Upstream on February 20, 2023
Upstream in Winecurrent
Vintages Release: March 4, 2023
- The following 2019 Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot was hand-harvested from cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc and merlot that were kept to below 2 tonnes per acre and aged in French oak barrels. It is also accredited as being a sustainable winemaking winery by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
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Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (237883) 13.2% alcohol
There is plenty of time for this blooming red blend to settle down and make its way to the top of the ladder—careful cellaring for another two years should take of that. It has intriguing aromas of rose petals, dark cherry/berry fruit and on the palate there’s plenty of tang and juicy red fruit flavour and a pleasing share of ripe, juicy black raspberry and an underpinning of firm, but ripe tannin on the palate and aftertaste. Patience should be rewarded, especially if carefully cellared. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: March 18, 2023
The following 2018 C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ was sourced from their own estate vineyards known as Caballeros, Santo Tomás and Sarnamoros and they are found in the villages of Rodezno, Villalba and Haro at an altitude between 500 to 600 meters above sea level. The grape varieties are 85% tempranillo and the other 15% are shared between these three varieties—garnacha tinta/graciano/mazuelo. This wine is vegan-friendly.
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C.V.N.E. ‘CUNE – Reserva’ 2018
DOCa Rioja, Spain $22.95 (237883) 14.0% alcohol
There are easily coaxed aromas with the gentlest of swirls and they are worth the effort. The red fruits and liquorice are well integrated with barrel-affected aromas of piquant spice and cigarette tobacco leaf. A long slow ripening was provided and it enabled the production of great, intense wines. This is quite elegant on the palate providing a wine of great balance and fruit-flavour that linger on the finish and aftertaste. You may want to pick up a few and serve with calamari rings breaded lightly and pan-seared in butter. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 1, 2023
- The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay is sourced from 100% chardonnay in vineyards along the Mediterranean coast. The bottle with the rose petals etched into the base of the wine bottle was a work of art from a student attending Ecole Boulle in France.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Cote des Roses’ Chardonnay 2021
IGP Pays D’Oc, France $18.95 (237883) 13.0% alcohol
The wine is also a work of art. It has just about all you would expect or want. Dazzling aromas of citrus—lemon pastille, clementine orange and sweet ripe pineapple abound on the nose and the palate along with excellent balancing tang from glass pop (that is how it is sealed with a glass stopper) to last drop and a juicy finish and aftertaste. Pick up a few and you will be surprised at how interesting this wine’s aromas attracts and how delightful you’ll find it in the glass and on the palate, how wonderful it tastes. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: April 15, 2023
The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir is sourced from estate vineyards in Limoux in the foothills of the Pyrenees with Pinot Noir being planted between 250 and 500 meters. Fruit is hand-harvested and transported to the winery in small boxes. The wine is not filtered before bottling. It is Demeter-certified as a biodynamique wine.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Domaine L’Aigle – Pinot Noir 2021
IGP Haut Vallée de L’Aude, France $35.00 (237883) 14.0% alcohol
Very intensive aromas of small berries fill the room after a swirl or three. The palate is treated to a gusher of tender fruit that’s finely spiced on the finish and aftertaste. There are silky tannins and exceptional structure on the lip-smacking finish and the tangy aftertaste. This wine is best served between 12-14 ° C alongside grilled red meat or roasted poultry. Give it a try when it’s released. (Vic Harradine)
- The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange Gold – Organic Wine’ pays homage to the very first ‘orange wines’ from Georgia some 4,500 years ago. The ‘Georgia’ is from Eastern Europe, not one of the U.S southern states. The grape varieties in this wine are the following—chardonnay/grenache blanc/viognier/marsanne/mauzac/muscat.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Orange - Gold – Organic Wine’ 2021
Product of France, $24.95 (237883) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, sharp citrus of blood orange, lemon curd and pomegranate are easily found after three or four swirls. Replays on the palate include blood orange and lemon curd with plenty of tang and pizzazz. There are also notions of flinty minerality and grapefruit pith on the finish and aftertaste. A wine to be savoured on its own or with cheese or aperitifs. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream on December 23, 2022
Vintages Release: TBD 2023
• The following Poggio Al Vento red blend was sourced from hand-harvested 70% sangiovese/20% merlot/10% canaiolo grapes that spent 6 months maturing in small French barrels after fermentation before blending and bottling. This was tasted a few months ago and has aged somewhat since that time. It may continue to improve over another few months.
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Azienda Agricola Poggio Al Vento 2019
IGT Toscano Rosso, Italy $17.95 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice, sprigs of herbs, black currant and juicy black plum abound on the nose of this medium weight, nicely balanced Toscano Rosso at a desirable price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. It has persistent purity of fruit captured on the palate and persisting to and through the tang an pizzazz, flavourful finish and aftertaste. Well-paced and well-priced, give this a go with lasagna or spaghetti carbonara with ham or bacon. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from 100% melon de bourgogne grapes that came from 60-year-old vines on granite soils at Chateau Thébaud. This white wine was matured for 24 months on fine lees in underground tanks subjected to fine lees stirring. Once bottled, this white wine has long ageing potential of ten or more years.
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Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne 2019
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France $23.95 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of minerality, leesy notes a.k.a. spent yeast cells and hints of floral notes abound on the nose of this 100% melon de bourgogne. It’s crisp and refreshing on the palate with a medium-bodied, balanced and bountiful lip-smacking finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside seafood such as breaded and grilled calamari or bowl of mussels steamed in white wine, a shot or two of cream and decorated with chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Jardin d’Edouard ‘Château-Thébaud – Cru Clisson’ Melon de Bourgogne was sourced from 100% melon de bourgogne grapes that came from 60-year-old vines on granite soils at Chateau Thébaud. This white wine was matured for 48 months on fine lees in underground tanks subjected to fine lees stirring. Once bottled, this white wine has long ageing potential of ten or more years when cellared carefully.
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Jardin d’Edouard ‘Cru Château-Thébaud’ Melon de Bourgogne 2018
AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France $24.95 (541458) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of lemon citrus, flinty minerality and notions of fine lees a.k.a. spent yeast cells are adorned with white flower scents, It has good depth, balance and persistent purity of fruit that persists to and through the finish and aftertaste showcasing ripe pear, a smidgeon of sweet-ish grilled pineapple and plenty of tang and pizzazz. Pour on its own or with a creamy pasta sauce with pieces of home-smoked salmon. Pick up a few and enjoy with one of your favourite dishes. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Sidewood Estate ‘Ironstone Barrels – The Tyre Fitter’ Syrah was sourced from 100% syrah that was crafted in the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, sustainably grown, hand- harvested, from an estate, single-vineyard and is certified vegan-friendly. It may seem strange that an Australian winery would choose to use syrah over shiraz, however, Adelaide Hills is considered a cool-climate appellation in Australia.
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Sidewood Estate ‘Ironstone Barrels – The Tyre Fitter’ Syrah 2021
G.I Adelaide Hills, South Australia $38.95 (CSPC #) to be determined 14.2% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, ripe red and black cherries, pie cherries, passionfruit and Damson blue plum are easily coaxed with a gentle swirl of your glass. The flavours replay the strongest of the aromas—black juicy cherries, red Montmorency pie cherries and blue Damson plums that are both juxtaposed to the tang and pizzazz of cool-climate fruit. This is both fruit-forward as well as elegant and structured with baking spice and sweet vanilla reflecting the oak regimen of 12 months in French oak, 30% new. This showcases deft balance, persistent purity of fruit and delectable mouthfuls of dazzling syrah. Pick up a few and serve with grilled rack-of-lamb or beer-can-chicken (Vic Harradine)
Upstream on November 23, 2022
Vintages Release: November 5, 2022
• The following 2020 Paolo Leo ‘Passo del Cardinale - Primitivo di Manduria’ was sourced from 100% primitivo fruit—a.k.a. zinfandel. After harvesting fruit in the cool early morning, it is then crushed, destemmed and cool fermented in steel vats at a controlled cool-temperature of 25 °C, before maturing for 3 months in American oak and 6 months in stainless steel. Often a 2nd harvest can be held approximately three weeks after the first was completed. After fermentation, this 2nd harvest can be added to already fermented wine adding body and freshness to the finished and soon-to-be bottled wine.
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Paolo Leo ‘Passo del Cardinale - Primitivo di Manduria’ 2020
DOP Primitivo di Manduria, Italy $19.95 (496463) 14.0% alcohol
This is dark and brooding in the glass and close to being opaque. The gentlest of swirls will provide you a glorious gusher of fruit-forward aromas with red and black cherry/berry to the fore. The palate’s then treated to a deftly balanced gusher of delightful flavours of juicy black Bing cherry, ripe delectable black currant along with notions of blueberry and oodles of tang and pizzazz in the form of passionfruit, red pie cherry and red currant jelly. It’s creamy smooth on the palate with plenty of fruit flavours coming and going in the juicy finish and the mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour this gem with mushroom risotto and meat-lovers red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 19, 2022
• The following méthode traditionelle, vintage-dated, 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blancs ’ is named for family matriarch Catherine Smith—Henry of Pelham’s wife. It was hand-harvested, bunch-selected from 100% chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed, partially barrel- fermented, maturing on its lees more than four years in the bottle(s) you purchase before disgorgement—aka, expelling spent yeast cells from the 2nd fermentation in this bottle.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine – Carte Blanche - Estate - Blanc de Blanc’ 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $49.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
This top-notch, vintage-dated sparkling wine is one of the top traditional-method, vintage-dated sparkling wines on the market, regardless of country of origin. Aromas of yeasty notes, baking brioche and flinty minerality make way for a profusion of fine-bead bubbles that endlessly wind their way to the top of your glass. This has complexity, purity of fruit, good tension, is well balanced with a painter’s palette of lively flavour—a surge of racy lemon and lime tang adorned with white nectarine, nutty and mineral notes dazzle the palate infusing the lingering finish and aftertaste. This is classy, elegant and wired for sipping on its own for two or with festive food when entertaining, e.g. roast turkey or bone-in baked ham with all the fixings. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 3, 2022
• The following 2016 Jim Barry Wines ‘Single Vineyard – Eastern Ranges’ cabernet sauvignon was sourced from 100% estate vineyards at 480m above sea level in the iconic Geographical Indication of Clare Valley with the average age of vines at 19 years when harvested for this wine. Drinking well now and on to 2027 with careful cellaring. Jim Barry Wines is a member of the tightly knit group of wineries that continue to be owned and operated by descendants of the original family, Click on this link to learn more about Jim Barry Wines and this incredible group, the Australian First Families of Wine
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Jim Barry Wines ‘Single Vineyard – Eastern Ranges’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
G.I. Clare Valley, South Australia $29.95 (26925) 14.1% alcohol
Fruit-forward aromas of ripe mulberry, black cherry and overripe damson plum jam adorned with hints of black licorice precede palate flavours that are fruit forward and replay the aromas along with excellent tang and plenty of pizzazz throughout. It showcases deft balance, delectable—pure ambrosia—flavours and persistent purity of fruit to and through the lip-smacking finish and lingering, mouth-watering aftertaste. This also has structure and a creamy-smooth mouthfeel underpinned by fine-grain, soft, ripe tannin. Give this a go with rack of lamb slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. It would also be welcomed as a gift to the host of a festive-dinner. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 17, 2022
• The following 2019 Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Organic’ Shiraz saw no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in making this wine. It was fermented by wild yeasts appearing naturally from six vineyards that are family-owned and accredited organic—along with one vineyard that’s accredited bio-dynamic—and also on the skins of the grapes harvested for this wine. This wine is also accredited Vegan-friendly. Yalumba Family Winemakers is a member of the tightly knit group of wineries that continue to be owned and operated by descendants of the original family, Click on this link to learn more about Yalumba and this incredible group in the Australian First Families of Wine.
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Yalumba Family Winemakers ‘Organic – Vegan-friendly’ Shiraz 2019
G.I. South Australia, Australia $17.95 (280883) 14.0% alcohol
A bright magenta in the glass, it offers up delightful aromas of grilled savoury herbs, piquant spice and cracked black peppercorns intertwined with black plum, ripe mulberry and juicy black Bing cherries. The palate’s treated to a medium-plus bodied, well-balanced stream of s creamy smooth mouthfeel, soft, ripe tannin underpinning, persistent purity of fruit-forward flavours with mulberry, black currant and juicy dark Bing cherry to the fore, with plenty of tang and pizzazz persisting to and through the lengthy, lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. A lovely drop on its own; it also plays well with grilled rack of lamb, roast chicken or pan-grilled pork cutlets with a panko crust. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: December 17, 2022
• The following Non-Vintage Boizel ‘Réserve’ Brut was sourced from the following grape varieties—30% chardonnay/55% pinot noir/15% pinot meunier. The Boizel family began their lengthy and incredibly successful journey as a Champagne producer in 1834 and they still own the winery and manage the brand and the wine with Florent Roques-Boizel as their present winemaker.
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Boizel ‘Réserve’ Brut - Non-Vintage
Épernay, Champagne, France $64.95 (25514) 12.0% alcohol
A gorgeous mousse of tiny, fine-bead bubbles make their way to the top of the light yellow-gold liquid in the glass eventually forcing delightful aromas of floral notes, baking brioche and notions of minerality filling the air above the glass and the bubbles. On the palate it’s quite fruit-forward with lemon curd and hints of salinity adorned with green apple, poached pear and black plum all making their way to the mid-palate, finish and aftertaste. Give this a place at the table to pour with French onion soup, cassoulet or with a baked, bone-in ham with cloves decorating the outside of the ham then basted with maple syrup. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream on October 29, 2022
Vintages Release: November 19, 2022
• The following 4 wines are slated for a November 19, 2022 Vintages Release
• The following 2019 Primus ‘Organic Wine’ Carménère from Chile sourced from a good vintage from healthy vines and wine certified organic by Eco Cert, and accredited as vegan-friendly.
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Primus ‘Organic Wine’ Carménère 2019
D.O. Apalta, Colchagua, Chile $19.95 (439356) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of grilled green savoury herbs and notes of forest-floor earthy bits dominate the nose. Strong-flavours blanket the palate with tang-laden green savoury herbs the most prominent and along with still-evolving tannin and plenty of tang and pizzazz throughout. Aerate/decant for three hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Gérard Bertrand ‘Source of Joy’ Rosé was sourced from three grape varieties manually harvested early in the morning in the appellation of AOP Languedoc, France—grenache noir/syrah/cinsault—with each variety kept separate and harvested at each of their own optimum time of ripeness. This Rosé was made using the saignée method of rosé winemaking that involves “bleeding” off a portion of red wine juice after it's been in contact with the skins and seeds. The alcoholic fermentation took place under controlled temperatures in order to showcase the aromas. A portion of the wines has been matured in oak barrels. To keep this wine fresh with natural acidity, malolactic fermentation was not allowed. The wine is accredited as vegan-friendly and certified organic. The ‘Source of Joy’ refers to the ‘fountain of youth’ with no ironclad guarantee that there is one.
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Gérard Bertrand ‘Source of Joy’ Rosé 2021
AOP Languedoc, France $24.95 (25787) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of cherry/berry fruit mingle with spice and mineral notes on the nose that precede a gusher of crisp, refreshing palate flavours with red currant and ruby red grapefruit juxtaposed with notions of watermelon and orange marmalade. This is nicely balanced with tang and pizzazz that persist through the finish and aftertaste. It’s clean and lip-smacking good on the finish and mouth-watering on the aftertaste. Pick up a few and serve chilled; this can be accomplished by removing from the kitchen frig 15 minutes before opening and pouring on its own or with seafood, sushi or a charcouterie board. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Best’s Wines ‘Bin No 1’ Shiraz won the prestigious ‘Trophy for Best Shiraz’ at the 2021, 40th Victorian Wine Show.
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Best’s Wines ‘Bin No 1’ Shiraz 2019
Great Western, Victoria, Australia $21.95 (222323) 14.5% alcohol
Delicate aromas of cherry/berry fruit and mint can be coaxed from the glass. It delivers in spades on the palate with a river of sapid and smooth flavours with ripe mulberry, black raspberry and notions of cassis that display on entry and continue through to the lingering and balanced finish and aftertaste. There’s a sure fire match with grilled beef steak or grilled pork back ribs. The quality-price balance is tipped well in your favour with a 93 point score and a $21.95 price tag. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Claymore Wines ‘You’ll never walk alone’ wine is a blend of grenache/shiraz/mataro. Mataro is also known as mourvèdre and monastrell. The price-quality balance tips in your favour, pick up a few.
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Claymore Wines ‘You’ll never walk alone’ 2018
Clare Valley, Australia $19.95 (409086) 14.7% alcohol
Alluring aromas of blueberry, ripe mulberry and juicy black cherry dominate the nose adorned with black licorice and exotic spice and incense. The wine reveals itself on the gusher of palate flavours—black bramble berry, dark Bing cherry and notions of Ribena—and are persistent through the smooth, mellow, lingering and nicely balanced finish and aftertaste. Pour with a grilled rack of Australian lamb slathered with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Boxer’s Ghost’ Pinot Noir is slated for a Vintages Release on December 3, 2022
• It may get you a few more invitations if you bring this along as a thank you for the host at a festive dinner to which you were invited. The ‘Boxer’s Ghost’ refers to an unofficial boxing match in the 1800’s and after a day at the horse track—now the Devil’s Hollow Vyd—Bets were placed and the wrong man won. He was never seen again (alive at least…) This wine was sustainably grown and accredited as such by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. It was fermented in stainless steel in conjunction with oak using pulse-air to manage the cap and colour. It also matured with European oak for 6+ months.
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Speck Brothers ‘Family Tree – The Boxer’s Ghost’ Pinot Noir 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (306221) 12.8% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice and red fruit—strawberry and cherry—mingle with earthy notes and mixed savoury herbs. Palate flavours of pie cherry, pomegranate and hints of passionfruit persist to and through the lip-smacking finish and the crisp, clean and refreshing aftertaste. There’s good balance, smooth and mellow flavours, texture and mouthfeel. Give this a go with cedar plank barbecued salmon hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon and dotted with butter or pan-seared in butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release TBD, 2022
• The following 2020 ‘3 - Rings Shiraz’ is a perennial favourite for Aussie shiraz lovers and there are plenty of reasons why it’s so popular. This is not your usual garden-variety favourite that tastes similar each vintage. In fact the opposite as the goal of this winery is to work with what nature provides and it provides differences in weather as far as temperatures, and also rainfall and winds are concerned. The fruit may have enjoyed a perfect season in 2020 as we did here in VQA Ontario appellations. This is not a fruit bomb as they harvest the same estate-grown fruit each year, although the alcohol easily reached 14.9% indicating they harvested with a high Brix level as the grapes reached close to perfect ripeness. They also kept yields low at 2.02 tonnes per acre.
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Australian Wine Company 3-ring Shiraz 2020
Barossa Valley, Australia $19.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol
Alluring aromas of exotic incense, ripe bramble berry fruit—black raspberry and black currant—are replayed on the palate while juxtaposed with lip-smacking tang and plenty of pizzazz to and through the mouth-watering aftertaste soon joined by grilled savoury herbs and piquant spices. This showcases persistent purity of fruit underpinned by ripe, fine-grained tannin that meld and balance perfectly with ripe fruit and a laser-like line of tang and pizzazz. This wine has good structure, deft balance and a delicious palate and follow through. Give it a go with rack of lamb or osso buco. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour pick up an armful. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir was sourced from 100% Pinot Noir from many of the premium vineyards in the Willamette Valley. It’s pronounced—will-am-it—dammit. This particular tasty treat spent some time in 100% French oak with only 10% new.
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Iris Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
AVA Willamette Valley, Oregon, U.S.A. $29.95 13.7% alcohol
Fresh and juicy aromas waft easily from the gentlest of swirls. This wine was carefully aged after it was gently destemmed into stainless steel vats and 1.25 ton open-top fermenters. The palate picks up all the hard work and many issues that were handled with great care and wine wisdom. Palate-flavours are a gusher of ripe fruit—black Bing cherry, bramble berry and hints of mocha mingling with ripe fruit underpinned by soft ripe tannin that reflect the careful handling and excellent decisions in the fermentation and maturation of this tasty, deftly balanced red wine that also showcases persistent purity of fruit with a lengthy and luscious finish and aftertaste laced with tang and pizzazz. Pour alongside cedar-planked salmon on the barbecue, backyard burgers or gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Carmin ‘Reguengos – Seleção - Reserva’ is an inspired red blend of 40% alicante bouschet/20% aragonês/20% trincadeira/20% syrah. The grapes are rushed to the winery after harvest and immediately destemmed and crushed. Select yeast strains are chosen for the fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. The fermentation and maceration are both completed in a 15-day period. The wine was partially aged in vats for 12 months with the balance matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels also for 12 months.
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Carmin ‘Reguengos – Seleção - Reserva’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $16.95 14.5% alcohol
Aromas of black currant, ripe mulberry and a notion of blueberry open up this wine, hinting at the pleasant imbibing experience to follow. It’s medium-plus bodied with creamy-smooth mouthfeel and plenty to like on the palate as it’s food friendly and raring to go. Palate-flavours of black raspberry, cherry clafoutie and espresso roast adorned with grilled savoury herbs are to the fore. Give this a go with lamb tagine, cassoulet or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Carmim ‘Reguengos – Old Vines’ 2020 is an interesting red blend of 40% alicante bouschet/30% trincadeira/30% aragonez from vines at harvest that were 35 years and older. The grapes for this wine were matured for 9 months in French and American oak barrels.
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Carmim ‘Real Grei – Reguengos – Old Vines’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $14.95 14.5% alcohol
Exotic incense mingles with piquant spice and fresh red cherry and red currant jelly on the nose. The palate’s treated to a smooth and mellow wash of blood orange, passionfruit and ripe mulberry mingling with black currant and ripe dark cherry. This is well balanced and brimming with flavour that persists to and through the finish and aftertaste. Give this a go with red pizza, burgers or pasta in tomato sauce with a side of medium-spiced chorizo sausage. The price-quality ratio tips well in your favour; pick up a few at this price. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Carmim ‘Olaria – Reserva’ was sourced from a red blend of 50% alicante bouschet/30% syrah/20% trincadeira. The grapes are rushed to the winery after harvest and immediately destemmed and crushed. Select yeast strains are chosen for the fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. The fermentation and maceration are both completed in a 15-day period. The wine matured for 12 months in French and American oak barrels.
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Carmim ‘Olaria - Reserva’ 2020
DOC Alentejo, Portugal $15.95 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of ripe juicy cherry/berry fruit, sweet vanilla and mocha are soon joined by palate flavours of © Ribena, juicy-sweet, ripe Bing cherry, notions of baking spice that melds together like an iron fist in a velvet glove. There’s an abundance of tang and plenty of pizzazz from cork pop to last drop with a lingering mouth-watering finish and lip-smacking aftertaste that’s intertwined with the ripe flavours from the palate. It’s drinking well now and will be even better three or four years from now with careful cellaring. Pour on its own or with pastitsio, lasagna or cured or semi-cured cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream on September 11, 2022
Vintages Release: September 10, 2022
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Bodegas Atalaya ‘Laya’ 70% Garnacha Tintorera/30% Monastrell 2020
DOP Almansa, Spain $16.95 (132605) 14.5% alcohol
Black-purple ink and almost opaque in the glass from the Garnacha Tintorera, aromas of red cherry/berry fruit and grilled savoury herbs waft easily after giving the glass a swirl or two. It’s bold and brash on the palate sporting a gusher of pie cherry and passionfruit and plenty of tang and pizzazz that is soon followed up with ripe black plum and juicy black currant that rides a medium-plus bodied delightfully balanced stream of replays to and through the mouth-watering finish and delectable aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour pick up an armful and enjoy with red meat-laden pizza or backyard burgers or cheese burgers. (Vic Harradine)
LCBO Release: September 11, 2022
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Speck Brothers Wine ‘Free Bird - Naturally Lively’ Riesling 2021
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (28672) 11.0% alcohol
Aromas of floral notes, hints of honey and flinty minerality form the nose of this excellent riesling—it’s well balanced on the palate with a steady stream and persistence in purity of fruit from twist top to final drop. The finish is crisp and refreshing while the aftertaste delivers more of the same with palate replays galore. The price-quality balance is well in your favour; pick up a few and drink over the next few months alongside lighter-styled fish and seafood or a mixed sushi platter. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: October 22, 2022
• Grapes—merlot/cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc—for the following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot were sourced from older vines that averaged over twenty years of age. This was hand-harvested gently destemmed and mechanically sorted. All juice was separated from the skins with no press wine added back. It is accredited as sustainably farmed and fashioned.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (616433) 13.2% alcohol
Lifted aromas of black plum, dark cherry and bramble berry abound. It captures the palate on entry with red fruit—currants and passion fruit—mingling with generous acidity and plenty of pizzazz. This showcases a supple underpinning of tannin and plenty of fruit that is, for now not bothered by soft, ripe tannin. Give this another four to five years of careful cellaring or pour now after a two-hour aeration/decant with a premium cut of well-seasoned beef (try © Hy’s of Canada - Seasoning Salt) grilled medium-rare. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: October 22, 2022
• The following 2020 SKYFALL cabernet sauvignon was sourced from 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% syrah with all fruit gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with commercial yeast for alcoholic fermentation. Each variety was fermented separately and pumped over twice daily with temperatures peaking at 90 ° F or 32.2 ° C with a shortened maceration for the cabernet sauvignon for tannin management while the syrah matured for 12 months in barrel with 30% in 1-2 year old French oak and 70% in neutral oak.
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SKYFALL WINES Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
AVA Washington State, USA $18.95 (26508) 13.9% alcohol
Aromas of black raspberry and juicy Bing cherry are adorned with minty notes, piquant peppery spice and hints of Saskatoon berries. It caresses the palate on entry with oodles of fruit flavours with black plum compote and kirsch liqueur juxtaposed to racy tang and crunchy acidity that persists through the delightful finish and lengthy aftertaste. A pizza wine looking for a home-baked or a commercial pizza delivered with lots of toppings—mushrooms, green pepper, bacon and plenty of spicy tomato sauce and cheese. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 5, 2022
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham (Speck Family Reserve) Pinot Noir is barely a teenager, though strutting its stuff now and certainly flashing signs of an enhanced future after even short-term cellaring. Sourced from older vines—some shovel planted 35 years before this fruit was harvested—that are sustainably grown under, and accredited by, SWM. Fruit was hand- harvested, gently destemmed and mechanically sorted. It was then stainless steel vat fermented with the cap punched down by hand. It was then aged in European oak, 30% new then married together with the balance in pre-loved oak with total oak maturation being ten months.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $39.95 (657874) 13.0% alcohol
Grilled savoury herbs and mixed spice aromas mingle with red berry fruit on the nose of this fresh and lively pinot noir. A lively flow of flavours race over the palate with tangy red cherry and passionfruit intertwined with sweet black plum and hints of black cherry along with savoury herbs and a soft tannin underpinning. There are replays of palate flavours and mouth-watering tang on the lengthy finish. Time in the cellar should pay off handsomely, pick up a few and pour starting in late 2022 or early 2023. Drinking nicely now; aerate/decant two or three hours and pour alongside roast fowl with all the fixings—stuff bird with savoury dressing or, if you’re invited for dinner, bring this along for a superb host/hostess gift. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 5, 2022
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FERRATON PÊRE & FILS ‘LE PARVIS’ 2020
AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France $59.95 (638551) 14.5% alcohol
Smooth and mellow from cork pop to last drop, alluring aromas of vanilla, floral notes and dark cherry/berry fruit adorned with piquant spice and earthy notes are soon joined by deftly balanced waves of palate flavours with black currant and ripe juicy Bing cherry melding with a tang-laden finish and a wonderful aftertaste that replays the palate flavours with nerve, verve and plenty of pizzazz. The tannins are soft, ripe and a gentle underpinning. Pour with Osso buco or cassoulet or cape malay bobotie. (Vic Harradine)
Upstream—August 15, 2022
Vintages Release: September 10, 2022
• The following 2019 Henry of Pelham ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir was hand-harvested, sustainably grown and certified by Sustainable Wine of Ontario. After being gently de-stemmed and mechanically sorted, grapes were then carefully moved by gravity. Grapes are de-seeded then seeds added back judiciously to control the tannin structure of the wine. Fruit was fermented in stainless steel using pulse-air with hand punch downs to gently manage the cap.
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Henry of Pelham ‘Family Estate’ Pinot Noir 2019
VQA Short Hills Bench $27.95 (268391) 13.0% alcohol
Gamey notes mingle with subdued aromas of barnyard, piquant spice and savoury herbs on the nose. A stream of red cherry and black currant flavours envelop the palate adorned with tang-infused passionfruit, black plum, dark ripe cherries and hints of ripe manageable tannin. It’s medium bodied with pleasant mouthfeel, good balance and plenty to like. Give this a try with smoked duck breasts or roast turkey. This is very good value and extremely enjoyable drinking now; and… it may still continue to improve over time as it has since previously tasted in October, 2021. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Château Vrai Caillou was sourced from 55% merlot/25% cabernet franc/20% cabernet sauvignon by 6th generation vignerons and was bottled at the estate that is situated in the l’Entre-deux-Mers wine region between the Dordogne and the Gironde Rivers.
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Château Vrai Caillou 2018
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, France $14.95 (348292) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of grilled savoury herbs, rich red cherry/berry fruit and exotic spice mingle on the nose of this Bordeaux red blend. It’s medium-plus bodied with creamy smooth mouthfeel, good balance with soft tannin, crunchy red cherry/berry fruit and some delectable bramble berry jelly on the back palate, finish and aftertaste. Pour with backyard burgers or grilled gourmet sausage off the barbecue. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: September 24th, 2022
• The following 2019 Chombart + Speck ‘Cave Mystère’ Merlot is a collaboration between the Chombart family of Bordeaux, France with the Speck brothers of Henry of Pelham winery here in Ontario. The prehistoric caves below the Chambort’s vineyards at their winery, Château Lamothe-Haux, are carved out of limestone and go for kilometers as the limestone is used for the buildings in the area. The raisin d’être for the collaboration is to fashion a red wine in ‘old world’ Bordeaux to please ‘new world’ palates’. This particular wine matured in French oak barriques in the caves below ground level at the winery.
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Cave Mystère ‘Chombart & Speck Families’ Merlot 2019
AOC Bordeaux, France $19.95 (17232) 14.0% alcohol
Dark, brooding and almost opaque when poured, it dishes up aromas of piquant spice, notions of mint and cherry/berry fruit galore on the nose with the gentlest of swirls. It rolls over the palate in delectable waves of mellow and smooth flavours with ripe juicy cherry and sweet bramble berry joined on the finish and aftertaste by an underpinning of soft tannin and pleasing tang-infused crunchy red cherry. Pour alongside a premium cut of beefsteak grilled medium-rare with a side of steamed, chopped and creamed, fresh spinach. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Henry of Pelham Family Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was hand-harvested at 3 tonnes per acre and whole cluster-pressed then barrel-fermented in French oak with a portion in large 3000L foudres and then barrel-aged for eight to ten months with a portion of that in new oak barrels.
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Henry of Pelham Family Estate ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2020
VQA Short Hills Bench $34.95 (616466) 13.5% alcohol
Shy aromas can be coaxed from the glass with some serious swirls. Orange blossoms and citrus aromas mingle with green apple and toasty notes on the nose. A surge of pure ambrosia captures the palate with flavours of crisp Granny Smith apple, ripe honeydew melon and lemon-lime tang and pizzazz. It gives a full-Monty effort on and after the palate with the lip-smacking finish and delectable lengthy aftertaste. My highest compliment—it was incredibly difficult to spit after tasting, rather than swallowing the wine, although I did manage to spit. (Vic Harradine)
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Soho Wines ‘Stella’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $22.95 (554311)
You will find the usual suspects when nosing this in your glass—passionfruit, gooseberry, grassy and flinty notes. It stings a bit on the front palate with piquant spice and sprigs of herbs along with Key lime and Meyer lemon before smoothing out with lemon pastille and Key lime pie on the tangy finish and lingering balanced aftertaste. Pour with steamed green-lipped mussels in a broth of cream, white wine and chopped leeks. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Quinta de S. Sebastião ‘Syrah-Tinta Roriz’ is a blend of two grapes, Syrah aka Shiraz as well as Tinta Roriz aka Tempranillo in Spain and numerous other countries of the wine world.
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Quinta de S. Sebastião ‘Syrah-Tinta Roriz’ 2019
Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal $13.95 (946360) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of earthy notes, dark cherry/berry fruit and notions of prune plums precede a tang-infused river of palate flavours with pie cherry and passionfruit to the fore along with red currant jelly and notions of © Ribena. This is medium-bodied with structure and a fairly smooth and mellow finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside red pizza, gourmet sausage or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: October 8th, 2022
• Cafeyate boasts of some of the highest vineyards above sea level in the world.
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Bodega Alta Vista Estate ‘Premium’ Torrontes 2020
Cafeyate, Salta, Argentina $17.95 ((37127) 13.5% alcohol
Honeysuckle floral notes, rose petals and ripe apricot, pineapple and citrus note aromas dominate the nose of this gorgeous Cafeyate Torrontés. It glides over the palate with flavours of pure ambrosia—lime-drizzled honeydew melon, ripe mango, Kacaba melon and lemon curd galore. It finishes balanced, beautiful and bountiful with plenty of palate flavour replays on the lip-smacking finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Pour on its own or with lighter-styled appetizers, now and on to 2025. (Vic Harradine)
• The following Cave de Hoen ‘Méthode Traditionnelle – Pinot Auxerrois – Blanc de Blancs’ Non-Vintage is made in the style of Champagne with the 2nd fermentation having taken place in the bottle(s) you purchase and take with you.
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Cave de Hoen ‘Méthode Traditionnelle – Pinot Auxerrois – Blanc de Blancs’ Non-Vintage
AOC Crémant d’Alsace, France $17.95 (416578) 12.5% alcohol
It opens with an alluring nose of honeyed orange and aromas followed by a lovely attack on the palate with oodles of racy zesty flavour—lemongrass, red currant and citrus galore. This is exceptional-value with loads of flavour and serious fine-bead mousse when poured in the glass. It’s light on its feet with a refreshing mouth-watering finish and an excellent aperitif and one with which to welcome friends and guests. At this price, keep a few for unexpected friends and guests, as well. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: TBD, 2022
• The following 2021 Garciarévalo ‘FINCA TRESOLMOS LIAS’ Verdejo-Vino Blanco wine is certified organic with their accreditation on the back label. It is 100% verdejo harvested at the end of September, 2021 from 30-year-old vines. The Verdejo grape is indigenous to Northern Africa, discovered sometime in the 11th Century and brought to DO Rueda, Spain where it continues to flourish at exceptionally-low price levels.
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Garciarévalo ‘FINCA TRESOLMOS LIAS’ Verdejo-Vino Blanco 2021
DO Rueda, Spain $14.95 (218354) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of floral notes, Key lime and Meyer lemon waft easily from the glass with the gentlest of swirls. It washes over the palate with racy flavours of lemon-lime, nectarine and notions of Granny Smith apple adorned with pizzazz and plenty of charm to and through the lip-smacking finish and mouth- watering aftertaste of lime cordial. It’s light on its feet and pours well with lighter-styled fish and seafood; not so well with most grilled red meat or heavy sauces. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2021 Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 100% cabernet sauvignon that was hand-harvested in mid-September, 2021. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks under controlled conditions for 20 days then was matured for six months in American and French oak casks.
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Provolo ‘Tenuta Ca’Nove’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
IGT Veneto, Italy $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Exotic aromas of sandalwood, baking spice and vanilla intertwine with fresh, red cherry /berry flavours. It glides effortlessly on the palate with good balance of acidity, pizzazz and ripe juicy pie cherry juxtaposed with sweet vanilla, ripe, juicy black cherry and ripe black currant persisting with purity of fruit to and through the delightful finish and mouth-watering aftertaste. Give this a go with your favourite grilled barbecue meat or lasagna, pasta puttanesca or chili con carne. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Provolo ‘Campotorbian’ was hand-picked from red grapes on vines grown in vineyards at 350 m above sea level—60% corvina/25% rondinella/10% corvinone/and 5% oseleta. All grapes were picked from 12 to 13 year old vineyards at the end of September, 2019. Grapes were macerated and stirred daily then underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless tank for 15 days controlled from 25 ° to 29 ° C then settled on Amarone skins after adding 10% raisins. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in mid-April then the wine was matured in 40% tonneaux for 24 months and 60% wooden barrels then settled in corked bottle for 6 months. This wine is accredited as being organic. Please aerate in a decanter for twenty minutes after being removed from a refrigerator before serving.
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Provolo ‘Campotorbian’ 2019
DOC Valpolicella, Ripasso, Superiore, Italy $19.95 (13999) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of piquant spice, sandalwood and exotic incense abound preceding notions of crunchy pie cherry and red currant. Palate flavours of nerve and verve passionfruit, intertwine with kinder and softer red currant jelly and juicy black currant. This is medium-bodied with good texture and loads of pizzazz from cork pop to last drop. Pour alongside pizza, paella or fettucine noodles and tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 20 Provolo ‘Gino’ was hand-picked from red grapes on vines in marly- limestone grown in vineyards at 350 m above sea level—60% corvina/20% rondinella/20% rebo. All grapes were picked from vineyards averaging 30-years-old in 2021 with vines trained to being ‘pergola Veronese’. Grapes were macerated and stirred daily then underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless tank for 10 days controlled from 25 ° to 27 ° C. Then spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred in mid-April then the wine was matured in 40% concrete and 60% wooden barrels for six months then settled in corked bottles for an additional 3 months. This wine has an accreditation of it being organic and there is a green decal on the back label attesting to this.
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Provolo ‘Gino’ 2021
IGT Rosso Veneto, Italy $15.95 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit, with sprigs of mixed herbs precede a wash of palate flavours including juicy, black cherries, strawberry, mocha and bittersweet chocolate. This is medium-bodied with balance and structure and a lip-smacking finish and a lingering aftertaste that displays replays from the palate. Give this a go with aged cheese or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2020 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Roccha - Corvé’ was soured from 100% corvina Verona with an average age of thirty years that were hand-harvested from the sunny hillsides of Valpolicella at 125 to 300 M above sea level.. The grapes were pressed and destemmed with maceration and alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tank at controlled temperatures of 20 to 24 ° C for 10 to 15 days, then matured in both 5 and 20 hectolitre French and American barrels from 4 to 8 months.
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Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi - Corvé’ 2020
IGP Provincia di Verona, Italy $14.95 (19746) 13.5% alcohol
Ripe fruit, sprigs of herbs and bramble berry jam aromas dominate the nose on this single-sourced-grape wine. There’s good balance and plenty of fruit flavour on the palate with pie cherry, black bramble berry and notions of black currant persisting to and through the lengthy finish and aftertaste. This shows well when paired with grilled or braised beef, backyard hamburgers or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Tinazzi ‘Ca’ de’ Rocchi – Valpolicella was sourced from hand-harvested 80% corvina/15% rondinella/5% molinara in October. For 7/10 days grapes were pressed, destemmed, macerated and fermented. Grapes were gently pressed and fermented at a cool temperature controlled from 20 °C to 24 °C. The wine matured in five hectolitre and 20 hectolitre French and American barrels for four to eight months.
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Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi’ - Valpolicella 2018
DOP Valpolicella, Italy $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Light-ruby hued in the glass, aromas of earthy notes, exotic spice and dark cherry/berry fruit are easily coaxed with the gentlest of swirls. A well-paced surge of both red and black cherry is intertwined with red currant jelly and black bramble-berry tart and nicely supported by balanced and lingering finish and aftertaste. This has notions of elegance and plenty of charm from cork pop to last drop. It’s also versatile at the table. Pour with pizza, backyard burgers or spaghetti with Bolognese sauce. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi – La Bastia’ was sourced from grapes that were selected from premium vineyards in a hilly area at 150 to 300 M above sea level in Valpolicella—80% corvina/10% corvinone/10% rondinella, grapes were selected and harvested by hand at the start of October 2018, After shriveling via the loss of water, until December that year then before maceration the grapes were pressed, destemmed with fermentation occurring for approximately 21 days, at a controlled temperature of 20 °C to 24 °C. The wine then matured in 5, 20 and 40 hectolitre French and American oak barrels for 12 to 24 months.
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Tinazzi ‘CA’ de’ Rocchi – La Bastia’ 2018
DOCG Amarone Della Valpolicella, Italy $43.95 16.0% alcohol
Rich and sensuous aromas of spice cake and exotic incense are adorned with a fruit cocktail of blueberry, black plum compote and hints of pie cherry. It blankets the palate with a rich and luscious stream of figs and raisins robed in dark juicy cherries and baking spice. There’s plenty of pizzazz and charm with persistence of purity of fruit palate replays through the delightfully lengthy and delicious finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside a grilled premium cut of beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Tinazzi ‘Collezione di Famiglia – Superiore’ was sourced from 90% corvina and corvinone/10% rondinella from hilly vineyards at 150 to 300M above sea level. Pressing and destemming of grapes occurred at a controlled, cool temperature of 22 to 26 °C for 10 days. At the end of December, the Valpolicella Superiore wine passed over Amarone marc—to acquire more body and complexity—hence the ‘Ripasso’ designation. The wine matured in 5 and 20 hectolitre French and American oak barrels for 8 to 12 months.
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Tinazzi ‘Collezione di Famiglia – Superiore’ 2019
DOP Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $20.90 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic incense, sprigs of herbs, prunes and raisins abound along with nutmeg and balsamic notes and juicy black currant and juicy dark Bing cherry on the nose. It blankets the palate with a pure ambrosia of persistent purity of flavours with © Ribena, ripe mulberry, black raspberry and oodles of pizzazz and plenty of charm to the fore. It’s balanced with good mouthfeel and texture and a soft, ripe tannin underpinning. In a word, delicious. Pour alongside osso buco or cassoulet. (Vic Harradine)
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Tenute Salvaterra Amarone Classico della Valpolicella 2017
DOCG Amarone delle Valpolicella, Italy $47.95 (13999) 16.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas of dried fruit, cherries and roasted espresso intertwine with baking spice and notions of vanilla. It spreads over the palate with a surge of flavours riding creamy-smooth mouthfeel and interesting texture along with flavours of dried mushrooms, ripe red berries and cherries to the fore. There is persistent purity of fruit running from the front palate to and through the lip-smacking finish and delightful, lingering aftertaste. You can sip on its own and meditate or pour with wild game bird or your favourite cut of beefsteak. (Vic Harradine)
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Tenute Salvaterra ‘Classico’ 2021
DOC Valpolicella, Italy $19.95 13.0% alcohol
This red blend consists of 60% corvina/10% corvinone/25% rondinella/5% local, autochthonous grapes. Fresh aromas of wild strawberry, black raspberry and juicy Bing cherry robed in charm and plenty of pizzazz. It washes over the palate with nerve, verve and plenty of tang expressed as pie cherry, passionfruit, bitter almond and piquant spice. It settles down on the back palate, finish and aftertaste leaving a more balanced taste to enjoy. Aerate/decant for two hours before pouring alongside smoked and grilled pork back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)
Cheers from, Lisa Isabelle, Louise Boutin, Dave Isaacs, Vic Harradine who all wish you safe travels and being fully vaccinated now and in the months ahead. Please take care of yourself and assist your good friends and loved ones and those who are not as fortunate as you.