January 9, 2021 Newsletter
Special Announcement – The following two Vineland Estates Winery wines have just had their LCBO price lowered one dollar and two dollars, respectively, from what was already an exceptional price for these two highly regarded gems. You can purchase the flavourful, tang-packed cabernet franc for $13.95 now to January 30th 2021 and the lively, fresh ‘Unoaked Chardonnay’ for $12.95, also now to January 30th 2021.
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Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (594127) 12.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of dark berry fruit, grilled savoury herbs, graphite and kirsch liqueur abound. The palate’s treated to a gusher of flavour with tang-laden black currant and racy passionfruit decorated with red licorice, soft ripe tannin and a laser-like line of nervy tang. It’s medium-bodied and creamy smooth with a balanced, lengthy and lively finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with burgers, gourmet sausage, meat-laden pizza or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (669374) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of musk melon and crème Brule waft easily from the glass. A gusher of medium-plus bodied, well-textured flavours capture the palate—honey-drizzled pear and lemon pie filling—then replay through the lengthy finish with an additional dollop of white grapefruit on the aftertaste. Give this a go with sushi, seafood or vegetable terrine. (Vic Harradine)
Newsletter Highlights:
- 95 points and over – no wine in this newsletter rang the ‘95 points and over bell.
- Lisa Likes – 2019 Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula - Organic’ Monastrell earned 88 points @ $14.95 found under New in Vintages.
- Dave’s Delights – 2017 Emiliana ‘Coyam’ earned 92 points @ $29.95 found under Chile: Red Wine in the January 9, 2021 Vintages Release
- Louise Loves – 2018 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon earned 89 points @ $19.95 found under California: White Wine in the January 9, 2021 Vintages Release.
- Vic Picks – 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family - Reserve’ Riesling earned 93 points @ $27.95 and 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay with both found under New in Ontario Wineries; Malivoire ‘Bisous’ Rosé Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage earned 91 points @ $29.95 and 2018 Malivoire ‘Stouck Farmstead Red’ earned 93 points at $26.95 with both found under New in Ontario Wineries; Vineland Estates Winery 2019 ‘Bo-Teek Vineyard – Clone 458’ Pinot Meunier earned 93 points @ $35.00 found under New in Ontario Wineries; 2019 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell earned 88 points @ $8.95 and 2019 Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 89 points @ $10.00 with both found under New in the LCBO Portfolio; 2018 Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier earned 90 points @ $14.95 found under January 9, 2021 Vintages Release.
- Exceptional-value wine
– Many wines earned the coveted icon. They’re found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the icon checkmark in the January 9, 2021 Vintages Release and in categories following the release. Happy hunting!
January 9, 2021 Vintages Release
California: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from vineyards in Lake County and Sonoma County in the North Coast AVA then matured in French oak for 11 months, 10% new.
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Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
North Coast, California $19.95 (254458) 14.5% alcohol
Expect a fresh nose of black cherry, raspberry and a touch of cedar aromas with this classic California cab. It flows softly on the palate with flavours of cherry, blackberry, cassis, a vegetal note and a peppery touch in the dry finish and aftertaste. The alcohol is quite well integrated in this medium-full bodied red that will please your guests around an outdoor BBQ. (Louise Boutin)
Chile: Red Wine
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Apaltagua ‘Envero - Gran Reserva’ Carmenère 2015
DO Apalta, Colchagua Valley $18.95 (481010) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque, dark purple in the glass, this offers black plum and savory herb aromas on the nose. It rolls in endless waves over the palate with nicely structured mouthfuls of crunchy red fruit—cranberry, cherry and passionfruit—interweaving with cassis and perceptible supple tannin. This is medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and a dry, lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring with grilled striploin. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Emiliana ‘Coyam is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Emiliana ‘Coyam’
DO Colchagua Valley $29.95 (63891) 14.5% alcohol
Emiliana strives to be environmentally sustainable in all its operations. Their vines are grown following organic and biodynamic principles. The result is some exceptionally fine wines that are pure pleasure to enjoy. This wine is a blend of six different varieties, mostly syrah and carmenère, and is opaque black cherry in colour. It has an enticing nose of spice, coffee, dried mint and dried cedar. On the palate it’s full-bodied with dominant flavours of vanilla, cherry, and black coffee. The tannins are up front but very smooth carrying the whole tasting experience to a long spice and coffee flavoured finish. This can stay in the cellar until 2025, but can be enjoyed today with a beef pot roast with mushroom gravy. (Dave Isaacs)
France: White Wine
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2018
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $14.95 (147975) 13.0% alcohol
This tips wildly in your favour on the value-price scale. Aromas of nectarine, and honey-drizzled Bosc pair provide an alluring nose. It’s smooth as silk with a generous mouthfeel riding a wave of delectable flavours—white nectarine, soft lemon citrus and yellow plum. It finishes lengthy with flavour replays, clean and refreshing, balanced on a pin. Delectable sipped on its own, sublime when poured alongside pan-seared scallops. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: February 6, 2021
• The following 2018 Durant & Booth Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon/6% petit verdot/5% merlot/2% petite sirah source from across Napa Valley including Calistoga, St. Helena and Rutherford appellations that spent 10 months maturing in 25% new French oak.
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Durant & Booth Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley California $34.95 (16565) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry, plum compote with notions of milk chocolate, brown sugar and baking spice are gently revealed on the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied with silky tannins, ripe, dark fruit flavours, backed by a touch of piquant spice and sweet vanilla, last into the mid-length, warming finish. Enjoy alongside braised beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
Vintages Release: February 20, 2021
• A portion (60%) of the following 2018 Sacred Hill ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc was barrel fermented in pre-loved French oak barrels with only 15% new. The wine was minimally fined before filtered for bottling.
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Sacred Hill ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand, $21.95 (490326) 12.5% alcohol
This is Marlborough sauvignon blanc on the nose with aromas of nettles, cat’s pee and passionfruit to the fore. It races over the front palate with a tang-laden, laser-like stream of white grapefruit, Key lime, apricot and blood orange that’s joined by lime cordial on the mid and back palate, finish and aftertaste. It finishes with excellent balance and delicious, lip-smacking palate flavours. Pour alongside freshly shucked oysters, pan-seared scallops or prawn ceviche. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Lapis Luna Wines ‘LapisLuna’ Zinfandel is made of 80% zinfandel/20% sangiovese all sourced from the Pauli Ranch in Mendocino. It was barrel aged for 10 months with 10% new French and American oak.
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Lapis Luna Wines ‘LapisLuna’ Zinfandel 2018
North Coast, California $19.95 (17264) 14.3% alcohol
Lighter shaded than your typical zin, this medium-ruby with a garnet tinge unusual red blend offers earthy aromas along with discrete raspberry, tobacco and baking spice. This is medium-full bodied with sweet cherry pie filling and red plum flavours, complemented with mushroom and savoury notes all framed in mellow tannins and finishing on a sweet and earthy aftertaste. Pair with burgers or red sauce pizza. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: April, 2021
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (19903) 13.0% alcohol
Light-purple hued, almost translucent, it offers up delightful aromas of red cherry, black plum, bramble berry and wisps of passionfruit. It’s light-medium bodied with excellent texture and deft balance and a profusion of palate flavours with pie cherry and red raspberry mingling with mixed spice. There’s a balanced and delectable finish and aftertaste. This has the oomph and pizzazz to be poured with roast chicken or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries – available now; delivered to your door – order online.
• Order the following two wines wine by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from this link to Henry of Pelham – There is free delivery on 12 or more bottles in Ontario. Select ‘12 Bottles+’ at check out and allow up to 10 days for delivery or, order online then pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Riesling was sourced from the iconic 216 Weiss clone vines with a southern exposure that were shovel planted 35 years ago and now accredited Sustainable. Fruit was handpicked and moved by gravity once at the winery. It was gently destemmed sorted and whole-berry pressed then fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures 15 - 17 °C as well a portion in 3000 L neutral oak foudres.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family - Reserve’ Riesling 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $27.95 (643361) 9.8% alcohol
There are aromas of piquant spice, flinty minerality and wisps of petrol on the nose. It surges over the palate with a laser-like spine of tart, racy acidity that’s soon joined by lime cordial on the middle and back palate persisting through the finish and lengthy mouth-watering aftertaste decorated by oodles of pizzazz and Granny Smith apple. This is well paced and well priced, balanced, just off-dry and generous on the palate, it’s an easy wine to match with seafood. Give scallops quickly pan-seared in butter in a hot skillet a try, or a platter of mussels steamed in white wine, leeks and cream. Pick up a few bottles and enjoy over the next five or six years. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay was sourced from estate-grown 26 year-old, low-yielding vines—3 tonnes per acre—fermented in stainless steel tanks then matured in a combination of French and American oak for up to 10 months.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (19903) 13.0% alcohol
Light-purple hued, almost translucent, it offers up delightful aromas of red cherry, black plum and wisps of passionfruit. It’s medium bodied with excellent texture and deft balance and a profusion of palate flavours with pie cherry and red raspberry mingling with mixed spice. There’s a balanced and delectable finish and aftertaste. This has the oomph and pizzazz to be poured with roast chicken or crown roast of pork. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following two wines order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with FREE shipping on orders of $100. or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Saturday 10 am - 4 pm for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week. There are guidelines due to COVID-19, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email).
• The following Non-Vintage Malivoire ‘Bisous’ Rosé Sparkling Wine is sustainably farmed and fashioned from 100% handpicked, estate-grown pinot noir from the VQA Beamsville Bench sub-appellation. Fruit was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in pre-loved, neutral French oak barrels. Importantly, it was crafted Méthode Traditionelle, aka similar to Champagne, with the 2nd fermentation taking place in the bottle(s) you purchase with the lees remaining in bottle for 24 months then being expelled in May 2020.
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Malivoire ‘Bisous’ Rosé Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and cream soda provide segue to a tang-infused surge of palate flavours with tart pie cherry and red currant jam to the fore. It’s crisp. clean and refreshing thanks to a persistent linear line of mouth-watering tangy acidity juxtaposed to 9 grams per litre of residual sugar. Pour as an aperitif to get gastric juices flowing or with freshly shucked oysters or prawn ceviche. Paired mine with a cheese fondue—turned out to be an inspired match. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Malivoire ‘Stouck Farmstead Red’ is an even split between cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Fruit was crushed and divided for primary fermentation into 1000 L oak cask with the balance in 228 L barriques. American oak made up 60% of the barrels, the rest French oak with 30% of the total, new oak. The wine matured for 17 months, then bottled April, 2020. Dan Stouck is a sixth-generation vigneron on this 100-year old agricultural property that’s now in the VQA sub-appellation of Lincoln Lakeshore with the last 40 years being planted to grapes. Dan also takes the lead on the winemaking team at Malivoire on this particular wine.
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Malivoire ‘Stouck Farmstead Red’ 2018
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $26.95 12.5% alcohol
A melange of earthy notes, smoke, baking spice and dark cherry/berry fruit aromas abound from this 50/50 cabernet sauvignon/merlot blend. A full-bodied, creamy smooth and delicious river of intense flavour—black currant and cassis interwoven with mocha, juicy black Bing cherry and sweet vanilla persisting through the lengthy, drying finish and aftertaste. Another two years in bottle will be handsomely rewarded. If impatient, aerate/decant for three hours and pour with a well-seasoned striploin, grilled medium-rare. (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 for Curbside Pickup 7 days a week, 11am-5pm. Purchase online or place your order at 905.562.7088 ext 124. Restaurant is open for Takeout Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Please order directly with our Kitchen at 905.562.7088 ext 165.
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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Bo-Teek Vineyard – Clone 458’ Pinot Meunier 2019
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $35.00 12.0% alcohol
This bold and brawny pinot meunier offers up aromas of cherry/berry fruit, earthy notes and mixed spice. It envelops the palate with tang-laden flavours of Montmorency cherry and passionfruit soon joined by wisps of crème de cassis and kirsch liqueur underpinned by perceptible tannin. It’s tasty, medium-full bodied with good texture and finishes lengthy and dry with plenty of racy pizzazz. There’s a bright future for this after a couple of more years in bottle. However, it’s also good to go now after a two- or three-hour aeration/decant poured with well-seasoned, premium grilled beef off the barbeque or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages – available now and in most LCBO retail stores.
• The following 2018 Odfjell ‘Orzada - Organic’ Cabernet Sauvignon is certified organic as the fruit in this wine is sourced from estate vineyards 405 M above sea level using organic and biodynamic practices. Grapes were handpicked then destemmed but not crushed then underwent a four-day cold maceration at 14 °C then fermented in large tanks followed by 10-day post fermentation maceration at 25 °C then spontaneous malolactic fermentation in tanks. The wine was then matured in 50% new French oak barrels and 30% pre-loved barrels.
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Odfjell ‘Orzada - Organic’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Valle del Maipo, Chile $24.95 (542407) 14.0% alcohol
Opaque in the glass, it offers aromas of piquant spice and red fruit—strawberry, plum and raspberry. It’s full bodied and creamy smooth with a surge of flavours enveloping the palate—sweet, ripe cherry and blueberry intertwined with good tang and acidity and some mineral and oaky notes. The finish and aftertaste layer on mocha, ripe, soft tannin and persistent replay of palate flavours galore. Pour alongside a premium cut of roast beef tenderloin or a grilled juicy striploin. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio – available now and in most LCBO stores.
• The following 2019 Bodegas Castaño Monastrell is 100% monastrell—aka mourvèdre—sourced and carefully selected from bush vines in the tiny DO of Yecla. It was cold fermented in stainless steel for eight to ten days then underwent malolactic fermentation then settled for four to six months in concrete vats before bottled.
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Bodegas Castaño Monastrell 2019
DO Yecla, Spain $8.95 (635771) 14.0% alcohol
Exotic spice, earthy notes and black currant aromas waft easily from this monastrell—aka mourvèdre. A nicely balanced stream of ripe, sweet black plum, racy red cherry and hints of passion fruit coat the palate framed with lip-smacking tang and underpinned by fine-grained tannin—aerate/decant a couple of hours. It finishes dry and lengthy with palate replays. It’s exceptionally well priced and pours well with roasted or grilled beef, lamb or pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from hand-harvested fruit sent immediately to the winery to be crushed and macerated for 48 hours at 12 °C then fermented for 11 days at temperatures between 24 and 26 °C. Thirty percent of the wine was oak aged for three months in an even split of French and American oak.
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Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Tulum Valley – San Juan, Argentina $10.00 (12454) 13.5% alcohol
Inky-black hued in the glass, aromas of charred wood smoke, gamy notes and Ribena © dominate the lifted nose. It captures the palate with a tsunami wave of fruit-filled flavours with oodles of pizzazz—dark ripe cherry and dark bramble berry fruit intertwine with notions of black plum and excellent tang and acidity. This is drinking well now and pours well with barbecued or grilled-in-the-oven cuisine—burgers, gourmet sausage, spiced chicken breasts. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD, 2021
• The following 2019 Domaine Gouron was sourced from 100% cabernet franc vines that are approximately thirty years old.
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Domaine Gouron 2019
AOC Chinon, France $17.95 13.0% alcohol
This value-packed Loire staple red seems to have more fruit concentration than previous vintages. It bursts with lovely aromas of dark cherry, plum and raspberry, plus beautiful fresh rose and green bell pepper in the background. Aromas and flavours are in sync here with the addition of bright acidity, nice chalky tannins and a peppery note leading the dry savoury finish. From shepherd’s pie to duck confit, this versatile medium-bodied gem is an ideal partner. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2019 Domaine Durand ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Sancerre was fashioned by 3rd generation vignerons of the Durand family sourcing the 100% sauvignon blanc fruit from premium vines averaging 50 years old.
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Domaine Durand ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Sancerre 2019
AOC Sancerre, France $29.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit and floral notes mingle with wisps of Meyer lemon on the nose. It bathes the palate medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a crisp, clean and refreshing melange of white grapefruit, lemon curd and Key lime. It finishes balanced with palate replays along with minerality and green apple. Give this a go on its own or pair with chèvre crumbled over olive-oiled mesclun salad or Greek chicken souvlaki gyro wrap. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Domaine Durand ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Sancerre was fashioned by 3rd generation vignerons of the Durand family sourcing the 100% sauvignon blanc fruit from vines averaging 30 years old.
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Domaine Durand Sancerre 2020
AOC Sancerre, France $25.95 13.0% alcohol
Lifted alluring aromas waft easily from the glass—floral and tropical fruit notes adorned with citrus and honey. It cascades over the palate medium-plus bodied with generous mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz and structure coupled with fresh, lively flavours of lemon-lime, piquant spice and saline minerality. It finishes with palate replays on the distinctive, lingering, crisp and refreshing aftertaste. Pour with crumbled chèvre over olive-oiled mesclun salad or with fish or all manner of seafood. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Principe de Viana Albariño was sourced from 100% Albariño grapes.
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Principe de Viana Albariño 2020
DO Rias Baixais, Spain $17.95 (488973) 13.0% alcohol
Peach, pear and floral aromas abound before cascading over the mouth-watering palate joined by melon, lemon-lime and saline mineral flavours. It’s dry, mid-weight, nicely textured and offers a delicious, fruit-driven, medium-long finish. Enjoy on its own or with crab cakes or a seafood salad. (Lisa Isabelle)
• Fruit for the following 2017 Cardanhos ‘Espinho’ Vinho Tinto was sourced from premium Port grapes—Touriga Nacional/Touriga Franca/Tinta Roriz/Tinta Barroca—where vines reside from 75 meters to 195 meters above sea level. A temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation occurred in granite lagares with malolactic fermentation following. Wine then was matured primarily in stainless steel with a small portion resting in French oak barrels then filtered before bottling.
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Cardanhos ‘Espinho’ Vinho Tinto 2017
DOC Douro, Portugal $17.95 13.5% alcohol
An expressive nose of dark cherry-berry aromas, adorned with hints of graphite, anise and a dusty mineral note segue to flavours of juicy blackberry and red cherry, sweet baking spice and earth. It’s dry, medium-full bodied and well-structured presenting firm tannins and balancing acidity with dark fruit and spice flavours lasting into the generous finish. Serve alongside mixed grilled meats. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2017 Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Crianza was sourced from vines more than a decade old that were high-density spaced – 4000 vines to the hectare. The wine was fermented at 28 °C and macerated for ten days on skins followed by malolactic conversion. The wine matured for 12 months in American oak then a further six months in bottle before release.
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Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Crianza 2017
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 14.0% alcohol
The expressive nose unfolds with red berry and plum aromas entwined with vanilla bean, cloves and tobacco. Dry, medium bodied, perceptible, silky tannins and fresh texture assure balance while tart cherry, earth and savoury herb flavours coat the tasty palate. It finishes medium-long with a dusting of cocoa on the aftertaste. Pair with well-seasoned, grilled burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2015 Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Reserva was sourced from 85% tempranillo/10% graciano/5% mazuelo with vines from two vineyards—one with vines 15 years old and the other with vines over 50 years old. The wine matured for two years in 95 % pre-loved American oak barrels and 5% in French oak.
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Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Reserva 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $19.95 14.0% alcohol
An attractive complex nose of dry cherry, sweet date, dry rose petal, delicate star anise and cedar aromas introduce a juicy wash of delicious spicy fruit flavours—red cherry and dry strawberry—dusted with black pepper and cinnamon. This is medium-full bodied and drinks really well now with its polished tannins, excellent alcohol integration and a layer of dry herb flavour persisting in the medium-long finish. This value-loaded gem is excellent with tourtière or slow-cooked pot roast. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2014 Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Gran Reserva was sourced from 30-year old vines at 400 meters with 75% tempranillo/20% graciano/5% mazuelo. After controlled fermentation to keep the temperature from exceeding 29 °C along with 15 days maceration with skins. It was aged for three years in American oak barrels then two more years in bottle before release.
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Principe de Viana ‘Bianai’ Gran Reserva 2014
DOCa Rioja, Spain $24.95 14.0% alcohol
Smoked meat and pencil shaving mingle with aromas of red cherry, potpourri and earthy notes in this Gran Reserva red. Silky soft on the palate, a cool stream of evolved fruit flavours—dry cherry and prune—plus loads of savoury character please the senses. The tannins are nicely chewy adding excellent structure to a peppery, warm, long finish with dry fruit flair. Aerate-decant two hours and enjoy with braised beef short-ribs. (Louise Boutin)
• The following Non-Vintage Pra di Bosso Lambrusco Secco was sourced from lambrusco marani/ lambrusco montericco/ lambrusco salamino then fashioned by the Charmat method.
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Pra di Bosso Lambrusco Secco Non-Vintage
DOP Lambrusco Reggiano, Italy $18.95 11.0% alcohol
A festive purple froth fills the glass and offers aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum and a distant peppery hint. A nice tangy foam feeds the palate with crisp mixed berry flavours, tart cherry and a delicious persistent savoury in the dry finish and aftertaste. This is a very good example of an under-appreciated red sparkling worth rediscovering, slightly chilled, with a selection of gourmet charcuterie. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2018 Tenuta Della Luia ‘Cilestro’ Toscano Rosso is a red blend of 50% sangiovese and 50% cabernet sauvignon.
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Tenuta Della Luia ‘Cilestro’ Toscano Rosso 2018
IGT Rosso Toscana, Italy $15.95 (13521) 13.5%
Alluring aromas of incense, spice and dark cherry/berry fruit abound robed in charred toast. It envelops the palate with a surge of flavours with cherry and blueberry to the fore framed with tang and acidity and underpinned by an intense savoury mouth-drying tannin. It’s medium bodied with a medium-length savoury finish and aftertaste. Pour 2024 and beyond with pasta in a red, spicy tomato sauce; perhaps spaghetti Bolognese or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2014 Principe de Viana ‘Viña Cerrada’ Gran Reserva 2014 is a blend of 75% tempranillo/20% graciano/5% mazuelo with an average of 30 years old grown at 400 m above sea level. The three grape varieties were vinified separately for 10 days and macerated with skins separately for 15 days followed by three years in American oak and at least two more years more in bottle before release.
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Principe de Viana ‘Viña Cerrada’ Gran Reserva 2014
DOCa Rioja, Spain $24.95 14.0% alcohol
Exotic spice and dark cherry aromas dominate the nose decorated with toasty notes in this traditionally fashioned Gran Reserva. It’s medium-bodied, nicely textured with style and grace on the palate with a creamy smooth mouthfeel, excellent balance and delicious flavours of red cherry, red raspberry and just the right amount of tangy acidity. Given its provenance, high quality and favourable price, it certainly deserves your careful consideration. Pour with a prime cut of medium-rare roast beef along with baked potato and root veggie fixings. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Carson Scott Pinot Noir was sourced from premium fruit across California and was matured in French oak barrels.
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Carson Scott Pinot Noir 2019
California $19.95 13.8% alcohol
This is translucent ruby and brimming with aromas of alluring incense, earthy notes and bramble berry. A surge of flavours coat the palate with kirsch liqueur, wisps of red licorice and ripe juicy black Bing cherry to the fore and joined by balancing tangy acidity mid-palate. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel, balance and a lengthy dry finish and aftertaste. Pour with roast fowl, crown roast of pork or pan-seared salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Owl Ridge Wine ‘DCV – Identified’ Zinfandel was sourced from the Zinfandel-friendly Dry Creek Valley with warm summer days cooled by coastal breezes. It was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels with 30% new, then a further 12 months in bottle before release.
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Owl Ridge Wine ‘DCV – Identified’ Zinfandel 2017
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California $19.95 14.8% alcohol
Mixed spice, mocha and a field blend of red and dark cherry/berry fruit aromas leap from the glass. Zin lovers should find this to their liking—it captures the palate with a sweet-tinged river of dark cherry, bramble berry and sweet vanilla decorated with good tang and pizzazz. The alcohol is well-integrated as is the oak. It’s well paced, well priced, medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour with osso buco, spicy Asian cuisine or meat-laden, red sauce pizza. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages – available now in most LCBO stores.
• The following 2019 Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula - Organic’ Monastrell is certified organic, and is vegan friendly with Monastrell—aka Mourvèdre—grapes sourced from the tiny wine area of DOP Yecla found in the south-east of Spain near the Mediterranean Sea. Importantly it’s also one of the few exceptional-value red wines to be found in LCBO stores, virtually every vintage.
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Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula - Organic’ Monastrell 2019
DOP Yecla, Spain $14.95 (718999) 14.5% alcohol
Juicy, dark fruit aromas are unpinned with a pleasant floral note, cedar and spice. The fruity palate features blackberry, plum and prune flavours layered with dried herbs, sweet vanilla and black pepper. Dry, mid-weight with approachable tannin, dark fruit dominates on the lengthy finish with a hint of mint adding freshness to the aftertaste. This would complement braised lamb stew. (Lisa Isabelle)
LCBO Release: TBD, 2021
• The following 2019 ‘Riondo – Collezione’ Organic Prosecco Rosé was sourced from 90% Glera/10% pinot nero grapes and was fashioned in the Charmat method.
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Riondo – Collezione Organic Prosecco Rosé 2019
DOC Prosecco Rosé, Italy $15.95 11.0% alcohol
Pale rose in colour, the shy nose reveals notes of acacia flower, strawberry, apple and pear. A creamy, gentle mousse delivers orchard fruit and strawberry flavours to the lively palate. Nicely balanced with fresh acidity and a touch of sweetness, white peach and a mineral note extend into the bright finish. It’s pleasant to enjoy on its own or pair with light appetizers. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2019 Corvezzo Prosecco Collezione Rosé was sourced from 85% Glera/15% pinot nero grapes and this wine was fashioned in the Charmat method.
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Corvezzo Prosecco Collezione Rosé 2019
IGT delle Venezie, Italy $15.95 11.5% alcohol
This organic and vegan, pale salmon-shaded thirst quencher displays lovely floral aromas combined with peach, honeydew melon and dry herb notes. A nice airy froth fills the palate with tangy red fruit acidity, immediately followed with a layer of savoury flavour and a noticeable saline note encouraging salivation and a second sip. Enjoy this medium-light-bodied, dry, bargain sparkling with salted munchies of simply on its own. (Louise Boutin)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to January 31, 2021
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 January 31, 2021.
White Wine
• The following wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to January 31, 2021.
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Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate’ Riesling
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.75 (286377) 12.0 % alcohol
This value-packed, single-vineyard riesling, produced with fruit from vines averaging 20 years of age, opens with expressive notes of apple, pear, peach and lemon-lime, underscored by hints of petrol and a mineral note. Dry, medium bodied, crisp yet weighty in texture, citrus flavours lead the charge across the palate followed by yellow apple and a wet mineral note which lasts into the long, flavourful finish. Enjoy with apple stuffed roast pork. (Lisa Isabelle)
Red Wine
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Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Paarl, South Africa $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)
• 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 wine receives a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to January 31, 2021.
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Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley $21.95 (360222) 14.5% alcohol
This matured 15 to 18 months in seasoned and new oak barrel, mostly American with the balance French. There are aromas of dark berry fruit, mixed spice and espresso roast galore. This is ready to drink and oozing flavour with palate-coating flavours of dried currant and black, juicy Bing cherry interwoven with mint leaf, spice and vanilla. It finishes as it started—deftly balanced, fruit-forward, good depth and plenty of charm from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount on each bottle purchased now to January 31, 2021.
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Featherstone ‘Cuvée Joy’ Sparkling Wine
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 (310334) 12.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; keep a few on hand. Lively aromas of baking brioche, nutty notes and citrus are harbingers of a glorious explosion of fine-bead mousse when pouring followed by endless streams of tiny bubbles wending their way to top of the glass. Flavours of lemon curd, mineral notes and ripe apple and pear dominate the palate. It finishes in a blaze of delightful tang; crisp, clean and refreshing. A great way to welcome guests and you can continue serving with appetizers and lighter mains. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic