October 29, 2022 Newsletter
Special Feature: Dough Wines from California and a $5,000 scholarship here in Canada
The first wine collaboration of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), is renewing its scholarship collaboration with George Brown College. The $5,000 scholarship for the 2022/2023 academic year will support two students who show leadership and passion for studies in baking and the pastry arts, and wine and food and beverage management, which align with Dough's brand ethos. "Our mission is to inspire everyone to "rise" to the occasion in support of restaurant recovery, equality in the kitchen and food sustainability" said Clayton Seeto, Marketing Director of Dough Wines at Distinguished Vineyards & Wine Partners "We're proud to partner with George Brown College in Toronto, Canada's leading hospitality college, to support students championing equality in the kitchen and industry, and it's our honor to help them grow their careers and lead into the future." The George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is set in downtown Toronto - the largest, most vibrant hospitality city in Canada, and located just steps away from the city's top restaurants, bars, hotels and event venues.
New in Vintages...Now!
• The following two 2019 Dough Wines were created and launched by Distinguished Vineyards and Winery Partners in 2020 as the first ever collaboration between a wine company and the James Beard Foundation. Dough Wines believes that positive change can rise from even the smallest of actions. The following 2019 Dough ‘Rise to the occasion’ Chardonnay is 100% hand-harvested Chardonnay chosen from premium plots in the North Coast, California.
92
Dough ‘Rise to the occasion’ Chardonnay 2019
North Coast, California $26.95 (25598) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of citrus, floral notes and buckwheat honey precede glorious mouthfuls of pure ambrosia brimming with vanilla, crunchy Granny Smith apple and ripe juicy Mirabelle plum and nectarine to the fore. It showcases persistent purity of fruit to and through the mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. Pick up a few and pour with all manner of poultry, seafood or deli platter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Dough ‘Rise to the occasion’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 was sourced from North Coast, California premium cabernet sauvignon vineyards and tested as to its food friendliness by numerous chefs before this wine was bottled, exported and distributed. Give it a go and pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
93
Dough ‘Rise to the occasion’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
North Coast, California $27.95 (20802) 14.9% alcohol
Enticing aromas of exotic spice and cassis adorned with juicy black Bing cherry, black bramble berry and hints of blueberry introduce a medium-plus bodied flavourful treat on the palate with aromatic replays of aromas on the palate with oodles of tang and pizzazz provided by flavours of pie cherry and red currant juxtaposed with riper and smoother flavours of ripe mulberry and notions of raspberry jam. It’s nicely balanced and full of lively flavours from first twist top to final delicious drop in the lengthy aftertaste. Pour with rack of lamb mopped with spicy barbecue sauce or a medium-rare, grilled skirt steak dotted with butter and sprinkled with ™ Hy’s Seasoning Salt. (Vic Harradine)
Dandurand Tasting
 |
| Louise Boutin |
September 26, 2022 Shaw Center, Ottawa
by Louise Boutin
• You can order these wines from the Dandurand Wine Agency using this link or use the LCBO number in brackets as it’s a link to find the winery nearest your home with the wine you wish to purchase.
White Wines
89
Finca Las Moras Pinot Grigio 2021
Argentina $11.95 (26546) 12.5 alcohol
This Italian styled white coming from Argentina has more body than many other pinot grigio. Its aromas of pear, almond and fresh fennel are very pleasant to the nose. Nice citrus acidity on the palate with more pear qualities and a mineral layer lead to a crisp and tangy finish with a mild balancing bitter note typical of the style. Enjoy with fish & chips and tartar sauce of simply sip before dinner with salty munchies. (Louise Boutin)
90
Miguel Torres Las Mulas Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Organic 2021
Chile $15.50 (272609) 13.0% alcohol
Fresh aromas of gooseberry, lime and cut grass wake up the senses with this medium-bodied white. The palate is treated to a tangy wash of bright starfruit acidity and flavours combined with lime juice and a spike of white pepper tingling the tongue and trailing in the zesty finish. Pour alongside coconut milk and lemongrass steamed mussels or goat cheese and pear crostini. (Louise Boutin)
90
California Roots Chardonnay 2021
California $14.95 (25844) 13.5% alcohol
If you like your chardonnay with lots of orchard fruit freshness and just enough texture and creaminess, this one is for you. Partial malolactic fermentation and brief oak contact, followed by stainless steel maturation appears to be the right recipe for this bargain medium-bodied chard. It’s full of peach and ripe pear both on the nose and palate with just a touch of vanilla combined with the perfect dose of acidity. Did I say it costs less than $15? Pair with creamy Brie or moules marinières et frites. (Louise Boutin)
88
Tommasi Le Rosse Pinot Grigio 2021
DOC Delle Venezie, Italy $16.95 (19953) 12.0% alcohol
This light-bodied thirst quencher white with aromas of fresh pear, yellow apple and fennel opens the door to a wash of juicy honeydew melon flavour, pear and notes of lemon rind and almond. It is a crisp, uncomplicated sipper that will also pair well with mixed leafy green salad topped with Nordic shrimps. (Louise Boutin)
89
Folonari Soave 2021
DOC Soave $12.95 (176461) 12.5 alcohol
Soave is a synonym of garganega, the 2nd most planted white grape in Italy used as a single varietal or in white blends mostly in Veneto. This one is medium-bodied with beautiful aromas of wild flowers, almond, pear and lemon rind. The orchard fruits flavours are shining on the palate beside a nice almond bitterness and mineral notes finishing on a tangy fresh citrus trail. This is a great value that will pair well with baked cod in lemon butter or spanakopita. (Louise Boutin)
Red Wines
89
Finca Las Moras Malbec 2021
Argentina $11.95 (26547) 13.0% alcohol
Crushed mixed berry with blueberry on the lead, mingle with white mushroom aromas before offering a smooth and tangy cocktail of blueberry compote flavours along with blackberry and earthy character. This is medium-bodied with smooth texture changing to dusty fine tannins in the otherwise fruit forward delicious dry finish. Pour alongside slowly simmered pot roast with root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)
89
Miguel Torres Las Mulas Organic Merlot Reserva 2020
Chile $15.50 (407494) 14.0% alcohol
This medium-bodied, 100% merlot is a great value with its complex nose—ripe black cherry, tobacco, forest floor and licorice—and velvety texture on the palate. Red cherry, blackberry and red bell pepper flavours abound before showing a nice layer of polished tannin and a touch of mixed dry herb trailing in the dry and savoury finish. Perfect for pizza or red sauce pasta night (Louise Boutin)
89
California Roots Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
California $14.95 (25843) 13.5% alcohol
This lighter-bodied than most cabernet sauvignon screams aromas of fresh raspberry compote followed with cherry and a little bit of spice. It is super juicy on the palate with focused vibrant red fruit flavours and a whisper of wood and vanilla. Easy drinking with a fresh fruity finish, this medium-bodied red is perfect for week night gourmet burgers or red bell pepper sauce pasta. (Louise Boutin)
93
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2017
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella Classico $49.95 (356220) 15.0% alcohol
This classic Veneto blend shows enveloping aromas of raisin, plum, baking spice and balsamic notes. The palate is treated to a full-bodied flow of dried fruits and black cherry flavours and a touch of black pepper. It is opulent and perfectly balanced with an impression of sweetness, some warmth, polished tannins and a delicious dry finish trailing notes of dry figs. Ideal to nibble on nuts and hard cheese pieces at the end of a copious meal instead of dessert. (Louise Boutin)
92
Umberto Cesari Liano 2019
IGT Rubicone $28.95 (225086) 13.5% alcohol
This beautiful blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon from the Emilia-Romagna region, matured 18 months in large French oak casks and is worth every penny. Profound ripe cassis, black cherry and licorice aromas introduce a velvety river of rich and peppery dark fruit flavours accompanied with lovely notes of vanilla and kirsch liqueur hints in the lengthy lovely dry finish. This medium-full-bodied consistent blend will shine alongside a hearty traditional lasagna or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
93
Marchesi de Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino 2017
DOCG Brunello di Montalcino $54.95 (650432) 14.5% alcohol
This textbook Brunello never disappoints with its profound and complex bouquet of sour cherry, tobacco, cedar and potpourri. Very focused on the cherry profile, it also shows tertiary flavours—spice, roasted hazelnut, forest floor—aligned with the vintage and the garnet robe especially noticeable on the rim. This is full-bodied with fine grained tannins offering a nice grip in the lengthy finish of earthy and evolved fruit character. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside osso buco or lentil and root vegetable stew. (Louise Boutin)
New in Ontario Wineries
• The following three wines may be purchased online from this link - Casa-Dea Estates Winery. For a limited-time only; buy 6 bottles or more of any wine and receive FREE shipping in Ontario to your home, office or licensed restaurant.
• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery Pinot Grigio was sourced from 50% machine-harvested, estate Pinot Grigio fruit and 50% from Niagara Escarpment with both lots fermented separately in stainless steel then blended together before bottling.
91
Casa-dea Estates Winery Pinot Grigio 2021
VQA Ontario $19.95 (237883) 11.8% alcohol
Ethereal aromas of ripe apricot, almonds and exotic spice precede a spell-binding gusher of palate flavours with Meyer lemon, Key lime pie and hints of green apple and pineapple adorned with nerve, verve and plenty of tang and pizzazz to and through the finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus textured with creamy smooth mouthfeel and leaves the palate clean crisp and refreshing. Pour alongside spicy prawns cooked in a pan in butter with a side of Jasmine rice steamed in a rice cooker and infused with finely cut red and green bell pepper. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay was sourced from machine-harvested, estate vineyards with vines of 100% chardonnay from that were plus-20 years old that saw not a chip of oak. It was fermented and settled in stainless steel tank before being bottled.
92
Casa-dea Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $18.95 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas, bordering on elegant, are easily sourced with gentle swirls—floral notes, exotic spice and delightful incense abound on the nose followed by lovely aromas of citrus—lemon and lime and ripe apricot and pear.
• The following 2021 Casa-dea Estates Winery Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from machine-harvested estate vines in a vineyard planted some twenty years ago. It was then fermented in stainless steel and saw no oak.
93
Casa-dea Estates Winery Melon de Bourgogne 2021
VQA Prince Edward County $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of green apple, minerality and floral notes precede a smooth and mellow, nicely textured stream of honeydew melon and Mirabelle plum juxtaposed to lemon curd and notions of Key lime pie. The persistent purity of fruit extends to and through the crisp and refreshing finish and mouth-watering aftertaste—in a word, yummy! Pour alongside oven-roasted chicken, freshly shucked Malpeque oysters or crab cakes. Pick up a half-dozen or so and drink now to 2025 after careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)
• Closson Chase was an early entry into the nascent Prince Edward County winery scene in the late 1990s and recently made an almost seamless transition from a former doyen of Ontario winemakers, Deborah Paskus, to the present winemaker, Keith Tyers, highly capable with focused vision on making fine wine—especially chardonnay and pinot noir—from what nature provides.
• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct from the winery either by using this link Closson Chase, phone toll-free 1-888-201-2300 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pick them up from the winery 629 Closson Road, Hillier, Ontario K0K 2J0 – it’s an easy 2 or so hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa and environs - Here’s a map. Phone ahead 343-261-6465 for complimentary curbside pick-up or local delivery. They are now open 7 days a week from 11am to 5 pm.
• The following 2021 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘The Loyalist’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% locally grown fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan by VegeCert.
92
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘The Loyalist’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Ontario $28.00 12.5% alcohol
Lifted and alluring aromas waft easily from this gem of a delicious and affordable smooth and mellow chardonnay—floral and tropical fruit aromas followed by delicious palate flavours of pineapple, mango and ripe apricot along with citrus and mineral notes persist to and through the lingering finish and mouth-watering aftertaste that’s crisp, clean and refreshing. Pick up a few and pour alongside a Thanksgiving roast turkey with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Prince Edward County fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert. The grapes were whole cluster pressed then 100% barrel fermented. Less than 10% new oak, the rest in seasoned French oak barrels.
92
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $34.00 13.3% alcohol
Delicate, elegant aromas of vanillin, floral and notes of baking brioche and buckwheat honey can be coaxed with a number of swirls. It blankets the palate with pit fruit—Mirabelle plum and ripe apricot along with notions of ripe nectarine, It’s medium bodied with good texture and mouthfeel and dishes up both a lengthy finish and aftertaste of lemon-lime citrus and saline minerality. Pour this alongside roast fowl—chicken, turkey or duck. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard - Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir was sourced from 100% Prince Edward County fruit and is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert.
91
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Vineyard - Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $36.00 (145888) 12.5% alcohol
• A layered and complex nose sports aromas of piquant spice, wood smoke, gamey notes and notions of exotic incense. In spite of its light purple hue it blankets the palate with ripe dark fruit flavour—pie cherry, black raspberry tang and pizzazz and is underpinned by still evolving tannin. A two-hour aeration/decant will produce a more positive imbibing experience and this will play nicely with chicken pot pie, bobotie or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘South Clos Vineyard’ Chardonnay was sourced entirely from the South Clos estate vineyard. The fruit was whole-cluster pressed then 100% barrel fermented in 20% new oak, 80% seasoned then underwent 100% malolactic fermentation in barrel before bottling. It is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert.
94
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘South Clos Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $44.00 13.3% alcohol
Saline and flinty mineral aromas are adorned with floral and sweet vanilla on the nose of this gorgeous top-line chardonnay. It surges over the palate with flavours of caramel, nutty notes and notions of poached pear and yellow pit fruit—Mirabelle plum and nectarine—wrapped in the tang and pizzazz of crisp green apple and notions of lemon curd. This is medium-plus weight and texture with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and deft balance achieved through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with roast turkey and roast turkey leftovers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Closson Chase ‘Churchside-Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir 2020 was destemmed with no crushing, then cold soaked for 3-5 days. Fermented in large tonneaux. Aged in 100% French oak (20% new, 80% seasoned). It underwent full malolactic fermentation in barrel and was bottled unfiltered. It is accredited and certified as vegan-friendly by VegeCert.
94
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Churchside Vineyard-Unfiltered’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $44.00 12.5% alcohol
Piquant spice and crunchy red fruit show on the nose along with wood smoke. It comes up in spades with palate flavours of Montmorency cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and cassis galore along with still evolving tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz. There’s persistent purity of fruit
• The following vintage-dated 2021 Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Mosiac – Charmat Method’ Sparkling wine was sourced from 100% Chardonnay 50% cool fermented in stainless steel at 16 degrees C for 10 days, 60 days on lees, with the other 50% in pre-loved, neutral oak barrels. This vintage-dated Charmat Method, sparkling wine, is aptly named ‘Mosiac’ with a number of techniques carefully folded in together with great skill so that the finished wine is more than the sum of its parts. Bravo to winemaker Keith Tyers and his winemaking team.
93
Closson Chase Vineyards ‘Mosaic - Method’ Sparkling Wine 2021
VQA Ontario $32.00 12.5% alcohol
This opens with plenty of mousse, aka bubbles on the top of the wine when poured in the wine glass. Aromas of citrus—lime, lemon and blood orange—are joined by mineral notes and notions of baking brioche, nutty notes and spent yeast cells. There’s refreshing palate flavours of lime cordial, a green Granny Smith apple and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It finishes with an addition of minerality and the aftertaste adds on a lingering crisp and clean flavour of citrus and tang. Keep a few around for yourself and a few for both expected and unexpected guests. Great sipped as a welcoming wine it will also pour well with salted nuts or potato chips or if you’re ambitious, what about hot, salted and buttered popcorn? (Vic Harradine)
• The following three Flat Rock Cellars wines are available from the winery in Ontario and select locations in Alberta and, for their now ‘iconic’ ‘Gravity’ Pinot Noir, also in Quebec. Here is a link for you to contact the winery in Niagara and see if you can source one or more of these wines for delivery to your home—Flat Rock Cellars.
95
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Nadja’s Vineyard – Capstone Series’ Riesling 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $32.95 11.5% alcohol
Aromatic ambrosia leaps from the wine glass with the gentlest of swirls. Aromas of honeydew melon, mineral notes and notions of Granny Smith apple. It’s plush and creamy smooth on the palate with deft balance, plenty of tang and pizzazz and no lack of lip-smacking Key lime on the finish and a mouth-watering lemon curd on the aftertaste. After winning Decanters Best in Show award it is now both highly sought after and spread across the world in top-line restaurants. If you can pick up a few for your home and cellar; give it a go with moules et frites or tandoori chicken and Naan. In a word, this wine is delectable with plenty of charm and plenty to offer all the fortunate imbibers. (Vic Harradine)
93
Flat Rock Cellars ‘The Rusty Shed – Capstone Series’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $34.95 13.5% alcohol
Light-medium yellow hued when poured in the glass, it dishes up a roomful of pleasing and alluring aromas with green apple, lemon pie filling and minerality expressed as flinty limestone.. It’s plush and creamy smooth on the palate with oodles of tang and plenty of pizzazz along with yellow nectarine, ripe pear, and juicy yellow Mirabelle plum. It finishes with good balance and showcases elegance and plenty to give for a further three or four years of careful cellaring in bottle. If you’re impatient give it a go now with a festive fowl with all the fixings or a prime cut of roast beef and root veggies done in the oven with Yorkshire pudding and make mushroom gravy and pour as a side.
94
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Gravity – Capstone Series’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $39.95 13.5% alcohol
An appealing ruby red in the glass, it also shows its youth with a thin clear robe. It releases alluring aromas with the gentlest of swirls—a collage of red and black cherry/berry fruit aromas including Montmorency red cherry along with black juicy Bing cherry and nuances of wild strawberry and black bramble berry, The palate flavours replay the aromas with red and black cherry fruit and black bramble berry all delivered with creamy smooth texture and perceptible, and acceptable, tannin underpinning. There are no rough edges after a two hour aeration/decant before serving. Pour with beet borscht or a Montreal smoked meat sandwich with a side of coleslaw. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following two wines by the bottle(s) or case(s) for daily delivery to home, office or restaurant online from this link to Henry of Pelham – There is free delivery on 12 or more bottles in Ontario. Select ‘12 Bottles+’ at check out and allow up to 10 days for delivery or, order online then pick up bottle(s) or case(s) from the winery at 1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines ON. Here’s a map.
• The following 2021 Henry of Pelham ‘Classic’ Pinot Noir was sourced from an excellent vintage that’s almost as dazzling as the 2020 vintage. Imagine, two in a row! This particular wine was sourced from four numbered pinot noir clones—115, 667, 777 & 375—that are sustainably-grown and accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tank then matured for +6 months in European oak.
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Classic’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (13904) 12.8% alcohol
An abundance of interesting aromas appear on the nose of this excellent pinot noir—with tobacco leaf, dark cherry/berry fruit juxtaposed with rosewood and exotic incense. The palate’s treated to a gusher of fruit flavours with red Montmorency pie cherry and hints of passionfruit with both contributing to the wonderful tang and racy pizzazz. It’s medium-bodied with good texture, loads of fruit flavours and good mouthfeel throughout. Give this a go with pan-seared, East coast salmon fillets adorned with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up six or more. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay was sourced from Estate grown Gamay from the VQA sub-appellation of Short Hills Bench in the dazzling vintage of 2020. The grapes for this wine were harvested from 27-year-old-vines.
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Gamay 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $21.95 (19903) 13.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of violets, crunchy red cherry and passionfruit precede a river of ripe black bramble berry and juicy Bing cherry on the palate and to and through the racy finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. It’s quite smooth and mellow on entry and marries well to just about anything you do on your barbecue e.g. pork back rib slathered with spicy barbecue sauce, grilled tandoori chicken, grilled skirt steak, or simple backyard burgers. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following two wines are sold at the winery, 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 2021 Malivoire Wine Company Ladybug Rosé is a Vintages Essentials wine always in stock in a large number of LCBO retail stores. It’s a blend of 56% cabernet franc/36% gamay/8% pinot noir and was sourced from select vineyards and grapes grown specifically for this popular wine. Berries were destemmed crushed and sent to tank. The mixture of crushed grapes and free-run juice cold-soaked for between two and twelve hours before pressing. Cold fermentation and stabilization were completed in stainless steel before bottling in January 2022. It’s also available from the Malivoire winery. This wine is accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
92
Malivoire Wine Company Ladybug Rosé 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (559088) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of watermelon, wild strawberry and orange peel marmalade provide segue to a barrage of palate flavours with pie cherry and red currant juxtaposed with taffy apple and a notion of spun sugar. It finishes tangy and with oodles of pizzazz to and through the lip-smacking finish and delightfully sharp with Montmorency grapes on the aftertaste. Pour on its own or with or serve with roast chicken, a deli board or pan-seared Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Malivoire Wine Company ‘Che Bello - Charmat Method - Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine was sourced from seyval from Huebel Estate Vineyards and from riesling from Geneva Frost Road. Following primary fermentation the wine was transferred to a pressurized steel tank for secondary fermentation in the Charmat method. It underwent no malolactic fermentation. This wine is accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. It’s available at the winery and in the LCBO General List section.
91
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Che Bello - Charmat Method’ Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine
VQA Ontario $17.95 (16858) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of apricot, musky Casaba melon and yellow nectarine coalesce on the nose of this sparkling wine. It gathers itself on the palate with the yin and yang—aka, sweetness and tang—of sweet, ripe yellow Mirabelle plum and honeydew melon along with the yang and the tang of crab apple and notions of rhubarb. The balanced finish and mouth-watering aftertaste support these palate flavours as they pour well with poached oysters with a dash of Pernod, crab cakes or fish tacos. (Vic Harradine)
• Order the following wines by the case for daily office, home or restaurant delivery direct by toll-free phone 1-888-399-1183, from the Rosehall Run Vineyards winery using this link - Rosehall Run - or pick it up from the cellar door on your next visit to the winery 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington, Ontario K0K 3L0 in Prince Edward County—it’s best to call first and make an appointment—it’s an easy approximately two-hour drive, or less, from the GTA or Ottawa via the 401 - Here’s a map. All orders of $85.00 and over receive FREE SHIPPING in Ontario.
• The following Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘St. Cindy – unfiltered – Estate grown and bottled Pinot Noir 2020 pays homage to Cindy Zwicker Reston, the sister of Lynn Sullivan and sister-in-law to winemaker Dan Sullivan. Cindy is one of the winery’s most ardent and faithful supporters and this fabulous vintage for pinot noir gave the Lynn and Dan Sullivan a wonderful opportunity to make their feelings known to all that value family, supporters and excellent wine. All the fruit—100% Pinot Noir—is from estate vineyards.
92
Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘St. Cindy – unfiltered – Estate grown and bottled – Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $79.00 13.0% alcohol
Light-ruby-red hued in the glass, it surprises with a flurry of aromas once given a couple of meaningful swirls that include beet root and earthy notes along with red and black cherry and plenty of tangy acidity that gets to and through the mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste. It opens up more quickly with a one or two hour aeration/decant. Pour alongside a Montreal smoked meat sandwich or grilled Atlantic salmon on a cedar plank along with dill weed and dotted with butter. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘St. Cindy – unfiltered – Estate grown and bottled Chardonnay 2020 pays homage to Cindy Zwicker Reston, the sister of Lynn Sullivan and sister-in-law to winemaker Dan Sullivan. Cindy is one of the winery’s most ardent and faithful supporters and this excellent vintage for pinot noir gave Lynn and Dan Sullivan a wonderful opportunity to make their feelings known to all that value family, supporters and excellent wine. All the fruit—100% Chardonnay—is from estate vineyards.
92
Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘St. Cindy – unfiltered – Estate grown and bottled – Chardonnay 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $74.00 13.0% alcohol
This is clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to final drop as it showcases aromas of lemon curd, white grapefruit, passionfruit, pomegranate and notions of tropical fruit—mango and pineapple—along with replays on the palate with many of the aromas. It’s textured and creamy smooth on the palate with plenty of charm and aplomb and gives way on the finish and aftertaste by showcasing persistent purity of fruit. Pour alongside crab cakes or fish tacos or moules et frites. (Vic Harradine)
• The following vintage-dated 2017 Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Ceremony ‘Blanc de Blancs’ 100% Chardonnay was Estate grown and bottled and produced ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’—Aka, handled by the Rosehall Run winemaking team here in Prince Edward County, as wine makers would in Champagne, France with the major difference the 2nd fermentation made in the bottles that you will purchase and pour from, as you would in Champagne.
93
Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Ceremony ‘Blanc de Blancs’ 100% Chardonnay Sparkling Wine 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $39.00 12.0% alcohol
A profusion of bubbles appears on the first pour into the wine glass and also continues to stream with fine-bead bubbles winding their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the liquid in your glass. Aromas of baking brioche and nutty notes are quickly joined by oodles of tang and pizzazz in the palate presenting as lemon pie filling, Key lime cordial and flinty minerality. It’s a wonderful wine to start a wonderful evening as you can sip this on its own for as long as you wish or you can use it as a welcoming wine for close friends or family. You can also pour at the dinner table with myriad of dishes. Given the quality and the price, the price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pick up a few.
• The following 2020 Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘JCR’ Pinot Noir sources some of the oldest estate-grown pinot noir fruit. This is a flagship wine for Rosehall Run Vineyards and never fails to shine and I wouldn’t think it would fail to shine in such a dazzling VQA Ontario vintage in virtually every VQA appellation.
92
Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘JCR’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $45.00 13.0% alcohol
A lively fresh wine with light-ruby hues in the glass. On the palate it’s mostly red fruit with cherry, pomegranate and notions of earthy notes and minerality. The mid-palate begins to add interest with texture, persistent purity of fruit and creamy smooth mouthfuls of nicely balanced pinot noir. Give it a go with a sushi platter, a deli board or a cassoulet or smoked duck breasts. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué is a ‘Small Lots’ venture from a single-vineyard plot of estate-grown fruit in a particularly dazzling vintage.
• Winemaker notes - Sourced from our small ‘Vina de Casa’, a one-acre plot of Chardonnay Musqué clone 809, which are the first vines you see when you arrive at the estate. Prince Edward County is benefitted annually by not getting as many rain episodes as the rest of Ontario. One of the most fruitful benefits includes being one of the driest areas for grape growing in Ontario, and our Chardonnay Musqué welcomes the partial aridity.
The wine was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks in order to preserve the perfumed orchard fruit aromas of our Chardonnay Musqué. To further preserve freshness, the Chardonnay Musqué was aged for a short period of about 4 ½ months and put into bottle in early May.
92
Rosehall Run Vineyards Chardonnay Musqué 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $26.00 12.0%
There are aromas of nutty nuances, exotic spices and floral notes on the nose. It dazzles the palate with a wash of balanced and bountiful flavours with blood orange, lemon pie filling and plenty of tang and pizzazz. It’s balanced with smooth flavours. It finishes lengthy with a lip-smacking finish and crisp refreshing aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared salmon fillets, grilled calamari rings or a sushi platter. (Vic Harradine)
93
Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Silver Fox Block – Nedelko Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $39.00 13.0% alcohol
Sporting an alluring nose of exotic incense, red berry fruit and tobacco leaf aromas—it envelops the palate with a stunning array of complex flavours—tangy, ripe, bramble berry fruit robed in piquant spices and black currant with racy pie cherry appearing on the back palate. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and showcases dazzling fruit flavour, excellent acidity and deft balance. It’s stylish and charming while the long, balanced and bountiful finish adds to its allure. (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 recently it hasn’t been the greatest news.
• The following 2021 Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet Franc has not yet been released at the winery at time of writing.
90
Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (594127) 12.0% alcohol
The gentlest of swirls will fill your olfactory system with elegant and charming aromas with exotic spice, bramble berry and cassis to the fore. The palate is treated to a deftly balanced, medium-full bodied, gusher of fruit flavours that exude creamy smooth mouthfeel, plenty of tang and pizzazz that blankets the lip-smacking finish and the delightful lingering and balanced aftertaste. It’s wonderful on its own and pure ambrosia when poured with your favourite grilled beef, pork or lamb. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Charmat Method Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Chardonnay old-vines from their prime estate vineyards in the best vintages only, and 2020 was one of the recent best, with 2021 a close runner-up.
90
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling - Charmat Method – Chardonnay 2020
VQA Ontario $30.00 12.0% alcohol
This pours with a frothy mousse of fine-bead bubbles along with aromas of saline minerality and notions of grapefruit and green apple. Palate flavours of honeydew melon, lemon curd and plenty of tang and pizzazz along with persistent purity of fruit from the palate to the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour when guests arrive and on to lighter-styled appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ – Sparkling – Charmat Method - Pinot Meuniere sourced from old vines on one of their best and most picturesque estate vineyards. Pinot Meunier is a red grape, and there are only two über-popular red grapes in sparkling Champagne. The other red grape? Pinot Noir!
91
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Sparkling - Charmat Method – Pinot Meunier 2020
VQA Ontario $30.00 13.0% alcohol
Nutty notes and baking brioche aromas precede palate flavours of peel marmalade and traces of blood orange and lemon-lime. This has good texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel with excellent balance of flavours, tang and a lip-smacking finish and aftertaste and always attractive in the bottle and wine glass with its light pink hue. A lovely way to greet guests and a perfect way to begin a romantic evening for two. Pour with cocktail sandwiches and salted almonds. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages: Limited Time Offers – happy hunting - 22 wines in total
White Wines
• The following 5 white wines will provide you a $2.00 discount from the price shown below on each wine for each bottle purchased from now to November 6, 2022, regardless of vintage.
87
Anselmi ‘San Vincenzo’
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 (948158) 12.5% alcohol
An über-savoury nose of grassy notes and sprigs of savoury herbs dressed in piquant spice provide segue to this garganega blend. The mid-weight, lightly textured stream of palate-pleasing flavour skips over the palate with flavours of lemongrass, pear and wisps of apple persisting through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own as a pleasant pre-dinner sipper. (Vic Harradine)
90 
Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (286278) 13.0% alcohol
Medium yellow-gold hued, this leaps from the glass with lifted aromas of baking spice, toasty notes, pineapple and caramel. It envelops the palate with a medium-plus bodied, well-textured river of ripe apple and tingling citrus acidity with oodles of nerve, verve and pizzazz expressed as white grapefruit on the back palate and aftertaste. This will be divine paired with freshly shucked Malpec oysters, prawn ceviche or pan-seared white fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
88
La Crema Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast $30.00 (962886) 13.5% alcohol
This is an elegant chardonnay with subtle oak aromas on the nose combined with notes of apple and minerality. It’s medium-full bodied with zesty acidity delivering green apple and citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is tangy and underlined with clean minerality. This will evolve nicely in the cellar for a few years, and can be enjoyed with shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)
91
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)
90
Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés
Uco Valley, Argentina $15.95 (1834) alcohol 12.5%
Here’s an authentic expression of the emblematic white grape of Argentina. Torrontés is an aromatic grape that can sometimes lead to over-the-top perfumed wines which isn’t the case here. Delicate aromas of rose, ginger, fresh apricot and almond charm the nose. Medium-light-bodied, it flows easily on the palate with excellent citrus acidity, ginger, a touch of white pepper and mild pleasant tang completing the profile. Enjoy with sashimi or Korean sauce marinated chicken. (Louise Boutin)
Red Wines
• The following 10 red wines will provide you a $2.00 discount from the price shown below on each wine for each bottle purchased from now to November 6, 2022. regardless of vintage
• 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 ‘Riserva’ worthy of picking up a few, perhaps even a case.
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)
89
Cathedral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Paarl, South Africa $18.95 (328567) 13.0% alcohol
Smoky, earthy and dried cherry aromatics waft from the glass of this medium-bodied red. There are a good deal of sweet, black, ripe cherry and plum flavours with hints of chocolate and tar in the involved flavour profile. All this is wrapped around perceptible tannins and oaky notes that may need some time to quiet down. Drink now with rare or medium-rare pepper steak. (Vic Harradine)
92
Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State $19.95 (210047) 14.0% alcohol
This is a lovely red with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. A subdued nose of mixed spice and dark cherry/berry fruit unleashes a delectable wash of balanced and beautiful flavours with red and black currant and juicy black Bing cherry to the fore. It’s medium bodied with generous texture and long, balanced finish showcasing delicious ripe fruit. Each sip is as good as, or better, than the previous. (Vic Harradine)
• The following is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores
91
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $23.95 (626390) 13.0% alcohol
A portion of this elegant and easy-drinking pinot noir has been aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. This has resulted in a complex nose with aromas of musty wood, dried red fruit, fresh cherries and spice. It’s medium bodied with good acidity and tannins that start gentle then slowly grow, but never become overwhelming. Red berry flavours linger nicely on the finish. It can be cellared another three years and enjoyed with a beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)
91
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (292110) alcohol 14.0%
Twelve months of maturation in French and American oak barrels is expressed with mixed spice and chocolate but also roasted plum and mushroom aromas in this medium-full bodied red from an excellent vintage. Initially velvety on the palate with spicy dark fruit and cola flavours, it morphs into an enjoyable robust and peppery juice with grippy tannins and a bright note of dry cherry extending in the finish and delicious aftertaste. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside lamb kofta or stuffed Portobello mushroom. (Louise Boutin)
• The following Bodegas Lan Crianza is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO stores. It’s also an inexpensive way to taste what will be a $30 or $40 wine when released from the winery some five or more years from now as a ‘Reserva’ or a ‘Gran Reserva’ wine.
92
Bodegas Lan Crianza
DOCa Rioja, Spain $17.95 (166538) 13.5% alcohol
Sexy aromas of exotic spice and incense interweave with soft, ripe, dark berry fruit and flecks of mocha. It bathes the palate with a rich and balanced wash of black raspberry and dark cherry flavours underpinned by ripe chalky tannin and framed by excellent acidity and purity of fruit. It’s medium-plus bodied with deft balance and a lengthy finish. Pour on its own, after a two-hour aeration/decant or alongside prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
90
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
IGT Toscana, Italy $29.95 (964221) 14.0% alcohol
A highly anticipated, perennial favourite, this blend of 67% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 13% sangiovese, is ready to drink, fair value and shouldn’t disappoint. Dark berry fruit, piquant spice and mint aromas abound before dishing up a focused line of crunchy pie cherry and tart passionfruit scurrying across the palate adorned with notions of mixed spice and mocha, This is medium bodied with silky-smooth texture and soft ripe tannin. Drink now after a three-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
89
Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County $24.95 (292151) 14.0% alcohol
This approachable, versatile red offers intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, roasted red pepper and cedar. Dry, medium-full bodied, with perceptible tannin, the palate is supple and juicy with ripe dark plums, blackberry coulis, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Pour alongside peppercorn steak. (Lisa Isabelle)
88
McManis Zinfandel
Lodi $21.95 (256735) 14.0% alcohol
There’s a lively nose of primary fruit—cherry, blackberry blueberry—mingling with oaky aromas. Rich, flavours of kirsch liqueur and dark berry fruit interlaced with mixed spice and a supple tannin structure bathe the palate. This is medium-full bodied and satin textured with a lengthy balanced finish. Aerate/decant three hours pouring with well-seasoned, grilled medium-rare, beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)
91
Viña Perez Cruz ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon
DO Maipo Alto, Chile $15.95 (694208) 13.5% alcohol
The cool, elevated Maipo Alto region is the sweet spot for premiere Chilean Cab. There’s a 3% splash of Syrah and 1% ripple of Carmenère in this mid-weight, beautifully textured, crowd-pleasing gem. Aromas of rich black fruit, sweet vanilla and toasty notes herald a river of black cherry, juicy and ripe mulberry on the palate infusing the long finish. It sports good depth, complexity, oodles of charm and exceptional-value. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Beringer cabernet sauvignon receives a discount off the price shown below of $5.00 per bottle purchased from now to November 6, 2022, regardless of vintage.
91
Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley, California $46.95 (352583) 14.8% alcohol
This blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, matured 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Dark cherry, plum compote, chipotle, baking spice and violet aromas showcase the complex nose. Silky soft on palate entry with flavours of ripe black cherry, clove and vanilla, it shows a firmer profile mid palate with tight tannin and flavours of cocoa powder, freshly cracked black peppercorn and a wisp of red plum acidity through the finish and aftertaste. This is full-bodied with cellaring potential; enjoy now to 2024 with juicy rare prime rib after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 3 red wines will provide you a $3.00 discount from the price shown below on each wine for each bottle purchased from now to November 6, 2022, regardless of vintage.
91
Rodney Strong ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $29.95 (954834) 14.5% alcohol
This is a premium pinot from the fabulous cool-climate appellation of Russian River Valley. It’s part California with ripe fruit and oodles of it, and part Burgundy with good structure and lip-smacking acidity for excellent balance. There’s red cherry with wisps of red currant and mixed spice on the nose and palate joined by ripe black berry and notions of beetroot on the finish and lingering aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
89
Porcupine Ridge Syrah
WO Swartland, South Africa $16.95 (595280) 14.0% alcohol
Balanced and brimming with beautiful fruit, this has structure, a lingering aftertaste and oodles of charm—a $13.95 red (includes discount) tasting $20 and more. Red berry fruit, floral notes and mineral on the nose, this bursts on the palate with a balanced, persistent wash of briary berry and juicy black Bing cherry adorned by mixed spice. It’s medium-full weight with lovely mouth feel and a mouth-watering lively finish—each sip’s better than the previous. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Trius red blend—cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon/merlot—was matured 12 months in French and American oak.
87
Trius Red
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (303800) 13.6% alcohol
Aromas of ripe cherry/berry fruit, herbs and spice abound. A medium-full bodied, nicely textured flow of red cherry, bramble berry and savory herbs blanket the palate tightly robed in the still-evolving grip of perceptible tannin. Aerate/decant for three hours pouring with rare-grilled, well-seasoned striploin. (Vic Harradine)
• Earn Aeroplan Bonus Points on the following 3 wines from now to November 5, 2022
• The following wine will earn you 70 Aeroplan Bonus Points for each bottle purchased now to November 5, 2022
• The following Luigi Bosca Malbec was sourced from estate vineyards with vines 35-years-old at an altitude of 900 to 1100 metres above sea level located in the prestigious wine areas of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Fruit was hand harvested with careful selection of clusters and destemming. It was cold macerated at 8 °C then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28 °C with commercial yeasts. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels where it matured for 12 months before a light fining and bottling. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail wine stores.
92
Luigi Bosca Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina (452672) $18.95 14.5% alcohol
The nose is laden with red currant and dark cherry mingling with sweet tobacco and a dusty mineral note. Rich, ripe fruit flavours coat the palate while mouth-watering freshness and pleasantly chewy tannins create balance. Dry, medium-full bodied, dark fruit and spice flavours linger on the warm, lengthy finish. This would pair well with grilled lamb or Portobello mushroom burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following wine will earn you 80 Aeroplan Bonus Points for each bottle purchased now to November 5, 2022
• The following wine from Rocca delle Macie is a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
• The ‘Classico’ on the wine label in the following Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico below alerts you this wine is from the heartland and original homeland of Chianti with ‘Chianti Classico’ considered the premium growing and winemaking sub-zone of the seven sub-zones in the now, quite large Chianti region in Tuscany.
90
Rocca delle Macie ‘Famiglia Zingarelli’ Chianti Classico
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $18.95 (741769) 13.5% alcohol
Cedar, floral notes and mixed field berry fruit aromas precede a racy line of red currant and pie cherry palate flavours adorned with savory herbs and a lick of red licorice and hints of mocha. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy dry, mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with pasta Bolognese or meat-laden lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine will earn you 100 Aeroplan Bonus Points for each bottle purchased now to November 5, 2022
93
Terrazas de los Andes ‘High Altitude Vineyards – Reserva’ Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (29280) 14.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of exotic spice, peppery notes and sandalwood are juxtaposed with black licorice and dark purple plum. It blossoms with a glorious river of delectable palate flavours—bountiful, bombastic and chockful of pizzazz. Ripe juicy black Bing cherry mingles with black raspberry and black plum compote along with tang-infused passionfruit and cranberry jelly. This is medium-plus bodied with good balance, a soft tannin underpinning, touches of elegance and a crisp refreshing finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with a grilled medium-rare, skirt steak. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in winecurrent
Vintages Release: November 19, 2022
• The following 4 wines are slated for a November 19, 2022 Vintages Release
• The following 2019 Primus ‘Organic Wine’ Carménère from Chile sourced from a good vintage from healthy vines and wine certified organic by Eco Cert, and accredited as vegan-friendly.
87
Primus ‘Organic Wine’ Carménère 2019
D.O. Apalta, Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (439356) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of grilled green savoury herbs and notes of forest-floor earthy bits dominate the nose. Strong-flavours blanket the palate with tang-laden green savoury herbs the most prominent and along with still-evolving tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz throughout. Aerate/decant for three hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Source of Joy’ Rosé was sourced from three grape varieties manually harvested early in the morning in the appellation of AOP Languedoc, France—grenache noir/syrah/cinsault—with each variety kept separate and harvested at each of their own optimum time of ripeness. This Rosé was made using the saignée method of rosé winemaking that involves “bleeding” off a portion of red wine juice after it's been in contact with the skins and seeds. The alcoholic fermentation took place under controlled temperatures in order to showcase the aromas. A portion of the wines has been matured in oak barrels. To keep this wine fresh with natural acidity, malolactic fermentation was not allowed. The wine is accredited as vegan-friendly and certified organic. The ‘Source of Joy’ refers to the ‘fountain of youth’ with no ironclad guarantee that there is one.
92
Gérard Bertrand ‘Source of Joy’ Rosé 2021
AOP Languedoc, France $24.95 (25787) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry/berry fruit mingle with spice and mineral notes on the nose that precede a gusher of crisp, refreshing palate flavours with red currant and ruby red grapefruit juxtaposed with notions of watermelon and orange marmalade. This is nicely balanced with tang and pizzazz that persist through the finish and aftertaste. It’s clean and lip-smacking good on the finish and mouth-watering on the aftertaste. Pick up a few and serve chilled; this can be accomplished by removing from the kitchen frig 15 minutes before opening and pouring on its own or with seafood, sushi or a charcouterie board. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Best’s Wines ‘Bin No 1’ Shiraz won the prestigious ‘Trophy for Best Shiraz’ at the 2021, 40th Victorian Wine Show.
93
Best’s Wines ‘Bin No 1’ Shiraz 2019
Great Western, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (222323) 14.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of cherry/berry fruit and mint can be coaxed from the glass. It delivers in spades on the palate with a river of sapid and smooth flavours with ripe mulberry, black raspberry and notions of cassis that display on entry and continue through to the lingering and balanced finish and aftertaste. There’s a sure fire match with grilled beef steak or grilled pork back ribs. The quality-price balance is tipped well in your favour with a 93 point score and a $21.95 price tag. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Claymore Wines ‘You’ll never walk alone’ wine is a blend of grenache/shiraz/mataro. Mataro is also known as mourvèdre and monastrell. The price-quality balance tips in your favour, pick up a few.
93
Claymore Wines ‘You’ll never walk alone’ 2018
Clare Valley, Australia $19.95 (409086) 14.7% alcohol
Alluring aromas of blueberry, ripe mulberry and juicy black cherry dominate the nose adorned with black licorice and exotic spice and incense. The wine reveals itself on the gusher of palate flavours—black bramble berry, dark Bing cherry and notions of Ribena—and are persistent through the smooth, mellow, lingering and nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. Pour with a grilled rack of Australian lamb slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Boxer’s Ghost’ Pinot Noir is slated for a Vintages Release on December 3, 2022
• It may get you a few more invitations if you bring this along as a thank you for the host at a festive dinner to which you were invited. The ‘Boxer’s Ghost’ refers to an unofficial boxing match in the 1800’s and after a day at the horse track—now the Devil’s Hollow Vyd—Bets were placed and the wrong man won. He was never seen again (alive at least…) This wine was sustainably grown and accredited as such by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. It was fermented in stainless steel in conjunction with oak using pulse-air to manage the cap and colour. It also matured with European oak for 6+ months.
90
Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Boxer’s Ghost’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (306221) 12.8% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice and red fruit—strawberry and cherry—mingle with earthy notes and mixed savoury herbs. Palate flavours of pie cherry, pomegranate and hints of passionfruit persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and the crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. There’s good balance, smooth and mellow flavours, texture and mouthfeel. Give this a go with cedar plank barbecued salmon hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon and dotted with butter or pan-seared in butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release TBD, 2022
• The following 2020 ‘3 - Rings Shiraz’ is a perennial favourite for Aussie shiraz lovers and there are plenty of reasons why it’s so popular. This is not your usual garden-variety favourite that tastes similar each vintage. In fact the opposite as the goal of this winery is to work with what nature provides and it provides differences in weather as far as temperatures, and also rainfall and winds are concerned. The fruit may have enjoyed a perfect season in 2020 as we did here in VQA Ontario appellations. This is not a fruit bomb as they harvest the same estate-grown fruit each year, although the alcohol easily reached 14.9% indicating they harvested with a high Brix level as the grapes reached close to perfect ripeness. They also kept yields low at 2.02 tonnes per acre.
93
Australian Wine Company 3-ring Shiraz 2020
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic incense, ripe bramble berry fruit—black raspberry and black currant—are replayed on the palate while juxtaposed with lip-smacking tang and plenty of pizzazz to and through the mouth-watering aftertaste soon joined by grilled savoury herbs and piquant spices. This showcases persistent purity of fruit underpinned by ripe, fine-grained tannin that meld and balance perfectly with ripe fruit and a laser-like line of tang and pizzazz. This wine has good structure, deft balance and a delicious palate and follow through. Give it a go with rack of lamb or osso buco. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir was sourced from 100% Pinot Noir from many of the premium vineyards in the Willamette Valley. It’s pronounced—will-am-it—dammit. This particular tasty treat spent some time in 100% French oak with only 10% new.
91
Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
AVA Willamette Valley, Oregon, U.S.A. $29.95 13.7% alcohol
Fresh and juicy aromas waft easily from the gentlest of swirls. This wine was carefully aged after it was gently destemmed into stainless steel vats and 1.25 ton open-top fermenters. The palate picks up all the hard work and many issues that were handled with great care and wine wisdom. Palate-flavours are a gusher of ripe fruit—black Bing cherry, bramble berry and hints of mocha mingling with ripe fruit underpinned by soft ripe tannin that reflect the careful handling and excellent decisions in the fermentation and maturation of this tasty, deftly balanced red wine that also showcases persistent purity of fruit with a lengthy and luscious finish and aftertaste laced with tang and pizzazz. Pour alongside cedar-planked salmon on the barbecue, backyard burgers or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Carmin ‘Reguengos – Seleção - Reserva’ is an inspired red blend of 40% alicante bouschet/20% aragonês/20% trincadeira/20% syrah. The grapes are rushed to the winery after harvest and immediately destemmed and crushed. Select yeast strains are chosen for the fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. The fermentation and maceration are both completed in a 15-day period. The wine was partially aged in vats for 12 months with the balance matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels also for 12 months.
91
Carmin ‘Reguengos – Seleção - Reserva’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $16.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black currant, ripe mulberry and a notion of blueberry open up this wine, hinting at the pleasant imbibing experience to follow. It’s medium-plus bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty to like on the palate as it’s food friendly and raring to go. Palate-flavours of black raspberry, cherry clafoutie and espresso roast adorned with grilled savoury herbs are to the fore. Give this a go with lamb tagine, cassoulet or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Carmim ‘Reguengos – Old Vines’ 2020 is an interesting red blend of 40% alicante bouschet/30% trincadeira/30% aragonez from vines at harvest that were 35 years and older. The grapes for this wine were matured for 9 months in French and American oak barrels.
91
Carmim ‘Real Grei – Reguengos – Old Vines’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $14.95 14.5% alcohol
Exotic incense mingles with piquant spice and fresh red cherry and red currant jelly on the nose. The palate’s treated to a smooth and mellow wash of blood orange, passionfruit and ripe mulberry mingling with black currant and ripe dark cherry. This is well balanced and brimming with flavour that persists to and through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with red pizza, burgers or pasta in tomato sauce with a side of medium-spiced chorizo sausage. The price-quality ratio tips well in your favour; pick up a few at this price. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Carmim ‘Olaria – Reserva’ was sourced from a red blend of 50% alicante bouschet/30% syrah/20% trincadeira. The grapes are rushed to the winery after harvest and immediately destemmed and crushed. Select yeast strains are chosen for the fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. The fermentation and maceration are both completed in a 15-day period. The wine matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels.
90
Carmim ‘Olaria - Reserva’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $15.95 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of ripe juicy cherry/berry fruit, sweet vanilla and mocha are soon joined by palate flavours of © Ribena, juicy-sweet, ripe Bing cherry, notions of baking spice that melds together like an iron fist in a velvet glove. There’s an abundance of tang and plenty of pizzazz from cork pop to last drop with a lingering mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste that’s intertwined with the ripe flavours from the palate. It’s drinking well now and will be even better three or four years from now with careful cellaring. Pour on its own or with pastitsio, lasagna or cured or semi-cured cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, from Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic