April 13, 2022 Newsletter
Special Feature - Malbec World Day – April 17th 2022
Why April 17th? – On April 17, 1853, the government of Mendoza took the first steps to make wine production an important industry focus for the country, which led to the establishment of the country’s first agricultural school to focus on winemaking.
The following 14 wines should all be available in LCBO retail stores by April 17, 2022 - most are there now.
• In 1999 Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker, founded her namesake wine brand - Susana Balbo Wines - and the Dominio del Plata winery in Lujàn de Cuyo, Mendoza. Today, alongside her son José and daughter Ana, Balbo focuses on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Balbo was the first president of Wines of Argentina and, in 2019, she chaired the Buenos Aires W20 summit, a group within the G20 organization that promotes gender equity in the world’s 20 leading economies. The following wine was sourced from estate-vineyard malbec-97% and merlot-3% planted and harvested at 1250 M above sea level at Altamira, Uco Valley. Mendoza. There’s good value in the following wine.
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Susana Balbo Wines ‘Signature’ Malbec 2019
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $20.95 (79798) 14.5% alcohol
In spite of its dense appearance in the glass, it’s almost opaque, it’s smooth and mellow on the palate. Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit and wisps of judiciously used and well-integrated oak add interest and depth on the palate with juicy ripe mulberry and © Ribena robed in tang-infused red pie cherry and notions of blood orange. This is medium-plus bodied with firm texture and structure and persistent purity of fruit throughout. Give this a go with grilled medium-rare skirt steak. (Vic Harradine)
• Terrazas de los Andes is a Mendoza project owned by luxury brand LVMH with vineyards located throughout premium areas in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Terrazas de los Andes selects grapes from its more than 500 vineyard hectares. Its northernmost and southernmost parcels are 925 km apart, offering a diverse selection of grapes for the winery’s portfolio. Winemaker and Technical Director Marcos Fernandez has been making wine in Mendoza for 22 years and has worked alongside mentors including Jorge Riccitelli and Paul Hobbs. The following Reserve Malbec was sourced from a wide range of terraced estate vines between 1100 M to 1200 M above sea level.
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Terrazas de los Andes ‘High Altitude Vineyards – Reserva’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (29280) 14.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of exotic spice, peppery notes and sandalwood are juxtaposed with black licorice and dark purple plum. It blossoms with a glorious river of delectable palate flavours—bountiful, bombastic and chockful of pizzazz. Ripe juicy black Bing cherry mingles with black raspberry and black plum compote along with tang-infused passionfruit and cranberry jelly. This is medium-plus bodied with good balance, a perceptible tannin underpinning, touches of elegance and a crisp refreshing finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a flank steak well seasoned with © Hy’s Seasoned Salt. (Vic Harradine)
• Trivento (which translates to Three Winds) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021. The winery’s vineyards stretch from Rivadavia in East Mendoza south to Tunuyán in the Uco Valley. Most recently, Trivento joined the D.O.C. Lujan de Cuyo with the purpose of supporting and developing malbec, Argentina’s flagship variety.
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Trivento Wines ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2020
Mendoza, Argentina $13.00 (160994) 13.8% alcohol
Aromas of wood smoke, sandalwood and red cherry/berry fruit waft easily from the glass. It envelops the palate with a wash of delicious palate flavours with black plum and wild strawberry interlaced with crunchy red cherry and plenty of tang and pizzazz. This is medium-bodied, balanced on a pin and sports persistent purity of fruit from first sip to final nip. Give this a go now with braised short ribs or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
• Third generation French winemaker Jean Bousquet founded Domaine Bousquet in the Tupungato district of Uco Valley in 1990. At the time, it was virgin territory – nothing planted, no access to water above ground nor electricity - and many felt it was too cold to for growing grapes. Domaine Bousquet has farmed organically since 2001. Today, the winery is managed by Bousquet’s daughter Anne and son-in-law Labib Ameri. Domaine Bousquet is now Argentina’s leading exporter of organic wines, exporting to more than 50 countries. The following Domaine Bousquet malbec, along with a few bunches of cabernet sauvignon and a few bunches of merlot, was sourced from an estate vineyard in the high desert that was the first planted by the Bousquet family in 2000 after arriving from France. The low-fertility sandy soil helps produce elegant wines. This wine was matured for ten months in French oak, adding to its allure.
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Domaine Bousquet ‘Gran – Ecocert accredited Organic’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (21983) 14.5% alcohol
Black licorice and tobacco aromas are entwined with wisps of toasty oak and vanillin. It blankets the palate with a medium-plus bodied wash of cherry clafoutie and red raspberry jelly interlaced with savoury herbs and delightful dark, bittersweet chocolate. It showcases purity of fruit, deft balance of fruit, acidity and soft tannin along with firm texture and good mouthfeel. You wouldn’t go too far wrong by serving with beef fajitas and all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
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Domaine Bousquet ‘Virgen – Natural - Ecocert accredited Organic’ Malbec 2019
Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (21987) 14.5% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of pipe tobacco, sprigs of savoury herbs and blueberry crumble adorned with peppery spice and sprigs of fresh herbs give way to a full-Monty, teeth-staining river of drying tannin, tang and pizzazz that’s laced with fruit flavours of sweet ripe black plum, juicy ripe Bing cherry, mocha and just-picked blueberry. Aerate/decant for three hours before service and pour alongside a salt-seasoned flank steak. (Vic Harradine)
• Masi Tupungato is an organic winery developed in Argentina by Masi, one of Italy’s most well-known wine companies with origins in Valpolicella that date to 1772. Located in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, the winery combines the region’s natural elements with Masi’s Venetian heritage. Notably, Masi Tupungato’s Passo Doble blends Argentina’s flagship malbec with lightly dried Corvina Veronese.
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Masi Tupungato ‘Certified Organic - Passo Doble’ Malbec/Corvina Veronese 2019
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $15.05 (620880) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of raisins, red licorice and mixed field berry fruit abound adorned with mixed spice. It warms the palate with fruit-forward flavours of juicy black cherry, black currant and mulberry adorned with excellent acidity and tang plus deft balance and persistent purity of fruit through the lengthy, lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. What’s not to like? Pick up a few and serve with pasta in spicy tomato sauce with pan-fried Italian sausages or beef fajitas with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
• Established in 1888, Nieto Senetiner was founded by Don Nicanor who, along with a group of other families, built the winery in Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo. Nieto Senetiner’s three estate vineyards are located in the sub-zones of Agrelo, Alto Agrelo and Vistalba. Its original Vistalba estate vineyard, Finca Villa Blanca. They are also home to vines planted in 1900.
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Nieto Senetiner ‘Don Nicanor’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (178657) 14.5% alcohol
This opens with captivating aromas of chamomile flower, rose petals and cocoa powder. It surges over the palate bold and underpinned by perceptible, but acceptable, tannin while the palate’s treated to blueberry flavour, dark bramble berry jam and plenty of pizzazz. This is medium-full bodied with pleasant palate flavours persisting to and through the lingering finish and aftertaste. Aerate/decant this for two hours and pour alongside grilled and smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Bodega Argento Estate ‘Reserve – vegan-friendly – certified organic’ Malbec is part of Bodega Argento Estate winery that is Argentina’s largest certified organic wine producer. Their vineyards are planted in Mendoza’s most important traditional wine growing areas in the Prima Zona—Luján de Cuyo Maipu and Uco Valley. Their Head Winemaker, Juan Pablo Murcia, was recently singled out as Argentina’s Young Winemaker of the Year 2021. (you will receive a limited time $2.50 discount on the price of this wine shown below for each bottle purchased in the LCBO retail store from April 25th to May 20th 2022)
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Bodega Argento Estate ‘Reserve – vegan-friendly – certified organic’ Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (363192) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of mixed spice, red and black cherry/berry mingling with black plum and hints of blueberry. It asserts itself on the palate with a medium-full bodied, nicely textured surge with creamy-smooth mouthfeel showcasing tang-laden pie cherry and red currant adorned with ripe, juicy black Bing cherry and mulberry. There’s a soft ripe tannin underpinning and plenty of tang and pizzazz. The lingering finish and aftertaste is balanced and bountiful. Pour alongside BBQ burgers, steak or grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
• Bodega Norton was founded in 1895 with its first vineyard planted in Luján de Cuyo. Almost 80 years later in 1974, Bodega Norton registered the first bottle of malbec ever exported from Argentina. By 2014 Norton was exporting to more than 60 countries. Their winemaker, David Bonomi, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative oenologists. The wine below was hand-picked from select vineyards then matured in French oak barrels.
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Bodega Norton ‘Barrel Select’ Malbec 2021
Mendoza, Argentina $14.35 (400556) 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of black cherry and black currant reveal themselves with the slightest of swirls accompanied by tobacco, violets, exotic spice and grilled savoury herbs. It blankets the palate with a stream of pure ambrosia, gorgeous texture and mouthfeel and deftly balanced along with creamy smooth flavours of ripe juicy bramble berry and ripe black cherry underpinned by fine-grained tannin and hints of tang-laden passionfruit and mocha. Give this gem a go with Boeuf Bourguignon or steak and kidney pie. (Vic Harradine)
• Established in 1890, Pascual Toso is one of Mendoza’s oldest wineries with more than 400 hectares of vineyards in the Barrancas sub-region of Maipù, located in the heart of Mendoza’s Primera Zona. Bodegas Toso has built a reputation for producing some of the area’s best malbec and cabernet sauvignon.
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Toso ‘Toso Estate’ Malbec 2020
Mendoza, Argentina $15.20 (35170) 14.5% alcohol
Wood smoke, pipe tobacco and mocha aromas give way to a gorgeous array of palate flavours with pie cherry, black plum and bramble berry jelly intertwined with savoury herbs and tang-laden passionfruit and red currant jelly. This is medium-plus bodied with good texture and mouthfeel, deft balance and plenty of tang and pizzazz and perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant this for two hours before pouring alongside meat-laden pizza or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
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Pascual Toso ‘Limited Edition’ Malbec 2020
Mendoza, Argentina $18.20 (162610) 14.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of violets and cherry/berry fruit mingle with black licorice and espresso roast. A balanced and beautiful stream of flavours coat the palate with a surge of ripe mulberry, black juicy cherry and nicely balanced tang-infused flavours of pomegranate and ripe black raspberry. This is medium-bodied and creamy smooth on the palate with an underpinning of still-evolving tannin and oodles of tang-laden pizzazz. Give this a go
• Trapiche winery was founded in Mendoza in 1883 and has become one of Argentina’s most recognized international brands. At home, Trapiche is regarded as one of Argentina’s leading industry innovators, pioneering new sites, partnering with premium grape growers and developing a talented new generation of winemakers. Notably, one of Trapiche’s most recent projects established its Costa & Pampa winery in Argentina’s new wine growing region of Chapadmalal, where vineyards are planted 6 km from the Atlantic coast in the south of Buenos Aires province.
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Bodegas Trapiche ‘PURE – 100% unoaked’ Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $16.50 (370924) 13.5% alcohol
A gentle swirl gets wonderful results with sexy aromas of peppery exotic spice and blueberry pie decorated with notions of black plum compote and cherry clafoutie. It’s as smooth as silk on the palate with good balance and delicious flavours of peppery spice and cocoa powder boosted by black raspberry and dark-purple Damson plum jam. This has a fruit-forward approach with persistent purity of fruit to and through the lengthy dry finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. What’s not to like. Pour alongside Osso Buco or Steak Diane. (Vic Harradine)
• Grapes for the following wine were hand-harvested in early April from 20-year-old vineyards. After a lengthy maceration the wine was matured in oak barrels for 12 months. This is ready to drink now and over the next four years.
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Bodegas Trapiche ‘Broquel – Selected-Barrels’ Malbec 2020
Mendoza, Argentina $16.30 (234385) 14.0% alcohol
The usual suspects are found on the nose of this malbec with violets and black licorice peeking through along with black cherry and ripe mulberry aromas. A smooth and balanced river of palate flavours reveal themselves as ripe cherry, black raspberry, mocha and blueberry before persisting on the lengthy finish and aftertaste. The drying tannins are perceptible and acceptable. Pour this with a premium cut of beef grilled medium-rare on the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodegas Trapiche ‘Medalla’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (547869) 14.5% alcohol
This captures the palate with a tsunami wave of flavour, texture, tang, tannin and mouthfeel. It’s not for the faint of palate. Flavours of ripe dark fruit—cherry, blueberry, and black currant and plum—blanket the palate and persist through the dry finish and aftertaste. There’s good balance between fruit flavour, tang infused acidity and drying tannin. It sports a creamy-smooth mouthfeel with excellent acidity and pizzazz. It’s also vegan-friendly; pour with vegan lentil stew. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release April 16, 2022
Ontario: Red Wine
• 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)
Australia: Red Wine
• The following 2018 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from two premium Cabernet Sauvignon sub-regions in South Australia with a split of 56% from Clare Valley and 44% from the iconic Coonawarra. The wine was matured in French oak barrels—50% 1 year old, 50% a combination of 2 and 3 year old—for a period of 10 -12 months before being bottled. This vintage has won an impressive number of Gold and Silver medals that can’t be all counted using your fingers on both hands and your toes on both feet.
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Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Clare Valley and Coonawarra, Australia $24.95 (142398) 14.5% alcohol
Dark and brooding in the glass, aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, mocha, mint and grilled savoury herbs waft easily with the gentlest of swirls. It envelops the palate with a bold and bountiful surge of endless flavours with crème de cassis, bramble berry and rich, luscious kirsch liqueur adorned with dark bittersweet chocolate and scads of tang-laden pizzazz. This showcases persistent purity of fruit and flavours, good texture and creamy mouthfeel. The finish lingers and provides a balanced and bountiful aftertaste, as well. Pour with all manner of meat you grill on the barbecue, from rack of lamb to a beef tenderloin roast. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Classics Collection Release: May 5th 2022 (available for LCBO purchase online on this date)
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Hewitson ‘The Mad Hatter’ Shiraz 2018
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $41.95 (55608) 14.0% alcohol
This opens with aromas of black pepper, tapenade, blueberry and mulberry jam that waft easily from the glass with even a gentle swirl. It blankets the palate with a full-Monty stream of juicy black fruit—Bing cherry, bramble berry and black plum. This is full-bodied and fully flavoured from cork pop to last drop. There’s good balance, soft, fine grained tannin and enough tang and acidity to produce lip-smacking pizzazz on the finish and aftertaste as they linger with palate replays. Pour with Osso buco or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 21st 2022 (available in LCBO stores in Vintages section on this date)
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Hewitson ‘Ned and Henry’s’ Shiraz 2019
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $29.95 (54221) 14.0% alcohol
Beguiling aromas of mulberry, exotic spice and hints of flinty bits abound on the nose. It’s juicy and fruit-forward on the palate showcasing peppery notes, juicy black currant and hints of crème de cassis and mocha persisting to and through the lingering finish and aftertaste. It’s concentrated and classy with deft balance and plenty of ripe, juicy fruit joined by dark bittersweet chocolate on the lingering aftertaste. Good to pour now and with careful cellaring on to 2030. Pour alongside a grilled rack of Australian lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Classics Collection Release: August 4th 2022 (available for LCBO purchase online on this date)
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Hewitson ‘Old Garden Vineyard – Vines Planted 1853’ 2018
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $89.95 (13568) 14.0% alcohol
Every drop of this wine was sourced from estate-grown, 168-year-old vines at harvest; the oldest known vines of Mourvèdre on the planet. This is both powerful and refined—an iron fist in a velvet glove. Aromas of cherry, licorice and dark plum intertwine with mineral and floral notes. The palate’s enveloped with a fruit bowl of flavours with blueberry, ripe mulberry, black, juicy Bing cherry and mocha to the fore. This showcases persistent purity of low-yielding fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste, deft balance and a perceptible soft underpinning of ripe tannin. Lots of life ahead for this rare gem, Drink now to 2038 with careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following two 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 two Rosehall Run wines are also available at LCBO retail stores:
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Rosehall Run ‘Liberated - Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Ontario $15.95 (303776) 13.0% alcohol
A lifted nose of perfumed aromas will get you started on the right foot—ripe pear and red apple intertwine with Meyer lemon and notes of spring flowers. It dazzles the palate with a mouthful of delicious flavours with lemon curd and Key lime pie juxtaposed with grilled pineapple and blood orange. It’s balanced nicely with good texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel and a lengthy lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste—crisp, clean and refreshing. This certainly reflects the dazzling 2020 vintage in all VQA Ontario appellations. Pour this with clay-baked chicken or warm potato salad with dabs of mayonnaise and slices of smoked salmon and dill weed. (Vic Harradine)
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Rosehall Run ‘Defiant’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Ontario $17.95 (307769) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of beetroot, toasty notes, mixed spice and sandalwood precede a tang-laden gusher of passionfruit and red currant that’s rescued mid-palate with ripe flavours of red raspberry and red cherry. It’s well paced and flavourful from first twist top to final delectable drop. Give this a go with your favourite way of grilling beef. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO Limited-time offers
Save on these popular products from March 28 to April 24, 2022, regardless of the vintage purchased at LCBO stores.
• The following four white wines receive a $2.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine reviews below when purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022
White Wines
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Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (80234) 10.5% alcohol
Cascading aromas of floral notes, piquant minerality and notions of petrol roll easily from the glass. It blankets the palate with off-dry flavours of sweetened Meyer lemon, and lime cordial that replay on the finish and aftertaste with lip-smacking and mouth-watering variations that add mineral and green apple to the mix. This sips beautifully on its own and you won’t find many better matches than spicy Asian cuisine like moo shu pork or General Tso’s chicken; and… you won’t find many high-quality rieslings at this price; stock up while you can. (Vic Harradine)
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (35386) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of gooseberry, canned peas and piquant spices/herbs jump from the glass. It’s racy and tang-laden showcasing quintessential Marlborough flavours with passion fruit, citrus and tropical fruit interwoven on the palate persisting through the crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Mid weight with good mouth feel, pour alongside chèvre or sea food—mussels, fish or calamari. (Vic Harradine)
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate Grown’ Chardonnay
VQA Beamsville Bench $19.95 (573147) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baked apple, cinnamon and notions of caramel abound. It gently washes over the palate with a touch of sweetness accompanied by tangy flavours of lemon-lime and flinty minerality. This is medium-bodied with good balance and textured mouthfeel. It finishes lengthy, crisp and refreshing with hints of grapefruit pith on the aftertaste. Pour alongside skillet-seared Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. This wine was sourced from hand-harvested 100% Torrontés fruit from Salta and Uco Valley in Mendoza at an elevation of 1700 meters above sea level. It was fermented at 12-14 °C and left on its lees for three months to enhance the wine. Susana Balbo is one of the planet’s premier wine makers. This white gem punches well above its price.
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés
Cafayate Valley, Salta, Valle de Uco, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rosewater, piquant spice and tropical fruit provide segue to a crisp, clean and refreshing wash of tang-infused flavour with lemon zest, white grapefruit and hints of orange marmalade and mineral notes to the fore. It’s medium bodied with firm texture and mouthfeel and plenty of acidity and pizzazz from twist top to last drop. Pour on its own over the next 12 or so months or alongside pan-seared fish or grilled calamari, both under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
• The following six red wines receive a discount of $2 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
• 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.
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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)
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Majella ‘The Magician’ Cabernet/Shiraz
Coonawarra, South Australia $19.95 (142018) 14.5% alcohol
Exotic spice, tobacco leaf, campfire smoke and black plum aromas on the nose, this streaks across the palate with red and black currant, sour cherry and oodles of tang. It’s medium-plus weight with generous mouth feel and a lengthy, mouth-watering aftertaste of red berry fruit and spice. Serve with red pizza or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Meiomi Pinot Noir
Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma, California $22.95 (130138) 13.7% alcohol
Ripe, black and red fruit and espresso roast aromas swirl from this medium-plus bodied, full-Monty, well-textured red. It envelops the palate with a river of sweet jammy flavours—black currant, ripe mulberry and Bing cherry—intertwined with kirsch liqueur, sweet vanilla and toasty/oaky bits. Palate flavours persist through the mocha-laden finish and aftertaste with a slight bit of tang. Pour with grilled pork back ribs brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
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Mitolo ‘Jester’ Shiraz
McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95 (659607) 14.5% alcohol
This is a Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores. Dark and mysterious at first glance, it reveals itself with aromas of plum and cassis accented with cedar, mint and hints of black pepper. It starts with vibrant, juicy ripe cherry and black currant accented with dark chocolate and sweet spice, finishing warm with velvety tannins. Enjoy this full-bodied, rich and luscious red with spiced, grilled lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Monte Zovo ‘Sa’ Solin’ Ripasso Valpolicella
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $19.95 (650713) 14.0% alcohol
Campfire aromas mingle with gamy notes and dark berry fruit on the nose of this rich, ripe Ripasso. A surge of sweet ripe fruit and toasty/oaky notes blanket the palate adorned with spice, still-evolving tannin and crunchy red fruit—cranberry, currant and raspberry. It finishes dry with good tang and acidity. Paired and poured well with manicotti or pasta puttanesca sauce with garlic toast. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials product always available in select stores. This is a blend from hand-harvested fruit from select vineyards across the Niagara wine region matured 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling and release.
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Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
A lightly-hued red in the glass, it offers delicate aromas of piquant spice, cedar and raspberry on the nose. It streaks over the palate with tart tang and acidity borne of crunchy red fruit flavours—currant, pie cherry and passionfruit—along with wisps of sharp spice. Pour with lasagna, pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden pizza with a spicy red sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following red wine receives a discount of $2.50 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
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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 three white wines receive a discount of $3.00 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
• There’s very good value in the following premium Beringer Napa Chardonnay. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyard parcels were fermented in 25% stainless steel and 75% French oak followed by eight months barrel aging before bottling.
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Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley (84988) $26.95 14.1% alcohol
The nose leads with lemon, lime zest and red apple adorned with a pleasant floral note, hints of spice and toast. Dry and medium bodied with balancing acidity, the generous mouthfeel transports flavours of Meyer lemon, pear and Gala apple through the medium-long finish before a mineral note appears on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside simply-prepared roast chicken. (Lisa Isabelle)
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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)
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Thirty Bench ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Riesling
VQA Beamsville Bench $22.95 (24133) 10.8% alcohol
The lifted nose of lime and piquant spice aromas is also decorated with sharp mineral notes and notions of petrol. An off-dry surge of citrus-infused flavours explode on the palate with lemon curd and lime cordial providing pizzazz along with delicious accoutrements of melon, minerality and under-ripe orchard fruit. It’s medium-weight with a bountiful, lip-smacking finish. Divine sipped on its own, it pours well with grilled or pan-seared fish, steamed mussels or breaded and skillet-fried calamari. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
• The following wine receives a discount of $1.00 per bottle purchased off the price shown below from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
85
El Gorú Monastrell/Syrah/Petit Verdot
DOP Jumilla $13.95 (443945) 14.0% alcohol
This red blend is dominated by tart acidity, piquant spice and crunchy red fruit—currant, cranberry, pie cherry. It’s medium weight with good texture and a lengthy, tart and racy finish and aftertaste underpinned by drying tannin. Aerate/decant for two hours before serving—give it a go with pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 4 red wines receive a discount off the price shown below of $2.00 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
89
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 Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores. The discounted price ($13.95) makes this worthy of picking up an armful.
90
Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti
DOCG Chianti, Italy $15.95 (111641) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry/berry fruit and floral notes introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured stream of lively, tang-laden palate flavour with red currant, ripe black cherry and passionfruit. This is primarily sangiovese with a cup or two of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It’s medium weight, nicely textured with good red fruit flavour framed with tang and underpinned by wisps of soft tannin. A wash of pie cherry and red currant jelly races over the palate persisting through the finish and adorned with wisps of tannin on the aftertaste. Best poured with pasta in a tomato-based sauce; try spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Kaiken ‘Seleccion Especial’ Malbec was sourced from 100% malbec hand-harvested from vineyards at 950 metres above sea level in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo. Fruit was hand-picked while berries were hand-selected once in the winery. The juice was fermented in small tanks preserving the quality of fruit. Alcoholic fermentation and later maceration lasted about 20 days with half the wine matured eight months in French oak barrels and half left unoaked to preserve the fruit flavours and aromas and maintain silky tannins. The wine was lightly filtered by using cross-flow filtration and cartridges. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
88
Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (58339) 14.0% alcohol
This fruit-forward malbec boasts ripe cherry, berry and plum aromas entwined with notions of cured meat and herbs. Dry, medium bodied with silky tannins, flavours of juicy red fruit wash over the palate before finishing mid-length with smoke and herbs appearing on the aftertaste. Enjoy this exceptional-value red with pasta in tomato sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
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)
• The following 2 red wines receive a discount off the price shown below of $5.00 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
91
Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley, California $46.95 (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)
95
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi ‘Castelgiocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino, Italy $53.95 (650432) 14.5% alcohol
This showcases purity of fruit, a deft tang/fruit balance and plenty of years ahead to mature—pop corks now, after a three-hour aeration/decant, or 2023 to 2026. Alluring, sexy aromas of baking spice, smoky notes, berry fruit, floral and cedar abound. A supple flow of full-flavoured ambrosia envelops the palate with crunchy red fruit—pomegranate and cranberry—interlaced with black currant, dark plum, spice and juicy Bing cherry. It’s medium-full bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish underpinned by still-evolving ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)
Other Wines and Spirits
• The following Jackson-Triggs Icewine receives a discount off the price shown below of $5.00 per bottle purchased from March 28 to April 24, 2022.
88
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Vidal Icewine
VQA Ontario $39.95 (389411) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
Mango and ripe yellow peach aromas unleash a gusher of sweet, honeyed flavour on the palate with honey-drizzled peach pie and candied apricot coating the palate and persisting through the finish. It’s full bodied and generously textured delivering a sticky, sweet aftertaste. Pour with quality blue cheese or fruit flan. (Vic Harradine)
• Aeroplan bonus = 50 Aeroplan miles for each bottle purchased in-store only and not online of the following wine from March 27 to April 23, 2022.
90
Famille Perrin ‘Réserve’ Côtes-du-Rhône
AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $16.95 (363457) 13.5%alcohol
A Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend offering up a nose of cedar, green herbs and red berry fruit mingling with kitchen spice. It’s medium-bodied with a persistent wash of red currant and cranberry mingling with savoury herbs and spice. The aftertaste is dry with mixed field berry fruit and spiced black plum underpinned by a lick of supple tannin. Pour with grilled gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
Enjoy the upcoming long weekend and take time to reflect on your blessings. Hopefully, you will make time to help others feel better about themselves.
Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic