January 14, 2023 Newsletter
Newsletter highlights:
- Limited Time Offers (9 wines)
- Upstream in Winecurrent (14 wines)
- New in Ontario Wineries (12 wines)
Limited Time Offers
These wines can be found at LCBO retail stores and can be ordered on-line via the LCBO website January 2 to January 29, 2023 unless otherwise stated. There are 9 interesting wines reviewed in total in this section.
Red Wines
• The following 2 red wines provide a $3.00 discount from the price shown for each bottle purchased now to January 29, 2023.
88
Concha y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère
Rapel Valley, Chile $19.95 (30957) 14.0% alcohol - now available for $16.95 a bottle
This is good value and it’s rich, ripe and rarin’ to go now. A beautifully balanced river of juicy black Bing cherry and black plum interweave with racy pomegranate and herbal notes on the creamy- smooth palate along with mixed spice and mocha. It’s a bit funky on the nose with some bell pepper and strong herbal notes, but that melts away and you’re left with a creamy-smooth, hedonistic offering. It pours and pairs well with burgers, red pizza or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
92
Seven Falls Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington State $23.95 (360222) 14.5% alcohol - now available at $20.95 a bottle
This matured 15 to 18 months in seasoned and new oak barrel, mostly American with the balance French. There are aromas of dark berry fruit, mixed spice and espresso roast galore. This is ready to drink and oozing flavour with palate-coating flavours of dried currant and black, juicy Bing cherry interwoven with mint leaf, spice and vanilla. It finishes as it started—deftly balanced, fruit-forward, good depth and plenty of charm from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 3 red wines provide a $2.00 discount from the price shown for each bottle purchased now to January 29, 2023.
• 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 – now available at $14.95
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 – now available at $16.95
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)
91
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon
Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina $16.95 (292110) alcohol 14.0% - now available at $14.95
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)
White Wines
• The following White Wine receives a $2.00 discount now to January 29, 2023
92
Columbia Crest Chardonnay
Columbia Valley, Washington State $18.95 (462846) 13.5% alcohol - now available at $16.95
Lifted aromas of spiced apple, pear and apricot introduce a gorgeous mouthful of ginger-infused tropical fruit and lemon pie filling. This is mid-plus weight with generous mouthfeel and oodles of charm. It finishes lengthy and luxurious with loads of fruit crowned with excellent moderating acidity. Pour with roast bird, pan-seared, firm fish or crown roast pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine receives a discount of $4.00 per 200 mL bottle
90 
Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $28.95 200ml (565861) 9.5% alcohol – now available at $24.95 a 200 mL bottle
This is the perfect after-dinner treat on its own or with dessert and … it’s the ideal size for two or three people to enjoy. Aromas and flavours of mango-infused treacle, candied-peel marmalade and racy lemon curd interweave on the nose, palate and delectable finish and aftertaste—this is absolutely delicious. It’s also perfectly balanced and the perfect hostess gift. (Vic Harradine)
• Receive free Aeroplan points for the purchase of either or both of the following 2 wines purchased now to January 28, 2023
91
Charles Smith ‘Wines of Substance’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington State, U.S.A. $23.95 (419770) 13.5% alcohol – the purchase of this wine will award you 100 free Aeroplan points per bottle purchased.
This superb Washington State cabernet sauvignon is opaque in the glass and alive with aromas of mocha, cherry, vanilla and traces of rosemary. It hits the palate full bodied and bursting with juicy, red fruit flavours. The tannin’s prominent but smooth and there’s good balance of acidity drawing out a pleasantly herbaceous finish. Cellar for another 5 years or enjoy now with a juicy, medium-rare steak. There is very good value here. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
IGT Toscana, Italy $29.95 (964221) 14.0% alcohol – the purchase of this wine will award you 190 free Aeroplan points per bottle purchased.
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 two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: January 7, 2023
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Local Find’
93
Konzelmann estate winery ‘Reserve Series’ Merlot - Shiraz 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (30968) 13.0% alcohol
Pipe tobacco, exotic sandalwood and pomegranate aromas abound. It rolls over the palate with delicious flavours of tang-laden pie cherry, grilled savoury herbs and ripe juicy black currant robed in piquant spice and wisps of black licorice. This is medium-plus bodied with textured mouthfeel and a long finish and aftertaste. It’s drinking well now and pours well with shepherd’s pie, tourtière or grilled steak. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Pelee Island Winery ‘Vinedressers’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot is primarily cabernet sauvignon with only a splash of petit verdot according to the winery’s technical sheet.
91
Pelee Island Winery ‘Vinedressers’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot 2016
VQA South Islands $19.95 (492470) 13.0% alcohol
Easily coaxed aromas translate to persistent purity of fruit to and through the palate, finish and aftertaste consisting of black berry, juicy Bing cherry and black plum adorned with savoury palate flavours of roasted sprigs of herbs and plenty of tang and pizzazz. This is balanced with good mouthfeel and underpinned with soft tannin. Give this a go after a one- or two-hour aeration/decant. Pour alongside chicken pot pie or Coq au vin. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Ivory & Burt ‘Old Vine Zinfandel’ pays homage to two of the early settlers in Lodi—Charles Ivory and J.M. Burt. The Lodi soils are rich in minerals and well-drained along with a Mediterranean climate of warm afternoons and cool evenings that allows grapes to develop ripe fruit flavours. These fruit-forward wines have nice acid balance that characterize the quintessential Lodi style that has made and kept its sterling reputation. This is 100% sustainably grown and ages in new American oak.
• This wine scored a Double Gold at the 2022 New York International Wine Competition.
91
Ivory & Burt ‘Old Vine Zinfandel’ 2019
Lodi, California $19.95 (479303) 15.0% alcohol
Ripe and rich aromas of black cherry/berry fruit and mixed spice and savoury herbs abound on the nose of this rich, luscious Zin. It surges over the palate with black currant, black raspberry and hints of passionfruit and pie cherry that balance each other on the palate and throughout the finish and aftertaste. This has depth and complexity along with a good underpinning of supple tannin. Try this with grilled and smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
• The following 2021 William Févre – ‘Mountain Grown - Reserva Especial’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Chardonnay and is from the clone supplied from William Févre’s vineyard in Burgundy some 25 years ago. The vineyard yield is 7,500 kg /ha taken from the San Luis Vineyard positioned at almost 700 M above sea level in the midst of thorns and briers. This wine punches well above the price-quality balance so pick up more than one, if you can.
91
William Févre – ‘Mountain Grown – Espino - Reserva Especial’ Chardonnay 2021
DO Maipo Valley - Andes, Chile $15.95 (350058) 13.8% alcohol
Aromas of ripe apricot, peel marmalade and lemon curd are easily coaxed from the wine with the gentlest of swirls. It captures the palate with a balanced and bountiful surge of ripe pineapple, plenty of tang and pizzazz and finishes with a dollop of buckwheat honey. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour—pick up a few and pour with pan-seared-in-butter fresh Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon tips well in your favour regarding the price-quality balance. It earned 91 points at only $17.95 per bottle. Pick up a few and share with friends. Sidewood Estate is a premium winery in the premium Geographical Indication—aka GI—of Adelaide Hills.
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
92
Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GI Adelaide Hills, Australia $16.95 (26926) 14.6% alcohol
This single-vineyard red is matured 18 months in French oak. It displays attractive aromas—ripe black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder and a hint of eucalyptus. It’s silky soft on the palate carrying delicious flavours of mixed berries, including bright tangy raspberry, plus cassis, cinnamon and finishing on a pleasant minty cooling effect. Medium-full-bodied with well- integrated alcohol, polished tannins and plenty of freshness. !t’s the perfect partner to lamb burgers or marinated flank steak hot off the grill. (Louise Boutin)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
• The following 2020 Casale Del Giglio ‘Satrico’ is an inspired blend of 40% chardonnay/40% sauvignon and 20% trebbiano gialio grapes. It was fermented separately for each grape variety for 7 or 8 days then after racking it was matured in stainless steel tanks and bottled at the beginning of the following year.
92
Casale Del Giglio ‘Satrico’ 2020
IGT Lazio Bianco, Italy $18.95 (569806) 13.0% alcohol
Piquant aromas of savoury spice, flinty minerality and lemon pastille and floral notes keep your attention focussed on the wine in your glass. It blankets the palate with a steady stream of delicious palate flavours that persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared Atlantic salmon or pan-seared fresh-water pickerel. This is balanced and full of tang and pizzazz from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Local Find’
93
Konzelmann estate winery ‘Reserve Series’ Merlot - Shiraz 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (30968) 13.0% alcohol
Pipe tobacco, exotic sandalwood and pomegranate aromas abound. It rolls over the palate with delicious flavours of tang-laden pie cherry, grilled savoury herbs and ripe juicy black currant robed in piquant spice and wisps of black licorice. This is medium-plus bodied with textured mouthfeel and a long finish and aftertaste. It’s drinking well now and pours well with shepherd’s pie, tourtière or grilled steak. There’s good value here. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
• The following 2016 Pelee Island Winery ‘Vinedressers’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot is primarily cabernet sauvignon with only a splash of petit verdot according to the winery’s technical sheet.
91
Pelee Island Winery ‘Vinedressers’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot 2016
VQA South Islands $19.95 (492470) 13.0% alcohol
Easily coaxed aromas translate to persistent purity of fruit to and through the palate, finish and aftertaste consisting of black berry, juicy Bing cherry and black plum adorned with savoury palate flavours of roasted sprigs of herbs and plenty of tang and pizzazz. This is balanced with good mouthfeel and underpinned with soft tannin. Give this a go after a one- or two-hour aeration/decant. Pour alongside chicken pot pie or Coq au vin. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Ivory & Burt ‘Old Vine Zinfandel’ pays homage to two of the early settlers in Lodi—Charles Ivory and J.M. Burt. The Lodi soils are rich in minerals and well-drained along with a Mediterranean climate of warm afternoons and cool evenings that allows grapes to develop ripe fruit flavours. These fruit-forward wines have nice acid balance that characterize the quintessential Lodi style that has made and kept its sterling reputation. This is 100% sustainably grown and ages in new American oak.
• This wine scored a Double Gold at the 2022 New York International Wine Competition.
91
Ivory & Burt ‘Old Vine Zinfandel’ 2019
Lodi, California $19.95 (479303) 15.0% alcohol
Ripe and rich aromas of black cherry/berry fruit and mixed spice and savoury herbs abound on the nose of this rich, luscious Zin. It surges over the palate with black currant, black raspberry and hints of passionfruit and pie cherry that balance each other on the palate and throughout the finish and aftertaste. This has depth and complexity along with a good underpinning of supple tannin. Try this with grilled and smoked back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
• The following 2021 William Févre – ‘Mountain Grown - Reserva Especial’ Chardonnay was sourced from 100% Chardonnay and is from the clone supplied from William Févre’s vineyard in Burgundy some 25 years ago. The vineyard yield is 7,500 kg /ha taken from the San Luis Vineyard positioned at almost 700 M above sea level in the midst of thorns and briers. This wine punches well above the price-quality balance so pick up more than one, if you can.
91
William Févre – ‘Mountain Grown – Espino - Reserva Especial’ Chardonnay 2021
DO Maipo Valley - Andes, Chile $15.95 (350058) 13.8% alcohol
Aromas of ripe apricot, peel marmalade and lemon curd are easily coaxed from the wine with the gentlest of swirls. It captures the palate with a balanced and bountiful surge of ripe pineapple, plenty of tang and pizzazz and finishes with a dollop of buckwheat honey. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour—pick up a few and pour with pan-seared-in-butter fresh Atlantic salmon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon tips well in your favour regarding the price-quality balance. It earned 91 points at only $17.95 per bottle. Pick up a few and share with friends. Sidewood Estate is a premium winery in the premium Geographical Indication—aka GI—of Adelaide Hills.
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
92
Sidewood Estate ‘Stablemate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
GI Adelaide Hills, Australia $16.95 (26926) 14.6% alcohol
This single-vineyard red is matured 18 months in French oak. It displays attractive aromas—ripe black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder and a hint of eucalyptus. It’s silky soft on the palate carrying delicious flavours of mixed berries, including bright tangy raspberry, plus cassis, cinnamon and finishing on a pleasant minty cooling effect. Medium-full-bodied with well- integrated alcohol, polished tannins and plenty of freshness. !t’s the perfect partner to lamb burgers or marinated flank steak hot off the grill. (Louise Boutin)
• The following wine was also Featured in the Vintages January 7, 2023 catalogue under ‘Smart Buys’
• The following 2020 Casale Del Giglio ‘Satrico’ is an inspired blend of 40% chardonnay/40% sauvignon and 20% trebbiano gialio grapes. It was fermented separately for each grape variety for 7 or 8 days then after racking it was matured in stainless steel tanks and bottled at the beginning of the following year.
92
Casale Del Giglio ‘Satrico’ 2020
IGT Lazio Bianco, Italy $18.95 (569806) 13.0% alcohol
Piquant aromas of savoury spice, flinty minerality and lemon pastille and floral notes keep your attention focussed on the wine in your glass. It blankets the palate with a steady stream of delicious palate flavours that persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared Atlantic salmon or pan-seared fresh-water pickerel. This is balanced and full of tang and pizzazz from cork pop to last drop. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: January 21, 2023
• The following 2019 Primus Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons and rainfall concentrated during winter. The proximity to the Andes Mountains cools the nights and lengthens the slow ripening process and enhances the drying tannins on the palate. The wine spent 12 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. This wine tips well in your favour with its price-quality balance of 91 points at only $19.95
91
Primus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alto Maipo, Chile $19.95 (486043) 13.5% alcohol
A flurry of aromas dazzle the senses with dark cherry/berry fruit, black plum and notions of black currant and bramble berry pie. It sports still-evolving tannin with lots of tang and plenty of pizzazz. Aerate/decant two or three hours before serving with grilled beefsteak. You could also be patient and pop corks after 2024. (Vic Harradine)
• The following three wines from Ontario are slated to be in both the Henry of Pelham Winery as well as the LCBO with all sporting their recently released new vintage.
• 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.
93
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.
92
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. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up an armful or have it delivered to your home, your office or your licensed establishment.
91
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 2019 Primus Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons and rainfall concentrated during winter. The proximity to the Andes Mountains cools the nights and lengthens the slow ripening process and enhances the drying tannins on the palate. The wine spent 12 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. This wine tips well in your favour with its price-quality balance of 91 points at only $19.95
91
Primus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alto Maipo, Chile $19.95 (486043) 13.5% alcohol
A flurry of aromas dazzle the senses with dark cherry/berry fruit, black plum and notions of black currant and bramble berry pie. It sports still-evolving tannin with lots of tang and plenty of pizzazz. Aerate/decant two or three hours before serving with grilled beefsteak. You could also be patient and pop corks after 2024. (Vic Harradine)
• The following three wines from Ontario are slated to be in both the Henry of Pelham Winery as well as the LCBO with all sporting their recently released new vintage.
• 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.
93
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.
92
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. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up an armful or have it delivered to your home, your office or your licensed establishment.
91
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)
Vintages Release: TBD 2023
• The following 2020 ARH Australian Wine Company ‘Paringa’ Shiraz was sourced from 100% Shiraz from the state of South Australia with yields of approximately 4 tons per acre
92
ARH Australian Wine Company ‘Paringa’ Shiraz 2020
G. I. South Australia $19.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice and dark cherry/berry fruit waft easily from the glass with a gentle swirl or two. It’s creamy-smooth on the palate and abounds with fresh ripe pie cherry and notions of black juicy cherry. This full bodied red spent one year in 50% new and 50% pre-loved used French oak barrels, as well as 12 months resting in bottle. It delivers persistent purity of fruit and juicy flavours of tang and pizzazz, adding persistent baking spice and a warm feeling on the finish and aftertaste brought on by the hi-octane alcohol. Give this a go with barbecued, rack of lamb, burgers or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Caves de Rauzan ‘Château Haut-Mazières’ was sourced from 65% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon/15% cabernet franc with all from the Bordeaux region of France. The finished wine underwent 12 months of maturation in oak barrels before blending and bottling. The yield was 56 hl per ha.
93
Caves de Rauzan ‘Château Haut-Mazières’ 2020
AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 (487546) 13.5% alcohol
Medium ruby red in the glass, this incredibly well-made red blend—65% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon/15% cabernet franc dishes up a smorgasbord of aromas on the lively, fresh nose—red pie cherry, black plum and black bramble berry intertwined with grilled, savoury herbs and a dollop or two of soft ripe tannin for a soft underpinning. The palate is treated to a gusher of fruit flavours with black raspberry and blueberry to the fore along with tang-laden passionfruit and plenty of pizzazz. Pour alongside coq au vin, osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Tenuta Della Luia ‘Cilestro’ 2021 was sourced from 50% sangiovese/50% cabernet.
92
Tenuta Della Luia ‘Cilestro’ 2021
IGT Toscano Rosso, Italy $17.95 (13521) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of baking spice, tobacco leaf and sprigs of savoury herbs waft easily from the glass with a few moderate swirls. The palate is blanketed with pure ambrosia of fruit-driven flavours with bramble berry, dark cherry and a boat load of cassis and kirsch liqueur along with tang-laden pie cherry and plenty of pizzazz from cork pop to final drop. Pour alongside prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
90
Caves de Rauzan ‘Fleur’ Sauvignon - Blanc 2022
AOC Entre-Deux-Mers, France $15.95 (20900) 12.0% alcohol
This wine is vegan friendly and sustainably farmed. Strong, green vegetal aromas fill the air along with soil aromas of clay and limestone. The palate experiences creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang-laden flavours including Key lime pie and Meyer lemon with notions of white grapefruit pith on the finish and aftertaste. Pour with fish and seafood or lighter styled salads or appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
90
Caves de Rauzan ‘Le Noble – Cuvée Réserve – Sauvignon - Blanc 2022
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.95
Alluring aromas of citrus fruit—lemon, lime and blood orange intertwined with tang-laden fruit-flavours replayed from the aromas along with a streak of salinity and an eruption of flinty minerality to and through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with breaded and pan-seared calamari or an assorted sushi platter or deli board. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
• Order the following wines by the case for daily home or office directly online from Kacaba Vineyards with FREE shipping in Ontario on orders of six bottles or more, by phone at 1 866 522-2228 or 1 905 562-5625, or pick up a bottle or case from the winery (curbside pick-up or shop in the boutique it’s open 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week) at 3550 King Street in Vineland ON. For various wine shopping options during COVID-19, click here.
• The following Kacaba red blend of 60% cabernet franc/40% syrah from the 2020 vintage was a dazzling vintage in virtually all VQA appellations and sub-appellations in Ontario.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Premium Series-Sustainable’ Cabernet Franc/Syrah 2020
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of sharp spice, dark cherry/berry fruit and exotic incense easily waft from the glass with two or three swirls. The palate’s treated to a gusher of flavours—bramble berry, Saskatoon berry, savoury herbs and plenty of tang and pizzazz. A delectable, affordable red that should not disappoint. It is medium weight and nicely textured with good mouthfeel, deft balance, savoury herbs and plenty to like. Pour with mushroom and beef pot pie or a cassoulet or osso buco. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Escarpment – Premium Series’ Cabernet Franc is a wonderful wine that tips wildly in your favour with a 94 score and a moderate $33.15 price tag.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Escarpment – Premium Series’ Cabernet Franc 2019
VQA Niagara Escarpment $33.15 13.0% alcohol
The slightest of swirls brings out aromas of piquant spice, fruit-laden red cherry/berry aromas juxtaposed with sprigs of grilled savoury herbs. This Bronze Medal Award winner also blankets the palate with plenty of tang and pizzazz that’s persistent with purity of ripe fruit—black juicy cherry, black currant and notions of blueberry—to and through the finish and aftertaste. This is balanced with good texture and mouthfeel and flavour galore with an underpinning of ripe tannin. It is smooth and mellow from cork pop to last drop. This is medium bodied and just plain delicious. Pour with grilled burgers, smoked pork back ribs or vegetarian pizza. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Vintage-dated 2019 ‘Irresistible’ Sparkling Rosé was sourced from the same grape varieties most popular in making French Champagne – 66% chardonnay/20% pinot noir/14% pinot meunier with all hand-harvested. This was fashioned in méthode Charmat with the 2nd alcoholic fermentation made in a special stainless steel tank before being bottled and sealed with a cork and wire cage. The base for this wine was gently pressed to avoid skin contact. After settling, the grape varieties were fermented in separate batches then blended as one into stainless steel. The base then aged for 22 months in stainless then was transferred to a special Charmat tank in October 2020 for its 2nd alcoholic fermentation under pressure. After 2 months of ageing on its lees, the now sparkling wine was racked, filtered and bottled December 2021.
• This wine and the other Kacaba wines that follow, owe a hearty thanks and doff of the cap to winemaker Vadim Chelekhov and his marvelous winemaking team.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Irresistible – Joanne’s Blend’ Sparkling Rosé 2019
VQA Ontario $30.15 12.2% alcohol
A good mousse, aka bubbles, when poured in the glass, there is also a seemingly endless steady-stream of fine-bead bubbles winding their way from the bottom of the glass to the top of the wine in the glass. This is fully flavoured on the palate with pie cherry, red currant and oodles of acidity and pizzazz intertwined with ripe black plum compote and notions of kirsch liqueur. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel, persistent purity of fruit and good balance. The price is right, you could pick up a few and keep for friends who drop in unexpectedly. Serve as an aperitif or match with appetizers such as smoked salmon, oysters Kirkpatrick or crab cakes, (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ was sourced from gamay fruit as it has for many previous vintages. 2021 was another wonderful summer of warmth and just enough rain without serious weather disturbances. Fruit was picked in the cool early morning in mid-October and brought to the winery to cold soak for 24 hours before being gently pressed; which resulted in an attractive pink-hued rosé. It was fermented using a special commercial yeast the cold and long fermentation that followed amplified and concentrated flavours captured during press. It was also cold-stored for a lengthy time avoiding malolactic fermentation before being bottled in April 2022.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Rebecca Rosé – Summer Series’ 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 (227025) 11.7% alcohol
Very aromatic and quite attractive when poured in the glass. Aromas of apricot, blood orange and Ruby Red grapefruit abound on the nose decorated with mineral notes and exotic spice. It envelops the palate with a dry, racy surge of tang-infused pizzazz and acidity presented as passion fruit and sweet red cherry along with wisps of sweet watermelon and a mid-length lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour alongside mixed sushi platter, pan-seared scallops or rotisserie roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• In the following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc, once again the excellent 2021 Vintage really shines throughout this lovely, light-on-its-feet wine. Picked at the peak of phenolic ripeness and before the rains came, the fruit for this wine underwent 24 hours of cold soaking then the wine-making team pressed and allowed the juice to settle naturally by gravity at very cold temperatures. After a cold and slow fermentation the wine was allowed to winter in stainless steel tanks achieving cold stability naturally. There was no malolactic fermentation with this wine.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Susan’s – Summer Series’ Sauvignon Blanc 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.15 10.5% alcohol.
Aromas of savoury herbs, mango and hints of mint jelly, Granny Smith apple and citrussy notes waft easily from the glass with the gentlest of swirls. It dazzles the palate with a laser-like streak of grapefruit, lemon curd and saline minerality that carry through the mid-length finish and aftertaste. This is clean, crisp and refreshing from twist top to final drop. Pour alongside briny freshly shucked, oysters dotted with hot sauce, a pinch of horseradish and a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge. (Vic Harradine)
• Fruit for the following 2021 Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Reserve – Premium Series’ Riesling was sourced from vines growing on the footsteps of the Niagara Escarpment. Taking advantage of the excellent 2021 vintage, the grapes were allowed to hang on vines into October. Grapes were harvested very early in the cool morning then quickly and gently pressed at the winery. Juice was settled at very cold temperatures for over a week prior to racking. Juice was then allowed to warm for fermentation which was conducted at low temperatures. The fermentation process was stopped allowing for residual sugar in the wine. Over the winter the wine continued to develop floral and fruit flavours. The wine was then bottled in April 2022.
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Kacaba Vineyards and Winery ‘Reserve – Premium Series’ Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.15 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of white flowers, green apple, and ripe honeydew melon can be coaxed from the glass with some vigorous swirls. This dazzles the palate with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of pizzazz in this off-dry, flavourful riesling. There’s a myriad of palate flavours with lemon pastille, crisp green apple, and sweet white peach to the fore. This is nicely balanced and showcases persistent purity of fruit and a lingering, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. Short term and careful cellaring – up to five years – should be handsomely rewarded. Pour with the usual suspects; freshly shucked oysters, grilled calamari or spicy Asian food like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2 House Wine Co. wines may be purchased online at the winery—here’s a link--Henry of Pelham Winery—and delivered to your door or you will find product at your favourite/local LCBO retail store. The LCBO website has been down for some time, but you can still pick up wine from your favourite local LCBO retail store.
• The following 4 wines will be available on Blue Monday—January 16, 2023—with all less than $15.00 in these inflationary times! Don’t hesitate to jump on these before they are all snapped up.
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House Wine Co. ‘White’ Riesling/Pinot Grigio
VQA Ontario $14.45 (219022) 11.5% alcohol
Exotic aromas of lemon curd and tropical fruit with wisps of minerals and the yin and yang of the crisp clean and refreshing palate flavours of exotic incense, ripe, grilled pineapple along with plenty of lemon/lime citrus tang and pizzazz will perk you up and have you looking for more. This is deftly balanced and persists with purity of fruit to and through the finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few and serve to friends and family. (Vic Harradine)
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House Wine Co. ‘Red’ Baco/Cabernet Sauvignon
VQA Ontario $14.45 (279521) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of black currant and black raspberries abound on the nose juxtaposed with honeydew melon and notions of chamomile tea and campfire-smoke. The price is more than reasonable especially for a red wine with a score of 92. It matured for six months in wood. Give this a go with wood-oven pizza with all your favourite toppings or with grilled burgers. (Vic Harradine)
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Cusumano Nero d’Avola 2021
DOC Sicilia, Italy $12.90 (143164) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, ripe, red cherry/berry fruit and notions of cassis jump from the glass with a gentle swirl or two. It blankets the palate with excellent tang and plenty of pizzazz expressed as passionfruit and red pie cherry. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and plenty of fruit in both the finish and aftertaste—look for black bramble berry, blueberry and wild strawberry. The finish lingers, you shouldn’t, it’s a red wine scoring 89 points with a price of $12.90 a bottle – it may not hang around for long. (Vic Harradine)
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Bodega Luigi Bosca Wines ‘La Linda – Familia Arizu’ Malbec 2021
Mendoza, Argentina $13.00 (11927) 13.5% alcohol
This is dark and brooding in the glass and almost opaque. Aromas of baking spice, blueberry and dark, juicy Bing cherry replay on the palate flavours persisting to and through the finish and aftertaste. It’s balanced, textured with medium-body and an underpinning of soft ripe tannin. Pick up a few, if you’re able to and share with unexpected guests, neighbours and friends. Pour on its own or with grilled steak or wood-oven pizza with your favourite toppings. It’s smooth and mellow on the finish and aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
• For daily home, office or restaurant delivery for the following two wines may be ordered online from the winery-only. Order online from this link Malivoire Wine Company with FREE shipping on orders of $100. or more, or $20 credited next business day towards delivery outside Ontario and Québec. Phone 905-563-9253 Monday to Saturday 10 am - 4 pm for information and for locals to access curbside pickup instructions. Their retail shop is now open - 10 am - 5 pm, 7 days a week. There are guidelines due to COVID-19, best to phone or email first (the website has a space to type and is linked to their email).
• The following Non-Vintage Malivoire ‘Bisous’ Sparkling Wine was sustainably farmed and fashioned from 100% handpicked, estate-grown chardonnay- 63% and pinot noir – 37% from the Moira and Mottiar sites on the VQA Beamsville Bench. 78% of the fruit was whole-cluster pressed with 2018 grapes then fermented in pre-loved, neutral—eight
years or older—French oak barrels. Importantly, it was crafted Méthode Traditionelle, aka similar to Champagne—with the 2nd fermentation taking place in the bottle(s) you purchase with the lees – aka spent yeast cells—remaining in bottle for 36 months before being disgorged in March, 2021.
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Malivoire ‘Bisous – Méthode Traditionelle - Brut’ Sparkling Wine, Multi-Vintage
VQA Beamsville Bench $34.95 12.0% alcohol
A frothy mousse aka bubbles gathers quickly when poured in a wine glass, as does the aromatic portion of the wine gather quickly with plenty of leesy notes, baking brioche, and fruit-forward aromas and flavours of Granny Smith apple, ripe pear and plenty of sharp tang expressed as passionfruit, lemon-lime, blood orange and notions of saline minerality bringing about crisp, clean and refreshing mouthfuls from cork pop to last drop. Enjoy with Sunday roast chicken and all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Malivoire Wine Company ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2021 sourced pinot noir grapes from three Beamsville Bench sites. The blend is 56% Mottiar Vineyard/35% Moira Vineyard/10% Malivoire Estate, with all hand-harvested between September 30th and October 12th 2021. Most of the grapes were destemmed with 6% held in whole clusters then divided into two lots, one in stainless steel and the other in concrete tanks. The wines were next combined to mature nine months in French oak barrels. After blending, 654 cases were bottled in August, 2022.
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Malivoire Wine Company ‘Small Lot’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Beamsville Bench $29.95 12.0% alcohol
When poured in the glass it shines with lightly-hued bright ruby red colour galore. Aromas of earthy notes and red cherry/berry fruit waft easily with the gentlest of swirls. It blankets the palate with delightful fruit-forward flavours of pie cherry, blueberry, black bramble berry and oodles of sharp tang and pizzazz expressed as delightful acidity of rhubarb flavour and Montmorency pie cherry. The finish and aftertaste are lengthy and persistent purity of fruit that is deftly balanced. Pick up an armful and drink now to 2028 with careful cellaring. Pour alongside home-smoked duck breast adorned with home-made mango marmalade. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers from Lisa, Louise, Dave, Vic
We trust everyone is keeping off the road, if possible, as the snow doesn’t seem to want to quit. Best wishes, always!