February 14, 2022 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- Don’t miss taking a look at the many wines from Argentina in the newsletter
- 95 points and over – Three wines rang the 95 points and over bell—Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut Non-Vintage 2018 earned 95 points @ $739.95 (1500 mL - magnum) found under Champagne; Bodegas Caro ‘Amancaya’ Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon earned 95 points @ $23.95 found under Argentina: Red Wine and 2018 El Enemigo Chardonnay earned 95 points @ $24.95 found under New in Vintages (and available NOW)
- Exceptional-value wine – There are exceptional-value wines found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the
icon checkmark. Happy hunting! - Lisa likes - Marie-Pierre Manciat Brut Crémant de Bourgogne Non-Vintage earned 92 points @ $26.95 found under Sparkling Wine.
- Vic Picks – 2018 Bodegas Caro ‘Amancaya’ Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon earned 95 points @ $23.95 found under Argentina: Red Wine; Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine earned 95 points @ $49.95 375 mL found under New in Vintages (and available NOW); 2018 El Enemigo Chardonnay earned 95 points @ $24.95 found under New in Vintages (and available NOW).
Vintages Release: February 19, 2022
Champagne
• The following Non-Vintage Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut is crafted at Cattier, a Champagne house since the mid-1700s. Its recent incredible surge in sales/popularity is due to a long-time fan, now majority owner, American rapper, Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter. It’s a blend of 40% pinot noir/40% chardonnay/20% pinot meuniere from premium vineyards and an assemblage of the 2009, 2010, 2012 vintages. This magnum is packaged in an opaque, gold-coloured bottle.
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Armand de Brignac ‘Ace of Spades - Gold’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne, France $739.95 (438820) 1500 mL 12.5% alcohol
Floral and biscuit aromas on the nose precede endless streams of miniscule bubbles in the glass. This is elegant and refined, but doesn’t lack in texture—it’s creamy/dreamy smooth—flavour or complexity. A firm flow of lemon-lime tang, ripe apple and notions of grilled pineapple persist on the palate and lengthy finish. It’s crisp and refreshing, delicious and elegant. (tasting note above from tasting wine from a 750 mL bottle) (Vic Harradine)
Sparkling Wine
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Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace, France $19.95 (39016) 12.5% alcohol
This 100% Pinot Noir is produced Méthode Traditionnelle punching well above its price and worthy of a multiple purchase. It pours fine mousse in the glass with the liquid a stunning copper-pink hue. Aromas of strawberry, spice and floral notes provide segue to a glorious gusher of palate flavours with ruby red grapefruit, blood orange and just-picked wild strawberries to the fore. It’s elegant and charming, medium bodied and just off-dry, balanced and beautiful with a lengthy, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
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Marie-Pierre Manciat Brut Crémant de Bourgogne Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant de Bourgogne $26.95 (402362) 12.5% alcohol
This traditional-method sparkling wine from southern Burgundy entices the nose with caramel apple, lemon zest and toasty biscuit notes from time spent on its lees in the bottle. It has a generous palate of zesty citrus, ripe apple and brioche leading to a long, full and frothy finish. A good value Crémant, it’s well balanced with lively acidity and a delicate effervescence. (Lisa Isabelle)
Argentina: White Wine
• The following 2020 Susana Balbo Wines ‘Crios’ Chardonnay is a tribute to her two children, Ana and José (‘Crios is Spanish for ‘kids’) who now work beside their mother in furthering their environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility as well as forging a legacy. The 100% chardonnay grapes were hand-harvested from high Andean vineyards with an average of 1050 M asl as well as being of premium-quality fruit. The fruit was destemmed and gently crushed then fermented at a controlled 12 °C for 20 days with selected yeast and then in contact with its lees for three months in second and third use barrels of French and American oak.
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Susana Balbo Wines ‘Crios’ Chardonnay 2020
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of delicate flowers and Meyer lemon mingle with notes of minerality on the nose of this delightful chardonnay. It captures the palate with flavours of pineapple, Granny Smith apple and plenty of tang and pizazz. It’s textured with creamy smooth mouthfeel and finishes in a flourish—crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with fish, shellfish or sushi. The price-quality ratio is skewed well in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
Argentina: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Bodegas Caro ‘Amancaya’ Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon was produced by a partnership of the Rothschild and Catena families that was forged in 1999. They are both icons in their own country with the Catena family producing fabulous malbec and the Rothschild family doing the same with cabernet sauvignon predominant. This red blend from Argentina is 70% malbec and 30% cabernet sauvignon that saw half of the wine spend 12 months in oak barrels, 1/3rd new, while the other half spent its time in concrete tanks. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up an armful.
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Bodegas Caro ‘Amancaya’ Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Lujàn de Cuyo & Paraje Altimara, Mendoza, Argentina $23.95 (21999) 14.5% alcohol
Piquant spice and grilled savoury herbs intertwine with rich luscious aromas of vanilla, bramble berry and hints of cassis. It surges over the palate with satin smooth texture and mouthfeel from a deftly balanced wash of Bing cherry, black plum and black currant adorned with herbs and plenty of tangy acidity that persists with purity of fruit from cork pop to final drop. This is well balanced throughout and showcases a well-made wine with plenty to offer. Serve with flank steak or braised lamb shank. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Humberto Canale ‘Intimo’ Malbec springs from a winery founded in 1909 and is now owned and managed by 5th generation family owners and winemakers from one of the most southerly wineries in the world. They enjoy some of the cleanest air in the world and purest water, as well. The clean air aids luminosity while the pure water supply irrigates the vineyards. Why not take up the challenge from the winery to ‘taste a bit of Patagonia’ in this 100% malbec?
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Humberto Canale ‘Intimo’ Malbec 2019
Rio Negro, Patagonia Argentina $14.95 (144725) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of pipe tobacco, exotic spice and dark cherry/berry fruit abound on the nose of this gem. It glides easily over the palate with bramble berry, blueberry, black Bing cherry and excellent tang and pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with creamy mouthfeel and is deftly balanced with soft, ripe tannin, lip-smacking tang and fruit-forward palate flavours all playing nicely together. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour, back up the van. Pours well on its own or with grilled beef or low and slow cooked pork back ribs. (Vic Harradine)
France: White Wine
• The following 2020 Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve – Spéciale’ Viognier was sourced from low-yielding estate vines that were pressed on arrival at the winery then placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Fermentation is under cool and controlled temperature while malo-lactic fermentation was halted.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve – Spéciale’ Viognier 2020
IGP Pays d’Oc, France 14.95 (147975) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of honey-drizzled Bartlett pear, fragrant, sweet melon and notions of ripe apricot dominate the nose. It blankets the palate with sharp minerality, tangy blood orange, peach marmalade and hints of lemon curd delivering more of the same on the finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Refreshing on its own, it shines with lemon chicken, seafood and line-caught freshwater fish… pickerel anyone? (Vic Harradine)
France: Red Wine
• ‘An 806’ is a reference to the year in which Château de Peyrepertuse was traced back. Its citadels are still dominating the vineyard where this GSM grape blend was sourced. The syrah portion goes through carbonic maceration and the blend is matured in French oak for eight months plus a few additional months of bottle ageing before release.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘An 806’ Corbières 2018
AOP Corbières $17.95 (394288) 14.5% alcohol
This hand-harvested blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre shows-up with fresh aromas of blackberry compote, strawberry, pepper and dry bush. Medium-full-bodied on the palate, it carries flavours of black plum, mocha and tobacco notes enveloped in fine grippy tannin. The alcohol is well integrated and the finish and aftertaste are defined with nice tang and an herbaceous flair. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside juicy flank steak and grilled mixed bell peppers. (Louise Boutin)
New in Vintages (the following wines are in Vintages NOW)
• The following 2018 El Enemigo Chardonnay was sourced from 100% chardonnay vines planted in calcareous soil at 1470 M asl. It was vinified at 18 °C in French oak barrel, 35% new, using indigenous yeast then matured nine months in those 500 L barrels.
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El Enemigo Chardonnay 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (482984) 13.5%
Floral and citrus aromas dominate the nose of this gem preceding a deftly balanced stream of palate flavours with green apple, Meyer lemon and ripe pear to the fore. There’s persistent purity of fruit, delightful medium-full bodied texture and creamy mouthfeel along with a lip-smacking line of mouth-watering tang and pizzazz to and through the clean, crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Lovely sipped on its own, it also pours well alongside Sunday roast chicken, crown roast of pork or line-caught freshwater fish pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 El Enemigo ‘El Baranco Vineyard’ Bonarda was planted some time ago in sand and river stone soils at 650 M asl. It was fermented by wild yeast at a maximum temperature of 28 °C for 15 days then a further 25 days of maceration before aging in 100-year-old foudres for 12 months.
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El Enemigo ‘El Baranco Vineyard’ Bonarda 2017
Mendoza, Argentina $21.95 (15132) 13.5%
Black currant and damson plum aromas mingle with dark cherry and grilled savory herbs on the nose. It’s a bit grippy on the palate from ripe, but still-evolving tannin while the palate flavours of pie cherry and red currant are juxtaposed to ripe black plum and notions of crème de cassis. It’s medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel and plenty of texture throughout and good balance of acidity, tannin and palate flavour. It finishes balanced and bountiful. Give this a go with a premium cut of beef tenderloin grilled medium-rare. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 El Enemigo ‘El Mirador Vineyard’ Bonarda was vinified aged, etc. and is almost a carbon copy of the ‘El Baranco Vineyard’ above.
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El Enemigo ‘El Mirador Vineyard’ Bonarda 2017
Mendoza, Argentina $21.95 (15120) 13.5%
Aromas of mixed spice, dark cherry/berry fruit and notions of sprigs of herbs abound on the nose. It envelops the palate with a fruit-forward, smooth and balanced stream of palate flavours with piquant spice, bramble berry and passionfruit along with ripe, smooth tannin, delectable tang and acidity from cork pop to last drop. There’s persistent purity of fruit and a lingering finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside braised beef and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon from vines with an average age of 40 years that was sourced exclusively from estate vineyards at 800 to 1000 m above sea level. The grapes were manually harvested with bunch selection and de-stemming. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28 °C using selected yeasts. It was then matured in French and American oak barrels for 14 months before being gently filtered and bottled.
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Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipú & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $18.95 (128629) 14.3% alcohol
Rich and luscious on the nose, this cabernet sauvignon freely gives up aromas of dark cherry fruit, bramble berry jam along with mixed spice and smoky notes. It envelops the palate with a tidal wave of delectable flavours with black plum and passionfruit mingling with piquant spice and grilled savoury herbs. It’s generously textured with good mouthfeel and an extended finish and aftertaste. The winery suggests a pairing with wild boar, if you find yourself out of wild boar, give rare-grilled venison a chance with a side of roasted root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Viña Real Crianza – Rioja was sourced from a blend of hand-harvested estate vineyards of tempranillo/garnacha/mazuelo. It was aged at least 12 months in French and American oak casks then rests for a number of months at the winery in bottle before being released. It’s accredited vegan friendly. The exceptional-value, price-quality balance both tip wildly in your favour. Pick up a few and open now until 2030.
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Viña Real Crianza - Rioja 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 (657411) 13.5% alcohol
Fresh and lively aromas of spice- and herb-infused red cherry berry fruit precedes a balanced and bountiful river of palate flavours with tang-laden pie cherry and red currant melding wonderfully with black currant. Drying tannins underpin the back palate, finish and aftertaste—they are easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration/decant. It finishes with a flourish of tangy pizzazz. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce with meatballs or hamburgers grilled in a grill pan on and in the oven from now until spring when you can move to the outside grill. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $49.95 (430561) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
This is a perennial favourite showcasing excellent acidity and ripe, sweet, fruit flavours that are perfect partners in this delicious offering. Aromas of peach, pear and wisps of minerality unleash a flow of palate-enveloping flavours—baked apple and poached pear interlace with crisp green apple, sharp ginger and lemony tang in a crescendo of balanced and beautiful ambrosia. It all replays on the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Gorgeous now, will develop depth and complexity with bottle age. Pour on its own or with premium blue-veined cheese, fruit flan or pan-seared foie gras. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 CVNE ‘Imperial – Reserva’ is a hand-harvested red blend of 85% tempranillo and 15% graciano/mazuelo/garnacha with all vines bush trained and over 40 years old. Grapes were alcoholic fermented using indigenous yeasts then the wine was aged for two years in French and American with all new barrels. It then aged a further one year in bottle before being released.
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C.V.N.E. ‘Imperial – Reserva’ 2016
DOCa Rioja, Spain $39.95 (424390) 14.0% alcohol
Highly perfumed and alluring on the nose, the aromas of floral notes, mulled spice and red berry fruit assert themselves easily. A tang- and herb-laden river of flavours with red and black cherry fruit and oodles of savoury herbs and notions of minerality make their way to the lingering finish and aftertaste. Pour with prawn and chorizo paella or your favourite tapas meat dish, perhaps grilled oxtail. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Veramonte ‘Primus – The Blend’ is certified sustainable and accredited Vegan on the back label of the bottle.
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Veramonte ‘Primus – The Blend’ 2019
D.O. Apalta, Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (712463) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of charred wood and exotic incense decorated with wild berry fruit abound on the nose of this red blend. It surges over the palate with a gusher of flavour with dark berry fruit, black juicy cherry and mouth-watering tang and acidity persisting to and through the finish and aftertaste underpinned by ripe tannin and decorated with grilled savoury herbs. It’s good to go now and pairs well with hearty beef stew or rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO ‘Limited Time Offers’ Now to February 27, 2022
• 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 February 27th, 2022, unless otherwise notified in the newsletter below.
White Wines
• The following three white wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below from now to February 27, 2022.
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Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (286278) 13.0% alcohol
Medium yellow-gold hued, this leaps from the glass with lifted aromas of baking spice, toasty notes, pineapple and caramel. It envelops the palate with a medium-plus bodied, well-textured river of ripe apple and tingling citrus acidity with oodles of nerve, verve and pizzazz expressed as white grapefruit on the back palate and aftertaste. This will be divine paired with freshly shucked Malpec oysters, prawn ceviche or pan-seared white fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Kim Crawford Chardonnay
Marlborough/Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (991950) 13.5% alcohol
This popular and exceptional-value chardonnay is clean and fresh on the nose with lots of mineral, peach, and floral aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of apple and peach that fade in a luxuriously refreshing finish. Enjoy with Camembert cheese. (Dave Isaacs)
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Willm ‘Réserve’ Riesling
AOC Alsace, France $19.95 (11452) 12.5% alcohol
A perennial favourite for many years, this dishes up lifted aromas of peach, pear and apple interlaced with white flowers and lemon zest. The palate’s treated to mouthfuls of tang-infused flavours with Key lime, white grapefruit and hints of flinty minerality. This is medium bodied with persistent purity of tang and fruit. It finishes lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)
• The following white wine receives a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below now to February 27th, 2022.
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Oyster Bay Chardonnay
Marlborough, New Zealand $19.95 (326728) 13.5% alcohol
Tropical fruit, citrus and sweet vanilla aromas abound on this tangy, generously textured, value-packed beauty. Rivers of nicely balanced flavour pour from the bottle with lemon chiffon pie, crisp grapefruit and spiced yellow plum to the fore. It’s mid weight sporting a mid-length finish that’s crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside grilled white fish, roast chicken or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wines
• The following seven red wines receive a $2.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below now to February 27th, 2022.
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Borsao ‘Tres Picos’ Garnacha
DO Campo de Borja, Spain $19.95 (273748) 15.0% alcohol
This gem has developed quite the following. Aromas of black plum, fig and savory herbs set the tone for a rich, hedonistic river of bramble berry and black currant robed in lip-smacking acidity adorned with peppery notes and fennel. There are ripe fine-grained tannin adding structure and interest. It’s nicely balanced with a fruit and tang-filled finish. (Vic Harradine)
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Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State $19.95 (210047) 14.0% alcohol
This is a lovely red with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. A subdued nose of mixed spice and dark cherry/berry fruit unleashes a delectable wash of balanced and beautiful flavours with red and black currant and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. It’s medium bodied with generous texture and long, balanced finish showcasing delicious ripe fruit. Each sip is as good as or better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodegas Julian Chivite ‘Gran Fuedo Reserva’
DO Navarra $18.95 (479014) 13% alcohol
Here’s a red blend—tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot—delivering a delicious mouthful of flavour-packed value. Black currant, spice, minty cherry and cassis on the nose and palate, it washes over the palate in waves with a good underpinning of dusty tannin. Mid weight with a generous mouth feel, the lingering well-balanced finish is fruit-forward and refreshing. Great with grilled t-bone, ribs or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
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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)
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Small Gully ‘The Formula’ Robert’s Shiraz
South Australia $19.95 (142935) 15.9% alcohol
This is a crowd-pleasing, single-vineyard red with rich, ripe, robust flavours. Toasty oak, extra-ripe, dark berry fruit and notions of roasted herbs herald a creamy smooth, medium-plus-bodied wash of sweet, ripe dark cherry and mulberry garnished with black plum compote and kirsch liqueur. The finish layers on more of the same. Pour with grilled, smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Wakefield ‘Estate Label’ Shiraz
Clare Valley, South Australia $19.95 (943787) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black cherry, berry and plum intertwine with baking spice and cocoa on the nose of this value-packed shiraz. It spreads over the palate creamy smooth and medium-plus bodied while unleashing a gusher of fruit-forward flavour of ripe mulberry, black plum and ripe Bing cherry adorned with balancing tang and a boatload of pizzazz. It showcases persistent purity of fruit, is balanced on a pin and sports a dry, delectable finish with palate replays plus a hint of cassis and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Pour with friends and slow-cooked lamb shoulder or grilled rack of lamb. Pick up a few and drink over the next seven or eight years. (Vic Harradine)
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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)
• The following four red wines receive a $3.00 discount on each bottle purchased from the regular price shown below January 31st to February 27th, 2022.
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Marchesi de' Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta di Castiglioni’
IGT Toscana, Italy $22.95 (145920) 13.0% alcohol
This red blend—cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/sangiovese—matured 12 months in French oak barriques and a further two months in bottle before release. Alluring aromas of red and black berry fruit mingle with mocha on the nose of this medium-bodied, nicely textured gem. It bathes the palate with a round, smooth stream of red currant and pie cherry interlaced with mixed spice and grilled savory herbs. It finishes dry, lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)
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Perrin & Fils ‘Les Sinards’
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $39.95 (926626) 14.0% alcohol
From one of the world’s iconic wine-making families - Primum Familiae Vini, this dishes up warm aromas of dark cherry, black plum compote and espresso roast. It’s complex and interesting on the palate with red and black currant interwoven with hints of cassis and toasty notes. Medium-full bodied, nicely textured with a juicy, tangy lengthy aftertaste and supple tannin underpinning, you won’t be disappointed with this—ideal for drinking and gifting. (Vic Harradine)
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Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (322586) 14.0% alcohol
There’s great value here. Ripe, juicy, red cherry/berry fruit, exotic spice and grilled savory herb aromas abound. It cuts a broad, complex swath across the palate with a nicely textured, medium-plus bodied flow of bramble berry and juicy black cherry mingling with sweet vanilla, baking spice, cracked black pepper and a wisps of soft, ripe tannin. The balanced finish and aftertaste is robust, lengthy and mouth-watering good. (Vic Harradine)
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Travaglini Gattinara
DOCG Gattinara $32.95 (713354) 13.5% alcohol
This 100% nebbiolo was sourced from vines ranging from 12 to 45 years of age. It’s medium-red with an expressive nose of tobacco, mint, spice, raspberry and cocoa powder. This is medium bodied with a refreshing balance of acid, flavours of juicy plum and smooth tannins that seem diminished at first but grow in intensity toward the finish. Drink now after a two-hour aeration/decant or cellar until 2023. It’ll pair well with braised duck. (Dave Isaacs)
Other Wines and Spirits
• The following two wines will have $2.00 discounted from the regular price shown below for each bottle purchased from now to February 27th, 2022.
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Foss Marai Prosecco ‘Extra Dry’ Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco $19.95 (729392) 11.5% alcohol
A tempting nose of floral and citrussy notes tingle the nose and provide a fitting entry to this very well-priced sparkler. Nothing complicated, but everything is in balance, from the frothy attack of tropical fruit flavours and lemon zest to the lovely tang of acidity on the finish. Serve well chilled to guests as a welcoming wine. (Vic Harradine)
• 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, New Zealand $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 wine will have $3.00 discounted from the regular price shown below for each bottle purchased from now to February 27th, 2022.
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Kittling Ridge Vidal Icewine
VQA Ontario $29.95 (563247) 375 mL 10.3% alcohol
Mango, melon, honey and apricot aromas dominate the nose of this über sweet, luscious icewine. A full-Monty tsunami wave of texture and flavour blankets the palate with baked apple, peach marmalade, ripe mango and wisps of lemon chiffon pie enveloping the palate with gusto. It finishes with replays, sweet and unctuous. This is dessert in a glass; serve on its own as the only course for dessert or pair with chunks of Stilton and water biscuits. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will have $5.00 discounted from the regular price shown below for each bottle purchased from now to February 27th, 2022.
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Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
VQA Ontario $49.95 (388306) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
This vidal icewine from Niagara expresses itself without reservation starting with lifted aromas of apricot, lemon and earthy notes. It blankets the palate with a textured wash of apricot tart, lime-soaked guava and orange marmalade. Lemon zest and grilled pineapple provide semblance balance on the finish and aftertaste. Serve well chilled on its own or paired with fruit flan or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• Earn 190 Aeroplan bonus points for the following wine from now to February 26th, 2022 when purchased in-store only.
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Charles Smith ‘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)
Vintages Release: TBD, 2022
• The following wine is 100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso—a rare grape variety in that the stalks and stems on ripe grapes also turn red just before harvest. It is thought to have its origin in Italy and is now grown primarily in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and is primed for short term cellaring of one to four years after the vintage harvest of 2020. [91][drink][v]
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Società Agricola Valpanera ‘Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso’ 2020
DOC Friuli, Italy $16.95 (10080) alcohol 13.0%
Aromatic and complex on the nose—aromas of black cherry/berry fruit juxtaposed with passion fruit and red currant robed in savoury herbs and piquant mixed spice and oodles of bramble berry. It envelops the palate with a river of black currant and black Bing cherry medium weight with good texture and smooth, mellow mouthfeel. It finishes crisp, clean and delicious. Pour with crispy wings, beef tortillas or burgers. (Vic Harradine)
Stay safe, stay healthy, then tell and show someone you love that you love them.
Best wishes, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic