• The following is a carefully curated collection of fine wines via the LCBOs Consignment program with many not available at LCBO retail stores. Order and purchase arrangements are handled through Account Manager, Lauren Hayes-Van den Weghe at the following coordinates:

• Order the following wines by the case—some 6 bottles, other 12—by contacting Lauren Hayes-Van den Weghe by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 613 240 3667 for home or office delivery via The Vine Agency.

Canada

92  
2027 Cellars ‘Queenston Road Vineyard’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2009
VQA St. David’s Bench $29.95 12.0% alcohol
100% chardonnay grapes were used to produce this value-laden gem. With its second alcoholic fermentation in the bottle you purchase, and 36 months spent on its lees, it offers richness and complexity at a value-for-money price. The nose expresses fresh fruit aromas of green apple and lemon mingling with toasted brioche and mineral undertones while the palate’s treated to flavours of Asian pear and citrus complemented by toasty, nutty notes making an appearance on the finish. It’s dry, mid-weight with tension and verve, pick up a couple of bottles to keep on hand to welcome company. (Lisa Isabelle)

91  
2027 Cellars ‘Falls Vineyard’ Riesling 2016
VQA Vinemount Ridge $18.95 10.0% alcohol
Vibrant orchard fruit aromas, joined by hints of honeysuckle and a characteristic petrol note, entice the nose of this single vineyard Riesling. Flavours of green apple, peach and lime dominate the palate while a streak of minerality suggesting the unique vineyard terroir persists through the lengthy finish. Deftly balanced, off-dry with mouthwatering tang, it offers exceptional value. Enjoy as an aperitif or paired with roast pork tenderloin with apple stuffing. (Lisa Isabelle)

92  
Cave Spring Cellars ‘Adam Steps’ Riesling 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.75 10.5% alcohol
Crafted from 39-year-old riesling vines from the ‘Adam Steps’ limestone-rich soil on the Niagara escarpment, this medium-low alcohol gem offers a bountiful nose —ripe pear, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, fresh savory herbs and typical petrol notes. The palate is rich and round with a repeat of orchard fruits nicely balanced with pink-grapefruit acidity. This has ageing potential and is perfect to sip now or pair with sausage and yellow-apple sauerkraut. (Louise Boutin)

96   
2027 Cellars ‘Wismer Vineyard – Fox Croft Block’ Chardonnay 2014

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $22.95 (421362) 12.8% alcohol

Wood smoke, baking spice and cigar box aromas peal from this fabulous Chardonnay. It dazzles the palate with a glorious mouthful of baking spice interwoven with pear, crisp green apple and minerality. It finishes quite lengthy with a bracing line of citrus acidity and tingling ginger snap. This is medium weight with excellent mouthfeel adorned with structure and oodles of sex appeal. Fabulous now, another month or two in bottle adding elegance and charm. (Vic Harradine)

96   
2027 Cellars ‘Queenston Road Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2013

VQA St. David’s Bench $34.95 (421370) 13.0% alcohol

Alluring aromas of cedar, exotic spice/incense and black Bing cherry open a complex, structured pinot with depth and elegance. A medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of red currant, dark berry fruit and pomegranate interweave with chalky minerality and beetroot on the palate. Good tension, persistent purity of fruit and deft balance define this incredibly well-crafted red—it was indigenous-yeast fermented, aged 14 months in French-oak barriques, 30% new. Artisan-winemaker Kevin Panagapka hits all the high notes in this symphony of harmonious aromas and flavours. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir 2015
VQA Beamsville Bench $39.75 13.0% alcohol
This fine example of cool-climate pinot noir from Niagara entices the nose with aromas of red cherry, cranberry jelly, violet and spice. The palate is juicy and fresh with notes of earth and spice melding with tart fruit flavours of cranberry and pomegranate. Dry, medium-light bodied with gentle tannins, it offers a lovely purity of fruit persisting through the lingering, lively finish. Pair with roast duck and cherry compote. (Lisa Isabelle)

89  
Cave Spring Cellars Cabernet Franc 2015
VQA Niagara Escarpment $17.75 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of red plum, cherry and spice are accented with intriguing savory notions of tomato leaf and black olive. The palate is awash with blackberry, dark cherry and plum flavours while subtle hints of tobacco, smoke and a mineral undertone extend through the mid-length savoury finish. Warm and round in texture, it’s dry, medium bodied with fine tannins and a pleasant complement to ratatouille with polenta. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following 2009 Cave Spring Cellars ‘CSV’ Blanc de Blancs was produced Méthode Traditionnelle and sourced from their oldest, lowest-yielding, 100% estate Chardonnay vines bearing fruit that was fermented then bottled for its 2nd alcoholic fermentation before being hand-riddled while maturing on its lees for five years before disgorgement.

96   
Cave Spring Cellars ‘CSV’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2009
VQA Beamsville Bench $44.95 12.0% alcohol 
This is a stunning example of what can be accomplished with premium estate fruit, one-half of a decade of patience and the careful stewardship of a masterful winemaker, Angelo Pavan. This offers a profusion of mousse and seemingly endless stream of fine-bead bubbles. It delivers a fairly tight stream of citrus, sharp minerality and wisps of apple and pear on the palate. Recently disgorged, this will evolve over time, but delivers the goods even now. It finishes in a blaze of tang and fruit flavour. (Vic Harradine)

France

88 
Château de Bellevue ‘Les Charmes’ Morgon 2014
AOC Morgon $28.95 13.0% alcohol
Morgon is one of the Beaujolais Cru produced at Château de Bellevue in the traditional Burgundy method including extended fermentation on skins to maximize extraction. This is noticeable in the bright ruby robe of this 100% gamay, hand-harvested from different parcels within the ‘Les Charmes’ climat. The nose is discrete at first before opening up on red cherry, red liquorice and kirsch liqueur all replayed on the palate, wrapped in soft silky tannins. Typical Morgon, it’s a perfect match to roast turkey dinner. (Louise Boutin)

95  
Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2015
AOP Gigondas $21.95 14.5% alcohol
This is from the exceptional 2015 vintage of the southern Rhône. It’s a blend of 70% grenache, 15% syrah plus mourvèdre and cinsault that’s dense and generous in aromas— ripe black cherry, blackberry, new leather, black pepper, licorice and violet. The unique Tortonien soil and cooler temperature result in an enhanced expression of the grenache. While concentrated black juicy fruit flavours are predominant, the freshness of anise and savoury herbs combined with beautifully integrated tannins and alcohol make this wine truly exceptional. A long velvety finish of blackberry, anise and black pepper notes pair perfectly with grilled rack of lamb—now and onto 2027. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2015 Chateau Pesquié ‘Terrasses Blanc’ Ventoux is a Rhône, white blend—viognier, roussanne, clairette.

90 
Chateau Pesquié ‘Terrasses - Blanc’ Ventoux 2015
AOC Ventoux, France $19.95 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of green apple, chalky minerality and citrus introduce a tangy line of crisp, palate-bathing flavour redolent of lemon curd and pineapple intertwined with mineral notes and Granny Smith apple. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel and a crisp and refreshing, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste—this offers very good value. Pour alongside pan-seared scallops or grilled fish. (Vic Harradine)

Italy

90 
Roccafiore Rosato di Sangiovese Rosé 2016

IGT Umbria $19.95 12.5% alcohol

Pale salmon-pink in colour, this 100% sangiovese Rosé from Umbria offers aromas of strawberry, red plum with floral and mineral notes on the nose. A nicely-balanced fruit-forward wash of red berry, plum and pink grapefruit, accented by dusty mineral notes, keeps the palate crisp and refreshing. Dry, medium-light bodied it finishes mid-plus length with a pleasant, savoury herbal aftertaste. Try this pleasing Rosé with seared tuna or a grilled vegetable salad. (Lisa Isabelle)

88 
Scarbolo ‘Ramato XL’ Pinot Grigio 2014
IGT Venezia-Giulia DOCG $31.95 13.0% alcohol
The lovely salmon-pink hue is a result of extended maceration of the grape skins with the must—a white wine made using a red winemaking process. The result yields aromas of yellow apple and red berries with hints of ginger, honeysuckle and brioche. Flavours of peach, apple and pineapple, gently seasoned with baking spices, wash over the palate. Dry, medium bodied with bright acidity, it offers a refreshing, lemon and red berry, mid-length finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

96  
Prà Staforte Soave Classico 2015
DOC Soave Classico $41.95, 12.0% alcohol
This is Soave at its absolute best. The 100% garganega has a charming nose of orange blossom, tangerine, apricot, yellow apple, sweet brioche and minerality. Only the best grapes from high altitude, volcanic soil and south exposure find their way into this delectable medium-bodied beauty. Ageing sur lie with six months active bâtonnage brings soft and round texture supporting flavours of yellow apple, tangy pink-grapefruit and delicious chalky minerality for a long, balanced and elegant finish. Pair with your favorite lobster or crab dish for a perfect match. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Tenuta Cocci Griffoni ‘Colle Vecchio’ Offida Pecorino 2014
DOCG Offida Peccorino $25.95 14.0% alcohol
Colle Vecchio is the vineyard where this estate’s unique DOCG was established, with Pecorino being their signature wine. Lifted aromas of lemon, grapefruit, apple and subtle floral and herbal notions introduce this interesting white. Dry, medium bodied, the weighted texture anchors the vibrant citrus flavours while a defined spine of acidity assures a clean, mouth-watering finish. A slight saline aftertaste makes this a lovely pairing with fruits de mer. (Lisa Isabelle)

89 
Mosole ‘Millesimato’ Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Sparkling Wine 2016
DOC Treviso $22.95 11.5% alcohol
This 95% glera, 5% chardonnay blend displays aromas of fresh green apple, pear, honeysuckle, yeast and wet rock. It’s an extra-dry sparkling —15g/L of residual sugar, offering a nice and rich foam on the palate with flavours of ripe pear, a zesty lime tang and persistent minerality. This is a versatile bubbly to serve as an aperitif with a selection of amuse-bouches. (Louise Boutin)

84 
De Conciliis ‘Donnaluna’ Fiano 2016
IGP Paestum $38.95 12.0% alcohol
Fiano is a grape grown in southern Italy and better known for the more aromatic DOCG Fiano di Avellino from Campania. This Donnaluna fiano focuses on lemon rind, bruised apple, grassiness and saline aromas. The mouthfeel is rounder than expected with citrus and green apple flavours complemented with a saline and mild, bitter-dry finish. Drink now with skillet-seared calamari or freshly shucked oysters. (Louise Boutin)

91 
Tenuta Cocci Griffoni ‘Vigna Messiere’ Rosso Piceno Superiore 2011 
DOC Rosso Piceno Superiore $34.95 14.0% alcohol
This blend of predominantly Montepulciano, a key grape in the Marche region, and Sangiovese opens with dark fruit aromas—plum, blackberry and cherry—engaged with exotic spice, notes of tea and roses. Dry, full-bodied, it’s pleasantly structured, with balancing acidity and fine-grained tannins contributing to the mouth-coating texture. Flavours of dark cherry, plum jam, spice and earth persist through the lengthy finish. Curl up with this warming red on a cold winter night. (Lisa Isabelle)

88 
De Conciliis ‘Donnaluna’ Aglianico 2015
IGP Paestum $38.95 14.5% alcohol
Expressive, savory notions of black olive and garrigue are joined by dark cherry, blackberry and plum on the nose of this certified organic, aglianico offering from the Campania region in southern Italy. Flavours of juicy dark fruit, brined olive and dried herbs coat the palate. Dry, full bodied, velvety in texture with soft ripe tannins, the dark fruit and spice notes play over the long finish. Enjoy this rustic red with braised venison. (Lisa Isabelle)

85 
Plantamura ‘Parco Lago’ Primitivo 2015
Puglia Gioia del Colle $24.95 14.5% alcohol 
Not to be confused with Primitivo di Manduria, this version of the early ripening primitivo grape from the calcareous soils and high elevation area of Gioia del Colle offers a fresh nose of red cherry, raspberry, blueberry and a hint of wild rose. The palate showcases a soft mouthfeel with tart red cherry flavours and young, fine-grained tannins. This medium-full-bodied red is the perfect companion to a charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Scarbolo Refosco dal Pedunculo Rosso 2013
Friuli-Grave $47.95 13.0% alcohol
An intriguing varietal, refosco has been growing in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia since the time of the Roman Empire—Pedunculo rosso refers to its red stems. The fruit is hand-picked while maceration and fermentation on skins maximizes extraction, leading to a deep ruby-purple hue. The nose is expressive —sweet juicy black plum, cassis, smoke and mocha. The sweet plum replays on the palate with tart raspberry and a hint of baking spice. Aged two years in French oak and in bottle for another six months, this striking, medium-full bodied, smooth-textured stranger is worth getting to know. Pour with braised beef and sweet roasted beets. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Valdibella ‘Kerasos’ Nero d’Avola 2015
DOC Sicily $19.95 14.5% alcohol
Certified organic and Addio Pizzo aka mafia-free, the Valdibella co-op of 6 grape growers confirms its support for ethical and environmental responsibility by using organically cultivated vineyards, minimal-invention winemaking and supporting mafia-free products. Assertive aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, licorice and bay leaf aromas on the nose replay on the palate as flavours layered with cured meat and smoke. Dry, full-bodied with supple tannins, dark fruit and dried herbs drive the long, savoury finish. Enjoy this great-value, bold red with a rich, meat ragu or eggplant parmesan. (Lisa Isabelle)

California

94 
Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, California $252.95 14.0% alcohol
Dark, almost opaque when poured, this is a bold, brawny blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 2% cabernet franc. Aromas of dark berry fruit, pencil shavings and grilled savory herbs set the table for a smorgasbord of palate flavour with black currant and black raspberry interlaced with sweet vanilla, oaky notes, earth and minerality. This is full bodied, full fruited and fully textured. It’s framed by excellent tang and robed in still-evolving tannin. Pop corks 2022 to at least 2035. Superb. (Vic Harradine)

90 
McManis Viognier 2016
River Junction, California $20.95 13.5% alcohol
Honeyed pit fruit and honeydew melon aromas waft from this fruit-forward beauty. A generously textured gusher of ripe fruit—guava, apricot, mango and Meyer lemon weave across the palate with delectable results. It finishes with crisp grapefruit pith and notions of peach skin on the finish and aftertaste. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)

91 
McManis Pinot Noir 2016
California $20.95 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance in this spicy, fruity pinot tips in your favour. The lifted nose of savoury, peppery spice and berry fruit leaps from the glass. It bathes the palate with a nicely textured, medium-bodied flow of ripe, jammy black currant and dark cherry interwoven with crunchy, red fruit tang. Flavours replay on the dry finish and aftertaste, Pour with chicken, turkey, pork or duck. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2016 Plumpjack ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was cool fermented—without malolactic conversion—in 64% stainless steel with the balance in French oak barrel. Both these winemaking decisions contribute to the crisp flavours and generous texture.

95 
Plumpjack ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2016
Napa Valley, California $89.95 14.4% alcohol
This is structured with good fruit and tang, power and intensity. Aromas of baking spice, pit fruit and piquant spice provide segue for a surge of palate-coating flavours that are pure ambrosia—spiced green apple, ripe pear and oodles of lemon zest. This is medium-full bodied with generous mouthfeel with a dry, crisp finish introducing notes of toasty oak. Depending on your sensitivity to oaky notes, you could aerate/decant an hour and pour now with roast turkey and all the fixings or cellar and pour 2020 to 2026. (Vic Harradine)

93 
Robert Hall Merlot 2015
Paso Robles, California $ 34.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of peppery spice and rich dark berry fruit abound on the nose of this intense merlot. A gorgeous, powerful stream of candied cherry and tangy bramble berry intertwined with mocha and grilled herbs cut a wide swath across the palate and infuse the monumentally long finish. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and oodles of charm. Pour alongside grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2013 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon is enhanced by the addition of 20% merlot and was matured 22 months in oak barrel.

91 
Groth Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Oakville, Napa Valley, California $108.95 14.9% alcohol
This cellar dweller is assertive and structured with a solid lick of still-evolving tannin. Aromas of cedar, sprigs of herbs and bramble berry fruit unleash a palate-coating gusher of dark fruit—raspberry, currant and plum—decorated with savory herbs and sweet vanilla—simply delicious. This is full bodied with good mouthfeel and lip-smacking dry and racy aftertaste underpinned by a solid wall of tannin. Pour 2021 to 2030 to reap the rewards of patience. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2013 Tin Barn Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 2.5% cabernet franc, 2.8% (apologies for the math, details taken from winery website) that was matured in oak, 25% new French.

91 
Tin Barn Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 
Sonoma Valley, California $43.95 14.5% alcohol
There’s a robust array of aromas with dark berry fruit, toasty/oaky notes and pipe tobacco to the fore. A tang-laden wash of black currant, ripe black plum and racy pie cherry form a balanced partnership on the palate, persisting through the finish and aftertaste adorned with mocha, oaky notes and vanilla. It’s medium-plus bodied with good texture and plenty of oomph from a surge of still-evolving tannin. Aerate/decant for three hours pouring with rare-grilled, well-seasoned striploin. (Vic Harradine)