February 9, 2019 Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights Include:

• Exceptional-value wine  – 5 of 41 wines in this newsletter that will be available in the LCBO February 16, 2019 meet strict quality-price guidelines. The wines range from $13.95 to $17.95 and are found throughout the newsletter identified via the value checkmark above. Strict guidelines? Click here.
• 95 points and over – no wine in this newsletter earned 95 points or over.
• Dave’s Delights - Iwai Mars Whisky scored 92 points @ $59.95 found under Spirits: Whisky; 2016 Patrick Lesec Cairanne scored 92 points @ $19.95 found under France: Red Wine; 2011 La Spinona ‘Sorì Gepin’ Barolo scored 93 points @ $68.95 found under Italy: Red Wine; 2015 Rioja Vega Crianza Edición Limitada scored 92 points @ $22.95 found under Spain: Red Wine and, of course, all his exceptional-value reviews.
• Louise Loves – 2016 Leaning Post ‘The Fifty’ Chardonnay earned 91points @ $22.95 found under Ontario: White Wine; 2016 Merf Cabernet Sauvignon earned 91 points @ $19.95 found under Washington State: Red Wine; 2016 The Lane ‘Single Vineyard - Block 14 - Basket Press’ Shiraz earned 91 points @ $29.95 found under Australia: Red Wine; and, of course, all her exceptional-value reviews. 

Identify the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews then clicking on ‘Select Stores’ and entering your postal code—the number of bottles available in stores near you is displayed as well as online—or by clicking ‘Check all stores’ where you’ll see stock available in all LCBO stores across Ontario. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, updated every 24 hours, some stores post earlier. LCBO Portfolio wines (wine not in Vintages section) should always closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. However, it’s always best to phone the store before making a trip.

Vintages Release: February 16, 2019

Spirits: Whisky

92
Mars Iwai Whisky
Nagano Prefecture, Japan $59.95 (634527) 40.5% alcohol
The Mars Shinshu distillery describes this whisky as inspired by the great whiskies of America; it’s distilled from mostly corn with a touch of malt then aged in old bourbon and sherry casks. The whisky has a pleasing nose with hints of peach, salted caramel and nutty aromas. It’s full bodied and smooth, feeling gently warm in the mouth with only a moderate burn of alcohol. Flavours of pear with hints of butterscotch slowly fade to a long salt water taffy finish. It’s the perfect sipper to help you wind down from a busy week. (Dave Isaacs)

Fortified Wine: Sherry

93 
Gonzalez Byass ‘Nutty Solera’ Oloroso Sherry 

DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry $18.95 (35204) 20.0% alcohol

This Oloroso is one the great bargains and most over-looked treasures on wine-store shelves. Flamboyant aromas of dark spice, figs, currants and peel marmalade explode from the glass of this delicious nectar. The ripe sweet flavours—caramel, marmalade, toasted almonds and toffee—turn, magically, almost dry on the lingering finish. Serve chilled, as an aperitif or conversation starter or with spice cake for afters. (Vic Harradine)

Champagne

90
Deutz Champagne Brut Rosé Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $79.95 (92833) 12.0% alcohol

This is very attractive in the glass with colour of rose-gold and profusion of fine-bead bubbles. There’s an expressive nose of apple and yeast with tantalizing traces of apricot aromas. It’s light in the mouth with pleasant fizz and a good balance of acid supporting flavours of apple and plum. Barely perceptible tannins give a pleasant and ever-so-slight bite on the finish. Pop the cork in front of the fireplace for a romantic celebration with that special someone, or enjoy it together with creamy-pasta-salmon salad. (Dave Isaacs)

Ontario: White Wine

91
Leaning Post ‘The Fifty’ Chardonnay 2016
VQA Ontario $22.95 (578864) 13.0% alcohol
This hand-harvested, hand-sorted, slowly barrel-fermented chardonnay is matured in stainless-steel tanks on lees for nine months. The initial oak contact is detected on the nose without masking the fresh stone fruit and citrus aromas. On the palate, a lifted buttery wash of ripe pear, fresh apricot, lemon meringue pie and nutmeg pleases the senses. Nicely textured with layers of gorgeous fruit and spice flavours, it keeps giving on the long dry, vanilla and poached-pear-infused, exquisite finish. This is medium-full bodied and a huge hit alongside baked salmon and scalloped potatoes. (Louise Boutin)

90  
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Riesling 2017
VQA Short Hills Bench $19.95 (557165) 11.5% alcohol
Aromas of lime zest and notions of petrol dominate the nose of this value-packed, oily textured, mouth-watering riesling. It races over the palate with flavours of lime cordial, lemon pie filling adorned with peach skin. This is clean, crisp and refreshing with a finish and aftertaste filled with racy, mouth-watering oomph and pizzazz. Pour with salads tossed with verjus or your favourite fish or seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario: Red Wine

87
Featherstone ‘Red Tail’ Merlot 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (131540) 13.0% alcohol
Candied plum, red cherry and tomato leaf aromas easily escape from this medium-bodied red. Initially sweet on the tongue with flavours of ripe dark cherry, it’s then caught-up with savoury dry herb, cooked green bell pepper and tart red cherry. The medium tannins wrap a tangy and slightly peppery finish making it a good pairing with gourmet burgers dressed with all the fixings. (Louise Boutin)

89
Vieni Pinot Noir 2015
VQA Vinemount Ridge $16.95 (550608) 13.5% alcohol
This well-priced, medium-bodied pinot was sourced from cool hills on the Vinemount Ridge. It’s earthy on the nose with red cherry and black pepper aromas peeking through. The round mouthfeel carries focused flavours of fresh and dry tangy red cherry wrapped in soft tannin evolving to peppery/mushroom notes on the dry finish. Pour alongside herb-roasted chicken, sautéed onions and mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

89
Thirty Bench ‘Winemaker’s Blend - Double Noir’ 2016
VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 (393973) 12.3% alcohol
This convivial blend of 53% pinot noir/47% gamay is aged ten months in French oak. Smoky on the nose, it also displays red tart cherry and pomegranate aromas. This is light-medium bodied with moderate tannin and thirst-quenching flavours of red cherry, cranberry and tangy raspberry with an all-spice note emerging in the finish. Give this a go with veal and spinach cannelloni. (Louise Boutin)

California: White Wine

90
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2015

Napa Valley $69.95 (709717) 14.1% alcohol

This medium-full bodied, nicely textured chardonnay opens with aromas of vanilla, toast and caramel. Green apple, ripe pear and tangy citrus notes blanket the palate coupled with adornments of baking spice and sweet vanilla. It finishes dry and refreshing with flavours of vanilla and melon framed by plenty of tangy acidity. Pour alongside roast chicken, roast pork or veal cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

87 
Conundrum ‘White’ 2015

California $21.95 (694653) 13.5% alcohol
Rosewater, exotic spice and sweet, tropical fruit aromas herald a sweet, fleshy river of mandarin orange, baked apple and honeydew melon that coat the palate infusing and dominating the lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour with fruit flan or spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

90
Cambria ‘Tepusquet Vineyard’ Syrah 2014
Santa Maria Valley $29.95 (660415) 14.5% alcohol
This sustainably grown, inviting, deep-purple shaded syrah—with its splash of viognier—presents fresh aromas of blueberry, raspberry and vanilla. A cool stream of fleshy dark fruit—blackberry, blueberry and cassis—merge with mocha and vanilla flavours on the palate. This presents in a surprisingly light fashion for an elevated-octane red that was aged 13 months in French oak, 24% new. This is medium-full bodied and offers a smooth warm, dry, fruity, vanilla-touched finish. This is delicious poured with charcuterie and aged hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)

90
Hess ‘Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
North Coast $24.95 (25080) 13.5% alcohol
This producer consistently delivers quality throughout its wine collection. This blend—80% cabernet sauvignon/10% petite sirah/4% malbec/2% syrah/2% merlot/2% zinfandel—is sourced from vineyards in Napa and Lake County and it matures 18 months in French oak, 35% new. Peppery aromas mingle with black fruit, green bell pepper and smoke. A charming silky-textured wash introduces flavours of dark cherry, tart blackberry, dark chocolate and all spice. It’s medium-full bodied with depth and balance and offers a nice lingering spicy and savoury finish. Give this a go with grilled rib eye steak. (Louise Boutin)

91
Tom Gore ‘Field Blend’ 2014
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County $29.95 (639724)
This deep purple blend—52% petit verdot/28% malbec/14% cabernet sauvignon/3% tempranillo/3% carignane-aka carignan—comes together to deliver beautiful rich aromas of ripe dark cherry, cassis, cedar and dry sage. It’s as generous and ample on the palate offering black cherry, black plum, red bell pepper, black peppercorn flavours and an earthy and saline note developing in the long enjoyable, balanced finish. Twenty months of ageing in oak barrels contributes to making this smooth and well-structured red very approachable when sipped on its own or with aged cheese. (Louise Boutin)

Washington State: Red Wine

91
Merf Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Columbia Valley $19.95 (633362) 14.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour. This full-bodied deep ruby blend—81% cabernet sauvignon/17% merlot/2% cabernet franc—is a new line, along with a Chardonnay, from Ste Michelle Wine Estates. It’s generous in ripe black fruit aromas, smokiness and black pepper. Partially aged in French and American oak for 20 months, it rolls over the palate with softness and elegance revealing delicious flavours of sweet ripe dark cherry, blackberry, baking spice, vanilla and cocoa powder. Nicely balanced and structured it offers a medium-long dry, fruity and spicy finish and aftertaste. Enjoy with glazed-beef short-ribs now to 2021. (Louise Boutin)

Argentina: Red Wine

88
Piattelli ‘Gran Reserve’ Malbec 2015
Cafayate Valley $24.95 (631804) 14.5% Alcohol
This high-altitude, inky-purple-hued malbec saw 12 months of ageing in French and American oak. There’s a waxy note on the shy nose with distant black fruit aromas. It opens up nicely on the palate with bright blueberry, blackberry and tangy red plum flavours meeting grippy tannin mid-way through and persisting with fruity tang on the mild, vanilla-flecked finish and aftertaste. This medium-full bodied red needs two hours of aeration/decant and is a good companion to pasta in a red sauce. (Louise Boutin)

Chile: White Wine

90
Tarapaca ‘Gran Reserva’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017
DO Leyda Valley $17.95 (632349) 13.5% alcohol
A superb fresh grassy nose teams-up with aromas of lime, fennel bulb and green apple that please the senses. A light tingle on the tongue and a round mouthfeel—courtesy ageing on lees—support crisp citrus and Granny Smith apple flavours seasoned with white pepper and a mineral note persisting in the long tasty finish. This medium-bodied white is wonderful with fish tacos dressed with cilantro-lime aioli. (Louise Boutin)

Chile: Red Wine

90
Viña Leyda ‘Canelo - Single Vineyard’ Syrah 2015
DO Leyda Valley $19.95 14.0% alcohol
Deep-ruby shaded from centre to rim, this cool-climate syrah shows an evolved nose—dry cherry and prune with smoke, earthiness and a wisp of violet aromas. Silk-textured tannins carry delicious flavours of dry cherry, cassis, mocha and a persistent smokiness adding complexity and depth to this medium-full bodied, great-bargain red. The finish is warm with dry fruit and pepper notes making it a perfect mate to braised lamb-shanks with prunes and a side of couscous. (Louise Boutin)

87
Santa Carolina ‘Gran Reserva’ Petit Verdot 2014
DO Rapel Valley $16.95 (7484) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% petit verdot is hand harvested and matured in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months. The robe is deep ruby, almost opaque, and the nose funky at first then dissipating with ripe black fruit and graphite aromas emerging after a vigorous swirl. Flavours of black plum, dark cherry meet tart red cherry, tobacco, grippy tannin and savoury herb on the palate with good texture and warmth lasting through the earthy/spicy finish. This medium-full bodied red will benefit from two to three hours of aeration/decant. Pour alongside your favourite rare-grilled beef. (Louise Boutin)

88 
Santa Carolina ‘Specialities - Dry Farming’ Carignan 2013
DO Cauquenes Valley $18.95 (213520) 14.5% alcohol
As one would expect from the cooler 2013 vintage, the aroma and flavour profile leans toward the savory green herbaceous notes, along with notions of chalky tannin. Red crunchy fruit and savory herb aromas abound on the nose. A medium-full bodied wash of pie cherry and passionfruit streak over the palate with laser-like focus interlaced with mint and hints of mocha. It’s quite dry on the finish with touches of still-evolving tannin and herbaceous notes. Pour with grilled lamb and mint jelly. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: White Wine

90 
Momo ‘Organic’ Pinot Gris 2017
Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (163535) 14.5% alcohol
The huge nose of floral notes and tropical fruit is portend of the gusher of nectarine and pear intertwined with piquant spice and lovely honeyed notes on the full-bodied, fully textured palate. It finishes with a blaze of lemon pie filling on the finish and aftertaste. This is a perfect dance partner for baked, glazed ham dotted with cloves alongside mashed potatoes and corn. (Vic Harradine)

New Zealand: Red Wine

88 
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2016
Marlborough $20.95 (590414) 14.0% alcohol
Semi-transparent ruby in colour, attractive pipe tobacco and smoky notes mingle with red cherry and cranberry aromas. This dry, medium-bodied red balances fresh acidity and subtle tannins with tart red fruit, spice and earthy flavours. Warm on the finish, you’ll enjoy this with grilled salmon fillet. (Lisa Isabelle)

Australia: White Wine

90
Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $17.95 (518357) 12.5% alcohol
This single-vineyard, hand-harvested, cool-fermented sauvignon blanc offers fresh aromas of tangerine zest, cantaloupe, white pepper and lemongrass. It’s bright and alive on the palate with white grapefruit purity along with Granny Smith apple flavours and delicious wet-rock minerality. Enjoy this light-medium bodied beauty now with goat cheese and leek tart for a tangy match. (Louise Boutin)

Australia: Red Wine

90
Domaine Naturaliste ‘Discovery’ Syrah 2014
Margaret Valley, Western Australia $24.95 (632596) 14.0% alcohol
This interesting blend—95% syrah/3% viognier/2% malbec—undergoes a short carbonic maceration and 12 months of ageing on lees in small and large French oak barrels. The nose is complex with rich aromas of dry prune, cherry cough syrup, balsamic reduction and a bright note of strawberry jam in the backdrop. The palate is greeted with briny flavours reminiscent of black olive, along with dry cherry and savoury dry herb. Medium-full bodied with polished tannins and good acidity, it carries a mid-length warm finish of balsamic and savoury notes. The producer recommends up to five years of cellaring; you can also enjoy now with slowly simmered pork or beef stew. (Louise Boutin)

88
Port Phillip ‘Quartier’ Pinot Noir 2016
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria $28.95 (632554) 13.5% alcohol
Ten months of maturation in French oak,10% new, went into this medium-bodied Australian pinot. A barnyard veil partially hides aromas of red cherry and mushroom. Dry herb introduces palate flavours infused with juicy tart cherry, cranberry and bay leaf flavours. A touch of earthiness and baking spice emerges in the tangy finish you wish could last longer. A couple more years of cellaring will benefit this well-crafted red. If pouring now, aerate/decant two hours and pair with beef pot-roast and root vegetables. (Louise Boutin)

91
The Lane ‘Single Vineyard - Block 14 - Basket Press’ Shiraz 2016
Adelaide Hills, South Australia $29.95 (470591) 13.5% alcohol
This high-elevation grown, 100% shiraz is full of freshness with aromas of black plum, strawberry, eucalyptus and violet. Like a cool breeze, a silky textured flow of flavours caress the palate—ripe dark cherry, blackberry, tangy red plum, black pepper and licorice—grabbing fine, yet grippy, tannin on the way, shaping a fruit-forward, spice-infused finish. This is medium-full bodied and perfectly balanced with cellaring potential. Pour now to 2025 with eggplant moussaka. (Louise Boutin)

South Africa: White Wine

88
Stranveld ‘First Sighting’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017
WO Cape Agulhas $13.95 (18705) 12.5% alcohol
This opens with a musty note that dissipates after a swirl allowing green citrus, fennel, celery and mineral aromas to emerge. Some residual fermentation tickles the tongue before a tangy wash of juicy lime, fresh dill and wet rock minerality bathes the palate and persists into a lip-smacking dry finish. This is refreshing, medium-bodied and pours well with an appetizer such as fried zucchini and dip. (Louise Boutin)

France: White Wine

• Few producers can claim four centuries of winemaking expertise in their family; the following, newly released gem from Jean-Baptiste’s Adam family certainly can. Les Natures is this winery’s organic line and the 2016 Gewürztraminer featured below is an elegant expression of this aromatic variety.

92
Jean-Baptiste Adam ‘Les Natures’ Gewürztraminer 2016
AOC Alsace $24.95 (561555) 13.0% alcohol
This hand-harvested, organic, off-dry beauty showcases a harmonious fragrant nose of pineapple, apricot, honey and rose aromas. A palate-soothing wash, almost oily, showcases flavours of ginger with replays of ripe pineapple, fresh apricot and honey, along with a wisp of almond-skin bite on the mid-length, balanced and delectable finish. This is textbook, high-quality Gewürztraminer, medium-bodied with great depth and good balancing acidity. Baked ham with grilled pineapple is an inspired pairing or you can confidently pour with a variety of spicy Asian dishes. Drink now to 2021. (Louise Boutin)

89
Château de la Grange ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Côtes de Grand Lieu Muscadet 2016
AOC Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu $13.95 (637868) 12.0% alcohol
This melon de bourgogne is a light, almost clear, brassy yellow in colour. It has a lively citrus nose with hints of wet stones. Medium bodied on the palate, there’s pleasant acidity delivered by flavours of lemon, lime and citrus peel while finishes with plenty of minerality. Enjoy this tang-laden treat with seafood risotto. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Chavet & Fils ‘La Dame de Jacques Coeur’ Menetou-Salon Blanc 2017
AOC Menetou-Salon $20.95 (525048) 13.0% alcohol
This wine looks almost like water in the glass. There’s just a slight brassy tint to this that might hint that it’s sauvignon blanc. The nose is very expressive with hints of grass, fresh vegetables, orange peel, and chalk. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with a nice balance of acidity via lemon and mineral flavours. The finish is long with touches of lemon and a slight bite on the aftertaste. This is a good match for baked white fish drizzled with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Jean-Max Roger ‘Cuvée Genèse’ Sancerre 2017
AOC Sancerre $29.95 (189126) 13.0% alcohol
An elegant sauvignon blanc made from vines that are 10 to 40 years old, this is a bright, light-straw yellow in appearance. There are aromas of cut grass and fresh asparagus on the nose along with notes of honeysuckle and clover. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate citrus-like acidity and flavours of Gala apple. The finish is lengthy with an aftertaste of lime. Not every sauvignon blanc from Sancerre is ageable, but this one will evolve very pleasantly over the next 5 years. Enjoy with a plate of shrimp parmesan pasta. (Dave Isaacs)

87
Liboreau Charentes Sauvignon Blanc 2017
IGP Vin de Pays Charentais $13.95 12.0% alcohol
Light golden in colour, aromas of canned asparagus, parsnip, and carrots waft from the glass. It’s medium-light bodied textured enhanced by flavours of lemon and mineral. A straightforward sipper to have along with a weeknight meal of breaded, oven-fried chicken thighs. (Dave Isaacs)

France: Red Wine

88
Les Croix Rouges Juliénas 2017
AOC Juliénas $19.95 (634691) 13.0% alcohol
An easy-drinking Cru Beaujolais with pleasant aromas of strawberry, earth and pepper. It’s medium-light bodied on the palate, with approachable tannins balanced and a good level of acidity. There are tart flavours of cherry and cranberry sauce that linger through to the finish. Drinking nicely right now, this will last at least a couple more years. Enjoy with a serving of bruschetta chicken. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Château Blaignan 2014
AOC Médoc $23.95 (633032) 12.5% alcohol
The Château Blaignan estate is located in the northern part of the Médoc. On their 97 hectares of vineyards they grow mainly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and a smaller amount of cabernet franc. This red blend has a brick-red colour and aromas of pencil shavings and dried moss. The tannins are very well integrated giving a pleasant mouthfeel punctuated with flavours of vanilla and cherry. The finish is long with prominent tannins and flavours of vanilla. Enjoy this any time over the next 4 years with aged cheddar cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

91
Château Cantenac 2014
AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru $34.95 (24430) 13.5% alcohol
This is a blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. It has a medium-garnet appearance with a nose of cherry jam, blackberry and vanilla. The medium-full bodied river delivers juicy acidity and strong but well-integrated tannins along with flavours of cherry and raspberry that linger nicely underneath a strong tannin finish. Although drinkable now, if decanted for an hour or two before serving, this wine will be hitting its prime in 2023. Enjoy with a medium-rare serving of grilled steak. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Château Recougne 2015
AOC Bordeaux Supérior $16.95 (368167) 14.0% alcohol
This red blends mostly merlot with smaller portions of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and carmenère. There’s an expressive nose of pencil shavings, strawberry, cherry, and dried mint aromas. The mouthfeel is moderately textured with perceptible, smooth tannins and flavours of cherry along with wisps of oak. Enjoy with a helping of smoked beef brisket. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Pierre Lurton Bordeaux
AOC Bordeaux $19.95 (632984) 14.5% alcohol
This finely crafted, affordable Bordeaux is red plum in colour with an enticing nose of vanilla, strawberry, dried herbs and pepper. It’s full bodied on the palate with smooth but significant tannins and a great balance of acidity. Flavours of sour cherry, vanilla and mocha meld pleasantly along with flavours of mocha sustaining themselves through the finish. This is drinking beautifully today and will be even better in a couple of years. It’s a good match for coffee-rubbed roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)

88
Moulin de Gassac Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
IGP Pays d'Oc $13.95 (644476) 12.5% alcohol
Stylish and well paced, this is dark cherry red in appearance with a jammy nose of red fruit and hints of coffee and ash. It’s smooth medium bodied in the mouth with approachable tannins and a deftly balanced tang and acidity. Flavours of blackberry linger in the long finish. Serve along with hearty beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)

87
Camille Cayran ‘La Réserve’ Plan de Dieu 2017
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages $17.95 (644286) 14.5% alcohol
You’ll find aromas of jam, dried currants, and white pepper on the nose followed by spicy flavours of clove and tobacco smoke on the palate. It’s medium bodied with strong tannins that will support cellaring another 5 years. This is a wine to pair with medium-rare steak barbequed over a wood-fired grill. (Dave Isaacs)

92
Patrick Lesec Cairanne 2016
AOC Cairanne $19.95 (636217) 13.5% alcohol
This beauty of a wine is dark purple plum in appearance with a fascinating nose of cherry, fresh mint and vanilla with hints of nutmeg and smoke. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with smooth tannins, a delicious balance of acidity and flavours—cherry and vanilla. This wine is a delight throughout and on to its long and flavourful finish. Enjoy this between now and 2022 along with a serving of beef tenderloin with a cherry-black pepper sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

Italy: White Wine

89 
Cliffhanger Pinot Grigio 2017
DOC Trentino $15.95 (528687) 13.0% alcohol
This is made from grapes harvested from farmlands nestled in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, in north-eastern Italy. It’s light gold in colour and has a nose of grapefruit peel, pear and very slight hints of candle wax. It’s medium-full bodied with good balance of juicy tang and flavours of orange, grapefruit and a touch of sweet nectar. The finish is long with flavours of ripe pear. This is a lovely wine to go with hearty chicken stew. (Dave Isaacs)

Italy: Red Wine

90
Attilio Ghisolfi ‘Bussia’ Barolo 2013
DOCG Barolo $54.95 (382796) 14.5% alcohol
Although the brick red colour with salmon highlights suggest an aged wine, this Barolo still has its feet planted firmly in its youth. There is a marvellous nose with aromas of moss, wood, dried fruit and cloves. It’s medium-full bodied delivering a hefty wallop of tannins, supported by flavours of spice, black pepper, and dried herbs. Lay this down for at least another 5 years. When it comes of age you’ll reap the reward for your patience. It’ll be well matched with a medium-rare cut of roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)

93
La Spinona ‘Sorì Gepin’ Barolo 2011
DOCG Barolo $68.95 (577874) 14.5% alcohol
This is a beautiful example of Barolo just entering its prime. It’s brick-red in the glass, tinted with hues of orange and peach blush. There are evocative aromas of leather, autumn leaves and wet wood on the nose. It’s medium-full bodied with mouthwatering acidity and wonderfully integrated tannins that are smooth and pleasant. Palate flavours of dried cherry co-exist with spicy hints of clove and anise. The finish is long and fruity with tannins becoming prominent on the aftertaste. This is drinking wonderfully right now and will continue to do so for another eight years. Enjoy with a serving of lamb chops crusted with fennel and black pepper. (Dave Isaacs)

90
Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2017
IGT Salento Rosso $13.95 (270306) 14.0% alcohol
This is a big wine for such a modest price. It’s opaque in the glass with aromas of cherry, plum and black pepper. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with smooth and moderate tannins and a very pleasant balance of acidity and juicy flavours of cherry and vanilla with a touch of smoke. The finish is long, tasting of smoky vanilla. This’ll keep in the cellar for a few more years, but it’s intended to be consumed young. Enjoy now with a hearty bowl of chili con carne. (Dave Isaacs)

89
Ama Chianti Classico 2015
DOCG Chianti Classico $34.95 (515759) 12.5% alcohol
This Chianti Classico is 96% sangiovese topped off with 4% merlot. There are aromas of dried cherries, along with wafts of smoked meat. The tannins are smooth on the palate making this a very easy-drinking red. There are palate flavours of vanilla with hints of tart red berries that also linger through the finish. This is drinking at well now and should be consumed over the next two years. Enjoy with a plate of spaghetti and meat sauce. (Dave Isaacs)S

91
Renzo Masi Riserva Chianti 2015
DOCG Chianti $18.95 (969469) 13.5% alcohol
This lovely Chianti is a blend of 95% sangiovese and 5% colorino. It’s dark-plum hued with aromas of wood, cherry, vanilla and black pepper. It’s medium bodied and nicely framed by juicy acidity and flavours of sour cherry and vanilla. The finish is long and fruity with hints of smoke while tannins are easy going throughout. This is a good pairing with gourmet, wood-fired pizza. (Dave Isaacs)

91
Cantine di Ora ‘Amicone’ 2015
IGT Rosso Veneto $18.95 (631093) 14.5% alcohol
Part of this wine is blended from grapes allowed to over-ripen on the vine before being harvested and blended. The result is a splendid wine that’s an opaque, black cherry in the glass offering a spicy nose of vanilla and black pepper aromas. The wine is quite smooth with the medium-full texture supporting approachable tannins and delicious flavours of cherry and vanilla. The finish is long and flavourful. Enjoy this with a serving of medium-rare pepper steak. (Dave Isaacs)

Spain: Red Wine

92
Rioja Vega ‘Edición Limitada’ Crianza 2015
DOCa Rioja $22.95 (638783) 14.0% alcohol
This fabulous blend of 90% tempranillo and 10% graciano was aged 14 months in oak barrels. The nose abounds with aromas of vanilla, dried herbs, wood and blackberry. It’s full bodied on the palate with well integrated tannins and delicious acidity balanced nicely with red fruit flavours. The juicy red fruit flavours—cherry, raspberry, strawberry—are mouth-watering and persist through the finish. This is already a delight to drink and will also keep in the cellar for another four or five years. Enjoy with a dinner of rosemary-rubbed lamb chops. (Dave Isaacs)

Upstream in winecurrent

Vintages Release: TBD 2019

92
Galil Mountain ‘Alon’ 2014
Upper Galilee, Israel $19.95 (577866) 15.0% alcohol
This is a kosher blend of 64% cabernet sauvignon/15% syrah/12% merlot/5% petit verdot/4% cabernet franc. It’s dark-cherry hued with a slight, orange-coloured cast. The nose is filled with jammy aromas of cherry and dried red fruit with hints of smoke. It’s full bodied on the palate with a smooth and thick mouthfeel, a delightfully balanced acidity and approachable tannins. Palate flavours of tart strawberry and vanilla with hints of cocoa and coffee persist through the finish. Give this a two-hour aeration/decant before service or keep in the cellar to 2022. Enjoy with a medium-rare cut of roast beef. (Dave Isaacs)

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Segal's ‘Special Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Galilee, Israeli $29.95 (223677) 13.5% alcohol
This attractive kosher wine has lovely aromas of dried herbs, smoke, vanilla and cherry on the nose. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and good amount of tannins. There are prominent flavours of cherry and vanilla and a long dried-fruit finish. This’ll keep in the cellar until 2025 or can be enjoyed sooner if aerated/decanted for three hours before pouring. Pair with medium-rare beef. (Dave Isaacs)

Cheers, Dave, Louise, Vic