May 6, 2019 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights include:
There are many more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines with most of them available in Canadian wineries who will ship to your home, and in LCBO stores in both Vintages and in the front of the store. You’ll be surprised at how many wines are reviewed there and how many of them are lower-priced and exceptional-value wines. With three dozen wines reviewed after the release, you’ll be certain to find many of interest and some for purchase.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 13 of 51 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $13.95 to $18.95 and are found throughout the newsletter and easily identified via the value checkmark above. Many in LCBO stores now and some on their way. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – no wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter.
- Louise Loves – 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree - White’ earned 91 points @ $17.95 and 2017 The Tragically Hip ‘Ahead by a Century’ Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $21.95 with both found under Ontario: White Wine and, of course, all her exceptional-value reviews
- Vic Picks – 2013 Cuddy by Tawse Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $25.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2018 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - Pink’ Rosé earned 91 points @ $17.95 found under Ontario: Rosé Wine; 2016 Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir earned 90 points @ $25.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; House Wine Co. ‘House Wine - Red’ 2017 earned 88 points @ $13.95 found under New in LCBO Portfolio; 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2018 earned 90 points @ $14.95 found under New in Vintages; 2017 Fielding Estate Winery Riesling earned 91 points @ $16.95 found under New in LCBO Portfolio and, of course, all his exceptional-value reviews.
Vintages Release: May 11, 2019
Fortified Wine: Port
90
Burmester 10-Year-Old Tawny Port Non-Vintage
DOC Douro $28.95 (223958) 20.0% alcohol
Aromatic and extremely versatile, this is also food friendly with a long, delicious, sweet aftertaste. Spice cake, iodine and orange marmalade on the nose, it bathes the palate with round fleshy flavours—toffee apple, crème caramel and toasted almonds. Tawny Port gains its name from the tawny colour from many years aged in barrel—resolving tannin and imparting a silky-smooth, lip-smacking experience. Lovely on its own, serve slightly chilled with consommé, fruit cake or amarelo cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Icewine: Niagara Peninsula
90 
Pondview ‘Gold Series’ Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 200 mL (390351) 10.5% alcohol
This is pale-gold in colour with aromas of clover, apricot, and apple pie. It's full bodied and syrupy sweet with flavours of dried apricot and apple, trailing off to a fruit-forward finish. Pour a couple of glasses to sip then use this as an ingredient in the winery's own Vidal Icewine Apple Chutney recipe. (Dave Isaacs)
Ontario: White Wine
87
Charles Baker ‘B-Side’ Riesling 2017
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment $21.95 (523845) 10.3% alcohol
This medium-light bodied slightly petrol-scented white offers a shy nose of yellow orchard fruit. It flows on the palate nicely carrying flavours of ripe pear, golden apple, green apple acidity and mineral notes typical of the varietal. The fruity-mineral finish is clean and dryer than expected considering the alcohol level. Pour now with salty appetizers. (Louise Boutin)
91
Cuddy by Tawse Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (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 on its own, this also pours well with grilled calamari or pan-seared fish. (Vic Harradine)
91 
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree - White’ 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (251116) 13.5% alcohol
The collective effort of neighbouring vineyard owners go into this eclectic blend of 40% chardonnay, 29% viognier, 19% gewürztraminer and 12% chardonnay musqué. A lovely fruit cocktail bouquet—Golden Delicious apple, ripe pear, and peach complemented by honeysuckle, ginger and a musky note waft from the glass. This is medium weight and crisp on the palate with generous orchard fruit flavours and a zesty ginger-flecked finish. This is versatile at the table and a great dance partner with various fish or chicken dishes. (Louise Boutin)
91
The Tragically Hip ‘Ahead by a Century’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (483875) 13.0% alcohol
Celebrity wines are not always billboard chart worthy, this one is. This blend of chardonnay with a splash of sémillon starts with reserved aromas—pear, apple and fermentation notes but truly comes out of its shell as soon as it hits the tongue with its beautiful flavours—poached pear, caramel, coconut, vanilla and the perfect squirt of citrus acidity. Eight months of barrel maturation on lees and full malolactic conversion bring richness and complexity that’s carried into the long, dry, fruity and nutty, gorgeous finish. Pour now to 2021 with baked Brie and roasted almonds. (Louise Boutin)
Ontario: Rosé Wine
• The following 2018 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - Pink’ Rosé is a unique blend of pinot noir, riesling and a ladleful of gewürztraminer. It’s also a timely release for someone unique in your life, your mother. If she’s still with you, gift her a bottle or two, if not, pick up a bottle or two and make a toast to your unique mom with this wine.
91
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - Pink’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (39974) 11.0% alcohol
This is quite unlike most Rosé wines—it has lifted aromas, brilliantly electrified palate flavours, oodles of texture and a lingering mouth-watering finish. Aromas of freshly sliced strawberries, red berry fruit and floral notes provide segue to a lively racy river of palate flavours—dried cranberry, candied red raspberry and tangy red currant—providing yin and yang, sweet and tang, delivering a delicious, just off-dry sensation on the back palate, finish and aftertaste. Give it a go on its own or with a charcuterie board and baguette, a selection of soft and blue-veined cheese or a full-on deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. It was matured in 100% American oak—mostly from California coopered by Tonnellerie Ô, with 25% new and the balance one to four-year-old barrels.
90
Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (64618) 12.5% alcohol
This is value-packed. Aromas of dark raspberry, pipe tobacco and peppery spice introduce palate flavours of tangy, crunchy red fruit—currant, cherry and plum—adorned with hints of herbal notes and soft ripe tannin. It finishes balanced, polished and lengthy. This is medium weight with good texture and plenty of options at the table, grilled meats, burgers or ribs, red sauce, meat-laden pizza, boeuf Bourguignon or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
• 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 $25.95 (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)
France: White Wine
90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2017
IGP Pays d’Oc $14.95 (147975) 13.5% alcohol
Honeysuckle, peach and soft citrus notes provide an aromatic clarion call for this 100% Viognier. It blankets the palate, creamy-smooth with generous mouthfeel and a gorgeous wash of deftly balanced palate flavours—yellow peach, Mirabelle plum and Meyer lemon. The fruit replays on the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour with roast chicken or breaded veal cutlets. Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
90
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley $39.95 (73817) 13.9% alcohol
This is an expressive blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% malbec, 4% merlot,
3% petite sirah and 1% petit verdot. Aromas of blackberry and raspberry punctuated with notes of mocha and vanilla waft from the glass. It’s medium-full bodied with good structure, juicy acidity, moderate tannins and juicy palate flavours of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. The finish is lengthy and tangy. Pair with barbequed lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)
France: Rosé
89
Gérard Bertrand Perles de Grenache 2018
IGP Pays d’Oc $18.95 (556209) 12.5% alcohol
This good-value, 100% grenache rosé offers up aromas of floral notes, red cherry/berry fruit and spice. It pleases the palate with a light-medium weight river of slightly off-dry red berry fruit flavours that persist to the finish then add a dollop of tang to turn this dry and clean up nicely on the aftertaste. This pours well with a deli board or grilled fish and shellfish. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Ferraton Père & Fils ‘Le Parvis’ was sourced from primarily grenache along with a small amount of syrah and mourvèdre then de-stemmed and fermented in vats with punch downs and pump overs and approximately 20 days maceration. It matured 12 to 15 months in large oak barrels and vats.
92
Ferraton Père & Fils ‘Le Parvis’ 2016
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $53.95 (638551) 15.0% alcohol
Involved, alluring aromas of red and dark cherry/berry fruit interwoven with dark bittersweet chocolate and sharp spice. It bathes the palate with smooth-as-silk wash of tangy ambrosia with red cherry and red raspberry fruit flavours robed in sweet vanilla and a potpourri of spice. There’s deft balance of ripe fruit, excellent acidity and soft tannin. It finishes lengthy and dry with dark chocolate on the aftertaste. Give this a go with medium-rare grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
88
Storia Antica Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2016
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso $18.95 (273672) 14.0% alcohol
Cherry and plum aromas mingle with pipe tobacco, campfire smoke, baking spices and a subtle balsamic note. The concentrated palate is smooth in texture and features dried and fresh cherry flavours, black pepper and spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, drying tannins are offset by refreshing acidity on the lengthy finish. Pair with grilled beef. (Lisa Isabelle)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: May 25, 2019
88
Gérard Bertrand Fitou Grenache/Carignan 2017
AOP Fitou, France $16.95 (403683) 13.0% alcohol
A shy nose of red and dark berry fruit, spice and herb aromas set the table for a medium-bodied, creamy smooth flow of tangy red currant and pie cherry nicely interlaced with sweet black plum and a hint of mixed herbs. This is light on its feet with sense of purpose, good balance and food-friendly characteristics. Give this a go with burritos, wings, doner kebabs, pizza or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2015 Waterkloof ‘Circle of Life’ is a blend of 72% sauvignon blanc/28% chenin blanc that was hand harvested, hand sorted and sourced from organic/biodynamic vineyards before being whole-bunch pressed and co-fermented in large oak barrels. It underwent a six-month fermentation and lengthy bottle maturation before release. No acids or enzymes were added.
93
Waterkloof ‘Circle of Life’ 2015
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa $19.95 (284588) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of lime, herbal notes and honeydew melon abound. A medium-bodied, silky-smooth textured river of balanced-on-a-pin flavours blanket the palate with blood orange, lemon curd and lip-smacking minerality. This showcases good depth and complexity, persistent purity of fruit, a lengthy finish and a double helping of flavourful charm and pizzazz. Sip on its own or alongside sole meuniere. (Vic Harradine)
90
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree – Red’ 2016
VQA Ontario $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
This eclectic red blend—32% syrah/30% merlot/18% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 5% baco noir—gives up aromas of charred toast and smoke, mixed spice and flecks of dark cherry/berry fruit, It glides over the palate with great aplomb showcasing delicious palate flavours of black briary berry and blueberry intertwined with excellent tang and a lip-smacking aftertaste. This sips nicely on its own and pours exceptionally well with grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Robert Mondavi ‘Fumé Blanc’ is an 85% sauvignon blanc/15% sémillon, barrel-fermented and barrel-aged blend that’s a value-laden touchstone white wine from the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery.
91
Robert Mondavi ‘Fumé Blanc’ 2017
Napa Valley $22.95 (221887) 14.5% alcohol
This rips from the glass with smoky, flinty/mineral and herbal aromas before blanketing the palate with a tang-infused gusher of lemon-lime citrus, grilled pineapple and a mélange of tropical fruit. This is medium bodied with deft balance, good mouthfeel and purity of fruit throughout while finishing lengthy and lip-smacking good with wisps of mineral notes. Pour with all manner of seafood or a three-cheese white pizza. (Vic Harradine)
90
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Rosewater, mixed spice, green apple and lime aromas abound on the nose of this gorgeous riesling/gewürztraminer/chardonnay blend. It bathes the palate medium bodied, creamy textured with a flavour-packed mouthful of grilled pineapple, Key lime pie and lemon curd. Palate replays dominate the lingering dry and crisp, lip-smacking finish. Sip on its own or pour with an array of dishes—roast chicken, spicy Asian or white pizza and more. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release June 8, 2019
87
Conundrum Rosé 2017
California $21.95 (557595) 13.4% alcohol
This refreshing rosé is made from a blend of fruit grown in the coastal regions of California, including the rarely encountered ‘napa gamay’—which isn't gamay, but is valdiguié, a variety usually seen in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. This has a salmon and peach hue with a nose dominated by aromas of strawberry. It’s medium bodied with lively acidity and red berry flavours on the palate. The finish is pleasantly tangy. Pour with smoked salmon served on a baguette smeared with cream cheese. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot red blend—49% merlot/37% cabernet sauvignon/14% cabernet franc—was sourced from estate-owned older vines—the cabernet sauvignon from a 1988 planting and merlot and cabernet franc that were both planted in 1999. This matured 18 months in small barrels of American and French oak, 40% new.
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $39.95 13.5% alcohol
This divine red opens with a cornucopia of aromas—dark berry fruit, cassis, baking spice, sweet vanilla and pipe tobacco. It washes over the palate with a tang-laden, soft tannin-infused stream of pie cherry and red currant nicely balanced with black currant and hints of savoury herbs and peppery spice. It’s full bodied and fully textured with persistent purity of fruit, good balance and firm structure. The spice and fruit holds and the tannin builds slightly on the lengthy, lip-smacking finish. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside medium-rare grilled beef tenderloin with a side of grilled Portobello or cremini mushrooms. This will get even better with two additional years of careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)
91
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Unplugged’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $17.95 (68015) 12.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance skews wildly in your favour here. Fresh, lively aromas of lemongrass, green apple and floral notes leap from the glass. It captures the palate with a torrent of tang-laden flavour with racy lemon and grapefruit nicely balanced and juxtaposed with ripe orchard fruit—clementine and Mirabelle plum. This is medium weight, well textured and brimming with flavour, deft balance and charm. Pick up a few and pour on its own or alongside pan-seared trout or salmon, roast chicken or breaded pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
90
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley $25.95 (136382) 13.5% alcohol
Fermenting and ageing in a combination of stainless steel and French and American oak barrels has resulted in a wine with a lot of variety in its character. It has a brilliant yellow appearance, and a nose with aromas of lemon, slate and a touch of toasted oak. The wine has a creamy texture, cut through with a great zip of acidity and lemon-lime palate flavours. There’s a lot of mineral notes in the finish along with hints of slightly toasted meringue. This is well paired with baked cod in a creamy lemon sauce. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: July 6, 2019
90
Meiomi Rosé 2017
Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara, California $23.75 (557611) 13.0% alcohol
The alluring nose showcases lifted aromas of floral notes, citrus and freshly picked strawberry. It streaks over the palate with great élan and a laser-like stream of flavour—racy blood orange, ripe watermelon and sharp minerality. This is crisp, dry and refreshing with a lingering mouth-watering finish that sports excellent tang. A wonderful sipper on its own, it’s quite versatile at the table; pour alongside pan-seared salmon, lighter-styled appetizers, charcuterie or a deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
90
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (341586) 12.5% alcohol
This incredibly popular aromatic white blend—61% riesling/18% gewürztraminer/13% sauvignon blanc/8% chardonnay—has a large following, it delivers in spades, vintage after vintage. Aromas of rosewater, lime and peach set the table for a smorgasbord of perfectly balanced, delicious palate flavours with Key lime, crisp green apple and lemon pie filling to the fore. It’s medium bodied, creamy smooth and lingers on the finish – balanced and mouth-watering good. Pick up a few to sip on its own or pour alongside pan-seared fish like salmon or trout, or thin-crust, lightly dressed three-cheese—brie, mozzarella, chèvre—white pizza. (Vic Harradine)
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Old Vines’ Baco Noir 2018
VQA Ontario $19.95 (459966) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rich dark berry fruit, mixed spice and black juicy Bing cherry provide segue to a value-laden, luscious, rich surge of beautifully textured ambrosia with palate flavours of sweet vanilla and baking spice giving way to cassis, black raspberry jam and notions of dark chocolate. This is medium-full bodied with good texture, balance and oodles of tang on the lip-smacking good finish. Pour with grilled and smoked back ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The trademark for the following Meiomi Pinot Noir is—regardless of vintage—‘it doesn’t taste much like Pinot Noir’; and this turns some people away. If you expect a pinot noir to taste like pinot noir, the Meiomi may not be for you. However, if you like rich, jammy red wines and don’t care much if it’s zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir, you may want to give the following serious consideration.
88
Meiomi Pinot Noir 2017
Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma, California $21.95 (130138) 13.7% alcohol
Ripe, black and red fruit and espresso roast aromas swirl from this medium-plus bodied, full-Monty, well-textured red. It envelops the palate with a river of sweet jammy flavours—black currant, ripe mulberry and Bing cherry—intertwined with kirsch liqueur, sweet vanilla and toasty/oaky bits. Palate flavours persist through the mocha-laden finish and aftertaste with a slight bit of tang. Pour with grilled pork back ribs brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following five wines are Vintages Essentials products always available in select LCBO stores.
88
Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner's Reserve’ Chardonnay 2017
California $19.95 (369686) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of butter cream and toasted oak meld with hints of tropical fruit. It is medium-to-full bodied on the palate, with a refreshing acidity. Flavours of oak and pineapple are carried through the finish, where they are joined with a hint of grapefruit. This will be a nice match for baked cod. (Dave Isaacs)
88
La Crema Chardonnay 2017
Sonoma Coast $29.95 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
This is an elegant chardonnay with subtle oak aromas on the nose combined with notes of apple and minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with zesty acidity delivering green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is tangy and underlined with clean minerality. This will evolve nicely in the cellar for a few years, and can be enjoyed with shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)
91
First Press Chardonnay 2015
Napa Valley $24.95 (199810) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of peach and green apple along with lactic and light wood notes open the door to a medium-bodied wash of ripe pear, peach and pineapple palate flavours veiled with butterscotch and vanilla notes nicely balanced with a tangy citrus presence. A five-month maturation in French and American oak plus malolactic conversion brings softness and elegance to this medium-full bodied white through to the lengthy delicious finish. Pour with baked cod loin. (Louise Boutin)
• The following Beringer ‘Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is $5.00 off the price shown below of each bottle purchased now to May 26, 2019.
91
Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Knights Valley, California $44.95 (352583) 14.8% alcohol
This blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, matured 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Dark cherry, plum compote, chipotle, baking spice and violet aromas showcase the complex nose. Silky soft on palate entry with flavours of ripe black cherry, clove and vanilla, it shows a firmer profile mid palate with tight tannin and flavours of cocoa powder, freshly cracked black peppercorn and a wisp of red plum acidity through the finish and aftertaste. This is full-bodied with cellaring potential; enjoy now to 2024 with juicy rare prime rib after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)
90
First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley $29.95 (188110) 14.5% alcohol
Expect dark cherry, strawberry, black peppercorn and baking spice on the nose of this excellent Napa red, aged sixteen months in a combination of French and American oak. A velvety textured wash of concentrated flavours—ripe black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and red pepper—treats the palate while lively acidity and fine-grained tannin provide structure and enhance the lengthy fruit forward, spicy finish. Aerate/decant one hour and enjoy with braised beef short-ribs. (Louise Boutin)
New in LCBO Portfolio
89
Fielding Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (223610) 12.0% alcohol
A mélange of inviting citrus aromas intertwine with floral notes and wisps of honey on the nose of this light-on-its-feet, easy-drinking white. The palate’s treated to a crisp, refreshing stream of Key lime and soft Meyer lemon on the palate, soon joined by racy grapefruit and blood orange on the finish and aftertaste. This pours well on its own and pairs with lighter-styled appetizers, seafood or blue-veined cheese or arugula salad dressed with olive oil under a generous sprinkling of crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
91
Fielding Estate Winery Riesling 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (146761) 10.5% alcohol
Hints of petrol join aromas of apple and lime on the nose. It envelops the palate with a delectable wash of sweet and tang consisting of tangy citrus flavours—lemon-lime, mandarin orange and grapefruit—along with sweet orchard fruit—white peach, red apple and yellow plum. This is medium weight, nicely textured with juicy palate flavours persisting through the lengthy balanced finish. Divine sipped on its own, sublime poured with chicken tikka masala and steamed rice. (Vic Harradine)
88
House Wine Co. ‘House Wine – White’ 2017
VQA Ontario $13.95 (279547) 11.5%
This is a sunshine-filled blend of 65% Vidal/35% Moscato that bursts from the glass with lifted aromas of honeydew melon, floral notes and lemongrass. It rolls over the palate with sweet-tinged flavours of honey, sweet fruit flan and notions of citrus on the back palate and aftertaste. This medium-weight, generously textured sipper would also pair well with fruit flan or spicy Asian dishes. (Vic Harradine)
88
House Wine Co. ‘House Wine – Red’ 2017
VQA Ontario $13.95 (279521) 13.0%
This is a 60% baco noir/40% cabernet sauvignon blend that’s smooth as silk with good flavour and exceptional value, especially for a red wine. Aromas of wood smoke, ripe black currant and sweet vanilla blanket the palate persisting through the lengthy, tangy finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied with good texture, balance and food-friendly personality. Pour with backyard grilled burgers, red pizza or wings. (Vic Harradine)
90
Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2017
California $17.95 (643114) 13.0% alcohol
This offers up aromas of floral and citrus preceding a palate-caressing wash of sweet-tinged flavour—yellow peach, honeydew melon and soft Meyer lemon. It’s medium weight and medium textured offering a round, textured, easy-drinking sauvignon blanc foregoing the level of acidity found in sauvignon blanc from the Marlborough area of New Zealand. It finishes clean and refreshing with enough acidity and herbal notes to keep you coming back for yet another sip. Pour with roast chicken or pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
91
Josh Cellars ‘Legacy - Red’ 2016
California $19.00 (507467) 13.0% alcohol
This delectable red blend of zinfandel, merlot, and rubin—a syrah/nebbiolo hybrid—is rich, ripe and rarin’ to go. Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit mingle with black pepper and mixed spice on the nose of this medium-weight nicely textured gem. It rolls over the palate in never ending waves of black raspberry, juicy black cherry and notions of mint and fennel persisting through the lingering finish. Pour with grilled-medium-rare rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
90
Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California $19.95 (161398) 13.5% alcohol
This sustainably produced red greets you with a wonderful nose of vanilla, cherry and black pepper. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with good acidity and an approachable underpinning of tannin. Flavours of sour cherry and vanilla persist through the flavourful finish. This is excellent now and can easily cellar for another couple of years. Enjoy with a hearty serving of lasagna. (Dave Isaacs)
88
La Linda ‘Private Selection - Old Vines’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza $15.95 (507442) 13.6% alcohol
This value-packed, approachable, crowd-pleasing red is sourced from malbec harvested from 30- year-old vines. It has a bright cherry-red appearance and an expressive nose with aromas of dry moss, mint and smoke with blueberry and strawberry jam. It’s medium bodied with a smooth balance of acidity, ripe fruit and gentle tannins. Flavours of strawberry and sage fade towards the slightly tart finish. This is a nice match for grilled burgers or lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following wine by the case for delivery to home, office or restaurant in Ontario online from Featherstone Estate Winery or phone 905.562.1949 or visit the winery and pick up a bottle or case at 3678 Victoria Ave, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0. Here’s a map.
90
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (341586) 12.5% alcohol
This incredibly popular aromatic white blend—61% riesling/18% gewürztraminer/13% sauvignon blanc/8% chardonnay—has a large following, it delivers in spades, vintage after vintage. Aromas of rosewater, lime and peach set the table for a smorgasbord of perfectly balanced, delicious palate flavours with Key lime, crisp green apple and lemon pie filling to the fore. It’s medium bodied, creamy smooth and lingers on the finish – balanced and mouth-watering good. Sip on its own or pour alongside pan-seared fish like salmon or trout, or thin-crust, lightly dressed three-cheese—brie, mozzarella, chèvre—white pizza. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay is rare and interesting in that this chardonnay was matured 10 months in 100% Canadian oak barrel, 90% of which was one to five years old with 10% new. It was also barrel fermented in Canadian oak and indigenous-yeast fermented with 50% undergoing induced malolactic conversion… pretty cool, eh.
92
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (149302) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of apple pie spice, crème brûlée and sweet vanillin abound on the nose of this gorgeous chardonnay. It caresses the palate with a smooth-as-silk river of spiced, baked apple and poached pear while a racy dollop of lemon curd appears on the lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel, deft balance, well-integrated oak and plenty of charm. Pick up a few and drink over the next five to six years; sip on its own – divine, or pair with clay-bake chicken and fresh-cut and baked oven fries or fettuccini Alfredo. (Vic Harradine)
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Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Mixed spice, rich dark berry fruit and notions of cassis aromas on the nose, this value-packed gem envelops the palate with rich, ripe and rarin’ to go creamy-smooth fruit flavours—black plum, black currant and racy pie cherry—robed in lip-smacking tang and baking spice, underpinned by soft tannin, It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty to like about the finish and aftertaste, as well, it’s lengthy, dry with deft balance of tang, ripe fruit and soft tannin. Pour with a prime cut of beef with grilled Portobello mushrooms. (Vic Harradine)
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Fielding Estate Winery ‘Red Conception’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.15 13.0% alcohol
This red blend—45% syrah/34% cabernet sauvignon/11% merlot/9% cabernet franc/1% malbec—matured 9 months in French oak. It bolts from the glass with rich, ripe cherry/berry fruit aromas then envelops the palate with a smooth flow of dark fruit—Bing cherry, damson plum and black currant—robed in spice and tang and underpinned by soft approachable tannin. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a memorable, lengthy finish. This is drinking well now and pairs with porchetta, osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
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Fielding Estate Winery ‘Rock Pile’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $40.15 13.1% alcohol
Fruit for this stunning offering was sourced from two vineyard plots on the shore of Lake Ontario then barrel fermented and barrel matured. Baking spice, smoky notes and green apple aromas open this wonderful chardonnay. It envelops the palate with a surge of lemon curd, green apple and apple pie spice along with toasty/oaky notes. It’s medium-plus bodied with a full-Monty dollop of satin-smooth texture and a lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. This is deftly balanced, generously textured and charming. Delicious now, it will improve with a couple of more years of bottle age. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay was sourced from 100% gamay from their own south-facing vineyards, fermented in stainless steel tank and matured for 10 months in French and American oak before bottling.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 13.5% alcohol
Light-ruby hued, this value-laden gamay wafts from the glass with aromas of medicinal cherry and sharp spice. It bathes the palate with a serene blanket of ripe red cherry flavour and red raspberry tang interwoven with piquant spice and notions of chalky minerality. This is mid-weight with good balance, persistent purity of fruit and lingering, mouth-watering finish. Pour with summer fare—charcuterie platter with a baguette or arugula salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar, topped with crumbled chèvre or blue-veined cheese. (Vic Harradine)
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.
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Culmina ‘Unicus’ Grüner Veltliner 2018
VQA Okanagan Valley $27.00 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of saline/flinty minerality interlaced with pit fruit and lemongrass provide segue to a luscious array of palate flavours with sharp, peppery notes, sugared-grilled grapefruit and racy lemon curd to the fore. This is crisp and refreshing, medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel and lingering, lip-smacking good, finish and aftertaste. Truly stunning in taste on its own, it also pours well with seafood—freshly shucked oysters, grilled calamari rings or poached-in-milk, pan-seared scallops. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order
• Order the following two wines by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from Nokhrin Wines or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., if in the GTA, phone 416 704-8617.
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La Canosa ‘Pekò’ Pecorino 2018
DOCG Offida, Italy $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Light-straw hued with flecks of green in the glass; aromas of floral notes and tropical fruit leap from this exceptional-value, 100% pecorino. It washes over the palate with a medium-bodied, creamy-smooth wash of ripe red apple and poached pear intertwined with cantaloupe and white grapefruit flavours. It finishes lengthy, clean and refreshing. Sip on its own or pour with your favourite pan-seared, steamed, baked or grilled seafood. (Vic Harradine)
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La Canosa ‘Nummaria’ Superiore 2016
DOC Rosso Piceno, Italy $17.50 13.5% alcohol
This estate-grown, 70% montepulciano/30% sangiovese red blend sports lifted aromas of baking spice, tarry notes and dark berry fruit. It envelops the palate with a medium-bodied, tang-laden river of red and black currant and red cherry. The dry finish and aftertaste are laden with palate-flavoured replays of fruit and tang, nicely showcased by lively flavour and good length. Pour alongside spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic