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April 11, 2020 Newsletter

Happy Easter to you and yours!

Important message:

Unless you are incredibly careful when shopping in person, one of the best ways to access wine is by ordering online and having delivered to your home, office or restaurant. The LCBO offers this service (with up to two weeks delivery wait) as do Ontario wine agents (generally without the wait). If a lover of Ontario wines, one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways is by ordering online from your favourite Ontario wineries with most of them offering free shipping with a minimum 6 or 12 bottle purchase. You can find many of them by clicking on and scrolling through the ‘New in Ontario Wineries’ on left of the opening page of www.winecurrent.com.

Winecurrent’s virtual journey continues taking you to Australian wineries with special attributes located in South Australia. Vic recently finished his 14-day self-quarantine after returning to Canada. This is focused on a family-owned winery in the Clare Valley Geographical Indication (GI) that is a member of the uber-premium and extremely selective—only eleven members—‘Australia’s First Families of Wine.’ They were also named, ‘Halliday Wine Companion 2020 Winery of the Year’ and have a wine in the top tier of Langton’s Classification. See wine reviews and learn much more here.

Exceptional-value wine – 6 of the wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $9.95 to $17.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above.
Louise Loves – 2016 Culmina R&D Red Blend earned 90 points @ $27.95 found under British Columbia: Red Wine; 2018 Baron de Hoen Riesling Reserve earned 88 points @ $16.95 found under Vintages Release: May 2, 2020; 2019 Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir earned 90 points @ $16.95 found under New in the LCBO Portfolio - Limited Time Offer with $2.00 off price shown until April 26.
Dave’s Delights – 2015 Pondview ‘Gold Series’ Vidal Icewine earned 90 points @ $19.95 (200 mL) found under Ontario: Icewine.
Vic Picks – 2017 Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Samuel’s Collection’ Shiraz earned 92 points @ $24.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; 2019 Bodega Argento ‘Comuna’ Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio and 2018 Bodega Argento ‘Comuna’ Shiraz-Malbec earned 88 and 87 points respectively with both @ $9.95 found under New in LCBO Portfolio

Vintages Release: April 18, 2020

Ontario: Icewine

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)

Ontario: White Wine

90
Featherstone Sauvignon Blanc 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (89011) 13.0% alcohol
This exceptional-value gem was 50% barrel fermented and 50% stainless steel fermented then racked off its lees before the last fining. Aromas of floral notes, kiwi fruit and yellow peach aromas waft easily from this creamy-smooth, medium-bodied sauvignon blanc. It envelops the palate with a flavourful stream of Key lime, nectarine and lemongrass notes. There are no rough edges as it finishes smooth, dry, crisp and refreshing. Pour with pasta in creamy pesto sauce. (Vic Harradine)

British Columbia: Red Wine

90
Culmina R&D Red Blend 2016
VQA Golden Mile Bench $27.95 (445494) 14.0% alcohol
R&D for Ron and Don, Triggs twin brothers, and also for research and development which led to the crafting of this terroir-driven, medium-full bodied estate-grown Bordeaux blend—merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. Expect an expressive nose of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, black peppercorn and a hint of green bell pepper and cigar box. A well-dosed ageing in a combination of new and used French oak barrels softened tannin while adding a layer of cedar and vanilla to the ripe dark fruit and savoury flavours. This is good-value red wine to savour with pizza topped with sun-dried tomato and arugula. (Louise Boutin)

Australia: Red Wine

92
Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Samuel’s Collection’ Shiraz 2017
Barossa $24.95 (12907) 14.5% alcohol
This is an easy-going, crowd- and food-friendly shiraz that’ll please novice and connoisseur red-wine lovers alike and it’s great value. Aromas of red and dark cherry/berry fruit dressed with savoury spice, pencil shavings and licorice abound. It flows over the palate with delightful flavours of red plum and black raspberry with peppery notes and dollops of racy tang and acidity providing balance throughout the lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Delightful on its own, sublime with burgers, pizza or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release May 2, 2020

88
Baron de Hoen Riesling Reserve 2018
AOC Alsace $16.95 (446427) 12.0% alcohol
Fresh citrus, pear and flinty aromas escape from the glass and open the door to a nicely textured wash of orchard fruit and Meyer lemon flavours rounded-up with a touch of honey and spicy ginger. This is medium-light bodied with a mineral and tangy finish and aftertaste. Enjoy this good-value riesling now with quiche Lorraine or sauerkraut. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: July 25, 2020

89
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree – Red’ 2017
VQA Ontario $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
This medium-bodied smooth blend —30% syrah/25% merlot/24% cabernet franc/16%cabernet sauvignon/5% Baco noir—comes together with aromas of mixed berry, plum compote, clove and cedar. It flows on the palate with mostly blackberry and cassis flavours plus a sparkle of tangy raspberry. A peppery character develops mid-way through, lifting savoury notes in the delicious dry finish. Enjoy with a variety of dishes such as gourmet burgers or grilled flank steak. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: October 3, 2020

93
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Barry Bros.’ Shiraz 2017
South Australia $19.95 (16036) 14.0% alcohol
Black bramble berry fruit aromas—raspberry and blackberry—intertwine with violet and red cherry on the nose of this medium-plus weight, gorgeously textured, value-infused shiraz. It flows over the palate with a lovely wash of delicious flavours—black plum compote and grilled herbs interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and a balanced and beautiful finish, all underpinned with soft, ripe tannin. Drink now or cellar short term pouring with well-trimmed, slow- and low-cooked lamb shoulder. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: November 28, 2020

The following 2017 Jim Barry Wines ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon matured 12 months in 50% American and 50% French oak barrels.

93
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Cover Drive’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (677476) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit mingle with mixed spice and sprigs of savoury herbs. It blankets the palate with juicy flavours of black plum compote and cassis mingling with black cherry, licorice and a balancing dollop of red currant tang and acidity. It’s value-laden and creamy smooth with good mouthfeel and good structure from ripe tannin. This showcases persistent purity of fruit and a lengthy, luxurious finish and aftertaste. It’s good to go now and on to 2025. Pour alongside grilled backyard burgers, steak or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD

White Wine

90
Provolo Soave 2019
DOC Soave, Italy TBD 13.0% alcohol
This is a blend of 80% garganega and 20% chardonnay with a small portion fermented in oak barrel. It has fresh aromas of cantaloupe, peach and pink grapefruit with celery leaf notes peeking through. Expect a round mouthfeel with orchard fruit flavours shifting to bright white grapefruit tang and a saline note showing up in the prolonged finish and aftertaste. This is perfect with a creamy risotto garnished with pan-seared garlic prawns. (Louise Boutin)

92
Jim Barry Wines ‘Watervale’ Riesling 2019
Clare Valley, South Australia $17.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of lime and piquant spice notes leap from the glass preceding a gusher of palate flavours with tropical fruit—mango and pineapple—and pit fruit—nectarine and yellow plum—to the fore. This is incredible value and was sourced from older vines averaging forty years or more contributing to the persistent purity of fruit, deft balance and delectable flavour. This is medium bodied with creamy-smooth texture and lingering and luscious, mouth-watering finish. Pour alongside mussels steamed in garlic, leeks and white wine. (Vic Harradine)

92
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Lodge Hill’ Riesling 2019
Clare Valley, South Australia $21.95 12.5% alcohol
This is the 46th vintage for The Lodge Hill Riesling. Aromas of lemon-lime, floral notes and piquant spice give way to a surge of palate flavours including tang-laden lime bolstered by spicy ginger root and chalky minerality. It’s medium weight with silky mouthfeel and a lengthy crisp and refreshing finish that’s infused with citrus, mineral notes and lip-smacking tang. Versatile at the table, give grilled or pan-seared seafood a try or oysters, sushi, or ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

There are now a substantial amount of Assyrtiko vines planted in the Clare, all by Jim Barry Wines, following a 2006 visit to the Greek island of Santorini by Sue and Peter Barry. Most vines are trellised, but a few have been, and continue to be, formed as they would in Santorini—in concentric rings—aka, ‘kouloura’ method—with grape bunches concentrated in the middle protected from the extremely windy conditions and shadowed by the leaf canopy above from the hot, arid conditions on Santorini. See photo below.

Photo: Assyrtiko vines on Santorini

91
Jim Barry Wines Assyrtiko 2019
Clare Valley, South Australia $29.95 12.0% alcohol
Good now, though bottled not long ago, it will improve with careful cellaring; give it a go in early 2021. A quiet nose of straw and floral notes gives way to a scintillating line of nerve and verve with plenty of flavour and tension throughout. Racy lime zest and minerality streak over the palate along with pit fruit—yellow peach and Greengage plum—and delightful tanginess from off the hop to the last drop. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel and a clean, crisp, refreshing finish and aftertaste decorated with hints of saline minerality. Pour with fried or grilled Halloumi cheese decorated with fresh tomato slices, fresh basil leaves and dribbles of balsamic vinegar. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

90
Rocco Sveva Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2015
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso $24.95 (668483) 14.0% alcohol
This mellow classic blend of corvina, rondinella and molinara is partially—30%— aged up to 18 months in oak barrels and the balance in neutral large oak ovals. It offers a nice mix of aromas—black plum, raisin, raspberry, baking spice and oak. Medium-bodied with excellent alcohol integration, it treats the palate with flavours of ripe black fruit, earthy notes and notions of dark chocolate extending in the otherwise savoury, delicious dry finish. Pour alongside sun dried-tomato and black olive pizza. (Louise Boutin)

92
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Barry Bros.’ Shiraz - Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
South Australia $19.95 (16036) 14.0% alcohol
This particular blend of grapes is popular in Australia: pick up a few bottles to learn why. Punching well over its price, it’s packed with value. Ripe black and red fruit aromas mingle with earthy notes, cedar and mocha. This is medium-full bodied with excellent mouthfeel, firm tannin underpinning, balanced and delicious. A gorgeous palate-bathing wash of black currant, cassis and notions of dark bittersweet chocolate persist into the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste while picking up plenty of pizzazz and tang along the way. (Vic Harradine)

The following 2017 Jim Barry Wines ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz was sourced from low-yielding shiraz vines grown on soils of rich loam over near-vertical sheets of rock. The now soil-filled passageways allow vine roots to work their way down to water from this nature-induced drainage system.

94
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Lodge Hill’ Shiraz 2017
Clare Valley, South Australia $21.95 (998476) 13.9% alcohol
This is an absolutely stunning premium shiraz with a price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Aromas of mixed savoury herbs and baking spice interweave with dark berry fruit and hints of vanilla on the nose of this full-bodied, fully textured gem. It envelops the palate with a balanced, complex and delectable gusher of bramble berry and kirsch liqueur juxtaposed by tangy red currant and passionfruit cloaked in a firm, ripe tannin structure. The lingering, luscious finish and aftertaste replay palate flavours. Drink now and on to 2027. (Vic Harradine)

Classics Catalogue: TBD

96
Jim Barry Wines ‘The McRae Wood’ Shiraz 2015
Clare Valley, South Australia $54.95 14.0% alcohol
Ripe and luscious aromas of dark berry fruit decorated with notes of mocha, floral and savoury spice and herbs abound on the nose of this 100% estate-grown shiraz sourced from their flagship vineyard. It’s powerful and elegant throughout with palate flavours of black plum compote and ripe black cherry mingling with racy red currant providing balance while underpinned by ripe tannin. There’s more in store as the sweet fruit and racy tang persist and provide a monumentally long finish. It’s delicious now and will provide delectable enjoyment over the next 10 or 12 years; better to drink wine two years too early rather than two months too late. (Vic Harradine)

98
Jim Barry Wines ‘The Armagh’ Shiraz 2015
Clare Valley, South Australia $399.00 (424077) 14.0% alcohol
An involved nose of eucalyptus, savoury herbs, ripe dark cherry/berry fruit and pencil shaving aromas provides segue to an incredibly smooth and mellow, full-bodied river of palate flavours with racy pie cherry melding with black raspberry, licorice notes and cassis. This showcases a firm tannin underpinning, persistent purity of fruit, balance, complexity, depth and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. It’s absolutely delicious and will develop further; drink now to 2030. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

88
Bodega Argento ‘Comuna’ Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio 2019
Argentina $9.95 (11929) 13.0% alcohol
Certified sustainable and vegan friendly, pleasing aromas of tropical fruit with hints of citrus and floral notes abound. It washes over the palate with surprisingly vigorous flavours of lemony tang, white grapefruit and plenty of pizzazz. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing with good balance and a medium-long finish and aftertaste, Sip on its own or pour with grilled or pan-seared fish and seafood or lemon chicken. (Vic Harradine)

87
Bodega Argento ‘Comuna’ Shiraz-Malbec 2018
Argentina $9.95 (11930) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of red and black cherry/berry fruit mingle with piquant spice on the nose of this certified-sustainable, vegan-friendly red blend. It blankets the palate with a lively gusher of red fruit flavour with currant, pie cherry and raspberry flavour to the fore. This is medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a dry, tang-laden finish. Pour alongside red pizza decorated with pepperoni and mushroom or pasta in a spicy tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

(Limited Time Offer)

Save $2.00 on the price shown below for this exceptional-value 2019 Henry of Pelham Family Estate Pinot Noir. Act now; this LCBO promotion ends April 26th.

90
Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 12.8% alcohol
This lovely medium-light bodied, new-world-styled pinot is bursting with raspberry and strawberry aromas complemented with baking spice notes. It flows easily on the palate with vivacity and delicious crunchy red fruit tanginess before it’s joined with soft tannin and a mild beet root character, all adding dimension to the fruity dry finish. This is perfect with red tuna sashimi or grilled salmon. (Louise Boutin)

Cheers! Vic, Louise, Lisa, and Dave