October 20, 2019 Newsletter
 |
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 New in Vintages, New in Ontario Wineries, Private Order wines and upcoming Vintages releases.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 4 of the 44 wines available now in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $17.95 to $49.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above with even more found after the Vintage Release wines. Strict guidelines? Click here. - 95 points and over – two wines rang the ‘95 points and over’ bell in this newsletter – Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage @ 96 points and $87.95 found under Champagne and Sidewood Estate ‘Mappinga’ Shiraz 2015 @ 96 points and $49.95 found under Australia: Red Wine.
- Louise Loves – Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut Sparkling Non-Vintage @ 90 points and $22.95 found under Sparkling Wine; Redstone Chardonnay 2013 @ 90 points and $25.75 found under Ontario: White Wine; Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate’ Pinot Noir 2016 @ 90 points and $39.95 found under LCBO: Flagship Stores Exclusive.
- Lisa Likes – Ca’del Bosco ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Franciacorta Brut Non-Vintage @ 93 points and $44.95 found under Sparkling Wine; Montecillo Gran Reserva 2009 @ 90 points and $29.95 found under Spain: Red Wine
- Dave’s Delights – The Lyme Bay ‘Moniack Mead’ Non-Vintage @ 90 points and $19.95 found under Dessert Wine: Mead; Pondview ‘Gold Series’ Vidal Icewine 2015 @ 90 points and $19.95 (200 mL) found under Icewine: Niagara Peninsula.
- Vic Picks – Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017 @ 90 points and $17.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree – Red’ 2016 @ 90 points and $18.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; Culmina Family Estate Merlot 2014 @ 93 points and $43.95 found under LCBO: Flagship Stores Exclusive; Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage @ 96 points and $87.95 found under Champagne; Finca La Escula ‘TintoNegro - Colleción Los Suelos – La Piedra’ Malbec 2016 @ 94 points and $24.95 found under Argentina: Red Wine; Sidewood Estate ‘Mappinga’ Shiraz 2015 @ 96 points and $49.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; Henry of Pelham ‘Bin 106 – 30th Vintage Limited Release’ Baco Noir 2018 @ 92 points @ $24.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries.
Vintages Release: October 26, 2019
Dessert Wine: Mead
90
The Lyme Bay ‘Moniack Mead’ Non-Vintage
United Kingdom $19.95 (987263) 14.5% alcohol
The history of mead, made by fermenting honey and water, goes back as far as 8000 years. This particular brand is wildly popular and extremely sought after around the world. In the glass, it has hues of deep golden brown. There are predominant aromas of honey and beeswax with secondary notions of honeydew melon, clover and burnt sugar. It’s full bodied, sweet in the mouth—stops well short of being cloying—with flavours of caramel, honey, and apple. Enjoy by itself after dinner or with home-baked apple pie. (Dave Isaacs)
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 alongside some freshly baked apple crumble. (Dave Isaacs)
Champagne
96
Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $87.95 (384529) 12.0% alcohol
A profusion of mousse fills the glass with lines of fine-bead pearls winding upward, seemingly forever, in the glass. Alluring aromas of leesy/mineral notes, strawberry, baked apple and biscuit introduce a gorgeous array of invigorating, sweet and tang flavours caressing the palate with creamy-smooth texture, lemon curd, nutty notes and poached pear. This is crisp, refreshing, balanced and bountiful on the finish. My highest compliment; it required the utmost discipline to spit. (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
• The following Non-Vintage G. Marquis ‘Silver Line’ Blanc de Noirs ‘Ice’ Rosé Sparkling is a sparkling wine made in the traditional method from 100% Pinot Noir with the added twist—non-traditional— of the dosage of cabernet franc icewine. The G. Marquis brand is part of the outstanding Magnotta Winery in Niagara.
90
G. Marquis ‘Silver Line’ Blanc de Noirs ‘Ice’ Rosé Sparkling Non-Vintage
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $29.95 (274761) 13.4% alcohol
This is a lovely welcoming wine made in the traditional method with heft and flavour that pairs well with food—appetizers, mains and dessert. It’s definitely off-dry from the dosage of cabernet franc icewine, showcasing ripe red flavours of sweet red strawberry and cherry pie filling interwoven with tangy blood orange and piquant spice. It pours particularly well with fresh strawberries under a grind or two of black pepper. (Vic Harradine)
91
Jansz Sparkling Rosé Brut Non-Vintage
Tasmania, Australia $28.95 (37499) 12.0% alcohol
Produced in the traditional method with top-drawer fruit and just a hint of pink hue, it delivers a profusion of mousse and is bursting with racy flavour. Aromas of strawberry and mineral notes make way for a lip-smacking mouthful of red currant and lemon-lime tang streaking over the palate infusing the crisp, refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pours well on its own and pairs well with pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
90
Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut Sparkling Non-Vintage
Hawke’s Bay $22.95 (163634) 12.5% alcohol
This Charmat method sparkling is made of 100% chardonnay kept in contact with the lees in a portion of the maturation process. It fills the air with aromas of fresh citrus, lactic notes, bread crumbs and mineral character. A nice froth expands on the palate expressing flavours of pink grapefruit, white peach, crispy crackers and a lingering minerality note turning saline in the medium-long finish. This is medium-bodied with great acidity, pleasant mouthfeel and weight and a no-brainer partner to sea salt chips. (Louise Boutin)
89
Louis Bouillot ‘Perle d’Ivoire’ Blanc de Blancs – Brut - Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne, France $19.95 (48801) 12.0% alcohol
Dry, light in body, offering a fine creamy mousse, this lovely Crémant balances refreshing vibrant acidity, clean minerality and subtle notes of citrus, green apple and brioche. Long and bright on the finish; it’s very good value and can be enjoyed on its own or with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)
93
Ca’del Bosco ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Franciacorta Brut Non-Vintage
DOCG Franciacorta, Italy $44.95 (105353) 12.5% alcohol
Hand-harvested 75% chardonnay, 10% pinot blanc, 15% pinot noir fruit was vinified ‘Metodo Classico’ with soft handling of grapes and blending with high-quality reserve wines before a secondary fermentation in the bottle you buy. This spent an average of 25 months on its lees gaining depth and complexity. It offers lifted aromas of lemon zest, white peach and biscuit concentrating into mouth-filling flavours of pink grapefruit, red apple and toasted brioche on the palate. It’s well balanced with fine, persistent effervescence and crisp, long finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
91
Segura Viudas ‘Heredad Reserva’ Brut Cava Non-Vintage
DO Cava, Spain $32.95 (558825) 12.0% alcohol
Golden, with a green hue, this limited-production Cava, a blend of first pressing of estate-grown macabeo and parellada, displays depth and lovely balance. Intense aromas of pear, citrus and toasted butter pastry entice. Dry, bright and fresh, it has refined creamy mousse and lively, crisp texture. Rich flavours of Bosc pear and lemon-lime wash across the palate lingering on a clean, persistent finish. A sparkling wine of presence and weight, it presents well as a gift or served at any holiday gathering. (Susan Desjardins)
Ontario: White Wine
90 
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (68015) 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)
• ‘Redstone’ is the owner’s inspired venture which he—Moray Tawse—started in 2009 after opening Tawse Winery in 2005. The winery name refers to the red soil that’s farmed biodynamically and well suited for a wide variety of grapes. The chardonnay featured below is a beautiful expression of the varietal.
90
Redstone Chardonnay 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.75 (511428) 13.0% alcohol
The 12-month fermentation and ageing in French oak barrel is immediately apparent on the nose followed by additional gorgeous aromas—grilled pineapple, peach, vanilla and baking spice. This five-year old, medium-bodied white is remarkably fresh on the palate with flavours of ripe peach, cantaloupe, zesty lemon, nutmeg and a gentle almond-skin bite on the balanced, dry, crisp finish. Pour now to 2023 with lemon-butter baked, wild cod sprinkled with roasted almond. Huge kudos to the winemaking team involved with this beauty. (Louise Boutin)
Ontario: Red Wine
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)
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $39.95 (616433) 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)
Argentina: Red Wine
94
Finca La Escula ‘TintoNegro - Colleción Los Suelos – La Piedra’ Malbec 2016
Altimira, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (10443) 14.0% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of piquant spice, dark cherry/berry fruit and black plum abound on the nose of this delicious example of premium Mendoza malbec. It envelops the palate with a blanket of pure ambrosia riding a wave of flavour with black currant and black cherry to the fore, adorned with excellent tang, hints of minerality, ripe tannin underpinning and lengthy finish and aftertaste. This ‘Wine of the Month’ is medium-plus bodied with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit, complexity and charm. Pick up a few; pop corks now to 2026. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Peter Lehmann ‘The Barossan’ Shiraz is a tribute to the late, great, Peter Lehmann, a person revered in the Barossa Valley for his daring and his generosity to neighbours and friends when the winery giant he was working for at the time, refused to take in fruit during a harvest when they had too much wine from the previous year. Peter went to these people, whose livelihood and now their survival was threatened, and offered to quit his job and to start a winery and take in all the fruit he could and make wine from it, promising the growers, with a handshake, he’d share proceeds with them. It turned out well for the growers and Peter Lehmann Wines was born. Peter’s son, Phil, is now on his own as a major winemaker and wine consultant in South Australia.
92
Peter Lehmann ‘The Barossan’ Shiraz 2017
Barossa, South Australia $21.95 (522235) 14.5% alcohol
This offers very good value. Lively, lifted aromas leap from the glass—rich, dark berry fruit and cracked black pepper. A surge of rich, ripe fruit envelops the palate with black bramble berry fruit and black juicy cherry interwoven with exquisite tangy acidity and wisps of piquant spice. It’s medium-full bodied, generously textured and balanced on a pin. There’s persistent purity of fruit, good structure, depth and plenty of charm. It finishes lengthy and fruit driven. (Vic Harradine)
• The following ‘Mappinga’ Shiraz from Sidewood is their flagship red with only premium fruit from small plots selected for early-morning, hand-picking by winemaker Darryl Catlin and team. After hand sorting at the winery, ¾ of the fruit is pressed with ¼ added to the fermenter as whole berries for partial carbonic maceration. Once the temperature-controlled fermentation is complete, it’s matured in French oak barrique, 35% new. Sidewood’s 2013 Mappinga Shiraz was voted ‘Best in the World’ by Decanter’s World Wine Awards. There are many awards that await the 2015. (tasted and reviewed at the winery, May, 2017)
96
Sidewood Estate ‘Mappinga’ Shiraz 2015
Adelaide Hills $49.95 (446609) 14.5% alcohol
This elegant shiraz makes a dramatic statement with persistent purity of fruit, complexity and full-on texture and flavours. Highly perfumed aromas of red and black berry fruit, mocha and savory herb precede a balanced-on-a-pin, smooth and mellow wash of ripe black currant, black plum and racy red cherry. There’s structure from soft, fine-grain tannin and a lip-smacking lengthy finish. Pour now after a two-hour aeration/decant and on to 2026. (Vic Harradine)
• The ‘Classico’ in the appellation ‘Chianti Classico’ of the following ‘Wine of the Month’, 2015 Castello Bossi ‘C. Berardenga’ Chianti Classico signals the forty-year-old, 100% sangiovese vines from which this wine was sourced, are in the original heartland of Chianti and, as such, considered the uber-premium sub-appellation in Chianti.
90
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)
90
Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2016
DOC Valpolicella Superiore $18.95 (995704) 13.5% alcohol
This is medium bodied and value packed with good texture, crunchy red fruit and a lengthy, dry finish. Aromas of cherry/berry fruit provide entry for a lively river of red berry fruit and juicy black cherry interweaving with excellent tang and sweet-tinged fruit flavour coating the palate. Palate-flavours replay on the balanced, dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with Swiss steak or pasta Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
90
Montecillo Gran Reserva 2009
DOCa Rioja $29.95 (239277) 13.5% alcohol
This expressive offering was produced from 100% tempranillo grapes, aged two years in French and American oak casks and rested three years in bottle before being released. The nose hints at its maturity—aromas of leather, mocha and a balsamic tinge—are backed by ripe dark cherry, vanilla and spice notes. Dry and medium-full bodied with firm tannins, dark plum, cherry, prune and spice flavours dominate the palate with subtle hints of bergamot and dusty cocoa extending through the medium-long, drying finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
LCBO: Flagship Stores Exclusive
90
Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate’ Pinot Noir 2016
VQA St. David’s Bench $39.95 (332858) 13.0% alcohol
This pale-garnet pinot showcases aromas of sweet cherry, strawberry compote, forest floor, vanilla and a hint of pepper. A fresh wash of tart cherry and cranberry floods the palate before it’s joined with ripe tannin framing a mild, peppery, dry finish. This is medium-light bodied with excellent acidity and extremely versatile at the table. Serve with grilled-salmon or roast chicken now to 2021. (Louise Boutin)
94
Culmina Family Estate Merlot 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley B.C. (11847) $43.95 14.0% alcohol
Black plum, red berry fruit and spice aromas settle into a smooth and mellow mouthful of rich flavour with ripe boysenberry soon joined by crunchy red cherry, mineral notes and racy passionfruit enveloping the palate infusing the finish. This showcases complexity, purity of fruit, deft balance, medium weight with full mouthfeel and lengthy, lip-smacking aftertaste boasting sweet vanilla, fennel and mocha. Drink now to 2023. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
Sparkling Wine
• The following 2017 Gérard Bertrand ‘Thomas Jefferson’ Sparkling Wine Rosé Brut is produced méthode traditionnelle from a blend—35% chardonnay, 20% chenin blanc, 15% pinot noir. It’s named to recognize this early US president’s love for the sparkling wines from Limoux; the only sparkling wine to be found in his personal cellar. This area was first mentioned as producing sparkling wine in the 1531 records kept by the Benedictine monks of the abbey of Saint Hilaire, just south of Carcassonne, and they make claim to being the first producer of sparkling wine made in volume in France—long before Champagne. The reasoning behind the, ‘in volume’, is that sparkling wine can and does occasionally occur naturally under certain conditions.
90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Thomas Jefferson’ Brut Rosé 2017
AOP Crémant de Limoux, France $22.95 (648618)
Delicate aromas of strawberry and rose petals introduce a profusion of fine-bead bubbles carrying tang-laden, crunchy flavours of blood orange and ruby red grapefruit decorated with bits of minerality and hints of citrus pith. Overall this is crisp and refreshing with a mouth-watering lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour as an aperitif to get gastric juices flowing or with pan-seared fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Vintages
Vintages Release: November 9, 2019
92
Best’s ‘Bin No. 1’ Shiraz 2016
Great Western, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (222323) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of über-ripe dark berry fruit, sprigs of grilled herbs and dark plum compote provide segue for a rich and concentrated river of black Bing cherry, black currant, mixed spice and balancing tang and acidity. It’s medium-full bodied, balanced and beautiful from twist top to last drop. The finish lingers replaying delicious palate flavours. There’s very good value here and it’s drinking well now; pour alongside barbecued striploin or medium-rare grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 9, 2019
• The following 2017 Gérard Bertrand Grenache / Carignan is hand-picked and sorted before being vinified separately with the carignan undergoing carbonic maceration for approx. two weeks and the grenache seeing traditional maceration and complete destemming. A portion of the wine is matured in barrel for 12 months.
88
Gérard Bertrand Grenache / Carignan 2017
AOP Fitou, France $17.95 (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 value-packed, 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)
Vintages Release: November 23, 2019
90
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2018
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $14.95 (147975) 13.0% alcohol
This tips wildly in your favour on the value-price scale. Aromas of nectarine, and honey-drizzled Bosc pair provide an alluring nose. It’s smooth as silk with a generous mouthfeel and delectable flow of flavour that washes over the palate riding a wave of delectable flavours—white nectarine, soft lemon citrus and yellow plum. It finishes lengthy with flavour replays, clean and refreshing, balanced on a pin. Delectable sipped on its own, sublime when poured alongside pan-seared scallops. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 5, 2019
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot 2015
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (395855) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted, lively aromas of cedar, piquant spice and juicy black plum introduce a spirited wash of pie cherry and passionfruit juxtaposed nicely with cassis and dark berry fruit adorned with sharp spice, dark bittersweet chocolate and wisps of ripe, fine-grained tannin. This is structured and balanced with purity of fruit and lots of pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a long finish showcasing palate replays. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours pouring with a thick cut of prime beef grilled rare to medium rare. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following wine by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from Henry of Pelham or, on your next visit, pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Bin 106 – 30th Vintage Limited Release’ Baco Noir 2018
VQA Ontario $29.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of gamy notes, grilled herbs, pipe tobacco and dark berry fruit abound. It captures the palate and your senses with a gusher of unmitigated joy, expressed as a balanced and beautiful, silky smooth wave of delectable ambrosia with dark, full-flavoured black juicy Bing cherry, black plum compote and sweet-tinged black currant to the fore. This is medium-plus bodied with generous texture, deft balance and persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop while finishing lip-smacking and lengthy. Quite special, don’t hesitate to pick up two or three. (Vic Harradine)
New in Private Order
• Order the following four wines, plus those in the recent September 22, 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.
91
Victor Vineyards ‘C.O.V.E. – California Old Vine Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California $17.95 14.1% alcohol
Red and black berry fruit aromas intertwine with mint and floral notes on the nose. It caresses the palate with a sweet-tinged river of ripe black cherry and hints of cassis. This is medium-bodied with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and plenty of charm and pizzazz. It finishes fruit forward with palate replays and dry clean finish and aftertaste. Pour with your favourite grilled meat or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
90
Victor Vineyards ‘C.O.V.E. – California Old Vine Estates’ Merlot 2018
Lodi, California $17.95 14.5% alcohol
Deep-ruby hued, almost opaque, this offers up aromas of smoky notes—matured eight months, primarily French oak—and dark berry fruit galore. It blankets the palate with a tannin-laced gusher of cassis, ripe black berry and bramble berry jam. This is medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel and a lengthy dry finish. Drink now—after a three-hour aeration/decant—or cellar a couple of years. This deserves to be served with a fine cut of medium-rare grilled flank steak. (Vic Harradine)
91
Victor Vineyards ‘C.O.V.E. – California Old Vine Estates – Riverside Red 2018
California $17.95 14.2% alcohol
This dishes up a lovely red blend that punches well above the price. An eclectic blend of 30% cabernet sauvignon/25% zinfandel/15% merlot/15% petite sirah/15% petite verdot, this spent eight months on primarily French oak. Dark bramble berry fruit and spice-infused aromas provide segue to a medium-full bodied flow of ripe red raspberry and tangy pomegranate that rolls over the palate and persists through the fruit-forward nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few and enjoy with grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)
90
Provolo Soave 2018
DOC Soave, Italy $11.95 13.0% alcohol
This exceptional-value Soave is a blend of 80% garganega / 20% chardonnay fruit. It leaps from the glass with distinctive aromas of ripe apricot, hints of pear and wisps of piquant ginger root. A luscious wave of Meyer lemon and tropical fruit bathe the plate and infuse the crisp, clean and refreshing finish. It sips well on its own and pours particularly well with lightly seasoned seafood or roast chicken. (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 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.
91
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)
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)
• 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.
92
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)
92
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 at the reduced price.
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)
Red Wine
• The following Beringer ‘Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is $5.00 off the price shown below of each bottle purchased.
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)
• 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.
89
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.
88
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 Tommasi ‘Graticcio Appassionato’. It’s $1.00 off the price shown below earning it an exceptional-value icon .
88
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.
92
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, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic