VINTAGES Wine Picks & LCBO Wine Reviews

Tapiz Alta Collection San Pablo Vineyard Malbec 2023 (Argentina) - Wine Review

2026-05-15T17:39:34.213-04:00

Happy start to the long weekend! Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Malbec from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO in last weekend's May 9 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Fincas Patagónicas, one of Argentina's most prominent wine producers. It was founded in 2003 by Patricia Ortiz with the goal of crafting exceptional wines from Argentina's most distinctive terroirs. At Fincas Patagónicas, the winemaking philosophy combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to create exceptional wines from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza to the Atlantic coast of Patagonia that truly express each area's unique terroir.

Fincas Patagónicas has several winery projects across Argentina, including Zolo and Wapisa, but Tapiz, where this wine is from, was their first. The state-of-the-art Tapiz winery is located in the high-altitude San Pablo region, within the Tunuyán department, of the Uco Valley, and is surrounded by estate vineyards. Under the guidance of Patricia, Tapiz is a pioneer in the region and helped develop the San Pablo Geographical Indication (GI).

Tapiz wines are crafted by the celebrated winemaking team of Fabian Valenzuela and famed Bordeaux winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet (winemaker of Petrus for 44 vintages), and are a beautiful tapestry (tapiz) of terroir and innovation. The wines of Tapiz combine sustainable winemaking traditions with modern innovation, along with a strong commitment to excellence which is reflected in their environmentally conscious approach and dedication to producing wines that truly express their unique terroir in San Pablo. The San Pablo GI benefits from the extremes of altitude, temperature, and soil heterogeneity, which allows the winemaking team to create full-bodied and concentrated wines that are elegant and balanced. Through her wineries, Patricia is dedicated to giving back to the environment through sustainable practices, while also encouraging responsible practices among their staff, suppliers, and customers.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Malbec that was grown at the San Pablo Estate Vineyard within the Uco Valley. The vineyard is situated at a high altitude of 1,350 metres (4,430 feet) above sea level, which is one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza. The vines average 14 years old and are planted on alluvial soils which have a diverse sandy loam texture, gravel, and significant deposits of calcareous material. The grapes were sustainably farmed and hand-harvested, and vinified by first undergoing a cold pre-maceration for 5 days at 8ºC. It underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for approximately 15 days at 28ºC, as well as 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 10 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels.

Like the year prior, the 2023 vintage in Argentina was another roller-coaster vintage as recent years influenced by La Niña left the country in a state of drought, including the winter months which were unnaturally dry but with some polar influences. Spring frosts attacked nascent buds during budbreak, which massively cut yields in some parts of Mendoza. After the bouts of frost, the season settled into warm days, while the summer was the hottest and driest in years. The grapes ripened quickly, and those vineyards at altitude benefitted from diurnal temperature variation. The end result was an early harvest with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity, and modest alcohol levels. From a good vintage that produced age-worthy wines with great minerality and texture, let's see how this 2023 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD MALBEC 2023 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#450155) (XD) - $20.95
This high altitude Malbec has lovely, open aromatics of medium-high intensity offering notes of ripe, crushed dark berry and blackberry aromas nuanced with hints of violet, mineral, savoury oak, earth, dried herb, and peppery spice. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has delicious ripe dark berry, blackberry, violet, dried herb, savoury earth, oak spice, and peppery replays joined by mineral accents on the flavour profile. It has crisp and fresh acidity, alongside supple, fine-grained, and gently chalky textured tannins. Clean and well-balanced throughout with dark berries, blackberry, savoury oak, earth, dried herb, and mineral notes on the long, gently tight finish. Enjoyable now, but should be even better in a couple of years, and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Fincas Patagónicas can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - DB Wine & Spirits.

El Enemigo El Mirador Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022 (Argentina) - Wine Review

2026-05-11T17:33:00.004-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely single vineyard Bonarda that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 25th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by El Enemigo Wines, a project co-founded in 2008 by two of Argentina's most notable wine figures - Adrianna Catena, the youngest daughter of Nicolás Catena, and winemaker Alejandro Vigil.

Since childhood, Adrianna has lived and breathed wine, and today she blends her experience in Academia in History with her passion for viticulture and winemaking. Alejandro Vigil was the "enfant terrible" of his family as he left school at the age of 14 to join a wine co-operative. However, he did keep up with his studying at night so as to not upset his mother. Alejandro graduated at the top of his class agricultural engineering, and at the age of 27 he became the head of soils division for the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina. Since 2002, Alejandro has been the Chief Winemaker at Catena Zapata.

El Enemigo means "The Enemy", and reflects the personal philosophy of its founders, which is that the biggest enemy is oneself. The philosophy behind El Enemigo is to constantly strive to push boundaries and challenge personal limits. In this same spirit, the wines of El Enemigo emphasize Argentine terroir while focusing on old world winemaking techniques to create new world wines that are creative and energetic. Each wine is also crafted to be in balance between old world elegance and new world, fruit-driven intensity. El Enemigo Wines are produced in the southern foothills of Maipu, Mendoza, using grapes from a number of vineyards across the region. As a soil expert with a Master's Degree in both winemaking and irrigation management, the work of Alejandro Vigil has led to important developments in both vineyard management and winemaking in Argentina.

I've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this wine, including most recently writing about the 2020 El Enemigo El Mirador Single Vineyard Bonarda a couple of years ago. Like previous vintages, this red wine is crafted using 100% Bonarda that was grown in a single vineyard within the El Mirador district of Rivadavia, in the central-north part of the province of Mendoza. The vineyard is situated at 650 metres (2,132 feet) above sea level and is planted on sand and deep clay soil. To vinify this wine, it underwent a wild yeast fermentation at a fairly warm temperature of 28C (82F) for 15 days, followed by a 15-day infusion with minimal movement to gently extract colour, aromas, and flavours. The wine was aged for 12 months in foudre, then rested in bottle prior to release.

According to Alejandro, the 2022 vintage in Mendoza was an exceptional year from every possible qualitative standpoint. It was a roller-coaster vintage with spring frosts followed by a relatively cool and damp season, and then another frost to end spring, which cut yields. Much needed rain arrived at the end and spring and into summer, which refreshed the vines. After the rains passed and the weather cleared, there was just enough heat for red grape varieties such as Bonarda to reach phenolic ripeness in time for harvest. The end result was expressive wines with optimal acidity, concentration, and ripeness. From a vintage that Alejandro Vigil says that "this is the best year that I have lived through", let's see how this 2022 Bonarda from Rivadavia, Mendoza, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO EL MIRADOR SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2022 - Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $29.95
This lovely, single vineyard Bonarda has a fresh and lifted medium-high intensity nose that offers a ripe mix of red, black, and purple fruit with plummy, black cherry, blackberry, and dried herb aromas layered over earthy oak, cocoa, and spices. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has delicious dark fruited blackberry, plum, black cherry, dried herb, oak spice, and earthy flavours, plus mineral accents. It has fresh and succulent acidity, alongside smooth, elegant, and fine-grained tannins with good structure and a subtle chalky grip on the back palate. Plum and dark berry notes taper to oak spice and minerals on the long, dry, and savoury finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the coming 7-8 years. Score: 91+ pts

Several ultra-premium wines by El Enemigo are available in small quantities at the LCBO, while their very popular Chardonnay (and one of my personal favourites) will be arriving in VINTAGES later this month. The full range of El Enemigo Wines can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

May 9, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Good Vibes & Sustainable Wines

2026-05-10T05:00:00.008-04:00

Happy Mother's Day! Here are my top wine picks from the May 9, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), which is titled "Good Vibes & Sustainable Wines". There are 92 products included in this release, and while this is not an expensive release, the number of wines priced below $20 continues to dwindle with less than one-third below this mark. Overall, it is a good release with the sweet spot of quality-to-price ratio falling between $20 and $30. All the wines are readily available for purchase at LCBO outlets both in-store and online.

We'll begin with the feature story of the release that includes thirteen wines that offer good vibes with a nod to sustainability. There are four recommended buys from the thematic, beginning with a 2024 Chardonnay from Niagara, along with a Pecorino from Abruzzo. The lone red wine recommendation from the feature story is made with Cariñena (Carignan) from Spain, while the dry rosé is crafted with Pinot Noir from Chile.

My top red wine picks from the main release begins with the Purple Angel from Chile that is a blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, followed by a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Among the blends, the Cab Sauv from South Africa is actually composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec, while the Valpolicella is a blend of 45% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, and 15% Rondinella. Among the mono-varietal red wines, the Chénas from Beaujolais is made with Gamay, while the Rioja is Tempranillo. There are also a couple of Barossa Shiraz wines from Australia, as well as a fine Malbec from Argentina.

Among my white wine recommendations, there are a trio of gently off-dry Riesling wines - one from British Columbia, one from Prince Edward County, and one from Alsace. Other white wines include a 2021 Chardonnay from Niagara, a Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige in northern Italy, and an off-dry Pinot Gris from New Zealand. And lastly, there is a fine Alvarinho from Portugal.

Other rosé wine recommendations in this release include a rosé from Provence that is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, and 5% Tibouren, along with a McLaren Vale rosé that is crafted with Grenache. Among the sparkling wines, the Grand Cru Champagne is 80/20 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the bubbly from South Africa is composed of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

PALACIO DEL BURGO CRIANZA 2022 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#18939) (XD) - $15.95
MAXWELL THE ORCHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#49388) (XD) - $19.95
NEIL ELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#41448) (XD) - $19.95
TAPIZ ALTA COLLECTION SAN PABLO VINEYARD MALBEC 2023 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#450155) (XD) - $20.95 90+ pts wine review
VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS CHÉNAS 2024 - AOC, Beaujolais, France (#48376) (XD) - $21.95
YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION SHIRAZ 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Barossa, South Australia (#12907) (XD) - $21.95 review coming soon...
BRIGALDARA VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO SUPERIORE 2023 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#16090) (XD) - $22.95
LIBRE Y SALVAJE VINO DE PARAJE CARIÑENA 2021 - DOP, Spain (#50357) (XD) - $24.95
SEPPELTSFIELD VILLAGE SERIES BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2023 - Barossa, South Australia (#49385) (XD) - $27.95
WHITEHAVEN GREG SOUTHERN VALLEYS SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2021 - Vegan, Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#48068) (XD) - $39.95 91+ pts wine review
MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2021 - DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#62364) (XD) - $105.95 94+ pts wine review

White Wine:

PIERRE SPARR SOL CALCAIRE RIESLING 2022 - AOC Alsace, France (#10683) (D) - $19.95
VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION PINOT GRIS 2024 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447490) (D) - $21.95
QUAILS' GATE DRY RIESLING 2025 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#308312) (D) - $21.95 91 pts wine review
ALOIS LAGEDER TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO 2024 - IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige, Italy (#681429) (XD) - $22.95
RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#388421) (XD) - $23.95
TORRE ZAMBRA POGGIO SALAIA TERRE D'ABRUZZO PECORINO 2025 - IGT, Abruzzo, Italy (#49996) (XD) - $24.95 89 pts wine review
LIGHTHALL RIESLING 2023 - VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada (#50360) (D) - $24.95
AVELEDA SOLOS DE GRANITO ALVARINHO 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#17514) (XD) - $24.95
BACHELDER L'ARDOISE NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2024 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#302083) (XD) - $26.95
WENDING HOME ESTATE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2021 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#44853) (XD) - $34.95 91 pts wine review

Rosé Wine:

CASAS DEL BOSQUE BOTANIC SERIES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2025 - Las Dichas, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#15277) (XD) - $17.95
DANDELION FAIRYTALE OF MCLAREN VALE ROSÉ 2025 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#43354) (XD) - $19.95 88+ pts wine review
M DE MINUTY CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2025 - AOP, France (#575316) (XD) - $28.95

Sparkling Wine:

GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR / CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#175588) (XD) - $24.95 90+ pts wine review
PIERRE PAILLARD LES PARCELLES BOUZY EXTRA BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#34607) (XD) - $105.95 93+ pts wine review

Kew Tradition Sparkling 2021 (Niagara) - Wine Review

2026-05-08T17:36:00.002-04:00

To start off my weekend, tonight's wine review is this beautiful, Pinot-based vintage sparkling wine from Niagara that was crafted in the traditional method. It arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on April 25th.

It is produced by Kew Vineyards, a boutique winery situated in the heart of Niagara on a 160-year-old estate, in Beamsville, Ontario. The Kew homestead was built by William Kew and used by the family to successfully produce carriages. Descendants of the Kew family lived on the property until the late-1960s until it was purchased by Dieter Gutler and his wife Ingrid and began a new chapter.

In 1975, Mr. Hermann Weis brought his own clones from the Mosel Valley in Germany and planted some of Niagara's first Riesling vines on the estate at Kew Vineyards. While Mr. Weis was relentlessly met with skepticism as the community said he could never do it, he would go on to become a true pioneer of Ontario's wine region as most of Niagara's Rieslings today are based on the Weis Clone.

After the passing of Ingrid in 2021, the historical property Kew Vineyards and its 80+ acres of vineyards were acquired by Arterra Wines Canada in 2023. Today, Kew Vineyards is a hidden gem of Niagara's wine country history. The vineyards are situated on sloping land and well-drained soils, with ideal growing temperatures. The philosophy at Kew is based on small-batch winemaking and that wine is the ultimate expression of passion. At Kew, there is passion for the art of wine making, passion for the land, and passion for the way in which it celebrates daily life.

The winemaker at Kew Vineyards is Phillip Brown, who grew up in the agricultural community of Campbellville, Ontario, within the Niagara Escarpment. Phillip's father's passion for wine and extensive cellar nurtured his curiosity and desire to understand more about the world of wine. Phillip joined Niagara College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program and gained experience at wineries in Ontario before moving to New Zealand in 2015 to work at a large-scale winery. Upon his return to Arterra, Phillip helped revive the Le Clos Jordanne project in 2017 and has been part of the Arterra winemaking team ever since. In early 2024, Phillip officially became the winemaker at Kew Vineyards.

As one of Niagara's sparkling wine specialists, Kew Vineyards produces seven unique, traditional method sparkling wines. Some of these bubblies are made using one varietal, while others are blends. Named "Tradition", this particular vintage sparkling wine is crafted as a blended wine, which is a true balancing act as winemakers must not only incorporate all the positive traits of each varietal, but also minimize the impact of their negative characteristics from one vintage to the next. This balancing act has been employed by Champagne producers for centuries as they balance the roles of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

This sparkling wine is crafted using a fairly traditional blend of 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, while also incorporating a unique twist with 6% Pinot Blanc. All the grapes were grown at the Estate Vineyard in the Beamsville Bench appellation of the Niagara Escarpment. The blend of the three traditional varietals results in a wine with gorgeous structure and depth, along with elegance and complexity that is unparalleled by any single varietal sparkling wine. In the traditional method, it underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel, while secondary fermentation took place in bottle. The wine was aged on its lees for 4 years and was released to the market in February 2026.

In 2021, the growing season began with above-average temperatures during winter, followed by a warmer spring. In May, conditions were dry with optimal temperatures, just in time for bud break. During the summer months, there were very high temperatures with minimal rain, which forced producers to manage drought. Conditions were looking exceptional heading into and throughout August. However, rain during harvest in September was problematic as the increased levels of moisture brought along with it elevated levels of rot, disease, and swelling of the grapes. While this is not a good vintage for late-ripening varieties, it is an incredible vintage for sparkling wines and early-ripening varieties. Let's see how this 2021 traditional method sparkling from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KEW TRADITION SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#491092) (XD) - $32.95
This lovely sparkling wine is a blend of 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier, and 6% Pinot Blanc. Elegant, medium-high intensity nose features toasty, brioche, lemon citrus, apple, and pastry aromas nuanced with autolytic characters. The mid-weighted palate is dry with a lovely, finely elegant bead of persistent bubbles, along with delicious flavours of apple, lemon citrus, toasty, brioche, and autolytic notes. Acids are crisp and fresh. Brioche and leesy mineral notes come to the fore on the long, crisp, and gently chalky textured finish. Will be an elegant accompaniment to Mother's Day brunch and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Several lovely wines by Kew Vineyards are available at the LCBO, as well as your local Wine Rack, while the full range can be ordered directly from winery in Niagara and through Arterra Wines Canada.

Urbanihof 4U Grüner Veltliner 2024 (Austria) - Wine Review

2026-05-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

After enjoying the lovely 2024 Urbanihof Classic Grüner Veltliner last month, tonight's white wine review is another lovely, organic wine from the same producer that also made its debut at the LCBO recently and was featured in the thematic of the April 25th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Weingut Urbanihof, a family-run organic winery that has been passed down from one generation to the next for over 400 years. Urbanihof is situated in Fels am Wagram, in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), which is Austria's largest Qualitätswein winegrowing region.

Today, Weingut Urbanihof is run by the 11th generation of the family – Sonja and Franz Paschinger, while their children, the 12th generation — Lisa, Jakob, and Julia — wait in the wings as they look to manage their family's 40 hectares of organic vineyards. Lisa is a graduate of Höhere Bundeslehranstalt (HBLA) in Fruit and Viticulture in Klosterneuburg, and Jakob is currently a student in the same program at HBLA, while Julia is a wine enthusiast and aspiring lawyer.

The Paschinger family's focus is on sustainability and quality, while striving to offer their customers only the very best. The family places great importance on healthy vineyards and wines that inspire and, since 2000, they have worked as naturally and gently as possible. Weingut Urbanihof became certified organic in 2016, which has allowed them to achieve their ultimate goal of leaving future generations with healthy soils and ample fertile space for growth, and ultimately a foundation for long-term success.

Their philosophy in the densely planted vineyards is to keep yields low, while guaranteeing optimal ripening conditions by intensely managing the soil and canopy. One of the things that make Urbanihof unique is that for the last five years, they have been sustainably producing rich manure through their own composting of horse manure and grape pomace. The manure is then applied to their vineyards, which ensures a healthy, nutrient-rich soil.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Grüner Veltliner that was organically cultivated in the Fels area of the Wagram DAC, in Lower Austria, on deep loess soils. The name "4U" simply means "for you", and was created as an inviting, modern label to make Austrian wine more accessible and in a friendly and approachable manner. It was vinified by undergoing a cold fermentation of 18°C in stainless steel tanks and bottled without seeing any time in oak.

Like the aforementioned Classic Grüner Veltliner, this Grüner is also from a challenging 2024 vintage that produced miraculous results. The growing season featured rain during early bud break and spring frosts, along with rain in early summer and in September, all of which combined to reduced yields. On the positive side, temperatures rose by mid-June, which allowed the grapes to ripen on schedule and reach phenolic ripeness, with the hot temperatures continuing well into September. While challenging, the vintage favoured Grüner Veltliner as the variety is more resistant to rain. The resulting wines made with Grüner Veltliner tend to be ripe and with relatively lower acidity levels. From a good vintage, let's see how this 2024 Grüner Veltliner from Austria is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

URBANIHOF 4U GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Fels, Wagram, Austria (#49424) (XD) - $21.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this organic Grüner Veltliner has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose of stone fruit, peach, melon, lemon drop, citrus, and grapefruit aromas flecked with leesy minerals. The weighty palate is dry with a slight spritz and delicious, ripe flavours of melon, white peach, stone fruit, lemon citrus, and grapefruit. Acids are clean, fresh, and balanced, while the rounded mid-palate is mildly textured with spice touches. Melon, peach, and citrus notes taper to leesy minerals on the long, crisp, and savoury finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

The Classic Grüner Veltliner is available at the LCBO, while the full range of wines by Weingut Urbanihof can be ordered their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Bolgrad Select Chardonnay 2024 and Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 (Ukraine) - Wine Reviews

2026-05-02T17:32:00.001-04:00

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious wines from Ukraine that made their debut at the LCBO in last month's April 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Both of these wines are produced by Bolgrad Winery, the No. 1 still-wine producing winery in Ukraine, as they produce 18% of the country's still-wine production. Bolgrad is based in the Odesa region, which is at the heart of the country's winemaking, with over 60% of Ukraine's vines rooted in this region. While the brand was only formed in 1990, the company's history goes back more than 100 years.

Bolgrad's history begins in 1900, when it was housed in the State Wine Warehouse, and vines were grown by landowners. Over time, the producer became the country's largest state-owned winery. At the end of the war in 1945, the company's official history with a decree, and it became a factory on paper. The winery has travelled a thorny path since that time, but has maintained its principles and commitment to producing high-quality wine.

Today, Bolgrad is a well-established producer of alcoholic beverages, including wine and spirits, with quality control at every stage and distribution in various countries globally. To produce their wines, they use a combination of both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

These wines are from Bolgrad's Select Collection, which is their export-focused, premium range of wines. Selection Collection wines are varietally expressive, fruit-forward, and designed for international palates. Each of these wines are mono-varietal wines that were grown on the southwestern slopes of Yalpug, one of Ukraine's largest freshwater lakes. This area is nestled in a unique valley, where the grapes are kissed by the sunlight from both the sun in the sky and its shimmering reflection on the water's surface. The grapes were carefully selected and hand-harvested at the precise moment of optimal maturity to produce wines of balance.

Given the challenging conditions that are present in the country, the 2024 vintage in Ukraine is considered to be a success in terms of quality. There was continuous rainfall throughout winter and spring, until late May, while summer was exceptionally sunny and hot, which resulted in an earlier than usual harvest. Yields were impacted by the weather conditions, as well as the ongoing conflict, but overall, the vintage is considered to be of exceptional quality. Let's see how these 2024 vintage wines from Ukraine are tasting...

Tasting Notes:

BOLGRAD SELECT CHARDONNAY 2024 - Odesa, Ukraine (#48301) (XD) - $17.95
Delicate, medium intensity nose features white peach, apricot, and ripe lemon citrus aromas, plus hints of honeyuckle and floral. The weighty, medium-full bodied palate is dry with honeyed notes of lemon citrus, apple, pear, apricot, and honeysuckle flavours. It has clean, well-balanced acidity, along with some spicy warmth on the mid-palate. Citrus and apricot notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 87+ pts

BOLGRAD SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 - Ukraine (#48357) (XD) - $17.95
A gentle nose of red plum and currant aromas with hints of cran-cherry, cassis, and savoury oak. It's medium-full bodied and very ripe with sweet fruited flavours of currant, cassis, plum, black cherry, and oak spice. It's supported by very good, fresh acidity, alongside well-structured and gently grippy tannins. Good length on the savoury, slightly smoky finish. Score: 86 pts

While there is a Brandy by Bolgrad available at the LCBO, any other products may be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

April 25, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Fresh Faces + Langhe

2026-04-29T05:00:00.090-04:00

Here are my top wine picks from the April 25, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), in which "Fresh Faces" is the main feature story of the release, while the mini-thematic highlights a trio of wines from Langhe. While this is a fairly good-sized release with 99 products offered, 22 of these products are included as Online & Flagship Exclusives (OFE), which translates to availability of modest quantities available, and only at select locations in-store. However, quality is high in this release, along with a relatively large number of my picks available as OFEs, everything should be readily available for purchase.

We'll begin with the feature story titled "Fresh Faces", and it consists of seventeen wines that are making their debut at the LCBO. Of the sixteen wines included as part of the thematic, five are among my top recommendations. We'll start with the three white wines - a Grüner Veltliner from Wagram, a Pecorino from Abruzzo, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. There's also a dry rosé crafted with Pinot Noir from Australia, while the only red wine is a blend of 50% Syrah with about equal parts Touriga Franca and Alicante Bouschet from Portugal.

Most of my top red wine recommendations are mono-varietal wines, with the only blends being a South African wine that is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec, while the Rhône red is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault. Among the mono-varietal reds, both Gran Selezione Chianti Classico wines are 100% Sangiovese, a fine Bonarda from Argentina, and a pair of lovely Pinot Noirs, one each from Niagara and Alto Adige.

Among my top white wine picks from the main release, Canada leads the way with a pair of top Chardonnays from the Twenty Mile Bench from Niagara, as well as a dry Riesling from Niagara. From Austria there is a Grüner Veltliner from Leithaberg, along with a dry Riesling from Kamptal. Other wines include a 60/40 blend of Viognier and Marsanne from Australia, a Moschofilero from Arkadia (Greece), and an off-dry Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

As the weather warms, we tend to see rosé wines on shelves, and in addition to the rosé mentioned above, there is one more rosé worth your attention - a dry rosé from Niagara-on-the-Lake that is crafted with 55% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. Among my top sparkling wine picks, both the Cuvée Catharine and the Italian bubbly are made with 100% Chardonnay, while the Kew Sparkling is a blend of 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier, and 6% Pinot Blanc.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

RAVASQUEIRA ENCANTADO TINTO 2024 - Sustainable, Vinho Regional Alentejo, Portugal (#49910) (XD) - $17.95 88+ pts wine review
LAGAR DE ROBLA COLECCIÓN 4 HERMANOS MENCÍA 2023 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#50391) (XD) - $18.00
ANDRÉ BRUNEL CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2024 - AOC, France (#538496) (XD) - $18.95
SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2023 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $19.95 90 pts wine review
ANDES PLATEAU COTA 500 CONCRETE CABERNET FRANC 2023 - Valle de Cachapoal, Chile (#48240) (XD) - $24.95 OFE
EL ENEMIGO EL MIRADOR SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2022 - Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $29.95 91+ pts wine review

ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA 2021 - WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#455915) (XD) - $34.95 OFE
RIOJA VEGA CON GRACIA GRACIANO 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#42117) (XD) - $40.95 OFE
PETER ZEMMER RISERVA PINOT NOIR 2022 - DOC Alto Adige, Italy (#48425) (XD) - $48.95 OFE 91+ pts wine review
RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO GRAN SELEZIONE GAIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#942607) (XD) - $49.95 OFE
TOLAINI MONTEBELLO SETTE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#466607) (XD) - $52.95 OFE
BACHELDER WISMER-PARKE SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#520379) (XD) - $65.00 OFE
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA COMUNE DI LA MORRA BAROLO 2021 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#49218) (XD) - $75.95 92+ pts wine review

White Wine:

CREMASCHI FURLOTTI RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, DO Valle del Maule, Chile (#48162) (XD) - $14.95 89 pts wine review
JASCI & MARCHESANI TERRE DI CHIETI PECORINO 2024 - IGT, Abruzzo, Italy (#49217) (XD) - $16.95
D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER / MARSANNE 2025 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#662775) (XD) - $17.95
JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER 2024 - AOC Alsace, France (#224626) (D) - $18.95
URBANIHOF 4U GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Fels, Wagram, Austria (#49424) (XD) - $21.95 89 pts wine review
SOMMER SCHIEFER LEITHABERG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Leithaberg, Burgenland, Austria (#43507) (XD) - $22.95 91 pts wine review

KTIMA TSELEPOS BLANC DE GRIS 2024 - Vegan, Perpatiara, PGI Arkadia, Greece (#49463) (XD) - $28.95 91+ pts wine review
CAVE SPRING CSV CAVE SPRING VINEYARD ESTATE GROWN RIESLING 2023 - Sustainable, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#566026) (XD) - $34.95 92 pts wine review
CLOUDSLEY TWENTY MILE BENCH CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16093) (XD) - $36.95 92+ pts wine review
WALDSCHÜTZ RIED GAISBERG 1ÖTW RIESLING KAMPTAL 2022 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#48258) (XD) - $58.95 OFE
BACHELDER WISMER-WINGFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2022 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#345819) (XD) - $60.00 OFE 94 pts wine review

Rosé Wine:

WAKEFIELD ESTATE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2025 - Adelaide Hills, South Australia (#49376) (XD) - $19.95
TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS MARGO ROSÉ 2024 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#22484) (XD) - $38.00

Sparkling Wine:

ROTARI ARTE ITALIANA BRUT SPARKLING - Sustainable, Metodo Classico, DOC Trento, Italy (#708495) (XD) - $24.95 89 pts wine review
KEW TRADITION SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#491092) (XD) - $32.95 91+ pts wine review
HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANCS 2018 - Traditional Method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (XD) - $49.95

Kechris Genesis Xinomavro / Merlot 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

2026-04-26T17:45:00.003-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely blend of Xinomavro and Merlot from Macedonia in Northern Greece that made its debut at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 11th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Kechris, a family winery with roots going back to 1939 when it began producing "Kechribari" retsina wines at their family restaurant of Kokoras in the old town of Thessaloniki in northern Greece. The Kechris family developed a reputation for producing high-quality retsina wines, which led to increased demand. In order to keep up with demand and grow the family business, the four Kechris brothers — Anestis, Vassilis, Dimitris, and Periklis — established the E. Kechris Bros. liquor company in Kalochori, Thessaloniki, in 1954. They produced a range of products at their modern, state-of-the-art facility including retsina, ouzo, brandy, and fruit liqueurs, and began exporting their products to other countries by 1974.

In 1984, the second generation of the family with Stelios Kechris, son of Vassilis, took over the business. Stelios is widely credited for transforming Kechris from a well-respected regional producer into one of Greece's leading wineries. One of Stelios' most important achievements was to spearhead the renaissance of premium retsina wines, which culminated in the creation of the Tear of the Pine retsina.

Today, in addition to retsina, Kechris also produces several quality wines in all three colours. Kechris' values are based on their identity, which is defined by their actions, and their actions are based on Tradition in Motion, Quality, Innovation, and Directness. The philosophy at Kechris is linked to their culture, to people, and to life itself. For Kechris, wine gives value to life's various moments by bringing us closer and helping us share thoughts and emotions.

This red wine is from Kechris' Genesis range of wines which bridge Greece's indigenous grape heritage with international varieties. There are three wines in the Genesis range, one of each colour, and this particular red wine is a blend of equal parts Xinomavro, Greece's flagship red variety, and Merlot. The grapes were grown in the small town of Goumenissa, in vineyards planted on clay loam soils. The Merlot grapes were harvested in September, while the Xinomavro was harvested from late-September to late-October. Both grapes were vinified separately. After undergoing alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wines remained in contact with their skins for 4–6 weeks, and then remained in tanks.

The growing season in 2022 in the Northern Greece region of Macedonia began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops. Furthermore, rainfall during this season contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. A colder spring, which was also drier than usual, resulted in a later, but even budbreak, while summer had mostly mild temperatures apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. There was heavy rainfall that began at the outset of September, along with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a vintage that produced exquisite grapes, let's see how this 2022 blend of Xinomavro and Merlot from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KECHRIS GENESIS XINOMAVRO / MERLOT 2022 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#30613) (XD) - $22.95
This lovely, 50/50 blend of Xinomavro and Merlot has an open, medium-high intensity nose that offers an enticing medley of sun-dried tomato, dried rose floral, sweet spices, and red cherry aromas with hints of orange, red plum, savoury earth adding further complexity and interest. The dry, medium+ bodied palate has very good structure and lovely, ripe flavours of sun-dried tomato, rose floral, cherry, sweet spices, and savoury earth. It's nicely balanced throughout with juicy acidity and well-structured, gritty, and slightly chalky tannins. All of the flavours taper to savoury, earthy, and mineral-tinged notes on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Kechris are available through the LCBO, or their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Château Roquefort Les Roches Blanches Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

2026-04-24T17:47:00.001-04:00

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux that landed at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the April 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Château Roquefort, a family estate winery situated between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of the Entre-deux-Mers region, within the commune of Lugasson and only a stone's throw away from Saint-Émilion. The estate has a very long, deep-rooted history, and has also passed through several families over the centuries, with the Bellanger family taking over Château Roquefort in 1976.

The name Roquefort takes its name from the Middle Ages: Roca Forte, which means rocky outcrop. Archeological evidence from the Neolithic era at the site finds a human settlement on the Roquefort limestone plateau, including pottery dating back to 4500 BC, along with a walkway and mass burial site at around 3700 BC. Further excavations revealed items from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as from the Gallo-Roman era. The oldest archival documents refer to the Roquefort fortification house in 1291 that was authorized to be rebuilt by King Edward I of England, with only a part of the original tower remaining today and has been restored by the Bellanger family.

From the 18th century onward, the château has evolved and tells a story of agriculture and winemaking in the region. When Jean and Christiane Bellanger fell in love with Château Roquefort in 1976, they breathed new life into the site in Entre-deux-Mers. Together, they understood terroir and gradually replanted the vineyard and worked with the Bordeaux Faculty of Oenology to adopt the best winemaking practices. By 1983, there were 30 hectares of vines, and in 1987 they began winemaking activities.

Today, Château Roquefort is run by the son of Jean and Christiane, Frédéric Bellanger, and his wife Anne. Frédéric took over the reins from his parents in 1995 and continued to develop the estate, which now covers 240 hectares, of which 85 hectares are grape vines. Together, they have succeeded in strengthening the estate's soul by paying tribute to its history and traditions, while also pushing towards a modern era of responsible and expert winemaking. They also share a passion for wine and the products of nature, which tell their history and provide unforgettable tasting moments and emotional experiences. Their four daughters — Victoire, Inès, Eva, and Raphaëlle — could be the future authors of Château Roquefort as each is learning how to produce and share good wine in their own way. With a strong commitment to respect for the environment, Château Roquefort was awarded Haute Valeur Environnementale in 2017, which was followed by the conversion to organic for white wines in 2021.

This white wine is crafted using 100% Sauvignon Blanc and showcases the mineral memory of the limestone terroirs where it is grown. The vineyards are located within the commune of Castelviel, which is the highest point in the Gironde, and the Sauvignon Blanc here thrives on the clay-limestone soils where fossilized oyster beds outcrop. This particular Sauvignon Blanc is from organically cultivated vines averaging 20 years old and are planted on chalky-clay soils. It was vinified by macerating the skins and undergoing a low-temperature fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats.

In Bordeaux, the 2024 growing season was an uneven and challenging vintage that featured lots of rain, which led to problems with downy mildew, coulure, and millerandage. On the bright side, white wines found great success as they delivered freshness, good concentration, and expressive aromas. The success of white wine varieties can be attributed to the less extreme temperatures of the year, along with cooler nighttime temperatures in August and September. Furthermore, vineyards on earlier-ripening sites and clay-based soils also benefitted from this low-yielding vintage. Let's see how this 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT LES ROCHES BLANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - AOC Bordeaux, France (#35860) (XD) - $15.95
This lovely, organic Sauvignon Blanc has a restrained, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose of grapefruit, lime citrus, gooseberry, and herbal aromas nuanced with stony, yeasty, leesy mineral complexity. It is impressively concentrated on the dry, medium-full bodied palate with delicious grapefruit, lime citrus, herbal, gooseberry, and stony mineral replays on the flavours. It has fresh and zesty acidity, good structure, and a fine, chalky mineral textured mouthfeel. Stony minerals with grapefruit, lime citrus, and herbal notes linger on the long, balanced, and slightly chalky textured finish. Ideal with seafood, vegetarian fare, and poultry, and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Château Roquefort can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2023 (South Africa) - Wine Review

2026-04-19T17:46:00.001-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly, and predominantly Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend from South Africa that arrived at the LCBO in last weekend's April 11th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Mulderbosch Vineyards, a winery that was founded in 1989 by Larry Jacobs, a former physician, and winemaker Mike Dobrovic. When Larry and Mike discovered this property, it was a run-down old fruit farm that had been lying fallow for close to a century, with no history of viticulture. With visionary optimism, they saw the potential to create good wine on this humble property, cleared out the years of neglect, and turned the site into one of Stellenbosch's most exciting winegrowing corners.

Mulderbosch Vineyards is situated in Stellenbosch Kloof, South Africa's finest winegrowng area, about 14 km north of False Bay. This particular area has sloped vineyards that offer optimal exposure to the sun, varied soil types ranging from Malmesbury shale and Table Mountain sandstone to sandy duplex and decomposed granite. Furthermore, the region feels the effects of the cooling ocean breezes, which naturally brings down the temperatures and allows for slow ripening, good acidity, and richer, more expressive aromas and flavours in their grapes. Mulderbosch created their first wines from the 1992 vintage and accolades and international acclaim followed immediately thereafter.

While Larry and Mike are no longer involved with Mulderbosch, as the winery has changed ownership several times over the years, the leadership teams over the years have done their best to maintain the founders' track record and build on the reputation that was established. The pursuits and dreams at Mulderbosch are based on the same principles of excellence, creativity, and innovation. These days, many of their innovations come from paying very close attention to what happens below and above ground - from the health of the soils to the well-being, harmony, resilience, and longevity of their vineyards. They practice mindful viticulture and have created an environment to protect and promote biodiversity. At the winery, they gently handle the firm, optimally ripened and flavourful fruit, and stand back and let the wines speak for themselves. Mulderbosch is also committed to eco- and socially-responsible farming and production, and is accredited, along with their supplier growers, with both Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) of South Africa.

As a Bordeaux blend and one of Mulderbosch's first wines since its inception more than 30 years ago, the Faithful Hound's composition changes each vintage. For the 2023 vintage, this red wine is composed of 44% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. Each parcel of grapes is typically vinified separately, with fermentation taking place primarily in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts. The wines were aged for 16 months in neutral French oak barrels, 3rd fill and older, prior to assembling the final blend and then bottling.

The growing season in 2023 in South Africa was beset with various challenges. Winter was relatively mild and dry, which allowed for early budbreak and flowering. However, summer provided cool and wet conditions, which slowed ripening. Those that picked before the rainstorms arrived in Stellenbosch yielded powerful and ripe grapes that were full of flavour, while those that had to pick during the rain were forced to slowly harvest. As is often said, it is the harvest season that makes or breaks the vintage. While phenolic development was sufficient, this could be the reason why there is very little Cabernet Sauvignon in this cuvée in this vintage. Overall, it is considered to be a good year, with the wines exhibiting elegant, cool-climate characters. Let's see how this 2023 Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch in South Africa is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2023 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#922443) (XD) - $20.95
This blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec has a lifted, medium-high intensity nose that delivers fragrant ripe red berry fruit, bay leaf, and green herbal aromas, plus whiffs of tobacco, currant, cassis, cedary oak spice, and earth. The medium to medium-full bodied palate is dry and elegant with lovely ripe red berry fruit, bay leaf, cassis, currant, tobacco, grilled herb, cocoa, and oak spice flavours. It's supported by crisp and juicy acidity, while the ripe, elegant tannins offer a supple, textural grip. More bay leaf, grilled herbs, cassis, and cedary oak notes linger on the long, supple, and well-balanced finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Mulderbosch Vineyards can be ordered through their Agent - Abcon International Wine Merchants.

Château Plantey Pauillac 2020 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

2026-04-16T17:52:00.001-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent follow-up to the lovely 2018 Château Plantey from Bordeaux that I enjoyed last April. This latest vintage arrived at the LCBO a few weeks ago in the March 21st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Château Plantey is situated in the prestigious Pauillac appellation within Haut-Médoc on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The Pauillac appellation bears almost a third of the 60 classified growths in the 1855 classification and these prestigious estates represent 85% of the surface area of the appellation. The remaining 15% of the area, which represents a few dozen hectares, leaves room for more discreet names, such as Château Plantey.

The small village of Pauillac is located on the west (left) bank of the Gironde, while Château Plantey is only a couple of kilometres west of the village centre. Château Plantey is an old property which used to be owned by the De Gerès family from Loupes, Seigneurs of Camarsac. It was purchased by prominent winegrower Gabriel Meffre, who was originally from Vaucluse, in 1958, along with other properties in the nearby regions of Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien.

Today, Château Plantey is owned by Claude Meffre, son of Gabriel. Claude joined the family business in 1996 and first managed property in Saint-Estèphe - Château La Commanderie. Starting in 2000, Claude began managing Château Plantey.

Like the last vintage, this red wine is crafted with 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Left Bank Bordeaux cru bourgeois appellation of Pauillac. While most red wines from the Left Bank are Cabernet Sauvignon-driven, this red wine is unique in that it is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 27 hectares of vines average 30 years old, reside in an area about 30 metres higher than the area surrounding them, and are planted on sandy-gravelly soils. After harvesting the grapes, they underwent traditional Bordeaux vinification, followed by ageing for 12 months in barrels.

The 2020 growing season in Bordeaux produced yet another high-quality vintage. It began with a rainy winter that provided ample water reserves. However, the rain stretched into spring, which led to severe mildew pressures. Summer was hot and dry, which resulted in an earlier harvest. September brought warm days and chilly nights, which was ideal for the grapes to reach phenolic ripeness. From a superb vintage, which some consider a legendary modern classic, let's see how this 2020 Bordeaux red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU PLANTEY PAUILLAC 2020 - Sustainable, AOC, Bordeaux, France (#38192) (XD) - $34.95
This 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, open, and lifted, with a medium-high intensity nose offering lovely, well-balanced aromas of ripe red & black fruits, currant, cassis, blackberry, and peppery spice layered over savoury earth with accents of graphite and floral. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is well-structured with lovely red & black fruit, currant, cassis, graphite, earth, spice, and black cherry flavours in a complex profile. Acids are juicy and structured, while the youthful, grippy, and chalky textured tannins will reward cellaring. Savoury with graphite and mineral notes lingering on the juicy finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the coming 8-9 years. Score: 92 pts

Larger quantities of this lovely wine can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

Urbanihof Classic Grüner Veltliner 2024 (Austria) - Wine Review

2026-04-14T17:39:00.001-04:00

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely, organic Grüner Veltliner from Austria that made its debut at the LCBO in the recent March 21st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Weingut Urbanihof, an organic winery that has been run as a family business for over 400 years, passing down from one generation to the next. Urbanihof is located in Fels am Wagram, in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), which is Austria's largest Qualitätswein winegrowing region.

Today, Urbanihof is run by Sonja and Franz Paschinger, the 11th generation of the family. Their children — Lisa, Jakob, and Julia — are waiting in the wings as they look to manage their family's 40 hectares of organic vineyards. Lisa is a graduate of Höhere Bundeslehranstalt (HBLA) in Fruit and Viticulture in Klosterneuburg, and Jakob is currently a student in the same program at HBLA, while Julia is a wine enthusiast and aspiring lawyer.

At Urbanihof, the Paschinger family's focus is on sustainability and quality, while striving to offer their customers only the very best. They place great importance on healthy vineyards and wines that inspire, and since 2000, they have worked as naturally and gently as possible. Since 2016, Weingut Urbanihof has officially been certified organic, enabling them to achieve their ultimate goal of leaving future generations with healthy soils and ample fertile space for growth, a foundation for long-term success.

In their vineyards, which are densely planted, they deliberately keep yields low, while intensive soil and canopy management guarantee optimal ripening conditions for the grapes. One of the many sustainability initiatives at Urbanihof is that they have been producing rich manure through their own composting of horse manure and grape pomace for the past five years. They then apply this manure to their vineyards, which ensures a healthy, nutrient-rich soil.

Their vineyards in Wagram are terraced slopes that were shaped by uplift and subsidence during the last Ice Age, primarily due to storms. These terraces consist of loess – a fine, sandy loam soil – which is particularly well-suited to viticulture. The loess was deposited by windblown loess masses on the terraces formed by the ancient Danube and is now up to 30 metres thick, and beneath the loess are layers of gneiss and gravel. Loess soil has excellent water and nutrient retention capacity, an indispensable characteristic given that there is ever-decreasing rainfall. The climate in Wagram is shaped by the coolness of the Waldviertel region to the north, the mildness of the Danube Valley to the south, and the warm Pannonian winds from the east. Furthermore, Wagram experiences warm days and cool nights.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Grüner Veltliner that was organically grown on deep loess soil within the municipality of Fels am Wagram, from the DAC Wagram appellation in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria). In 2022, beginning with the 2021 vintage, Wagram became the 17th winegrowing region in Austria to be granted DAC status. The grapes underwent a cold temperature fermentation and likely matured in stainless steel, without any oak ageing.

The 2024 growing season presented many challenges and is considered a miracle vintage. Rain during early bud break and spring frosts, along with rain in early summer and in September reduced yields. By mid-June, temperatures rose and allowed the grapes to ripen on schedule and reach phenolic ripeness, with the hot temperatures continuing into September. The year favoured Grüner Veltliner, as the variety is more resistant to rain, with the resulting wines tending to be ripe, and having relatively lower acidity levels. From a smaller than usual crop, with good quality, let's see how this 2024 Grüner Veltliner from Austria is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

URBANIHOF CLASSIC GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Wagram, Austria (#49425) (D) - $24.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this organic Grüner Veltliner has a lovely, deep, medium-high intensity nose featuring a ripe core of lemon citrus and yellow apple aromas accented with white peach, melon, and spice, plus hints of grapefruit and savoury earthy mineral. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is fairly dense and concentrated, with a kiss of sweetness offering ripe flavours of lemon citrus, yellow apple, spice, white peach, and melon in a slightly off-dry flavour profile. It's all supported by juicy and refreshing acidity. Savoury and dry with leesy mineral notes lingering on the long, succulent finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other wine by Weingut Urbanihof is coming to VINTAGES in a couple of weeks, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

April 11, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: New Zealand

2026-04-13T05:00:00.014-04:00

Here are my top wine picks from the April 11, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where the feature story of the release looks at Wine Wonders of New Zealand. This is a smallish release with only 85 products offered, and the average price per bottle comes in at just over $25, with just over half coming in at under $23. This is not a top release, but there are some fine wines to be enjoyed, with everything readily available for purchase both online and in-stores at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature on Wine Wonders of New Zealand wines, with fourteen wines featured in the thematic, of which four are included among my top wine picks. Of the five NZ Sauvignon Blanc wines featured, two are among my recommended buys, with one from Marlborough and the other from a Māori-owned winery in North Canterbury. There's also a dry Pinot Gris from the Awatere Valley, while the only red is a Pinot Noir from Wairarapa on the North Island.

My top red wine picks from the main release begin in Greece with a single vineyard Xinomavro from Naoussa, followed by a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Xinomavro from Macedonia. There are quite a few blends among my red wine recommendations, including a couple from Veneto, where the IGT Veronese is a blend of 40% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, and 30% Rondinella, while the Valpolicella is composed of 35% Corvina, 35% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% other traditional varieties. The red from South Africa is composed of 44% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec, while the Portuguese red is a blend of Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. From France, the Rhône red is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Carignan, while the red from Roussillon is a blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah.

Among the white wines from the main release, there are a couple of blends, with the Rhône white crafted with 60% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 10% Roussanne, and 5% Viognier, while the Tuscan white is composed of primarily Vernaccia di San Gimignano with 5% Incrocio Manzoni completing the blend. The rest of the whites are mono-varietal wines, with locally crafted wines from Niagara leading the way once again with a couple of Chardonnays, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a pair of lovely Rieslings. Lastly, but definitely not the least, there is the perennial favourite Marsanne from Victoria, Australia, and a fine Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux.

Other wines include a dry rosé from South Africa that is crafted with Cinsault, while the Crémant de Loire sparkling wine is a blend of 70% Chenin, 15% Chardonnay, and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release!

Red Wine:

COUTADA VELHA SIGNATURE RED 2022 - Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal (#11152) (XD) - $14.95 90+ pts wine review
BOLGRAD SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2024 - Ukraine (#48357) (XD) - $17.95 86 pts wine review
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CARMENÈRE 2022 - DO Valle del Rapel, Chile (#256685) (XD) - $17.95
TEDESCHI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2023 - Sustainable, DOC, Veneto, Italy (#984997) (XD) - $19.95 89 pts wine review
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2022 - AOP, Midi, France (#119354) (XD) - $19.95 90+ pts wine review
DOMAINE LAFAGE CAYROL VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2023 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#494039) (XD) - $19.95
MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2023 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#922443) (XD) - $20.95 89 pts wine review
CHÂTEAU DE MONTFAUCON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 - AOC, France (#51799) (XD) - $20.95

KECHRIS GENESIS XINOMAVRO / MERLOT 2022 - PGI Macedonia, Greece (#30613) (XD) - $22.95 90 pts wine review
PADDY BORTHWICK PAPER ROAD PINOT NOIR 2023 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#179770) (XD) - $24.95 91+ pts wine review
ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE 2022 - Sustainable, IGT Veronese, Veneto, Italy (#672931) (XD) - $24.95 90+ pts wine review
RICASOLI BROLIO BETTINO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#630939) (XD) - $28.95
HIDDEN BENCH GAMAY 2023 - Sustainable, Uunfiltered, VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20422) (XD) - $29.95 90+ pts wine review
SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2022 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#716266) (XD) - $29.95
KIR-YIANNI RAMNISTA SINGLE VINEYARD XINOMAVRO 2020 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#178020) (XD) - $39.95 92+ pts wine review

White Wine:

CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT LES ROCHES BLANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - AOC Bordeaux, France (#35860) (XD) - $15.95 90 pts wine review
BOLGRAD SELECT CHARDONNAY 2024 - Odesa, Ukraine (#48301) (XD) - $17.95 87+ pts wine review
TIKI SINGLE VINEYARD NORTH CANTERBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Sustainable, North Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand (#19767) (XD) - $19.95
CHÂTEAU DE NAGES HÉRITAGE BLANC COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2023 - AOC, Rhône, France (#48332) (XD) - $19.95
TAHBILK MARSANNE 2024 - Sustainable, Estate Grown and Bottled, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia (#117945) (XD) - $19.95
TSELEPOS MOSCHOFILERO 2024 - PDO Mantinia, Greece (#724583) (XD) - $21.95 89 pts wine review
PENINSULA RIDGE WISMER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#155580) (XD) - $21.95 90 pts wine review

LOVEBLOCK ORGANIC PINOT GRIS 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#47914) (XD) - $23.95 92 pts wine review
LAWSON'S DRY HILLS RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, Carbon Zero, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#47921) (XD) - $24.95
TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH RIESLING 2024 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $24.95
PANIZZI VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2024 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#36446) (XD) - $25.95
HIDDEN BENCH RIESLING 2022 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $26.95 92+ pts wine review
BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#16059) (XD) - $34.95
BACHELDER WERNER-YORK VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#45136) (XD) - $45.00

Rosé Wine:

LUBANZI CINSAULT ROSÉ 2025 - Fair Trade, Climate Neutral, WO Swartland, South Africa (#49070) (XD) - $18.95

Sparkling Wine:

ACKERMAN BULLE ROYALE CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional Method, AOP, Loire, France (#42057) (D) - $20.95 89 pts wine review

Praise Bistro Blanc 2024 and Bistro Rouge 2024 (Languedoc) - Wine Reviews

2026-04-09T17:36:00.001-04:00

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, vegan-friendly IGP Pays d'Oc wines from Languedoc that are brand-new arrivals at the LCBO, with both landing in-store and online in the March 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Praise Wines was founded a few years ago by sommeliers, friends, and business partners Scott Zebarth and Will Predhomme. Praise was born out of a desire to democratize wine, with the core values of quality, transparency, collaboration, sustainability, empowerment, and life-changing. In addition to making wine accessible for everyone, they wanted to go one step further and launched their Drink Better Initiative.

In today's world, access to clean water is the biggest crisis in the world, and the team at Praise believes that everyone should have access to clean water. At Praise, they are on a mission to combat the water crisis and create a positive impact through their wine brand. Praise believes that businesses can be agents of change and transform the world together. Their vision is to end water scarcity and build a sustainable future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature. With their commitment to making a difference, each bottle of Praise wine helps provide clean and safe water, an essential resource, to those in need for one year.

Praise proudly works with Water.org, who offers a portfolio of smart solutions that break down the financial barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation. Their unique solutions are adapted to the conditions in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as they work in collaboration with their in-country partners to provide efficient and scalable solutions, while using financing as a tool to help those in need.

There are only two wines in the Praise portfolio - the Bistro Blanc and Bistro Rouge. Both wines are crafted using organically cultivated grapes that were grown in Minervois, Languedoc, and labelled as IGP Pays d'Oc wines. Additionally, both wines are vegan-friendly, sustainable HVE3 certified, and packaged with environmentally-friendly packaging.

The growing season in 2024 in Minervois experienced drought conditions for the third year in a row, along with hot (and sometimes very hot) temperatures, which led to reduced yields. The resulting wines were generally aromatic with concentrated and dense flavours. From a very good vintage in terms of quality, let's see how these two IGP Pays d'Oc wines from Languedoc are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

PRAISE BISTRO BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46876) (XD) - $18.95
Blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Viognier grown in Minervios and enclosed by screw cap. The delicate, medium+ intensity nose offers ripe yellow fruit, lemon citrus, pear, and floral aromas with touches of fresh herbs and honeysuckle. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has impressive weight and concentration with flavours of ripe lemon citrus, pear, white peach, floral, and herbs, plus touches of gummy bear notes. It has juicy, well-balanced acidity, along with some warmth and spice on the mid-palate. Pear and citrus notes taper to leesy minerals on the finish, with good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

PRAISE BISTRO ROUGE 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46339) (D) - $18.95
100% Grenache enclosed by screw cap. The fresh, open, medium-high intensity nose is quite ripe and fruity with a fine mix of red berry, raspberry, savoury earth, and spice aromas, plus hints of white pepper and milk chocolate. On the mid-weighted palate it has fresh, juicy, and lively acidity that supports the ripe-fruited flavours of raspberry, white pepper spice, clove, and chocolate, with savoury earth undertones. It has ripe, supple tannins with a slightly gritty texture. The ripe fruit has a touch of sweetness that is masked by the high acids, which makes the wine come off as dry. Ripe raspberry, spice, and savoury earth notes linger on crisp finish, with very good length. Give it a light chill, crack open and enjoy! Score: 87+ pts

Both of these wines can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Casale del Giglio Bellone 2023 (Lazio) - Wine Review

2026-04-04T17:35:00.001-04:00

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely white crafted with the indigenous and quite rare Bellone (bel-LOH-neh) varietal. It made its debut at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the March 21st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Casale del Giglio, a winery with roots as a wine merchant that was founded in 1914 by the Santarelli brothers - Emidio, Isidoro, and Antonio. In 1955, Dino Santarelli, son of Emidio, founded a company to bottle Lazio's classic wines, which were largely sold in Rome, but also exported abroad, including Canada.

In 1967, Dr. Berardino Santarelli, son of Antonio, established the family estate of Casale del Giglio on the unconventional land in the Agro Pontino valley, between the towns of Aprilla and Latina, about 50 km south of Rome. Since vine growing was not a tradition in this area, Dr. Santarelli and his son, Antanio, had free rein to introduce pioneering ideas, and in 1985 they planted nearly 60 different experimental varietals in the soils at Casale del Giglio. This bold and daring scheme had never been approached in such a scientific way, and their young winemaker, Paolo Tiefenthaler, was to become its leading light. Ampelographers and university researchers of the day joined them in this research project, and continue to support this effort, which is also endorsed by the Agricultural Department of Latium's Regional Government. The project aimed at identifying and maximizing the territory's potential for quality viticulture has yielded positive results, with these processes influencing other regions across the globe.

The philosophy at Casale del Giglio is based on the future of Italian viticulture relying not only on consolidating the image of its traditional wine producing zones, but on its ability to produce top-quality wines at favourable prices in areas whose potential is still relatively unexplored. As a result of Casale del Giglio's research, there are new recommended varieties that can be cultivated in the province of Latina. Casale del Giglio has 180 hectares of vines planted to the cordon trained system, while electing to plant grape varieties which have adapted well to the territory and produce quality wines.

Bellone is an Italian white wine grape variety first cited by Pliny the Elder and has been present in the Latium region of central-western Italy, near the city of Rome, and cultivated since the times of the Romans. Today, Bellone is cultivated from the Roman to the Lepini hills and in the hinterland of the coastal town of Anzio in Lazio, where the warm sandy soils tempered by a relentless sea breeze provide the ideal microclimate. Casale del Giglio's Bellone Project was launched in 2012 around the coastal town of Anzio, a choice location keeping in line with the claim of past farmers that Bellone thrives on sea air. The Bellone grape is vigorous and resistant to drought, which ensures wine quality and balance, while its plump, golden yellow, and thick-skinned grapes hang in elongated, cone-shaped bunches. Meanwhile, the persistent Tyrrhenian Sea breeze prevents over-ripening, while maintaining high concentrations of both sugar and acidity, which ultimately lead to early maturation and highlighting the wine's pronounced mineral notes.

I've had the pleasure of tasting Casale del Giglio's flagship white wine "Anthium", which is crafted with Bellone from 60-year-old vines, many times over the years and am excited to see how this entry-level Bellone compares. To vinify this wine, the grapes were harvested at the end of September and then macerated on the skins to encourage extraction of the aromas bestowed by the territory. It was then softly pressed and then underwent spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts for about 10–12 days at 18–20°C, and matured in bottle without the use of any oak. Let's see how this 2023 Bellone from Lazio is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CASALE DEL GIGLIO BELLONE 2023 - IGT Lazio Bianco, Italy (#45845) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Bellone has a lovely, medium-high intensity nose that is open with earthy minerality and sea spray aromas layered over lemon citrus, apple, and yellow floral. It's medium-full bodied on the dry, fairly concentrated, and well-structured palate with lovely, ripe lemon citrus, apple, earthy mineral, saline, floral, and warm spice flavours in a gently honeyed profile. Acids are crisp and juicy, while also having a slight mineral texture on the mid-palate. Lemon citrus and apple transition to spices, and then to saline minerals on the long, balanced, and savoury finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Casale del Giglio can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Licenciado Reserva 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

2026-04-02T17:44:00.000-04:00

For the long weekend, tonight's red wine review is a lovely Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature on wines for Easter in the recent March 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the 2020 Burgo Viejo Reserva I enjoyed last year, this red wine is also produced by Bodegas Burgo Viejo, a co-operative style of winery that was formed at the end of the 1980s by six neighbouring families in La Rioja, Spain. The winegrowing families of Castillo Garcia, Galán Garijo, Gurría García, Marques Malumbres, Rivas Marques, and Ruiz Casas came together, along with their vineyards, winegrowing traditions, and age-old knowledge that was passed down from one generation to the next to create wines with an innovative spirit under a single brand.

Together, they have 200 hectares of vineyards that they cultivate with care, and are able to produce a wide range of wines that combine the tradition of La Rioja with new market trends that meet the demands of consumers worldwide. Their vines average 30+ years of age, with some dating back almost a century, while newer plantings are grown organically and represent the future.

While Burgo Viejo has several lines of wines, this particular wine is the lone wine in the Licenciado range. This wine has been crafted since at least the 2006 vintage and represented a shift in Burgo Viejo's philosophy to premium, estate wines. It also coincided with the time of Mr. Gorka Etxebarria's arrival at Burgo Viejo in 2003. Gorka holds a Graduate Degree in Oenology from the University of La Rioja and has worked for some of Rioja's most prestigious wineries. Since 2003, Gorka has been leading the winemaking process at Burgo Viejo, where he combines an innovative approach with traditional methods to produce the finest results that the wonderful vineyards have to offer.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Tempranillo that was grown in vineyards throughout the municipality of Alfaro in La Rioja of Spain, at the foot of the Yerga Mountain and on the banks of the fertile Ebro valley. This area offers a wide diversity of soils and microclimates where Tempranillo — the flagship variety of the region — thrives and becomes a special Rioja wine. As the vineyards are owned by Bodegas Burgo Viejo, the team constantly works the vineyards as required in order to produce top-quality grapes, as well as decides the precise time for harvest.

It was vinified by de-stemming and lightly crushing the grapes, followed by a temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It also underwent malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks, and then was matured for at least 18 months in 225 L oak barriques.

In 2020, the hot growing season featured rainfall and early budding, which resulted in an early and uneven harvest. Some areas were also severely hit by hail and mildew, which resulted in smaller yields in these areas, while areas not impacted by these conditions had more generous yields. Rainfall in September also presented challenges, but those that harvested after the rain benefited from northern winds and generally excellent conditions, produced balanced wines with moderate alcohol, good acidity, and deep colour. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2020 Tempranillo Rioja Reserva is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LICENCIADO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#370023) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Tempranillo has lovely, medium-high intensity aromas that are clean and well-balanced with ripe dark red berry, black cherry, coconut, and oak spice, plus touches of floral, wild raspberry, savoury earth, and cocoa. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it has more dark red berry notes of strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry nuanced with coconut, oak spice, earth, and cocoa notes. It's well-structured with crisp and succulent acidity, along with refined, dusty textured tannins that are a touch grippy on the back palate. Savoury with coconut, toasty oak, and earthy notes on the long finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the coming 5-7 years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Burgo Viejo can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

Mega Spileo Cuvée III Red 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

2026-03-31T17:50:00.001-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely blend of mainly Mavrodaphne and Cabernet Sauvignon from Greece that arrived at the LCBO just over a week ago in the March 21st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the lovely 2023 Mega Spileo Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this wine is produced by Mega Spileo Estate, a historically significant monastery and winery whose roots date back to 362 A.D. The monastery was established by brothers who were also monks near the town of Kalavryta, in the Achaea region of northern Peloponnese, and holds a special place in Greek orthodox tradition and history.

In the mid-15th century, vine cultivation was added to the lands surrounding the winery. The grapes harvested from these vines were used by the monks to produce wine for both the Holy Communion and as a nutritious dietary supplement. During this period, a massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired and used to store 12 tonnes of wine - this barrel still survives today.

The latest chapter in Mega Spileo's long and storied history opened in 1999 when brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery. The brothers' vision was to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers in order to create a completely new and unique estate. Situated only a few minutes away from the historical monastery, Mega Spileo Estate is located within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark, which covers an area of 647 km² and is surrounded by tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique microclimate that is ideal for winegrowing. By replanting vineyards and implementing best practices in both the vineyard and winery, including protecting the environment and using sustainable agricultural techniques, Mega Spileo is now a thriving estate winery and a reference point for premium Greek wines.

This wine is one of two wines from Mega Spileo's "Cuvée III" range, which is named as such because each wine in the range is crafted using three varietals that blend indigenous Greek varieties with international varieties. The grapes for Cuvée III wines are also grown at altitude and express a modern Greek identity.

The Mega Spileo Cuvée III Red is a blend of 40% Mavrodaphne, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Agiorgitiko that was grown in mountain vineyards surrounding the Mega Spileo vineyard, between 700 and 800 metres above sea level, within the PGI Achaia regional appellation of the Peloponnese. Each varietal was vinified separately, with the grape must and marc (pomace) remaining in contact until fermentation is complete. The varieties are then blended and matured for 8 months in new American oak barrels.

In 2023, heavy rainfall during spring caused severe diseases such as downy mildew, which was followed by elevated temperatures and drought during the summer months. While these conditions reduced yields, grape quality is high. Let's see how this 2023 red blend from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III RED 2023 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#25708) (D) - $21.95
This blend of 40% Mavrodaphne, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Agiorgitiko has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that delivers lush and ripe dark berry, black cherry, blackberry aromas alongside sweet oak, vanilla and cocoa notes. On medium-bodied palate it ripe and sweet fruited with delicious cassis, black cherry, blackberry, vanillin oak, and cocoa flavours. Subtle spice on the mid-palate. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the tannins offer some chalkiness and textural grip. Cassis and ripe dark berry notes taper to savoury, cocoa, vanilla, oak, and smoke on the long lasting finish. Shows much better balance than the previous vintage and is a recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Small quantities of many Mego Spileo wines are available the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Featherstone Four Feathers 2024 (Niagara) - Wine Review

2026-03-28T17:36:00.000-04:00

Tonight's white wine review is a delicious, vegan-friendly, and off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) white wine blend from Niagara that is crafted with mainly Riesling. It is a VINTAGES Essentials product that was featured in Local Talent in last weekend's March 21 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and this vintage should be readily available at most stores.

It is produced by Featherstone Estate Winery, a boutique, eco-conscious winery that was established by Louise Engel and her winemaker husband, Dave Johnson. The name "Featherstone" is an homage to the gourmet food shop named "Feather" which specialized in poultry that they once owned, and "stone" for the stone rock face and quarry adjacent to the vineyard. Featherstone is situated in Vineland, Ontario, among the rolling hills of the Twenty Mile Bench sub-appellation of the Niagara Escarpment. Featherstone prides itself on its eco-friendly farming practices, which have been in place since its founding in 1999.

In 2024, amidst its 25th anniversary, Featherstone began a new chapter as it was acquired by philanthropist Rayla Myhal and businessman George Myhal, while Louise and Dave look forward to retirement after 25 successful years. Today, the Head Winemaker at Featherstone is Kevin Qin, a graduate of the Niagara College Winery & Viticulture program. Kevin joined Featherstone in 2014 and has grown alongside the winery ever since as he started out in retail and eventually moved into cellar operations and harvest leadership, while also assisting Dave in winemaking.

The philosophy at Featherstone remains the same - as both grape growing and winemaking are both scientific and intuitive processes - the wines of Featherstone reflect the special character of the grapes, as well as the artistry of the winemaker. In the vineyard, they work through the growing season to enhance the grapes' natural attributes, and then craft wines with minimal winemaking embellishments. Their goal is to produce limited amounts of small-lot wines so that they are able to practice hands-on, artisanal wine production.

As a local leader in eco-friendly farming practices, respect for the land is at the heart of making wine that is true to its soil and its site. Featherstone pioneered in Niagara the employment of a small flock of sheep to naturally eat their way through the grape leaves that need to be removed from the fruiting zone on the vines, while also fertilizing the soil as they move through the vineyard. Among the many sustainable practices, Featherstone takes care of their dirt by avoiding herbicides, planting cover crops, using organic compounds to control mould and mildew, managing bugs without the use of insecticides, and switching to a recycle sprayer. In 2023, Featherstone received its Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario (SWO) certification.

This certified sustainable white wine is a blend of precisely 60.1% Riesling, 18.2% Pinot Grigio, 12.6% Chardonnay, and 9.1% Gewurztraminer using grapes grown across the Niagara Peninsula. The grapes were both hand- and machine-harvested from Sept. 9th to Oct. 18th. After bringing the grapes to the winery, the juice was pressed and transferred into stainless steel tanks to undergo a temperature-controlled fermentation. It also underwent eight hours of juice fining and settling, then racked off its lees.

In 2024, the growing season in Niagara had perfect conditions from early bud break to the warm and late fall that allowed for a long hang time. While there was a slight hiccup in early fall due to moisture and disease pressure from rain that affected early-ripening and thin-skinned grapes, those that picked early were able to mitigate these pressures. From an exceptional vintage with plenty of ripeness and acidity, let's see how this 2024 Riesling-based blend from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS 2024 - Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#341586) (D) - $15.95
Enclosed by Stelvin screw cap, this blend of 60.1% Riesling, 18.2% Pinot Grigio, 12.6% Chardonnay, and 9.1% Gewurztraminer has a delicate, medium+ intensity nose of ripe peach, lemon peel, and apple with hints of honey and floral. On medium+ bodied palate it is gently off-dry with good concentration and delicious poached peach, lemon peel, apple, honey, and floral replays joined by spice notes on the flavour profile. Acids are clean and well-balanced. Finishes crisp and dry with leesy and apple notes, with good length. Chill and enjoy this easy drinking, recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Many other delicious wines by Featherstone are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered direct from the winery in Niagara.

Parés Baltà V Brut Cava 2023 (Spain) - Wine Review

2026-03-24T17:41:00.001-04:00

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely, vegan, and organic Vintage Brut Cava. It is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving in-store and online in the recent March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and was also featured in the release as part of the thematic on Women in Wine.

It is produced by Parés Baltà, a well-respected and family-owned estate winery situated in the Penedes wine region of Spain, just 50 km south of Barcelona. The family has a long winemaking history that goes back to 1790, when the first vineyards were planted on the Parés Baltà estate, surrounding the manor house where the winery is located.

As the son of a family of winegrowers, Joan Cusiné Hill was born in 1917 in a small village in Penedes and dedicated his entire life to the cultivation of vines and creating the finest quality wines. During the 1980s, Joan Cusiné Cusiné, son of Joan Cusiné Hill, took over the winery and produced their first white wine that has become a classic at the winery. His wife, Maria Angels Carol, has always been by her husband’s side and supported him to get Parés Balta table wines and sparkling wines recognized and admired across the globe.

Today, Parés Baltà is led by the third generation of the Cusiné family. Brothers Joan and Josep head the winery with the unconditional help of their parents and their wives, María Elena and Marta, two women that fell in love with the brothers while learning about the world of wine. After working their first harvest, both women decided to study oenology at the University of Tarragona (Spain) and upon their return became lead winemakers at the winery, a position they have now held for more than 20 years. Their primary challenge was to combine tradition with innovation, ultimately sparking a revolution that converted their vineyards to organic and biodynamic certification in the span of a decade. Together, they have shared values and a vision that is invariably linked to respect for nature and care for their environment, a family legacy that was inherited from the first generation, Joan Cusiné Hill and Rosa Cusiné.

Faithful to their grandfather and father, the Cusiné brothers continue to produce high-quality organic and biodynamic table wines and sparkling wines with the premise of leaving the land that they inherited in peak condition for future generations. They continue to use their old cava cellar, which was constructed stone by stone at the beginning of the twentieth century. This cellar is located 10 metres underground and has a natural and constant temperature of 14–15ºC, conditions which are perfect for ageing cavas.

This sparkling wine is a blend of the three traditional grape varieties from Penedes: Parellada, Macabeu, and Xarel·lo. The Parellada comes from 59-year-old vines at Viñas del Pi and Viña de Cal Pons, on the foothills of the highest mountains of the Penedes - the Ancosa Mountains, between 610–635 metres above sea level, where loam and gypsum are the most highlighted components in the soil that was formed during the Triassic period. The Macabeu comes from 44-year-old vines at Vinyes de Macabeu, from the foothills of the Prelitoral Mountains at 230 metres above sea level, on loam soil with low permeability and good water retention, which makes it difficult to suffer from water stress and loss of aromatics. The Xarel·lo comes from 44-year-old vines grown in the Penedes Central Valley at 254 metres above sea level on loamy soils and continental sediments whose origins are from the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs of the Quaternary period. To this wine, Parellada contributes the floral freshness, which is preserved from its special microclimate, while Macabeu brings fruit and Xarel·lo provides the body to the final wine, and together, they complete this special cava.

As a 2023 vintage traditional method bubbly, this is crafted using a blend of 59% Parellada, 33% Macabeu, and 8% Xarel·lo. The grapes were hand-harvested from vineyards that were organically and biodynamically farmed. It underwent its first fermentation for two weeks in stainless steel tanks at 16°C. The wine underwent its second fermentation in bottle, following the traditional method, with a minimum ageing of 12 months, and without any oak ageing.

The vegetative cycle for this vintage begins in October 2022, when it had lower-than-usual rainfall and was the warmest October in history. The winter months were warm and wet, while drought set in from the end of February to the end of April, as there were 61 consecutive days without rain. May and June were warm and quite rainy, while July featured a heat spike that reached a record 40.2ºC. In August, there was an intense and persistent heat wave, while a short harvest was completed over about 7 weeks from August to September. This was a low-yielding vintage where, unusually, the red varieties ripened earlier than the white varieties. From an excellent vintage for sparkling wines, let's see how this 2023 Brut Cava from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PARÉS BALTÀ V BRUT CAVA 2023 - Vegan, Traditional Method, DO, Spain (#650648) (XD) - $17.95
This organic sparkling wine is a blend of 59% Parellada, 33% Macabeu, and 8% Xarel·lo with medium+ intensity aromatics offering enticing lemon, floral, apple, and autolytic notes with touches of peach and brioche. The mid-weighted palate is dry with a creamy mouthfeel and delicious pear, apple, lemon, floral, and autolytic flavours in a gently tangy profile. More savoury with leesy minerals on the mid-palate and touches of spice on the back-palate. Acids are bright and lively, while the mousse is well-balanced. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. A delicious, highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Parés Baltà can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Domaine les Evigneaux Cuvée Belle Dame Rasteau 2022 (Rhône) - Wine Review

2026-03-22T17:54:00.001-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Rasteau from the Southern Rhône that made its debut at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and was part of the feature on Women in Wine.

Domaine les Evigneaux is owned by Maison LAVAU, a well-respected producer situated near the village of Sablet, at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail hills in the Southern Rhône Valley. The Lavau family has been involved in winemaking for several generations and have built a reputation as one of the region's top winemakers thanks to their dedication to high-quality standards, attention to detail, and thirst for excellence. After completing their studies in Canada, brothers Frédéric and Benoît Lavau joined the family business, and by 2000 they took over the company as their parents decided to retire.

In 2013, the Lavau family formed a partnership with Bénédicte Bonnet, née Arnaud, and her husband, Charles, who brought along with them the historic Château Maucoil property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Bénédicte and the Lavau brothers have always been fans of Rasteau, which became a Cru in 2010, and have been making wines from this appellation for many years. In 2014, because of their special fondness for vineyards in Rasteau, they decided to acquire a few special and "atypical" vineyards in this area because of their outstanding exposure. In all, they acquired 10 hectares of vineyards consisting of 12 plots in Rasteau's most emblematic terroirs, which formed the plans to create a wine capable of delivering all the complexity and power of this extraordinary AOC, and would go on to become Domaine les Evigneaux.

The vineyards of Domaine les Evigneaux are perched upon a hill overlooking the Dentelles de Montmirail Mountains, with an uneven terrain that offers a great diversity of soils and a fascinating landscape. As you move from one terrace to another, depending on the slope, the soil changes from clay-chalk to blue marl, and from rounded pebbles to red marl. On the lower terraces, the soil is strewn with rounded pebbles that are perfect for Grenache, while the hillsides have poorer soils of clay-chalk, and sometimes almost sandy, which is equally good not only for Grenache, but also the region's other emblematic varietals: Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan, among others. The Domaine takes full advantage of this geological diversity and blends grapes from these different profiles to create complex wines which assure the reputation of the Rhône Valley Cru of Rasteau.

This red wine is proudly crafted by Bénédicte Bonnet, who comes from a winegrowing family. She is an independent and hands-on winemaker who personally directs every stage of production from vineyard cultivation to final blending to ageing, ensuring that each bottle reflects her uncompromising standards, vision, and expertise. Her work embodies the confidence, talent, and leadership of women redefining the Rhône's great terroirs.

All grown within the Rasteau appellation of the Southern Rhône Valley, this red wine is composed of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. The Syrah vines are planted on gravel and clay soil of the Quaternary terraces of Bellerive, in the south of the appellation, where it is sunny and early ripening, conditions which are ideal for growing Syrah. The Grenache vines are planted to the north in cooler soils which accentuate the diurnal temperatures (the difference between day and night temperatures), resulting in grapes with enhanced colour and aromatics. The pebble and gravel soils where Grenache is planted are mixed with a complex clay, which allows for constant, even drainage, and water supply.

To vinifiy this wine, the grapes were 100% destemmed, then underwent a cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by 28 days of maceration with pumping over and rack and return. It was aged for 12 months, with 70% in 228 L barrels from the François Frères cooperage in Burgundy and 30% in amphoras.

In 2022, the growing season in the Southern Rhône was marked by extreme conditions with intense heat and drought. The year began with a dry winter and very little rain, followed by a spring that warmed up rapidly. While April did experience a fleeting cold snap, temperatures continued to rise, with successful budburst and flowering. May was abnormally hot, while rain in June brought some relief. On a positive note, the heat and drought during the summer months kept rot and disease at bay. In August, humidity arrived and revived the vines, which greatly benefited the red grape varieties Grenache and Syrah. From a high quality vintage with superb wines, let's see how this 2022 Rasteau is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE LES EVIGNEAUX CUVÉE BELLE DAME RASTEAU 2022 - AOP, Rhône, France (#47575) (XD) - $28.95
This blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault has a medium+ intensity nose that seems a bit shy, offering deep and warming aromas of ripe dark red wild berries, black cherry, kirsch, raspberry, garrigue, and spices with hints of stones, meaty, rose floral, and savoury earth. It's medium-full bodied, concentrated, and impressively structured on the dry palate with warming flavours of ripe raspberry, black cherry, garrigue, spices, stony mineral, meaty, and savoury earth. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the fine-grained tannins are structured with a slightly youthful grip. Warming, yet within balance, with wild berry, raspberry, garrigue, spice, and stony-smoky minerals on the long, savoury finish. Could pass for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. At 15% abv, chill and enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 91+ pts

At the moment, this is the only wine by Domaine les Evigneaux, but other wines down the line may be available through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

March 21, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Wines for Easter

2026-03-22T05:00:00.171-04:00

Here are my top wine picks from the March 21, 2026 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), where Wines & Recipes for Easter is the feature story of the release. In all, there are nearly 100 products offered in this release, with about 60% priced less than $25. While just over half the wines are red, I am a bit surprised that there were no rosés included in this release. Overall, I am satisfied with this release as there are a wide range of wines at various price points. Please also note that the next release is three weeks away on April 11th.

We'll begin with the feature on Excellent Wines & Recipes for Easter, and with twenty-two wines included as part of the thematic — nine are among my top wine recommendations. Among the whites, we go to the Southern Hemisphere with a Chardonnay from Australia, followed by the Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. From the Northern Hemisphere, there's an Assyrtiko from Greece, as well as the Soave from Italy, which is crafted with Garganega. Among the red wines, the only blend is Portuguese wine that is crafted with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. The mono-varietal wines for Easter pairings include a Gamay Noir from Niagara, a Malbec from Argentina, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, and a Tempranillo from Spain.

At the top of the list among my red wine recommendations is the Rioja, which is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano, and Mazuelo, followed by the Pauillac from Bordeaux that is 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For Syrah wine lovers, the Syrah from Chile includes a dollop of Viognier, while the Vinsobres is a blend of Syrah and Grenache, while the South African version is 100% Syrah. Other blends include the wine from Greece that is crafted with 40% Mavrodaphne, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Agiorgitiko, and the Cabernet from Australia that is actually a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Tempranillo. And lastly, the Bistro Rouge is crafted with 100% Grenache.

White wine picks from the main release begin in Austria with a fine Grüner Veltliner from Austria, followed by the Bellone from Lazio, Italy. There's also a trio of Sauvignon Blanc wines, with a couple from Marlborough in New Zealand, and one from Margaret River in Australia. White wine blends include the wine from Languedoc, which is a blend of 70% Marsanne and 30% Viognier, while the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) wine by Featherstone is a blend of 60.1% Riesling, 18.2% Pinot Grigio, 12.6% Chardonnay, and 9.1% Gewurztraminer.

There are also a couple of traditional method sparkling wines that are worth seeking out. The Champagne is crafted with approximately 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 20% Meunier, while the bubbly from Nova Scotia is made with Chardonnay.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

PRAISE BISTRO ROUGE 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46339) (D) - $18.95 87+ pts wine review
GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13316) (XD) - $18.95 89 pts wine review
EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN ORGANIC PINOT NOIR 2022 - Vegan, Sustainable, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#325670) (XD) - $18.95
EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN ORGANIC SYRAH 2022 - Vegan, Sustainable, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#212407) (XD) - $18.95
ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BLACKBERRY PATCH CABERNET 2021 - Vegan, Fleurieu, South Australia (#353193) (XD) - $19.95 89 pts wine review

CREMASCHI FURLOTTI GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2021 - Vegan, Sustainable, DO Valle del Loncomilla, Valle del Maule, Chile (#549741) (XD) - $19.95
LICENCIADO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#370023) (XD) - $19.95 89 pts wine review
BENGUELA COVE ESTATE SYRAH 2021 - Sustainable, WO Walker Bay, South Africa (#48604) (XD) - $19.95
MEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III RED 2023 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#25708) (D) - $21.95 90 pts wine review
CHURCHILL'S GRAFITE DOURO RED 2021 - DOP, Portugal (#45407) (XD) - $21.95
FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#566844) (XD) - $21.95

CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2023 - Sustainable, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#492413) (XD) - $25.95
BACHELDER WISMER-FOXCROFT SINGLE VINEYARD 32% WHOLE-CLUSTER GAMAY NOIR 2023 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#33994) (XD) - $33.00
WESTCOTT ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2021 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#427500) (XD) - $33.95 91+ pts wine review
CHÂTEAU PLANTEY PAUILLAC 2020 - Sustainable, AOC, Bordeaux, France (#38192) (XD) - $34.95 92 pts wine review
MUGA SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#472902) (XD) - $56.95

White Wine:

FEATHERSTONE FOUR FEATHERS 2024 - Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#341586) (D) - $15.95 88 pts wine review
PRAISE BISTRO BLANC 2024 - Vegan, Sustainable, IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#46876) (XD) - $18.95 88 pts wine review
CASALE DEL GIGLIO BELLONE 2023 - IGT Lazio Bianco, Italy (#45845) (XD) - $19.95 90+ pts wine review
MOUNT RILEY LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447425) (XD) - $19.95
EVANS & TATE WILD CAPE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#41435) (XD) - $21.95
AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2025 - Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
INAMA VIN SOAVE CLASSICO 2024 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#949768) (XD) - $23.95
URBANIHOF CLASSIC GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Wagram, Austria (#49425) (D) - $24.95 90+ pts wine review
WHITEHAVEN GREG SINGLE VINEYARD RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325944) (XD) - $24.95
CHÂTEAU JULIA ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, PGI Drama, Greece (#30608) (XD) - $29.95
GIANT STEPS YARRA VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2024 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#243154) (XD) - $39.95

Sparkling Wine:

LIGHTFOOT AND WOLFVILLE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS SPARKLING 2019 - Traditional Method, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada (#16075) (D) - $51.95
PALMER LA RÉSERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AOC, France (#39865) (XD) - $87.95 93 pts wine review

Maturana Parellon Natural Semillon 2024 (Chile) - Wine Review

2026-03-19T17:43:00.001-04:00

After enjoying the lovely 2022 Maturana Puente Austral Gran Reserva Carmenère earlier this month, tonight's wine review is another fine and unique white wine crafted with Semillon that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as an Online & Flagship Exclusive in the March 7th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Maturana Winery is a family-owned boutique winery that was established in 2010 after the great earthquake in Chile by the Maturana brothers, José Ignacio and Sebastian. The brothers had a great passion for viticulture and wine, and after the earthquake they decided that there was no time to waste in pursuing their passion.

The identity of Maturana is centred around innovation, differentiation, fair price, passion, rescue of heritage strains, and quality. They use innovation to capture the essence of each variety and specific location to bring them to their fullest potential by using diverse materials such as concrete in various sizes and shapes, clay amphorae, and French oak. Because Chile's wine industry has developed in the same way for decades, in a traditional and classic manner, Maturana welcomes the opportunity to be different. While supporting the natural management of vineyards, Maturana also responsibly pays their growers at a more-than-fair price of seven times the market price per kilo. Passion is the drug that keeps Maturana motivated, along with their commitment to showcasing old vineyards in central Chile, with some vineyards dating back to 1900. At the end, their mission is to produce wines of the highest quality, while also creating something unique.

Like the 2023 Maturana Naranjo Torontel Orange Wine I enjoyed last year, this wine is also one of Maturana's unique offerings. It is crafted with 100% Semillon that was grown in old vineyards in the Colchagua Valley Coast, in Paradones area in central Chile. It is uniquely crafted with 25% of the wine remaining in contact with its grape skins for four and a half months. Furthermore, 75% of the wine was aged in third-use French oak barrels for four and a half months.

The growing season in 2024 began with a very wet winter due to El Niño, which also contributed to a cool spring in the central regions. However, the lack of any summer heat spikes allowed for slow, even ripening and higher than normal acidity levels. From a high-quality vintage, let's see how this 2024 Semillon from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MATURANA PARELLON NATURAL SEMILLON 2024 - DO Valle de Colchagua Costa, Chile (#15745) (XD) - $28.95
The medium-high intensity nose has rich and concentrated aromas of ripe lemon citrus, grapefruit, toasty vanilla, and spice with touches of blossom, honey, and leesy notes. It's medium-full bodied on the dry and slightly creamy palate with lovely honeyed, lemon citrus, floral blossom, and melon flavours with leesy, smoky, and vanilla undertones. Touch spicy on the textured mid-palate, along with juicy and succulent acids. Spice and citrus notes taper to leesy and smoky minerals on the long, crisp, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines by Maturana can be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.

Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2023 (Barossa) - Wine Review

2026-03-16T17:51:00.001-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Barossa Shiraz that arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature story about Women in Wine in the recent March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Yalumba, one of Australia's most historically important wineries. Recognized as Australia's oldest continuously family-owned winery, Yalumba was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith when he planted his first vines in the heart of the Barossa with a genuine respect for the land and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

As Yalumba has always had a deep connection to the Barossa, their long-term vision is manifested in their marble and sandstone Clocktower - a solid monument that is their commitment to the region. Their passion is displayed by their Cooperage, which is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, where they continue a proud tradition of crafting barrels.

In 1893, Fred Caley Smith, the third generation of the family, took to the seas on a grand scientific discovery and returned with progressive horticultural developments that laid the foundation for sustainable viticulture and winemaking at Yalumba.

Today, Yalumba is in the hands of the fifth and sixth generations of the Hill-Smith family. As custodians, they have enormous respect for the generations that came before them, and also realize that a family wine business doesn't thrive across three centuries by standing still, and that change is a constant. The family spends most of their time looking forward and always strive to innovate and reduce their impact on the environment. The winemaking philosophy at Yalumba is based on minimal intervention, which includes organic and vegan-friendly practices, as well as wild fermentation.

The team at Yalumba is led by Robert Hill-Smith, the fifth generation of the family. Robert led Yalumba into the modern era by cementing their reputation as an internationally-focused and innovative wine business. He pioneered Viognier in Australia and established Australia's First Families of Wine. Sisters Jessica and Lucy Hill-Smith, daughters of Robert and the sixth generation, have also joined the family business, with Jessica taking on the role of General Manager of PR & Communications, while Lucy is based in the UK as a Fine Wine Ambassador.

At Yalumba, the winemaking team is led by Head Winemaker Sam Wigan, along with Louisa Rose, who is also a Winemaker and Head of Sustainability. Louisa is featured on page 20 of the Vintages Catalogue and is the reason for the inclusion on the feature about Women in Wine. Louisa joined Yalumba in 1992 and is one of Australia's most respected winemakers. She has gained international recognition as a pioneer for her work with Viognier and cool-climate Riesling, as well as her passion and push for sustainable viticulture without synthetic insecticides. Over the years, Yalumba has won 43 accolades for their sustainable practices, including the International Award of Excellence for Sustainable Wine Growing & the International Green Apple Gold Award, with Louisa playing an instrumental role.

First crafted in 1943, the Galway Shiraz is named after Lord Galway who served as Governor of South Australia. Lord Galway was an enthusiastic supporter of the local wine industry, particularly Yalumba and the broader Barossa wine community. To craft this 100% Shiraz, the grapes were sourced from various vineyards throughout the renowned Barossa wine region, from terroirs ranging from sandy soils to sandy loam, and from red-brown earth over red clay, which are ideal for growing expressive Shiraz. The grapes were harvested in March and April 2023, traditionally vinified, and then matured in French oak for 6–8 weeks.

The growing season during this vintage began with wet soils from abundant rainfall, along with cooler than average temperatures in September and October. This delayed the growing season by several weeks, and was joined by windy conditions during flowering, which resulted in lower fruit set at some vineyards. A relatively mild summer allowed the grapes to thrive, resulting in an elegantly restrained wine with character and charm. From a low-yielding, cool-climate year yielding high-quality and elegant wines, let's see how this 2023 Barossa Shiraz is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

YALUMBA GALWAY VINTAGE SHIRAZ 2023 - Vegan, Sustainable, Barossa, South Australia (#41311) (XD) - $19.95
Enclosed by screw cap, the medium-high intensity nose leads with savoury earth and slightly meaty aromas layered over an attractive and complex mix of black pepper spice, ripe dark red fruits, black cherry, cassis, plum, and black currant notes with a touch of oak. The medium+ bodied palate is dry with lovely, well-balanced flavours of dark red fruit, currant, cassis, black pepper spice, plum, savoury earth, gentle oak spice, and touches of smoky mineral. It's well-structured with elegant and mildly grippy tannins that are supple, smooth, and refined. Acids are fresh and juicy. A touch tangy with currant, cassis, and peppery spice notes tapering to savoury, smoky mineral notes on the long, juicy, and well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Several wines by Yalumba are available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Woodman Wines & Spirits.

Domaine Gioulis Agia Paraskevi Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

2026-03-13T17:48:00.003-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic, single vineyard Agiorgitiko from Greece. It made its debut at the LCBO in last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on March 7th.

It is produced by Domaine Gioulis, a family estate winery that was founded in 1993 by George Gioulis, an Agronomist & Oenologist who studied at the University of Bordeaux. Domaine Gioulis is situated in Klimenti, an old village located in the province of Corinth, near the valley of Nemea in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.

Klimenti was built in 1400 A.D. on the steep slopes of Mount Ziria, at approximately 960 metres above sea level, close to Lake Stymphalia and 20 km upstream from the coastal city of Kiato (ancient Sikyon). Viticulture has been practiced in this area by residents since the early 19th century. Based on the mountainous characteristics of the region, Mr. Gioulis decided to establish this winery in his place of origin and planted his first vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This vineyard is regarded as one of the first certified organic vineyards in Greece.

Over the years, Domaine Gioulis has expanded and grown by adding vineyards and buildings. The second generation of the Gioulis family have also become active in the business after completing their studies. Dimitris, son of George, studied oenology at the University of Athens and now oversees winemaking and production, while daughter Ermioni studied Business Administration and the trade of wines & spirits and now handles commercial and marketing activities. Together with their father, the family aims to produce fine wines from their privately owned vineyards, while also highlighting the qualitative characteristics of the mountainous Klimenti wine region.

The climate in Klimenti is semi-continental with heavy winters and cool summers, conditions which favour organic farming. During the growing season, the climate is sunny with adequate rainfall and cool, northerly winds, which contribute to the absence of insects and reduced diseases. This climate gives rise to wines with minerality and length that is rare for hot-climate wines, and even during very hot and dry years, the quality of the wines remains unaffected. The southern Mediterranean microclimate in this area is also balanced by the mountain breeze from the Ziria mountains.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Agiorgitiko that was grown organically at the Agia Paraskevi Vineyard that is situated at a high altitude of 870 metres above sea level. This plot is located on the Peloponnese peninsula within the PGI Korinthia subzone, but borders the famous PDO of Nemea to the southeast. The grapes were manually harvested at optimum maturity, traditionally vinified, and aged in oak barrels. Grown at high altitude, the wine gives rise to elegant aromas due to the cooler growing conditions, lower grape maturation temperatures, and a continuous light breeze.

In 2023, the growing season was marked by heavy rainfall during spring, which caused severe diseases such as downy mildew, followed by elevated temperatures and drought during the summer months. Combined, these conditions impacted the vines and reduced yields. However, quality is high. Let's see how this 2023 Agiorgitiko from Korinthia in Peloponnese, Greece, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE GIOULIS AGIA PARASKEVI VINEYARD AGIORGITIKO 2023 - PGI Korinthia, Greece (#48276) (XD) - $19.95
This organic Agiorgitiko has a medium-high intensity nose that offers an intriguing and funky mix of savoury blackberry, earth, and leather aromas followed by hints of ripe fruits such as pomegranate, black cherry, ripe raspberry, and plum. On the dry, medium+ weighted palate it offers delicious cran-black cherry, pomegranate, plum, raspberry, and spice flavours surrounding a core of savoury earth. It has crisp and juicy acidity, alongside supple, textured tannins. Some minerality on the back palate, while cran-black cherry and raspberry notes taper to savoury earth on the crisp finish, with very good length. A unique wine and a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Gioulis can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

2026-03-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

Tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of a terrific, vegan-friendly Xinomavro from Greece that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Kir-Yianni is the producer of this lovely Greek red wine. The highly-regarded wine producer was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, a legendary winemaker and Greek wine maverick who also represented the 4th generation of the famed Boutaris winemaking family.

As a visionary and innovator, Mr. Boutaris' career path seemed predestined, leading to studies in Chemistry and Oenology. By1970, Yiannis left his family's wine business to chart his own path, eventually settling in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where he planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines. This single vineyard planting of Xinomavro was the pioneering viticulture which both inspired and jolted the status quo in Greek winemaking, and also marked a new era in Greek winemaking which rejuvenated the region and empowered local growers.

This vineyard would go on to become Ktima Kir-Yianni - a name that was chosen because everyone used to call him "Kir", which meant "Sir" in Greek. Thus, the name Kir-Yianni was born. After planting more vines over the years, Yiannis would go on to purchase an old winery in 1996 in the village of Agios Panteleimon. This winery was completely rebuilt and inaugurated a year later to become the new Ktima Kir-Yianni.

In 1999, Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, became Managing Director, and he was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis. There was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal during this period, which led to replanting and acquisition of vineyards. In 2004, Stellios took over the family business as CEO and winemaker. Today, the philosophy at Kir-Yianni is a fine balance between a hundred-year-long family tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques, with the aim of producing appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties. Furthermore, activities in the vineyard and at the winery are based on the principles of integrated farming and protecting the environment. At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision that entails dedication, realism, and systematic investment, and in 2023 they started their journey to carbon neutrality.

Like the 2021 Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro I enjoyed around this time last year, this red wine is crafted with 100% Xinomavro. As the name suggests, the "Cuvée Villages" is a strict selection of grapes from younger vines grown on the Estate and parcels from small winegrowers across the PDO zone of Naoussa. The villages of Naoussa offer an interesting and diverse mix of hilly terrain with variations in altitude, slope, soil structure, and orientation. This wine by Kir-Yianni is a wine enthusiast's introduction to the great richness of the viticultural and winemaking traditions of the region, as well as the dynamics of Xinomavro in its heartland terroir.

To craft this Xinomavro, the grapes were harvested from the end of September, cooled to 10°C, then underwent a rigorous grape selection on a conveyor belt. After cold-soaking for 6 days at low temperatures, it underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 12 to 15 days at temperatures of 20–23°C. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place in mainly 225 litre and 500 litre French oak barrels, in a combination of both new and 3rd-to-5th fill used barrels, for 12 months. The first blend was made on the 6th month of maturation. After bottling, the wine is further matured for 12 months in the cellar prior to release.

In 2022, the season began with a cold winter and snowy mountain tops, along with rain which contributed to the increase of bud fertility, as well as the enrichment of the aqueous horizon with water. Spring started colder and was drier than usual, which resulted in a later, but even budbreak. Summer featured mild temperatures, apart from a heatwave in the first half of August. September began with 100 mm of heavy rain and continued with almost 40 days of high daytime temperatures and cool nights. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2022 Xinomavro from Naoussa is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI CUVÉE VILLAGES XINOMAVRO 2022 - Vegan, PDO Naoussa, Greece (#14151) (XD) - $21.95
This 100% Xinomavro has a lovely, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is open with ripe red berry, cherry, tomato, and Damson plum nuanced with hints of rose floral, tar, dried cherry, earth, and sweet spice adding elegance and complexity. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe, Damson plum, red berry, tomato, savoury earth, and sweet spice flavours in a gently spicy profile. Acids are crisp and juicy, while the well-structured tannins are refined and finely textured with a gentle grip. Cherry and tomato notes taper to earthy and oak notes with touches of mineral on the long, savoury, and crisp finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Quite a few wines by Kir-Yianni are available online and in a couple of stores in the GTA, and can also be ordered through their Agent - KOLONAKI Group of Companies.