March 25, 2019 Newsletter
VQA Tastes Untamed visits Ottawa
Join VQA Wines of Ontario and Wine Country Ontario for a Tastes Untamed evening. One night only in Ottawa, April 3rd, 2019. This will be a wine tasting featuring 41 Ontario VQA wineries and local bites from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Featuring the VQA Into the Bubbles Pre-Event, hosted by The Sparkling Winos, including a VQA Bubbles Bar & snacks from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Tickets are $60 for VQA Tastes Untamed and $75 for VQA Into the Bubbles + VQA Tastes Untamed.
Purchase your Tastes Untamed tickets and your Tastes Untamed + VQA Bubbly tickets here
The 2019 California Wine Fair Announces its Tour Schedule
It’ll be the hottest ticket in town and there are NO tickets sold at the door!
Winecurrent subscribers receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchased for Ottawa (April 26) and/or Toronto (April 29) consumer tastings. Use promotional code: cwfwinecurrent
It often sells out, but never disappoints the crowds who attend. It’s arguably Canada’s best, and best-value, wine tasting. Tickets are NOW on sale! One entry price covers unlimited tasting samples from hundreds of wines along with a few nibblies. Spittoons are provided at each station in this walk-around tasting and you’re encouraged to use them and arrange for commercial or public transportation rather than driving. Please drink in moderation; never drink and drive.
In its 40th year, Canada’s largest Wine Fair Tour showcases some of the finest wines from the Golden State with over 450 wines from more than 150 wineries offered. There are trade and consumer tastings.
Learn here about how, where and when to attend and to purchase your ticket(s)
Newsletter Highlights Include:
- Exceptional-value wine
– 11 of 41 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $8.95 to $18.95 and are found throughout the newsletter identified via the value checkmark above. Some in LCBO stores now and some on their way. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – only one wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell – 2012 Marchese de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino earned 95 points, now @ $47.95 found under Special Limited-Time Offers.
- Louise Loves – 2014 River’s Edge ‘Elkton Cuvée’ Pinot Noir earned 92 points @ $17.95; 2017 Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône earned 92 points @ $14.95 with both found under Upstream in winecurrent.
- Lisa Likes - 2016 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Tinto earned 88 points @ $8.95 found under New in LCBO Portfolio; 2018 Culmina Estates ‘R & D’ Rosé Blend earned 90 points @ $19.00 and 2014 Culmina Estates ‘Hypothesis’ earned 93 points @ $46.00 both found under New in Okanagan Wineries.
- Vic Picks – 2012 Closson Chase ‘K.J. Watson Vineyard’ Pinot Gris earned 92 points @ $22.95 found under Ontario: White Wine.
Vintages Release: March 16, 2019
Fortified Wine: Vin Doux Naturel
90
Kourtaki Muscat Samos
AOC Samos, Greece $15.95 (938407) 15.0% alcohol
And now for something completely different, a ‘Vin Doux Naturel’—it’s a bottle you should give a second glance. This offers good value, a fabulous welcoming wine—over the rocks with a splash of tonic or soda—and can be served as dessert. Sweet flavours of dried apricot, honeyed apple and pear coat the palate and gorgeous finish. Great at spring/summer gatherings. (Vic Harradine)
Fortified Wine: Vino de Licor
• The Torres family has been making the following Non-Vintage Floralis for over seventy years. When you taste this stunning, 15% alcohol, full-bodied dessert wine you’ll certainly understand why they continue to do so.
93
Torres ‘Floralis – Moscatel Oro’ Non-Vintage
DO Manzanilla, Sanlúcar de Barrameda $24.95 375 mL (642173) 15.0% alcohol
This dessert in a glass is robed in a gorgeous, light-amber hue. It’s fashioned from Muscat de Alexandría fruit and is fragrant with beautiful aromas of quince jelly, marmalade, honey and a touch of ginger. The flavours are luscious and kept in perspective with tangy acidity and sharp ginger flavours balancing this on a pin through the enjoyable medium-length finish of candied-orange zest. Serve chilled on its own or partner with orange-infused, crème caramel. (Louise Boutin)
Sparkling Wine
90
‘Cygnus Reserva’ Brut Nature Cava Non-Vintage
DO Cava, Spain $17.95 (352856)11.5% alcohol
This sparkling, organic gem was produced from the holy trinity of Cava grapes—Xarel-lo 40%, Parellada 30% and Macabeo 30%. Lifted aromas of apple and pear interweave with mint and wisps of piquant ginger heralding flavours of apple, mineral/slate and strawberry wreathed in lemon curd and toasty notes. This has good mousse and a delightfully refreshing, lip-smacking aftertaste—certainly a cut above the norm. Pour with steamed mussels or pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
92 
Closson Chase ‘K.J. Watson Vineyard’ Pinot Gris 2017
VQA Four Mile Creek $22.95 (469445) 12.0% alcohol
Honey-dipped pear, apricot and exotic spice aromas are precursors to a luscious balanced and beautiful gusher of racy lemon curd and pineapple interwoven with tingly spice on the palate and a dry, lip-smacking finish. This is medium weight and unoaked with plenty of creamy-smooth mouthfeel and mouth-watering, mineral-laced aftertaste; it’s crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with prawn ceviche or mussels steamed in white wine and leeks. (Vic Harradine)
California: White Wine
91
Cannonball Chardonnay 2016
Sonoma County $24.95 (311563) 13.7% alcohol
This puts forward very appetizing aromas of ripe pear, vanilla, mild oak and a fresh tropical twist of pineapple and banana notes. The palate is treated to a rich mouthfeel and flavours of red apple, vanilla and poached pear lifted by persistent tangy pineapple defining the delightful finish. This medium-full bodied beauty inspires a roasted chicken and grilled-pineapple pairing. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: Red Wine
90
Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Coonawara + Clare Valley $24.95 (142398) 14.5% alcohol
A minty freshness leads the charge from the glass followed by aromas of ripe dark fruit, juniper berries, spice and black pepper. Blackcurrant and dark plum flavours adorned with campfire smoke, vanilla and baking spices flow effortlessly over the palate. Dry, full bodied with bright acidity, velvety tannins and well-integrated alcohol, it finishes medium-long with a pleasant chocolate-mint aftertaste. This would be delicious with roast leg of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)
France: Red Wine
89
Domaine Autrand Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2016
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $15.95 (200030) 14.0% alcohol
This blend of 70% grenache and 30% syrah is dark cherry in colour. Aromas of blackberry, strawberry, and vanilla are present on the nose. It is medium-full bodied on the palate with firm, but well-integrated tannins. Flavours of sour cherry and raspberry persist through the finish. It will keep in the cellar through to 2026. Pair with grilled rack of lamb. (Dave Isaacs)
88
Château Maucoil Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2016
AOP Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages $19.95 (638502) 13.5% alcohol
Concentrated and fruit-driven, this blend—50% grenache, 25% syrah. 25% carignan—presents sweet cherry, blackberry and strawberry jam aromas layered with spice, cocoa and vanilla before replaying and coating the flavourful palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with a silky-smooth texture, spiced red fruit and a hit of black pepper last through the mid-length finish. Serve this southern-Rhone red with pulled-pork tacos. (Lisa Isabelle)
France: Rosé
91
Château D’Aquéria Tavel Rosé 2017
AOC Tavel $23.95 (319368) 14.0% alcohol
This appellation in the southern Rhone Valley produces only rosé wines. Candy apple pink in colour, aromas of crisp red apple, savoury herbs, spice and a whiff of cotton candy open this intriguing grenache-based blend. The palate is fresh and juicy, offering strawberry and watermelon flavours supported by savoury notions of earth and Mediterranean herbs. Dry, mid weight and well structured, this would stand up to cold, grilled salmon sprinkled with capers. (Lisa Isabelle)
Italy: Red Wine
90
Famiglia Zingarelli ‘Rocca delle Macie’ Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $24.95 (930966) 14.0% alcohol
This opens with aromas of piquant spice, red cherry/berry fruit and oaky notes. It’s a lively red blend of 90% sangiovese, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 5% merlot dishing up a refreshing stream of palate-bathing fruit—black currant, ripe red cherry and hints of passionfruit—interwoven with spice box and savoury herbs. It’s medium-plus bodied and smooth as silk on the palate as it transitions to replays on the crisp, dry, lengthy finish. Pour with pasta puttanesca or veal cacciatore. (Vic Harradine)
90
Giacomo Mori Chianti 2015
DOCG Chianti $22.95 (68858) 14.0% alcohol
Produced with 95% sangiovese, and 5% colorino and canaiolo rounding out the blend, this wine was aged approximately one year in large oak casks before resting up to six months in the bottle before release. Lifted floral and earthy notes weave through vivid cherry/berry aromas on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied with grippy tannins, it offers a clean, well-defined structure supported by tart cherry, cranberry, tea leaves and spice flavours before finishing with a hint of vanilla on the extended, drying finish. Pair with eggplant parmesan or your favourite tomato-based pasta. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
88
Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Tinto 2016
D.O. Yecla $8.95 (635771) 13.0% alcohol
There’s exceptional value here in this fresh and fruity red produced with fruit from vines averaging over 30 years of age from south-eastern Spain. It was fermented in cool, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and aged up to 6 months in concrete vats resulting in a fresh, fruit-driven wine. Cherry, plum and raspberry aromas intermingle with pleasant notions of sandalwood, eucalyptus and cloves on the nose before being released on the juicy palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with apparent tannin, it finishes medium-long with a lengthy, red fruit aftertaste. Pair this appealing red with a seasoned, grilled burger. (Lisa Isabelle)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: April 17, 2019
92
André Brunel ‘Cuvée Sabrine’ Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2016
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, France $16.95 (538496) 14.0% alcohol
This blend of 70% grenache, 20% syrah, 10% mourvèdre is hand harvested from vines averaging 60-years-old and is a treat for the nose—ripe dark fruit, baking spice, violet, dry tobacco aromas and a fresh minty note. It’s a medium-full bodied red matured 18 months in concrete vats then blended and aged an additional six months before bottling. A cool and supple stream of ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis and black olive flavours travel the palate with ease and enjoyment along with savoury herb and black pepper notes persisting in the medium-length, warm, dry finish. This is a great partner to roasted lamb or red pizza with black olives. (Louise Boutin)
90
Villa Symposia ‘L’Équilibre’ 2015
AOC Languedoc, Pézenas, France $16.95 14.0% alcohol
A combination of stainless steel and one-year-old barrels were used to mature this red blend—50% syrah/30% carignan/10% grenache/10% mourvèdre. An expressive nose—dry cherry, baking spice, cedar, milk chocolate and potpourris—delights the senses. L’Équilibre means balance and that translates perfectly with this perfectly balanced, medium-full bodied red. A perfect combination of delicious flavours of dark cherry, cassis and blackberry mingle with savoury dry herbs and black olive on the palate. There’s enough tang, spice, earthiness and fine-grained tannin to be enticed back for more, and more. Pour now to 2020 with braised beef short ribs or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
89
Domaine Força Réal 2016
AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages, France $16.95 (494161) 14.5% alcohol
There’s a world of value in this delectable, hand-harvested red blend—60% grenache/30% syrah/10% mourvèdre—that matured eight months in stainless steel tanks. It needs a vigorous swirl to reveal its bouquet—black plum, dark cherry, raspberry, fresh rose and dusty minerality. The fine-grained, nicely astringent tannins are felt right away followed with ripe dark plum, blackberry and cassis flavours adding a dry savoury herb and mineral note on the mid-length finish. This is medium-full bodied with perfect alcohol integration and meant to be enjoyed with food. Pair with juicy, rare-grilled steak. Aerate/decant two hours prior to serving. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: August 17, 2019
89
Valpanera Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2016
DOC Friuli, Aquileia, Italy $15.95 (10080) 12.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour. Smoky dark fruit, earthiness and dry herbs fill the air. This medium-bodied red’s grape variety, ‘refosco dal peduncolo’, is named because of its red stem; it’s grown primarily in Italy, with Friuli the preferred region, and also in Slovenia and Croatia. This is medium bodied with flavours of blackberry, tart cherry, cranberry and a savoury note emerging mid palate and persisting through the savoury, tart, drying finish. Aerate/decant one hour and pour with spaghetti and meatballs. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: September 14, 2019
88
Ambo Grigio Pinot Grigio 2018
DOC Friuli, Italy $13.95 (10093) 12.5% alcohol
This friendly-priced medium-light bodied white from northeast Italy shows a pretty floral nose and fresh aromas of pear, green apple and pink grapefruit. Nose and palate are aligned here and the fresh juice flows easily with a nice zesty finish and aftertaste. Thirst quenching on its own, it’s also perfect with salted munchies. Drink now. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: TBD, 2019
89
Cleebourg Pinot Gris 2017
AOC Alsace, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
This medium-straw shaded with golden hues pinot gris opens the door with lactic aromas, white pepper, mild smoke, minerality and a ripe pear note. It’s both round and crisp on the palate revealing flavours of poached pear, quince, candied lemon peel and a suggestion of fresh thyme turning to a mild almond bitter note in the mid-length dry fruity finish. This is medium bodied and quite delicious with raclette and a charcuterie selection. (Louise Boutin)
90
Alba Vega Albariño 2018
DO Rias Baxias, Spain $15.95 (488973) 13.5% alcohol
Saline breeze and seaweed come to mind when nosing this medium-bodied white from the Spanish Atlantic coast. This is deliciously briny and mouth-watering with honeydew melon and citron-confit flavours on the palate carried all the way to the satisfying long tart and mineral finish. This is a food friendly wine and it’s perfect with fried calamari. (Louise Boutin
92
Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2017
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $14.95 14.5% alcohol
This beautiful bright medium-ruby blend—80% grenache and 20% syrah, stainless steel fermented is a steal! Aromas of fresh mixed berry compote, black cherry, violet and a hint of orange zest charm the nose. It glides on the palate with softness, showcasing crunchy black cherry, black plum and tangy raspberry flavours to the fore. Then peppery herb and warmth develop on the medium-long lively fruity/savoury finish. Surprisingly lighter than expected on the palate despite the alcohol level, this medium-bodied red is a hit on its own, with red sauce pasta or dry cherry-stuffed pork tenderloin. (Louise Boutin)
91
River’s Edge ‘Elkton Cuvée’ Pinot Noir 2014
Elkton, Oregon $17.95 (557850) 14.7% alcohol
Classic pale-garnet shaded, this pinot captivates the senses with its layer of red cherry and gamy aromas on the nose. Crunchy tart cherry and earthiness mingle with baking spice and polished tannin with all in perfect harmony. This is medium bodied with invisible alcohol until it gently warms-up mid-palate and takes you in a comforting savoury and spice long finish reminiscent of ginger snap cookies. This is excellent with tourtière or moussaka. Drink now to 2022. (Louise Boutin)
91
Domaine Les Pins ‘Les Rochettes’ Bourgueil 2017
AOC Bourgueil, France $17.95 (478263) 13.0% alcohol
Sourced from 10 to 35-year-old vines; this 100% cabernet franc has a lovely bright, medium-ruby colour. The nose is shy at first, but when given a chance to open, it shows aromas of dark cherry, strawberry, jalapeño and dusty rock. It flows on the palate with the freshness of juicy red berry flavours with spicy pepper kicking in on the mid palate along with assertive fine-grained tannin and recurrent minerality in the long, delicious, sharp and dry finish. It’s medium bodied with character and excellent structure and is a hit with grilled-rare ribeye steak. Aerate/decant an hour or two. (Louise Boutin)
89
Domaine Gouron Chinon 2018
AOC Chinon, France $16.95 (470963) 13.0% alcohol
This value-packed 100% cabernet franc, sourced from 30-years old vines, went through a short wine making process with no oak contact allowing retention of the fruitiness of the grapes. Expect lively aromas of sweet red cherry and plum with peppery notes in the background. It flows easily on the palate with crunchy red fruit—cherry and cranberry—polished, noticeable tannin and chalky minerality trailing in the fruity, mineral, dry finish. This offers excellent versatility at the table. Pour now to 2022 with bell pepper pizza or red sauce and pasta. (Louise Boutin)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following wine by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct by toll-free phone 1-888-399-1183, online from the winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0 in Prince Edward County – it’s an easy two-hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401 - Here’s a map.
90
Rosehall Run ‘Small Lots - Single Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Hand-harvested fruit from single-vineyard parcels provides 100% cabernet franc that underwent 24 days of warm, not hot, fermentation and ageing in partial new French oak puncheons. Even with a swirl, the nose remains delicate with red cherry, red and green bell pepper and mineral aromas. The acidity, chalky minerality and fine-grained tannin open the door to crunchy red fruit, dry cherry notes and dry savoury herbs. Medium bodied with singular character, this requires time and air to fully display its charm and complexity. If impatient, aerate/decant three to four hours and pour alongside duck confit or chicken cacciatore. There’s twenty years of cellaring potential here according to winemaker, Dan Sullivan. (Louise Boutin)
88
Rosehall Run ‘Hungry Point’ White 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $22.95 11.5% alcohol
This intriguing blend of 51% sauvignon blanc, 26% chardonnay musqué, 18% pinot gris and 5% muscat offers an aromatic nose of stone fruit, melon and citrus woven with pretty floral notes and a touch of white pepper. Hinting at off-dry, the medium-light bodied palate delivers candied lemon peel, ripe red apple, and a tropical fruit flavour through the medium-length, refreshing finish. This would pair nicely with an asparagus and lemon zest quiche. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in Okanagan Valley Wineries
• Order the following wine to be shipped to your home or office in most provinces, including Ontario, via this link - Culmina Family Estate Winery.
90
Culmina Estates ‘R & D’ Rosé Blend 2018
VQA Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley $19.00 13.5% alcohol
Don’t be fooled by the pale-salmon colour of this rosé, it packs some weight. The red blend of grapes—malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon—offers aromas of strawberry, nectarine and red plum garnished with savoury herbs and spice. Barely off dry, mid weight and creamy in texture; ripe stone fruit, citrus and strawberry flavours grace the palate. It finishes with a medium-long tasty, herb and fruit-infused finish and aftertaste. Serve alongside pan-seared tuna with a fruit salsa. (Lisa Isabelle)
93
Culmina Estates ‘Hypothesis’ 2014
VQA Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley $46.00 (414243) 14.0% alcohol
This iconic Bordeaux-blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 22% cabernet franc balances concentrated dark fruit aromas and flavours with a refined structure. The nose unfolds with aromas of blackberry, cassis and plum compote doused with notions of pipe tobacco, campfire smoke, cedar and vanilla. A wash of ripe dark fruit floods the palate underscored with tangy tart cherry, grilled green pepper and a mineral note. It’s dry, medium-full bodied, with marked acidity and firm, gripping tannins contributing to the ample mouthfeel and extending into the generous finish. It’s cellar worthy—patience will be handsomely rewarded—or decant four-plus hours before service. (Lisa Isabelle)
Special Limited-Time Offers
• You will receive a discount of $1.00 per bottle purchased from April 1st to April 28th 2019 taken off the price(s) shown below (the vintage date in stock may vary store to store, you should receive the discount regardless of the vintage in the store)
90
Bodegas Altanza ‘Hacienda Valvarés’ 2015
DOCa Rioja $20.95 (423509) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and blackberry meld with chocolate-covered cherry, black pepper, an earthy note and a hint of rose petal on the nose of this dry, mid-weight crianza. Smooth and well-balanced with fine-grained tannin, ripe red fruit flavours, sprinkled with dark chocolate, savoury herbs and a balsamic note, coat the nicely-textured palate and extend into the medium-long, mouth-watering finish. Serve with grilled chorizo sausages or a cheese and charcuterie platter. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2016 Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. This is a blend from hand-harvested fruit from select vineyards across the Niagara wine region matured 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling and release.
90
Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
A lightly-hued red in the glass, it offers delicate aromas of piquant spice, cedar and raspberry on the nose. It streaks over the palate with tang, tart and acidity borne of crunchy red fruit flavours—currant, pie cherry and passionfruit—along with wisps of sharp spice. I enjoyed the tart acidity and am confident that with a pasta in tomato sauce, red pizza or lasagne pairing, most others will, too. (Vic Harradine)
• You will receive a discount of $2.00 per bottle purchased from April 1st to April 28th 2019 taken off the price(s) shown below (the vintage date in stock may vary store to store, you should receive the discount regardless of the vintage in the store)
91
Southbrook Farms ‘Organic - Triomphe’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (172338) 13.0% alcohol
Exotic spice, wisps of smoky oak and sweet vanilla aromas provide segue to a racy river of lime-drizzled crab apple jelly and notions of Mirabelle plum caressing the palate infusing the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. This is medium weight with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang throughout. Pour with ceviche, sushi, pan-seared or grilled seafood. (Vic Harradine)
85
G. Marquis ‘The Silver Line’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $17.95 (258681) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of toasty oak, poached pear and tropical fruit dominate the nose. A medium-bodied stream of flavour washes over the palate with green apple, honeyed pear and lemongrass interwoven with caramel and oaky notes, all replaying on the finish and aftertaste. It hasn’t yet matured and melded its disparate parts, another year in bottle will be handsomely rewarded. (Vic Harradine)
90
Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling 2017
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
Organic- and biodynamic-certified, this off-dry riesling shows classic aromas of petrol along with apple, honey, ginger and white grapefruit. A delicious flow of juicy apple, ripe pineapple and pink grapefruit flavours cross the plate with a mouth-watering effect and a surprisingly crisp and clean mineral finish despite its 25g/L of residual sugar. This has cellaring potential until 2025 and is quite delicious now with spicy food such as spicy Thai or Indian cuisine. (Louise Boutin)
92
Thirty Bench ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Riesling 2015
VQA Beamsville Bench $22.95 (24133) 10.8% alcohol
The lifted nose of lime and piquant spice aromas is also decorated with sharp mineral notes and notions of petrol. An off-dry surge of citrus-infused flavours explode on the palate with lemon curd and lime cordial providing pizzazz along with delicious accoutrements of melon, minerality and under-ripe orchard fruit. It’s medium-weight with a bountiful, lip-smacking finish. Divine sipped on its own, it pours well with grilled or pan-seared fish, steamed mussels or breaded and skillet-fried calamari. (Vic Harradine)
90
La Crema Chardonnay 2016
Sonoma Coast $29.95 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
This cooler-climate chardonnay shows complexity and elegance. First on the nose, with peach and yellow plum aromas, beautifully wrapped in gentle oaky and vanilla bean notes. Then the palate’s greeted with a rich wash of poached pear flavours, buttered toast and vanilla notes lifted with candied lemon peel. This is medium-full bodied with lingering peachy/vanilla finish and a suggestion of piquant ginger on the aftertaste. Pour with crispy crab cakes for a delicious match. (Louise Boutin)
87
Featherstone ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Candied plum, red cherry and tomato leaf aromas easily escape from this medium-bodied red. Initially sweet on the tongue with flavours of ripe dark cherry, it’s then caught-up with savoury dry herb, cooked green bell pepper and tart red cherry. The medium tannins wrap a tangy and slightly peppery finish making it a good pairing with gourmet burgers dressed with all the fixings. (Louise Boutin)
88
Viña Tarapacá ‘Gran Reserva’ Carmenère 2015
Maipo Valley $17.00 (57513) 14.5% alcohol
This is dense, fruit-laden and ready to drink. Black currant, dark Bing cherry and black plum flavours coat the palate adorned with excellent tangy acidity and savoury herbs. Espresso roast, bittersweet chocolate and replays of palate flavours dominate the lingering, balanced finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled hangar steak and oven-roasted fries. (Vic Harradine)
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)
• You will receive a discount of $5.00 per bottle purchased from April 1st to April 28th 2019 taken off the price(s) shown below (the vintage date in stock may vary store to store, you should receive the discount regardless of the vintage in the store)
95
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castelgiocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino 2012
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino, Italy $52.95 (650432) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases purity of fruit, a deft tang/fruit balance and plenty of years ahead to mature—pop corks now, after a three-hour aeration/decant, or 2019 to 2026. Alluring, sexy aromas of baking spice, smoky notes, berry fruit, floral and cedar abound. A supple flow of full-flavoured ambrosia envelops the palate with crunchy red fruit—pomegranate and cranberry—interlaced with black currant, dark plum, spice and juicy Bing cherry. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish underpinned by still-evolving ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)
88
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $39.95 (389411) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Mango and ripe yellow peach aromas unleash a gusher of sweet, honeyed flavour on the palate with honey-drizzled peach pie and candied apricot coating the palate and persisting through the finish. It’s full bodied and generously textured delivering a sticky, sweet aftertaste. Pour with quality blue cheese or fruit flan. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wines will allow you to gain 10 bonus AirMiles per bottle purchased from March 31st to April 27th, 2019
• The following Montes Alpha 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
89
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
DO Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (322586) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, juicy, red cherry/berry fruit, exotic spice and grilled savory herb aromas abound. It cuts a broad, complex swath across the palate with a nicely textured, medium-plus bodied flow of bramble berry and juicy black cherry mingling with sweet vanilla, baking spice, cracked black pepper and a wisps of soft, ripe tannin. The balanced finish and aftertaste is robust, lengthy and mouth-watering good. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic