WONDERFUL Malivoire 2020 Courtney Gamay

Gamay is Malivoire's thing, and this thing is one of Malivoire's best (ever) : 

Malivoire 2020 Courtney Gamay

 

 

The pinnacle of Malivoire Gamays is this single block/ single vineyard that lies just outside the wineries front door. It sees oak for 14 months mixing older, newer and larger barrels. It's named for the lady who owned the land on which the vineyard sits: Selma Courtney. She was Malivoire’s neighbour up until she sold the land and Martin - and it is in her honoured he named the wine. This is possibly the winery’s annual best. The first vintage was in 2002; and 18 years later, and this is a big statement: this might be their best to date, but certainly the best since 2015. Firm and full yet fresh with lots of fresh black cherry, blackberry, black raspberry and delicate spices: vanilla, clove, and even some smoky notes show up on the lingering finish. An absolute beauty that needs time to fully evolve.

CLASSIC - Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto (Italy)

An iconic producer creates a second tier wine 

to honuor a founder of the area, from a great vintage 

Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto

 

Tenuta San Guido 2020 Guidalberto

(60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot)

First vintage 2000 … dry and round in the mouth, fruit is dried and dipped in balsamic. It’s young, so the wood dominates now, but there is also plenty of plush dark fruit, subtle balsamic & spice notes with the tannins nipping playfully. The acidity is on-point and the finish is long – this should turn opulent with time.

YUMMY Leaning Post 2020 Cuvee Winona (Ontario Wine)

This blend from Leaning Post is their 2020 Cuvee Winona,

 it combines the beauty of the vintage with great wine making skills

DELICIOUS - Duckhorn 2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

As a fan of this juicy Cabernet from Duckhorn it's time to talk about it; 

it's a second wine that drinks like top-shelf product

Duckhorn 2019 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

 

This is Duckhorn Vineyards’ second wine, and it’s a real treat. Powerful fruit offering red plum and plush chocolate along with hints of spice and smoke. It’s dangerously drinkable, on its own or with … whatever you want.  (****+)

AWESOME - Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

If Malbec is your thing, this HEY MALBEC is a wine you need; it's not just a fun label 

Matias Riccitelli 2020 Hey Malbec!

AMAZING Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay (Ontario Wine)

This ABCer finds another Chardonnay that floats his boat 

Cave Spring Cellars 2019 Estate Chardonnay

 

This is a stunning wine that delivers a bit of spice along with some richness that pairs nicely with its acidity to keep it light on the palate. Thanks to a cool growing season, 2019 was a challenging vintage, but the folks at Cave Spring clearly didn’t get the memo. This may be the best Chardonnay in the LCBO at this price point from anywhere. 

STUNNING Stags' Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah (California, USA)

This is not a grape you seen on its own very often, 

but after tasting this my only question is - Why Not?

Stags' Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah

 

Stags’ Leap Winery 2018 Petite Sirah 

Now this is the bee's knees. Really good. Smile inducing – add your platitude here. Dark fruit and spice, subtle pepper, white smoke, cassis and black cherry; I love that spice on the end, the great length, I have much more to say about it, but I want to get back to the glass. You need this wine in your life.  (**** ½)