October 6, 2019 Newsletter
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Outstanding in their Fields - Nov. 7, 2019Ottawa’s FAVOURITE wine event of the year!This 9th annual Taste & Buy event is THE perfect opportunity to discover 100+ outstanding wines from across Ontario & stock up for the holidays. |
Newsletter Highlights include:
There are more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines with most now available in LCBO stores. You’ll also find wines that are available with Limited Time Discounts from $1 to $5 per bottle as well as reviews for upcoming Vintages releases.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 4 of the 31 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $16.95 to $18.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – one wine rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter - Ségla 2010 earned 95 points @ $68.95 found under France: Red Wine.
- Lisa Likes – 2015 Tawse Winery ‘Cuddy by Tawse’ Cabernet Merlot earned 89 points @ $27.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; 2017 Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay earned 89 points @ $35.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’.
- Louise Loves – 2016 Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache earned 89 points @ $16.95 found under France: Red Wine; 2017 Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling earned 90 points @ $24.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’; 2016 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 91 points @ $44.94 under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’.
- Dave’s Delights – 2016 Konzelmann ‘Late Harvest’ Gewürztraminer earned 88 points @ $16.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2017 La Crema Chardonnay 2017 earned 88 points @ $29.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’; 2016 Catena Malbec earned 89 points @ $19.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’
- Vic Picks – 2018 Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc earned 90 points @ $17.95 under Ontario: White Wine; 2017 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay earned 92 points @ $29.95 under Ontario: Red Wine; 2016 Jim Barry ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 90 points @ $19.95 under Australia: Red Wine; 2015 Castello Bossi ‘C. Berardenga’ Chianti Classico earned 91 points @ $22.95 under ‘Upstream in Winecurrent; 2018 Malivoire ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay earned 90 points @ $19.95 under ‘New in Vintages’; 2017 and 2018 Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling earned 92 points @ $19.95 under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’
Vintages Release: October 12, 2019
Ontario: White Wine
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Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (89011) 13.0% alcohol
This exceptional-value gem was 50% barrel fermented and 50% stainless steel fermented then racked off its lees before the last fining. Aromas of floral notes, kiwi fruit and yellow peach aromas waft easily from this creamy-smooth, medium-bodied sauvignon blanc. It envelops the palate with a flavourful stream of Key lime, nectarine and lemongrass notes. There are no rough edges as it finishes smooth, dry, crisp and refreshing. Pour with pasta in creamy pesto sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench $29.95 (616466) 13.3% alcohol
This is special, with high quality at a low price delivered in spades. A dazzling nose of smoke, spice, vanilla, fresh pear and apple aromas provides segue for a medium-full bodied, gorgeously balanced wash of lemony tang, baking spice and honey-drizzled green apple. This has depth, character and plenty of pizzazz. The oak in this barrel-fermented chardonnay has been deftly integrated and adds to the character and delectable flavours. Pour with roast fowl and all the fixings, now to 2024 and possibly a bit beyond. (Vic Harradine)
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Konzelmann ‘Late Harvest’ Gewürztraminer 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (392357) 14.0% alcohol
This well-priced off-dry white wine has sweet aromas of lychee fruit, honey, and candied lemon. It’s full bodied on the palate with a delicate sweetness that carries flavours of citrus peel, peach, and pear. There is a nice balance of acid that helps deliver a pear-flavoured finish. This will be a great match for spicy Thai basil chicken. (Dave Isaacs)
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Tawse Winery ‘Cuddy by Tawse’ Cabernet Merlot 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.95 (469031) 13.5% alcohol
Tawse has partnered with one of Canada’s iconic musicians, Jim Cuddy, to produce this blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot, aged 18 months in French oak. Ripe dark fruit aromas meld with hints of cedar, pipe tobacco, green pepper and sweet vanilla on the nose. Blackberry, dark plum and raspberry flavours reappear on the palate layered with herb and spice notes. Dry, medium-full bodied with firm tannins, the dark fruit lasts into the extended finish. Enjoy this tasty offering with braised lamb shanks with rosemary. (Lisa Isabelle)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Jim Barry ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from cabernet sauvignon fruit from an abandoned cricket pitch near Penola in the terra rossa-rich Coonawarra wine region where, arguably, some of the best cabernet sauvignon wine in Australia and the world is produced. Cover drive is cricket terminology and the Barry family are cricket mad.
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Jim Barry ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Coonawarra, South Australia $19.95 (677476) 14.3% alcohol
This well-priced beauty offers cedar, mint, floral notes and dark berry fruit aromas. It’s medium-bodied with excellent palate-flavours of red and black fruit—red currant, black currant and dark cherry—interwoven with savory herbs. This flirts with elegance, showcasing good structure, complexity and plenty of lively acidity balanced with replays of ripe fruit flavours on the lingering, delectable finish. Pour with grilled strip loin or rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
• The following wine is from Château Rauzan-Ségla, a 2nd growth wine. In 1855, the great red wine estates of the Gironde in Bordeaux, France were judged to be in five categories (referred to as ‘Crus’ or ‘Growths’ with originally only four wineries (now five, but that’s another story) in the first category, 12 in the second category (there have been alterations/splits and one wine jumping from this category to the one above). The following, Ségla 2010—along with others of similar status—is often referred to as a ‘second label’ or ‘second wine’ of one of these great premium wineries that made it into one of the exclusive groups—after the winemaker selects, in his opinion, the ideal barrels for the famed ‘Growth’ label—in this case, 2nd Growth, Château Rauzan-Ségla—the best of the rest was chosen for this particular wine – hence, ‘second label’. Some have a third and fourth label. This estate is now owned by Chanel, who have gone to great lengths and invested scads of Euros to improve quality… and it certainly shows here.
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Ségla 2010
AOC Margaux $68.95 (359810) 13.5% alcohol
Perfumed aromas of sweet ripe fruit and floral notes provide segue to a dense, intense red blend—approximately 2/3rd cabernet sauvignon, 1/3rd merlot with a dash of petit verdot and a dot of cabernet franc. A stunning wash of sweet, ripe black currant, crème de cassis and vanilla with hints of mint and mocha coat the palate along with moderating tang. This full-bodied beauty has great sense of purpose, stunning purity, is deftly balanced and bursting with promise. The rich fruit flavour, balancing acidity and profound tannin underpinning all portend long life—pop corks 2025 to 2035. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2015 Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache was hand harvested separately with the syrah undergoing whole-bunch carbonic maceration for 15 days and grenache destemmed and macerated approximately three weeks after which wine is transferred to 225 L barriques for about 10 months, lightly fined and bottled then bottle aged for several months before being released.
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Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache 2015
AOP Languedoc, France $16.95 (413237) 14.0% alcohol
Gerard Bertrand continues to impress with his extremely giving, yet affordable wine. This blend, 100% hand-picked, is mostly syrah and about one-third grenache with a lovely nose—ripe black fruit, mild oak, gingerbread, violet and rose aromas abound. A generous wash of juicy blackberry, ripe cassis and cinnamon flavours treats the palate followed with a piquant peppery note defining the fruity-spicy, medium-long finish. This medium-full bodied red has good structure and plenty of tang; it’s a good companion to grilled-rare lamb chops. (Louise Boutin)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: October 26, 2019
• The ‘Classico’ in the appellation ‘Chianti Classico’ of the following 2015 Castello Bossi Chianti Classico signals the forty-year-old, 100% sangiovese vines from which this wine was sourced, were in the original heartland of Chianti and, as such, considered the uber-premium sub-appellation in Chianti.
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Castello Bossi ‘C. Berardenga’ Chianti Classico 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $22.95 (994608) 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of red berry fruit, sprigs of herbs and mixed spice abound on the nose of this flavour-filled beauty. It dazzles the senses with a palate coating stream of dark ripe fruit—Bing cherry, ripe black raspberry and black plum—interwoven with tangy acidity, all balanced and beautiful. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a monumentally lengthy finish and aftertaste, Pour with osso buco Milanese. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
• The following trio of Vintages Essentials’ wines are all from Malivoire Wine Company, a premium VQA producer with a portfolio of sustainably farmed fine wines.
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Malivoire ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (573147) 12.5% alcohol
A shy nose of Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spice aromas provide segue to a delightful array of deftly balanced palate flavours with honey-drizzled apple interwoven with lemon curd and sweet Bosc pear that persists throughout. This is medium weight, nicely textured and well balanced with a good seam of tang, persistent purity of fruit, plenty of charm and a delightfully lingering finish. It also offers a price-quality ratio tipped well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé will be discounted $2.00 per bottle that is purchased in the LCBO from now to October 13, 2019. It is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
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Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
This 35% cabernet franc / 25% gamay / 20% pinot noir blend showers alluring aromas of freshly picked strawberry and red raspberry with wisps of citrus notes. It coats the palate medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel and flavours of blood orange and sweet red cherry adorned with notions of minerality and mixed herbs. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing with good acidity throughout. Versatile at the table, pour alongside pan-seared Atlantic salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon, roast fowl with all the fixings or a deli platter and baguette. (Vic Harradine)
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Malivoire Gamay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (591313) 12.0% alcohol
Although lightly-hued to the eye, aromas leap from the glass of this well-priced gamay with the slightest swirl—red cherry/berry notes, peppery/savoury bits and piquant spice abound. It’s light on its feet with fruit flavours of pie cherry and crunchy red berry fruit—currant and cranberry—framed by tangy acidity and joined by a dry, crisp and clean finish and aftertaste. Pour with a three-cheese white pizza or arugula salad dressed with verjus and topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Vineland Estates St. Urban Vineyard ‘Elevation’ Riesling earns an exceptional-value checkmark during a limited time offer of $2.00 off per bottle October 13 to November 9 and is a relatively new Vintages Essentials wine; it’s always available in select LCBO stores.
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2018
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 10.0% alcohol Aromas of mandarin orange, honey-drizzled pit fruit and whiffs of fresh ginger abound on the nose of this flavourful, value-packed, iconic riesling that was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Ontario. A bracing wash of tangy lime cordial and lemon curd bathe the palate persisting through the very lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and pours well with baked ham dotted with cloves, or spaetzle with grilled or pan-fried bratwurst. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown for each bottle of wine reviewed below that is purchased from now to October 13, 2019.
White Wine
• The following Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley (84988) $25.95 14.1% alcohol
There’s good value in this pleasing Napa chardonnay. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyard parcels were fermented in 25% stainless steel and 75% French oak followed by eight months barrel aging before bottling. The nose leads with lemon, lime zest, red apple adorned with a pleasant floral note, hints of spice and toast. Dry and medium bodied with balancing acidity, the generous mouthfeel transports flavours of Meyer lemon, pear and Gala apple through the medium-long finish before a mineral note appears on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside simply-prepared roast chicken. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Albariño will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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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)
• The following Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio 2018
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (326090) 12.0% alcohol
This is a cool-climate styled pinot grigio that was stainless steel fermented with a similar profile both on the nose and palate—ripe pear, green apple, a touch of ginger and a grassy/herbal note in the background. It’s medium-light bodied with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It pairs well with friends and a sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
• The following Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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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)
Rosé Wine
• The following Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below. It is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
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Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
This 35% cabernet franc / 25% gamay / 20% pinot noir blend showers alluring aromas of freshly picked strawberry and red raspberry with wisps of citrus notes. It coats the palate medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel and flavours of blood orange and sweet red cherry adorned with notions of minerality and mixed herbs. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing with good acidity throughout. Versatile at the table, pour alongside pan-seared Atlantic salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon, roast fowl with all the fixings or a deli platter and baguette. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
• The following Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Tannat will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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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)
• The following La Crema Pinot Noir will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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La Crema Pinot Noir 2014
Sonoma Coast $34.95 (719435) 13.5% alcohol
Sweet, ripe fruit is front and centre in this rich, luscious Pinot showcasing good depth and plenty of charm. Aromas of sweet vanilla, baking spice, mint and ripe black cherry unleash a medium-weight, well-textured flow of bramble berry jam and cherry clafoutie coating the palate garnished with toasty/oaky notes, a hint of milk chocolate and vanilla. Look for more ripe fruit and piquant spice on the lingering finish. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below. It is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
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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)
• The following Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
• The following 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.
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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)
• The following Inniskillin Vidal Icewine will be discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $49.95 (388306) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
This vidal icewine from Niagara expresses itself without reservation starting with lifted aromas of apricot, lemon and earthy notes. It blankets the palate with a textured wash of apricot tart, lime-soaked guava and orange marmalade. Lemon zest and grilled pineapple provide semblance of balance on the finish and aftertaste. Serve well chilled on its own or paired with fruit flan or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine will be discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
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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)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown for each bottle of wine reviewed below that is purchased from October 13 to November 9, 2019.
White Wine
• The following four wines will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown on each below.
• A ‘Phoenix’ is a mythical bird associated with rebirth or renewal. In the particularly brutal winter of 2017, Featherstone’s then 14-year-old gewürztraminer vines appeared to have succumbed to the cold. However, they now seem to have survived and risen again by producing this limited bottling—only 171 cases produced. The following 2018 Featherstone ‘Phoenix’ is certainly deserving of your consideration.
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Featherstone ‘Phoenix’ Gewürztraminer 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (519025) 13.5% alcohol
This value-packed, limited-production gem leaps from the glass with aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and floral notes. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth, even a bit oily with generous texture and fabulous balance showcasing palate flavours of citrus tang, ripe nectarine and sharp, fresh ginger root. It’s absolutely delicious with a dry, lengthy, mouth-watering finish and a tell-tale gewürztraminer bite on the aftertaste. Remove from the frig 20 minutes before serving and pour with grilled and buttered prawns or lightly spiced chicken wings. (Vic Harradine)
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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)
• The following 2017 and 2018 Vineland Estates St. Urban Vineyard ‘Elevation’ Riesling both earn an exceptional-value checkmark during the limited time offer and are a relatively new Vintages Essentials wine; it’s always available in select LCBO stores.
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2017
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 8.5% alcohol
Aromas of mandarin orange, honey-drizzled pit fruit and whiffs of fresh ginger abound on the nose of this flavourful, value-packed, iconic riesling that was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Ontario. A bracing wash of tangy lime cordial and lemon curd bathe the palate persisting through the very lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and pours well with baked ham dotted with cloves, or spaetzle with grilled or pan-fried bratwurst. (Vic Harradine)
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2018
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 10.0% alcohol
This iconic riesling opens with aromas of piquant spice, lemon zest and flinty minerality. A tsunami-like gusher of off-dry flavours blanket the palate— ginger-infused Key-lime pie, lemon curd and wisps of grilled pineapple—persisting through the balanced and beautiful, mouth-watering and delectable finish. It’s medium weight with good texture and plenty of balancing tang. Sip on its own or pour alongside spicy Asian cuisine or a pan-seared scallop appetizer on a bed of mesclun salad drizzled with browned butter and garlic. (Vic Harradine)
Rosé Wine
The following Pelee Island ‘Lola’ Cabernet Franc Rosé is $1.00 off the price shown below earning it an exceptional-value icon
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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)
Red Wine
• The following Beringer ‘Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is $5.00 off the price shown below of each bottle purchased.
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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)
• The following 2016 Catena Malbec is $2.00 off the price shown below making it eligible for an exceptional-value icon . It’s also a Vintages Essentials product always found in select LCBO stores.
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Catena Malbec 2016
Mendoza $19.95 (478727) 13.0% alcohol
This is an excellent, value-packed wine that's perfect to serve at a backyard barbecue. It’s opaque purple-plum in colour with hints of vanilla, smoke, raspberry and strawberry aromas on the nose. It is medium bodied on the palate with juicy, lip-smacking tang. Smooth tannins support flavours of raspberry and vanilla that meld and linger on the palate and through the pleasantly fruity finish and aftertaste. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following Rodney Strong ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon is $3.00 off the price shown below of each bottle purchased and it’s a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores.
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Rodney Strong ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Sonoma County $27.95 (226944) 13.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs and red berry fruit aromas precede medium-plus bodied, well-textured mouthfuls of black and red cherry/berry flavours adorned with grilled savoury herbs and charred toast. It’s fruit-filled and pours well with grilled rack of lamb or grilled striploin after a one- or two-hour aeration/decant. As California cab goes, this is certainly attractively priced. (Vic Harradine)
• If you enjoy Ripasso wines, you may want to pick up the Tomassi ‘Graticcio Appassionato’. It’s $1.00 off the price shown below earning it an exceptional-value icon
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Tommasi ‘Graticcio Appassionato’ 2015
Italy $15.95 (338939) 12.5% alcohol
Bright red fruit and piquant spice aromas waft from the glass of this value-laden, medium-bodied, nicely textured red that was fashioned using dried grapes as is done with appassimento reds. A lively wash of crunchy red fruit interlaced with mocha, piquant spice and black licorice notes bathe the palate. It’s tasty and tangy from cork pop to last drop and finishes lengthy and mouth-watering. Pour alongside beef fajitas or lamb shawarma. (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
• The following Domaine Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Aurore’ Brut Rosé Non-Vintage is $2.00 off the price shown below for each bottle purchased, making it very good value.
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Domaine Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Aurore’ Brut Rosé Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $21.95 (48793) 12.0% alcohol
Pale-salmon hued, this is absolutely delightful—a medium-bodied sparkler that’s fruity and dry. From subtle aromas of summer berries, spice and brioche through to the delicate creamy mousse that refreshes the palate, it offers light, red berry flavours and a lengthy mouth-watering finish. Great value, enjoy it whiling away an afternoon or with smoked salmon. (Susan Desjardins)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic