May 17, 2022 Newsletter
Newsletter Highlights:
- There are 44 – There are 44 wines reviewed in the following winecurrent.com newsletter including some from the upcoming May 14th Vintages Release.
- Exceptional-value wine – There are many exceptional-value wines found throughout the newsletter and easily spotted by the
icon checkmark. Many of them are available for online shopping directly from Ontario wineries with many wineries offering FREE shipping in Ontario. Happy hunting!
May 14, 2021 Vintages Release
Ontario: White Wine
• The following four-blend is a perennial favourite and has one of the best price-quality ratios. It was sourced from the following grapes; 54% riesling/18% chardonnay/15% pinot grigio/13% gewürztraminer that had some fruit hand-picked with the balance machine-harvested. Juice was pressed and transferred to 100% stainless steel where the juice was fined and settled then racked off gross lees and fermented with a commercial yeast at 15 °C throughout October 2021. If you haven’t tried it yet, this, or any other vintage won’t disappoint; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
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Featherstone Estate Winery ‘Four Feathers’ 2021
VQA Ontario $14.95 (341586) 12.0% alcohol
Floral and citrus aromas meld nicely with hints of minerality and savoury fennel. It blankets the palate with glorious mouthfuls of fruit—ripe red apple, ripe pear and lemon-lime nuances. It’s medium-bodied with good balance and plenty of pizzazz. This showcases a price-quality ratio that skews well in your favour, ripe fruit, excellent tangy acidity and a medium-plus lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own with friends or with olive-oiled arugula generously topped with crumbled feta cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Featherstone Estate Winery Rosé was carefully chosen from three grape varieties—60% gamay noir/33.3% cabernet sauvignon/6.7% pinot noir. This was fermented in stainless steel tanks by commercial yeast at a controlled temperature of 15 °C, between October 22nd and November 20th with the ferment kept on its lees until mid-December 2021.
Ontario: Rosé Wine
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Featherstone Estate Winery Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (117861) 13.0% alcohol
There’s a vivid intensity throughout starting with the medium pink hue and continuing with expressive candy-apple, strawberry-rhubarb jam, watermelon and rose petal aromas. Dry, medium bodied with a generous mouthfeel, an array of juicy, red berry flavours flood the palate leaving a hint of sweetness on the lengthy finish. This versatile rosé is tasty as a patio sipper and can stand up to grilled chicken or salmon. (Lisa Isabelle)
• 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)
California: Red Wine
• The following 2019 Lapis Luna Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ was sourced from 45% malbec/35% cabernet sauvignon/25% merlot from 2 AVA’s with 93% from Mendocino and 7% from Rockpile, North Coast, California. All fruit was gently destemmed and crushed then inoculated by commercial yeast. Each fermentation was pumped-over twice daily with temperature peaking at 90 °F, then macerated from 12 to 28 days then aged for 20 months in French oak barrels with 10% new and 90% neutral.
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Lapis Luna Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ 2019
North Coast, California $19.95 (24100) 14.3% alcohol
Lively and lifted aromas waft easily after a gentle swirl—red cherry, red currant and piquant spice adorned with savoury herbs and wisps of campfire smoke. It’s smooth, balanced and mellow on the palate with delectable flavours of black currant, ripe juicy black cherry and excellent tang and pizzazz from notions of pomegranate and passionfruit. The monumentally long finish and aftertaste replay the delicious palate flavours. Pour alongside your favourite cut of beef steak well seasoned with seasoned salt. (Vic Harradine)
Australia: Red Wine
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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)
France: Rosé Wine
• The following Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Rosé is a work of art. The base of the bottle has a rose carved out of the glass by a young designer from Ecole Boulle and the winery suggests you handle it as you would a bouquet of roses, especially when presenting to someone before pouring. This wine is also a Vintages Essentials wine, always seasonally available in select stores. This was fashioned by a traditional blend of the Languedoc—grenache/syrah/cinsault. These three grape varieties were harvested and sorted separately with each at the peak of ripeness. At the winery they were destemmed, cooled to 8 °C then transferred to the press where only the first high-quality juice is retained for this wine. It is then fermented over 15 to +30 days followed by a light fining then bottled.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘cote des roses’ Rosé
AOP Languedoc, France $18.95 (373985) 13.5% alcohol
This is an Essentials collection wine, always found in select LCBO stores. Here’s a fresh bouquet of peach, pink grapefruit, watermelon and floral aromas getting along perfectly. Round on the palate without being heavy, you’ll find flavours of strawberry and fresh apricot, a touch of white pepper and orange peel leaving a refreshing aftertaste in the dry and slightly spicy finish. This is a great sipper on its own or try with a Cobb salad for a delicious pairing. (Louise Boutin)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Château des Charmes - Order on-line by using this link to the winery. You will get FREE shipping from the winery to your licensed restaurant, office or home in Ontario with every order over $99.00.
• The following charming 2020 Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc - Estate-Vineyard’ Chardonnay showcases the dazzling 2020 vintage when virtually every VQA appellation and sub-appellation in Ontario was treated to a near-perfect vintage. It was matured for 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. This wine is available online and winery-only, use the winery link above to place your order.
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Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate-Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA St. David’s Bench $34.95 12.5% alcohol
Aged in French oak on its lees for 12 months, this medium-full-bodied, Estate single vineyard chardonnay will charm you with an attractive nose of peach, pear, marzipan and popcorn aromas. It flows on the palate with softness and finesse, offering ripe stone fruit flavours, plenty of lemon peel tanginess and a pleasant vanilla and light buttery finish with a touch of salinity. This is the perfect companion to lobster with lemon garlic butter. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2021 Château des Charmes Cuvée d’Andrée Rosé is available online, at the winery and in the LCBO. The price-value balance tips in your favour. Pick up an armful.
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Château des Charmes Cuvée d’Andrée Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $18.95 (333260) 12.0% alcohol
This is a vibrant pinot noir-based rosé crafted with the saignée method. It has strawberry and watermelon aromas on the nose along with beetroot and a little bit of bay leaf flair. Crunchy red cherry flavour takes the lead on the palate, followed with strawberry and tangy cranberry plus a touch of earthiness in the finish and aftertaste. Versatility is the key word for pairing here, try with grilled salmon, beet and avocado tartare or charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)
• The following gorgeous 2017 Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate-Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was aged in new French 500 L oak barrels for 18 months. This wine is available online and winery-only; use the winery-link above to place your order.
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Château des Charmes ‘Paul Bosc Estate-Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2017
VQA St. David’s Bench $44.95 13.5% alcohol
Sustainably farmed and hand-harvested from the best Estate single-vineyard, this superb pinot opens the door with a profound nose of ripe dark cherry, potpourri and forest floor aromas. A compact silky-textured flow of red and black cherry flavours fills the palate along with a delicious layer of baking spice and a touch of laurel appearing in the lovely long finish. This is medium-full bodied with perfect acidity and dusty, noticeable tannin adding structure and a promise for longevity. Pair this gorgeous pinot with duck confit or wild mushroom risotto for pure delight. (Louise Boutin)
• Konzelmann Estate Winery was one of the early adopters for vitis vinifera vines. You may purchase the six following wines from this website link - Konzelmann Estate Winery – and they will deliver to your Ontario home, licensed restaurant or office--you will receive FREE shipping on any order for 6 or more wines, Simply type in the following promo code - 6FREE, You can also phone them with an order during business hours – (905) 935-2866.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Cabernet Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 12.5% alcohol
Abundant fruit aromas—watermelon, raspberry, strawberry jam and red currant—meld with hints of orange zest and lilac on the nose. The juicy palate unleashes a stream of watermelon, strawberry and sweet citrus flavours, grounded by a savoury herbal note. Medium bodied, barely off-dry with bright acidity, the fruit flavours shine on the lengthy finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Canada White’ Riesling Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $14.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of Meyer lemon and Key Lime intertwine with dazzling lemon curd preceding a glorious wash of delicious palate-flavours of yin and yang expressed as sweet-tinged lemon-lime cordial with loads of pleasing lip-smacking acidity. It’s well textured with good mouthfeel and a crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. Pour with all manner of fish and seafood. (Vic Harradine)
• Zweigelt is a relatively new Austrian vitis vinifera grape created in 1922 by Friedrich Zweigelt (1888–1964), who later became Director of the Federal Institute and Experimental Station of Viticulture, Fruit Production and Horticulture. It is a crossing between St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch grape varieties. Many people believe that this grape produces red wine that is similar to Pinot Noir. It is widely planted in Austria.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Canada Red’ Zweigelt Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $14.95 (125260) 11.5% alcohol
Red cherry, black pepper and gamey aromas introduce a medium-light wash of tart red cherry flavour, followed by a mild herbaceous flavour and closing on a peppery note. This has 100% zweigelt with low tannin and refreshing acidity. It would be an inspired choice when served alongside simple burgers on a hot summer day. The quality-price equation skews well in your favour; pick up a few. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2020 Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series – Unoaked’ Chardonnay was 100% matured in stainless steel tank and saw no oak.
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series – Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 12.0% alcohol
There’s exceptional value in this tasty chardonnay. The nose is fresh and clean offering aromas of yellow apple, peach, a hint of fennel and a pleasant floral note before coating the palate with ripe stone fruit and citrus flavours. Dry, medium-light bodied with a satiny-smooth mouthfeel, it finishes mid-length and would pair well with chicken vol-au-vent. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Reserve Series’ Late Harvest Gewürztraminer 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 13.5% alcohol
This golden-robed, off-dry, late harvest wine catches your attention with its charming nose. Lychee, honeydew melon, rose petals and ginger aromas precede a mouth-coating wash of honeyed tropical fruit, candied orange zest and exotic spice on the medium-bodied palate. The interplay of bright acidity and luscious sweetness creates balance, maintaining freshness and vibrancy throughout. This offers exceptional-value and could pair with an array of dishes from spicy Singapore noodles to apple streusel. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series - Peachwine’ 2020
Product of Canada $18.95 11.5% alcohol
Piquant spice and notions of vermouth dominate the aromas of this beguiling fruit wine. It blankets the palate with deftly balanced mouthfuls of sweet and ripe fruit including mango, white peach and excellent tang persisting to and through the lingering finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. It’s crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with smoked duck breasts topped with mango chutney or sip on its own on sunny, warm days. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wines online for home, office or licensed restaurant: delivery in Ontario is FREE on orders of $100 or more from this link - Vineland Estates Winery. The wine shop is open for Curbside Pickup 7 days a week, 11am-5pm. Purchase online from the above link or place your order at 905.562.7088 ext. 124. Restaurant is open for Takeout Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Please order directly with the Kitchen at 905.562.7088 ext. 165. Best to check with the winery first as COVID-19 rules and regulations often change; and lately they’ve been improving.
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Vineland Estates Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, citrus and hints of tropical fruit abound with mango and ripe pineapple to the fore. It captures the palate with a medium-bodied nicely textured stream, deftly balanced fruit, tangy citrus and oodles of pizzazz. It finishes quite lengthy on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
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Vineland Estates Winery Pinot Grigio 2021
VQA Niagara Escarpment $18.95 10.5% alcohol
Here’s a wine under $20.00 that was fashioned from pinot grigio fruit sourced from the tony VQA sub-appellation of Niagara Escarpment. It opens with aromas of musk melon, freshly mown hay and citrus notes. It blankets the palate with a gusher of palate flavours—ripe white peach, poached pear and a crisp Fuji apple. Sip on its own or pour with breaded and grilled calamari rings or with steamed green-lip mussels. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Kevin O’Leary’ Unoaked Chardonnay is named for the Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank investor who now has an investment in the wine named after him and fashioned at Vineland Estates Winery. His goal is to produce great wine at exceptional-value and that’s why he created O’Leary’s Wines.
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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Kevin O’Leary’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 11.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, citrus fruit and lemon pastille precede a gusher of palate flavours with tangy lemon-lime, crisp Granny Smith apple and a fruit bowl of flavours from tropical fruit underpinned by good texture, excellent acidity and a truckload of racy pizzazz. The aromas and palate flavours replay and reverberate through the finish and aftertaste. Sip on a warm summer day or pour with beer-can roast chicken that’s hot off the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Winery and Redstone Winery wines can be ordered from their individual links above.
• The Quarry Road Vineyard, planted in 1998, is a mixture of limestone and clay soil and is known for producing Chardonnays of unique minerality. It was barrel fermented with indigenous yeast and aged 12 months in French Oak. It is drinking well now and will until at least 2025 with careful cellaring.
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Tawse Winery ‘Estate Bottled – Quarry Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Vinemount Ridge $36.95 13.0% alcohol
Ripe apple, pear, pink grapefruit and pineapple dominate before aromas of roasted almond, vanilla bean and butter gently emerge. The mid-weight palate, both creamy and mouth-watering, exhibits caramel apple, grilled peach and buttered toast flavours which linger on the long, mineral-driven finish. This delicious and beautifully balanced chardonnay would pair well with seafood pasta in a cream sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2020 Tawse Winery ‘Estate Bottled – Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir is a perennial favourite that was aged in French oak for 10 months and showcases the dazzling 2020 Vintage.
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Tawse Winery ‘Estate Bottled – Growers Blend’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95 (130989) 13.0% alcohol
Pale ruby in colour, appealing notes of violet, baking spice and pepper garnish aromas of tart cherry, ripe raspberry and blackberry. The medium-bodied, vibrant palate is treated to lasting, pure cherry-berry flavours, underscored by notions of dusty minerals and dried herbs, wrapped in gentle tannins. Enjoy with duck confit served with mushroom risotto or cedar-planked salmon. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Redstone ‘Limestone Vineyard-South’ Riesling 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $23.15 11.0% alcohol
Don’t let the intense petroleum whiff distract you from this beautiful off-dry riesling. Apple, pear, ginger, great citrus acidity and a touch of honey will charm you both on the nose and the palate, all the way to the nice crisp and persistent dusty mineral finish. This is perfect for General Tao tofu or just to enjoy on its own. (Louise Boutin)
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Tawse ‘Sketches’ Riesling 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89029)10.5% alcohol
Discrete at first, this off-dry riesling opens-up to beautiful aromas of pear, yellow apple and a whisper of flint. It flows easily on the palate with refreshing flavours of apple, pink grapefruit, ginger and mineral flair adding to the thirst-quenching character of this medium-light-bodied versatile white. Pair with Vietnamese caramelized pork or sip on its own. (Louise Boutin)
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Tawse ‘Sketches’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 13.0% alcohol
This exceptional-value chardonnay features a pretty nose of peach, pear, crushed fennel seeds and a hint of vanilla. It hits the palate with a creamy textured flow of orchard fruit flavours, pineapple, loads of citrus acidity followed with a nice dry, tangy mineral finish and aftertaste. This medium-bodied white is the perfect companion to baked lemon-butter cod loin or chicken brochettes on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release : TBD 2022
Portugal: Red Wine
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Carmim ‘Terra Lenta-Premium’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $13.95 (646083) 14.5% alcohol
This friendly priced blend of almost equal parts of trincadeira, aragonez and alicante bouschet grapes shows aromas of dark fruit, sweet cherry and dusty gravel. A juicy wash of ripe blackberry, cassis and plum treats the palate along with a balancing slight bitter note and peppery character. This medium-full bodied interesting red offers good tannin structure and a persistent dry warm finish. Pop the cork with gourmet burgers or beef shawarma and all the toppings. (Louise Boutin)
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Carmim ‘Monsaraz-Reserva’ Tinto 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $15.95 (20711) 15.0% alcohol
Alicante Bouschet is a red flesh grape contributing 50% to this deep ruby, almost opaque blend, along with premium Port grapes—touriga nacional and trincadeira. It shows a lovely nose of ripe black fruit, kirsch liqueur, cinnamon and a hint of lilac. On the palate, it’s juicy with loads of blackberry and blueberry flavours coupled with orange zest and peppery notes trailing in the dry, savoury, enjoyable finish. Pair this medium-full bodied excellent red with duck confit or stuffed Portobello mushroom cooked on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
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Agri-Roncão Vinicola ‘DR’ Colheita Tinto 2020
DOC Douro, Portugal $14.95 (14663) 13.0% alcohol
This is a classic Portuguese red grape blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca—both indigenous to Portugal and tinta roriz—more commonly known tempranillo—which is indigenous to Spain—with no oak contact. It’s slightly smoky on the nose with black fruit aromas and a graphite note in the background. It fills the palate with purple plum, blackberry and cola flavours, a good dose of tanginess and savoury dry herbs, all wrapped in slightly grippy tannins. Pour alongside hearty meat loaf or pork ribs on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
Australia: Red Wine
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Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GI Adelaide Hills, Australia $16.95 (26926) 14.6% alcohol
This single-vineyard red is matured 18 months in French oak. It displays attractive aromas—ripe black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder and a hint of eucalyptus. It’s silky soft on the palate carrying delicious flavours of mixed berries, including bright tangy raspberry, plus cassis, cinnamon and finishing on a pleasant minty cooling effect. Medium-full-bodied with well- integrated alcohol, polished tannins and plenty of freshness, it's the perfect partner to lamb burgers or marinated flank steak on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: TBD 2022
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Patrick Galant Côtes du Rhône Villages 2021
AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages $16.95 (20640) 14.0% alcohol
This hand-harvested blend of primarily grenache and syrah with a splash of carignan and mourvèdre sees no oak in the ageing process. The nose is fresh with aromas of blackberry and strawberry, a hint of licorice and a lovely floral note reminiscent of peonies. Generous in flavours—blackberry, dark plum, black cherry, raspberry—with spiciness and dry bay leaf flair, all wrapped in smooth, yet noticeable tannins, this medium-full-bodied red will be a hit at your next gathering. Serve slightly chilled and enjoy alongside a gourmet charcuterie board with fresh artisan bread. (Louise Boutin)
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Patrick Galant Cairanne 2021
AOP Cairanne $18.95 (15521) 14.0% alcohol
Purple shaded in the glass, this blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre shows aromas of mixed berry, purple plum, crushed gravel and a hint of cinnamon. A silky textured flow of spicy blackberry and dark cherry flavours is quickly caught up with a hot wave of earthy and peppery character defining the persistent finish. This is medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannins and may need more time to come together. If opened now, aerate/decant two hours and enjoy with a juicy marinated flank steak on the grill. (Louise Boutin)
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Patrick Galant Cairanne ‘Vielles Vignes’ 2020
AOP Cairanne $19.95 (20641) 14.5% alcohol
This old-vines blend of 85% grenache, the rest syrah and mourvèdre is hand-harvested, vinified in concrete vats and aged in small oak casks for 12 months. It offers a pleasant nose of sweet dark cherry, almost like kirsch liqueur, clove, gamey notes and forest floor quality. A warm and bold stream of flavours mirroring the aroma profile travels the palate grabbing along the way garrigue character and cola notes before closing on a long-lasting savoury note. This full-bodied red has potential to further evolve but can be enjoyed now after two hours of aeration. Pair with a grilled rack of lamb or mixed gourmet sausages. (Louise Boutin)
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Patrick Galant Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Nonciature’ 2020
AOP Châteauneuf du Pape $49.95 (21324) 14.5% alcohol
This classic Rhône appellation of hand-harvested 60% grenache, 30% syrah and 10% mourvèdre, shows finesse from the get go with its delicate floral aromas of lilac, followed with ripe cherry, plum and a whisper of vanilla. A velvety river of flavours aligned with the aroma profile and wrapped in polished tannins is a real treat for the palate. This medium-full-bodied harmonious red is the perfect balance of finesse and character from first sip to the long fruity, peppery, dry elegant finish. This will further evolve with a few more years of cellaring but it is perfectly enjoyable now alongside duck confit or hearty cassoulet. (Louise Boutin)
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Paringa Shiraz 2019
South Australia $16.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
Freshly crushed blackberry and purple plum aromas seep from the glass along with a hint of tar and cracked black peppercorn. Very smooth on the palate and surprisingly light on its feet, this medium-full bodied red matured one year in half-and-half new and used French oak barrels. It offers juicy flavours of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, adding persistent peppery character mid-palate and a bright note of raspberry in the dry finish. Perfect for a barbecue treat with diverse meats of vegetarian alternatives. (Louise Boutin)
LCBO Limited-Time Offers
Save on these popular products from now to May 22nd, regardless of the vintage purchased at LCBO stores.
• The following five white wines receive a $2.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine reviews below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022.
White Wines
• The following Flat Rock Cellars (Twisted-White) is a popular Vintages Essentials wine that was sourced from 80% riesling/10% gewürztraminer/10% chardonnay with each variety contributing to this crisp, refreshing gem.
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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted-White’
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, rosewater and citrus abound. An off-dry surge of pure ambrosia rolls over the palate with deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and pizzazz to and through the crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste that adds mouth-watering lemon curd and lip-smacking Key lime to the palate flavours of honeydew melon, white peach and ripe apricot. What’s not to like?
Pour with medium-spiced Asian cuisine or your favourite sushi platter with pickled ginger and wasabi. (Vic Harradine)
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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)
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Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand $19.95 (326090) 12.0% alcohol
This is a cool-climate styled pinot grigio that was stainless steel fermented with a similar profile both on the nose and palate—ripe pear, green apple, a touch of ginger and a grassy/herbal note in the background. It’s medium-light bodied with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. It pairs well with friends and a sushi platter. (Louise Boutin)
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Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer
AOC Alsace, France $18.95 (373373) 13.5% alcohol
A dominant and alluring aroma of rosewater provides segue to this spice-laden generously textured gem. It dazzles the palate with piquant spice carried on a medium-plus bodied river of off-dry palate flavours—lychee nut, lemon pie filling and grapefruit zest—that cleans up nicely on the mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. This is crisp and refreshing, making it a great dance partner for quiche Lorraine, pan-seared fish or baked ham. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling was sourced from their estate-owned Quarry Road Vineyard from hand-picked fruit from 12-year-old Riesling vines. It was fashioned as an off-dry wine. This is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in a large number of select LCBO retail stores.
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Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard - Organic’ Riesling
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 (198853) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of wet-stone minerality, piquant, ginger spice and fresh lime precede a dazzling palate-freshening stream of lime cordial and tingling tang and acidity that’s balanced on a pin by 23.5g of residual sugar. This is crisp, refreshing and light-medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a monumentally long, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. There’s persistent purity of fruit with palate replays and a laser-like line of mouth-watering tang and pizzazz. Pour on its own or alongside mussels steamed in white wine, sliced leeks with a splash of cream or a plate of gourmet sushi. (Vic Harradine)
• The following white wine receives a $3.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine reviews below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
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Stoneleigh ‘Latitude’ Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (324228) $21.95 13.0% alcohol
The fruit for this gem was sourced from the ‘Golden Mile’ in Marlborough, it’s blessed with extra warmth relayed by the stones covering the soil that allow the grapes to fully mature. Partially hand-harvested and aged six months in French oak, this delicious white offers citrus aromas along with lactic, cedar, grassy and mineral notes. Deliciously tart and crisp on the palate, this is medium bodied with flavours of grapefruit, honeydew melon and lime zest finished with beautiful minerality. Try alongside scallop ceviche for a mouth-watering pairing. (Louise Boutin)
Red Wines
• The following 7 red wines receive a $2.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine reviews below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
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Château Saint-Roch Chimères
AOP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages $17.95 (119354) 15.0% alcohol
This blend from southern France — 60% grenache, 30% syrah and 10% carignan—presents an inviting nose of smoky dark fruit, kirsch liqueur, baking spice and savoury dry herbs. The seduction continues with a velvety mouthfeel cradling aromas of ripe baked plum, blackberry, dark cherry, cinnamon and a hint of liquorice extended in the medium-long, warm finish. This is full-bodied with firm yet fine tannin and a perfect dollop of acidity. Aerate/decant two hours and pour now and onto 2021 with braised lamb shanks. (Louise Boutin)
88
Casa Santos Lima ‘Confidencial - Reserva’
Vinho Regional Lisboa $14.95 (452789) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of berry fruit, spice and floral notes introduce a rich, sweet-tinged wash of ripe juicy cherry, mulberry and black currant intertwined with red licorice and supple tannin. It’s medium bodied with good texture and lengthy finish. It pours well with burgers, meat-laden, red pizza or back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Esporão ‘Reserva’ Red Blend was sourced from hand-picked, estate-grown fruit sourced from Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Each variety was vinified separately, fermented in stainless steel tank with malolactic conversion, manual pump-overs and robotic plunging before maturing 12 months in 60% American, 40% French oak and further 8 months settling in bottle before release.
90
Esporão ‘Reserva’ Red Blend
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $26.95 (606590) 14.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of grilled herbs and dark berry fruit precede a rush of red and black fruit coating the palate expressed as ripe black briary berry, red cherry and wisps of blueberry. This is medium-plus bodied with good balance and plenty of lively tang on the lengthy, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside hearty stew, grilled steak or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine)
90
Francis Coppola ‘Diamond Collection Ivory Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California $24.95 (521021) 13.5% alcohol
Wood smoke and toasty oak mingle with ripe dark fruit—mulberry, bramble berry and juicy cherry on the nose of this meaty, delectable California Cab. It’s full bodied and fully flavoured flaunting rich, concentrated and luscious flavours of spice-laden black Bing cherry and briary berry garnished with dark chocolate and cassis. The finish lingers with gorgeous replays, lip-smacking tang and a supple tannin base. (Vic Harradine)
88
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir
Marlborough $20.95 (590414) 14.0% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby in colour, attractive pipe tobacco and smoky notes mingle with red cherry and cranberry aromas. This dry, medium-bodied red balances fresh acidity and subtle tannins with tart red fruit, spice and earthy flavours. Warm on the finish, you’ll enjoy this with grilled salmon fillet. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 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.
89
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)
88
Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon
California $19.95 (451336) 13.5 % alcohol
This is fairly priced, full bodied and fully textured. Aromas of blackberry, dark plum, pipe tobacco and spice open the door to a mouthful of rich, luscious flavour with kirsch liqueur and black plum compote nicely balanced by red cherry tang and acidity. It finishes balanced with hints of mocha and pours well with grilled striploin after a one-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
• The following two red wines receive a $3.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine reviews below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
• The following 7 Deadly Zins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel is a Vintage Essentials wine always available in many LCBO retail stores. The weather patterns in this unique part of Lodi are quite good. This was matured for just under one year in American oak.
91
7 Deadly Zins ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel
Lodi, California $23.95 (59311) 15.0% alcohol
Plum compote and crushed blueberry come to mind when nosing this ‘old vines’ zin, followed by raspberry, vanilla and cedar aromas emerging as you get deeper in the glass. A juicy flow of ripe blackberry, purple plum and raspberry glides on the palate with gentle heat and peppery notes. Tannins are present yet smooth and the sweet/savoury note in the finish makes you go back for more. Definitely a crowd pleaser, this full-bodied versatile red is a safe buy and is delicious with lamb burgers or glazed beef short ribs. (Louise Boutin)
91
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. There is very good value here. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following red wine receive a $1.50 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine review below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
91
Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo
DOCG Barolo $43.95 (168179) 14.0% alcohol
Lilac, exotic spice and cherry/berry aromas waft from this mid-weight, nicely textured Nebbiolo. A fresh, sleek stream of sour cherry, sweet, ripe boysenberry and piquant spice bathes the palate. It finishes lengthy with mouth-watering tang, sprigs of dried sage and roasted herbs interweaving with ripe, dark berry fruit. There’s good moderating acidity and enough tannin for interest and structure. (Vic Harradine)
• The following red wine receive a $5.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine review below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
89
Barone Ricasoli ‘Rocca Guicciarda’ Riserva Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico $24.95 (943613) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted floral and earthy notes weave through aromas of red and dark fruit—cherry and plum—in this dry, medium-full bodied sangiovese accented with a touch of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. A well-defined structure supported by flavours of dark cherry, cranberry, spice and a pleasant mineral quality persist through the lengthy, drying finish—aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving alongside pasta with tomato-based sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
Other Wines and Spirits
• The following 2 red wines receive a $2.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine review below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
• The following Kim Crawford Rosé is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
90
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 Malivoire wine is a perennial-favourite found as a Vintages Essentials product in always available a number of select LCBO stores.
90
Malivoire Wine ‘Ladybug’ Rosé
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
Myriad red fruit aromas—strawberry, watermelon and ruby red grapefruit among them—precede a light-medium bodied, racy wash of palate flavours with passion fruit and red currant to the fore. It finishes with a blaze of lip-smacking tang reminiscent of the red grapefruit aromas on the nose. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to last drop. It pairs well with skinless Atlantic salmon pan-seared in butter or ham and cheese crust-less quiche. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2 wines receive a $3.00 discount per bottle from the price shown on the wine review below when purchased from now to May 22nd 2022
88
Bottega Gold Prosecco Non-Vintage
DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy $27.95 (621458) 11.0% alcohol
The golden-coloured opaque bottle isn’t merely bling, it preserves freshness in the wine longer than clear glass. Hand-harvested glera grapes produced this Charmat-method sparkler. It’s dry, crisp and refreshing throughout with aromas and flavours of lip-smacking, lemon zest, green apple and pear—pour with lighter appetizers or seafood. This also glitters in a variety of winery-suggested cocktails. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Cave Spring Vineyard ‘Blanc de Blancs – Estate Grown’ Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage was sourced from estate-grown vineyards along the benchlands of the Niagara Escarpment. It was vinified Méthode Traditionelle—fermented and aged sur lie in the bottle for its 2nd fermentation a minimum of 30 months prior to disgorging.
94
Cave Spring ‘Blanc de Blancs – Estate Grown’ Brut Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Beamsville Bench $32.95 (213983) 12.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of leesy notes, saline minerality and brioche mingle with apple, orange blossom and pear. A frothy mousse—aka bubbles—when poured, reveal a light-gold hue in the wine while fine-bead bubbles work their way from the bottom and sides of the glass to the top of your wine. This is delicious with palate-flavours of poached pear and baked apple intertwined with wet stone minerality and excellent tang delivered in the flavour of freshly squeezed lemon and lime. Versatile at the table, give one or more of these a try: prawn ceviche, scallops pan-seared in butter, freshly-shucked oysters, breaded and grilled calamari, tempura sushi. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic