July 05, 2020 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- Exceptional-value wine
– 11 of the 32 wines in this newsletter meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $16.95 to $44.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above. - 95 points and over wine – Non-Vintage Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée Brut’ Champagne earned 96 points @ $89.95 found under Champagne; 2017 Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Grand Clos’ Chardonnay earned 95 points @ $44.95 found under Ontario: White Wine.
- LCBO Limited Time Offers - with one dollar to five dollars off each bottle of wine purchased now to July 19 are found at the end of the newsletter. A great way to stock up and save money. There are 11 white and six red wines to choose from.
- Ontario wineries – Malivoire and Vineland Estates have a number of new wines reviewed. Their wines are available through the LCBO and/or for delivery to your home, office or restaurant direct from the winery.
Vintages Release: July 11, 2020
Champagne
96
Bollinger ‘Special Cuvée Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $89.95 (384529) 12.0% alcohol
A profusion of mousse fills the glass with lines of fine-bead pearls winding upward, seemingly forever, in the glass. Alluring aromas of leesy/mineral notes, strawberry, baked apple and biscuit introduce a gorgeous array of invigorating, sweet and tang flavours caressing the palate with creamy-smooth texture, lemon curd, nutty notes and poached pear. This is crisp, refreshing, balanced and bountiful on the finish. My highest compliment; it required the utmost discipline to spit. (Vic Harradine)
89
Georges Gardet ‘Cuvée Saint Flavy’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $45.95 (924654) 12.0% alcohol
This has an attractive nose of minerality, floral and heady citrus notes. There’s a lovely attack on the palate with a rush of white grapefruit and green apple flavours infused with spice and mineral nuances. It’s medium in weight and texture and offers a lingering finish that’s zesty and clean. There’s enough oomph for it to be paired with light appetizers and the more than fair price, as Champagne goes, allow it to be served as the welcoming wine at any upscale gathering—including a special evening for two. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
• The following 2017 Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Grand Clos’ Chardonnay is about as close as it gets to Burgundy-style premium chardonnay that’s not from Burgundy. It was accomplished when outstanding fruit quality, unique terroir and highly skilled winemaker, Thomas Bachelder, coalesced like angels dancing on the head of a pin.
95 
Le Clos Jordanne ‘Le Grand Clos’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $44.95 (184549) 13.0% alcohol
The rich aromas of ripe peach, apricot, light butterscotch, vanilla and a freshly cut fennel note announce a treat for the palate. No deception here, with a creamy-textured flow of exquisite flavours— ripe orchard fruit, lemon curd and crème brûlée—traveling the palate without heaviness and developing a comforting warmth on the back palate before offering marzipan, vanilla and savoury notes in the long delectable finish. This is a delight to sip on its own now and will only improve over the next ten years. Coquille St-Jacques or baked Brie are inspired pairings. (Louise Boutin)
California: White Wine
• The following wine is a Vintages Essentials wine and it receives a $5.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
88
Mer Soleil ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $34.95 (958975) 14.9% alcohol
Baking spice, caramel and toasty, buttery aromas unleash a huge gusher of flavour that will leave few imbibers without a strong opinion. If you’re looking for a full-bodied, fully textured, high-octane, tsunami wave of rich, luscious, sweet flavours—grilled pineapple, oak-inspired vanillin and caramel apple—then you should love this. There are tropical fruit notes along with ripe pear, a bit of citrus pith and wisps of oak on the sweet-tinged finish and aftertaste—not for the faint of palate. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
90
3 – Rings ‘It’s Magic’ Shiraz 2017
Barossa Valley, South Australia $17.95 (15495) 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 2018 Troupis Winery ‘Fteri’ Agiorgitiko – Moschofilero Rosé was sourced from moschofilero grapes from the Mantineia plateau and the agiorgitiko from the Corinthian Hills of the Peloponnese. ‘Fteri’ translates to ‘fern’ as seen on the artistic wine label.
90
Troupis Winery ‘Fteri’ Agiorgitiko – Moschofilero Rosé 2018
PGI Peloponnese, Greece $16.95 (15139) 12.5% alcohol
This less familiar rosé blend opens the door with captivating sea breeze and crab apple aromas plus a tomato leaf note. This is a mouth-watering briny and mineral delight characteristic of many Greek white and rosé wines. It offers a long and delicious finish on tart apple and saline notes. Make this a regional pairing with chicken souvlaki or Greek salad. (Louise Boutin)
Flagship Store Exclusives
• The following Non-Vintage Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut is crafted at Cattier, a Champagne house since the mid-1700s. Its recent incredible surge in sales/popularity is due to a long-time fan, now majority owner, American rapper, Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter. It’s a blend of 40% pinot noir/40% chardonnay/20% pinot meuniere from premium vineyards and an assemblage of the 2009, 2010, 2012 vintages. This is packaged in an opaque, gold-coloured bottle.
95
Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne, France $694.95 (438820) 1500 mL 12.5% alcohol
Floral and biscuit aromas on the nose precede endless streams of miniscule bubbles in the glass. This is elegant and refined, but doesn’t lack in texture—it’s creamy/dreamy smooth—flavour or complexity. A firm flow of lemon-lime tang, ripe apple and notions of grilled pineapple persist on the palate and lengthy finish. It’s crisp and refreshing, delicious and elegant. (tasting note above from 750 mL bottle) (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent.com
Vintages Release: July 25, 2020
88
Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace ‘Reserve’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace, France $18.95 (388603) 12.5% alcohol
There are green hints to the light gold hue when poured. Aromas of baking brioche and citrus make way for a profusion of mousse that once settled reveals fine-bead bubbles endlessly winding their way to the top of the glass. It’s pleasant on the palate with a mélange of flavours including caramel, green apple and racy lemon citrus with the latter dominating the mouth-watering finish. The price is certainly on your side considering it’s produced Méthode Traditionnelle and it’s a ‘Reserve’ wine. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD 2020
The following 2019 Rocca Sveva Soave Classico Blanco is 100% Garganega that underwent gentle pressing then fermentation and maturation of 6 months in stainless steel tank. It hails from the original heartland of Soave, geographically designated and regulated as. ‘Soave Classico’.
91
Rocca Sveva Soave Classico Blanco 2019
DOC Soave, Italy $15.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of green apple and ripe pear introduce a pleasing wash of palate flavour with apple, white grapefruit and wisps of Meyer lemon to the fore. This is a step up in quality, not your garden variety Soave; it lives up to its ‘Classico’ provenance. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel, flavourful, balanced, crisp and refreshing from cork pop to last drop. The finish is tangy and clean. Pour alongside pan-seared or grilled fish and seafood. (Vic Harradine)
90
Rocca Sveva Pinot Grigio 2019
DOC Garda, Italy $14.95 12.5% alcohol
Delicate peach, pear and floral notes can be coaxed from the glass as precursors to a creamy-smooth river of delicious fruit flavours with ripe yellow peach and ripe Bosc pear to the fore. It’s almost off-dry on the palate with a clean-up that leaves it balanced and beautiful on the finish and aftertaste. I’d be tempted to start happy hour with this, it doesn’t really need food, though light appetizers would be good pairings along with spicy Asian dishes. (Vic Harradine)
•The following 2019 Valpanera Pinot Grigio fruit was sourced from the vineyards in Fiumicello Villa Vicentina, an ancient town in North-east Italy. It was gently pressed then fermented at a cool, controlled 18° C.
90
Valpanera Pinot Grigio 2019
DOC Friuli, Italy $15.95 12.5% alcohol
Floral and tropical fruit notes mingle with aromas of apple and pear on the nose of this 100% pinot grigio. It bathes the palate with a gorgeous, tang-laden stream of lemon curd and white grapefruit persisting through the mouth-watering finish and aftertaste, crisp, clean and refreshing. This is medium-bodied with good balance and delightfully creamy-smooth mouthfeel Pour as an aperitif or with all manner of fish and seafood. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages (now)
92
Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace, France $19.95 (39016) 12.5% alcohol
This 100% Pinot Noir is produced Méthode Traditionnelle punching well above its price and worthy of a multiple purchase. It pours fine mousse in the glass with the liquid a stunning copper-pink hue. Aromas of strawberry, spice and floral notes provide segue to a glorious gusher of palate flavours with ruby red grapefruit, blood orange and just-picked wild strawberries to the fore. It’s elegant and charming, medium bodied and just off-dry, balanced and beautiful with a lengthy, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio (mid-July 2020)
• The following Non-Vintage Malivoire ‘Che Bello’ Sparkling Wine was sourced from riesling grapes from Geneva Frost Road plus seyval and vidal grapes from Quarry Road Vineyard that first underwent a primary fermentation before being transferred to a stainless steel pressurized tank for a second fermentation in the Charmat method. There was no malolactic fermentation and no oak regimen.
89
Malivoire ‘Che Bello’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $17.95 (16858) 11.5% alcohol
Leesy and citrus aromas herald a pleasant mouthful of palate-pleasing flavours with lemon curd and grapefruit tang interwoven with wisps of ripe white peach, pear and yellow plum carried along on a crest of fine-bead bubbles. It’s a perfect aperitif or dinner wine. It’s a keeper at this price and deserves a multiple purchase as the price-quality ratio skews in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following wine, order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with free shipping on orders of $100. or more 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. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week.
• Fruit for the following 2018 Malivoire ‘Mottiar’ Pinot Noir was hand harvested and hand sorted then divided for a two-week fermentation with ambient yeast. The majority was destemmed crushed and co-fermented with the small balance transferred to neutral French oak barrels for nine months. Only 48 cases were bottled.
92
Malivoire ‘Mottiar’ Pinot Noir 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench $36.95 12.0% alcohol
Very lightly red-hued in the glass, aromas of savoury and herbal notes interlace with mixed spice and red berry fruit on the nose. It’s smooth and sleek on the palate dishing up a flavourful mouthful of sweet cherry and ripe mulberry interwoven with sprigs of savoury herbs and hints red currant tang. It’s balanced, elegant and finishes with a flourish of fruit herbs and tang replaying aromas and palate flavours. Pour alongside roast turkey or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following three wines online; home, office or restaurant delivery is FREE on orders of six bottles or more from this link Vineland Estates Winery.
The following 2019 Vineland Estates ‘Game Changer’ Rosé is a blend of 46% cabernet franc, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 20% riesling. You’ll also feel good that $1.00 from each Game Changer Wine sale will be donated/given to local #GameChanging Charities that positively impact the lives of the people in the community. Order six or more of these to receive free shipping.
89
Vineland Estates ‘Game Changer’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 11.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Lifted aromas of orange blossom, strawberry and notions of red cherry provide segue to a light-medium bodied, nicely textured, delectable surge of palate flavour with tangy red grapefruit and racy red cherry melding with ripe, freshly picked strawberry lightly dressed with hints of sugar. This is balanced and bountiful with plenty of tang and flavour for the most discriminating amongst us. There’s persistent purity of fruit and the finish is crisp, clean and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates ‘Rotling’ is a blend of 50% vidal blanc, 50% cabernet franc successfully fashioned in the style of a dry Rosé.
90
Vineland Estates ‘Rotling’ 2019
VQA Ontario $19.95 12.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes and orange zest can be coaxed from the glass. It blankets the palate with a glorious wash of tang, spice and fruit flavour—mandarin orange, sugared and grilled red grapefruit and wisps of lemon pie filling—then closes balanced and beautiful with each sip as good or better than the previous. Pour chilled as an aperitif or with myriad options at the table—pork, chicken, fish or seafood. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Non-Vintage Vineland Estates ‘Frienzy’ Sparkling Rosé is a blend of 59% Cabernet Franc, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon fashioned in the Charmat method by having the second fermentation occur in a pressurized stainless steel tank. Free shipping when you order six bottles or more.
91
Vineland Estates ‘Frienzy’ Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $19.95 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes and red berry fruit mingle with orange blossom and citrus on the nose of this delightful sparkling gem. It dazzles the palate with a rush of tang-infused flavour with red currant, blood orange and ruby red grapefruit playing nicely with others—notions of strawberry and raspberry jelly. It’s medium-weight with good mouthfeel, balanced, bountiful and simply lip-smacking good to the very last drop. Sip on its own or pair with fresh veggies and a dip or grilled tacos with cheese and salsa. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to July 19, 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 July 19, 2020.
White Wine
• The following wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
92
Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate’ Riesling
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.75 (286377) 12.0 % alcohol
This value-packed, single-vineyard riesling, produced with fruit from vines averaging 20 years of age, opens with expressive notes of apple, pear, peach and lemon-lime, underscored by hints of petrol and a mineral note. Dry, medium bodied, crisp yet weighty in texture, citrus flavours lead the charge across the palate followed by yellow apple and a wet mineral note which lasts into the long, flavourful finish. Enjoy with apple stuffed roast pork. (Lisa Isabelle)
85
G. Marquis ‘The Silver Line’ Chardonnay
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $17.95 (258681) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of toasty oak, poached pear and tropical fruit dominate the nose. A medium-bodied stream of flavour washes over the palate with green apple, honeyed pear and lemongrass interwoven with caramel and oaky notes, all replaying on the finish and aftertaste. It hasn’t yet matured and melded its disparate parts, another year in bottle will be handsomely rewarded. (Vic Harradine)
91
Ghost Pines ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Chardonnay
Monterey/Napa/Sonoma Counties $21.95 (308122) 13.8% alcohol
Multi-County fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel before settling and aged sur lie in French and American oak. A gorgeous array of baking spice, vanilla and orchard fruit aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of flavours—tropical fruit, sweet, ripe pear and hints of citrus and spice. It’s mid-weight and good value with generous texture, depth and complexity. It finishes balanced and mouth-watering. Pour with roast chicken, pork or veal. (Vic Harradine)
88
Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner's Reserve’ Chardonnay
California $21.95 (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 is a nice match for baked cod. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Malivoire ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (573147) 12.5% alcohol
A shy nose of Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spice aromas provide segue to a delightful array of deftly balanced palate flavours with honey-drizzled apple interwoven with lemon curd and sweet Bosc pear that persists throughout. This is medium weight, nicely textured and well balanced with a good seam of tang, persistent purity of fruit, plenty of charm and a delightfully lingering finish. It also offers a price-quality ratio tipped well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
90
Robert Oatley ‘Signature Series’ Chardonnay
Margaret River, Western Australia $19.95 (350900) 12.5% alcohol
Powerful aromas of toasty oak and spice on the nose precede a balanced and beautiful flow of sweet-tinged Golden Delicious apple, ripe pear and Mirabelle plum nicely juxtaposed with a glorious rush of racy lemon acidity on the back palate and persisting through the long finish—clean, crisp and refreshing. This is medium-full bodied with good texture and delivers a price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. Pour with roast bird and all the extras. (Vic Harradine)
90
Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 13.0% alcohol
High-toned aromas of nutmeg and ginger are interwoven with ripe apple and pear. Aromas replay on the palate with the addition of oaky bits and piquant spice. This was barrel fermented by native yeasts then barrel matured, 20% new, for 12 months. It’s medium-plus weight with smooth texture and a long, long finish and aftertaste—crisp and mouth-watering. Give this a go with roast chicken or a pork roast. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wines receive a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
90
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (35386) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of gooseberry, canned peas and piquant spices/herbs jump from the glass. It’s racy and tang-laden showcasing quintessential Marlborough flavours with passion fruit, citrus, gooseberry and tropical fruit interwoven on the palate persisting through the crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Mid weight with good mouth feel, pour alongside olive-oiled mesclun under crumbled chèvre or sea food—mussels, fish or calamari. (Vic Harradine)
89
Oyster Bay Chardonnay
Marlborough, New Zealand $19.95 (326728) 13.5% alcohol
Tropical fruit, citrus and sweet vanilla aromas abound on this tangy, generously textured, value-packed beauty. Rivers of nicely balanced flavour pour from the bottle with lemon chiffon pie, crisp grapefruit and spiced yellow plum to the fore. It’s mid weight sporting a mid-length finish that’s crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside grilled white fish, roast chicken or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Quails’ Gate Chardonnay was sourced from a blend of notable French chardonnay clones 95, 96, 277, 809 planted in estate vineyards that are approximately thirty years old. It was then fermented and matured in both stainless steel tank and older oak barrels.
• This is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
92
Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2018
Okanagan Valley, B.C. $24.95 (377770) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring, lifted aromas of butterscotch, piquant spice and green apple leap from the glass. It blankets the palate and fills the senses with a medium-plus bodied, generously textured flow of tang-infused, balanced and beautiful palate flavours with lemon curd, apple compote and tropical notes interwoven with mineral notes and baking spice all persisting through the lingering finish. Pour on its own or with lemon chicken or with pan-seared trout under a squeeze of fresh lemon. In a word or two… delightful, delicious. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $5.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
87
Mer Soleil ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $34.95 (958975) 14.9% alcohol
Baking spice, caramel and toasty, buttery aromas unleash a huge gusher of flavour that will leave few imbibers without a strong opinion. If you’re looking for a full-bodied, fully textured, high-octane, tsunami wave of rich, luscious, sweet flavours—grilled pineapple, oak-inspired vanillin and caramel apple—then you should love this. There are tropical fruit notes along with ripe pear, a bit of citrus pith and wisps of oak on the sweet-tinged finish and aftertaste—not for the faint of palate. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
88
Casa Santos Lima ‘Confidencial - Reserva’
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)
• The following wine receives a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
89
Louis Jadot ‘Combe Aux Jacques’ Beaujolais-Villages 2008
AOC Beaujolais-Villages $17.95 (365924) 12.5% alcohol
Racy and full of verve, this opens with aromas of mixed spice, red berry fruit and red cherry. The flavours—red pie cherry, cranberry and ripe pomegranate are carried along on an assertive spine of acidity. It’s light to mid weight and well textured with a racy and lip-smacking finish. This is looking to partner with tomato-based food like a grilled chicken breast smothered in tomato mushroom sauce or lasagna. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wines receive a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
89
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
DO Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (322586) 14.0% alcohol
Ripe, juicy, red cherry/berry fruit, exotic spice and grilled savory herb aromas abound. It cuts a broad, complex swath across the palate with a nicely textured, medium-plus bodied flow of bramble berry and juicy black cherry mingling with sweet vanilla, baking spice, cracked black pepper and a wisps of soft, ripe tannin. The balanced finish and aftertaste is robust, lengthy and mouth-watering good. (Vic Harradine)
92
San Fabiano Calcinaia Cellole Gran Selezione Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico $42.95 (411389) 14.5% alcohol
Sangiovese is the majority component of this wine, greater than 90%, with a variety of other grapes in the blend. This is an exceptional quality wine just entering its drinkable age. It has a medium-red hue with hints of salmon around the edges. The nose is a complex harmony of mushrooms, wet wood, cherry jam, vanilla and spice aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with flavours of cherry and raspberry peeking out from behind a firm layer of tannins. The finish is tang-laden with hints of dried herbs. This will keep in the cellar through to 2023. Decant this for a couple of hours before serving and enjoy with a steak grilled medium-rare over a wood-fire. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following two wines receive a $5.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to July 19, 2020.
91
Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
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)
91
Rodney Strong ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir 2011
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $29.95 (954834) 14.5% alcohol
This is a premium pinot from the fabulous cool-climate appellation of Russian River Valley. It’s part California with ripe fruit and oodles of it, and part Burgundy with good structure and lip-smacking acidity for excellent balance. There’s red cherry with wisps of red currant and mixed spice on the nose and palate joined by ripe black berry and notions of beetroot on the finish and lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic