November 3, 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 $7 per bottle as well as reviews for New in Vintages, New in LCBO Portfolio, New in Ontario Wineries and upcoming Vintages releases under Upstream in Winecurrent.
- Exceptional-value wine
– 6 of the 56 wines available now in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $14.95 to $18.95 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 – No wine that is available now rang the 95 points and over bell.
- Lisa Likes – 2013 13th Street Winery ‘Premier Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine earned 92 points @ $39.95 found under Sparkling Wine; 2017 Westcott Vineyards ‘Estate’ Chardonnay earned 89 points @ $27.95 found under Ontario: White Wine.
- Louise Loves – 2017 Inniskillin Riesling Icewine earned 92 points @ $79.95 (375 mL) found under Icewine; 2016 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 91 points @ $39.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to November 9, 2019.
- Dave’s Delights – 2017 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel earned 91 points @ $29.95 found under California: Red Wine; 2016 Catena Malbec earned 89 points @ $17.95 found under LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to November 9, 2019.
- Vic Picks – 2018 Featherstone Rosé earned 89 points @ $15.95 found under Ontario: Rosé Wine; 2016 Best’s ‘Bin No. 1’ Shiraz earned 92 points @ $21.95 found under Australia: Red Wine.
Vintages Release: November 9, 2019
Fortified Wine: Vermouth
• Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine that has flavours added by the addition of herbs, spice, fruit, roots and/or bark. It’s made from wine, or wine must. It can be white, rosé, red or yellow and is fortified by high-alcohol, neutral brandy. It’s believed to have originated in China some time before 1000 BC with the more modern-day version produced first in Turin, Italy in the latter half of the 18th C. It can be dry or sweet. It was traditionally made with wormwood added, this is now banned—among many other side effects from wormwood are kidney failure, paralysis and death. The following Vermouth is sweet. This is a stunning aperitif over the rocks.
90
Giulio Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino
Italy $29.95 (461913) 16.0% alcohol
The spirited nose—with aromas of iodine, orange peel, spun sugar and caramel—will certainly get your attention. Flavours of candied peel marmalade, sweet, honey-dipped mandarin orange and aromatic bitters attack the palate with gusto persisting through the long and über-delicious aftertaste. Primarily used in cocktails—Martini, Manhattan et al—it’s quite good on its own, on the rocks. (Vic Harradine)
Fortified: Dessert Wine
89
Bacalhôa Moscatel De Setúbal 2016
DOC Setúbal, Portugal $14.95 (996181) 17.0% alcohol
This is certainly one of the LCBOs most under-priced offerings. Made from the moscatel grape, a.k.a. muscat, this was fortified with aguardente (brandy) and saw almost two years in large seasoned barrels. Exotic aromas of honey, floral, spice, and citrus peel nuances set up this gorgeously textured nectar. The rich flavours are a fruit basket of ripe fig, sweet sultana raisin, honeyed pit fruit, and spice. Dark fruit, perhaps black plum compote, or spice cake is a match made in heaven. (Vic Harradine)
Specialty Wine: Fruit Wine
91 
Southbrook Framboise Non Vintage
Ontario, $19.95 (341024) 375 ml 14% alcohol
This 100% raspberry, fortified, dessert wine is simply stunning. If they allowed such designations, it would be amongst the Premiers Crus. The lifted nose is a bowl of freshly-picked raspberries while the full-bodied and flavour-packed taste profile is more of the same. This is well balanced and tang laden. It’s an amazing accompaniment to rich, dark Belgian chocolate desserts. (Vic Harradine)
Icewine
91
Inniskillin Riesling Icewine 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $79.95 375ml (558288) 9.2% alcohol
This is one of Inniskillin’s flagship wines produced for over thirty years and it never fails to impress. The varietal’s distinctive petrol notes ooze from the glass in a sweet version joined with pear confit, jasmine and mineral aromas. The palate is treated to an opulent cocktail of flavours — honeyed-poached orchard fruit, tangy marmalade and candied pineapple—perfectly balanced with zesty acidity. This is a harmonious delight from start to finish and will pair beautifully with baked-Brie cheese. (Louise Boutin)
91
Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 200ml (53397) 11.0% alcohol
This is not your typical, gold-shaded icewine. This one has a vibrant raspberry glow and a very singular nose—ripe field strawberry, freshly cracked black pepper and a hint of green bell pepper. It flows on the palate in a luscious nectar bursting with ripened sweet strawberry and maraschino cherry flavours lifted with balancing rhubarb tartness and piquant peppercorn notes trailing into the endlessly delicious finish. No need for dessert, sip on its own after dinner to fully appreciate the complexity of this beauty. (Louise Boutin)
Sparkling Wine
92
13th Street Winery ‘Premier Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula (142679) $39.95 12.5% alcohol
This blend of equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir, produced in the traditional method and aged 48 months on its lees, displays aromas of apple, pear and citrus joined by biscuit and mineral notes repeating on the palate. Made with zero dosage, this dry sparkling wine has a refreshing, finely-beaded mousse and basks in vivid fruit flavours while allowing the mineral and biscuit characters to shine through the clean finish. Medium-light bodied and well balanced, subtle hints of brioche and almonds are carried into the aftertaste. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Tawse ‘Cuddy by Tawse - Limestone Ridge Vineyard’ Non-Vintage
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.95 (546762) 12.0% alcohol
This was made with 100% organic, riesling grapes. Bright and lively aromas and flavours coalesce on the nose and palate with lime cordial, slate/mineral notes and orchard fruit—green apple, yellow plum and pear—all making their debut on centre stage. This showcases a solid line of acidity from cork pop to last drop with citrus fruit flavour to the fore along with a dry, lengthy finish. Pour with steamed clams, lemon chicken or scallop ceviche. (Vic Harradine)
89
Roederer Estate ‘Sparkling Brut’ Non-Vintage
Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California $40.95 (294181) 12.0% alcohol
There are baking brioche and nutty notes on the nose before a solid profusion of bubbles and flavours are unleashed on the palate. The yeasty, mineral bits are predominant intertwined with pear and apple on the mid palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and crisp, lemony finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
90
Cave de Lugny ‘Brut Rosé’ Crémant de Bourgogne Non- Vintage
AOC Burgundy $19.95 (297846) 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of citrus and minerality come tumbling from the gorgeous, rose-coloured froth of small-bead bubbles when poured. The palate’s treated to a marvelous cluster of flavours with ruby red grapefruit, racy blood orange and sweet, ripe freshly sliced strawberry to the fore. It finishes in a blaze of palate replays and an invigorating dollop of tang—delicious and good value. (Vic Harradine)
89
Ferrari Trento Brut Non-Vintage
DOC Trento, Italy $24.95 (352153) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit, floral notes and baked apple introduce a mid-weight, nicely textured profusion of bubbles riding over the palate garnished with a tapestry of flavour—leesy/baked brioche notes interweaving with apple, poached pear and lemon curd—balanced and persistent through the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
89
Westcott Vineyards ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Vinemount Ridge (424507) $27.95 12.5% alcohol
This well-crafted chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged 11 months in French oak, 1/3 new. Caramel, buttered brioche and spice notes join aromas of apple and citrus on the nose. Dry, medium bodied, the nicely textured palate offers Gala apple and lemon zest flavours along with hints of caramel, spice and mineral are enjoyed through the leisurely finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
Ontario: Rosé Wine
89
Featherstone Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (117861) 13.0% alcohol
This racy, eclectic blend—42% cabernet franc/26% gamay noir/24% merlot/8% pinot noir—is a rich electric pink in the glass. It offers aromas of eucalyptus and mixed spice before spreading over the palate with a tangy river of tart red currant and cranberry robed in sharp spice and oodles of tang. This is medium weight with generous mouthfeel and a lingering lip-smacking finish that keeps bringing you back for more. Pour with grilled calamari rings under a squeeze of fresh lemon or a charcuterie board. (Vic Harradine)
California: White Wine
94
Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley, California $64.95 (26682) alcohol 14.7% alcohol
Golden hued in the glass, this opens with aromas of toasty/oaky notes robed in citrus and baking bread. It’s medium-full bodied with generous texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel. Palate flavours of blood orange and Granny Smith apple abound with wisps of caramel and baking spice adding interest. This offers persistent purity of fruit, depth and excellent structure. It’s balanced and drinking well now, and will for the next five or more years. (Vic Harradine)
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)
Australia: Red Wine
92
Best’s ‘Bin No. 1’ Shiraz 2016
Great Western, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (222923) 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)
New Zealand: White Wine
90
Palliser Estate ‘Pencarrow’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Martinborough, New Zealand $18.95 (148429) 12.0% alcohol
This rested a short while on its lees, increasing texture/mouthfeel. Piquant herbal and gooseberry aromas abound. It’s quite fleshy on the palate with flavours of gooseberry jelly and hints of mint to the fore. There’s good acidity and plenty of flavour persisting through the finish. Pour well-chilled on its own or alongside Greek salad, olive-oiled arugula topped with chèvre or grilled calamari. Pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
87
Jean-Pierre Moueix Bordeaux 2015
AOC Bordeaux $17.95 (516765) 13.5% alcohol
This red blend—80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc—shows signs of evolution with its medium-garnet color. The nose offers aromas of green bell pepper followed by ripe blackberry, dark cherry and dry tobacco. The fruit flavours are replayed on the palate with a sustained tang and grippy tannin. This is dry, medium-bodied with a tart fruity and peppery finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant two hours and enjoy with gourmet juicy burgers. (Louise Boutin)
88
Gérard Bertrand Grenache / Carignan Fitou 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)
Portugal: Red Wine
88
Casa Santos Lima ‘Confidencial - Reserva’ 2014
Vinho Regional Lisboa $14.95 (452789) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of berry fruit, spice and floral notes introduce a rich, sweet-tinged wash of ripe juicy cherry, mulberry and black currant intertwined with red licorice and supple tannin. It’s medium bodied with good texture and lengthy finish. It pours well with burgers, meat-laden, red pizza or back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
90
Quadrus ‘Reserva’ 2011
DOC Douro $28.95 (534271) 14.0% alcohol
Found this quite smooth and mellow on the palate with a tang-infused stream of piquant spice and pie cherry juxtaposed with balancing black plum and currant flavours garnished with notions of mocha and spice. This is medium-full bodied with good structure, complexity and a mid-length, balanced finish. Pour with cassoulet or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: Red Wine
89
Ardal Crianza 2013
DO Ribera del Duero $21.95 (167601) 14.0% alcohol
If there’s such a thing as, ‘New World-styled wines’, this could be the poster wine for the category, notwithstanding it’s from the ‘Old World’. This is ripe, rich and raring to go. Aromas of smoke and cherry/berry fruit dominate the nose and replay on the palate with a medium-plus bodied, well-textured river of dark bramble berry, raisin and red pie cherry mingling with spice, espresso roast and black licorice galore. It finishes lengthy and lip-smacking good with oodles of delectable tang. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
89
Konzelmann Estate Winery Gewürztraminer ‘Lakeshore Series - Late Harvest’ 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (392357) 12.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of floral notes, tropical fruit and rosewater abound. This blankets the palate with sweet-tinged flavour of nectarine and mango decorated with sprigs of herbs and rosewater-flavoured Turkish delight. It’s medium-full bodied and generously textured with a replay of palate flavours on the beautiful, lengthy finish and aftertaste. This pours particularly well with fresh fruit flan. (Vic Harradine)
New in LCBO Portfolio
90
Kacaba ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (326975) 12.7% alcohol
Aromas of apple and pear provide segue for a nicely paced and well balanced river of palate-pleasing flavour—green apple, lemon tang and hints of grapefruit. This is clean, crisp and refreshing. It’s medium bodied with ample mouthfeel and a lengthy clean and lip-smacking good finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like. Pour alongside roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)
89
Kacaba ‘Cabernet’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (499384) 13.5% alcohol
A red blend of 63% cabernet franc/37% cabernet sauvignon, aromas of red and dark berry fruit, peppery spice and mocha waft easily from the glass. It envelops the palate with a tangy, spice-infused flow of red and black currant, black plum and sprigs of grilled herbs. This is crowd-friendly, smooth and pleasing from twist top to last drop. Pour with pizza, burgers, lasagna or tacos. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: November 23, 2019
• The grapes in the following 2018 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Nadja’s Vineyard’ Riesling were hand harvested from 17-year-old vines rooted in limestone on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment then whole-cluster pressed.
90
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Nadja’s Vineyard’ Riesling 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $24.95 (578625) 10.5% alcohol
This opens with lime-soaked aromas of Granny Smith apple and mineral notes. A lively racy stream of lime and chalky minerality streaks over the palate joined by fresh and refreshing flavours of lemon pie filling and white nectarine. It’s just off dry, nicely balanced with good mouthfeel and a lingering, tart, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Seasoned riesling lovers will happily sip this on its own, almost everyone will enjoy it with spicy Asian cuisine—try tandoori chicken, moo shu pork or pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 7, 2019
91
Flat Rock Cellars ‘The Rusty Shed’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $26.95 (1552) 13.5% alcohol
A light golden hue, it offers a cornucopia of aromas with baking spice, vanilla and bits of biscuit and caramel to the fore. It dazzles the palate with a gusher of smooth texture, medium-full body and plenty of palate flavours—red apple, crème caramel, piquant spice, oaky notes and tart grapefruit tang on the back palate and lengthy aftertaste. This has good bones and should improve even by the time it’s released; it needs only time to meld—and it’s very good value. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Flat Rock Cellars ‘Riddled’ Sparkling Wine 2017 is a blend of 61% pinot noir/ 39% chardonnay and was chosen from specially selected, hand-harvested blocks of estate vines. It was produced in the Traditional Method and whole-clustered pressed, neutral-oak barrel fermented then underwent an 18-month bottle fermentation and resting on its lees.
91
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Riddled’ Sparkling Wine 2017
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 (383315) 12.0% alcohol
The lively fine-bead mousse crowns the medium-yellow hued nectar in the glass. Aromas of rising bread dough and lemon zest give way to a racy mouthful of Key lime and lemon curd underpinned by and infused with lip-smacking tang. It finishes with palate replays that are mouth-watering clean, crisp and refreshing. Pour as a welcoming wine or an aperitif to get gastric juices flowing or alongside Sole Meuniere. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to November 9, 2019
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. 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)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ - November 11 to December 1, 2019
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 November 11, to December 1, 2019.
White Wine
• The following 2016 Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay Musqué will be discounted $1.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
90
Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay Musqué 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $17.95 (246579) 13.5% alcohol
Crafted from a chardonnay grape clone, this aromatic 100% musqué varietal charms with its ripe fruit aromas—pineapple, peach and pear plus citrus and white blossom notes. This stainless steel fermented, medium-bodied white is round and ample on the palate showcasing mature orchard fruit flavours coated with a touch of honey and good balance of acidity resembling well-made viognier. A gorgeous wine to drink now with grilled sushi or seafood. (Louise Boutin)
• The following six wines will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown on each below.
85
Anselmi ‘San Vincenzo’ 2016
IGT Veneto, Italy $17.95 (948158) 12.5% alcohol
An über-savory nose of grassy notes and sprigs of savory herbs dressed in piquant spice provide segue to this garganega blend. The mid-weight, lightly textured stream of palate-pleasing flavour skips over the palate with flavours of lemongrass, pear and wisps of apple persisting through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a pleasant pre-dinner sipper. (Vic Harradine)
• The following über-popular 2017 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling gains it’s moniker from the sheep that are kept to nibble leaves, exposing fruit to sunlight as Featherstone farms sustainably. The hand-picked, hand-sorted fruit was whole-bunch pressed transferred to stainless steel tanks, allowed to settle 36 hours then racked off its gross lees. By fall, 2018, this will be found more consistently in more LCBO stores as it moves to becoming a Vintages Essentials wine, always found in select stores.
91
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (80234) 10.0% alcohol
Whiffs of petrol joined by citrus and mineral notes dominate aromas on the nose of this perennial favourite. It’s always marked by low alcohol, high acidity and high residual sugar balancing each other in a crescendo of pure ambrosia. It bathes the palate with a fully textured flow of green apple, ripe pear and lime cordial. It’s medium bodied and slightly off-dry with a solid line of nerve and verve acidity running from twist top to final drop. Pour with a deli board or spicy Asian cuisine. (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)
92
Hidden Bench Estate Winery Chardonnay 2016
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 (68817) 13.0% alcohol
This is an outstanding expression of certified-organic Niagara chardonnay. Pronounced aromas of red apple, white grapefruit, butterscotch and vanilla segue to a creamy-textured wash of apple, tangy citrus and spice notes on the palate. Dry, medium bodied, it’s well-balanced with a long, mouth-watering, mineral-laden finish. Delicious on its own or enjoy with almond-crusted halibut fillets. (Lisa Isabel)
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)
• The following two wines will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown on each below.
91
Mission Hill ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Okanagan Valley $23.95 (545004) 13.5% alcohol
Displaying aromas of tropical and tree fruit, custard and spice, this is beautifully crafted showing exemplary balance. Dry, on the full side of medium-bodied, there’s intensity to the flavours of grilled pear and pineapple. The warmth of spiced nuances, nutty toasty notes of well-integrated oak and the subtle yet refreshing acidity bringing poise to the wine and length to the finish. (Susan Desjardins)
90
Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $35.95 (111989) 12.5% alcohol
This 100% chardonnay was whole-bunch pressed, fermented with indigenous yeast and aged 16 months in French oak prior to bottling. Butterscotch, vanilla and spice aromas are joined by tangy citrus and crisp orchard fruit on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively showcasing crisp green apple, zesty citrus with spice and mineral notes adding interest. Dry, medium bodied, it’s beautifully balanced and offers a lasting mouth-watering finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
Red Wines
• The following Torres Gran Coronas will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
Torres Gran Coronas 2010
DO Penedès, Spain $21.95 (36483) 14.0% alcohol
Produced from fruit harvested on the family’s home estate, Mas la Plana, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo offers lifted, complex aromas of leather, underbrush, ripe red and black fruits and spiced vanilla. Dry and full bodied, the flavourful ripe fruit bathes the palate caressed by delicious notes of vanilla and sweet exotic spice. Firm in structure yet generous, tasty and savoury, it’s warm on the finish. This deftly balanced wine will pair with all manner of grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
• The following four wines will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown on each below.
88
Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère 2015
Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (30957) 14.0% alcohol
This is good value and it’s rich, ripe and rarin’ to go now. A beautifully balanced river of juicy black Bing cherry and black plum interweave with racy pomegranate and herbal notes on the creamy smooth palate along with mixed spice and mocha. It’s a bit funky on the nose with some bell pepper and strong herbal notes, but that melts away and you’re left with a creamy-smooth, hedonistic offering. It pours and pairs well with burgers, red pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
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)
91
Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2014
VQA Beamsville Bench $31.95 (274753) 12.7% alcohol
A subdued nose of red berry fruit and spice provide segue for a gorgeous mouthful of deftly balanced racy tang—pie cherry and red currant—and ripe juicy fruit—black plum and dark Bing cherry. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and a delectable lingering finish of mixed spice with wisps of toasty oak and soft tannin. Pour this organic gem with rack of lamb, roast turkey or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
89
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)
Special Wine
• The following Foss Marai Prosecco will be discounted $2.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
Foss Marai Prosecco Extra Dry Non Vintage
DOC Prosecco $19.95 (729392) 11.5% alcohol
A tempting nose of floral and citrussy notes tingle the nose and provide a fitting entry to this very well-priced sparkler. Nothing complicated, but everything is in balance, from the frothy attack of tropical fruit flavours and lemon zest to the lovely tang of acidity on the finish. Serve well chilled to guests as a welcoming wine. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Peller ‘Private Reserve’ Vidal Icewine will be discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
89
Peller ‘Private Reserve’ Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $27.30 (18564) 200 mL 11.5% alcohol
Deep golden-yellow in the glass, the nose offers up whispers of buckwheat honey, spice and orange peel marmalade aromas. It bursts onto the palate with an intense surge of sweet flavour—honey-soaked, baked apple, treacle, sweet ripe mango and poached pear. This is full bodied and creamy smooth on the palate with lengthy, reasonably balanced aftertaste. Pour with foie gras, soft white cheese or spiced honey cake. (Vic Harradine)
• The following two wines will be discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown on each below.
95
Cave Spring Riesling Icewine 2014
VQA Niagara Peninsula $49.95 375 mL (447441) 10.5% alcohol
Glorious aromas of apricot, honeyed ripe pear and raisin fill the air. A palate-coating surge of liquid ambrosia coats the palate with a tapestry of sweet flavour—peel marmalade, poached pear, grilled pineapple, honey and spice. It’s fully fruited and full textured with moderating citrus tang on the finish and aftertaste keeping it balanced and far from cloying. This is quite special and very well priced. (Vic Harradine)
88
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $39.95 (389411) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Mango and ripe yellow peach aromas unleash a gusher of sweet, honeyed flavour on the palate with honey-drizzled peach pie and candied apricot coating the palate and persisting through the finish. It’s full bodied and generously textured delivering a sticky, sweet aftertaste. Pour with quality blue cheese or fruit flan. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne Non-Vintage will be discounted $7.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below.
94
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $99.95 (158550) 12.0% alcohol
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this was vinified saignée—using only red grapes, not red wine mixed with white as is often done in Champagne—capturing tantalizing spice, red licorice and berry fruit aromas and an alluring salmon-pink colour. It attacks the palate with mid weight, generous texture and a groundswell of flavour with black currant, strawberry and spiced Damson plum to the fore. This is lovely sipped on its own with the oomph to pair well with pan-seared salmon or festive bird. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers. Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic