Showing posts with label oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oregon. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedThursday, May 12, 2022

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir 2019 (Oregon) - Wine Review



red wine review is this beautiful Pinot Noir from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA in Oregon that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Domaine Drouhin Oregon, a winemaking family whose roots were planted in Burgundy in 1880 when Joseph Drouhin moved from Chablis to Beaune and purchased a wine house that was founded in 1756. Oregon entered the picture when Robert Drouhin, grandson of Joseph, was invited to visit Oregon while on a trip to America's west coast in 1961. Although there were no vineyards in Willamette Valley at the time, Robert was impressed by the natural beauty of the region.

In 1979, a Pinot Noir from Oregon finished in the top 10 in the Gault-Millau Wine Olympiad in Paris. Intrigued by the results, Robert re-staged this tasting at the Drouhin cellars in Beaune, including many of his own Burgundies, in order to better understand the competition from the new world. Amazingly, the same Oregon wine placed 2nd, and only by a very narrow margin.

In 1986, Robert's daughter Véronique came to Oregon after achieving her master's diploma in enology. She worked that first harvest with three Oregon families who were some of the state's founding families of Oregon wine, and her profound first impression help form the bond between the Drouhins and these families. A year later, Robert purchased an exceptional piece of land in Dundee Hills and asked Véronique to be the winemaker, even though there was no vineyard, winery, or equipment. Robert also later asked his son Philippe to be in charge of viticulture. In 1988, Domaine Drouhin Oregon was born with Véronique making wine in a rented space.

Fast forward to 2013 and Roserock continues the Drouhin family's commitment to Oregon as the newest chapter of their story. The extraordinary Roserock vineyard was purchased in 2013 because of its exceptional terroir marked by ancient volcanic soils, cooler temperatures due to the Van Duzer corridor, and an ideal elevation range. The 279 acre site is located at the southern tip of the Eola-Amity Hills in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and is planted to 122 acres of vines. This vineyard produces classic cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - both of which I've had the opportunity to taste in past and both were lovely.

This Pinot Noir is a cuvée selection from the estate's 35 Pinot Noir blocks at the Roserock vineyard. The grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and individually fermented. Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir wines are typically known for their structure and power, however, winemaker Véronique Boss-Drouhin has crafted this Pinot to emphasize elegance and refinement, yet also age-worthy. Let's see how this 2019 Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir from Oregon is tasting tonight...

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Pinot Noir 2019 (92+ pts)

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE DROUHIN ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR 2019 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#529107) (XD) - $42.95
The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers lovely aromas of sweet, ripe red cherry, raspberry, and currant joined by strawberry, subtle wood spice, and touches of smoky minerality laying underneath. It's medium+ bodied and crunchy with an elegant, lightly structured mouthfeel and lovely ripe, red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and currant flavours flecked with savoury, smoky minerals in a harmonious profile. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the tannins are smooth, refined, and lightly structured. Savoury and minerally with touches of smoke lingering on the finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Drouhin are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.


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  • Date publishedThursday, September 30, 2021

October 2, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Euro Signatures + Pacific Northwest

LCBO Wine Picks: October 2, 2021 VINTAGES Release
As we head into the holiday season, the main theme of the October 2, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on European Signature wines, while in the mini-theme we venture to the Pacific Northwest south of the border. For some bizarre reason the LCBO has also re-listed in this Release all of the rosés from the last Release. On a positive note, it's great to see the LCBO finally list the wines from the VINTAGES Online Exclusives (VOE) collection in the magazine! All of the wines slated to be in stores should be on shelves across the province by Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that is a light look at European Signature wines. This feature probably could've gone a quite bit deeper, but as it stands there are ten wines among the eight categories, and four wines are included among my top wine picks. First up is a Grüner Veltliner from the Kamptal region in Austria, and secondly there is a fine Pinot Grigio from the northern Italian wine region of Südtirol – Alto Adige. Lastly, the white wine from Portugal is a blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho, while the 2009 Rioja consists of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, and 10% Graciano / Mazuelo.

From the mini-feature on U.S. wines from the Pacific Northwest, namely Oregon and Washington, only seven wines are listed, three from Oregon and four from Washington. Just one wine from this feature is among my top wine recommendations - a lovely Cabernet-based blend from Washington that consists of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 8% Syrah. Additionally, there is also a nice white wine from the same producer that is a unique blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Chardonnay, and 1% Marsanne which is listed as a "Flagship Exclusive" and is only available at LCBO Flagship store locations.

Hedges CMS Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (90+ pts)

Looking at my red wine picks, the Wine of the Month is the Côtes du Rhône-Villages that is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Also from Rhône, the Costières de Nîmes red is a blend of 93% Syrah and 7% Mourvèdre. The Argentinean red consists of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, while the Cab Sauv from Chile is actually a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménere, and 5% Petit Verdot. Meanwhile, the 2016 Bordeaux is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, and lastly, the Madiran is comprised of 90% Tannat and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from 50+ year-old vines.

Château Le Grand Moulin 2016 (89 pts)

Château de Nages JT 2016 (90 pts)El Enemigo Syrah/Viognier 2017 (90+ pts)

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is the White Meritage from Niagara that is made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. If you're into sweet wines, the latest vintage of the Riesling Kabinett from Mosel should be on your shopping list, as well as a vegan-friendly Riesling that is also from Mosel.

Axel Pauly Generations Mosel Riesling 2019 (90+ pts)

All of the rosés from the last Release are featured again in this Release, and my lone rosé wine pick is a dry rosé from Provence that is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah.

Vanderpump Rosé 2020 (89 pts)

For Lady Gaga fans, there are a couple of Special Edition Champagnes from Dom Pérignon. The 2010 is a blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, while the 2006 Champagne is a blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay. On the more affordable side of sparkling, the bubbles from Chile is a blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • AROMO PRIVATE RESERVE SYRAH 2019 - Valle del Maule, Chile (#14128) (XD) - $16.95
  • CHÂTEAU LE GRAND MOULIN 2016 - AC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, France (#11326) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  • PATERNOSTER GIUV AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2017 - DOC, Basilicata, Italy (#21458) (XD) - $18.95
  • VIÑA CHOCALAN GRAN RESERVA ORIGEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Sustainable, Valle del Maipo, Chile (#21467) (XD) - $19.95
  • LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#171371) (XD) - $23.95
  • EL ENEMIGO SYRAH/VIOGNIER 2017 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19390) (XD) - $24.95  90+  wine review

  • BERTHOUMIEU CHARLES DE BATZ MADIRAN 2015 - AP, South of France (#12979) (XD) - $24.95
  • CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT 2016 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#736876) (XD) - $27.95  VOE  90 pts  wine review
  • HEDGES CMS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#20491) (XD) - $29.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $32.95  90+  wine review
  • CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $32.95
  • CLOSSON CHASE CHURCHSIDE PINOT NOIR 2018 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#265074) (XD) - $42.00  FE
  • R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA 2009 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#356337) (XD) - $60.95

Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2011 (90+ pts)

White Wine:

  • LA FORTEZZA GRECO 2018 - DOC Sannio, Campania, Italy (#17744) (XD) - $15.95
  • MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO / ALVARINHO 2020 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $17.95
  • MARKUS HUBER TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2019 - DAC Traisental, Austria (#484956) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
  • MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2019 - DO Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#83287) (XD) - $19.95
  • ALLRAM STRASS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2019 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#14189) (XD) - $19.95
  • KELLEREI BOZEN PINOT GRIGIO 2019 - DOC Südtirol – Alto Adige, Italy (#249466) (XD) - $19.95
  • DONATIEN BAHUAUD LES GRANDS MORTIERS VOUVRAY 2019 - AP, Loire, France (#140889) (M) - $21.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • AXEL PAULY GENERATIONS MOSEL RIESLING 2019 - Vegan, Qualitätswein, Germany (#21033) (M) - $22.95  VOE  90+ pts  wine review
  • STUDERT-PRÜM MAXIMINHOF WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT 2019 - Estate bottled, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#970129) (S) - $23.95  FE
  • HEDGES CMS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#20496) (XD) - $24.95  FE
  • JACKSON-TRIGGS NIAGARA GRAND RESERVE WHITE MERITAGE 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#360297) (XD) - $25.95

Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2019 (88+ pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • VANDERPUMP ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#14808) (XD) - $29.95  89 pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

  • UNDURRAGA TITILLUM BLANC DE NOIRS - Traditional method, Valle del Leyda, Chile (#21215) (XD) - $19.95
  • DOM PÉRIGNON BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2010 - Creators Edition: Lady Gaga, AC, France (#20755) (XD) - $296.95
  • DOM PÉRIGNON BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2006 - Creators Edition: Lady Gaga, AC, France (#20996) (XD) - $375.95  FE

Fortified Wine:

  • BARROS COLHEITA TAWNY PORT 1998 - DOC, Douro, Portugal (#18603) (S) - $59.95  VOE



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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 20, 2021

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay 2018 (Oregon) - Wine Review

wine review is an excellent Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Willamette Valley that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Sokol Blosser Winery was founded by Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser when they planted their first vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA in Willamette Valley in 1971. At the time, they needed all of their youthful confidence, energy, and determination as there was no wine industry in Oregon. They are located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Portland, in an area in Dundee Hills whose geology dates back 15 million years, when lava flowed from northeast Oregon and pushed into Willamette Valley to create the red volcanic Jory soils that the Dundee Hills AVA is known for.

Today, the certified-organic 106 hectare estate winery is family-owned and -operated by the children of Susan and Bill, siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser. They produce wines of world-class quality in a sustainable manner, mindful of the environment, and express the different flavours of their hillside vineyards. Among their many achievements, Sokol Blosser's underground barrel cellar was the first winery building in the U.S.A. to receive LEED certification in 2002. In 2015, Sokol Blosser became a Certified B Corporation.

This 100% Chardonnay is crafted with certified organic grapes from their Thistle Vineyard estate in the Dundee Hills. The vines were planted on a steep hillside site in the year 2000 with popular clones 95, 76, and 96. It was fermented in a variety of formats, including new and neutral French oak barrels and concrete egg, followed by secondary fermentation and ageing for 10 months in both barrel and larger format puncheons that included some lees ageing. The 2018 vintage was their coolest since 2012, and they believe it's their best since that then. I've tasted previous vintages of this wine and it's always been a delight - let's see how this 2018 is tasting tonight...

Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay 2018 (91+ pts)

Tasting Note:

SOKOL BLOSSER DUNDEE HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#16988) (XD) - $28.95
From red volcanic Jory soils, the elegant, medium+ intensity nose is rich with lemon citrus and ripe stone fruits mingling with earthy volcanic minerals, plus hints of tropical fruit. It is impressively textured on the medium+ bodied palate with lovely, complex flavours of citrus and minerals with hints of mealy, honey, and a kiss of vanilla. Vibrant acidity lifts the slightly spicy mid-palate. Somewhat tight on the long, textured finish with mineral flavours joined by touches of apple and butter. Best enjoyed with only a light chill. Highly recommended buy. Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines from Sokol Blosser can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, September 30, 2020

October 3, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Food Pairings + Washington & Oregon

LCBO Wine Picks: October 3, 2020 VINTAGES Release
The main theme of the upcoming October 3, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on Favourite Wines Styles & Perfect Food Pairings, while the mini-theme takes a look at wines from the Pacific Northwest regions of Washington and Oregon. All of the wines from this Release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday. You may want to stock up from this Release as the next VINTAGES Release is pushed back to October 31st - likely due to the "Second Wave" of COVID-19.

We begin with the theme on food pairings that lists eighteen wines that fit neatly into 8 styles of wine. Three wines from this theme are included among my top wine picks. From the Aromatic White Wine category there is a lovely, medium sweet Niagara Riesling - sweeter wines pair well with spicier foods. Dry Rosé Wines, like the version from Provence that is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and a touch of Carignan, are very versatile, can be enjoyed year-round, and paired with a variety of meats and seafood such as pork chops or grilled salmon. The last wine is a $20 Full Bodied Australian Shiraz that will pair nicely with boldly flavoured, heartier fare such as steak and lamb.

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2017 (91 pts)

From the mini-feature looking at the nine total wines from Washington and Oregon, the only wine included among my wine recommendations is a fine $25 Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, Oregon. While not part of the theme, there is also lovely $36 Pinot Gris from the sub-appellation of Dundee Hills that is listed as a Flagship Exclusive and available in limited quantities only. Although none of the five wines from the Washington feature are included among my wine picks, there is a nice red that comes in as a Flagship Exclusive and consists of a kitchen sink blend of 38% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 1% Touriga Nacional, 1% Tinta Cao, and 1% Souzao.

From my top red wine recommendations from this Release, we begin with the coveted Super Tuscan that is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Also from Italy, the Chianti Classico is made with 100% Sangiovese. From France, the wine from Roussillon is an old vines blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is primarily Grenache with a small percentage of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Single varietal red wines include a Mencía from Spain, as well as a trio of wines from Argentina - a Cabernet Franc, a Pinot Noir, and a Malbec.

Lornano Chianti Classico 2015 (89 pts)Tessellae Old Vines Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre 2017 (89 pts)

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is from Niagara's Kew Vineyards that is composed of 68% Marsanne and 32% Viognier. Single varietal wines include Chardonnays from France, Argentina, South Africa, Niagara, and a Chablis from Burgundy. There are also a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines - one each from Loire and New Zealand, while the dry Riesling is from Australia. Lastly, the rose from New Zealand is predominantly Pinot Noir with some Pinot Gris.

Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2017 (91 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers and stay safe!

Red Wine:

  • CONDEMINAL PONCHO PAMPA PINOT NOIR 2018 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15095) (XD) - $18.95
  • LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET FRANC 2017 - Paraje Altamira and San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15121) (XD) - $19.95
  • TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE / SYRAH / MOURVÈDRE 2017 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, Midi, France (#343517) (D) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • SIDEWOOD SHIRAZ 2017 - Sustainable, Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#446146) (XD) - $19.95
  • GODELIA MENCIA RED 2015 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#368043) (XD) - $24.95
  • TEHO ZAHA TOKO VINEYARD MALBEC 2016 - Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#441691) (XD) - $24.95
  • BEN GLAETZER BISHOP SHIRAZ 2017 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#627869) (XD) - $39.95
  • HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE RED 2016 - Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Washington, USA (#1594) (XD) - $42.95  FE
  • LE PARVIS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#638551) (XD) - $56.95
  • ORNELLAIA 2017 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $249.95

White Wine:

  • NOVELLUM CHARDONNAY 2018 - France (#390781) (XD) - $18.95
  • CLOS DE CHACRAS CAVAS DE CRIANZA CHARDONNAY 2018 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#15078) (XD) - $19.95
  • KAHURANGI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#14567) (XD) - $19.95
  • KEW MARSANNE/VIOGNIER 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#485334) (XD) - $19.95
  • BEST'S GREAT WESTERN RIESLING 2019 - Great Western, Victoria, Australia (#688259) (XD) - $19.95
  • LA DAME DE JACQUES COEUR MENETOU-SALON BLANC 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#525048) (XD) - $21.95
  • SOLÉNA CELLARS PINOT GRIS 2018 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#665877) (XD) - $24.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (M) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
  • HERVÉ AZO CHABLIS 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#185736) (XD) - $28.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68817) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  • RADFORD DALE CHARDONNAY 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#227223) (XD) - $31.95  FE
  • EYRIE VINEYARDS DUNDEE HILLS PINOT GRIS 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#15574) (XD) - $35.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

  • BLACK COTTAGE ROSÉ 2019 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#539320) (XD) - $16.95
  • SAINT AIX ROSÉ 2019 - AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France (#451906) (XD) - $25.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • GEOFFROY ROSÉ DE SAIGNÉE BLANC DE ROSE EXTRA BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#16172) (XD) - $134.95

Dessert Wine:

  • PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI ASZÚ 5 PUTTONYOS 2013 - Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (#47209) (S) (500 mL) - $35.95


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  • Date publishedWednesday, September 25, 2019

September 28, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Super Euro Signatures + Oregon

LCBO Wine Picks: September 28, 2019 VINTAGES Release
The September 28, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release features some top Signature wines from Europe as its main theme, while the mini-theme looks at wines from Oregon. This is the first of what will be some big Releases leading up to the holidays. Thus, if you are looking for fine wines as holiday gifts, or to add to your collection, wines from this Release would be a great place to start. All of the wines from the themes and main Release will arrive on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

From the main theme that looks at eight signature varietals that each do well in a particular region, six of the thirteen wines are included among my top wine picks. We begin with the Albariño / Alvarinho varietal that is widely planted in northern coastal Spain and northwest Portugal, as is the case with the Albariño wine from Spain and Alvarinho wine from Portugal in this Release. Try both to compare. Sangiovese is most associated with wines from Tuscany, and the example in this theme is a fairly tannic Riserva Chianti Classico that is actually a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that needs a few years of cellar time for optimum enjoyment. Grenache is one of the principal grapes in the South of France, and is the dominant varietal in the Sobilane, which is a 60/40 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Lastly, Nebbiolo is the king of Piedmont, and in this Release we have a lovely Barbaresco and a very age-worthy Barolo.

Damilano Liste Barolo 2013 (93 pts)Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco 2015 (91 pts)

Rocca delle Macìe Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva Chianti Classico 2016 (90 pts)Sobilane Grenache/Syrah 2015 (89 pts)

Deu La Deu Alvarinho 2018 (89 pts)

Amazingly, none of the eight wines featured from the mini-theme on Oregon wines are included among my recommendations.

Red wines from the main release include the Chianti Classico that is made with 100% Sangiovese, while the Bolgheri Super Tuscan is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. From Argentina, the red wine is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Lornano Chianti Classico 2015 (89 pts)

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the Release, all are once again single varietal wines. The Pouilly-Fuissé from Burgundy is one of three Chardonnay wines to try. For sweet wine lovers, look for, in order of least to most sweetest, the Niagara Riesling, the Gewurztraminer from Alsace, or the Riesling Kabinett.

Domaine Béranger Pouilly-Fuissé 2016 (91 pts)

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2017 (91 pts)Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2016 (92 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • DOMAINE GOURON CHINON 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#470963) (XD) - $17.95
  • SOBILANE GRENACHE/SYRAH 2015 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#010337) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#744235) (D) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
  • ECHEVERRÍA ELEMENTOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#010764) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
  • FINCA FLICHMAN PAISAJE DE TUPUNGATO 2016 - Mendoza, Argentina (#415034) (XD) - $19.95
  • ROCCA DELLE MACÌE FAMIGLIA ZINGARELLI RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#930966) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
  • MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#583260) (XD) - $36.95  91 pts  wine review
  • TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - DO Penedès, Spain (#129676) (XD) - $69.95  FE  92 pts  wine review
  • DAMILANO LISTE BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#451807) (XD) - $73.95  93 pts  wine review
  • ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2016 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $134.95
Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (92 pts)



White Wine:

  • CASTELO DO MAR ALBARIÑO 2018 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#488734) (XD) - $18.95
  • ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#225557) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • JULIEN SCHAAL KALEIDOSCOPE RIESLING 2017 - AC Alsace, France (#667535) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • SIMONSIG CHARDONNAY 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#345389) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • DEU LA DEU ALVARINHO 2018 - Monção e Melgaço, DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#040642) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • MURÉ SIGNATURE GEWURZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#387563) (M) - $21.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
  • EL ESTECO 1945 OLD VINES TORRONTÉS 2018 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#010695) (XD) - $25.95  FE
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#068817) (XD) - $29.95
  • ZELTINGER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT 2016 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#665927) (MS) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE BÉRANGER POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2016 - AC, Burgundy, France (#648659) (XD) - $37.95  91 pts  wine review
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (89 pts)Julien Schaal Kaleidoscope Riesling 2017 (89 pts)

Simonsig Chardonnay 2017 (89 pts)


Sparkling Wine:

  • GARDET MILLÉSIME EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2012 - AC, France (#665869) (XD) - $58.95  90 pts  wine review
  • BOLLINGER BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE - AC, Champagne, France (#100503) (XD) - $113.95  FE
Gardet Millésime Extra Brut Champagne 2012 (90 pts)


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  • Date publishedTuesday, April 23, 2019

Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release April 27, 2019: 2015 Euro Reds + Pacific Northwest

LCBO Wine Picks: April 27, 2019 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming April 27, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release features European Red Wines from the fantastic 2015 vintage in the main theme, while the mini-theme looks at cool wines from the Pacific Northwest. All of these wines, plus many more will be available on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features thirteen wines from the 2015 vintage that was a banner year across Europe. In this Release, the emphasis is on wines from France, Italy, and Spain, of which only two are included among my top wine picks - and both are from France. From Bordeaux, the Château Baracan is a blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. From southern Rhône, the Lavau Rasteau is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah.

Lavau Rasteau 2015 (90 pts)Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2017 (89 pts)

Roserock Chardonnay 2016 (92+ pts)Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2015 (91 pts)

The mini-theme focuses on wines from the cool Pacific Northwest - namely Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Of the ten wines listed as part of this feature, three are included among my top wine recommendations. First up are a pair of excellent wines from Oregon - one is a Chardonnay, while the other is a Pinot Noir. My third pick from this theme is a dry Pinot Gris from British Columbia.

The majority of my red wine picks from this Release happen to be single varietal wines. However, the 2009 Bordeaux red is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot, while the 2012 Bordeaux red is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. From South Africa, the Rustenberg is a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A Malbec from Argentina, an Australian Shiraz, and a Pinot Noir from Chile are just a few of many delicious wines that can be found among my wine picks in this Release.

Moulins de Citran 2009 (91+ pts)Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2016 (89 pts)

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2016 (90 pts)Errázuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2017 (90 pts)

Among my white wine picks, all are single varietals wines. From Loire, the Muscadet is made with the Melon de Bourgogne grape, while the Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre are both made with Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer sweeter wines, then look for the Riesling from Niagara.

Domaine Seguin Pouilly-Fumé 2017 (90 pts) Domaine la Haute Févrie Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2017 (88 pts)

Redstone Limestone Vineyard South Riesling 2016 (89 pts)

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON 2017 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#278390) (XD) - $16.95
  • CHÂTEAU BARACAN 2015 - AC Côtes de Bordeaux-Cadillac, France (#629980) (XD) - $16.95
  • SISTER’S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#478271) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • COLAB AND BLOOM SHIRAZ 2016 - Barossa, South Australia (#632562) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
  • CHAKANA ESTATE SELECTION MALBEC 2016 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#219261) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS MOULIN-À-VENT 2016 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#648477) (XD) - $19.95
Colab and Bloom Shiraz 2016 (89 pts)Sister’s Run Old Testament Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (88+ pts)

  • LAVAU RASTEAU 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#394650) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
  • JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2016 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#998476) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
  • ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA PINOT NOIR 2017 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#541151) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
  • MOULINS DE CITRAN 2009 - Second wine of Château Citran, AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#633065) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review
  • CLONAKILLA HILLTOPS SHIRAZ 2016 - Canberra District, Australia (#481861) (XD) - $34.95  FE
  • SOKOL BLOSSER PINOT NOIR 2015 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#748434) (XD) - $37.95  91 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET 2012 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#594382) (XD) - $67.95

White Wine:

  • DOMAINE LA HAUTE FÉVRIE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#390625) (XD) - $15.95  88 pts  wine review
  • MATAHIWI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#402677) (XD) - $17.00  89 pts  wine review
  • L’AMI DES CRUSTACÉS CLASSIQUE PINOT BLANC 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#644427) (XD) - $17.95
  • SANPAOLO FIANO DI AVELLINO 2017 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#631705) (D) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • MISSION HILL RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2017 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#537076) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
  • HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2017 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#616466) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE SEGUIN POUILLY-FUMÉ 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#637876) (XD) - $29.95  90 pts  wine review
  • JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE MARNES ET CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#196667) (XD) - $31.95
  • ROSEROCK CHARDONNAY 2016 - Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#573568) (XD) - $41.95  92+ pts  wine review
Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (89 pts)Sanpaolo Fiano di Avellino 2017 (89 pts)


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  • Date publishedMonday, April 23, 2018

VINTAGES Release April 28, 2018: Pacific Northwest + Germany

LCBO Wine Picks: April 28, 2018 VINTAGES Release
The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release features as the main theme the cool-climate regions of the Pacific Northwest, which includes British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. The mini-theme features the wines from Germany. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this .

We'll begin with the main theme that features the wines from British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington, commonly grouped together as the Pacific Northwest. None of the five wines listed from Oregon and eight wines listed from Washington are included among my wine picks. British Columbia seemed to get shortchanged (again?) with just three wines listed. However, the Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin is the only wine among my top wine recommendations from the Pacific Northwest; it is always a classy wine and for the 2014 vintage is a blend of 68% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec.

The mini-feature on German wines is also rather weak, with six wines listed and just one included among my top wine picks. My lone pick from the German feature is a dry Riesling that's also known as Riesling Trocken. As part of the Flagship Store Exclusives (FSE) at the back of the magazine is a very sweet Riesling Spätlese and is one of the top wines of the Release.

From my top red wine picks, the Saint-Roch is a blend of approximately equal parts Syrah and Grenache, while the Vacqueyras is an organic wine from the excellent 2015 vintage made with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The Douro red wine from Portugal is made with Touriga Nacional. Lastly, the Rioja is a blend of 89% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, and 2% Garnacha.

Roda Reserva 2012 (91 pts)

Among my white wine picks, the Soave wine is made with 100% Garganega from vines that range between 10-50 years old. The Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is an organic wine. For sweet wine lovers, in order of least sweet to most sweet, there is the Hidden Bench Riesling (organic), Megalomaniac Riesling, and the Gewürztraminer, as well as the aforementioned Riesling Spätlese. For fans looking for lusciously sweet wines, the Tawse Chardonnay Icewine is also worth seeking.

Hidden Bench Estate Riesling 2016 (90+ pts)Tawse Chardonnay Icewine 2013 (92 pts)

As the weather gets warmer, Rosé wines return with more frequency at the LCBO. One of the first to arrive is the Miraval Rosé, with vines coming from an average of 1,200 feet above sea level and made using a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. This wine is also featured as the Wine of the Month and will be available at just about every LCBO outlet.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE 2015 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#195107) (XD) - $16.95
  • MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2014 - Single vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile (#371112) (XD) - $17.00
  • QUINTA DAS CARVALHAS TINTO 2013 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#523647) (XD) - $17.95
  • BISQUERTT ECOS DE RULO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Single vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#546515) (XD) - $18.95
  • ROCKCLIFFE THIRD REEF SHIRAZ 2015 - Great Southern, Western Australia (#453209) (XD) - $19.95
  • CASAR DE BURBIA MENCÍA 2014 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#392530) (XD) - $19.95
  • TENUTA DI RENIERI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#540849) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE DE L’OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#537951) (XD) - $27.95
  • FLAT ROCK GRAVITY PINOT NOIR 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#001560) (XD) - $34.95
  • KENWOOD JACK LONDON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#944843) (XD) - $39.95
  • OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2014 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#626325) (XD) - $47.95
  • RODA RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#664557) (XD) - $52.95  FSE  91 pts  wine review
  • BREZZA SARMASSA BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#999730) (D) - $87.95  FSE
Tenuta di Renieri Chianti Classico 2013 (89 pts)

White Wine:

  • INDOMITA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#544213) (XD) - $16.95
  • MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#067587) (D) - $18.95
  • FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#286278) (D) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
  • WEINGUT TINA PFAFFMANN T NO. 9 RIESLING TROCKEN 2016 - Qualitätswein, Pfalz, Germany (#549774) (XD) - $19.95
  • MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#009167) (XD) - $19.95
  • HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • PIERRE SPARR MAMBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER 2015 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#915157) (M) - $26.95
  • CAVE SPRING CSV CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#529941) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  • PIEROPAN LA ROCCA SOAVE CLASSICO 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#092437) (D) - $39.95
  • BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER-SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2014 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#298182) (S) - $40.95  FSE
  • FESS PARKER BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA (#547158) (XD) - $44.95
Cave Spring CSV Chardonnay 2015 (91 pts)Flat Rock Chardonnay 2016 (88+ pts)

Rosé Wine:

  • MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2017 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#342584) (XD) - $23.95

Dessert Wine:

  • TAWSE CHARDONNAY ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#443739) (200 mL) (S) - $35.95  92 pts  wine review


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