June 8, 2020 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- Exceptional-value wine
– 15 of the 38 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $13.95 to $30.00 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above. - 95 points and over - one wine that's now available to order and have shipped to your door rang the 95 and over bell. 2019 Little Engine Wines earned 95 points and an exceptional-value rating @ $30.00 found under New in Okanagan Valley, BC Wineries.
- LCBO Limited Time Offers - with one dollar to three dollars off each bottle of wine purchased from now to June 21 are found at the end of the newsletter. A great way to stock up and save money. There are 6 white and seven red wines to choose from.
Vintages Release: May 30, 2020
Fortified Wine: White Port
90
Taylor Fladgate ‘Fine White’ Port
DOC Douro $15.95 (69856) 20.0% alcohol
That's correct, 'white' Port. It's a tad sweet, you can add ice and mix it with a splash of tonic and a sprig of fresh mint or citrus slice to make a refreshing aperitif. It has hints of apple and fig flavours with a focused spine of citrus acidity that keeps it crisp and refreshing. It's high octane—20% alcohol—moderation not suggested, it’s required. (Vic Harradine)
Fortified Wine: Sherry
92
Emilio Lustau ‘Don Nuño’ Solera Reserva Dry Oloroso
DO Jerez $14.95 375 mL (43612) 20.0% alcohol
An extremely powerful nose of toasted hazelnuts and burnt sugar roar from the glass of this bone dry, dark amber gem. Oloroso sherry has a bit more brandy added—this is 20% alcohol—than some other styles, inhibiting the protective flor that might develop, causing them to oxidize and develop into dark coloured, very aromatic offerings. The flavour profile includes baking chocolate and concentrated nutty notes. This pairs beautifully with smoked duck breasts. Serve at room temperature. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
92 
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Mixed spice, rich dark berry fruit and notions of cassis aromas on the nose, this value-packed gem envelops the palate with rich, ripe and rarin’ to go creamy-smooth fruit flavours—black plum, black currant and racy pie cherry—robed in lip-smacking tang and baking spice, underpinned by soft tannin, It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty to like about the finish and aftertaste, as well, it’s lengthy, dry with deft balance of tang, ripe fruit and soft tannin. Pour with a prime cut of beef with grilled Portobello mushrooms. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Rosé Wine
• The following iconic 2019 Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé is the 22nd vintage produced by Malivoire with the first in 1998. It’s now a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores. Malivoire wines are certified sustainable in vineyard management and winemaking procedures. This vintage it’s a 65% cabernet franc/27% gamay/8% pinot noir blend with all grapes being grown to make this specific wine. The unfermented sugar content in all varieties averaged 20.4 Brix at harvest. Fruit was destemmed, crushed and placed in stainless steel tank then cold-soaked for 24 hours before pressing. Cold fermented and stabilized in stainless steel tank, it was bottled March 2020.
90
Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
Myriad red fruit aromas—strawberry, watermelon and ruby red grapefruit among them—precede a light-medium bodied, racy wash of palate flavours with passion fruit and red currant to the fore. It finishes with a blaze of lip-smacking tang reminiscent of the red grapefruit aromas on the nose. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. It pairs well with skinless Atlantic salmon pan-seared in butter or ham and cheese crust-less quiche. (Vic Harradine)
91
Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (172643) 12.5% alcohol
This gorgeous Rosé is a cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/gamay/pinot noir blend. It’s salmon-pink hued with lifted aromas of orange blossom and mixed cherry/berry fruit. Tang-laced flavours of mandarin orange, piquant spice and crunchy red fruit—pie cherry, currant and raspberry—cascade over the palate with persistent purity. It finishes as it began with delightful flavour, mouth-watering tang and is quite moreish. Tasty on its own, you can also pour with pan-seared salmon, roast bird or a verjus-dressed green salad topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
88
Three of Hearts ‘Trois Coeurs’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (552562) 11.5% alcohol
This racy rosé is a blend of 53% pinot noir, 41% pinot gris (itself a mutation of pinot noir) and 6% gamay. It dishes up aromas of red raspberry, rhubarb and watermelon before unleashing a tang-laden explosion of passionfruit, lemon zest and ruby red grapefruit that blankets the palate persisting through the finish and aftertaste. This is tang-driven from cork pop to last drop. Seek out a pasta with rich zesty sauce; try pasta puttanesca or spaghetti and Bolognese sauce.
California: Red Wine
91
Buena Vista ‘the Legendary Badge’ Petite Sirah 2018
California $17.95 (545772)
Grilled savoury herbs and piquant spice mingle with dark berry fruit on the nose of this bold red. A gusher of medium-full bodied flavours race over the palate with passionfruit and black currant intertwined with piquant spice, sprigs of herbs and minty notes underpinned by still-evolving tannin. Not for the faint of palate, it’s much enhanced with a two-hour aeration-decant. Pour with grilled burgers, gourmet sausage or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
90
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley $39.95 (73817) 13.9% alcohol
This is an expressive blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% malbec, 4% merlot, 3% petite sirah and 1% petit verdot. Aromas of blackberry and raspberry punctuated with notes of mocha and vanilla waft from the glass. It’s medium-full bodied with good structure, juicy acidity, moderate tannins and juicy palate flavours of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. The finish is lengthy and tangy. Pair with barbequed lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Clare Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in original winery fermenters allowing for careful control of skin maceration plus colour and tannin extraction with some parcels left an additional two weeks to ensure good structure. Wine was gently pressed into French oak barrels for malolactic conversion then matured a further 12 months in primarily one- to four-year-old French oak barrels with only 10% new.
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Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Clare Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (744235) 14.0% alcohol
Rich, lively aromas of red and black cherry/berry fruit interweave with piquant spice and wisps of white pepper. It spreads over the palate medium-plus bodied, deftly balanced and generously textured. Palate flavours of ripe black bramble berry and crunchy pie cherry mingle with delightful tangy acidity and fine, soft tannin. Good to go now and the next five or so years; give it a go with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
91
Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Bush Vine’ Grenache 2018
Barossa $24.95 (531228) 14.0% alcohol
The 2018 growing season was uneventful—no heat spikes, frost warnings, drought, floods or fires—allowing the fruit and excellent tang to be showcased. The backbone of this gem is the old, dry-farmed bush vines that shine through as red cherry/berry aromas and crunchy red fruit flavours. Floral notes, red currant and cherry aromas precede palate flavours of pie cherry, pomegranate and red plum adorned with good tang and wisps of mixed spice. It’s light on its feet with delicate texture and a soft tannin underpinning. Pour with bocconcini, basil and tomato pizza. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
88
Gérard Bertrand Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre 2016
Corbières, France $17.95 (394288) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of local wild herbs, aka garrigue, interlace with red and black cherry/berry fruit and gamey notes. It rolls over the palate in waves of tang-laden red currant and cranberry cloaked in black plum and notions of passion fruit. This is medium weight with good texture and plenty of racy acidity throughout. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Greece White Wine
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Kechris ‘Kechribari’ Retsina Non-Vintage
Greece $8.95 (581942) 500 mL 11.5% alcohol
This is fermented in stainless steel tanks with high-quality resin infused during the fermentation process. The result is a wine that‘s light golden-yellow in appearance with a nose of pine, eucalyptus and roses. It’s medium-to-full bodied and dry on the palate with flavours of lemon and pine that linger through the finish. This is well paired with olives and anchovies. (Dave Isaacs)
Flagship Store Exclusive
• The following 2017 Closson Chase ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir was sourced 100% from this vineyard from hand-picked fruit. It was fermented in large oak fermenters and matured 18 months in French oak barrel, 20% new.
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Closson Chase ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $39.95 (265074) 12.5% alcohol
Light-ruby hued, aromas of toasty notes, red cherry and mocha waft from the glass. This races over the palate with laser-like precision riding on a streak of bracing tang and flavours of pomegranate and sour cherry. It’s medium bodied with excellent tang and a lengthy aftertaste. There’s good structure and purity of fruit throughout. Aerate/decant two or three hours before service and pour with medium-rare roast beef or breaded veal cutlets. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
91
Famille Gassier Cháteau de Nages ‘JT’ White 2015
AOC Costière de Nîmes, France $26.95 (485854) 14.0% alcohol
This organic white blend—64% Roussanne/20% Viognier/16% Grenache Blanc—is from the iconic Michel Gassier, the doyen of Costière de Nîmes. Aromas of honeysuckle, musk melon and sandalwood abound. It captures the palate on entry with a surge of honey-drizzled ripe pear, Golden Delicious apple and wisps of pomelo. This showcases alluring aromas, powerful, persistent, concentrated fruit flavour and a quite lengthy finish and aftertaste. Good to drink now, paired with hearty fare, and on to 2028. Pour with roast turkey and all the fixings or baked bone-in ham dotted with cloves and basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)S
88
Château Le Grand Moulin 2016
AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, France $17.00 (11326) 13.0% alcohol
A shy nose of cherry/berry fruit and nuances of savory herbs provide segue to a crowd-friendly mouthful of ripe dark berry and black Bing cherry flavours decorated with excellent acidity and a wisp of chalky tannin. It’s a medium-bodied light-on-its-feet blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec with good balance and fairly brief finish and aftertaste. Pour with beef pot pie or backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO
90
Argento Rosé 2019
Mendoza, Argentina $10.95 (13245) 12.5% alcohol
Predominantly syrah, aromas leap from the glass with cherry, strawberry and exotic spice to the fore. A well-balanced, medium-bodied, nicely textured wash of lively fresh flavours coat the palate—red raspberry and piquant passionfruit meld perfectly on the palate persisting through the crisp refreshing finish and aftertaste decorated with mineral notes and notions of sweet watermelon. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour, pick up a half dozen or more. Drink on its own or pair with summertime fare. (Vic Harradine)
New in Okanagan Valley, B.C. Wineries
• The following wines are available online from Little Engine Wines situated on the Naramata Bench in the Penticton area of the Okanagan Valley. 750 mL wines are shipped in 6 bottle and 12 bottle cartons with magnums packed singly. Free shipping to Ontario with all orders over $400. and orders of 12 or more bottles. If you're in their neighbourhood, 851 NARAMATA ROAD, PENTICTON, BC V2A 8V1 order online and arrange curbside pickup by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 250.493.0033
• Grapes in the following 2019 Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Sauvignon Blanc were cropped to a low 3 tons/acre triaged and hand-harvested mostly from mid-September to early October. Canopy management was crucial prior to harvest as there was significant precipitation and high humidity. Grapes were destemmed and cold soaked for 12-16 hours then 90% pressed into stainless steel tanks with 10% in neutral oak puncheons for long, cool fermentation. Free-run and press-run juices were kept separate. The wine matured four months on fine lees before fining, filtration and bottling.
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Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Okanagan Valley, BC $30.00 13.1% alcohol
Savoury herbs and mineral notes mingle with notions of yellow peach and ripe pear aromas on the nose of this delightful sauvignon blanc. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of tang. It races over the palate with nerve and verve and a laser-like streak of gooseberry and white grapefruit on entry persisting through the monumentally lengthy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste adorned by lime and mineral notes. This showcases persistent purity of fruit, thirst-quenching flavour and plenty of charm. Pour alongside mussels steamed in white wine, leeks, and garlic, or verjus- or olive oil-coated mesclun dotted with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
• Low-cropped fruit, 3 tons/acre, for the following 2018 Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Chardonnay was predominantly sourced from four estate vineyards on the Naramata Bench. It was triaged via hand-picking from mid-September to early October. Fruit was whole-cluster pressed or pressed after overnight skin contact, fermented long and cool in stainless steel or a variety of ‘pre-loved’ French oak barrels. The final blend was 47% barrel fermented with six months on lees with repeated batonnage, aka lees stirring.
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Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Chardonnay 2018
Okanagan Valley, BC $30.00 12.8% alcohol
Aromas of oaky notes, orchard fruit and floral notes mingle with mixed spice on the nose of this medium-bodied, nicely textured and deftly balanced gem. It bathes the palate with fruit-forward flavours of poached pear dotted with cloves, lemon curd and wisps of oaky notes and grilled pineapple rings. This is well-balanced, fruit-forward, crisp and refreshing with elegance and power from cork pop to last drop. Pour with homemade spicy olive-oil drizzled three-cheese white pizza—Brie/Gouda/chèvre—or with crispy roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• Fruit for the following 2018 Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Pinot Noir was hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard with 100% being estate grown on the Naramata Bench from three popular numbered clones—115, 667 and 777. It was destemmed into one-ton fermenters. Seven days of cold soak was followed by gentle warming to encourage an ambient-yeast fermentation with hand plunging to keep the cap moist. Total maceration was approximately 21 days. After spontaneous malolactic conversion, wine matured 14 months in 2nd and 3rd fill and neutral barrels. The wine was racked just prior to pre-bottle blending.
92
Little Engine Wines ‘Silver Series’ Pinot Noir 2018
Okanagan Valley, BC $40.00 13.1% alcohol
A perfumed nose of floral notes, tarry bits, prune plum, grilled savoury herbs and fig waft easily from the glass. It blankets the palate with a sweet flow of bramble berry and black Bing cherry persisting over the palate and through the aftertaste adorned by medicinal notes and minerality. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel, structure and plenty of tang, nerve and verve. After a two-hour aeration/decant, pour alongside smoked and grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. It’s a candidate for careful, short-term cellaring. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Chardonnay was predominantly hand harvested from 3 ton per acre, estate-grown fruit from the Naramata Bench along with parcels from select growers. It was hand harvested from mid to late September based on organoleptic assessment in the vineyard at time of harvest. Once harvested, grapes are cooled overnight with most being whole-cluster pressed while riper fruit is destemmed into the press for 12 hours skin contact before being pressed then all are barrel-fermented using a selection of different commercial yeasts with some barrels undergoing full or partial natural malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged 16 months in 2nd- and 3rd-fill French oak along with 21% in new French oak barrels.
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Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Chardonnay 2017
Okanagan Valley, BC $55.00 13.9% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes and cedar mingle with peach and pear on the nose of this medium-bodied, gorgeously textured thing of beauty. It bathes the palate with a smorgasbord of flavours—racy lemon zest, pleasant oaky notes, sugared and grilled white grapefruit, dried apricot and plenty of charm, pizzazz, complexity and persistent purity of fruit. It’s balanced on a pin showcasing palate flavour replays on the lingering finish and a balanced, crisp and refreshing aftertaste. Give it a go with steamed lobster dipped in drawn butter or crispy roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• Crop levels for fruit sourced for the following 2018 Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Pinot Noir are kept approximately at 2 tons per acre while varying depending on the vintage. All fruit is sourced from their estate-owned vineyard made up of three, numbered ‘Dijon’ clones of Pinot Noir – 115, 667 and 777, originally sourced from France. Hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, all fruit was destemmed and placed in one-ton fermenters for a six-to-seven-day cold soak. The cap is kept moist with the must being slowly warmed after the cold soak to encourage wild yeast fermentation with total maceration time approximately three weeks after which wine is drained and pressed off and placed in barrel to mature 15 months with full malolactic conversion. 73% of the wine was matured in new French oak barriques (small barrels) and puncheons (large barrels) with the balance in 2nd- and 3rd-fill barrels. It’s bottled unfined and unfiltered.
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Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Pinot Noir 2018
Okanagan Valley, BC $63.00 13.9% alcohol
Wood smoke and espresso roast aromas interwoven with black brambleberry and Ribena © leap from the glass with little coaxing. This envelops the palate with a succulent surge of flavours—sweet vanilla, passionfruit, kirsch liqueur and excellent tang and acidity underpinned by ripe, fine-grained tannin. Medium weight with full-cream texture, it brandishes structure, complexity, deft balance, oodles of flavour and a lingering and luscious finish and aftertaste. Both elegant and powerful, it carries both with charm and aplomb. (Vic Harradine)
• Fruit for the following 2018 Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Merlot was hand-harvested from estate-grown Merlot from their Corbishley Vineyard at the end of October based on taste, smell and tannin ripeness assessments made in the vineyard at time of harvest for the low-for-Merlot cropping of 3 tons per acre. All fruit was placed in one-ton fermenters for a six-to-seven-day cold soak. The cap is kept moist with the must being slowly warmed after the cold soak to encourage fermentation with total maceration time approximately 21 days. The wines is then drained and pressed off into 100% French oak with 56% new oak puncheons and the balance 2nd- and 3rd-fill French oak barrels. It’s bottled unfined and unfiltered. .
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Little Engine Wines ‘Gold Series’ Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, BC $57.00 14.4% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry fruit and black licorice aromas precede a full-Monty wash of palate flavours with black currant, dark Bing cherry and racy cranberry to the fore. This is medium-full bodied with silky-smooth mouthfeel and excellent overall balance and appeal. It’s fruit forward and powerful supported by grace and charm then framed by excellent tang and acidity, underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. It finishes lengthy and luxurious with delightful fruit flavour balanced by excellent tang and acidity. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following two certified sustainable wines, order online from Malivoire Wine Company with free shipping on orders of six bottles of wine or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario & Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Saturday 10 am - 4 pm for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. They have closed their tasting room until further notice, due to safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The following iconic 2019 Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé is the 22nd vintage produced by Malivoire with the first in 1998. It’s now a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores. This vintage it’s a 65% cabernet franc/27% gamay/8% pinot noir blend with all grapes being grown to make this specific wine. When measured, the sugar content in all varieties when unfermented averaged 20.4 Brix. Fruit was destemmed, crushed and placed in stainless steel tank then cold-soaked for 24 hours before pressing. Cold fermented and stabilized in stainless steel tank, it was bottled March 2020.
90
Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
Myriad red fruit aromas—strawberry, watermelon and ruby red grapefruit among them—precede a light-medium bodied, racy wash of palate flavours with passion fruit and red currant to the fore. It finishes with a blaze of lip-smacking tang reminiscent of the red grapefruit aromas on the nose. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. It pairs well with skinless Atlantic salmon pan-seared in butter or ham and cheese crust-less quiche. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Malivoire Cabernet Franc is available only through the winery. It underwent primary fermentation and partial carbonic maceration along with full malolactic conversion in neutral, aka old, almost inert, oak. Most wine remained in barrel except for 5.0% that aged five months in a ceramic egg-shaped container followed by 11 months in barrel. Fruit sugar in the unfermented grapes averaged 22.6% Brix. If you begin wonder how this very young red can be so ready to drink this early, click on the two links above and it should become clear.
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Malivoire Cabernet Franc 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95 13.0% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry fruit aromas interweave with grilled savoury herbs and notions of baking spice. It bathes the palate with a lively wash of palate flavours—bramble berry and black plum cloaked in lip-smacking tang and a boatload of charm and deft balance of fruit, acidity and soft, smooth tannin. It’s medium bodied with good texture and you can enjoy this now sipped on its own or with your favourite red or white pizza or backyard/balcony/patio/driveway/porch burgers. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to June 21, 2020.
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown for each bottle of wine reviewed below that’s purchased now to June 21, 2020.
White Wine
• You’ll receive $1.00 off each bottle of Fielding ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay reviewed below purchased now to June 21, 2020, regardless of vintage.
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Fielding ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (164491) 12.5% alcohol
Appealing aromas of green apple, pear, peach and citrus notes with notions of honeysuckle and spice precede nicely-textured palate-bathing flavours of red apple, lemon peel and beeswax. Dry and medium bodied, it’s creamy smooth and nicely textured due to time spent on its lees. Well balanced with refreshing acidity, it finishes mid-plus length with a pleasant mineral aftertaste. Pair this mouth-watering, exceptional-value chardonnay with chicken breast in a Dijon-tarragon cream sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2017 Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. It’s also $2 off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020
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Kim Crawford Chardonnay 2017
Marlborough $19.95 (991950) 13.5% alcohol
This popular and well-priced chardonnay is clean and fresh on the nose with lots of mineral, peach, and floral aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of apple and peach that fade in a luxuriously refreshing finish. Enjoy with Camembert cheese. (Dave Isaacs)
• The Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is $2.00 off the price shown below purchased between now and June 21, 2020, regardless of vintage.
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Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2013
DOC Valdadige, Italy $17.95 (106450) 12.5% alcohol
This offers delicate aromas of lemon blossom and pit fruit. It bathes the palate with a lighter-styled wash of lemony tang and white grapefruit with flecks of pineapple and white peach, finishing clean, crisp and refreshing. Pour on its own or with seafood or lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine—always available in select stores—with a limited time offer of a $3.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage.
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Sonoma Cutrer ‘Russian River Ranches’ Chardonnay 2015
Sonoma Coast, California (608653) $27.95 14.2% alcohol
Baking spice, oak, pear and apple aromas abound. A medium-full bodied, generously textured surge of tangy lemon curd and Key lime interweave with baked apple and spice along with hints of grapefruit pith on finish and aftertaste. It’ll all come together with another 12 months in bottle, rewarding patience handsomely. Pour with fall squash soup. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Bollino Pinot has a limited time offer of a $3.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased.
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Bollino Pinot Grigio 2016
DOC Trentino, Italy $18.95 (951319) 14.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of straw and floral notes open the door to a medium-bodied, nicely textured wash of crisp refreshing white grapefruit intertwining with Granny Smith apple and mineral notes bathing the palate infusing the clean, zippy-dry finish and aftertaste. Pour this clean, mouth-watering pinot grigio with grilled fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc has a limited time offer of a $3.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased.
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Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $19.95 (316570) 13.0% alcohol
Lemon-lime citrus, grassy and pit fruit on the nose, this washes across the palate at full sail with tangy, juicy flavours of lemon drop candy, herbaceous notes and lip-smacking key lime pie flavours. Medium bodied with a silky mouth feel and consistently one of the most popular white wines in the Vintages Essentials line up. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 13th Street Gamay Noir has a limited time offer of a $2.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased.
Red Wine
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13th Street Gamay Noir 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (177824) 13.0% alcohol
Smoke, spice and gamy notes roll from this juicy, lively, rustic Gamay. The palate’s treated to a medium-bodied, nicely textured mouthful of red and dark berry fruit robed in excellent racy acidity along with mixed spice and bacon notes persisting through the dry finish. For full enjoyment, aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir has a limited time offer of a $2.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores.
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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)
• The following Kim Crawford Pinot Noir has a limited time offer of a $2.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2017
Marlborough $22.95 (626390) 13.0% alcohol
A portion of this elegant and easy-drinking pinot noir has been aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. This has resulted in a complex nose with aromas of musty wood, dried red fruit, fresh cherries and spice. It’s medium bodied with good acidity and tannins that start gentle then slowly grow, but never become overwhelming. Red berry flavours linger nicely on the finish. It can be cellared another three years and enjoyed with a beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following Louis M. Martini Cab is $3.00 off the regular price shown below from now to June 21, 2020 making it an extremely attractive buy.
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Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Sonoma County $22.95 (292151) 14.0 % alcohol
This approachable, versatile red offers intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, roasted red pepper and cedar. Dry, medium-full bodied, with perceptible tannin, the palate is supple and juicy with ripe dark plums, blackberry coulis, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Pour alongside peppercorn steak. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following Luigi Bosca Malbec has a limited time offer of a $2.00 deduction off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020 regardless of vintage purchased.
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Luigi Bosca Malbec 2016
Mendoza, Argentina (452672) $18.95 13.8% alcohol
This well-structured malbec delivers a medley of expressive aromas—dark cherry and plum, sandalwood, vanilla, and burnt sugar. A dense core of dark, ripe fruit is garnished with sweet vanilla, baking spice and earthy flavours on the palate. Dry, medium-full bodied and nicely-weighted with velvety tannins and mouth-watering acidity, succulent plum and vanilla flavours resonate through the persistent finish. Enjoy alongside grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
• You’ll receive $2.00 off the following Sella and Mosca Cannoneau Di Sardegna ‘Riserva’ from the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020, regardless of vintage purchased.
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Sella and Mosca Cannoneau Di Sardegna ‘Riserva’ 2012
DOC Cannoneau Di Sardegna, Italy $17.95 (425488) 13.5% alcohol
This Cannoneau, a.k.a. Grenache or Garnacha, showers ripe fruit throughout along with good structure, intensity and balance. Aromas of anise, red berry fruit and wood smoke presage a steady wash of racy fruit flavour with red currant and pomegranate to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a lengthy, dry finish layering on notions of dark coffee and spice. (Vic Harradine)
• You’ll receive $2.00 off the following Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon from the price shown below for each bottle purchased now to June 21, 2020, regardless of vintage purchased.
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Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Washington State $23.95 (419770) 13.5% alcohol
This superb Washington State cabernet sauvignon is opaque in the glass and alive with aromas of mocha, cherry, vanilla and traces of rosemary. It hits the palate full bodied and bursting with juicy, red fruit flavours. The tannin’s prominent but smooth and there’s good balance of acidity drawing out a pleasantly herbaceous finish. Cellar for another 5 years or enjoy now with a juicy, medium-rare steak. (Dave Isaacs)
Cheers, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic