Search
March 13, 2024 Newsletter
New and Upcoming from Henry of Pelham
- The next 5 wines can easily be ordered from the Henry of Pelham website to be delivered to your home or office; or picked up from the winery, if you are close by. Their website will also give you excellent information on each of the following wines, and many, many more. Enjoy!
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ ‘Classic’ Rosé 2023
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $14.95 (613471) 11.5% alcohol
Find out more and buy directly from Henry of Pelham
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $15.95 (291211) 13.0% alcohol
Currently on sale for $13.95! Find out more and buy directly from Henry of Pelham
92
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023
VQA Niagara Peninsula, $15.95 (430546) 12.5% alcohol
Find out more and buy directly from Henry of Pelham
94
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench, $27.95 (268391) 13.5% alcohol
Find out more and buy directly from Henry of Pelham
93
Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ ‘The School House’ ‘Cabernet-Merlot’ 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench, $27.95 (395855) 13.5% alcohol.
The 2020 vintage is not yet available on the Henry of Pelham website, but will be soon. In the meantime, enjoy these other Cabernet-Merlots.
Upstream in Winecurrent
March 16, 2024 Vintage Release
- The next wine matured for 12 months in American oak barrels with an average age of 6 years, as well as 12 months in concrete vats.
94
Camigliano 100% sangiovese grosso – accredited as an ‘organic wine’ - 2018
DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino, Italy $79.00 (35970) 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of mocha, and red cherry/berry fruit are somewhat intense and lead to a palate flavour that mimics the aromas from first drop to the finish and aftertaste. It also carries a persistent acidic taste that balances off the soft tannin and delicious flavours. Give this a go on its own or serve with osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
- The next wine was sourced from 100% Clare Valley Shiraz and was also sourced from Jim Barry Winery that is housed in the Clare Valley and was recently the joyous recipient of the “Best Australian Winery of the Year” from James Halliday – Australia’s most revered wine guru.
93
Jim Barry Winery ‘The Lodge Hill’ – ‘100% Estate Grown’ - 100% Shiraz 2021
GI Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia $25.95 (998476) 14.0% alcohol
One of the Power Wineries in the dazzling Clare Valley that is widely known for their Riesling and Shiraz and their extended families of successful winemakers. Alluring aromas of black plum, peppery notes and delectable black cherry, pepper and spice and hints of sweet cherry clafoutie from the first palate flavours to the finish and lingering aftertaste supported by an underpinning of soft ripe tannin. This is ready to drink now and on to 2030. It’s a match for gourmet sausage, premium cuts of beef or your favourite backyard burger! This is a very special wine that was first made in 2001.and in every vintage since that was possible up to this one. (Vic Harradine)
- The vineyard is situated alongside the ‘Juffer’ medieval German for the ‘Virgin Lady’ reminding one that a Convent was in charge of most of the opposite steep vineyard site. Ripe healthy grapes were hand=harvested in early October 2022 and fermentation took place by controlled temperature then bottling took place on February 7th 2023. It is pure and saline on the palate. Pick up a few.
93
Wiengut Max Ferd, Richter Reisling Kabinett 2022
Pradikatswein, Mulheim an der Mosel, Germany, $32.95 (36929) 8.0% alcohol
A few gentle swirls on a glass of this wine will be most satisfying, if you are looking for sweet nectar. The finish and aftertaste also has a lovely pairing of sweet nectar and lip=smacking acidity. Give this a chance with spicy Asian dishes or a sushi platter. (Vic Harradine)
March 30, 2024 Vintages Release
- The next wine has multiple growers from whom they have purchased grapes for many, many years, making it a blended wine that reflects its own style, year after year. This Cune Crianza is produced by the fifth generation of the founders of CVNE mainly from hand-picked Tempranillo grapes. It is also suitable for vegans. It matures for at least one year in American and French oak casks and some months in the bottle prior to its release.
92
Cune Crianza ‘85% Tempranillo, - 15% Garnacha Tinta & Mazuelo’ - 2019
DOCa Rioja, Spain, $17.00 (39925) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of mocha, dark plum and an underpinning of firm tannin all make an appearance on the nose after the gentlest of swirls in the glass. The palate is treated to a gusher of well-balanced flavours, with red cherry/berry fruit and with touches of cassis and acidity from finish to aftertaste that is absolutely delicious with good mouthfeel and an interesting dance partner to these culinary wonders – South African bobotie, or chicken pot pie, or prawn ceviche. (Vic Harradine)
- The next wine is a Certified Organic 2022 Chardonnay from a High Elevation Collection. At elevations peaking at 2,300 feet these organically farmed vineyards offer distinctive mountain fruit with both intensity and elegance. Volcanic soils, intense sun exposure, and temperature variations result in complex, balanced, full-bodied wines.
93
Shannon Ridge ‘High Elevation Collection – Stewards of the Land’ – ‘Certified Organic’ - Chardonnay 2022
AVA Lake County, California, U.S.A., $24.95 (36754) 13.5% alcohol
The balanced fruit and oak aromas (it spent six months in French oak) of the organic Chardonnay blends seamlessly with flavours of ripe peaches, pineapple, vanilla, butter and caramel for a silky-smooth finish and delightful lingering aftertaste. Pick up an armful then pat yourself on the back. Give it a go with all manner of premium beef steak, or the backyard favourite that you pull from your grill. (Vic Harradine)
April 12, 2024 Vintages Release
91
Stella Rosa Black ‘Semi-Sweet’ Brachetto grape
Italy, $19.95 5.0% alcohol
This sparkling red wine is a fruit forward, low alcohol proprietary blend of several red grapes—including Brachetto, a grape that is indigenous Italy—as well as infused natural flavours of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry. (Vic Harradine)
92
Stella Rosa Peach ‘Semi-Sweet’ Moscato grape.
Italy, $19.95 5.0% alcohol.
This sparkling white wine is a fruit forward, low alcohol with a blend of peach flavour and a primary indigenous grape Moscato from Italy. This wine was treated to 10.0% residual sugar making a semi-sweet wine, and to Method Charmat showing some winding-to-the-top-of-the-glass-bubbles. It also caresses the palate with peach flavour and stone fruit… yummy! This matches well with spicy Asian dishes like Pad Thai or tandoori chicken. (Vic Harradine)
April 27, 2024 Vintage Release
- The next wine is an accredited Organic and Vegan Chardonnay a ‘Yalumba Winery Gen’; it is a serious commitment by Yalumba winery. The Chardonnay was harvested in February from the 2022 vintage in South Australia. Yes, their harvest dates coincide with our winters.
93
Yalumba ‘accredited Organic and Vegan friendly and Wild Ferment’ ‘Yalumba Gen’ Chardonnay 2022
South Australia, Australia $21.95 (33592) 12.5% alcohol
The alluring aromas of wild spices and fruit-forward aromas are a wonderful introduction to this delightful organic and vegan friendly wine. You should not be disappointed with this. Give it a go with sushi, a charcuterie board or your favourite seafood dinner. – pan-seared Atlantic salmon, steamed green-lip mussels or fish in batter. Enjoy! (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release TBD
92
The Vice ‘Elise 3.0’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Russian River Valley, California $39.95 13.9% alcohol
This organic, hand-harvested, single vineyard and unfiltered chardonnay presents with a shiny, clear, golden-yellow inviting complexion and mix of aromas—ripe pear, camomile tea, baked apple, exotic spices. The partial malolactic conversion and nine months of ageing in combination of new and neutral French oak translates into a medium-full bodied, creamy palate of orchard fruit flavours mingling with toasted nuts and lemon custard notes, followed with a delicious comforting layer of butter and delicate vanilla bean character trailing in the finish. This medium-full-bodied, gorgeous, small batch, chardonnay with bright acidity, calls for Coquille St-Jacques or lasagna with cashew bechamel. (Louise Boutin)
91
Fratelli Ponte Barbera D’Asti 2022
DOCG Barbera D’Asti, Italy $17.95 13.5% alcohol
This is 100% barbera grape with no oak influence, offering a vivid nose of crushed berries, plum and graphite plus a distant note of violet. It flows with ease and delight on the palate revealing bright red fruit flavours, tart dry strawberry and blackberry enrobed in soft tannin and leading to a delicious bright, dry, fruit forward finish. This medium-bodied red is an excellent value and it will shine beside a selection of charcuterie or red sauce gourmet pizza. (Louise Boutin)
- This beautiful non-vintage champagne from Montaudon house, founded in 1891 is crafted with 75% red grapes—pinot noir and pinot meunier—and the rest chardonnay sourced from carefully selected grape growers in the Champagne region. It is aged a minimum of 18 months in the family cellars before release.
92
Montaudon Réserve Première Brut NV
AOC Champagne, France $69.95 (37575) 12.0%alcohol
Leesy notes and inviting crunchy, tart, red apples take the aroma lead with this gorgeous pale rose gold shaded bubbly, showing lots of extra fine rosery beads escaping from the glass . It is round and generous on the palate with very focused orchard fruit flavours draped in a nice balanced froth, offering brioche notes and just enough tartness and sweet fruit to make you want coming back for more. This is a lovely champagne that can be poured not only before dinner as an aperitif but also with a fresh green salad with strawberry and feta cheese or shrimp cocktail. (Louise Boutin)
- The next three wines are from the fourth generation Castelo Branco family who runs one of the oldest agricultural companies in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, along the Guadiana river. They grow mostly indigenous grapes but also some international varietals.
90
Monte Do Paço Tinto 2021
Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal $15.95 14.0% alcohol
This is a blend of aragonez aka tempranillo, syrah, Alicante Bouschet and touriga nacional mingling quite well together—blackberry, plum, cherry, cedar aromas. Medium-full bodied with red cherry tart flavour, red plum and a pleasant green peppercorn note trailing in the finish and aftertaste. Tannins are nicely softened after a two-hour aeration/decant. Pair with meatloaf in a rich tomato sauce or hard cheeses. (Louise Boutin)
91
Monte Do Paço Touriga Nacional Syrah 2021
Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal $16.95 14.5% alcohol
Touriga nacional and syrah are partnering in this expressive opaque red, showing beautiful notes of ripe dark fruit, kirsch liqueur and black olive. Aged 12 months in French oak, it glides nicely on the palate, confirming the ripe dark fruit delicious palette of flavours with an earthy layer and sandy tannin showing up in the savoury, full-bodied finish. This will benefit from an hour of decant/aeration and be perfect alongside braised beef shanks with root vegetables of lentil stew. (Louise Boutin)
88
Monte Do Paço Alicante Bouschet 2021
Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal $16.95 15.0% alcohol
This is 100% Alicante Bouschet aka garnacha tintorera in Spain, a red flesh grape widely used in blends for its darkening abilities. Herbal and gamey aromas show-up first on the nose, followed with bright purple plum and raw tobacco notes. The palate is awakened to a rustic flow of dark fruit, herbal tones and a black peppercorn note in the chewy finish. Pour with juicy flank steak on the grill or rich sausage- stuffed bell peppers after a two-hour decant/aeration or be patient and cellar for two years to allow the tannins to get more integrated. (Louise Boutin)
|
 |
|
|
91
Clivus Black Lava 2022
IGT Veneto Rosso, Italy $19.95 13.5% alcohol
No oak treatment for this beautiful red with a pretty nose of sweet cherry, fresh berry compote, bay leaf and mineral notes. It flows easily on the palate with a delicious red fruit and berry profile, excellent acidity and a slight gamey note developing midway through along with soft, powdery tannins. This is medium-bodied and perfect for cherry-glazed pork loin or veal scallopini. (Louise Boutin)
91
Clivus Valpolicella Ripasso 2021
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $21.95 13.5% alcohol
This blend of corvina and rondinella is fully vinified before going through a second fermentation using the skins of its Amarone counterpart. The resulting medium-full-bodied wine is deliciously round with aromas and flavours of red and dried cherry, strawberry and a hint of spice. Tannins are mellow but noticeable and the finish is dry and fruity offering many pairing options. Try with gnocchi with mild Italian sausages or roasted garlic and sun-dried tomato pasta. (Louise Boutin)
93
Clivus Amarone della Valpolicella 2020
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy $47.95 14.5% alcohol
This is a bright and fresh version of a corvina-corvinone-rondinella blend aged in Slovenian oak and barriques for two years, then matured in bottle for six months. It shows aromas of red plum, cherry and mild spice, along with a floral layer that is quite attractive. The palate is treated to a soft and elegant flow of ripe red cherry and dry strawberry flavours, embellished with a sweet raisin layer and uber fine tannins supporting the fruit forward slightly spiced delicious finish. Alcohol integration is impressive, leaving space for the fruit to fully express itself. Since you can’t get too much Amarone, pair with risotto all’Amarone or rich polenta with sauteed wild mushroom. (Louise Boutin)
94
Roncolato Amarone della Valpolicella 2017
DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy $47.95 (22997) 15.0% alcohol
Inviting aromas of chocolate along with Christmas cake and star anise introduce this gorgeous classic corvina-corvinone-rondinella blend with a splash of oseleta, aged a minimum of 12 months in French oak plus two years in bottles. This is round and opulent on the palate offering dry cherry flavour along with prune and baking spice character enveloped in fine, polished tannins and a comforting warm persistent finish of baked prune and dark caramel. This is outstanding with aged cheese—cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano, smoked Gouda. (Louise Boutin)
- The three wines from Cave de Cleebourg below are crafted with grapes mostly hand-harvested in six villages surrounding the Cleebourg commune in Alsace.
91
Cave de Cleebourg Riesling 2021
AOC Alsace, France $19.95 13.0% alcohol
If the petroleum aroma often noticeable in Riesling isn’t your thing, give this one a go. Aromas of melon, lemon rind and stone fruit introduce a vivid medium-bodied flow of delicious tropical flavours--pineapple, passion fruit, grapefruit—plus a nice layer of mineral notes. Lots of value in this is a beautiful dry riesling that will pair perfectly with choucroute garnie or onion tart. (Louise Boutin)
91
Cave de Cleebourg Gewurztraminer 2022
AOC Alsace, France $17.95 13.5% alcohol
This is a classic yet beautiful gewurz showing attractive jasmine flower, ginger and lychee aromas on the nose. This is medium-full bodied with an opulent palate texture, carrying flavours of ripe yellow apple, pineapple, candied orange rind and a good balancing dose of pink grapefruit acidity. This is your go to off-dry white for Pad thaï or gourmet sushi. (Louise Boutin)
91
Cave de Cleebourg Pinot Gris 2022
AOC Alsace, France $17.95 13.5% alcohol
There’s a gorgeous sweet ripe pear aroma along with honey and white fresia escaping from the glass in this medium-full bodied, off-dry pinot gris. It offers a rich palate coating texture with pink grapefruit, yellow pear and a hint of apricot all mingling nicely together with a touch of almond in the persistent bright finish. Pour alongside red lentil curry over steamed sushi rice or chanterelle mushroom omelet. (Louise Boutin)
90
Bodegas Puelles Crianza 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 14.0% alcohol
Cherry, plum and red currant aromas mingle with sweet notions of vanilla and caramel before a cascade of blackberry, spiced plums and dusty cocoa flavours bathe the palate. Medium full bodied with bright acidity and apparent tannins, red fruit, spice and vanilla flavours are carried through the medium-long, warming finish. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours before enjoying with grilled Chorizo sausage. (Lisa Isabelle)
92
Bodegas Puelles Reserva 2016
DOCa Rioja, Spain $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The captivating nose evokes aromas of blackberry and plums adorned with anise, leather, sweet tobacco and sandalwood. Nicely balanced with velvety tannins, bright acidity and well- integrated alcohol, ripe fruit flavours, savoury herbs and black olive notes persist on the long, tasty finish. Pair with grilled, herb-encrusted lamb chops and roasted vegetables. (Lisa Isabelle)
92
Bodegas Puelles Gran Reserva 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $24.95 14.0% alcohol
This Gran Reserva delights with notes of plush red and dark fruit infused with sweet and savoury spices, leather and earthy undertones. Sweet spice, dark chocolate and a pleasant balsamic note build on the dark fruit-driven palate and are enjoyed through the generous finish. It’s dry, medium-full bodied and deftly balanced with silky tannins and fresh acidity and would compliment braised lamb shanks or a wild mushroom risotto. (Lisa Isabelle)
90
Vaucher Père & Fils Beaujolais-Village 2022
AOC Beaujolais-Village, France $19.95 13.5% alcohol
There’s a lovely bouquet of cherry, raspberry and lavender notes in this 100% gamay red. This is a crowd pleaser with its fruity palate, bright acidity, soft tannins and a pleasant dry finish. A great medium-bodied value that will be perfect for fresh tomato sauce pasta, turkey pie, charcuterie board and the list goes on... Serve slightly chilled (Louise Boutin)
92
Vaucher Père & Fils Morgon 2022
AOC Morgon, France $23.95 13.5% alcohol
Attractive, profound and focused aromas of dark cherry with floral and some mineral notes introduce a velvety flow of stone red fruit flavours combined with a touch of pepper and laurel. More robust than a Beaujolais-Village version, it shows a delicious earthy layer of flavours and a nice grip of dusty tannins in the dry and persistent finish. This will further evolve with proper cellaring. Beef bourguignon would make a lovely pairing. (Louise Boutin)
91
Alba Vega Albariño 2023
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $21.95 12.5% alcohol
Expect pretty floral notes on the nose plus honeydew and sea breeze saline notes from this Spanish, Galician coast white. The saline character palate is obvious and deliciously combined with nectarine and lime zest flavours finishing on a white pepper touch. Excellent medium-bodied weight, this will match perfectly with grilled calamari salad or steamed mussels in a zesty light cream sauce. (Louise Boutin)
88
De Bernard Prosecco Rosé Brut Millesimato 2022
DOC Prosecco, Italy $17.95 11.0% alcohol
This is a fresh blend of 90% glera and 10% pinot noir giving this pretty salmon color. You’ll find nectarine, strawberry and herbal notes on the nose replayed on the palate with a gentle froth and lots of savoury notes in the finish and aftertaste. Uncork and poor right away with bruschetta or a selection of charcuterie. (Louise Boutin)
90
De Bernard Prosecco Prestige Extra Dry Millesimato 2022
DOC Treviso Prosecco, Italy $17.95 11.0% alcohol
Nothing else than glera grapes in this fragrant bubbly showing Granny Smith apple, pear and honeysuckle aromas. The palate if fresh and inviting with ripe pear and peach flavours complemented with a hint of sweet honey carried all the way to the nice fizzy finish. This is a light sparkling perfect for a Sunday brunch alongside eggs Benedict or French toast with fresh fruits. (Louise Boutin)
90
De Bernard Conegliano Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry
DOCG Prosecco Superiore, Italy 19.95 11.5% alcohol
This blend of mostly glera grapes with a splash of verdiso and perera offers aromas of pear, fresh fennel and citrus notes. The palate is fresh and lively with a nice expanding froth carrying lots of citrus character—grapefruit, lemon and lime—plus a nice layer of mineral hints leading to a crisp and dry finish. Excellent on its own or with sea salt potato chips and other salted munchies. (Louise Boutin)
91
De Bernard Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut Millesimato 2023
DOCG Prosecco Superiore, Italy $19.95 11.5% alcohol
Yellow apple, fennel seed and white lily aromas open the door to a compact soft froth of delicious orchard fruit flavours on the palate, along with bright citrus acidity and slate mineral notes leading to a very enjoyable crisp finish. This is a lovely blend of 85% glera and a touch of verdiso and perera with persistent effervescence that will pair perfectly with fresh oysters or crostini with artichoke dip. (Louise Boutin)
88
Cantina Puianello ‘Primabolla’ Lambrusco
DOC Reggiano, Italy $14.95 11.0% alcohol
Lots of blackberry aromas, ripe black cherry, violet and some herbaceous notes in this intense, deep ruby shaded, frizzante blend of lambrusco grapes—salumino, maestri and marani—and a small portion of ancellotta. The palate flavours are aligned with the nose in a similar intensity and the addition of chewy tannins, pomegranate tartness and herbal notes such as bay leaf and oregano. This is medium-bodied, crafted in a dry style and meant to be paired with regional cuisine like tagliatelle al ragù or a selection of charcuterie such as prosciutto, mortadella and other salumi. (Louise Boutin)
91
Qvinto Arrio Tempranillo Blanco 2023
DOCa Rioja, Spain $14.95 12.5% alcohol
Stemming from a mutation of the red tempranillo varietal, this white Rioja is crafted with 100% white tempranillo grapes, displaying beautiful pear, pineapple and banana aromas coupled with delicate floral notes. Medium-bodied, organic, biodynamic and vegan with lovely white grapefruit flavour and a crisp finish with white pepper flair, it is a perfect companion to shrimp risotto or chicken, mango and tomato salad. (Louise Boutin)
91
Qvinto Arrio Crianza 2020
DOCa Rioja, Spain $16.95 14.0 % alcohol
Aromas of black pepper, cherry and a nice whiff of tobacco, introduce a juicy wash of tart fruit flavours—red cherry, cranberry, pomegranate—along with dry dill and some earthy notes. This is medium-bodied with ripe tannins yet a bit grippy and excellent acidity. This is brilliant with baked lasagne Bolognese or red pizza with sun-dried tomatoes. Bonus, this wine is organic, biodynamic and vegan. (Louise Boutin)
93
Qvinto Arrio Reserva 2015
DOCa Rioja, Spain $21.95 14.0% alcohol
Mature aromas of cedar, espresso, dry fig and cinnamon along with a garnet shaded rim, unveil signs of ageing in this beautiful organic, biodynamic and vegan, 100% tempranillo with almost nine years in the making. It is silky soft on the palate with dry cherry, sun-dried tomato, chocolate notes and dry herbs flavours all mingling well together. Tannins are polished yet, slightly chewy on the gums and the finish is persistent with peppery and savoury notes. There’s a lot of value in this red Rioja, including potential for further cellaring. Braised lamb shanks or grilled portobello mushroom burgers would be perfect with this bottle. (Louise Boutin)
91
Biscay Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 14.6% alcohol
You’ll find lots of freshly cracked black pepper and jalapeño leading the aroma trail along with ripe plum and blackberry, in this vegan certified, 100% cabernet sauvignon matured 18 months in French oak. The palate is soft with impressive alcohol integration leaving all the way to the bright flavours to shine—black plum, cassis, black pepper, rosemary—and a cooling menthol effect extending the delicious spicy, slightly astringent finish. Tons of value in this medium-full-bodied red that will further evolve over the next 3-5 years but can also be enjoyed now with a medium-rare flank steak on the grill or a wild mushroom and rosemary risotto. (Louise Boutin)
91
Biscay Road Shiraz 2022
Barossa Valley, Australia $17.95 14.8% alcohol
Totally opaque in the glass, here’s a splendid vegan certified, full-bodied red with a fragrant nose of ripe purple plum, Kirsch liqueur, clove and pretty hints of lilac in the backdrop. Silky soft on the palate, it shows an unexpected great black pepper flavour intensity blending well with ripe black fruit and minty herbal notes taking you to a comforting warm, fruity and chewy finish. This would be perfect for a lamb burger on the grill or ratatouille. Aerate/decant an hour before dinner. (Louise Boutin)
90
J. de Villebois Collection 1180 Brut Méthode Traditionnelle NV
Crémant de Loire, France $21.95 11.5% alcohol
This is an interesting blend of equal parts of pinot noir and chenin blanc, complemented with a splash of chardonnay and grolleau--a red grape mostly used in Loire rosés. A fresh nose of yellow apple, white grapefruit and floral notes introduces a fizzy flow of tart white cranberry flavour mingling with a sweeter Golden delicious apple layer, leesy notes and a touch of salinity trailing in the thirst-quenching finish and aftertaste. This is a perfect brunch sparkling, lovely with egg Benedict or an afternoon sipper. (Louise Boutin)
90
Azienda Agricola Provolo Soave 2023
DOC Soave, Italy $11.95 (13735) 12.5% alcohol
This friendly priced white from the Veneto region keeps impressing me with its beautiful tropical nose—pineapple, nectarine, lime zest—and a fresh fennel hint. Garganega is the main grape component here with 20% of chardonnay vinified in stainless steel tanks except for 5% briefly touching oak. It’s medium-bodied with a nice round mouthfeel, bright white grapefruit acidity and the tropical flavour character lingering in the finish, along with white almond and soft chalky minerality. This is delicious with shrimp pasta in a light cream sauce or fried calamari. (Louise Boutin)
93
Le Noble ‘100% hand-harvested Semillon’ ‘Non-Vintage’
AOC Crémant de Bordeaux, Brut, France, $21.95 - 11.5% alcohol
A unique sparkling wine from AOC Crémant de Bordeaux, France. Appealing aromas can be easily coaxed by a few gentle swirls of your wine glass – look for aromas of floral notes, blood orange and sweet nectar. Palate flavors are nicely balanced with yellow, Mirabelle plum, bosc pear and plenty of tang and pizzazz; to and through the finish and aftertaste. This would pair well with prawn paella, osso buco or a sushi platter. The low price is certainly in your favor. (Vic Harradine)
94
Maison Darragon Vouvray, ‘EXTRA Brut’ ‘Zero dosage’ ’Non Vintage’ (White Label)
AOC Vouvray, Loire Valley, France, $20.95 13.0% alcohol
Other than the colour of the front label on this bottle and the next, there is little to choose one over the other. They are both excellent sparkling wines made with the Méthode Traditionnelle from 100% chenin blanc grapes. Enjoy as a passed-around bottle or for a special occasion. It is perfect with a platter of small hors d’oeuvre. (Vic Harradine)
93
Maison Darragon Vouvray, ‘Brut’ ’Non Vintage’ (Black Label)
France, $20.95 13.0% alcohol
Other than the colour of the front label on this bottle and the previous, there is little to choose one over the other. They are both excellent sparkling wines made with the Méthode Traditionnelle from 100% chenin blanc grapes. Enjoy as a passed-around bottle or for a special occasion. It is perfect with a platter of small hors d’oeuvre. (Vic Harradine)
94
Champagne Montaudon ‘100% Chardonnay’ ‘Brut Millesime’ 2018
AOC Champagne, Reims, France, $89.95 12.0% alcohol.
This is a Vintage Champagne from Reims, the beating heart of Champagne. Alluring aromas of peel marmalade, Granny Smith apple and minerality abound after a few gentle swirls in the glass. The fine-bead bubbles wind their way to the top of the wine glass. This is ready to be unfurled and poured when you want to impress your spouse, a friend, a guest, or guests, this Vintage Champagne could be the highlight sparkling wine. (Vic Harradine)
93
J&L Charlemagne ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’ ‘Brut’ ‘Blanc de Blancs’
Product of France, $19.95 12.0% alcohol
This is a tightly knit 100% Chardonnay that will allow you to get on the coat tails of J&L Charlemagne as it is a tightly knit winery from 1921 in Vouvray, in the Loire Valley. You will be pleased once you pop a cork and enjoy these well-managed plots of excellent grape vines of Chardonnay. Enjoy at this price, it is well in your favor. (Vic Harradine)
90
Caves de Rauzan ‘Le Noble’ Cuvée Réserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023
AOC Bordeaux, France $15.95 12.0% alcohol
Here’s a blend of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% sémillon showing aromas of green pear, gooseberry, fennel and white pepper on the fresh nose. The palate is medium-bodied, crisp and tangy with flavours of ripe lime, green apple and just a touch of bitterness perfect for food pairing. Try with Leek vinaigrette or fish taco. (Louise Boutin)
90
Caves de Rauzan ‘Fleur’ Sauvignon Blanc 2023
AOC Entre-Deux-Mers, France, $16.95 (20900) 11.5% alcohol
This is a 50-50 blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillion offering honeydew melon, gooseberry and lemon thyme aromas. This grape combination really features the best of both varietals--crispness and vegetal character of sauvignon blanc, tempered with the roundness and fruit ripeness of the sémillon. Medium- bodied with a nice herbal-mineral finish, it’s perfect alongside Pear naan flatbread with honey whipped goat cheese. (Louise Boutin)
92
Pazo de Villarei Albariño 2023
DO Rias Baixas, Spain $21.95 (14054) 12.5% alcohol
I love the freshness of albariño wines, this one with green apple, nectarine, citrus aromas and always a mineral layer reminiscent of the ocean breeze. Naturally fermented and vegan, the palate is round and nicely layered with flavours of stone fruit, white grapefruit and the classic mouth-watering saline note that makes you want to travel to Galicia. This is a beautiful medium-bodied white perfect for lemongrass steamed mussels or crispy fried zucchini sticks. (Louise Boutin)
92
Regina Viarum ‘Heroico’ Mencia 2023
DO Ribeira Sacra, Spain $21.95 12.5% alcohol
If you’ve never tasted mencia, this is one you want to try. It’s got an expressive and very attractive nose of blackberry, plum, spice, pepper and lovely hints of violet. Red and black fruits are mingling beautifully on the palate, supported with soft, yet present tannins and bright acidity finishing long on notes of cola and earthiness. The name ‘Heroico’ is no coincidence since these grapes are hand-harvested on 45% angle slopes overlooking the Sil river where no machinery can operate. This is a beautiful medium-bodied red, perfect with charcuterie board or wild mushroom crostini. (Louise Boutin)
91
Caves de Rauzan Château Haut-Mazières 2022
AOC Bordeaux, France $18.95 (487546) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of 65% merlot and the rest cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc has a complex nose of ripe dark fruit, tobacco, chocolate and pepper. Twelve months of ageing in French oak, this is initially silky on the palate with lots of ripe black fruit flavours, then evolving to a more robust core with black tea, pepper, chewy tannins and a nice spicy, warm persistent finish. Aerate/decant this medium-full-bodied bargain red one hour and enjoy with grilled flank steak or miso glazed tofu with green veggies. (Louise Boutin)
Cheers!
Dave, Lisa, Louise, and Vic.