Wine Review: Louis Pommery NV Brut Sparkling – California

Pommery is closely associated with Champagne; a few years ago, Pommery expanded to the USA under “Louis Pommery”, using California grapes to make a new world style sparkling wine.

After eight years of R & D, Cellar Director, and oenological DevelopmentManager Thierry Gasco refined a revolutionary method to craft wine with encapsulated yeast, which eliminates all deposits from the bottle, gives the wine an unprecedented degree of clarity and brilliance.

Using the methode champenoise principle this wine is made with 96% chardonnay and 4% pinot noir grapes.

Louis Pommery is an ode to the maison’s iconic style, evoking vivacity, freshness and finesse.

Tasting Notes:

Beautiful straw yellow colour with a lively effervescence; soft aromas of toasted baguette, fresh flowers with notes of green apples which flow through to the palate; slight citrusy note; the finish is long and toasty.

A wonderful and well-priced offering.

92 points

Vintages Release Date: September 5, 2020 –  # 15894

Bottle Size: 750 mL bottle

Alcohol/Vol:12.5%

Made In: California, USA

By: Vranken Pommery America

Sugar Content:10 g/L

Style: Medium body

Varietal: Chardonnay Blend

Redefining California cool and set to become a game-changer in the sparkling wine category!

Liz Palmer:  Review October 15 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014 Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon “Vintner’s Reserve”

“This lush, round and rich vintage is back by popular demand!”

Vintage: 2014

Varietal: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot & 1% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma County

State or country: CA/USA

Price: $27.95 [Canadian]

Available: In Ontario, Vintages # 331603

Review date: March 17, 2018

Review:

This dark ruby wine has aromas of lush black cherry and cassis with some vanilla and dried herb notes; on the palate, there is a nice balance with soft tannins with some hints of mocha following through on a long finish.

Score: 89

 

About Kendall-Jackson

Kendall-Jackson is one of America’s well known and loved family-owned and operated wineries. Along with their children, Kendall-Jackson is based in Sonoma County and offers a range of acclaimed wines grown on the family’s estate vineyards along the coastal ridges of California. A leader in sustainable vineyard and winery practices, including water and energy conservation and natural pest control, 100 percent of Kendall-Jackson’s vineyards in California are third-party certified by SIP (Sustainable in Practice) and CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing). Kendall-Jackson was recently named 2017 winery of the year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, recognized as a benchmark in the California wine industry. Learn more online at www.kj.com, and follow Kendall-Jackson on social at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Wine Review: 2014 La Crema Willamette Pinot Noir

2014 La Crema Willamette Pinot Noir
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Varietal:  Pinot Noir (100%)
Region:  Williamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Winery:  La Crema/Jackson Wine Estates International

Review by Liz Palmer

liz-palmer.com – November 27 2016

Rating: 90 points

This lush offering is a medium-bodied, satin-smooth Oregonian Pinot Noir that has classic aromas of fleshy ripe cherry and berry in a delicate frame work. Racy acidity on the palate – intense but polished.

Pairs well with grilled salmon, seared tuna, and roast beef.

VINTAGES Number: 385757   |   $38.95

 

 

 

 

Wine Review: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014

90/100
This is an impressive wine at price and production level; a great go-to for many occasions. This pinot noir delivers aromas of earthy notes, wild strawberry, with hints of red plum and rose petals, around a light, bright core; while remaining soft and smooth in texture and intensity; finishing with flavors of cherry, cola, and tea.

Vintages Release Date:  October 1, 2016

La Crema Winery
Sonoma County, California
Variety: Pinot Noir
Style: Earthy & Spicy
13.9%

LCBO ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

16224517454_2329417aa3_zLCBO’s Chair Edward Waitzer announced this week the appointment of Dr. George Soleas PhD to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the LCBO.

“Dr. Soleas has successfully led many aspects of LCBO’s operations and built strong working relationships with suppliers and other key stakeholders.  At a time when LCBO faces significant opportunities and challenges, he brings in-depth knowledge of the sector and organization, and a proven record of innovation, teamwork and public service,” says Waitzer.

George joined the LCBO as Director of Quality Assurance in 1997. Under his leadership the department was transformed into a state-of-the-art, profitable and internationally-endorsed laboratory facility.  This success led to the expansion of his portfolio in 2008 to include Logistics, where he implemented a series of changes to improve the efficiency and safety of Specialty Services and LCBO retail distribution centres.  This included championing the development of LCBO’s patent-pending automatic palletizer technology, which has won many domestic and international awards. In 2013, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, assuming responsibility for Information Technology, Store Development & Real Estate, and Resource Protection.

“LCBO is entering a more competitive marketplace and needs someone with both experience and passion to continue to fulfil its mandate as a profitable, customer-focused and socially responsible retailer.  Given the depth of his involvement in the beverage alcohol industry, both inside and outside the LCBO, George is well positioned to guide the organization as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace and serve its customers,” Waitzer added.

“I am confident that, with George’s distinguished expertise and intimate knowledge of the beverage alcohol sector, the LCBO will remain an innovative retailer that continues to demonstrate its ability to keep pace and lead changes in the retailing landscape in the province, across Canada and internationally.  Under George’s leadership and vision, the LCBO will undoubtedly grow its business in a responsible manner, providing the knowledgeable and helpful experience that customers have come to expect while contributing revenues that help fund important social services Ontarians rely on like health care and education.” Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Finance

“George is known throughout the supplier and agent community as being a true partner. In Quality Assurance, Logistics and as EVP, he has significantly improved operational efficiency while ensuring a fair process for all. This professionalism earned him the Drinks Ontario Partnership Award in 2008. In his various roles with the LCBO he has earned a well-deserved reputation for working collaboratively to take advantage of opportunities and resolve issues quickly to improve the customer experience. With the changing landscape in the beverage alcohol industry, we look forward to continuing to work with George and the LCBO team.” Chris Churchill, President Drinks Ontario