Vintages Release: June 8, 2019
92
Secreto Patagónico Malbec 2017
Patagonia, Argentina $19.95 (635691) 14.0% alcohol
This punches well above its weight and is value laden. Fresh, lively aromas of charred toast, red berry fruit and sharp spice leap from the glass. It envelops the palate with stunning, balanced and beautiful flavours—ripe black Bing cherry, briary berry and mocha melding with notions of herbal notes and excellent tang. This is medium-plus bodied with generous texture and persistent purity of fruit throughout. It finishes delicious, balanced and full of flavour. Pour with rack of lamb, grilled medium rare. (Vic Harradine)
90
Marchesi Mazzei ‘Badiola di Fonterutoli’ 2016
IGT Toscana, Italy $19.95 (330951) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of red and dark berry fruit interweave with mixed spice and mocha. It glides over the palate medium bodied with ripe fruit flavour—black currant and dark plum—decorated with excellent tang, good mouth feel and plenty of charm. The lively flavours persist through the lengthy and luxurious aftertaste. Pour alongside crispy, spiced wings, meat-laden red pizza or grilled burgers. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: June 22, 2019
89
Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir’ Syrah-Carignan-Mourvèdre La Clape 2016
AOP La Clape, France $18.95 (370262) 14.0% alcohol
Fruit was sourced from vineyards at 200m sitting on a limestone bench overlooking the Mediterranean where winemaking took hold thousands of years ago. There are fresh, lively aromas of dark berry fruit, espresso roast and mixed spice galore. It captures the palate with a flavourful surge of piquant, spice-infused blueberry and black currant balanced by tangy pie cherry. This is full bodied and generously textured with a lengthy, warm aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: July 6, 2019
90
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2017
Sonoma $29.95 (942151) 14.8% alcohol
Zinfandel has over 100-years of history at the Seghesio estate. Traditionally they add a dash of petite syrah to their zinfandel wines, this is no exception. Look for aromas of cassis, wet moss and cherry on the nose. The palate is full bodied with a pleasantly juicy tartness and approachable tannins. Flavours of cherry and blackberry linger in the finish. Serve with barbequed beef ribs. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: July 20, 2019
90 
Gérard Bertrand ‘Grand Terroir–Les Aspres’ Syrah-Mourvèdre-Grenache 2016
AOP Côtes du Roussillon, Les Aspres, France $18.95 14.0% alcohol
Quiet aromas of red and dark cherry/berry fruit open the door to a nicely balanced red blend. It spreads over the palate with flavours of red cherry and ripe black currant adorned with mixed spice and notions of mocha and toasty bits. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and crunchy red berry fruit on the dry finish and aftertaste. Pour with burgers, grilled steak or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: July, 2019
89
Lord Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Napa Valley $TBD 12.5% alcohol
There are a lot of vegetal characteristics on the nose of this wine along with aromas of celery and parsnip mingled with typical aromas of cut grass. The palate offers a medium-bodied mouthfeel with crisp acidity and flavours of pear and lemon fading to a hint of lemon zest in the finish. Enjoy with a dish of poached white fish with steamed vegetables. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: Spring/Summer 2019
90 
Fielding Estate Winery Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (53421) 11.8% alcohol
This gamay/pinot noir blend offers subtle aromas of strawberry and red cherry before dazzling the palate with a rush of tang-infused ruby red grape grapefruit interlaced with freshly sliced strawberry and notions of cherry cordial. This is medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lingering, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour with grilled salmon under a squeeze of fresh lemon or steamed mussels. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD summer/fall 2019
91
Mettler Albariño 2017
Lodi $39.95 13.5% alcohol
Plantings of Albariño, a Spain and Portugal grown varietal, are booming in the California Central Valley to a point that some nicknamed it Calbariño. This one is certified organic and sustainable and shows a lovely nose— freshly squeezed lemon, ripe pineapple, mineral notes and a wisp of grass. It’s deliciously fresh and crisp on the palate with a repeat of the aromas in juicy and mouth-watering flavours. Expect a tropical fruit and saline finish for this medium-bodied gem enjoyable on its own or perfect when served with fried calamari. (Louise Boutin)
92
Mettler Petite Sirah 2016
Lodi $39.95 (543289) 14.5% alcohol
This attractive deep-ruby-robed organic beauty teases the senses with aromas of freshly crushed raspberry, ripe plum, black tea and a note of star anise. Grippy at first, the juicy flow of ripe berry turns mellow, tagging along flavours of plum compote, ginger snap cookie and slate minerality that builds on the palate to a complex, lengthy, dry generous finish. This is full bodied with excellent acidity and a real treat when paired with a dish such as Pork tenderloin with spiced cranberries. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: September 14, 2019
91
Francis Ford Coppola ‘Diamond Collection’ Chardonnay 2017
Monterey County, California $21.00 13.5% alcohol
This is deftly balanced with oodles of flavour and a long aftertaste. Aromas of rich ripe tropical fruit and wisps of citrus provide entry to a rich, ripe and raring to go, balanced wash of red apple, ripe Bosc pear and notions of grilled pineapple persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied with good mouthfeel and pours well with roast fowl or pork or chicken pot pie. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: September 28, 2019
91
Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016
Russian River Valley, California $TBD 14.1% alcohol.
This spent 10 months in oak, 48% new. Baking spice, sweet vanilla and baked apple aromas abound. It envelops the palate with a medium-full bodied, creamy-smooth surge of spiced Granny Smith apple, lemon curd and notions of crème brûlée. It’s balanced on a pin with fruit-forward flavours with lots of adornments and lingering, lip-smacking finish. Pour with chicken Kiev or roast pork tenderloin with apple sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: September 2019
92
Lake Sonoma Pinot Noir 2016
Sonoma Coast $29.95 14.4% alcohol
Don’t let the pale-ruby hue mislead you, there’s lots to love in this new-world pinot. There’s a fresh nose of cherry, raspberry compote, red plum, fresh rose and a bit of cedar aromas. It’s silky textured on the palate with flavours of cherry pie filling, dry cranberry, dry sage and a light peppery note. It flows elegantly with soft tannin and well-merged alcohol. This is medium bodied and delivers a fresh long, dry, fruit and savoury finish. Pair alongside roast turkey and cranberry sauce. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: October 2019
90
District 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Monterey, California $17.00 13.5% alcohol
This estate-grown cab will please the most diverse crowd. It has aromas of raspberry, black cherry, smoke and vanilla. Mellow tannin and medium-plus acidity play together to support delicious flavours of ripe blackberry, cassis, roasted almond and a nice lift of black peppercorn persisting in the fruit-forward, dry finish. It’s value-laden, medium-full bodied and versatile at the table, pour at your next party with grilled burgers or other meat dishes. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: TBD 2019
90
Stags’ Leap Chardonnay Napa Valley 2017
Napa Valley $39.95 (655381) 14.2% alcohol
This well-crafted, crisp chardonnay matured six months on lees in a mix of 25% new and 75% seasoned French oak with no malolactic conversion. The nose is elegant with citrus aromas combined with white flower, peach and a subtle vanilla note. It’s bright and fresh on the palate with a medley of pear, peach and grapefruit flavours complemented with vanilla, nutmeg and a delicious slate-minerality trailing in the long spiced finish. Medium-bodied with excellent alcohol integration, this is a winning choice when paired with moules et frites. (Louise Boutin)
92
Stags’ Leap Merlot Napa Valley 2016
Napa Valley $49.95 (655399) 14.5% alcohol
This is merlot of high quality that’s assisted with a splash of petite sirah, malbec and petit verdot. It bursts with aromas of strawberry jam, black cherry, pepper and baking spice. Sixteen months in French oak barrel, 35% new, brings softness and complexity to this medium-bodied beauty. Expect flavours of ripe dark cherry, dry strawberry, clove, cinnamon and burnt sugar balanced with perfect acidity and a lovely, long, dry, fruity, warm and peppery finish. Pop the cork now to 2021 and serve with cherry-glazed magret de canard. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: Date TBD
89
Conundrum White 2016
California $21.95 (694653) 13.2%
The exact blend in this fun and refreshing wine is a closely held secret, but winemaker, Jon Bolta, claims that each vintage contains, at least, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon and muscat canelli. The nose is dominated by aromas of lychee and peach and underpinned with a layer of minerality. It’s medium bodied on the palate with juicy flavours of apple and orange. It’s a great summer sipper. (Dave Isaacs)
Classics Catalogue: June, 2019
95
Daou Vineyards ‘Soul of a Lion’ 2016
Paso Robles $199.95 (546267) 14.7% alcohol
This absolute stunner of a red is a blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon, with smaller quantities of cabernet franc and petit verdot. The nose is a harmony of vanilla, coffee and fresh mint aromas. It’s full bodied and shows a perfect blending of vanilla, mocha, and sage, palate flavours. There’s also spot on acidity and tannins that are firm, but very approachable. The finish is long and graceful. This is drinking very nicely now, but really deserves a place of honour in your cellar for the next decade at least. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before serving. (Dave Isaacs)