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August 5, 2020 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights:

Wines of Argentina Feature – There are 24 wines awaiting you, all part of a fabulous lineup in this bespoke collection. Many are available in LCBO stores now and some are on their way in future releases. They are all categorized and tasted, scored and professionally reviewed giving unambiguous assessment and tasting notes that will guide you to your style and, hopefully, within your budget. Click Here.
Exceptional-value wine – There are innumerable wines that earned the coveted icon. They are found throughout the following newsletter: 1) in the upcoming August 8, 2020 Vintages Release, 2) in the Wines of Argentina Feature above and 3) in the Limited Time Offers at the very end of the newsletter.

Vintages Release: August 8, 2020

Sparkling Wine

88
 Joseph Cattin ‘Brut Rosé’ Crémant d’Alsace Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace $19.95 (264572) 12.0% alcohol
This méthode traditionnelle bubbly opens with floral notes entwined with red cherry/berry aromas. A crisp, clean and refreshing line of bracing acidity carries flavours of lemon drop, Key lime and notions of red berry fruit across the palate infusing the lip-smacking finish. Pour alongside ceviche, freshly shucked oysters or pan-seared seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

93
Ca’del Bosco ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Franciacorta Brut Non-Vintage
DOCG Franciacorta, Italy $44.95 (105353) 12.5% alcohol
Hand-harvested 75% chardonnay, 10% pinot blanc, 15% pinot noir fruit was vinified ‘Metodo Classico’ with soft handling of grapes and blending with high-quality reserve wines before a secondary fermentation in the bottle you buy. This spent an average of 25 months on its lees gaining depth and complexity. It offers lifted aromas of lemon zest, white peach and biscuit concentrating into mouth-filling flavours of pink grapefruit, red apple and toasted brioche on the palate. It’s well balanced with fine, persistent effervescence and crisp, long finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

Ontario: White Wine

92
 2027 Cellars ‘Wismer Vineyard – Foxcroft Block’ Chardonnay 2017
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (421362) 12.8% alcohol
 This is very good value. Baking spice, cedar and mineral note aromas waft from this delectable chardonnay before treating the palate to mouthfuls of medium weight, well-textured ripe pear, apple and lemon zest. From twist top to last drop this showcases alluring aromas, deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and lengthy mouth-watering, mineral-infused finish. Excellent when tasted, even better with a bit more time in bottle. Pour with chicken, pork or seafood. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced from estate, low-yielding—1.9 tonnes/acre—Prince Edward County vineyards. Fruit was whole-cluster pressed and 100% barrel fermented, less than 10% new. The wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation.

92
 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2018
 VQA Prince Edward County $33.00 (148866) 13.3% alcohol
 Aromas of baking spice, roasted nuts and sharp minerality precede a glorious, medium-bodied, creamy-smooth gusher of ripe pit fruit, baked apple and lemon pie filling blanketing the palate with excellent acidity and plenty of complexity, depth and pizzazz. It finishes balanced, lengthy and lip-smacking delicious. Versatile at the table, this pours well alongside steamed lobster dipped in drawn butter, pan-seared or grilled fish or seafood, or roast chicken or turkey. (Vic Harradine)

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)

• A ‘Phoenix’ is a mythical bird associated with rebirth or renewal. In the particularly brutal winter of 2017, Featherstone’s then 14-year-old gewürztraminer vines appeared to have succumbed to the cold. However, they have survived and risen again by producing this limited bottling—only 198 cases produced. The following 2019 Featherstone ‘Phoenix’ is certainly deserving of your careful consideration of a multiple purchase. Only 7 bottles purchased from online at the winery and they’ll pick up the shipping charge to deliver to your home. While ordering this, fill up the case with five more wines, your choice, and they’ll arrive together without any shipping charge.

92
 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Phoenix’ Gewürztraminer 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (519025) 13.5% alcohol
 Rosewater and ginger aromas mingle with piquant spice on the nose of this medium-plus bodied, fully textured, oily and creamy-smooth gem. It coats the palate with viscous ambrosia riding delicious palate flavours of grilled pineapple, lemon curd and orange cordial. It has a monumentally long finish and aftertaste that’s balanced and beautiful. Pour with tandoori chicken or baked leg of butt-portion ham decorated with cloves and brushed with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Rosé Wine

• The following 2019 Redstone Rosé is a blend of—50% cabernet franc/25% merlot/25% syrah—sourced from estate and other select vineyards across the Niagara Peninsula.

90
 Redstone Rosé 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (650655) 13.0% alcohol
 This is the perfect fruity-savoury mix both on the nose and palate with aromas of strawberry, cranberry, red bell pepper and fresh celery leaf followed with palate-bathing tart red fruit flavours, a hint of red bell pepper jelly, topped with a peppery note. This is a refreshing medium-bodied rosé extremely versatile to enjoy alongside grilled steelhead trout burger, red sauce gourmet pizza or simply with mixed olives and feta cheese at the apéro. (Louise Boutin)

California: Red Wine

• Certified for Sustainable Winegrowing, the following 2017 Ivory & Burt ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel was aged in American oak, some new, and sourced from 100% Lodi Zinfandel.

89
 Lange Twins Family Vineyards and Winery ‘Ivory & Burt - Old Vine’ Zinfandel 2017
 Lodi, California $19.95 (479303) 15.0% alcohol
 You would never guess that this fruit bomb is 15.0% hi-octane. No sign of heat and all signs of concentrated fruit—plum compote, blackberry, even peach jam—and baking spice make up for a very charming cocktail on the nose. Sweet juicy plum and ripe black cherry flavours mingle with smooth tannin and cinnamon notes in a very easy-drinking fashion. This is a crowd pleaser and it will be perfect alongside a selection of artisan sausages at your next barbecue party. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: White Wine

• The following 2018 Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ White Blend was hand-picked from vineyards at 1050 meters above sea level. The sauvignon blanc and semillon was macerated for six hours with dry ice stripping during 36 hours and racked to concrete eggs then fermented with native yeasts. Torrontés was pressed without maceration then fermented in stainless steel and rested on lies for a month enhancing texture. It received batonnage once a month spending four months in French oak barrels 60% new and 40% second-use. This is a 35% semillon/35% sauvignon blanc/30% torrontés blend. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier winemakers.

92
Susana Balbo ‘Signature’ White Blend 2018
 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $21.95 (558734) 13.5% alcohol
A lot of meticulous work went into this unusual white blend and it’s no surprise it keeps scoring high one vintage after another. This gorgeous combination of vibrant aromas—green pineapple, fresh cilantro, passion fruit and white flower—wakes-up the senses. This is a palate-feast for the citrus lovers with a bonus of tropical fruit flavour, a hint of honey and mineral notes delivered in a very harmonious fashion. This medium-bodied beauty offers a long delicious pithy finish with a sweet twist. Try with coconut shrimp or chicken satay over a bed of jasmine rice and a sprinkle of fresh mint. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: Red Wine

• The following 2018 El Esteco ‘Old Vines – 1947’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a great history with El Esteco’s Las Mercedes estate in Cafayate, Salta. It’s a home to 467 pergola-trained cabernet sauvignon vines whose origins can be traced back to 1947 (now 73-year-old vines) delivering ruby red wines typical of Cafayate terroir. At harvest, fruit is taken immediately to the winery sorting line followed by a pre-fermentation maceration in ovoid 3,000-litre vats for five days, after which the alcoholic fermentation immediately begins using native yeasts. The wine is then restored to the ovoid vats for a natural malolactic fermentation. Then it’s bottled unfiltered and aged in the bottle for the following 6 to 8 months before release; seeing no oak.

92
El Esteco ‘Old Vines – 1947’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Cafayette Valley, Salta Argentina $24.95 (15082)
Aromas of black and blue field berry fruit mingle with piquant spice and earthy notes on the nose. A medium-plus bodied, fully textured cab spills over the palate with a lively, boisterous flow of black fruit—bramble berry, plum and cherry—robed in perceptible tannin and excellent tang and acidity. It finishes with a balanced and very lengthy finish and aftertaste with plenty of flavour and pizzazz. Aerate/decant for three hours before serving with a thick cut of grilled Canadian AAA beef. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Finca La Celia ‘Reserve’ Malbec / Cabernet Franc is a blend of 80% malbec and 20% cabernet franc sourced in the La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza region. Co-fermentation with malbec and cabernet franc was in concrete vessels for 10 days then 80% stayed in concrete vessels while the remainder was in pre-loved French oak barrels, both for eight months before bottling. 

89
Finca La Celia Reserve Malbec / Cabernet Franc 2017
La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (618280) 13.5% alcohol
Although cabernet franc only contributes for a fifth of the blend, it can’t hide on the nose with its red cherry and jalapeno aromas mingling with black plum and cedar notes. This is a nice tart fruit and savoury combination of flavours flowing with ease on the palate, until it shows more character midway through with peppery notes amplified in the dry savoury finish. This medium-bodied red is an excellent value and a great companion to red sauce pizza or well-seasoned pork chops on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2018 La Mascota Malbec is a single-vineyard bottling from their estate vines. Hand-harvested, bunch-selected fruit from stony soils was destemmed and crushed. After which fermentation and maceration occurred in stainless steel tanks during a minimum of 25 days at 23-25 ºC. A natural malolactic fermentation was spontaneous. It matured 12 months in new French and American oak barrels then filtered and bottled before release.

92
La Mascota Malbec 2018
Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (555805) 14.0% alcohol
Enticing aromas of black licorice, and dark berry fruit abound on the nose. A pleasing wash of sweet and tang palate flavours—vanilla and ripe black juicy cherry mingle with black licorice and excellent balancing acidity. This is well balanced, with oodles of fruit flavour with a very lengthy and lip-smacking finish, and every sip as good, or better, than the previous. There are no rough edges and the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. Consider a multiple purchase. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 La Posta ‘Estela Armando’ Bonarda was sourced from the vineyards of Estela Armando of 100% Bonarda—Argentina’s 2nd most-planted red varietal—at 700 meters above sea level with an average vine age of 53 years. 40% of the wine was matured for 10 months in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels.

89
La Posta ‘Estela Armando’ Bonarda 2018
Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (261586) 13.5% alcohol
Deep purple shaded like its label, this single varietal red opens the door with intense aromas of blue and black fruit, ripe raspberry and a discrete smoky note. Tangy cherry and black cassis take the lead on the flavour trail, quickly joined by a sweeter cherry pie filling note, dark chocolate and a spicy cinnamon hint persisting in the dry finish and aftertaste. This is medium-plus bodied with astringent tannin and it pairs well with lamb burgers garnished with feta cheese, fresh mint and pickled red onions. Aerate/decant one hour. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: Rosé Wine

• The following 2019 La Mascota Rosé is 100% hand-picked malbec sourced from vineyards with deep stony soils. Fruit was bunch selected and destemmed at the winery with only three hours of skin contact before pressing, filtration and bottling.

90
La Mascota Rosé 2019
Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (15182) 12.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes and red berry fruit introduce a palate-surge of flavour—blood orange, spice infused passionfruit and red berry fruit. It streaks across the palate with oodles of lip-smacking tang and pizzazz leading to a dry, crisp and mouth-watering finish that leaves the palate clean and refreshed. Pour with pan-seared halibut or trout under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: White Wine

93
Wakefield ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2018
Clare Valley $16.95 (711556) 13.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance in this gem tips wildly in your favour. Delicate aromas of mixed spice, caramel and pit fruit precede a balanced and beautiful wash of palate flavours with a bowl of tropical fruit with grilled pineapple and mango to the fore interweaving with white peach, lemon zest and wisps of grapefruit. There’s persistent purity of fruit, creamy texture and lengthy delectable finish and aftertaste. Don’t be afraid to pick up an armful; it’s food friendly and a crowd pleaser. Give it a go with beer-can roast chicken or pan-seared pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

New in Vintages

• 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.

91
 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 or medium-rare steak. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select LCBO stores. After harvest from nearby estate vines, fruit was whisked to the winery, de-stemmed, gently pressed and stainless-steel fermented then transferred to American oak barrels for 100% malolactic conversion (a non-alcoholic fermentation that converts tart-tasting malic acid into softer lactic acid – click link) the wine then blissfully matured for 12 months in the American oak barrels before bottling.

93
 Wakefield ‘Estate’ Shiraz 2018
 Clare Valley $18.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
 Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-laden shiraz. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth and medium-plus bodied while unleashing a gusher of fruit-forward flavour of ripe mulberry, black plum and ripe Bing cherry adorned with balancing tang and a boatload of pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, is balanced on a pin and sports a dry, delectable finish with palate replays plus a hint of cassis and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Pour with ‘bubble’ friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

• The following 2019 Gérard Bertrand ‘Terroir’ Picpoul de Pinet was sourced from a region inhabited in ancient times and a wine growing region in the south of France for over 2000 years. The vines for this wine grow on rocky hillsides near the bassin de Thau. After a cool fermentation—16 to 18 C—the wine ages on its fine lees in stainless steel vats before being bottled in the early spring of 2020.

90
 Gérard Bertrand ‘Terroir’ Picpoul de Pinet 2019
 AOP Picpoul de Pinet, France $16.95 (13000) 13.0% alcohol
 This is a classic Picpoul with its characteristic fresh aromas of citrus, pear and peach but also a vegetal note of celery leaf and lots of minerality. The lees aging brings excellent weight and texture on the palate along with citron confit and peach flavours joined with a savoury touch and saline mouth-watering effect in the excellent dry and refreshing finish. This is a go-to bottle for freshly shucked oysters under a squeeze of lemon juice. (Louise Boutin)

France: Rosé wine

90
AIX ‘Saint Aix’ Rosé 2019
AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France $48.95 1500 mL (490904) 13.0% alcohol
This is a pretty, pastel-salmon hued blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault with a splash of carignan, offering fresh aromas of nectarine, watermelon and strawberry complemented with white flower notes. It’s crisp on the palate with peach flavours, zesty pink grapefruit, a hint of ginger and a touch of balancing almond bitterness trailing in the clean finish and aftertaste. This is a delicious versatile rosé with enough body to pair with sushi or grilled salmon but also enjoyable with mixed salted nuts or simply on its own. (Louise Boutin)

Italy: Red Wine

• The following 2016 Sartori ‘Superiore’ Valpolicella is a ‘Special Edition’ bottling to mark their 120th anniversary. Hand-picked fruit was sourced from a vineyard at 260m above sea level with vines trained overhead in the traditional ‘pergola Veronese trellis system’—see photo below. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation then 18 months of maturation in small- and medium-size oak casks.

92
 Sartori ‘Superiore’ Valpolicella 2016
 DOC Valpolicella, Italy $24.95 (14584) 13.0% alcohol
 Aromas of grilled herbs, exotic spice and cherry/berry fruit herald a gorgeous mouthful of pure ambrosia with a mélange of flavours—black currant, black Bing cherry and black raspberry interwoven with soft ripe tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s medium-weight with excellent texture, balanced and beautiful. Pour with spaghetti, pasta sauce and meatballs. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in Vintages

Vintages Release: September 19, 2020

91
 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, value-packed, 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)

New in Vintages (available now)

• The following 2016 Château de Nages ‘JT’ sourced fruit—93% syrah/7% mourvèdre—from their best parcels of land in the extreme north of their appellation. This is the best vintage (2016) their winemaker has experienced in his 23 years of winemaking.

92
Château de Nages ‘JT’ Costiéres de Nîmes 2016
 AOC Costiéres de Nîmes $26.95 (736876) 14.5% alcohol
Michel Gassier, a top doyen in the southern Rhône Valley, fashioned this certified-organic beauty from 93% syrah/7% Mourvèdre in the bourgeoning region of Costiéres de Nîmes. Grilled savoury herbs, pipe tobacco and black plum aromas provide segue to a flavour-filled, tang-infused tsunami wave of crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—intertwined with notions of bramble berry pie and plenty of pizzazz. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and showcases persistent purity of fruit, a long finish and dry, lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour alongside osso buco or grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (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 now 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
 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 now 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, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic