Back in LCBO Vintages – As of December 12 2020
Faustino Gran Reserva D.O.Ca. Rioja 2008
Rioja, Spain
$31.95
90 Pts from Robert Parker the Wine Advocate
Clean, bright. Ruby colour developing to maroon. On the nose is complex and elegant, wide fruity and spicy notes. On the mouth, elegant, with pleasant hints due to the barrel ageing. Long and silky finish.
A winemaker born in a small Rioja village, linked to the world of wine for two generations and with a career of more than 35 years in the winery; he has made Faustino I our best ambassador all over the world with time, wood, care and wisdom, keeping on and improving the legacy of his predecessor.
The classical and harmonious 2008 Faustino I Gran Reserva is very polished and balanced with clean, focused aromas and flavors, balsamic with notes of cigar ash and incense, a bit shy and austere. A very good vintage for this bottling. Drink 2018-2022. Score: 90 – Robert Parker
It matches with any kind of meat and mushroom risotto. Some tasty or oily fish such as tuna or cod. Medium-aged cheese such as emmental or gruyere.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Sustainable and Certified Organic
$23.95
It is impossible to approach the subject of the 2018 vintage without referring to a climatic anomaly unseen in decades; a devastating late spring frost (-1C to -4C) on the morning of June 4th occurred well after bud break when the vines were particularly tender. As the plants were in a highly vulnerable stage in their growing process, losses ranged from 20% to 100, depending on vineyard site and parcel.
Relying more than ever on the strength of its network of local grape growers, Benjamin Bridge made the commitment to source as many grapes as it could from across the Annapolis Valley so that it could remain true to its roots. Crafting “Nova Scotia’s iconic wine” with 100% locally grown grapes proved challenging, owing to the lower yields throughout the region but our winemaking and viticultural team rose to the challenges with characteristic patience and inventiveness.
Highly fragrant aromas with touches of wild lily, lychee and starfruit. The palate is lively and energetic with suggestions of freshly squeezed lime, papaya, honeydew melon and crisp green apples. A thirst-quenching wine that integrates floral aromatics, delicate roundness and Nova Scotia’s unmistakable, zesty acidity. Nova 7’s enticing aromatics especially complement foods with spice and flare.
This white is quite aromatic with a pure apricot fragrance with a hint of Double Bubble. The attack is gently fizzy with pronounced gala apple flavour—sweet and tart—nuanced with orange buttercream, elderflower, and wildflower honey too. Each sip tapers to Altulfo mango finish. This wine is sweet but well-balanced with bracing acidity so it quenches rather than cloys. And its low in alcohol at 6.5 per cent, which makes it a great summer sipper. Lovely drop. Score: 92 – Carolyn Evans Hammond
