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SIMPLY
SPAIN
Thumbs up to
DOWN
UNDER
DISCOVER OUR LATEST COLLECTION, IN STORES AND ON LCBO.COM SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
wines
of the
month
All rise for ripe reds
ALTUS RISE WILDLIGHT SHIRAZ 2018
Margaret River, Western Australia
18411 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
TASTING NOTE: The wine offers terrific fruit
purity together with elegant complexity;
the inviting bouquet shows blackberry, dark
plum, vanilla and hazelnut characters with
a touch of pepper spice. It’s concentrated
and fleshy on the palate with a lovely flow,
leading to a lengthy silky finish. Wonderfully
flavoursome and immediately appealing. At
its best: now to 2028. Score: 94 (Sam Kim,
wineorbit.co.nz, Nov. 2020)
Full-bodied & Smooth
Featured in Down Under: Top of Mind
New at Vintages
Late arrival. Product may not be available
at release time.
TOMMASI RAFAÈL VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2018
DOC, Veneto, Italy
23259 (D) 750 mL $19.95 2
TASTING NOTE: A beautiful valpo with
delicious berry, light sandalwood and
chocolate. Flavor throughout. Such balance,
intensity and length and a creamy texture.
A wine you want to drink. Lovely now. Score:
93 (jamessuckling.com, Dec. 8, 2020)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
welcome may 29
pg.2
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SPAIN
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SIMPLY SPAIN Approachable, food-friendly, eminently diverse and good value to boot, Spanish wines bring a lot to the table. With a wine-growing history over 2,700 years long, more area under vine than any other country, and a range of dynamic regions, Spain is one of the wonders of the wine world. From cool, oceanside vineyards in the north to sunny Mediter- ranean vineyards in the south and mountainous highlands and mighty rivers in between, there’s a lot to explore. Here is a stunning collection of red and rosé wines, Sherry and sparkling Cava to get you started. 2 VINTAGES
Harvest time draws quite the crowd.
BEYOND
RIOJA &
Vineyards and a village
in Jumilla.
The heartland of Spain’s wine scene is
Rioja, shaped by and named for the Oja
River in the north of the country and
famed for its long-lived, barrel-aged red
wines. But there’s plenty more to Spain.
Alicante sits within Valencia along
Spain’s southeastern Mediterranean
coast and has a reputation for warm
temperatures and smooth, ripe reds.
South and inland of Valencia is Murcia,
wherein the Jumilla region makes
intensely powerful reds.
4 VINTAGES
LINAJES 12 TEMPRANILLO
CRIANZA 2014
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: Blackberry, leather
and plum aromas are inviting. This
wine is full and lush on the palate,
with grippy tannins. Oaky berry
flavors are accented by spice and
chocolate notes, while the finish
brings pronounced coffee and
mocha flavors. Drink through 2025.
Score: 92 (Michael Schachner,
Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2018)
Full-bodied & Firm
10688 (XD) 750 mL
$19.95 2
VINTAGES 5
Spanning much of the northern plateau is
Castilla y Léon, Spain’s largest wine
region, which covers a fifth of the country
and is traversed by the Duero (or Douro, in
Portugal) River. Here, high elevations and
short, hot summers make conditions
conducive to firm red wines that reward
patience. The region’s most famous
appellation is Ribera del Duero, whose
complex reds boast international acclaim
to rival those of Rioja. Southerly, oceanside
Jerez is best known as the home of
Sherry, while Penedès, situated just
outside Barcelona on the northeastern
Mediterranean coast, is the epicentre for
sparkling Cava.
LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL 2017
DO Alicante
(Bodegas Enrique Mendoza)
TASTING NOTE: ... always represents great
value and showcases the behavior of the grape
in the Mediterranean climate and soil from
Alicante. The grapes from 25-year-old vines
fermented in small stainless steel vats, and
the wine matured in French oak barrels for six
months. There are notes of fresh fruit, rose-
mary and thyme, with clean aromas, open and
expressive. The palate is juicy and round ... This
is a bargain Monastrell. Drink date: 2019-
2022. Score: 92 (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.
com, April 30, 2019)
Full-bodied & Smooth
490011 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2
6 VINTAGES
A sunny day in Ribera del
Duero. BOTTOM: A picturesque
street in Rioja.
GORU GOLD MONASTRELL/
CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH 2017*
DOP Jumilla
(Ego Bodegas)
TASTING NOTE: This red is sleek and solid, in
the modern style. Bright cherry, berry and cur-
rant flavors mingle with licorice, black tea and
mineral notes, giving way to a floral and miner-
ally finish. The firm tannins are well-integrated
and juicy acidity keeps this lively. Mourvèdre,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now
through 2029. Score: 93 (Thomas
Matthews, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2020)
Full-bodied & Smooth
13621 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2
ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA
GRANJA 2015*
Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
TASTING NOTE: [100% Tempranillo.] Extreme-
ly perfumed with blue-fruit, bark and black-tea
character. Medium to full body and firm, chewy
tannins. Needs time to soften, but there’s a bal-
anced nature to this. Drink after 2021. Score:
93 (jamessuckling.com, Nov. 2, 2020)
Full-bodied & Firm
192476 (XD) 750 mL $21.95 2
CONDADO DE HAZA CRIANZA 2016*
DO Ribera del Duero
(Alejandro Fernández)
TASTING NOTE: Lovely aromas of crushed
berries, cola and chocolate follow through to a
medium body, integrated and refined tannins
and a flavorful finish. Complex and beautiful.
Consistently outstanding red. Drink now.
Score: 93 (jamessuckling.com, Oct. 12, 2020)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
963348 (XD) 750 mL $27.95 2
*Late arrival. Product may not be
available at release time.
GRAPES
GREAT
A medieval bridge in Rioja.
Spain’s signature red wine grape is
Tempranillo, known as much for its
structure, longevity and fondness for oak
as its aromas and flavours of red cherry,
fig, tobacco, evergreen and herbs. This
variety is found in regions all over Spain
(sometimes under local names) and is
commonly the backbone of the country’s
finest red blends. Garnacha (a.k.a.
Grenache) contributes big, smooth
textures and jammy strawberry and plum
fruit; Graciano contributes inky colour
and intense, floral-fruity perfume; Mazuelo
(a.k.a. Carignan) provides moderate
tannins and tangy red cranberry, raspberry
and meaty notes; and Monastrell (a.k.a.
Mourvèdre or Mataro) brings impressive
structure, bold dark fruit and smoky,
spicy character.
8 VINTAGESCUNE RESERVA 2015*
Rioja Alta, DOCa Rioja
(Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)
TASTING NOTE: A very fresh and clean wine
with plums, dark berries and hints of cedar.
Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a
bright finish. Excellent now, but better in 2020.
Score: 93 (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 2, 2018)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
417659 (XD) 750 mL $21.95 2
Featured in Hand-Picked Gifts
URBINA RESERVA 1998*
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: Fans of the Urbina style will
be delighted to hear that there’s still lots of this
remarkable old wine on the market, reflecting
the bodega’s policy of releasing its wines late.
Complex, leafy and refined, it has sweet forest
floor and tobacco pouch aromas, fine tannins
and succulent fruit. Drink date: 2020-2028.
Score: 94 (Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com, Rioja
Special Report 2020)
Full-bodied & Smooth The Picos de Europa
make an epic backdrop
10723 (XD) 750 mL $42.95 2 for this toast.
HEREDAD DE BAROJA
GRAN RESERVA 2009
DOCa Rioja
Made from Tempranillo grown at one of the
highest points in Rioja Alavesa, this wine was
matured 24 months in French oak and an
additional 24 months in American oak. Expect
a complex, toasty, spicy wine showing a com-
bination of fresh and dried berry fruit, cedar
and herbs as the wine continues to evolve.
Medium-bodied & Fruity
276113 (XD) 750 mL $34.95 2
*Late arrival. Product may not be
available at release time.
VINTAGES 9The barrica (225 L oak cask) which is now
used throughout Spain was introduced
from Bordeaux and winemaking was
refined along the Bordelais lines.”
Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th ed.
jancisrobinson.com
10 VINTAGESShop this release on
LCBO.COM
Shop from the comfort of home
and avoid store lineups. We offer
three convenient delivery options:
1/ Home Delivery. Order from our
full product selection. Pay a flat
fee and get products at your
doorstep in 3-5 days.
2/ Same-Day Pickup. Shop
the inventory of 190+ LCBO
stores. See page 64 for details.
3/ Store Delivery. Order from
our full product selection
and pick up at the LCBO
store of your choice (delivery
takes up to 2 weeks).
ONDARRE RESERVA 2016*
DOCa Rioja
A field blend of roughly 90% Tempranillo and
10% Mazuelo, this wine was fermented in
concrete and aged in oak barrels (three-quarters
American, one-quarter French) for 20 months.
Expect a core of red fruit with smoky, spicy
shading, and drink through 2030.
Medium-bodied & Fruity
723452 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
4 Organic & biodynamic product
TUERCE BOTAS 2016*
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: 100% Garnacha. Very
expressive aromas of vibrant crunchy red
fruits, framed by a perfumed oriental and
sweet spices character. It has a lot of depth
and a nice core of fruit. Score: 95 (Decanter
World Wine Awards, 2019)
Full-bodied & Smooth
18594 (XD) 750 mL $24.95 2
New at Vintages
Old tech (barricas)
meets new (tablet) in
this Spanish cellar.
*Late arrival. Product may not be
available at release time.WATCH
STYLE
The solera is Spain’s
famous system for
ageing Sherry.
Unique to Spain, Sherry is one of the
world’s most beloved wines. A fortified
wine from the area around the city of
Jerez de la Frontera near the Atlantic
coast, Sherry is made in a variety of styles
and involves fortifying the wine with spirit
alcohol. Fino is a light, elegant Sherry
typically made from the Palomino grape
variety and is ideal for sipping chilled
during spring and summer weather.
Spain’s famous sparkling wine, Cava,
is crafted using the same method as
Champagne and typically features
indigenous grape varieties, particularly
Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello. It, too,
is traditionally served nicely chilled on
its own or with food.
12 VINTAGESHOLA! ORGANIC BRUT
CAVA 2018
Traditional method, DO, Spain
Certified organic, this bubbly is
a blend of Xarello, Macabeo and
Parellada all grown at 500-800
metres above sea level and
harvested at night to retain peak
freshness and character. It spent
18 months maturing on the lees.
Expect a vivacious glassful of crisp
orchard fruit, citrus and melon,
with earthy accents.
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
545848 (XD) 750 mL
$17.95 2
4 Organic product
VALDESPINO INOCENTE SINGLE
VINEYARD FINO DRY SHERRY
DO, Spain
TASTING NOTE: Valdespino is the largest
landowner in Jerez with some 800ha, divided
in 18 vineyards. Their excellent Innocente
is spontaneously fermented in cask, the
last Sherry Bodega to do so, and brandy of
palomino is used for fortification – also unique.
Wines in the final blend run an average of 10
years old, 100% from Macharnudo vineyard,
indeed from the highest elevation section of
this excellent cru, with 40+ year old vines. The
nose is still exceptionally fresh considering
the average age, beautifully refined, sophis-
ticated and elegant, a grand cru wine for an
exceptional price. You’d be hard pressed to
find more complexity for less money anywhere
in the world of wine. Length and depth are truly
exceptional. A unique style. Score: 95 (John
Szabo, MS, winealign.com, April 16, 2019)
Dry
378919 (XD) 750 mL $30.95 2
VINTAGES 13FABULOUS
FOOD
Red Wines Fino Sherry
Try Spanish reds with albondigas Fino is fine with pimientos de padrón
(meatballs in tomato sauce), chicken or (fried green peppers sprinkled with
rabbit paella, cured or smoked ham, salt), calamari, poached fish, shellfish,
aged cheeses, grilled sausages, steaks, seafood paella, seafood pasta, creamy
hamburgers, mushroom burgers, cheeses, green salads, green olives
grilled eggplant and tomato. and raw almonds.
Looking for dinner
pairings for your
Spanish wine? Find
over 6,000 recipes
at lcbo.com/
foodanddrink.
Cava Rosé
Serve Spanish sparklers with croquetas Pair Spanish rosés with bacalao con
(béchamel croquettes), crab cakes, tomate (cod in tomato sauce), paprika
lobster rolls, fish and chips, fish fish, chicken or seafood paella, seafood
or veggie tempura, potato or parsnip pasta, cured ham, mild cheeses, grilled
chips, mild cheeses, raw veggies. sausages, pork or chicken burgers,
summer salads, raw veggies.
14 VINTAGESMUGA PRADO ENEA GRAN RESERVA 2011* DOCa Rioja TASTING NOTE: The most structured Prado Enea ever. A reduced center palate that is so compact with dark fruit, dark mushrooms and cedary spice. Full body. Wonderfully polished tannins and a long, long finish. Electric acidity. Muscular and well toned. This is a new classic that reminds me of great Spanish wines from the 1940s and 1950s. Better after 2021, but already so impressive. Score: 99 (jamessuckling.com, Sept. 22, 2020) Full-bodied & Firm 743310 (XD) 750 mL $65.95 2 URBINA GRAN RESERVA 2004* DOCa Rioja TASTING NOTE: The Gran Reserva bottling comes from slightly better vineyards, ac- cording to Ángel Urbina, and has a little more power than some of the bodega’s wines. Ev- erything is relative, however, as this is a still an elegant, graceful, savoury wine with haunting balsamic sweetness. Drink date: 2020-2025. Score: 95 (Tim Atkin, MW, timatkin.com, Rioja Special Report 2020) Medium-bodied & Fruity 355743 (XD) 750 mL $55.95 2 BERONIA TEMPRANILLO ROSÉ 2020* DOCa Rioja Presented as a pink wine, Tempranillo show- cases vivacious aromas and flavours of tangy red cherry and freshly picked herbs, with just a gentle tug of tannins on the palate. A brilliant food wine, this will pair beautifully with every- thing from seafood to sausages to summer salads. Medium-bodied & Dry 323519 (XD) 750 mL $13.95 1 *Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time.
DOWN UNDER: TOP OF MIND
As outdoor sipping and
supping season ramps
up, think Australia for a
diverse and versatile
range of go-to red and
white wines.
Warmer weather brings an uptake in alfresco
dining and (yum) barbecuing. You’ll need
wines with the oomph to stand up to your
meatier grilled creations but also options
that will bring an easy elegance to your
summery relaxation. Australia has big,
powerful reds and full-bodied Chardonnays,
but there are also sophisticated, elegant
offerings, many from grapes and places you
might not expect. Here’s a snapshot of
some old (and soon to be) favourites to
The fog-kissed hills of
Australia’s cool-climate help kick-start summer.
Orange wine region.
VINTAGES 17BIG & Historically, Australian Chardonnay was characterized
by a heavily oaked style. Today, alongside the successful
BOLD
emergence of unoaked expressions, producers are
striking an elegant middle ground. While still delivering
their classic richness and complex, bold ripe fruit, vanilla
and buttery oak, modern oaked Aussie Chards have a
crisp, fresh character, with melon, citrus and tropical
fruit. Variations in climate and soil fashion distinctive
regional takes on Cabernet Sauvignon’s famous dark
fruit, structure and ageability. Those from Langhorne
Creek reflect a supple disposition, while the Clare Valley
conveys Cabernet’s big and powerful side.
Bush vines near
Perth in Western
Australia.OMRAH CROSSING BLEASDALE MULBERRY TREE WAKEFIELD ESTATE
CHARDONNAY 2019* CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018* CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018*
Great Southern, Western Australia Langhorne Creek, South Australia Clare Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: This is a delightfully friendly TASTING NOTE: It’s attractively fruited and TASTING NOTE: Deep purple color. Fresh
offering showing apricot, rockmelon, fig, beautifully lifted on the nose showing dark aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum,
vanilla and roasted cashew characters on the plum, sweet cherry, thyme and toasted nut spearmint, chocolate silk pie, new leather,
nose. The palate displays elegance as well as characters with a hint of fragrant spices. The olives, and licorice with a satiny, vibrant, fruity
generous mouthfeel with bright fruit flavours palate displays succulent fruit flavours and medium-to-full body and an even, interesting,
and fine texture, finishing long and satisfying. plump mouthfeel, well supported by fine medium-length finish. A palate-pleasing, juicy
At its best: now to 2023. Score: 92 (Sam Kim, tannins, finishing long and splendidly Cabernet overflowing with fruit and herbaceous
wineorbit.co.nz, Jan. 2020) appealing. At its best: now to 2028. Score: style. Exceptional. Best Buy. Ranked as the
Full-bodied & Rich 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Sept. 2020) 2019 World Value Wine Challenge Top 10 Red
Full-bodied & Firm Wine $20 and Under. Score: 91 (tastings.com,
17644 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
Sept. 11, 2019)
New at Vintages 661892 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
Full-bodied & Smooth
744235 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
*Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time.
VINTAGES 19A vineyard in
Margaret River.
DUTSCHKE ST. JAKOBI ALTUS RISE WILDLIGHT SHIRAZ 2018* CORIOLE DANCING FIG 2018*
SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2016* Margaret River, Western Australia Estate grown, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Lyndoch, Barossa Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: The wine offers terrific fruit TASTING NOTE: Apart from the estate vine-
TASTING NOTE: From a shiraz block planted purity together with elegant complexity; the yards from the south to the north of McLaren
at Lyndoch in ’75. Matured in both French and inviting bouquet shows blackberry, dark plum, Vale, Coriole also has a number of different
American oak, 25% new. Silky smooth and vanilla and hazelnut characters with a touch species of fig trees that are carefully tended,
rich with sweet fruit flavour. Raspberry and of pepper spice. It’s concentrated and fleshy the figs sold. The autosuggestion is too strong
blackberry jam, caramel, coal and earth. Hefty on the palate with a lovely flow, leading to a to ignore, and the bouquet of this mourvedre/
but remarkably fresh and energetic. It takes lengthy silky finish. Wonderfully flavoursome grenache/shiraz blend has a ripe fig overtone.
tannin and alcohol in its stride. Finishes with and immediately appealing. At its best: now to The palate keeps its focus where it should,
a creamy burst of flavour, oak pulling slightly 2028. Score: 94 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, with a suite of sultry earthy notes ex the
ahead in the race. It’s the Barossa writ large. Nov. 2020) mourvedre, lightened and brightened by the
Drink by: 2034. Score: 94 (Campbell Mattinson, Full-bodied & Smooth other varieties. Drink by: 2030. Special Value.
winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2018) Score: 94 (James Halliday, winecompanion.
18411 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2
Full-bodied & Smooth com.au, Aug. 1, 2020)
Featured as our Wine of the Month
746016 (XD) 750 mL $34.95 2 New at Vintages Full-bodied & Smooth
18337 (XD) 750 mL $21.95 2
New at Vintages
*Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time.THOMAS GOSS SHIRAZ 2018*
McLaren Vale, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: It’s beautifully fruited and im-
mediately appealing on the nose showing dark
plum, blackberry, violet, toasted nut and subtle
spice aromas, leading to a wonderfully flavour-
some palate that’s plump and flavoursome.
It’s up front and delectable with a lengthy silky
finish. At its best: now to 2026. Score: 93 (Sam
Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, April 2020)
Full-bodied & Smooth
927723 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 2
Enjoying a glass of wine
beneath the stars.
Australian Shiraz is a varied and wonderful thing. The most famous examples
come from the Barossa Valley, home to many of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world.
The earthy, spicy roasted fruit of Barossa Shiraz is a flagship Aussie expression.
McLaren Vale Shiraz is intensely flavoured, with notable black fruit and elegant
tannins. Margaret River produces floral, perfumed, fruity Shiraz, with hints of mulberry
and plum alongside the varietal’s characteristic pepper spice. The famous Rhône
blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre (Mataro in Australia) takes on a
particularly forceful, complex character here, where Shiraz is often the lead grape.
These wines have generous red and dark fruit, earth, herbs and spice.
VINTAGES 21From field to barrel
to glass, all under the
watchful eye of the
winemaker.
BRANCHING GSM isn’t the only Rhône style making its mark
in Australia. Though not as well-established as
OUT
their red counterparts, white blends featuring
Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne (and
others) will be some of the most compelling,
complex, luscious, food-friendly white wines
you’ll ever encounter. Cool-climate regions like
Tasmania, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills are
producing fragrant, sophisticated Pinot Noir,
offering impressive alternatives to Australia’s
celebrated big, bold, broad-shouldered reds.
Many producers are also exploring varietals such
as Tempranillo and Sangiovese. Made primarily in
small batches for local consumption, these wines
hint at an exciting future for fans of Australian wine.
22 VINTAGESWAKEFIELD PINOT NOIR 2018* Adelaide Hills, South Australia Wakefield (Taylors in Australia) is a member of the Australia’s First Families of Wine. This Pinot is sourced from sites throughout the Adelaide Hills, including the districts of Gu- meracha, Birdwood, Woodside, Oakbank and Balhannah, and offers redcurrant, strawberry, black fruit and spice. [China Wine & Spirits Awards did not include a tasting note. The CWSA awarded this Pinot Noir of the Year honours.] Score: Double Gold (China Wine & Spirits Awards, 2020) Medium-bodied & Fruity 197392 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2 TURKEY FLAT BAROSSA VALLEY WHITE 2017* Barossa Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Marsanne, viognier and roussanne, whole-bunch pressed with extended skin contact and partial new oak maturation. Bright straw-green, it has a perfumed bouquet with viognier the most likely contributor, then a palate with drive and length (possibly ex marsanne). Drink by: 2023. Score: 91 (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019) Aromatic & Flavourful 17646 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2 New at Vintages *Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time.
Shop this release on
LCBO.COM
Shop from the comfort of home
and avoid store lineups. We offer
three convenient delivery options:
1/ Home Delivery. Order from our
full product selection. Pay a flat
fee and get products at your
doorstep in 3-5 days.
2/ Same-Day Pickup. Shop
the inventory of 190+ LCBO
stores. See page 64 for details.
3/ Store Delivery. Order from
our full product selection
and pick up at the LCBO
store of your choice (delivery
takes up to 2 weeks).
Merlot is grown in nearly every region
here and is most often found in blends, Bursting with
usually with Cabernet or Shiraz. In the potential: vines in
the Adelaide Hills.
Barossa, Merlot delivers generous plum
and cassis notes, while examples from
the famous cool-climate vineyards in
Coonawarra have a sweet edge to the
berry flavours. Though plantings are still
fairly small, producers such as Coriole
(page 25) have proven the viability of
Australian versions of Italian varietals,
and plantings of Tempranillo and others
are on the rise.
DUTSCHKE 80 BLOCK ST. JAKOBI
VINEYARD MERLOT 2016*
Lyndoch, Barossa Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Capturing the fragrant
perfume, juicy berry fruit core and vibrant
acid line of varietal Merlot in the context of the
generosity and depth that define the Barossa
is no simple task. Wayne Dutschke has done it
again, and conjured one of the best and more
affordable Merlots in the region. I don’t often
drink Aussie Merlot flying solo (the Merlot
flying solo, that is, not me!), but I like this wine a
lot. Score: 92 (Tyson Stelzer, barossamag.com,
undated)
Full-bodied & Smooth
393744 (XD) 750 mL $22.95 2
*Late arrival. Product may not
be available at release time.PUSHING
THE ENVELOPE
Meet three Aussie producers with a penchant
for progress and no qualms about straying
from the beaten path.
Chris Credaro, co-founder.
Altus Rise Omrah Coriole
Margaret River Great Southern McLaren Vale
Situated in the rugged Yallingup district Named for a passenger ship that ran Founded in 1967, Coriole is a
of Margaret River in Western Australia, from the UK to Great Southern in the testament to both the history and
the vineyards of Altus Rise are some of early 1900s, Omrah encapsulates the diversity of Australian wine. They control
the closest plantings to the ocean, sense of adventure that inspired those 25 vineyards, including Shiraz plantings
anywhere. This proximity to the moder- who made that long, challenging trek. dating to 1919. In addition to Cabernet,
ating influence of the Indian Ocean Along with their expressive, innovative Grenache and Mourvèdre, they’ve been
imparts notable freshness, lift and takes on many Australian favourites, working with Italian varieties such as
aromatic power to their wines. they also produce a Tempranillo wine. Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola, Barbera,
Montepulciano, Chenin and Fiano
since 1985.
VINTAGES 25DINNER BELL Australian wines are perfect for barbecue season (an assertion exemplified by the freshness, depth of flavour and versatility of the sparkling rosé below), whether you’re making steak, mushroom burgers, ribs, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or veggie skewers. While you’re looking for fun, tasty ways to test just how adaptable these wines really are, check out “Fire it Up!” in the Early Summer edition of Food & Drink magazine for some grilling tips and hacks (visit lcbo.com/foodanddrink). BLUE PYRENEES DRY SPARKLING ROSÉ Traditional method, Victoria TASTING NOTE: It has a pale salmon colour with fine, creamy bubbles and opens up with concentrated wild strawberry aromas under which there is plenty of savoury, brioche complexity – much more than you’d expect for a wine at this price. The palate is then bright and youthful, with crisp acidity and some attractive textural richness, which in particular drives its potential for food matching. The wine finishes with power, complexity and a long finish, again with those savoury yeasty brioche elements adding plenty of interest. Drink date: 2020-2024. Score: 93 (Angus Hughson, winepilot.com, undated) Medium-bodied & Flavourful 18305 (XD) 750 mL $22.95 2 New at Vintages 26 VINTAGES
A gum tree surrounded
by vines wearing their
autumn colours.
Australia produces as wide a range of
high-quality wines as any country in the
world, from almost all imaginable varieties
and in all styles, while quality has never
been higher than it is today. Consumers
who view these wines as all red, all big,
all the time are missing out.”
Josh Raynolds
vinous.com, October 5, 2017WHAT’S ON A snapshot of exciting
events, great wines to try,
new collections, special
offers and more.
ES S E N T I A L S C O L L EC T I O N
Father’s Day Finds
Show Dad you think he’s the best by giving him the best,
in the form of a little luxury from our Essentials Collection.
These four products are popular picks, but if
Dad’s tastes run in a different direction, there
are dozens of other gift-worthy favourites in
this always-available collection.
DOM PÉRIGNON BRUT TAYLOR FLADGATE
VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY
With gift box, PORT
AC, Champagne, France DOP, Portugal
280461 (XD) 750 mL 149047 (S) 750 mL
$267.95 $69.95
Rich & Complex Sweet
CAKEBREAD CELLARS HENRY OF PELHAM
CABERNET SAUVIGNON RIESLING ICEWINE 6
Napa Valley, California VQA Niagara Peninsula,
710426 (XD) 750 mL Ontario
$124.95 430561 (S) 375 mL
Full-bodied & Firm $49.95
Lusciously Sweet
Visit lcbo.com/vintages-essentials
to shop now.
Shopping 1. HOME DELIVERY
Order from our full product
2. SAME-DAY PICKUP
Order from the inventory of
3. STORE DELIVERY
Order from our full product
on lcbo.com? selection. Pay a flat fee and
get products at your door-
one of 190+ Same-Day Pick-
up stores at least 3 hours
selection and have your
products delivered to the
We have three convenient step in 3-5 days. before closing and pick up store of your choice in
ways to get your products. your products that day. 5-14 days.
28 VINTAGESV I RT UA L EV E N T S
JOIN US FOR A
VIRTUAL
EVENT
Whether you’re looking to expand your wine and whisky know-how or become a pro at pairing beer or mixing
cocktails, we’ve got you covered with our fun and informative virtual events. Hosted by LCBO experts and industry
personalities, these are casual, informative sessions with something for everyone from newbies to connoisseurs.
Taste along or just sit back and learn! Visit lcbo.com/events to see what’s coming up.
O N L I N E C O L L EC T I O N S
June Classics Preview
NEED SOMETHING TO PUTTER AROUND WITH ON A RAINY SPRING EVENING?
Flip or scroll through our latest Classics Collection, which is teed up and ready to order
starting on June 3rd. Of note in this collection of aces: • An extraordinary six-bottle
collection from Pontet-Canet that heads up an embarrassment of riches from France.
• Highly rated Barolo and large-format bottles from Antinori. • Local heroes such as an
impressively complex Chardonnay from Cloudsley Cellars and sustainable sultriness
from Moon Curser. • A star-studded Aussie lineup including Standish’s Shiraz, which flirts
with perfection. • Massive scores and modest prices from big names in South African
wine. • Single-vineyard stunners from Mendoza’s Uco Valley. • Valley-grown Chilean red
blends with stratosphere-soaring scores. • The latest masterpiece from Dominus and
a wealth of other treasures from Cali, Oregon and Washington. • A rare aged white Port
from the oldest wine house in Porto.
Ordering starts June 3. Visit lcbo.com/vintages-classics to order.
VINTAGES 29More Ontario to Love Introducing an exciting new collection of special limited- release Ontario wines. Discover the styles Ontario does best, explore the offerings of top local winemakers and take advantage of great values in our special Ontario wine boutiques in select stores. We’re excited to introduce this special limited-availability collection of new, small-lot and unique wines from some of our favourite producers – and yours. Check them out in the LCBO Ontario wines section.
DEALS TO DISCOVER
Di Profio is a charmingly quirky boutique
winery in Jordan Station. They make their
wines primarily from fruit grown on their
own Mia Cara vineyard and this one’s an DI PROFIO ESTATE
unorthodox blend of Chardonnay, Muscat, KITCHEN ZINC 2018 6
VQA Ontario
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Vidal. Its
tropical fruit and melon notes are a perfect Aromatic & Flavourful
way to ease into summer and the price is 17629 (D)
easy on the wallet. 750 mL $17.00 1
Look for these
STANDOUT top-quality wines
SELECTIONS in Our Wine
Founded in 2010 by the Icel family, Icellars Country boutiques
is another of Ontario’s boutique wineries in 20 select stores,
to watch. In fact, you can watch assistant ICELLARS RESERVE
RED 2017 6 in the Vintages
winemaker Robbie Day and colleague Taylor
Toth, both graduates of the winemaking
Icel Vineyard,
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
section of select
program at Niagara College, as they taste
Full-bodied & Firm Toronto- and
and describe this darkly fruity, estate-grown
19742 (XD) Ottawa-area stores
Cab-and-Merlot blend at icellars.ca/wines.
750 mL $29.95 3 or order online
at lcbo.com.
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
There’s more than one way to make rosé.
One approach is to blend white and red wines
together, creating a pink wine that’s wonder-
fully intricate and dynamic. That’s just what MARYNISSEN ESTATES
Marynissen does with this blend of Riesling, ROSÉ 2020 6
Chardonnay, Muscat, Merlot and Pinot Noir. VQA Niagara Peninsula
What results is a food-friendly rosé bursting Easygoing & Fruity
with raspberry, cherry and watermelon. 16454 (D)
750 mL $16.95 1
WINERY FOCUS
One of Niagara’s founding-family wineries,
Reif Estate has been making wines on their REIF CHENIN BLANC REIF RESERVE
125-acre family farm in Niagara River since 2018 6 GEWÜRZTRAMINER
1982. The Reif family has always had a Sustainable, 2017 6
pioneering spirit, which is why they’ve found VQA Niagara River, Sustainable, VQA Niagara
great success with such relatively rare Niagara-on-the-Lake River, Niagara-on-the-Lake
white wine varieties as Chenin Blanc and Light & Crisp Aromatic & Flavourful
Gewürztraminer in addition to Kerner, 172411 (XD) 360255 (XD)
Semillon and more. 750 mL $19.95 2 750 mL $19.95 2
VINTAGES 31LOCAL
FIND
An insider’s
guide to great
Ontario wines. I love it
because...
This Cabernet Franc bubbly rosé
1. has a pinch of late-harvest Cabernet
Sauvignon, which adds a lovely kiss
of sweetness.
2.
Its fragrant aromas of tropical fruit,
Laura Ruffolo
Ontario Wine Buyer peach and berry make it a perfect
accompaniment to all things summer.
3. This will be my weekend
Sparkling
pre-dinner aperitif.
expression
Nomad wines have blank labels
so that you can adorn each
bottle with your own personal
artwork. This free-spirited un-
orthodoxy is a fun match for this
fruity, aromatic pink bubbly.
Get out your paints and ink and
spend some time in the backyard
making a mini masterpiece until
the fireflies come out.
NOMAD SPARKLING
FIREFLY 2019 6
Charmat method,
VQA Ontario
(Hinterbrook)
20377 (M)
750 mL $17.95 2
Medium-bodied &
Flavourful
For complete tasting
note and to order online,
see page 34.UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
FORTIFIED WINE
product notes
W. & J. GRAHAM’S THE TAWNY MATURE
RESERVE TAWNY PORT
DOP, Portugal
WANT TO SHOP CANADIAN? (Symington Family Estates)
Look for this icon to support products that are TASTING NOTE: Graham’s ages this Tawny for
6
made in Canada.
7-9 years in seasoned oak casks. The result is a
complex, floral wine that is fresh yet evolved and
features notes of dried plum, raisin, spice and
DRINKABILITY INDEX mineral. Gorgeous integration, acidity and length.
This index is intended as a guideline and reflects the Chill it a little and serve as an aperitif or with a
collective view of our purchasing panel. range of canapés. (Vintages panel, Aug. 2018)
DRINK NOW: Enjoy tonight. There is no benefit Sweet
1
to cellaring. 750 mL (S) $24.95 1
DRINK OR HOLD: Can be enjoyed now, but may be 644906 Í`Q&oÎ
2
matured further by cellaring.
HOLD: This wine may be enjoyed now, but it will
3
develop favourably under ideal cellaring conditions.
VALDESPINO INOCENTE SINGLE
VINEYARD FINO DRY SHERRY
DO, Spain
SUGAR CONTENT TASTING NOTE: ... Wines in the final blend run an
Residual sugar content (e.g., 5 g/L) is displayed on shelf signs average of 10 years old, 100% from Macharnudo
and online (visit lcbo.com and search the product number). vineyard, indeed from the highest elevation section
Perceived sweetness – ranging from Extra Dry to Sweet or XD, of this excellent cru, with 40+ year old vines. The nose
D, M, MS, S – is printed in this catalogue, on shelf signs and is still exceptionally fresh considering the average
online. Please discuss specifics with a Product Consultant. age, beautifully refined, sophisticated and elegant, a
grand cru wine for an exceptional price. You’d be hard
pressed to find more complexity for less money any-
WINE STYLES where in the world of wine. Length and depth are truly
Every wine in this section includes a style (e.g. Full-bodied & exceptional. A unique style. Score: 95 (John Szabo,
Smooth, Aromatic & Flavourful) designed to help you quickly MS, winealign.com, April 16, 2019)
and easily choose products. Visit lcbo.com/winestyles.
Dry
ORGANIC PRODUCTS
750 mL (XD) $30.95 2
Wines designated as organic 4 contain 30 mg/L or less of free 378919 ÍEy3dÎ
sulphur for dry wines (99 g/L sugar).
CHAMPAGNE
ALCOHOL CONTENT
The alcohol/volume content for any product released by NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BLANC DE
Vintages is available online. Visit lcbo.com/vintages and enter NOIRS GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
the product number into the search field. 2010*
AC, France
Products in this catalogue are available in stores and online This rich, complex grand cru bubbly is made from
in limited quantities. Pinot Noir and delivers enough blueberry, black-
berry and brioche character to make you think
All reviews, scores, prices and content in this catalogue are you’ve stepped into a pastry shop. Savour it now
accurate and current at time of printing. Prices are subject through 2030.
to change without notice. For up-to-date prices, visit
[Mundus Vini did not include a tasting note.]
lcbo.com/vintages. All prices include applicable container
Score: Gold (Mundus Vini, Spring 2020)
deposit and HST. Vintages cannot assume responsibility
for typographical errors in this catalogue. Rich & Complex
750 mL (XD) $84.95 2
18130 Í2-È0ÉÎ
*Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021 VINTAGES 33UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
SPARKLING WINE ALBERTO NANI VEGAN ORGANIC
EXTRA DRY PROSECCO
NOMAD SPARKLING Vegan, DOC, Italy
TASTING NOTE: Yellow straw color. Tropical,
FIREFLY 2019 6
toasty aromas of exotic tropical fruit salad, almond
Charmat method, VQA Ontario
caramel cake, and spiced apple with a supple,
(Hinterbrook)
vibrant, effervescent, off-dry medium body and a
TASTING NOTE: Produced from 90% Cabernet
smooth, delightful, long banana custard, kiwi and
Franc with 10% late-harvest Cabernet Sauvignon,
melon, and wet limestone finish. A rich, exotically
this Charmat-method rosé offers great value. It’s
fruity Prosecco that will stand up to rich foods.
fruity, with notable berry, peach and tropical notes.
Exceptional. Best Buy. 2019 World Value Wine
The aromatics hint at an Icewine dosage, no doubt
Challenge Top 5 Sparkling Wine $20 and Under.
from the late-harvest grapes, which also add a dash
Score: 92 (tastings.com, Aug. 30, 2019)
of sweetness. A tasty, refreshing summer sipper
that would make a great aperitif. (Vintages panel, Light & Fruity
Nov. 2020) 750 mL (D) $17.95 1
Medium-bodied & Flavourful 632224 Í_68nÎ
750 mL (M) $17.95 2
4 Organic product
20377 Í4EÈ7lÎ
Featured in Local Find
HOLA! ORGANIC BRUT CAVA 2018
BLUE PYRENEES Traditional method, DO, Spain
DRY SPARKLING ROSÉ Certified organic, this bubbly is a blend of Xarello,
Traditional method, Victoria Macabeo and Parellada all grown at 500-800
TASTING NOTE: ... concentrated wild strawberry metres above sea level and harvested at night to
aromas under which there is plenty of savoury, retain peak freshness and character. It spent
brioche complexity – much more than you’d expect 18 months maturing on the lees. Expect a vivacious
for a wine at this price. The palate is then bright glassful of crisp orchard fruit, citrus and melon,
and youthful, with crisp acidity and some attractive with earthy accents.
textural richness, which in particular drives its
potential for food matching. The wine finishes with Medium-bodied & Flavourful
power, complexity and a long finish, again with 750 mL (XD) $17.95 2
those savoury yeasty brioche elements adding
plenty of interest. Drink date: 2020-2024. Score: 93
545848 ÍVZP’Î
(Angus Hughson, winepilot.com, undated) Featured in Simply Spain
4 Organic product
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
750 mL (XD) $22.95 2
18305 Í2>È5TÎ
Featured in Down Under: Top of Mind
CANADA – WHITE WINE
LUC BELAIRE LUXE
SPARKLING ROSÉ ONTARIO
France
A classic blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault
CASA DEA RIESLING 2018 6
with an oak-aged Syrah dosage, this wine features
VQA Prince Edward County
Riesling is one of Ontario’s true shining stars.
lifted raspberry and strawberry tones framed by
This terroir-driven, expressive example from PEC’s
a refined touch of oak spice. Fresh, but quite rich
limestone soils offers delicate floral tones, impres-
and creamy, it’s a balanced, lively bubbly with the
sive fruit, zesty acidity and great value. Enjoy it with
versatility for duck breast, grilled lamb or
spicy grilled shrimp.
herb-crusted cod fillets.
Aromatic & Flavourful
Medium-bodied & Flavourful
750 mL (XD) $39.95 1
750 mL (XD) $18.95 2
19037 Í3#È7’Î 19915 Í3{È5hÎ
34 VINTAGES SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
CAVE SPRING ESTATE BRITISH COLUMBIA
CHARDONNAY 2018 6
Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, ST. HUBERTUS PINOT BLANC 2016 6
Niagara Escarpment BC VQA Okanagan Valley
TASTING NOTE: This presents with a rich nose of TASTING NOTE: As [this] wine shows, this variety
orchard fruit, anise and vanilla notes opening the delivers lots of fruit, with aromas and flavours of
door to a medium-full bodied wash of delicious apples. The finish is crisp. Score: 90 (johnschreiner.
ripe pear and peach flavours lifted with tangy and blogspot.com, March 9, 2017)
slightly pithy citrus. It is perfectly balanced with
Light & Crisp
an enjoyable warm and lasting dry finish, replaying
anise and vanilla notes. Pour alongside prawn
750 mL (D) $16.95 1
risotto. Score: 91 (Louise Boutin, winecurrent.com, 648899 Í`xÇ8Î
Nov. 22, 2020)
Full-bodied & Rich
750 mL (XD) $19.95 2
256552 Í9aT$Î
CANADA – RED WINE
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE
RIESLING 2017 6
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment ONTARIO
TASTING NOTE: Another fine and tightly wound,
WILDASS MERLOT 2019 6
classic Bench riesling from Hidden Bench, zesty,
Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula
firm, tight and succulent. I love the lime flavours and
(Stratus Vineyards)
the tart acids, and especially the obvious density and
From one of Ontario’s brightest and most celebrated
weight on the palate at just 10.5% alcohol declared.
lights, this is, as always, a deftly crafted, inviting wine.
A natural and authentic expression. Score: 91 (John
It’s ripe, long and eminently satisfying, featuring
Szabo, MS, winealign.com, May 22, 2020)
black fruit, plum, spice and a lifted floral note. Enjoy
Aromatic & Flavourful with beef-and-veggie kebabs.
750 mL (D) $24.95 2 Medium-bodied & Fruity
183491 Í2B{TÎ 750 mL (D) $19.95 2
4 Organic product 376822 ÍEd6CÎ
BRITISH COLUMBIA
BURROWING OWL SYRAH 2018 6
WILDASS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 6 BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Sustainable, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (Wyse Family Wines)
(Stratus Vineyards) TASTING NOTE: Here is a big, brooding, deep and
From Stratus’s wild side comes a lusciously tannic syrah that needs more time. Impressive heft,
textured Sauvignon Blanc that delivers generous depth and structure but is quite blunt and tannic
floral, citrus, pear and mineral tones. Soft and for now. The nose shows very ripe black cherry,
round with a long finish. Pair with pan-fried trout black olive, vanillin, pepper, soft wood and some
on a bed of greens. earthiness. There is excellent concentration and
length. Best 2023 to 2030. Score: 92 (David
Aromatic & Flavourful Lawrason, winealign.com, Nov. 23, 2020)
750 mL (D) $16.95 1
Full-bodied & Smooth
376814 ÍEd.+Î 750 mL (XD) $43.95 3
73072 Íi’È2QÎ
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021 VINTAGES 35UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
CANADA – ROSÉ WINE USA – WHITE WINE
ONTARIO CALIFORNIA
JACK RABBIT SPECIAL EDITION LA CREMA MONTEREY
ROSÉ 2020 6 CHARDONNAY 2018
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake Monterey County
Developed specifically for the LCBO, this salmon- TASTING NOTE: This widely available wine is
coloured rosé is a blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling and compelling on many fronts. Strong aromas of Key
Cabernet Franc. It has tropical and red berry tones lime pie, Anjou pear, grapefruit pith, chalk and
and is lively and bright with a hint of sweetness. This buttercream lead into a generous palate of white
has the freshness to be an excellent summer sipper peach and smoked nectarine. It’s rich but balanced.
and will be a good match for grilled chicken or a Editors’ Choice. Score: 90 (Matt Kettman, Wine
spinach-and-strawberry salad. Enthusiast, Aug. 1, 2020)
Easygoing & Fruity Full-bodied & Rich
750 mL (D) $18.95 1 750 mL (XD) $26.95 2
20242 Í48È2>Î 158683 Í/vs:Î
PELEE ISLAND LOLA LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2020 6 CHARDONNAY 2018
VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Cabernet Franc does exceptionally well in Ontario, TASTING NOTE: Clean orchard fruits, peaches,
and its success as a varietal wine is deliciously and a touch of white flowers and green almonds all
mirrored in this juicy, tangy rosé version. Grown in emerge from the 2018 Chardonnay Russian River
some of most southerly vineyards in Ontario, this Valley. It’s nicely balanced, medium-bodied, and
has all the red fruit, cranberry, and grapefruit citrus textured, with plenty to love. Score: 89 (Jeb Dunnuck,
you could ever want, not to mention a deftly accom- jebdunnuck.com, May 21, 2020)
plished spiciness. Chill and serve with brunch.
Full-bodied & Rich
Easygoing & Fruity 750 mL (XD) $39.95 2
750 mL (XD) $15.95 1 67231 Íc7È1gÎ
552497 ÍW8ÅwÎ
WILDASS ROSÉ 2020 6
Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula MARTIN RAY CHARDONNAY 2018
(Stratus Vineyards) Sonoma Coast
This artful blend of red and white grapes is always TASTING NOTE: Plenty of sliced-apple and
a must for spring and summer dining. Bright and cooked-pear aromas follow through to a full body,
crisp with a mouth-watering freshness, it’s a complex salty and tangy fruit flavors and a long, flavorful
but easy-to-enjoy rosé that would make a rewarding finish. Really energetic. Drink or hold. Score: 92
sipping wine but also has the versatility to pair with (jamessuckling.com, Feb. 14, 2020)
grilled pork ribs, ham, or turkey or lamb burgers.
Full-bodied & Rich
Medium-bodied & Dry 750 mL (XD) $29.95 2
750 mL (D) $18.95 1
57067 ÍY&È7SÎ
71712 ÍggÈ2hÎ
36 VINTAGES SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
WILLIAM HILL NORTH COAST FREEMARK ABBEY
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016
North Coast Napa Valley
Founded in 1976, William Hill has vineyards TASTING NOTE: This impressive wine possesses
situated in the heart of the Silverado Bench. This just over 16% Merlot and touches of Malbec, Petit
wine comes from their Coastal Collection and is Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Using a small percent-
a benchmark expression of cool-climate California age of new French oak, it offers dusty texture and
Sauvignon Blanc. It’s light and zippy, with green well-defined flavors of dark cherry, plum, rock and
apple, guava, gooseberry and grass. A refreshing earth. A sweetness of oak doesn’t get lost in the
summer sipper. overall structure and cohesion. Score: 94 (Virginie
Boone, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2020)
Aromatic & Flavourful
750 mL (XD) $19.95 2 Full-bodied & Firm
750 mL (XD) $79.95 2
17576 Í1YÈ6&Î
904532 ÍzM@hÎ
USA – RED WINE
CALIFORNIA IRONY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017
Sustainable, North Coast
AUSTIN HOPE (Chris & Jay Indelicato)
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 TASTING NOTE: Love the nose on this California
Paso Robles Cab with notes of cassis, sweet spice, mint and
The emergence of Paso Robles as a fine-wine dark chocolate with ripe cassis, black cherry, plum,
region is intimately tied to the efforts of the Hope wild herb and mocha flavours toasty and tasty on
family. This Cabernet is dark and ripe, with black the palate. Tannins are structured. Pair with grilled
cherry, blackberry, mocha, vanilla, clove, black meats. Drink date: 2020-2025. Score: 90
pepper spice and velvety tannins. An expressive, (nataliemaclean.com, Nov. 3, 2020)
approachable wine that’s perfectly suited to
accompany barbecue fare. Full-bodied & Firm
750 mL (XD) $24.95 2
Full-bodied & Firm
750 mL (D) $69.95 2 25106 Í9*È67Î
578005 ÍYp%UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
USA – RED WINE CONT’D McMANIS ZINFANDEL 2019
Sustainable, estate grown, Lodi
Aged in a combination of French and American
CALIFORNIA
oak, this Zinfandel includes small amounts of
JOEL GOTT MERLOT 2017 Teroldego (a native of Trentino in northern Italy)
California and Petite Sirah. It features ripe red fruit, vanilla
Joel Gott sources grapes from prime sites around and spice, with toasted oak and a supple, food-
California, looking to craft wines that take full friendly texture. Ideal for smoked ribs.
advantage of the varied, excellent, nuanced terroir Full-bodied & Smooth
to be found in the Golden State. This 100% Merlot 750 mL (XD) $21.95 2
is poised, supple and complex, with plum, dark
fruit, vanilla, herbs and perfectly pitched balancing 256735 Í9cC\Î
acidity. Try this versatile wine with grilled chicken, 4 Organic product
steak or roast duck.
Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $24.95 2
479121 ÍO{5xÎ
LAIL VINEYARDS BLUEPRINT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 SANTA BARBARA WINERY
Napa Valley PINOT NOIR 2018
TASTING NOTE: From a range of sites and expertly Santa Barbara County
blended by Philippe Melka and his team, this wine TASTING NOTE: The 2018 version of this two-
has 5% Petit Verdot and spent 18 months in French vineyard blend comes mostly from Lafond, with
oak, half of it new. Black olive, pencil shaving, sage Burning Creek contributing about 20% of the
and cedar provide a savory context against which grapes. This is a juicy, lithe Pinot with bright cherry
concentrated black cherry and plum play. Coffee and spice. The crisp, vibrant acidity just screams
makes an appearance on the finish. Enjoy: 2028- “cool climate.” Delicious. Pair with grilled salmon.
2035. Cellar Selection. Score: 96 (Virginie Boone, (Vintages panel, Jan. 2020)
Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2021)
Medium-bodied & Fruity
Full-bodied & Firm 750 mL (XD) $24.95 2
750 mL (XD) $115.95 3
548727 ÍVw;”Î
60251 Í\9È1dÎ
ST. FRANCIS
MATCHBOOK ESTATE BOTTLED RED CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018
GRAVEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 Sonoma County
Dunnigan Hills St. Francis Winery is well-known for crafting bold,
Crafted from select barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, fruit-forward wines that are characterful expressions
Malbec and Petit Verdot all sourced from the red of Sonoma. Year in and year out, this Cabernet is
gravel of the Dunnigan Hills, this is a rich, juicy wine juicy, richly textured and full of cassis, spice and
with intense dark fruit and cassis framed by deftly smoky dark fruit. This reliable Californian red has
articulated vanilla and oak spice tones. The 2018 earned a strong following at Vintages, in part
vintage was rated 91 points and ranked #28 in the because of its versatility with food. Try it with grilled
Wine Enthusiast 100 Best Buys list for 2020. ribs, steak or roast duck.
Full-bodied & Smooth Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $19.95 2 750 mL (XD) $34.95 2
478743 ÍOwKKÎ 671164 Íc+`mÎ
38 VINTAGES SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
THREE FINGER JACK WASHINGTON
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018
East Side Ridge, Lodi INTRINSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017
(Delicato Family Vineyards) Columbia Valley
Lodi’s 2018 vintage was pitch-perfect for TASTING NOTE: A wine that delivers a very
encouraging rich, concentrated, elegantly fruited fragrant, floral edge and has a deeply integrated
red wines. This one is loaded with 2018’s opulence array of violet and red plums, as well as tomato
and focus, with notable blackcurrant and black paste. Half the wine is aged for nine months on
cherry tones. Aged for nine months in a combination skins and this has really meshed the tannins nicely.
of American and French oak, it has a supple, luxurious A blend of 96% cabernet sauvignon and 4%
texture. Try it with grilled ribs or sirloin burgers. cabernet franc. [Ready to] Drink now. Score: 92
(jamessuckling.com, July 5, 2019)
Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $21.95 2 Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $29.95 2
135624 Í-X8ÄÎ
493379 ÍQAoMÎ
UNSHACKLED
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018* SEVEN FALLS CELLARS MERLOT 2016
California Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley
(Prisoner Wine Company) TASTING NOTE: A fragrant, savoury and plushy
This is the first time this wine, from the Prisoner Merlot, full-bodied with ripe plum, dark fruit, cherry,
Wine Company, has been offered in Canada. It raspberry, chocolate, wood spice and earthy,
comprises Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah smoky flavours on the palate. Tannins are supple.
and Merlot sourced from sites in Monterey, San Seven Falls sources their grapes exclusively from
Benito, Paso Robles, Lodi, Sonoma, Mendocino the Wahluke Slope, which is one of the warmest,
and Lake County and was aged for 10 months in a driest regions in Washington’s Columbia Valley.
combination of French and American oak. Vibrant Drink date: 2020-2024. Score: 91 (nataliemaclean.
and balanced, with dark fruit, plum, olive and herbs. com, Nov. 3, 2020)
Full-bodied & Firm Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $29.95 2 750 mL (D) $21.95 2
17812 Í1qÈ2FÎ 420711 ÍJ’+{Î
OREGON STONECAP SYRAH 2018
ROCK POINT PINOT NOIR 2018 Estate grown, Columbia Valley
Oregon (Goose Ridge Vineyards)
Made with a combination of stainless steel and Named for the windblown bare rock tops of the
oak, this has a vibrant and complex character, with hills and ridgelines that surround the winery, the
generous ripe dark fruit, forest floor, spice and StoneCap Syrah is ripe and complex, with black
oak. A sophisticated match for planked salmon or fruit, pepper and smoke. It will be great with a rich
roast duck. cheese, grilled lamb, or ribs.
Medium-bodied & Fruity Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $17.95 2 750 mL (D) $16.95 2
463018 ÍN>2[Î 443150 ÍL?RTÎ
*Late arrival. Product may not be available at release time. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021 VINTAGES 39UNCORK SOMETHING GREAT • SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
USA – ROSÉ WINE HUENTALA SOMBRERO
MALBEC 2018
CALIFORNIA Uco Valley, Mendoza
TASTING NOTE: Intense violet-flower aromas with
WEST + WILDER ROSÉ blueberries and cassis, lead to a palate that has
Three-pack can, California a smooth fan of fresh tannins that deliver a supple,
This Pinot Noir-based rosé includes Carignan and even and juicy array of plush dark berries. Drink
Zinfandel and contains all the freshness and zest or hold. Score: 92 (jamessuckling.com,
one expects from Sonoma-raised Pinot, with a March 27, 2019)
crisp, food-friendly character and mouth-watering Full-bodied & Smooth
touches of cranberry and watermelon. Try it for 750 mL (XD) $16.95 2
brunch with a Mediterranean salmon salad.
17449 Í1LÈ9ÃÎ
Easygoing & Fruity
3 x 250 mL (XD) $19.95 1
19649 Í3`È9BÎ
ARGENTINA – WHITE WINE LUI RESERVA MALBEC 2018
Single vineyard, Uco Valley,
Mendoza
ALAMOS CHARDONNAY 2019
TASTING NOTE: ... produced in a fruit-driven and
Mendoza
approachable way, with only half of the volume
(Catena)
matured in well-seasoned barriques. The 2018
TASTING NOTE: Chardonnay is excellent in Argentina
Malbec Reserva has a combination of flowers and
and this shows the character and delicious quality
wild berries, with just a spicy twist. It has a juicy
of the grape. It’s medium- to full-bodied with sliced,
palate with round tannins, very good balance and
cooked apples and just hints of cream and vanilla.
freshness, with the oak really integrated. Drink date:
Creamy and very satisfying. No sweetness. Score: 91
2019-2021. Score: 91 (Luis Gutiérrez, robert
(jamessuckling.com, April 2, 2020)
parker.com, Oct. 31, 2019)
Full-bodied & Rich
Full-bodied & Smooth
750 mL (XD) $15.95 2 750 mL (XD) $19.95 1
448761 ÍLw]~Î 17455 Í1MÈ5qÎ
CHILE – WHITE WINE
ARGENTINA – RED WINE
BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2018 Sustainable, Coast Zone, DO Leyda Valley
Uco Valley, Mendoza (Garcés Silva)
(Michel Rolland) TASTING NOTE: Boya is Garcés Silva’s entry-level
This is the Argentine project of the world-renowned
sauvignon and is made from 13-year-old vineyards
Michel Rolland. From its inaugural release in 2002,
planted on granitic and clay soils in the gentle hills
this blend of the classic French grapes (Malbec,
of the Coastal Range in the Leyda Valley. This is a
Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) has gone
classic example of sauvignon from the valley with
from strength to strength. It’s a defining expression
its herbal aromas, the strong intensity on the nose,
of high-altitude winemaking, with black and blue
the body that’s light but marked by firm, sharp
fruit, herbs, and violet floral tones. A charming,
acidity. A clear photograph of a place that’s strongly
finessed, impressive addition to your special
influenced by sea breezes. Score: 91 (Patricio
evening. Pair with grilled meats.
Tapia, guiadescorchados.cl, 2021)
Full-bodied & Smooth
Aromatic & Flavourful
750 mL (XD) $24.95 2 750 mL (XD) $14.95 1
622571 Í^9g2Î 389726 ÍFÅ:#Î
40 VINTAGES SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021You can also read
