass. The palate is chalky textured with tart, lively acidity and bubbles that comes off as essentially dry on the flavour profile with grapefruit, citrus, and red berry flavours with touches of Flintstone vitamins. Mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate and linger through to the citrus, minerally finish, with very good length. Score: 88 pts

A few wines from Tenuta del Buonamico are available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - Capital B Wines.

Read More

Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2016 and Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (New Zealand) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely wines from New Zealand's iconic Trinity Hill that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on November 14. I've been enamoured with this winery and the Hawke's Bay region ever since enjoying the 2014 Trinity Hill The Trinity Red Blend a couple of years ago that I made it a point to visit the Hawke's Bay and Trinity Hill when I visited New Zealand earlier this year - more on this to come.

The idea of Trinity Hill was formed in 1987 when winemaker John Hancock met with Bleeding Heart restaurant owners Robyn and Robert Wilson at their restaurant in London. On a stony site in Hawke's Bay, Trinity Hill became a reality in 1993 because they recognized that this site would give them the ability to produce world-class wines. They also recognized the potential of the Hawkes Bay's Gimblett Gravels winegrowing district and quickly became one of the region's early pioneers by planting grape vines on a barren plot on the former bed of the Ngaruroro River that is now an 18 hectare vineyard.

By 2001, Trinity Hill helped found the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association. It was created based on the terroir of the area of the old Ngaruroro Riverbed, with 34 member wineries and winegrowers making up the association.

Today, Robyn and Robert Wilson are still co-owners of Trinity Hill, while John Hancock moved on in 2018 to focus on his own negociant wine business. Warren Gibson is the Chief Winemaker. He worked with John prior to the creation of Trinity Hill and joined the team to work alongside John in 1997, earning several accolades along the way. Trinity produces wines using traditional Hawke's Bay varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as (my favourite) Syrah, and, of course, Sauvignon Blanc. All Trinity Hill wines are produced with the utmost care and respect for the grapes and with minimum intervention. Making world-class wines for more than 20 years, Trinity Hill truly is one of New Zealand's iconic wineries.

Tasting Notes:

TRINITY HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#247221) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fruit for this Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from Mangaorapa Station’s cool climate and argillite soils, in southern Hawke's Bay. Most of the wine was cool fermentated and spent 3 months in contact with lees, while a smaller portion was fermented and aged in small 228 L barriques. Elegant, restrained aromas of lime, citrus and stone fruits with touches of guava, passion fruit, and leesy characters. The medium bodied palate has a nice texture with more citrusy lime and stone fruit flavours joined by subtle leesy and oak notes that balance the crisp, fresh, and lively acidity. Interesting notes of oyster shell minerality linger on the long, juicy finish. Would be a fine pairing with oysters. Score: 89 pts

TRINITY HILL THE GIMBLETT 2016 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#280263) (XD) - $39.95
Screw cap. This blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 2% Malbec has lovely, perfumed aromas of ripe red and black fruits, currant, cassis and spices with subtle notes of sweet tobacco, floral, herb and leather. Some olive aromas develop with time in the glass. It's medium-full+ bodied on the palate with firm, structured, and grippy tannins along with juicy acidity that supports the blackberry, cassis, currant, earthy, and cedary oak flavours. Savoury, earthy and woody on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy to the late 2020s. Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines from Trinity Hill can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

Read More

Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 (Rhône) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2016 Château Maucoil Côtes du Rhône-Villages when it came through VINTAGES in March 2019, and tonight's wine review is another fine wine from the same producer. This excellent organic Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes it's first appearance at the LCBO as part of the November 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Château Maucoil is an historic property located in an area in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has been occupied since the time of the Romans. The Château Maucoil estate and castle was built in 1624, and winegrowing gained prominence some time thereafter when Joseph de La Pise, Lord of Maucoil and archivist of the House of Orange-Nassau (the Dutch royal family) inherited the property. Château Maucoil has changed hands many times over the years, with each family helping establish the estate's reputation for producing quality wines.

The Arnaud family, with its deep roots and winegrowing experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape spanning several generations, acquired Château Maucoil in 1995. In 2009, Bénédicte, the youngest daughter of the Arnaud family, along with her husband Charles Bonnet took over the property. In 2013, they merged with the Lavau family and today they run the estate together.

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape was crafted from the Domaine's oldest vines which average 70 years old. Thirteen varieties are planted at the Domaine and six are included in this Châteauneuf-du-Pape - approximately 50% Grenache, smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc. The grapes are hand-harvested and individually sorted before going to vat. The grapes are fermented together before going into either 228 L or 600 L barrels that are either new or used for one vintage, and then aged for 12 to 18 months. The wine is then aged for several years in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which hails from the classic 2016 Southern Rhône vintage, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU MAUCOIL PRIVILÈGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#16210) (XD) - $85.95
A blend of approx. 50% Grenache, plus Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc grown on sandy, pebbly soils, with vines averaging 70 years old. The rich, highly aromatic nose is very complex with lovely notes of raspberry, blackberry, stony & smoky mineral, peppery spices, and violets. It's full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with lovely aroma replays plus some garrigue notes adding further complexity. It has juicy acidity and a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but nicely balanced overall. Firm tannins are grainy and textured. Savoury, stony mineral notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Approachable now, but will be better in 5 years and enjoy into the mid-2030s. Gorgeous! Score: 94 pts

Other fine wines from Château Maucoil can be ordered via their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

Read More

November 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Fine Holiday Wines

As we head into the holidays, the main (and only) theme of the November 14, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on fine wines for the holidays. It's a big Release with many quality wines, some of which appeared in VINTAGES previously. All of these wines will be on shelves by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on fine wines for the holidays that would make excellent gifts for yourself, friends, or family. There are twenty-five wines featured as part of the theme, and a number of these I had previously recommended when they came through VINTAGES earlier this year. Thus, just two of the twenty-five wines are included amony my top wine picks. First up is an excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the classic 2016 vintage that consists of mostly Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, as well as 5% of white varietals Clairette and Bourboulenc. The second wine is a lovely traditional method sparkling wine from Niagara that is a dry, zero-dosage blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.

From the rest of the Release, among my red wine recommendations there is a red from Chile that is made with 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, while the red from Hawke's Bay consists of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. From Washington, the Red Blend consists of 60% Syrah and 40% Merlot, while the Spanish red is made with 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Lastly, the Chianti Classico is made with 100% Sangiovese.

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is an oak-influenced Greek wine that consists of 60% Malagouzia, 20% Assyrtiko, and 20% Chardonnay. The only wine with a bit of sweetness is the Pinot Gris from New Zealand, while the rest, including the Riesling, are all dry wines. For Sauvignon Blanc fans, there are a pair of lovely 2019s from New Zealand - one from Marlborough (South Island) and the other from Hawke's Bay (North Island) - as well as a Sancerre from Loire.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release and stay safe during this holiday season!

Red Wine:

• FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2016 - Elquí Valley, Chile (#16793) (XD) - $16.95
• SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#478271) (XD) - $17.95
• BORSAO BEROLA 2016 - DO Campo de Borja, Spain (#371518) (XD) - $18.95
• HIGH HEAVEN ROAMING ELK RED BLEND 2017 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#15847) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#85209) (XD) - $19.95
• CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2017 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#492413) (XD) - $23.95
• INVIVO CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2018 - Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand (#466029) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• LAURA HARTWIG EDICIÓN DE FAMILIA 2017 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#14147) (XD) - $27.95  90 pts  wine review
• TRINITY HILL THE GIMBLETT 2016 - Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#280263) (XD) - $39.95  FE  91 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU MAUCOIL PRIVILÈGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#16210) (XD) - $85.95  94 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• MEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III WHITE 2019 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#14186) (XD) - $17.95
• TAHBILK VIOGNIER 2019 - Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (#271387) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• WHITEHAVEN PINOT GRIS 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447516) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• PADDY BORTHWICK RIESLING 2019 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#648840) (XD) - $19.95  FE
• TRINITY HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#247221) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CASTELLO DELLA SALA BRAMÌTO CHARDONNAY 2019 - IGT Umbria, Italy (#176792) (XD) - $22.95
• WHITEHAVEN GREG RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Awatere single vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325944) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
• BERNARD REVERDY & FILS SANCERRE 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#200055) (XD) - $30.95
• CHÂTEAU DE MALIGNY CHABLIS 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#16209) (XD) - $30.95
• MOSS WOOD SEMILLON 2018 - Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia (#15047) (XD) - $36.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• TENUTA DEL BUONAMICO PARTICOLARE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING - Charmat method, Tuscany, Italy (#16712) (D) - $20.95  88 pts  wine review
  
• 13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2014 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142679) (XD) - $39.95  91 pts  wine review
• BOLLINGER SPECIAL CUVÉE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#384529) (XD) - $91.95
• LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE 2012 - AC, France (#440891) (XD) - $124.95  FE

Dessert Wine:

• HENRY OF PELHAM RIESLING ICEWINE 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#430561) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95  91+ pts  wine review

Read More