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May 9, 2021 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights:

95 points and over – Only one wine rang the 95 points and over bell: Cave Spring Vineyard ‘CSV’ Riesling 2018 earned 95 points @ $29.95 found under Ontario: White Wine.
Over 50 – There are over 50 wine reviews in this newsletter.
Exceptional-value wine – They’re found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the icon checkmark in the May 15, 2021 Vintages Release and in categories following the release. Happy hunting!
Limited Time Offers –There are 16 wines that are being discounted at the LCBO for up to $10.00 rebate for each bottle purchased from April 26, to May 23, 2021, waiting to be found at the end of the newsletter.

Vintages Release: May 15, 2021

Fortified Wine: Port

92
Delaforce Vintage Port 2000
DOP Douro, Portugal $58.95 (344861) 21.0% alcohol
This Vintage Port has definitely hit its stride with delightful aromas of raisin, molasses and smoked Beemster cheese. It’s full bodied and thick with its sweetness offset by a good balance of acid and nicely integrated tannins. Flavours of caramel and butterscotch linger in the finish. This is drinking wonderfully right now and will keep doing so for at least another eight years. Raise a glass along with your fruit cake after your holiday dinner. (Dave Isaacs)

Sparkling Wine

91
Domaine J. Laurens ‘le Moulin’ Blanquette de Limoux - Brut - Non-vintage
AOC Blanquette de Limoux, France $19.95 (180323) $19.95 12.0% alcohol
This area is noted as the first in France to make sparkling wine in volume—long before Champagne—and is vinified using at least 90% of the local Mauzac grape. This sparkling wine dishes up a nose of yeasty notes, citrus and peach before unleashing a profusion of glorious bubbles riding a wave of flavour—succulent white peach, racy lemon yoghurt and zesty pineapple. The crisp, refreshing aftertaste also makes its mark. This pours well as an aperitif or alongside roast fowl or seafood; it has the oomph and charm to handle both. (Vic Harradine)

90
Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wine Brut Non-Vintage
DOC Trento, Italy $24.95 (352153) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of tropical fruit, floral notes and baked apple introduce a mid-weight, nicely textured profusion of bubbles riding over the palate garnished with a tapestry of flavour—leesy/baked brioche notes interweaving with apple, poached pear and lemon curd—balanced and persistent through the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wine

• The following 2018 Cave Spring ‘CSV’ Riesling was sourced from limestone-rich soils of the estate Cave Spring Vineyard on a terrace of the Niagara Escarpment now famously known as the Beamsville Bench. The vines are the oldest and lowest-yielding riesling estate vines representing a ‘CSV’ wine that embodies the winery’s highest commitment to quality and authenticity. It was fermented to dry at cellar temperature by ambient yeasts in stainless steel over ten weeks with skin contact for 2/3rds of the wine followed by 11 months sur lie; with minimal sulphur added.

95
 Cave Spring Vineyard ‘CSV’ Riesling 2018
 VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 (566026) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of ripe yellow peach, savoury herbs and mandarin orange provide segue to a tang-laden stream of bracing acidity with palate flavours of lime cordial and lemon curd that meet up mid-palate with saline minerality and notions of passionfruit along with blue plum and honey- and lime-drizzled guava. It’s medium-weight with good tension and a crisp, refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour with a thick fillet of pan-seared, sushi-grade tuna or cold-smoked fresh Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)

• Fruit for the following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling was sourced from 100% hand-picked riesling placed into small 25kg picking bins allowing the fruit to arrive at the winery’s sorting table intact. Fruit was hand sorted and whole-bunch pressed. The juice yield was 600 liters per tonne and was transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks. After eight hours of juice fining and settling it was then racked off gross lees. The fermentation temperature was set for 13°C then stopped with 20 g/L natural residual sugar. Wine was kept on lees until end of November, 2019. This is a much sought-after Vintages Essentials wine stocked in 225 LCBO retail stores.

94
 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (80234) 10.5% alcohol
 Cascading aromas of floral notes, piquant minerality and notions of petrol roll easily from the glass. It blankets the palate with off-dry flavours of sweetened Meyer lemon, and lime cordial that replay on the finish and aftertaste with lip-smacking and mouth-watering variations that add mineral and green apple to the mix. This sips beautifully on its own and you won’t find many better matches than spicy Asian cuisine like moo choo pork or General Tso’s chicken; and… you won’t find many high-quality rieslings at this price; stock up while you can. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Phoenix’ Gewürztraminer was sourced from 100%, 17-year-old gewürztraminer vines, clone 17 on S04 rootstock. Fruit was picked, crushed/destemmed, cold soaked and pressed then fermented with commercial yeast strain X5 under controlled fermentation temperature set for 15 °C then racked off gross lees immediately following fermentation. This wine showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.

92
 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Phoenix’ Gewürztraminer 2020
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (519025) 13.5% alcohol
 This has a pink-bronze hue in the glass while aromas of rosewater jump from the glass interwoven with tinned lychee fruit—they are preserved in a liquid that contains rosewater. Palate flavours of blood orange and peel marmalade are joined by apricot jelly and hints of Turkish delight confectionary. This is a match made in heaven when served with a baked, bone-in ham glazed with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup with powdered ginger root and a few lines of cloves pierced into the ham. (Vic Harradine)

88
 Redstone Chardonnay 2016
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (398966) 13.0% alcohol
 This wine is light-gold in appearance with a reserved nose containing floral notes and hints of minerality. It’s medium bodied on the palate with a dry and tart acidity delivering flavours of lime and mineral. This is well paired with poached sole drizzled with lemon juice. (Dave Isaacs)

Ontario: Red Wine

• The following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in 225 select LCBO retail stores. It has a touch (5%) Merlot and was harvested then optically sorted prior to a five-day cold soak before fermentation with commercial yeast in the winery climate-controlled cellar. It was then matured in 100% American oak barrels with 20% one to three year old barrels, 15% four year old barrels and 25% new. Malolactic fermentation was taken to 100% completion. The winery suggest you can carefully cellar this for the next decade.

93
Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (64618) 12.9% alcohol
This is rich and luscious on the nose with aromas of mocha, black cherry/berry fruit and black plum. It blankets the palate with a glorious swath of black raspberry, black currant and black juicy Bing cherry flavours cloaked in excellent tang and acidity and underpinned by firm ripe tannin structure. It’s nicely balanced, medium-plus weight and finishes lengthy and luxurious with palate replays. Pour alongside backyard burgers, beer-can chicken, pizza, or flank steak fajitas. Keep a few bottles on hand. (Vic Harradine)

• Fruit for the following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail Merlot’ was harvested and optically sorted before being cold soaked for 5 days on skins. It was then fermented with commercial yeast in the winery climate-controlled cellar and underwent 100% malo-lactic conversion before being matured for ten months in French oak barrels—Tonnellerie Sirugue – Nuits Saint Georges. All Featherstone wines are sustainably grown and fashioned.

91
 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Red Tail Merlot’ 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 12.5% alcohol
 Alluring aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, dark bittersweet chocolate and charred wood smoke abound. It blankets the palate with piquant spice, ripe dark cherry and sweet black plum interwoven with perceptible, yet acceptable, ripe tannin dryness on the tongue and cheeks—easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant. This is medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of ripe fruit flavour to balance the tang. It finishes lengthy and mouth-watering. Pour with your favourite grilled meat—gourmet sausage, burgers, steak or roast beef. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

• The following 2019 Ivory and Burt Chardonnay was 100% sustainably grown in the Lodi AVA in California. This underwent a judicious American oak ageing without interfering with the lovely chardonnay aromas and flavours. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour.

92
 Ivory and Burt Chardonnay 2019
 Lodi, California $19.95 (17575 14.0% alcohol
 Tropical fruit, caramel and baking spice aromas provide segue for delicious mouthful after mouthful of palate flavours showcasing deft balance, excellent tang-laden acidity along with Golden Delicious apple, mixed spice and a bowl of ripe fruit—mango, honeyed ripe pear and wisps of apricot. It’s medium-full bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a lingering luscious finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pair with breaded pork cutlets or homemade mac and cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: White Wine

91
 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Clare Valley Riesling 2019
 Clare Valley, South Australia $16.95 (301523) 12.0% alcohol
 Lifted aromas of mint and mineral provide segue to a tang-infused surge that tingles the tongue and palate with bracing acidity carried along on lemon juice and lime cordial that achieve balance and lip-smacking enjoyment. It’s medium weight with good texture and flavours of honey dew melon and citrus on the back palate and aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared freshwater fish or grilled and breaded calamari rings. (Vic Harradine)

Australia: Red Wine

• The following 2018 Bleasdale Vineyards ‘The Potts Family – Broad-Side’ Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec is a blend of 70% shiraz/22% cabernet sauvignon/8% malbec all from the GI of Langhorne Creek, South Australia. Shiraz and malbec were de-stemmed (cabernet sauvignon was crushed) to open fermenters and pumped over 4 times daily during peak fermentation then drained and pressed after approx. ten day on skins then settled for 24 hours then racked to oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. It then matured for nine months in French and American oak, 10% new, the balance pre-loved.

93
 Bleasdale Vineyards ‘The Potts Family – Broad-Side’ Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec 2018
 Langhorne Creek, South Australia $19.95 (632091) 14.0% alcohol
 The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few. Aromas of spice, cassis and dark juicy berry fruit abound on the nose of this gem. It showcases deft balance, good structure, persistent purity of fruit and plenty of flavour and pizzazz. A medium-weight balanced surge of ripe mulberry, black plum and mocha flavours adorned with mixed spice, excellent tang and acidity plus creamy-smooth texture capture the palate. It finishes dry and in a flourish with each sip as good as, or better than, the previous. Pour on its own or for a treat, try alongside grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

• The winery notes that fruit for the following 2019 Sacred Hill Vineyards Chardonnay was sourced at peak ripeness, deft balance and packed full of flavour over a long summer of ripening and lower than usual yields—this has been known to drive winery accountants and bank loan managers to despair while winemakers and wine-lovers experience glee and ecstasy at their good fortune. Fruit was sourced from the winery’s iconic ‘Rifleman’s Vineyard’ and left slightly hazy during fermentation, adding texture and complexity. It matured with French oak on lees for five months with regular bâtonnage. This wine is certified ‘New Zealand Sustainable Wine Growing’. Pick up a few.

92
 Sacred Hill Vineyards Chardonnay 2019
 Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand $18.95 (541577) 13.5% alcohol
 Ripe apricot, lemon zest and notions of caramel on the nose, this builds on the palate with delightful flavours of lemon curd, ripe Mirabelle plum and hints of baked apple. It’s medium-plus bodied with good balance, persistent purity of fruit and good acidity throughout. It finishes with a replay of palate flavours and the aftertaste does the same. Pour with clay-baked chicken or crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

90
 Château Hourtou Côtes de Bourg 2015
 AOC Côtes de Bourg $18.95 (630038) 13.5% alcohol
 The vineyards of Château Hourtou are planted with 80% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc, 5% malbec. This 2015 vintage is exceptionally well-priced. There’s an enticing nose of strawberry and pepper with a trace of oak. It’s medium-full bodied with a very pleasant balance of acidity, firm, well-structured tannins and flavours of vanilla and Montmorency cherry. Pair with roasted rack of lamb. (Dave Isaacs)

Italy: Red Wine

90
 Agriverde ‘Eikos’ 2017
 DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $15.95 13.5% alcohol
 There’s plenty to say about this organic- and vegan-certified, deep-ruby coloured gem from southern Italy; it’s vegan because no animal product—such as albumin or casein—was used to fine the wine before bottling; it’s made from 100% montepulciano grape growing almost exclusively in the Abruzzo region, nothing to do with the picturesque commune of Montepulciano in Tuscany; but most importantly, it’s delicious. A nose of ripe blackberry, sweet date, baking spice and tobacco leaf introduces a silky soft flow of mixed berry and black plum flavours joined with fine chalky tannin, savoury herb and an earthy character in the finish. Enjoy with tomato-based pasta or gourmet pizza. (Louise Boutin)

90
 Valpanera Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2018
 DOC Friuli $15.95 (10080) 12.5% alcohol
 This is medium bodied and it’s crafted with the red-stem Refosco grape that thrives in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. Black fruit, tobacco leaf and a subtle floral note peek through the alluring nose. The mouthfeel is pleasantly fresh and soft with sappy ripe blackberry and black plum flavours followed with a suggestion of dry sage and oregano, painting a delicious savoury finish. This food-friendly red will shine next to a traditional lasagna or spaghetti Bolognese. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2017 Rocca del Macie ‘Famiglia Zingarelli – Reserva’ Chianti Classico is a blend of primarily native sangiovese fruit with a bit of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It matured for 24 months in French oak barrels.

91
Rocca delle Macie ‘Famiglia Zingarelli – Reserva’ Chianti Classico 2017
 DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $24.95 (930966) 14.5% alcohol
 This is an interesting, well balanced, delectable red blend—mostly sangiovese with a small amount of cabernet sauvignon and merlot—offering up aromas of sharp spice, mixed field berry fruit and red cherry. It bathes the palate with myriad palate flavours—predominantly pie cherry and black plum intertwined and enhanced with mocha, grilled savoury herbs and exotic spice. This showcases creamy smooth mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit, some depth and quite good value. Give this a go with lasagna, osso buco or manicotti. (Vic Harradine)

90
 Rocco Sveva Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2015
 DOC Valpolicella Ripasso $24.95 (668483) 14.0% alcohol
 This mellow, classic blend of corvina, rondinella and molinara is partially—30%— aged up to 18 months in oak barrels and the balance in neutral large oak ovals. It offers a nice mix of aromas—black plum, raisin, raspberry, baking spice and oak. Medium-bodied with excellent alcohol integration, it treats the palate with flavours of ripe black fruit, earthy notes and notions of dark chocolate extending in the otherwise savoury, delicious dry finish. Pour alongside sun dried-tomato and black olive pizza. (Louise Boutin)

Portugal: Red Wine

90
Quadrus ‘Reserva’ 2011
DOC Douro $28.95 (534271) 14.0% alcohol
Found this quite smooth and mellow on the palate with a tang-infused stream of piquant spice and pie cherry juxtaposed with balancing black plum and currant flavours garnished with notions of mocha and spice. This is medium-full bodied with good structure, complexity and a mid-length, balanced finish. Pour with cassoulet or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO (available now in LCBO retail stores)

• Laura and her husband, Alejandro Hartwig, lived for many years in Montreal and Toronto before embarking on what was first thought of as a retirement project for Alejandro. They started planting the estate in 1978 with Bordeaux varietals and sold the high quality fruit to large wineries. In 1994 the winery was built and in 1995 the first Laura Hartwig wine was launched. The rest, as they say, is history.

90
Laura Hartwig ‘Single Vineyard’ Carménère 2018
DO Colchagua, Chile $15.95 (213512) 13.5% alcohol
This punches well over the price and is worthy of a multiple purchase. Aromas of bell pepper, dark berry fruit and wisps of mocha provide segue to a medium-plus bodied river of palate flavours with dark black cherry and Damson plum robed in excellent tang, good mouthfeel and plenty of smooth ripe tannin for an underpinning. There’s good length on the finish and aftertaste with replays of palate flavours joined by notions of espresso roast and dark chocolate. Pour with flank steak and caramelized onions. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Blanc de Blancs – Estate Grown’ Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage was sourced from estate-grown vineyards along the benchlands of the Niagara Escarpment. It was vinified Méthode Traditionelle—fermented and aged sur lie in the bottle for its 2nd fermentation a minimum of 30 months prior to disgorging.

94
Cave Spring ‘Blanc de Blancs – Estate Grown’ Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 (213983) 12.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of leesy notes, saline minerality and brioche mingle with apple. orange blossom and pear. A frothy mousse—aka bubbles—when poured, reveal a light-gold hue in the wine while fine-bead bubbles work their way from the bottom and sides of the glass to the top of your wine. This is delicious with palate-flavours of poached pear and baked apple intertwined with wet stone minerality and excellent tang delivered in the flavour of freshly squeezed lemon and lime. Versatile at the table, give one or more of these a try: prawn ceviche, scallops pan-seared in butter, freshly-shucked oysters, breaded and grilled calamari, tempura sushi. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Cave Spring Vineyard Dry Rosé was sourced from an eclectic blend of 76% cabernet franc from estate-grown fruit on the VQA Beamsville Bench while the remaining 24% was made up by 14% pinot gris and 10% riesling both from the VQA Lincoln Lakeshore. Partially crushed cabernet franc, pinot gris and riesling spent six to twelve hours with skin contact before pressing and a slow cool ferment in stainless steel over three weeks using selected yeasts. It was then barrel aged in neutral French oak a brief four months. This is also available online or curbside pick-up at the winery. The price-quality proposition is certainly in your favour.

89
Cave Spring Vineyard Dry Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (295006) 12.5% alcohol
With a couple of vigorous swirls you will uncover aromas of red cherry/berry fruit and some mineral notes. It’s dry on the palate with plenty of flavours of racy passionfruit and tang-infused cranberry with both riding a laser-like seam of acidity persisting through the lip-smackingly good finish and aftertaste. This is wonderful when sipped on a warm summer day and pairs well with tuna salad or baby arugula tossed in olive oil and decorated with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate Grown’ Pinot Gris was sourced 10% from estate grown fruit from varying sub-appellations—75% Lincoln Lakeshore, 15% Niagara Lakeshore and 10% Beamsville Bench—from which is found on a gently sloping terrace of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario. Moderating on-shore breezes coalesce with shale and limestone-rich soils providing almost ideal conditions for pinot gris vines and fruit.

91
Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate Grown’ Pinot Gris 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (522979) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of Catawba melon, floral notes and nuances of citrus provide segue to a dazzling surge of bracing acidity and tang riding a wave of palate flavours with blood orange, lemon zest and Key lime pie to the fore. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel and an extended length on the lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour alongside appetizers like prawns sautéed in butter or pan-seared scallops. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate Grown’ Gamay was sourced from hillside terroir showcasing soils with a combination of clay/limestone, elevation and moderating on-shore breezes delivering a singular expression of Gamay. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour.

90
Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate Grown’ Gamay 2019
VQA Beamsville Bench $16.95 (228569) 12.5% alcohol
This exhibits piquant peppery spice, fruit-forward aromas and flavours and persistent purity of red and dark fruit flavours from cork pop to last drop. Aromas of peppery piquant spice and whiffs of baking spice intertwine with dark bramble berry and black plum on the nose. It rolls over the palate with crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—interlaced with ripe black currant preserve. It’s medium weight with good texture and structure throughout. It finishes with a blaze of black cherry/berry fruit adorned with a cloak of mouth-watering acidity and tang coupled with black pepper and sprigs of savoury herbs. Give this a go with osso buco or grilled-rare flank steak. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Joy – Premium Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine 2014 was made Méthode Traditionelle and sourced from the estate ‘Featherstone Vineyard’ on the premium Twenty Mile Bench with 100% Clone 78 chardonnay planted 26 years before the fruit for this vintage-dated gem was harvested. The chardonnay fruit was hand-picked into small 25 Kg picking bins arriving at the sorting table with fruit intact to be hand-sorted and whole-bunch pressed. Juice yield was less than 500 L/tonne and was transferred to stainless tank for 36 hours of natural cold settling then racked off its gross lees. It was fermented dry with select yeast strain DV10 with fermentation temperature controlled to 16 °C. The 2nd fermentation took place in bottle starting January 28, 2015 and was kept on lees until disgorged in June, 2020.

94
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Joy – Premium Cuvée’ Sparkling Wine 2014
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 (310334) 12.0% alcohol
Slightly leesy and mineral on the nose at first swirl then nutty notes and wisps of green apple appear. There’s frothy mousse—aka bubbles—when poured and a light-yellow hued wine in the glass. There are endless über fine-bead bubbles that wend their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the wine. It’s exceedingly fresh and lively on the palate with flavours of lemon pie filling and lime cordial decorated with blood orange, ripe pear and plenty of pizzazz from the excellent tang throughout. It’s crisp and refreshing, classy and memorable. The perfect wine with which to greet guests and to serve again with the appetizer if they’re dinner guests. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% chardonnay that was crushed, destemmed and pressed into Canadian oak barrels and fermented by autochthonous yeast indigenous to the vineyard and surrounding areas. The wine was matured for ten months—stirred on lees monthly—in 100% Canadian oak barrels with 90% one to 5-year-old barrels and 10% new. Malolactic fermentation was taken to 50% completion.

92
Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Canadian Oak’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (149302) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of green apple and ripe pear interwoven with floral notes and caramel precede a palate-bathing wash of tangy lemon-lime acidity and baked apple and notions of baking spice—nutmeg and cinnamon. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and persistent purity of fruit, good balance and plenty of pizzazz. Palate replays persist through the finish and aftertaste crisp, clean and refreshing. Remove from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before serving. It sips well on its own and also pours well with roast chicken or pork roast. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Non-Vintage Vineland Estates ‘Frienzy’ Sparkling Rosé is a blend of 64% riesling, 36% cabernet franc fashioned in the Charmat method by having the second fermentation occur in a pressurized stainless steel tank. This also free shipping from the winery when you order online, six bottles or more.

91
 Vineland Estates ‘Frienzy’ Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage
 VQA Ontario $19.95 (20162) 12.0% alcohol
 Alluring aromas of piquant spice and red berry fruit adorned with floral notes waft easily on the nose of this delightful spritzy Rosé. It impresses the palate with a rush of tang- and bubble-infused flavour—strawberry, rhubarb and cherry cordial along with wisps of blood orange and citrus-peel marmalade. It’s medium-weight with oodles of mouthfeel and is a major treat and simply mouth-watering ambrosia on the balanced, lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or with sushi, traditional paella, pan-seared salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon or prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc is a blend of 95% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon that spent eight months in oak before bottling.

90
Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 2019
VQA Ontario $14.95 (594127) 12.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour. Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit adorned with savoury herbs, graphite and espresso roast precede a medium-bodied, well-paced stream of tang-infused crunchy pie cherry and pomegranate mingling with ripe mulberry, dark bittersweet chocolate and hints of sweet vanilla. It’s balanced on the palate and through the medium-length finish and aftertaste. This is extremely versatile at the table, try burgers or red sauce pizza or chicken fajitas. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

Cave Spring Vineyard winery and tasting rooms are closed due to Provincial COVID regulation. They continue to offer wine purchases through curb-side pick-up and with online orders. They continue to offer Free Shipping within Ontario with a minimum $95.00 wine purchase. Curb-side is available from 11:00 am until 4:30 pm. Please call 905-562-3581 extension one to place an order. To order online, please visit wineshop.cavespring.ca.

• The following 2018 Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay from limestone-rich soils on a terrace of the Niagara Escarpment famously known as the Beamsville Bench.

92
Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (256552) 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour—pick up a few. This presents with a rich nose of orchard fruit, anise and vanilla notes opening the door to a medium-full bodied wash of delicious ripe pear and peach flavours lifted with tangy and slightly pithy citrus. It is perfectly balanced with an enjoyable warm and lasting dry finish, replaying anise and vanilla notes. Pour alongside prawn risotto. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Cave Spring Vineyard Dry Rosé was sourced from an eclectic blend of 76% cabernet franc from estate-grown fruit on the VQA Beamsville Bench while the remaining 24% was made up by 14% pinot gris and 10% riesling both from the VQA Lincoln Lakeshore. Partially crushed cabernet franc, pinot gris and riesling spent six to twelve hours skin contact before pressing and a slow cool ferment in stainless steel over three weeks using selected yeasts. It was then barrel aged in neutral French oak a brief four months.

Click on this link to Featherstone Estate Winery. They have outside tables for tasting, curbside pick-up, online ordering, and Free shipping within Ontario with a minimum order of $129.95. You can also Phone 905-562-1949.

• The following 2019 Featherstone Estate Winery Gamay Noir was sourced from 100% Gamay that was harvested and run through an optical sorter then transferred into open-top vats to cold soak for 72 hours before fermentation with selected yeasts. It also underwent 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine matured for 10 months in 100% neutral American oak barrels that were 5 years of age and older.

92
Featherstone Estate Winery Gamay Noir 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of red cherry and red licorice decorated with mixed spice and exotic incense dominate the nose. It’s tang-infused on entry to the palate with flavours of passionfruit and pomegranate that meets up quickly with ripe black currant and sweet, black, juicy Bing cherry. This showcases persistent purity of fruit, good balance and a lengthy dry, flavourful finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a sipping wine or alongside lighter meat dishes like pork roast or roast chicken. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pick up a few. (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 from the above link or place your order at 905.562.7088 ext. 124. Restaurant is open for Takeout Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Please order directly with the Kitchen at 905.562.7088 ext. 165. Best to check with the winery first as COVID-19 rules and regulations often change.

• Rotling is a German rosé made by blending red and white grapes together prior to fermentation. The following 2020 Vineland Estates ‘Rotling’ is a blend of 50% vidal blanc/50% cabernet franc successfully fashioned in the style of an off-dry Rosé. This saw no oak and is an interesting wine made even more so by the dazzling 2020 vintage.

91
 Vineland Estates ‘Rotling’ 2020
 VQA Ontario $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and rhubarb mingle with floral notes on the nose of this off-dry rosé. Palate flavours of sweet, just-picked strawberry coalesce with hints of candy floss and cherry clafoutie. Once on the mid and back palate there’s a lovely trickle of orange and lime citrussy tang that provides balance right through the aftertaste. Pour on its own or with smoked salmon or tuna salad. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Vineland Estates ‘bo-teek’ Pinot Gris was sourced from 100% pinot gris from the estates Bo-Teek vineyard in the premium sub-appellation of Twenty Mile Bench and spent approximately 5 months in oak barrique barrels before bottling and release. This is a wonderful example of the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.

92
 Vineland Estates ‘bo-teek’ Pinot Gris 2020
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.00 12.0% alcohol
This is slightly bronze-hued in the glass while aromas of savoury herbs and baked apple waft easily after the gentlest of swirls. It blankets the palate with a surge of flavours with blood orange and peel marmalade decorated by racy lemon and lime. It’s medium weight with good texture and plenty of pizzazz throughout. The finish and aftertaste are dry and mouth-watering; the perfect refreshment for summertime sipping. It’s also versatile at the table accompanied by fish, paella or prawns sautéed in butter. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in Winecurrent

Vintages Release: May 29, 2021

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Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Estate’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (256552) 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour—pick up a few. This presents with a rich nose of orchard fruit, anise and vanilla notes opening the door to a medium-full bodied wash of delicious ripe pear and peach flavours lifted with tangy and slightly pithy citrus. It is perfectly balanced with an enjoyable warm and lasting dry finish, replaying anise and vanilla notes. Pour alongside prawn risotto. (Louise Boutin)

Vintages Release: TBD summer/fall 2021

• The following exceptional-value 2020 Vineland Estates Pinot Grigio reflects the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.

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Vineland Estates Pinot Grigio 2020
VQA Niagara Escarpment $17.95 11.0% alcohol
Lightly hued in the glass, aromas of honeydew melon, floral notes and lemon citrus can be coaxed from the glass with a vigorous swirl or two. It bathes the palate with a mellow and smooth entry of Granny Smith apple and lime cordial soon followed by a boatload of tang, acidity and pizzazz. Palate flavours replay on the lingering, dry, lip-smacking, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. It’s medium weight with good texture and plenty to like. Pour on its own or alongside an olive-oil tossed salad of arugula under a liberal portion of crumbled chèvre or pan-seared fish or seafood under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from 86% sauvignon blanc/14% riesling. It reflects and showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.

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Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of honeydew melon, citrus and herbal notes abound on the nose. It glides over the palate on entry with lime cordial, minerality and plenty of tang and pizzazz joining in by mid-palate. It’s medium weight with very good mouthfeel offering up persistent purity of palate flavours through the lip-smacking and monumentally lengthy finish and aftertaste. It starts with alluring aromas and finishes absolutely delicious. Pour this slightly off-dry beauty with a spicy Asian dish like General Tso’s chicken. (Vic Harradine)

• The following gorgeous 2017 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Cabernet’ Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 53.7% cabernet franc and 46.3% cabernet sauvignon from vines in the prime VQA sub-appellation of Twenty Mile Bench with the wine maturing for 18 months in oak barrique barrels.

93
Vineland Estates ‘Cabernet’ Cabernet Franc-Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Rich and luscious on the nose, look for fruit-forward aromas of black cherry and dark bramble berry decorated with mocha and hints of pencil shavings. It’s über-flavourful on the palate with a surge of black currant, espresso roast, crème de cassis and hints of crunchy pie cherry persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste adorned with medium-full bodied texture and good tang and acidity throughout. Pick up a few as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pour with grilled red meat you pull off your barbecue. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD 2021

90
VignaMadre ‘Becco Reale Bio’ Pecorino 2020
IGP Pecorino Terre Di Chieti $17.95 13.0% alcohol
Better known as a cheese, pecorino is also a grape variety native to Italy’s Marche region. This one has pretty jasmine flower aromas on the nose combined with fresh apricot, wet stone and an herbaceous hint in the background. This is medium-bodied, vegan- and organic-certified and flows easily on the palate with fresh flavours of peach, lemon rind and mineral notes, closing with a nice balancing bite profile perfect to pair with salty appetizers. Try with fried calamari or zucchini sticks under a squeeze of lemon juice. (Louise Boutin)

90
VignaMadre ‘Becco Reale Bio’ Montepulciano 2018
DOP Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $17.95 13.0% alcohol
This vegan- and organic-certified, medium-full-bodied red opens the door with alluring aromas of chocolate-covered dark cherry, blackberry and a hint of sweet vanilla. It flows on the palate softly with an abundance of fruit—mixed berry, purple plum, cherry—until firm tannins bring in character and structure in the astringent, tangy-savoury finish. Not your Friday night smooth sipper but this is perfect with juicy flank steak or hearty lasagna. Aerate/decant one hour before serving. (Louise Boutin)

90
VignaMadre ‘Kriya’ Montepulciano 2020
DOC Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $15.95 13.0% alcohol
Organic- and vegan-certified, this stainless steel fermented young red offers attractive blackberry, red plum, cola aromas and a note of sweet baking spice in the background. A juicy wash of black fruit medley--blackberry, cassis and plum--treats the palate, while grippy tannins provide a robust structure and drying effect to a savoury-tangy finish. This food-friendly red will be perfect with charcuterie or mushroom and lentil stew with gourmet sausage. Aerate/decant one hour before serving. (Louise Boutin)

91
VignaMadre ‘Capo le Vigne’ Chianti Classico 2018
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 13.5% alcohol
There is 15% merlot in this pretty sangiovese blend. Floral aromas paired with cherry, forest floor and a hint of dry herb mix make up for a very charming nose. The palate welcomes a fresh and tangy wash of ripe red cherry and raspberry, followed with rosemary and earthy notes all framed in fine grain tannins leading to a dry, slightly peppery finish and aftertaste. This medium-full bodied, classic Chianti pours beautifully with mushroom risotto or veal parmigiana. Aerate/decant one hour before serving. (Louise Boutin)

90
Provolo ‘Gino’ Rosso Veneto 2020
IGT Rosso Veneto $16.95 14.0% alcohol
This is a blend of 40% corvina and equal parts of corvinone and rebo—the latter a crossing of merlot and teroldego grapes. On the nose, an interesting mix of mincemeat aromas, tobacco and dry herbs introduce a silky flow of ripe red cherry flavour mingling with cinnamon, vanilla and a green peppercorn note emerging mid-palate. This is a crowd-pleaser, medium-bodied red with mellow tannin and a nice fruit-forward piquant finish. Pour alongside red sauce pizza or BBQ dry-rub pork, baby back ribs. (Louise Boutin)

93
Puelles Reserva 2014
DOC Rioja $18.95 (10720) 14.5% alcohol
This superb tempranillo reserva blend spent 24 months in equal parts of French and American oak before bottling and has been maturing in bottle since. The nose is complex with tertiary aromas of pencil shaving and leather, but also dried fig, pretty licorice notes, wild mushroom and potpourri. It is velvety on the palate with delicious flavours of dark cherry, blackberry, dry dill and crushed black peppercorn heating up the long, savoury and delicious chalky finish. This exceptional value Rioja is your full-bodied red sipper to enjoy on its own or with nibbles of aged hard cheese, dark chocolate, salted nuts...you get the idea. (Louise Boutin)

LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – April 26 to May 23, 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 April 26 to May 23, 2021.
White Wine

• The following two white wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

90
 Paco & Lola Albariño
 DO Rias Baixas, Spain $20.95 (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)

89
Willm ‘Réserve’ Riesling
 AOC Alsace $19.95 (11452) 12.5% alcohol
 A perennial favourite for many years, this dishes up lifted aromas of peach, pear and apple interlaced with white flowers and lemon zest. The palate’s treated to mouthfuls of tang-infused flavours with Key lime, white grapefruit and hints of flinty minerality. This is medium bodied with persistent purity of tang and fruit. It finishes lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)

• The following two white wines receive a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

89
 Oyster Bay Chardonnay
 Marlborough, New Zealand $19.95 (326728) 13.5% alcohol
 Tropical fruit, citrus and sweet vanilla aromas abound on this tangy, generously textured, value-packed beauty. Rivers of nicely balanced flavour pour from the bottle with lemon chiffon pie, crisp grapefruit and spiced yellow plum to the fore. It’s mid weight sporting a mid-length finish that’s crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside grilled white fish, roast chicken or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)

92
 Thirty Bench ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Riesling
 VQA Beamsville Bench $22.95 (24133) 10.8% alcohol
 The lifted nose of lime and piquant spice aromas is also decorated with sharp mineral notes and notions of petrol. An off-dry surge of citrus-infused flavours explode on the palate with lemon curd and lime cordial providing pizzazz along with delicious accoutrements of melon, minerality and under-ripe orchard fruit. It’s medium-weight with a bountiful, lip-smacking finish. Divine sipped on its own, it pours well with grilled or pan-seared fish, steamed mussels or breaded and skillet-fried calamari. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

• The following five red wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

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)

90
 Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection Ivory Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon
 California $19.95 (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)

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)

87
 Trius Red
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (303800) 13.6% alcohol
 Aromas of ripe cherry/berry fruit, herbs and spice abound. A medium-full bodied, nicely textured flow of red cherry, bramble berry and savory herbs blanket the palate tightly robed in the still-evolving grip of perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant for three hours pouring with rare-grilled, well-seasoned striploin. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Shiraz is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in many LCBO stores.

• Clare Valley is a relatively cool-climate region in South Australia, a couple hours from the Barossa Valley. It’s also the spiritual and physical home of the Taylor family who own and manage this fabulous winery. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; it punches well above its price.
93
 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Shiraz
 Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
 Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-packed 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 friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. Pick up a few and drink over the next seven or eight years. (Vic Harradine)

• The following red wine receives a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

• The following Concha y Toro is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores.

91
Concha y Toro ‘Marques de Casa Concha’ Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Puento Alto $19.95 (337238) 14.5% alcohol
This is a glorious wine to sip, pair with food or stick in the cellar for enjoyable drinking over the next few years. Dark toast and spiced field berry on the nose, the palate-coating succulent flavours—cassis, ripe boysenberry and Bing cherry—are underpinned by a firm chalky tannin structure and excellent moderating acidity. It’s mid weight, generously textured and finishes lengthy and luxurious, chockfull of warm ripe fruit flavour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine receives a $5.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

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)

Other Wines & Spirits

• The following three wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

• The following Kim Crawford Rosé is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.

90
 Kim Crawford Rosé
 Hawke’s Bay $18.95 (650325) 13.0% alcohol
 A wonderful rosé to raise in a toast to spring, this is a blend of 93% merlot with the balance malbec. It has a salmon-pink and peach-hue colour, with a nose of strawberry and clover aromas. This is medium-full bodied with a slightly off-dry sensation and nice crisp level of acidity. There are flavours of strawberry throughout, and a slight touch of gentle tannins on the finish. Enjoy with a baby spinach and strawberry salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar. (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 in March.

90
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 Tawse Winery ‘Spark – Limestone Ridge’ Riesling - Sparkling Wine - Non-Vintage is a Vintages Essentials wine that is certified organic and was sourced from riesling vines on the estate Limestone Ridge Vineyard. The price-quality balance tips in your favour.

90 [cf
 Tawse Winery ‘Spark – Limestone Ridge’ Riesling Organic Sparkling Wine – Non Vintage
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $20.95 (370361) 11.5% alcohol bead
 Frothy mousse when poured, seemingly endless winding streams of fine- bubbles make their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the liquid carrying with it autolytic aromas and hints of pit fruit—yellow plum and feint notions of ripe apricot. Bubbles explode on the palate bringing out flavours of lemon-lime and white grapefruit extending through the finish and aftertaste. It’s crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Pour on its own as a welcoming or aperitif wine to get the gastric juices flowing or alongside freshly shucked briny oysters. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine receives a $3.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

88
 Bottega Gold Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy $27.95 (621458) 11.0% alcohol
The golden-coloured bottle isn’t merely bling, it preserves freshness in the wine longer than clear glass. Hand-harvested glera grapes produced this Charmat-method sparkler. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing throughout with aromas and flavours of lip-smacking, lemon zest, green apple and pear—pour with lighter appetizers or seafood. This also glitters in a variety of winery-suggested cocktails. (Vic Harradine)

• The following wine receives a $10.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased April 26 to May 23, 2021.

94
 Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne Non-Vintage
 AOC Champagne $102.95 (158550) 12.0% alcohol
 Made from 100% pinot noir, this was vinified saignée—using only red grapes, not red wine mixed with white, as is usually done in Champagne—capturing tantalizing spice, red licorice and berry fruit aromas and an alluring salmon-pink colour. It attacks the palate with mid weight, generous texture and a groundswell of flavour with black currant, strawberry and spiced Damson plum to the fore. This is lovely sipped on its own with the oomph to pair well with pan-seared salmon or festive bird. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers and stay safe, Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic