February 26, 2022 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
Don’t miss taking a look at the many wines from Argentina in this newsletter and if you like what you see, you can easily go back to the most recent newsletter dated February 14, 2022 and you’ll find quite a few there that are still stocked in the LCBO, as well. Happy hunting!
- 95 points and over - Two wines rang the 95 points and over bell with both found at the beginning of the wine reviews below.
- Over 45 – There are over 45 wines reviewed in the following winecurrent.com newsletter.
- Exceptional-value wine – There are many exceptional-value wines found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the
icon checkmark. Happy hunting! - Limited Time Offers – There are 26 wines reviewed that have discounts up to $5 per bottle purchased. There are also two wines that give bonus Aeroplan points when purchased in-store, but not when purchased on-line.
- Vic Picks – 2017 Vineland Estates ‘Cabernet’ Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon earned 93 points @ $19.95 found under Ontario: Red Wines; There are two Sparkling wines from Marynissen, one white and one Rosé found under New in Vintages (available in LCBO Vintages Saturday, March 5, 2022); There are six wines from Konzelmann Estate Winery with five found under New in Ontario Wineries and the remaining one wine under New in the LCBO; There are two wines from Malivoire with one found under New in Ontario Wineries and the other in New in Vintages.
Vintages Release: March 5, 2022
Champagne
96
Drappier Brut Nature-Zero Dosage Pinot Noir Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne, France $65.95 (179275) 12.0% alcohol
It’s light-yellow with copper highlights and pours with a fine-bead mousse and alluring aromas of yeasty notes, lemon zest and white grapefruit. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused wash of Meyer lemon and Mirabelle plum that persist through finish and aftertaste with added notes of spice and minerality. This is quite consistent throughout with persistent purity of tang, acidity and fresh, fruit flavour being well balanced. In the grand scheme of Champagne, this offers up a price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. Pour with sashimi, pan-seared scallops or lemon sole. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
• The following gorgeous 2017 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Cabernet’ was sourced from 53.7% cabernet franc and 46.3% cabernet sauvignon from vines in the prime VQA sub-appellation of Twenty Mile Bench with the wine maturing for 18 months in oak barrique barrels.
93 
Vineland Estates ‘Cabernet’ Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 [25237) 13.0% alcohol
Rich and luscious on the nose, look for fruit-forward aromas of black cherry and dark bramble berry decorated with mocha and hints of pencil shavings. It’s über-flavourful on the palate with a surge of black currant, espresso roast, crème de cassis and hints of crunchy pie cherry persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste adorned with medium-full bodied texture and good tang and acidity throughout. Pick up a few as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pour with grilled red meat you pull off your barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Argentina: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec was sourced from 100% hand-harvested malbec from high altitude vineyards of 915 to 1525 meters that was destemmed and crushed prior to a two- to three-day cold soak followed by fermentation lasting 10 – 15 days in upright and conical tanks at a controlled maximum temperature of 26-29 °C and maceration of 18-20 days to achieve complete flavour and colour extraction. Induced malolactic fermentation was completed followed by 9 to 12 months maturation in medium to medium+ toasted French oak before the final blend was assembled.
91
Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec 2018
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (322800) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque in the glass, this purple/black wine has crimson edges. Aromas leap from the glass with violets, black berry fruit and hints of dark plum and blueberry. It envelops the palate with a flavour-infused wash of black currant, black cherry and mulberry robed in peppery spice and underpinned by soft tannin. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture and plenty of balancing tang and acidity on the palate and throughout the tasting experience. It finishes lengthy with palate replays persisting through the aftertaste. Pour with grilled rack of lamb or grilled medium-rare beef striploin. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Catena ‘Paraje Altimira - High Altitude Vines’ Malbec was sourced from 100% malbec in vineyards at 1095m asl with alluvial origins—loamy soil underpinned by rounded rocks and made up by 80% sand/10% clay/10% silt. The wine was cold macerated at temperatures under 10 °C for five days then fermented for 16 days with post-fermentation maceration at 10 days followed by 12 months in French oak barrel, 35% new and the balance used previously. The Catena family boast 100 years plus of family vintners in the high-altitude mountain vineyards of Argentina.
96
Catena ‘Paraje Altimira - High Altitude Vines’ Malbec 2018
Paraje Altimira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza $22.95 (492413) 13.5% alcohol
Brash, brawny and bountiful on the nose; look for black currant, black Bing cherry and © Ribena adorned with grilled savoury herbs and mixed spice aromas to the fore. It envelops the palate with a medium-full bodied, generously textured and nicely balanced surge of delicious flavours including bramble berry, pie cherry, spice-infused juicy black cherry and black licorice that persist through the finish and aftertaste. There’s a soft base of ripe tannin and excellent balance throughout. It’s elegant and classy with each sip as good or better than the last. Pour with medium-rare skirt steak or lightly smoked and grilled-to-your-liking rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Pasarisa Malbec wine is 100% malbec fruit sourced from vineyards high in the Andes, where the Catena family have long sought and found special sites to plant vines over the past +100 years in order to showcase the viticultural diversity of Argentina and its many regions.
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Pasarisa Malbec 2019
Mendoza $16.95 (21986) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry/berry fruit intertwine with blueberry and mixed spice. It envelops the palate with a medium-bodied, textured stream of tang and tannin-infused black currant, pie cherry and mulberry fruit that persists to and through the dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. A two-hour aeration/decant will ameliorate the tannin. Pour with © Hy’s Seasoned Salt on grilled steak, roast beef or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages (available in LCBO Vintages Saturday, March 5, 2022)
• John Marynissen was an amateur winemaker and early adopter of vitis vinifera vines and pulled hybrids and replaced them with vitis vinifera vines in the 1970’s and the winery now owns approximately 25 acres of what are now generally accepted as the oldest commercial cabernet sauvignon vines in Canada. His daughter, Sandra, eventually took over the winemaking for some time. She later hired Jeff Hundertmark to replace her so she could spend more time with her family. Jeff has now moved on and is presently Director of Winemaking at Mt. Boucherie Winery in the Okanagan Valley after a very successful career in Niagara. At last look, Marynissen Estates Winery was then sold to a foursome of investors.
90
Marynissen ‘Heritage Collection - Charmed Rosé’ Sparkling Wine, Method Charmat 2020
VQA Ontario $24.95 (25234) 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of freshly picked wild strawberries and juicy red cherries abound on the nose. It pours with a generous mousse—aka thousands of bubbles—first making a froth on the wine when poured then continuing to make seemingly endless streams of winding bubbles making their way to the top of this sparkling rosé. It captures the palate with medium-bodied and nicely textured off-dry flavours of cotton candy and notions of sweet maraschino cherry while balanced with tangy blood orange. Pour on its own to welcome guests, or with spicy Asian dishes or for you and your mate or close friend for a late afternoon or early evening Happy Hour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Marynissen ‘Heritage Collection - Charmed’ Sparkling Wine, Method Charmat is an inspired blend of riesling, gewürztraminer and muscat that dazzles the palate, with a lengthy finish and lingering aftertaste.
93
Marynissen ‘Heritage Collection - Charmed’ Sparkling Wine, Method Charmat 2020
VQA Ontario $19.95 (25233) 11.5% alcohol
Floral notes, mineral and piquant peppery spice aromas dominate the nose on this tang- and pizzazz-infused white blend. Palate flavours of Key lime pie and lemon curd robed in pineapple and mouth-watering tang persist to and through the finish and aftertaste. This showcases crisp and refreshing flavours, a monumentally long finish and aftertaste and versatility at the table. Pour on its own or alongside freshly shucked Malpec oysters, steamed mussels, sushi or pour on its own. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour—pick up a case. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Konzelmann Estate Winery was one of the early adopters for vitis vinifera vines. You may purchase the five following wines from this website link - Konzelmann Estate Winery – and they will deliver to your home, licensed restaurant or office. You can also phone them during business hours – (905) 935-2866.
• The following 2020 Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Baco Noir was sourced from various mature vines throughout the Niagara Peninsula that were tended to just as Konzelmann Estate Winery would do. The result is wine that punches well above the price and provides an exceptional-value wine.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakeside Series’ Baco Noir 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 11.5% alcohol
Earthy and gamy notes abound on the nose followed by rich and ripe cherry/berry note aromas preceding a luscious surge of palate flavours with black plum, tang-infused red cherry and ripe juicy bramble berry to the fore. This is a delightful red wine with plenty of pizzazz and well balanced with delicious tang-infused rich, luscious palate flavours and replays of palate flavours on the finish and aftertaste. The result is a wine that punches well above the price and provides an exceptional-value wine that’s versatile at the table and should please all red wine enthusiasts. Pour with vegetarian lasagna, roast chicken, pizza with your favourite toppings or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series’ Merlot Barrel Aged wine was aged judiciously for 6 months in French oak barrels and fully reflects the dazzling 2020 vintage.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series’ Merlot Barrel Aged 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of charred wood, incense, tobacco and dark and juicy cherry and berry fruit appear on the nose. A surge of palate flavours—pie cherry and pomegranate are juxtaposed with ripe juicy dark plum, fig and black currant that run to and through the lengthy dry finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour alongside beef tenderloin, crown roast of pork or a festive bird with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
92
Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 12.5% alcohol
This leaps from the glass with aromas of grilled savoury herbs, grassy bits and hints of minerality that make way for citrus and notions of green apple on the nose. It then races across the palate with excellent tang and pizzazz expressed as lemon zest, white grapefruit and savoury herbs. This is a perfect crisp and clean sipper and also does well when poured with pan-seared fish or scallops or with lobster dipped in clarified butter under a light squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series – Old Vines’ Riesling was sourced from various locations from vines with maturity. It was then matured in both stainless steel tanks and Acacia barrels.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series – Old Vines’ Riesling 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of grassy notes, minerality, citrus and rosewood abound on this gem of a dry riesling. It envelops the palate with tart tang and plenty of pizzazz expressed as lemon zest, Key lime and crisp Granny Smith apple. It’s medium bodied with good texture and creamy mouthfeel. The finish and aftertaste replay some palate flavours and add a dollop of purity of persistent fruit flavours, a hint of saline minerality and a mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. Drink now and over the next seven or eight years alongside briny, freshly shucked oysters, your favourite sushi or steamed mussels. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 100% riesling Sparkling wine was made Méthode Charmat with the 2nd fermentation taking place in stainless steel vat.
90
Konzelmann Estate Winery Riesling Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $19.95 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of peppery spice and citrus notes precede a profusion of mousse—hundreds of bubbles in the glass when poured—then lovely palate flavours of slightly off-dry flavours of lemon curd then a lip-smacking surge of crisp, clean and refreshing Key lime and passionfruit that persist through the tang-infused finish and aftertaste. In a word, this is delicious and mouth-watering throughout from twist top to last drop and the exceptional-value price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few and pour on its own as an aperitif or welcoming wine to guests or with lighter-styled seafood appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine is sold at the winery only, order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with FREE shipping on orders of $99 or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays and noon to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays, and noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are guidelines due to COVID-19 that change often, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email).
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Pinot Gris reflects the dazzling 2020 vintage of all VQA wine regions in Ontario and it also reflects the history of pinot gris being a wandering mutant clone of ancient Burgundy Pinot Noir by its slight pink-ish hue in the glass. It was hand-harvested mid-September from mature vines of the Malivoire Estate Vineyard with the amount of sugar in the unfermented grape reaching 20 ° Brix. 87% of grapes were crushed, destemmed and sent immediately to press, While 13% was crushed and skin-soaked for 30 hours before pressing. Cool primary fermentation occurred in stainless steel and after five months of clarification it was bottled in December, 2020.
93
Malivoire Wine Pinot Gris 2020
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, piquant spice and notions of apple, pear and honeydew melon abound on the nose of this aromatic and flavourful gem. It races over the palate with great tang and pizzazz showcasing flavours of ripe pear, Key lime and ripe Casaba melon. It’s medium bodied with deft balance throughout and a delightfully lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing from first twist top to last delicious drop. Sip on its own or pour with pan-seared rainbow trout, mussels steamed in white wine and garlic or your favourite platter of sushi. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages (always available in select LCBO stores as a Vintages Essentials wine)
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine ‘Farmstead’ Gamay was sourced from Four Mile Creek, Beamsville Bench and Twenty Mile Bench with the average Brix at 22. 94% of grapes were destemmed and crushed with 6% of grapes being left in whole clusters. For alcoholic and malolactic fermentation 87% went to stainless steel while 13% was completed in concrete tank. The new wine was then divided by 2/3rds aged in stainless steel and the remainder sent to well-used older oak barrels. It was blended and bottled six months later in May 2021.
94
Malivoire Wine ‘Farmstead’ Gamay 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (591313) 12.5% alcohol
Pipe tobacco and peppery piquant spice aromas show first on the nose soon joined by aromas of blueberry, black currant and dark plum, adorned by grilled savoury herbs. The palate’s treated to a medium-plus bodied, textured stream of creamy-smooth ambrosia showcasing deft balance, ripe fruit flavours of red currant, pie cherry and passionfruit juxtaposed with cherry clafoutie and ripe mulberry underpinned by soft, fine-grained tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz. This is ready to drink now and on to 2024. Pour with grilled lamb loin chops or rye bread sandwiches of Montreal smoked meat. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Malbec was sourced from estate high-altitude vineyards of 100% malbec fruit. Salentein Chief Winemaker extraordinaire, Jose ‘Pepe’ Galante, is heralded as one of Argentina’s most important winemakers.
94
Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2019
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (640854) 14.0% alcohol
Dark purple-black, it’s virtually opaque in the glass. An alluring nose of exotic incense, spicy herbs and rich, sweet floral notes abound. It captures the palate with a bountiful surge of dazzling flavours with sweet black currant, ripe black plum and black Bing cherry to the fore then balanced with excellent tang and much pizzazz. It struts its stuff through the lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste with elegance and charm. It’s deftly balanced with alluring aromas, fine-grained tannin, excellent acidity, fabulous fruit flavours and a monumentally lengthy finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like? Pour alongside your favourite cut of grilled meat or vegan dish and your favourite veggies. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO (available now)
• The following red wine is one of the most popular red wines in the Konzelmann wine portfolio. You’ll quickly find out why once you smell the exotic aromas and taste a perfectly balanced wine on the palate at an exceptional-value price. Pick up an armful and drink now and over the next four or five years.
92
Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Merlot 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (439281) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic incense intertwines with luscious black currant, black raspberry and juicy, black Bing cherry with wisps of earthy undertones. A generous stream of rich luscious flavours envelop the palate and persist to and through the mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste with purity of fruit, balance and a delightful underpinning of ripe tannin. This is ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Give it a go with a charcouterie platter, burgers, pizza, steak, lasagna or crispy chicken wings. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages Classics Catalogue for April, 2022
• On-line ordering for the following wine begins April 7, 2022 @ 8:30 am.
• The following 2017 Sons of Eden ‘Remus – Old Vine’ Shiraz requires Eden Valley fruit sourced from sustainably farmed shiraz vines over 50-years-old. The following wine was sourced from three plots—two plots over 60-years-old and one plot over 80-years-old; the average yield was approximately two tonnes per acre. Hand-picked shiraz for the following wine was destemmed and crushed into 1.5 tonne open-top fermenters with select fermenters receiving up to 25% whole-bunch clusters added. It was hand-plunged daily then matured 18 months, not racked, in 300L French oak hogsheads, 45% new. You can read more about this special winery and their marvelous owners and crew at the following link: http://www.winecurrent.com/index.php/special-features/1562-sons-of-eden-winery
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Sons of Eden ‘Remus – Old Vine’ Shiraz 2017
Eden Valley, South Australia $54.00 (20182) 14.5% alcohol
Inky/dark, almost opaque in the glass, aromas of violets, savoury herbs, black licorice and dark cherry waft easily from the glass after a gentle swirl. A broad swath of stunningly delicious flavours blanket the palate with juicy black plum and ripe black Bing cherry adorned with fennel, cracked pepper and hints of blueberry persisting through the monumentally long finish and aftertaste. This showcases firm structure, ripe tannin underpinning, excellent balance and lip-smacking tang. This has life ahead, pop corks now—after a three-hour aeration/decant—to 2027. This is superb shiraz deserving kudos and serious consideration for a multiple purchase. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO Limited Time Offers
• The following four white wines will receive a $2.00 discount for each bottle purchased from the price shown below from February 28 to March 27, 2022.
White Wines
87
Anselmi ‘San Vincenzo’
IGT Veneto, Italy $17.95 (948158) 12.5% alcohol
An über-savoury nose of grassy notes and sprigs of savoury herbs dressed in piquant spice provide segue to this garganega blend. The mid-weight, lightly textured stream of palate-pleasing flavour skips over the palate with flavours of lemongrass, pear and wisps of apple persisting through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a pleasant pre-dinner sipper. (Vic Harradine)
• The following winery, Colombia Crest, is owned by Chateau Ste Michelle. Twenty-two percent of the fruit was pressed and settled in stainless steel, the balance was aged and hand-stirred, once-a-week in one- to three-year-old French and American oak barrel for nine months. The following is a fabulous wine at a deep discount. Pick up a few.
92
Columbia Crest Chardonnay
Columbia Valley, Washington State $17.95 (462846) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of spiced apple, pear and apricot introduce a gorgeous mouthful of ginger-infused tropical fruit and lemon pie filling. This is mid-plus weight with generous mouthfeel and oodles of charm. It finishes lengthy and luxurious with loads of fruit crowned with excellent moderating acidity. Pour with roast bird, pan-seared, firm fish or crown roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
90
Ghost Pines ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Chardonnay
Monterey/Napa/Sonoma Counties $21.95 (308122) 13.8% alcohol
Multi-County fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel before settling and aged sur lie in French and American oak. A gorgeous array of baking spice, vanilla and orchard fruit aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of flavours—tropical fruit, sweet, ripe pear and hints of citrus and spice. It’s mid-weight and good value with generous texture, depth and complexity. It finishes balanced and mouth-watering. Pour with roast chicken, pork or veal. Pick up a few.
(Vic Harradine)
88
Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (326090) 12.0% alcohol
This is a cool-climate styled pinot grigio that was stainless steel fermented with a similar profile both on the nose and palate—ripe pear, green apple, a touch of ginger and a grassy/herbal note in the background. It’s medium-light bodied with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It pairs well with friends and a sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
• The following two white wines receive a discount of $3.00 per bottle purchased from February 28 to March 27, 2022.
• The following Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine—always available in select LCBO stores.
91
Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California $27.95 (608653) 14.2% alcohol
Baking spice, oak, pear and apple aromas abound. A medium-full bodied, generously textured surge of tangy lemon curd and Key lime interweave with baked apple and spice along with hints of grapefruit pith on finish and aftertaste. This has come around nicely since last tasted. Pour with roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
93
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 9.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemony citrus, buckwheat honey and notions of petrol precede a dazzling off-dry surge of lemon-lime cordial, a bowl of tropical fruit—pineapple, mango, rambutan—along with oodles of tangy pizzazz persisting from the first drop through the palate to the delicious, balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This is quite special. Pour on its own or with spicy Asian dishes—General Tso’s chicken, moo shu pork or tikka masala. Pick up an armful. Drink now to 2028. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wines
• The following twelve red wines receive a $2.00 discount for each bottle purchased from February 28 to March 27, 2022.
• The following Bodega Y Viñedos Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec is Catena Zapata’s flagship malbec wine sourced from high mountain vines planted in four estate vineyards throughout Mendoza’s premium sub-regions. It spent 12 months in French oak barrels from new to second-year and third-year use. Catena Zapata was named, ‘The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ in 2020 by Drinks International. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pick up a case and drink over the next ten or more years.
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Bodega Y Viñedos Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (478727) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of sweet vanilla, oaky notes and leather precede a lively gusher of spice-laden dark cherry/berry fruit with black currant, red cherry and blueberry to the fore. This showcases its high altitude vineyards, deft balance, good weight and texture and plenty of tangy acidity throughout. It also delivers in spades through the delicious and lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled rare to medium-rare beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)
89
Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Paarl, South Africa $17.95 (328567) 13.0% alcohol
Smoky, earthy and dried cherry aromatics waft from the glass of this medium-bodied red. There are a good deal of sweet, black, ripe cherry and plum flavours with hints of chocolate and tar in the involved flavour profile. All this is wrapped around perceptible tannins and oaky notes that may need some time to quiet down. Drink now with rare or medium-rare pepper steak. (Vic Harradine)
90
Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz
Barossa, Australia $21.95 (167189) 14.5 % alcohol
Produced from old-vine shiraz, many over 100 years of age, this value-laden beauty spent 18 months in French oak barrel and was left unfiltered before bottling. Abundant dark fruit aromas—blackberry, cassis and black currant—sprinkled with anise and baking spices rise easily from the glass. Dry, full bodied with velvety tannin, succulent dark fruit flavours dominate the palate adorned with spice and earthy notes while a note of mint permeates the long finish. Pair with herb-encrusted rack of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2017 Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
90
Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache 2017
AOP Languedoc, France $16.95 (413237) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of black currants, black licorice and tarry notes abound. It rolls over the palate with crunchy red and black fruit—plum, currant and passionfruit—framed by tangy acidity and underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. Medium-full bodied and nicely textured, this is enhanced with a two-hour aeration/decant. Versatile at the table, pour alongside burgers, gourmet sausage, red pizza or pasta in Bolognese sauce. The price-quality proposition favours the purchaser/imbiber. (Vic Harradine)
92
J. Lohr ‘Seven Oaks’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California $23.95 (656561) 14.0% alcohol
This is delicious, very good value, deftly balanced and smooth and mellow from cork pop to last drop. This opens with alluring aromas of black cherry, cassis and notions of sandalwood. It continues to tempt with palate flavours of black currant and black plum, ripe, but not jammy, that are adorned with excellent tang and hints of piquant spice. This is lengthy, balanced and beautiful on the finish and aftertaste. Pour with a prime cut of beef, grilled medium rare. (Vic Harradine)
90
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
IGT Toscana, Italy $29.95 (964221) 14.0% alcohol
A highly anticipated, perennial favourite, this blend of 67% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 13% sangiovese, is ready to drink, fair value and shouldn’t disappoint. Dark berry fruit, piquant spice and mint aromas abound before dishing up a focused line of crunchy pie cherry and tart passionfruit scurrying across the palate adorned with notions of mixed spice and mocha, This is medium bodied with silky-smooth texture and soft ripe tannin. Drink now after a three-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
90
M. Chapoutier ‘Les Vignes de Bila-Haut’ Côtes du Roussillon-Village
AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France $15.95 (168716) 14.0% alcohol
Consistently great value, this southern Rhône blend of grenache, syrah and carignan opens with fresh red fruit and strawberry jam aromas with hints of vanilla, spice and an earthy note adding interest. Dry, medium bodied and well-structured with silky tannins and balancing acidity, spiced cherry and plum flavours generously coat the palate. The warming, lengthy finish delivers a wine well suited for braised beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2014
DOCG Amarone Della Valpolicella $39.95 (995910) 15.0% alcohol
A red blend of indigenous grapes—50% corvina/20% corvinone/20% rondinella/10% molinara, Oseleta, Turchetta—this fills the room with delectable flavours of ripe bramble berry, raisin tart and cola notes. It blankets the palate medium-plus bodied with creamy smooth mouthfeel and a boatload of warm comforting flavour—fig, dark cherry and black currant intertwined with excellent tang, grilled smoky herbs, mixed spice and mocha. It finishes lengthy and luxurious. (Vic Harradine)
91
ring.bolt Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River, Australia $21.95 (606624) 14.5% alcohol
Floral, savory and dark berry fruit aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of flavours led by a palate-coating, gusher of ripe juicy fruit—ripe juicy black Bing cherry, black bramble berry and red currant—interlaced with black licorice, espresso roast and hints of cassis. Showcasing good purity of fruit and with depth and complexity, this is medium-full bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine from Rocca delle Macie is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
• The ‘Classico’ on the wine label in the following Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico below alerts you this wine is from the heartland and original homeland of Chianti with ‘Chianti Classico’ considered the premium growing and winemaking sub-zone of the seven sub-zones in the now, quite large Chianti region in Tuscany.
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Rocca delle Macie ‘Famiglia Zingarelli’ Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $18.95 (741769) 13.5% alcohol
Cedar, floral notes and mixed field berry fruit aromas precede a racy line of red currant and pie cherry palate flavours adorned with savory herbs and a lick of red licorice and hints of mocha. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy dry, mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with pasta Bolognese or meat-laden lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
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Wits End ‘Luna’ Shiraz
McLaren Vale, South Australia $17.95 (311258) 14.0% alcohol
This is developing a following as each vintage cements its reputation as delivering value and great taste. Savory herbs and dark ripe fruit aromas—plum, bramble berry and cherry—herald smooth and mellow mouthfuls of juicy tang and oodles of flavour with pie cherry and ripe black currant melding with an underpinning of soft, ripe tannin. This is mid-full weight and nicely textured with good balance and charm. It’s good to go now served with well-seasoned, grilled medium-rare striploin. (Vic Harradine)
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Torres Gran Coronas ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Penedès, Spain $19.95 (36483) 14.0% alcohol
Produced from fruit harvested on the family’s home estate, Mas la Plana, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo offers lifted, complex aromas of leather, underbrush, ripe red and black fruits and spiced vanilla. Dry and full bodied, the flavourful ripe fruit bathes the palate caressed by delicious notes of vanilla and sweet exotic spice. Firm in structure yet generous, tasty and savoury, it’s warm on the finish. This deftly balanced wine will pair with all manner of grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
• The following five red wines receive a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased February 28 to March 27, 2022.
• The following Concha y Toro is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores.
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Concha y Toro ‘Marques de Casa Concha’ Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Puento Alto $22.95 (337238) 14.5% alcohol
This is a glorious wine to sip, pair with food or stick in the cellar for enjoyable drinking over the next few years. Dark toast and spiced field berry on the nose, the palate-coating succulent flavours—cassis, ripe boysenberry and Bing cherry—are underpinned by a firm chalky tannin structure and excellent moderating acidity. It’s mid weight, generously textured and finishes lengthy and luxurious, chockfull of warm ripe fruit flavour. (Vic Harradine)
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Seven Falls Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington State $21.95 (360222) 14.5% alcohol
This matured 15 to 18 months in seasoned and new oak barrel, mostly American with the balance French. There are aromas of dark berry fruit, mixed spice and espresso roast galore. This is ready to drink and oozing flavour with palate-coating flavours of dried currant and black, juicy Bing cherry interwoven with mint leaf, spice and vanilla. It finishes as it started—deftly balanced, fruit-forward, good depth and plenty of charm from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)
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The Foreign Affair ‘The Conspiracy’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (149237) 13.8% alcohol
This cabernet, Ripasso-inspired red—the wine was ‘passed over’ cab sauv and cab franc skins from dried wines—highlights aromas of raisin, fig and red cherry. It flows over the palate with tannin-infused waves of dark berry fruit and red cherry that are spice laden and framed with good moderating acidity. It’s full bodied and fully textured with a long finish laced with still-evolving tannin. Pop corks now-2025 after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
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Two Hands Wines ‘The Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (660043) 13.8% alcohol
Purple/black, almost opaque in the glass, this unleashes aromas of ripe black berry fruit with support from mixed spice and savory herbs. On the palate, crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—meet up with ripe black fruit—currant and mulberry—in a delightful, delicious pairing that’s balanced, well paced and well priced. Flavours replay on the long, mouth-watering finish. This pours well on its own—with each sip as good, or better than the previous—and with rack of Australian lamb or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)
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Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy $52.95 (413179) 16.5% alcohol
Wood smoke, cedar and bramble berry fruit aromas provide segue for a rich, luscious, hi-octane, though deftly balanced and simply delicious stream of ripe fruit and soft tang with dried dark fruit, black berry and dark plum front and centre along with support from spice, earthy notes and notions of ripe red cherry. This is medium-plus weight with good texture, structure and a lingering
full-of-flavour finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will receive a $2.50 discount for each bottle purchased from February 28 to March 27, 2022
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Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superior ‘Ripasso’
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superior, Veneto $24.95 (910430) 14.0% alcohol
A quiet nose of sweet black berry fruit opens up a glorious experience for lucky tasters. The fruit-forward nature of this wine unleashes a salvo of flavours including rich and concentrated cherry and bramble berry infused with fruit cake spice and dark chocolate. The memorable finish has gobs of black sweet fruit and black pepper with a hint of cigar box. At this price, flip open the trunk and toss in a case. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will have a discount of $5.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from February 29 to March 27, 2022.
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Umberto Cesari ‘Liano’ Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
IGT Rubicone $27.95 (225086) 13.5% alcohol
Red cherry/berry aromas intertwine with savory herbs and baking spice preceding a dark chocolate-tinged river of mixed dark berry fruit and crunchy red cherry flavours mingling and melding on the palate, balanced with structure and depth. It’s full bodied with satiny texture and lengthy, mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour with beef and cheese manicotti. (Vic Harradine)
Other Wines and Spirits
• The following Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
• The following wine will receive a $3.00 discount for every bottle purchased from February 28 to March 27, 2022.
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Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine
VQA Ontario $22.95 (522672) 200 mL 12.0% alcohol
This lighter-styled beauty keeps the final sip as fresh and lively as the first—it’s not cloying or over the top and that’s not a common occurrence for vidal icewine. A nicely balanced flow of palate-bathing apricot jam and white nectarine meet nirvana with a healthy dollop of lemon zest and racy blood orange on the palate and persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste. This pairs particularly well with Stilton on water crackers or pan-seared foie gras. (Vic Harradine)
Earn Aeroplan bonus points
• The following red wine will earn 120 Aeroplan bonus points for each bottle purchased from February 27 to March 26, 2202 on in-store purchases only, and not when purchased online.
• The following 7 Deadly Zins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel is a Vintage Essentials wine always available in many LCBO retail stores. The weather patterns in this unique part of Lodi are quite good. This was matured for just under one year in American oak.
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7 Deadly Zins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel
Lodi, California $24.95 (59311) 15.0% alcohol
Plum compote and crushed blueberry come to mind when nosing this ‘old vines’ zin, followed by raspberry, vanilla and cedar aromas emerging as you get deeper in the glass. A juicy flow of ripe blackberry, purple plum and raspberry glides on the palate with gentle heat and peppery notes. Tannins are present yet smooth and the sweet/savoury note in the finish makes you go back for more. Definitely a crowd pleaser, this full-bodied versatile red is a safe buy and is delicious with lamb burgers or glazed beef short ribs. (Louise Boutin)
• The following red wine will earn 40 points for each bottle purchased from February 27 to March 26, 2202 on in-store purchases only, and not when purchased online.
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Viña Perez Cruz ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Maipo Alto, Chile $14.95 (694208) 13.5% alcohol
The cool, elevated Maipo Alto region is the sweet spot for premiere Chilean Cab. There’s a 3% splash of Syrah and 1% ripple of Carmenère in this mid-weight, beautifully textured, crowd-pleasing gem. Aromas of rich black fruit, sweet vanilla and toasty notes herald a river of black cherry, juicy and ripe mulberry on the palate infusing the long finish. It sports good depth, complexity, oodles of charm and exceptional-value. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD 2022
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J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2021
AOP Val de Loire, France $17.95 (15774) 12.5% alcohol
This beautiful French sauvignon blanc matures on its lees for six months in stainless steel tank. It’s fresh on the nose with lots of gooseberry, honeydew melon and tropical fruit aromas, a touch of fresh herb and mineral flair. Yummy high acidity, think starfruit and lime, accentuate flavours of green apple, pineapple, and dill before closing on nice white pepper and lime zest notes. This medium-bodied dry white is lovely with crispy flatbread and artichoke dip or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Courtois ‘La Grange – Vinsobres’ 2018
AOC Vinsobres, France $16.95 (526632) 14.5% alcohol
This blend of 55% grenache/45% syrah is hand-harvested and has barely no oak influence--only one-third of the blend is matured in second use barrel for four months. The nose is fresh with bright raspberry and blackberry aromas, a nice licorice backdrop and some leather notes. A little warm at first, it fills the mouth with delicious flavours of stewed strawberry, tangy cherry, black plum and a peppery note emerging in the fruit forward, dry, slightly grippy and comforting finish. Aerate/decant this medium-full bodied red one hour and pour alongside thin-crust pizza with black olives or hearty ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)
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Azienda Agricola Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove – Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso’ 2017
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy $15.80 (19650) 14.0% alcohol
This traditional Veneto blend spent 18 months in barrels and six months in bottles before release. It shows profound aromas of dry cherry, plum, date, bark, balsamic notes and hints of clove. It flows on the palate with softness, high acidity and polished tannins, featuring flavours of dried fruit but also tart cherry, black plum, cocoa powder, a slight medicinal note and earthy flair persisting in the dry and slightly warm finish. Aerate/decant one to two hours before dinner and pair with mushroom risotto or braised veal shanks. (Louise Boutin)
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Domaine Du Bicheron ‘Mâcon-Péronne - Chardonnay 2020
AOP Mâcon-Péronne, Burgundy, France $19.95 (14960) 14.5% alcohol
Lots of yellow fruit aromas with yeasty notes and nutmeg in this young chardonnay, matured in stainless steel tanks for 12 months, looking more evolved than its age. It offers pear and apple compote flavour combined with lemon yogurt notes and a trail of exotic spice persisting in the finish. This medium-bodied white, with medium acidity, would pair well with baked ham and roasted root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)
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Azienda Agricola Provolo ‘Soave’ 2021
DOC Soave, Veneto, Italy $9.80 (13735) 12.5% alcohol
What to expect from a bottle under $10? Well, not what I found in this one; ripe peach, pineapple, tangerine and floral aromas all happy to be together. This medium-light bodied blend of garganega (the soave grape) and 20% chardonnay shows delicious flavours of tropical fruit, nectarine, bright grapefruit acidity and a delicious mild almond bitterness typical of the varietal, bringing balance and authenticity to this bargain delicious white. Pair with breaded zucchini sticks, fish & chips or just sip on its own. (Louise Boutin)