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We’re welcoming new vintages of favourites from the Loire and Toscana in the January 22 VINTAGES release.
J.M. Raffault Chinon Rouge Les Picasses 2018 will be found in the VINTAGES section of LCBO stores across the province, while Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2016 is a back-vintage limited release, available only in select stores.
Please click on the hyperlinks above to see which stores have inventory.
J.M. Raffault Chinon Rouge Les Picasses 2018
Jean-Maurice Raffault and Rodolphe Raffault’s family began cultivating vines in Chinon 14 generations ago, when their ancestor, Mathurin Bottreau, bought his first parcel of vines in 1693. Today, Domaine Jean-Maurice Raffault owns 50 organically farmed hectares of vines in 7 communes. This Cabernet Franc is from the Les Picasses lieu dit, atop a plateau overlooking the Vienne, the windiness of the site reflected in the windmill on the label. Soils here are stony limestone and clay. After destemming and a native ferment this moves to barriques for MLF and aging 18 months on fine lees. Super fragrant with black cherry, black raspberry, blackcurrant, anise on a structural, medium+ bodied palate, lined with red liquorice. The wine is pulled across the palate with ample chewy tannins, finishing with a fragrant rosemary tug and liberal mineral salts.
Read more about Jean Maurice Raffault here
Appellation : AOC Chinon
Region: Loire Valley, France
Grape(s) : Cabernet Franc
Price : $21.95 for 750mL
LCBO : 367011
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2016
From Trequanda’s Fattoria del Colle, at 400m on hills of predominantly limestone and sandstone comes this Supertuscan blend of Sangiovese (60%), and equal parts Merlot, and Sagrantino. This was vinified in stainless before 18 months in large barrels and in 5-7 hl French oak tonneaux.
“The 2016 Il Drago e le 8 Colombe (a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Sagrantino) offers savory earthy sensations that come in part from the Sangiovese and in part from the Sagrantino grape. Those distinctive aromas are softened to a great extent by the Merlot, especially in a classic vintage such as this that allows for each separate variety to show its best side and uniqueness. The bouquet delivers some raw cherry and cassis, but you mostly get intense aromas of tobacco and spice. Pair it with an oven-broiled steak and potatoes.” 93 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.
Read more about Donatella Cinelli Colombini here
Appellation : IGT Toscana
Region: Toscana, Italy
Grape(s) : Sangiovese, Merlot, Sagrantino
Price : $30.95 for 750mL
LCBO : 19875
In partnership with Iron Gate Auctions, the second JAZZ.FM91 Online Fine Wine Auction is now open to donations.
The proceeds will support the station’s charitable arts organization.
Click here for details on donating
Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.
Cheers,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
bernard@lesommelier.com
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