July 19, 2020 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- Exceptional-value wine
– 10 of the 49 wines in this newsletter that meet strict quality-price guidelines are available now or in the July 25 release. The wines range from $12.95 to $29.95 and are easily identified throughout the newsletter via the value checkmark above. - 95 points and over wine – 2016 Nautilus Estate ‘Southern Valleys’ Pinot Noir earned 95 points @ $29.95 found under New Zealand: White Wine; Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut Non-Vintage Champagne earned 95 points @ $499.95 found under Flagship Store Exclusives.
- LCBO Limited Time Offers - with one dollar to three dollars off each bottle of wine purchased now to August 15 are found at the end of the newsletter. A great way to stock up and save money. There are 9 white and 12 red wines to choose from.
July 25-20 Vintages Release
Sparkling Wine
90
Redstone Sparkling Rosé 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (644781) 12.0% alcohol
This value-laden, vintage-dated, Méthode Traditionnelle, salmon-hued, 100% pinot noir with its 12 months of lees contact will transport you to a strawberry field on a hot summer day. A lovely pink-ish mousse rises up the glass along with fine-bead bubbles releasing aromas of fresh ripe strawberry, cranberry and yeasty-brioche notes. There’s a surge of pie cherry and rhubarb flavours and a cinnamon tinge leading to a mouth-watering medium-length lip-smacking, refreshing finish. This will please all brut sparkling lovers especially when paired with salted nuts or pan-seared rainbow trout. (Louise Boutin)
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)
Ontario: White Wine
91
Closson Chase ‘KJ Watson Vineyard’ Pinot Gris 2018
VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (469445) 12.5% alcohol
This was 100% stainless steel fermented and saw no oak. Aromas of honeysuckle and pit fruit abound on the nose. It dishes up a medium-full bodied, tang-infused and generously textured mouthful of flavour with lemon curd and grapefruit zest mingling with ripe pear and saline minerality. This finishes lengthy, clean and refreshing with plenty of pizzazz. Pour with Alsatian onion tart or baked ham dotted with cloves. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling is another in a long line of fine examples from Featherstone of how artisanal wines from family-owned and family-managed wineries often trump the massive winery conglomerates in quality and, importantly, in quality-price balance. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in a number of select LCBO stores.
91
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (80234) 10.0% alcohol
Aromas of lemon-lime, mineral notes and wisps of white grapefruit provide segue to a tang-laden stream of saline/flinty minerality, Granny Smith apple and lime cordial racing over the palate persisting through the crisp, clean and refreshing finish. This is medium bodied and light on its feet with excellent balance, persistent purity of fruit and oodles of tang and boatloads of charm. A perfect thirst quencher at any time, it also shines with charcuterie and a baguette or a plate of sushi, ceviche or a platter of freshly shucked briny oysters. (Vic Harradine)
88
Fielding ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (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 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017 is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in a number of select LCBO stores.
90
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Rosewater, mixed spice, green apple and lime aromas abound on the nose of this gorgeous riesling/gewürztraminer/chardonnay blend. It bathes the palate medium bodied, creamy textured with a flavour-packed mouthful of grilled pineapple, Key lime pie and lemon curd. Palate replays dominate the lingering dry and crisp, lip-smacking finish. Sip on its own or pour with an array of dishes—roast chicken, spicy Asian or white pizza and more. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
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)
89
Malivoire Gamay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (591313) 12.0% alcohol
Although lightly-hued to the eye, aromas leap from the glass of this well-priced gamay with the slightest swirl—red cherry/berry notes, peppery/savoury bits and piquant spice abound. It’s light on its feet with fruit flavours of pie cherry and crunchy red berry fruit—currant and cranberry—framed by tangy acidity and joined by a dry, crisp and clean finish and aftertaste. Pour with a three-cheese white pizza or arugula salad dressed with verjus and topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
88
Ironstone Petite Sirah 2016
Lodi $17.95 (361915) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of milk chocolate and spice provide segue for a sweet-tinged, palate-coating stream of red cherry and vanilla mingling with milk chocolate throughout. This is medium weight with good texture and a sweet-infused finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled back ribs slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Oregon: Red Wine
91
Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2013
Willamette Valley $37.95 (234534) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of grilled herbs, exotic spice and mineral notes open this medium bodied, nicely textured, delicious pinot. A tangy river of pie cherry, passionfruit and softer black plum envelop the palate interlaced with racy tang and acidity. It finishes dry and mouth-watering with persistent fruit flavour, smooth, polished tannin and plenty of pizzazz. Give this an hour or two aeration/decant and pour alongside chicken/duck pot pie or red wine braised beef shanks. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Samuel’s Collection’ Shiraz – Cabernet Sauvignon spent eight months maturing in French, American and Hungarian hogsheads, 16% new with the balance in one- to five-year-old seasoned oak barrels.
92
Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Samuel’s Collection’ Shiraz – Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Barossa $24.95 (12999) 14.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour in this 60% shiraz/40% cabernet sauvignon blend that’s dark, almost opaque in the glass, with lifted aromas of dark plum, blueberry and mixed spice. It captures the palate with medium-plus weight, creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a mouthful of flavour with red cherry and ripe bramble berry to the fore decorated with savoury notes, firm underpinning and excellent tang and acidity. It finishes with palate replays, mouth-watering and lengthy. (Vic Harradine)
New Zealand: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Nautilus Estate ‘Southern Valleys’ Pinot Noir was hand-harvested from fruit growing in the Southern Valleys, cold-soaked, wild-yeast fermented, underwent 100% malolactic conversion then matured 11 months in French oak barriques, 25% new.
95
Nautilus Estate ‘Southern Valleys’ Pinot Noir 2016
Marlborough, New Zealand $29.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, red and black berry fruit mingle with hints of herbs and mineral notes on the nose of this smooth and mellow pinot. Red berry fruit—strawberry and currant—interwoven with black cherry and black currant dominate palate flavours and persist through the lingering, balanced and beautiful finish. It’s medium bodied with good structure and just enough acidity to carry good balance of fruit, acidity and hints of soft-grained tannin. This will improve with age, though it’s certainly approachable now. Pour with grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
France: Rosé Wine
• The following 2019 Gérard Bertrand ‘Hampton Water’ Rosé was sourced primarily from grenache along with cinsault and mourvèdre grape varieties.
89
Gérard Bertrand ‘Hampton Water’ Rosé 2019
AOP Languedoc, France $29.95 (667337) 14.0% alcohol
This pale-salmon shaded rosé displays subtle aromas of mandarin, red berries and floral notes emerging with vigorous swirling. Expect refreshing flavours of watermelon, strawberry and orange peel offered in a round and palate-coating texture, courtesy short oak aging and alcohol level, leading to a fruit-forward finish with a white pepper note showing up in the aftertaste. Enjoy on its own or alongside grilled seafood platter. (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 $499.95 (310441) 750 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. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: September 5, 2020
• The following sustainably grown 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling was sourced from vines +20 years old with the largest portion being 35 years old and shovel planted by the Speck Brothers in 1984. A low-yielding 3.5 tons/acre was taken from the well-known Weiss 21B clone vines. It was fermented in stainless steel tank at a controlled cool temperature of 15 – 17 ° C and a portion in large, neutral oak foudres.
91
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (557165) 9.8% alcohol
The price-quality balance in this perennial favourite tips well in your favour. Floral and mineral notes intertwine with lime zest aromas on the nose of this fabulous off-dry riesling. It races over the palate with nerve, verve and delicious tang-infused flavours—lime cordial and sharp minerality with notions of Granny Smith apple. This is medium bodied with creamy-smooth texture and a lingering, lip-smacking finish. Give it a go with scallop ceviche, prawn bisque or steamed mussels in a shallow bath of white wine and garlic. (Vic Harradine)
90
Feraton Père & Fils ‘Samorëns’ 2018
AOP Côtes-Du-Rhône, France $16.95 (168708) 14.5% alcohol
This red blend—85% grenache/10% syrah/5% cinsault—dishes up a lifted nose of ripe red cherry/berry aromas interlaced with spice and sprigs of herbs. It blankets the palate with a crunchy flow of pie cherry and red currant interwoven with sweet-tinged ripe black plum and notions of kirsch liqueur. There’s very good balance with ripe fruit flavours, racy tang and soft, ripe tannin all playing well with each other on the palate and lengthy finish. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2015 Sartori ‘Superiore’ Valpolicella Ripasso was sourced from a blend—55% corvina veronese/25% corvinone/5% rondinella—of pergola-trained vines that are not an uncommon sight in this area. (see photo below)
93
Sartori ‘Superiore’ Valpolicella Ripasso 2015
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $29.95 (15084) 13.0% alcohol
Ripe black currant and black plum compote aromas mingle with earthy bits, savoury herbs and mixed spice. It rolls over the palate with a surge of ripe dark fruit flavour—black Bing cherry, bramble berry jelly and blueberry enhanced by wisps of racy tang, a firm underpinning of organoleptically ripe tannin, great balance and a lengthy, lip-smacking good finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce or with a medium-rare flank steak with a side of creamed spinach. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD 2020
• The following 2018 Domaine Grand Roche Chablis was sourced from 30-year-old vines grown in marly limestone kimmeridgian clay. This was sustainably grown with no pesticides. It was wild-yeast fermented followed by naturally occurring malolactic conversion then aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks for 12 months enhancing texture, aromas and flavour.
90
Domaine Grand Roche Chablis 2018
AOC Chablis, France $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Expressive and bright, the nose unleashes yellow apple, honeycomb and floral notes joined by whiffs of peach, flint and bread dough. This richer expression of Chablis is dry, medium bodied, nicely-weighted with a supple mouth-feel and offers ripe peach, pink grapefruit and lemon rind flavours. It finishes medium-long with a defined mineral note and a hint of fennel appearing on the flavourful aftertaste. Enjoy with a smoked salmon appetizer. A lovely wine at great value. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2018 Carmim ‘Terra Lenta - Premium’ Red was sourced from a hand-harvested blend of 40% alicante bouschet – a teinturier grape with red flesh and red juice /30% aragonez, aka tempranillo/30% trincadeira that were all destemmed and crushed. Selected yeasts fermented at a temperature-controlled 26° C with pump-overs and 14 days of maceration. Drink now to 2024.
88
Carmim ‘Terra Lenta - Premium’ Red 2018
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $15.95 (646083) 14.5% alcohol
Cherry/berry aromas dominate of the nose supported by interesting notes of milk chocolate, anise, tobacco leaf and smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied with perceptible tannin and well-integrated alcohol, spiced plum, ripe cherry, vanilla and black pepper flavours flow effortlessly over the palate and into the generous finish. Enjoy this well-priced red with grilled burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2019 Cadis ‘Family Tradition’ Soave Blanco was manually harvested from 100% Garganega vines growing in the DOC Soave area where grapes have been grown and wine made from them since ancient Roman times. This white wine was vinified at low temperatures and transferred gently by gravity – no pumps were used.
90
Cadis ‘Family Tradition’ Soave Blanco 2019
DOC Soave, Italy $15.95 12.0% alcohol
Expect a pretty nose of white peach, tropical fruit and sweet floral aromas in this classic Soave. This crisp, medium-light bodied white offers fruit cocktail and citrus flavours complemented with a balancing almond bitterness note, bringing great versatility at the table. Pair this fresh, exceptional-valued wine with seafood risotto or steamed mussels. (Louise Boutin)
• Fruit for the following 2019 Cadis ‘Family Tradition’ Valpolicella was manually sourced from hillside vineyards of clay and limestone in the northern part of Valpolicella. Grapes—70% corvina/25% rondinella/5% molinara—were macerated and fermented at tightly controlled temperatures which enhanced the smoothness of texture and lively fruit aromas and flavours.
90
Cadis ‘Family Tradition’ Valpolicella Rosso 2019
DOC Valpolicella, Italy $17.95 12.0% alcohol
This lovely red screams youth both in color and aromas—bright light ruby shades and über fresh red cherry, raspberry and Italian plum compote. This is full of red berry flavours and a good dose of cranberry tang, plus a nice piquant cinnamon note all mingling with soft tannin. This medium-light bodied thirst quencher is perfect for warm days with a charcuterie board or red-sauce pizza. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2017 Paringa Shiraz was matured for 12 months in 50% new and 50% pre-loved, 300 L, French oak barrels.
90
Paringa Shiraz 2017
South Australia $15.95 14.9% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, black licorice and hints of tar precede a full-bodied, hi-octane tsunami wave of palate flavour with black plum compote and black raspberry jam decorated with dark bittersweet chocolate, black licorice and baking spice. Flavours persist into the lengthy flavour-packed finish and aftertaste. This has good balance, complexity and a price-quality ratio skewing well in your favour. Pour with all manner of barbecued meats including pulled pork and/or barbecued ribs, both slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tinazzi ‘Coresei’ Pinot Grigio was hand harvested from 100% pinot grigio fruit that was gently pressed and fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel vats with no oak regimen.
90
Tinazzi ‘Coresei’ Pinot Grigio 2019
DOP Pinot Grigio Della Venezie, Italy $15.95 12.0% alcohol
Citrus and floral notes waft easily from this strikingly refreshing gem. It rolls over the palate with oodles of fruit flavour—grapefruit, lemon-lime and notions of gooseberry to the fore. It’s well paced and well priced, with flavours persisting through the finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside breaded and grilled calamari or skewered and grilled prawns dipped in drawn butter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ Soave Classico is a blend of hand-picked 80% garganega/20% trebbiano fruit selected from the hillside vineyards of Soave ‘Classico’. Fruit was destemmed and gently pressed before a 16° C temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel; this saw no oak.
88
Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ Soave Classico 2019
DOP Soave, Italy $15.95 13.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of citrus and floral notes can be coaxed by vigorous swirls. It rides a laser-like stream of tart acidity—lime zest, lemon juice and hints of passionfruit—racing across the palate with great nerve and verve. Also tart, the finish is quite brief. This would be a great dance partner with prawn ceviche or freshly shucked oysters. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ Lugana was sourced from 100% hand-picked, Trebbiano di Lugana near the southern part of Lake Garda. It was gently pressed then fermented at a temperature-controlled, cool 16-18° C in stainless steel tank.
91
Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ Lugana 2019
DOP Lugana, Italy $15.95 12.5% alcohol
This showcases good depth and complexity with persistent purity of fruit and is balanced on a pin. Aromas of floral and tropical fruit abound prior to a delectable wash of tang-infused yellow plum, lemon curd and blood orange flavour that blankets the palate and persists throughout. It’s medium bodied with good texture and a swashbuckling repeat of palate flavours on the finish and aftertaste with an added adornment of a saline minerality. Pour with pan-seared fish or steamed mussels in white wine, garlic and leeks. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Sentieri ‘Infiniti’ Primitivo was sourced from 100% primitivo fruit from Puglia. The pressing and destemming of the grapes with maceration and fermentation at a controlled temperature of 22-26°C for 8-10 days was followed by gentle pressing. The wine then matured from four to six months in oak barrels.
89
Sentieri ‘Infiniti’ Primitivo 2019
IGP Primitivo, Puglia, Italy $14.95 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of fig and prune precede a gusher of flavour with ripe, sweet black currant, dark plum and kirsch liqueur blanketing the palate persisting through the finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied, fully flavoured and generously textured from cork pop to last drop—aerate/decant an hour before serving. The sweet, ripe, dark fruit flavours suggest a pairing with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
• The following sustainably grown 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate – Old Vines’ Baco Noir was sourced from low-yielding vines—3.5 tons/acre—that were +20 years old with the largest portion being 35 years old—when harvested for this wine—shovel planted by the Speck brothers in 1984. The wine was matured in a combination of new and 1-2 year old American barriques then partially finished in 5000L oak foudres for a combined 12 months.
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate – Old Vines’ Baco Noir 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (459966) 13.5% alcohol
Inky black and brooding in the glass, this dishes up aromas of gamy notes and charred toast mingling with grilled herbs and mixed spice. It spreads over the palate with good weight, texture and balance. Palate flavours abound with dark berry fruit—currant, raspberry and blueberry—joining in with excellent tang and acidity and all melding well and persisting through the lingering finish. Pour alongside grilled lamb chops or rack of lamb or meat-laden red pizza. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Rosehall Run Pinot Noir has 30% of the wine seeing French oak for 5 months, only 10% new.
90
Rosehall Run Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Ontario $19.95 (307769) 12.5% alcohol
Red raspberry and smoky notes mingle with passionfruit and grilled herb aromas on the nose of this highly delightful and highly affordable pinot noir. It’s a treat on the palate with tasty and tangy red fruit flavour—red raspberry and strawberry on entry morphing to tang-laden acidity expressed as passionfruit on the lengthy dry and mouth-watering finish. There are perceptible and acceptable ripe tannin on the palate and aftertaste—a two-hour aeration decant should ameliorate those. Pour with pan-seared Atlantic salmon, smoked duck breast or red-sauce pizza. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – July 20, 2020 to August 16, 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 July 20, 2020 to August 16, 2020.
• The following four wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
White Wines
89
Boschendal ‘1685’ Chardonnay
WO Western Cape, South Africa $15.95 (367698) 14.0% alcohol
Boschendal has been making wine in the Franschhoek Valley for over 300 years. Tropical fruit, ripe apple, sweet vanilla and pear aromas precede a balanced, medium-bodied gusher of apple pie, pineapple and lemon curd with wisps of minerality and toasty oak. There’s good mouthfeel and plenty of tang on the crisp, clean, refreshing finish. Good to go now with pan-seared freshwater fish—exceptional value here. (Vic Harradine)
88
La Crema Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast $29.95 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
This is an elegant chardonnay with subtle oak aromas on the nose combined with notes of apple and minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with zesty acidity delivering green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is tangy and underlined with clean minerality. This will evolve nicely in the cellar for a few years, and can be enjoyed with shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following 2016 Sidewood ‘Estate’ Chardonnay was gently whole-bunch pressed, wild-yeast fermented before partial barrel fermentation and ten months maturation in French oak barrel, 20% new.
93
Sidewood ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
Adelaide Hills $18.95 (186346) 12.5% alcohol
This chardonnay is from one of South Australia’s premium producers punching well above the price. Free-run juice from three Chardonnay clones were harvested at various times to capture specific flavours. Those complex flavours and persistent purity of fruit mark it as special. Apple, pear and baking spice aromas launch a full-bodied, well-textured flood of flavour—Granny Smith apple and bracing lemon-lime mingling with tropical fruit and white nectarine. It finishes lengthy, balanced and beautiful. (Vic Harradine)
92
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 8.5% alcohol
Aromas of mandarin orange, honey-drizzled pit fruit and whiffs of fresh ginger abound on the nose of this flavourful, value-packed, iconic riesling that was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Ontario. A bracing wash of tangy lime cordial and lemon curd bathe the palate persisting through the very lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and pours well with baked ham dotted with cloves, or spaetzle with grilled or pan-fried bratwurst. (Vic Harradine)
• The following three wines receive a $1.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
91
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (80234) 10.0% alcohol
Aromas of lemon-lime, mineral notes and wisps of white grapefruit provide segue to a tang-laden stream of saline/flinty minerality, Granny Smith apple and lime cordial racing over the palate persisting through the crisp, clean and refreshing finish. This is medium bodied and light on its feet with excellent balance, persistent purity of fruit and oodles of tang and boatloads of charm. A perfect thirst quencher at any time, it also shines with charcuterie and a baguette or a plate of sushi, ceviche or a platter of freshly shucked briny oysters. (Vic Harradine)
• Wine from the following 2018 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay was pressed into and ambient-yeast fermented in, Canadian oak barrel with 90% pre-used from one to five years and 10% new. It matured for 10 months in the same barrels and underwent partial—50%—malolactic conversion.
90
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (149302) 13.0% alcohol
Light-gold hued in the glass, lifted aromas of exotic spice, pungent oaky notes and orchard fruit—red apple, ripe pear, apricot—and hi-toned spirits abound. It captures the palate with an energetic surge of baking spice, caramel apple and citrussy notes. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel, deft balance and a lengthy lip-smacking finish. It’s good to go now alongside roast pork with a tangy applesauce side or chicken pot pie. (Vic Harradine)
90
Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (286278) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of buttered toast, peach jam with subtle caramel and nutmeg notes introduce a medium-bodied wash of juicy orchard fruit flavours mingling with lemon curd, roasted almond skin and mineral notes. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, without heaviness providing excellent length in the beautiful dry and balanced finish. This will shine alongside chicken cordon-bleu or quiche Lorraine. (Louise Boutin)
• The following wine receives a $2.50 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
92
Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Unoaked Chardonnay
Monterey County $24.95 (220343) 14.0% alcohol
This wonderfully refreshing chardonnay is completely untouched by oak. It shows off a mineral nose with pleasant overtones of lemon zest. The medium-full body supports a nice juicy acidity with lots of citrus flavours. The long crisp finish leaves you wanting to take another sip. Enjoy on a hot summer afternoon with a fresh pasta salad. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following wine receives a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
89
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
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)
Red Wines
• The following three wines receive a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
90
M. Chapoutier ‘Les Vignes de Bila-Haut’ Côtes du Roussillon-Villages
AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $15.95 (168716) 14.0% alcohol
Consistently great value, this southern Rhône blend of grenache, syrah and carignan opens with fresh red fruit and strawberry jam aromas with hints of vanilla, spice and an earthy note adding interest. Dry, medium bodied and well-structured with silky tannins and balancing acidity, spiced cherry and plum flavours generously coat the palate. The warming, lengthy finish delivers a wine well suited for braised beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
88
Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère
Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (30957) 14.0% alcohol
This is good value and it’s rich, ripe and rarin’ to go now. A beautifully balanced river of juicy black Bing cherry and black plum interweave with racy pomegranate and herbal notes on the creamy smooth palate along with mixed spice and mocha. It’s a bit funky on the nose with some bell pepper and strong herbal notes, but that melts away and you’re left with a creamy-smooth, hedonistic offering. It pours and pairs well with burgers, red pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
88
Rodney Strong ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County $27.95 (226944) 13.5% alcohol
Savoury herbs and red berry fruit aromas precede medium-plus bodied, well-textured mouthfuls of black and red cherry/berry flavours adorned with grilled savoury herbs and charred toast. It’s fruit-filled and pours well with grilled rack of lamb or grilled striploin after a one- or two-hour aeration/decant. As California cab goes, this is certainly attractively priced. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $2.50 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
88
Penfolds ‘Koonunga Hill’ Shiraz Cabernet
South Australia $19.95 (285544) 13.5% alcohol
This is rich and perfumed on the nose releasing dark dusty aromas of cherry, mint and mixed dark berry fruit. On the palate there’s a delicious wave of flavour with mouth-coating succulent Bing cherry mingling with ripe mulberry and lip-smacking tart cranberry. It finishes balanced, lingering and delicious. Leaving little to be desired, it’s full value, and then some. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
89
Bodega Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec 2017
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (478727) 13.5% alcohol
Plum, blackberry, mocha and sweet pipe tobacco aromas open this nicely-balanced malbec. Dry, medium-full bodied with defined tannin and fresh acidity, cherry, plum, vanilla and spice flavours linger on the tasty palate and into the medium-long finish. This would complement grilled steak or lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)
89
Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Paarl $17.95 (328567) 13.0% alcohol
Smoky, earthy and dried cherry aromatics waft from the glass of this medium-bodied red. There are a good deal of sweet, black, ripe cherry and plum flavours with hints of chocolate and tar in the involved flavour profile. All this is wrapped around perceptible tannins and oaky notes that may need some time to quiet down. Drink now with rare or medium-rare pepper steak. (Vic Harradine)
90
Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza $15.95 (58339) 14.0% alcohol
High-spirited aromas of black pepper, black plum compote and mixed spice provide segue for a tang-laden flow of red currant, black cherry and sprigs of savoury herbs blanketing the palate and persisting through the dry, warm finish. This is medium-plus bodied with good texture and an underpinning of tannin for structure and interest and framed by excellent acidity. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
86
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California $22.95 (738823) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of savory herbs and peppery spice mingle with red and black cherry/berry fruit on the nose of this nicely textured, mid-plus weight cabernet. It rolls over the palate with a hedonistic personality showcasing black raspberry jam, sweet vanilla and toasty/oaky notes along with nicely integrated tannin for structure. Pour with grilled steak, barbequed ribs or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
89
Small Gully ‘The Formula’ Robert’s Shiraz
South Australia $19.95 (142935) 15.9% alcohol
This is a crowd-pleasing, single-vineyard red with rich, ripe, robust flavours. Toasty oak, extra-ripe, dark berry fruit and notions of roasted herbs herald a creamy smooth, medium-plus-bodied wash of sweet, ripe dark cherry and mulberry garnished with black plum compote and kirsch liqueur. The finish layers on more of the same. Pour with grilled, smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
88
Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon
California $19.95 (451336) 13.5 % alcohol
This is fairly priced, full bodied and fully textured. Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, pipe tobacco and spice open the door to a mouthful of rich, luscious flavour with kirsch liqueur and black plum compote nicely balanced by red cherry tang and acidity. It finishes balanced with hints of mocha and pours well with grilled striploin after a one-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased now to August 16, 2020.
92
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail’ Merlot
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)
Bonus AirMiles!
• Get 10 Bonus AirMiles for each bottle of the following wine that you purchase from July 19, 2020 to August 15, 2020.
92
Mitolo ‘Jester’ Shiraz
McLaren Vale, South Australia $22.95 (659607) 14.5% alcohol
This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. Dark and mysterious at first glance, it reveals itself with aromas of plum and cassis accented with cedar, mint and hints of black pepper. It starts with vibrant, juicy ripe cherry and black currant accented with dark chocolate and sweet spice, finishing warm with velvety tannins. Enjoy this full-bodied, rich and luscious red with spiced, grilled lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)
Cheers!
Louise, Lisa, Dave, and Vic