August 17, 2021 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- There are ten wines reviewed in this newsletter in the Wines of Argentina Special Feature with most of the wines offering a Limited Time Discount on the price.
- 95 points and over – there is no wine in this newsletter that rang the 95 points and over bell
Over 40 – There are over 40 wine reviews in this newsletter. - Exceptional-value wine – There are 27 exceptional-value wines found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the
icon checkmark in the August 21, 2021 - Vintages Release and in the many categories following the release. Happy hunting!
- Limited Time Offers –There are 16 wines that are reviewed in this newsletter and are also being discounted at the LCBO for up to a $5.00 rebate for each bottle purchased from August 16 to September 12. They are waiting to be discovered at the end of the newsletter.
- Vic Picks – 2020 Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio earned 92 points @ $17.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2020 Vineland Estates Winery Rosé earned 92 points @ $14.95 found under Ontario Rosé Wine; 2018 Caves de Rauzan ‘Le Noble - Cuvée Réserve’ earned 90 points @ $16.95 found under France: Red Wine; 2018 Cave de Pazac ‘Grand Vins – Le Pigeonnier’ earned 92 points @ $13.95 found under France: Red Wine.
Vintages Release – August 21, 2021
Champagne
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Drappier ‘Nature – Pinot Noir – Zero Dosage’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $65.95 (179275) 12.5% alcohol
Pleasant aromas of floral notes, apple and baking brioche precede frothy mousse of fine-bead bubbles winding their way to the top of the glass. It’s lively and fresh on the palate with flavours of bracing, tang-laden citrus and pleasant minerality interlaced with notions of honeyed pit fruit. This is 100% pinot noir, hand-harvested, undergoing natural malolactic conversion before spending a minimum of 30 months in bottle on its lees before disgorgement and no sugar was added. The bottle these tasting notes and rating are based on was disgorged November 2018. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: White Wine
• Fruit for the following 2020 Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio was single-vineyard sourced from 100% pinot gris (also called pinot grigio) in Jordan Valley Vineyards. It was harvested then divided into two batches—one half of the grapes were left on the skins to soak, and then pressed. The other half was pressed immediately with juice yield at 600L/tonne then transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks and fermented with commercial yeast strain X5. The fermentation temperature was set for 15°C. Ferment was kept on lees for 10 days. This is winemaker David Johnson’s first attempt at this wine and it showcases his winemaking talent—recently awarded Winemaker of the Year—as well as showcasing the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.
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Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (20599) 12.5% alcohol
Slightly pink-tinged, this reflects the lineage of pinot gris—it is thought to be a mutant clone of pinot noir and still produces grey and dark-hued grapes within a bunch. Aromas of floral notes, mixed spice and berry fruit abound. It bathes the palate with a spirited stream of spice-laden strawberry and racy pie cherry that intertwine with a linear line of excellent acidity throughout the finish and aftertaste. Not your garden-variety, watery pinot grigio, this has plenty of flavour, great texture and mouthfeel with a lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own as an aperitif or pour with hot or cold appetizers of all stripes. (Vic Harradine)
Ontario: Rosé Wine
• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery Rosé was sourced from 70% cabernet franc and 30% riesling grapes from select vineyards. It was fermented and settled in stainless steel tanks. This wine showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage in Ontario.
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Vineland Estates Winery Rosé 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (21457) 12.5% alcohol
Light-pink hued in the glass, this offers up lifted aromas of rhubarb, strawberry and red cherry. It blankets the palate with a surge of pomegranate and cherry cordial that’s deftly balanced with a persistent purity of fruit through the back palate, finish and aftertaste. It’s crisp, refreshing and mouth-watering good from first to last drop. Pour on its own or with lightly spiced Asian food, summer salads, seafood or roast chicken. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour, pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
California: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Le Cigare Volant – Cuvée Oumuamua’ is a blend of 52% grenache/35% cinsault/13% syrah sourced from multiple sites—48% Alta Loma/35% Loma del Rio/6% Mesa Verde/6% Zayante/4% Rancho Solo/1% Lief—in the Central Coast, American Viticultural Area, or AVA. AVA is the U.S. equivalent to our VQA in Canada.
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Bonny Doon Vineyard ‘Le Cigare Volant – Cuvée Oumuamua’ 2018
Central Coast, California $19.95 (857157) 13.5% alcohol
A lightly hued crimson-red in the glass, aromas of savoury herbs, baking spice and red cherry/berry notes abound. It’s medium-bodied with good structure and plenty of tang and acidity. The palate’s flooded with flavours of dark cherry, black currant and hints of savoury herbs. The lengthy finish and aftertaste replay palate flavours with a good lick of still-evolving tannin that’s easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
Argentina: Red Wine
• The following 2019 Matias Riccitelli ‘Tinto de la Casa is a blend of two separate parcels of malbec with 50% from Gualtallary with vineyard soils of loam clay one meter deep and underpinned by rocky subsoil and great permeability at 1100 meters a.s.l. and the other 50% from Las Compuertas at 1400 meters a.s.l. with calcareous soils giving spicy tones to the wine. The grapes were hand-picked into small 20 kg cases to keep the integrity of each bunch, while a meticulous hand selection is performed before vinification. Both parcels are harvested the same day to allow a co-fermentation of the two. 50% are fermented whole cluster while the balance is destemmed. Grapes are moved by gravity into small French oak casks where fermentation takes place with wild yeasts at temperature controlled 26 to 28 °C. The cap is pushed down gently and the wine is slowly extracted. It’s then aged in French oak casks until next harvest—approximately 12 months. They do not use herbicides or systemic products. They manage their viticulture and viniculture through agro-ecological practices. Here’s a video with winemaker Matias Riccitelli on how he is fashioning his wines.
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Matias Riccitelli ‘Tinto de la Casa’ 2019
Gualtallary and Las Compuertas, Luján Cuyo, Argentina $29.95 (19400) 14.0% alcohol
Beware, this deep purple shaded, unassuming labelled, fruit bomb will stain your teeth, but you won’t be able to resist it. Blueberry compote aromas burst out of the glass along with ripe blackberry, licorice and earthy notes. The palate is treated to a silky river of ripe and juicy black fruit flavours aligned with the aroma profile, plus a zesty tang adding vivacity to an already exciting wine. Tannins are ripe and polished, slightly grippy on the gums, bringing character to the fruit-forward, mild peppery, spectacular long, dry and fresh finish. If you manage to get a bottle from this small production, only 50 cases, pair with mushroom risotto, lamb chops or gourmet sausages on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2018 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from ‘este vineyards’ in Tunuyán between 1110 and 1350 meters above sea level. It was fermented at controlled temperature 29 to 30 °C for two weeks then aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and bottled unfiltered.
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Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Mendoza $17.95 (640854) 14.0% alcohol
This dark-ruby red gem offers up fruit-forward aromas of black raspberry, blueberry and juicy black Bing cherry. A profusion of tang-laden red and black currant flavours interwoven with Ribena ©, cassis and hints of kirsch liqueur and savory herbs blanket the palate persisting through the well-balanced, lengthy finish. It’s well balanced, full flavoured and food friendly. The quality-price balance tips well in your favour. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
Argentina: Rosé Wine
• The following 2020 Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Rosé was sourced from 100% syrah at 1000 meters to 1300 meters a.s.l.. It was fermented with selected yeast at a temperature controlled from 16 to 18 °C for 15 to 20 days. It matured for 6 months on its lees. It saw no oak. We’ve been advised from a reliable source this wine is vegan-friendly. Here’s a virtual tour of Bodegas Salentein on youtube.
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Bodegas Salentein ‘Reserva’ Rosé 2020
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (19555) 13.0% alcohol
A pale-blush pink introduces this appealing rosé before the fragrant nose leads with pretty orchard blossom aromas entwined with sweet citrus and strawberry notes. Ripe red apple, pear and nectarine flavours dominate the palate while a hint of strawberry compote appears on the aftertaste. Dry, medium-light bodied with a smooth yet refreshing mouthfeel, it offers a lengthy fruit-forward finish and would pair well, served chilled, with a variety of light appetizers. (Lisa Isabelle)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2017 Sidewood ‘Stablemate’ Shiraz was meticulously chosen from estate vines with fruit deemed to be organoleptically ripe. A portion was fermented as whole berries by carbonic maceration. It was then pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation, then racked off its lees and back to French oak barrels for 16 months maturation with approximately 25% being new French oak.
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Sidewood ‘Stablemate’ Shiraz 2017
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $16.95 (12846) 14.5% alcohol
Fresh, lively aromas abound with red cherry, red berry and sprigs of savoury herbs among them. Sweet, ripe berry fruit—cherry clafoutie and Ribena © flavours dominate the palate and persist through the finish and aftertaste. This is light on its feet with no rough edges and just enough tang to balance it off. It’s a match made in heaven when served with grilled and smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
• The following 2016 Château Hauchat Fronsac was sourced from 100% merlot from premium vineyards—situated just west of Pomerol and St. Émilion—and produced by a family of eighth-generation, regional winemakers. The wine was matured 15 months in barrels—1/3rd new/1/3rd used one previous year/1/3rd used two previous years.
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Château Hauchat Fronsac 2016
AOC Fronsac, France $17.95 (123489) 14.0% alcohol
Charred toast, cedar and dark bramble berry fruit aromas provide segue for a medium-weight, balanced, smooth and creamy stream of crunchy red fruit—cherry, currant and cranberry—mingling with savory herbs and piquant spice. It finishes with racy acidity and red fruit replays on the juicy, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. This marries well with pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Gérard Bertrand Heresie is a new GSM blend of grenache noir/syrah/mourvèdre that were vinified separately with a traditional vatting period of ten days. The grenache noir is destemmed entirely and is macerated at a lower temperature to better express itself. The wines are then racked at the end of their malo-lactic conversion.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Heresie’ 2018
AOC Corbières, France $19.95 (20582) 14.0% alcohol
Purple-black and almost opaque in the glass, a gentle swirl pays dividends with alluring aromas of exotic spice, black juicy Bing cherry and ripe mulberry intertwining with savoury herbs and hints of black licorice and espresso roast. It blankets the palate, mellow and smooth, with palate-flavours of dark cherry/berry fruit robed in a ripe tannin underpinning and oodles of tang and pizzazz. It’s medium-full bodied, with good balance and finishes with drying tannins. Aerate/decant for three hours before service. Pour with grilled gourmet sausage or backyard burgers after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Cave de Pazac ‘Grand Vins – Le Pigeonnier’ is a red blend—60% syrah/15% carignan/15% marsalan/10% grenache—with three of the grapes being mainstream and one being somewhat obscure. The obscure marselan grape is a recent, 1961, crossing of cabernet sauvignon and grenache and is now planted in France, California and China along with small experimental plantings in other wine regions and countries. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up a few.
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Cave de Pazac ‘Grand Vins – Le Pigeonnier’ 2018
AOP Costières de Nîmes, Rhone, France $13.95 (20950) 14.5% alcohol
Sandalwood, exotic spice and dark cherry/berry fruit aromas dominate the nose. A medium-plus bodied, nicely textured wash of palate flavours capture the palate with black Bing cherry, bramble berry and tangy red currant making their way through mid and back palate and replaying through the lingering, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. This is mellow and smooth throughout with plenty of delicious fruit flavour, good depth, balanced on a pin and with no rough edges. The price suggests a multiple purchase. What’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)
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Domaine Courtois ‘La Source’ Côtes-du-Rhône 2019
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône $14.95 (526640) 14.5% alcohol
This is another very good vintage for this youthful bright purple-shaded blend of 85% grenache and 15% syrah fresh out of the stainless steel tank. It’s an explosion of mixed berry character both on the nose and palate with a zesty tang, lots of young fine-grained tannin and graphite minerality. Medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration, it’s good to go now with braised beef and carrot roast or rare-grilled steak and will get better with a few more months of careful cellaring. Aerate/decant one hour before meal time. (Louise Boutin)
New in Ontario Wineries
• The following wine may be purchased online from this link Casa-Dea Estates Winery. For a limited time only; Buy 6 bottles or more and receive FREE shipping in Ontario.
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Casa-Dea ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc 2016
VQA Prince Edward County $26.95 (381327) 12.8% alcohol
Lifted aromas of peppery, piquant spice, iodine and charred cedar abound on the nose of this reserve cabernet franc. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused line of bracing acidity that intertwines with notions of cherry and black currant along with still-evolving tannin. It’s medium-plus bodied with good structure and a lingering lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for three hours serving with a well-seasoned and grilled medium-rare beef steak. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO (there is stock in LCBO retail stores now)
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Duca di Saragnano ‘Governo all’uso Tuscano’ Chianti 2019
DOCG Chianti, Italy $14.85 (20710) 13.5% alcohol
Lively aromas of piquant peppery spice and dark cherry/berry fruit leap from the glass with the slightest swirl. It races over the palate with a tang-infused stream of red crunchy fruit—passionfruit and pie cherry—decorated with ripe bramble berry and mulberry that replay on the finish and aftertaste. This is medium weight with good texture and plenty of tang and pizzazz that’s joined by smooth and mellow ripe dark fruit and mellow tannin at mid-palate and persists through the delightful finish and aftertaste. Pour with all manner of well-seasoned, grilled or roasted red meat after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
Special Feature – Wines of Argentina
• Prices for these wines was provided by a third party – not the LCBO or winecurrent - so there may be slight changes when you purchase.
• The following 2019 El Esteco ‘Don David – Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from high-altitude estate vineyards at 1800 metres in the Calchaqui Valley. This 100% Malbec was hand-harvested then macerated on skins at 8 °C in stainless steel tanks. It was then fermented with both commercial and native yeasts, Post fermentation maceration totalled 30 days. It underwent malo-lactic fermentation in contact with oak then 70% of wine matured for 12 months in contact with French and American oak while the balance was settling in stainless steel tanks. This is exceptional value and worthy of a multiple purchase.
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El Esteco ‘Don David – Reserve’ Malbec 2019
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Argentina $15.00 (483263) 14.0% alcohol
Typical with high altitude malbec, this is deep purple with intense aromas—plum compote, blackberry, tobacco and a hint of cinnamon. Expect a cool stream of bright purple fruit flavours—blackberry, plum, blueberry—revealed in a tangy fashion along with pleasant chewy tannin and a peppery note emerging in the fruit-forward dry finish. This medium-full bodied red deserves a one hour aeration/decant before pairing with juicy lamb chops or pork ribs hot off the grill. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2019 Alamos Malbec was sourced from 300 metres to 500 metres in the foothills of the Andes. Sourced primarily (97%) from Malbec vines, there is also a blend of 1% Bonarda/1% Syrah/1% Tempranillo with all grapes sourced from estate vineyards. All the grapes chosen for this wine were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and crushed with the must then cold soaked for two to three days. It was then fermented in upright conical tanks for eight to twelve days at 29 °C. Throughout the fermentation wine was pumped over the cap extracting colour and flavours. It then underwent malo-lactic fermentation then matured for six to eight months with chips and staves of French oak.
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Alamos Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina (295139) $13.95 13.5% alcohol
Sweet cherry, raspberry jam, and red plum with intriguing notes of orange zest, dark chocolate and a delicate floral note waft easily from the glass. Flavours of tart cherry and red plum with hints of juniper berry and rosemary bathe the tangy palate. Dry, medium bodied with vibrant acidity and gentle tannins, a dash of piquant spice enlivens the medium-long finish. This well-priced malbec would complement eggplant parmesan. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2019 Doña Paula ‘Los Cardos’ Sauvignon Blanc was hand harvested, early morning from 100% estate-grown fruit from high-altitude (1000 m) in cool vineyards, is certified sustainable, and is vegan friendly and gluten free.
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Doña Paula ‘Los Cardos’ Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina $9.95 (11943) 12.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of grassy notes, nettles, pineapple and herbal notes abound on the nose. It races over the palate with nerve and verve expressed as passionfruit, gooseberry and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. It’s light on its feet with plenty of pizzazz with palate flavours replaying on the tingling finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a plate of gourmet sushi accompanied by pickled ginger and wasabi. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Graffigna ‘150 Years’ Pinot Grigio 2019 was sourced from 100% Pinot Grigio fruit from San Juan and Mendoza vineyards with wide thermal amplitudes and over 300 days per annum of sunshine that enhances each grape variety’s aromas, flavours and concentration. This was cool fermented at a controlled 15 °C for 15 days without skins, malo-lactic fermentation or a splinter of oak. Remove from refrigerator twenty minutes before service. The ‘150 Years’ on the label pays homage to Santiago Graffigna who planted the now, second-oldest vineyard in Argentina.
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Graffigna ‘150 Years’ Pinot Grigio 2019
San Juan, Argentina $12.95 (164756) 13.5% alcohol
Floral notes, ripe honeydew melon and tropical fruit aromas abound. It dazzles the palate with lemon-lime cordial and crisp green apple and ripe Bosc pear. It’s medium weight with delightful mouthfeel and plenty of crisp, refreshing flavour. Look for palate replays on the finish and aftertaste along with some mineral notes and wisps of honey. Pour on its own when the lazy days of summer are here or, if you like, with sushi or arugula tossed in olive oil and decorated with cubed feta cheese. Pick up a few, it punches well over the price. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Bodegas Salentein Wines ‘Portillo’ Pinot Noir was sourced from mountain vineyards from high plateaus in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. They employ a gravity system for moving wine, apparently somewhat unique in this part of the world. Grapes are hand-picked then destemmed before transfer to stainless steel tanks where cold maceration takes place at 8 to 10 °C, followed by fermentation for 7 to 10 days.
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Bodegas Salentein Wines ‘Portillo’ Pinot Noir 2020
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $13.00 (19274) 14.05 alcohol
Light-ruby hued in the glass, it dishes up aromas of bright cherry/berry and notions of savoury herbs. This captures the palate with a lovely mélange of flavours with freshly picked strawberry, ripe juicy black Ranier cherry and black plum. There’s baking spice and ripe soft tannin added to the mix on the finish and aftertaste. This showcases ripe fruit, balancing tang and acidity, persistent purity of fruit, great mouthfeel and versatility at the table. Pour with roast chicken with cut-up root veggies in the bottom of the pan—turnip, potato, carrot, parsnip, or coq au vin or crown roast of pork or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% hand-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon from their finest vineyard ‘La Mascota’ in Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in Mendoza. This was followed by bunch selection, destemming and crushing then fermentation and maceration for 25 days in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 23-25 °C. Natural malo-lactic fermentation followed then the wine was matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels before being filtered and bottled.
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La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mendoza, Argentina (292110) $13.95 14.0% alcohol
Ripe fruit aromas dominate the nose with black currant, black cherry and blueberry to the fore, decorated with herbal notes. It is fresh and lively on the palate with red cherry/berry flavours interlaced with peppery notes and plenty of tang and acidity underpinned by ripe, soft tannin. This is medium-weight with good texture and mouthfeel that would benefit from a two-hour aeration/decant. Pour alongside prawn, chorizo and tomato sauce paella. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at 12-14 °C and left on its lees for three months to enhance the wine. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price.
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés 2020
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $12.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon zest, white grapefruit and hints of orange marmalade and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm texture and mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Graffigna ‘150 Years – Reserve’ Malbec 2019 was sourced from 100% Malbec in San Juan and Mendoza that was on skins macerating for 15 days and underwent 8 days of fermentation then malo-lactic fermentation and aged in concrete and stainless steel containers. The ‘150 Years’ on the label pays homage to Santiago Graffigna who planted the now, second-oldest vineyard in Argentina.
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Graffigna ‘150 Years - Reserve’ Malbec 2019
San Juan and Mendoza, Argentina $11.95 (230474) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark bramble berry fruit, a sprig of savory herbs and some earthy bits on the nose precede a beautifully balanced and a bountiful mouthful of passionfruit, red cherry and sweet ripe mulberry decorated with tang-laden pizzazz and plenty of charm on the palate. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Malbec is a “Fair for Life” certified brand, sustainably sourced, supporting its workers, their families and local infrastructure. It also offers consistent quality with a long track record of recognition from top wine critics. This wine was sourced from 100%, hand-harvested malbec from the Valle de Uco region at altitudes from 1070m to 1200m above sea level. It was then fermented with various vineyard yeasts with a portion matured 10 months in French oak.
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Bodega Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $14.00 (429761) 13.7% alcohol
This deep-purple shaded, high-altitude malbec presents with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper and a gamy note in the backdrop. A warm and spicy wash of sweet black cherry and ripe mixed berry flavours is joined by light chalky tannin and savoury herb notes, leading to a dry enjoyable finish and aftertaste. Two hours of aeration/decant will help soften the alcohol imbalanced first impression. Enjoy with grilled meats or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
• The vines sourced in the following 2018 Terrazas ‘de los Andes – High Altitude Vineyard – Reserva’ Malbec have aged 20 to 80 years, Grapes underwent classic fermentation with selected yeast from estate vineyards at 25º C. Maceration was for 20 days. A portion of the wine was aged in French oak for 10 months. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; pick up an armful.
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Terrazas ‘de los Andes – High Altitude Vineyard – Reserva’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (29280) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas abound on the nose of this alluring Malbec with black currant, black Bing cherry and ripe black raspberry to the fore. It blankets the palate with fresh, crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and pomegranate intertwined with dark fruit—black plum and spice-infused bramble berry. It’s loaded with tangy acidity and plenty of pizzazz along with replays of the palate flavours through the finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours before serving with prime cuts of medium-rare grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – August 16 to September 12, 2021
Regardless of the vintage you purchase from the LCBO, you’ll receive the discount shown below for each bottle of wine reviewed below that’s purchased (either ‘in person’ or online) August 16 to September 12, 2021.
White Wine
• The following four wines will have a discount of $2.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from August 16 to September 12, 2021
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Anselmi ‘San Vincenzo’
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 (948158) 12.5% alcohol
An über-savory nose of grassy notes and sprigs of savory herbs dressed in piquant spice provide segue to this garganega blend. The mid-weight, lightly textured stream of palate-pleasing flavour skips over the palate with flavours of lemongrass, pear and wisps of apple persisting through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a pleasant pre-dinner sipper. (Vic Harradine)
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Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate’ Riesling
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (286377) 12.0% alcohol
This value-packed, single-vineyard riesling, produced with fruit from vines averaging 20 years of age, opens with expressive notes of apple, pear, peach and lemon-lime, underscored by hints of petrol and a mineral note. Dry, medium bodied, crisp yet weighty in texture, citrus flavours lead the charge across the palate followed by yellow apple and a wet mineral note which lasts into the long, flavourful finish. Enjoy with apple stuffed roast pork. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following Megalomaniac ‘Narcissist’ Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine—always found in many select LCBO retail stores.
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Megalomaniac ‘Narcissist’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (67587) 11.0% alcohol
Citrus, minerality and floral notes waft freely from the aromatic nose followed by a balanced and beautiful, palate-bathing wash of lemon-lime, white grapefruit and juicy peach on the palate. The sweet and tangy, lip-smacking aftertaste interweaves with lingering, ripe-fruit flavour. Poured well with spicy, Asian cuisine like moo chu pork. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at a maximum of 13 °C and left on its lees for three months in oak to enhance structure in the wine. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price.
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon curd, white grapefruit and hints of blood orange and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will have a discount of $3.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from August 16 to September 12, 2021
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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)
Red Wine
• The following four wines will have a discount of $2.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from August 16 to September 12, 2021
• The folks from Caymus, the iconic Charles F. Wagner is winemaker, only reveal two of the grapes that make up the following multi-blend 2014 Conundrum Red—zinfandel and petite sirah—with no mention of oak or winemaking regimen—other than that it is oaked.
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Conundrum Red 2014
California $24.95 (294298) 15.2% alcohol
Dark cherry/berry aromas, charred toast and spice box leap from the almost-opaque liquid in the glass. Ripe, sweet fruit envelops the palate—black plum compote, cherry cordial and rich, blackberry jam to the fore, decorated with milk chocolate. This is full bodied, fully textured and certainly fully flavoured with a lengthy sweet-tinged, fruit-forward finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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M. Chapoutier ‘Les Vignes de Bila-Haut’ Côtes du Roussillon-Village
AOC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $15.95 (168716) 14.0% alcohol
Consistently great value, this southern Rhône blend of grenache, syrah and carignan opens with fresh red fruit and strawberry jam aromas with hints of vanilla, spice and an earthy note adding interest. Dry, medium bodied and well-structured with silky tannins and balancing acidity, spiced cherry and plum flavours generously coat the palate. The warming, lengthy finish delivers a wine well suited for braised beef short ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva Chianti is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
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Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti
DOCG Chianti, Italy $15.95 (111641) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
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Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington State, U.S.A. $23.95 (419770) 13.5% alcohol
This superb Washington State cabernet sauvignon is opaque in the glass and alive with aromas of mocha, cherry, vanilla and traces of rosemary. It hits the palate full bodied and bursting with juicy, red fruit flavours. The tannin’s prominent but smooth and there’s good balance of acidity drawing out a pleasantly herbaceous finish. Cellar for another 5 years or enjoy now with a juicy, medium-rare steak. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following three wines will have a discount of $3.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from August 16 to September 12, 2021
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Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère
Rapel Valley, Chile $18.95 (30957) 14.0% alcohol
This is good value and it’s rich, ripe and rarin’ to go now. A beautifully balanced river of juicy black Bing cherry and black plum interweave with racy pomegranate and herbal notes on the creamy smooth palate along with mixed spice and mocha. It’s a bit funky on the nose with some bell pepper and strong herbal notes, but that melts away and you’re left with a creamy-smooth, hedonistic offering. It pours and pairs well with burgers, red pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
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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)
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Two Hands Wines ‘The Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz
Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (660043) 13.8% alcohol
Purple/black, almost opaque in the glass, this unleashes aromas of ripe black berry fruit with support from mixed spice and savory herbs. On the palate, crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—meet up with ripe black fruit—currant and mulberry—in a delightful, delicious pairing that’s balanced, well paced and well priced. Flavours replay on the long, mouth-watering finish. This pours well on its own—with each sip as good, or better than the previous—and with rack of Australian lamb or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine receives a $5.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 16 to September 12, 2021.
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Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California $62.95 (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)
Sparkling and Rosé Wine
• All the following wines receive a $2.00 discount on the price shown below on each bottle purchased August 16 to September 12, 2021.
• The following Kim Crawford Rosé is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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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 Santa Margherita Prosecco is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores
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Santa Margherita ‘Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Italy $17.95 (687582) 11.5% alcohol
Citrus, toasty, and floral on the nose this dishes out a creamy smooth texture and delicious flavour—it’s also good value. There are oodles of bubbles with a river white peach, lemon sherbet and mouth-watering tang on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Wonderful as a welcoming wine and can be poured with stand-around appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
• 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 also 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)