May 23, 2021 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- 95 points and over – No wine rang the 95 points and over bell
- Over 60 – There are over 60 wine reviews in this newsletter.
- Exceptional-value wine – They’re found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the icon checkmark in the May 29, 2021 Vintages Release and in categories following the release. Happy hunting!
- Limited Time Offers –There are 24 wines that are reviewed in this newsletter and being discounted at the LCBO for up to a $5.00 rebate for each bottle purchased from May 24, to June 20, 2021, waiting to be discovered at the end of the newsletter.
- Louise loves – 2018 Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $19.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; Château des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 earned 92 points @ $24.95 found under Upstream in winecurrent - Vintages Release: June 12, 2021; KIN Vineyard Carp Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 earned 92 points @ $44.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries.
- Lisa likes – 2019 Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Vin Gris de Cigare’ earned 90 points @ $19.95 found under Upstream in winecurrent – Vintages Release: July 24, 2021;
- Vic picks – 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir earned 94 points @ $24.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries; Hola! ‘Organic’ Brut Cava Non-Vintage earned 90 points @ $17.95 found under Sparkling Wine; 2019 Bicycle Thief ‘Red Blend’ earned 89 points @ $15.95 for 1500 mL and 2019 Adesso Chardonnay earned 88 points @ $8.30 with both found under New in the LCBO (stock in LCBO retail stores now).
Vintages Release: May 29, 2021
Sparkling Wine
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Hola! ‘Organic’ Brut Cava Non-Vintage
DO Cava, Spain $17.95 (545848) 11.5% alcohol
This was sourced from the holy trinity of Cava grapes— zarello/macabeo/parellada. An unusual appellation, DO Cava does not refer to any geographical boundaries, but rather is a regulation that protects the way the wine is produced, which is, Méthode Traditionelle. An elegant swath of aromas float from the glass with apple, pear and apricot in the mix along with sharp lemon. It’s generous on the palate with creamy smooth texture, good balance and a refreshing finish decorated with lemon and grapefruit tang. Pour on its own or with sushi or ceviche. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
• Low-yielding chardonnay vines averaging 30 years old provided excellent fruit for the following 2018 Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay. It matured in older oak casks before bottling.
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Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (256552) 13.5% alcohol
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)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Bleasdale Vineyards ‘The Potts Family – Mulberry Tree’ – Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon/5% petit verdot/3% merlot/2% cabernet franc sourced exclusively from the GI of Langhorne Creek, South Australia. It was de-stemmed and crushed to open fermenters for a brief soak, Fermentation peak was held to 28 °C with pump overs up to four times daily. It was then drained and pressed after 8 to 12 days on skins including up to 5 days post-ferment maceration then settled for 24 hours before racking to oak for malolactic fermentation. It then spent 12 months maturing in French oak puncheons, 10% new.
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Bleasdale Vineyards ‘The Potts Family – Mulberry Tree’ – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Langhorne Creek, South Australia $19.95 (661892) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of red berry fruit and notions of minty notes precede a satin-smooth, balanced and beautiful stream of palate flavours with black cherry and bramble berry interwoven with excellent acidity and soft, ripe tannin. This is medium bodied with the fresh fruit flavours on the palate persisting through the long finish and aftertaste. There’s good symmetry between fruit flavours, acidity and tannin. Pour with burgers, pizza or wings. There’s exceptional-value here. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
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Pierre Lurton Bordeaux 2016
AOC Bordeaux $19.95 (632984) 14.5% alcohol
This finely crafted, affordable Bordeaux is red plum in colour with an enticing nose of vanilla, strawberry, dried herbs and pepper. It’s full bodied on the palate with smooth but significant tannins and a great balance of acidity. Flavours of sour cherry, vanilla and mocha meld pleasantly along with flavours of mocha sustaining themselves through the finish. This is drinking beautifully today and will be even better in a couple of years. It’s a good match for coffee-rubbed roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release June 12th, 2021
• Crafted like a Blanc de Blancs champagne with 100% chardonnay, this Méthode Traditionnelle bubbly from Château des Charmes is aged in bottle for at least two years while resting on its lees from its 2nd fermentation in the bottle(s) you purchase. The bottles are disgorged just before being released from the winery, a sign of extra special care for a premium quality wine.
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Château des Charmes ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine 2016
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $34.95 (423111) 12.5% alcohol
This is a crystalline pale-yellow shaded sparkling gem with vivid tiny beads rising to the top of the glass and lifting delicate aromas of pear, lemon rind, brioche and slate minerality. A dense and soft-like-meringue froth fills the palate with yellow apple and pear flavours adorned with a layer of lemon curd, a touch of vanilla and finishing on a beautiful crisp and airy mineral note. This can further evolve with additional cellaring but why wait, it is so gorgeous right now. Enjoy on its own or with seafood salad or grilled halibut under a squeeze of lemon. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release June 12th, 2021
• The following gamay noir droit is sourced from Château des Charmes very own mutant clone, discovered in their vineyard in the early 1980s. This was the first vinifera vine born in Canada and that granted them International Breeder’s Rights making them the only producer in the world allowed to grow this vine and produce a wine called Gamay Noir Droit. In order to highlight the uniqueness of the varietal, no oak is used in the winemaking process.
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Château des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit 2018
VQA St. David’s Bench $19.95 (346742) 12.5% alcohol
Expect aromas of sour cherry, dry cranberry, forest floor and a smoked note in the background. This is a medium-light bodied flow of ripe red fruit flavours travelling easily on the palate, grabbing along the way tangy raspberry and earthy notes and revealing a soft chalky tannin structure in the dry pleasant finish. Chill for about 15 minutes and pair with charcuterie or chicken brochettes on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: June 26, 2021
• The following Maison Saint Aix Rosé 2020 was sourced in “… one of the best Aix vintages ever". The blend in this wine is classic—60% grenache/20% syrah/20% cinsault—and was harvested in the coolest part of the day—between 4 and 10 am. This wine is served in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.
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Maison Saint Aix ‘Aix’ Rosé 2020
AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France $24.95 (451906) 13.0% alcohol
Watermelon rind aromas meet citrus and pretty freesia flower notes in this popular rosé. A little tingle on the tip of the tongue introduces delicious flavours of nectarine, ruby grapefruit and a piquant ginger note delivered in a medium-bodied fashion and a nice chalky minerality emerging in the dry satisfying finish. An excellent sipper to share with friends or pair with fresh watermelon and feta salad. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: July 10, 2021
• The following 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot is certified by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. Low-yielding, 3 tonnes per acre, hand-harvested fruit was sourced from estate vineyards on the Short Hills Bench, destemmed, sorted and partially fermented in oak tank with extended maceration. It matured in European and American oak, 30% new, then blended in an oak tank with total time in wood reaching ten months.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Cabernet-Merlot 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (395855) 13.5% alcohol
Lots of peppery character on the nose but also ripe dark fruit, cedar and graphite with this Bordeaux-styled red blend. Über silky-textured at first, it morphs into a robust juice of ripe blackberry and cassis flavours joined with savoury dry herbs, bright acidity and black peppercorn notes persisting in the very dry finish. This has cellaring potential with its grippy tannin but will be delicious with rare, grilled flank steak, seasoned with ‘Montreal steak’ spice mix. Aerate/decant two hours. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: July 10, 2021
• The following 2020 Quail’s Gate Rosé was sourced from gamay and pinot noir fruit that was on skins for one hour for colour before each varietal was cool-fermented separately in stainless steel then blended before bottling. This family-owned winery is now managed by 3rd generation Okanagan family winemakers.
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Quail’s Gate Rosé 2020
VQA Okanagan Valley, B.C. $19.95 (275842) 12.0% alcohol
Pale pink in colour, this charming rosé gently releases aromas of red currant, strawberry and nectarine backed by a pleasant floral note. It’s dry, medium-light bodied with flavours of wild strawberry, savoury herbs and bright citrus on the refreshing palate lifted by a spritz of pink grapefruit on the lengthy finish. Enjoy this summer sipper with a green salad adorned with chilled shrimp. (Lisa Isabelle)
Vintages Release: July 10, 2021
• The following 2019 Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Pinot Noir is a work of art. The base of the bottle has a rose carved out of the glass by a young designer from Ecole Boulle and the winery suggests you handle it as you would a bouquet of roses, especially when presenting to someone before pouring. The fruit was sourced from various soil types, but mainly hard limestone and schist and also gravel from rivers in the Languedoc region. Perfectly ripe fruit was harvested in late September. Grapes were then destemmed before macerating in vats for 10 to 15 days. The cap was punched down and pumped over frequently. The wine then matured for several months in 225-litre barrels.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Pinot Noir 2019
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $19.95 (20751) 13.0% alcohol
Ripe cherry, plum and blackberry aromas are garnished with hints of lavender, rose petals and a dusty mineral note on the nose before finding their way effortlessly to the palate. This dry, medium bodied, easy-drinking red delivers gentle tannins, a silky mouthfeel and a juicy, cherry-berry finish. Hints of dark chocolate and baking spice appear on the aftertaste. Pair with a selection of cheese and charcuterie. (Lisa Isabelle)
Vintages Release: July 24, 2021
• The following 2020 Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Vin Gris de Cigare’ is also labelled, ‘Pink Wine of the Earth’. It’s a blend of 71% grenache/11% cinsault/5% clairette blanche/5% grenache blanc/4% mourvèdre/4% vermentino from multiple AVAs in California’s Central Coast. After fermentation, this wine was left on its lees to capture creamy texture on the palate.
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Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Vin Gris de Cigare’ 2020
Central Coast, California $19.95 (880501) 13.5% alcohol
This pale-salmon coloured rosé opens with an intriguing nose of ripe orchard fruit, orange blossom, rose hips and fennel with a suggestion of brioche. Dry, medium bodied and nicely textured, flavours of ripe peach, melon and rhubarb wash over the tasty palate and are carried by mouth-watering acidity through the persistent finish. Serve this versatile, well-priced rosé with a seared tuna appetizer. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in the LCBO (stock in LCBO retail stores now)
• Fruit for the following wine was gently pressed and separated from skins preserving only the purest juice then cool fermented. The following Aria Wine Company ‘Aria’ Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage was fashioned by the Charmat method with the second fermentation completed in a sealed tank before being bottled.
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Aria Wine Company ‘Aria’ Sparkling Rosé Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $14.95 (14981) 11.5% alcohol
Here’s a pleasing sparkling to enjoy on the patio this summer. Aromas of strawberry-rhubarb jam, ripe peach and white flower aromas introduce a sweet wave of candy apple, lemon drops and mandarin orange flavours on the lively palate. Light bodied with a gentle mousse, it finishes mid-length with a hint of grapefruit pith on the aftertaste. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2018 Bicycle Thief ‘Red Blend’ was sourced from a variety of premium red grapes that are most often used in making Port wine—touriga franca/tinta roriz/touriga nacional/trincadeira. It’s 1500 mL which is equal to two bottles of 750 mL glass bottles, It’s in a tetra pack that chills in 65% less time than an ordinary bottle. It will stay fresh up to six weeks after opening. It’s great for picnics, outdoor gatherings and sharing with friends, particularly the elderly. Before my mother passed, she had a dear friend who would go to the LCBO for her and bring back wine-in-a-box as she lacked the strength to remove a cork from a bottle.
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Bicycle Thief ‘Red Blend’ 2018
Portugal $15.95 (18995) 1500 mL 13.0% alcohol
It takes a few seconds to open up and when it does, it delivers highly perfumed aromas of floral notes, baking spice and cherry/berry notes. It’s smooth on entry with palate-flavours of red and black fruit, ripe and rarin’ to go—black raspberry, pie cherry and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s pleasing, balanced and bountiful on the palate. Pleasant on its own it will match anything the average red wine will pair with. Give it a try. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Rosé is a work of art. The base of the bottle has a rose carved out of the glass by a young designer from Ecole Boulle and the winery suggests you handle it as you would a bouquet of roses, especially when presenting to someone before pouring. This wine is also a Vintages Essentials wine, always seasonally available in select stores. This was fashioned by a traditional blend of the Languedoc—grenache/syrah/cinsault. These three grape varieties were harvested and sorted separately with each at the peak of ripeness. At the winery they were destemmed, cooled to 8 °C then transferred to the press where only the first high-quality juice is retained for this wine. It is then fermented over 15 to +30 days followed by a light fining then bottled.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Rosé 2020
AOP Languedoc, France $18.95 (373985) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a fresh bouquet of peach, pink grapefruit, watermelon and floral aromas getting along perfectly. Round on the palate without being heavy, you’ll find flavours of strawberry and fresh apricot, a touch of white pepper and orange peel leaving a refreshing aftertaste in the dry and slightly spicy finish. This is a great sipper on its own or try with a Cobb salad for a delicious pairing. (Louise Boutin)
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Humante Red Garnacha 2019
DO Navarra, Spain $9.20 (11705) 13.5%
Aromas of red and dark fruit intertwine with savoury herbs and notions of tobacco leaf. It races across the palate on a line of nerve and verve expressed as bracing acidity on entry along with pie cherry and passionfruit and drying tannin on the back palate and finish. Pour with pastitsio, lasagna, or calzone. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2020 is based on fruit from grenache vines with fruit protected as handling is done in a carbon dioxide atmosphere until the low-temperature fermentation begins – 15 to 18 °C – then it is matured on the fine lees for several weeks before bottling.
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Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2020
IGT Pays d’Oc, France $15.95 (14673) 13.0% alcohol
Almost water white in color with a salmon tinged, this rosé offers nectarine aromas along with citrus pith, white flower and dusty stone notes. It fills the mouth with a nice round and softly-textured wash coating the palate with flavours of orchard fruit and orange flesh evolving to refreshing pithy citrus flair and a mouth-watering, mineral, dry finish. This is an exceptional-value rosé worth stocking up for the summer. Sip with salted nuts or pour alongside an appetizer of prosciutto and nectarine or fried calamari. (Louise Boutin)
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Adesso Chardonnay 2019
Product of Italy $8.30 (572461) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of green apple, spice and citrus notes precede a medium-bodied stream of flavours with ripe pear and lime cordial to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with excellent tang and acidity, ripe fruit flavours and lingering finish and aftertaste. It’s vegan-friendly and you can’t beat the price; pick up a few for summer imbibing or pair with veggie burgers, fish, seafood, pork or chicken. (Vic Harradine)
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Adesso Merlot 2019
Product of Italy $8.30 (572453) 12.0% alcohol
Floral notes and cherry/berry aromas dominate the nose on this medium-bodied tang-laden merlot. It delivers a river of crunchy red fruit flavours with passionfruit and hints of cranberry on the palate then persisting through the finish and aftertaste. It pours well with pasta in tomato sauce or red-sauce pizza topped with tomato slices and pepperoni. It’s difficult to find a better red wine at this price. (Vic Harradine)
• The following CVNE ‘Cune’ Rioja Crianza 2017 is from an iconic winery dating back to the late 1800s. This is primarily sourced from tempranillo (85%) plus garnacha tinta and mazuelo that was matured for 12 months in American oak barrels before bottling. The vineyards are mostly estate, but there is also fruit sourced from vineyards of local growers with generations of history between them. This wine is suitable for vegans.
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CVNE ‘Cune’ Rioja Crianza 2017
DOCa Rioja, Spain $15.95 (39925) 13.5% alcohol
Respected wineries’ entry level wines usually deliver above the price tag and this one is no exception. Starting with a complex nose of red cherry, tobacco leaf, fresh dill and a dusty stone note. This is a medium-bodied red gliding on the tongue like a silky blanket with a high dose of red fruit tanginess, earthy flavour and a delicious peppery finish. Tannins are ripe and slightly drying in the cheeks, adding just a nice touch of character in this very harmonious red Rioja. Enjoy with artisan sausages or stuffed Portobello mushroom. (Louise Boutin)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Purchase the following wine online from Château des Charmes for daily home, restaurant or office delivery or visit their Ottawa retail store in Minto Place at Laurier and Lyon or buy at their winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake -1025 York Rd, St. David’s Ontario L0S 1P0. Here’s a map.
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Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA St. David’s Bench $24.95 (287268) 12.5% alcohol
Fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months with regular bâtonnage often leads to more colouration in the wine but the nose of this pale-yellow chardonnay doesn’t lie—pear, citrus, melon, melted butter and a touch of nutmeg. It gets even better on the palate with a lovely ample mouthfeel offering ripe orchard fruit flavours, juicy pineapple, freshly baked bread, exotic spice and loads of slate minerality in the lengthy crisp and dry finish. This is totally enjoyable on its own but it will be at its best with, bacon-wrapped scallops on the grill or fresh lobster with clarified butter. There’s very good value here. (Louise Boutin)
• Order the following 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’ Baco Noir is quite special. Baco Noir is an especially successful hybrid grape amongst a small number that could be called ‘highly successful’ and possibly stands alone when referred to as ‘elegant, stylish or distinguished’. However, I believe this wine flirts with all three descriptors. It’s sourced from a single vineyard ‘Block 106’ that the Speck brothers planted manually by shovel in a somewhat less than perfect pattern as it meanders somewhat rather than the usual row after row after row of perfectly aligned vines, posts and trellis wire. The first vines were planted in 1984, making them 35-years-old when harvested for this wine. This matured in a combination of new, second-fill and third-fill American oak barriques then partially finished in 5000L oak foudres for a combined 12 months.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Baco Noir 2019
VQA Ontario $24.95 (461699) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of bramble berry, mixed piquant spice and black cherry abound on the nose of this dazzling baco noir. It envelops the palate with a surge of fruit flavours—ripe black currant and juicy Bing cherry intertwined with wisps of black plum compote and a glorious balancing streak of excellent tang and acidity mirrored by a streak of minerality. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and excellent smooth and mellow taste, mouthfeel and a monumentally lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or alongside grilled striploin or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following two wines online from this Kin Vineyard link and have delivered to your door in the Ottawa region. At the present time, due to COVID restrictions, their tasting room is closed. Thank you for supporting a local business.
• Five months of fermentation with indigenous yeast in French oak, 19% new, and the rest in neutral oak and stainless steel combined with weekly bâtonnage and minimal filtration before bottling leads to this Carp Ridge signature cold climate chardonnay below.
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KIN Vineyard Carp Ridge Chardonnay 2019
VQA Ontario $39.95 12.5% Alcohol
You’ll be greeted with a pretty nose of pear and apple flavour combined with roasted nuts and crushed fennel seed. This medium-bodied round-textured white treats the palate with a nice citrus medley of flavours mingling with peach and lemon curd character finishing on a delicious and satisfying buttered toast note with chalky minerality. I can’t wait to pair this with steamed mussels with cream sauce and leeks, crispy fish cakes or to simply enjoy on its own. (Louise Boutin)
• This Carp Ridge pinot noir blend of six different clones is KIN’s second vintage of this wine. It’s fermented with indigenous yeast and matured nine months in a combination of French oak, 25% new, with the balance neutral oak and stainless steel.
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KIN Vineyard Carp Ridge Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Ontario $44.95 11.5% alcohol
Sourced from 100% hand-harvested and sorted fruit from Carp Ridge Vineyard, this pinot is pale-garnet with a beautiful delicate nose of crunchy red fruit, cinnamon bark and dry rose petal aromas. This is light-medium bodied and full of delicious tart flavours—red cherry, pomegranate, cranberry—delivered in a silky-textured fashion until soft chalky tannin meet dry thyme and a spiced note persisting in the surprisingly lengthy and very harmonious dry finish. This vintage gained in ripeness and complexity and will be a perfect match with pan-seared rainbow trout, charcuterie board or red tuna tartare. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 13 wines do not yet have a set date for their Vintages Release.
• The following 2019 Carmim Terra Lenta ‘Premium’ is sourced from a red blend of manually harvested 40% alicante bouschet/ 30% trincadeira (a.k.a. tinta amarela)/30% arogonez grapes that are immediately destemmed and crushed at the winery with selected yeasts added. It’s then fermentation starts at a controlled 26 °C and using a pump-over system while maceration extends to approximately two weeks. It is filtered before bottling.
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Carmim Reduengos ‘Terra Lenta - Premium’ 2019
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $13.95 (646083) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of kirsch liqueur, plum compote, a bit of earthiness and a whiff of alcohol introduce a purple-shaded wash of juicy ripe fruit—dark plum, blackberry and cherry. While slightly hot on the palate, this wine has a nice soft fruit texture with chalky tannin showing up midway through, along with peppery notes and tangy raspberry persisting in the finish and aftertaste. This full-bodied red is delicious with Toulouse sausages on the grill or a mild tomato sauce pasta dish. Aerate/decant one hour before service. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2020 Domaine le Champ des Murailles ‘Cuvée Classique’ was sourced from a classic regional blend of 40% carignan/30% grenache/30% syrah from vines 25 to 60 years old and hand harvested. After carbonic maceration, or destalking—depending on the particular grape variety—it was then aged for a few months in stainless steel tank.
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Domaine le Champ des Murailles ‘Cuvée Classique’ 2020
AOP Corbiéres, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, cedar and a hint of mint precede a smooth flow of ripe berry fruit supported by savoury herbs and a hint of baking spice. Dry, medium-full bodied with a silky texture, dark berry fruit flavours are enjoyed on the warming, mid-length finish. Enjoy with an array of grilled meats. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2017 Carmim Reduengos ‘Seleção Reserva’ Tinto is a red blend of 40% alicante bouschet/20% aragonez/20% trincadeira (a.k.a. tinta amarela)/20% syrah hand-harvested fruit. Grapes are destemmed and pressed with fermentation carried out at a controlled 28 °C and maceration lasting 15 days. The wine is then partially aged in vats for one year while the balance is matured in Portuguese and French oak barrels.
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Carmim Reduengos ‘Seleção Reserva’ Tinto 2017
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $16.95 15.0% alcohol
Expect an expressive nose of dark cherry, purple plum, tobacco leaf and a distant note of baking spice in this full-bodied red. Charming on the palate with a silky textured flow of mixed berry, dark plum, and piquant cinnamon flavour, it then lets its chalky tannins come out morphing into an astringent liquid carrying black olive and peppery character in the warm finish and aftertaste. Plan ahead and aerate/decant two hours to get the best out of this ‘tinto’, alongside grilled-rare flank steak or with a charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)
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J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2020
AOP Touraine, Loire Valley, France $17.95 13.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of ripe tropical fruit, floral and notions of flinty notes. It bathes the palate with a lovely wash of ripe, juicy flavours of lemon-lime cordial underpinned, balanced and decorated with racy tang and acidity. It’s mellow and smooth, stylish and delicious from cork pop to last drop. Crisp and refreshing on its own, it also shines with chèvre crumbled over olive-oiled arugula or steamed mussels or crab cakes. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Artisans Partisans ‘Cuvée Alice’ was sourced from vineyards from 20 to 40 years of age from an eclectic blend of regional red grapes—50% carignan/30% grenache noir/10% cinsault/10% mourvèdre that express themselves as emblematic of the region.
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Artisans Partisans ‘Cuvée Alice’ 2020
AOP Corbières, France $15.95 12.5% alcohol
This opens the door with youthful aromas of dark fruits—blackberry, cassis and plum—complemented with a hint of dry bush and black tea. This is an easy drinking medium-bodied red full of juicy fruit flavours similar to those of the aromas, plus tangy raspberry, a peppery note and mixed dry herb in the finish. This is lighter in alcohol and perfect for the hot summer days alongside grilled lamb burger. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2020 Artisans Partisans Cuve No. 102 is an accredited organic wine sourced from 50% carignan/40% grenache noir/10% syrah vines from 30 - 70 years of age with an approximate yield of 40 hl/ha.
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Artisans Partisans ‘Cuve No. 102’ 2020
AOP Languedoc, France $19.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of ripe dark fruit and dry strawberry mingle with cured meat and a ferrous note in this southern France red blend. It’s medium-bodied and flows nicely with flavours of ripe cherry, red berry, orange peel and dry herbs completing the picture. Tannins are powdery and add fine texture to the savoury finish. This versatile crowd pleaser will be a hit at your next barbecue party. (Louise Boutin)
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Damilano ‘barbera d’asti’ 2019
DOCG Barbera D’Asti, Italy $18.95 (541771) 15.0% alcohol
Piquant spice, floral notes and red cherry/berry fruit provides segue to a tangy river of palate flavours with passionfruit, mixed spice and juicy black cherry to the fore. It’s light-medium bodied with plenty of flavour, tangy acidity, ripe cherry fruit, and a boatload of pizzazz. Give it a go with charcuterie, a deli platter or spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône was sourced from hand- and machine-harvested—70% grenache/20% syrah/10% mourvèdre fruit—from vines with an average age of twenty years. All fruit was destemmed and pressed gently with 8 to 10 days spent in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats then bottled the following spring.
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Domaine Jaume Côtes du Rhône 2020
AOC Côtes du Rhône, France $16.95 14.0% alcohol
There’s terrific value in this charming red blend. It displays aromas of plums and cherries mingling in harmony with anise, black pepper and violets before dark fruit and spice notes cascade over the tangy palate. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s well balanced with supple tannins and bright acidity and exhibits an appealing freshness on the medium-long, flavourful finish. Serve with grilled pork and vegetable brochettes. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2020 Le Champ des Murailles ‘la Petite Muraille’ is a blend of 50% carignan/30% grenache/20% syrah sourced from vines 25 to 50 years old with soils of sandstone and clay-limestone. Fruit was destemmed and crushed and was macerated between 12 and 14 days with simple wetting of the marc the cool-fermented between 20 and 25 °C.
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Le Champ des Murailles ‘la Petite Muraille’ 2020
AOP Corbiéres, France $16.95 14.0% alcohol
This red blend presents with aromas of black plum, blackberry, cherry, tobacco leaf and earthy notes before introducing a soft and juicy stream of black fruit flavour, joined with tangy raspberry and mixed dry herb profile. This is medium-bodied with a good integration of alcohol and offers a fruit-forward dry finish with chalky textured tannins. Slide the gourmet burgers off the barbecue and pop the cork! (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2020 Château Ollieux Romanis ‘Grand Vin Du Languedoc – Cuvée Classique’ was manually harvested from a classic blend of 40% carignan/30% grenache/30% syrah sourced from vines ten to fifteen years old with soils of red Mediterranean stone on sandstone. A portion of the carignan underwent carbonic maceration while the grenache and syrah were destemmed then fermented for 15 days under controlled temperature then aged in stainless steel tanks.
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Château Ollieux Romanis ‘Grand Vin Du Languedoc – Cuvée Classique’ 2020
AOP Corbières, France $18.95 14.5% alcohol
Carbonic maceration sometimes leads to over-the-top bubble gum aromas but not here. Instead, crushed mixed berry, black cherry and fresh rose aromas please the nose. This organic, medium-full bodied red blend has a very pleasant juicy mouthfeel with an impressive alcohol and fine-sand tannin integration leaving all the room for the fruit flavours to shine—ripe black plum, cherry, blackberry. The finish carries the dark fruit qualities with a peppery and savoury delicious aftertaste. Totally worth discovering with duck confit on braised red cabbage. (Louise Boutin)
92
Damilano ‘Marghe Nebbiolo 2018
DOC Langhe, Italy $22.95 (576793) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic spice, floral and earthy notes abound on the nose. It envelops the palate with a well-balanced stream of crunchy red fruit—currant, cherry and cranberry—riding a wave of tangy acidity—and joined by ripe fruit flavours by mid-palate—black raspberry and black currant preserves adorned with savoury herbs. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish and aftertaste. Pour with coq au vin or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – May 24 to June 20, 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 May 24 to June 20, 2021.
White Wine
• The following wine receives a $1.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below that’s purchased between May 24 and June 20, 2021.
88
Fielding ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (164491) 12.5% alcohol
Appealing aromas of green apple, pear, peach and citrus notes with notions of honeysuckle and spice precede nicely-textured palate-bathing flavours of red apple, lemon peel and beeswax. Dry and medium bodied, it’s creamy smooth and nicely textured due to time spent on its lees. Well balanced with refreshing acidity, it finishes mid-plus length with a pleasant mineral aftertaste. Pair this mouth-watering, exceptional-value chardonnay with chicken breast in a Dijon-tarragon cream sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following seven white wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below May 24 to June 2, 2021.
87
Bollino Pinot Grigio
DOC Trentino, Italy $18.95 951319) 14.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of straw and floral notes open the door to a medium-bodied, nicely textured wash of crisp refreshing white grapefruit intertwining with Granny Smith apple and mineral notes bathing the palate infusing the clean, zippy-dry finish and aftertaste. Pour this clean, mouth-watering pinot grigio with grilled fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following winery, Colombia Crest, is owned by Chateau Ste Michelle. Twenty-two percent of the fruit was pressed and settled in stainless steel, the balance was aged and hand-stirred, once-a-week in one- to three-year-old French and American oak barrel for nine months. The following is a fabulous wine at a deep discount. Pick up a few.
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Columbia Crest Chardonnay
Columbia Valley, Washington State $17.95 (462846) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of spiced apple, pear and apricot introduce a gorgeous mouthful of ginger-infused tropical fruit and lemon pie filling. This is mid-plus weight with generous mouthfeel and oodles of charm. It finishes lengthy and luxurious with loads of fruit crowned with excellent moderating acidity. Pour with roast bird, pan-seared, firm fish or crown roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following ‘Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted’ is the #1 selling white wine in LCBO’s ‘Vintages Essentials’ category. This vintage, the grape blend is 69% riesling/17% gewürztraminer/14% chardonnay.
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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
There are aromas of green apple, ripe pear with wisps of lychee fruit and minerality on the nose of this lovely white blend. On the palate it’s medium bodied and generously textured with flavours galore—lime cordial, ripe pineapple, apple and scads of tangy pizzazz. It’s a tad off-dry and quite nicely balanced with complexity and persistent purity of fruit. The finish is crisp and refreshing with each sip bringing you back for more. There’s enough interest here to drink on its own, but a pairing with spicy chicken masala or General Tso’s chicken are inspired choices. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
90
Kim Crawford Chardonnay
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay $19.95 (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)
90
Malivoire ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (573147) 12.5% alcohol
A shy nose of Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spice aromas provide segue to a delightful array of deftly balanced palate flavours with honey-drizzled apple interwoven with lemon curd and sweet Bosc pear that persists throughout. This is medium weight, nicely textured and well balanced with a good seam of tang, persistent purity of fruit, plenty of charm and a delightfully lingering finish. It also offers a price-quality ratio tipped well in your favour - stock up. (Vic Harradine)
87
Mer Soleil ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $34.95 (958975) 14.9% alcohol
Baking spice, caramel and toasty, buttery aromas unleash a huge gusher of flavour that will leave few imbibers without a strong opinion. If you’re looking for a full-bodied, fully textured, high-octane, tsunami wave of rich, luscious, sweet flavours—grilled pineapple, oak-inspired vanillin and caramel apple—then you should love this. There are tropical fruit notes along with ripe pear, a bit of citrus pith and wisps of oak on the sweet-tinged finish and aftertaste—not for the faint of palate. (Vic Harradine)
93
Vineland Estates ‘Elevation - St. Urban Vineyard’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 9.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of lemony citrus, buckwheat honey and notions of petrol precede a dazzling off-dry surge of lemon-lime cordial, a bowl of tropical fruit—pineapple, mango, rambutan—along with oodles of tangy pizzazz persisting from the first drop through the palate to the delicious, balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This is quite special. Pour on its own or with spicy Asian dishes—General Tso’s chicken, moo shu pork or tikka masala. Drink now to 2028. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Sella and Mosca red wine receives a $2.50 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased May 24 to June 20, 2021.
89
Sella and Mosca Cannoneau Di Sardegna ‘Riserva’
DOC Cannoneau Di Sardegna, Italy $17.95 (425488) 13.5% alcohol
This Cannoneau, a.k.a. grenache or garnacha, showers ripe fruit throughout along with good structure, intensity and balance. Aromas of anise, red berry fruit and wood smoke presage a steady wash of racy fruit flavour with red currant and pomegranate to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a lengthy, dry finish layering on notions of dark coffee and spice. (Vic Harradine)
• The following three white wines receive a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased May 24 to June 20, 2021.
92
Seven Falls Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington State $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)
90
Stoneleigh ‘Latitude’ Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (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)
89
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $19.95 (316570) 13.0% alcohol Lemon-lime citrus, grassy and pit fruit on the nose, this washes across the palate at full sail with tangy, juicy flavours of lemon drop candy, herbaceous notes and lip-smacking key lime pie flavours. Medium bodied with a silky mouth feel and consistently one of the most popular white wines in the Vintages Essentials line up. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wines
• The following two red wines receive a $1.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below May 24 to June 2, 2021.
85
El Gorú Monastrell/Syrah/Petit Verdot
DOP Jumilla $13.95 (443945) 14.0% alcohol
This red blend is dominated by tart acidity, piquant spice and crunchy red fruit—currant, cranberry, pie cherry. It’s medium weight with good texture and a lengthy, tart and racy finish and aftertaste underpinned by drying tannin. Aerate/decant for two hours before serving—give it a go with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
91
Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (64618) 12.9% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour here. Floral notes, graphite and hints of incense mingle with bramble berry on the nose of this medium-bodied, silky-smooth textured, delightful cab franc. It caresses the palate with a deftly balanced and immensely flavourful stream showcasing balance of tang and acidity, soft ripe tannin and delectable flavour with ripe red plum and cherry playing off good tang and a lengthy crisp and mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with comfort food off the grill—gourmet sausage, burgers, beer-can chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following five red wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below May 24 to June 2, 2021.
• The following Catena Cabernet Sauvignon is a Vintages Essential wine always available in select LCBO stores. This 100% cabernet sauvignon is sourced across Catena’s high-mountain vines located in Primera Zona, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.
91
Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (985002) 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio swings wildly in your favour here. Tobacco, dark cherry/berry fruit and grilled savoury herb aromas abound. This gorgeous cab envelops the palate with a plush, full-bodied swath of ripe black plum, juicy black cherry and hints of cassis and mocha. It’s complex, deftly balanced and dense with a lengthy finish enhanced by lip-smacking tang and acidity. Give this a go with grilled gourmet sausage, steak or backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
91
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22.95 (626390) 13.0% alcohol
A portion of this elegant and easy-drinking pinot noir has been aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. This has resulted in a complex nose with aromas of musty wood, dried red fruit, fresh cherries and spice. It’s medium bodied with good acidity and tannins that start gentle then slowly grow, but never become overwhelming. Red berry flavours linger nicely on the finish. It can be cellared another three years and enjoyed with a beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)
89
Louis Jadot ‘Combe Aux Jacques’ Beaujolais-Villages 2008
AOC Beaujolais-Villages $18.95 (365924) 12.5% alcohol
Racy and full of verve, this opens with aromas of mixed spice, red berry fruit and red cherry. The flavours—red pie cherry, cranberry and ripe pomegranate are carried along on an assertive spine of acidity. It’s light to mid weight and well textured with a racy and lip-smacking finish. This is looking to partner with tomato-based food like a grilled chicken breast smothered in tomato mushroom sauce or lasagna. This is a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Luigi Bosca Malbec was sourced from estate vineyards with vines 35-years-old at an altitude of 900 to 1100 metres above sea level located in the prestigious wine areas of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Fruit was hand harvested with careful selection of clusters and destemming. It was cold macerated at 8 °C then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28 °C with commercial yeasts. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels where it matured for 12 months before a light fining and bottling. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail wine stores.
92
Luigi Bosca Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina (452672) $18.95 14.5% alcohol
The nose is laden with red currant and dark cherry mingling with sweet tobacco and a dusty mineral note. Rich, ripe fruit flavours coat the palate while mouth-watering freshness and pleasantly chewy tannins create balance. Dry, medium-full bodied, dark fruit and spice flavours linger on the warm, lengthy finish. This would pair well with grilled lamb or Portobello mushroom burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé is an eclectic blend—58% pinot noir/20% cabernet franc/9% gamay noir/8% merlot/5% cabernet sauvignon—sourced from various select vineyards, including estate, in the VQA appellation of Niagara Peninsula. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (172643) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas leap from the glass of this unique red blend blend—58% pinot noir/20% cabernet franc/9% gamay noir/8% merlot/5% cabernet sauvignon—with watermelon, strawberry and raspberry to the fore. It captures the palate with a surge of blood orange and ruby red grapefruit nicely juxtaposed with notions of ripe juicy black cherry. It’s deftly balanced, medium bodied with silky smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang and excellent acidity providing plenty of pizzazz on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Pour with a baguette and charcuterie board or east coast Canadian salmon pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following four red wines receive a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased May 24 to June 20, 2021.
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Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County $24.95 (292151) 14.0% alcohol
This approachable, versatile red offers intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, roasted red pepper and cedar. Dry, medium-full bodied, with perceptible tannin, the palate is supple and juicy with ripe dark plums, blackberry coulis, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Pour alongside peppercorn steak. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Marchesi de' Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta di Castiglioni’
IGT Toscana, Italy $21.95 (145920) 13.0% alcohol
This red blend—cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/sangiovese—matured 12 months in French oak barriques and a further two months in bottle before release. Alluring aromas of red and black berry fruit mingle with mocha on the nose of this medium-bodied, nicely textured gem. It bathes the palate with a round, smooth stream of red currant and pie cherry interlaced with mixed spice and grilled savory herbs. It finishes dry, lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)
93
Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy $52.95 (413179) 16.5% alcohol
Wood smoke, cedar and bramble berry fruit aromas provide segue for a rich, luscious, hi-octane, though deftly balanced and simply delicious stream of ripe fruit and soft tang with dried dark fruit, black berry and dark plum front and centre along with support from spice, earthy notes and notions of ripe red cherry. This is medium-plus weight with good texture, structure and a lingering full-of-flavour finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
90
Zenato ‘Ripasso – Superiore’
DOC Superiore Ripasso, Italy $27.95 (479766) 14.0% alcohol
Leftover grape skins and seeds (pomace) from Amarone and Recioto wine are added to the crushed and fermenting grapes of this wine, with the potential of adding colour, tannin, alcohol, texture, flavour and complexity. This is medium-full bodied, overflowing with rich flavour—sweet dried currant, spiced pie cherry, fig and mocha—sporting a well-balanced long succulent aftertaste. This has the oomph and structure to pair well with grilled steak or the heartiest of stews, like osso buco. It’s a step up in price and quality; you might give it a try. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers and stay safe, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic