August 15, 2020 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- LCBO In-Store Sale! – There are a number of substantial discounts on 289 products including spirits, beer and wine that starts today! Click here to see if any of your favourites are included.
- Louise Loves – 2014 River’s Edge ‘Elkton Cuvée’ Pinot Noir earned 91 points @ $20.95 found under Oregon: Red Wine; 2016 Zaha ‘Toko Vineyard - El Corte’ earned 91 points @ $24.95 found under Argentina: Red Wine; 2016 Anakena Ona ‘Andes Blend - Premium Selection’ earned 91 points @ 21.95 under Chile: Red Wine.
- Vic Picks – 2017 Calamus Estate Winery ‘Balls Falls - Red’ earned 91 points @ $15.95 found under Ontario: Red Wine; 2019 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $14.95 found under New in LCBO Portfolio; 2015 Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Reserva’ earned 91 points @ 23.95 found under New in Vintages: 2018 Leyda Winery ‘Single Vineyard – Garuma’ Sauvignon Blanc earned 92 points @ 16.95 found under New in Vintages.
- Exceptional-value wine
– There are innumerable wines that earned the coveted icon. They are found throughout this newsletter: 1) in the upcoming August 22, 2020 Vintages Release and following the release in New in Vintages, New in LCBO Portfolio and in New in Ontario Wineries 2) in the New Limited Time Offers at the very end of the newsletter… happy hunting!
Vintages Release: August 22, 2020
Sparkling Wine
90
Oyster Bay Cuvée Brut Sparkling Non-Vintage
Hawke’s Bay $22.95 (163634) 12.5% alcohol
This Charmat method sparkling wine is made of 100% chardonnay kept in contact with the lees in a portion of the maturation process. It fills the air with aromas of fresh citrus, lactic notes, bread crumbs and mineral character. A nice froth expands on the palate expressing flavours of pink grapefruit, white peach, crispy crackers and a lingering minerality note turning saline in the medium-long finish. This is medium-bodied with great acidity, pleasant mouthfeel and weight and a no-brainer partner to sea salt chips. (Louise Boutin)
• Fruit for the following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ was both machine and hand harvested then pressed and transferred into 100% stainless steel fermentation tanks and after eight hours of fining and settling was racked off gross lees. It’s a white blend of 50% riesling/40% chardonnay/8% sauvignon blanc/2% gewürztraminer.
Ontario: White Wine
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Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (341586) 12.5% alcohol
This white blend has a cult-like following by consistently punching well above its low, low price. A smorgasbord of aromas leap from the glass with mango, pineapple, lemon zest and piquant spice to the fore. It bathes the palate with a delightful, complex wash of flavour—lemon-lime cordial and blood orange mingling with wisps of sugared and grilled white grapefruit sections. It’s just off-dry with loads of delicious tang and silky-smooth mouthfeel. Pour on its own or alongside fish or seafood, or supermarket rotisserie roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Canada. They were 40-years old when fruit for this wine was sourced. They were first planted in Canada by Hermann Weis of Weingut St. Urbans-hof winery in Mosel, Germany and are now known generally as the ‘Weis clone’. An iconic viticulturist, Mr. Weis, sadly passed away earlier this year. We all owe him a doff of the cap and eternal thanks as it’s now the most planted riesling vine in Canada having won myriad wine trophies and awards, here and abroad.
92
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 7.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of citrus, floral and pear transition to a balanced-on-a-pin river of gorgeous flavour that on entry to the palate showcases lime, green apple and wisps of honey infused ripe pear. It persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste enhanced by herbal notes, tart tang and lip-smacking acidity. It showcases nerve and verve with pizzazz and plenty of charm. You shouldn’t go wrong in drinking this over the next 5 or so years. Try with white pizza on spice-oiled dough lightly adorned with cheese—Brie, Stilton and extra-old Cheddar—decorated with basil and sliced mushrooms and sprinkled with grated parmigiana reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Red Wine
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Calamus Estate Winery ‘Balls Falls - Red’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (10527) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rich, dark berry fruit, dark chocolate and cassis abound on the nose of this deftly balanced, gorgeously flavoured red. It dishes up mouthfuls of sweet-tinged fruit—dark cherry and ripe bramble berry interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and mixed spice. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy finish oozing with flavour, tangy acidity and plenty of charm. Load up the trunk and pour with steak, burgers or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
Oregon: Red Wine
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River’s Edge ‘Elkton Cuvée’ Pinot Noir 2014
Elkton, Oregon $20.95 (557850) 14.7% alcohol
Classic pale-garnet shaded, this pinot captivates the senses with its layer of red cherry and gamy aromas on the nose. Crunchy tart cherry and earthiness mingle with baking spice and polished tannin with all in perfect harmony. This is medium bodied with invisible alcohol until it gently warms-up mid-palate and takes you in a comforting savoury and spice long finish reminiscent of ginger snap cookies. This is excellent with tourtière or moussaka. Drink now to 2022. (Louise Boutin)
Argentina: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from este vineyards in Tunuyán between 1110 and 1350 meters above sea level. It was fermented at controlled temperature 29 to 30 °C for two weeks then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.
90
Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Mendoza $17.95 (640854) 14.0% alcohol
This dark-ruby red gem offers up fruit-forward aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and juicy black Bing cherry. A profusion of tang-laden red and black currant flavours interwoven with Ribena ©, cassis and hints of kirsch liqueur and savory herbs blanket the palate persisting through the well-balanced, lengthy finish. It’s well balanced, full flavoured and food friendly. The quality-price balance tips well in your favour. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Zaha ‘Toko Vineyard - El Corte’ is a blend—78% malbec/22% cabernet sauvignon—sourced from prime vineyards at 1220 meters above sea level boasting a cool-climate growing area.
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Zaha ‘Toko Vineyard - El Corte’ 2016
Paraje Altimira, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (629972) 14.3% alcohol
Concentrated black fruit, black pepper, red bell pepper and floral notes make up the nose of this complex red blend. Cabernet sauvignon brings a robust structure to the otherwise fruit forward—cassis, plum, blackberry—peppery and herbaceous character of this serious red. This is definitely full-bodied with firm tannin, great acidity and a sustained dry fruity-savoury finish. This has a good five years of cellaring potential but can be enjoyed now after two hours of aeration/decant. Pair with well-seasoned lamb chops on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
Argentina: Rosé Wine
• The following 2019 Luigi Bosca Rosé was sourced from estate vineyards of pinot gris—a mutation of pinot noir—and pinot noir at 780 meters above sea level in Lujàn de Cuyo and Maipú, Mendoza. This saw no oak.
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Luigi Bosca Rosé 2019
Lujàn de Cuyo and Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina $18.95 (553032) 13.1% alcohol
This salmon-shaded rosé presents with aromas of tart cherry, cremini mushroom and a whisper of ginger. Expect flavours of tangy red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and laurel, wrapped in mild chalky tannin. More a food-friendly wine than a patio sipper, try this medium-bodied blend with grilled steelhead trout burgers or chicken brochettes. (Louise Boutin)
Chile: White Wine
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Montes ‘Alpha’ Chardonnay 2016
Aconcagua Valley $19.95 (390203) 13.5% alcohol
This delightful chardonnay has just a light touch of oak with 35% spending 12 months in French oak barrels. This allows fruity and floral characteristics to step forward with aromas of pear, clover, honey and lime peel on the nose then flavours of pear and apple on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with a juicy balance of acidity. The mouth-watering finish is highlighted with flavours of lemon curd. This will pair wonderfully with a serving of battered fish and twice-fried chips. (Dave Isaacs)
Chile: Red Wine
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Anakena Ona ‘Andes Blend - Premium Selection’ 2016
DO Cachapoal Valley $19.95 (632315) 14.0% alcohol
Sixteen months of French and American oak barrel ageing goes into this great-value red blend of 55% syrah, 35% cabernet sauvignon and10% carménère. Black peppercorn aromas fill the air along with green bell pepper, dry cherry and smoke. A mouth-watering, tart, pie cherry flavour dominates the palate before riper notes of dark cherry and blackberry plus a layer of baking spice and dark chocolate completes the profile. This dry, medium-full-bodied blend will further evolve with additional cellaring. Aerate/decant two hours and pour now to 2022 with braised beef short-ribs and green vegetables. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from two vaunted wine regions in the State of South Australia—Coonawarra, with its coveted terra rossa soils, and Clare Valley, now the spiritual and worldly home of the Wakefield winery and its third-generation owners, the highly successful, respected Taylor family. This was tasted while visiting the winery in February, 2020 with Taylor’s Chief Winemaker extraordinaire, the affable, Adam Eggins.
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Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Coonawarra/Clare Valley, South Australia $24.95 (142398) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases deft balance, purity of fruit, good structure, a monumentally long aftertaste and plenty of racy tang. Lifted aromas of piquant spice, floral notes, red and black berry fruit with hints of mint waft easily from this medium-plus bodied, fully textured cab. It’s both powerful and elegant enveloping the palate with a tsunami wave of bracing tang and silky tannin interwoven with crunchy red fruit to the fore—pie cherry and red currant—along with blueberry and plum. Aerate two hours and serve 2023 and beyond. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages
• The following 2015 Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Reserva’ Tempranillo-based gem matured 18 months in French oak barrels then settled a further three months in large, pre-loved, French—Allier—oak vats.
91
Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Reserva’ 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $23.95 (208223) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark bramble berry and black cherry interlace with pipe tobacco, piquant spice and grilled savory herbs. It flows over the palate with ripe sweet flavours—black plum, kirsch liqueur and black currant jelly framed with good tang and acidity and underpinned by soft tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. This is well paced and well priced. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring alongside grilled back ribs slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Leyda Winery ‘Single Vineyard – Garuma’ Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from a unique area of coastal Chile. Fruit was hand-harvested and estate-grown picked at between 21.6 °C and 22.6 °C Brix followed by winery-selected clusters then gently whole-cluster pressed with only the best juice kept for this wine, 20% of the grapes were destemmed and macerated to extract thiols. The juice settled at 8 °C to 10 ° then fermented in stainless steel tank and 400 L oak barrels at 13 °C to 13.5 °C then finished at 16 °C for 18 days, The wine then spent seven months on the lees, aka expired yeast cells, with regular batonnage—regular stirring of the wine and the lees to enhance the texture and flavour. The final blend was 90% stainless steel tank wine and 10% from 400 L barrels.
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Leyda Winery ‘Single Vineyard – Garuma’ Sauvignon Blanc 2018
DO Leyda, Chile $16.95 (99309) 13% alcohol
A glorious nose of tropical fruit—mango and pineapple—interweave with aromas of savory herbs and mineral aromas. It envelops the palate with a gusher of balanced and beautiful, creamy-smooth flavours of Key lime pie and lemon curd persisting through the lip-smacking finish adorned by tang-infused white grapefruit. This also showcases excellent texture throughout and savory herbs on the aftertaste. Lovely sipped on its own, pour with mesclun salad dressed with olive oil and a light spritz of red wine vinegar under crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (669374) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of green apple and honey-drizzled lemon and lime abound on the nose of this fruit-laden beauty. It explodes on the palate with a profusion of balanced and bountiful flavour with sweet and tang-infused lime cordial, crisp Granny Smith apple and ripe juicy sweet-tinged pear to the fore. This showcases deft balance, food friendliness and fruit-forward flavour with plenty of pizzazz and charm at a price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Pick up an armful. It’s delightful sipped on its own and divine with pan-seared fresh fish, pork roast or roast fowl. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Canada. They were 40-years old when fruit for this wine was sourced. They were first planted in Ontario by Hermann Weis of Weingut St. Urbans-hof winery in Mosel, Germany and are now known generally as the ‘Weis clone’. An iconic viticulturist, Mr. Weis sadly passed away earlier this year. We all owe him a doff of the cap and a sincere thank you as it’s now the most planted riesling vine in Canada having delivered myriad wine trophies and awards here and abroad.
92
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 7.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of citrus, floral and pear transition to a balanced-on-a-pin river of gorgeous flavour that on entry to the palate showcases lime, green apple and wisps of honey infused ripe pear. It persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste enhanced by herbal notes, tart tang and lip-smacking acidity. It showcases nerve and verve with pizzazz and plenty of charm. You shouldn’t go wrong in drinking this over the next 8 or so years. Try with white pizza on spice-oiled dough lightly adorned with cheese—brie, chèvre and extra-old cheddar—decorated with basil and sliced mushrooms and sprinkled with grated parmigiana reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
90
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Semi-Dry’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (232033) 8.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes, orchard fruit—pear and apple—and wisps of lemon citrus zest herald the yin and yang and sweet and tang of lively palate flavours—Meyer lemon and blood orange juxtaposed with ripe nectarine and lime cordial. This is medium-bodied with great mouthfeel, nicely balanced with the price-quality proposition skewed well in your favour. The finish is lengthy and mouth-wateringly tasty. Sip on its own or pour with tandoori chicken or chicken tikka masala. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates Cabernet-Merlot sports a red blend of 69.1% cabernet franc/18.0% cabernet sauvignon/12.9% merlot that saw eight months in oak.
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Vineland Estates ‘Kevin O’Leary’ Cabernet-Merlot’ 2019
VQA Ontario $14.95 (307744) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of plump rich black bramble berry and dark juicy Bing cherry intertwine with charred toast, black licorice and exotic incense. It envelops the palate with a satin-smooth, lovely textured swath of ambrosia—black and red currant, red and black cherry with deft balance, pizzazz and appeal. This has persistent purity of fruit, with structure and excellent tang and acidity. It punches well above its price and delivers a lengthy finish and aftertaste with replays of palate flavours enhanced by mocha. Pour with burgers, meat-laden pizza, gourmet sausage, beer-can chicken or vegetable terrine. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
Order the following wines by the case for daily home or office directly online from Kacaba Vineyards with FREE shipping in Ontario for orders of six bottles or more, by phone at 1 866 522-2228 or 1 905 562-5625, or pick up a bottle or case from the winery (curbside pick-up or shop in the boutique) at 3550 King Street in Vineland ON. For various wine shopping options during COVID, click here.
• The following 2019 Kacaba ‘Effervescence’ Sparkling Wine was produced in the Charmat method from hand-harvested 62.5% pinot noir and 37.5% chardonnay that was gently pressed and settled then fermented separately and blended in stainless steel tank before undergoing its second alcoholic fermentation in the tank under pressure. It remained in tank for two months then filtered and bottled with bubbles in February, 2020.
91
Kacaba ‘Effervescence’ Sparkling Wine 2019
VQA Ontario $31.95 12.5% alcohol
A generous profusion of mousse covers the top of the bronze-coloured liquid when poured. It blankets the palate with a tang-laden stream of pie cherry, red currant and notions of red plum while a stream of fine bubbles wind their way toward the aperture of the glass. It’s crisp, clean and refreshing throughout. This sips well on its own and pours particularly well with fish; try Atlantic salmon that’s pan-seared, grilled or poached. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ Rosé was sourced from gamay noir that was cold-soaked for 12 hours then cold settled. A cool fermentation was followed by light lees—a.k.a. spent yeast cells—contact.
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Kacaba ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 12.8% alcohol
Lifted aromas of red cherry/berry fruit intertwine with mixed spice and pomegranate. It streaks over the palate with a racy streak of passionfruit and tart rhubarb. It’s light on its feet with pizzazz and acidity from twist top to the last drop on the brief finish and aftertaste. Serve chilled on its own for summer/fall sipping or with pan-seared fish or breaded and grilled calamari. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba ‘Reserve’ Riesling was pressed and racked clean then had a long cool ferment over four weeks. This wine drinks well now and may change with careful cellaring over the next five or so years developing into an unctuous, deep-golden hued gem.
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Kacaba ‘Escarpment - Reserve’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 12.1% alcohol
Aromas of gunflint, smokiness and wisps of citrus provide segue for an off-dry wash of peach and nectarine on entry and notions of white grapefruit pith and lime on the finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and balance showcasing plenty of tang and charm. It plays well with a variety of dishes—spicy Asian dishes, goat cheese, pan-seared fish, chicken and pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc was gently pressed off the skins and chilled down to 1 °C for four weeks before being fermented in stainless steel tank at cool temperatures with no malolactic fermentation. It aged in tank for five months.
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Kacaba ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 12.8% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of gooseberry, savoury herbs and citrus abound. A tang-infused flow of lemon zest, gooseberry jelly and tart lime juice envelop the palate adorned by wisps of saline minerality. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a crisp, clean and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a thirst-quenching summer sipper or pour alongside arugula tossed in olive oil and generously topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)
Order the following wine online for home, office or restaurant: delivery in Ontario is FREE on orders of six bottles or more from this link Vineland Estates Winery. The wine shop is open 7 days a week 11am to 5 pm, you can also place your order by phone 1.888.846.3526 ext 124. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch or dinner, make a reservation online or phone 1.888.846.3526 ext 133.
• The following 2019 Vineland Estates Cabernet-Merlot sports a red blend of 69.1% cabernet franc/18.0% cabernet sauvignon/12.9% merlot that saw eight months in oak.
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Vineland Estates Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Ontario $15.00 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of plump rich black bramble berry and dark juicy Bing cherry intertwine with charred toast, black licorice and exotic incense. It envelops the palate with a satin-smooth, lovely textured swath of ambrosia—black and red currant, red and black cherry with deft balance, pizzazz and appeal. This has persistent purity of fruit, with structure and excellent tang and acidity. It punches well above its price and delivers a lengthy finish and aftertaste with replays of palate flavours enhanced by mocha. Pour with burgers, meat-laden pizza, gourmet sausage, beer-can chicken or vegetable terrine. (Vic Harradine)
NEW LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – August 17, 2020 to September 13, 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 August 17 to September 13, 2020.
White Wines:
• The following three wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
90
Paco & Lola Albariño
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $19.95 (350041) 13.0% alcohol
Lively aromas of slate and mineral blend with floral and pit fruit before unleashing a sweet and tang surge of lime cordial, soon joined by lemon curd, blood orange and saline minerality on the long, crisp, clean and lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour alongside ceviche, freshly shucked oysters under a dot of hot sauce and generous lemon squeeze or sushi. This offers very good value and opportunity for a multiple purchase. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at a maximum of 13 °C and left on its lees for three months in oak to enhance structure in the wine. Susana Balbo is one the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon curd, white grapefruit and hints of blood orange and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores.
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Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol
An assortment of hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula fashioned this delectable fruit-forward, off-dry, low-alcohol gem. Fragrant petrol notes introduce ripe nectarine, grapefruit, Asian pear aromas and a whiff of nutmeg. The palate’s mellow with rich, stone fruit flavours flirting with perfectly balanced acidity and minerality. This is perfect to sip on its own or paired with pomelo and spicy crab salad. (Louise Boutin)
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
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Flat Rock Cellars Riesling
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $17.95 (43281) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of yellow peach and green apple drizzled with lime mingle with piquant spice and mineral notes on the nose of this lovely off-dry riesling. It envelops the palate with a tang-laden surge of lime cordial and lemon curd persisting through the finish and aftertaste decorated with wisps of saline minerality. It’s quite food friendly; pour alongside spicy Asian fare like tandoori chicken or moo shu pork or Moroccan-style lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wines
• The following nine wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
90
Borsao ‘Tres Picos’ Garnacha
DO Campo de Borja, Spain $19.95 (273748) 15.0% alcohol
This has developed quite the following. Aromas of black plum, fig and savory herbs set the tone for a rich, hedonistic river of bramble berry and black currant robed in lip-smacking acidity adorned with peppery notes and fennel. There are ripe fine-grained tannin adding structure and interest. It’s nicely balanced with a fruit and tang-filled finish. (Vic Harradine)
90
Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz
Barossa, Australia $21.95 (167189) 14.5 % alcohol
Produced from old-vine shiraz, many over 100 years of age, this value-laden beauty spent 18 months in French oak barrel and was left unfiltered before bottling. Abundant dark fruit aromas—blackberry, cassis and black currant—sprinkled with anise and baking spices rise easily from the glass. Dry, full bodied with velvety tannin, succulent dark fruit flavours dominate the palate adorned with spice and earthy notes while a note of mint permeates the long finish. Pair with herb-encrusted rack of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection Ivory Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California $24.95 (521021) 13.5% alcohol
Wood smoke and toasty oak mingle with ripe dark fruit—mulberry, bramble berry and juicy cherry on the nose of this meaty, delectable California Cab. It’s full bodied and fully flavoured flaunting rich, concentrated and luscious flavours of spice-laden black Bing cherry and briary berry garnished with dark chocolate and cassis. The finish lingers with gorgeous replays, lip-smacking tang and a supple tannin base. (Vic Harradine)
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J. Lohr ‘Seven Oaks’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California $23.95 (656561) 14.0% alcohol
This is delicious, very good value, deftly balanced and smooth and mellow from cork pop to last drop. This opens with alluring aromas of black cherry, cassis and notions of sandalwood. It continues to tempt with palate flavours of black currant and black plum, ripe, but not jammy, that are adorned with excellent tang and hints of piquant spice. This is lengthy, balanced and beautiful on the finish and aftertaste. Pour with a prime cut of beef, grilled medium rare. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva Chianti is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
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Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti 2016
DOCG Chianti, Italy $15.95 (111641) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Kim Crawford Chardonnay
Marlborough $18.95 (991950) 13.5% alcohol
This popular and well-priced chardonnay is clean and fresh on the nose with lots of mineral, peach, and floral aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of apple and peach that fade in a luxuriously refreshing finish. Enjoy with Camembert cheese. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following iconic Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé is the 22nd vintage produced by Malivoire with the first in 1998. It’s now a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores. This vintage it’s a 65% cabernet franc/27% gamay/8% pinot noir blend with all grapes being grown to make this specific wine. When measured, the sugar content in all varieties when unfermented averaged 20.4 Brix. Fruit was destemmed, crushed and placed in stainless steel tank then cold-soaked for 24 hours before pressing. Cold fermented and stabilized in stainless steel tank, it was bottled March 2020.
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Malivoire ‘Ladybug’ Rosé
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
Myriad red fruit aromas—strawberry, watermelon and ruby red grapefruit among them—precede a light-medium bodied, racy wash of palate flavours with passion fruit and red currant to the fore. It finishes with a blaze of lip-smacking tang reminiscent of the red grapefruit aromas on the nose. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. It pairs well with skinless Atlantic salmon pan-seared in butter or ham and cheese crust-less quiche. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
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Two Hands Wines ‘The Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz 2016
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (660043) 13.8% alcohol
Purple/black, almost opaque in the glass, this unleashes aromas of ripe black berry fruit with support from mixed spice and savory herbs. On the palate, crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—meet up with ripe black fruit—currant and mulberry—in a delightful, delicious pairing that’s balanced, well paced and well priced. Flavours replay on the long, mouth-watering finish. This pours well on its own—with each sip as good, or better than the previous—and with rack of Australian lamb or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $5.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
90
Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California $59.95 (996405) 14.1% alcohol
This offers good balance on the palate, flavourful fruit and a drying, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Aromas of dark berry fruit, tarry notes and grilled savory herbs provide segue for a full-bodied, generously textured flow of black berry, sweet vanilla and racy red currant washing over the palate infusing the dry finish and aftertaste along with reverberating tang. (Vic Harradine)
Rosé Wine
• The following wine receives a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 17 to September 13, 2020.
88
Three of Hearts ‘Trois Coeurs’ Rosé
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (552562) 11.5% alcohol
This racy rosé is a blend of 53% pinot noir, 41% pinot gris (itself a mutation of pinot noir) and 6% gamay. It dishes up aromas of red raspberry, rhubarb and watermelon before unleashing a tang-laden explosion of passionfruit, lemon zest and ruby red grapefruit that blankets the palate persisting through the finish and aftertaste. This is tang-driven from cork pop to last drop. Seek out a pasta with rich zesty sauce; try pasta puttanesca or spaghetti and Bolognese sauce.
Bonus AirMiles
• You will receive 10 Bonus AirMiles for each bottle of the following two wines you purchase from August 17 to September 13, 2020
90
Stoneleigh ‘Latitude’ Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough $21.91 (324228) $21.95 13.0% alcohol
The fruit for this gem was sourced from the ‘Golden Mile’ in Marlborough, it’s blessed with extra warmth relayed by the stones covering the soil that allow the grapes to fully mature. Partially hand-harvested and aged six months in French oak, this delicious white offers citrus aromas along with lactic, cedar, grassy and mineral notes. Deliciously tart and crisp on the palate, this is medium bodied with flavours of grapefruit, honeydew melon and lime zest finished with beautiful minerality. Try alongside scallop ceviche for a mouth-watering pairing. (Louise Boutin)
92
Reif Vidal Icewine
VQA Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula $24.95 200 mL (544791) 10.0% alcohol
Apricot, truffles and honeyed pear on the nose, this coats the palate with a glorious wash of peel marmalade, apricot and piquant spice along with notions of lemon curd and a fruit bowl of honey-dipped tropical fruit. It cleans up nicely on the back palate and aftertaste with good, balancing acidity and tang to the rescue allowing following sips to be as enjoyable as the previous. Pour with aged Gouda or pan-seared foie gras. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic