Our latest readership survey indicates that our 176,000 subscribers want to be first to know what’s coming out in the LCBO.
That way, you can add your favourite wines to your Custom Shopping List, Buy Again List or Wish List for those shopping for gifts for you. (That’s key for the holiday season right around the corner.)
These interactive functions are integrated and accessible with real-time LCBO inventory on Canada’s only wine mobile apps with both a barcode and front label scanners.
To find a wine quickly, click on the “CRTL” and “F” buttons on your keyboard, then search by a simple keyword in the open blank that appears. One unique word is often best, for example: Homestead
Please note that prices are subject to change and will be updated when the LCBO publishes its final prices for each release.
Cheers,
P.S. Wineries and wine agencies, please let us know if any vintages noted below are incorrect or there are any typos. You’re welcome to use these reviews on your web site, social media channels, gold bottle stickers as well as LCBO submissions and promotions.
Please e-mail me at [email protected] for details on submitting samples for tasting. Here is my review process.
February reviews will be posted soon.
Use these links to jump to reviews for:
January 21, 2017 Vintages Release
Related Articles and Media Clips
CTV The Social: Ontario Icewine
Wines of Argentina and Catena Feature
Celebrating Malbec: 5 Fascinating Facts
5 Fascinating Facts about Carmenere
Note: You’re welcome to quote any of the tips and content
above as long as you cite the web site nataliemaclean.com.
January 21, 2017 Wine Reviews
White Wine
Spy Valley Wine Chardonnay 2014, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: A reliable and robust Chardonnay with notes of green apple, butter, vanilla spice and peach. Matured 10 months in French oak barrels. Good balance and length. Pair with roast chicken. Chardonnay food pairings: grilled halibut steaks, lemon sole in white sauce. Drink: 2016 – 2019 57737 13% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016.
Jean-Max Roger Cuvee C.M. Sancerre 2014, Loire A.C., France: Clean and fresh with lemon sunshine in this Old World Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Signature Sancerre. Not too acidic. Perfect for seafood and vegetarian dishes. Fresh and crisp with lots of minerality in this Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre food pairings: freshwater fish, seafood, shellfish, goat cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2018 196667 12.5% XD 750 mL $27.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016.
Hess Family Colomé Torrontes 2015, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Mendoza, Argentina: Floral, spicy and exotic Argentine white wine, with medium body, and a great price. Made from the aromatic Torrontes grape, this wine finishes with peach blossom and nectarine. A perfect wine to pair with Asian or Thai cuisine. Lemon Pledge on the finish. Torrontes, Argentina’s best-known white grape, reaches its most poignant expression in high altitude vineyards planted at 1700 to 3100 metres above sea level which creates a unique micro-climate. Bring on the Thai cuisine please! Torrontes food pairings: spicy dishes and curries, salads, seafood, shellfish, vegetarian dishes. Drink: 2016 – 2019 357913 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 2016.
Ironstone Vineyards Chardonnay 2015, Lodi, California, United States: Classically made Californian Chardonnay with balance and finesse, but it also reveals lip-smacking delicious flavours of green apple and butterscotch. The winemaking Kautz family was first to plant Chardonnay grapes in Lodi and that experience with the varietal shows. There’s a crisp, refreshing finish. Crack it open tonight. Finishes with fleshy ripe tropical fruit flavours and toast. Almost full-bodied, lots of oak and butter with some peach fruit. Pair with roast chicken. This Californian from Ironstone is a consistent Chardonnay year after year. Pair with tuna steaks. The Ironstone Chardonnay is matured for 5 months in French oak barrels giving it a toasty finish. Chardonnay food pairings: pasta, shellfish, chicken breast, barbecued pork. Drink: 2016 – 2018 355776 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. September 2016.
Dr Loosen Dr. L. Riesling 2015, Mosel, Germany: One of the best values on the liquor store shelf. This lovely, floral, light-bodied German Riesling still packs lots of flavour. Serve chilled as an aperitif or companion to seafood. Produced by Weingut (winery) Dr. Loosen, the Riesling grapes for this white wine grow on vines planted on steep vineyards in slate soils of the Mosel region. Riesling food pairings: pork tenderloin, turkey breast, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura. Drink: 2016 – 2020 599274 8.5% MS 750 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. July 2016.
Vina cobos Felino Chardonnay 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: Great balance and elegance in this Argentine Chardonnay, with pleasant green apple and toasted almond finish. Full-bodied and luscious. Pair with crab cakes. This winery is co-owned by the esteemed California producer Paul Hobbs, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud. Grapes are grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo appellation of the Mendoza wine region. Golden-yellow highlights in the glass. Just 20% of the fermenting juice gets oak contact. Chardonnay food pairings: crab cakes with lemon sauce, seafood. Drink: 2016 – 2019 119099 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016.
Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi 2014, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: White peach and Asian pear on the nose of this vibrant Italian white wine. The Italian wine region of Gavi is in the southeast part of Piedmont and features Cortese grape vines planted on hillsides in calcareous-marl soil that is the reason for the name “Le Marne.” This white wine is made 100% Cortese grapes. Finishes with notes of green apple, anise and lime. Pair with creamy cheeses or grilled prawns. White floral nose then lime acidity on the palate to wake up your taste buds in this vibrant Italian white wine. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp. Also enjoy as an aperitif. A vibrant citrus finish. Pair with halibut or sole. Gavi food pairings: creamy cheese, shellfish, seafood salads. Drink: 2016 – 2018 228528 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.80 Score: 90/100. September 2016.
Red Wine
Rocca Di Montemassi Le Focaie Sangiovese 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: The Italian wine region of Maremma is situated on the southwest coastal area of Tuscany. With its gorgeous landscape, it’s one of the most popular destinations for Italians when vacationing. This terrific red wine features aromas of dark fruit, violets and smoke. Lovely medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture. Mouth-watering acidity makes it an excellent partner to many Italian dishes. Sangiovese food pairings: Tuscan food like Stracotto (slow-braised beef), Pecorino Toscana cheese, pasta with tomato sauce, lasagna. Drink: 2016 – 2020 31005 13.5% XD 750 mL $13.80 Score: 89/100. April 2016.
Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States: A balanced and full-bodied Californian Cabernet at a justifiable price for the quality. Aromas of cassis and blackberry. Pair with brisket. This robust Napa Valley red wine is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot grapes with polish tannins. The wine was aged for more than 14 months in French and American oak barrels. Rutherford Ranch is family owned and managed. The winery is located on Napa Valley’s renowned Silverado Trail surrounded by estate vineyards and a century-old olive grove. The grapes are sourced for diverse microclimates and join distinctive lots when blended for complexity and diversity within the winery’s vineyard in the Napa appellation. Finishes with blackberry and boysenberry and smoke. Drink: 2016 – 2020 73817 13.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. October 2016.
Rustenberg Wines Merlot Merlot 2014, Stellenbosch, South Africa W.O., South Africa: Savoury and meaty with mouth-watering acidity that’s perfect for roast beef and brisket. Fleshy black plums and blackberry. Absolutely delicious! The 2014 vintage of this South African Merlot is aged in 55% French new oak barrels. Lots of black pepper and dark plums on the palate. Merlot food pairings: grilled pork chops, rack of BBQ ribs, lentil dishes, veal Porterhouse, borscht. Drink: 2016 – 2020 404194 14% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. September 2016.
Chateau Aladerres 2013, Corbières, Midi, South West A.C., France: Huge, dense, ripe blackberry and black plum fruit aromas on the nose with some liqueur-like richness and smoke. Wonderfully concentrated for the price. Demands brontosaurus burgers. Growl. This 2013 vintage of this Sélection Vieilles Vignes (old vines) is a southern French red wine blend of 45% Carignan, 35% Grenache and 20% Syrah grapes. The wine was aged for 12 months in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation took 15 days with selected yeasts. Also pair with stuffed mushrooms, eggplant, sundried tomatoes and croustade of lamb. Food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2020 431726 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. December 2015.
Ferraton Pere & Fils Samorens 2014, Côtes Du Rhône, Rhone A.C., France: A cedary, smoky southern French red wine, with ripe fleshy dark berry aromas. Love this style of Rhone! It’s so interesting and lip-smacking delicious with each sip; you don’t tire of it. It also pairs with many hearty meat dishes. Amazing value and complexity here. Finishes with savoury notes of bacon, dried herbs and cedar forest. Decant for 1-2 hours and enjoy with pepperoni pizza, especially at this phenomenal price. A superb Rhone red wine blend from the 2014 vintage, this Cotes du Rhone Samorens (which means rouge) is vibrant. Food pairings: hearty meat dishes, rabbit fricassee, roast duck and root vegetables casserole. Drink: 2016 – 2020 168708 14.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016.
Bodegas Esmeralda Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina: A many-layered, multi-faceted wine with great complexity and classic aromas of cassis, blackberry, blackcurrant, coffee and wood spice. Grapes were grown in vineyards that ranged from 940 meters above sea level to 1180 meters. Aged 18 months in new French oak. Full-bodied with great length; elegant and balanced. You’ll find my feature story on Catena, and a visit with Nicolas Catena that was part of my second book, Unquenchable. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued and grilled meats, game, chicken salad, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2016 – 2019 959965 14% XD 750 mL $46.95 Score: 93/100. May 2015.
Domaine Vistalba Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Lujan De Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied and pleasant Argentine Cabernet, with Bordeaux leanings and styling in its balance, elegance and restraint. Aromas of black fruit with balanced use of oak. Good price. Pair with rare steak. The 2014 vintage of this Argentine Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon sources grapes from the region of Lujan de Cuyo. Lots of hearty black fruit aromas, smoke and tannin. Decant 2 hours. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2020 261891 14.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016.
Columbia crest H3 Merlot 2013, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, United States: The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in this eastern Washington state wine region is the reason why Merlots like this one are terrific. In October, during the last weeks of the key ripening season before harvest the nighttime temperature can plummet from 35 degrees in the day to just 20 degrees at night which allows for ripening during the day but then the grapes stop in the night and preserve freshness and natural acidity. The great thing is that the grapes don’t get over-ripe as in some warm climates where photosynthesis produces more sugar and therefore more alcohol. That’s why Washington red wines are often a moderate 13% alcohol. This wine features aromas of dark spice, fleshy blackberry and smoke. Pair with roast beef. Merlot food pairings: grilled pork chops, pepper steak, duck, grilled lamb, cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2019 209874 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. September 2016.
Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Mendoza, Argentina: Robust and savoury with blackberry and wild cassis. Firm tannic grip. A great value. Pair with a rare steak. Dominio del Plata produces this blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and 5% Merlot grown at 1,160 metres above sea level. The wine was aged for 13 months in 80% new French oak barrels and 20% second use French oak. Winemaker Susana Balbo has been unofficially dubbed the “Evita of Wine” in her native Argentina. She had been making superb wine for 25 years as a winemaking consultant before establishing her own winery, Dominio del Plata, in 1999. The Signature line of wines are her premium portfolio. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: Margherita pizza, barbecued ribs in sauce, New York strip loin, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2020 260919 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016.
Bogle Winery Essential 2014, California, United States: A rich Californian red wine blend with aromas of mocha and coffee from toasty oak aging plus dark fleshy ripe fruit on the palate and finish. Perfect for grilled meats. Food pairings: turkey, roast breast of veal, prime rib. Drink: 2016 – 2020 394452 13.5% D 750 mL $22.25 Score: 90/100. October 2016.
Honoro Vera Juan Gill Monastrell 2015, Jumilla D.O., Spain: Fleshy ripe black and purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate of this smooth, full-bodied Spanish red wine. Pair with barbecued sweet ribs. This Spanish red wine is made from 100% Monastrell grapes grown on low bush vines planted in poor limestone soils. There are low yields due to these impoverished soils and extreme weather. Polished tannins. The Spanish winery of Juan Gil was established in 1916 in the region of Jumilla, known for its red wines made from the Monastrell grape, which is called Mourvèdre in France. Monastrell food pairings: breaded veal chops, cheesy pizza, barbequed ribs. Drink: 2016 – 2020 167684 13.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. July 2016.
Bodegas Corral, Don Jacobo Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Savoury dried herbs and tanned leather on the nose of this mature Spanish red wine, along with dried red fruit and smoke. Very attractive and drinking at its peak if you love mature wines like I do. Pair with a savoury, juicy lamb dish garnished with rosemary. This Riojan red wine is a blend of traditional Spanish grapes with mostly Tempranillo and smaller amounts of Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes. Lots of dark spice and voluptuous texture. The winemaker did a temperature controlled fermentation and then aged the wine is oak barrels from 18-24 months. Serve at 16-18 degrees Celsius with strong meats and robust sauces. Drink: 2016 – 2019 313270 13.5% XD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. April 2012.
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2013, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: A fleshy ripe malbec with a touch of dark spice on this robust Argentine red wine made from the country’s classic Malbec grape. Full-bodied and smooth. Great price for such quality. This wine was matured in French oak for 1 year. Lovely cedar and spice on the finish. Try it tonight with asado, the traditional Argentine outdoor barbecue, usually with beef. The Uco Valley of the Mendoza region is where the vines are planted at more than 1000 metres above sea level. This is great for having grapes ripen slowly, evenly and fully. The label on the wine bottle symbolizes the Andes Mountains. The Zuccardi Q grapes are sourced from the La Consulta and Vista Flores vineyards near there. Malbec food pairings: turkey, tomato sauces, meaty casseroles, hamburgers, steak and kidney pie. Drink: 2016 – 2019 723478 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. December 2015.
Bottega Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2014, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A rich, full-bodied Ripasso with gorgeous aromas of black fruit, smoke and oak on the nose. Lovely texture and weight on the palate. Pair with prime rib. Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso food pairings: meat lovers pizza , spicy sausage , prime rib roast, hearty winter stew. Drink: 2016 – 2020 261453 15% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 90/100. April 2016.
Château Peyros Cabernet Tannat 2011, Madiran, South West A.C., France: Tanned leather and black fruit with a good grip on this full-bodied red wine. Great price. Perfect for hearty meat dishes. The quality designation for this wine is AC. This is a robust southern French red wine blend of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet grapes, both offering lots of tannic grip on the palate. Aromas of black raspberry, liquorice and clove-spice. Cabernet Tannat food pairings: rare grilled meats, game dishes. Drink: 2016 – 2019 208249 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. July 2015.
Alto De Casablanca Primus Carmenere 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This is a terrific, full-bodied Chilean red wine made from the country’s signature red wine grape Carmenere. Carmenere is believed to have traveled from Bordeaux, where it was one of the six original grape varieties planted there before the devastation from the root louse Phylloxera in 1867 wiped out all the vines. Chile’s natural protections from this vine louse include the ocean, the Andes mountains and the dessert. Carmenere is named for it’s colour – crimson (carmin). It has some similarities with Merlot but is not the same grape. Aromas of dark red fruit and toasty oak. Pair with grilled pork chops. Carmenere food pairings: wine-braised beef, turkey with gravy, chorizo tacos, bean fajitas. Drink: 2016 – 2019 439356 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. December 2015.
Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Lodi, California, United States: A richly concentrated California Cabernet with ripe dark fruit and balanced toasty oak. Supple, smooth and full-bodied. Mocha and dark chocolate on the finish. Perfect for a juicy steak this evening. This California red wine has a respectable quality-price-ratio. Pair with barbecued meats. A vibrant smooth Californian Cabernet that comes off like Zinfandel (in a good way): lots of juicy purple plum flavours. Finishes with mocha and roasted coffee from oak aging. Four generations of this family have made wine. You can visit the winery in the Gold Rush town of Murphys. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: barbecued chicken, spare ribs in a sweet-and smoky sauce, pork, hodge podge, salad. Drink: 2016 – 2019 537597 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. April 2016.
Banfi Rosso Di Montalcino 2014, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Very dry with mostly earth and smoke… Not a lot of fruit here yet it’s not thin. Good acidity for food such as tomato sauce and pasta. Rosso Di Montalcino food pairings: wine-braised beef, turkey with gravy, chorizo tacos, bean fajitas. Drink: 2016 – 2020 681262 14% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 91/100. October 2016.
Vina Cobos Paul Hobbs Felino Malbec 2015, Mendoza, Argentina: The Malbec grapes for this elegant red wine are selected from several mountain vineyards in the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyon districts of the Mendoza wine region that are planted at altitudes of 2,300 and 3,800 feet above sea level. The cool nights high on the mountainside where the vines for this wine are planted provide a lively, vibrant balance for this full-bodied wine that is redolent of blackberry and black cherry. Terrific smoky finish with a lingering note of dried herbs. Finishes with attractive black fruit and minerality. Polished tannins. Pair with prime rib. This unfiltered Argentine red wine is produced by the renowned Californian winemaking consultant Paul Hobbs. Malbec food pairings: beef, turkey, tomato sauces, hamburgers, spaghetti and meat balls. Drink: 2016 – 2020 118067 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. July 2016.
La Pieve Barolo 2012, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: This full-bodied red wine offers enticing aromas of bitter dark fruit, tar, toasty and spice. Barolo wines are rarely priced this affordably, so give this this Piedmont, Nebbiolo-based grape wine a try. The tannins are huge and there will be plenty of fruit here to bring balance. A real gripper but I like it! Big, black with a tarry streak through the middle. Black cherry resistance and some dark spices. Perfect for black magic nights. Barolo wines are great candidates for the cellar given their aging ability. Piedmont’s Nebbiolo grapes provide firm tannins that support this character. The 2012 vintage was a warm one. Barolo food pairings: beef stew, roast pheasant, prime rib. Drink: 2016 – 2022 213132 15% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 91/100. November 2015.
Corte Majoli Tezza Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011, Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy: Amarone is one of the best-known, and most-loved, of Italian red wines, especially when it comes to the robust style. This one is packed with flavour: dark berries, smoke, mocha, espresso and spice. Deep, rich and concentrated. Finishes with black cherry liqueur notes. Pair with hearty meat dishes, such as roast beef and brisket. Amarone Della Valpolicella food pairings: grilled steak, tortellini, rich tomato sauce and pasta. Drink: 2016 – 2019 81943 15% XD 750 mL $33.95 Score: 93/100. July 2015.
Lavau Vacqueyras 2014, Rhone A.C., France: In the early 1960s, the Lavau winemaking family left St-Émilion in Bordeaux and moved to the Rhône Valley. Brothers Benoit and Frédéric Lavau partner with 300 grape growers in the region to make their wines. This robust southern French red wine offers blackberry liqueur aromas and richness on the nose and palate, with a pleasant smoky finish. Full-bodied and layered with a terrific value for the price. The 2014 vintage of the Vacqueyras is a blend of about half Grenache, then the remainder is mostly Syrah and with a splash of Mourvèdre grapes. Will age well in the cellar. Pair with prime rib. Food pairings: rare prime rib, rack of lamb, crown pork roast. Drink: 2016 – 2020 104927 14% XD 750 mL $25.95 Score: 93/100. April 2016.
Marchesi Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Tanned leather, cigar box and dried tobacco: lovely tertiary aromas of a mature wine that has bouquet not just aroma. I would drink now (because I’m a hedonist) but I suppose you could wait. But why, really? This Tuscan Brunello Di Montalcino from Antinori is an aged red wine with leather, meat, cigar spice and dried fruit aromas and palate. Decant 2 hours. Well-worth the price, this is a game wine to be had with a roast venison tenderloin. I can taste it now. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: grilled steak, roast leg of lamb, hard cheese, veal piccata. Drink: 2016 – 2020 651141 14% XD 750 mL $61.95 Score: 94/100. February 2015.
Quinta Do Portal Frontaria 2014, Douro D.O.C., Portugal: Full-bodied, smooth and savoury with black fruit aromas and flavours. This wine was aged in French oak barrels. Perfect for a pepper steak. This is a robust red wine blend of classic Portuguese grapes: Tinta Roriz 40%, Touriga Franca 40% and Touriga National 20%. Decant 1-2 hours. Food pairings: meat lover’s pizza, hard cheeses, rare grilled steak. Drink: 2016 – 2020 324533 13.5% D 750 mL $12.75 Score: 89/100. April 2016.
Domaine Durieu Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2014, Rhone A.C., France: Robust and towering southern French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley, with black and dark red raspberry and blackberry aromas. Violets, anise and dark spices on the palate with a velvet smooth texture and ultra-long finish. Perfect dinner party wine or gift wine. Pair with hearty meat dishes. Will cellar well. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: roast leg of lamb, barbecued ribs in sauce, hamburger, hard cheese. Drink: 2016 – 2020 320168 15% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 94/100. October 2016.
Chateau Larose Trintaudo 2012, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux A.C., France: Mocha and dark chocolate on the nose of this robust Bordeaux red wine from the Left Bank of the Gironde River. Fleshy black plums on the palate. Decant 1 hour. This full-bodied red wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot from the excellent 2012 vintage. Pair with a rare steak. Food pairings: turkey, roast breast of veal, prime rib. Drink: 2016 – 2019 297945 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 90/100. November 2015.
George Duboeuf Jean-Ernest Descombes Gamay 2012, Morgon, Burgundy A.C., France: Terrific aromas of black cherry and pepper on the nose. The palate is fleshy and rich and mouth-filling. Don’t confuse this wine with Beaujolais nouveau: there’s far more depth and complexity here. Perfect for movie night. Lots of mouth-watering acidity for a wide range of dishes from salmon to roast chicken and turkey. Gamay food pairings: turkey, hamburgers, pizza. Drink: 2016 – 2018 946186 13.5% D 750 mL $21.45 Score: 91/100. August 2015.
Marchand-Tawse Pinot Noir 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: A very seductive nose of black cherry and violets. Smooth, supple and almost full-bodied with great richness on the palate. Aromas of sour cherry, cranberry and wild tart blackberry. Good acidity for smoked salmon or grilled chicken. Produced by a joint venture between Moray Tawse, of Niagara’s Tawse winery, and Burgundian winemaker Pascal Marchand. The Pinot Noir vines were planted in 1978 in the clay and limestone soils of Pommard, one of Burgundy’s most respected communes. Pinot Noir food pairings: veal scaloppini, beef, smoked salmon, coq au vin. Drink: 2016 – 2020 285601 13% XD 750 mL $28.95 Score: 94/100. April 2016.
Sparkling Wine
Cattin Freres Cattin Freres Crémant D’alsace Brut Rosé, Alsace A.C., France: A refreshing, come-alive Crémant with great displays of white pear and green apple crispness. This is an amazing price for this sparkling wine. Great aperitif. This vibrant sparkling rosé wine is made from all Pinot Noir grapes which lends it a lovely salmon hue as well as notes of field raspberries. Dry and refreshing. Pair with shellfish. Crémant D’alsace Brut Rosé food pairings: fresh steamed shellfish, lobster bisque, crab cakes. Drink: 2016 – 2020 264572 12% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. October 2016.
February reviews will be posted soon.
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
