Somm4All scored this wine: 89/100

Cards on the table folks, as someone who doesn’t buy into the “marketing hype” with regards to wine, when I see a bottle with a big “gold” sticker on it I usually skip it. This time however, the words “Fitou” and "Vielle Vignes" (ie old vines) had me intrigued – so I took a chance. Located in the south of France, Fitou is one of the oldest vineyard regions in France and is believed to at one time to have had colonists from both ancient Greece and ancient Rome making wine there. Chateau de Ségure has history back to the 11th century, and for this wine, uses 20-year-old vines for a blend of 3 varietals; Carignan, Grenache & Syrah. Deep in colour with note of cassis, rich black cherry, some savoury herbal notes, peppery spice and sandalwood. Nine months of oak ageing allows for the tannins to mellow a touch. A perfect partner for a grilled angus burger with savoury potato wedges – good value and a good conversation starter to boot – cheers!

Somm4All scored this wine: 87/100

After surviving the Holiday Season and respective expenses that go along with it, who wouldn’t crave a great value white wine to enjoy before lamenting that dreaded credit card bill? Enter La Petite Hitaire Blanc from the Cotes du Gascognes, France. A white blend of perhaps 2 grapes that some may be unfamiliar with, Colombard & Ugni Blanc, but are indeed worth getting to know. Ugni Blanc has a deep history in Italy as Trebbiano Toscano and is believed to have been exported to SW France as far back as the 14 century. Colombard is the 7th most planted white varietal in France and has traditionally been used in the base wine in Cognac & Armagnac. Combined, the 2 provide a light and fresh wine with pronounced floral and tropical fruit (cantaloupe and honeydew) along with clean tangerine and lemon citrus. Crisp with just enough body to complement a seafood salad as well as white protein such as broiled chicken. Deep in history, rich in aroma/flavour and all for under $10 – a recommended multiple quantity purchase from Somm4All. Cheers!

Somm4All scored this wine: 88/100

Located only minutes from the heart of Niagara-on-the Lake, Strewn winery has been committed to producing “quality first” Ontario wine for almost 8 decades. Their 2016 Fumé Blanc is comprised of Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have spent 8 months sitting on lees in oak barrels. On the nose aromas of grass, green pepper, fresh herbs, lemon, pear and fresh grass greet you. On the palate the wine is dry and fresh with flavours of lemon, lime, pear, grass, fresh herb, white pepper, mandarin orange and vanilla. The alcohol lever is 14.5% however it is very well integrated and well-balanced making for a smooth and easy drinking wine. An Ontario Sauvignon Blanc with a nod to France, this would pair well with breaded filet of sole and asparagus salad.

Somm4All scored this wine: 90/100

The wines of San Pedro are a tribute to Corea Brothers who founded the vineyard back in 1865. The vines are located close to the seaside in Valle De Leyda Chile, allowing for the cooling effects of the Humboldt Current to naturally help the 100% Sauvignon grapes used develop into a vibrant and fresh wine. Bright and lively aroma’s lime, grapefruit, lemon, gooseberry, asparagus, green grass, a little minerality and a touch of pineapple abound. On the palate the wine is dry and crisp with zippy notes of citrus, oregano, thyme, fresh grass and a white flower. A good drink now Sauvignon Blanc that would work very well with goat cheese appetizers or grilled margarita infused scampi.

Somm4All scored this wine: 91/100

The Aconcagua region of Chile benefits from cooling influences from both the Andes Mountains as well as morning fog that blows in off the Pacific Ocean. Combined with complex soil characteristics this is a region that can produce very food wine. This Erraruriz is made from 100% hand picked Chardonnay grapes that were whole-cluster pressed and cold fermented in Stainless steel – done to preserve the fruit characteristics of the grape. On the nose we find lime, pink grapefruit, lemon, green apple, white flower and a little butter. We also notice a bit of “funk” (likely due to the partial wild yeast fermentation employed) as well as some mineral notes (which can be attributed to the slate/schist soil in which the grapes were grown). On the palate it is dry, bright and refreshing. Flavours follow the nose with additional hints of smoke, cedar, spice and caramel. 11 months spent in neutral French oak help provide a medium body mouthfeel along with good fruit and alcohol balance. The medium-plus finish encompasses harmonious interplay of butter, minerality, citrus and peach. Fantastic quality and at this price it is a multiple-purchase wine that you will go to again and again throughout the Summer. Impress your friends and enjoy with seared scallops and lemon/butter grilled shrimp.