Our Top 20 Picks from the March 19 Vintages Release

If you’re familiar with biodynamics, the philosophy that we are influenced by lunar cycles and that there is preferred days to harvest, drink and eat for maximum success, then you likely won’t be surprised to read that these tasting notes were probably written on flowering, or tasting, days. If you are a bit in the dark on the subject, see our blog on biodynamics here.

Going through the hundred or so wines coming into Vintages this weekend, a weird pattern began to emerge … Almost everything tasted was delicious. Really delicious. Typically, there’s a handful of 90+ wines, a good portion of 87 – 89 point wines, and another handful of wines that don’t really measure up in our minds. This week, the considerable bulk of wines were scoring 89 – 91 with ease.

This isn’t the first time this happened. A few months ago, tasting through a release, a fellow wine writer noticed the wines were “tasting really good today.” He checked a biodynamic app on his phone, and sure enough, it was a tasting day.

Now, obviously, we’re not suggesting you shouldn’t assume we were under the influence of the lunar cycle when writing these reviews, but we have nothing to hide, and we think it’s worth noting. Many wineries, shops and agencies try to host tastings for potential buyers and judges on these so-called tasting days – maybe as true believers or maybe as bit of added insurance.

Of course, there could also be the simple idea that the wines in this release really are that good. Canada’s offering up some some pitch-perfect Rieslings and rich Bordeaux blends that can age for the long haul. There’s a smattering of traditional method sparklings that deserve to kick off your holiday weekend. And Italy, the focus of this weekend’s release, shows an embarrassment of vinous riches: Barolo, Brunello, Chanti … It’s all up for grabs.

CANADA

Culmina “Decora” Riesling, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2014
$24.95 444836
The newish project of Don Triggs, of Jackson-Triggs fame, the Triggs family purchased the Okanagan property in 2007 and began planting red Bordeaux and white Germanic vines in micro blocks to get the most of the terroir. This Riesling offers a classic nose of petrol, flint, lime and a touch of rubber raft, while the palate is focused and precise with razor’s edge acidity and mineral, lime flavours that lead to a tangy, pink grapefruit finish. 89 points.

Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay, Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, ON 2013
$18.95 256552
This is a re-release of this exceptional cool-climate Chard. We recommended this just before Christmas as part of our list of excellent holiday wines for under $20. What’s good for Santa is good for the Bunny, so no reason not to stock up again for your celebration dinner. Light citrus and tree fruit come through on the restrained nose, while the palate is focused and light with notes of green apple and fresh lemon, with a subtle, creamy butterscotch note. Very good. 90 points.

Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, ON 2012
$35.20 241182
This wine is also making another round through Vintages, and we included this as a top pick for our Thanksgiving table. Luckily, this top-notch Riesling would be equally at home on the Easter buffet. Clean and pure with fresh lemon-lime and mineral notes and a vibrant spine of acid, pair this with roast ham or turkey and onion tarts and quiche. 90 points.

Tawse “Sketches of Niagara” Riesling, VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON 2014
$17.95 89029
This approachable, affordable Riesling is slightly off-dry, but that sweetness is well-tempered by a vibrant acidity. Peach, light honey and apple blossom all mingle on the nose and palate. Pair with Croque Monsieur, duck confit or pork banh mi sandwiches. 88 points.

Osoyoos LaRose “Le Grand Vin,” VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 2011
$44.95 626325
Full and firm, with cassis, plum, roasted coffee bean and a smokey undertone. A gorgeous wine of intriguing depth and complexity, though grippy tannins need time to unwind and come together. Try this from 2017 – 2026. 92 points.

Foreign Affair “Dream,” VQA Niagara Peninsula, ON 2012
$29.95 364380
A Bordeaux blend that’s just about equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with a 5% splash of Petit Verdot. Partially dried grapes lead to a powerful, robust and concentrated style with notes of smoke, ripe blue and blackberries, sweet spice, kirsch and a touch of toasty char on both the nose and palate.  Pair this with blue cheese topped ribeye. 90 points.

Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet/Merlot, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2012
$24.95 395855
Elegant, smooth and focused with lifted blackberry, cherry, grilled herbs and toasted spice. Full bodied with fine-firm tannins and fresh acid, this offers exceptional quality for price. It can easily last a decade or pair it tonight with braised lamb shanks or lightly smoked duck. 91 points.

CHILE

Antu Syrah, Colchagua Valley 2014
$17.95 675371
Really exceptional value in this plush and smooth Syrah that shows aromas of lifted notes of black currant candies and fresh eucalyptus. Full and plush on the palate with well integrated tannin and flavours of fresh, ripe black fruits and resinous herbs. Concentrated and deep but with vibrancy. 89 points.

FRANCE

Cave de Ribeauvillé Giersberger Brut Crémant d’Alsace NV
$19.95 183624
Fresh and light on the nose with ripe tree fruit aromas in the way of yellow apple and pear. The palate balances crisp acidity with a round, creamy mouthfeel and flavours of lemon pound cake, white cherries and a tangy, lemon citrus finish. 88 points.

JCB Nº 21 Brut Crémant de Bourgogne NV
$27.95 371831
Aromas of wild flowers and brioche that follow through to the rich palate adding on flavours of brown butter, fresh citrus and peachy stone fruit. Delicate bubbles and fine mousse with bright acidity and nice length. An elegant way to begin your holiday meal paired to hors d’oeuvres like mushrooms in phyllo or bacon-wrapped scallops. 89 points.

Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2005
$56.95 446666
Garnet and unfiltered with lots of fine sediment floating through the bottle, this will require some careful decanting, though the effort will be rewarded. An appealing nose of red and black fruits, dark earth and spice, the medium bodied palate is remarkably fresh with fierce, grippy tannin and flavours of black currant, cherries and forest floor. 91 points.

Château Fonréaud, Listrac-Medoc, Bordeaux 2012
$29.95 444083
Firm tannins bordering on fierce, this offers tart red cherry and cranberry, mixed spice and earthy flavours and aromas. It’s a beast that will likely do better with a few more year int e cellar, but if you’re attempting it tonight, bring out the salty, rare proteins. 89 points.

ITALY

Cantina del Nebbiolo Barbaresco, Piedmont 2012
$27.95 437053
Juicy and smooth with fine-firm tannins and flavours of tangy cherry, toasted spice and a touch of earthy barnyard. 91 points.

Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo, Piedmont 2010
$49.95 268516
Full bodied and smooth with tangy cherry, black cherry and sweet spice. Bright acid gives vibrance to this polished and elegant wine. 90 points.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany 2008
$44.95 113357
We were first introduced to the wines of Donatella Cinllelli Colombini last year when she came to Toronto to promote the exquisite reds and whites she produces at the Tuscan estate she inherited from her family about 20 years ago. This Brunello has appealing aromas of fresh red berries, clay, and toasted warm spice, and full bodied palate shows lovely structure and complexity with firm tannin and uplifting acid. Very good. 92 points.

Frascole Chianti Ruffina, Tuscany 2012
$17.95 85167
An excellently valued, Old World styled Chianti, look for notes of dried earth, smoked spice, cured meat and dried cherry. Smooth and silky, with fine-firm tannin and bright, balanced acid, this would be a great partner for your Easter lamb. 90 points.

Il Molino di Grace “Il Margone” Gran Selezione Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2010
$39.95 435115
Black peppercorn, mixed spice and black currants mingle on the nose while the palate is medium bodied and rich with firm tannins and flavours of red cherry, toasted spice, earth and notes of old leather. Quite masculine and powerful. Try with grilled game birds, truffle risotto, or osso buco. 90 points.

La Baccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2012
$24.95 566216
Concentrated and rich with blackberry, black cherry, peppercorn and all spice notes. Medium bodied, juicy and fresh, this would be great with tomato-based seafood bouillabaisse or chicken cacciatore with black olives. 89 points.

SPAIN

Muga Selección Especial, Rioja 2010
$39.95 712067
Striking a balance between rustic savoury notes and ripe, juicy fruit, this old vine Tempranillo has aromas of stewed fruits, saline and bloody meat. Rich, smooth and concentrated on the palate, the aromas carry over to the palate with the addition of some tangy red berries and spice. A great bottle for lovers of old school wines. 91 points.

Olarra Erudito Reserva Especial, Rioja 2009
$37.95 378885
Fig, prune, plum and coffee all mix on the nose while the palate is smooth and fresh with tangy red cherry, warm spices and fruit cake. Lovely complexity and focused elegance. 90 points.