ENTICING - Orma Winery 2021 Orma (Italy)

Here's something exciting from Bolgheri (not Bulgari or Bulgaria) what is that excitement you might ask? Well let me tell you about it ... Today it's the Orma Winery 2021 Orma

BREATHTAKING - Capezzana 2021 Ghiaie della Furba (Italy)

 

While the real story here should be the 100-year old wine I tasted at a dinner Capezzana hosted; there was no way I was going to put my hands on one of those. What I did find, was a bottle of red that blew my hair back; or at least showed exceptionally well. Today it's the Capezzana 2021 Ghiaie della Furba

BRILIANT Feudi di San Gregorio DUBL - Edition III (Italy)

 

Sparkling wine from the south of Italy? Does it sound like a good idea to you? I was iffy on the subject until I tried this wine - now I'll double down and tell you about it ... also, check out my new hat. Thoughts? Today it's the Feudi di San Gregorio DUBL - Edition III

AWESOME - Chateau la Fleur de Bouard 2022 Lalande de Pomerol (France)

 

Time to talk Bordeaux, I spent the better part of a month there in January 2025 and the wines bearing the date 2022 are spectacular. This is just another one of those finds: Chateau la Fleur de Bouard 2022 Lalande de Pomerol

 

DISTINCT - La Gironda 2021 Le Nicchie, Nizza (Italy)

 

I've talked about Nizza before, and I'm about to do it again. Nizza is Cru Barbera, I'll tell you more about it in this video, which was shot in the north of Italy. Today I'm looking at the  

La Gironda 2021 Le Nicchie, Nizza

INVITING- Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Jordan Village Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

Le Clos Jordanne is back baby, yes it has been for a bit now; but it has a new home, a real brick and mortar building, with a cellar and everything. It's not exactly the winery they conceived all those years ago, but it does give the wine a new home. Today I'm looking at the Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Jordan Village Chardonnay

IMPRESSIVE - Domaine de Bel-Air 2022 Les Granits Bleus Beaujolais-Villag...

 

Oh baby, I am a big fan of the Gamay grape, especially when it is done well, here this Domaine de Bel-Air 2022 Les Granits Bleus Beaujolais-Villages is a well-crafted, beautiful bottle of BoJo that hits all the right marks. Let me tell you about it.

 

INAUGURAL - Chateau St Jean 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight's Valley (USA)

 

Here in Canada, many are pining for the day they can put a California Cab in their glass. The good news, there are wines like this Chateau St Jean 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight's Valley that could use the extra time in bottle to get to where it will be at its best

REMARKABLE - Prunotto 2022 Bansella Nizza (Italy)

 

In my time discovering Nizza and Barbera and what makes the whole thing tick, I learned so much from my time with Emanuele at Prunotto. He brought things into focus; he relayed a ton of information, and he brought me in touch with some of the great minds behind where Nizza Monferrato is going (over lunch) - he also showed me this wine ... Today, it's the Prunotto 2022 Bansella Nizza

FABULOUS - Il Falchetto 2023 Pian Scorrone (Italy)

 

During my visit to Piedmont in December 2024, I tasted a lot of Barbera, people said, "why did you not focus on Barolo while you were there?" Because I wanted to find wines like this ... Today, it's the 

Il Falchetto 2023 Pian Scorrone

AMAZING - Dievole 2021 Vigna Sessina, Gran Selezione (Tuscany)

 

Gran Selezione, the top of the Chianti Classico food chain (so to speak). This is a single vineyard Sangiovese that cuts to what makes Gran Selezione such a special wine ... Today, it's the  

Dievole 2021 Vigna Sessina, Chianti Classico - Gran Selezione

 

INCREDIBLE - Pillitteri 2020 Caretto Cabernet Franc (Ontario)

 

You've heard that 2020 was an outstanding vintage in Ontario, if not from me, you can read it or hear it somewhere else ... but what happens when a vintage is so good you only make one wine in at entry-level estate series level? And how good is that wine? ... Today, it's the Pillitteri 2020 Caretto Cabernet Franc

 

TANTALIZING - Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet (California)

 

 

As a Canadian, it is unfashionable these days to promote a wine from the US; especially because the majority of our country can't buy them. But I've had this one locked and loaded for a long time, and I am sure there are a few others on my list to come. They cannot remain there indefinitely, so I'm just going to have to break some norms ... Today, it's the Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet

 

SPECIAL - La Gironda 2019 Ago Nizza Riserva (Italy)

 

If you do not know what Nizza is, you have not been paying attention. Last month I posted 5 reports from the area, and I have done a few videos about these wines. Going forward, you will be seeing more from me about Nizza Monferrato; for now, all I can say is that if you are a fan of Barbera from Piedmont, listen up - this is going to be your "jam" ... Today, it's the La Gironda 2019 Ago Nizza Riserva

 

REFRESHING - SOHO Winery 2024 Peggy Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc hits the right Savvy B notes for me - I find it refreshing, light, easy to drink and perfect for a hot summer day. I know there are fans of the other versions from places like the Loire and California, but for me ... Today, it's the SOHO Winery 2024 Peggy Sauvignon Blanc

 

TIME TO TELL - Hillick & Hobbs 2021 Estate Dry Riesling (New York)

 

I know, as a Canadian, I am not supposed to be promoting American alcohol, but I have been sitting on this video for almost a year. Over the summer I opened a bottle of this, sitting on a dock at a lake, and it was super inspiring - and now it's just time to let the cat out of the bag ... 

Today, it's the Hillick & Hobbs 2021 Estate Dry Riesling

FRESH Mario Rivetti 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo (Italy)

 

This past year I have recommended some eye-opening wines. Wines I tasted because I happened to be at the right place at the right time. This is one of those wines. I was at a wine fair in Bologna with an Italian friend, Fabrizio Timpanaro, a director of a restaurant, QuartoPiano. He pulled me aside and said that I must try a wine. Not only did I try the wine, I went and visited the winery a month later ... Today, it's the Mario Rivetti 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo

 

HONEST Vinchio Vaglio 2022 Vigne Vecchie 50 Barbera D'Asti (Italy)

 

Old vines wines are so super cool, especially when they are used to great effect. This old vines Barbera is amazing and worth trying ... Today, it's the

Vinchio Vaglio 2022 Vigne Vecchie 50 Barbera D'Asti

STUNNING Tenuta Sette Ponti 2022 Oreno (Italy)

 

Super Tuscan wines have a great reputation. It's a name everyone seems to know. People are always excited to try them. And it's got Tuscany in the name - somewhere everybody wants to go - even if it is just for a few minutes at a time, in a glass. Today, it's the Tenuta Sette Ponti 2022 Oreno

SURPRISING Wending Home 2021 Viognier (Ontario, Canada)

 

Viognier? What the help is it? It is a grape, a white (green) grape that makes very interesting wines in the south of France. But what happens when you take it many miles away from its home. Does it still make interesting wine? Today, it's the Wending Home 2021 Viognier - and I answer that question

WOW Montgras 2022 Rare Garnacha (Chile)

 

Have you tasted "pure" grenache? It is something so amazing you'll never forget it. Today, it's the Montgras 2022 Rare Garnacha

AMAZING Marchesi Gondi 2020 Poggio Diamante, Chianti Rufina Riserva (Tus...

 

Something new is on the horizon in Tuscany. Something new, but also something old. It's Terraelectae, chosen wines from the Chianti Rufina area. Today, I'm going to tell you about the Marchesi Gondi 2020 Poggio Diamante, Chianti Rufina Riserva (Terraelectae) - hopefully there's some learnin' in here for you

DELIGHTFUL Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Claystone Pinot Noir (Canada)

 

Time after time, again and again, this winery delivers for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lovers. Today, I'm lookingnat a Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Claystone Pinot Noir - and once again it's a wine that's going to put smiles on faces

CELEBRATORY Castell D'Or NV Cava Brut (Spain)

 

Looking for something worthy of a celebration, but won't break the bank? 

Today, it's the Castell D'Or NV Cava Brut

IMPRESSIVE Ha-Ha Wines 2022 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay (New Zealand)

 

Not sure how many of us look to New Zealand for our Chardonnay choices. Sauvignon Blanc? Yes. Pinot Noir? Sure. But Chardonnay? Turns out, yes. Today, it's the Ha-Ha Wines 2022 Hawke's Bay Chardonnay

WOW Thirty Bench 2020 Winemaker's Blend Cabernet Franc (Canada)

 

Time to look at another of those big 2020 reds from that great vintage in Ontario, Canada. Today, it's the Thirty Bench 2020 Winemaker's Blend Cabernet Franc

If the wine above does not link - find the video here:  https://youtu.be/ZB_JA6X5HjQ

 

UNIQUE - Zambartas 2022 Maratheftiko (Cyprus)

 

 

There are many reasons to like the wines made from Maratheftiko, I highlight a few of them in this video; but you'll next guess my favourite. Also, I let you know why you don't see more wines from this grape. Today, it's the Zambartas 2022 Maratheftiko

https://youtu.be/D-IRtWuAQoo 

IMPRESSIVE ... Moraine Winery 2021 O'Port (British Columbia)

 

Any Port fans out there? As we know, true Port is made in Portugal. But what if someone in Canada (British Columbia) was making a Port-style wine that rivaled the original? It might be called Moraine Winery 2021 O'Port

FRANC-LY MY DEAR ... Orma Winery 2021 Aola di Orma (Italy)

 

Fans of Cabernet Franc are going to dig on today's wine. It comes to us via Tuscany and grows in the soils of the Bolgheri region. Today it's the Orma Winery 2021 Aola di Orma

FIRST VINTAGE Boscarelli 2022 Il Bianco (Italy)

 

With white wines on the rise globally, we are starting to see some producer we never thought would make white wines, make white wines - this is one such story. Today it's the Boscarelli 2022 Il Bianco

ASTONISHING Leaning Post 2020 Chardonnay, Clone 96 (Canada)

 

Coming off the i4C (International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration) this past weekend, reminded me of how good the Chardonnays in Ontario are; none has rattled my cage most in the last year than this Leaning Post 2020 Chardonnay, Clone 96

EYE-OPENING Chateau Clos de Sarpe 2022 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe (B...

 

In January, I spent 25 days in Bordeaux. Going in depth to discover the wines from first and second growths to places like Fronsac and Pomerol. It was, to say the least, an eye-opening experience. To me, nothing beat the wines from the 2022 vintage. What a watershed moment to taste those wines and be awed by the balance, the fruit, the ... oh hell, all that is for the article. Let me dive into this bottle of  

Chateau Clos de Sarpe 2022 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe

UNEXPECTED Casa Santos Lima 2021 Taverna da Aldeia (Portugal)

 

This wine came as a shock to me, as you will hear in the video. I was skeptical that this winery could pull it off - but they did, in spades. Now, without further ado I'm looking at the Casa Santos Lima 2021 Taverna da Aldeia

REFRESHING Kir-Yianni 2023 Assyrtiko Le Nord (Greece)

 

Long overdue to tell you about this beautiful wine for summer. This one hails from Greece and is a beauty for those looking for something clean, refreshing and made from a grape we don't hear enough about ... Today it's the Kir-Yianni 2023 Assyrtiko, Le Nord 

FLAVOURFUL Mario Rivetti 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore (Italy)

 

In February this year, I went on a hunt for some of the best Barbera in Piedmont. One thing I found was a little winery with a familiar ring to their name, but lies just outside the major denominations. What I also found, was some excellent wines as prices that won't break the bank. Why? Read my introduction again ... Today it's the Mario Rivetti 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore 

DELICIOUS Querciabella 2022 Chianti Classico (Italy)

 

We all know Chianti. We've probably all had Chianti. But not all Chianti are created the same. As someone who tastes the new Chianti wines, I can tell you where the cream of the crop lies. This was one of the best I tasted of the new crop. Today, I'm looking at the Querciabella 2022 Chianti Classico

SULTRY Noble Ridge 2017 The Crown (British Columbia)

 

When you think of sweet or dessert wine and Canada the mind immediately goes to Icewine, maybe a late harvest, but I doubt many of us said "port-style wines". But they are being made and some with tender loving care, like this one. Today it's the Noble Ridge 2017 The Crown

SO COOL Vinchio Vaglio 2019 Sei Vigne Insynthesis Nizza Riserva (Italy)

 

I went to Piedmont in search of Cru Barbera, the best of the best from this grape. I found Nizza Monferrato, a place of amazing Barbera; and I will have lots to say about my findings over the next little while; starting right now. Today, I'm looking at the Vinchio Vaglio 2019 Sei Vigne Insynthesis Nizza Riserva 

GLORIOUS Boscarelli 2021 Sotto Casa Vino Nobile Riserva (Italy)

 

Today, I want to give you a sneak peek at what I am working on. Yes, this is a wine video review, but you'll notice a different format; let me know what you think.

Meanwhile, I'm looking at a wine that blew my socks off. It's something so out of the box of this winery they named it that way. Let me tell you about the Boscarelli 2021 Sotto Casa Vino Nobile Riserva

WELCOMING Tezza 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore (Italy)

 

One of my first loves in the Red Wine world was Ripasso - I even spent time in Veneto to learn about the wines of the Valpolicella region - but then something happened, and they weren't the same; I left Ripasso behind to let them figure things out - and I think they have. 

Today, I'm looking at the Tezza 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore

PODCAST: André has finally learned something about Tuscan Wine; intervie...

 

 

As long-time listeners know, Michael heads off to Tuscany every year and calls into André to report what's new in Italy's most well-known region. This year is different. In this, our first of half a dozen Tuscan interviews you'll hear this year - Michael brought Tuscany back for André and our listeners. Whether it's the unmistakable Italian accent, the wind rolling through the hills, or birds chirping and church bells ringing in the distance, Tuscany comes to life for you.

Today, we talked to Alberto Moretti Cuseri, part of the family that owns Tenuta Sette Ponti. We talk about various parts of Italian wine making and we taste two of their iconic wines.

__________________________________

Thank you to Noble Estates https://www.nobleestates.com/ for helping to get these wines from the winery and into the province.


To learn more about Tenuta Sette Ponti - follow this link: https://www.tenutasetteponti.it/

MOUTH-WATERING SoHo Wines 2023 Stella Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

 

Sauvignon Blanc should not be a controversial wine, but it seems some like the New Zealand style and some ... not so much. I happen to enjoy them, especially on a hot summer day - a chilled bottle of Savvy B by my side, makes the day all that much better. Today, I recommend the 

SoHo Wine 2023 Stella Sauvignon Blanc

ENTICING Nk'Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir (British Columbia)

 

Pinot Noir? From the southern Okanagan? Yes, it is a thing, and yes, it is really good. I don't often agree that BC Pinot is "their thing", but then wines like this come along and it makes me re-think my whole theory. Today, it's the Nk'Mip Cellars 2022 Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir -  Another bottle I tasted during the All Canadian Wine Championships

MARVELOUS Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

In a world full of mediocre Chardonnay this was one of the first I tried that opened my eyes to what Chardonnay could be. Now, many years later, Montague Vineyard Chardonnay is still one of those eye-popping Chardonnays - and that it is from here, in my own backyard (so to speak) makes it even more exciting ... It is time to reveal the newest edition of the Inniskillin 2021 Montague Vineyard Chardonnay.

FABULOUS Gerard Bertrand 2021 Chateau L'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin (F...

 

The south of France can make some beautiful wines, some exceptional wines in fact; I could go on here, or I could just tell you about this one ... Let me tell you about the 

Gerard Bertrand 2021 Chateau L'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin

STARTLING : Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier (British Columbia)

 

Maybe you have noticed, I'm on a Canadian Viognier kick here. So far I have pointed you in the direction of three other Canadian Viogniers, with more on the way; like this one today ... Let me tell you about the Bordertown Winery 2023 Viognier ... available at the winery (and fine wine stores). Thank you to the All Canadian Wine Championships for putting me on this panel during the judging. Judging is happening soon, so get your Canadian wines in for the MAY 16, 2025 deadline - maybe I'll find more great wines like this.

SURPRISING Wending Home 2020 Up Above Pinot Noir (Ontario)

 

New wineries don't always make a splash, but this winery made two: one with its winemaker of choice, and two with this amazing Pinot Noir that won awards right out of the gate. Tasted this at the All Canadian Wine Championships, was blown away by it ... Let me tell you about it in the video. today it's the 

Wending Home 2020 Up Above Pinot Noir

 

ADMIRABLE Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay (Ontario)

 

With one of the preeminent events in Ontario approaching, Cuvee, it's time to take a look at the caliber of wines shown at that event - today it's the Tawse 2021 Robyn's Block Chardonnay

TERRIFIC Zambartas 2021 Margelina (Cyprus)

 

Another wine from my Cyprus adventure in 2024 - I hope you folks with Wine-der-lust are getting the idea that you need to go and visit this newly-re-emerging jewel of the wine world - today it's the

Zambartas 2021 Margelina

INCREDIBLE Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay (Italy)

 

When I tasted this Chardonnay I was knocked off my feet, almost literally, so fresh, so vibrant so ... today it's the Alois Lageder 2001 GAUN Chardonnay

 

UNEXPECTED Montonale 2021 Orestilla Lugana DOC (Italy)

 

For those white wine drinkers looking for something different, unique and totally unexpected; might I point you in the direction of today's wine, the Montonale 2021 Orestilla Lugana DOC

AMAZING Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay (Canada)

 

Chardonnay because of what you tried at Lailey, you have Derek to blame. Derek has moved on to create his own label, and for a guy who has made some memorable Chardonnays in his day - this one might be one of his best (or at least up there). 

Today, it's the Meldville Wines 2022 Chardonnay

IMPRESSIVE - Perez Cruz 2021 Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)

 

Sure you've had Cabernet Sauvignon before, but this is a different kind of Cab. This is not just a single vineyard, it's a designer, and designed, single vineyard; but at a price that's affordable for all. 

Today, it's the Perez Cruz 2021 Piedra Seca Cabernet Sauvignon

A BIG DEAL - Volcanic Hills 2020 Gidda Family Estate Zweigelt (Canada)

 

Zweigelt? Really? For those of you who have tried Zweigelt, you know there is so much potential in this grape, and yet ... If you have tried a good one, you are already salivating at the thought of what I am about to say. For the rest of you, let me tell you about a wine, made from a grape that gets very little respect, for good reason - but deserves so much more, from both the winemakers that use it and the consumers to try it. 

Today, it's the Volcanic Hills 2020 Gidda Family Estate Zweigelt

GOBSMACKED - Tsiakkas Winery 2021 Vamvakada

 

 

Recently I posted about my trip to Cyprus in February 2024; I'll link it below at the bottom of the first half. This is one of the wines I tasted while there and it totally blew me away ... if you have access to Cyprus wines, or can find a way to get to Cyprus and take a wine tour - do it; you will not be disappointed. Grape varieties are unique, not all, but many and today we look at one of those indigenous varieties: 

 

it's the Tsiakkas Winery 2021 Vamvakada

 

HAPPY-MAKER - Kir-Yianni 2022 Akakies Sparkling (Greece)

 

Sometimes you taste a wine with absolutely no preconceptions and sip after sip you find you are blown away by what it has to offer. This was the case when I tried today's wine:

Kitma Kir-Yianni 2022 Akakies Sparkling

NEAR PERFECT - Hidden Bench 2020 Terroir Cache (Ontario)

 

Back to Ontario we go. And this time I'm showcasing a red blend from a vintage that will be remembered for decades to come from a relatively young winery known for taking their time, creating buzz, and making iconic wines - but in their own camouflaged? No. Disguised? No, again. Masked kinda way? Anyway, today, it's the Hidden Bench 2020 Terroir Cache

STARTLING - Divergence Wines 2020 Brut Nature (Ontario, Canada)

 

Sparkling wine is one of the wines I like to believe I specialize in, I drink enough of it anyway (rose would be in that category too). Here we have a little known virtual winery making some first class bubbles that needs to be tasted to be believed - it's awesome. Today, it's the ... 

Divergence Wines 2020 Brut Nature

WOWSER - Hester Creek 2023 Viognier (British Columbia)

 

Not too long ago, I mentioned a Viognier from Ontario, and once again Viognier raises its beautiful face, but this time from the other coast. Are we looking at a new darling-grape in Canadian whites ... or are some wineries just getting lucky? Today, it's the Hester Creek 2023 Viognier

SURPRISING - Chateau des Charmes 2017 Sparkling Rose (Ontario)

 

According to my rough count, this is video 950 and so it is time to celebrate this milestone with a little bubbly. Today, it's the Chateau des Charmes 2017 Sparkling Rose, a sparkling wine with a surprise under the caged-cork.

 

TREMENDOUS - 13th Street Winery 2022 Viognier Reserve (Ontario)

 

For those of you looking for an alternative grape to Chardonnay in Ontario, maybe, just maybe, I have one for you - will it be a continuous thing or a one off, remains to be seen? 

Today, it's the 13th Street Winery 2022 Viognier Reserve

WONDERFUL - Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino 2019 Vigna Montaperto - Gran S...

 

There are plenty of reasons to love wines derived from a single vineyard. Let me tell you about just one : 

Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino 2019 Vigna Montaperto 

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

MARVELLOUS - Icario 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

 

Next weekend, I will be learning about some new wines coming from Montepulciano in Tuscany - they will be special, single plot, single vineyard wines and I will tell you all about them in an upcoming video or article (or both) - but for now let's look at what they have been doing (and really well) up till now : 

Icario 2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

 

WONDERFUL - Bleasdale 2021 Bremerview Shiraz (Australia)

 

They've been here before and if the past is prologue, they'll be here again ... so it shall be written, so it shall be done. I look again at another wine from this winery in Australia : 

Bleasdale 2021 Bremerview Shiraz

 

WOW - Castello di Volpaia 2020 Il Puro Casanova (Italy)

 

Tuscany's Anteprima is just around the corner (in February), thought it would be a good time to check out one of last year's best wines - Castello di Volpaia 2020 Il Puro Casanova - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

HAPPY 2025 - 13th Street Winery 2021 Gamay - Blanc de Noir (Ontario, Can...

Ringing in the New Year with this awesome, yet rare, for Ontario, take on Gamay : 

13th Street Winery 2021 Gamay