Vintages Release: February 5, 2022
• The following 2019 Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon from vines with an average age of 40 years that was sourced exclusively from estate vineyards at 800 to 1000 m above sea level. The grapes were manually harvested with bunch selection and de-stemming. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28 °C using selected yeasts. It was then matured in French and American oak barrels for 14 months before being gently filtered and bottled.
92
Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Maipú & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $18.95 (128629) 14.3% alcohol
Rich and luscious on the nose, this cabernet sauvignon freely gives up aromas of dark cherry fruit, bramble berry jam along with mixed spice and smoky notes. It envelops the palate with a tidal wave of delectable flavours with black plum and passionfruit mingling with piquant spice and grilled savoury herbs. It’s generously textured with good mouthfeel and an extended finish and aftertaste. The winery suggests a pairing with wild boar, if you find yourself out of wild boar, give rare-grilled venison a chance with a side of roasted root veggies. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: March 5, 2022
92
Drappier ‘Nature – Pinot Noir – Zéro Dosage’ Brut Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $68.95 (179275) 12.5% alcohol
Pleasant aromas of floral notes, apple and baking brioche precede frothy mousse of fine-bead bubbles winding their way to the top of the glass. It’s lively and fresh on the palate with flavours of bracing, tang-laden citrus and pleasant minerality interlaced with notions of honeyed pit fruit. This is 100% pinot noir, hand-harvested, undergoing natural malolactic conversion before spending a minimum of 30 months in bottle on its lees before disgorgement and no sugar was added. The bottle these tasting notes and rating are based on was disgorged November, 2021. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: March 19, 2022
• Fonseca is now in its fifth generation of winemakers of the Guimaraens family who are revered in Portugal and among Port-lovers world-wide. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port is bottled after at least four to six years of aging in wooden barrel and, like Vintage port, was sourced from a single vintage. However, LBV Port is ready to drink upon purchase. This wine was not fined nor filtered so deserves to be decanted and strained before serving.
92
Fonseca ‘Late Bottled Vintage Port’ 2015
Product of Portugal $23.95 (87551) 20.0% alcohol
Aromas of rich and luscious black fruit abound on the nose of this dazzling well-priced, high-octane Port. It’s smooth and mellow on the palate showcasing ripe black plum compote, sweet black cherry, figs, raisins and mocha and an underpinning of acceptable soft, ripe tannin on the palate, dry finish and aftertaste. You really can’t go wrong here given the price-quality balance that tips well in your favour. This is usually opened after a meal with a few cheeses—Stilton is a blue-veined cheese that’s a match made in heaven as are shards of Parmigiano Reggiano. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD 2022
93
Famille Jaume ‘Pascal and Richard’ Cru des Côtes-du-Rhône 2020
AOC Gigondas, France $29.95 15.0% alcohol
This gorgeous, old vine, hand-harvested blend of 80% grenache/20% syrah shows attractive aromas of crushed mixed berries, plum, cola, black tea and a hint of rose petal. Beautiful alcohol integration leaves all the space for fresh berry flavours to shine along with mixed dry herb and notes of delicious briny black olives all wrapped in polished tannins slightly drying the palate. This versatile exquisite red is surprisingly lighter on its feet than expected, providing endless options for food pairing. Try slow cooked pot roast or thin-crust pizza with black olives or duck confit. (Louise Boutin)
91
André Brunel ‘Cuvée Sabrine’ 2019
AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, France $16.95 (538496) 14.5% alcohol
This is a nice melange of mostly grenache with syrah and mourvèdre fermented in concrete vats and showcasing bright fruit aromas—black plum, strawberry compote, blackberry but also leather and a mild note of tobacco. This is medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannin flowing nicely on the palate and offering delicious flavours of ripe black fruit, savoury herb, a bright orange zest note and a touch of black pepper in the dry finish and delicious aftertaste. This is a hit with ratatouille or charcuterie board with olive tapenade. (Louise Boutin)
91 
Domaine Gouron Cabernet Franc 2020
AOP Chinon, Loire Valley, France $17.95 (470963) 13.0% alcohol
Vintage after vintage, this 100% cabernet franc never disappoints. Attractive cherry pie filling aromas paired with red bell pepper, bay leaf and a mild peppery note, it glides on the palate with softness and grace. Crunchy red fruit flavours, ripe black cherry and a bright pomegranate note travels the palate with just enough polished tannin to add a little grip before ending on a fruit forward, peppery dry finish. There are many reasons to love this medium-bodied red, including its price tag, so load-up the trunk and enjoy with Toulouse sausage and bell pepper medley, Hungarian goulash or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
92
Domaine Les Pins ‘les Rochettes’ Cabernet Franc 2020
AOP Bourgueil, Loire Valley, France $17.95 13.5% alcohol
Young looking with its purple shade, this medium-bodied red has no oak contact but rather concrete tank maturation for 10 months before bottling. Mixed crushed berries, dark cherry, jalapeño and dusty gravel aromas charm the nose. Just like a silk blanket, it caresses the palate with juicy ripe cherry flavour, blackberry and a tangy raspberry note followed with a slight piquant effect developing as the über-fine ripe tannins appear in the dry, well-structured and savoury delicious finish. This a real gem and it will pair perfectly with duck confit or gourmet sausages with fine mustards. (Louise Boutin)
89
Rocca dei Forti ‘Prosecco – Le Cuvée’ Charmat Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco, Italy $14.95 11.5% alcohol
Pretty aromas of pear, honeydew melon and floral notes open the door to an uncomplicated and light bubbly, filling the mouth with a nice airy froth. Delicious flavours of green apple, pear and a bright note of lemon zest clean the palate with freshness and a crisp mouthfeel finish. This is perfect for salted munchies at the apero, alongside light cream pasta or as your sparkling cocktail topper in Aperol Spritz. (Louise Boutin)
90
Rocca dei Forti Prosecco - Brut Rosé Charmat Sparkling Wine 2020
DOC Prosecco, Italy $15.95 11.5% alcohol
Pale salmon in the glass, this medium-light-bodied glera blend gets its color from a dash of pinot noir. Orchard fruits aromas to the fore, it also shows notes of field strawberry and a touch of earthiness. A light but expansive mousse completely fills the palate with delicious fresh and tart flavours of apple, red currant and cranberry with a mouth-watering finish and savoury aftertaste. Serve well chilled with tomato bruschetta or smoked salmon appetizers. (Louise Boutin)