August 1, 2012 Newsletter
Civic Holiday - 350 LCBO Stores will open on Monday August 6, 2012. Most LCBO agency stores observe normal hours of business. All LCBO stores observe normal business hours Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5. LCBO stores that open August 6 will post hours in advance.Check individual store hours with your local LCBO store, online at www.lcbo.com using 'Store Search', via toll-free 1-800-ONT-LCBO (668-5226) or online www.helloLCBO.com - in the GTA 416 365-5900. The TTY number for the deaf and hard of hearing is 416 864-6898 or 1-800-361-3291.
Highlights in this winecurrent newsletter include:
- Exceptional value wines – five wines earned the
icon indicating wines of ‘exceptional value’; prices range from $11.50 to $17.00 – one in the August 4 Vintages Release, one in New in the LCBO Portfolio, one in Ontario Wineries and two in Private Order - Tawse and Fielding Wineries – both these Ontario wineries showcase well-made, value-for-money premium wines in this newsletter.
- Five Stars – Fielding Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 is stunning. It’s under Ontario wineries @ $44.95 and be purchased within a mixed case – check it out.
Vintages release: August 4, 2012
Schloss ‘Reinhartshausen’ Riesling Kabinett 2009
Prädikatswein, Mattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, Rheingau $17.95 (114801) 10.5% alcohol
Green apple, honeyed pear and ginger aromas blossom from this mid-weight, nicely textured Rheingau. A mélange of lovely flavours splash over the palate with lemon pie filling, lemon drop candy and spice-laden yellow plum among them. It finishes in a blaze of sweet and tang, the yin and yang that pairs so well with spicy Asian cuisine. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Cidrerie St-Nicholas ‘Pom d’Or Tradition’ Crackling Cider
Québec $13.95 (179473) 7.0% alcohol
It’s a light and dry, refreshing, frothy apple-flavoured confection that sings, ‘Oh Canada’. Full of flavour and something different, it earned its final half star on good value. Try it with appetizers of grated apple and melted cheddar on toasted baguette. (Susan Desjardins)
Fielding Estate Cabernet Franc 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 13.0% alcohol
Charming aromas of spice, tobacco and berry compote flow easily from this flavour-laden gem. Red cherry, spice, black plum and smoky, dark berry fruit wash in endless waves framed by moderating acidity, underpinned by ripe, supple tannin—simply lip-smacking good. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel, deft balance and loads of appeal. Pour now and for the next five years alongside grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)
Cicchitti ‘Gran Reserva’ Malbec 2004
Mendoza $21.95 (155713) 14.0% alcohol
Deep-purple hued and alluringly aromatic, this wine offers an irresistible nose of sweet, dark, ripe berry fruit, toast, spice and earthy notes. Dry and medium-full bodied, the dark fruit—black berries and cherries— is quite focused with spice, pepper and toast tantalizing the palate. Mature tannin and fine acidity provide the requisite balance. Enjoy now with hearty grilled fare or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)
Pascual Roso ‘Barrancas Vineyards Reserve’ Malbec 2009
Mendoza $19.95 (183897) 14.0% alcohol
This is beautifully textured, well balanced with good depth of flavour and offers great value. How good is that? Spice box, aromatic bitters and black cherry on the nose, it delivers a medium-bodied, fleshy and gorgeous wash of juicy black cherry, racy red currant and sweet ripe mulberry. It finishes balanced, lengthy and luxurious. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream in Winecurrent
Quinta da Leira ‘Vinha Paz’ Dão 2009
DOC Dão, Portugal $35.00 14.5% alcohol
Rich, luscious aromas of dark berry fruit, mint and cedar stream from the nose of this medium-full bodied, generously textured red blend—primarily Touriga Nacional. It coats the palate with concentrated complexity—sweet, ripe mulberry, cassis and tangy red cherry underpinned by tannin framed by good moderating acidity. The lingering aftertaste is balanced and brimming with black briary fruit and toasty oak. Good to go now with a two hour aeration/decant and on to 2018. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Château Favray Pouilly-Fumé 2011
AOC Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France $22.50 12.5% alcohol
Herbaceous, flinty and floral notes aromas herald lemon-lime, ripe pineapple and orchard fruit riding a racy river over the palate. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a crisp, mouth-watering aftertaste. Well balanced and brimming with fruit flavour and good moderating acidity, it delivers on all counts. Pair with dressed arugula under crumbled chèvre. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Château du Retout Crus Bourgeois 2008
AOC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France $21.35 13.0% alcohol
This charming red blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot—dishes up a lively assortment of aromas with wood smoke, espresso roast and dark berry fruit galore. Waves of balanced and beautiful flavours bathe the palate—black currant, red cherry and earthy tones. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel and a dry, balanced finish showing ripe fruit, moderating acidity and a lick of tannin; decant/aerate for a couple of hours pouring with grilled strip loin or roast beef. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages Essentials
d’Arenberg ‘d’Arry’s Original’ Shiraz/Grenache 2009
McLaren Vale, Australia $19.95 (942904) 14.4% alcohol
Eucalyptus, berry fruit and toasty notes herald a spirited, lively wash of lip-smacking flavour—red currant and cranberry mingling with nuances of espresso roast and dark chocolate. Medium bodied and tangy throughout, look for racy red cherry and toasty notes on the lingering aftertaste. Good to go now, poured perfectly with grilled, smoked ribs brushed with spicy BBQ sauce. Always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)
Perrin & Fils ‘Les Sinards’ 2010
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $34.95 (926626) 14.0% alcohol
From one of the world’s iconic wine-making families - Primum Familiae Vini, this dishes up warm aromas of dark cherry, black plum compote and espresso roast. It’s complex and interesting on the palate with red and black currant interwoven with hints of cassis and toasty notes. Medium-full bodied, nicely textured with a juicy, tangy lengthy aftertaste and supple tannin underpinning, you won’t be disappointed with this—ideal for drinking and gifting. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO Portfolio
Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Syrah 2011
DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile $13.95 (221820) 14.0% alcohol
Cracked black pepper, mint and toasty notes provide segue for a rich and robust river of flavour with succulent, ripe mulberry, kitchen spice and ripe cherry to the fore. It’s balanced with structure, mid weight and good mouth feel. The lengthy, fruit-forward aftertaste layers on moderating acidity and a gentle hint of fine-grained tannin. If you cast bait in $14 waters, here’s the LCBO catch of the day, reel in a few. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Gewürztraminer 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (146753) 12.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of rosewater, exotic spice and floral notes waft freely from this full-blown, flavourful gem. Off-dry, mid-full weight and generously textured, there’s a balanced wash of succulent white peach, blood orange and spice mingling with lemon curd on the palate persisting through the mouth-watering finish. There’s sweet and tang on the aftertaste; pair with spicy Asian cuisine like pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)
Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port
DOC Porto, Portugal $36.95 (620641) 500 mL 20% alcohol
Sweet, amber-coloured ambrosia spills into the glass offering aromas of raisins, figs and dates, nuts and caramel toffee. Not well understood, it need be tasted. Warm and palate-coating flavours caress the palate—peel marmalade, spun sugar and honeyed pit fruits infuse the lengthy spice-cake finish. Surprise guests, possibly yourself, with infinite food pairings—consommé, blue cheese or aged cheddar, foie gras, meat patés, crème caramel, crème brûlée, Christmas cake, biscotti, pecan pie, roasted almonds or walnuts. Divine sipped on its own, as well; try chilling slightly—20 minutes in the fridge. (Vic Harradine)
Los Nevados Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Mendoza, Argentina $10.95 (224436) 14.0% alcohol
Deep rich aromas of dark berries, charry wood smoke and spice roll from this crowd-pleasing Cab. Full-bore flavours of black currant and dark chocolate interlace with good moderating acidity and a gently brush of sweet tannin. It’s nicely balanced with good texture and a sprig of savory herbs on the aftertaste. Good bang for your buck and a sure winner with grilled red meat, hot off the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Osoyoos Larose ‘Pétales d’Osoyoos’ 2009
VQA Okanagan Valley $24.95 (276741) 13.5% alcohol
This Bordeaux blend offers aromas of savory herbs, pepper and mixed field berry fruit, It’s mid weight with good texture and a persistent stream of red fruit flavour on the palate—racy currant, ripe cherry and tangy cranberry. Winemaker Pascal Madevon is a master working with fruit from this hallowed terroir delivering wine that fills the palate and senses. The lingering, balanced, lip-smacking finish adds nuances of black briary berry, toasty notes and fine-grained tannin. (Vic Harradine)
Wonambi Shiraz 2010
Limestone Coast, Australia $13.95 (599100) 14.5% alcohol
Quite aromatic—fennel-infused cherry and spice—there’s a focused river of sweet, mixed field berry and kitchen spice flavour on the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with good weight and a mid-length finish. The aftertaste is fruit forward framed by moderating acidity underpinned by supple tannin. Good to pour now with burgers, pizza or spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)
New in Ontario Wineries
Fielding Estate ‘Traditional Method Sparkling’ Brut Non-vintage
VQA Niagara Peninsula $34.95 12.0% alcohol
This Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend showcases racy flavours and a crisp, clean, refreshing finish. Their initial bottling so although it’s labeled non- vintage, all grapes were picked 2009. Leesy, citrus and toasty on the nose, it delivers a vigorous mousse infused with tangy flavours of lemon and orchard fruit on the palate. It finishes in a blaze of bracing, lip-smacking lemon zest. An impeccable bubbly to begin any party or meal, it’s perfectly paired with an appetizer of seafood, particularly pan-seared scallops. Be certain to order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula $44.95 13.5% alcohol
Not made every year, not fined or filtered, not to be missed. Cedar, spice, espresso roast and dark berry fruit aromas herald layered and luscious waves of cassis, red currant and juicy black Bing cherry. Showcasing a fabulous red-wine vintage, complexity and good structure, it’s full-bodied with generous mouth feel and a balanced finish that’s delectable adorned with fennel, more berry fruit and supple tannin—pour 2013 to 2017. Order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Chardonnay Musqué 2011
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $16.95 12.0% alcohol
Single-vineyard fruit from Fielding’s ‘Jack Rabbit Vineyard’ fashioned a layered, nicely textured mouthful of juicy pit fruit and citrus in this aromatic Chardonnay clone. Aromas of exotic spice, lemon and orchard fruit provide segue to a medium-bodied, fleshy, splash of tropical fruit and honeyed nectarine interlaced with kitchen spice on the satiny-smooth, lingering finish. Be certain to order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate ‘Fireside White’ 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 11.0% alcohol
A fun wine, but not frivolous, this value-packed, off-dry blend of aromatic white grapes—Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay Musqué—dishes up a seriously good mouthful of liquid delight. It’s nicely textured and brimming with flavour on the palate—ripe pineapple, spice, melon and orange peel—while the refreshing aftertaste layers on crisp, racy citrus tones. Don’t forget to order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Meticulous fruit selection from separate vineyards of 117 and 777 clones were hand harvested, vinified separately, aged eight months in new and French oak on lees blended and aged a further eight months in barrel before bottling unfined. Red berry and cherry aromas interweave with spice and toast. Flavours of red cherry, currant and cranberry bathe the palate infusing the dry, fruity aftertaste. It’s medium weight, lively and fresh throughout. A well-paced, well-priced medal winner—order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Fielding Estate Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 10.5% alcohol
Brimming with alluring aromas, balance and lip-smacking flavour, this was tough to spit. Aromas of nectarine, apple and pear interweave with mineral notes on the nose then rocket across the palate with a gusher of spice-infused Granny Smith apple, pear and bracing lemon-lime. It’s mid weight and nicely textured finishing in a blaze of mouth-watering, just-off-dry, sweet and tang. Great value, be sure to order a case, or mixed case, for daily home or office delivery from Fielding. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Vineyards Chardonnay 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $37.95 13.0% alcohol
All fruit was farmed bio-dynamically from the Twenty Mile Bench appellation. Kitchen spice, sandalwood and toast on the nose, it caresses the palate with citrus, white peach and nutty notes. It’s medium bodied, complex with good mouth feel and broad streaks of minerality running throughout. The lingering aftertaste is crisp and refreshing with oodles of green apple, orange zest and toasty oak. Best drunk 2013 – 2017. Order by the case or mixed case (free delivery over $100) for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Vineyards ‘Robyn’s Block’ Chardonnay 2010
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $45.95 13.5% alcohol
This flagship, single-vineyard gem was hand-harvested from 28-year-old vines, farmed bio-dynamically, barrel fermented and aged in French oak. Apple-pie spice, lime and tropical fruit aromas on the nose provide segue for a balanced, silky smooth mouthful of pit fruit, spice and ripe pineapple. It’s medium bodied sporting a lingering finish with tangy citrus, tropical fruit, minerality and succulent white peach—crisp, refreshing and lip-smacking good. Order by the case or mixed case (free delivery over $100) for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Vineyards ‘Quarry Road’ Gewürztraminer 2011
VQA Vinemount Ridge $24.95 12.5% alcohol
Biodynamic practices, tony terroir and the über skills of winemaker Paul Pender coalesce in this gem—top marks all around. Floral, spice and rosewater mingle with mineral notes on the nose while the palate’s treated to a glorious gusher of off-dry, spice-infused wash of orange peel, tangy lemon curd and nectarine. It’s balanced, medium bodied and lip-smacking delectable finishing in a blaze of pit fruit, racy citrus and the tell-tale, spicy bite of a well-fashioned Gewürz. Order by the case or mixed case (free delivery over $100) for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)
Tawse Vineyards ‘Grower’s Blend’ Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $31.95 13.0% alcohol
Carefully fashioned by 2011Ontario Winemaker of the Year, Paul Pender—lifted and lively aromas of cedar, pipe tobacco, forest floor and red berry fruit abound. Juicy, complex flavours of sour cherry and currant mingle with herbs, spice and toasty notes on the medium-bodied, nicely textured wash over the palate. Dry, balanced and mouth-watering on the aftertaste, it finishes in a juicy blaze with racy red berry fruit and wisps of truffles. Good to go now and paired well with smoked, grilled duck breasts or slow-roasted pork. Order by the case or mixed case (free delivery over $100) for home or office delivery from Tawse. (Vic Harradine)
Private Order
Order these wines by the case via the agent listed, they’ll arrive at your restaurant, home or office in six to eight weeks.
Cave de Fleurie Beaujolais-Villages 2011
AOC Beaujolais-Villages, France $12.95 12.5% alcohol
Spice, intense floral and berry fruit aromas announce a wash of tangy, juicy flavour with bracing acidity mingling with red currant and sour cherry. It’s light bodied and racy throughout. Pours well with pasta in tomato sauce and meat-laden pizza. Order by the case for home or office delivery from agent Dave Coutts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (Vic Harradine)
Maccari ‘Templaris’ Pinot Grigio 2011
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.50 12.5% alcohol
Orange blossom, minerality and orchard fruit aromas provide segue for a balanced and beautiful, textured river of lemon zest, succulent white peach and green apple that washes in waves persisting through the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. It’s mid weight and balanced throughout with good pace and a boatload of charm—not your garden variety Grigio and certainly not to be missed. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Quinta do Pinto ‘Vinhas do Lasso – Branco White’ 2010
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $17.00 13.0% alcohol
Honeysuckle, kitchen spice and mixed orchard fruit on the nose, it punches well above the price with a glorious rush of smooth-as-silk flavours—preserved peach, green apple and citrus tones to the fore. It’s a blend—indigenous grapes, Fernão Pires, Arinto with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay—medium bodied with a richly delicious, balanced aftertaste marked by rich fruit, moderating acidity and oodles of charm. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Bodegas Saenz de Santamaria ‘Rondan’ Rioja 2011
DOCa Rioja, Spain $11.50 13.5% alcohol
Expressive, lively aromas jump from the glass—charry toast, cherry cordial and sandalwood. Juicy red cherry, blueberry and ripe briary berry stream over the palate interwoven with spice and lip-smacking red currant. It’s medium-bodied, nicely textured with oodles of charm—pick up a case at this price. Pour on its own or pair with veal marsala or grilled gourmet sausage. Order by the case for home, restaurant or office (in Ontario) delivery from Nokhrin Wines or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; if in the GTA phone (416) 704-8617. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers, Vic