July 1, 2019 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights include:
There are more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines with most of them soon becoming available in LCBO stores and from Ontario wine agents who will ship wine by the case to your home. As well, you’ll find wines that the LCBO has discounted for a short time from $1.00 to $5.00 off per bottle. You’ll find approximately twenty wines reviewed there and many are lower-priced and exceptional-value wines. You’ll be almost certain to find many of interest and for purchase.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 6 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $12.95 to $18.95 and are found throughout the newsletter and easily identified via the value checkmark above. Some in LCBO stores now with others on their way. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – no wine rang the 95 points and over bell.
- Vic Picks – 2018 Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde earned 89 points at $12.95 found under Portugal: White Wine; 2017 Partenaire ‘Rhone to the Bone – Red’ earned 90 points @ $15.95 found under ‘New in Private Order’; 2016 Manos Negras ‘Atrevida’ Malbec earned 90 points at $17.95 found under ‘Discounted Wine’; and of course other wines that gained the exceptional-value checkmark.
Vintages Release: July 6, 2019
Ontario: White Wine
87
13th Street ‘June’s Vineyard’ Riesling 2016
VQA Creek Shore, Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (147512) 12.0% alcohol
Nearly off-dry with its 12g/L of residual sugar, this single-varietal white shows petrol notes along with ripe pear and honeysuckle aromas peeking through. Expect a little tingle on the tongue from residual fermentation which gives a lively mouthfeel and lifts flavours of poached pear, ginger and chalky minerality on the mid-palate. It’s medium-bodied and pairs well with your favourite selection of sushi. (Louise Boutin)
Ontario: Red Wine
87
The Organized Crime ‘Break-in’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 (396267) 12.5% alcohol
Hand-picked grapes crushed just before fermentation begins, produce this almost blush colour pinot. A restrained nose shows fresh aromas of red cherry, strawberry, earthy note and a hint of baking spice. A tangy wash of juicy cherry, tart cranberry and raspberry flavours merge on the palate with dry savoury herb and a suggestion of cinnamon in the medium-short finish. A medium-light pinot totally enjoyable on a warm summer night paired with pan-blackened salmon. (Louise Boutin)
California: Red Wine
90
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2017
Sonoma $29.95 (942151) 14.8% alcohol
Zinfandel has over 100-years of history at the Seghesio estate. Traditionally they add a dash of petite syrah to their zinfandel wines, this is no exception. Look for aromas of cassis, wet moss and cherry on the nose. The palate is full bodied with a pleasantly juicy tartness and approachable tannins. Flavours of cherry and blackberry linger in the finish. Serve with barbequed beef ribs. (Dave Isaacs)
89
Z. Alexander Brown ‘Uncaged’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
California $21.95 (478628) 14.0% alcohol
Dark-purple hued in the glass, aromas of espresso roast, baking spice, dark chocolate and dark cherry/berry fruit lead to a medium-full bodied, generously textured California cab. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth with flavours of cassis, kirsch liqueur and black cherry intertwined with chocolate and mixed spice. It finishes with replays along with ripe supple tannin. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before service. (Vic Harradine)
California: Rosé Wine
90
Meiomi Rosé 2017
Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara, California $27.95 (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)
Uruguay: White Wine
90
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Albariño 2018
Uruguay $21.95 (646802) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% Albariño was stainless steel tank fermented and remained in tank on its lees for 3 – 6 months. Alluring aromas leap from the glass—lemongrass and honeysuckle galore. It rolls over the palate medium bodied and nicely textured with juicy palate flavours—honeydew melon, lemon pie filling and saline-infused minerality. It finishes dry, tangy and lengthy. This pairs well with local ceviche or grilled calamari under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Uruguay: Red Wine
90
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Tannat 2018
Uruguay $21.95 (558916) 14.5% alcohol
Inky black in the glass, aromas of tobacco leaf, espresso roast and sandalwood waft easily from the glass. A delightful, well-balanced river of palate flavours capture attention with flavours of black plum and dark cherry underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with good texture and replays of palate flavours on the finish. Good to go now, pour alongside roast leg of lamb or beef tenderloin. (Vic Harradine)
France: Rosé Wine
89
Gérard Bertrand ‘Hampton Water’ Rosé 2018
AOP Languedoc, France $29.95 (667337) 13.0%
This is predominantly grenache noir blended with cinsault and mourvèdre that was matured a short time in French oak barrels. Lifted aromas of floral notes, spice and fresh strawberry leap from the glass. Palate flavours of ruby red grapefruit, flinty minerality and tangy red currant form a laser-like stream of crunchy flavour persisting through the dry, lip-smacking finish. Pour with grilled or pan-seared salmon or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Italy: Red Wine
91
Castelgreve ‘Riserva’ Chianti Classico 2013
DOCG Chianti Classico $22.95 (344416) 13.5% alcohol
Faint aromas of red fruit and spice are harbingers of a racy line of tang expressed as red currant, sour cherry and blueberry flavours streaking across the palate. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel, a supple tannin structure and flavours persisting from the palate through the finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours and pour with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Portugal: White Wine
89 
Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2018
Vinho Verde, Portugal $12.95 (471284) 12.0% alcohol
This wafts easily from the glass with aromas of floral and herbal notes galore. It glides over the palate smooth and light on its feet showcasing satin-smooth mouthfeel, deft balance and a wonderful array of delicious flavours—yellow peach, ripe pear and lemon curd. It finishes dry and delicious with mouth-watering tang and a wisp of minerality. Pour with grilled sardines or pan-seared calamari under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Portugal: Red Wine
92
Vincent Faria ‘Gloria Reserva’ Douro 2016
DOC Douro $16.95 (146522) 14.0% alcohol
There are hi-toned aromas of grilled herbs, black currant and piquant spice on the nose of this tinta roriz/touriga nacional/touriga franca red blend. It rolls over the palate in lively, fruit-forward waves of delectable flavour—red and black cherry and bramble berry—that’s deftly balanced, medium bodied and creamy smooth. There’s no sign of oak ageing, though the label says it was. It’s a delightful wine that sips well on its own and will be most versatile at the table – try roast chicken, burgers, meat-laden pizza or pasta Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release; July 20, 2019
• Fruit for the following 2017 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay was harvested in the Clare Valley after dark. All was whole-berry pressed, quickly chilled and pressed. The majority of the juice was filled to French oak barrels—10% new, 20% one year and the remainder two and three year-old—for fermentation. A small parcel was fermented using wild yeast and a small parcel fermented in stainless steel. All were lees stirred for four months prior to fermentation ceasing. After 10 months oak maturation, wine was blended, stabilised and fined in stainless steel prior to bottling.
90
Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Chardonnay 2017
Clare Valley, Australia $16.95 (711556) 13.5% alcohol
Oaky/nutty notes mingle with pit fruit aromas. It washes over the palate with flavours of piquant spice and lemon tang interwoven with pineapple and honeydew melon. It’s medium-plus bodied and nicely textured with more than its fair share of charm and pizzazz. It finishes lengthy and lingering with flavour replays from the palate and plenty of lip-smacking tang. Pour with roast beer-can chicken or Caesar salad layered with thin slices of chicken breast. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: August 3, 2019
87
William Fevre ‘Espina – Reserva Especial’ 2017
DO Central Valley, Chile $15.95 (464412) 13.6% alcohol
Dark, juicy berry fruit and grilled herb aromas precede a rich, ripe river of palate-coating flavour with black berry jam, kirsch liqueur and black plum compote prominent. It’s medium-full bodied and heavily textured with a jammy, sweet finish. Pour with smoked, grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: August 17, 2019
92
Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir - Tautavel’ Grenache/Syrah/Carignan 2017
AOP Côtes du Rousillon-Villages, Tautavel $18.95 (272575) 14.5% alcohol
Rich aromas of dark juicy black cherry, mocha and pipe tobacco soar from the glass. It captures the palate with a fresh lively wash of black and red cherry intertwined with cassis and mixed herbs and spice. Medium weight and well textured, this showcases deft balance, good purity of fruit and plenty of charm. Pour with grilled rack of lamb or breaded and pan-fried pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
89
Vineland Estates ‘The Memory - Game Changer’ 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (498758) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and watermelon appear after a vigorous swirl. It coats the palate with a sweet-tinged creamy-smooth stream of bright red plum and lightly sugared strawberries supported by hints of tangy pie cherry and hints of rhubarb. This blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc delivers in spades. It’s good weight, nicely balanced and delivers from twist top to last drop. The finish is flavourful, crisp and refreshing. Pour with roast chicken, cold red pepper soup or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order
Order the following wines, plus those in the recent June 3rd, 2019 newsletter, by the case for home, restaurant or office delivery in Ontario from VinoLuna wine agency. Contact via VinoLuna website, by Email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or, in the GTA phone 416 587-6691.
92
Laboure-Roi ‘Le Beaunois’ Chablis 2018
AOC Chablis, France $26.95 12.5 alcohol
The, ‘Le Beaunois’, on the label is what the locals use to refer to the chardonnay grape. Floral notes and tropical fruit aromas abound on the nose. It blankets the palate with a surge of tang-laden flavour—crisp green apple, lemon curd and sharp minerality galore. This is well suited for sipping on a warm sunny day or pairing with pan-seared fish, steamed mussels or grilled calamari. (Vic Harradine)
90
Partenaire ‘Rhone to the Bone – Red’ 2017
AOP Côtes Du Rhône, France $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Sandalwood, grilled herbs and dark cherry/berry fruit aromas introduce this fruit-forward, easy-drinking red blend—65% grenache/35% syrah. The palate’s treated to a gorgeously flavoured, deftly balanced and well-rounded flow of black currant and dark plum robed in good acidity and smooth as silk. This is medium-plus bodied and simply delicious, The price-quality balance tips heavily in your favour… pick up a few and pour with grilled steak, beef fajitas or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
91
Laboure-Roi Chardonnay 2018
AOC Burgundy, France $24.95 12.5 alcohol
Ripe melon, citrus notes and wild herb aromas provide segue for a dazzling stream of palate flavours with sharp lemon zest, hints of grilled pineapple and white grapefruit interlaced with saline minerality. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and a mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Pour with lemon chicken, prawn ceviche or battered fish and home-made oven fries. (Vic Harradine)
89
Maison Bertrand Ravache ‘La Chapelle de Bordeaux’ 2018
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 13.5 alcohol
Dark bramble berry and notions of strawberry dominate the nose. A medium-bodied flow of tang-infused flavour—black currant and blueberry—persist on the palate and through the finish and aftertaste. It’s lighter styled and will complement grilled gourmet sausage, hard aged cheese like mimolette or parmigiana reggiano or chicken fajitas. Drink over the next four or five years. (Vic Harradine)
Discounted Wines at the LCBO
• The following wines will receive the discount shown from the retail price appearing in the review heading for each bottle purchased from June 24th to July 21st, 2019 regardless of the vintage of the bottle that you purchase from the LCBO store.
White Wine
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount from the price shown below.
92
Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol
An assortment of hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula fashioned this delectable fruit-forward, off-dry, low-alcohol gem. Fragrant petrol notes introduce ripe nectarine, grapefruit, Asian pear aromas and a whiff of nutmeg. The palate’s mellow with rich, stone fruit flavours flirting with perfectly balanced acidity and minerality. This is perfect to sip on its own or paired with pomelo and spicy crab salad. (Louise Boutin)
• The following three wines receive a $2.00 discount from the price(s) shown below.
91
2027 ‘Falls Vineyard’ Riesling 2016
VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (294041) 10.0% alcohol
Aromas of sharp spice, racy lime and ripe pear billow from this just-barely yellow-hued, single-vineyard riesling. It explodes on the palate with a gusher of sweet-tinged lime cordial and crisp green apple framed by electrifying tang and acidity. The dry, mouth-watering, lip-smacking finish lingers luxuriously. This sips well on its own and truly shines served with a baguette and charcuterie board. (Vic Harradine)
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)
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)
Red Wine
• The following two wines receive a $1.00 discount from the price(s) shown below.
90
Manos Negras ‘Atrevida’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (494518) 14.0% alcohol
This is exceptionally well priced. The quiet nose of floral and cherry/berry aromas sets the stage for a creamy-smooth stream of tangy red cherry and rich ripe berry fruit interwoven with spice and flecks of cocoa. It’s medium-bodied with persistent purity of fruit, deft balance and lengthy, delectable finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside your favourite grilled meats or a meat-lover’s pizza. (Vic Harradine)
88
Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Rosé 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (172643) 12.0% alcohol
This salmon-pink hued blend—85% pinot noir/9% pinot gris/3% gamay/3% cabernet franc—presents delicate aromas of floral notes, spice and strawberry. Medium bodied with good texture, it dishes up a tang-laced river of strawberry/rhubarb flavour adorned with ruby red grapefruit and wisps of cranberry cordial. It really shines with ceviche, freshly shucked oysters or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $2.00 discount from the price shown below.
87
Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec 2017
Mendoza $15.95 (58339) 13.5% alcohol
The nose is sweet and ripe led by dark plum and crushed raspberry entwined with notions of tomato leaf, dusty mineral and baking spice. Dry, medium bodied with subtle tannins, flavours of cherry, plum, herbs and spice linger on the mid-length finish. Serve with pulled-pork sliders. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following two wines receive a $5.00 discount from the price(s) shown below.
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)
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)
Bonus AirMiles
• Receive 5 Bonus AirMiles for each bottle of the following wine purchased from June 23rd to July 20th , 2019
88
Pelee Island ‘Lola’ Cabernet Franc Rosé 2017
VQA South Island, Lake Erie North Shore $15.95 (552497) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas and flavours of freshly picked strawberry, tangy cranberry and ruby red grapefruit dominate the nose and palate intertwined with notions of mixed spice and excellent acidity prevailing through the palate and infusing the finish then aftertaste. Pour well chilled on its own or with a mixed deli board. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic