Wine of the Week for July 30, 2019

Posted on July 30, 2019 by tonyaspler

Terredavino Barbera d’Asti 2017 DOCG (Piedmont)
($11.90, LCBO new non-Vintages release #629840)
Aspler–Vaughan Wine Value Awards: Gold Medal, Best Buy
Deep ruby colour; faintly cedary, cherry nose; medium-bodied, dry, very elegant for the price; well-balanced, tobacco, red plum and cherry flavours with a fine mouth-feel. Has 13% alcohol with lot number L5H18M616 on the back label and a screwcap closure. A perfect, very well-priced, summer-pick-me-up that’s versatile, crowd-pleasing and ready-to-drink. Hard to beat at only $11.90 – try a bottle this holiday weekend. (90)

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 735: The Joie of It All

Posted on July 29, 2019 by tonyaspler
Cartoon illustration of a farm girl holding out two bottles of JOIE wine; vineyards, lakes, and mountains are in the background

Winemaker Heidi Noble’s homage to Alsace’s Edelzwicker – a blend of the region’s white varieties

Continue reading →

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Wines of the Week for July 5, 2019

Posted on July 24, 2019 by tonyaspler

Manissy Tavel Rosé 2018 (Rhone Valley)
($16.90, LCBO new non-Vintages release #234542)
Aspler–Vaughan Wine Value Awards: Gold Medal, Best Buy
Deep salmon pink colour; light minerally nose of wild strawberries; medium to full-bodied, dry, strawberry purée flavour with just a touch of sweetness in mid-palate and a thread of minerality. Great length with a warm alcoholic finish. Excellent value. (90)

Gérard Bertrand Hampton Water Rosé 2018 (South of France)
($29.25, Vintages #667337)
Very pale pink in colour; lightly floral, cherry bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, cherry and strawberry flavours. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. (90)

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 734: A Week’s Tasting

Posted on July 22, 2019 by tonyaspler

Huff Estates Pinot Grigio 2018 (Prince Edward County – $19): Pale straw colour; minerally, peach pit nose; medium-bodied, just off-dry, ripe white peach flavour with balancing acidity. (88.5)

Huff Estates Merlot South Bay Vineyards 2017 ($30): Deep purple-ruby colour; lightly cedary, blueberry pie bouquet; medium-bodied, dry, blueberry and raspberry flavours with lively acidity and a floral note, ending on a note of pencil lead. (89)

Huff Estates Cabernet Franc 2017 ($35): Deep purple-ruby colour; cedary, plum and pencil lead nose; with a light floral note; medium-bodied, dry, fruity plum flavour, lovely mouth-feel; beautifully balanced. (90) Continue reading →

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A Wine Lover’s Diary, part 733: My Tasting Week

Posted on July 10, 2019 by tonyaspler

Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2018 (Niagara Peninsula – $14.95, LCBO #250217): Pale straw colour; minerally nose of white peach with a floral top note; medium-bodied, dry, peachy, well-balanced with lemony acidity giving the wine a long finish. Good value.  (88)

Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2018 (Niagara Peninsula – $16.95, LCBO #13904): Bright ruby colour; cherry and tea leaf nose; medium-bodied, candied raspberry flavour with a touch of tannin on the finish to give structure. (89)

Wlliam Fèvre Espino Reserva Especial Carmenère 2017 (Central Valley, Chile – $15.95, Vintages August 3rd release): Opaque purple-black in colour; high-toned, cedary, lightly floral nose of black fruits; medium to full-bodied, richly extracted black plum and blackberry flavours with balancing acidity and well-integrated oak. (89) Continue reading →

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