<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Uncorked Ontario &#187; LCBO Vintages</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.uncorkedontario.com/category/lcbo-vintages/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com</link>
	<description>Ontario Wine News, Reviews, and Rants</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:02:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>February 19th, 2011 Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/02/february-19th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/02/february-19th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:18:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=333</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WHITE WINE CALAMUS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula This wine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2010. TASTING NOTE: Colour: deep straw. Nose: high toned, peach and citrus. Taste: well-extracted, ripe fruit – apple flavour with persistence. Drinkability: now. (Tony Aspler, winealign.com, April 6, 2010) Vintages # 210062 750 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">WHITE WINE</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>CALAMUS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara Peninsula</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine won a Gold Medal at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2010.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Colour: deep straw. Nose: high toned, peach and citrus. Taste: well-extracted, ripe fruit – apple flavour with persistence. Drinkability: now. (Tony Aspler, winealign.com, April 6, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 210062 750 mL $13.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2007</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake</strong></p>
<p><em>On top of winning Gold at the OWAs, this wine also garnered scores of 90 from Evan Saviolidis and Natalie MacLean.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: … this dessert wine is a fabulous expression of the vintage and the varietal. Luscious aromas of sweet tropical fruit – mangoes with a squirt of lime come to mind – ripe stone fruit and lemon delight pie. The flavours are consistent, with a honeyed texture that is well balanced with bright acidity. Sweet, but not too sweet, it’s harmonious with a beautiful heft. It’s a dream to sip with artisan cheese or a fruit tart. Score: HHHHJ (Susan Desjardins, winecurrent.com, Feb. 15, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 432930  375 mL $21.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>FEATHERSTONE SELECT LATE HARVEST CABERNET FRANC 2008</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine took Double Gold, the highest honour in its category, at the 2009 All Canadian Wine Championships.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Wow, this is one perfumed, succulent and refreshing mouthful of spiced red fruit with tangy raspberry, lively strawberry and pie cherry to the fore. The ripe, sweet fruit and moderating raciness is balanced on a pin and persistent throughout, finishing mouth-watering, crisp and refreshing &#8230; (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Nov. 13, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 210757  375 mL $19.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>FIELDING LOT No. 17 RIESLING 2009</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara Peninsula</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE:  Another Riesling winner from Fielding Estate. There’s an array of fresh green apples, citrus and gentle waves of white peach to start things off. Love the power play between sweet-ripe and zesty-tart fruits in the mouth to go with peach, citrus and acid verve. Clean, focused Riesling and exactly what I look for in this amazing Niagara variety. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, June 17, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 203521  750 mL $25.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>LAILEY VINEYARD CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2009</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara River</strong></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: This has a very generous, sweet, caramel, resin and lightly smoky nose from the Canadian oak barrels. Lively peachy, lemony fruit hits the palate and marries with the oak on the finsih. It’s mid-weight, brisk and racy with tart lemony acidity. Some minerality on finish. It is powerful wine; age it two years. Excellent length. Score: 88 (David Lawrason, www.winealign.com, Aug. 2010)<br />
Vintages # 225474  750 mL $24.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RED WINE</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>13TH STREET GAMAY NOIR 2008</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara Peninsula</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Ontario Wine Awards.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: &#8230; The nose is black cherry, raspberry and vanilla; an aroma that comes from the 12 months of ageing in 60% French and 40% American oak (of which 25% was new). Flavours are loaded with delicious black cherry &#8230; it should be in very high demand &#8230;(Michael Pinkus, Ontariowinereview.com, May 12, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 177824  750 mL $17.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY PINOT NOIR 2008</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Prince Edward County</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine won a Gold Medal at the ARTEVÏNO Prince Edward County Wine Competition in 2010.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: The new vintage bursts with cran-raspberry fruit, spice, and light toasty notes in a typically light County style with good tannic grip. One of the best pairings is the widely available mild cheddar from Balderson (Winchester), which softens the tannin and accentuates the fruit &#8230; Score: 88 (David Lawrason, ottawamagazine.com, Summer 2010)<br />
Vintages # 225748  750 mL $19.95</p>
<p><center> &#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212; </center></p>
<p><strong>WAYNE GRETZKY No. 99 ESTATE SERIES CABERNET/MERLOT 2007</strong><br />
<strong>VQA Niagara Peninsula</strong></p>
<p><em>This wine won a Gold Medal at the Ontario Wine Awards, and at the Canadian Wine Awards, in 2010.</em></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: a wow red here. Aromas of coconut, blackberry, smoke and cassis. The effusive smoky flavours dish up coconut, black cherry, and blackberry purée. Score: 90 (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Aug. 21, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 128652  750 mL $19.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/02/february-19th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>February 5th, 2011 Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/01/february-5th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/01/february-5th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:06:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=328</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SPARKLING WINE 13TH STREET CUVÉE 13 ROSÉ 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method Debbie Trenholm was the sommelier for the private luncheon held in Ottawa for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on Canada Day in 2010. She selected the 2007 13th Street Cuvée 13 Rosé as “a delicious way to begin [the] celebration.” TASTING NOTE: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SPARKLING WINE</span></h2>
<p><strong>13TH STREET CUVÉE 13 ROSÉ 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method<br />
</strong>Debbie Trenholm was the sommelier for the private luncheon held in Ottawa for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on Canada Day in 2010. She selected the 2007 13th Street Cuvée 13 Rosé as “a delicious way to begin [the] celebration.”<br />
<strong>TASTING NOTE:</strong> This rare sparkling Rosé made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a splash of Syrah is extraordinary – dry, crisp with delicate aromas of wild strawberry, juicy red cherry with an elegant mousse that lingers as it refreshes. (Debbie Trenholm, winesavvy.ca, June 30, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 147504 (D) 750 mL $24.95</p>
<h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">WHITE WINE</span></h2>
<p><strong>FLAT ROCK CELLARS SWEET REVENGE<br />
VIDAL ICEWINE 2007<br />
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula<br />
</strong>TASTING NOTE: Shows light bright lemon colour. Very lifted aromas of peach-mango with lemon and a touch of plasticine that should fade with more bottle age. The whole thing has a light airy feel to it with a sense of purity despite some youthful bottling aromas. It has found icewine’s acid-sugar key. Excellent length. Score: 91 (David Lawrason, winealign.com, March 2009)<br />
Vintages # 047803 (S) 375 mL $34.95<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>FLOURISH VIDAL ICEWINE 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula<br />
</strong>TASTING NOTE: A very enchanting yellow-gold colour in the glass. Honeyed pear, mango, apricot and wet stone on the nose. Deliciously balanced, with the sweetness expertly counterpointed by crisp acidity. Smooth and mouthfilling, with plenty of apricot and honey on the palate. Medium-full bodied with sweet fruit and a hint of nutmeg on the medium-long finish. Try with bread pudding and French vanilla ice cream. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2010)<br />
Vintages # 222356 (S) 200 mL $18.95</p>
<p><strong>LE CLOS JORDANNE<br />
LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD<br />
CHARDONNAY 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench</strong></p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Chardonnay is just great, with flint, mineral and smoke notes, well integrated oak and lovely acids plus alcohols balance, I’d drink it now and years from now on. (Zoltan Szabo, zoltanszabo.org, Nov. 11, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 033910 (XD) 750 mL $40.00<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>RED LEAF VIDAL ICEWINE 2006<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula<br />
</strong>TASTING NOTE: Wine Style: white, sweet, medium-bodied. Appearance: deep lemon-gold. Nose: honey, citrus, apricot, floral. Taste: sweet, vibrant acidity, medium alcohol; balanced, luscious, honeyed. Score: HHHHJ (Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com, June 2, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 179705 (S) 200 mL $17.95</p>
<p><strong>STRATUS RIESLING ICEWINE 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula<br />
</strong>TASTING NOTE: Wine Style: white, sweet, mediumbodied. Appearance: medium straw. Nose: floral, lime, citrus, marmalade, melon. Taste: medium intensity, low to medium alcohol, underlying acidity; clean, minerally, bright. Score: HHHHK (Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com, Oct. 17, 2009)<br />
Vintages # 056671 (S) 200 mL $39.95</p>
<p><strong>VINELAND ESTATES<br />
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Escarpment<br />
</strong>This is a light, crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will pair wonderfully with sautéed shrimp in a butter sauce. Its ripe, lemony citrus and melon flavours are well balanced by a laserfocused acidity, and joined on the finish by a bright minerality. If you are feeling the mid-winter blahs, this wine brings a taste of summer sunshine back to the table.<br />
Vintages # 551168 (XD) 750 mL $16.95</p>
<h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RED WINE</span></h2>
<p><strong>PILLITTERI ESTATES<br />
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula<br />
</strong>Cabernet Sauvignon can do extremely well in Ontario when the climate cooperates, and it cooperated brilliantly in 2007. The fruit was harvested when it was both phenolically and sugar ripe (exactly what a winery is looking for in any grapes at harvest). The result was a wine with fine balance. This 100% Cab Sauv is filled with cassis, raspberry, eucalyptus and hints of black pepper. Dry with very good fruit tones supported by fine tannins, it’s cellarable 3-4+ years. It can also be enjoyed tonight with a rare steak frites.<br />
Vintages # 349233 (D) 750 mL $19.95</p>
<p><strong>SANDBANKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY<br />
SELECTION BACO NOIR 2009<br />
VQA Ontario</strong><br />
TASTING NOTE: A crowd-pleasing red that’s chockfull of charm and rich, fruit flavour, it jumps from the glass with a whoosh of sweet vanilla and concentrated, dark field-berry aromas. Palatecoating flavours of black currant jam, plum compote, some spice and hints of dark chocolate persist through the lingering, lip-smacking finish. It’s medium-full bodied and looking for a hearty companion – grilled steak, osso bucco or leg of lamb … Score: HHHHK (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Dec. 8, 2010)<br />
Vintages # 211318 (D) 750 mL $19.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2011/01/february-5th-2011-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Some LCBO Thoughts</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/08/some-lcbo-thoughts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/08/some-lcbo-thoughts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:46:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Notes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=322</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s easy to bash the LCBO. That big &#8220;C&#8221; word makes it easy. They control the wine industry in Ontario. They decide what wines are imported, and more importantly what Ontario wines get exposure. Like them or not they are not going anywhere soon. So is there anything good about them? Yes I say. Our [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s easy to bash the LCBO. That big &#8220;C&#8221; word makes it easy. They control the wine industry in Ontario. They decide what wines are imported, and more importantly what Ontario wines get exposure. Like them or not they are not going anywhere soon. So is there anything good about them? Yes I say.<br />
Our family vacation this summer took us to Florida. I discovered a few large wine stores down there.  ABC Fine Wine and Spirits and another one called Total Wine and More which claims to be America’s Wine Superstore. Both have multi locations throughout Florida, Total Wine has locations in about 10 US States.<br />
I visited both stores. ABC was quite limited in selection. While Total Wine was larger and had a bigger and better selection of wines most of them seemed to be what would appear on LCBO’s general list or Vintage Essentials.</p>
<p>Yes, the LCBO has a lot of power and control over what wines are available here in Ontario however they are doing a good job in bringing quite a bit of variety to the shelves with new and interesting wines appearing every two weeks in Vintage Releases.  For example, I recently worked on a Republic Of Georgia wine presentation and needed some wines for a tasting. Both US wine stores not only didn’t have any wines from Georgia in stock, they believe they never have had any. The LCBO on the other hand has in the past year imported at least 6 wines from the Republic of Georgia.</p>
<p>The LCBO is exposing us to wines that we probably would never get a chance to taste if our wine distribution was like that in Florida and other US states.<br />
Now if only the LCBO would do the same with Ontario wines. Yes, they are trying but they could do better. Sure each Vintage release has several Ontario wines; most are from Niagara, which is Ontario’s largest wine region. A few are from Price Edward County, Ontario’s newest wine region but it’s rare to find a Lake Erie North Shore or Pelee Island wine in the bi weekly Vintage releases. That needs to change.</p>
<p>The Ontario wine Vintage releases also seem to only make it to a few select stores, and rarely into a Southern Ontario Vintages LCBO. Every other week I scour the latest Vintages release magazine and there is usually an Ontario wine that catches my attention.  Rarely is this wine available locally here in at any Essex County LCBO Vintages location. I have been told that it is because local wine drinkers buy local, In Essex County, they buy Pelee or Colio, in Niagara they buy Niagara wines. I am sure LCBO has done their market research and this may be true. But it would be nice to see Ontario Vintage released wines make it to Essex County so that they could be tried. One thing is for sure, if they are not stocked on the shelves, they won’t sell. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/08/some-lcbo-thoughts/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>June 26th Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-26th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-26th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHENIN BLANC 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: Arguably the first really serious chenin blanc made in Ontario with classic Loire-like (Vouvray) quince, honey and minerality with surprising concentration. Very bright light clean appearance. Palate is mid-weight, taut, crisp, stony and mouth-watering with excellent length. Best now to 2011. Score: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHENIN<br />
BLANC 2007</h2>
<p>VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: Arguably the first really serious chenin blanc made in Ontario with classic Loire-like (Vouvray) quince, honey and minerality with surprising concentration. Very bright light clean appearance. Palate is mid-weight, taut, crisp, stony and mouth-watering with excellent length. Best now to 2011. Score: 89 (David Lawrason, wineaccess.ca, Undated) 627315 (D) 750 mL $16.95</p>
<h2>DANIEL LENKO<br />
UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h2>
<p>TASTING NOTE: &#8230; this is a delicious unwooded white, with aromas of fine pear and lime. The flavours dish up pineapple, jasmine and lemongrass with a hint of peach &#8230; Did I forget to say the wine is absolutely yummy?&#8230; Food suggestion: Cheese raclette for two. Score: 90 (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Sept. 25, 2009) 091173 (XD) 750 mL $20.15</p>
<h2>HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula</h2>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Here is an exciting white that speaks to the calibre of the 2008 vintage in Niagara and the emerging style of Hidden Bench Vineyards. Easily the most approachable of the recent crop of Hidden Bench Rieslings, this dry white reveals a fruity/honeyed flavour profile that finishes with an extremely crisp acidic finish. Less assertive than Hidden Bench’s house style, this manages to strike an agreeable balance between zesty citrus fruit, minerality and pervasive acidity. It sets the stage nicely for the forthcoming 2008 single vineyard and Old Vines Riesling bottlings to be released in 2010. Score: HHHHK (Christopher Waters, watersandwine.com, Aug. 28, 2009) 183491 (D) 750 mL $24.20</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-26th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>June 12th Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-12th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-12th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:17:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=232</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[RED WINE HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula Another exceptional wine from the great 2007 vintage, this reserve Pinot from Henry of Pelham shows classic, almost Burgundian aromas of cherry, beetroot, and raspberry, plus hints of clove and tobacco. This lovely, long-finishing wine is a good match for pork liver pâté, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>RED WINE</h3>
<h2>HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE<br />
PINOT NOIR 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h2>
<p>Another exceptional wine from the great 2007 vintage, this reserve Pinot from Henry of Pelham shows classic, almost Burgundian aromas of cherry, beetroot, and raspberry, plus hints of clove and tobacco. This lovely, long-finishing wine is a good match for pork liver pâté, grilled tuna or salmon, and game bird.<br />
268391 (D) 750 mL $24.95</p>
<h3>WHITE WINE</h3>
<h2>INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER’S SERIES<br />
TWO VINEYARDS RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h2>
<p>Enjoy this racy wonder with planked salmon or grilled prawns.<br />
TASTING NOTE: Straw-lime colour with an aromatic bouquet of grapefruit and honey with a floral grace note. Light to medium-bodied, off-dry with a spicy (almost Gewurztraminer-like) flavour of grapefruit and tangerine. Good tension between sweetness and balancing acidity. Score: 89 (Tony Aspler, A Wine Lover’s Diary, April 20, 2010)<br />
105387 (MD) 750 mL $17.95</p>
<h3>ROSÉ WINE</h3>
<h2>TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA<br />
ROSÉ 2009<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h2>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Produced from a blend of fairly equal quantities of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot, this is a lovely rosé with ripe berry flavours and aromas – cherry and raspberry – along with underlying notes of mineral and graphite. It’s light-medium bodied with a crisp texture and a refreshing fruit-filled finish. Scrumptious on its own, pair with pizza or spicy Italian sausage. Score: HHHHJ (Susan Desjardins, WineCuurent.com May 1, 2010)<br />
172643 (D) 750 mL $14.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/06/june-12th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>May 29th Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-29th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-29th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 May 2010 23:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=221</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WHITE WINE FIELDING ESTATE WINERY UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula TASTING NOTE: This is great unoaked Chardonnay: lots of pure fruit character, minerality, and fine balance. Abounds with attractive ripe apple, pear, citrus and stony mineral notes on the nose. Crisp and mediumfull bodied, with a seam of acidity keeping the fruit in elegant [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>WHITE WINE</h2>
<h3>
FIELDING ESTATE WINERY<br />
UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: This is great unoaked Chardonnay: lots of pure fruit character, minerality, and fine balance. Abounds with attractive ripe apple, pear, citrus and stony mineral notes on the nose. Crisp and mediumfull bodied, with a seam of acidity keeping the fruit in elegant harmony all the way through on the long, lip-smacking finish. Savour with lightly buttered lobster, or apple-lacquered pork kebabs with apricots. (VINTAGES panel, April 2010)<br />
164491 (D) 750 mL $15.95</p>
<h3>
HENRY OF PELHAM RESERVE OFF-DRY<br />
RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Letting the grapes hang on the vine adds to the sweetness of this beguiling riesling. But there’s a fine natural acidity to balance the sugars. Aromas and flavours show jasmine, ginger, apple and peaches elements. Pretty stuff. Score: 89+ (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, March 13, 2010)<br />
557165 (MD) 750 mL $15.95</p>
<h3>
INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER’S SERIES<br />
THREE VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>Rick VanSickle in The Standard (St. Catharines) gave this wine a rating of HHHHK.<br />
TASTING NOTE: Straw coloured with a green tint. A nose of apple and vanilla oak with hint of forest floor. Medium-bodied, Burgundian-style, dry, apple peach and pineapple flavours nicely dressed in spicy oak; lovely mouth feel and lingering flavours. Score: 90 (Tony Aspler, tonyaspler.com, A Wine Lover’s Diary, April 20, 2010)<br />
105379 (XD) 750 mL $16.95</p>
<h3>REIF ESTATE<br />
CHENIN BLANC 2008<br />
VQA Niagara River</h3>
<p>Chenin Blanc is a little-known and often underappreciated grape variety. It’s best known as the great white grape of France’s Loire Valley. At Reif, the grapes underwent cold-controlled slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks to highlight the grape’s innate fruit characteristics and to maintain its excellent acidity.<br />
TASTING NOTE: Another unusual offering from Reif. A nose of melon and tropical fruit. It’s juicy and vibrant on the palate showing an array of ripe fruits in a completely dry style. Think delicate white fish to go with this wonderful wine. Score: HHHHK (Rick VanSickle, stcatharinesstandard.ca, Undated)<br />
172411 (D) 750 mL $18.95</p>
<h3>STRATUS RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: A refined Riesling with pretty aromas of grapefruit and peach in harmony. The laser sharp acidity of the vintage hits the palate with a juicy, mouth-watering citrus blast. This wine will improve with time in the cellar. (Rick VanSickle, stcatharinesstandard.ca, Undated)<br />
131011 (D) 750 mL $29.20</p>
<h2>
RED WINE</h2>
<h3>
HENRY OF PELHAM<br />
CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2008<br />
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>Fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks, this rich and expressive Icewine is full of strawberry and red cherry aromas and flavours. The producer suggests matching this wine with fruit-based desserts. Also makes a lovely sipper, nicely chilled.<br />
672402 (S) 200 mL $39.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-29th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>May 15th Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-15th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-15th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 23:50:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=201</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WHITE WINES PENINSULA RIDGE INOX RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, Beal Vineyards  TASTING NOTE: Spiced Granny Smith apple and yellow plum aromas provide segue to this valuedriven gem – always expect it to be under priced and to over deliver in character and flavour – it earned its final half star on value. Winemaker [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>WHITE WINES</h2>
<h3>PENINSULA RIDGE INOX RESERVE<br />
CHARDONNAY 2007<br />
VQA Beamsville Bench, Beal Vineyards</h3>
<p> TASTING NOTE: Spiced Granny Smith apple and yellow plum aromas provide segue to this valuedriven gem – always expect it to be under priced and to over deliver in character and flavour – it earned its final half star on value. Winemaker J. P.Colas hails from Chablis as this unwooded crisp and clean Chardonnay testifies … Sip on its own or pair with lighter appetizers &#8230; Score: HHHHJ (Vic Harradine, May 23, 2009)<br />
<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&amp;itemNumber=7328" target="_blank">007328</a> (D) 750 mL $18.95</p>
<h3>ROSEWOOD ESTATES<br />
NATALIE’S SÜSSRESERVE<br />
RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Aromas suggest smoky peach, lime, mineral, McIntosh apple and nectarine. It starts out off-dry and then dries out nicely due to the brisk acidity. Medium bodied with a tangy/fruity finish. Almost Rheingau or Pfalz Kabinett in style. Try it with sushi or shrimp and sweet potato tempura. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&amp;itemNumber=164483" target="_blank">164483</a> (D) 750 mL $18.00</p>
<h2> RED WINES</h2>
<h3>JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS’<br />
GRAND RESERVE MERLOT 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>David Lawrason gave this “very stylish merlot” a score of 90.<br />
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby coloured, impressively scented Merlot from the excellent 2007 vintage. Aromas of sour cherry, vanilla, raspberry, coffee bean are all on display here. Dry with a nice core of fruit surrounded by moderate tannins and pleasing acidity. Medium-full bodied with a lingering, refined finish. Age it 2-3 years, or try it tonight with a grilled porterhouse steak or calf’s liver with bacon and onions. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&amp;itemNumber=563197" target="_blank">563197</a> (XD) 750 mL $19.95</p>
<h3>VINELAND STATES<br />
ELEVATION CABERNET 2007</h3>
<p>VQA Niagara Escarpment This blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon showcases aromas and flavours of blackberries, dark plum and hints of green pepper. Try this fruity wine from from the great 2007 vintage with grilled lamb.<br />
<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&amp;itemNumber=173609" target="_blank">173609</a> (D) 750 mL $25.00</p>
<h3>VINELAND ESTATES MERLOT 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Sour cherry, plum, mocha and woodsmoke dominate this Merlot from the fine 2007 vintage. Dry and fruity with gentle acids offering support. Ready to drink tonight with grilled steaks or bison burgers. (VINTAGES panel,March 2010)<br />
<a href="http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&amp;itemNumber=657361" target="_blank">657361</a> (XD) 750 mL $16.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/05/may-15th-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>May 1st Ontario Wine Releases at LCBO Vintages</title>
		<link>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/04/may-1st-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/</link>
		<comments>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/04/may-1st-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:31:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gary Killops</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[LCBO Vintages]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.uncorkedontario.com/?p=191</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some interesting Ontario wines will be available in the LCBO Vintages section on May 1st. BLACK PRINCE WINERY RIESLING 2008 VQA Prince Edward County A bracingly fresh Riesling with aromas of pear, lime and mineral. Dry, racy and crisp, this is an excellent palate-refresher between courses especially in an alfresco setting. It will be even [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some interesting Ontario wines will be available in the LCBO Vintages section on May 1st.</p>
<h3>BLACK PRINCE WINERY<br />
RIESLING 2008<br />
VQA Prince Edward County</h3>
<p>A bracingly fresh Riesling with aromas of pear, lime and mineral. Dry, racy and crisp, this is an excellent palate-refresher between courses especially in an alfresco setting. It will be even better with 2-4 years in a cellar.<br />
164236 (XD) 750 mL $18.95</p>
<h3>CLOSSON CHASE CHARDONNAY 2007<br />
VQA Prince Edward County,<br />
Closson Chase Vineyard, Unfiltered</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: If you ever need proof that Closson Chase’s winemaker, Deborah Paskus, is brilliant, then try this Chardonnay. Medium bright yellow. The nose is filled with baked apple, pineapple, fresh-baked bread and yellow plum. Perfectly balanced, this is a classic wine from a great vintage. Medium-full bodied with a medium-long finish, this wine will evolve and improve in a cellar (3-5+ years), or would make a delicious match now for grilled rosemary chicken with a shiitake mushroom sauce. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
148866 (D) 750 mL $29.95</p>
<h3>ROSEHALL RUN VINEYARDS<br />
CHARDONNAY 2006<br />
VQA Ontario</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: Fine Chardonnay with aromas of tropical fruit, coconut, butter, lemon zest and mineral. Dry, fruity, fresh and nicely textured overall. Ripe and round, pleasurable wine for grilled salmon or chicken in a light cream sauce. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
173203 (XD) 750 mL $15.95</p>
<h3>VINELAND ESTATES<br />
ELEVATION CHARDONNAY 2007<br />
VQA Niagara Escarpment</h3>
<p>A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Cuvée Awards.</p>
<p>TASTING NOTE: This is a deeply impressive Chardonnay; one that is, surprisingly, unoaked. Surprising because there is a gentle toastiness to the wine that could easily be mistaken for oak ageing. In fact, this attractive quality is from lees contact. The aromas recall binned apple, mineral, grapefruit peel and that leesy toastiness. Dry, fruity, crisp and impeccably made – think fine Chablis. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Enjoy it with grilled herbed chicken or pork roast. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
164459 (D) 750 mL $24.95</p>
<p><strong>RED WINE</strong></p>
<h3>HENRY OF PELHAM GAMAY 2008<br />
VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>Gamay Noir is a somewhat under-appreciated grape variety, which is a shame because it grows really well in Ontario and makes for tasty, fruitpacked and food-friendly reds. The 2008 vintage in Niagara was cooler than the blockbuster 2007, but Henry of Pelham’s winemaker Ron Giesbrecht still crafted a Gamay with more stuffing than many of its lighter Beaujolais counterparts. Look for plush black cherry, flint and woodsmoke as well as a mellow earthiness. Dry, crisp and medium bodied, it makes a terrific match for vegetarian lasagna or veal chops.<br />
291112 (D) 750 mL $14.95</p>
<h3>TRUMPOUR’S MILL<br />
CABERNET FRANC 2007<br />
VQA Prince Edward County<br />
(The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards &amp; Estate Winery)</h3>
<p>TASTING NOTE: The 2007 vintage is going down in Ontario wine history as one of our best, and this fine Cabernet Franc provides a window into why. Raspberry pie, smoke, vanilla and bell pepper aromas dominate the nose. On the palate, the aromas replay nicely, with a fine overlay of cedar. Spicy fruit tones emerge on the mid-palate with well-typed tannins giving structure. Age it 2-3 years, or try it tonight with grilled lamb chops. (VINTAGES panel, March 2010)<br />
173187 (D) 750 mL $17.95</p>
<p><strong>ROSÉ WINE</strong></p>
<h3>CATTAIL CREEK SERENDIPITY<br />
ROSÉ 2009<br />
VQA Four Mile Creek</h3>
<p>This wine is created by blending 35% Gamay Noir, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Merlot. Each of the grape varieties were cropped at incredibly low levels and underwent aggressive leaf plucking throughout the growing season. The Pinot Noir was harvest on October 21, 2009 while the Gamay Noir was harvested on November 2, 2009 and the Merlot was harvested on November 13, 2009. Each grape was harvested much later than normal thereby taking full advantage of the ripening that occurred during the wonderfully warm and dry weather in September, October and November.</p>
<p>This drier style rosé wine exhibits a fruit salad of summer flavours with berry salad, Damson plums, cherry drops and cranberries with a bouquet of floral notes and just a touch of spice on the finish. An incredibly versatile wine, it is perfect sipping on its own but also goes will with crisp salads, charcouterie plates, roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, delicate white fish and BBQed meats. Drink now. Serve chilled.</p>
<p>118059 (D) 750 mL $14.20<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>ICE WINE</strong></p>
<h3>KING’S COURT<br />
CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2008<br />
VQA Niagara Peninsula</h3>
<p>The Zimmerman family has been involved in winemaking in Germany’s Nahe region for seven generations. As Icewine specialists, they were interested in Ontario. In 1990, the youngest descendant, Josef Zimmerman, moved to Niagara and founded King’s Court. Since its first vintage in 2001, the winery has earned a reputation for making top-notch Icewines. This lively, strawberry scented Cab Franc is a fine example of the quality of wines they are capable of creating.<br />
033274 (S) 375 mL $38.95</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.uncorkedontario.com/2010/04/may-1st-ontario-wine-releases-at-lcbo-vintages/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

