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January 2018 Wine Ratings

Canada

White

87 Lakeview Cellars Kerner Morgan Vineyard 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

Kerner is aromatic varietal which was first created in 1929 by crossing Riesling with Trollinger. This rendition is chalk full of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, lime and white flowers. Very refreshing with a clean aftertaste. (ES)

87 Lakeview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

An easy drinking Sauvignon Blanc with guava, lemon balm, white grapefruit, gooseberry, melon and herbs. Medium plus length, sound acid and ready to drink with fresh water perch or fried calamari. (ES)

Red

89 Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 11-140 Cabernet Franc 2015, Twenty Mile Bench ($24.95)

An absolutely delicious Ontario Franc with classic cassis, raspberry, vanilla, cocoa, smoke, herbs and tobacco flavours. Medium plus body with a long finish and enough tannins to allow five years of cellaring. Pair with braised short ribs or a coffee-rubbed NY Strip. (ES)

87 Château des Charmes Gamay Noir 2016, Niagara ($15.95)

Easy drinking, this Gamay serves up strawberry, plum, cherry and black pepper. Mid-weight, the tannins are smooth, and there is very good length. Pair with a charcuterie and cheese board. (ES)

87 Lakeview Cellars Merlot 2013, Niagara ($29.95)

Ready to drink, there is plum, cherry, spice and cocoa coupled with a herbaceous streak. Medium body with fresh acidity and mild tannins.

Chile

92 Valdivieso Éclat 2010, Maule ($29.95)

This wine bears the Vigno (Vignadores de Carignan) Association trademark. By law, any wine ordained Vigno must come from the Maule Valley, be a minimum 65% Carignan, from vines that are at least 30-yeas-old vines, unirrigated, and aged for two years before being released. This wine includes 34% Mourvedre, helping to produce an impressively concentrated offering with layers of dark cherry, plum, anise, chocolate. Tannins are gritty, so serve alongside some grilled sausage or porchetta. (ES)

89 Miguel Torres Cordillera de Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley ($19.95)

Opaque black/purple, this quintessential Chilean Cab doles out the crème de cassis, blackberry, tobacco smoke, fresh herbs, baking spice, cocoa and vanilla. Full- bodied with ripe tannins and an extended aftertaste. (ES)

France

White

91 Louis Moreau Vaulignot Chablis 1er Cru 2015, Burgundy ($38.95)

Tasted both in Burgundy and here at home with the same score. The warm vintage has produced a wine with a sumptuous texture and flavours of peach, sweet apple, lemon, white flowers and minerals. The finale is crisp and clean. Drink now. (ES)

91 André Blanck & Fils Altenbourg Gewurztraminer 2016, Alsace ($19.95)

Lovers of Gewurztraminer rejoice! Here you will find an intense, textbook offering which inundates the senses with rose, lychee, sweet peach, honey, grapefruit and cardamom. Off-dry, ripe and long-lasting. Epoisses or Munster cheese please! (ES)

Red

91 Domaine du Grande Tinel Côtes du Rhône 2015, Rhone Valley ($23.95)

This wine just serves to prove how great the 2015 vintage was in the Rhone Valley, as well as the rest of France! Made from 85% Grenache, this full-bodied red explodes with sweet cherries, plum jam, raspberry, Provencal herbs and anise. There is a sweet texture and a finale which carries long. Easily bests many CNPs for double the price! (ES)

89 Ferraton Père et Fils Calendes Crozes-Hermitage 2015, Rhone Valley ($29.95)

From a top vintage comes this medium plus body red. Deep ruby/violet colour and linear in structure, it serves up a melange of cassis, violets, tobacco, black pepper, oregano and hints of vanilla. There is excellent length as well as fine-grained tannins which will ensure another five years of life ahead. (ES)

89 Château Puygureaud 2015, Cotes de Bordeaux- Francs ($28.95)

This is a small property located near the St-Emilion border. This blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec serves up plum, chocolate, cherry, spice and herbs, or in other words, a textbook example. Alcohol is on the high end, so chill slightly. (ES)

Greece

White

88 Tetramythos Roditis 2016, Patras ($13.95)

A straight-forward, unpretentious Greek white with flavours of peach, citrus, white flowers and mineral notes. Refreshing, there is very good length. Chill and serve on the patio this summer. (ES)

Red

88 Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2015, Macedonia ($13.95)

This wine continues to be one of Greece’s greatest red wine values-period! Medium-bodied and linear, there is a profile of cherry, plum, tar, herbs, tomato paste, vanilla and dried earth. Great length and some gritty tannins make for an ideal pairing with a braised lamb shank or a medium rare NY Strip! By it by the case and enjoy until 2022. (ES)

Italy

White

89 Ca’Bolani Pinot Grigio 2016, Friuli Aquileia ($16.95)

Packs lots of flavour, and easily bests many Italian Pinot Grigio’s out there in the marketplace. Peach, apple, citrus, honey, white flower and hints of pineapple are layered on a lively acidity and a long finish. (ES)

88 Mastroberardino Mastro Greco 2016, Campania ($16.95)

This southern Italian white is reminiscent of Gewurztraminer, what with its lychee, peach, floral qualities which mesh with lemon and pear. A creamy texture finishes off with minerality. Drink up. (ES)

Red

93 Quintarelli Rosso Ca’Del Merlo 2009, Veneto IGT ($111.95)

Yes, it is Quintarelli. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is entirely delicious! Simply put, it blends eight grapes that were aged for seven years in old wood, creating a concentrated red full of dried fruit flavours, accented by savoury and spicy notes. Drinking well know, but can still cellar for many years to come. (ES)

92 San Felice Il Grigio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany ($48.95)

An impressive Chianti Classico with a bouquet of violets, leather, cherry, raspberry, tobacco and undergrowth. It is concentrated with elevated acidity and refined tannins. Drink until 2024. (ES)

89 LaTorre Guinzano San Gimignano Rosso 2013, Tuscany ($16.95)

An absolute steal from Tuscany! Made from 70% Sangiovese and the rest Cab Sauv and Merlot, it is an elegant red with dark cherry, plum, cassis, chocolate, humus and spice. Sangiovese’s acidity is present, and the tannins are suave. Great length and delicious! (ES)

Portugal

94 Fonseca Vintage Port 2009 ($58.95)

Incredible value! I remember trying this Port, at the winery, back in 2012, just before being released and was blown away by the quality. Big, rich and full bodied, the 09 Fonseca possesses a saturated colour and a bouquet of crème de cassis, plums, raisins, spice, violets, dark cherries and earth. There is a concentrated palate, internse tannic structure and a long finish, which equates to 30 plus years of longevity. (ES)

Spain

86 Torres Altos Ibéricos Crianza 2014, Rioja ($14.95)

Soft, easy drinking and juicy, this 100% Tempranillo is all about cherry, plum, strawberry, tobacco and cedar. Ready to drink alongside grilled sausage or spaghetti and meatballs. (ES)

USA

90 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Alexander Valley ($22.95)

Superb value! Plum, blackberry, raspberry, anise, cocoa and mint weave together around polished tannins a plush mid-palate, suave tannins and sound acidity. Excellent length. Drink or hold. (ES)

89 Gunsight Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Paso Robles ($24.95)

If you are in the market for a new world, fruit forward red, look no further. Full-bodied and smooth, there are masses of cassis jam, blackberry, Chambord liqueur, plum, vanilla, cocoa and mint. Long aftertaste and ready to serve alongside some prime rib. The price is right! (ES)

November 2017 Ratings

Argentina

White

88 Catena Chardonnay High Mountain Vines 2016, Mendoza ($19.95)

Here you will find an obvious, oaky and upfront Chardonnay with loads of pineapple, mango, lemon, yellow apple and honey. The palate is creamy and buttery, with a strike of acidity which provides lift. Fine length. Halibut or salmon. (ES)

Red

89 Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza ($19.95)

A full-bodied Malbec with loads of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, raspberry, spice, cocoa and vanilla. Tannins are firm, so hold for a year or two then drink over the next six years. (ES)

89 Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines 2015, Mendoza ($19.95)

Packs good power for a $20 red. Medium plus body, there is purple/red colour and loads of plum, blackberry, raspberry, violets, herbs, spice and vanilla. Excellent length and some fine tannins round out the package. Lamb burgers or ratatouille would be delicious with this wine. (ES)

Canada

White

92 Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve, Short Hills Bench ($24.95)

Top notch stuff! Baked apple, pear, white peach, honey, cream, spice, vanilla and citrus leap from the glass and on to the palate. Sexy mouthfeel with refreshing acidity and a finish which carries long. Lobster or crab poached in butter all the way with this beauty! (ES)

92 Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2016, Niagara ($49.95/375ml)

A flattering Icewine with a mouth-coating texture and flavours of bergamot jam, peach, honey, pineapple, sweet apple, spice and minerals. There is acidity which frames everything nicely and brilliant length. Who needs dessert with this beauty - just chill and serve! (ES)

90 Reif Estate Winery The Stars Sparkling Riesling, Ontario ($21.95)

Made in the Charmat Method, there is a lifted bouquet of white flowers, tangerine, banana, peach and honey. This leads into a mouthful of sweet apple flavours accented by cinnamon and lime. It is off-dry with crisp acidity and bubbles providing symmetry. Excellent length and ready to drink. (ES)

89 Two Sisters Riesling 2016, Niagara ($35)

Off-dry with a lot of acidic tension, this crisp white doles out the pear, apple, lemon zest, nectarine and mineral. Excellent length and ready to be paired with arancini or oysters on the half shell. (ES)

Red

92 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Speck Family Reserve 2016, Short Hills Bench ($24.95)

This is HOP’s finest Baco Noir to date! Full-bodied, it exudes loads of blackberry, plum, dark cherry, chocolate, vanilla, hickory and baking spice. There is great concentration and density as well as excellent length. Drink until 2023, preferably with braised dishes. (ES)

91 Two Sisters Cabernet Franc Reserve 2013, Niagara River ($37)

Without a doubt, one of the best reds from the 2013 Vintage, as the combination of low yields and late picking has produced a full-bodied red which pushes 15% alcohol, with a concentrated mid-palate and fabulous length. Quintessential Franc with roasted red pepper, cassis, black raspberry, violets, smoke, black olives and graphite. Drink until 2022. (ES)

91 Two Sisters Estate Red Reserve 2012, Niagara River ($37)

Another stunning 2012 red from Two Sisters, this one based primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon. There is a lifted personality of cassis, dark plum, raspberry, vanilla, anise and tobacco smoke. Elegant, with a sweet mid-palate and fine tannins. Drink over the next six years. Fans of Bordeaux will find gravitate to this wine. (ES)

90 Two Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Niagara River ($64)

Cassis, fraises du bois, black raspberry, violets and vanilla work as one in this refined red. Nice weight and density as well as a long aftertaste. Drink or hold, but make sure to serve alongside a rack of lamb accented with garlic and rosemary. (ES)

89 Two Sisters Merlot 2013, Niagara River ($49)

A cool climate Merlot with plum, dark cherry, raspberry, roasted herbs, vanilla and smoke. There is fine length, some grippy tannins and a touch of heat. Duck breast with a red wine reduction would be divine with this wine. (ES)

87 Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2016, Niagara ($14.95)

A versatile, well-priced Bordeaux Blend, which features cassis, plum, raspberry, herbs, smoke and spice. Medium body and perfect for those pasta and pizza evenings. (ES)

Chile

87 Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2016, Central Valley ($14.95)

A punchy Sauv Blanc which leans towards the grassy/jalapeno end of the spectrum. You will also find grapefruit, lime, passion fruit and fruit salad. Popping acidity and fine length round out the package. (ES)

France

White

88 Baron de Hoen Gewurztraminer 2015, Alsace ($18.95)

A powerful nose of honey, ripe peach, rose, mango, lychee, cold cream and spice spill over onto an off-dry palate. There is sound acidity, a touch of heat and great length. Serve alongside Thai spring rolls or Chicken Tikka Masala. (ES)

Red

88 Gérard Bertrand Saint Chinian 2015, Languedoc ($17.95)

A warm red with cassis, raspberry, violets, black pepper, rosemary, mint and hints of leather. Med plus body with very good length and grippy tannins. Nice a nice steak to tam (ES)

87 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes 2016, Loire Valley ($22.95)

A mild Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of fruit salad, lime, apple, melon, grapefruit, lilac, grass and white pepper. Dry, with a mineral core and hints of passion fruit and herbs on the finale. (ES)

Spain

White

94 Bodegas Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada 2014, Andalucia ($24.95)

If you are a fan of super rich stickies with low acidity, then this wine falls right into your wheelhouse. Unctuous, there is masses of toffee, burnt sugar, Amaretto, maple syrup, dried figs and dates. There is a brilliant finale with over 400 g/l of sugar. Needs a good chill before being served. (ES)

88 Torres Habitat Garnacha-Syrah 2015, Catalyuna ($19.95)

Organically grown, there is perfumed red pumps out blackberry/cherry jam alongside clove, smoke, rosemary, flowers and cocoa. Already drinking beautifully so pair alongside paella or lamb chops. (ES)

Italy

92 Fontanafredda Vigna La Rosa Barolo 2013, PIedmont ($74.95)

This single vineyard Barolo is hugely aromatic with plum, cherry, licorice, cedar and tar beguiling the senses. Full bodied, it is firmly structured, so hold until 2019 then drink until 2030. (ES)

90 Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni 2015, Toscana IGT ($21.95)

This red always delivers the goods at a fair price! A blend of 50% Cab sauv, 30% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc and 10% Sangiovese serves up cassis, raspberry, dark cherry, mint, vanilla and spice. Drink now or cellar for another 5 years, the choice is yours. (ES)

90 Fontanafredda Serralunga d’Alba Barolo, Piedmont ($44.95)

Plum, spice, tobacco, red flower and tar on the nose meet wup with cherry, earth, vanilla and spice on the palate. Full-bodied with elevated tannins, brisk acid and a lingering aftertaste. (ES)

90 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany ($24)

I was blown away after tasting the portfolio of this biodynamic producer at this year’s Italian Wine Show in Toronto. Plum, cherry, humus, spice, herbs are built on a concentrated frame. Excellent length, and perfectly suited for a porterhouse steak! (ES)

88 Masi Campofiorin 2014, Veneto ($21.95)

This wine, the original Ripasso, celebrates its 50^th birthday with this vintage. It is ripe with plum, raspberry, cherry, violets, tobacco, cocoa, herbs and spice. Fresh acidity and fine grains tannins round out the package. Ready to drink. Try with a sausage ragu! (ES)

88 Fontanafredda Barolo 2013, Piedmont ($29.95)

Always solid value for Barolo! Cherry, plum, spice, vanilla, earth, dried flowers and tar work their way out of the glass and onto the palate. Very good length with dry tannins. (ES)

USA

92 Fess Parker Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, Santa Maria Valley ($64.95)

From California’s Central Coast comes this rich and textured Pinot Noir. Black and red fruit snuggle up with rose, anise, earth. Tannins are firm, acidity brims and there is excellent length. Drink over the next five years. (ES)

92 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2014, Dundee Hills ($52.95)

Here is a vibrant and flavorful Oregon Pinot Noir. Full-bodied, there is a plethora of red berry fruit, alongside plum, beetroot, rose, spice, mushroom and smoke. Juicy acidity, fine tannins and a velvety complete and seductive package. Drink until 2022. (ES)

September 2017 Wine Ratings

Argentina

88 La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec 2014, Mendoza ($15.95)

From the venerable house of Luigi Bosca comes this intensely coloured and perfumed Malbec full of blackberry, plum, blueberry, violets and anise. Full bodied with good density and a lingering blue fruit aftertaste. (ES)

Austria

89 Domaine Wachau Terrassen Federspiel 2015, Wachau ($21.95)

Dry, this mineral driven Riesling also flaunts bergamot, citrus, orange peel and notes of honey. There is loads of freshness which helps carry the finale. Pork schnitzel please! (ES)

Canada

White

88 Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2016, Vinemount Ridge ($24.95)

Peach, cream, honey, white pepper, flowers and citrus are all in play. Off-dry and ready to serve. Try with Munster cheese or tarte flambée. (ES)

88 Redstone Gewürztraminer 2016, Niagara ($21.95)

For a wine that is only 11.5% alcohol, this wine packs quite a punch. There is a slight peach colour which denotes some skin contact. Honey, rose water, anise, cold cream, pink grapefruit are all in play. Off-dry with an extended finale. Serve alongside your favorite spicy cuisine, from Indian to Asian to Mexican. (ES)

88 Pondview Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

This Sauvignon Blanc delivers above its pay grade. A huge bouquet of nectarine, guava, passion fruit, poached pear and grapefruit. On the palate, it is dry with fresh acidity and very good length as well as added nuances of lemon balm and minerals. Oyster time! (ES)

87 Redstone Viognier Redfoot Vineyard 2015, Lincoln Lakeshore ($24.95)

This wine features classic Viognier aromas of banana, apricot, fresh flowers, honey, cream and anise. Medium body, crisp acidity and great length. Drink now. (ES)

87 Pondview Estate Winery Riesling 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

Made in an off-dry style, this is a crisp Riesling which features lime, green apple, white peach, powdered candies and minerals. Fine length and well suited with pork dishes. (ES)

87 Henry of Pelham Fumé Sauvignon Blanc Estate 2016, Short Hills Bench ($19.95)

Pale yellow, there is a bouquet of fresh cut grass, lemon balm, grapefruit, spice, honey, vanilla and white flowers. Dry, there is very good length and a soft finale. (ES)

86 Pondview Estate Winery Viognier 2016, Niagara ($17.95)

A lighter style of Viognier with aromas of peach, honey, banana, flowers, spice and cream. Crisp and ready to drink. (ES)

Red

89 Tawse Unfiltered Redfoot Vineyard Gamay 2016, Lincoln Lakeshore ($28.95)

A delightful Gamay with a profile of plum, strawberry, black pepper, dry earth and flowers. A lifted palate and easy tannins make for an excellent match with charcuterie and terrines. (ES)

89 Redstone Cabernet Franc Redstone Vineyard 2013, Lincoln Lakeshore ($39.95)

A deep ruby colour leads into a bouquet of cassis, plum, tobacco, licorice, herbs, violets and dark cocoa. Fullish, it is concentrated, and the aftertaste lingers. A job well done from a difficult red wine vintage. (ES)

88 Tawse Quarry Road Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2016, Vinemount Ridge ($34.95)

An elegant frame supports Cherry, raspberry, rhubarb, beet root, iron, vanilla and spice. Fresh acidity and suave tannins add support. Magret de canard would be bliss! (ES)

88 Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013, Lincoln Lakeshore ($32.15)

Typical cool-climate Franc notes of cassis, raspberry, tobacco, graphite, violets, cocoa and green notes. Elegant, there are fine grained tannins and freshness. Ready to drink, with braised meats and stews. (ES)

87 Pondview Estate Winery Merlot Reserve 2015, Niagara ($22.95)

Plum, dark cherry, herbs, cocoa and baking space appear in this easy drinking Merlot. The tannins are supple and there is a dash a mint on the finale. (ES)

France

91 Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2015, IGP Cotes Catalanes ($17)

This 100% Grenache comes from the Roussillon area of Southern France. Full bodied and rich, it is a sexy red with kirsch, blackberries, licorice, garrigue and olive. Perfect with roasts. Drink until 2020. (ES)

88 Manoir de Mercy Mercurey 2014, Burgundy ($29.95)

Plum, raspberry, sweet cherry, beet root, button mushroom, licorice and red flowers waft out of the glass and onto the palate, where brisk acidity and supple tannins round out the experience. Needs some duck to make it work perfectly. (ES)

Italy

93 Ornellaia 2013, Bolgheri Superiore ($199.95)

A polished Ornellaia with a creamy texture and flavour of cassis, plum, raspberry, anise, herbs and vanilla. Full bodied, the tannins are ripe, but dusty, with an impressive finale. Cellar for a couple of years so everything folds together and then drink for another 15 afterward. (ES)

90 Planeta Frappato Vittoria 2015, Sicily ($24.95)

This Sicilian red is a supple offering with wall to wall raspberry, cherry, rose, violets, clove and minerals. There is sound acidity and velvety tannins alongside a long floral, saline aftertaste. Drink over the next 2 to 3 years. (ES)

89 Brancaia Chianti Classico 2015, Tuscany ($24.95)

A light and elegant Chianti made from 100% Sangiovese. Cherry, dried leaves, tobacco, and spice play nicely together. Lengthy with five years of life ahead. (ES)

89 Passo del Cardinale Primitivo di Manduria 2014, Puglia ($18.95)

This Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) features lots raisins, plum, raspberry, black tea, cola, cocoa, purple flowers and dried earth. Full bodied, there is a long finish and present tannins. BBQ all the way. (ES)

Spain

91 Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro 500ml ($16.95)

Torres has been making this fortified Muscat since 1946. Heady aromas of orange marmalade, citrus peel, honey drenched flowers and spice inundate the senses. Sweet, rich and soothing. Excellent value! (ES)

90 El Gorú Monastrell/Syrah/Petit Verdot 2015, Jumilla ($13.95)

This wine is a stellar value, especially if you like modern and hefty reds. An opaque purple tinged colour leads into a bouquet of blackberry, crème de cassis, spice and cocoa. Excellent length with tannins to either drink or age. Grill up some steak and go to town. (ES)

88 Señorío De P. Peciña Crianza 2012, Rioja ($21.95)

Old -School Rioja all the way with dried fruit, leather, tomato paste, herbs, cedar and cured meats. Mid-weight, fresh acid and easy-going tannins complete the package. Lamb skewers would be perfect! (ES)

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Evan Saviolidis

January 2018 Wine Ratings

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