January 4, 2020 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights include:
There are more wines reviewed after the Vintages Release wines available in LCBO stores found under New in LCBO as well as New in Vintages, Upstream in winecurrent and New in Ontario Wineries. With the Holiday Season over, the wines most agents/wineries and retail outlets feature are very well priced and often exceptional value. You’ll find many in this newsletter!
There’s also a special feature of consignment wines reviewed by Louise Boutin chosen from a bespoke selection of fine wine from The Vine Agency. Enjoy!
- Exceptional-value wine
– 20 of the 45 wines in this newsletter are available now and meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $12.95 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 rang the 95 points and over bell.
- Louise Loves – 2018 McManis ‘Family Vineyard’ Viognier earned 94 points @ $20.95 and 2014 Baker&Brain ‘Pendulum’ earned 93 points @ $49.95 both found under Consignment Wine from The Vine; 2017 Kilikanoon ‘The Lackey’ Shiraz earned 88 points @ $17.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; 2017 Quinta de Curvos ‘Provo Cega’ earned 90 points @ $12.95 found under Upstream in winecurrent; 2017 Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Merlot earned 89 points @ $14.95 found under New in the LCBO.
- Lisa Likes – 2016 Michele Chiarlo ‘Le Orme - 16 Months’ Barbera D’Asti earned 90 points @ $15.95 found under Italy: Red Wine; 2014 Ontañón ‘Vetiver’ Viura earned 89 points @ $15.95 found under Spain: Red Wine.
- Vic Picks – 2018 Flat Rock Pinot Noir earned 91 points @ $21.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; 2018 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir earned 92 points @ $24.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; 2018 Malivoire ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir earned 92 points @ $28.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries; Pelee Island Winery ‘Bella’ Rosé Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage earned 90 points @ $18.95 found under New in LCBO;
Vintages Release: January 11, 2020
Fortified Wine from Spain: Sherry
90
Bodegas Hidalgo ‘La Gitana’ Manzanilla
DO Jerez y Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda $17.95 500 mL (745448) 15.0% alcohol
The expressive nose on this fully-textured Sherry is pure 'rancio', a term almost defying description, but think of dried, spicy fruit, over-ripe cantaloupe and burnt sugar—once experienced, never to be forgotten. This is dry with wonderful mouth feel and offers salty, zesty flavours of nuts, figs and dried fruit. It’s deftly balanced with a lengthy dry finish. Serve chilled with ceviche or sea food, especially briny shrimp. The price-quality balance tips in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Flat Rock Pinot Noir was fashioned from estate-grown fruit hand harvested and hand sorted over ten days while at their optimum phenolic ripeness and eventually matured in French oak.
• This is a Vintages Essential wine always found in select LCBO stores.
91
Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $21.95 (1545) 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of rich ripe cherry/berry fruit interwoven with mixed spice and herbs abound on the nose of this value-packed pinot. A medium-weight, creamy-textured flow of ripe cherry and bramble berry flavours intertwine with piquant spice and grilled herbs. It coats the palate with flavours framed with excellent acidity and underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. This offers good purity of fruit and deft balance from cork pop to last drop… What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)
• This is a Vintages Essential wine always found in select LCBO stores.
93
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir 2018
VQA Ontario $24.95 (461699) 13.0% alcohol
An opaque purple-black in the glass, this Reserve baco offers aromas of charred toast, rich dark berry fruit and gamy bits. It rolls over the palate in delicious waves of sweet-tinged, rich ripe flavours of cassis, black plum and ripe mulberry interlaced with savoury herbs and great pizzazz. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a long, balanced and delectable finish. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour… pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
Chile: Red Wine
90
Apaltagua ‘Envero - Gran Reserva’ Carmenère 2015
DO Apalta, Colchagua Valley $18.95 (481010) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque, dark purple in the glass, this offers black plum and savory herb aromas on the nose. It rolls in endless waves over the palate with nicely structured mouthfuls of crunchy red fruit—cranberry, cherry and passionfruit—interweaving with cassis and perceptible supple tannin. This is medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a dry, lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring with grilled striploin. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
88
Kilikanoon ‘The Lackey’ Shiraz 2017
Australia $17.95 (5199) 14.5% alcohol
This smooth, full-bodied, 100% shiraz from Kilikanoon is a perennial favourite. It opens up with a funky nose that quickly dissipates with a vigorous swirl to leave the stage to dark cherry, blackberry, toasty oak and tobacco aromas. It flows easily on the palate with melted tannin carrying flavours of sweet dark cherry, blackberry jam, vanilla and a hint of eucalyptus. This is a crowd pleaser and will shine with baby, back ribs generously mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Louise Boutin)
Italy: Red Wine
90
Michele Chiarlo ‘Le Orme - 16 Months’ Barbera D’Asti 2016
DOCG Barbera D’Asti $15.95 (265413) 13.5 % alcohol
There’s exceptional value in this food-friendly wine from northwest Italy. Ripe red fruit aromas interweave with violet, dry leaves and a mineral note on the nose and these don’t fade on the pleasing, concentrated palate. Dry, medium bodied with soft tannins and mouth-watering acidity, it finishes with an extended, tasty fruit-driven finish with notes of earth and smoke pleasantly appearing on the aftertaste. Serve with tomato-based pastas and pizzas. (Lisa Isabelle)
• Brunello di Montalcino is drier and hotter than other major regions in Tuscany although somewhat ameliorated by its 400 to 500M altitude of vineyards. The following 2013 Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino is smooth, mellow and lighter-styled than some and certainly worth picking up.
93
Poggio Landi Brunello di Montalcino 2013
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $49.95 (573980) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% sangiovese was fermented by ambient yeast, matured 38 months in French oak barrel then rested a minimum of six additional months in bottle before release. This dazzling Brunello showcases elegance, charm, depth and complexity. Aromas of violets and mixed red berry fruit waft easily from the glass. It bathes the palate with pure ambrosia expressed as dark berry fruit and plum decorated with soft spice and hints of mocha. It’s medium bodied and delicately textured with deft balance and long finish and aftertaste. Given the quality, it’s well-priced and well worth a purchase. (Vic Harradine)
Spain: White Wine
89
Ontañón ‘Vetiver’ Viura 2014
DOCa Rioja $15.95 (437707) 12.5% alcohol
Viura, known as macabeo in other areas of Spain, is one of nine permitted white grapes in the Rioja DOCa region. It spent six months in oak and a further six months in bottle before release leading to expressive aromas of ripe pear, honeydew melon, orchard blossom and white pepper on the nose. Dry, medium bodied, nicely textured with a creamy mouthfeel, flavours of poached pear, golden delicious apple underscored with suggestions of toast and minerality are enjoyed through the mid-length finish. Enjoy this great-value white with seared scallops or a prosciutto and melon appetizer. (Lisa Isabelle)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: January 25, 2020
90
Quinta de Curvos ‘Provo Cega’ 2017
DOC Douro, Portugal $12.95 (446054) 14.5% alcohol
This is sourced from premium Port grapes—50% touriga nacional/25% touriga franca/25% tinta roriz and an incredible steal for its qualities. A lively fresh nose of mixed crushed berry, kirsch liqueur and floral note introduces a soft flow of delicious palate flavours—ripe blackberry, blueberry and cassis, lifted with bright raspberry acidity and wrapped in chalky fine tannin. The finish is nicely warm with tangy fruit flavours and a cinnamon hint in the aftertaste. This is ready to go and a delicious match with charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: February 8, 2020
92
Bookwalter Winery ‘Readers’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Washington State $35.95 (13238) 14.9% alcohol
Don’t let the simple red label mislead you, this is serious wine. Rich ripe fruit—82% cabernet sauvignon/18% syrah—was sourced from Columbia Valley (95%) and Yakima Valley then aged 24 months in French oak. The nose is intense with ripe black fruit, green pepper, tobacco leaf, baking spice and briny black olive aromas. A cool stream of juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry and cassis flavours fill the palate until drying tannins join in, revealing dark chocolate character and layers of mixed spice and savoury dry herbs in the lasting enjoyable finish. This is an approachable, skilled-crafted full-bodied red with ageing potential but hard to resist now. Aeratedecant one hour prior to dinner and enjoy with rare prime rib or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
89
Henry of Pelham ‘Three of Hearts’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (552562) 11.5% alcohol
Sexy aromas of exotic spice, floral notes and freshly picked strawberries abound on the nose of this medium-bodied nicely textured rosé. It bathes the palate with a delectable river of strawberry flavour mingling with delicate Meyer lemon and lip-smacking tang persisting through the dry, crisp and clean finish. Give this a go with a charcuterie board or mixed deli platter or a white, lightly dressed three-cheese pizza—brie, Gouda and chèvre—brushed with spicy olive oil. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
• The following 2018 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select LCBO stores.
91
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Short Hills Bench $21.95 (268342) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice, apple, pear and wisps of citrus capture the essence of this fabulous chardonnay. It bathes the palate with flavours of green apple, ripe pear and lemon curd adorned with racy tang. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering, juicy finish and aftertaste. It showcases mixed spice, deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and a boatload of charm. Pour with roast chicken or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO
90
Pelee Island Winery ‘Bella’ Rosé Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $18.95 (11597) 12.0% alcohol
This dazzling sparkling Rosé—a 50/50 blend of pinot noir and auxerrois—was fashioned in the Charmat method. Aromas of freshly sliced strawberry and wisps of saline minerality introduce a tingling mouthful of flavour with delightful pink grapefruit and mouth-watering tang to the fore. This showcases good balance, persistent purity of fruit and a crisp, tropical-fruit flavoured, clean, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with smoked salmon layered on a slice of baguette smeared generously with cream cheese and decorated with thinly sliced sweet onion, dill weed and capers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Merlot is also available in grocery stores and can be ordered via this link from Pelee Island Winery for delivery to your door.
89
Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Merlot 2017
VQA Ontario $14.95 (10486) 13.0% alcohol
This is medium-ruby shaded with a light-garnet rim; it’s 100% merlot and matured in large oak casks. You’ll find aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, dry herb and a cedar note in the background. Medium-bodied with soft tannin, it offers ripe red fruit flavours plus blackberry notes and a nice savoury herb, very dry finish. It is perfect for your spaghetti and meatballs dinner. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2017 Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Chardonnay is also available in grocery stores and can be ordered via this link from Pelee Island Winery for delivery to your door.
88
Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Ontario $14.95 (148830) 13.0% alcohol
Tropical fruit, vanilla and pear waft easily from this medium-bodied, nicely textured white. It bathes the palate with sweet-tinged palate flavours of ripe pear and yellow plum and melding with zesty lemon the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. Enjoy on its own or alongside roast chicken or white pizza. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Pinot Grigio is also available in grocery stores and can be ordered via this link from Pelee Island Winery for delivery to your door.
87
Pelee Island Winery ‘Lola’ Pinot Grigio 2018
VQA Ontario $14.95 (10485) 12.5% alcohol
Lime rind, green apple and herbaceous aromas fill the air with this medium-light bodied, crisp pinot grigio that feels very dry on the palate despite 11g of residual sugar. A medley of citrus flavours—lime, lemon and white grapefruit mingle with nice chalky minerality making this white an excellent palate cleanser, ending on a zesty and mild pithy aftertaste. Try with goat cheese crostini or asparagus wrapped in prosciutto for a lively pairing. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2017 Pelee Island Winery Non-Oaked Chardonnay is also available in grocery stores and can be ordered via this link from Pelee Island Winery for delivery to your door.
88
Pelee Island Winery ‘Non-Oaked Chardonnay 2017
VQA Ontario $12.45 (136044) 12.5% alcohol
This friendly priced, stainless steel fermented 100% chardonnay presents with aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple and lactic notes to the fore. This is medium-bodied with a pleasant round and soft mouthfeel offering flavours of peach, apple and a nice briny lemon note defining the lasting finish. This is a simple yet delicious white that will partner well with salted appetizers or roasted chicken. (Louise Boutin)
89
Sand Point Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Lodi, California $16.95 (11193) 14.0% alcohol
Certified sustainable, it announces itself with a flurry of aromas with ripe mulberry and black currant jam to the fore mingling with grilled savoury herbs. It coats the palate with a rich, ripe and rarin’ to go stream of sweet-tinged Lodi fruit—black raspberry, black Bing cherry and black plum galore. It’s medium-plus bodied with good structure and a medium-plus length finish and aftertaste. This is a match made in heaven poured alongside barbecued or oven-roasted back ribs generously mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
89
Sand Point Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2017
Lodi, California $16.95 (11194) 14.0% alcohol
Certified sustainable, this easy-going chardonnay leaps from the glass with aromas of oaky notes and whiffs of sweet vanilla and green apple. The palate is treated to spicy oak, ripe apple and pear flavours framed in wisps of balancing tang. Medium-weight with good mouthfeel and a medium-length finish, this ends with persistent palate-flavour replays and well balanced with no rough edges. Pour with breaded veal cutlets or enjoy on its own. (Vic Harradine)
88
Victoria Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
South Australia $14.95 (119390 13.5% alcohol
Rich aromas of black bramble berry, mixed spice and charred toast are precursors of a medium-bodied, tang-laden surge of palate flavours with red currant and pie cherry interwoven with savoury herbs. It finishes medium length with crunchy, red-fruit tang. Pour alongside pasta in Bolognese sauce under a generous helping of grated parmesan. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine, order online at Malivoire Wine Company or visit the winery to purchase by the bottle or case at 4260 King Street East, Beamsville, ON. Here’s a map.
• The following 2018 Malivoire ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir was harvested mid-September from two vineyards—Maria and Mottiar—at an average 20.8° brix. It was fermented in stainless steel vats then matured nine months in 16, small, older French oak barrels along with one new (just shy of 6% of total) before being bottled. Only 424 cases were produced.
92
Malivoire ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench $28.95 12.0% alcohol
This lighter-styled, artisanal pinot noir offers aromas of leather, mixed spice and red berry fruit. It caresses and pleases the palate with the yin and yang of sweet and tang with mouthfuls of sweet-tinged cherry and strawberry juxtaposed with tang-infused red currant and cranberry mingling with savory herbs and oodles of charm while balanced on a pin. Look for persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop. The finish lingers, you shouldn’t; it’s very good value and may not be available for long. Pour with roast fowl, coq au vin or duck confit. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Malivoire ‘Stouck Farmstead’ Red was sourced from the temperate VQA sub-appellation of Lincoln Lakeshore that receives full benefit from Lake Ontario via a lengthy growing season, made possible by a cooling effect in summer and amelioration of the harsh winter. The Stouck family have deep roots in farming this site with Dan Stouck currently assistant winemaker at Malivoire Wine Company. It was blended with 59.5% merlot and 40.5% cabernet sauvignon at an average of 21.9% Brix. After alcoholic fermentation it was racked into 58% French and 42% American oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation then a further oak maturation with approximately 17% new.
92
Malivoire ‘Stouck Farmstead’ Red 2017
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $26.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic spice, rich black fruit—cherry and plum—along with wisps of mixed herbs abound. This is well priced, medium-plus bodied, smooth as silk, deftly balanced and simply delectable with a lively finish and plenty of pizzazz. Flavours of pie cherry, red raspberry and mocha ride a tangy wash that coats the palate persisting through the lengthy lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside a prime cut of medium-rare grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)
90
Pelee Island Winery ‘J.S. Hamilton - Vendange Tardive’ Pinot Gris 2017
VQA South Islands $16.95 (224196) 13.5% alcohol
This late-harvest pinot gris leaps from the glass with aromas of rosewater, exotic incense and citrus. It bathes the palate with lemon drop candy and lemon zest intertwined with sprigs of herbs and mineral notes. This is medium bodied with good texture and a drying finish and aftertaste. Delightful on its own as an aperitif that will get the gastric juices going, it also pours particularly well with scallops pan-seared in butter and placed over a bed of olive-oiled arugula. (Vic Harradine)
Consignment Wines
Winecurrent writers Louise Boutin and Vic Harradine attended The Vine Agency wine tasting on November 25th, 2019. The tasting was held at the fine dining establishment, Beckta Dining and Wine on Elgin St. in Ottawa and was attended by many fine-dining owners and sommeliers—watch for them when next dining out. These wines were selected from a carefully curated collection of fine wines via the LCBOs Consignment program with many not available at LCBO retail stores. Order and purchase arrangements are handled through Account Manager, Lauren Hayes-Van den Weghe at the following coordinates:
• Order the following wines by the case—some 6 bottles, others 12—by contacting Lauren Hayes-Van den Weghe by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 613 240 3667 for restaurant, home or office delivery via The Vine Agency.
• The following eleven wines have been tasted, reviewed and scored by Louise Boutin.
Dessert Wine
89
Villa Papiano ‘Tregenda’ Vendemmia Tardiva Albana 2016
DOCG Romagna Albana $39.95 500ml 11.5% alcohol
Bruised apple, orange marmalade and camomile tea make up the nose of this late harvest nectar, hand-picked after noble rot, aka botrytis cinera has done its magic. This is a sweet and rich elixir aged six months in barriques and 18 months in bottle. Beautiful flavours of candied orange, apricot and honey lifted with a good dose of citrus acidity present an excellent example of passito wines from the Emilia-Romagna region. A treat on its own and also a fine pairing with sea-salt roasted almonds. (Louise Boutin)
Sparkling Wine
90
Mosole Prosecco ‘Millesimato’ Extra dry 2018
DOC Prosecco Treviso $24.95 11.5% alcohol
Ninety-five percent glera and a splash of chardonnay goes into this tank fermented fragrant sparkler. Fresh aromas of peach, melon and pear jelly joined with delicate floral notes introduce a nice wave of fruit cocktail flavours, filling the mouth with a thick froth and a thirst quenching sensation. This is light-bodied, with 14g of residual sugar per litre perfectly balanced with excellent acidity. Serve well chilled and pair with good company at the apéro. (Louise Boutin)
White Wine
90
Prà Soave Classico ‘Monte Grande’ 2017
DOC Soave Classico $48.95 13.0% alcohol
This “cru” Soave is a blend of 70% garganega and 30% trebbiano di Soave grown in Veneto’s volcanic soil. The mineral character of this elegant white wine is noticeable on the nose with slate notes shielding ripe orchard fruit, zesty Meyer lemon and almond aromas. Fermented then matured 10 months in large oak casks, this medium-bodied, crisp white displays flavours of ripe peach, melon, lemon confit and a hint of vanilla, closing with a trail of minerality in the delectable dry finish. It’s a perfect partner to seafood risotto. (Louise Boutin)
91
Scarbolo ‘Il Ramato’ Pinot Grigio 2018
DOC Friuli $24.95 13.5% alcohol
This light-copper shaded 100% pinot grigio from the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, is Scarbolo’s introduction to their orange wine program. A quick 24 hours of grapeskin contact is all it takes to transfer pigmentation and fresh aromas of peach, clementine zest and strawberry along with bright mineral notes. Expect a similar profile on the palate with added zesty tang and a saline note persisting in the dry finish and aftertaste. The hybrid character of this medium-light bodied interesting wine, brings excellent food pairing options. Try alongside grilled-trout gourmet burgers with lemon aioli, or shrimp, tomato and feta mini-skewer appetizers. (Louise Boutin)
94
McManis Family Vineyard Viognier 2018
River Junction, California $20.95 13.5% alcohol
If you’re not fond of viognier because of its highly perfumed character, give this a try. It’s a blend of 92% viognier partnering with sauvignon blanc and muscat canelli, aka muscat blanc à petits grains. A delicate nose of apricot, rose water aromas and a hint of roasted nut teases the senses. On the palate, it’s medium-plus weight with an almost oily mouthfeel but no heaviness—courtesy the beautiful zesty acidity. Delicious flavours of apricot and sweet citrus mingle with mild pithy grapefruit flavours, framing the long and decadent finish. This is a first-class wine at a bargain price. Pair with butternut squash ravioli. (Louise Boutin)
Red Wine
90
Stoller Family Estate Pinot Noir 2017
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley $39.95 13.5% alcohol
A mélange of the different pinot noir clones grown on the family estate helps fashion this neutral-oak fermented, new-world style pinot. Pale-ruby shaded with fresh aromas of red cherry, cranberry, rose petal and dried herbs escape from the glass. A delicious wash of ripe red cherry flavours combined with tangy raspberry, spice and a hint of vanilla travels the palate with softness and finesse. This well-balanced, medium-bodied red shows harmony of flavours and a lasting spiced finish that keeps you wanting more. Coq-au-vin comes to mind for a delightful pairing. (Louise Boutin)
93
Baker&Brain ‘Pendulum’ 2014
Monterey County $49.95 15.3% alcohol
This southern-Rhône styled lovely blend of 60% grenache and 40% syrah features intense mixed crushed berry, black plum and clove aromas with a hint of dry savoury herb and toasted oak. A plush mouthfeel boosts delicious flavours of black and red plum, uber-ripe blackberry, strawberry and a fresh fennel seed note adding to the complexity of this full-bodied beauty. Alcohol is perfectly integrated and the tannins are pleasantly grippy, offering a long-lasting complex dry finish. Aerate/decant one hour and pour with pasta puttanesca. (Louise Boutin)
92
McManis ‘North Forty’ 2017
California $34.95 13.5% alcohol
This eclectic blend of almost equal parts petit verdot, petite sirah, tannat and teroldego, a northern Italy native grape, offer a lot of intensity both to the robe and the nose. Mixed crushed berry and ripe dark cherry aromas are joined by smoky mocha notes when swirling. A velvet-textured wave of ripe blackberry, cherry and blueberry flavours pleases the palate while evolving to dark chocolate and a dry tart cherry note balancing the medium-long dry finish. A brief six months of aging in new and used French oak barrels softened and added personality to this gem. Pour now to 2022 alongside a grilled, flank steak. (Louise Boutin)
90
Le Fonti Chianti Classico Riserva 2013
DOCG Chianti Classico $44.95 13.5% alcohol
This is a lovely blend of sangiovese with a splash of cabernet sauvignon and merlot aged 24 months in French oak and an additional two years in bottle. The nose exudes notes of dry cherry, black plum, star anise and mature wood. Classic food-friendly wine, this is dry with fine-grained noticeable tannin, sustained acidity and delicious flavours of tart cherry, red plum and baking spice trailing in the delicious medium-long finish. Pour alongside slowly simmered osso bucco. (Louise Boutin)
90
Angelo Nicolis E Figli ‘Seccal’ Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2016
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso $33.95 13.5% alcohol
A Valpolicella wine going through a second fermentation when combined with amarone and recioto grapeskins results in a more complex wine known as ripasso. This one displays aromas of ripe dark fruit, raisin, baking spice and a touch of sweet tobacco and smoke. Silky smooth on the palate at first, it shows character and structure mid-way through with astringent tannin, medium-plus acidity and a delicious fruit profile—dry cherry, ripe blackberry, dark plum and a touch of licorice brightening the long dry finish. This is medium-full bodied and shines alongside braised beef short ribs. (Louise Boutin)
91
Tin Barn Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Pickberry Vineyard’ 2015
Sonoma Valley $46.95 14.2% alcohol
This 100% cabernet sauvignon is sourced from 40-year-old vines planted on volcanic soil. The initial whiff is all about green bell pepper aromas that some swirling help dissipate, letting ripe black fruit, black peppercorn and cedar peek through. Nineteen months of ageing in new French oak barrels bring smoothness and balance to this full-bodied red. Expect flavours of ripe black cherry, cassis, blackberry and vanilla with a lingering light peppery dry finish. Aerate/decant two hours and enjoy with a selection of charcuterie and hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD
90
Caves de Rauzan ‘Le Noble - Cuvée Réserve’ 2018
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 12.5% alcohol
This 80% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon red blend was stainless steel and barrel-fermented then settled in stainless steel tank. This is rich and complex, mellow and smooth with a price-quality balance that tips well in your favour. Aromas of dark berry fruit and sprigs of wild herbs abound. It bathes the palate with black raspberry and dark cherry interwoven with mocha and hints of cassis. It’s balanced and beautiful showcasing charm, complexity and plenty of pizzazz. Stock up. (Vic Harradine)
89
Caves de Rauzan ‘Villotte’ 2018
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 12.0% alcohol
This 70% merlot/30% cabernet sauvignon was fermented and allowed to settle in temperature-controlled stainless steel tank—it saw no oak. Fresh lively aromas of black currant, dark cherry and savoury herbs precede a wash of palate-caressing flavours with red currant and pomegranate intertwined with lip-smacking tang that persists through the mouth-watering finish along with wisps of ripe tannin. It’s light-medium bodied with no rough edges. Give it a go with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
90
3 – Rings ‘It’s Magic’ Shiraz 2017
Barossa Valley, South Australia $17.95 14.9% alcohol
This hi-octane shiraz—almost 15.0% alcohol—wafts from the glass with alluring aromas of dark berry fruit—currant and raspberry—interlaced with mixed spice and grilled savoury herbs. It coats the palate with gusher of flavour—black currant jam, bittersweet dark chocolate and notions of kirsch liqueur. It finishes in a balanced, lengthy and warm finish with persistent palate-replays and hints of gamey bits. You won’t go wrong pouring it with oven-baked or barbecued back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Puelles Gran Reserva is a red blend of hand-harvested 95% tempranillo and 5% garnacha, graciano, mazuelo that matured 24 months in 50% French oak and 50% American oak barrels.
92
Puelles Gran Reserva 2017
DOCa Rioja, Spain $25.95 14.0% alcohol
This delivers perfumed aromas of rose petals and leather and is absolutely delicious. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel as a gusher of flavour coats the palate and remain prominent in the finish and lengthy aftertaste—black plum and dark cherry decorated with peppery spice, hints of cassis and spice. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and plenty of charm. (Vic Harradine)
89
Cantina de Soave ‘Perlit’ Spumante Brut Non-Vintage
DOC Garda, Italy 13.95 11.5% alcohol
This is light-yellow hued and brimming with alluring aromas—floral notes, tropical fruit and citrus. Gentle bubbles when poured, they carry palate flavours of green apple and ripe pear mingling with excellent lemony tang persisting through the finish. It’s quite delightful as an aperitif or when paired with light appetizers. The aftertaste has a slight peach-skin adornment. (Vic Harradine)
90
Cantina de Soave ‘Settecento 33’ Spumante Brut Non-Vintage
DOC Lessini Durello, Italy $13.95 12.0% alcohol
Fashioned from the autochthonous durella grape, flavours of freshly sliced strawberry and excellent citrussy tang mingle with the bubbly mousse in this gorgeous welcoming wine. This is dry, flavourful and finishes in a mouth-watering crescendo of palate replays. Don’t hesitate, pick up a few to keep on hand for unexpected guests. This is value-packed. (Vic Harradine)
90
Casa Vinicola Bosco Malera ‘Conte Priuli’ Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco, Italy $14.55 11.0% alcohol
This punches well above the price. Peach, pear and apple aromas abound. A lively mousse underpinned by racy tang and flavours of green apple and lemon drop candy captures the palate. There’s a hint of off-dry on the lingering balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This pours well on its own and sublime when served alongside fish and seafood appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
91
Cantina de Soave ‘Perlit’ Prosecco Spumante Brut Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco, Italy $14.95 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of straw and hints of floral notes provide segue to a delightful river of fruit-infused palate flavours with yellow peach, ripe Bosc pear and lemon citrus notes to the fore. There’s lots going on here with complexity, oodles of tang and plenty of ripe fruit flavours to provide balance. It finishes with more of the same… in a word, delicious. Pour with friends and a charcuterie or deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
89
Fattoria Le Torre ‘Guinzano’ Rosso 2016
DOC San Gimignano, Italy $16.95 14.0% alcohol
This red blend—70% sangiovese/15% cabernet sauvignon/15% merlot—opens with aromas of grilled mixed herbs and dark berry fruit. It blankets the palate with flavours of crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and currant—interwoven with earthy notes and wisps of mocha. It’s medium weight with good mouthfeel and perceptible grippy tannin—easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant—on the warm, dry finish. Pour alongside pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)