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October 27, 2021 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights:

95 points and over – There is only one wine that rang the 95 points and over bell; The 2019 Closson Chase ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir earned 95 points @ $42.00 found under New in Ontario Wineries.
There are over 60 – There are over 60 wines reviewed in this newsletter.
Exceptional-value wine – There are many exceptional-value wines found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the icon checkmark. Happy hunting!
Limited Time Offers – There are 22 new 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 now to November 11, 2021. They are waiting to be discovered at the end of the newsletter.
Louise Loves – 2018 Cave Spring Cellars ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay earned 90 points @ $19.95 and found under Ontario: White Wine; 2019 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve - Sparkling Wine’ Riesling earned 92 points @ $22.95 found under New in Ontario Wineries; 2020 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Fumé Blanc earned 91 points @ $19.95.
Vic Picks – 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon earned 92 points @ $19.95 and found under New in Vintages (available now! in most LCBO stores); 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay earned 94 points @ $29.95 and found under New in Vintages (available now! in most LCBO stores); 2020 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay earned 90 points @ $16.95 found under New in the LCBO General List (available now! in most LCBO stores); Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Shiraz 2019 earned 91 points @ $15.95 found under New in the LCBO General List (available now! in most LCBO stores); 2019 Closson Chase ‘The Brock’ Chardonnay earned 94 points @ $25.00 found under New in Ontario Wineries. 2019 Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir earned 92 points @ $42.00 and 2019 Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Chardonnay earned 91 points @ $36.00 with both found under New in Ontario Wineries.

Vintages Release: October 30, 2021

Icewine

• The following Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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 Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine
 VQA Ontario $22.95 (522672) 200 mL 12.0% alcohol
 This lighter-styled beauty keeps the final sip as fresh and lively as the first—it’s not cloying or over the top and that’s not a common occurrence for vidal icewine. A nicely balanced flow of palate-bathing apricot jam and white nectarine meet nirvana with a healthy dollop of lemon zest and racy blood orange on the palate and persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste. This pairs particularly well with Stilton on water crackers or pan-seared foie gras. (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. The price-quality ratio tips well in your favour, pick up an armful.

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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)

Ontario: Red Wine

• The following 2019 Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Cabernet Franc was sourced from 100% selected plots of purchased fruit from around the Niagara Peninsula that was hand-picked then matured in 228L French oak barrels for 16 months, with 35% new oak.

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 Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Cabernet Franc 2019
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.15 (284570) 12.5% alcohol
 Fruit-forward aromas of dark cherry/berry and black plum abound on the nose. It leads on the palate with a burst of acidity expressing itself as tang–infused red currant and passionfruit interlaced with notions of Montmorency cherry and saline minerality. It opens up on the mid-palate with riper dark cherry fruit and black currant while the acidity lessens a tad. Pour with red pizza with mushroom, bacon and pepperoni or spaghetti with Bolognese sauce. (Vic Harradine)

France: Red Wine

• All fruit in the following 2017 Château Mont-Redon red blend was hand-harvested from vineyards sporting small and large rounded stones—‘galets’ in local terminology—that store heat from the sun during the daylight hours to waft up unto the vines during the cooler evenings and nights caused by the prevailing Mistral wind. After harvest the grapes are destemmed, macerated and punched down during two to three weeks then malolactic fermentation takes place. Half the wine is then matured in 228L Burgundian barrels while half is kept in vats. Following careful selection of the best wines in the cellar, it’s bottled about 18 months after harvest,

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 Château Mont-Redon 2017
 AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $53.95 (959627) 15.0% alcohol
 Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit robed in spice and mocha precede a delicious stream of palate-bathing flavours of bramble berry and black plum interlaced with garrigue and exotic spice. This showcases firm structure and deft balance of fruit flavours, tangy acidity and ripe, soft tannin. It finishes with mouth-watering tang-infused palate flavours and a lengthy balanced and bountiful aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled rack of lamb or a striploin rubbed with © Hy’s Seasoning Salt. (Vic Harradine)

New in Vintages (available now! in most LCBO retail stores)

• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon garnered a Platinum rating at the 2019 Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the 2019 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards. It also was awarded ten Gold medals and a swag of Silver medals at wine competitions around the world. The Taylor family are also one of the founding members of the über-exclusive Australia’s First Families of Wine with just nine other iconic Australian wineries in the group.

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 Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
 Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (744235) 14.5% alcohol
 Lifted aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit abound adorned with savoury herbs, espresso roast and wisps of minty notes. A rich, luscious surge of black currant and cassis blankets the palate decorated with dark bittersweet chocolate and vanilla and wisps of savoury herbs. It’s medium-full bodied, balanced and bountiful with persistent purity of fruit from entry to finish and after taste. Pour now or over the next eight years with grilled rack of lamb that was rubbed in rosemary. The price-quality balance is well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Donatien Bahoud ‘Les Grands Mortiers’ Vouvray was sourced from 100% chenin blanc fruit.

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Donatien Bahoud ‘Les Grands Mortiers’ Vouvray 2019
AOP Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $21.95 (140899) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and Mirabelle plum waft from the glass with the slightest swirl. It delivers a stream of medium-plus bodied and creamy smooth mouthfeel that envelops the palate with delightful off-dry flavours of honeydew melon, sweet Bosc pear and notions of rosewater and mixed spice. It’s nicely balanced and bountiful with texture and flavours throughout the tasting experience. It may be a bit sweet for some, but there’s certainly enough citrus acidity to balance the sweetness as chenin blanc has a natural high acidity. Give this a go with spicy Asian cuisine or baked, bone-in ham decorated with cloves and basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)

• This 100% Tempranillo Gran Reserva was sourced from Spain’s most prominent wine region – Rioja. This wine was matured for 24 months in French and American oak barrels before bottling and further resting in bottle.

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Bodegas Altanza ‘Lealtanza – Gran Reserva’ 2011
DOCa Rioja, Spain $32.95 (453548) 14.0% alcohol
Involved aromas of dried dark cherry/berry fruit decorated with earthy notes, piquant spice and leather dominate the nose of this decade-old red wine. It captures the palate with a surge of red fruit flavours of red currant, pie cherry and passionfruit underpinned by still-evolving tannin and robed in piquant spice. The finish and aftertaste lingers with its palate flavours and tannin replaying. This not for the faint of palate. Aerate/decant for three or four hours pouring with Spanish paella with prawns and chorizo. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay was sourced from the oldest, estate vines that were shovel planted and were 36 years old when grapes for this wine were hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Fruit was sustainably grown and certified by SWO. The wine was barrel fermented in French oak with a portion in 3000L foudres then barrel-matured for eight to ten months with a portion being new oak. This wine showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage in all appellations of VQA Ontario.

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 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Chardonnay 2020
 VQA Short Hills Bench $29.95 (616466) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of vanilla, minerality and floral notes give way to a luscious, rich mouthful of palate flavours—lemon drop candy, poached pear and exotic spice—adorned by buttery notes and plenty of intertwined sweet and tang from first to last drop. This is balanced-on-a-pin, medium-plus bodied, fully flavoured and textured with structure and a boatload of elegance and charm. A doff of the cap to the winemaking team at Henry of Pelham for this luscious beauty. Pour with steamed lobster dipped in butter or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)

New in the LCBO General List (available now! in most LCBO stores)

• The following fruit-filled, exceptional-value 2020 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir was sourced from 100% Baco Noir from estate vines fermented in stainless steel tanks then matured six plus months in American oak. It was also certified by SWM as sustainably grown and fashioned.

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Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2020
VQA Ontario $15.95 (270926) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of charred toast, black licorice and tarry notes are revealed with the slightest of swirls. It blankets the palate with black currant, black ripe juicy cherry and bramble berry jam along with tangy pie cherry and hints of cranberry. Baco Noir is a specialty of Henry of Pelham and is revered internationally and here at home. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture, structure and is fruit-driven. Pour alongside what grilled meat you pull off your barbecue—burgers, steaks, rack of lamb, gourmet sausage; you get the idea. The price-quality ratio is well in your favour… stock up! (Vic Harradine)

• The following taste-good, feel-good chardonnay from Flat Rock Cellars donates a portion of sales to ‘Feed Ontario’ (formerly, Ontario Association of Food Banks) from all sales of this wine via the LCBO and the winery door—both in person and on-line. To date, over $45,000.00 has been donated. The goal of Feed Ontario and of Flat Rock Cellars is to assist in ending poverty and hunger in Ontario. The following wine has been certified sustainable and showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage for all VQA Ontario wine appellations.

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 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Good Kharma’ Chardonnay 2020
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (356873) 12.5% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of exotic spice, savoury herbs and floral notes abound decorated with wisps of apple and citrus notes. It blankets the palate with a laser-like streak of racy acidity expressed as white grapefruit, fresh lemon juice and plenty of pizzazz. This is clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. Don’t hesitate to order a case that you can stretch to last until this time next year. Pour this with fish, shellfish or roast chicken or, if you wish, sip on its own, it’s lip-smacking, delicious. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Pinot Blanc 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (219279) 12.0% alcohol
Here you have aromas of fresh lemon zest, pear, green apple and a leafy green touch. A very nice zesty wash of fresh flavours similar to the aromas, treats the palate with mouthwatering effect finishing on a raw almond note and mineral flair. This medium-light delicious white under $15 is an amazing bargain and a good option for salty appetizer or fish and chips under a squeeze of lemon juice. (Louise Boutin)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (200584) 12.0% alcohol
This light-ruby hued gem delivers aromas of ripe red berry fruit and hints of black plum. It’s light-medium weight with creamy smooth mouthfeel and delicious palate flavours—ripe juicy black cherry, black currant and hints of spice. This showcases deft balance of flavours, acidity and ripe fine-grained tannin as well as a strong sense of touches of charm and elegance. You’ll be hard pressed to find another pinot noir of this quality at a similar or lower price. Wonderful for sipping at happy hour or as an aperitif, it also pairs well with coq au vin or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (112946) 12.5% alcohol
This wine showcases the dazzling VQA Ontario 2020 vintage. Delicate aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit and hints of mixed spice can be coaxed from this exceptional-value cabernet sauvignon. It surges over the palate with myriad flavours of ripe berry fruit—red currant, sweet mulberry and bramble berry to the fore decorated with excellent acidity, good mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz. The soft ripe tannin underpins it all while being hardly noticeable. The finish lingers with deft balance and full of flavour as does the aftertaste. Pour with grilled striploin or back ribs or meat-laden red sauce pizza. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Shiraz 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (144857) 12.5% alcohol
A vigorous swirl or two reveals aromas of cherry/berry fruit robed in delightful wisps of spice and earthy notes. A tsunami wave of ripe palate-flavours—racy Montmorency cherry, black currant and black plum compote—intertwine with good acidity, noticeable/acceptable tannin that is easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant. It showcases good balance, lots of palate flavours and a rich, dry, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste offering replays of palate flavours. Give this a go with grilled gourmet sausage, burgers or beef fajitas after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Chardonnay Unoaked 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (200535) 12.0% alcohol
Citrus peel, peach and leesy notes introduce a lively, medium-bodied wash of orchard fruit flavour, Meyer lemon and mild pithy citrus with a palate coating texture. An interesting zesty-spicy character develops mid-palate and persist in the finish and aftertaste. Pair with creamy pasta or baked white fish in lemon butter. (Louise Boutin)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Merlot 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (439281)12.5% alcohol
This easy drinking, medium-light-bodied fruity merlot opens the door with aromas of red cherry, black plum and tree moss. It carries along with ripe red and black cherry flavour, piquant spice and a mix of kirsch liqueur and herbaceous note in the finish and aftertaste. Try with week-night red sauce pasta or pizza. (Louise Boutin)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Canada Red’ 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (125260) 11.5% alcohol
This 100% Zweigelt grape--most planted red varietal in Austria—offers fresh aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of leafy green. This thirst quencher flows easily on the palate with flavours of red cherry, strawberry and tangy raspberry with a low tannin structure. The fruity finish is slightly peppery. Twist the cap off with a selection of salami, mustard and hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)

New in Ontario Wineries (available now!)

• 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 vineyard where the following 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate - Fumé’ Sauvignon Blanc was sourced was planted in 1999 making the vines over 20 years old when the fruit for this wine was harvested. Once at the winery all grapes are moved gently by gravity. Grapes were gently destemmed then whole-berry pressed. All juice is press fractioned to separate the finest cut. It was then 50% barrel fermented in in barriques and 3000L foudres and 50% stainless steel fermented before being aged six months in European oak barriques. This wine has been accredited to be sustainably fashioned.

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Henry of Pelham ‘Estate - Fumé’ Sauvignon Blanc 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice, apricot and flinty mineral notes precede a tang-laden mouthful of palate flavours with lemon pastille, Key lime and white grapefruit to the fore decorated with savoury herbs and plenty of lip-smacking pizzazz. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like. It sips nicely on its own or poured with freshly shucked oysters, pan-seared freshwater, line-caught fish, or fish tacos. The price-quality balance tips in your favour, pick up a case to enjoy over the next two years. (Vic Harradine)

• Closson Chase was an early entry into the nascent Prince Edward County winery scene in the late 1990s and recently made an almost seamless transition from a former doyen of Ontario winemakers, Deborah Paskus, to the present winemaker, Keith Tyers, highly capable with focused vision on making fine wine, especially chardonnay and pinot noir, from what nature provides.

• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct from the winery either by using this link Closson Chase, phone toll-free 1-888-201-2300 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pick them up from the winery 629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0 – it’s an easy 2 or so hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa and environs - Here’s a map. Phone ahead 343-261-6465 for complimentary curbside pick-up or local delivery. They are now open 7 days a week from 11am to 5 pm.

• The following 2019 Closson Chase ‘Stirling Barrique’ Pinot Noir was sourced 100% from the estate-owned Churchside Vineyard Pinot Noir at low yields of 1.8 tonnes/acre. All grapes were 100% de-stemmed with no crushing and spent three days in cold-soak. It was then 100% fermented in a large oak fermenter and aged in barrels made at Carriage Cooper House (Picton) made from a white oak tree in Stirling, Ontario then aged in 100% seasoned barrel and was bottled without filtering. This wine is certified vegan by VegeCert.

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Closson Chase ‘Stirling Barrique’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $50.00 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of black berry fruit, grilled savoury herbs and charred wood smoke can be coaxed by a vigorous swirl or two. It’s light-ruby hued and dishes up a mouthful of tangy palate flavours with bramble berry jelly, ripe black plum and lip-smacking pie cherry to the fore. This is light-medium bodied with a well-balanced, though slightly short, finish and aftertaste. There is good balance throughout, pure fruit flavours, barely a wisp of soft, ripe tannin and a lot to like in this. Give it a go with braised lamb shanks or celebratory New Year’s tourtière. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from two estate vineyards—85% Churchside/15% South Clos—then was destemmed without crushing and underwent a three- to five-day cold soak before being fermented in large oak fermenters then aged in French oak barrel with 10% new. This is their largest bottled Pinot Noir at 550 cases. This wine is certified vegan by VegeCert. The price-quality balance tips in your favour; pick up a few bottles, then go back for more.

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Closson Chase ‘Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $36.00 (145888) 12.0% alcohol
Appealing aromas of floral notes, dark cherry/berry fruit and sprigs of grilled savoury herbs precede a medium-bodied stream of tangy red fruit—pie cherry, red currant and passionfruit—decorated with sweeter black plum compote and crème de cassis. This showcases good balance, a creamy smooth mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit, a supple underpinning of fine-grained, ripe tannin and a lengthy mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like. Pour alongside coq au vin or simple, oven-roasted chicken, (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Closson Chase ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir was sourced 100% from the estate Churchside Vineyard at a low-yield of 1.8 tonnes/acre. It was destemmed without crushing then underwent a three to five day cold soak before being 100% fermented in large oak fermenter then 20% barrel aged in French oak for 18 months before bottling. This wine is certified vegan by VegeCert. It punches well above the price with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour.

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Closson Chase ‘Churchside’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $42.00 12.0% alcohol
Rich, luscious aromas of dark berry fruit, grilled savoury herbs and charred toast abound and waft easily from the glass. A surge of delightful flavours envelop the palate with crème de cassis and black currant adorned with savoury herbs and mixed spice and oodles of tang and pizzazz. This is balanced, bountiful and beautiful from cork pop to last drop. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, deft balance, good structure, is robed in charm and elegance and underpinned with fine-grained, polished tannin. The lingering finish and aftertaste replay palate flavours. Pour with grilled rack of lamb, coq au vin or stuffed crown roast of pork. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Closson Chase ‘The Brock’ Chardonnay was sourced 100% from the KJ Watson Vineyard located in the VQA sub-appellation of Niagara River. When first brought to the winery it was destemmed and pressed then fermented 50% in stainless steel and 50% in well-seasoned, neutral oak. This is their largest Chardonnay production—900 cases. This wine is certified vegan by VegeCert. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour.

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Closson Chase ‘The Brock’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara River $25.00 (20899) 13.0% alcohol
This is pale-yellow hued on pouring along with a slight spritz. It gives up aromas of orchard fruit—green apple, Mirabelle plum and sweet vanilla before capturing the palate with a river of pure ambrosia—lemon curd and green apple robed in the delightful Yin and Yang of sweet and tang that persists to and through the balanced-on-a-pin, lip-smacking crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste. It showcases medium-body and creamy-smooth mouthfeel, great balance and a delightful finish and aftertaste. Versatile at the table, pour with steamed lobster dipped in butter or mussels steamed in white wine, cream, sliced garlic and sliced leeks. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following eight wines using this link to Locust Lane Winery There is FREE shipping with a minimum purchase of four bottles to an Ontario residence only. Once on the site you can view the tasting room hours and menu for food service at the winery. The winery is located at 4041 Locust Lane, Beamsville ON L0R 1B0. Phone 1-905-708-6006 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• The following 2020 Locust Lane Estate Winery Fumé Blanc was sourced from the VQA sub-appellation of Lincoln Lakeshore “that runs along the shore of Lake Ontario and is greatly influenced by Lake Ontario. Breezes from over the deep lake waters cool the sun-drenched vineyards in the summer, and warm them in the cooler seasons, resulting in a longer growing season and moderated conditions for steady, even ripening.” Sourced from the VQA website.

• The grapes in this wine were harvested in late September. Once the grapes were pressed, fermentation was begun in single-use, French- and American-hybrid barrels. Through extensive testing, the winemaker found the ultimate maturation time in barrel to be six months. It was then transferred to stainless steel vats for a short time for finishing and bottling process. This is a limited production gem with only about four barrels made.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Fumé Blanc 2020
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $19.95 13.5% alcohol
This is truly charming on the nose with its aromas of tropical fruit, white flower, grassy notes and a whisper of flint. This well-crafted, medium-bodied sauvignon blanc saw just enough oak contact to add body and texture to the delicious zippy flavour profile—Key lime, green pineapple, pear and Granny Smith apple—followed with a touch of white pepper persisting in the dry and slightly chalky medium-long finish. Pour alongside scallop ceviche or pear and goat cheese crostini. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir was sourced from 100% pinot noir hand-picked from a single vineyard in early October. Grapes were brought to the winery and cold soaked on skins prior to fermentation. After fermentation the wine was pressed off the skins aged in new French and American oak for eight to nine months.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $29.95 13.0% alcohol
Crunchy red cherry, beetroot, and bay leave aromas rise in the glass of this medium-bodied velvety textured red. A delicious wash of very focused tart cherry flavours is followed with peppery and earthy qualities, all wrapped in fine chalky tannins and closing with tangy and savoury delicious notes. Pair with duck confit or sausage-stuffed bell peppers in tomato sauce. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2020 Locust Lane Winery Gewürztraminer was sourced from two select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula in late September ensuring clean fruit and bright acidity. After a five-hour cold soak on their skins grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and bottled early in 2020 to preserve its natural fresh and fruity character.

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Locust Lane Winery Gewürztraminer 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 12.0% alcohol
This opens with exotic spice, rosewater and musk melon. It dazzles the palate with flavour galore—blood orange, lychee nut, ethereal incense, apricot, piquant spice and ripe honeydew melon. This is off-dry, rich, luscious and creamy smooth on the palate while persistent purity of fruit and spice replay on the finish and aftertaste. Pour this beauty with baked, bone-in ham decorated with cloves and basted with maple syrup or with spicy Asian cuisine. The price-quality tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘White Merlot – Reserve – Rosé Wine’ was sourced from 100% Merlot from the estate-owned vineyard on the iconic Beamsville Bench that were harvested late September, 2020.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘White Merlot - Reserve – Rosé Wine’ 2020
VQA Beamsville Bench $24.95 13.0% alcohol
This is a fresh, nectar of the gods that greets you with lifted aromas of red berry fruit—currants, strawberry and raspberry--with wisps of watermelon and apricot. It dazzles the palate with a full-Monty surge of gorgeous flavours of pure ambrosia. It showcases palate flavours of blood orange, ruby red grapefruit and aromatic bitters as well as excellent tang and acidity, persistent purity of fruit and flavour, deft balance, the Yin and Yang of sweet and tang, a boatload of charm and mouth-watering lengthy finish and aftertaste. What’s not to like. Pour on its own or with a deli platter or charcuterie. Pick up or order a few, you won’t be disappointed. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Merlot is 100% Merlot harvested mid-October from two select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula. The wine was fermented on the skins for about 2 weeks. After fermentation, the wine was pressed off the skins and matured in new French oak barrels for a period of 11 months.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Merlot 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromatic and alluring aromas of dark berry fruit, rose petals, toasty notes and bramble-berry jam abound with even the slightest of swirls. It envelops the palate with a laser-like line of racy acidity and pizzazz rescued by mid-palate flavours of ripe juicy black plum and notions of cherry clafoutie that persist with good acidity to and through the finish and aftertaste. Good to go now after a two-hour aeration/decant, it will mature well over the next four years of careful cellaring. Pour with grilled strip loin with a generous rub of seasoned salt. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was harvested from select sites in the VQA appellation of the Niagara Peninsula in early to mid-October. It was then fermented and matured in in new French and French-American hybrid barrels for nine months.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 13.0% alcohol
This cold climate chardonnay shows intense aromas of toasty oak, fennel seed, pear and leesy notes mingling with no obvious hierarchy. This well-crafted, medium-bodied juicy white offers tons of delicious zesty acidity—lemon rind and blood orange zest--surrounding a core of ripe peach and pear flavours, plus a nice bitter bite completing the picture, before saline notes express themselves in the very long and enjoyable finish. This is a great partner to brined roasted chicken or lemony shrimp risotto. (Louise Boutin)

• This is 100% Riesling that was sourced from two estate vineyards. Grapes were hand-harvested early in the season. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel tank at cool temperatures then the wine was finished using the Charmat Method with the secondary fermentation in tank followed by bottling under high pressure.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve - Sparkling Wine’ Riesling 2019
VQA Ontario $22.95 11.5% alcohol
You’ll be greeted with aromas of fresh green apple, lime and orange zest plus a hint of flinty minerality. A generous refreshing froth fills the palate with crisp flavours of red apple, peach and lemony notes, shifting totally dry on the tongue and leaving a mineral trail on the delicious lip-smacking finish. Don’t wait for a special occasion to open this very nice and versatile bubbly. Pair with coconut shrimp or simply with sea salt potato chips. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc was sourced from select vineyards in the VQA Niagara Peninsula appellation that were harvested in late-October, 2019. Grapes were cold soaked on skins then and aged on the skins for about two weeks to produce this nicely balanced red wine. Following fermentation, the wine was pressed off the skins and matured for 11 months in new French and American oak barrels.

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Locust Lane Estate Winery ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Muted at first, this medium-bodied, garnet shaded wine opens-up with a vigorous swirl to aromas of dry cherry, stewed prune, pencil shaving and earthy notes. Tart cherry and raspberry take the lead on the flavour profile, followed with peppery raw mushroom and savoury dry herbs enveloped in polished chalky tannins, finishing on a cured meat aftertaste. Pair with charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)

• Order by the case for delivery to your home or office via this link to Konzelmann Estate Winery.

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Konzelmann Estate Winery Vidal Icewine 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 200ml 10.0% alcohol
This small elongated dark bottle hides a medium-amber shaded nectar releasing aromas of dry apricot, golden raisin, candied orange peel and hints of botrytis, aka noble rot. A luscious honeyed liquid glides on the palate with concentrated flavours totally aligned with the aroma profile plus a bright wave of citrus acidity giving the desired balance to this amazing dessert in a glass. You can also pair this gem with creamy or hard cheese after the main course. (Louise Boutin)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Cabernet Rosé 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 11.5% alcohol
Ripe strawberry and watermelon dusted with black pepper with a backdrop of citrus peel comes to mind when nosing this 100% cabernet sauvignon rosé. This is medium-bodied, off-dry with sweet flavours of summer berry coating the palate and a recurrent enjoyable peppery note trailing in the savoury finish. This would be lovely with maple candied salmon bites. (Louise Boutin)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Pinot Grigio 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas leap from the glass with soft, lemon-lime citrus notes melding with ripe pineapple and yellow peach. It blankets the palate with dazzling flavours of honeydew melon, sugared and grilled ruby red grapefruit and oodles of tang and pizzazz. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of length with palate-flavour replays on the finish and aftertaste; it’s crisp, clean and refreshing from twist top to last drop. What’s not to like. Pour on its own as an aperitif or pair with an olive-oiled green salad adorned with crumbled chèvre, salted nuts or potato chips. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of Granny Smith apple, piquant spice and mineral notes waft easily from this nicely balanced sweet and tang, slightly off-dry riesling. Palate flavours of ripe apricot, yellow peach and peel marmalade persist through finish and aftertaste, mouth-watering and lip-smacking good. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; purchase a few and pour with fruits de mer—steamed mussels in white wine and a dash of cream and with cooked, sliced leeks, or a spicy Thai dish like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)

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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Late Harvest - Reserve Series’ Gewürztraminer 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 11.5% alcohol
This 2019 ‘Late Harvest – Reserve Series’ Gewürztraminer dishes up a fabulous nose of rosewater, touches of ginger and exotic spice aromas. It envelops the palate with a dazzling surge of Yin and Yang, sweet and tang forming this off-dry beauty with flavours of yellow plum, lychee fruit and ginger along with a ripe sweet line of grilled pineapple and a hint of cloves. This is well textured and nicely structured with a lengthy finish of palate flavours persisting throughout. Pour with Alsatian tart or a bone-in ham judiciously decorated with cloves and basted with maple syrup. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour. Pick up a few while you still can. (Vic Harradine)

• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct by toll-free phone 1-888-399-1183, from the Rosehall Run Vineyards winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0 in Prince Edward County—it’s best to call first and make an appointment—it’s an easy approximately two-hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401 - Here’s a map.

• The following flagship wine 2019 Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced quite late in the season during the third week in October when they were rewarded for their patience by harvesting exemplary chardonnay at 22 brix and 8.8g/L of acidity. The juice was gently pressed in their new Siprem tank press that uses vacuum extraction directly into the collection tank that minimizes air contact and oxidisation thereby reducing the use of sulphites in processing with just enough SO2 added to protect wine from oxidation post bottling.

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Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $36.00 12.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of exotic spice and incense precede a tang-infused stream of baking spice, pear and apple with notions of cloves and nutmeg. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty of tang and pizzazz and delicate flavours of orchard fruit. This reflects a difficult 2019 vintage in many VQA appellations in Ontario, yet winemaker Dan Sullivan did extremely well with this. Kudos! (Vic Harradine)

• Fruit for the following 2019 Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from some of their oldest vines and was hand-harvested and de-stemmed as a result of a very late harvest with cuvaison delayed almost four weeks into late November. After fermentation the wine was briefly settled and barreled down in French oak with approximately 38% new barrels and spent 17 months in barrel before being bottled in mid-May. And released the summer of 2021.

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Rosehall Run ‘JCR – Rosehall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Prince Edward County $42.00 12.0% alcohol
Light-ruby hued, this gives up aromas of beetroot and red berry fruit entwined with spice and savoury herbs. It delivers a tasty mouthful of sweet and tang on the palate delivered by flavours of pie cherry, passionfruit juxtaposed with sweeter cassis and kirsch liqueur. It settles nicely by the time it reaches mid-palate and continues its journey to a pleasing and tasty finish and aftertaste. In a word… delicious. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2013 Rosehall Run ‘Stardust – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Zero - Sparkling Wine was fashioned Méthode Traditionnelle—a.k.a. in the method of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottles you purchased-- and sourced from estate grown 57% pinot noir/43% chardonnay from their Rosehall Vineyard. Fruit was barrel fermented in older French puncheons with extended lees contact.

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 Rosehall Run ‘Stardust – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Zero - Sparkling Wine 2013
 VQA Prince Edward County $50.00 12.0% alcohol
 This elegant, vintage-dated beauty gives up aromas of green apple, caramel and yeasty notes. It forms a formidable mousse when poured and gives up a delightful stream of fine-bead bubbles in the glass. Flavours of sugared baked apple and poached pear interlaced with racy lemon zest capture the palate on entry and make their way with excellent balance and persistent purity of fruit to the back palate. It finishes with flair and more of the same. This is a stylish sparkling wine to offer guests as a welcoming wine and to continue on to be poured with hors d’oeuvres and light mains. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Rosehall Run ‘Loveless – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Rosé - Sparkling Wine was made in the Traditional Method a.k.a. in the method of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottles you purchased. This was sourced from 100% Pinot Noir from their Rosehall Vineyard. Loveless is 87% from the 2017 vintage and 13% from the 2014.

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 Rosehall Run ‘Loveless – Estate Grown and Bottled’ Brut Rosé - Sparkling Wine 2017
 VQA Prince Edward County $45.00 11.5% alcohol
There’s nothing ‘loveless’ about this aphrodisiac. Aromas of strawberry and yeasty notes waft easily from the glass before a surge of bubbles and flavours—red cherry/berry strawberry fruit intertwined with tangy ruby red grapefruit—bathes the palate. It’s attractive, even romantic in many ways—the soft pink hue, the gorgeous flavours, the balance and the lengthy, luxurious finish and aftertaste all point to this as a starter wine to a romantic evening for two. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent.com

Vintages Release: December 11, 2021

• The following 2019 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 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $24.95 (395855) 13.0% alcohol
Charred toast, dark cherry/berry fruit and exotic incense aromas precede a tang-laden river of palate flavours with racy, crunchy pie cherry and passionfruit underpinned by still-evolving tannin. This needs patience and careful cellaring from now to 2023. This is medium-bodied with good texture and plenty of good reasons to be patient. If you lose patience aerate/decant this for three hours. ‘Patience is a virtue Possess it if you can Found seldom in a woman Never in a man’ by William Langland in the late 1300’s. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Joliesse Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced with fruit primarily from Lodi, California, an AVA most known for their dark, fruit-driven wines.

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Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
California $17.95 (16564) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of black currant, juicy, black, Bing cherry and mulberry waft easily from the glass. Palate flavours of bramble berry and crème de cassis are juxtaposed with tangy red fruit—red currant and pie cherry providing the Yin and the Yang for this sweet and tang gem. It’s medium-plus bodied and pleasantly textured with satin-smooth mouthfeel and supple and subtle fine-grained tannin. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, deft balance and a lingering mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Pour with medium-rare flank steak with grilled Portobello mushrooms. (Vic Harradine

• The following 2018 Tarot ‘L’Etoile’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a red blend of 84% cabernet sauvignon/6% petit verdot/5% merlot/5%cabernet franc that were sourced from six select vineyards in northern Napa County. The wine was matured in 100% French oak with 14% new and the balance in twice and three-times used barrels.

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Tarot ‘L’Etoile’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California $49.95 (16563) 14.5% alcohol
Rich, luscious aromas of mocha, bramble berry, ripe Bing cherry and mineral notes waft easily from the glass. It envelops the palate with of surge of pure ambrosia made up of dried cherry/berry fruit, black plum compote, mulberry and crème de cassis. This glides over the palate with good texture, good mouthfeel and plenty of charm and appeal. This is medium-full bodied and showcases fine-grained, polished tannin that gives structure and body to the wine. Pour with a premium cut of beef or lamb, grilled medium-rare. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Veramonte ‘Primus’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced in the foothills of the Andes in a low-yielding vintage due to lack of rain. It has also resulted in the fruit flavours being more prominent in the finished wine—you lose some and you win some. This wine is certified organic and certified vegan friendly.

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Veramonte ‘Primus’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alto Maipo Valley, Chile $19.95 (486043) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of wood smoke, black plum, earthy notes and dark cherry/berry fruit herald a surge of palate flavours with cherry clafoutie, black cherry and an underpinning of still-evolving tannin that can be ameliorated with a simple, three-hour aeration/decant. This has oodles of tang and pizzazz, is nicely balanced and lingers with replays on the fairly brief finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside roast beef, grilled burgers, beef fajitas or burritos. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: TBD

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Organic’ Chianti Classico 2019
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $19.95 13.5% alcohol
This hand-harvested, organic red is from 100% sangiovese grapes aged 10 months in French oak barrels plus a few months in bottle. The nose is bright and fresh with red cherry and raspberry aromas, a note of cedar and cinnamon. This is medium-bodied and it flows easily on the palate with plenty of tart cherry flavour combined with earthiness all wrapped in chewy tannins leading to a pleasant dry finish with a touch of dry oregano. This is great for antipasto or spaghetti Bolognese. (Louise Boutin)

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Corte Rinieri – Riserva - Organic’ Chianti Classico 2018
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $23.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of dry cherry and sundried tomato dusted with mixed dry herbs come up the glass with a nice swirl. A softly textured flow of red cherry flavours joined with red plum, cooked brown mushroom and a piquant note take you on a spicy and earthy finish with astringent tannins. There is 5% of cabernet sauvignon in this medium-full-bodied sangiovese blend aged 14 months in new and used French oak barrels and it will be perfect for a hearty lasagna or a rare flank steak on the grill. Aerate/decant 2 hours or cellar for a couple of years. (Louise Boutin)

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Gran Selezione – Organic’ 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Thirty months of maturation in French oak barrels plus bottle ageing goes into this aromatic red—dry cherry, tobacco, potpourri and fennel seeds—very pleasant to the nose. A delicious flow of ripe red cherry and dry fig coats the palate with elegance until ripe, yet firm dusty tannins and high acidity add robustness and longevity character to this fine red. The finish is peppery and warm with red pepper and rosemary notes. This traditional medium-full bodied well crafted-red has cellaring potential but can be enjoyed now with 2 hours of aeration/decant alongside osso bucco or your favourite rare beef cut on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

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J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2020
IGP Val De Loire, France $16.95 (15774) 12.5% alcohol
This staple Loire white wine is matured in stainless steel tank on fine lees for six months. It screams freshness with its aromas of gooseberry, pineapple and thyme plus a layer of flinty minerality. The lees contact signature—round and coating mouthfeel—is noted as soon as the first sip hits the tongue, then a sharp fruit acidity—starfruit, passion fruit and lime—makes your mouth salivate. A pleasant white pepper note develops in the finish and otherwise mineral aftertaste. High acidity white wine lovers are in for a treat with this medium-bodied bottle. This is a perfect match with pesto pasta or warm, goat-cheese crostini. (Louise Boutin)

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Cave de Cleebourg Gewürztraminer 2018
AOC Alsace, France $18.95 13.5% alcohol
This straw-hued, Gold Medal winning gewürz leaps from the glass with lifted aromas of piquant spice, rosewater, mangoes and apricots; along with considerable spritz tingling the tongue with each pour. It’s fully textured with good mouthfeel and a strong, off-dry [15 g/L residual sugar], spice-laden, palate- flavour persisting through the finish and aftertaste. Pour with tarte d’Alsace or your favourite spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Corte Rinieri – Riserva’ 2016
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $23.95 13.5% alcohol
This 100% sangiovese dishes up an array of aromas with roses, gamy notes and black and red cherry/berry notes galore. It envelops the palate with a deftly balanced, creamy-smooth mouthful of gorgeous flavours with ripe mulberry, delicious bramble berry compote and an excellent melding of acidity/tannin/fruit-flavour. This is nicely textured and finishes up with a lingering delicious aftertaste. Pour with spaghetti in a Bolognese sauce. The price-quality balance swings well in your favour; pick up three or more. (Vic Harradine)

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Rubereto’ Rosso 2015
IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy $19.95 13.5% alcohol
There are beguiling aromas of dark juice berry fruit, pipe tobacco, grilled savoury herbs and floral notes in this 60% sangiovese/ 40% cabernet franc red gem. It captures the palate with a surge of fruit flavours— black, juicy Bing cherry, ripe black currant and bramble berry—decorated with spice, wonderful acidity and plenty of pizzazz. A monumentally long finish and aftertaste help make this a pleasing, unique tasting experience. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up a half-dozen or more. Serve with Spanish paella. (Vic Harradine)

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Tenuta Orsumella ‘Gran Selezione’ 2018
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit, leather and piquant spice abound on the nose of this ‘Gran Selezione’ red wine. It bursts over the palate with a satin-smooth river of fruit-driven ambrosia with dark cherry, juicy black plum, and bramble berry robed in excellent tang and acidity, underpinned with supple ripe tannin and lengthy in the finish and aftertaste. This is fair value, nicely textured, well balanced, fruit forward and simply delicious. Pair and pour with osso buco or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Provolo ‘Costa Del Monte’ is certified organic. It was sourced from 60% Müller-Thurgau/40% Chardonnay vines with an average age of 10 years planted at 900 meters above sea level. The fruit was hand-harvested then macerated on skins for six hours at 10 °C before being fermented in stainless steel for 20 days at controlled temperatures of 10-14 °C. It then matured in stainless steel for three to four months then kept in bottle for a further two months before being released. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up an armful, then go back for more.

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Provolo ‘Costa Del Monte’ 2020
IGT Bianco Veneto. Italy $17.95 13.0% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of exotic spice, soft citrussy notes and wisps of white flowers dominate the nose of this 60% müller-thurgau/40% chardonnay white blend. It’s crisp and refreshing with lemon-lime cordial, and hints of pineapple and honeydew melon being prominent as palate flavours in this just off-dry beauty. Light-medium bodied with good mouthfeel, it replays palate flavours throughout the dry finish. Pour with all manner of fish or seafood or as an aperitif or with lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Rocca Sveva ‘Soave Classico’ was sourced from 100% garganega grapes that were gently pressed with the must being gravity settled then fermented and aged in stainless steel for approximately 6 months. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before pouring to allow the wine to show at its best.

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Rocca Sveva ‘Soave Classico’ 2020
DOC Soave, Italy $17.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, minerality and soft citrus tones precede a gusher of balanced-on-a-pin palate- flavours of the Yin and Yang of sweet and tang with lemon pastille and lime cordial intertwined with a squeeze of fresh lemon and passionfruit. It’s medium weight with excellent creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a deftly balanced finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or alongside mussels steamed in white wine, cream, garlic and cut-up leeks or with pan-seared white fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Rocca Sveva Pinot Grigio was sourced from 100% pinot grigio grapes that were gently pressed with the must being gravity settled then fermented and matured in stainless steel for approximately 6 months. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before pouring to allow the wine to show at its best.

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Rocca Sveva Pinot Grigio 2020
DOC Garda, Italy $17.95 12.5% alcohol
The delicate nose gives little away in terms of aromas—wisps of mineral notes and notions of citrus. It bathes the palate with a balanced and beautiful stream of green apple, Meyer lemon and white grapefruit juxtaposed with ripe, grilled pineapple and notions of Key lime pie and replays all of them on the mid- length finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or with lighter-styled appetizers or a salad of arugula with an olive-oil dressing decorated with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ – Now to November 7, 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) from now to November 7, 2021.

White Wines

• The following five wines will have a discount of $2.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from now to November 7, 2021

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 Anselmi ‘San Vincenzo’
 IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 (948158) 12.5% alcohol
 An über-savoury nose of grassy notes and sprigs of savoury 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)

• The following Flat Rock Cellars Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.

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 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $17.95 (43281) 11.0% alcohol
 Aromas of yellow peach and green apple drizzled with lime mingle with piquant spice and mineral notes on the nose of this lovely off-dry riesling. It envelops the palate with a tang-laden surge of lime cordial and lemon curd persisting through the finish and aftertaste decorated with wisps of saline minerality. It’s quite food friendly; pour alongside spicy Asian fare like tandoori chicken or moo shu pork or Moroccan-style lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)

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 La Crema Chardonnay
 Sonoma Coast $29.95 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
 This is an elegant chardonnay with subtle oak aromas on the nose combined with notes of apple and minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with zesty acidity delivering green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is tangy and underlined with clean minerality. This will evolve nicely in the cellar for a few years, and can be enjoyed with shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)

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 Mer Soleil ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay
 Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County $29.95 (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)

• The following 2017 Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores.

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 Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (89029) 10.0% alcohol
 An assortment of hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula fashioned this delectable fruit-forward, off-dry, low-alcohol gem. Fragrant petrol notes introduce ripe nectarine, grapefruit, Asian pear aromas and a whiff of nutmeg. The palate’s mellow with rich, stone fruit flavours flirting with perfectly balanced acidity and minerality. This is perfect to sip on its own or paired with pomelo and spicy crab salad. (Louise Boutin)

• The following wine will have a discount of $3.00 taken off the price shown below for each bottle purchased from now to November 7, 2021

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)

Red Wines

• The following 10 red wines are $2.00 per bottle off the price shown below from now to November 7, 2021

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13th Street Gamay Noir
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (177824) 13.0% alcohol
 Smoke, spice and gamy notes roll from this juicy, lively, rustic gamay. The palate’s treated to a medium-bodied, nicely textured mouthful of red and dark berry fruit robed in excellent racy acidity along with mixed spice and bacon notes persisting through the dry finish. For full enjoyment, aerate/decant a couple of hours before pouring. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Bodega Y Viñedos Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec is Catena Zapata’s flagship malbec wine sourced from high mountain vines planted in four estate vineyards throughout Mendoza’s premium sub-regions. It spent 12 months in French oak barrels from new to second-year and third-year use. Catena Zapata was named, ‘The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ in 2020 by Drinks International. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pick up a case and drink over the next ten or more years.

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 Bodega Y Viñedos Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec
 Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (478727) 13.5% alcohol
 Aromas of sweet vanilla, oaky notes and leather precede a lively gusher of spice-laden dark cherry/berry fruit with black currant, red cherry and blueberry to the fore. This showcases its high altitude vineyards, deft balance, good weight and texture and plenty of tangy acidity throughout. It also delivers in spades through the delicious and lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside grilled rare to medium-rare beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)

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 Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
 WO Paarl, South Africa $17.95 (328567) 13.0% alcohol
 Smoky, earthy and dried cherry aromatics waft from the glass of this medium-bodied red. There are a good deal of sweet, black, ripe cherry and plum flavours with hints of chocolate and tar in the involved flavour profile. All this is wrapped around perceptible tannins and oaky notes that may need some time to quiet down. Drink now with rare or medium-rare pepper steak. (Vic Harradine)

• The 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)

90
 Dandelion Vineyards ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’ Shiraz
 Barossa, Australia $21.95 (167189) 14.5 % alcohol
 Produced from old-vine shiraz, many over 100 years of age, this value-laden beauty spent 18 months in French oak barrel and was left unfiltered before bottling. Abundant dark fruit aromas—blackberry, cassis and black currant—sprinkled with anise and baking spices rise easily from the glass. Dry, full bodied with velvety tannin, succulent dark fruit flavours dominate the palate adorned with spice and earthy notes while a note of mint permeates the long finish. Pair with herb-encrusted rack of lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot is a recent, welcomed edition to the Vintages Essentials portfolio and always available in select stores. Fruit was sourced from a number of sites in cooler plots and aged 12 months in oak barrel after 100% malolactic conversion. There’s a generous splash of 9% Malbec in here, accentuating fruit and complexity.

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 J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot
 Paso Robles, California $22.95 (27516) 13.5% alcohol
 Black plum compote, black cherry and baking spice introduce a deftly balanced stream of dark ripe fruit—black currant, juicy Bing cherry—interwoven with dark bittersweet chocolate, sharp spice and an excellent dollop of juicy tang. This is medium-plus bodied with satin-smooth mouthfeel and is fruit forward throughout—the finish is rich, complex, tangy and lengthy. Pour with grilled steak or burgers dressed with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)

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 Joel Gott ‘815’ Cabernet Sauvignon
 California $24.95 (444059) 13.9% alcohol
 Savory herbs, gamy notes and charred toast aromas herald a medium-bodied nicely textured stream of rich dark fruit—cherry and black currant—intertwined with racy tang, sweet vanilla and dark bittersweet chocolate underpinned by still-evolving tannin. Aerate/decant for an hour or two hours before pouring with well-seasoned, grilled striploin. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Bodegas Lan Crianza is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores. It’s also an inexpensive way to taste what will be a $30 or $40 wine when released from the winery some five or more years from now as a ‘Reserva’ or a ‘Gran Reserva’ wine.

92
 Bodegas Lan Crianza
 DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (166538) 13.5% alcohol
 Sexy aromas of exotic spice and incense interweave with soft, ripe, dark berry fruit and flecks of mocha. It bathes the palate with a rich and balanced wash of black raspberry and dark cherry flavours underpinned by ripe chalky tannin and framed by excellent acidity and purity of fruit. It’s medium-plus bodied with deft balance and a lengthy finish. Pour on its own, after a two-hour aeration/decant or alongside prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)

90
 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
 IGT Toscana $29.95 (964221) 14.0% alcohol
 A highly anticipated, perennial favourite, this blend of 67% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 13% sangiovese, is ready to drink, fair value and shouldn’t disappoint. Dark berry fruit, piquant spice and mint aromas abound before dishing up a focused line of crunchy pie cherry and tart passionfruit scurrying across the palate adorned with notions of mixed spice and mocha, This is medium bodied with silky-smooth texture and soft ripe tannin. Drink now after a three-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

89
Porcupine Ridge Syrah
 WO Swartland, South Africa $16.95 (595280) 14.0% alcohol
 Balanced and brimming with beautiful fruit, this has structure, a lingering aftertaste and oodles of charm—a $14.95 red (includes discount) tasting $20 and more. Red berry fruit, floral notes and mineral on the nose, this bursts on the palate with a balanced, persistent wash of briary berry and juicy black Bing cherry adorned by mixed spice. It’s medium-full weight with lovely mouth feel and a mouth-watering lively finish—each sip’s better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)

• The following red wine is $2.50 per bottle off the price shown below from now to November 7, 2021

89
 Penfolds ‘Koonunga Hill’ Shiraz – Cabernet
 South Australia $19.95 (285544) 13.5% alcohol
 This is rich and perfumed on the nose releasing dark dusty aromas of cherry, mint and mixed dark berry fruit. On the palate there’s a delicious wave of flavour with mouth-coating succulent Bing cherry mingling with ripe mulberry and lip-smacking tart cranberry. It finishes balanced, lingering and delicious. Leaving little to be desired, it’s full value, and then some. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 3 red wines are $3.00 per bottle off the price shown below from now to November 7, 2021

91
 Rodney Strong ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $29.95 (954834) 14.5% alcohol
 This is a premium pinot from the fabulous cool-climate appellation of Russian River Valley. It’s part California with ripe fruit and oodles of it, and part Burgundy with good structure and lip-smacking acidity for excellent balance. There’s red cherry with wisps of red currant and mixed spice on the nose and palate joined by ripe black berry and notions of beetroot on the finish and lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

89
 A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir
 Oregon $27.95 (229781) 13.5% alcohol
 Opening with spice and floral aromas this washes over the palate with rich dark fruit flavour—briary berry and juicy, dark, Bing cherry—interlaced with earthy/toasty notes. This is medium bodied and nicely textured with a balanced, bountiful finish and aftertaste. There are strong earthy/mushroom notes on the aftertaste adding a positive dimension to the tasting experience. Pour with smoked and grilled duck breasts or grilled root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Trius red blend—cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/merlot—was matured 12 months in French and American oak.
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 red wine is $4.00 per bottle off the price shown below from now to November 7, 2021

89
Château Pipeau
 AOC St-Émilion Grand Cru $43.95 (302018) 13.5% alcohol
 This is opaque in the glass with smoky, tarry, pipe tobacco aromas heralding rich, luscious flavours of cassis, black berry and sweet, ripe mulberry interweaving with racy red currant. It’s mid-full bodied with fleshy mouth feel and a balanced lengthy finish underpinned by perceptible, unresolved tannin. Aerate/decant three, full hours and serve with grilled, rare strip loin or wait and pour 2022-2026. (Vic Harradine)

• The following red wine is $5.00 per bottle off the price shown below from now to November 7, 2021

91
 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
 Knights Valley, California $44.95 (352583) 14.8% alcohol
 This blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, matured 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Dark cherry, plum compote, chipotle, baking spice and violet aromas showcase the complex nose. Silky soft on palate entry with flavours of ripe black cherry, clove and vanilla, it shows a firmer profile mid palate with tight tannin and flavours of cocoa powder, freshly cracked black peppercorn and a wisp of red plum acidity through the finish and aftertaste. This is full-bodied with cellaring potential; enjoy now to 2024 with juicy rare prime rib after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)

Please stay safe and best wishes, always; Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic