January 16, 2019 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights Include:
- Exceptional-value wine
– only 4 of 47 wines in this newsletter that are available in the LCBO now, meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $17.95 to $37.95 and are found throughout the newsletter identified via the value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – only one wine earned 95 or over points; 2017 Mullineux ‘Old Vines – White’ earned 95 points @ $37.95 found under South Africa: White Wine.
- Lisa likes – 2009 Baron-Fuenté ‘Grand Millésime’ Brut Champagne earned 91 points @ $59.95 found under Champagne; 2015 Jean-Marc Brocard ‘Vau de Vay’ Chablis 1er Cru earned 91 points @ $39.95 found under France: White Wine; 2017 Château de L’Aumerade ‘Cuvée Marie-Christine’ Rosé earned 90 points @ $19.95 found under France : Rosé Wine; 2015 Château L’Argenteyre earned 88 points @ $22.95 found under France: Red Wine and, of course, all her exceptional value revues.
- Louise loves – 2012 Cicchitti Gran Reserva Malbec earned 94 points at $27.95 found under Argentina: Red Wine; 2016 Kilikanoon Killer’s Run earned 91points at $19.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; 2017 Mullineux Old Vines White earned 95 points at $27.95 found under South Africa: White Wine and, of course, all her exceptional value reviews.
- Dave’s delights – Non-Vintage San León Manzanilla earned 90 points @ $21.95 found under Fortified Wine: Sherry; 2015 Artesa Los Carneros Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $29.95 found under California: White Wine and, of course, all his exceptional value reviews.
Identify 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 stores near you is displayed as well as online—or by clicking ‘Check all stores’ where you’ll see stock available in all LCBO stores across Ontario. 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 (wine not in Vintages section) should always closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. However, it’s always best to phone the store before making a trip.
Vintages Release: January 17, 2019
Champagne
91
Baron-Fuenté ‘Grand Millésime’ Brut Champagne 2009
AOC Champagne $59.95 (155119) 12.5% alcohol
No need for a special occasion to share this well-priced Vintage Champagne. Aromas of toasted hazelnut, brioche, lemon meringue and a floral note dance from the glass. It’s crisp, yet creamy on the palate and delivers zesty citrus, toast and slight bitter-almond flavours carried on finely beaded mousse. Balanced and refreshing into the lengthy finish, pair this with freshly shucked, briny oysters. (Lisa Isabelle)
Spirits: Scotch
88
Isle of Arran ‘Robert Burns’ Single Malt Scotch
The Highlands, Isle of Arran, Scotland $52.95 (981084) 700 mL 43.0% alcohol
This exclusive Robert Burns edition of the Arran Single Malt is produced by Isle of Arran Distillers, Patron of the Robert Burns World Federation and one of the few remaining independently owned Scottish distilleries. The whisky is light-golden brown in colour with hints of caramel and honey on the nose that carry through all the way to the finish. Though enjoyable neat, a small shard of ice in the glass helps smooth this out. If you’re looking to raise a glass to the poet on his birthday, you certainly won’t go wrong with this. (Dave Isaacs)
Fortified Wine: Sherry
● Unlike their Fino and Manzanilla cousins, Oloroso sherries are aged for years in an oxygen environment. The oxidation allows the sherry to develop a dark colour and nutty characteristics. It also allows the sherry to keep in the cellar for 5 years or more after purchase and last for many more months after opening.
88
Bodegas Yuste ‘Aurora' Oloroso Non-Vintage
DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry $21.95 (609982) 17.5% alcohol
This Oloroso has an average age of 10 years. It’s golden-amber hued with aromas of raisins, nuts and caramel corn on the nose. It medium-bodied on the palate with flavours of toasted sesame seeds and a strong finish of toasted almonds. Enjoy this with a post-dinner cheese plate. (Dave Isaacs)
● Like Fino sherry, Manzanilla sherry are aged under a layer of flor—spent yeast cells floating on top of the sherry in the barrel—that protects the wine from oxidation. This results in fresh and delicate flavours. The flor begins to break down after about 5 years, so Manzanillas that are aged longer, such as the following, show signs of oxidation.
90
San León Manzanilla Non-Vintage
DO Manzanilla - Sanlúcar de Barrameda $21.95 (703066) 15% alcohol
The average age of this Manzanilla is 6 years, resulting in a gentle touch of oxidation. It’s light-gold coloured with aromas of salted caramel, dry wood and toasted nuts. On the palate it’s medium-to-light body with delicate mouthfeel and flavours of toasted almonds. There’s a lingering finish of almonds and salted, unbuttered popcorn. Enjoy this chilled with traditional Spanish tapas or, if feeling creative, sushi. (Dave Isaacs)
Ontario: White Wine
88 
Viewpointe Cabernet Franc 2010
VQA Lake Erie North Shore $16.95 (359299) 13.5% alcohol
Full-blown aromas of campfire smoke, black berry fruit and piquant spice herald a tart- and tang-infused line of passionfruit, cranberry and red currant streaking over the palate and through the drying, racy, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium bodied with decent texture and a gamy note and tomato-leaf bite on the aftertaste. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
• Henry of Pelham sources their Family Tree wines from a medley of grape varieties sourced from their own vineyards and vineyards of “friends, neighbours and distant cousins across the Niagara Peninsula.”
89
Henry of Pelham Family Tree ‘Red’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
This 2017 vintage is an eclectic blend of 30% syrah/25% merlot/24% cabernet franc/16% cabernet sauvignon/5% baco noir. As soon as it hits your glass, aromas of cherry, cassis, strawberry and a hint of fresh mint blossom forth. It’s light-to-medium bodied on the palate with a juicy tartness, firm tannins and nuances of smoke. This is well matched with pizza garnished with bacon, smoked ham and mushrooms. (Dave Isaacs)
British Columbia: Red Wine
90
Mission Hill Family Estate ‘Reserve’ Meritage 2016
VQA Okanagan Valley $29.95 (633628) 14.0% alcohol
This wine is opaque black cherry in colour, with nose that has layers of jam and pepper, plus slight traces of green leaves and wood. It has a full-bodied and smooth mouthfeel, with tart acidity and firm tannins. You will find flavours of sour cherry and coffee, which linger nicely through to a dry and tannic finish. Keep in the cellar through to 2022, and then enjoy with some coffee-rubbed beef brisket. (Dave Isaacs)
California: White Wine
92
Artesa Los Carneros Chardonnay 2015
Los Carneros $29.95 (657585) 14.3% alcohol
The grapes for this gorgeously balanced chardonnay were hand-harvested, with 70% of the juice fermented in French oak barrels—30% new—and the remainder fermented in stainless steel. Only half the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The result is a wine that is brilliant brass in appearance, with aromas of whipped cream, oak, and a medley of summer meadow flowers. It’s full-bodied on the palate, with lively mouthwatering acidity. The flavours of apple and clementine linger so delightfully in the finish that you’ll want it to last forever. This can lay in your cellar for another year or two, but it is a joy just to sit and sip now, along with a plate of soft cheeses. (Dave Isaacs)
88
Madison's Ranch Chardonnay 2016
Napa Valley $24.95 (441113) 13.5% alcohol
A quintessential California, well-oaked chardonnay, this wine is straw-yellow hued with lifted aromas of oak, butter and vanilla. It’s full-bodied on the palate with a pleasant creamy texture offset with a slight touch of tangy acidity. It’s smooth through the finish, with flavours of cream and butter and just a hint of lemon. This is a perfect match for some butter-basted roast chicken. (Dave Isaacs)
California: Red Wine
89
Bogle ‘Essential’ Red 2015
California $22.95 (394452) 13.5% alcohol
This is a blend of old-vine zinfandel along with syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah. It’s a dramatic deep garnet in colour with a complex nose of blackberry and cherry jam, dark chocolate and peppery spice. This is medium-to-full bodied on the palate with perceptible tannins and flavours of sour cherry and a touch of mocha. Aerate/decant two hours and pour with barbecued burgers; it’ll also keep a few more years in the cellar. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley $54.95 375 mL (632133) 14.6% alcohol
There’s a lot of oomph in this big bold cab. It’s opaque black cherry in the glass with a vibrant nose of red berries, smoke, fresh mint, and spice. It’s medium-to-full bodied and quite tart on the palate along with perceptive but well-developed tannins. Flavours of coffee and cocoa powder join together for a mocha flavoured finished underscored by firm tannins. You can enjoy this today, decanted, with a thick medium-rare grilled steak. But you would be better off keeping it in the cellar for another 5 years. (Dave Isaacs)
91
Michael David ‘Freakshow’ Red 2015
Lodi $29.95 (633545) 15% alcohol
Michael David winemaker, Jeff Farthing, describes this as a mash-up of man meets wild; a syrah-based blend punctuated with an addition of petite syrah. It’s inky black in colour with a bold nose of cherry, blackberry, smoke, vanilla and dark chocolate. This is full bodied and smooth in the mouth, nicely tart with perceptible but well-harnessed tannins. The tannins carry flavours of sour cherry all the way through the finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for three hours or cellar another three to four years then enjoy with pulled-pork sliders. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Purple Cowboy ‘Trail Boss’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Paso Robles $24.95 (524223) 13.5% alcohol
This wine is medium-red in colour with slight touches of orange around the edges. There are aromas of dried cherries, jam, vanilla and smoke. On the palate it’s medium bodied and juicy. The tannins are smooth and easy accompanied by good balancing acidity. Flavours of sour cherry and blackberry linger on the finish with a dash of vanilla on the aftertaste. It’s a good choice to pour alongside chunky beef stew. (Dave Isaacs)
88
SeaGlass Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Barbara County $21.95 (539163) 13.5% alcohol
This wine is light red in colour, with a nose of fresh autumn leaves, strawberries and wisps of smoke. It’s juicy on the palate with a medium-to-full body, lively acidity and tannins that start in the background and then dominate the tangy raspberry flavour. It’s drinking nicely now and will become even more approachable after short-term cellaring. Enjoy with baked, salmon fillets. (Dave Isaacs)
Washington: Red Wine
89
Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Columbia Valley $24.95 (55764) 14.5% alcohol
This blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon and 12% syrah was aged in French and American oak barrels, approximately 50% new. It’s opaque when poured with a nose of smoke and red cherry. This is full bodied on the palate with firm tannins and tart acidity along with flavours of sour cherry persisting through the finish along with lingering tannins. Aerate/decant three hours and pair with a grilled medium-rare cut of roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)
Argentina: Red Wine
94
Cicchitti ‘Gran Reserva’ Malbec 2012
Mendoza $27.95 (155713) 14.0% alcohol
Don’t be fooled by this 100% malbec from 31-year-old vines, disguised as a mature Italian sangiovese. The family ancestor from Ancona who moved to Argentina at the end of the 19th century continues to influence the Cicchitti winemaking style. The evolved medium-garnet robe along with complex aromas—dry fruit, cedar, all spice, tobacco and balsamic notes are aligned with the maturation approach—12 months in barriques and 18 months in bottle. This full-bodied beauty with fine-grained tannin, delights the palate with date, dry fig, baking spice, savoury dry herb flavours and a balsamic reduction note trailing into the dry, never-ending finish. Aerate/decant one hour and pour now to 2024 with a slow-cooked, beef pot-roast and save some for after-dinner sipping. (Louise Boutin)
89
Bodega DiamAndes ‘Perlita’ Malbec-Syrah 2016
Mendoza, Uco Valley $18.95 (480749) 13.5% alcohol
This purple blend—80% malbec/20% syrah—matured eight months in oak barriques and is starting to turn garnet on the rim. The inviting fresh nose—ripe blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry and vanilla aromas—is replayed on the palate in a silky textured wave of juicy fruit flavours persisting through the tangy dry finish. This is medium-bodied with well-defined tannins and pours well with rare-grilled striploin. (Louise Boutin)
88
Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2016
Uco Valley, Mendoza $17.95 (640854) 13.0% alcohol
The grapes for this appealing and accessible red were grown on some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark raspberry meld with exotic spice, delicate floral notes and hints of mocha. Dry, medium-full bodied, the palate flavours are tangy and fresh—redcurrant, blackberry, tea leaves and espresso bean. Well-balanced with fined-grained tannins, piquant spice notes unfold into the lengthy finish. Pour alongside a mixed grill or your latest chili iteration. (Lisa Isabelle)
Chile: Red Wine
91
Anakena Ona ‘Andes Blend - Premium Selection’ 2016
DO Cachapoal Valley $19.95 (632315) 14.0% alcohol
Sixteen months of French and American oak barrel ageing goes into this great-value red blend of 55% syrah, 35% cabernet sauvignon and10% carménère. Black peppercorn aromas fill the air along with green bell pepper, dry cherry and smoke. A mouth-watering, tart, pie cherry flavour dominates the palate before riper notes of dark cherry and blackberry plus a layer of baking spice and dark chocolate completes the profile. This dry, medium-full-bodied blend will further evolve with additional cellaring. Aerate/decant two hours and pour now to 2022 with braised beef short-ribs and green vegetables. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: White Wine
88
Pepper Tree ‘Estate Grown’ Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Hunter Valley/Orange, New South Wales $19.95 (632067) 12.8%
This aromatic blend—55% sémillon/45% sauvignon blanc—presents delicate aromas of honeysuckle, Asian pear, green apple, lime zest and white pepper. A crisp and mouth-watering wash travels on the palate with flavours of Meyer lemon, white grapefruit, passion fruit and mineral notes persisting in the citrusy finish. This medium-light bodied patio sipper is also a good match with grilled white fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: Red Wine
91
Kilikanoon ‘Killer’s Run’ 2016
Clare Valley $19.95 (412189) 14.5% alcohol
This predominantly grenache and shiraz blend with a splash of mataro, presents deep-ruby shades with a garnet rim. The pleasant nose fills the air with dark cherry, blackberry, black plum, caramel and baking spice. Aged 16 months in French oak hogsheads, this full-bodied, unfiltered red flows on the palate in a cool and smooth stream of juicy ripe black plum and blackberry joined with balancing tang, piquant cinnamon, pepper and a hint of dry sage in the medium-long, dry, tasty finish. Pour with blue-veined-cheese stuffed-dates wrapped in bacon. (Louise Boutin)
90
Mojo Shiraz 2017
Barossa Valley $19.95 (327767) 14.5% alcohol
This young, medium-full-bodied shiraz/grenache blend has an inviting nose of raspberry compote, ripe plum, blackberry and fresh mint aromas. This is softly textured and slightly sweet on the first sip despite only 4g/L of residual sugar. It charms the palate with a stream of ripe blueberry and tangy raspberry persisting in the fruit-forward, vanilla-tinted finish and aftertaste. This high-octane, warm and smooth red is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue party. (Louise Boutin)
New Zealand: White Wine
89
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Marlborough, Awatera Valley $19.95 (225557) 13.0% alcohol
Look for typical Marlborough sauvignon blanc aromas of freshly cut grass, asparagus, sweet pink grapefruit and mineral notes. A little tingle on the tongue introduces sharp starfruit, sweet grapefruit and kiwi flavours complemented with slate minerality persisting in the tangy finish. This is a nice medium-bodied option to pair with steamed-asparagus with goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette. (Louise Boutin)
New Zealand: Red Wine
88
Amisfield Pinot Noir 2015
Central Otago, South Island $39.95 (179754) 14.0% alcohol
This medium-bodied, fruit-forward pinot shows subtle oak aromas—a 20% portion went through ten months maturation in tight-grain French barriques. Bright red cherry aromas dominate the nose with peppery notes and a trace of fermentation. A silky textured wash of juicy red cherry bathes the palate followed with tart under-ripe red plum kicking in along with a suggestion of tomato leaf turning into riper cherry and mineral notes in the brief finish. Pour with a tomato-based dish such as chicken cacciatore (Louise Boutin)
South Africa: White Wine
95 
Mullineux ‘Old Vines – White’ 2017
WO Swartland $37.95 (556597) 13.5% alcohol
This outstanding unfiltered/unfined unique blend— 65% chenin blanc/13% grenache blanc/10% clairette/10% viognier/2% sémillon—rested 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. A vigorous swirl helps dissipate the oaky notes, unveiling complex aromas of poached pear, ripe peach, nutmeg, roasted almond and light smoke. This harmonious medium-full-bodied white coats the palate with heart-warming textures and flavours of quince jelly, poached apple, lemon curd, marzipan and a balancing mild almond bitterness and saline mineral note trailing in the long, delectable finish. Aeration is recommended if poured before 2021. Enjoy with creamy camembert and roasted nuts. (Louise Boutin)
91
Jardin ‘Inspector Péringuey’ Chenin Blanc 2016
WO Stellenbosch $17.95 (443473) 14.0% alcohol
This is a steal. Sourced from 35-year-old vines, this blend of barrel fermented—along with its 8 months of sur-lie ageing—and tank fermented, 100% chenin blanc offers the best of both worlds. It shows bright fruit, depth and complexity both on the nose and on the palate. Wood aromas mingle with white peach, baked apple, apricot and nutmeg before introducing a round mouth-filling wash of ripe orchard fruit flavours wrapped in a warm vanilla blanket and a suggestion of lemon meringue pie persisting through the long, clean delicious finish. Stock up with this medium-full-bodied white and enjoy with sautéed shrimp served on lemon-butter gnocchi. (Louise Boutin)
France: White Wine
89
Domaine Séguinot-Bordet Chablis 2017
AOC Chablis $25.95 (289371) 12.5% alcohol
This cool-climate chardonnay opens with crisp green apple, pear and tart citrus aromas underscored by subtle mineral and floral notes, which repeat as flavours while streaking over the refreshing palate. Dry, medium-light bodied with mouth-watering acidity, it offers a bright, mid-length, mineral-laden finish. Enjoy with seafood appetizers. (Lisa Isabelle)
91
Jean-Marc Brocard ‘Vau de Vay’ Chablis 1er Cru 2015
AOC Chablis Premier Cru $39.95 (159012) 13.0% alcohol
The medium-lemon colour hints at the concentrated nose—ripe yellow apple, nectarine and lemon zest aromas are adorned with notions of white flowers and a flinty mineral note. The nicely textured palate offers a rush of orchard fruit flavours tamed by mineral undertones lasting into the lengthy, vibrant finish. Serve this dry, medium bodied white with pan-seared scallops. (Lisa Isabelle)
89
Domaine Louis Moreau ‘La Vigne Blanche’ Chablis 2015
AOC Chablis $26.95 (474932) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of yellow apple and lemon mingling with floral and mineral notes gently unfurl from the glass before they’re unleashed on the palate. Dry, round in texture, intense orchard fruit and citrus flavours riding on a backbone of salty minerality extend into the lengthy, flavourful finish. Pair with baked lemon sole. (Lisa Isabelle)
89
Domaine D’Orfeuilles Vouvray 2015
AOC Vouvray $22.95 (223966) 13.0% alcohol
Sustainable farming without chemicals plus low-intervention winemaking techniques were used to produce this charming chenin blanc from the Loire Valley. It exudes aromas of apricot, lemon, lanolin and a mineral note which easily replay on the palate. Dry, medium bodied, it offers a creamy, weighted texture and a lengthy finish of ripe peach and flinty mineral notes lasting into the aftertaste. Serve with roast chicken stuffed with herbs and lemon. (Lisa Isabelle)
88
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2016
IGT Pays d’Oc, France $14.95 (147975) 13.5% alcohol
Honeyed stone fruit and orange blossom aromas on the nose, this envelops the palate with a medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth wash of palate-coating flavour—ripe Bosc pear, lemon pie filling and Mirabelle plum. It finishes with palate replays and wisps soft acidity. This pairs well with lightly spiced Asian dishes like pad Thai or Chicken Chow Mein. (Vic Harradine)
France: Rosé Wine
90
Château de L’Aumerade ‘Cuvée Marie-Christine’ Rosé 2017
AOP Côtes de Provence $19.95 (562785) 13.0% alcohol
Escape the winter and be transported to the south of France with this value-packed, nicely-textured blend—cinsault, grenache, syrah. It opens with fresh strawberry, nectarine and pink grapefruit aromas with herbal and mineral undertones. The tasty palate offers citrus and stone fruit flavours accented with strawberry jam and Mediterranean herbs. Dry and medium-light bodied, it finishes with good length and a pleasant, mouth-watering tang. This versatile rosé pairs well with an array of light appetizers or as an aperitif. (Lisa Isabelle)
France: Red Wine
88
Château L’Argenteyre 2015
AOC Médoc $22.95 (632976) 13.0% alcohol
This blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot offers an interesting bouquet of sweet dark fruit, spice, pipe tobacco and roasted bell pepper. Black currant and plum flavours, joined by savoury herbs and spice notes, are underpinned by firm, drying tannins and fresh acidity. Fresh dark fruit flavours persist into the savoury, herb-infused finish. Serve alongside roast lamb studded with rosemary and garlic. (Lisa Isabelle)
89
L’Expression de Pauillac 2014
AOC Pauillac $43.95 (570127) 13.5% alcohol
This offering, from a mysterious, top Pauillac producer, delivers a multilayered nose of blackberry, cassis, cedar, smoky toast and mint. Showing depth and persistence, concentrated dark fruit flavours are garnished with spice, dried herbs and black pepper. Dry, medium-full bodied and well-structured, it offers a prolonged spiced, dark fruit finish. Cellar for a few more years or decant three hours before serving with rare-roasted beef with mushroom, whiskey, pan sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
88
Xavier Vignon Lirac 2016
AOP Lirac $22.95 (636183) 15.0% alcohol
This Wine of the Month hails from Lirac, one of the southernmost appellations in the Rhone Valley located across the Rhone River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It was produced by Xavier Vignon, a consultant to more than 200 wineries in the Rhone Valley. The nose is sweet and fragrant led by ripe berries, strawberry jam, milk chocolate-covered cherries and spice. On the palate the fruit is fresher with cherry/berry and plum flavours entwined with spice and herbal notes. Dry, medium-full bodied with apparent tannins, it finishes with a medium-long, warming finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
Germany: White Wine
• The designation, ‘Prädikatswein’, guarantees the highest standards in German wine have been met and, that no sugar was added to the wine. The following single-vineyard, 2016 Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett is a good example of that high quality.
90 
Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2016
Prädikatswein, Mosel $25.95 (629998) 8.0% alcohol
Dave Isaacs and I both loved this Mosel riesling and found it quite difficult to spit. This delivers a quality-price ratio that skews in your favour. An alluring, lifted nose of petrol, candied pear, apple and mineral notes abound. It rolls over the palate like sweet-tinged ambrosia showcasing ripe pear, sweet apple, apricot and honey. It’s creamy textured, even slightly oily, with light-medium weight and good citrus tang to balance. This low-alcohol gem pours particularly well with baked ham studded with cloves and basted with maple syrup. Drink now or over the next 6 or 7 years. (Louise Boutin)
Austria: White Wine
90
Esterházy Estoras Grüner Veltliner 2016
Burgenland $17.95 (568543) 13% alcohol
Fruit for this wine was hand-picked from 29-year-old vines. It’s light straw-yellow coloured with a vibrant nose of citrus peel, candle wax and gala apple. Medium-bodied, there’s crisp acidity and flavours of apple and pear on the palate. A slight, but fascinating bite on the finish adds a taste of apple peel. Enjoy with light pork sausage sautéed with apple sauce. (Dave Isaacs)
Italy: Red Wine
89
Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico $16.95 (23325) 13.5% alcohol
Cherry, strawberry, baking spice, violet and earth aromas unfurl from the glass of this dry, medium-bodied red from the heart of Tuscany. Cherry and red currant flavours, adorned with sweet spice, vanilla and a dusty mineral note, bathe the palate. Dry, medium bodied with silky tannins and fine acidity, nuances of spice and toast appear on the aftertaste. This offers very good value and would pair well with gourmet pizza. (Lisa Isabelle)
92
Col D’Oricia Brunello di Montalcino 2013
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $51.95 (306852) 14.5% alcohol
Certified organic, this 100% sangiovese was matured three years in various sizes of Slavonian and Allier oak casks then rested a further 12 months in bottle prior to release. Spice, tea leaves and a balsamic note wrap around a core of cherry and pomegranate aromas on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied, rich in texture and nicely balanced, waves of cherry, black berry, baking spice and herbal notes wash over the palate joined by hints of tobacco and earth on the extended finish. This has enough structure to cellar or decant three hours before serving with grilled venison steaks and sautéed mushrooms. (Lisa Isabelle)
87
Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico $22.95 (91694) 13.5% alcohol
Sweet cherry and crushed raspberry aromas meld with notes of violet, baking spice and herbs on the nose of this sangiovese-dominant red. Dry and medium-full bodied with enough acidity to balance, cherry, plum, coffee and dried herb flavours appear on the palate. It offers a warming, spicy aftertaste and complements grilled chorizo sausages. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Farina ‘Le Pezze’ Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2015
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella $36.95 (171587) 15.5% alcohol
This value-laden gem combines depth of fruit with smooth texture, supple tannins and clean acidity. Ripe cherry and plum aromas intertwine with chocolate, vanilla, earth and spice. Dry, full bodied and well-balanced, succulent dark fruit flavours engulf the palate joined by hints of dried cherry, sweet spice and savoury herbs. It offers a lingering, warm finish and stands up to hearty, braised beef shanks. (Lisa Isabelle)
88
Cantina de Negrar Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2016
DOCG Valpolicella Classico $17.95 (631101) 13.0% alcohol
Sweet vanilla and spice notes accent the cherry/berry fruit aromas on the nose of this charming ripasso. A steady stream of juicy, dark plum and cherry flavours, adorned with spice and an earthy note flow over the well-weighted palate. It finishes with a lengthy, mouth-watering finish and won’t disappoint paired with pasta with a meat-based sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
91
Quintarelli Rosso’ Ca’ Del Merlo’ 2010
IGT Veneto $116.95 (958595) 15.0% alcohol
Pale garnet in colour, the nose offers a multitude of aromas—red fruit supported by balsamic syrup, steeped tea, dusty cocoa and earthy mushroom notes. Dry, medium-full bodied and well-structured, cherry and plum flavours are joined by spiced fig compote and notes of wet earth on the rich-tasting palate. If you’re looking to splurge, try this classic from one of Veneto’s iconic wineries. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Château de L’Aumerade ‘Cuvée Marie-Christine’ Rosé 2017
AOP Côtes de Provence $19.95 (562785) 13.0% alcohol
Escape the winter and be transported to the south of France with this value-packed, nicely-textured blend –cinsault, grenache, syrah. It opens with fresh strawberry, nectarine and pink grapefruit aromas with herbal and mineral undertones. The tasty palate offers citrus and stone fruit flavours accented with strawberry jam and Mediterranean herbs. Dry and medium-light bodied, it finishes with good length and a pleasant, mouth-watering tang. This versatile rosé pairs well with an array of light appetizers or as an aperitif. (Lisa Isabelle)
Spain: Red Wines
90
Muriel ‘Fincas De La Villa - Reserva’ 2013
DOCa Rioja $19.95 (276030) 13.5% alcohol
A mature, aromatic nose of dried fruit, balsamic notes, herbs and tobacco aromas provide introduction to a lively, juicy river of ripe, red cherry caramel notes and sweet vanilla on the palate. It’s medium bodied with satin-smooth mouthfeel and a medium-length finish of dry cherry and more vanilla adorned with balsamic reduction. This is tasty, well balanced and versatile at the table. Try pizza, burgers or penne Bolognese. (Louise Boutin)
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Alvides Crianza 2012
DO Ribera del Duero $19.95 (609958) 14.0% alcohol
This is deep-ruby hued in the glass while the nose offers aromas of fresh berry compote, black plum and wisps of graphite. This blankets the palate with a delectable wash of juicy black Bing cherry decorated with cassis and notions of dry fig. It’s medium bodied with silky smooth mouthfeel, ripe tannins for structure and a comforting warm finish that lip-smacking good with dry, crunchy red cherry notes. Pour with prawn and chorizo paella over the next couple of years. (Louise Boutin)
Upstream in winecurrent
February 2, 2019 Vintages Release
• The following 2014 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot will have limited distribution being available only in LCBO, ‘Flagship’, aka ‘large’, stores.
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Gundlach Bundschu Merlot 2014
Sonoma Valley $58.95 (397497) 14.7% alcohol
This red blend—89% merlot/5% petit verdot/4% cabernet sauvignon/1% malbec/1% cabernet franc—is aged 17 months in French oak barrel, 40% new. It’s opaque, brick-red coloured with expressive aromas of smoke, dry leaves, vanilla, cherry, strawberry and dried herbs. On the palate it feels full bodied and smooth with silky tannins along with juicy flavours of cherry and blackberry. A hint of coffee and chocolate lingers pleasantly on the finish, underscored by gentle tannins. Drinking wonderfully now, it has the structure and oomph to easily last to 2022. Aerate/decant a couple of hours and enjoy with roast duck. (Dave Isaacs)
Cheers!
Vic, Louise, Lisa, and Dave.