Vintages Release: July 6, 2019
90
Bodega Garzón ‘Reserva’ Albariño 2018
Uruguay $21.95 (646802) 14.0% alcohol
This 100% Albariño was stainless steel tank fermented and remained in tank on its lees for 3 – 6 months. Alluring aromas leap from the glass— lemongrass and honeysuckle galore. It rolls over the palate medium bodied and nicely textured with juicy palate flavours—honeydew melon, lemon pie filling and saline-infused minerality. It finishes dry, tangy and lengthy. This pairs well with local ceviche or grilled calamari under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: August 3, 2019
88
Gérard Bertrand ‘Grenache-Vermentino-Viognier’ 2018
AOP Languedoc, France $18.95 (10621) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of honey and pineapple waft easily from this aromatic white blend. It blankets the palate with a tang-infused river of lemon zest, Key lime and peach-skin flavour. This is light-medium bodied and delicately textured with oodles of tangy acidity from cork pop to last drop. The medium-length finish replays palate flavours. Pour alongside prawn ceviche or pan-seared fish under a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: August 17, 2019
90
Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2016
Monterey County $24.95 (220343) 14.0% alcohol
This wonderfully refreshing chardonnay is completely untouched by oak. It shows off a mineral nose with pleasant overtones of lemon zest. The medium-full body supports a nice juicy acidity with lots of citrus flavours. The long crisp finish leaves you wanting to take another sip. Enjoy on a hot summer afternoon with a fresh pasta salad. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: August 31, 2019
88
Waterkloof ‘Circle of Life’ 2015
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa $19.95 (698175) 13.0% alcohol
Tarry/smoky aromas interlace with dark berry fruit on the nose of this 73% syrah/16% merlot/11% petit verdot blend. It coats the palate with a mocha-infused river of dark berry fruit and black cherry robed in black licorice and tarry notes. Medium-full bodied and well textured, it’s balanced with ripe fruit and excellent acidity from twist top to final drop. Pour alongside grilled lamb chops. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: August 2019
95 
Lake Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Sonoma County $34.95 380188 14.7% alcohol
Bright ruby shaded, this cabernet sauvignon with a splash of malbec presents with a lovely refreshing nose of purple plum, dark cherry, raspberry, violet, cedar and baking spice. This is a medium-full bodied red, matured 18 months in French oak barrels, delighting the palate with a cool flow of juicy plum, ripe blackberry, cassis and clove. Perfectly integrated alcohol with polished yet present tannin, this gem offers a long elegant spiced-fruit, dry, heartwarming finish. Pour now to 2022 alongside grilled lamb chops sprinkled with fresh mint. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: September 28, 2019
92
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc - Viognier 2017
California $TBD 12.5% alcohol
Chenin Blanc and Viognier are not often married in the bottle. But if this spectacular wine is a typical result of such a relationship, it should happen more often. The nose overflows with expressive aromas of clover, honeysuckle and rosewater. It’s medium-full bodied and accompanied by a very pleasing level of acidity and a slight sensation of sweetness. Flavours of lemon custard fade gracefully to a long and tart finish, punctuated by a touch of gala apple. Although a great wine to sip by itself, it would be well paired with a dish of spicy pad Thai. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: October 26, 2019
90
Babich Pinot Gris 2017
Marlborough $19.95 12.5% alcohol
This value-laden pinot gris has a brilliant golden appearance with aromas of lemon, apple and clover on the nose. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and rich flavours of apple and grapefruit. The grapefruit lingers in the lengthy, refreshing finish. Pour alongside breaded and baked pork chops. (Dave Isaacs)
Vintages Release: October 2019
94
Lake Sonoma Russian River Chardonnay 2017
Russian River Valley $26.95 14.2% alcohol
Chardonnay lovers, this is worth every penny. From the exquisite aromatic nose—roasted pineapple, nutmeg, vanilla a wisp of cedar and orange blossom aromas—to generous and complex palate flavours—ripe peach, apricot, lemon confit, vanilla and a mild salted butter note trailing in the long finish. A slow 18-month maturation on lees in French oak, 40% new, with only 50% going through malolactic conversion pays off with finesse and remarkable balance from first sip to finish. This is medium-full bodied with just enough creaminess, warmth and structure to savour on its own or paired with a wide variety of appetizers or main. Try with seared scallops in orange butter. Pour now to 2025. (Louise Boutin)
Vintages Release: December 7, 2019
91
Beringer Vineyards ‘Quantum’ Red Blend 2015
Napa Valley (362400) $79.95 14.5% alcohol
This well-structured blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon along with merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and petit syrah, was aged 20 months in French oak, 50% new, and an additional year in bottle prior to release. Aromas of plums, blackberry and blueberry mingle with graphite, leather tobacco and caramel notes on the nose before replaying on the flavourful palate. Dry, full bodied with a round texture and firm tannin, ripe dark fruit, spice and cocoa flavours linger on the extended finish. (Lisa Isabelle)
Vintages Release: February 22, 2020
93
Beringer ‘Luminus’ Chardonnay 2017
Oak Knoll, California $44.95 (395699) 14.0% alcohol
Tropical fruit and mixed spice aromas open this medium-plus bodied, generously textured beauty. A palate-enveloping surge of spice-infused melon and lemon-lime with sharp mineral notes keep this tangy, crisp and refreshing from cork pop to last drop. A monumentally long finish replays palate flavours. Give this a go with pan-seared or grilled seafood or beer-can chicken. (Vic Harradine)
93
Beringer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Oak Knoll, California $59.95 (91058) 14.0% alcohol
Dark cherry, caramel and black plum aromas set the table for a smorgasbord of palate flavours showcasing rich, ripe and beautifully balanced red cherry and black bramble berry decorated with notions of mint, blueberry and cassis that’s underpinned by soft ripe tannin. This is medium-full bodied with satin smooth mouthfeel and delightful tang. It’s drinking beautifully now and is looking for a dance partner at the table… give it a go with rare-grilled rack of lamb. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release TBD
94
Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Napa Valley, California $220.00 (10387) alcohol 15.0% alcohol
Aromas of cassis, mixed spice, juicy black cherry and mocha abound. It captures the palate with a full-bodied, fully textured stream of dark berry fruit and spice-infused black plum adorned with tapenade and mixed spice box. This showcases rich ripe dark fruit, great balance, good structure from ripe, but still-evolving tannin and plenty of pizzazz and charm. My highest compliment, this was tough to spit. Pop corks 2022 and on. (Vic Harradine)
Coming to the LCBO Portfolio in October 2019
90
Slow Press Chardonnay 2016
Monterey County $18.95 14.5% alcohol
This delicious chardonnay is aged sur lie, and then matured for 12 months in American oak barrels. This results in a wine with a varied nose that shows hints of oak, fresh fruit, and orange blossom aromas. The medium-full body is smooth on the palate, with a creamy texture that is cut through with juicy acidity and flavours of apple, honeydew melon, and oak. The finish is long and buttery. A great match for a dinner of roasted chicken or turkey. (Dave Isaacs)
90
Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
California $18.95 13.5% alcohol
The grapes for this wine are sourced from three regions: Paso Robles, San Lucas and Lodi. There’s a hint of smoke on the nose, with distinctive notes of cherry and mocha. The body is medium-full on the palate with good acid and a very approachable level of tannins. Juicy flavours of cherry and blueberry linger in the long fruity finish. A crowd-pleasing party wine that will be well matched with hors d'oeuvres of beef satay. (Dave Isaacs)