Vintages Release: May 2, 2020
(very limited availability of 2 cases per store, in only ten LCBO Flagship Stores across the entire province, you can also source this from the winery, online and delivered to your home – see Kacaba reviews above)
92
Kacaba Vineyards ‘Barrel Fermented’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Escarpment $39.95 (262436) 14.3% alcohol
Apple, pear, yellow plum and peach aromas abound on the nose of this medium-full bodied, balanced and beautiful chardonnay. Palate flavours of apple pie and yellow peach mingle with sweet vanilla and red licorice. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit, and plenty of flavour from cork pop to last drop. The finish lingers with mouth-watering flavour, Pour with a variety of pan-seared fish and seafood or roast pork or barbecued beer-can chicken. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: May 16, 2020
88
Three of Hearts ‘Trois Coeurs’ Rosé 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (552562) 11.5% alcohol
This racy rosé is a blend of 53% pinot noir, 41% pinot gris (itself a mutation of pinot noir) and 6% gamay. It dishes up aromas of red raspberry, rhubarb and watermelon before unleashing a tang-laden explosion of passionfruit, lemon zest and ruby red grapefruit that blankets the palate persisting through the finish and aftertaste. This is tang-driven from cork pop to last drop. Seek out a pasta with rich zesty sauce; try pasta puttanesca or spaghetti and Bolognese sauce.
Vintages Release: May 30, 2020
88
Gérard Bertrand Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre 2016
Corbières, France $17.95 (394288) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of local wild herbs, aka garrigue, interlace with red and black cherry/berry fruit and gamey notes. It rolls over the palate in waves of tang-laden red currant and cranberry cloaked in black plum and notions of passion fruit. This is medium weight with good texture and plenty of racy acidity throughout. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: June 13, 2020
90
AIX ‘Saint Aix’ Rosé 2019
AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France $24.95 (451906) 13.0% alcohol
This is a pretty pastel-salmon tinged blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault with a splash of carignan, offering fresh aromas of nectarine, watermelon and strawberry complemented with white flower notes. It’s crisp on the palate with peach flavours, zesty pink grapefruit, a hint of ginger and a touch of balancing almond bitterness trailing in the clean finish and aftertaste. This is a delicious versatile rosé with enough body to pair with sushi or grilled salmon but also enjoyable with mixed salted nuts or simply on its own. (Louise Boutin)
91 
Buena Vista ‘the Legendary Badge’ Petite Sirah 2018
California $17.95 (545772)
Grilled savoury herbs and piquant spice mingle with dark berry fruit on the nose of this bold red. A gusher of medium-full bodied flavours race over the palate with passionfruit and black currant intertwined with piquant spice, sprigs of herbs and minty notes underpinned by still-evolving tannin. Not for the faint of palate, it’s much enhanced with a two-hour aeration-decant. Pour with grilled burgers, gourmet sausage or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: June TBD, 2020
• The following 2018 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Riesling was sourced from estate, sustainably grown vines of the iconic Weiss 21b clone that were thirty-six years old when fruit for this wine was picked. Grapes were hand harvested yielding 3.5 tonnes per acre then gently destemmed and whole-berry pressed followed by fermentation in stainless steel tank with a portion in large, 3000 L, neutral-oak foudres.
91
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Riesling 2018
VQA Short Hills Bench $27.95 (643361) 10.5% alcohol
This is a beautiful Mosel-inspired, off-dry riesling displaying aromas of pear, jasmine tea, wet stone and a subtle whiff of petroleum. It flows easily on the palate with delicious honeyed pear flavour, yellow apple and ginger, joined with the perfect kick of pink grapefruit acidity balancing the dry and mineral finish. This medium-bodied gem calls for gourmet sushi platter or vietnamese caramelised pork. (Louise Boutin)
• The following is slated for a Spring, 2020 Release through their agent (see Rockford feature)
94
Rockford ‘Local Growers’ Semillon 2018
Barossa Valley, South Australia $55.00 11.2% alcohol
Fruit for this value-packed gem was picked at the peak of ripeness with three triages made through the vines. Aromas of honeysuckle, yellow peach, ripe apricot and floral notes abound. It’s fully flavoured and simply delicious. It delights the palate and persists through the finish and aftertaste. This is balanced on a pin, medium-plus weight with good mouthfeel enhanced by a bit of oak ageing that also contributes to the weight and texture. Pour now with a pork roast or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)