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October 4, 2022 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights:

Argentina – Limited Time Offers – October 9 to November 8, 2022 (8 wines)
New in Ontario Wineries (15 wines)
Limited Time Offers (29 wines)
52 wines in total

Wines of Argentina

Louise Boutin

by Louise Boutin

The following 8 wines will be on display in a special merchandising feature at 69 LCBO stores from Sunday Oct 9th to Sunday Nov. 5th and can only be purchased via LCBO.com. Each wine review contains a link—see below with number in brackets being the link you click on to the LCBO site so you can see which of their retail stores close by you have each particular wine. Louise has researched, tasted, reviewed and scored all eight wines.

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Susana Balbo Crios Torrontés 2021
Uco Valley, Argentina $11.95 (1834) alcohol 12.5%
Price includes the $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased
Here’s an authentic expression of the emblematic white grape of Argentina. Torrontés is an aromatic grape that can sometimes lead to over-the-top perfumed wines which isn’t the case here. Delicate aromas of rose, ginger, fresh apricot and almond charm the nose. Medium-light-bodied, it flows easily on the palate with excellent citrus acidity, ginger, a touch of white pepper and mild pleasant tang completing the profile. Enjoy with sashimi or Korean sauce marinated chicken. (Louise Boutin)

88
Lurton Piedra Negra Alta Coleccion Pinot Grigio Organic 2021
Uco Valley, Argentina $15.80 (556746) alcohol 12.0%
Receive 60 bonus Aeroplan points for each bottle purchased
An unusual mix of green bean, pear and lemon rind aromas open the door to a light-bodied wash of tangy flavours—lime, lemon zest, star fruit—a mild pithy citrus note and minerality in the dry final. Enjoy with salted nuts or crispy fried calamari at the apero. (Louise Boutin)

88
Domaine Bousquet Organic Malbec 2021
Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina $13.50 (160952) alcohol 14.0%
Price includes the $1.50 discount on each bottle purchased
Muted at first, this organic 100% malbec shows aromas of boysenberry and dark plum mixed with earthy notes once vigorously swirled. Round and soft on the palate with dark plum and tangy raspberry flavours, it continues mid-palate with grippy tannin and intense peppery notes trailing in the finish with a slight herbaceous note in the aftertaste. Enjoy with well-seasoned lamb burgers or spaghetti and meatballs. (Louise Boutin)

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Vida Organica Malbec 2021
Mendoza, Argentina $9.00 (17753) 13.0% alcohol
Price includes the $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased
This malbec is from the largest organic certified producer in Argentina. It displays beautiful aromas of plum compote and blueberry alongside orange zest freshness. Bright and juicy on the palate with flavours of plum, raspberry, bay leaf and a touch pepper, it goes down nicely with just enough tannin structure and great acidity to pair with a large selection of dishes. Try with stuffed bell pepper in tomato sauce or a simple margherita pizza. (Louise Boutin)

91
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (452672) alcohol 14.5%
Receive 70 bonus Aeroplan points for each bottle purchased
A profound bouquet of ripe dark plum, blueberry, mocha, cinnamon and forest floor introduce a juicy wash of ripe mixed berry dusted with black pepper all wrapped in polished tannin and leaving a delicious and warm suggestion of tangy blueberry compote in the end. This medium-full-bodied, hand-harvested, 100% malbec, matured 12 months in new oak barrels never disappoints. Pair with duck confit or Toulouse sausages over a bed of polenta and root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)

The Alaris collection is Trapiche’s line of fresh and vibrant wines made from hand-harvested grapes grown at 2000ft (600m) of altitude and vinified without oak contact. They are meant to be drunk young and this malbec below is a great example of the style.

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Trapiche Vineyards ‘Alaris’ Malbec 2021
Mendoza, Argentina $11.45 (501551) alcohol 12.5%
Price includes the $1.50 discount on each bottle purchased
Red plum, tart cherry and black tea aromas rise-up from the glass of this 100% high altitude malbec. On the palate, the first sip surprises with its softness and delicious crunchy red fruit acidity, followed by blackberry flavours and a hint of cinnamon adding a bit of warmth to the dry savoury finish. There’s excellent value in this easy drinking medium-bodied young red and it will be perfect for a red sauce pasta or mild Italian sausage with Dijon mustard on a brioche bun. (Louise Boutin)

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Trapiche Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mendoza, Argentina $13.00 (235671) alcohol 12.5%
60 bonus Aeroplan points for each bottle purchased
This single varietal red displays aromas of dark cherry, black currant, forest floor and a mild gamey note in the backdrop. It fills the palate with a silky soft and juicy flow of flavours aligned with the aromas before showing a nice layer of polished tannins and piquant peppery note leading to a slightly astringent but pleasant savoury finish. Pair this bargain gem with a juicy gourmet burger or root vegetable and lentil stew. (Louise Boutin)

91
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (292110) alcohol 14.0%
Price includes the $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased
Twelve months of maturation in French and American oak barrels is expressed with mixed spice and chocolate but also roasted plum and mushroom aromas in this medium-full bodied red from an excellent vintage. Initially velvety on the palate with spicy dark fruit and cola flavours, it morphs into an enjoyable robust and peppery juice with grippy tannins and a bright note of dry cherry extending in the finish and delicious aftertaste. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside lamb kofta or stuffed portobello mushroom. (Louise Boutin)

New from Ontario Wineries

• The following three wines may be purchased online from this link - Casa-Dea Estates Winery. For a limited-time only; buy 6 bottles or more of any wine and receive FREE shipping in Ontario to your home, office or licensed restaurant.

• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery Pinot Grigio was sourced from 50% machine-harvested, estate Pinot Grigio fruit and 50% from Niagara Escarpment with both lots fermented separately in stainless steel then blended together before bottling.

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Casa-dea Estates Winery Pinot Grigio 2021
VQA Ontario $19.95 (237883) 11.8% alcohol
Ethereal aromas of ripe apricot, almonds and exotic spice precede a spell-binding gusher of palate flavours with Meyer lemon, Key lime pie and hints of green apple and pineapple adorned with nerve, verve and plenty of tang and pizzazz to and through the finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus textured with creamy smooth mouthfeel and leaves the palate clean crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside spicy prawns cooked in a pan in butter with a side of Jasmine rice steamed in a rice cooker and infused with finely cut red and green bell pepper. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay was sourced from machine-harvested, estate vineyards with vines of 100% chardonnay from that were plus-20 years old that saw not a chip of oak. It was fermented and settled in stainless steel tank before being bottled.

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Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $18.95 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas, bordering on elegant, are easily sourced with gentle swirls—floral notes, exotic spice and delightful incense abound on the nose followed by lovely aromas of citrus—lemon and lime—and ripe apricot and pear. It’s deftly balanced on the palate and is quite smooth and mellow on the finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up a few before they’re all gone then give it a go alongside skillet seared Atlantic salmon fillets under a squish of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from machine-harvested estate vines in a vineyard planted some twenty years ago. It was then fermented in stainless steel and saw no oak.

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Casa-dea Estates Winery Melon de Bourgogne 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of green apple, minerality and floral notes precede a smooth and mellow, nicely textured stream of honeydew melon and Mirabelle plum juxtaposed to lemon curd and notions of Key lime pie. The persistent purity of fruit extends to and through the crisp and refreshing finish and mouth-watering aftertaste—in a word, yummy! Pour alongside oven-roasted chicken, freshly shucked Malpeque oysters or crab cakes. Pick up a half-dozen or so and drink now to 2025 after careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Late Harvest’ Pinot Grigio was sourced from estate fruit that was hand-harvested from 22-year-old vines after showing signs of naturally occurring Botrytis. It was picked on October 23rd, judged to be the final day for an optimum late harvest of this 2021 ‘Late Harvest’ Pinot Grigio. Chill before serving with sweetened dessert with all manner of fruit cake or fruit flan.

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Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Late Harvest’ Pinot Grigio 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $21.95 11.5% alcohol
Heavenly aromas of maple syrup, caramel and wisps of molasses dominate the nose. Persistent purity of palate flavours—upside-down peach spice cake, pancakes and maple syrup—follow to and through the sweetened taste of the gorgeous finish and linger on through the delectable aftertaste. This can also be enjoyed at the end of a meal on its own… ‘as’ dessert. (Vic Harradine)

• Closson Chase was an early entry into the nascent Prince Edward County winery scene in the late 1990s and recently made an almost seamless transition from a former doyen of Ontario winemakers, Deborah Paskus, to the present winemaker, Keith Tyers, highly capable with focused vision on making fine wine—especially chardonnay and pinot noir—from what nature provides.

• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct from the winery either by using this link Closson Chase, phone toll-free 1-888-201-2300 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pick them up from the winery 629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0 – it’s an easy 2 or so hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa and environs - Here’s a map. Phone ahead 343-261-6465 for complimentary curbside pick-up or local delivery. They are now open 7 days a week from 11am to 5 pm.

• The following 2021 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘The Loyalist’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% locally grown fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan by VegeCert.

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Closson Chase Vineyards ‘The Loyalist’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Ontario $28.00 12.5% alcohol
Lifted and alluring aromas waft easily from this gem of a delicious and affordable smooth and mellow chardonnay—floral and tropical fruit aromas followed by delicious palate flavours of pineapple, mango and ripe apricot along with citrus and mineral notes persist to and through the lingering finish and mouth-watering aftertaste that’s crisp, clean and refreshing. Pick up a few and pour alongside a Thanksgiving roast turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Prince Edward County fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert. The grapes were whole cluster pressed then 100% barrel fermented. Less than 10% new oak, the rest in seasoned French oak barrels.
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Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $34.00 13.3% alcohol
Delicate, elegant aromas of vanillin, floral and notes of baking brioche and buckwheat honey can be coaxed with a number of swirls. It blankets the palate with pit fruit—Mirabelle plum and ripe apricot along with notions of ripe nectarine, It’s medium bodied with good texture and mouthfeel and dishes up both a lengthy finish and aftertaste of lemon-lime citrus and saline minerality. Pour this alongside roast fowl—chicken, turkey or duck. (Vic Harradine)

The following 2020 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard - Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir was sourced from 100% Prince Edward County fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert.

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Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard - Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $36.00 (145888) 12.5% alcohol
A layered and complex nose sports aromas of piquant spice, wood smoke, gamey notes and notions of exotic incense. In spite of its light purple hue it blankets the palate with ripe dark fruit flavour—pie cherry, black raspberry tang and pizzazz and is underpinned by still evolving tannin. A two-hour aeration/decant will produce a more positive imbibing experience and this will play nicely with chicken pot pie, bobotie or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following two wines by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from this link to Henry of Pelham – There is free delivery on 12 or more bottles in Ontario. Select ‘12 Bottles+’ at check out and allow up to 10 days for delivery or, order online then pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.

• The following 2021 Henry of Pelham ‘Classic’ Pinot Noir was sourced from an excellent vintage that’s almost as dazzling as the 2020 vintage. Imagine, two in a row! This particular wine was sourced from four numbered pinot noir clones—115, 667, 777 & 375—that are sustainably-grown and accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tank then matured for +6 months in European oak.

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Henry of Pelham ‘Classic’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (13904) 12.8% alcohol
An abundance of interesting aromas appear on the nose of this excellent pinot noir—with tobacco leaf, dark cherry/berry fruit juxtaposed with rosewood and exotic incense. The palate’s treated to a gusher of fruit flavours with red Montmorency pie cherry and hints of passionfruit with both contributing to the wonderful tang and racy pizzazz. It’s medium-bodied with good texture, loads of fruit flavours and good mouthfeel throughout. Give this a go with pan-seared, East coast salmon fillets adorned with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up six or more. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay was sourced from Estate grown Gamay from the VQA sub-appellation of Short Hills Bench in the dazzling vintage of 2020. The grapes for this wine were harvested from 27-year-old-vines.

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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $21.95 (19903) 13.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of violets, crunchy red cherry and passionfruit precede a river of ripe black bramble berry and juicy Bing cherry on the palate and to and through the racy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s quite smooth and mellow on entry and marries well to just about anything you do on your barbecue e.g. pork back rib slathered with spicy barbecue sauce, grilled tandoori chicken, grilled skirt steak, or simple backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct by toll-free phone 1-888-399-1183, from the Rosehall Run Vineyards winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0 in Prince Edward County—it’s best to call first and make an appointment—it’s an easy approximately two-hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401 - Here’s a map. All orders of $85.00 and over receive FREE SHIPPING in Ontario.

• The following 2021 Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué is a ‘Small Lots’ venture from a single-vineyard plot of estate-grown fruit in a particularly dazzling vintage.

• Winemaker notes - Sourced from our small ‘Vina de Casa’, a one-acre plot of Chardonnay Musqué clone 809, which are the first vines you see when you arrive at the estate. Prince Edward County is benefitted annually by not getting as many rain episodes as the rest of Ontario. One of the most fruitful benefits includes being one of the driest areas for grape growing in Ontario, and our Chardonnay Musqué welcomes the partial aridity. The wine was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the perfumed orchard fruit aromas of our Chardonnay Musqué. To further preserve freshness, the Chardonnay Musqué was aged for a short period of about 4 ½ months and put into bottle in early May.

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Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $26.00 12.0%
There are aromas of nutty nuances, exotic spices and floral notes on the nose. It dazzles the palate with a wash of balanced and bountiful flavours with blood orange, lemon pie filling and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s balanced with smooth flavours. It finishes lengthy with a lip-smacking finish and crisp refreshing aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared salmon fillets, grilled calamari rings or a sushi platter. (Vic Harradine)

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Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Silver Fox Block – Nedelko Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $39.00 13.0% alcohol
Sporting an alluring nose of exotic incense, red berry fruit and tobacco leaf aromas—it envelops the palate with a stunning array of complex flavours—tangy, ripe, bramble berry fruit robed in piquant spices and black currant with racy pie cherry appearing on the back palate. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and showcases dazzling fruit flavour, excellent acidity and deft balance. It’s stylish and charming while the long, balanced and bountiful finish adds to its allure. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following wines online for home, office or licensed restaurant: delivery in Ontario is FREE on orders of $100 or more from this link - Vineland Estates Winery. The wine shop is open for Curbside Pickup 7 days a week, 11am-5pm. Purchase online from the above link or place your order at 905.562.7088 ext. 124. Restaurant is open for Takeout Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Please order directly with the Kitchen at 905.562.7088 ext. 165. Best to check with the winery first as COVID-19 rules and regulations often change; and lately they’ve been improving.

• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Charmat Method Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Chardonnay old-vines from their prime estate vineyards in the best vintages only, and 2020 was one of the recent best, with 2021 a close runner-up.

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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling - Charmat Method – Chardonnay 2020
VQA Ontario $30.00 12.0% alcohol
This pours with a frothy mousse of fine-bead bubbles along with aromas of saline minerality and notions of grapefruit and green apple. Palate flavours of honeydew melon, lemon curd and plenty of tang and pizzazz along with persistent purity of fruit from the palate to the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour when guests arrive and on to lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ – Sparkling – Charmat Method - Pinot Meuniere sourced from old vines on one of their best and most picturesque estate vineyards. Pinot Meunier is a red grape, and there are only two über-popular red grapes in sparkling Champagne. The other red grape? Pinot Noir!

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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling - Charmat Method – Pinot Meunier 2020
VQA Ontario $30.00 13.0% alcohol
Nutty notes and baking brioche aromas precede palate flavours of peel marmalade and traces of blood orange and lemon-lime. This has good texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel with excellent balance of flavours, tang and a lip-smacking finish and aftertaste and always attractive in the bottle and wine glass with its light pink hue. A lovely way to greet guests and a perfect way to begin a romantic evening for two. Pour with cocktail sandwiches and salted almonds. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages: Limited Time Offers

White Wines

• Each wine below will receive a Limited Time Offer of either $2.00 per bottle, $2.50 per bottle $3.00 per bottle or $5.00 per bottle discount from the price shown below for every bottle purchased now to October 9, 2022 for both LCBO in-store and LCBO online purchases.
The following 5 white wines receive a $2.00 a bottle discount off the price shown below for each wine purchased between now and October 9, 2022 regardless of the vintage.

• The following 2020 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White Blend’ is the umpteenth vintage of this gem. It was sourced from 72% riesling/17% gewürztraminer/11% chardonnay, in a vintage that most called absolutely outstanding. The residual sugar is 15 g/L and the titratable acidity is 7.4 g/L. The Brix level of 20.1 measures the average sugar level in the unfermented grapes of this white blend.

91
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White Blend’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 12.0% alcohol
Exotic aromas of tinned lychee in rosewater, chalky minerality and lime cordial abound on the nose intertwined with ripe apricot and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Palate replays include tang-infused lemon juice, lime cordial and apricot. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing on the finish and aftertaste. Perfect for sipping in warm weather and to serve to guests with your choice of tapas. The price-quality balance tips in your favour; pick up a few and serve well into fall. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Castello Banfi “Principessa Gavia’ Gavi was sourced from 100% indigenous, estate-grown, cortese grapes, gently pressed and fermented under 18° C for twenty days in stainless steel enhancing freshness and delicate aromas in the wine. The winery began in 1860 then purchased by Banfi in the late 1970s.

92
Castello Banfi ‘Principessa Gavia’ Gavi
DOCG Piedmont $19.95 (250696) 12.5% alcohol
This is a well-paced and well-priced Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select LCBO stores. Straw, citrus and wisps of honeyed aromas precede an explosion of flavour—lemon curd, sprigs of herbs and hints of pineapple. It coats the palate infusing the clean, refreshing finish and aftertaste. This is light-medium weight with good mouthfeel and a boatload of pizzazz and tangy acidity. Pour as an aperitif or with pan-seared white fish or poached scallops. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.

90
Kim Crawford Chardonnay
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (991950) 13.5% alcohol
This popular and exceptional-value chardonnay is clean and fresh on the nose with lots of mineral, peach, and floral aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of apple and peach that fade in a luxuriously refreshing finish. Enjoy with Camembert cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

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Mer Soleil ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $29.95 (958975) 14.9% alcohol
Baking spice, caramel and toasty, buttery aromas unleash a huge gusher of flavour that will leave few imbibers without a strong opinion. If you’re looking for a full-bodied, fully textured, high-octane, tsunami wave of rich, luscious, sweet flavours—grilled pineapple, oak-inspired vanillin and caramel apple—then you should love this. There are tropical fruit notes along with ripe pear, a bit of citrus pith and wisps of oak on the sweet-tinged finish and aftertaste—not for the faint of palate. (Vic Harradine)

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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
DOC Valdadige, Italy $19.95 (106450) 12.5% alcohol
The LCBO once touted this as their best-selling wine. A delicate nose of floral notes, lemon tart and wisps of mineral precede a mid-weight, very nicely textured streak of lemon and lime garnished with notions of green apple. The mid-length finish is crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Pair with steamed mussels and a sliced and buttered baguette. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 4 white wines will earn a $3.00 per bottle discount for each wine purchased from now to October 9, 2022.

• There’s very good value in the following premium Beringer Napa Chardonnay. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyard parcels were fermented in 25% stainless steel and 75% French oak followed by eight months barrel aging before bottling.

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Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley (84988) $28.95 14.1% alcohol
The nose leads with lemon, lime zest and red apple adorned with a pleasant floral note, hints of spice and toast. Dry and medium bodied with balancing acidity, the generous mouthfeel transports flavours of Meyer lemon, pear and Gala apple through the medium-long finish before a mineral note appears on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside simply-prepared roast chicken. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine—always available in select LCBO stores.
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Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California $29.95 (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)

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Thirty Bench ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Riesling
VQA Beamsville Bench $22.95 (24133) 10.8% alcohol
The lifted nose of lime and piquant spice aromas is also decorated with sharp mineral notes and notions of petrol. An off-dry surge of citrus-infused flavours explode on the palate with lemon curd and lime cordial providing pizzazz along with delicious accoutrements of melon, minerality and under-ripe orchard fruit. It’s medium-weight with a bountiful, lip-smacking finish. Divine sipped on its own, it pours well with grilled or pan-seared fish, steamed mussels or breaded and skillet-fried calamari. (Vic Harradine)

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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Escarpment $22.95 (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)

Vintages: Limited Time Offers

Red Wines

• The following 10 wines will receive a $2.00 discount for each bottle purchased from now to October 9, 2022

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13th Street Gamay Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (177824) 13.0% alcohol
Smoke, spice and gamy notes roll from this juicy, lively, rustic gamay. The palate’s treated to a medium-bodied, nicely textured mouthful of red and dark berry fruit robed in excellent racy acidity along with mixed spice and bacon notes persisting through the dry finish. For full enjoyment, aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)

90
Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection Ivory Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California $24.95 (521021) 13.5% alcohol
Wood smoke and toasty oak mingle with ripe dark fruit—mulberry, bramble berry and juicy cherry on the nose of this meaty, delectable California Cab. It’s full bodied and fully flavoured flaunting rich, concentrated and luscious flavours of spice-laden black Bing cherry and briary berry garnished with dark chocolate and cassis. The finish lingers with gorgeous replays, lip-smacking tang and a supple tannin base. (Vic Harradine)

• The following J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot is a recent, welcomed edition to the Vintages Essentials portfolio and always available in select stores. Fruit was sourced from a number of sites in cooler plots and aged 12 months in oak barrel after 100% malolactic conversion. There’s a generous splash of 9% Malbec in here, accentuating fruit and complexity.
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J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot
Paso Robles, California $22.95 (27516) 13.5% alcohol
Black plum compote, black cherry and baking spice introduce a deftly balanced stream of dark ripe fruit—black currant, juicy Bing cherry—interwoven with dark bittersweet chocolate, sharp spice and an excellent dollop of juicy tang. This is medium-plus bodied with satin-smooth mouthfeel and is fruit forward throughout—the finish is rich, complex, tangy and lengthy. Pour with grilled steak or burgers dressed with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

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Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (58339) 14.0% alcohol
High-spirited aromas of black pepper, black plum compote and mixed spice provide segue for a tang-laden flow of red currant, black cherry and sprigs of savoury herbs blanketing the palate and persisting through the dry, warm finish. This is medium-plus bodied with good texture and an underpinning of tannin for structure and interest and framed by excellent acidity. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)

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Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
Marlborough, South Island $20.95 (590414) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry/rhubarb pie and charred toast open the door to a medium-bodied, well-paced stream of tang-laden flavour with passionfruit and pie cherry to the fore that’s nicely balanced by mingling with ripe dark berry fruit flavour on the mid-palate and lingering, savory finish. Pour with smoked then skin-side-up broiled, duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

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Remo Farina Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico
DOCG Amarone Della Valpolicella $38.95 (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)

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San Felice Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 (282996) 13.0% alcohol
This is a smooth-drinking blend—80% sangiovese, 10% colorino, 10% pugnitello—that underwent malolactic conversion. Aromas of savory herbs, pipe tobacco and piquant spice provide segue for a racy, tang-laden streak of sour cherry, cranberry and flecks of herbs and spices. Flavours replay on the dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce, lasagna or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)

90
Tessellae ‘Old Vines’ Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre - Côtes du Roussillon
AOC Côtes du Roussillon $19.95 (343517) 14.5% alcohol
This blend from southern France — 50% grenache, 40% syrah and 10% mourvèdre screams ripe black fruit — plum, blackberry, cassis and cherry. Fully textured on the palate with ripe yet chewy tannin, it is generous on the fruit flavours — dark cherry, blackberry, blueberry with licorice freshness and a suggestion of savoury charred herb. This full-bodied red has cellaring potential, is unbelievably well-priced and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue party. Aerate/decant 2 hours and pop the cork now onto 2022. (Louise Boutin)

• The following Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé is based on fruit from grenache vines with fruit protected as handling is done in a carbon dioxide atmosphere until the low-temperature fermentation begins – 15 to 18 °C – then it is matured on the fine lees for several weeks before bottling.

90
Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé
IGT Pays d’Oc, France $15.95 (14673) 13.0% alcohol
Almost water white in color with a salmon tinged, this rosé offers nectarine aromas along with citrus pith, white flower and dusty stone notes. It fills the mouth with a nice round and softly-textured wash coating the palate with flavours of orchard fruit and orange flesh evolving to refreshing pithy citrus flair and a mouth-watering, mineral, dry finish. This is an exceptional-value rosé worth stocking up for the summer. Sip with salted nuts or pour alongside an appetizer of prosciutto and nectarine or fried calamari. (Louise Boutin)

• The next red wine will earn a $2.50 discount for every bottle purchased from now to October 9, 2022

89
Sella and Mosca Cannoneau Di Sardegna ‘Riserva’
DOC Cannoneau Di Sardegna, Italy $18.95 (425488) 13.5% alcohol
This Cannoneau, a.k.a. grenache or garnacha, showers ripe fruit throughout along with good structure, intensity and balance. Aromas of anise, red berry fruit and wood smoke presage a steady wash of racy fruit flavour with red currant and pomegranate to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a lengthy, dry finish layering on notions of dark coffee and spice. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. This is a blend from hand-harvested fruit from select vineyards across the Niagara wine region matured 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling and release.

90
Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
A lightly-hued red in the glass, it offers delicate aromas of piquant spice, cedar and raspberry on the nose. It streaks over the palate with tart tang and acidity borne of crunchy red fruit flavours—currant, pie cherry and passionfruit—along with wisps of sharp spice. Pour with lasagna, pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza with a spicy red sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following four red wines will earn a $3.00 discount for every bottle you purchase from now to October 9, 2022

• 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.

91
7 Deadly Zins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel
Lodi, California $21.95 (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)

90
Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Shiraz
South Australia $19.95 (925453) 14.5% alcohol
Powerful, bold and concentrated, this is a rich and luscious crowd pleaser. Aromas and flavours abound in this dark purple opaque Aussie red with mixed spice, black pepper and a gusher of dark berry fruit, minty black cherry and kirsch liqueur among them. It’s medium-full bodied with a generous mouthfeel and a balanced, lingering aftertaste. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)

93
Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Shiraz
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-packed shiraz. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth and medium-plus bodied while unleashing a gusher of fruit-forward flavour of ripe mulberry, black plum and ripe Bing cherry adorned with balancing tang and a boatload of pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, is balanced on a pin and sports a dry, delectable finish with palate replays plus a hint of cassis and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Pour with friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. Pick up a few and drink over the next seven or eight years. (Vic Harradine)

90
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)

• The following 2 wines earn a $5.00 discount for each bottle you purchase from now to October 9. 2022.

93
Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino
DOCG Brunello Di Montalcino $57.95 (378257) 13.5% alcohol
Lively spice, earthy notes and savory herbs waft from this creamy-smooth, generously textured gem. This showcases persistent purity of fruit, structure, skillful balance and a lengthy finish. A medium-full bodied flow of palate-bathing flavour—ripe juicy black raspberry, red currant and crunchy pie cherry—mingle with excellent tang and acidity and soft supple tannin with all replaying on the dry, lengthy finish. After a three-hour aeration/decant pour with a thick and juicy fine cut of juicy, well-seasoned beef. (Vic Harradine)

92
Umberto Cesari ‘Liano’ Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
IGT Rubicone $28.95 (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)

• Aeroplan BONUS points earned for each following bottles purchased from now to October 8, 2022

• The following two wines will receive 50 BONUS Aeroplan points for each bottle purchased now to Octoberb 8, 2022 - valid for in-store purchase only.

90
Sella and Mosca Cannoneau Di Sardegna ‘Riserva’
DOC Cannoneau Di Sardegna, Italy $18.95 (425488) 13.5% alcohol
This Cannoneau, a.k.a. grenache or garnacha, showers ripe fruit throughout along with good structure, intensity and balance. Aromas of anise, red berry fruit and wood smoke presage a steady wash of racy fruit flavour with red currant and pomegranate to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a lengthy, dry finish layering on notions of dark coffee and spice. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.

91
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)

• The following wine will receive 100 Bonus Aeroplan points for each bottle purchased now to October 8, 2022 - valid for in-store purchase only.

89
Foss Marai Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco, Treviso, Veneto $19.95 (729392) 11.5% alcohol
A tempting nose of floral and citrussy notes tingle the nose and provide a fitting entry to this very well-priced sparkler. Nothing complicated, but everything is in balance, from the frothy attack of tropical fruit flavours and lemon zest to the lovely tang of acidity on the finish. Serve well chilled to guests as a welcoming wine. (Vic Harradine)

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