December 23, 2022 Newsletter
We all send best wishes to you, your family, friends and loved ones for a
Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.
We also extend fervent hope and prayers for everyone to enjoy a
healthy, prosperous 2023 in a world at peace.
—Louise, Lisa, Dave, Vic
New in Ontario Wineries
There are 8 or so top-notch winery’s showcasing 43 wines. After reading through this, look for more in the next winecurrent newsletter in early January, 2023.
• The following five 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 Dea’s Cuvée Sparkling Wine was made 100% with chardonnay and pinot noir grown and harvested from their estate-owned ‘Cold Creek’ vineyard. It’s deftly balanced and fruit-forward and was made in the Charmat method.
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Casa Dea ‘Dea’s Cuvée - Charmat Method – Sparkling Wine
VQA Prince Edward County $20.95 12.5% alcohol
Delightful aromas appear as it is poured and continues through the tasting experience with a gusher of ripe citrus fruit—Meyer lemon, Key lime and notions of white grapefruit—that provide wonderful balanced palate flavours that blossom out leaving a lip-smacking crisp and refreshing taste sensation on the palate and the lingering finish and aftertaste. Kudos to the Casa Dea team. Pour alongside cold-smoked salmon on a bagel slathered with cream cheese that’s dotted with dill weed and capers. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Casa Dea ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc was sourced from 100% Casa Dea estate vineyards of cabernet franc in Prince Edward County.
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Casa Dea Estates Winery ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc 2020
VQA Prince Edward County $26.95 14.0% alcohol
This opens with an exotic Asian incense aroma joined by red and black cherry/berry fruit and notions of earthy and floral notes on the nose. It envelopes the palate with flavours of red pie cherry and black currant underpinned by still-evolving tannin and a balanced smattering of ripe black cherry and notions of blueberry and sweet vanilla intertwined with grilled savoury herbs and a replay of palate flavours on the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with red, meat-lovers pizza or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• 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.
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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.
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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. It’s medium-bodied and nicely textured on the palate with flavours of Granny Smith apple, lemongrass and ripe peach, pear and Mirabelle plum.
• 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, office or licensed premise.—Flat Rock Cellars.
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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)
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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. (Vic Harradine)
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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 four 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.
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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.
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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)
• The following méthode traditionelle, vintage-dated, 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blancs ’ is named for family matriarch Catherine Smith—Henry of Pelham’s wife. It was hand-harvested, bunch-selected from 100% chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed, partially barrel- fermented, maturing on its lees more than four years in the bottle(s) you purchase before disgorgement—aka, expelling spent yeast cells from the 2nd fermentation in this bottle.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $49.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
This top-notch, vintage-dated sparkling wine is one of the top traditional-method, vintage-dated sparkling wines on the market, regardless of country of origin. Aromas of yeasty notes, baking brioche and flinty minerality make way for a profusion of fine-bead bubbles that endlessly wind their way to the top of your glass. This has complexity, purity of fruit, good tension, is well balanced with a painter’s palette of lively flavour—a surge of racy lemon and lime tang adorned with white nectarine, nutty and mineral notes dazzle the palate infusing the lingering finish and aftertaste. This is classy, elegant and wired for sipping on its own for two or with festive food when entertaining, e.g. roast turkey or bone-in baked ham with all the fixings. (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.
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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)
• The following three wines should be available both at the winery and at LCBO Retail stores.
• The following 2021 Henry of Pelham ‘Old Vines’ Baco Noir was sourced from Old Vines with the oldest in this wine from a 1984 planting on their highly valued estate wine vineyards with low yields of approximately 3.5 tonnes per acre with all grapes gently moved by gravity. The wine was aged in a combination of new as well as one and two year-old American barriques then partially finished in 5000L foudres for a combined 12 months.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate - Old Vines’ Baco Noir 2021
VQA Ontario $19.95 (459966) 13.0% alcohol
This is noticeably smoky and gamy on the nose with the gentlest of swirls that also reveal ripe dark cherry, bramble berry jelly and notions of piquant spice and grilled savoury herbs It envelops the palate with good weight, excellent balance, creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang and pizzazz. There are palate fruit flavours galore—red raspberry and dark, juicy Bing cherry joining in with excellent tang and acidity and all melding well and persisting through the lingering finish. Pour alongside grilled lamb chops or rack of lamb. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Pick up a few, if you can. (Vic Harradine)
• During prohibition light airplanes would land at estates to collect whiskey and wine made in local barns. The following 2021 Speck Brother’s ‘Family Tree – The Bootlegger’ Baco Noir was sourced from grapes harvested in late September, 2021 then 20% barrel aged in 100% American oak and the other 80% aged in stainless steel tanks to create perfect balance between oak and fruit.
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Speck Brother’s ‘Family Tree – The Bootlegger’ Baco Noir 2021
VQA Ontario $17.95 (16791) 13.0% alcohol
Charred campfire wood aromas abound along with mixed spices and dark cherry/berry fruit on the nose. It’s balanced on the palate between ripe fruit flavours, good tang and pizzazz, an underpinning of soft ripe tannin and a lingering finish and a dazzling aftertaste that is juicy ripe and delicious. Pour with grilled steak along with braised button mushrooms or backyard burgers or red pizza. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour with a 92 score and a $17.95 price tag. Pick up a few, if you can. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Sibling Rivalry Red ‘Merlot – Cabernet Franc – Gamay’ was sourced from three prominent red grapes—merlot/cabernet franc/gamay—with all in the VQA appellation of ‘Niagara Peninsula’. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks with full maceration then matured with American oak for 8 months.
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Sibling Rivalry Wines ‘Red - Merlot – Cabernet Franc – Gamay’ 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (126151) 13.2% alcohol
Aromas of juicy black fruit—Bing cherry, black raspberry and Damson plum—give way to a delectable splash of fabulous palate flavour reflecting the aromas and the dazzling VQA 2020 vintage. It’s balanced and bountiful with good tension and plenty of tang and pizzazz that’s juxtaposed to smooth and mellow fruit flavours mentioned above. The lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste are a pleasant sensation that will bring you back for another sip or two. Pour with grilled hot dogs or hamburgers or a vegetarian pasta dinner. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Stouck Farmstead’ Red was sourced from the Stouck family Farmstead with the Stouck family now 6th generation farmers of this land with ownership spread well over 100 years. This wine is certified sustainable by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Farmstead Red’ was sourced from two grape varieties with 61% merlot picked on the 16th of October and 39% cabernet sauvignon harvested on the 24th of October at the Stouck Family vineyard with an average sugar level in the unfermented grapes coming in at 22.1° Brix while the finished fermented wine came in at 0.0 g/L of fermented sugar. The two grape varieties were vinified separately then blended in a 1000 Litre oak tank and the wine aged in equal portions of American and French oak barrels with 15% new. After 16 months in oak, 500 cases were bottled. The wine is available only from the winery – either during a personal visit to the winery or order on-line and it will be delivered to your door using the following link – Malivoire Wine Company.
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Speck Brothers ‘Lazzara’ Bianco Secco Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
VQA Ontario $17.95 (16789) 11.5% alcohol
This is as close as it gets to a refreshing, fruity and floral Prosecco, with peach, pear, melon and white flower aromas pushed out of the glass with a nice white froth. It is light and fruity on the palate with flavours of yellow apple and pear as well as yeasty and mineral notes completing the profile. This is a versatile sparkling to enjoy on its own, with potato chips or to pour for a festive brunch. (Louise Boutin)
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Stouck Farmstead Red’ 2020
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $26.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of black currant, dark plum and cassis reflect the deep ruby-red colour of this 61% merlot and 39% cabernet sauvignon red blend. On the palate it shows still-evolving tannin acting as a solid underpinning along with excellent tang and plenty of pizzazz needing a bit more time in bottle along with one or two-hours of aeration/decant. Careful cellaring for a few more months should be a welcomed smoothing out of the tannin, the acidity and addition of more fruit flavour and along with it, good balance. Pour with a medium-rare grilled beef steak from spring 2023 through 2030. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate-Grown’ Chardonnay is available at the winery either when you shop there or go online using this link Malivoire Wine Company. Or you can purchase in-store or on-line at the LCBO Vintages section as it is a Vintages Essentials wine that should be available in most LCBO stores now. The chardonnay was sourced from hand-harvested fruit from September 18th through the 22nd from 19 to 26-year-old vines with 70% from Moira Vineyard / 20% Malivoire Estate Vineyard and 10% from Mottiar Vineyard. The average sugar content of the unfermented grapes came in at 21.1° Brix, while the fermented grapes were clocked in at a low 1 g/L residual sugar. At pressing, 25% of the fruit was destemmed while the larger share remained in whole clusters. After pressing, 45% of the juice went to neutral oak barrels for primary and malolactic fermentation, while the 55% balance was vinified in stainless steel. After 10 months the two batches were blended and bottled in July, 2022.
95
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate-Grown’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 (573147) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rosewater, green apple, poached pear and peel marmalade meld nicely with mineral notes, citrus and notions of short-term, neutral oak barrels. A creamy-smooth river of nicely textured fruit persists to and through the balanced finish and aftertaste. Look for baked apple flavour, adorned by lemon pastille and hints of salinity. Drink now to and through 2026. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour—95 points and only $21.95—pick up an armful and serve with panko-crusted, pan-seared, pork cutlets and a variety of other delicious dishes that you favour at any time of the year. (Vic Harradine)
• 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.
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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.
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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)
• The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Stouck Farmstead’ Red was sourced from the Stouck family Farmstead with the Stouck family now 6th generation farmers of this land with ownership spread well over 100 years. This wine is certified sustainable by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. The following 2020 Malivoire Wine Company ‘Farmstead Red’ was sourced from two grape varieties with 61% merlot picked on the 16th of October and 39% cabernet sauvignon harvested on the 24th of October at the Stouck Family vineyard with an average sugar level in the unfermented grapes coming in at 22.1° Brix while the finished fermented wine came in at 0.0 g/L of fermented sugar. The two grape varieties were vinified separately then blended in a 1000 Litre oak tank and the wine aged in equal portions of American and French oak barrels with 15% new. After 16 months in oak, 500 cases were bottled. The wine is available only from the winery – either during a personal visit to the winery or order on-line and it will be delivered to your door using the following link – Malivoire Wine Company.
92
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Stouck Farmstead Red’ 2020
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $26.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of black currant, dark plum and cassis reflect the deep ruby-red colour of this 61% merlot and 39% cabernet sauvignon red blend. On the palate it shows still-evolving tannin acting as a solid underpinning along with excellent tang and plenty of pizzazz needing a bit more time in bottle along with one or two-hours of aeration/decant. Careful cellaring for a few more months should be a welcomed smoothing out of the tannin, the acidity and addition of more fruit flavour and along with it, good balance. Pour with a medium-rare grilled beef steak from spring 2023 through 2030. (Vic Harradine)
• The chardonnay was sourced from hand-harvested fruit from September 18th through the 22nd from 19 to 26-year-old vines with 70% from Moira Vineyard / 20% Malivoire Estate Vineyard and 10% from Mottiar Vineyard. The average sugar content of the unfermented grapes came in at 21.1° Brix, while the fermented grapes were clocked in at a low 1 g/L residual sugar. At pressing, 25% of the fruit was destemmed while the larger share remained in whole clusters. After pressing, 45% of the juice went to neutral oak barrels for primary and malolactic fermentation, while the 55% balance was vinified in stainless steel. After 10 months the two batches were blended and bottled in July, 2022.
95
Malivoire Wine Company ‘Estate-Grown’ Chardonnay 2021
VQA Beamsville Bench $21.95 (573147) 12.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rosewater, green apple, poached pear and peel marmalade meld nicely with mineral notes, citrus and notions of short-term, neutral oak barrels. A creamy-smooth river of nicely textured fruit persists to and through the balanced finish and aftertaste. Look for baked apple flavour, adorned by lemon pastille and hints of salinity. Drink now to and through 2026. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour—95 points and only $21.95—pick up an armful and serve with panko-crusted, pan-seared, pork cutlets and a variety of other delicious dishes that you favour at any time of the year. (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 2021 Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Indigo Method Charmat’ Sparkling Wine was sourced somewhat sparingly from Rosehall Run estate vineyards in Prince Edward County with a blend of 6.7% chardonnay musqué and 3% chardonnay plus 19.1% muscat ottonel equalling 26.3.% along with fruit sourced from their ‘vineyard away from home’ on the VQA Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara consisting of 48.6% gewürztraminer and for the first time access to the riesling with 22.5% of the overall blend and closed by the easily removed, crown cap. The artwork on the label was done by Alex Simon, a Tasting Room Associate at the winery and former Guelph U. Visual Arts student.
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Rosehall Run Vineyards ‘Indigo’ Method Charmat - Sparkling Wine 2021
VQA Ontario $25.00 11.5% alcohol
This opens with alluring aromas of orange marmalade, honeydew melon and floral notes preceding a nicely balanced stream of palate flavours and a wonderful mousse with musk melon, lemon curd and hints of honey on the mid-palate and extending to the off-dry lip-smacking finish and crisp, mouth-watering aftertaste. It is creamy-smooth on the palate with good balance and purpose with persistent purity of fruit throughout. Pour with your favourite platter of mixed sushi or a deli-platter of sliced tomatoes, rye bread and charcouterie. (Vic Harradine)
• 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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. (Vic Harradine)
• 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.
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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.
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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)
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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 publishing.
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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.
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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!
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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)
Special Feature
A ‘Trio’ of wines are included inside a classic wooden showcase all for $84.95 for that special wine-lover on your Christmas list. The three wines have all been tasted, rated and described below. You must purchase “all 3 wines and the wooden box together” from the LCBO by clicking on the link to its CSPC number (577908)
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Castelli del Grevepesa ‘Clemente V11’ 2016
IGT Rosso di Toscana, Italy 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of black peppercorns, dark and juicy Bing cherry with notions of earthiness and
exotic incense precede a nicely textured and creamy-smooth palate of a balanced and bountiful river consisting of red fruit—pie cherry and plum—and black fruit—mulberry, black raspberry and © Ribena along with excellent texture and mouthfeel and plenty of tang and pizzazz to accompany the luscious, lingering finish and the mouth-watering aftertaste. Drink now to 2024 with backyard burgers, grilled gourmet sausages or grilled beef with whole button mushrooms done in butter. (Vic Harradine)
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Castelli del Castelgreve ‘Riserva – Clemente V11’ 2018
DOCG Chianti Classico, Toscano Italy 14.0% alcohol
The grapes for this wine were sourced from the absolute heartland of the Chianti region—Chianti Classico—that is held up as the best Chianti one can purchase. This is smooth as silk on the palate with no rough edges. Palate flavours of cherry/berry fruit—black cherry, dark plum and black raspberry along with oodles of tang and pizzazz throughout. It showcases a lengthy finish and aftertaste along with a delightful splash of cassis and kirsch liqueur. Drink now and on to 2027 with your favourite pasta, osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
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Castelli del Castelgreve ‘Riserva – Clemente V11’ 2019
DOCG Chianti Classico, Toscano, Italy 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of grilled savoury herbs and cherry/berry fruit are easily coaxed by gentle swirls of the glass of wine. Palate flavours of rich, luscious cherry, black plum and cassis are adorned with baking spice and hints of vanilla. It showcases its dazzling provenance and balance with a lengthy finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pair with Asian pork egg rolls or crispy roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following three wines should be available both at the winery and at LCBO Retail stores.
• The following 2021 Henry of Pelham ‘Old Vines’ Baco Noir was sourced from Old Vines with the oldest in this wine from a 1984 planting on their highly valued estate wine vineyards with low yields of approximately 3.5 tonnes per acre with all grapes gently moved by gravity. The wine was aged in a combination of new as well as one and two year-old American barriques then partially finished in 5000L foudres for a combined 12 months.
New in Vintages
Vintages Release: November 5, 2022
• The following 2020 Paolo Leo ‘Passo del Cardinale - Primitivo di Manduria’ was sourced from 100% primitivo fruit—a.k.a. zinfandel. After harvesting fruit in the cool early morning, it is then crushed, destemmed and cool fermented in steel vats at a controlled cool-temperature of 25 °C, before maturing for 3 months in American oak and 6 months in stainless steel. Often a 2nd harvest can be held approximately three weeks after the first was completed. After fermentation, this 2nd harvest can be added to that already fermented adding body and freshness to the finished and soon-to-be bottled wine.
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Paolo Leo ‘Passo del Cardinale - Primitivo di Manduria’ 2020
DOP Primitivo di Manduria, Italy $19.95 (496463) 14.0% alcohol
This is dark and brooding in the glass and close to being opaque. The gentlest of swirls will provide you a glorious gusher of fruit-forward aromas with red and black cherry/berry to the fore. The palate’s then treated to a deftly balanced gusher of delightful flavours of juicy black Bing cherry, ripe delectable black currant along with notions of blueberry and oodles of tang and pizzazz in the form of passionfruit, red pie cherry and red currant jelly. It’s creamy smooth on the palate with plenty of fruit flavours coming and going in the juicy finish and the mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour this gem with mushroom risotto and meat-lovers red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 19, 2022
• The following méthode traditionelle, vintage-dated, 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blancs ’ is named for family matriarch Catherine Smith—Henry of Pelham’s wife. It was hand-harvested, bunch-selected from 100% chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed, partially barrel- fermented, maturing on its lees more than four years in the bottle(s) you purchase before disgorgement—aka, expelling spent yeast cells from the 2nd fermentation in this bottle.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $49.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
This top-notch, vintage-dated sparkling wine is one of the top traditional-method, vintage-dated sparkling wines on the market, regardless of country of origin. Aromas of yeasty notes, baking brioche and flinty minerality make way for a profusion of fine-bead bubbles that endlessly wind their way to the top of your glass. This has complexity, purity of fruit, good tension, is well balanced with a painter’s palette of lively flavour—a surge of racy lemon and lime tang adorned with white nectarine, nutty and mineral notes dazzle the palate infusing the lingering finish and aftertaste. This is classy, elegant and wired for sipping on its own for two or with festive food when entertaining, e.g. roast turkey or bone-in baked ham with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 3, 2022
• The following 2016 Jim Barry Wines ‘Single Vineyard – Eastern Ranges’ cabernet sauvignon was sourced from 100% estate vineyards at 480m above sea level in the iconic Geographical Indication of Clare Valley with the average age of vines at 19 years when harvested for this wine. Drinking well now and on to 2027 with careful cellaring. Jim Barry Wines is a member of the tightly knit group of wineries that continue to be owned and operated by descendants of the original family, Click on this link to learn more about Jim Barry Wines and this incredible group, the Australian First Families of Wine.
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Jim Barry Wines ‘Single Vineyard – Eastern Ranges’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
G.I. Clare Valley, South Australia $29.95 (26925) 14.1% alcohol
Fruit-forward aromas of ripe mulberry, black cherry and overripe damson plum jam adorned with hints of black licorice precede palate flavours that are fruit forward and replay the aromas along with excellent tang and plenty of pizzazz throughout. It showcases deft balance, delectable—pure ambrosia—flavours and persistent purity of fruit to and through the lip-smacking finish and lingering, mouth-watering aftertaste. This also has structure and a creamy-smooth mouthfeel underpinned by fine-grain, soft, ripe tannin. Give this a go with rack of lamb slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. It would also be welcomed as a gift to the host of a festive-dinner. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 17, 2022
• The following Castelli del Castelgreve ‘Riserva’ 2018 was the Wine of the Month in the December 17, 2022 Vintages release.
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Castelli del Castelgreve ‘Riserva’ 2018
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $18.95 (421388) 13.5% alcohol
A delightfully aromatic sangiovese from the historic heartland of the Chianti region dishes up piquant spice of cloves and ginger along with black currant, black raspberry and hints of mocha with the gentlest of swirls. The palate’s treated to a generous river of aroma replays as well as a balanced stream of purity of fruit flavours that persist to and through the finish and aftertaste—black cherry, black plum and ripe mulberry. There is good balance from the fruit, tang and pizzazz, and the barely noticeable soft, ripe tannin. Pour alongside pasta puttanesca, spaghetti Bolognaise or fettuccine Alfredo. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Lungarotti ‘certified organic’ Rosso was sourced from estate-grown, sagrantino grapes and is also in Vintages now.
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Lungarotti ‘certified organic – Rosso 2020
IGT Umbria, Italy $26.95 (16573) 14.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of wood smoke, gamy notes, black licorice and black plum compote provide segue to a medium-bodied, fruit-laced river of palate flavours with red cherry and plenty of pizzazz. It’s consistent from cork pop to last drop with an added underpinning of soft, ripe tannin on the smooth and mellow finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside hearty fare—cassoulet, chilli con carne or meat-laden lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Organic’ Shiraz saw no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in making this wine. It was fermented by wild yeasts appearing naturally from six vineyards that are family-owned and accredited organic—along with one vineyard that’s accredited bio-dynamic—and also on the skins of the grapes harvested for this wine. This wine is also accredited Vegan-friendly. Yalumba Family Winemakers is a member of the tightly knit group of wineries that continue to be owned and operated by descendants of the original family, Click on this link to learn more about Yalumba and this incredible group in the Australian First Families of Wine.
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Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Organic – Vegan-friendly’ Shiraz 2019
G.I. South Australia, Australia $17.95 (280883) 14.0% alcohol
A bright magenta in the glass, it offers up delightful aromas of grilled savoury herbs, piquant spice and cracked black peppercorns intertwined with black plum, ripe mulberry and juicy black Bing cherries. The palate’s treated to a medium-plus bodied, well-balanced stream of s creamy smooth mouthfeel, soft, ripe tannin underpinning, persistent purity of fruit-forward flavours with mulberry, black currant and juicy dark Bing cherry to the fore, with plenty of tang and pizzazz persisting to and through the lengthy, lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. A lovely drop on its own; it also plays well with grilled rack of lamb, roast chicken or pan-grilled pork cutlets with a panko crust. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Non-Vintage Boizel ‘Réserve’ Brut was sourced from the following grape varieties—30% chardonnay/55% pinot noir/15% pinot meunier. The Boizel family began their lengthy and incredibly successful journey as a Champagne producer in 1834 and they still own the winery and manage the brand and the wine with Florent Roques-Boizel as their present winemaker.
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Boizel ‘Réserve’ Brut - Non-Vintage Champagne
Épernay, Champagne, France $64.95 (25514) 12.0% alcohol
A gorgeous mousse of tiny, fine-bead bubbles make their way to the top of the light yellow-gold liquid in the glass eventually forcing delightful aromas of floral notes, baking brioche and notions of minerality filling the air above the glass and the bubbles. On the palate it’s quite fruit-forward with lemon curd and hints of salinity adorned with green apple, poached pear and black plum all making their way to the mid-palate, finish and aftertaste. Give this a place at the table to pour with French onion soup, cassoulet or with a baked, bone-in ham with cloves decorating the outside of the ham then basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO
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Val d’Oca ‘Prosecco Superiore’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
DOCG Veneto, Valdobbiadene, Italy $19.95 (340570) 11.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of yellow peach, apricot and Mirabelle plum abound on the nose of this top-notch Prosecco Superiore with 85% of the grapes used to make this wine from the highest-quality glera grapes that there are, along with the other 15% made up of chardonnay and pinot noir. The palate’s treated to a profusion of bubbles when first poured in the glass and once settled down the palate flavours of citrus fruit—blood orange, lemon chiffon pie and a dollop of peel marmalade coalesce on the mid-palate before proceeding to the dry and lip-smacking good finish and aftertaste. Give this a go when it’s chilled and poured with a good friend and some tasty hors d’oeuvres. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ Sparkling Wine was sourced from the oldest and best hand-harvested chardonnay of all of the estate chardonnay. The best juice is isolated, partially barrel-fermented then aged for 54 months on its lees – aka, spent yeast cells. This wine from Niagara was, and is, lockstep with Champagne in its winemaking procedures. The price is considerably less than Champagne on this top calibre gem earning 95 points and following the steps of Méthode Traditionnelle. Kudos to the entire winemaking team!
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: TBD 2023
Cheers, and all the best for the holiday season from Dave, Lisa, Louise, and Vic!