New in Vintages (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2018 Kaiken ‘Seleccion Especial’ Malbec was sourced from 100% malbec hand-harvested from vineyards at 950 metres above sea level in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo. Fruit was handpicked while berries were hand-selected once in the winery. The juice was fermented in small tanks preserving the quality of fruit. Alcoholic fermentation and later maceration lasted about 20 days with half the wine matured eight months in French oak barrels and half left unoaked to preserve the fruit flavours and aromas and maintain silky tannins. The wine was lightly filtered by using cross-flow filtration and cartridges. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail stores.
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Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina (58339) $13.95 14.0% alcohol
This fruit-forward malbec boasts ripe cherry, berry and plum aromas entwined with notions of cured meat and herbs. Dry, medium bodied with silky tannins, flavours of juicy red fruit wash over the palate before finishing mid-length with smoke and herbs appearing on the aftertaste. Enjoy this good-value red with pasta in tomato sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in LCBO (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• Toro is the most popular wine brand in Argentina. The following 2018 Bodega Toro ‘Centenario’ Malbec was sourced in Mendoza’s Central Valley region, including San Martín, Rivadavia, Junin and Maipú. The continental climate is known for its cold winters, warm summers, with a wide thermal range between cool nights and hot days. The vineyard soils are low in organic matter and irrigated with meltwater from the Andes Mountains, producing excellent quality wines.
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Bodega Toro Centenario Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina $9.60 (12452) 13.0% alcohol
This friendly priced malbec opens the door with mixed berry, red plum and earthy aromas. This is a medium-bodied thirst quencher offering tart and juicy red fruit flavours along with dried herb notes, all framed in noticeable tannins and refreshing acidity persisting in the finish and fruity aftertaste. This is could be your go-to bottle for burgers or red sauce pizza on a weekday night. (Louise Boutin)
New in Vintages (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2018 Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec from three separate vineyards located in Valle de Uco sub-regions—Los Chacayes, Altamira and Gualtallary—with vineyards found between 1200 and 1600 meters above sea level. Fruit was manually harvested and sorted by hand on winery arrival. Juice was cold-macerated for 7 days at 10 °C with fermentation lasting 7 days at 26 °C in concrete tanks using commercial and native yeasts. Post-fermentation maceration lasted 20 days with natural malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. It matured in French oak barrels—1/3rd new/1/3rd second use/1/3rd third use—for 12 months then a further 6 months in bottle before being released.
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Kaiken ‘Ultra’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit, spice and floral notes herald a medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth mouthfeel and deftly balanced stream of palate flavours—bramble berry and blueberry decorated with spice and savory herbs—all underpinned by ripe tannin. There’s structure, good integration of oak along with a lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for two hours before service. Pour alongside grilled striploin, gourmet burgers or Sunday roast beef dinner. (Vic Harradine)
New in Vintages (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2018 Luigi Bosca Malbec was sourced from estate vineyards with vines 35-years-old at an altitude of 900 to 1100 metres above sea level located in the prestigious wine areas of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Fruit was hand harvested with careful selection of clusters and destemming. It was cold macerated at 8 °C then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28 °C with commercial yeasts. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels where it matured for 12 months before a light fining and bottling. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always found in select LCBO retail wine stores.
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Luigi Bosca Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina (452672) $18.95 14.5% alcohol
The nose is laden with red currant and dark cherry mingling with sweet tobacco and a dusty mineral note. Rich, ripe fruit flavours coat the palate while mouthwatering freshness and pleasantly chewy tannins create balance. Dry, medium-full bodied, dark fruit and spice flavours linger on the warm, lengthy finish. This would pair well with grilled lamb or portobello mushroom burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in LCBO (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2019 Trapiche ‘Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from 100% handpicked Malbec in the high area of Mendoza’s River, in the Province of Mendoza. It was then destemmed at the winery, had cold pre-fermentation maceration then underwent fermentation with addition of selected yeasts at a controlled temperature of 23 °C to 26 °C for 15 days. It matured for nine months in oak.
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Trapiche ‘Reserve’ Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina $12.95 (614651) 13.5% alcohol
This hand-harvested malbec with just a kiss of oak delivers above its price tag. Pretty aromas of plum compote, ripe raspberry, cedar and a hint of vanilla introduce a velvet-textured wash of blackberry and plum flavours on the palate, quickly turning to tangy red cherry with a nice tannin structure trailing cola and vanilla notes in the persistent dry finish. Pour alongside grilled artisan sausages or charcuterie board. (Louise Boutin)
New in LCBO (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2019 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon vineyards in the foothills of the Andes from 1000 metres to 1500 metres above sea level. The intense sunlight, cool evening temperatures and mineral rich irrigation from mountain snowmelt coalesce in the following wine. This wine was fashioned by two to three days of cold maceration followed by eight to twelve days of controlled fermentation temperature of 30 °C. The wine then matured for six to eight months with chips and staves of French oak.
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Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (295105) 13.5% alcohol
The quality-price balance swings well in your favour; pick up an armful. Aromas of dark cherry/berry fruit, espresso roast and cassis abound. It pleases the palate with a lively luscious river of piquant spice, ripe juicy red cherry and wisps of black plum and bramble berry fruit. It’s medium-plus bodied with satin-smooth mouthfeel and plenty of tang throughout. It’s nicely balanced with persistent purity of fruit and a soft tannin underpinning. The finish and aftertaste replay palate flavours. Pour now, it’s ready to drink, alongside pasta puttanesca or beef short ribs. (Vic Harradine)
New in LCBO (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2019 Alamos Malbec was sourced from 300 metres to 500 metres in the foothills of the Andes. Sourced primarily (97%) from Malbec vines, there is also a blend of 1% Bonarda/1% Syrah/1% Tempranillo with all grapes sourced from estate vineyards. All the grapes chosen for this wine were hand-harvested, destemmed and crushed with the must then cold soaked for two to three days. It was then fermented in upright conical tanks for eight to twelve days at 29 °C. Throughout the fermentation wine was pumped over the cap extracting colour and flavours. It then underwent malo-lactic fermentation then matured for six to eight months with chips and staves of French oak.
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Alamos Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina (295139) $15.95 13.5% alcohol
Sweet cherry, raspberry jam, and red plum with intriguing notes of orange zest, dark chocolate and a delicate floral note waft easily from the glass. Flavours of tart cherry and red plum with hints of juniper berry and rosemary bathe the tangy palate. Dry, medium bodied with vibrant acidity and gentle tannins, a dash of piquant spice enlivens the medium-long finish. This well-priced malbec would complement eggplant parmesan. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in LCBO (available now in LCBO retail Stores)
• The following 2014 El Esteco ‘Don David – Reserve’ Malbec was sourced from high-altitude estate vineyards at 1800 metres in the Calchaqui Valley. This 100% Malbec was hand-harvested then macerated on skins at 8 °C in stainless steel tanks. It was then fermented with both commercial and native yeasts, Post fermentation maceration totalled 30 days. It underwent malo-lactic fermentation in contact with oak then 70% of wine matured for 12 months in contact with French and American oak while the balance was settling in stainless steel tanks. This is exceptional value and worthy of a multiple purchase.
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El Esteco ‘Don David – Reserve’ Malbec 2019
Calchaqui Valley, Argentina $16.95 (483263) 14.0% alcohol
Typical with high altitude malbec, this is deep purple with intense aromas—plum compote, blackberry, tobacco and a hint of cinnamon. Expect a cool stream of bright purple fruit flavours—blackberry, plum, blueberry—revealed in a tangy fashion along with pleasant chewy tannin and a peppery note emerging in the fruit-forward dry finish. This medium-full bodied red deserves a one hour aeration/decant before pairing with juicy lamb chops or pork ribs hot off the grill. (Louise Boutin)
New in the LCBO (available now in LCBO retail stores)
• The following Graffigna ‘150 Years’ Pinot Grigio 2019 was sourced from 100% Pinot Grigio fruit from San Juan and Mendoza vineyards with wide thermal amplitudes and over 300 days per annum of sunshine that enhances each grape variety’s aromas, flavours and concentration. This was cool fermented at a controlled 15 °C for 15 days without skins, malo-lactic fermentation or a splinter of oak. Remove from refrigerator twenty minutes before service. The ‘150 Years’ on the label pays homage to Santiago Graffigna who planted the now, second-oldest vineyard in Argentina.
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Graffigna ‘150 Years’ Pinot Grigio 2019
San Juan, Argentina $12.95 (164756) 13.5% alcohol
Floral notes, ripe honeydew melon and tropical fruit aromas abound. It dazzles the palate with lemon-lime cordial and crisp green apple and ripe Bosc pear. It’s medium weight with delightful mouthfeel and plenty of crisp, refreshing flavour. Look for palate replays on the finish and aftertaste along with some mineral notes and wisps of honey. Pour on its own when the lazy days of summer are here or, if you like, with sushi or arugula tossed in olive oil and decorated with cubed feta cheese. Pick up a few, it punches well over the price. (Vic Harradine)
New in the LCBO (available now in LCBO retail stores).
• The following 2017 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% hand-harvested Cabernet Sauvignon from their finest vineyard ‘La Mascota’ in Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in Mendoza. This was followed by bunch selection, destemming and crushing then fermentation and maceration for 25 days in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 23-25 °C. Natural malo-lactic fermentation followed then the wine was matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels before being filtered and bottled.
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La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Mendoza, Argentina (292110) $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Savoury notions of grilled bell pepper, tobacco leaf, are layered on prominent aromas of black fruit and spice. The fresh-tasting palate offers flavours of cherry and blackberry garnished with a sprinkling of dry herbs and black pepper. It’s dry, mid-plus weight with perceptible tannin and refreshing acidity and offers a prolonged, dark fruit finish. Serve this well-structured, good-value red alongside grilled striploin steaks. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in the LCBO (available now in LCBO retail stores)
• The following Graffigna ‘150 Years – Reserve’ Malbec 2019 was sourced from 100% Malbec in San Juan and Mendoza that was on skins macerating for 15 days and underwent 8 days of fermentation then malo-lactic fermentation and aged in concrete and stainless steel containers. The ‘150 Years’ on the label pays homage to Santiago Graffigna who planted the now, second-oldest vineyard in Argentina.
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Graffigna ‘150 Years - Reserve’ Malbec 2019
San Juan and Mendoza, Argentina $13.95 (230474) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of dark bramble berry fruit, a sprig of savory herbs and some earthy bits on the nose precede a beautifully balanced and a bountiful mouthful of passionfruit, red cherry and sweet ripe mulberry decorated with tang-laden pizzazz and plenty of charm on the palate. It’s medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering finish and aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour; pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
New in Consignment
You can purchase this wine to be delivered to your Ontario home, office or restaurant by the 12x750 mL bottle case via this link to Trayvino Wine Company.
• With four generations of winemaking; their roots date back to 1885 when immigrants Juan Giol and Bautista Gargantinic crossed the Atlantic and became the undisputed kings of Argentina’s wine industry. In 1910 Giol Wineries was considered the largest winery in the world. Today Bodega Canciller is considered to be the Ambassador of Argentina wines as they continue their legacy. This wine matured in French oak and was sourced from some of the premium vineyards in Mendoza.
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Bodega Canciller ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 13.5% alcohol
Here you’ll find attractive aromas of dark berries, brown mushroom, leather and a dash of tomato leaf. This is silky smooth and cool on the palate with excellent concentration of flavours—blackberry, dark cherry and cassis—with an underlying note of cocoa powder and bright acidity. This medium-full bodied, value-packed, crowd pleaser is a perfect companion to juicy grilled red meats or Portobello mushroom burgers. (Louise Boutin)
New in Consignment
• You can purchase the following wine to be delivered to your Ontario home, office or restaurant by the 12x750 mL bottle case from Profile Wine Group.
• The following 2018 BenMarco Malbec was hand-picked from 100% Malbec vines in the high-desert, estate vineyards in the Los Chacayes sub-region of Valle de Uco at 1100 metres above sea level. Grapes were hand selected, destemmed then crushed with care and had daily punch downs during extended maceration for 30 days before fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. It then aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, all second-use; then bottled un-fined and un-filtered.
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BenMarco Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $20.99 14.5% alcohol
Deep purple in colour, a focused core of blackberry and dark plum aromas marry notes of graphite, espresso bean and caramel. It’s dry, medium-full bodied and well-structured with firm tannins, well-integrated alcohol and bright acidity. Blackberry and dark cherry flavours dominate the palate with hints of mocha and vanilla bean enduring on the medium-long finish. This value-packed malbec would stand up to herb-encrusted roast lamb. (Lisa Isabelle)
New in Consignment
• The following 2019 Bodega Abito ‘La Juventud’ Malbec will be delivered to your Ontario home, office or restaurant by the case—6x750 mL bottles—by their Ontario wine agent via this link: Argentum Wine Imports / The Full Wine Glass.
• This malbec hails from a small winery whose founders turned a high-altitude, arid landscape into an artisanal wine-making project. It produces single-vineyard wines where the high-quality grapes are carefully tended and harvested by hand. At the same time, high-tech equipment is employed for data-driven results, and the winery is solar powered. In addition to their vineyards, the farm has 40 ha of almond trees, as well as olive trees and other complementary trees and plants.
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Bodega Abito ‘La Juventud’ Malbec 2019
Barrancas, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 14.5% alcohol
Bright ruby-hued in the glass, it dazzles the olfactory bulb with fresh lively aromas of piquant peppery spice and fresh, lively red and dark berry fruit. It bathes the palate with an easy-going wash of balanced and beautiful palate flavours with tang-laden red berry fruit intertwined with smooth and mellow, ripe, sweet and juicy blackberry fruit decorated with notions of cassis and mocha. Pour with grilled pork back ribs slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)