Vintages Release: TBD 2022

91 
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2021
AOP Val de Loire, France $17.95 (15774) 12.5% alcohol
This beautiful French sauvignon blanc matures on its lees for six months in stainless steel tank. It’s fresh on the nose with lots of gooseberry, honeydew melon and tropical fruit aromas, a touch of fresh herb and mineral flair. Yummy high acidity, think starfruit and lime, accentuate flavours of green apple, pineapple, and dill before closing on nice white pepper and lime zest notes. This medium-bodied dry white is lovely with crispy flatbread and artichoke dip or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the grill. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Domaine Courtois ‘La Grange – Vinsobres’ 2018
AOC Vinsobres, France $16.95 (526632) 14.5% alcohol
This blend of 55% grenache/45% syrah is hand-harvested and has barely no oak influence--only one-third of the blend is matured in second use barrel for four months. The nose is fresh with bright raspberry and blackberry aromas, a nice licorice backdrop and some leather notes. A little warm at first, it fills the mouth with delicious flavours of stewed strawberry, tangy cherry, black plum and a peppery note emerging in the fruit forward, dry, slightly grippy and comforting finish. Aerate/decant this medium-full bodied red one hour and pour alongside thin-crust pizza with black olives or hearty ratatouille. (Louise Boutin)

89
Azienda Agricola Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove – Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso’ 2017
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy $15.80 (19650) 14.0% alcohol
This traditional Veneto blend spent 18 months in barrels and six months in bottles before release. It shows profound aromas of dry cherry, plum, date, bark, balsamic notes and hints of clove. It flows on the palate with softness, high acidity and polished tannins, featuring flavours of dried fruit but also tart cherry, black plum, cocoa powder, a slight medicinal note and earthy flair persisting in the dry and slightly warm finish. Aerate/decant one to two hours before dinner and pair with mushroom risotto or braised veal shanks. (Louise Boutin)

89
Domaine Du Bicheron ‘Mâcon-Péronne - Chardonnay 2020
AOP Mâcon-Péronne, Burgundy, France $19.95 (14960) 14.5% alcohol
Lots of yellow fruit aromas with yeasty notes and nutmeg in this young chardonnay, matured in stainless steel tanks for 12 months, looking more evolved than its age. It offers pear and apple compote flavour combined with lemon yogurt notes and a trail of exotic spice persisting in the finish. This medium-bodied white, with medium acidity, would pair well with baked ham and roasted root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Azienda Agricola Provolo ‘Soave’ 2021
DOC Soave, Veneto, Italy $9.80 (13735) 12.5% alcohol
What to expect from a bottle under $10? Well, not what I found in this one; ripe peach, pineapple, tangerine and floral aromas all happy to be together. This medium-light bodied blend of garganega (the soave grape) and 20% chardonnay shows delicious flavours of tropical fruit, nectarine, bright grapefruit acidity and a delicious mild almond bitterness typical of the varietal, bringing balance and authenticity to this bargain delicious white. Pair with breaded zucchini sticks, fish & chips or just sip on its own. (Louise Boutin)

91 

Caves de Rauzan ‘Château Villotte’ 2019

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, France $17.95 12.5% alcohol

You’ll be greeted with beautiful aromas of dry cherry, ripe plum, cedar and licorice in this blend of mostly merlot with a dash of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc matured 12 months in oak barrels. Don’t be fooled by the lower alcohol level, this wine is medium-bodied with plenty of character, starting with ripe fruit flavours—cherry, strawberry, blackberry—bright acidity, a touch of earthiness and ripe, yet slightly grippy tannins on the gum, adding structure to this gem. The finish is long and dry with black fruit and earthy replays. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside juicy red meat on the grill or mild italian sausage-stuffed portobello mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

92 

Domaine Fond Croze ‘Confidence’ 2020

AOP Côtes du Rhône. France $15.95 (20951) 14.5% alcohol

A profound nose of dark fruit aromas including blueberry and plum along with a pretty note of lavender introduces a silky textured flow of mixed berry compote flavours and kirsch liqueur, balanced with a briny black olive note leading to a savoury, slightly warm persistent finish. This organic medium-full-bodied blend of grenache and syrah is matured in concrete tank for 12 to 24 months. There is a ton of value in this reasonably priced bottle and it will pair beautifully with eggplant parmigiana or braised lamb shanks. Aerate/decant two hours to soften tannins. (Louise Boutin)

90 

Caves de Rauzan ‘Fleur’ 2021

AOC Entre-deux-Mers, France $14.95 (20900) 11.5% alcohol

This half and half vegan blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon presents with fresh aromas of green apple, green bean, lime and a distant flinty note. Medium-light bodied, it travels the palate with delicious flavours of pineapple, lime, fresh thyme and a white pepper note emerging towards the end, providing additional dimension to the crisp and zesty finish. Pair with spanakopita or fish tacos under a squeeze of lime juice. (Louise Boutin)

90 

Caves de Rauzan Château Le Vinata 2019

AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 13.0% alcohol

This delicious 100% merlot exudes aromas of ripe black fruit, kirsch liqueur, plum compote and graphite. The palate turns towards red fruit flavours including raspberry and cherry with a layer of ripe blackberry. Lots of tang along with medium soft tannins, the perfect combination for an easy drinking medium-bodied red offering a dry fruit-forward delicious finish. Enjoy alongside meatloaf with ketchup glaze or vegetarian tourtière. (Louise Boutin)

91 

Le Noble ‘Cuvée Réserve’ 2021

AOC Bordeaux, France $16.95 (18782) 13.0% alcohol

This young blend of 80% merlot/20% cabernet sauvignon opens the door with charming aromas of dark cherry, purple plum, milk chocolate, sandalwood and vanilla. It glides on the palate with flavours of ripe cassis, blackberry a repeat of chocolate character and a dry finish suggesting bright raspberry and delicious vanilla notes. This medium-bodied red with medium dusty tannins is a bottle that offers way more than other reds in a similar price bracket. Enjoy with duck confit with braised red cabbage. (Louise Boutin)