April 7, 2019 Newsletter
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
– 6 of 37 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $14.95 (three at this price!) to $16.95 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 – one wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter: 2012 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castelgiocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino earned 5 stars @ $52.95 found under Special Limited-Time Offers. It would also receive an exceptional value icon if purchased with the offer time limit.
- Louise Loves – 3-Rings Shiraz 2016 earned 89 points @ $17.95 found under Upstream in winecurrent; Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 earned 87 points @ $14.95 and Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Shiraz 2017 earned 87 points @ $14.95 with both found under New in LCBO.
- Lisa Likes – Cave Spring ‘Indian Summer’ Riesling 2016 earned 90 points @ $24.95 375 mL found under Dessert Wine.
- Dave’s Delights – 2015 Tzafona Cellars ‘Cold Climate – Unoaked’ Chardonnay KP earned 89 points @ $22.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2014 Tzafona Cellars ‘Cold Climate’ Cabernet Sauvignon KP earned 89 points @ $29.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine.
- Vic Picks – Williams & Humbert ‘Walnut Brown - Rare Old Brown’ Oloroso Non-Vintage earned 89 points @ $14.95 found under Fortified: Dessert Wine; 2016 Redstone ‘Redfoot Vineyard’ Viognier earned 91 points @ 19.95 and 2017 Southbrook Vineyards ‘Wild Ferment’ Chardonnay earned 94 points @ $35.00 are both found under Ontario Wines. 2016 Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay earned 90 points @$16.95 found under Ontario: White Wines.
Vintages Release: April 13, 2019
Fortified Wine: Vermouth
88
Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino
Italy $27.95 (461913) 16.0% alcohol
The spirited nose—aromas of iodine, orange peel, spun sugar and caramel—will certainly get your attention. Flavours of candied peel marmalade, sweet, honey-dipped mandarin orange and aromatic bitters attack the palate with gusto persisting through the long and über-delicious aftertaste. Primarily used in cocktails—Martini, Manhattan—it’s quite good on its own, on the rocks. (Vic Harradine)
Fortified Wine: Port
87
Warre’s Warrior ‘Finest Reserve’ Ruby Non-Vintage
DOP Douro, Portugal $19.95 (197202) 20.0% alcohol
Aromas of mocha, dark berry fruit and raisined notes precede a sweet, warm flow of prune and cooked fruit flavours interwoven with piquant spice and mineral notes. On the back palate bramble berry jam and grilled herbs come to the fore. More complex than many Ruby Port, this ends with a notion of bittersweet chocolate. Pour with blue cheese or chocolate dessert. (Vic Harradine)
Fortified Wine: Dessert Wine
89
Williams & Humbert ‘Walnut Brown - Rare Old Brown’ Oloroso Non-Vintage
DO Jerez, Spain $14.95 (437467) 19.5% alcohol
What a treat - what a bargain. Dark amber with tinges of green on the edges; the aromas are divine—Oloroso means ‘scented’ in Spanish—with dark raisin, caramel and fig predominant. Warm and sweet on the palate, look for the aromas to follow through to flavours plus some lovely spice and nutty notes. The long sweet finish of this dessert wine cries out for spiced nut cake or ginger snaps. (Vic Harradine)
Dessert Wine
• The following 2016 Cave Spring ‘Indian Summer’ Riesling is an iconic, perennial favourite that never disappoints.
90
Cave Spring ‘Indian Summer’ Riesling 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 375 mL (415901) 12.0% alcohol
The grapes for this wine were left to ripen and partially dry into the fall and were harvested and pressed after the first frost. The result is a luscious, concentrated, sweet riesling opening with aromas of ripe peach and pear, floral notes and a distinct petrol note characteristic of this varietal. The palate is rich and flavourful with peach compote, honey and marmalade flavours coating the palate countered by lively acidity. Enjoy this medium-full bodied, well-balanced offering with a foie gras pâté or fruit-based dessert. (Lisa Isabelle)
Greece Specialty Wine
87
Kechris ‘Kechribari’ Retsina Non-Vintage
Greece $8.95 (581942) 500 mL 11.5% alcohol
This is fermented in stainless steel tanks with high-quality resin infused during the fermentation process. The result is a wine that‘s light golden-yellow in appearance with a nose of pine, eucalyptus and roses. It’s medium-to-full bodied and dry on the palate with flavours of lemon and pine that linger through the finish. This is well paired with olives and anchovies. (Dave Isaacs)
Sparkling Wine
89
Cave de Hoen ‘Mausberg’ Blanc de Blancs Brut Crémant d’Alsace Non-Vintage
AOC Alsace, France $17.95 (171785) 10.5% alcohol
This provides good value, loads of flavour and serious fine-bead bubbles; what’s not to like? It opens with a tantalizing nose of orange blossom, honeyed orange and citrus aromas followed by a lovely attack on the palate with oodles of racy zesty flavour—lemongrass, red currant and citrus galore. It’s light on its feet with a refreshing mouth-watering finish. It’s the perfect aperitif and one to welcome guests. (Vic Harradine)
89
Bernard-Massard ‘Cuvée de l’Écusson’ Brut Rosé Non-vintage
AOC Luxembourg $19.95 (369074) 12.5% alcohol
There’s a mountain of bubbles in this lean, sleek Rosé. Aromas and flavours of red berry fruit abound—strawberry, cherry and currant, robed in tangy red grapefruit and spice. It has character, medium body, reasonable mouth feel and a crisp, refreshing finish. Pour with pasta in cream sauce or pan-seared salmon. There’s good value in this bubbly. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
• You and the following 2016 Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay can both be counted as big-hearted as a portion of your purchase price is donated to the Ontario Association of Foodbanks. The price-quality balance here tips wildly in your favour and it’s delicious; pick up a few and drink over the next 12 months or so.
90 
Flat Rock ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment $16.95 (356873) 13.4% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic spice, floral notes and wisps of minerality abound on the nose. This is near-full bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel, A delicious, balanced flow of flavour—ripe apple, racy citrus, honeyed tropical fruit and a cornucopia of mixed orchard fruit—washes over the palate infusing the finish with ripe fruit, excellent tang and acidity from citrus notes and a boatload of charm. Stock up. (Vic Harradine)
89
Tzafona Cellars ‘Cold Climate – Unoaked’ Chardonnay KP 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (485276) 13.0% alcohol
This stylish Chardonnay is part of the lineup of Kosher for Passover Certified wines produced by Tzafona Cellars. It's golden yellow with notes of green apple on the nose. It's crisp on the palate with hints of lime and apple and a long citrus finish. Enjoy with lemon-poached chicken breast. (Dave Isaacs)
Ontario: Red Wine
89
Tzafona Cellars ‘Cold Climate’ Cabernet Sauvignon KP 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (493981) 13.0% alcohol
This well-balanced Cab is part of the lineup of certified Kosher for Passover wines produced by Tzafona Cellars. It's medium-red hued with a tinge of orange around the edges. It has a striking nose of green leaf, grape stems, mushrooms, and earth with notes of clove in the background. It's medium bodied with dry chalky tannin, cherry flavour and a lingering finish. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following three wines are available in 20 select LCBO ‘Ontario Wine Boutique’ stores, in the Vintages section of select Toronto and Ottawa stores that you can identify online via www.vintages.com then clicking on ‘Ontario Wines’, or by ordering online @ www.lcbo.com.
91
Redstone ‘Redfoot Vineyard’ Viognier 2016
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $19.95 (644633) 13.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance here swings well in your favour. Honeysuckle and oaky aromas provide segue to a medium-full bodied, fully textured mouthful of honey-drizzled lemon and lime intertwined with ripe apricot, ginger snap and notes of buttered toast; this was aged eight months in French oak barrels. This dishes up purity of fruit, deft balance, depth, complexity, elegance and charm. Pour with pan-seared pork chops and apple sauce or chicken pot pie. (Vic Harradine)
94
Southbrook Vineyards ‘Wild Ferment’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $35.00 (644625) 13.0% alcohol
This is ProCert certified—organic and biodynamic, suitable for vegans and vegetarians and given the incredible quality level, worth every penny and more. Alluring aromas of baking spice, vanilla and toasty oak mingle with wisps of yellow plum and green pear on the nose of this medium-full bodied stunning chardonnay. Sweet-tinged entry flavours of yellow peach and plum meld nicely with back-palate flavours of green apple and lemon curd. The finish and aftertaste tingle with ripe-fruit flavour and racy tang decorated with deft balance and charm. Delicious now, short to medium-term cellaring will enhance even this fine wine. Pour alongside roast fowl with all the fixings, steamed lobster dipped in clarified butter or firm, pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Tawse ‘Redfoot Vineyard’ Gamay Noir was sourced from hand-picked, single-vineyard fruit matured eight months in French oak barrels before bottling.
89
Tawse ‘Redfoot Vineyard’ Gamay Noir 2016
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $24.95 (546465) 12.5% alcohol
Dark cherry, spice, cedar and savory herb aromas abound on the nose of this balanced, lively and tangy gamay noir. It bathes the palate with tart cranberry and red plum on entry then ripe bramble berry and blueberry on the back palate and finish. It’s quite firm, flavourful and pleasant sipping from twist top to final drop. It also pairs well with a mixed deli platter or a variety of cheese and baguette board. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
92
Irony ‘Small Lot Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
North Coast $24.95 (25106) 14.5% alcohol
This California cabernet is very well priced and has excellent balance—it’s quite approachable now after a two-hour aeration decant. Sweet-tinged fruit blankets the palate with briary berry, black plum and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. The palate fruit is adorned with excellent balance, good tang and plenty of charm. It finishes dry and delicious with fruit replays and hints of mocha and vanilla. This pours well with grilled or roast beef. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Seresin ‘Momo’ Pinot Noir was hand-harvested from organically grown fruit—suitable for vegetarians and vegans—whole-bunch pressed then fermented with wild yeast in seasoned French oak barrel and left to mature 12 months before blending and only lightly filtered—not fined—before bottling.
New Zealand: Red Wine
90
Seresin ‘Momo’ Pinot Noir 2016
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (163972) 13.5% alcohol
This is very good value featuring good balance, purity of fruit and a lengthy, luscious finish and aftertaste. Grilled savory herbs and spice aromas waft easily from this medium-bodied pinot. Rich, ripe dark fruit flavours coat the palate with raspberry, cherry and currant dominant adorned with savory herbs and mixed spice. It finishes lengthy with good fruit flavour, excellent acidity and balance. Pour with roast chicken or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
91
Château Larose-Trintaudon Cru Bourgeois 2009
AOC Haut-Médoc $26.95 (297945) 13.7% alcohol
This Bordeaux red blend—60% cabernet sauvignon/40% merlot—is from vines with an average age of 28 years and is smooth as silk from cork pop to last drop. Aromas of pipe tobacco and gamy notes flourish on the nose. The palate showcases fully ripened fruit flavours with black currant and dark cherry mingling with peppery spice and wisps of tannin and mineral notes. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy dry finish and aftertaste. This is classy, almost elegant, and full of charm. Aerate a half hour before serving with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
90
Rioja Vega Crianza 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (471854) 14.0% alcohol
Smoke and toasty notes mingle with spice, dark berry and cherry fruit on the nose of this 80% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, 5% mazuelo. It’s quite smooth on entry with loads of ripe red fruit flavours—strawberry, raspberry and cherry—adorned with dollops of bright, lively tang and notions of red licorice on the palate. Medium weight and nicely textured, it replays on the finish showcasing good purity of fruit, deft balance, and it’s lip-smacking good. Wonderful as a sipper, it pairs well with prawn and chorizo paella, lasagna or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD 2019
88
Fox in the Hen House Shiraz 2015
Barossa Valley $19.95 14.9% alcohol
Expect aromas of blackberry, purple plum, dry savoury herb and a gamy note in this medium-full bodied red with well-integrated alcohol. It glides creamy smooth on the palate with blackberry and tangy raspberry flavours warming-up slightly on the mid palate and developing notions of eucalyptus and black pepper in the dry finish and aftertaste. This is a good match with grilled mixed sausages. Aerate/decant an hour or two before serving. (Louise Boutin)
87
Fox in the Hen House Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Barossa Valley $19.95 14.5% alcohol
An hour of aeration/decant will help this to open-up and reveal aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, pencil shaving and green bell pepper. Quite focused on sour cherry flavours with soft tannin, it travels the palate with ease adding blackberry and green bell pepper notes on the dry enjoyable finish. It’s food friendly, pour this medium-bodied Barossa Valley cab with gourmet burgers. (Louise Boutin)
88
Fox in the Hen House ‘Fox Hunt’ 2014
South Australia $15.95 14.9% alcohol
This value-packed shiraz/cabernet sauvignon blend shows signs of evolution with a garnet rim and aromas of prune, licorice, leather and pepper made prominent by vigorous swirling. Cool on the tongue at first, it gently warms-up the palate offering flavours of prune, dark berry, cassis, cedar and peppery herb closing the dry savoury finale. Medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannin, this friendly priced red is a good choice paired with pork chops brushed with barbecue sauce. Aerate/decant one hour before service. (Louise Boutin)
88
Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
South Australia $15.95 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour. It’s an attractive, deep-ruby, garnet-rimmed, 100% cabernet sauvignon with an intriguing nose of dark cherry, blackberry, bell pepper, cigar box and even a hint of violet. This is medium-bodied with flavours of cassis, blackberry and green bell pepper framed in chewy tannin and a sour cherry note emerging in the dry savoury finish. Aerate/decant two hours and pair with a charcuterie board and a selection of aged, hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)
89
3-Rings Shiraz 2016
Barossa Valley $17.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol
This value-packed shiraz offers a rich bouquet—blackberry, crushed raspberry, black tea, cinnamon and a hint of wet earth. A juicy wash of ripe blackberry, sour cherry, black plum flavours and a dry savoury herb note blanket the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration and very fine-grained tannins melding with a chalky mineral note on the dry tangy, fruity finish. Pour with slow-cooked stew or juicy, rare-grilled red meat. (Louise Boutin)
90
Paringa Shiraz 2016
South Australia $15.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
A rich ruby color and an expressive nose—dry cherry, prune, leather, cedar and cough syrup—introduce a cool stream of ripe dark cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate palate flavours with a lovely menthol note adding to the enjoyment. This dry, medium-full bodied Aussie red is light on the palate, has polished tannins and a medium-long dry fruity finish with a delicious savoury aftertaste. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside blue-veined cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. (Louise Boutin)
New in the LCBO
• The two LCBO General List Wakefield wines featured below, come dressed in a new label from Australian painter, Catherine Abel. The label represents the lushness of the Clare Valley area and the winery’s twenty-year-old seahorse trademark, a reference to the fossilized sea creatures found in the vineyard soil when first dug.
87
Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
South Australia $14.95 (358838) 14.0% alcohol
A nose of red and green bell pepper aromas shielding dark cherry, cedar and black pepper notes introduces a juicy flow of palate flavour—red cherry, plum compote, dark chocolate and fresh bayleaf. The alcohol is well integrated and hardly perceivable on the palate while the young fine-grained tannins add to the structure of this medium-full bodied well-priced red. Fruity on the finish with an herbaceous aftertaste it’s best enjoyed with food such as stuffed red bell pepper. (Louise Boutin)
87
Wakefield ‘Promised Land’ Shiraz 2017
South Australia $14.95 (441543) 14.0% alcohol
Stewed plum, crushed raspberry, cherry pie filling and a hint of peony fill the air with this 100% shiraz. Meant to be enjoyed upon release, this medium-full bodied red is fruit forward with soft tannin and good acidity featuring flavours of dark cherry, tangy raspberry, red plum and a dry savoury herb note lingering in the otherwise fruity finish. Enjoy now with red-sauce pizza and your favourite toppings. (LouiseBoutin)
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