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BRING
LO CA L
HOM E PLACES PASSION
PEOPLE
New!
Shop lcbo.com
for ALL the wines
and spirits in this
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DISCOVER OUR LATEST COLLECTION, IN STORES AND ONLINE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
wines
of the
month
Two beautiful blends
WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED
RED WINE 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula
617738 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
TASTING NOTE: About 25% of this Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend
was matured in whisky barrels. Ripe and
beautifully textured, this is very enjoyable. Red
cherry, blackcurrant and a good mix of lifted
dark fruit and sweet spices with smoke and
vanilla. This is long and luxurious with a velvety
texture and moderately drying tannins. The
whisky barrel ageing is noticeable but does
not dominate; it’s marvellously integrated.
(Vintages panel, Aug. 2018)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
New at Vintages
Featured in Bring Local Home
CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2015
AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
(Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils, vitic.)
123489 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2
John Szabo, MS, recommends pairing this
stunning value from the incredible 2015
vintage with a juicy piece of meat: “A tasty
Bordeaux here for the money, a little rustic
and firm, but characterful. Tart acids and
grippy tannins can be softened with salt, fat
and protein at the table.” (winealign.com, Nov.
29, 2017)
Score: Gold (Concours de Vins Macon, 2017)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
welcome september 15
Shop our
NEW ARRIVALS
on lcbo.com!
pg.2
See page 32
for details.
BRING LOCAL
HOME
plus...
WHAT’S ON
pages 30-31
PRODUCT INFO & TASTING NOTES
pages 33-53
SHOPPING LIST
pages 55-56
FLAGSHIP EXCLUSIVES
pages 60-61
VINTAGES SPECIAL OFFERS
pages 62-63
* vintages.com
FRONT COVER: WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED RED 2017 (see page 38)
BRING LOCAL
HOME Discover a plethora of fine Ontario wines – and
the practices, places and people
that make them uniquely our own.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
13th Street Winery recently underwent a
renovation that included the tasting room,
shop and art gallery.
2 VINTAGES
SHOP
ONLINE
All the wines and spirits in this
catalogue can be ordered online
at lcbo.com or through our app.
See page 32 for details.
one
Home is
where the
heart is
Preserving the planet and pushing progress
are all in a day’s work for these wineries.
one HEARTLAND
#1
Wayne
Gretzky
Winery
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
The Wayne Gretzky winery was
designed to be reminiscent
of the barn Gretzky shot pucks
at as a child.
Wayne Gretzky, “Creating my own wine from Niagara allows Wayne Gretzky Foundation donated
me to contribute to the growing reputation $25,000 to the United Way to support the
the greatest player of wines from a region that’s close to my community. In between whisky and wine
ever to lace up a pair heart and to my hometown,” says Gretzky. tastings or relaxing on the patio with a
“Each wine has been created in the cocktail, visitors to the new estate can
of skates, is dedicated service of my foundation and I am very peruse hockey memorabilia featuring The
to giving back to proud of the fact that a portion of the Great One himself. The summertime water
proceeds from every bottle of Gretzky’s feature on the property becomes an ice
the place where he wines and spirits you enjoy goes to my rink where, December through March,
grew up. foundation to support charitable activities visitors are welcome to skate beneath the
wintry Niagara sky.
in communities across Canada.”
Opened just last summer, Wayne Gretzky The 2017 Whisky Oak Aged Red is made
Estates Winery & Distillery in Niagara- from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
on-the-Lake features both winemaking and Merlot with 25% matured in whisky
and distilling, courtesy of award-winning barrels. It’s an easy-drinking wine
winemaker Craig McDonald and master brimming with dark berries, vanilla and
distiller Joshua Beach. At the ground- smoky caramel notes.
breaking ceremony for the estate, the
4 VINTAGES
ABOVE: Gretzky visits the
winery as often as he can.
RIGHT AND BELOW: The
four-season outdoor
restaurant and pond/rink.
BOTTOM: Hockey mem-
orabilia adorns the walls
throughout the winery.
WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY OAK AGED
RED WINE 2017 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Medium-bodied & Fruity
617738 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
Featured as our Wine of the Month
New at Vintages
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 38.
VINTAGES 5
one HEARTLAND
BELOW: The Stratus building is
made from recycled materials
and features a super-insulated
roof and geothermal heating
and cooling.
#2
Stratus
Vineyards
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
When Stratus opened in 2005, it
was the world’s first LEED-certified
winemaking facility.
Stratus has continued to seek out new and biochar production at home), it would have
innovative ways to promote sustainability been even more challenging. The resulting
throughout their processes, even when that biochar is added to the compost pile and
has meant securing the future by looking to then spread throughout the vineyard. The
the past. Stratus has begun recycling benefits of biochar include creating water
vineyard waste, specifically trunk and vine balance in the soil, preventing nutrient
cuttings, through an ancient technique leaching and putting charcoal back into the
called pyrolysis. This process turns green soil rather than into the air.
matter into biochar by heating it in an
oxygen-reduced self-contained “oven.” This
all sounds very technical, yes, and it’s not STRATUS EVERGREEN
easy to do. Without the assistance of the RIESLING 2016 6
Jamaican workers at Stratus (many of VQA Niagara Peninsula
whom worked this land long before Stratus Off-dry & Fruity
came into being and have experience with 579888 (M) 750 mL $19.95 2
New at Vintages
6 VINTAGES FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 37.
#3
Hidden
Bench
Estate
Winery
BEAMSVILLE
The tasting room at Flat Rock,
adjacent to the hexagonal
gravity-flow winery building.
Hidden Bench’s
#4
founder Harald Thiel
sees a need for a
Flat Rock
broad-based Cellars
environmental JORDAN
approach that is
all-encompassing.
He thinks in terms of the relationship between what he refers to as a
“big S” and a “small s” approach to sustainability. Being certified organic,
farming using sustainable practices and employing many biodynamic
techniques ensure that Hidden Bench’s wines are of the highest quality and
their customers can enjoy them free of concern for what they contain.
Hidden Bench is also committed to supporting the 1% for the Planet Founded in 1999, Flat Rock
environmental initiative (see onepercentfortheplanet.org). has always been committed
to preserving the integrity of
the land.
Measures include the use of geothermal
systems to heat and cool the winery and the
use of gravity throughout the winemaking
process to limit energy usage. The attention
to detail that defines Flat Rock’s approach
carries through to their wines and out into
the community. A portion of sales from the
Good Kharma Chardonnay is donated to the
Ontario Association of Food Banks.
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE
RIESLING 2016 6
VQA Beamsville Bench, FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA
Niagara Escarpment
CHARDONNAY 2016 6
Aromatic & Flavourful VQA Twenty Mile Bench,
183491 (D) 750 mL Niagara Escarpment
$24.95 3
Hidden Bench’s vineyards Full-bodied & Rich
4 Organic product have all been certified 356873 (XD) 750 mL
organic since 2013.
$16.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 36.
one HEARTLAND
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES
ST. DAVID’S BENCH VINEYARD
CHARDONNAY 2015 6
VQA St. David’s Bench,
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Full-bodied & Rich
430991 (XD) 750 mL $23.95 2
SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE
ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC
ROSÉ 2017 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Medium-bodied & Dry
279117 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 1
4 Organic product
8 VINTAGES FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGES 36 TO 39.#5
Southbrook
Vineyards
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
#6
Château
When one
speaks with Bill
Knowledgeable, engaging and willing to speak his
mind on any topic, Bill encapsulates the energy
des
Redelmeier, it that has catapulted Ontario wine onto the world
stage. And his success is all based on caring
Charmes
quickly becomes NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
deeply about every aspect of what he is trying to
apparent that
accomplish. Southbrook embraced organic
“passionate” is a
farming techniques not only because they make
sorely insufficient environmental sense but also because Bill felt
descriptor for that he couldn’t, in good conscience, ask his
how he feels employees to handle and work with harmful
about Ontario chemicals simply for convenience. He felt there
winemaking. had to be a better way, so he found it. Southbrook
embraced biodynamic winemaking because, he
says, “the resulting wines are far superior in every
way, plain and simple.” Château des
Charmes founder
Paul Bosc Sr.
A fifth-generation French
winegrower, Paul Bosc Sr. came
to Niagara in the 1960s and
was instrumental in the
introduction of Vitis vinifera
(the classic European wine
grapes) to Ontario.
Bosc’s successful experiments with these
grapes changed the viticultural landscape of
Ontario and helped establish Niagara as a viable
premium wine region. That Ontario can produce
Southbrook Vineyards proprietor truly great wines is founded on the quality of
Bill Redelmeier. ABOVE: Sheep
graze in a Southbrook vineyard. the land. Preserving and caring for this most
TOP: This hospitality pavilion was
Canada’s first winery building valuable of assets is one reason that Château
awarded Gold LEED status.
des Charmes (which Bosc founded in 1978)
has, from its earliest days, been so committed
to sustainability. The winery is a charter
member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
VINTAGES 9one HEARTLAND
Daniel Speck, Henry of Pelham’s VP
of sales. BELOW: Racks of HoP’s
sparkling Cuvée Catharine.
#7
Henry of
Pelham
Estate
Winery
BEAMSVILLE
HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE
PINOT NOIR 2016 6
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment
Medium-bodied & Fruity
268391 (XD) 750 mL $24.95 2
Daniel Speck “All of the great wines made across Ontario world who want to make or learn about wine
have had a major impact on their immediate here. Being sustainable and responsible
understands that communities and the culture of Ontario, far winemakers, and not just us, but all the
wineries don’t beyond things like our supporting initiatives wineries in Ontario that value the same things,
operate in a vacuum: like the Big Brothers and Sisters. For has had a huge ripple effect. Wine brings
example, Niagara has attracted many new people together. We meet to eat and to
fabulous restaurants, and then there’s CCOVI celebrate and to share, and wine is an
and the Niagara College Teaching Winery – important part of that. I’m proud that HoP is
these wouldn’t be here without the wine. adding to Ontario’s wine story, but even more
Ontario is training and exporting winemakers so that we are helping to positively influence
around the world, and we are now a destination how the world views Canada and how
for people from every corner of the wine Canadians are viewing Canada as well.”
10 VINTAGESThe grand Megalomaniac
winery sits high on the
#8
Niagara Escarpment.
BELOW: Megalomaniac
founder John Howard
Megalomaniac (centre) with winemaker
Sébastien Jacquey (left)
and CFO Ryan Conte (right).
VINELAND
Southbrook Vineyards’ solar panels have contributed to an
80% reduction of their net electrical consumption. BELOW:
Sheep can be trained to eat grape leaves (but leave the
grapes) to give more sun exposure to the fruit.
The
Heart
of the Matter
With a light hand on the
land, Ontario winemakers
are going “green.”
Conscientious winemaking takes many forms. The
common thread is to make the best wine possible
in the present while planning responsibly for the
future. Organic winemaking in Ontario means no
The Kids’ Health Links Foundation provides chemical pesticides, herbicides or synthetic
fertilizers were used in the vineyard and only
children with the ability to connect with
accepted preservatives are used in the winery.
friends and family through technology and
Biodynamic winemaking takes things a step
alleviate the loneliness and isolation that can further (or closer to home), promoting soil health,
accompany a stay in hospital. vine health and biodiversity using things farmed at
the winery. The Wine Council of Ontario and Grape
Megalomaniac has grown from John
Growers of Ontario recently teamed up to create
Howard’s retirement project created
the Sustainable Winemaking Ontario program,
to raise money for the KHLF to
wherein vintners strive for verifiable targets in
become one of the most popular
vineyard and winery best practices, and independent
producers of fine wines in Ontario.
audits measure their success. Early adopters of
Great wine is all about where it’s
the program include Flat Rock Cellars, Henry of
made, and seeing is believing. Visit
Pelham Estate Winery, Hidden Bench Vineyards
Megalomaniac and taste the wines,
& Winery, Pelee Island Winery, Southbrook
but take a moment to drink in the
Vineyards and Stratus Vineyards.
breathtaking panoramic view.
Megalomaniac is on the highest
point of the southern part of the
Niagara Escarpment. You’ll look at
Ontario – wine and region – in a
whole new way.
MEGALOMANIAC MY WAY
CHARDONNAY 2016 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Light & Crisp
142646 (XD) 750 mL
$24.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 37.Canada – and Ontario in particular –
seems tailor-made to appeal to
the wine devotee. Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay excel in this cool climate,
and when carefully made, they can
achieve a clarity and purity of varietal
character that would be the envy of
far-better-known origins.”
Richard Hemming, MW
jancisrobinson.com, June 13, 2016
A vineyard sunrise
over Pelee Island.
12 VINTAGEStwo The places we call home From Niagara Falls to the far end of the Escarpment, Ontario winemaking is driven by a spirit of exploration.
two PLACE SETTING
#1
Lundy
Manor
NIAGARA FALLS
Winemaker Adam Kern (left)
with assistant winemaker Chris
Robinson. ABOVE: Elegant Lundy
Manor encompasses the winery
facility, tasting rooms and indoor
and outdoor event spaces.
Seven minutes’ They opened their doors in March of this began making wine from our estate fruit as
year – and hospitality is key. “We want you of the 2017 vintage.” The 2016 Proprietor’s
drive from downtown to drop by, relax, have a glass of wine,” says Blend White is a mix of Gewürztraminer,
Niagara Falls, operations manager Mark Yuhasz. “Do you Riesling and Chardonnay from vineyards in
want to sit on the front patio, in the sun? Twenty Mile Bench and shows lovely floral
Lundy Manor is the How about the back patio, in the shade, notes and crisp acidity, and a hint of oak
first estate winery overlooking the vineyard? It’s a beautiful from the Chardonnay. Mark and Adam
property.” After working in Michelin-rated recommend it with Asian dishes, fatty
in the honeymoon restaurants alongside some of the world’s fish or lamb.
capital of the world. top chefs, Mark understands fine food.
The 2013 Proprietor’s Blend Red is
“Sunday we have Chef James Stephenson
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and
creating small plates. Thursdays we have a
Merlot passed over the skins of their
food truck. We’ve got chocolate made by a
appassimento (dried grapes) wine and is
local boutique to pair with our wines. It’s all
aged mostly in neutral oak, with a touch of
about the guest experience.”
new oak for shading. Mark and Adam
Winemaker Adam Kern aims to showcase prefer it with charcuterie, cheese boards
the Niagara region. “It’s important to draw and pasta dishes. Or, says Mark, “Just
from great sites across the Peninsula,” he enjoy a glass in the afternoon.”
says. “We work with top growers, and
14 VINTAGESLundy Manor sits on 60
acres of land (including
eight devoted to premium
Riesling vineyards)
adjacent to Niagara Falls’
famous Lundy Lane.
LUNDY MANOR PROPRIETOR’S BLEND WHITE 2016 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Full-bodied & Rich
579961 (XD) 750 mL $18.95 2
LUNDY MANOR PROPRIETOR’S BLEND RED 2013 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Full-bodied & Smooth
579953 (XD) 750 mL $21.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGES 36 TO 38.
VINTAGES 15two PLACE SETTING
PELEE ISLAND LOLA
CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2017 6
VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore
Medium-bodied & Dry
552497 (XD) 750 mL $15.95 1
Featured in Arrive in Style
CASA DEA DEA’S
CUVÉE SPARKLING 2016 6
Charmat method, VQA Ontario
Light & Fruity
261263 (MS) 750 mL $20.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGES 34 TO 39.
16 VINTAGES#2
Casa-Dea Casa-Dea is just off the historic
Loyalist Parkway in Wellington.
Estates
BELOW: Casa-Dea founder
Domenic Di Pietrantonio, who
grew up in Abruzzo, Italy, shows
Winery
off his vineyards’ stony soil.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
#3
Pelee
Island
Winery
Pelee Island KINGSVILLE
“The cool climate gives us really crisp and clean
is Canada’s
Prince Edward whites and sparkling, and gives a lift to the reds. most southerly
County is a And the limestone soils add that great minerality. point; it’s closer to
And I’m excited about our Cab Franc. I’m ageing it
beautiful place
longer in new to five-year-old barrels to get an Ohio than the Ontario
to live and work, even bigger, bolder, rounder expression. PEC is a mainland.
that’s why we’re place that requires hands-on work, hand labour
here,” says beginning to end, and it doesn’t end,” he laughs. Pelee Island Winery grows their grapes on the
winemaker Paul “We finish the harvest and we are right into island, taking full advantage of the limestone
Battilana. getting ready for the winter. Winter is harsh here, soils and the moderating benefits of the
and to protect the vines we have to bury them. We encircling water, but their winemaking facility is
start almost as we harvest. Ideally, we’re done by on the mainland, in Kingsville. This creates a
November 20th.” rather unique logistical challenge. Grapes are
harvested at night to preserve their freshness
and transported to the winery by ferry first
thing in the morning. Sometimes, the hurdles
are climatic. For vine health, a period of winter
dormancy is necessary. Shutting down is a
natural part of the vine’s life cycle. But some
years on Pelee Island, the proximity and
moderating impact of Lake Erie can actually
produce temperatures mild enough to
interfere with this essential process. Just
another wrinkle in what makes this singular
winery so special.
VINTAGES 17two PLACE SETTING
#4
Colchester
Ridge
Estate
Winery This striking red barn houses the
CREW winery, shop and tasting
room. ABOVE: Founder Bernard
ESSEX COUNTY Gorski in CREW’s vineyard.
“I like to call LENS (Lake Erie North Shore) great ripeness, concentration and character.
Being a small winery is Ontario’s Riviera because of our sunshine Then 2016, which gave us the Merlot you
and heat, but the winters here can be brutal have in this feature, was practically perfect.”
like being a ship’s crew – it’s
and a big challenge. In 2014 the winter was It may not always be smooth sailing in
all hands on deck,” says
so damaging, we had no harvest at all. In LENS, but the continued evolution and
Michelle Turnbull, CREW’S 2015 we had about a 45% yield; we pruned quality of the wines coming out of this region
sales and event manager. the upper shoots and allowed the buds low are more than worth the effort.
to the ground to develop. Keeping them low
allowed them to capture ground heat, but it CREW MERLOT 2016 6
VQA Lake Erie North Shore
meant less air movement and an increase of
Full-bodied & Smooth
disease pressure and much more hands-on
310532 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2
work in the vineyard, but the wines had
New at Vintages
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 37.
18 VINTAGES#5
Mastronardi
Estates
Winery
Erected in 1833,
the Pelee Island
Lighthouse was
decommissioned in
ESSEX COUNTY 1909, then rebuilt in
2000. BOTTOM: Pelee
Island Winery is home
to Canada’s southern-
most vineyard.
MASTRONARDI SYRAH 2016 6
VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Medium-bodied & Fruity
581223 (XD) 750 mL
New at Vintages
$24.95 2
A
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO Sense
of Place
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 38.
Mastronardi was founded in 2006
and their 100-acre vineyard, planted There are reasons
new regions don’t just
over 25 years ago, supports more crop up overnight.
than 18 varietals.
Ontario has three established VQA wine regions:
Bordeaux reds are a regional speciality and Mastronardi’s are Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Peninsula and
excellent, but the vineyard affords great diversity, thanks in large Prince Edward County, with Niagara leading the
part to its proximity to Lake Erie, the Detroit River and Lake St. way in carving out finer and finer sub-appellations.
Clair. These bodies of water moderate temperatures, creating Meanwhile, wineries continue to pop up outside
conditions favourable to the likes of Syrah, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris these established regions. “It’s really exciting to
and Riesling. Canada’s southernmost wine region, LENS gets watch emerging regions grow and evolve,” says
higher heat units than Niagara and PEC; heat units Brian Schmidt, president and chair of VQA Ontario.
impact vine health and can influence the “Georgian Bay, Ottawa Valley, Simcoe
style of wine produced. The long County – these places are in the midst of proving
growing season (harvests here can that they can successfully grow grapes and make
stretch well into late October) wines.” New regions evolve in their own unique
ensures the ripeness and vitality ways. “Some people want it to happen very
of the grapes. quickly, and some people want it to happen very
thoughtfully,” he adds. There are practical
considerations, too. “They need to have a certain
amount of acreage under vine, produce a
certain number of tonnes of grapes, and have
a certain amount of acclaim to be elevated into
the appellation system.”
Mastronardi’s vineyards benefit from the
moderating effects of three bodies of water.
ABOVE, RIGHT: Owner Tony Mastronardi.
VINTAGES 19... grapes ripen here beautifully. The Niagara
Peninsula is more than hospitable to cool-climate
varieties like riesling, chardonnay and pinot
noir. Surprisingly, grapes that require a longer
growing season, like cabernet franc, also make
exceptional wines.”
Eric Asimov
The New York Times
January 16, 2018
Bernard Gorski of
Colchester Ridge
Estate Winery tends
to a fermenting tank.
20 VINTAGESthree Home is all about the people Hailing from far and wide, these winery folk now ply their prowess locally.
three PEOPLE POWER
This is now his 28th vintage at Vineland
Estates. “It’s the longest holiday ever!” he
says. Originally from Kelowna, Schmidt
grew up in and around vineyards. “My
grandfather had a homesteader property
in the 1940s in the Okanagan Valley,” he
says. “My family has been growing grapes
and making wine for three generations.”
Since joining Vineland, Brian has explored
classic wine regions. “I’ve travelled to
Europe and learned from some of the
great winemakers. They’re generally very
open to sharing new methods and new
ideas, to sharing their strengths and their
failures. And they’re always immensely
curious about winemaking in Canada.” As
president and chair of the appellation
standards authority VQA Ontario, Brian
also works with growers and winemakers
across the province. “It’s a really eclectic
group making their roots here and plying
their craft here – amazing people who
understand that a rising tide lifts all ships.
#1 Brian Schmidt has researched, And personally, seeing the broader
Brian
studied and travelled extensively
through Europe’s cool-climate perspective makes me a better winemaker.”
wine regions.
Schmidt The historic Riesling vines at Vineland
Estates, planted in 1979, are some of the
VINELAND ESTATES oldest in the province. “One could
Brian Schmidt was working consider the St. Urban vineyard the
epicentre of Riesling in Ontario, and
on Vancouver Island when his perhaps Canada. It’s a great honour to be
brother Allan invited him to caretaker of that vineyard and uphold the
quality of the wine.” The 2016 St. Urban
visit Niagara. “I came for what Riesling is concentrated with ripe citrus,
was supposed to be two weeks green apple and tropical notes, bright
natural acidity and mineral. “Clay and
and never left.” limestone substrate gives that bracing
minerality, which is a fundamental feature
of that vineyard.”
22 VINTAGESPicturesque Vineland
Estates is housed in a
cluster of restored historic
buildings surrounded by
the renowned 42-acre St.
Urban Vineyard. BELOW:
Baby Riesling grapes
from Vineland’s St. Urban
Vineyard. BOTTOM: A Pinot
Blanc grapevine from their
Bo-Teek Vineyard.
VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST.
URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 6
VQA Niagara Escarpment
Off-dry & Fruity
038117 (M) 750 mL $19.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 37.
VINTAGES 23three PEOPLE POWER
#2
Amélie Winemaker Amélie Boury in
the Château des Charmes
Boury
barrel cellar.
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES
When I was six years old, I took sap
from a daffodil and injected it into
a tulip,” recalls Amélie Boury, who
now holds degrees in plant biology
engineering and oenology.
“It never blossomed, but my passion did!” Amélie. “I now work with about 25 of the
Growing up on a farm in northern France most promising.” Meanwhile, she’s honed
cultivated that passion. “My mom, a her skill with classic grapes. “Chardonnay in
scientist, was forever encouraging me to the Méthode Traditionnelle Brut gives
learn the names of plants and memorize elegance and subtlety, and Pinot Noir
their scents. My father, a farmer and wine brings structure. It’s got fresh acidity and
aficionado, encouraged my love of the fine, persistent bubbles, with hints of lemon
outdoors.” Amélie pursued a career as a in balance with toasty brioche.”
perfumer, but her deep connection with the
land drew her to winemaking – and her CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES
science background drew her to Château BRUT SPARKLING 6
des Charmes, where Paul Bosc Sr. has Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
been testing new vines in Niagara for over Medium-bodied & Flavourful
15 years. “We started with over 1,000 224766 (XD) 750 mL $25.95 2
A Vintages Essential
varieties to see what showed promise,” says
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 34.
24 VINTAGES#3
Barclay
Robinson
Foreign Affair
winemaker Barclay
Robinson, shown
assessing wine in
the barrel cellar,
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR
is also a certified
WINERY sommelier.
Keith Tyers sabres a
bottle of sparkling
#4 wine at Closson
Chase, where visitors
can sip wines
Keith vineyard-side.
Tyers
Born in Nova Scotia, CLOSSON CHASE
Barclay Robinson
spent 10 years as a
sommelier in Calgary
before making the leap
to winemaking.
“My wife and I moved to Ontario and I took a degree at Brock while working Looking for a rural place
part-time at Tawse Winery,” he recalls. In 2013, he became winemaker at to raise a family, Kingston
The Foreign Affair Winery, which specializes in appassimento (dried grape) native Keith Tyers moved to
wines. “I studied the literature of Masi, the great Italian winery, and did Prince Edward County and
benchmark trials to find the right balance in my wines.” The 2013 Pinot Noir
joined Closson Chase as a
is 20% appassimento and spent 20 months in French oak. “It’s got nice
vineyard hand before getting
ripe tones and retains good natural acidity, which is important. I like it with
duck confit. I also do a recipe of duck with star anise and green onion.”
involved in winemaking.
“I worked with Deborah Paskus, who taught
me wine is made in the vineyard,” he says.
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR PINOT NOIR 2013 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
The concept of less-is-more in the vineyard
really hit home. “Mother Nature throws
Medium-bodied & Fruity
127332 (XD) 750 mL $34.95 2 FOR COMPLETE TASTING curveballs. You need to be patient, and
NOTE AND TO ORDER ONLINE,
SEE PAGE 38. when you do swing, you’ve got to connect.”
The 2017 KJ Watson Pinot Gris has ripe
orchard fruit and a steely, mineral edge. “I
like it with seared scallops and avocado
mousse. It’s also great by itself.”
CLOSSON CHASE K.J. WATSON
VINEYARD PINOT GRIS 2017 6
VQA Four Mile Creek,
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Aromatic & Flavourful
469445 (XD) 750 mL $22.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 36.three PEOPLE POWER
PELEE ISLAND J.S. HAMILTON
RED 2017 6
VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore
Medium-bodied & Fruity
581181 (XD) 750 mL $18.95 2
WESTCOTT ESTATE
PINOT NOIR 2013 6
VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara
Escarpment
Medium-bodied & Fruity
427500 (XD) 750 mL $29.95 2
FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTES AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 38.#6
Tim
Charissé
PELEE ISLAND WINERY
Tim Charissé in Pelee
Island Winery’s shop.
During his formative
years in the Rheingau, in
Germany, Tim Charissé
was surrounded
The Westcott Vineyards
team includes (from left) by vineyards.
Garett, Victoria and Grant
Westcott, Carolyn Hurst,
#5 and yellow lab greeters
Emma and Nellie.
“A lot of my friends’ families had wineries,” he
says. “I started working in the vineyard by the
The time I was 20.” He spent a year apprenticing at
Westcott/ “Carolyn’s grandfather worked at
Pelee Island Winery, then returned to Germany
to complete a wine master program before
Hurst
the Vineland Research Station
joining the winery full time. “In the end, wine
before founding what is now the
here is the same as back home. The goal is to
family University of PEI,” says Grant, “and
my grandparents on both sides were
make a quality wine, and explore new ideas
while keeping in mind what’s tried and true.”
WESTCOTT VINEYARDS farmers. We’ve returned to what is
The 2017 J.S. Hamilton Red is a blend of
familiar to us.” In their new (yet
Syrah, Petit Verdot and Malbec. “It’s aged in
familiar) venture, Carolyn handles
small European oak barriques, giving some
the business and marketing while
nice smoky oak to go with spicy, earthy fruit.”
Leaving behind Grant looks after farming and
production. Their son, Garett,
high-profile careers manages the vineyard, and daughter
in finance and tech, Victoria runs the tasting room. “We
Grant Westcott and love it when people come here and
say, ‘This is beautiful, what you’ve
Carolyn Hurst moved created.’ We’re driven to create
from Toronto to a beauty,” says Carolyn. “The world
needs more beauty.” The 2013
farm in Niagara to Estate Pinot Noir spent two years in
start a winery. barrel and is nuanced and elegant
with red fruit, earthy notes, bright
natural acidity and beautiful balance.
VINTAGES 27three PEOPLE POWER
#7
Doug
Whitty
13TH STREET WINERY
I grew up living and
working on the family
farm established by my
grandfather in 1908, so I
have always felt a strong
connection to the land,”
says Doug Whitty, who
was named Grape King
2017 by the Grape Growers
of Ontario in recognition
of exceptional expertise Doug Whitty, 13th Street
owner, sports the bling he
and leadership. was awarded along with the
title of Grape King.
“I have been shaped by the time-tested philosophies of the
13TH STREET
older generations, including my 93-year-old father, Joseph
PREMIER CUVÉE 2012 6
Whitty, who still drives out to inspect the vineyards and the Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula
winery most every day. Ours is a philosophy which focuses Medium-bodied & Flavourful
on the long term, on stewardship, on common sense and 142679 (D) 750 mL $34.95 2
hard work.” The 2012 Premier Cuvée, a sparkling wine made
from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is vibrant and complex, and FOR COMPLETE TASTING NOTE AND TO
ORDER ONLINE, SEE PAGE 34.
has earned international recognition. “We are very proud of
this wine. It confirms our belief that Ontario and Canada can
make traditional-method sparkling wines which are among
the best in the world.”
28 VINTAGESHome
of the Brave
These research and education institutes
help Ontario wineries and winemakers
grow and prosper.
Founded in 1996 with the assistance of the Grape Growers of Ontario, the
Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario and the Wine Council of Ontario, Brock
University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute is the only
research facility of its kind in Canada. CCOVI provides invaluable scientific
insight into the unique temperament of Ontario’s winemaking needs and arms
Ontario’s winemakers with top-flight information on their soils, the impact and
viability of various vineyard techniques, vine winter-hardiness, clonal selection,
disease management, technological advances…in short, everything
needed to refine and supplement their first-hand knowledge of their
terroir. The impact of the work carried out here reaches far beyond the
vineyard. A 2016 study by management consulting firm MDB Insight found
that CCOVI had contributed more than $91 million and the equivalent of
307 jobs to the Ontario economy in 2014-2015. Niagara College
Teaching Winery, founded in 2000, also contributes to Canada’s viticultural
future by developing homegrown and international winemakers and influencers
with a focus on honing skills in three critical areas: winemaking, viticulture and
sales/marketing. The Teaching Winery also offers the only wine business
program in Canada. In the classroom, the lab or the vineyard, Ontario’s wine
future is on solid ground.
The CCOVI research team at Brock University includes
(front row, from left) Debbie Inglis, Andrew Reynolds,
Belinda Kemp, (back row, from left) Andrew Roth,
John Bonnett, Jim Willwerth, Gary Pickering.
VINTAGES 29WHAT’S ON A snapshot of exciting
events, great wines to try,
new collections, special
offers and more.
SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
360222 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
Full-bodied & Smooth
THE ES S ENTIA LS CO LLECT I O N
DANDELION VINEYARDS
LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA
FRESH for FALL
SHIRAZ
Barossa, South Australia
It may still be warm (even hot!) outside, but we know cooler evenings are on their way, and that
167189 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
Full-bodied & Smooth
means heartier dinners. Our Essentials Collection of always-available favourites has two new reds
perfect for hunkering down with at home, both made from signature grapes in their respective
regions. From Washington’s Seven Falls Cellars (part of the legendary Chateau Ste. Michelle) comes
a supple, silky Cab Sauv that would pair well with roast beef or steak. And from Dandelion
Vineyards in Australia’s Barossa region comes a rich, refined Shiraz sourced from old vines (some
over 100 years old) that would be a natural with meaty stews and roasts. Visit vintages.com/
essentials to see the full collection and order online.
shop
online
for all your Vintages wine! FINE WINE & SPIRITS
1. All the wines and spirits in our bi-weekly
releases and Essentials Collection can now ONLINE AUCTION
be ordered via our app or on lcbo.com.
See page 32 for details. September 10-18, 2018
2. Products from our Classics Collection,
Bordeaux Futures and online special Don’t miss your chance to bid on some of the world’s finest
offers, plus event tickets, can still be and rarest wines and spirits in this exclusive online auction.
ordered at vintages.com/shop. Visit finewine.waddingtons.ca for details.
Under the authority of the LCBO
30 VINTAGESU P C O M I N G EV E N T S
CHECK OUT A
VINTAGES EVENT!
Our tasting events are fun and informative evenings
of exploration where you can taste different wines
and spirits, get first-hand knowledge about them and
meet some of the world’s greatest winemakers.
We host three kinds of events:
• Walk-around tastings are large, relaxed events Visit vintages.com/events to check out our fall lineup,
where guests visit different stations at their own pace which includes these events:
and sample a range of wines or spirits, and food.
TORONTO
• Structured tastings feature a producer who leads
guests through the tasting of a selection of their wines • October 16: Sonoma wines walk-around tasting
or spirits. • October 17: Masi Amarone winemaker’s dinner
• Winemaker’s dinners are held at top restaurants and • November 6: Barolo and white truffles dinner
feature wines from iconic wineries. A special guest • November 27: Zuccardi winemaker’s dinner
(often the winemaker) presents the wines.
ON LIN E COLLECT I O NS
FINE WINE & PREMIUM SPIRITS
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2018
Order September Classics!
SEPTEMBER IS WHEN HIGH ACHIEVERS get to start strutting their stuff again.
Our newest collection is full of candidates with 90+ scores that might win a place
on your cellar’s honour roll, including 2014 Alois Lageder Löwengang Chardonnay
(95), 2007 Marchesi di Barolo (96), 2011 Bodegas la Horra Corimbo I (95), 2010
Château Malescot St-Exupéry (95), 2014 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec (96+),
2012 Penfolds Grange Shiraz (99), 2015 Alpha Crucis Shiraz (97), 2014 La Jota
Howell Mountain Cabernet (95). Visit vintages.com/classics.
VINTAGES 31NEW!
Shop our
entire
release
on lcbo.com
SHOP MOBILE! HERE’S HOW:
Visit lcbo.com or use our STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
Download the LCBO app. Scan the barcode Place your order for
LCBO app to order products or enter the in-store pickup or home
product number. delivery.
right from your phone –
and have them delivered to ÍQyÆ(Î
any store, or to your door. 123456
Products are available in limited quantities.UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
SPIRITS
product notes SCOTCH WHISKY
ARRAN THE BOTHY QUARTER
CASK SINGLE MALT
DRINKABILITY INDEX
SCOTCH WHISKY
This index is intended as a guideline and reflects the collective
TASTING NOTE: ... first matured in first fill, ex-bourbon
view of our purchasing panel.
barrels before being transferred into American oak
quarter casks for a minimum of 18 months. ... NOSE:
1 DRINK NOW: Enjoy tonight. There is no benefit to cellaring. A warm and comforting aroma greets the nose ...
PALATE: A luscious, sweet mouthfeel adheres to the
2
DRINK OR HOLD: Can be enjoyed now, but may be
matured further by cellaring, depending on individual
palate as a kick of red chilli heat arrives and starts
to warm. Distillery character shines as fresh pineapple
preference. and green apples with stalks attached come to the
fore. Toasted brioche and vanilla ice cream give a
round quality to this dram. FINISH: A floral note at the
3
HOLD: Ideal for further cellaring. This wine may well be
enjoyed now by some, but we feel that it will develop
start of a finish which lingers on the palate as tangy
citrus notes develop to make the mouth water, bringing
favourably under ideal cellaring conditions. the flavour full circle; inciting another sweet sip. (Nino
Marchetti, thewhiskeywash.com, Nov. 10, 2015)
PERCEIVED SUGAR CONTENT
700 mL $89.95
Perceived dryness/sweetness by tasting evaluation. Vintages
scale ranges from Extra Dry to Sweet: XD, D, M, MS, S. Please 568964 ÍXy`0Î
discuss specifics with our Product Consultants.
GLENFARCLAS12-YEAR-OLD HIGHLAND
WINE STYLES
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Every wine in this section includes a style, above the product TASTING NOTE: Nose: a wonderfully fresh mix of
number (e.g. Full-bodied & Smooth, Aromatic & Flavourful). These grape and mint. Taste: light, youthful, playful,
simplified flavour profiles are designed to help customers quickly mouthwatering. Less plodding honey, more vibrant
and easily choose products. For detailed descriptions of each Demerara and juiced-up butterscotch. Finish: long,
style, and more information, visit lcbo.com/winestyles. with soft almost ice-cream style vanillas with a
grapey topping. A superb re-working of an always
ORGANIC PRODUCTS trustworthy malt. This dramatic change in shape
Wines designated as organic 4 contain 30 mg/L or less of free works a treat and suits the malt perfectly. What a
sulphur for dry wines (99 g/L sugar). 700 mL $74.95
ALCOHOL CONTENT
464636 ÍNNDJÎ
The alcohol/volume content for any product released by Vintages
is available on our website. Visit vintages.com and enter the HAZELBURN 10-YEAR-OLD CAMPBELTOWN
LCBO# into the Product Search field. SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Unchillfiltered
Products in this catalogue are available in stores and online (Springbank)
in limited quantities. TASTING NOTE: Hazelburn is one of three styles
of single malt made at Springbank distillery in
Prices listed in this catalogue are subject to change without Campbeltown. Founded in 1828, Springbank is
notice. Up-to-date prices are listed online. For current pricing, among the oldest family-run distilleries in Scotland.
simply visit vintages.com and enter the product name or This 10-year-old is bright gold in the glass and
number in the product search box. Vintages cannot assume offers rich notes of honeysuckle, sweet spices,
responsibility for typographical errors in this catalogue. All smoke, caramel and vanilla. Long and warm with
prices include applicable container deposit and HST. great complexity and a spicy finish. Very nice.
(Vintages panel, Oct. 2017)
700 mL $104.95
554329 ÍWK=8Î
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 VINTAGES 33UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
SPIRITS CONT’D CASA DEA DEA’S CUVÉE
SPARKLING 2016 6
SCOTCH WHISKY Charmat method,
VQA Ontario
THE ARRAN MALT LOCHRANZA RESERVE TASTING NOTE: A charmat method white bubble
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY with apple, lemon and good acidity; there’s a medium
Unchillfiltered length finish and some minerality in the middle.
TASTING NOTE: Bright light yellow colour. Intense, Score: HHHJK+ (Michael Pinkus, michaelpinkus
somewhat peppery, slightly smoky, Bourbon-tinged, winereview.com, March 27, 2018)
ripe lemon-plum nose. Very dry, medium bodied, Light & Fruity
somewhat peppery, dusty lemon-plum flavours with 750 mL (MS) $20.95 2
a lingering, gently cedary finish. Has 43% alcohol.
Score: 88.5 (Michael Vaughan, vintageassessments. 261263 Í:,_CÎ
com, Dec. 10, 2016) Featured in Bring Local Home
700 mL $57.95
478693 ÍOv}xÎ
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES
BRUT SPARKLING 6
Traditional method,
SAKE VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
TASTING NOTE: Ontario’s sparkling wines have been
OBAACHAN’S YUZUSHU SAKE opening eyes, turning heads, making a splash – no
Japan matter how you choose to track it, their trajectory has
TASTING NOTE: This sake is made using yuzu fruit, been impressive. This is from Chardonnay and Pinot
which provides a lovely citrus backdrop to a balanced, and will deliver great balance and freshness with
just-off-dry sip. Pair with fish and chips or seafood apple, pear and peach tones with underlying fresh
tempura and serve at room temperature or lightly bread notes. Perfect for anything from seafood
chilled. (Vintages panel, Jan. 2018) appetizers to popcorn.
300 mL (M) $16.95 1 Medium-bodied & Flavourful
572677 ÍY:mAÎ 750 mL (XD) $25.95 2
224766 Í6Ob’Î
Featured in Bring Local Home
A Vintages Essential
SPARKLING WINE
GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP
CLASSIQUE BRUT ROSÉ
13 STREET PREMIER CUVÉE 2012 6
TH
Traditional method,
Traditional method,
WO Western Cape, South Africa
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
TASTING NOTE: Svelte NV from pinot noir (54%) &
TASTING NOTE: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir.
chardonnay packed with berry fruit, creamy mousse
A rich and leesy nose with hints of caramelised apple.
from year+ on lees lifted by zesty citrus, softened
The palate is elegantly crisp showing grapefruit,
by a dash more sugar than vintage-dated sibling.
citrus and elements of salt. Score: 95 (Decanter
Score: HHHHK (Platter’s South African Wine
World Wine Awards, 2018)
Guide, 2018)
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
750 mL (D) $34.95 2
750 mL (D) $19.95 1
142679 Í.:oÇÎ 175588 Í1WxtÎ
Featured in Bring Local Home
34 VINTAGES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
JOSEPH CATTIN BRUT ROSÉ DOMAINE LUQUET
CRÉMANT D’ALSACE CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France Traditional method, AP, Burgundy, France
TASTING NOTE: The colour is pale salmon, like a sexy TASTING NOTE: The best sparkling wines are made
Provençal still rosé. The wine hails from farther north, according to the Champagne method, by adding
though, in Alsace. Light bodied, with suggestions of yeast and sugar to still wine and allowing it to
sweet strawberries and raspberries freshened up by referment in bottle under pressure to generate fine
tart green apples and zesty lemon. Score: 90 (Beppi bubbles. That’s the process used in this affordable
Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Feb. 7, 2017) “crémant,” the French term for quality bubblies
that come from outside the Champagne region. It’s
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
100-per-cent chardonnay, also a key grape of
750 mL (XD) $18.95 1
Champagne. Bone-dry, it smells wonderfully of
264572 Í:Mh9Î fresh-baked bread and displays a creamy texture
that carries flavours suggestive of lemon curd
on toasted baguette. Score: 91 (Beppi Crosariol,
The Globe and Mail, May 15, 2018)
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
750 mL (D) $24.95 1
957894 ÍÃn~4Î
BOISSET JCB FRENCH KISS JCB N° 21 BRUT
SPARKLING GAMAY CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
Ancestral method, Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France
Beaujolais, France (Jean-Charles Boisset)
Thought to be the very first technique for producing You can expect this Crémant from Jean-Charles
sparkling wines, the ancestral method involves a Boisset to be a crisp, richly textured wine with
primary fermentation that is stopped before completion impressive citrus and bright fruit tones. There will
and a secondary fermentation that occurs in the be a driving acidity here, keeping the wine lithe
bottle. This wine, made from Gamay, shows juicy berry and fresh and asserting the style’s food-friendly
fruit, earthy notes and lively bubbles. character. Great with seafood, fish, grilled pork
or as a palate-refresher between bites for any meal.
Light & Fruity
750 mL $19.95 1 Medium-bodied & Flavourful
750 mL (D) $29.95 1
614461 Í]L]9Î
371831 ÍE2?aÎ
GÉRARD BERTRAND CUVÉE
THOMAS JEFFERSON BRUT
BOISSET JCB Nº 69 BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX 2016
CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE Traditional method, AC, Languedoc, France
Traditional method, Some say Limoux is the area where sparkling wine
AC, Burgundy, France originated when, in 1531, the monks of Saint Hilaire
TASTING NOTE: Pours a steely pink with orange made the first wine with bubbles. Thomas Jefferson
glints and a generous froth. A seductive nose of red was reportedly Limoux’s greatest admirer, and its
currants and yellow apples. On the palate it’s full- fizzes were fixtures in his personal wine cellar. This
bodied and creamy with tart red fruit character and wine offers exceptional value for bubbly made in the
perky acidity. Excellent, Highly Recommended. traditional method. Look for crisp orchard fruit and
Score: 91 (Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2017) notions of honey on toast, and sip with battered fish
Medium-bodied & Flavourful and parsnip chips.
750 mL (D) $29.95 1 Medium-bodied & Flavourful
$19.95 1
614453 Í]LU!Î 750 mL (D)
438838 ÍKxF:Î
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 VINTAGES 35UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
SPARKLING WINE CONT’D FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA
CHARDONNAY 2016 6
LEBOVITZ TORRE VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment
This is a wine that not only tastes great but also gives
VINO FRIZZANTE ROSSO
back: a portion of sales are donated to the Ontario
SECCO LAMBRUSCO
Association of Food Banks. You will find this to be a
MANTOVANO 2016
big, rich wine offering great depth of pear, pineapple,
DOP, Lombardy, Italy
smoke, toast, butter and mineral notes. Enjoy this
TASTING NOTE: This approachably priced red fizz
big-hearted wine tonight with grilled chicken or
shows mulberry and blackberry with an intriguing
seafood.
mix of fresh and jammy fruit character and a lengthy,
dry finish. It’ll make a nice partner for antipasti, or Full-bodied & Rich
polenta fries with marinara sauce. (Vintages panel, 750 mL (XD) $16.95 2
June 2017)
356873 ÍCdisÎ
Light & Fruity
Featured in Bring Local Home
750 mL (D) $14.95 1
548487 ÍVtwiÎ
CANADA – WHITE WINE
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE
ONTARIO RIESLING 2016 6
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID’S TASTING NOTE: Tightly wound, pure and driving,
BENCH VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 6 with terrific acids sharp and tart, and loads of
VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake mid-palate density. Length is very good to excellent.
TASTING NOTE: This Ontario classic is barrel Dusty-talcy texture with real grip. A superb estate
fermented and aged sur lie (on the lees) for up to a riesling here from Hidden Bench, best after 2019.
year. It is an intense, complex wine with a creamy Tasted April 2018. Score: 91 (John Szabo, MS,
mouthfeel and rich apple, tropical fruit, vanilla, toast, winealign.com, April 19, 2018)
toffee and sweet cedar tones. Round and lush, this
will be great with grilled tuna steak, or Thanksgiving Aromatic & Flavourful
dinner. (Vintages panel, March 2018) 750 mL (D) $24.95 3
Full-bodied & Rich 183491 Í2B{TÎ
750 mL (XD) $23.95 2 Featured in Bring Local Home
430991 ÍK){;Î 4 Organic product
Featured in Bring Local Home
CLOSSON CHASE K.J. WATSON VINEYARD
PINOT GRIS 2017 6 LUNDY MANOR PROPRIETOR’S BLEND
VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara-on-the-Lake WHITE 2016 6
TASTING NOTE: ... a luscious balanced and beautiful VQA Niagara Peninsula
gusher of racy lemon curd and pineapple interwoven TASTING NOTE: The 2016 Proprietor’s Blend White
with tingly spice on the palate and a dry, lip-smacking is a mix of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Chardonnay
finish. This is medium weight and unoaked with plenty from vineyards in Twenty Mile Bench and shows lovely
of creamy-smooth mouthfeel and mouth-watering, floral notes, crisp acidity, and a hint of oak from the
mineral-laced aftertaste; it’s crisp, clean and refresh- Chardonnay. Pear and lychee also shine through. The
ing. Pour with prawn ceviche or mussels steamed producers recommend pairing it with Asian dishes,
in white wine and leeks. Score: 92 (Vic Harradine, fatty fish or lamb. (Vintages panel, Dec. 2017)
winecurrent.com, June 18, 2018)
Full-bodied & Rich
Aromatic & Flavourful 750 mL (XD) $18.95 2
750 mL (XD) $22.95 2
579961 ÍYÇ]UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
MEGALOMANIAC MY WAY BRITISH COLUMBIA
CHARDONNAY 2016 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula DIRTY LAUNDRY NOT SO NAUGHTY
TASTING NOTE: This is a quite fine, leaner, well CHARDONNAY 2016 6
balanced chardonnay by new winemaker Sebastien Unoaked, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Jacquey, the former winemaker at now defunct Le Unoaked and cool-fermented in stainless steel to
Clos Jordanne. Megalomaniac has never been better. preserve the bright fruit tones, this Chardonnay will
It is a light to mid-weight, elegant fresh, even poised be a fun, snappy addition to your table. Look for a
chardonnay with fine apple, lemon, spice and almond. floral, rich wine with apple, pear and minerality. Enjoy
There is a hint of bitterness but there is minerality. with fresh fish or seafood.
The length is very good to excellent Score: 91 (David
Full-bodied & Rich
Lawrason, winealign.com, June 14, 2018)
750 mL (XD) $21.95 2
Light & Crisp
750 mL (XD) $24.95 2 353144 ÍC?L9Î
142646 Í.:NÂÎ
Featured in Bring Local Home
CANADA – RED WINE
STRATUS EVERGREEN
RIESLING 2016 6
VQA Niagara Peninsula
ONTARIO
TASTING NOTE: When Stratus opened, it was the CREW MERLOT 2016 6
world’s first LEED-certified winemaking facility. The VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Evergreen Riesling is zesty and balanced, with touches TASTING NOTE: For CREW, being a small family-
of honey alongside the apple, peach, lime and mineral owned and -operated winery is a point of considerable
oil. A marvellous stone undertone carries through to pride, and the effort and dedication shine through in
the end of the long, spicy finish. Pair with Dijon-glazed their wines. This Merlot from the near-perfect 2016
ham or a spicy vegan potato curry. (Vintages panel, vintage is ripe and savoury with superb complexity and
March 2018) is loaded with black plums, red and dark berry, cigar
Off-dry & Fruity box, earth and spice. Tight and full with great poise,
750 mL (M) $19.95 2 this will be ideal for hearty lamb stew or game meats
such as bison burgers. (Vintages panel, March 2018)
579888 ÍYÆx$Î
Full-bodied & Smooth
Featured in Bring Local Home 750 mL (XD) $17.95 2
310532 Í?%@DÎ
VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION
Featured in Bring Local Home
ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 6
VQA Niagara Escarpment
TASTING NOTE: St. Urban is one of the most
important Riesling vineyards in Ontario ... produc[ing] HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE
top-notch Riesling each and every year at various PINOT NOIR 2016 6
levels ... its rich vein of limestone ... forms the founda- VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment
tion of the wine’s personality no matter the vintage. TASTING NOTE: Sourced from among HoP’s oldest
The nose shows bright, vibrant lime zest and citrus, and lowest-yielding vines, this is a silky, vibrant
apple skin, summer peach and stony minerality. Just Pinot. Fresh and lifted with crushed berry, raspberry,
wow on the palate, an initial blast of lemon-lime then strawberry and earth tones. A beautifully textured
honey crisp apple and peach, then waves of wet stone wine that will deliver great versatility at the table, it
that is all perfectly balanced by racy acidity that runs has the structure and depth for duck or salmon and
through the core. Delicious now, but worth laying would be superb with an autumn beef stew.
down a few bottles to see how it matures. Score: 92 (Vintages panel, Aug. 2017)
(Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Jan. 4, 2018)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
Off-dry & Fruity 750 mL (XD) $24.95 2
750 mL (M) $19.95 2 268391 Í:s{WÎ
038117 ÍF+È7JÎ Featured in Bring Local Home
Featured in Bring Local Home
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 VINTAGES 37UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
CANADA – RED WINE CONT’D THE FOREIGN AFFAIR
PINOT NOIR 2013 6
ONTARIO VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: 20% of the Pinot for this wine was
LUNDY MANOR PROPRIETOR’S BLEND dried for the final blend, which then spent 20 months
RED 2013 6 in French oak. It’s not like other Niagara Pinot Noirs
VQA Niagara Peninsula and does not pretend to be ... Once you understand
TASTING NOTE: Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet that, you can appreciate this lovely bolder style wine
Franc and Merlot produced using the appassimento with its nose of spicy red fruits, cloves, nutmeg, plums,
method before being aged in neutral oak. This offers bramble and cassis fruit. It cuts deep on the palate
up notes of dried figs, cherry liqueur, tobacco and with complex flavours that run the gamut from dark
baking spices. This will be great with charcuterie, cherry to juicy cassis and plums all backed up by layers
cheese boards or pasta dishes. Or as operations of baking spices, solid structure and ripe tannins.
manager Mark Yuhasz suggests, “Just enjoy a glass Score: 91 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com,
in the afternoon.” (Vintages panel, Dec. 2017) April 13, 2018)
Full-bodied & Smooth Medium-bodied & Fruity
750 mL (XD) $21.95 2 750 mL (XD) $34.95 2
579953 ÍYÇU$Î 127332 Í,i@RÎ
Featured in Bring Local Home Featured in Bring Local Home
WAYNE GRETZKY WHISKY
MASTRONARDI SYRAH 2016 6 OAK AGED RED 2017 6
VQA Lake Erie North Shore VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: LENS (Lake Erie North Shore) has TASTING NOTE: About 25% of this Cabernet
a long growing season that permits the grapes to Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend was
develop ripe, full-flavoured fruit while maintaining the matured in whisky barrels. Ripe and beautifully
balance integral to fine wines. The warm temperatures textured, this is very enjoyable. Red cherry, black-
allow winemakers in LENS a great range of varietals currant and a good mix of lifted dark fruit and sweet
to work with. Syrah, which loves the sun and warmth, spices with smoke and vanilla. This is long and
thrives there. This one is soft and approachable, with luxurious with a velvety texture and moderately drying
complex suggestions of red and black fruit, chocolate, tannins. The whisky barrel ageing is noticeable but
toast, cured meat and black pepper spice. Perfect does not dominate; it’s marvellously integrated.
for burgers or ribs. (Vintages panel, March 2018) (Vintages panel, Aug. 2018)
Medium-bodied & Fruity Medium-bodied & Fruity
750 mL (XD) $24.95 2 750 mL (XD) $19.95 2
581223 ÍZ,7RÎ 617738 Í]mF6Î
Featured in Bring Local Home Featured as our Wine of the Month
and in Bring Local Home
PELEE ISLAND J.S. HAMILTON RED 2017 6
VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2013 6
TASTING NOTE: The folks at Pelee Island Winery VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment
have big hopes for their island and the world at large. TASTING NOTE: This is nice and earthy, a little rough
To save the island’s unique red cedar savannah forest around the edges, and well balanced with fruit. When
from extinction, they bought it. “If our island community you take your first sip of this wine it opens up with a
can [become] North America’s greenest community rich floral note that grabs hold of every part of your
it will spur others to take action around the country ...” mouth and won’t let go. The cherry note soars above
An idea to think over while enjoying the juicy, ripe the earth and violet note and there is a nice acidity to
dark fruit and vibrant food-friendly acidity in this big, round out the package. Pinot like this belongs on the
rich red. (Vintages panel, March 2018) table next to duck or Coq au vin. Score: HHHHK
Medium-bodied & Fruity (André Proulx, andrewinereview.ca, Dec. 15, 2017)
750 mL (XD) $18.95 2 Medium-bodied & Fruity
581181 ÍZ+q0Î 750 mL (XD) $29.95 2
Featured in Bring Local Home 427500 ÍJkÂ{Î
Featured in Bring Local Home
38 VINTAGES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018You can also read
