February 5, 2011 Vintages Release

Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:

A New Feature – You’ll notice within each review the product code (numbers in brackets) are now links connecting you directly to the LCBO site and allowing you to search for stock that’s currently available in individual retail LCBO stores for that wine. You have the option of searching ‘All Cities’ - all 650+ stores in the system; those only in your city, or, in some cases, those in a region of your city; and, of course, your favourite store. This applies to ‘New in Vintages’ and ‘New in the LCBO Portfolio’ stock, as well.

There may be no ‘Vintages Release’ stock recorded in any stores when you receive your newsletter as it’s published several days prior to each Vintages Release. Almost all stores have their release stock in the system by the Friday before release day allowing you to plan your purchases and save you time and aggravation—no more arriving to find your selected wines were not ordered or are now sold out at your favourite store. Let us know what you think of this and if there are other features you’d like to see.

This winecurrent newsletter begins with two features from the Vintages Release catalogue on wines from Tuscany and Washington State followed by the Main Release.

• Tuscany in 2007 – The 2007 Vintage is rated ‘Excellent’ favouring those who harvested late, especially wines with Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Susan uncorks a Chianti ‘Riserva’ and a ‘Classico’ both under $20 in the Tuscany feature along with an interesting array including Vino Nobile and Cabernet blends, all 2007s.
• Susan’s Sizzling Selection – the 5 star Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2008 @ $18.95 found under France: White Wine is a beautifully balanced gem that’s not to be missed.
• Vic’s pick – the 4½ star Jansz ‘Premium Rosé’ Non-Vintage sparkling wine from Tasmania makes another appearance, $5 less than last year, offering even greater value.
• Tawse New Releases – Five offerings from this über-premium Niagara producer are found following the Main Release.
• Calamus Estate Winery – This Niagara winery’s motto is; Very rustic, very scenic, and very good wine! Check out two of their wines following the Main Release.

Tuscany Feature

Ravazzi Chianti ‘Riserva’ 2007
DOCG Chianti $15.95 (135657) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a semi-transparent, ruby Chianti displaying a fragrant floral and red berry nose mingling with alluring earthy notes. Dry, mid weight and structured, there’s lively acidity and firm tannin supporting the bright red fruit—strawberry, raspberry, currant. It’s been very nicely crafted with underlying notes of toast and herb on a refreshing, bright, fruity finish. There’s great value here. (Susan Desjardins)


Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2007
DOCG Chianti Classico $19.95 (207795) 13.5% alcohol
Hand harvested, the fruit for this wine was cultivated organically. A glittering, semi-transparent ruby, this attractive red offers subtle aromas of bright, red fruit, spice and earth. It’s medium-full bodied with a silky texture, fresh acidity and ripe tannin balancing vibrant red cherry/berry flavours, notes of cocoa and spice. Elegant and flavourful with a lingering, dry finish, it’s a candidate for medium-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)


Cecchi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2007
DOCG Montepulciano $24.95 (123588) 13.5% alcohol
Opaque with a garnet note, intriguing complex aromas entice—earth, floral aromas, berry fruit and a hint of tobacco. Medium-full bodied, this award-winning wine was aged 24 months in oak. It’s firm in structure with perceptible drying tannin and a fine backbone of acidity. There’s depth of flavour—plum, berry, herbs and spicy toast while the lengthy finish offers persistent echoes of cocoa. This is a great mid-winter wine. (Susan Desjardins)


Icario Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2007
DOCG Montepulciano $31.95 (203430) 14.5% alcohol
Ruby with a garnet note at the rim, this is a potent well-crafted wine. Expect a lifted nose of ripe berry fruit, autumnal notes, licorice, and spicy toast. Silky on entry, it’s dry, well textured, structured and in fine balance with an elusive mineral quality on the palate. Ripe tannin and lively acidity frame fresh, cherry berry fruit that flows through the lengthy, dry finish. Cellar medium term or enjoy now with hearty meat-based dishes. (Susan Desjardins)


Abbadia Ardenga Rosso di Montalcino 2007
DOC Montalcino $19.95 (184945) 14.0% alcohol
Subtle, delicate aromas of sweet, ripe berry fruit, vanilla, licorice and soft spice entice on the nose. It’s medium-full bodied and dishes up a compelling wine with a lovely smooth texture on entry. Vibrant acidity and perceptible tannin match the vivid red fruit—raspberry, currant, strawberry. Ready to drink now, it offers some subtle notes of sweet herbs on the persistent, dry, fruit-filled finish. A candidate for short-term cellaring, the price-value equation is well in your favour. (Susan Desjardins)


Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona ‘Ateo’ 2007
DOC Sant’Antimo $24.95 (211623) 14.5% alcohol
‘Ateo’, the atheist, was named because of the wineries refusal to make Brunello in any but the best vintages. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this deeply hued red has intense complex aromas of plum, dark berry and hints of dried fruit, spice, earth and herbs. There’s a well-crafted balance of ripe tannin, fresh acidity and expansive, layered, dark fruit flavours, toasty oak, kitchen spice and notes of espresso that linger on the lengthy, dry finish. It’s simply delightful and excellent value; consider it with beef Florentine or cellar a further 5-7 years. (Susan Desjardins)


Tenuta di Castelgiocondo ‘Lamaione’ 2007
IGT Toscana $63.95 (978411) 15.0% alcohol
Deep crimson ruby, this full-flavoured Merlot is redolent of sweet oak, potent, ripe, dark berry and plum fruit, subtle spice and elusive earthy notes. It flows across the palate like velvet, a gentle wave of soft ripe fruit and dark toast underpinned by a firm structure. It comes together in a fine balance creating an overall impression of depth and generosity on the lengthy, dry finish. Enjoy with flavourful meat dishes, or cellar 4-6 more years. (Susan Desjardins)


Brancaia ‘Tre’ Rosso 2007
IGT Toscana $24.95 (164715) 13.5% alcohol
Ruby and semi-transparent, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from three different estates (tre per tre) and offers lovely floral and red fruit fragrances with a touch of herbs and spice. Round and smoothly textured, it displays great balance with soft tannin and acidity framing ripe berry, plum and spice flavours. It’s a very appealing wine with a smooth, dry finish offering attractive notes of spicy toast. (Susan Desjardins)

Washington State Feature

Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Merlot 2007
Horse Heaven Hills $19.95 (209874) 14.5% alcohol
This windy and relatively new appellation (2005) was named for the wild horses once roaming there. Deep ruby in colour, expect aromas of ripe, dark berry, plum, spice and earth. Dry and nicely textured, it offers a velvety texture, spice, white pepper and a replay of focused, ripe dark fruit. It’s fruit forward and displays ripe tannin and fine acidity while the lingering finish has attractive notes of toast and dark chocolate. (Susan Desjardins)


Coeur d’Alène Syrah 2007
Washington State $32.95 (177162) 14.4% alcohol
Deep purple, dense and opaque, there’s a basket of dark, berry fruit, dark chocolate and spice aromas on the nose. Dry, peppery and full bodied, the flavours are powerful with loads of ripe dark fruit, dark chocolate and grilled herbs. The underlying structure is firm, the tannin slightly chalky and the acidity sufficient to deftly balance the basket of fruit flavours. The dry, fruity finish tantalizes with a replay of dark toast, chocolate and pepper. Enjoy it now or cellar short term. (Susan Desjardins)

The Main Release

Fortified Wine: Port

Quinta da Romaneira Fine Tawny Port
DOC Douro $16.95 (197020) 19.5% alcohol
Mahogany in tone, this heady Tawny displays concentrated aromas of dried fruit, raisined berries and toffee. The heat on the palate is balanced by the intense flavours—figs, berry jam, dried cherries and licorice. Medium-full bodied with soft tannins and lively acidity, it offers a lengthy warm finish with delicious nuances of spiced, dark chocolate. Lovely on its own, you can also pour with strong cheese—it’ll cellar for several more years. (Susan Desjardins)

Sparkling Wine



13th Street ‘Cuvée 13’ Rosé 2006 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (147504) 12.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent March 20, 2010 @ $24.95) A brilliant salmon pink, this fine sparkler is a classic blend made in the méthode traditionelle of Champagne. It spent almost 3 years on the lees and displays this on the nose, which includes subtle floral, berry and toasty notes. Light-medium bodied, it has a fine, creamy mousse and refreshing acidity. Soft hints of toast and nuts carry through on the impressively long finish. A great wine for appetizers or lighter fare. (Susan Desjardins)


Blue Mountain Brut
Okanagan Valley $32.95 (206326) 12.5% alcohol
Blue Mountain is well known for its quality, both in sparkling wines and Pinot Noir. Produced in the traditional method and aged 24 months on the lees, this dry, pale-gold blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris displays alluring aromas of butter biscuit, pear, ripe apple and citrus. The refreshing mousse has a fine, creamy texture, while the palate offers vivid citrus and light tree-fruit flavours. Light-medium bodied, the wine is in fine balance with a crisp, lengthy aftertaste. With so few wines from the Okanagan finding their way here, you won’t want to miss this one. (Susan Desjardins)


Jansz ‘Premium Rosé’ Non-Vintage 

Tasmania, Australia $24.95 (37499) 12.5% alcohol 

Previously reviewed in winecurrent February 1, 2010 @ $29.95) Pinot Noir predominant and spending 2 years on the lees, this offers up fresh and lively aromas of red berry fruit and floral notes. Red currant and ruby red grapefruit flavours coat the palate with a generous texture. It’s mid weight with good balance and structure sporting a lingering crisp and dry finish adding nuances of freshly sliced strawberry. It pairs perfectly with pan-seared salmon under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon and earned its final half star on value. (Vic Harradine)


Pierre Sparr ‘Brut’ Rosé Crémant d’Alsace
AOC Alsace $18.95 (39016) 12.0% alcohol
Pale salmon and crafted from Pinot Noir, the delicate aromas of red field berries come through on the crisp, bright and fresh palate. Just off-dry, light-medium bodied and fruity, it delivers a fine mousse and lively acidity. This is a refreshing, delightful choice to share with your Valentine. (Susan Desjardins)

Niagara: White Wine

Pillitteri ‘Red Leaf’ Vidal Icewine 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (200ml) 11.5% alcohol
Deep golden in color, this is a lovely icewine with fragrant and intense aromas—honeyed stone fruit dominates with hints of passion fruit and sweet citrus. Nicely balanced, the luscious stone fruit—apricot, nectarine and a splash of pineapple—replay on the palate complemented by a backbone of lively acidity. The lengthy, honeyed, fruit aftertaste caresses the palate on the finish. It’s excellent value and a nice choice to share with your honey—go ahead, splurge. (Susan Desjardins)


Vineland Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2008
VQA Niagara Escarpment $16.95 (551168) 12.0% alcohol
Pale straw green, this refreshing SB has fragrant floral, citrus and tropical aromas. On the palate, there’s a spine of fresh acidity and minerality underlying the bright citrus flavours with grapefruit and lemon to the fore. It’s light-medium bodied while a fresh pithy note persists on the dry finish. This is a great match for seafood; give it a go with pan-seared pickerel. (Susan Desjardins)

Niagara: Red Wine

Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (349233) 13.5% alcohol

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent November 7, 2009 @ $20.00) Opening with an alluring nose, there are riveting aromas of aromatic bitters, spiced plum compote and dark berry fruit bolting from the glass. Flavours of juicy Bing cherry and cassis coat the palate mingling with racy Montmorency cherry on the balanced and memorable finish. The judicious use of oak, silky smooth texture and ripe fine-grained tannin all coalesce to fashion this delightful red. (Vic Harradine)

California: White Wine

Ghost Pines ‘Winemaker’s Blend’ Chardonnay 2007 

Monterey/Napa/Sonoma Counties $19.95 (136408) 14.3% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent December 5, 2009 @ $19.95) My first taste of the Ghost Pines banner and it’s flavour packed and full of value. Oak, smoke and vanilla on the nose, there’s a wave of palate-coating well-balanced flavour—tropical fruit, ripe apple and oodles of ripe pineapple. This is mid weight, fully textured—100% malolactic fermentation—and sports as nice a finish as you can imagine—refreshing, nutty, sweet ripe fruit and flavourful. Lovely sipped on its own, it also goes well with supermarket take-out rotisserie chicken. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Mark West Pinot Noir 2008
California $19.95 (83329) 13.8% alcohol
This is an appealing, dry, medium bodied red with aromas of bright red fruit, sweet spice and an earthy herbal note. Ripe tannin and lively acidity frame the vibrant red fruit—cherries, raspberry, currant—garnished with notes of toast and spice box. Approachable and juicy, consistently flavourful throughout, the ripe fruit persists on the delightful finish. Described on the website as “Pinot for the People”, it gets an extra half star for value. Enjoy a bottle or two now with roast salmon. (Susan Desjardins)


McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
California $19.95 (212126) 13.5% alcohol
Deep red with a violet hue, this is a round, pleasing wine with loads of berry flavour. Red and black berry aromas, hints of spicy toast and cedar drift from the glass. Medium bodied, the wine displays nice fresh acidity, ripe tannin and fresh flavours of raspberry, blackberry and spice. Those concentrated fruit flavours and nuances of dark toast persist on the finish. It’s a crowd pleaser and a good match for meat lasagne. (Susan Desjardins)


Newman’s Own Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 

California $17.95 (104182) 13.5% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent June 26, 2010 @ $17.95) Sweet herb and spice mingling with berry fruit aromas on the nose segue a balanced wash of round and ready California Cab. Flavours of kirsch liqueur and spiced black plum coat the palate, all nicely framed with moderating acidity and a ripe supple tannin structure. It’s medium bodied, nicely textured with a fruit-forward finish. Paul Newman’s legacy lives on with all profits donated to charity—the wine’s good, that makes it better. (Vic Harradine)


Our Daily Red 2009
California $14.95 (203851) 12.5% alcohol
Violet in hue, this is a nicely priced organic blend of Syrah, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose there are spicy berry fruit and licorice aromas. It’s medium bodied with a refreshing texture and concentrated flavours of ripe, red raspberry and blackberry embellished with some appealing notes of sweet kitchen herbs and toast. The bright acidity and ripe tannin are a great foil for the intense fruit of this dry gem. Very appealing, it gets an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 

Sonoma County $22.95 (226944) 13.8% alcohol 

(Previously reviewed in winecurrent October 2, 2010 @ $19.95) Dense and dark, this is a nicely structured Cabernet with attractive floral aromas, cedar, spice and classic cassis. It’s dry with ripe tannin, fine acidity and ripe, spicy, dark berry flavours. Medium-full bodied and well balanced, it has a full-flavoured, mid-length finish. Good wine, good value. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Cono Sur ‘Visión Single Vineyard’ Riesling 2010
Quiltramán $14.95 (590711) 13.5% alcohol
Pale straw with a green tinge, this lovely, young Riesling tenders lifted aromatics of ripe apple, pear and sweet citrus. Dry, fresh and bright, it’s light-medium bodied with a vibrant backbone of acidity, subtle minerality and boatloads of vivid fruit—grapefruit and lemon to the fore. It’s nicely balanced with a long, refreshing, palate-cleansing finish. This is hard to pass up. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: White Wine

Yalumba ‘Y Series’ Viognier 2008
South Australia $14.95 (624502) 14.5% alcohol
This is a perennial favourite and won’t stay on shelves long. Golden-hued in the glass, this is noticeably fragrant with floral, ripe stone and sweet citrus aromas, as well as light, honeyed notes. It’s medium-full bodied with a rich, round texture, lively acidity and flavourful fruit—peach preserves and pears—along with a warm, dry, spicy, tang on the finish. The price-quality balance tips in your favour. (Susan Desjardins)

Australia: Red Wine

George Wyndham ‘Founder’s Reserve’ Shiraz 2007
Langhorne Creek, South Australia $19.95 (107904) 14.0% alcohol
Purple and opaque, this award winner tantalizes with fresh aromas of mint, ripe dark fruit and sweet spice box. Round and smooth, dry and full bodied, it’s densely textured with dark fruit mingling with mint and spicy, dark toast echoing on the palate. It reflects its well-crafted balance with firm underlying tannin structure and good acidity acting as counterpoints to the fruit. Pepper, toast and more fruit persist on the lingering finish. The excellent value is coupled with good aging potential; squirrel a couple away until 2014. (Susan Desjardins)


Heartland Stickleback Red 2008
South Australia $14.95 (116574) 14.5% alcohol
An unusual blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto and Lagrein, this deep purple wine is intense on the nose—reminiscent of black currant jam with tantalizing notes of eucalyptus. Fruit forward yet dry with a soft texture, there’s ripe tannin and sufficient acidity to balance the fruit. The very ripe, dark fruit and that minty herbal note flow through the palate to a warm, peppery finish. It’s very approachable and engaging and earns an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins)


Two Hands ‘Angels’ Share’ Shiraz 2009
McLaren Vale $27.95 (923599) 14.8% alcohol
Opaque and inky, this is intensely fruity with juicy, sun-ripened blueberry and blackberry flavour galore. It’s medium-full bodied with those concentrated, dark fruit flavours complemented by a garnish of spice and black pepper. Fresh acidity and slightly chalky tannins complement the fruit. Those intense fruit flavours carry through the lengthy, dry finish leaving a warm, peppery aftertaste. (Susan Desjardins)

New Zealand: Red Wine

Oyster Bay Merlot 2009
Hawkes Bay $18.95 (692343) 13.5% alcohol
(Previously reviewed in winecurrent September 18, 2010 @ $18.95) We both loved this; Susan suggests picking up a case. Ruby red with a light violet hue, this well-balanced red has a subtle nose of earthiness, spice and black currant. Silky textured and wonderfully balanced, it delivers a wash of persistent vibrant flavour—racy pomegranate, red cherry and raspberry—adorned with hints of spice, soft fine-grained tannin and good moderating acidity. It finishes mid length with spice-infused black raspberry. (Vic Harradine)

France: White Wine

Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2008
AOC Alsace $18.95 (196956) 13.0% alcohol
This is a multiple gold medal winner that displays a lovely, golden hue and lifted aromatics –floral, pear, and nuances of tropical notes and sweet spice. It’s rich in texture and weighty on the palate with gorgeous flavours of pear, nectarine and lovely kitchen spice riding on a backbone of fresh acidity. Beautifully balanced, deliciously smooth and round, almost oily—this is a gem. Chill well and enjoy. (Susan Desjardins)


Maison Kerlann Chablis 2008
AOC Chablis $18.95 (158964) 12.5% alcohol
Brilliant, pale-gold with hints of green, this is fresh and fruity from the expressive aromas through the long, refreshing finish. It’s medium bodied with underlying minerality and sports a vibrant backbone of crisp acidity showcased by aromas and flavours of bright fresh fruit —pear, apple, grapefruit, lemon and lime. It’s a fine match for fish poached in a lemon-wine reduction. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Château des Moines 2008
AOC Lalande de Pomerol $22.95 (206789) 12.5% alcohol
A semi-opaque, ruby hue in the glass, this Merlot-based Bordeaux delivers aromas of smoky toast, spicy roses, cedar and field berries. There’s a firm, underlying structure caressing the palate with a mid-weight, velvety texture offering an attractive balance of fresh acidity and concentrated flavours of plum, dark berries, spice and roasted peppers. Persistent and dry on the finish, it’s a good candidate for mid-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)


Château le Grand Moulin Cuvée Grande Réserve 2008
AOC Premières Côtes de Blaye $15.95 (198994) 13.0% alcohol
This is an award-winning wine that’s opaque, almost inky, with a complex, fragrant nose—cassis, roasted peppers and herbs, berry fruit and a whiff of red roses. It’s medium-full bodied with a smooth texture and replays the dark fruit and roasted pepper on the palate. It’s very appealing, vibrant and easy-to-drink with a lengthy, dry finish characterized by notes of char and roasted herbs. Well crafted and well priced, the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine de Peyanne 2009
AOC Saumur $13.95 (197038) 13.0% alcohol
This award-winner is 100% Cabernet Franc and displays a deep-purple robe. Lovely floral, berry and sweet spice aromas, garnished with a scent of toast tantalize. On the palate the fruit is focused and pure—dark berries, black cherries and raspberries—with lively balancing acidity and some soft, slightly drying tannin. This is a delicious, juicy wine displaying lingering notes of cocoa and pepper on the nice, dry finish. It gained its final half star on value. (Susan Desjardins)


Montirius ‘Garrigues’ Vacqueyras 2009
AOC Vacqueyras $23.95 (108779) 15.0% alcohol
Certified bio-dynamic and unoaked, this blend of old vine Grenache and Syrah is densely purple. There’s a tang on the nose, somewhat floral—dried lavender and garrigue—along with ripe, black cherry, raspberry and a whiff of mineral. It’s dry, fresh and full bodied, while the firm structure and lively acidity are complemented by notes of pepper and herbs garnishing the vibrant, tasty, dark cherry/berry fruit. Warm peppery notes persist on the finish. This youngster is definitely a candidate for mid-term cellaring. (Susan Desjardins)


Domaine du Grand Retour ‘Plan de Dieu’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $13.95 (127167)14.5% alcohol
This deeply hued, gold medal winner is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It’s a savoury, medium-full bodied and structured blend with intense, appealing aromas of dark berry fruit, spice and nuances of earthy herbs. The tannin’s firm, the acidity lively and the concentrated flavours delightful—black berry, dark toast, spice and licorice. Notes of chocolate and dark toast linger on the dry finish. The favourable value proposition tacked on the final half star. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: White Wine

Dezzani Morelli Moscato d`Asti 2009
DOCG Moscato d`Asti $15.95 (187997) 5.0%alcohol
This pale, lemon-gold, spritzy gem is a true delight—the low alcohol will make it particularly attractive to some. It’s a basket of aromatic and sweet-tasting stone and tree fruit, with tangy notes of mango and passion fruit. The mousse is soft and seductive, the acidity’s gentle. It’s full of flavour and very good value—pour as an aperitif before, or delightful sipper after, that romantic dinner. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Abbona ‘Le Pieve’ Barolo 2005
DOCG Barolo $26.95 (213132) 14.0% alcohol
Mahogany in tone, this well-crafted, value-laden Barolo displays delicate, floral aromas with attractive notes of red fruit, cedar and earth. Dry, with good weight and texture, it has a lovely, silky texture, perceptible tannin and fine acidity underpinning fresh, red fruit. It’s approachable now with good balance and a persistent finish. It’s so delicious you’ll not be able to resist another sip, and then another. At this price, load up the wagon; it’ll cellar for several years. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

Langa ‘Centennaria’ Garnacha 2006
DOC Calatyud $13.95 (194795) 14.0% alcohol
The purple robe portends the rich, fruit-forward nature of this wine with its aromas of sweet, black berry, vanilla and spice. It’s a straightforward, fleshy and fruity wine with good acidity and some attractive notes of spicy oak that carry through the mid-length finish. This is a crowd-pleasing, easy-going red that’s perfectly poured at a Super Bowl gathering or any pizza night. (Susan Desjardins)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: March 19, 2011

Calamus ‘Reserve’ Red 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.20 (223990) 12.7% alcohol
This red blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is from the acclaimed 2007 vintage and was aged 30 months in French oak. It’s intensely hued with attractive aromas of smoky toast, vanilla, dark fruit and herbal notes. The generous texture and supple tannin complement fresh acidity and well-integrated oak—all a fine match for the vibrant, fruit flavours of black cherry and raspberry. Nuances of spice, toast and chocolate garnish the aftertaste. Great value, pour alongside veal chops with mushroom sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

New in the LCBO Portfolio

Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Chardonnay 2008
VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 (111989) 13.0% alcohol
From a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard at the top of the escarpment where limestone is very accessible, this dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay is a true creature of its terroir, graced with minerality from the first whiff through the lengthy finish. Adding to the minerality, there are complex aromas and flavours of tree fruit, vanilla and light toast and a creamy, round texture. The finish re-emphasizes the wonderful balance of well-integrated oak, lively acidity, clean ripe fruit, and that underlying, zesty minerality. Enjoy now or cellar medium term. Available primarily in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe stores, you can also order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Ontario Wineries

Calamus ‘Barrel Aged’ Chardonnay 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.20 13.3% alcohol
There are lifted aromas of vanilla, spiced, apple tart, ripe pear and a whiff of citrus in this brilliant, pale-gold beauty. It’s a deftly crafted medal winner that’s dry, mid weight and creamy in texture displaying a hint of heat on the palate. It’s approachable and nicely balanced with fresh lemon-lime acidity, well-integrated oak and ripe, tree-fruit flavours. Spicy notes and a hint of butter toffee persist on the velvet finish. Order for daily home or office delivery direct from Calamus. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Van Bers’ Cabernet Franc 2008
VQA Creek Shores $47.95 13.5% alcohol
Elegant and complex, this deep red wine has an enticing array of aromas—vegetal, forest floor, black berries, toast and hints of chocolate. Dry, structured and medium-full bodied, the tannin’s firm, the acidity fresh and the flavours layered. Field berries, herbal and earthy notes, along with hints of black pepper and toast carry through on the lengthy finish. To drink this robust wine now, prime rib would be in order, or cellar 5-7 years. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2009
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 13.0% alcohol
Fragrant with aromas of rose water, lychee and tropical fruits, this classic exemplar of the varietal is in fine balance. The texture is subtly oily, the acidity’s fresh while minerality tantalizes the palate and the flavours appeal—a bowl of tropical fruits and cake spice drizzled with a dash of lime. All’s in harmony on the finish, where an appealing slightly bitter note of citrus rind lingers. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Laidlaw’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Vinemount Ridge $44.95 13.0% alcohol
Subtle aromas of berry fruit, earth and spice waft from the glass of this ruby-hued new offering. Dry, medium bodied, structured and lively, the wine displays perceptible tannin and a backbone of vibrant acidity. Enjoy layers of flavour—red cherry, berry, earthy beetroot and underbrush with some hints of toast—and a persistent, fresh, finish. A fine match now for chicken and sausage with olive or cellar mid-term. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)


Tawse ‘Misek Vineyard’ Riesling 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $21.95 10.5% alcohol
Pale straw, this beguiling off-dry offering from Tawse was a gold medal winery at Intervin. Supple and round, it offers fragrant aromas of apricot, citrus and mineral that develop in the glass. Sweet stone fruit captivates on entry, while a lively, lemon-lime acidity refreshes the palate. The finish is clean, bright and mouth-wateringly good. A treat for the senses, it will certainly evolve over the next 3-5 years. Order by the case for daily home or office delivery direct from Tawse. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic and Susan