Vintages Release: March 4, 2023

• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot was hand-harvested from cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc and merlot that were kept to below 2 tonnes per acre and aged in French oak barrels. It is also accredited as being a sustainable winemaking winery by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.

93 
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (616433) 13.2% alcohol
There is plenty of time for this blooming red blend to settle down and make its way to the top of the ladder—careful cellaring for another two years should take of that. It has intriguing aromas of rose petals, dark cherry/berry fruit and on the palate there’s plenty of tang and juicy red fruit flavour and a pleasing share of ripe, juicy black raspberry and an underpinning of firm, but ripe tannin on the palate and aftertaste. Patience should be rewarded, especially if carefully cellared. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: March 18, 2023

The following 2018 C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ was sourced from their own estate vineyards known as Caballeros, Santo Tomás and Sarnamoros and they are found in the villages of Rodezno, Villalba and Haro at an altitude between 500 to 600 meters above sea level. The grape varieties are 85% tempranillo and the other 15% are shared between these three varieties—garnacha tinta/graciano/mazuelo. This wine is vegan-friendly.

93
C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $22.95 (16791) 14.0% alcohol
There are easily coaxed aromas with the gentlest of swirls and they are worth the effort. The red fruits and liquorice are well integrated with barrel-affected aromas of piquant spice and cigarette tobacco leaf. A long slow ripening was provided and it enabled the production of great, intense wines. This is quite elegant on the palate providing a wine of great balance and fruit-flavour that linger on the finish and aftertaste. You may want to pick up a few and serve with calamari rings breaded lightly and pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: April 1, 2023

• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay is sourced from 100% chardonnay in vineyards along the Mediterranean coast. The bottle with the rose petals etched into the base of the wine bottle was a work of art from a student attending Ecole Boulle in France.

93 
Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay 2021
IGP Pays D’Oc, France $18.95 (10621) 13.0% alcohol
The wine is also a work of art. It has just about all you would expect or want. Dazzling aromas of citrus—lemon pastille, clementine orange and sweet ripe pineapple abound on the nose and the palate along with excellent balancing tang from glass pop (that is how it is sealed with a glass stopper) to last drop and a juicy finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few and you will be surprised at how interesting this wine’s aromas attracts and how delightful you’ll find it in the glass and on the palate, how wonderful it tastes. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: April 15, 2023

• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir is sourced from estate vineyards in Limoux in the foothills of the Pyrenees with Pinot Noir being planted between 250 and 500 meters. Fruit is hand-harvested and transported to the winery in small boxes. The wine is not filtered before bottling. It is Demeter-certified as a biodynamique wine.

92
Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir 2021
IGP Haut Vallée de L’Aude, France $35.00 (10015) 14.0% alcohol
Very intensive aromas of small berries fill the room after a swirl or three. The palate is treated to a gusher of tender fruit that’s finely spiced on the finish and aftertaste. There are silky tannins and exceptional structure on the lip-smacking finish and the tangy aftertaste. This wine is best served between 12-14 ° C alongside grilled red meat or roasted poultry. Give it a try when it’s released. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: April 15, 2023

• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange Gold – Organic Wine’ pays homage to the very first ‘orange wines’ from Georgia some 4,500 years ago. The ‘Georgia’ is from Eastern Europe, not one of the U.S southern states. The grape varieties in this wine are the following—chardonnay/grenache blanc/viognier/marsanne/mauzac/muscat.

90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange - Gold – Organic Wine’ 2021
Product of France, $24.95 (23729) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, sharp citrus of blood orange, lemon curd and pomegranate are easily found after three or four swirls. Replays on the palate include blood orange and lemon curd with plenty of tang and pizzazz. There are also notions of flinty minerality and grapefruit pith on the finish and aftertaste. A wine to be savoured on its own or with cheese or aperitifs. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD

90 
Château Boisson ‘Bordeaux Blanc’ 2022
AOC Bordeaux, France $17.95, 13.5% alcohol
This wine is 70% sauvignon blanc with the balance being the elusive sauvignon gris, a grape which has almost disappeared from the Bordeaux region. It has an interesting nose of cut grass and lemon, with a foundation of minerality. In the mouth it is medium bodied, with mouthwatering crispness, and flavours of pear and lemon. The citrus flavours last well through the finish. Pairs very well with roast chicken. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Château Mayne-Vallet 2018
AOC Blaye, Côtes de Bordeaux, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
This fresh-tasting, merlot-dominant red blend evokes aromas of red current, plums and blackberry adorned with notions of anise, black pepper and a subtle mineral quality. It’s nicely balanced with smooth tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Tangy cherry, berry and plum flavours, grounded with dried herbs and spice, persist on the long, mouth-watering finish. Enjoy with charcuterie and soft cheeses. (Lisa Isabelle)

92 
Château Gaston-Réna 2016
AOC Haut-Médoc, France $28.95 13.0% alcohol
The captivating nose bursts with ripe, dark fruit aromas lifted with hints of sandalwood, cedar and menthol before a cascade of blackberry, cassis, spiced plum and earth flavours coat the palate. Medium-full bodied and well-structured, it offers a silky mouthfeel with supple tannins and bright acidity. Subtle hints of mint and black pepper are carried through the lingering finish and aftertaste. Pair with lightly-seasoned, grilled lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)

90 
Château Lalande d'Auvion 2009
AOC Medoc Cru Bourgeois, France $29.95, 13.5% alcohol
This 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot from the exceptional 2009 Bordeaux vintage is a hard-to-find treat. It’s elegantly showing its age, with a brownish tinge visible around the edges, and still packs a vibrant nose of jammy cherry and plum, smokey wood, and ash. It is quite tart on the palate, with a medium body and well refined tannins. Flavours of sour cherry and cranberry linger through to a juicy finish. Decant before serving, and pair with some pan seared duck breast with cranberry sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

92 
Château Tayac ‘Cuvée Nicolas’ 2019
AOC Margaux, France $44.95, 14% alcohol
Deep purple plum in the glass with an extravagant nose of cedar, smoke, raspberry, and dried mint. It’s medium bodied with a delicious acidity, and flavours of cherry, blackcurrant, and black pepper hidden behind a robust layer of tannins. Although drinkable today—paired with medium rare pepper steak—this is a wine to lay down in the cellar and pull out when you are celebrating the start of the 2030s. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Domaine Ménard-Gaborit ‘Les Princes’ 2022
AOC Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, France $18.95 12.0% alcohol
We should drink more Muscadet like this shinny medium-gold shaded one, offering beautiful aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, a layer of floral notes—think sweet freesia flower—and sea shell minerality. Eight months of maturation on the lees in concrete vats translates into excellent texture and body along with persistent flavours of orchard fruit, lemon rind, some chalky mouth feel and delicious mineral notes so characteristic of this appellation. Totally enjoyable to sip on its own or alongside steamed mussels and sea salt dusted French fries. (Louise Boutin)

89 
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2022
AOP Val de Loire, France $18.95 (15774) 12.5% alcohol
Subtle and typical aromas of lime zest, grassy notes and canned green beans introduce a crips and zesty flow of vibrant citrus and ripe gooseberry flavour. This easy to drink medium-light bodied thirst quencher with some mineral flair will pair well with fried calamari or whipped feta dip and crudités. (Louise Boutin)

91 
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2022
AOP Touraine, France $19.95 (24609) 12.5% alcohol
This expressive white presents with beautiful lemongrass, lime, gooseberry and flint aromas. The palate is treated to a pleasant round flow of delicious starfruit, lime juice, gooseberry flavours topped with a little kick of white pepper trailing in the refreshing lengthy finish. This is perfect for an appetizer of asperges-vinaigrette or a dill and feta cheese fluffy omelet. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Maison Darragon ‘Les Tuffes’ Vouvray Dry 2022
AOP Vouvray, France $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Vouvray is a 100% chenin blanc appellation from the Loire Valley, vinified in different styles. This is a dry one, showcasing aromas of yellow apple, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe and honeysuckle. Bright passionfruit acidity on the palate opens the door to other delicious flavours—ripe pineapple, Meyer lemon, green apple—before switching to the mineral character and mouth-watering crisp lasting finish. This medium-bodied white will shine alongside fish & chips or coconut shrimps. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Maison Darragon ‘Le Haut des Ruettes’ Vouvray Medium-Dry 2021
AOP Vouvray, France $19.95 (24860) 12.5% alcohol
You could never tell that this 100% chenin blanc with its aromas of hay, white grapefruit, and fennel seeds has 19g/L of unfermented sugar. The surprise comes on the first sip when a round and medium-full bodied flow of ripe yellow fruit, ginger and honeyed flavours travels the palate before disclosing bright citrus acidity and chalky minerality on the delicious and unexpected finish. This is a perfect balance of ripe fruit sweetness and sharp acidity, ideal to pair with General Tao crispy tofu or orange and ginger chicken brochettes. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Patrick Galant Cairanne Red ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2022
AOP Cairanne, France $23.95 14.5% alcohol
A fruity nose just bursts out of the glass for this luscious blend of 50 % grenache, 40% syrah, 10% mourvèdre. Accompanying the fruit are hints of dried mint, thyme and vanilla. Wonderfully smooth on the palate, with a medium-to-full body and firm but well integrated tannins. The acidity carries delicous flavours of cherry and strawberry through the finish. Pair with herb roasted lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Patrick Gallant Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2022
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, France (20640) $18.95 14.5% alcohol
This fruit-forward red blend offers aromas of dark plum, black berry and blueberry underscored with hints of violets, baking spices and a dusty mineral note before a juicy stream of ripe red and dark fruit flavours wash over the palate. Medium bodied with well-integrated alcohol, the silky tannins and fresh acidity contribute to the soft mouthfeel while plum, red licorice and a grounding mineral note are enjoyed into the lasting finish. Pair with cheese and charcuterie. (Lisa Isabelle)

90 
+C Long Côtes du Rhône Red 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $17.95 14.5% alcohol
This grenache and syrah blend has an exotically complex nose of cherry, vanilla, pine needles, and pepper. Smooth on the palate with a medium-full body, approachable tannins, and a pleasantly tart acidity. Flavours of red fruit and pepper abound, and the finish is long and fruity. This is the wine to celebrate the end of winter, when you dig up your BBQ and grill some pepper steaks. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Domaine Fond Croze ‘Romanaise’ 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages, France $21.95 14.5% alcohol
This organic red from 100% old vine grenache, offers aromas of ripe plum compote, black tea and a touch of freshly grated cinnamon. Charming and smooth on the palate at first, a cool river of ripe black fruit flavours quickly morphs into a spicy and warm wave of delicious plum driven character enveloped in powdery astringent tannins. Alcohol is well integrated in this medium-full-bodied delicious puzzling wine. Hold for a couple years to pour alongside a rare, well-seasoned flank steak or eggplant parmigiana after one hour of aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Domaine Fond Croze Vieilles Vignes Organic Rasteau 2022
AOC Rasteau, France $21.95 15.5% alcohol
The opaque purple colour introduces a multitude of dark fruit aromas adorned with vanilla bean bergamot, tobacco and cedar before a cascade of dark plum, cassis, mocha and vanilla flavours engulf the palate. Full bodied, round and supple with enough acidity to balance, the generous finish is long, warm and satisfying. Pair with beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)

90 
Château La Croix des Pins ‘Les 3 Villages ‘2020
AOP Ventoux, France $19.95 14.5% alcohol
This Provence red blend of 55% grenache, 35% syrah with a splash of carignan and marselan is quite timid on the nose with mild aromas of red cherry, dry bush and iodine. It flows with relative ease on the palate despite its high octane, leaving plenty of space for the crunchy red cherry and blackberry flavours to express themselves. Black pepper and a touch of caramelized sugar complement the picture in the otherwise savoury and bright finish. Pair with traditional ratatouille or confit of duck. (Louise Boutin)

92 
Château La Croix des Pins ‘Les Dessous des Dentalles’ 2021
AOC Gigondas, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
A superbly valued blend of 65% grenache, 25% syrah, and 10% mourvèdre, this wine sports a wonderful nose of stewed strawberries and dried sage, and just a whiff of wood. It has a glorious, full-bodied mouthfeel, with juicy acidity and smooth tannins. Flavours of vanilla, mint, and mocha support a tang of cherry that lasts through to the finish. Well paired with roasted game bird with cherry sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

92 
Domaine des Nymphes Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2020
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, France $39.85 14.5% alcohol
Don’t be fooled by the pale ruby colour, this delicious southern-Rhone blend abounds with intense aromas of raspberry, red cherry and plums gently seasoned with notions of dried herbs and black pepper. Mid-weight and well-structured, bright fruit flavours flow across the palate balanced with mouth-watering acidity and gentle tannins. Hints of dried cherry and mint are present through the long, dry finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

91 
Cave de Clébourg Gewürztraminer 2020
AOC Alsace, France $19.95 (18560) 13.5% alcohol
This is a classic aromatic nose of ripe pineapple, lychee and ginger, coating the palate with a delicious and intense cocktail of flavours very much aligned with the aroma profile, with the addition of white grapefruit tang and mild pithy note balancing the spicy and fresh finish. This medium-full-bodied white will embellish any gourmet sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
The grapes for this wine are hand picked, destemmed, and lightly pressed. The result is a brightly vibrant nose of cherry, cotton candy, and peppermint. On the palate, it is medium-full bodied and boasts a smoothly juicy texture that is balanced by firm tannins and a nice acidity. Jammy fruit flavours, with a dash of mint, blend towards a cherry-flavoured finish. Drink this within 5 years, paired with roast duck breast. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Famille Jaume Côtes du Rhône Red 2022
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
Months of maturation on the lees results in an expressive nose of mint, cherry, and smoked meat. The smooth tannins are balanced by mouthwatering acidity and supported by a medium-full body. Rich and jammy flavours of blackcurrant and blueberry last through the long finish. A true crowd pleaser that can be enjoyed with friends, on its own, or paired with hearty spaghetti bolognese. (Dave Isaacs)

90 
Domaine Jaume ‘Altitude 420’ 2021
AOC Vinsobres, France $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The name of this wine derives from the fact that the grapes for this wine (60% grenache, 40% syrah) are grown in a vineyard at an altitude of 420m. You will find an expressive nose of strawberry, mint, and just a hint of leather or smoke. It has a medium to light body, a pleasant tartness, and firm tannins. Flavours of sour cherry, vanilla, and chocolate lead to a long, tart finish. You can enjoy this wine today with BBQ lamb chops, however, a couple more years in the cellar will be beneficial. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Rocca Maura ‘Cuvée 1737’ 2021
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The nose of this wine hits you with a burst of cherry, strawberry, vanilla, and just a hint of nutmeg spice. It is medium bodied on the palate, with easygoing tannins and a pleasantly juicy acidity. Flavours of cherry, mint, and thyme mingle beautifully and carry through to the finish. This will be well paired with herb-crusted pork tenderloin. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Provolo Soave 2022
DOC Soave, Italy $12.95 12.5% alcohol
This crisp Soave, with 80% garganega and 20% chardonnay, is a tremendous value! It sports a vibrant nose of apple, green leaves, clover, and nectar. It has a delightful mouthfeel, with a medium body and luscious acidity. Flavours of green apple, ground cherries, and lime abound, with the lime lingering through to the finish. Immediately after finishing your glass, you are going to want another. This will pair well with linguini with a creamed clam sauce. (Dave Isaacs)