June 6, 2016 Newsletter

LCBO’s “Products of the World” specialty store program now includes ten destination stores. The first featured Greek wines and spirits in the heart of Toronto’s Greektown, followed by the Portugal store in The Stockyards, Spain store in Etobicoke, New Zealand store in North Toronto, the Argentina boutique in Aurora, three Kosher store locations with two in Toronto and one in Thornhill, and the East Asia boutique in Markham. Read more.

Newsletter highlights include:

• Exceptional-value wine  – 7 of 74 wines reviewed meet strict quality-price guidelines and are found throughout the newsletter. What strict quality-price guidelines? Click here.
• 5-star Wine – Three wines rang the 5-star bell: Cave Spring Cellars CSV Blanc de Blancs 2008 @ $29.95 and Cave Spring Cellars ‘La Penna - Estate’ 2011@ $39.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries; Creekside Estate Winery ‘Queenston Road Vineyard - Reserve’ Viognier 2013 @ $26.95 found under Consignment Order.
• Susan Selects – Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 @ $19.95 with 4 stars found under Ontario: White Wine; Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec 2013 @ $19.95 with 4½ stars under Argentina: Red Wine
• Vic Picks – Ridge Lytton Springs 2013 @ $57.95 with 4½ stars found under Feature: Zinfandel; Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection - Gold Label’ Chardonnay 2014 @ $22.95 with 4½ stars found under California: White Wine; te Pā Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc @ $ 19.95 with 4½ stars found under New in Vintages. 

Access the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews then clicking on select stores and entering your postal code. The number of bottles available in each store near you is displayed. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, updated every 24 hours, some stores post earlier. LCBO Portfolio wines (not Vintages) should always closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. However, it’s always best to phone first.

Vintages Release: June 11, 2016

Feature: Wine with Bubbles

• All’s in perfect harmony in this Deutz Non-Vintage with an equal share of the three most popular grapes of Champagne—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meuniere. A total of 7 grape varieties are currently allowed with the additional four accounting for a miniscule 1/5th of 1% of total production. ALL sparkling Champagne is produced by inducing a 2^nd fermentation in bottle. 
• Here’s a quote to share and start your romantic dinner/evening with this Deutz – ‘Brut Classic is akin to an operatic overture, an epicurean instant that opens the door to a shared and special moment.’ —Thierry Hamon, Head sommelier at Le Cinq restaurant, Four Seasons Hôtel George V, France. 

Deutz ‘Classic Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne, France $34.95 375 mL (2964) 12.0% alcohol
This is the perfect romantic dinner/evening bubbly for two. It delivers a nervy streak of racy acidity from lemon zest and passionfruit after beguiling you with a bouquet of baking brioche and toasty notes. There’s also nectarine, mineral notes and hazelnut on the palate and finish. Fine-bead bubbles persist throughout as does elegance and charm. (Vic Harradine)

 
Tawse ‘Spark –Limestone Vineyard’ Riesling Sparkling Wine 2014

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (370361) 11.5% alcohol

This punches well above the price—it’s newly certified organic/biodynamic, single-vineyard sourced, made in the traditional method, vintage dated, simply delicious. Lighter styled and lip-smacking good, it’s the perfect welcoming wine or aperitif. Aromas and flavours of crisp green apple and racy lemon abound. It starts and finishes clean, crisp and refreshing. Pick up a few to have on hand. Versatile, serve on its own or with freshly shucked oysters, ceviche or sushi. (Vic Harradine)

Taittinger ‘Nocturne’ Champagne Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $69.95 (385195) 12.5% alcohol

There are oodles of yeast and nutty notes on the nose preceding a balanced and beautiful, medium-bodied, nicely textured wave of peel marmalade and lemon curd bathing the palate infusing the crisp, refreshing finish. The aftertaste layers on streaks of minerality and good tang. Pour with oysters Pernod or oysters Kilpatrick. (Vic Harradine)

Bailly-Lapierre ‘Brut’ Crémant de Bourgogne Non-Vintage
AOC Bourgogne, France $24.95 (369066) 12.0% alcohol
There’s 100% Chardonnay in this traditional-method sparkler dishing up aromas of flinty/mineral notes along with lemon zest on the aromatic nose. It dishes up a frothy mousse, a.k.a. those glorious bubbles in your glass, and a clean, crisp and refreshing salvo of Granny Smith apple, Key lime pie and racy lemon curd on the palate and throughout the mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2013 Vintage sparkling wine was produced from 100% Chenin Blanc in the traditional method spending 18 months on its lies before disgorgement. 

Cave de Vouvray ‘De Chanceny’ ‘Excellence’ Vouvray Brut 2013
AOC Vouvray, France $19.95 (352237) 12.5% alcohol
This is value-packed, quite aromatic, dry and crisp, produced with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottle you purchase. Aromas of baking brioche, zesty citrus and faint mineral notes precede a sleek, zippy sea of bubbles brimming with lemon-grapefruit acidity nicely garnished with pear and apple. It finishes clean and refreshing, the perfect accompaniment to mussels steamed in white wine, prawn ceviche or pan-seared trout. (Vic Harradine)

Sumarroca ‘Cuvée Gran Reserva’ Brut Nature Cava 2011
DO Penedes, Spain $18.95 (393504) 12.0% alcohol
Produced in the traditional method from the three classic Cava grapes—Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada—with a drop of Chardonnay, this bone-dry sparkler offers bready notes—it spent 36 months on the lies—orchard fruit and citrus with a whiff of mown fields. Concentrated flavours of citrus and apple-skin ride a wave of fine, cleansing, persistent mousse. Zesty, fresh acidity accents flavours and livens the slightly pithy finish. Tasty and refreshing, it’s a great sipper or to pair with a salad, roast veggies and goat cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

• Wine is fermented grape juice. Yeast break down sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2). First fermentations are in an open-top container, e.g. barrel or vat, and the CO2 simply escapes into the atmosphere. In a second fermentation, either in a sealed, closed-top, large container (Charmat or Cuvée Close Method) or a capped or corked bottle (Méthode Traditionnalle - Traditional Method), CO2 cannot escape and becomes infused/trapped in the wine. The following ‘Charmat Method’ sparkling wine was produced by fermenting wine for the second time by adding sugar and yeast to previously fermented wine in a large, sealed container. Wine, now with CO2 bubbles trapped in it, is forced under pressure into bottles then capped or corked. CO2 eventually escapes from the bottle, if left uncovered, or from your glass when poured, as millions of bubbles of trapped CO2 rise to the surface (mousse) and eventually break… that was over simplified, it’s an expensive, difficult and time-consuming process, particularly, Méthode Traditionnalle. 

Bottega Gold Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy $24.95 (621458) 11.0% alcohol
The golden-coloured bottle isn’t merely bling, it preserves freshness in the wine longer than clear glass. Hand-harvested Glera grapes produced this Charmat method sparkler. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing throughout with aromas and flavours of lip-smacking, lemon zest, green apple and pear—pour with lighter appetizers or seafood. This also glitters in a variety of winery-suggested cocktails. (Vic Harradine)

Graham Beck ‘Brut’ Méthode Cap Classique - Rosé 2010
WO Western Cape, South Africa $21.95 (4085) 12.0% alcohol
A blend of co-fermented (primarily) Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, this pale-salmon, Traditional Method sparkler offers lovely yeasty notes of rising bread, red field berries and a whiff of citrus. The fine-beaded, mouth-filling mousse and bright, lively acidity uplift the flavours of tangy red fruit and citrus pith through the clean, long-lasting finish along with a hint of baked bread persisting. Quite refined and well crafted, this is a good value. (Susan Desjardins)

Feature: Zinfandel

Ca’ Momi Zinfandel 2014
Napa Valley $22.95 (396168) 13.9% alcohol
Aromas swirl from this medium bodied, nicely textured Napa Zin—sandalwood, toast and dark berry fruit galore. Black plum compote, raspberry jam, spice and sweet vanilla coat the palate infusing the lingering finish and aftertaste. It’s good to go now showcasing ripe fruit, spice and balance. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2013
Mendocino County $29.95 (46342) 15.0% alcohol
Mixed field berry fruit and black pepper aromas on the nose, this delivers a fresh, lively stream of tangy nerve and verve—red currant, pomegranate and sour cherry. It fleshes out on the mid palate and finish garnished with ripe briary berry and plum. There’s a dry lip-smacking aftertaste though, with perceptible tannin to boot. Aerate/decant three hours and pour with Swiss steak or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Seghesio Zinfandel 2014
Sonoma County $29.95 (942151) 14.8% alcohol
There’s an aromatic nose of dark fruit—Bing cherry, currant and plum robed in mixed spice. It coats the palate, medium-full, full fruited and full textured—red cherry and ripe mulberry meld with black licorice and toasty notes. These replay on the lengthy finish, balanced and bountiful. As premium Zin goes, it’s very attractively priced. (Vic Harradine)

Ridge Lytton Springs 2013
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County $57.95 (982413) 14.3% alcohol
This 2013 is quite expressive and wouldn’t surprise if it developed even further with another 3 - +10 years in bottle—collectors will scoop this up. Aromas of dark berry fruit, sweet vanilla and tar mingle with wisps of black pepper. A full-fruited, fully textured surge of black currant jam and dark Bing cherry coat the palate, rich and luscious, balanced and beautiful, complex and compelling. This flirted with 5 stars, and there’s little doubt that with careful cellaring it’ll earn it. Pop corks 2019 – 2030. (Vic Harradine)

Candor ‘Lot 6’ Zinfandel Non-vintage

Lodi $22.95 (133389) 14.5% alcohol

A rare non-vintage table wine, it opens with aromas of spice and savory supporting dark berry fruit and black cherry on the nose of this smooth-as-silk gem. A creamy flow of bramble berry and black currant is juxtaposed with pie cherry and lip-smacking tang on the palate, persisting through the dry, refreshing finish. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour. The ripe, delectable fruit flavour offers recognition to the warm climate of Lodi. Pour alongside veal Marsala. (Vic Harradine)

The Main Release

Ontario: White Wine

 
Cave Spring ‘Estate Bottled’ Chardonnay 2013

VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (256552) 13.0% alcohol

From early pioneers of the modern era of vitis vinifera plantings and winemaking in Niagara, Cave Spring’s portfolio of fine wine showcase the Pennachetti family’s determination, dedication and excellence. Smoky/toasty aromas merge with baked apple and pit fruit on the nose before coating the palate with a stylish gusher of balanced and beautiful flavour—apple pie spice, racy lemon pie filling and wisps of toasty oak predominant. The finish is crisp, lengthy and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

 
Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (89011) 12.0% alcohol
The pale peach hue adds a curiosity component to the floral aromas and attractive scents of stone fruit, citrus and blanched asparagus. Light-medium bodied, the juicy tang marries flavours of rhubarb, pithy grapefruit and lemon zest with a delicate underlying note of stone fruit and crushed herbs. Crisp, fresh and fruity, it’s quite unique. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Fielding Estate Riesling 2014 

VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (251439) 10.5% alcohol

Lifted floral notes mingle with orchard fruit, hints of lime and tangerine along with a whiff of wet stone. Off dry and mid weight, this citrusy Riesling offers up a lovely mineral character and clean, juicy acidity presenting a fine counterpoint to ripe, sweet fruit. There’s great balance and freshness throughout. Serve on its own or with soft cheese. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Fielding ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2014

VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (164491) 12.5% alcohol

Over-delivering to expectations, this perky, value-laden wine offers aromas and flavours of crisp apple, tangy citrus and juicy melon. Dry, mid-weight, its time on the lees comes through in the creamy texture with lively acidity delivering a juicy character through the finish. It’s a fine frame for the fresh flavours of apple and pear, lemon and honeydew. Serve with grilled shrimp and a light vegetable risotto. (Susan Desjardins)

  
Tawse Winery ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling 2014

VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol

Opening with delicate aromas of Key lime, lemon and notions of flint and slate, this coats the palate with a deliriously delicious, sweet and tang flow of lime cordial, lemon curd and grilled pineapple. It’s balanced on a pin with persistent purity of fruit and lingering aftertaste that’s to die for. Exceptional wine at an exceptional price; pick up a few for easy drinking now to 2018. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Rosé Wine

    
Château des Charmes ‘Cuvée d’Andrée’ Rosé 2015
VQA Niagara-­on-­the-­Lake $15.95 (333260) 12.6% alcohol
A real powerhouse with depth of colour and flavour, aromas bring to mind a basket of red berries and cherries with hints of watermelon. The vibrant, clean texture and intensity of tangy fruit in this juicy Rosé make it a terrific sipping wine with enough heft to pair with a range of summer dishes. Along with lashings of tasty red berry fruits, there’s a hint of stewed rhubarb and tangy grapefruit zest that lingers on the persistent finish. Great balance and impact ... and oh, so delicious. (Susan Desjardins) 

Ontario: Red Wine

 
Château des Charmes Pinot Noir ‘Old Vines’ 2011

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $18.95 (256834) 13.0% alcohol

Earthy and red berry aromas precede a dry, tang-laden wash of dark berry and red currant robed in spice and still-evolving tannin. It’s mid weight with good texture and a drying finish. After a two-hour aeration/decant pour alongside a baked red pepper filled with tomato, mushrooms, rice and grilled, chopped sirloin steak. (Vic Harradine)

 
Creekside Estate ‘Laura’s’ Red 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (117960) 13.5% alcohol

This complex blend offers an orchestrated chorus of aromas and flavours including ripe black fruit, mineral undertones, subtle notes of mint and licorice, cedar and vanilla. It’s a generous medium-full bodied red with a core of ripe dark fruits balanced by grippy tannins and refreshing acidity. The savory notes of spice, dried herbs and mineral emphasize the complexity, the long dry finish putting a spotlight on the fine balance of texture and rich fruit. It’s very approachable, versatile and a great value. Pair with autumn meals built around roast vegetables and full-flavoured meats. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Megalomaniac ‘Vainglorious’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (67637) 12.8% alcohol
Dark fruit aromas dominate the nose—plum, cherry and cassis—entwined with earthy vegetal notes and scents of fresh-turned compost. Dry, medium-full bodied, there are overtones of stewed and dried fruits, black berry, cedar and toast. An approachable wine, smooth in texture with supple tannin and a mid-length smoky finish, it’ll pair well with grilled burgers. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

• The following Francis Coppola beauty is a dazzling example of California Chardonnay showcasing very good value, tropical fruit, well-integrated oak and wonderful balancing acidity. There’s an added 8% ladle of Viognier for its floral notes and a 2% spoonful of Riesling for finesse and elegance. It spent 9 months maturing in well-seasoned French oak barrel that’s now completely integrated.



Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection - Gold Label’ Chardonnay 2014

Monterey County $22.95 (708305) 13.5% alcohol

This is balanced and delicious with purity of fruit, depth and complexity. Baking spice, tropical fruit and citrus aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of flavour with melon, grilled pineapple and white nectarine showing the way entwined with apple pie spice and tangy lemon curd. It’s medium weight with creamy-smooth mouth feel and a crisp refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few before it disappears. (Vic Harradine)

Napa Cellars Chardonnay 2014
Napa Valley $28.95 (225342) 13.0% alcohol
Smoke, toast and baking spice introduce a spice-infused, palate-bathing wash of sweet vanilla, tangy lemon and ripe yellow plum joined by notions of toasty oak and grapefruit pith. It’s mid weight with good texture and a long, refreshing finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

St. Francis Chardonnay 2013
Sonoma County $19.95 (317131) 14.5% alcohol
This Sonoma Chardonnay is quite attractive with a favourable price to match. It jumps from the glass with exotic spice and toasty oak aromas before coating the palate with a medium-full bodied, nicely textured stream of racy lemon curd, grilled pineapple and green apple. Pour with supermarket rotisserie chicken or smoked, pulled-pork sliders. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: White Wine

Crios Chardonnay 2014
Mendoza $13.95 (243196) 13.0% alcohol
Attención – this is an excellent value. The complexity on the nose—pineapple and warm buttered popcorn, applesauce and citrus, spice and vanilla—is a great intro to the depth and freshness on the palate. Medium-full bodied, it combines flavours of grilled pineapple with lemon curd and just the right hint of spice, all underscored by lively acidity. The end result is a lively, clean finish with a pithy flourish. Stock up for summer barbeques – grilled chicken anyone? (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec 2013
Mendoza $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
A consistent winner that was aged 12 months in French oak, this classic opaque Malbec is very expressive—ripe red and black fruit mingles with cracked pepper, baking spice, cedar and dark chocolate. A robust, full-bodied wine, it shows great balance and integration, the fine-grained tannins and clean acidity effectively framing the flavourful dark fruit. Subtle notes of dried herbs and spice persist through the warm, dry finish. It’s a great match for grilled steak with a chimichurri sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Nieto Senetiner ‘Don Nicanor’ Malbec 2013
Mendoza $16.95 (178657) 14.5% alcohol
Inky purple and produced from the fruit of vines planted plus 45-years-ago, this was aged 12 months in French oak. Lush dark fruit aromas explode from the glass mingling with chocolate-coated cherry and notions of sweet spice, vanilla and earth. Dry, full bodied, this is a fruit-forward red fashioned with balance, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. The warm, dry finish is succulent with pleasing notes of spice and chocolate garnishing concentrated black plum and berry flavours. Enjoy with all manner of grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Concha y Toro ‘Serie Riberas Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Ribera del Tinguiririca, Central Valley $17.95 (256693) 14.0% alcohol
Inky and opaque, this offers enticing aromas of crushed mint and other herbs overlaid on black currant, accented by nuances of vanilla, chocolate and cedar. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s good balance here—clean acidity, perceptible yet supple tannins framing ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit with replays of spice. Flavours of chocolate-coated coffee bean emerge on the toasty finish—a crowd-pleasing wine for summer barbeques. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

Zonte’s Footstep ‘Baron Von Nemesis’ Shiraz 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia $17.95 (212936) 14.5% alcohol
This is a rich, luscious Barossa Shiraz sporting depth, complexity and deft balance. Juicy black cherry, dark plum and mixed berry fruit interweave on the palate with supple tannin and excellent tang. This is full bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz. The price-quality proposition swings wildly in your favour—pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

Whitehaven Pinot Gris 2014
Marlborough $19.95 (447516) 14.0% alcohol
Delicious melon, ripe orchard fruit and citrus garnished with floral nuances and a touch of spice herald a just off-dry wine with a silky yet tangy, mineral quality, clean acidity and a vibrant replay of core fruit flavours—honeydew melon, pear and grapefruit pith. Refreshing on the finish, a slight bitterness in fine counterpoint with subtle fruity sweetness, this delightful mid-weight wine will pair well with pork schnitzel. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Domaine Les Verrières ‘Les Sept Fontaines’ 2009
AOP Languedoc $18.95 (362913) 13.5% alcohol
Toasty notes, cedar and dark berry fruit aromas swirl from this southern France, red blend—Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault. A tang-laden stream of cranberry, pie cherry and currant compote bathes the palate infusing the long aftertaste along with wispy tannin. This is a red that will find admirers. Probably best to drink up this summer with barbecued steak, burgers, gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)

Germany White Wine

• ‘Prädikatswein’—formerly, ‘Qualitätswein mit Prädikat—is Germany’s highest designation of wine quality and is based—along with other important factors—on the amount of sugar in the unfermented grapes used in making that wine. It’s also accompanied by an indication of approximately how much unfermented sugar there was by another word or set of words. The following Riesling has a, ‘Spätlese’ indication meaning, ‘late harvest’, indicating the grapes were fully ripened. The ‘Prädikatswein’ designation also prohibits chaptalization—adding sugar to wine—while lower designations, such as, ‘Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete’ a.k.a. Qba or Qualitätswein, allow the addition of sugar.

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler ‘Graacher Himmelreich’ Riesling Spätlese 2013
Prädikatswein $26.95 (339150) 8.5% alcohol
Petrol, piquant spice and citrus aromas open this medium-weight, gorgeously textured Riesling. A sweet-tinged surge of ripe peach, pear and apricot interlace with racy lemon curd and blood orange on the palate persisting through the lingering, lip-smacking finish. The good balance portend a wonderful pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, mussels steamed in white wine or grilled, breaded and spiced calamari rings. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: White Wine

St. Pauls Pinot Grigio 2014
DOC Südtirol/Alto Adige $19.95 (391870) 13.0% alcohol
There’s ripe, pit fruit, spice and citrus aromas on the nose, while a lovely wash of sweet, ripe fruit—peach, pear and honeydew melon—blanket the palate. Replays persist through the fruit-laden aftertaste along with just enough acidity to cleanse the palate. This certainly hits all the right notes for rich fruit flavour and earns a good score on the crowd-friendly scale. (Vic Harradine)

Donnachiara Greco Di Tufo 2014
DOCG Campania $21.95 (262964) 13.0% alcohol
Saline/flinty aromas mingle with green apple and ripe pear heralding a crisp and refreshing Greco from cork pop to last drop. It streaks over the palate with mouth-watering lemon-lime and green apple persisting through the finish and aftertaste with great élan and notions of peach skin on the crisp, refreshing finish—a perfect warm-weather wine. (Vic Harradine)

Italy: Red Wine

Leone de Castris ‘Riserva’ Salice Salentino 2011
DOC Salice Salentino $20.95 (597534) 13.5% alcohol
This delightful red blend from Puglia was sourced from indigenous fruit—90% Negroamaro, 10% Malvasia Nera. It begins with a subdued nose of cherry/berry fruit and mixed spice aromas. A lively, fresh and juicy wash of red berry fruit and pie cherry mingle with baking spice, fennel and still-evolving tannin on the palate and aftertaste. Aertate/decant three hours pouring with spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)

Caparzo Rosso Di Montalcino 2013
DOC Montalcino $20.95 (333575) 13.0% alcohol
This offers persistent purity of tang-laden fruit and a dry, crisp finish and aftertaste. It’s medium bodied with good texture and will pour well with pasta puttanesca. Leather, tobacco, red berry fruit and grilled herb aromas introduce a solid line of tangy acidity—cranberry, sour cherry and red currant galore garnished with citrus notes and a firm tannin underpinning. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

San Felice Chianti Classico 2013
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 (282996) 13.0% alcohol
A highly aromatic nose of dark cherry/berry fruit, sandalwood and floral notes wafts easily from this mid-weight, deftly balanced beauty. A river of pie cherry and ripe juicy mulberry flavour mingles with a solid line of racy acidity on the palate and through the lingering, lip-smacking-good aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

Valpantena Valpolicella Ripasso 2013

DOC Valpolicella $17.95 (429928) 13.5% alcohol

Ripasso wine get their richness and intensity from a second fermentation on the grape skins remaining from Amarone fermentation – this is a great example of the excellent value they offer. Notes of red and dried fruit co-mingle with lovely notes of spice and vanilla. Medium-full bodied, there’s balance between the subtle, supple frame and the concentrated sweetness of the dried fruit flavours which seem to expand on the long dry finish enhanced by the nuanced spicy toast and vanilla. Well designed and flavourful, this wine will stand up to braised meats with risotto. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

• The following Spanish, eleven-year-old red—90% Tempranillo/10% Cabernet Sauvignon—was matured 24 months in 50% American and 50% French oak barrels and a further 18 months in bottle before release. Ribera del Duero is nearby to Rioja, but not known nearly as well, which is surprising as Vega Sicilia, arguably Spain’s premium winery, is in Ribera del Duero. 

Bodegas Balbas ‘Reserva’ 2005
DO Ribera del Duero $22.95 (85183) 14.0% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry fruit and campfire smoke precede a smooth, mellow, balanced and beautiful expression of a +10-year-old Tempranillo Reserva from Spain that can age another 5 years. A lively, persistent flow of cherry/berry fruit and great acidity bathe the palate balanced-on-a-pin with grace and charm. Great value given the age, provenance and delectable flavours. (Vic Harradine)

Lindes de Remelluri ‘Viñedos de San Vicente’ 2011
DOCa Rioja $27.95 (392860) 14.0% alcohol
Savoury herbs, charred toast and berry fruit aromas untether a gorgeous river of dark cherry and black currant entwined with baking spice and racy tang, with depth, complexity, pin-point balance and charm. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and soft tannin. Aerate/decant two hours and drink over the next three years. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: June 25, 2016

• In the following Alamos flagship, 2013 Malbec, high-altitude sourced fruit—three to five thousand feet—was hand harvested, destemmed and cold soaked three or four days. After fermentation fruit remained in contact with skins for 25 days extracting additional flavour and colour. After malolactic conversion it was aged in French and American oak for nine to twelve months.

Alamos ‘Selección’ Malbec 2013
Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (322800) 13.9% alcohol
This dishes up heady aromas of campfire smoke, grilled herbs and gamy notes. It bathes the palate with a generous, nicely textured stream of tang-laden pie cherry and passionfruit infusing the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste garnished with wisps of kirsch liqueur. Fresh and lively throughout with each sip as good or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 9, 2106

Ca’ Momi ‘Ca’ Secco’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
California $17.95 (453662) 11.5% alcohol

This is a delightful blend of white grapes—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, Riesling, Gewürztraminer—that leaps from the glass with exotic spice, floral notes and rosewater. It pours with gentle bubbles and a clean, crisp stream of Key lime and Meyer lemon adorned with grilled pineapple and peach, balanced and beautiful, mouth-watering delicious. It’s a drink-me-now gem that pours well as a welcoming wine or paired with lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

 
Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA St David’s Bench $19.95 (430991) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice, green apple and caramel abound on this delicious, mid-weight, nicely balanced Chardonnay. A tasty flow of tang-infused, lemon citrus and pit fruit—peach and yellow plum—entwine with toasty oak and wisps of grapefruit pith and minerality on the long, mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 6, 2016

Babich ‘Black Label’ Pinot Gris 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $19.95 (447417) 14.0$ alcohol
This is full fruited and nicely textured, balanced on a pin on the palate and with great élan on the mouth-watering finish. Swirling aromas of honeysuckle and pit fruit precede a delightful swath of yellow peach, ripe pear, lemon curd and grapefruit coating the palate infusing the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 17, 2016

• ‘Canadian music icon Jim Cuddy has teamed up with Tawse Winery to develop the winery’s newest brand, ‘Cuddy by Tawse’. This new label was born from a longstanding partnership between Jim Cuddy and the winery, and a desire to fuse his two passions: music and wine. Cuddy has been a frequent visitor to Tawse, performing concerts at the winery over the past several years and becoming friends with owners Moray and Joanne Tawse.
  
• The recent collaborative effort between Cuddy and the award-winning winemaking team of Paul Pender and Rene Van Ede has given birth to two new VQA labels that are now available at the winery, and will be in the Vintages section of LCBO outlets in September.’ Quoted from Tawse Media Release
• The following ‘Cuddy by Tawse’ Chardonnay blend sources great fruit in the region, it was first barrel fermented then aged 12 months in French oak barrel.

 
Cuddy by Tawse Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (469023) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of baking spice, toasty notes, honeydew melon and wisps of caramel abound. A surge of green apple, passion fruit and ripe pineapple flavour coat the palate, medium bodied and nicely textured. The aftertaste replays palate flavours and layers on notions of grapefruit pith and minerality. Quite good now, a few months in bottle will also pay dividends. (Vic Harradine)

• This ‘Cuddy by Tawse’ Cab Franc/Merlot/Cab Sauv red blend was aged 18 months in French oak barrel before resting in bottle before release.

 
Cuddy by Tawse Cabernet-Merlot 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (469031) 13.0% alcohol
Piquant spice, black plum, tobacco and dark, juicy briary berry waft from the nose of this medium-plus bodied nicely textured red blend. It’s lively and tangy on the palate with grilled savory herbs interwoven with pomegranate, red currant and racy red cherry. It finishes with replays along with hints of tomato leaf and fresh herbs on the aftertaste. Pour with pasta puttanesca or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages

• Nyarai Cellars is a ‘virtual’ winery. Proprietor/winemaker Steve Byfield purchases premium fruit from meticulously chosen vineyard plots and works his magic transforming it into fabulous wine. The ‘Cadence’ has the following grape blend—42% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah—in perfect cadence with seamless oak integration—it spent 27 months in French oak, 1st and 2nd fill. There’s deft balance and a lengthy, lip-smacking finish.

 
Nyarai Cellars ‘Cadence’ 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (451781) 13.0% alcohol
Earthy, toast and mixed spice on the nose, there’s a medium-bodied gusher of ripe dark fruit on the palate with juicy black berry, ripe mulberry and black plum interwoven with cassis and bittersweet chocolate. It showcases very good mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit and a lengthy, mouth-watering, balanced finish and aftertaste. Good to go now, it pours well with grilled striploin or beef tenderloin. (Vic Harradine)

Sebastiani Chardonnay 2013

Sonoma County, California $19.95 (364497) 13.5% alcohol 
Baking spice, ripe apple and peach aromas abound. A rich, luscious river of flavour blankets the palate—tropical fruit and poached pear mingle with mouth-watering lemon curd—full bodied and creamy smooth. The lengthy aftertaste replays the gorgeous flavour. This is very good value. (Vic Harradine)

• The single-vineyard, hand-harvested fruit in the following Tawse Riesling is certified organic and biodynamic. It’s a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in many LCBO stores. 

 
Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Riesling 2014
VQA Vinemount Ridge $23.95 (198853) 9.5% alcohol
Heady aromas of piquant spice, lemony citrus and hints of petrol introduce a nicely textured stream of lime cordial and lemon pie filling along with grilled pineapple and racy grapefruit tang. It’s well balanced, lively and refreshing from twist top to last drop. Pour with spicy Asian cuisine, baked ham or fish tacos. (Vic Harradine)

• te Pā is a family-owned winery and the family has been on this land for 800 years. They have 400 Ha in which to contemplate and cultivate with rich topsoil and centuries-old alluvial deposits. Their Sauvignon Blanc is made with fruit from their single-vineyard, decade-old, vines. This wine was tasted at a recent New Zealand Wine Fair and stood tall amongst some of the best New Zealand has to offer. It’s very good value, certainly worth a purchase. 

te Pā Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (450668) 12.5% alcohol
This is clean and crisp from twist top to last drop with aromas of floral notes, lemon-lime zest and Key lime galore. It streaks over the palate with nerve and verve— passionfruit, gooseberry and grapefruit flavours—delivering great tang and replaying on the lip-smacking aftertaste along with wisps of nectarine and mineral notes. Superb on its own, give it a go with grilled Calamari rings or pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

 
Game Changer ‘The Obstinate - Red’ 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (457523) 12.0% alcohol
This engaging red blend—92% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon—dishes up a heady nose of spice and grilled herbs before unleashing a full-fruited surge of black Bing cherry and dark plum compote with wisps of mint along with good tang and mouth-watering acidity. Versatile at the table, pour with all manner of grilled meat. This punches well above the price using game-changing technology. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

• The following four premium wines are available for daily home, office or restaurant delivery online at Cave Spring Cellars or pick up by the bottle or case at the winery at 3836 Main St, Lincoln ON.

 
Cave Spring Cellars CSV Blanc de Blancs 2008
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 11.5% alcohol
The autolytic characters on the nose—floral, nutty and baking brioche aromas—are also expressed on the palate via creamy smooth texture and soft acidity. The vigorous mousse carries copious flavours coating the palate, infusing the finish and aftertaste—Key lime pie, baked apple and racy lemon curd galore. You won’t find Vintage Champagne at this price—the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

 
Cave Spring Cellars CSV Riesling 2014
VQA Beamsville Bench $39.95 12.0% alcohol
Arguably Canada’s premium Riesling producer, this delivers a delicious mouthful of sweet and tang. Flint/mineral aromas mingle with orchard fruit on the nose of the medium-bodied, just off-dry, Riesling. A nicely textured stream of crisp green apple and lemon tart streaks over the palate interwoven with white grapefruit and a hint of lemon yoghurt. The finish is lengthy, dry and lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

 
Cave Spring Cellars Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 14.5% alcohol
The eclectic barrel regime—13 months in 64% French, 20% older Hungarian, 16% American with 20% overall new—led to aromas of baking spice, campfire smoke and charred herbs. It’s full bodied, fully textured and full fruited with ripe bramble berry, cassis and racy pie cherry to the fore. The lingering finish replays palate flavours, balanced and beautiful and aftertaste is dry and mouth-watering. (Vic Harradine)

• The following ‘La Penna’ pressed off desiccated Cabernet Franc in traditional ‘Appassimento’ style; grapes were air-dried naturally for three weeks in a barn removing approximately one-third of the water from the grapes serving to enhance flavour and texture. After fermentation the wine was aged three years in once-used French oak barrel, new Hungarian and American oak, plus seasoned American oak. 

 
Cave Spring Cellars ‘La Penna - Estate’ 2011
VQA Beamsville Bench $39.95 14.9% alcohol
This is rich and luscious with deft balance, creamy texture and a monumentally long finish and aftertaste. An alluring nose of spice cake, wood smoke, sandalwood and red berry fruit aromas abound. It sends a gusher of black berry, fig and raisin coating the palate, medium full bodied and balanced on a pin replaying on the lingering aftertaste, balanced and beautiful. (Vic Harradine)

• Purchase the following wine in person at their Niagara-on-the-Lake winery at 1025 York Rd, St. David’s ON or in their Ottawa or Toronto retail store, or online by the two-bottle minimum for daily home, restaurant or office delivery from Château des Charmes.

 
Château des Charmes ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA St David’s Bench $19.95 (430991) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice, green apple and caramel abound on this delicious, mid-weight, nicely balanced Chardonnay. A tasty flow of tang-infused, lemon citrus and pit fruit—peach and yellow plum—entwine with toasty oak and wisps of grapefruit pith and minerality on the long, mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)

• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine order online at Malivoire Wine or visit the winery to purchase by the bottle or case at 4260 King Street East, Beamsville, ON

 
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Small Lot’ Gamay 2014
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 12.0% alcohol
One of Canada’s premium wine producers, their Gamay is highly sought, vintage after vintage. A lively mouthful of fresh juicy fruit bathes the palate—red and black currant, red and dark cherry interlaced with mixed spice and mineral notes. It’s medium weight with good texture and a memorable aftertaste that’s balanced and beautiful with sweet fruit and tang. (Vic Harradine)

 
Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris 2015
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 12.0% alcohol
Floral notes and piquant spice aromas on the nose transition into a creamy-smooth, fully textured river of racy lemon citrus nicely balanced with ripe yellow peach and hints of lime cordial with mineral notes. This was 100% stainless steel fermented and settled with no malolactic conversion and not a splinter of oak. It’s lively throughout with a bone-dry, crisp and refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

 
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Moira’ Rosé 2015
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Hand-harvested, Moira Vineyard Pinot Noir was sourced to produce this elegant Rosé. Aromas of strawberry, watermelon and rose petals abound. A vigorous wash of red berry acidity and ripe cherry/berry fruit sweetness coalesce on the palate with great success. The sweet and tang surge provides a clean, crisp and refreshing Rosé with élan and charm. Pours well on its own or with pan-seared salmon or crumbled chèvre over olive-oiled kale and arugula. (Vic Harradine)

• The following two wines are available by the case for daily home, office or restaurant delivery online at Tawse Winery or pick up by the bottle or case at the winery at 3955 Cherry Ave, Vineland ON.

 
Tawse ‘Redfoot Vineyard’ Pinot Gris 2015
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $24.95 11.5% alcohol
This is the inaugural Pinot Gris release from this red-clay predominant vineyard. Honeysuckle and melon herald a light-on-its feet streak of racy lime and tangy grapefruit that bathing the palate and piercing the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste with minerality and great élan. This is perfectly paired with freshly shucked oysters, prawn ceviche or sushi. (Vic Harradine)

 
Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2014
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 9.5% alcohol
The hand-picked, single-vineyard Gewürztraminer fruit for the following Tawse wine was sourced from 17-year-old vines farmed organic and biodynamic. Rosewater, exotic spice and hints of lime aromas are precursors to a fully textured, oily wash of pure ambrosia with spiced yellow plum, poached pear and white nectarine to the fore. It finishes balanced and refreshing by replaying palate flavours adorned by good acidity. (Vic Harradine)

Consignment Order

Order the following wine by the case for daily home or office delivery in Ontario from agent Hobbs & Co Wine Merchants, in Ottawa email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

 
Creekside Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
VQA Creek Shores $26.95 12.5% alcohol
Not your garden variety Sauvignon Blanc, it’s a limited-production gem—only 8 barrels produced—that was barrel fermented followed by some oak aging with 10 months spent on its lees. Spice and citrus, toasty and flinty on the nose, this coats the palate with spice-laden stream of ripe juicy tropical fruit, tangy lemon and grapefruit pith. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a clean and crisp finish. (Vic Harradine)

 
Creekside Estate Winery ‘Queenston Road Vineyard - Reserve’ Viognier 2013
VQA St. David’s Bench $26.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of honeysuckle, baklava and notes of hazelnut abound in this amazing expression of Niagara Viognier. It bathes the palate with a surge of unctuous flavours that are pure ambrosia—honeyed apricot, blood orange and lemon curd to the fore. It’s good weight and heavenly textured with a monumental finish and aftertaste—palate flavours replay along with sweet vanilla, piquant spice and a notion of grapefruit pith. This limited edition, only 150 cases, is 100% Viognier, fermented and aged nine months in two-year-old oak on its lees—stunning wine. (Vic Harradine)

Private Order

• Order the following wines—plus those in previous newsletters—by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from VinoLuna wine agency. Contact via website, VinoLuna, by Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or in the GTA phone 416 587-669.
• The following Rosé is a Bordeaux red blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon was left on its lies for 6 month after fermentation with weekly stirring developing wonderful texture and mouthfeel. This has more oomph and pizzazz than most Rosés and is balanced on a pin allowing it to pair with more substantial cuisine like firm fish, most seafood, roast bird or pork roast. 

Château Sainte-Marie ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Entre-Deux-Mers 2015
AOC Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France $14.30 12.5% alcohol
Crafted from 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillion, 5% Muscadelle, this white Bordeaux offers lifted aromas of lemon zest, green apple, fresh cut grass and a floral note. It’s dry, medium bodied with flavours of lemon pie filling, white grapefruit and a salty minerality. The lengthy citrus finish encourages another sip. Serve this extremely well-priced white on its own or with grilled seafood. (Lisa Isabelle)

Chateau Sainte-Marie Rosé 2015
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.85 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry, red berry fruit and floral notes leap from the glass of this delectable, complex, structured Rosé. A balanced, well-textured river of watermelon, red currant and pie cherry coat the palate with oodles of fresh, crisp acidity all replaying on the lengthy mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. This is a consummate food wine, pour with soft cheese, appetizers or mains, seafood, roast/grilled chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)

Château Sainte-Marie Alios 2014
AOC Côtes de Bordeaux, France $25.40 13.0% alcohol
The grapes in this carefully crafted blend of 74% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot were handpicked, hand sorted then aged 14 months in French oak barrel, 1/3 new. Intense aromas of black currant and cassis are complemented with cedar, grilled herbs and pleasant barnyard earthiness. It’s dry, full bodied with well-integrated tannins and flavours of red plum, fig and smoke persisting through the long finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

Château Sainte-Marie ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Bordeaux Supériore 2015
AOC Bordeaux Supériore, France $18.30 13.0% alcohol
Dark berry fruit, baking spice and campfire smoke on the nose, this full fruited, nicely textured red blend—72% Merlot-28% Cabernet Sauvignon—delivers a well-structured, medium-bodied flow of cassis and black juicy cherry on the palate. It spent 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% new, before bottling. There’s still-evolving tannin and bits of toasty oak on the lengthy aftertaste—aerate/decant for three hours. (Vic Harradine)

Château Peyredon ‘Lagravette’ 2014
AOC Haut Médoc $33.45 13.0% alcohol
Intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, cigar box, campfire smoke and fresh mint rise from this Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. Concentrated dark fruit, cedar and spice flavours bathe the palate. Displaying structure and complexity, it’s dry, full bodied with ripe, fine-grained tannins which persist through its lingering finish. Serve after a 2-3 hour aeration/decant. (Lisa Isabelle)

La Torre ‘Macchione’ Rosso 2011
IGT Rosso Toscano, Italy $36.40 14.0% alcohol
Concentrated aromas of ripe black plum and red currant are supported by pipe tobacco and smoke in this certified organic blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot from Arezzo, Tuscany. It’s dry, medium-full bodied with flavours of pie cherry, baking spices and woody, herbal notes. Pleasant fine-grained tannins linger on the medium-length finish. Serve with stewed game or beef. (Lisa Isabelle)

La Torre ‘Macchione’ Rosso 2012
IGT Rosso Toscana, Italy $44.60 13.5% alcohol
This certified-organic, hand-harvested 50% Sangiovese/50% Merlot blend spent 15 months in small French tonneaux before bottling. Black plum and cigar box aromas on the nose herald a balanced, complex and structured stream of black currant and red cherry interwoven with mocha and mixed spice. This full bodied with good mouthfeel and lingering aftertaste replaying fruit and tang with a firm tannin structure. Aerate/decant three hours pouring with grilled striploin or smoked, grilled chicken. (Vic Harradine)

Geografico ‘Contessa di Radda’ Chianti Classico 2012
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $19.50 13.0% alcohol
This opens with a lifted nose of piquant spice, sandalwood and cherry aromas. A luscious surge of red and black cherry and cassis blanket the palate interlaced with black licorice, tar and earthy notes. It’s medium-plus bodied with good texture and long aftertaste that’s brimming with fruit and glorious tang. Pour with pasta puttanesca or pastitsio (Vic Harradine)

Geografico Montegiachi Chianti Classico Riserva 2012
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $23.05 13.5 % alcohol
This blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino grapes from vineyards north of Sienna, Tuscany aged 27 months in 35% new oak barrels. There are abundant fruit and oak notes: aromas of red cherry and plum meld with blackberry, violet and sweet baking spices transform to flavours of sour cherry, fig, oregano and an earthy minerality on the palate. Medium-full bodied and dry with enough tangy acidity to balance, it finishes medium-long with firm tannins. Pair with a classic bistecca Fiorentina or a mixed grill. (Lisa Isabelle)

Geografico ‘Ferraiolo’ 2012
IGT Toscana, Italy $19.50 13.0% alcohol
Cedar, savory herbs and red berry fruit aromas give way to a flavourful wash of chocolate-covered cherries garnished with savory herbs and a solid underpinning of still-evolving tannin. This is medium-full bodied with good mouth feel and a lingering aftertaste of an Amarone bite and drying tannin. Aerate/decant three hours pouring with grilled steak, burgers or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers, Vic, Susan, Lisa