October 20, 2023 Newsletter
Upstream in Winecurrent
October 21, 2023 Vintages Release
• The following Evel Winery – ‘Vinho Tinto – Touriga Nacional is 100% sourced from the grape commonly known as one of the premium wine grapes for the DOC Duoro appellation in Portugal. The price-quality balance is well in your favour with a 92 score and a price of only $14.95 a bottle. Pick up an armful and enjoy.
92
Evel Winery ‘Vinho Tinto – Touriga Nacional’ 2019
DOC Douro, Portugal, $14.95 (190694) 14.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic spice, mocha and cherry/berry flavours galore with ripe, black juicy cherries and juicy black plum to the fore. The palate is treated to a generous stream of excellent tang and plenty of ripe supple tannin underpinning the eruption of fruit flavours to and through the finish and aftertaste. Pour by itself or alongside prawn and chorizo paella or mince-meat lasagna. (Vic Harradine)
November 4, 2023 LCBO Vintages Release
• The following Domaine Berger-Rive ‘Manoir de Mercey – Bourgogne, Hautes Côtes de Beaune is 100% Pinot Noir 2020 from the vineyard ‘AU Paradise’ at 300M above sea level.
92
Domaine Berger-Rive ‘Manoir de Mercey – Hautes Côtes de Beaune - Pinot Noir 2020
AOC Bourgogne, Hautes Côtes de Beaune, France $36.95 (20913) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of bramble berry, exotic spice and black juicy cherry on the nose that make their way over the palate to and through the finish and aftertaste. There is excellent continuity from the first sip to the final drip on the finish and aftertaste. While making its journey the palate flavours show excellent balance with ripe tannin, excellent tang and palate flavours of pure ambrosia. Give this a go with coq au vin or cassoulet or Cape Malay bobotie. (Vic Harradine)
November 18, 2023 LCBO Vintages Release
93
Gérard Bertrand ‘Heritage’ – ‘Les Apres’ – ‘An 1886’ 2019
AOP Côtes Du Roussillon Villages, Les Apres, France $19.95 (413245) 15.0% alcohol
This wine is a delightful blend of grenache/mourvèdre/syrah that is well balanced between tang, ripe fruit flavours and a solid underpinning of firm yet ripe tannin and in near-perfect harmony with the other important ingredients with their lengthy finish and aftertaste. The wine is elegant yet muscular, with a good punch of fruit flavours that play nice with the other attributes including the lengthy finish and aftertaste and the integrated baking spice on the palate and on the nose – nutmeg, vanillin and fennel. Decant for an hour or so and serve at 15 ° C with lamb tagine or barbecued rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Henry of Pelham ‘CUVÉE CATHERINE’ - EstateBlanc de Blancs 2017 is named in memory of Henry’s wife, widow and matriarch, Catherine Smith, Carte Blanche is a vintage expression of Cuvée Henry of Pelham ‘CUVÉE CATHERINE’ - Estate Blanc de Blancs 2017. This vintage-dated Sparkling Wine was fashioned Méthode Traditionale with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottles that you purchase as they do in Champagne, France. The wine sat on its lees for 54 months after secondary fermentation. The chardonnay grapes that were selected for this wine are the best of the best estate-grown chardonnay from the Henry of Pelham Short Hills Bench vineyard. 20% was barrel fermented. Premium chardonnay was hand-harvested, bunch-selected and gently whole-cluster pressed.
95 
Henry of Pelham ‘CUVÉE CATHERINE’ – Estate - Blanc de Blancs 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench, $49.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
The mousse in the glass froths freely when poured while dozens of winding strands of hundreds of bubbles are making their way to the top of the glass. Aromas of baking brioche and citrus notes are easily coaxed from the wine glass with the gentlest of swirls. As close to Champagne as you might find in a Sparkling Wine from some of the best of the best estate-grown chardonnay in Ontario. Pour with friends who unexpectedly dropped in or with your most admired and most loved person. Pour on its own or with smoked salmon on a bagel slathered with cream cheese and decorated with capers and sprigs of dill-weed. (Vic Harradine)
• The upcoming Bin-106 ‘Lost Boys - Limited Edition’ - Baco Noir – 2021 is blessed with the Speck brothers shovel-planted Baco Noir vines that are now well over 30 years of age and one of the best estate Baco Noir vines they have. The barrel selection is from their best vineyards. This wine is accredited as sustainably grown by (SWO) Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
93
Henry of Pelham - Family Estate – Bin 106 – Lost Boys – Baco Noir 2021
VQA Ontario, $39.95 (13421) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of piquant spice—mocha, pipe tobacco and a small serving of vanillin and mineral notes that filter through palate, the finish and the aftertaste. There is also a nicely balanced trio of fruit flavours with tang, tannin and plenty to like about the balance. Give this a go with barbecued gourmet sausage, or a barbecued prime cut of beef striploin. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine is slated for a Henry of Pelham Winery website online release - Now!
92
Henry of Pelham – Family Estate – Rosé – 2022
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $14.95 (613471) 11.0% alcohol
Lively and fresh, attractively tinted to a generous light pink. Aromas of orange blossom, strawberry and flinty minerality give way to a palate-pleasing stream of cotton candy, red taffy apple and plenty of tang and pizzazz that reflects in the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with smoked salmon on a cream-cheese-smeared bagel decorated with dill and capers. (Vic Harradine)
April 13, 2024 Vintages Release
93
3-Rings – Estate Grown - Barossa Valley Shiraz – 2021
GI Barossa Valley, South Australia $17.95 14.9% alcohol
From twist top to last drop this is an über-pleasurable Barossa Valley Shiraz at a more than reasonable price point. Alluring aromas of dark bramble berry, liquorice, sandalwood and oodles of tang and pizzazz decorated with Asian baking spice and a ripe supple tannin underpinning. It is full bodied and fully flavoured on the palate and the finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside of a rack of lamb, gourmet snags (an Aussie slang word for gourmet sausages) or your favourite barbecued steak. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release TDB
95
Stilio - Villa Mottura - Primitivo 2021
DOC Primitivo di Manduria, Italy, $29.95 14.5% alcohol
Pleasant aromas of cherry clafoutie quickly make their way to palate-pleasing rich and delightful mouthfuls of off-dry red wine with the delightful cherry clafoutie dessert taste making its way to the lip-smacking finish and the delicious, lingering aftertaste. The tannin is ripe and a supple underpinning to the dazzling palate flavours. Pours with all manner of red meats and aged cheese. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine is 100% Aglianico grape sourced some 400 M above sea level and was hand-harvested.
92
Borgodangelo – Aglianico – 2019
DOC Irpinia - Campi Taurisini, Italy, $21.95 14.0% alcohol
This pours lightly in the glass as far as mouthfeel is concerned and is not over-powering in any sense. The aromas of black berry fruit and raspberry jam are quite apparent and the palate flavours have the similar flavours to the fore as the aromas on the nose. This pours well with osso buco, cassoulet or especially well with prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
• This next wine is 100% Primitivo grape that was aged for 6-8 months in oak barrel then relaxed for 2-3 months in the bottle. Traditional maceration for 10-12 days and fermentation of must under controlled temperature conditions, using delestage aka—rack and return.
93
Villa Mottura – 100% Primitivo grape – 2022
DOC Primitivo di Manduria, Italy, $18.95 14.0% alcohol
A few gentle swirls will reveal a solid base of ripe tannin underpinning, excellent balance and a generous mouthfeel throughout. Give this a go with cassoulet or osso buco or a platter of mixed sushi or a charcouterie platter. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine is a delightful blend of ripe tannin, sweet, ripe cherry and mulberry with plenty of tang and pizzazz on the palate as well as the lip-smacking finish and lingering aftertaste.
93
Villa Mottura Puglia Nero Di Troia 2022
IGT Puglia Di Troia, Italy, $15.95 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of baking spice, ripe juicy black plum decorated with supple tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz on the palate, the finish and the aftertaste. Pour alongside of barbecued burgers or pasta puttanesca. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour, pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine was sourced from Salento with 100% Primitivo grapes harvested by hand when deemed to be fully ripened. It also underwent full Malolactic conversion after the alcoholic fermentation.
93
Villa Mottura Salento Primitivo 2022
IGT Salento Primitivo, Italy, $16.95 13.0% alcohol
There’s very good value here. With interesting notes of an alluring nose with ripe cherries, black currant, blueberry and mulberry riding the palate with wild abandon and staying with it from twist top to final drop. Pour with osso buco or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
92
Villa Mottura Salento Negroamaro 2022
IGT Salento Negroamaro, Italy, $15.95 13.0% alcohol
All the stars are aligned with this delectable negroamaro. Give it a go with red meat that you can grill on your barbecue or roast in the kitchen oven. Enjoy with a friend or a group of friends, as the retail price of this wine is quite attractive. (Vic Harradine)
Teliani – Red - medium-sweet - 100% Saperavi grape 2022
Georgia, Kakheti, $16.95 (143578) 12.5% alcohol
Their medium-sweet wine will match up well with desserts, fruit salads, light sweets and spicy Asian cuisine. It is best consumed while still young. This wine underwent 8 to 10 days of alcoholic fermentation then 20 to 28 days of malolactic conversion. (Vic Harradine)
• The following wine is an inspired blend of 85% Sangiovese / 10% Canaiolo Nero / 5% Mammolo
94
Cantina del Giusto San Claudio ll - 2020
D.O.C.G. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Toscana, Italy $22.95 (541292) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of bramble berry and cassis along with floral notes and a delectable lip-smacking finish with an aftertaste that is well balanced with plenty of pizzazz, soft ripe tannin and a full malolactic conversion that was matured for 6 months in stainless steel containers and 24 months in large casks of Slavonian oak with frequent batonnage. Pour alongside pasta with meat sauce, roast meats and mature cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Past Vintages Releases
• The following 3 wines are also available through the Profile Wine Group as they are the Ontario agent for all 3 wineries. Phone 416-598-0033, or visit profilewinegroup.com.
• The following Wakefield ‘Jaraman – Coonawarra / Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was sourced from two premium cabernet sauvignon vineyards in the highly sought-after near-perfect soils in the GI –aka Geographical Indication) of Coonawarra and also the near-perfect soils and wonderful climate of the GI Clare Valley with both conveniently in the state of South Australia. The Wakefield Estate winery is known as the Taylor Family Wine in Australia and along with other countries. Taylor Fladgate - the Portugese Port Company insisted the Taylor Family of Australia not use their name on their winery nor on their wine. However, the Australian Taylor Family are so well known by Australians that they also now know the name Wakefield and who they are. They have a fabulous reputation for their excellent wines. They have spanned five decades and three generations of the Australian Taylor Family.
• This next wine was released in Vintages on October 7, 2023
95
Wakefield ‘Jaraman – Coonawarra / Clare Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
GI’s Coonawarra / Clare Valley, $24.95 (142398) 14.5% alcohol
The alluring aromas are easy to bring out with the gentlest of swirls and they include cassis, ripe juicy black cherries and black plum aromas. The palate-flavours are a gusher of fruit flavours with black cherries, blueberries and bramble berries to the fore that are decorated by mocha flavour, excellent balance, a fine underpinning of ripe tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz that decorate the finish and aftertaste. Pour with rack of lamb or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine was released in Vintages on September 23rd, 2023
93
Collovray et Terrier ‘ALTUGNAC’ – ‘Terres Amoureuses’ 2021
AOP Limoux, Languedoc, France $26.95 (16413) 13.5% alcohol
This is sourced from 100% excellent chardonnay vines. This is absolutely delectable starting from aromas of Granny Smith apple and juicy pear that burst out on the palate and continue on to the finish and aftertaste. Pour with roast chicken, rack of lamb, or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine
• This next wine was also released in Vintages on September 23rd, 2023. It is an inspired red blend of Monastrell / Garnacha / Syrah.
93
El Petit Bonhomme ‘Bodegas Juan Gil’ 2020
DOP Jumilla, Spain, $16.95 (16578) 14.5% alcohol
This is elegant and muscular at the same time with delectable aromas of cassis, red cherry/berry and plenty of ripe tannin and a lingering finish and aftertaste that reveals a delightful replay of palate flavours with blueberry, bramble berry and juicy black Bing cherry throughout along with mocha and savory herbs. Pour with a premium cut of beefsteak off the barbecue, along with gourmet sausages. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour with a 93 score and a $16.95 price-point on a bottle. Enjoy! (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages Essentials
• Flat Rock Cellars have the following three wines in the Vintages Essential Wines and all three wines are accredited as sustainably grown by (SWO) Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
93
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Foundation Series – Our Classics’–Riesling-Vintages Essential 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $19.95 (43281) 11.0% alcohol
The most gentle of swirls will bring a fresh lemon curd, some pineapple and a dazzling lip-smacking sugared pink grapefruit aromas that quickly makes itself known as a palate-driven somewhat off-dry riesling that will have you looking for more bottles. There are plenty of streaks of delightful acidity that play well with the sugared fruit throughout the stream of palate flavours. You won’t go wrong with this wine if you drink it on its own or with freshly-shucked Malpeque oysters under a dash of tabasco and a squeeze of fresh lemon, or served with moules et frites. (Vic Harradine)
• The next wine is a Flat Rock Cellars chardonnay that has reached down through the deep penetration of their vineyards’ root systems and their elegant, rich and full-bodied chardonnay. This wine was made with great care using a five-level gravity flow process at their premium estate winery.
94
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Foundation Series – Our Classics’–Chardonnay-Vintages Essential 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $19.95 (286278) 12.5% alcohol
The foundation for great wine is built from geologically diverse ancient limestone soil on which their premium winery stands. The price is less than $20.00 while the score is 94 out of 100. Fabulous wine and a great bargain! This makes a great dance partner with roast turkey or rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
94
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Foundation Series – Our Classics’–Pinot Noir-Vintages Essential 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.95 (1545) 12.5% alcohol
This is a delightful pinot noir at a marvelous price. It is tasteful and full of flavourful fruit from twist top to last drop—ripe and juicy black plum, Bing cherry and pie cherry decorated with a streak of tang and pizzazz lingering with the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour with all manner of backyard burgers or rack of lamb or lamb tagine. (Vic Harradine)
Ottawa 2nd Annual Dandurand Group Wine and Spirits Tasting
On September 18th, Winecurrent reviewer Louise Boutin had the great opportunity to attend this top-notch portfolio tasting organized by Dandurand Group Territory Manager Allannah Harris at the Shaw Centre. A very nice spread of curated wines from Italy, USA and France were available for tasting which attracted a fairly large number of people from the trade.
On site was M. Chapoutier Brand Sales Manager for Canada, James Leonardo De Sa who’s obvious passion for his brand was contagious. James shared not only information on the wines available for tasting but the M.Chapoutier brand philosophy and terroir driven approach to the organic and biodynamic Single Vineyard Selection line. This tasting featured amongst others, the DOC Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche duo in white and red which is reviewed below.
Lots of excellent value wines, many under $20 a bottle. Here’s a sneak peek.
France
92
M. Chapoutier ‘Belleruche’ Blanc 2022
DOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $19.95 (245340) 14.0% alcohol
This is a lovely white Rhône blend of mostly grenache blanc with roussane and viognier. The fruit and floral aromas--think honeydew melon and freesia flower--are elegant and very inviting. Excellent body and roundness on the palate with white peach, apricot, pink grapefruit flavours and a mild bitter bite balancing the generous fruit profile. Pair with butternut squash ravioli or grilled pickerel amandine. (Louise Boutin)
91
M. Chapoutier ‘Belleruche’ Rouge 2021
DOC Côtes-du-Rhône, France $19.00 (17770) 13.0% alcohol
This is a red berry explosion of aromas screaming freshness--raspberry, cranberry, strawberry—with a back drop of concrete and gentle rose perfume. Mostly grenache and syrah are vinified and aged in stainless steel and concrete vessels, preserving the fruit vivacity and delivering a silky red with berry and grilled plum flavours. There’s an added white pepper touch in the pleasant finish. This is medium-bodied and would be an excellent alternative to Beaujolais for your Thanks Giving turkey dinner. (Louise Boutin)
91
M. Chapoutier ‘Les Vignes de Bila-Haut’ 2021
DOC Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages, France $18.95 (168716) 14.0% alcohol
Smoky and spicy ripe black fruits are obvious on the nose of this syrah, grenache and Carignan blend. Velvety textured at first, it transitions to a more rustic character mid-palate with lots of dark cherry and blackberry flavours, a nice touch of baking spice and a hint of cured meat. This is medium-full bodied and would pair perfectly with hearty meat or vegetarian tourtiere and marinated red beets. (Louise Boutin)
Italy
89
Bread & Butter Prosecco
DOC Prosecco, Italy $21.95 (21621) 11.0% alcohol
Straight forward light sparkling blend of glera, chardonnay and pinot grigio with fresh citrus, green apple and mineral aromas offering a pleasant and generous froth on the palate. Nicely crisp and thirst quenching, this is perfect for your sea salt potato chips craving or your Aperol Spritz cocktail. (Louise Boutin)
90
Sistina Pecorino 2022
IGT Terre di Chieti, Italy $16.00 (30960) 13.0% alcohol
Pecorino is a sheep’s milk cheese from central Italy but it’s also a delicious white wine from the Italian east coast. This one from Abruzzo is full of life with aromas of honeydew melon, lime zest and white almond. It’s fresh and crisp on the palate with more lime character, a tropical hint of ripe pineapple and great mouth-watering minerality. This is a great alternative to sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. (Louise Boutin)
90
Sistina Montepulciano 2020
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy $16.00 (31804) 13.5% alcohol
This medium-full-bodied red offers an attractive smoky nose of ripe dark fruit and earthy notes. Red plum and dark cherry take the lead on the flavour palette adding herbal tones of tobacco and a fleshy grip of tannins typical of the varietal. This is perfect for your rare flank steak on the grill or simmered rustic mushroom and lentil stew after an hour of aeration/decanting. (Louise Boutin)
91
Tomassi ‘Rafaèl’ 2020
DOC Valpolicella Classico Superiore $19.95 (23259) 12.5% alcohol
Excellent value in this traditional Veneto red with a charming nose—red cherry, potpourri, orange zest, leather—aged 15 months in Slovanian oak barrels. Soft on the palate with fine powdery tannins waddling delicious flavours of red/black cherry and baking spice leading to a bright zesty, balanced finish. Pour alongside hearty lasagna or baked eggplant manicotti. (Louise Boutin)
90
Carpineto ‘Dogajolo’ 2021
IGT Rosso Toscana $19.95 (361501) 13.0% alcohol
This is a young version of a “Super Tuscan’ style red, where sangiovese is blended with Bordeaux varietal--in this case cabernet sauvignon-- and matured in French oak casks. The nose is earthy with spiced cherry notes peeking through along with vanilla flair. The palate is soft and pleasant with a blend of cherry, blackberry, a touch of caraway and a nice smoky note developing in the slightly chewy persistent finish. This is perfect for your spaghetti Bolognese or red sauce gourmet pizza. (Louise Boutin)
USA
90
Raymond Classic Chardonnay 2020
California, United States $18.95 (269753) 13.0% alcohol
Quite oaky on the nose at first, vanilla and orchard fruit aromas come up with a good swirl. This medium-bodied white is round on the palate with a nice balance of pear, peach flavours and spice and a toned-down wood profile. It’s got fresh citrus acidity and a slightly buttery delicious finish. This is an excellent partner to fettuccini Alfredo or lemon butter baked cod. (Louise Boutin)
Cheers!
Dave, Lisa, Louise, and Vic