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August 15, 2022 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights:

There are 59 – there are 59 wines reviewed in this newsletter, an embarrassment of riches.
There are excellent bargains – there are 20 wines in the newsletter reviewed that receive Vintages: Limited Time Offers with discounts of $2.00, $3.00 or $5.00 for every bottle purchased August 15 to September 11, 2022 for both LCBO in-store and LCBO online purchases.
The wine reviews begin with – 15 reviews from this Saturday’s August 13, 2022 Vintages Release wines

Vintages Release: Saturday August 13, 2022

Champagne

91
 Charles Mignon ‘Premium Réserve’ Brut Champagne Non-Vintage
 AOC Champagne $47.95 (421032) 12.0% alcohol
 A 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier blend produced this lively, fruity Champagne. There are aromas of green apple, Bosc pear, red berries with a squeeze of lemon followed by delicate floral notes on the nose. Ripe red apple, grapefruit, hints of spice and toast coat the palate. Dry, medium-bodied with a creamy texture, this Champagne finishes with mouth-watering acidity and fine, persistent bubbles. (Lisa Isabelle)

Sparkling Wine

92
 Konzelmann Estate Winery Sparkling Rosé - Méthode Cuve Close - Non-Vintage
 VQA Ontario $19.95 (184176) 12.0% alcohol
 Aromas of apple and pear interlaced with red cherry and hints of red currant give way to a surge of flavours on the palate with tang-infused black Bing cherry and black plum to the fore. This delivers a profusion of bubbles; first in the mousse then in seemingly endless streams of bubbles winding their way to the top of the liquid in the glass. It’s deftly balanced with wisps of sweetness then a wonderful tang-laden finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few; the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

93
 Cave de Ribeauvillé ‘Giersberger Brut’ Crémant d’Alsace Non-Vintage
 AOC Alsace $21.95 (183624) 12.0% alcohol
 Floral aromas interlace with minerality and lemon citrus on the nose. There’s a delicious wave of tropical fruit—melon, pineapple and notions of mango—mingling with racy, refreshing grapefruit and Key lime. This is well balanced with frothy fine-bead bubbles and a clean, crisp and mouth-watering finish. There’s a world of good value here. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: White Wines

• The following 2021 Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio was sourced from 100% machine- harvested Pinot Grigio. 50% of the grapes were left on the skins to soak, and then pressed while the other half was pressed immediately then transferred into stainless steel fermentation tanks to be fermented with a commercial yeast strain at a controlled temperature of 15 °C and the ferment was on lees for ten days. You will notice the pink hue of the wine, although there is 100% pinot grigio fruit. It is brought about as the pinot grigio grape is a mutant clone of pinot noir with some purple grapes appearing on virtually all bunches.

93
 Featherstone Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2021
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (20599) 12.0% alcohol
 Strawberry and watermelon aromas mingle with rose petals and hints of peppery spice on the nose. It’s a glorious stream of palate-flavours with wild strawberry, red raspberry and sugared and grilled ruby red grapefruit galore. This showcases gorgeous aromas and flavours, good balance, persistent purity of fruit and a moderately lengthy lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour with a plate of your favourite sushi or pan-seared calamari rings or scallops. (Vic Harradine)

91
 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Unplugged - Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2020
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $17.95 (68015) 13.0% alcohol
 This saw not a splinter of oak; it’s pure and chardonnay-fruit driven. Alluring aromas of green apple, soft citrus and notions of pear dominate the nose. A wash of palate flavours—Meyer lemon, Granny Smith apple and a hint of tangy grapefruit—persist through the crisp, clean and refreshing finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; it’s delicious, very well balanced and versatile at the dinner table. Give this a go with pan-seared fish and seafood, pork cutlets or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

92
 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2020
 VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
 Lifted aromas of apple, ripe apricot, honeydew melon and floral notes waft easily from the glass after the gentlest of swirls. It envelops the palate with a lovely stream of barely off-dry flavours with lemon pastilles, tarte tatin and ripe pineapple to the fore. Pick up an armful and pour with spicy Thai and Vietnamese food, tandoori chicken or beef vindaloo. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Rosé Wine

90
 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)

89
 Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Lakefront Series’ Cabernet Rosé 2021
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (12841) 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)

• The following 2021 Malivoire Wine ‘Vivant’ Rosé is a blend of 88% pinot noir/12% pinot gris and is accredited sustainable in the vineyard and when applying winemaking practices. Estate-grown pinot noir and pinot gris was hand-harvested while still cool temperatures in early morning on September 14th and 23rd. The sugar level in the unfermented grape averaged 21.3 ° Brix. Fruit was transported quickly to the winery where it was pressed immediately after which the juice was chilled in a horizontal ‘dairy tank’ prior to controlled cool fermentation in stainless steel.

93
 Malivoire Wine ‘Vivant’ Rosé 2021
 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (498535) 12.0% alcohol
 A slight, pink-hue greets the eye while the nose takes in strong aromas of strawberry, cranberry and red cherry. It surges over the palate with a racy streak of tart rhubarb and strawberry pie, along with Meyer lemon and passionfruit. This is well paced, well-priced, well balanced and well… lip-smacking delicious from twist top to last drop. The winemaker suggests pouring with rainbow trout and I agree, especially when pan-seared then receiving a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Marynissen Estates Rosé was sourced from an eclectic blend of 35% pinot noir/25% riesling/20% pinot gris/11% cabernet franc/9% muscat sourced from select plots in the VQA Niagara Peninsula appellation. The pinot noir was harvested and cold soaked for six hours prior to being pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel tank while the cabernet franc juice was bled off the skins after three hours in tank and fermented warm in stainless steel while the pinot noir and riesling fermentations were arrested to provide aromatic intensity and to preserve a portion of the residual sugar for balance in the finished wine. Pinot gris and cabernet franc were both fermented to dryness with the final proportions of the blend decided based on aromatic intensity, flavour, and texture. This wine is yet another stellar example of the dazzling 2020 vintage for Ontario wines and is splendidly priced. Pick up a few, you won’t be disappointed.

90
 Marynissen Estates Rosé 2020
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (16454) 11.5% alcohol
 A psychedelic pink in the glass, aromas of strawberry and cherry abound on the nose. It blankets the palate balanced on a pin with plenty of ripe red apple and ripe red cherry adorned with oodles of tangy passionfruit and hints of pie cherry that start on entry, expand at mid-palate and persist with purity of fruit through the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Delicious on its own, it really sings out when poured with chèvre crumbled on olive-oiled mesclun salad or pan-seared calamari or steamed mussels. This is available at select ‘Wine Country boutique’ LCBO stores. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

• The following 2019 Ivory & Burt Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to two of the early settlers in Lodi—Charles Ivory and J.M. Burt. The Lodi soils are rich in minerals and well drained along with a Mediterranean climate of warm afternoons and cool evenings that allows grapes to develop ripe fruit flavours. These fruit-forward wines have nice acid balance that characterize the quintessential Lodi style that has made and kept its sterling reputation. This is 100% sustainably grown and matured in pre-loved oak barrel.

91
Ivory & Burt Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
AVA Lodi, California $21.95 (24912) 14.5% alcohol
Full-fruited aromas of black currant, juicy black Bing cherry and wisps of mint and minerals on the nose that are easily brought out and identified with a serious swirl or two. The creamy-smooth mouthfeel and nicely balanced palate flavours of black plum compote intertwined with floral notes and tang-infused red pie cherry will bring you back for more. The finish lingers as does the sweet aftertaste of cherry clafoutie. Pour with liver pâté, sliced sweet onion and © Ace bread. (Vic Harradine)

Argentina: Red Wine

90
 Zuccardi ‘Q’ Malbec 2020
 Valle de Uco, Mendoza $19.95 (723478) 14.0% alcohol
 Fresh, lively, alluring aromas of red cherry, tobacco, black currant and hints of blueberry abound on the nose of this 100% malbec that was sourced from various vineyards that are 1000m to 1100m above sea level. It captures the palate with a surge of lively flavours with tangy pie cherry and red currant jelly most prominent along with black, juicy Bing cherry for balance. This is tangy and almost ready to drink with a solid underpinning of still-evolving tannin that can be easily ameliorated with a two-hour aeration decant, or two more years carefully cellared. Pour with your favourite grilled red meat. (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.

92
 Wakefield ‘Jaraman’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
 GI’s 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)

France: White Wine

• The following 2020 Cote des Roses Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards grown in varied compositions but mainly in pebble-strewn soils with a sub-soil of limestone and schist. Grapes are mechanically harvested and optically sorted at the same time. Grapes are destemmed at the winery and cooled down to 8 °C and transferred to press. Only the first, high-quality juice makes its way to this wine. The fermentation of this 100% chardonnay lasts between 15 and thirty-plus days depending on temperature and clarification. After light fining, the wine is bottled quite early to preserve its fresh, fruity character. The bottom of the bottle is carved in the shape of a rose and makes an elegant flower vase and the bottle is sealed with an ingenious glass and plastic stopper.

91
 Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay 2020
 IGP Pays D’Oc, France $18.95 (10621) 13.5% alcohol
 Aromas of pineapple, exotic floral notes and lemon pastille abound on the nose. It surges over the palate with flavours of lemon zest, lime juice and plenty of nerve and verve, tang and acidity, tempered with saline minerality and orchard fruit—pear and apple—on the mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. This is crisp, clean and refreshing. Delightful on its own, it pours particularly well with pan-seared salmon, steamed mussels or grilled calamari—all with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Spain: Red Wine

• The following 2019 Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula – Organic’ Monastrell was sourced from 100% monastrell grapes from two districts—Las Gruesas and Pozuelo—whose soils are high in limestone content and have the highest elevation in the region. After alcoholic fermentation it underwent 10 days of malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks before maturing for six months in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels, with 50% new oak. This score punches well over its price-quality ratio; pick up a few.

90
 Bodegas Castaño ‘Hécula – Organic’ Monastrell 2019
 DO Yecla, Spain $14.95 (718999) 14.5% alcohol
 Aromas of exotic spice and incense intertwine with dark berry fruit aromas on the nose of this popular, exceptional-value red monastrell—aka mourvèdre. It’s rich and luscious on the palate with a surge of creamy-smooth, medium-full bodied river of delicious flavours—black currant, black plum and dark juicy cherry—interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and soft, ripe tannin. The finish is nicely balanced and the aftertaste replays palate flavours along with notions of espresso roast and wood smoke. Pour with back ribs smoked, grilled and mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. Aerate/decant for two hours before service. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages: Limited Time Offers

• Each wine below will receive a Limited Time Offer of either $2.00 per bottle, or $3.00 per bottle or $5.00 per bottle discount from the price shown below for every bottle purchased August 15 to September 11, 2022 for both LCBO in-store and LCBO online purchases.

• The following five bottles receive a $3.00 per bottle discount for each bottle purchased August 15 to September 11, 2022.

• The following Flat Rock Cellars Riesling is a Vintages Essential wine found in most LCBO stores. It provides you an opportunity to taste premium riesling at an incredibly attractive price point. Pick up a few and drink over the next three to five years.

92
 Flat Rock Cellars Riesling
 VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (43281) 10.5% alcohol
 Piquant aromas of machine oil, mineral notes and citrus abound on the nose of this well paced, well-priced riesling. It envelops the palate with a tsunami wave of flavours with sharp lemon-lime acidity and tang and notions of off-dry sweet cantaloupe glazed with chalky minerality through the lengthy, balanced finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a multitude of table partners—Thai fish cakes, a spicy Asian dish like Mou Shoo pork, a charcuterie board or an assortment of sushi. (Vic Harradine)

90
 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)

• The following is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores

88
 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)

92
 Two Hands Wines ‘The Gnarly Dudes’ Shiraz
 Barossa Valley, South Australia $24.95 (660043) 13.8% alcohol
 Purple/black, almost opaque in the glass, this unleashes aromas of ripe black berry fruit with support from mixed spice and savory herbs. On the palate, crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and cranberry—meet up with ripe black fruit—currant and mulberry—in a delightful, delicious pairing that’s balanced, well paced and well priced. Flavours replay on the long, mouth-watering finish. This pours well on its own—with each sip as good, or better than the previous—and with rack of Australian lamb or grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)

• The following bottle receives a $5.00 per bottle discount for each bottle purchased August 15 to September 11, 2022.

90
 Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
 Napa Valley, California $62.95 (996405) 14.1% alcohol
 This offers good balance on the palate, flavourful fruit and a drying, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Aromas of dark berry fruit, tarry notes and grilled savory herbs provide segue for a full-bodied, generously textured flow of black berry, sweet vanilla and racy red currant washing over the palate infusing the dry finish and aftertaste along with reverberating tang. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 14 bottles receive a $2.00 per bottle discount for each bottle purchased August 15 to September 11, 2022.

92
 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon
 Mendocino County, California $21.95 (342428) 12.5% alcohol
 A ‘Vintages Essentials’ product—it’s always available in select LCBO stores. This opens with a lifted nose of earthy, spicy, forest floor aromas then shifts into high gear with a gusher of gorgeously rich and concentrated flavours—cassis, tart pie cherry and ripe juicy black raspberry. There’s excellent balance and good structure supplied by ripe and plush tannin, a generous texture and good weight. The finish layers on hints of mint and mocha. This was vinified from organically grown fruit from a winery that’s serious about sustainable agriculture. The price-quality balance is tipped well in your favour with the discount. (Vic Harradine)

90
Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (417642) 12.5% alcohol
 Alluring aromas of earth, spice box and fennel waft from the glass of this well-structured Pinot. Look for tart flavours of Montmorency cherry and cranberry mingling with ripe Bing cherry, black currant and hints of beetroot—great balance of flavours. There are supple tannins and seamlessly integrated oak—aged 8 months in French oak barrels. It finishes tangy and spicy. It’ll drink well over the next 3 years; pick up a few as the discount makes this very attractively priced considering the quality. (Vic Harradine)

• The folks from Caymus—the iconic Charles F. Wagner is winemaker—only reveal two of the grapes that make up the following multi-blend 2014 Conundrum Red—zinfandel and petite sirah—with no mention of time in oak or the size or origin of the barrel’s oak or winemaking regimen, other than that it is oaked.

88
 Conundrum Red
 California $24.95 (294298) 15.2% alcohol
 Dark cherry/berry aromas, charred toast and spice box leap from the almost-opaque liquid in the glass. Ripe, sweet fruit envelops the palate—black plum compote, cherry cordial and rich, blackberry jam to the fore, decorated with milk chocolate. This is full bodied, fully textured and certainly fully flavoured with a lengthy sweet-tinged, fruit-forward finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores. It’s also an exceptional-value wine with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour; pick up a few at the discounted price of $14.95 per bottle.

90
 Gérard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache
 AOP Languedoc, France $16.95 (413237) 14.0% alcohol
 Aromas of black currants, black licorice and tarry notes abound. It rolls over the palate with crunchy red and black fruit—plum, currant and passionfruit—framed by tangy acidity and underpinned by soft, ripe tannin. Medium-full bodied and nicely textured, this is enhanced with a two-hour aeration/decant. Versatile at the table, pour alongside burgers, gourmet sausage, red pizza or pasta in Bolognese sauce. (Vic Harradine)

89
 Joel Gott ‘815’ Cabernet Sauvignon
 California $24.95 (444059) 13.9% alcohol
 Savoury herbs, gamy notes and charred toast aromas herald a medium-bodied nicely textured stream of rich dark fruit—cherry and black currant—intertwined with racy tang, sweet vanilla and dark bittersweet chocolate underpinned by still-evolving tannin. Aerate/decant for an hour or two hours before pouring with well-seasoned, grilled striploin. (Vic Harradine)

91
 ring.bolt Cabernet Sauvignon
 Margaret River, Australia $21.95 (606624) 14.5% alcohol
 Floral, savory and dark berry fruit aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of flavours led by a palate-coating, gusher of ripe juicy fruit—ripe juicy black Bing cherry, black bramble berry and red currant—interlaced with black licorice, espresso roast and hints of cassis. Showcasing good purity of fruit and with depth and complexity, this is medium-full bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and a lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Megalomaniac ‘Narcissist’ Riesling is a Vintages Essentials wine—always found in many select LCBO retail stores.

89
 Megalomaniac ‘Narcissist’ Riesling
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (67587) 11.0% alcohol
 Citrus, minerality and floral notes waft freely from the aromatic nose followed by a balanced and beautiful, palate-bathing wash of lemon-lime, white grapefruit and juicy peach on the palate. The sweet and tangy, lip-smacking aftertaste interweaves with lingering, ripe-fruit flavour. Poured well with spicy, Asian cuisine like moo chu pork. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores. The discounted price ($14.95) makes this worthy of picking up a few.

90
 Rocca delle Macie ‘Riserva’ Chianti
 DOCG Chianti, Italy $16.95 (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)

93
 Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superior ‘Ripasso’
 DOC Valpolicella Classico Superior, Veneto $25.95 (910430) 14.0% alcohol
 A quiet nose of sweet black berry fruit opens up a glorious experience for lucky tasters. The fruit-forward nature of this wine unleashes a salvo of flavours including rich and concentrated cherry and bramble berry infused with fruit cake spice and dark chocolate. The memorable finish has gobs of black sweet fruit and black pepper with a hint of cigar box. At this price—$23.95 with the discount—flip open the trunk and toss in a case. (Vic Harradine)

93
 Gran Coronas ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
 DO Penedès, Spain $19.95 (36483) 13.5% alcohol
 A Vintages Essentials wine, it’s always available in select stores. Aromas of camphor, cracked pepper and spiced mulberry drift easily from this well-paced complex gem. A glorious rush of flavour washes over the palate with pie cherry, ripe boysenberry and kirsch liqueur predominant. Medium bodied and silky smooth, the lingering well-balanced finish is redolent of blueberry, espresso roast and black currant. The 12 months in French oak has been seamlessly integrated. Pair with a slab of back ribs grilled and slathered in a spicy bar b que sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Malivoire wine is a perennial-favourite found as a Vintages Essentials product and is always available at a large 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 2020 Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé is a blend of red grapes—cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc/pinot noir/merlot—from various premium selected plots as all the fruit was purchased and made in the saignée method from four to 24 hours depending on the batch. This wine is a great example of the VQA Ontario 2020 vintage and has a nicely balanced 5.9 g/L residual sugar. This is also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in a large number of select LCBO retail stores.

90
 Tawse ‘Sketches’ Rosé 2020
 VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (172643) 13.0% alcohol
 Mixed red cherry/berry aromas intertwine with floral notes on the nose. It bathes the palate with a nicely balanced stream of delightful, delectable flavours—red raspberry, strawberry and tangy pie cherry—stretching through to the finish and aftertaste. This is rich in flavour and balanced on a pin with a lengthy lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up a handful. Sipping well on its own, it’s versatile at the table, pour with pan-seared or poached salmon or a variety of sushi and sashimi. (Vic Harradine)

New Vintages in LCBO General List

90
Henry of Pelham Family Estate Cabernet-Merlot 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (504241) 13.0% alcohol
Ruby-hued when poured and easily swirled to showcase elegant aromas of black currant, dark cherry and charred toast adorned with exotic spice and hints of sandalwood. A surge of red cherry/berry fruit blankets the palate with tang-infused flavours of pie cherry and red currant jelly, followed by sweet cherry clafoutie. There are hints of still-evolving tannin on the finish and aftertaste; pour with pasta puttanesca or osso buco. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour; 90 points @$15.95. Pick up a few, especially now to August 13th to pay $13.95 per bottle on an LCBO $2.00 per bottle Limited Time Offer. (Vic Harradine)

• The mind boggles as Yalumba has been a family-owned and family-managed winery since 1849. At present, 5th generation Chairman, Robert Hill-Smith and his family manage Yalumba. The price-quality balance of the following 2019 Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon tips well in your favour—90 points @ $14.95.

90
Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GI South Australia $14.95 (17759) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of black currant, crème de cassis and black plum compote abound on the nose of this delectable gem. Palate flavours of persistent purity of fruit—ripe mulberry, black bramble berry and notions of dark, juicy Bing cherry—begin on entry and persist to and through the mouth-watering finish and tang-infused aftertaste. It’s good to open now—give it a two-hour aeration/decant—and pour alongside a grilled rack of Aussie lamb check out the link, it’s a recipe.

• Yalumba is the oldest family-owned and family-managed winery in Australia and is a member of Australia’s First Families of Wine - Examine this über-exclusive group by clicking on the blue-coloured link. The price-quality balance in the following wine, the 2021 Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier tips wildly in your favour—91 points @ $14.95

91
Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier 2021
GI South Australia $14.95 (470062) 13.5% alcohol
The straw-coloured liquid with predominant green hues gives off lifted aromas of honeydew melon, floral and citrus notes along with ripe nectarine and peel marmalade mingling with licorice and spent yeast cells abound on the nose of this dry white wine—1.2 g/L residual sugar, that’s medium-full bodied and lip-smacking good. It surges over the palate with lemon acidity and plenty of tang and pizzazz. Purity of fruit flavours persist from twist top to last drop with a mélange of orchard and pit fruit with ripe juicy Mirabelle plum, ripe Bartlett pear and tang-infused blood orange to the fore. Pour with pan-seared in butter Atlantic salmon or steamed mussels in a broth of white wine, cream and chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced primarily from premium fruit in vineyards in AVA Lodi, California. It was sourced from 88.0 % cabernet sauvignon and 12.0% petit verdot with the finished wine sporting 5.5 g/L of residual sugar.

92
Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
AVA California $17.95 (16564) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of charred toast, © Ribena and medicinal notes give way to a mélange of palate flavours of red crunchy pie cherry juxtaposed nicely with dark plum compote and ripe sweet bramble berry. This is medium-plus bodied with good balance and plenty of nerve, verve and oodles of pizzazz. The finish and aftertaste pick up on palate replays with a lingering and lip-smacking wrap up. Pour with burgers, grilled gourmet sausage or a meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Joliesse Vineyards Chardonnay purports to have harnessed the power of the California sun in this Chardonnay. It saw mostly stainless steel vats with a small number of French oak barrels to impart an elegant structure.

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Joliesse Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
AVA California $16.95 (25947) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of subdued citrus fruit—grapefruit and lemon—mingle with honeydew melon and hints of sweet vanilla while preceding a gusher of palate flavours that bedazzle the senses—lemon chiffon pie, nectarine and pecans. This is pure ambrosia that is bountiful and balanced with persistent purity of fruit from cork pop to last drop. The finish and aftertaste are crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour this on its own as a happy hour starter or pour alongside Sunday dinner roast chicken and root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: September 10, 2022

• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir was hand-harvested, sustainably grown and certified by Sustainable Wine of Ontario. After being gently de-stemmed and mechanically sorted, grapes were then carefully moved by gravity. Grapes are de-seeded then seeds added back judiciously to control the tannin structure of the wine. Fruit was fermented in stainless steel using pulse-air with hand punch downs to gently manage the cap.

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Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $27.95 (268391) 13.0% alcohol
Gamey notes mingle with subdued aromas of barnyard, piquant spice and savoury herbs on the nose. A stream of red cherry and black currant flavours envelop the palate adorned with tang-infused passionfruit, black plum, dark ripe cherries and hints of ripe manageable tannin. It’s medium bodied with pleasant mouthfeel, good balance and plenty to like. Give this a try with smoked duck breasts or roast turkey. This is very good value and extremely enjoyable drinking now; and… it may still continue to improve over time as it has since previously tasted in October, 2021. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Château Vrai Caillou was sourced from 55% merlot/25% cabernet franc/20% cabernet sauvignon by 6th generation vignerons and was bottled at the estate that is situated in the l’Entre-deux-Mers wine region between the Dordogne and the Gironde Rivers.

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Château Vrai Caillou 2018
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, France $14.95 (348292) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of grilled savoury herbs, rich red cherry/berry fruit and exotic spice mingle on the nose of this Bordeaux red blend. It’s medium-plus bodied with creamy smooth mouthfeel, good balance with soft tannin, crunchy red cherry/berry fruit and some delectable bramble berry jelly on the back palate, finish and aftertaste. Pour with backyard burgers or grilled gourmet sausage off the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 24th, 2022

• The following 2019 Chombart + Speck ‘Cave Mystère’ Merlot is a collaboration between the Chombart family of Bordeaux, France with the Speck brothers of Henry of Pelham winery here in Ontario. The prehistoric caves below the Chambort’s vineyards at their winery, Château Lamothe-Haux, are carved out of limestone and go for kilometers as the limestone is used for the buildings in the area. The raisin d’être for the collaboration is to fashion a red wine in ‘old world’ Bordeaux to please ‘new world’ palates’. This particular wine matured in French oak barriques in the caves below ground level at the winery.

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Cave Mystère ‘Chombart & Speck Families’ Merlot 2019
AOC Bordeaux, France $19.95 (17232) 14.0% alcohol
Dark, brooding and almost opaque when poured, it dishes up aromas of piquant spice, notions of mint and cherry/berry fruit galore on the nose with the gentlest of swirls. It rolls over the palate in delectable waves of mellow and smooth flavours with ripe juicy cherry and sweet bramble berry joined on the finish and aftertaste by an underpinning of soft tannin and pleasing tang-infused crunchy red cherry. Pour alongside a premium cut of beefsteak grilled medium-rare with a side of steamed, chopped and creamed, fresh spinach. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham Family Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was hand-harvested at 3 tonnes per acre and whole cluster-pressed then barrel-fermented in French oak with a portion in large 3000L foudres and then barrel-aged for eight to ten months with a portion of that in new oak barrels.

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Henry of Pelham Family Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $34.95 (616466) 13.5% alcohol
Shy aromas can be coaxed from the glass with some serious swirls. Orange blossoms and citrus aromas mingle with green apple and toasty notes on the nose. A surge of pure ambrosia captures the palate with flavours of crisp Granny Smith apple, ripe honeydew melon and lemon-lime tang and pizzazz. It gives a full-Monty effort on and after the palate with the lip-smacking finish and delectable lengthy aftertaste. My highest compliment—it was incredibly difficult to spit after tasting, rather than swallowing the wine, although I did manage to spit. (Vic Harradine)

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Soho Wines ‘Stella’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22.95 (554311)
You will find the usual suspects when nosing this in your glass—passionfruit, gooseberry, grassy and flinty notes. It stings a bit on the front palate with piquant spice and sprigs of herbs along with Key lime and Meyer lemon before smoothing out with lemon pastille and Key lime pie on the tangy finish and lingering balanced aftertaste. Pour with steamed green-lipped mussels in a broth of cream, white wine and chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Quinta de S. Sebastião ‘Syrah-Tinta Roriz’ is a blend of two grapes, Syrah aka Shiraz as well as Tinta Roriz aka Tempranillo in Spain and numerous other countries of the wine world.

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Quinta de S. Sebastião ‘Syrah-Tinta Roriz’ 2019
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $13.95 (946360) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of earthy notes, dark cherry/berry fruit and notions of prune plums precede a tang-infused river of palate flavours with pie cherry and passionfruit to the fore along with red currant jelly and notions of © Ribena. This is medium-bodied with structure and a fairly smooth and mellow finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside red pizza, gourmet sausage or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 8th, 2022

• Cafeyate boasts of some of the highest vineyards above sea level in the world.

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Bodega Alta Vista Estate ‘Premium’ Torrontes 2020
Cafeyate, Salta, Argentina $17.95 ((37127) 13.5% alcohol
Honeysuckle floral notes, rose petals and ripe apricot, pineapple and citrus note aromas dominate the nose of this gorgeous Cafeyate Torrontés. It glides over the palate with flavours of pure ambrosia—lime-drizzled honeydew melon, ripe mango, Kacaba melon and lemon curd galore. It finishes balanced, beautiful and bountiful with plenty of palate flavour replays on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour on its own or with lighter-styled appetizers, now and on to 2025. (Vic Harradine)

• The following Cave de Hoen ‘Méthode Traditionnelle – Pinot Auxerrois – Blanc de Blancs’ Non-Vintage is made in the style of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottle(s) you purchase and take with you.

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Cave de Hoen ‘Méthode Traditionnelle – Pinot Auxerrois – Blanc de Blancs’ Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace, France $17.95 (416578) 12.5% alcohol
It opens with an alluring nose of honeyed orange and aromas followed by a lovely attack on the palate with oodles of racy zesty flavour—lemongrass, red currant and citrus galore. This is exceptional-value with loads of flavour and serious fine-bead mousse when poured in the glass. It’s light on its feet with a refreshing mouth-watering finish and an excellent aperitif and one with which to welcome friends and guests. At this price, keep a few for unexpected friends and guests, as well. (Vic Harradine)

New in Ontario Wineries

• The following 2021 Casa Dea Estates Winery Pecorino is awaiting VQA confirmation and paperwork for release of the following wine. Keep an eye on the winery’s website.

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 Casa Dea Estates Winery Pecorino 2021
 Prince Edward County $34.95 13.0% alcohol
 Aromas of floral notes, lemon citrus and hints of fennel abound on the nose of this tang-laden gem. It races over the palate on a laser-like streak of gorgeous acidity expressed as passionfruit, lemon-lime citrus notes and saline minerality that persist through the finish and aftertaste, full of tang and lip-smacking good. Give this a go with freshly shucked East-coast oysters dotted with hot sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a smidgeon of horseradish. (Vic Harradine)

• The three following Flat Rock Cellars wines will be available at the winery, either online to be delivered to your home, business or restaurant or drive to the winery to pick up a curbside order made previously by phone or online. Follow the winery link to online guidelines for ordering wine online off their website and to the ever-changing provincial COVID-19 guidelines for visiting Niagara wineries including Flat Rock Cellars.

• The following 2020 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White Blend’ is the 16th vintage of this gem. It was sourced from 72% riesling/17% gewürztraminer/11% chardonnay, in a 2020 vintage that most called absolutely outstanding. The residual sugar is 15 g/L and the titratable acidity is 7.4 g/L. The Brix level of 20.1 measures the average sugar level in the unfermented grapes of this white blend.
• This is available now at the LCBO as a Vintages Essential wine and also at the winery, participating grocery stores and the 2020 vintage could be the first to be seen with the striking new label. Keep your eyes and your wallet open and pick up a few.

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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted – White Blend’ 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 12.0% alcohol
Exotic aromas of tinned lychee in rosewater, chalky minerality and lime cordial abound on the nose intertwined with ripe apricot and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Palate replays include tang-infused lemon juice, lime cordial and apricot. It’s clean, crisp and refreshing on the finish and aftertaste. Perfect for sipping in warm weather and to serve to guests with your choice of tapas. The price-quality balance tips in your favour; pick up a few and serve over the summer and well into fall. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Red Twisted’ was sourced from premium vineyards in the Niagara Peninsula and consists of 72% gamay/25% merlot/3% pinot noir.
• It is available now at the LCBO and the winery. Each grape component was aged separately before being chosen to be in the blend following rigorous tasting trials. This was sourced and harvested when the grapes registered 21.5 ° brix and the wine was bottled August, 2021. The residual sugar in the just-harvested grapes was titrated just before being fermented. The winery suggests seared duck breast or grilled pork tenderloin for perfect pairings with this wine.

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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Red Twisted’ 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (86918) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit with savoury herbs and charred toast waft easily after a couple of gentle swirls. It’s light-on-its-feet with plenty of tang and acidity and a soft underpinning of ripe tannin. The palate’s treated to a mélange flavours with ripe black currant and black raspberry along with tang-infused red pie cherry. There’s persistent purity of fruit and plenty to like. It finishes lengthy, balanced and bountiful. Pour with a thick cut of beef steak, grilled medium-rare. (Vic Harradine

• The following 2021 Flat Rock Cellars ‘Pink Twisted’ was sourced from 56% pinot noir/ 31 % Riesling/13% gewürztraminer sourced from select vineyards in the broader VQA Niagara Peninsula.
• It’s available now at the winery and in LCBO Vintages and has been since Vintages most recent release on July 16, 2022.

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Flat Rock Cellars ‘Pink Twisted - Rosé’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (39974) 11.5% alcohol
Bronze and pink-hued, pure, palate-pleasing ambrosia pours easily emitting fruit-forward aromas with blood orange, strawberry, pear, apple and quince jelly to the fore. It’s tang-infused on the palate expressing itself as pure lemon pastille, Key lime pie and citrus-peel marmalade galore. This is medium-plus bodied with plenty of tang, pizzazz and piquant spice. It lingers on the racy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. The winery suggests pouring alongside seasonal summer salad, or grilled vegetables, or cheese… or all three. (Vic Harradine)

• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following two wines are sold at the winery only, order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with Free shipping on orders of $99 or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Friday 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays and noon to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays, and noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are guidelines due to COVID-19 that change often, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email)

• The following 2019 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Moira’ Chardonnay was hand-harvested and sourced from the Moira Vineyard’s north block on October 7th, 2019 at a 21.6 ° Brix average of unfermented grape sugar. It was destemmed then went directly to press into 300 L neutral French oak barrels where the wine completed primary fermentation and partial malolactic conversion. After eight months, 97 cases were bottled unfiltered during July, 2022. This wine is accredited sustainable by ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’.

• Advice from the winery:

Serve at 10 °C with generously flavoured and textured food such as crispy-skinned roast chicken, turkey pot pie or halibut in a buttery sauce or pumpkin ravioli.
Drink now to 2027.

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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Moira’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Beamsville Bench $44.95 12.5% alcohol
In spite of the ‘neutrality’ of the French oak barrels, there are notions of toasty oak on the nose along with apple pie spice of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s fascinating on the palate with
deft balance and dazzling flavours of lemon pastille, crisp, green apple, lime cordial and plenty of tangy pizzazz juxtaposed with the creamy-smooth mouthfeel and delightful texture and elegance from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)

• This following was harvested October 15th at the Stouck Family Vineyard as the unfermented grape sugars averaged at 19.1 ° Brix. Grapes were then destemmed, pressed and fermented in a chilled stainless steel tank. After four months in tank it settled and matured and was bottled in March, 2022 without any mention of oak. This wine is accredited sustainable by ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’.

• Advice from the winery:

Chill to near 11 ° C and serve with Pad Thai or grilled fatty fish with a cream sauce or lightly spiced curries or triple cream brie and Gruyère.
Drink now to 2026.

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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Stouck Family Vineyard’ Viognier 2021
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Voluminous, enticing aromas of honeysuckle floral notes, orange peel marmalade and quince jelly set the stage for the surge of fruit-flavours enveloping the palate with ripe apricot, yellow peach and Mirabelle plum to the fore. There’s also good balance playing itself out as persistent purity of fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste as honey-drizzled poached pear, grilled pineapple with hints of coconut and plenty of lemon pie filling. There are palate-fruit flavours of apricot and Mirabelle plum intertwined with plenty of tang and pizzazz. It finishes mouth-wateringly good and somewhat dry—only 1.0 gram/L of residual sugar present. It’s clean and crisp throughout. (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.

• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Elevation - Bo-Teek Vineyard’ Cabernet is accredited as a sustainable wine from ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’ and was sourced from one of the iconic and mineral-rich soil vineyards of the VQA Niagara Escarpment and is made up of 98% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon that spent 18 months maturing in neutral oak along with settling in bottle sealed with cork before release. It has a proud history including the Bo-Teek Vineyard named for Thoroughbred Hall of Fame member George Frostad’s premier horse-breeding stable in the late 1950’s on this very site.

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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Elevation - Bo-Teek Vineyard’ Cabernet 2020
VQA Niagara Escarpment $28.00 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of fresh red cherry/berry fruit mingle with savoury herbs and mixed spice adorned with notes of minerality and rose petals. It envelops the palate with tannin and full-flavoured ripe berry fruit with black currant and mulberry to the fore. This is just coming in to its own and would benefit from three months of careful cellar time and an aeration/decant of a couple of hours on opening. If you can’t wait, pour now alongside a premium cut of grilled medium-rare beef steak with a generous shake of © Hy’s Seasoned Salt. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay was sourced from various premium Niagara Peninsula vineyards and has a healthy dollop of 9.4 residual sugar making it an off-dry offering worth tracking down as the price-quality balance tips well in your favour, especially with the discount price. Pick up an armful or two.

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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (includes the $2 off on a Limited Time Offer) 11.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, exotic incense and green apple abound on the nose of this exceptional-value gem. It blankets the palate with a surge of delectable ambrosia expressed as Meyer lemon, lemon pastille adorned with grilled ripe pineapple and oodles of tang-infused Granny Smith apple and notions of layers of lemon meringue pie. Give this a go with all manner of roast fowl or pan-seared in butter, freshwater, line-caught pickerel or bass. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet - Merlot was sourced from select Niagara Peninsula vineyards with the final blend being: 50% merlot/26% cabernet sauvignon/24 % cabernet franc along with moderate residual sugar of 6.5 grams.

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Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet - Merlot 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.00 11.5% alcohol
This is lightly hued ruby in colour and easily wafts aromas of sharp spice, a mélange of black currant, juicy dark cherry and notions of charred toast. It rolls over the palate with tang-laden flavours of crunchy red fruit—pie cherry and red currant—mingling with a laser-like stream of tang-infused flavours over the palate finish and aftertaste. Give this a two-hour aeration/decant and pour now with pasta puttanesca or pastitsio (a.k.a. Greek lasagna) or chorizo and prawn paella. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Bo-Teek – Clone 54’ Pinot Blanc is accredited as a sustainable wine from ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’ and is residing on a downward slope from the Twenty Mile Bench that was sourced from estate fruit sporting vines that were 25-years-old at the time of the 2021 harvest for this wine along with a moderate 6.0 residual sugar. The pinot blanc grape is a white mutation of pinot gris (itself a mutation of pinot noir that is autochthonous to Burgundy, France. Pour and serve this wine after being removed from the frig ten minutes before serving.

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Vineland Estates Winery ‘Bo-Teek – Clone 54’ Pinot Blanc 2021
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.00 12.5% alcohol
Light-yellow hued when poured in the glass, aromas of delicate yellow plum, floral notes and a fruit bowl of nectarine, ripe pear and yellow peach appear after a couple of serious swirls. It blankets the palate with citrus flavours of lemon curd and lime cordial, ripe pineapple and plenty of tang and pizzazz. These flavours replay to and through the lip-smacking finish and crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. Sip on its own or with lighter-styled appetizers or with cold-smoked Atlantic salmon on a warmed bagel smothered in cream cheese and decorated with fine-chopped dill weed and sweet onion and a few capers strewn on the bagel and cream cheese along the way. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery Chardonnay Musqué is accredited as a sustainable wine from ‘Sustainable Winemaking Ontario’ and was sourced from estate vines on the Niagara Escarpment and given the high quality and low price of the finished wine, you might want to pick up a few. It carries itself well with 9.4 residual sugar and enough acidity to match up well.

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Vineland Estates Winery Chardonnay Musqué 2021
VQA Niagara Escarpment $17.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of hazelnut, citrus and floral notes abound on the nose. It captures the palate with a wash of balanced and bountiful surging flavours with peel marmalade, Key lime pie and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s beautifully balanced with smooth and mellow flavours from opening twist top to last delectable drop. It finishes crisp, clean and refreshing. Pour with skewers of garlic prawns and butter-basted, pan-seared pearl onions or prawn ceviche or freshly shucked, Malpeque oysters dotted with hot sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch of horseradish. (Vic Harradine)

• The fruit for the following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery was sourced from select vineyards from premium sites in the Niagara Peninsula from primarily cabernet franc fruit. Drink over the next 10 to 12 months. This carries residual sugar at 6.4g and almost the identical number for titratable acidity. Serve well chilled and taken from the kitchen frig 10 minutes before pouring and serving. We tend to serve white wines right out of the ‘too cold’ frig rather than removing from the ‘too cold’ frig 10 or so minutes before service, allowing the aromas and flavours to develop in the wine glass for the imbiber.

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Vineland Estates Winery Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 11.5% alcohol
This is a pleasing orange-tinted pink in both the bottle and the wine glass. Aromas of mixed herbs and fresh ginger mingle with citrus and red cherry/berry fruit. It streams over the palate with tang-infused flavours of pie cherry, passionfruit and plenty of nerve and verve cascading from first sip and over the finish and aftertaste. This is a great thirst quencher and will find many dance partners at the table—try with brie cheese on a biscuit or bread roll or bruschetta or with your favourite sushi platter. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour – 91 points @ $16.95. (Vic Harradine)

Upstream in winecurrent.com

Vintages Release: TBD, 2022

• The following 2021 Garciarévalo ‘FINCA TRESOLMOS LIAS’ Verdejo-Vino Blanco wine is certified organic with their accreditation on the back label. It is 100% verdejo harvested at the end of September, 2021 from 30-year-old vines. The Verdejo grape is indigenous to Northern Africa, discovered sometime in the 11th Century and brought to DO Rueda, Spain where it continues to flourish at exceptionally-low price levels.

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Garciarévalo ‘FINCA TRESOLMOS LIAS’ Verdejo-Vino Blanco 2021
DO Rueda, Spain $14.95 (218354) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, Key lime and Meyer lemon waft easily from the glass with the gentlest of swirls. It washes over the palate with racy flavours of lemon-lime, nectarine and notions of Granny Smith apple adorned with pizzazz and plenty of charm to and through the lip-smacking finish and mouth- watering aftertaste of lime cordial. It’s light on its feet and pours well with lighter-styled fish and seafood; not so well with most grilled red meat or heavy sauces. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2021 Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon that was hand-harvested in mid-September, 2021. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks under controlled conditions for 20 days then was matured for six months in American and French oak casks.

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Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Exotic aromas of sandalwood, baking spice and vanilla intertwine with fresh, red cherry /berry flavours. It glides effortlessly on the palate with good balance of acidity, pizzazz and ripe juicy pie cherry juxtaposed with sweet vanilla, ripe, juicy black cherry and ripe black currant persisting with purity of fruit to and through the delightful finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Give this a go with your favourite grilled barbecue meat or lasagna, pasta puttanesca or chili con carne. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Provolo ‘Campotorbian’ was hand-picked from red grapes on vines grown in vineyards at 350 m above sea level—60% corvina/25% rondinella/10% corvinone/and 5% oseleta. All grapes were picked from 12 to 13 year old vineyards at the end of September, 2019. Grapes were macerated and stirred daily then underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless tank for 15 days controlled from 25 ° to 29 ° C then settled on Amarone skins after adding 10% raisins. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in mid-April then the wine was matured in 40% tonneaux for 24 months and 60% wooden barrels then settled in corked bottle for 6 months. This wine is accredited as being organic. Please aerate in a decanter for twenty minutes after being removed from a refrigerator before serving.

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Provolo ‘Campotorbian’ 2019
DOC Valpolicella, Ripasso, Superiore, Italy $19.95 (13999) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of piquant spice, sandalwood and exotic incense abound preceding notions of crunchy pie cherry and red currant. Palate flavours of nerve and verve passionfruit, intertwine with kinder and softer red currant jelly and juicy black currant. This is medium-bodied with good texture and loads of pizzazz from cork pop to last drop. Pour alongside pizza, paella or fettucine noodles and tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 20 Provolo ‘Gino’ was hand-picked from red grapes on vines in marly- limestone grown in vineyards at 350 m above sea level—60% corvina/20% rondinella/20% rebo. All grapes were picked from vineyards averaging 30-years-old in 2021 with vines trained to being ‘pergola Veronese’. Grapes were macerated and stirred daily then underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless tank for 10 days controlled from 25 ° to 27 ° C. Then spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in mid-April then the wine was matured in 40% concrete and 60% wooden barrels for six months then settled in corked bottles for an additional 3 months. This wine has an accreditation of it being organic and there is a green decal on the back label attesting to this.

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Provolo ‘Gino’ 2021
IGT Rosso Veneto, Italy $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit, with sprigs of mixed herbs precede a wash of palate flavours including juicy, black cherries, strawberry, mocha and bittersweet chocolate. This is medium-bodied with balance and structure and a lip-smacking finish and a lingering aftertaste that displays replays from the palate. Give this a go with aged cheese or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2020 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Roccha - Corvé’ was soured from 100% corvina Verona with an average age of thirty years that were hand-harvested from the sunny hillsides of Valpolicella at 125 to 300 M above sea level.. The grapes were pressed and destemmed with maceration and alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tank at controlled temperatures of 20 to 24 ° C for 10 to 15 days, then matured in both 5 and 20 hectolitre French and American barrels from 4 to 8 months.

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Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi - Corvé’ 2020
IGP Provincia di Verona, Italy $14.95 (19746) 13.5% alcohol
Ripe fruit, sprigs of herbs and bramble berry jam aromas dominate the nose on this single-sourced-grape wine. There’s good balance and plenty of fruit flavour on the palate with pie cherry, black bramble berry and notions of black currant persisting to and through the lengthy finish and aftertaste. This shows well when paired with grilled or braised beef, backyard hamburgers or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Tinazzi ‘Ca’ de’ Rocchi – Valpolicella was sourced from hand-harvested 80% corvina/15% rondinella/5% molinara in October. For 7/10 days grapes were pressed, destemmed, macerated and fermented. Grapes were gently pressed and fermented at a cool temperature controlled from 20 °C to 24 °C. The wine matured in five hectolitre and 20 hectolitre French and American barrels for four to eight months.

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Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ - Valpolicella 2018
DOP Valpolicella, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Light-ruby hued in the glass, aromas of earthy notes, exotic spice and dark cherry/berry fruit are easily coaxed with the gentlest of swirls. A well-paced surge of both red and black cherry is intertwined with red currant jelly and black bramble-berry tart and nicely supported by balanced and lingering finish and aftertaste. This has notions of elegance and plenty of charm from cork pop to last drop. It’s also versatile at the table. Pour with pizza, backyard burgers or spaghetti with Bolognese sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi – La Bastia’ was sourced from grapes that were selected from premium vineyards in a hilly area at 150 to 300 M above sea level in Valpolicella—80% corvina/10% corvinone/10% rondinella, grapes were selected and harvested by hand at the start of October 2018, After shriveling via the loss of water, until December that year then before maceration the grapes were pressed, destemmed with fermentation occurring for approximately 21 days, at a controlled temperature of 20 °C to 24 °C. The wine then matured in 5, 20 and 40 hectolitre French and American oak barrels for 12 to 24 months.

93
Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi – La Bastia’ 2018
DOCG Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy $43.95 16.0% alcohol
Rich and sensuous aromas of spice cake and exotic incense are adorned with a fruit cocktail of blueberry, black plum compote and hints of pie cherry. It blankets the palate with a rich and luscious stream of figs and raisins robed in dark juicy cherries and baking spice. There’s plenty of pizzazz and charm with persistence of purity of fruit palate replays through the delightfully lengthy and delicious finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside a grilled premium cut of beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2019 Tinazzi ‘Collezione di Famiglia – Superiore’ was sourced from 90% corvina and corvinone/10% rondinella from hilly vineyards at 150 to 300M above sea level. Pressing and destemming of grapes occurred at a controlled, cool temperature of 22 to 26 °C for 10 days. At the end of December, the Valpolicella Superiore wine passed over Amarone marc—to acquire more body and complexity—hence the ‘Ripasso’ designation. The wine matured in 5 and 20 hectolitre French and American oak barrels for 8 to 12 months.

91
Tinazzi ‘Collezione di Famiglia – Superiore’ 2019
DOP Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $20.90 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic incense, sprigs of herbs, prunes and raisins abound along with nutmeg and balsamic notes and juicy black currant and juicy dark Bing cherry on the nose. It blankets the palate with a pure ambrosia of persistent purity of flavours with © Ribena, ripe mulberry, black raspberry and oodles of pizzazz and plenty of charm to the fore. It’s balanced with good mouthfeel and texture and a soft, ripe tannin underpinning. In a word, delicious. Pour alongside osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)

93
Tenute Salvaterra Amarone Classico della Valpolicella 2017
DOCG Amarone delle Valpolicella, Italy $47.95 (13999) 16.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of dried fruit, cherries and roasted espresso intertwine with baking spice and notions of vanilla. It spreads over the palate with a surge of flavours riding creamy-smooth mouthfeel and interesting texture along with flavours of dried mushrooms, ripe red berries and cherries to the fore. There is persistent purity of fruit running from the front palate to and through the lip-smacking finish and delightful, lingering aftertaste. You can sip on its own and meditate or pour with wild game bird or your favourite cut of beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)

90
Tenute Salvaterra ‘Classico’ 2021
DOC Valpolicella, Italy $19.95 13.0% alcohol
This red blend consists of 60% corvina/10% corvinone/25% rondinella/5% local, autochthonous grapes. Fresh aromas of wild strawberry, black raspberry and juicy Bing cherry robed in charm and plenty of pizzazz. It washes over the palate with nerve, verve and plenty of tang expressed as pie cherry, passionfruit, bitter almond and piquant spice. It settles down on the back palate, finish and aftertaste leaving a more balanced taste to enjoy. Aerate/decant for two hours before pouring alongside smoked and grilled pork back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

Cheers from, Lisa Isabelle, Louise Boutin, Dave Isaacs, Vic Harradine who all wish you safe travels and being fully vaccinated now and in the months ahead. Please take care of yourself and assist your good friends and loved ones and those who are not as fortunate as you.