‘Buyer’s Picks’ are the prominent feature of this weekend’s LCBO Vintages release, not to mention New Zealand and Sake wines.
One thing for certain, these wines are all really good!
Cheers,
-Julie
If I only had $100, I would buy…
LCBO Vintages Release for Saturday May 13, 2017
Tom Gore Chardonnay 2014
California
$19.95 (Vintages #458810) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of baked apple and butter, on the palate are lush tropical fruit flavours, creamy and round. It’s medium to full-bodied white wine that is well-balanced and smooth. Dry apricots and almonds prevail on the long lasting finish. A typical California Chardonnay – rich and delicious.
If you have a special dinner party coming up with a seafood casserole or sauteed scallops it would be a match over the moon.
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
$23.95 (Vintages #164228) 13.5% alcohol
This is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of gooseberry and passionfruit. Vinified in stainless steel gives this white wine a fresh clean mouthfeel.
Medium bodied with lime citrus and grapefruit pith bathe the palate, crisp and refreshing with just enough sweetness to balance the racy acidity. Lengthy with a cleansing finish. A beauty Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy on it’s own or with springtime dishes like BBQed Thai Turkey Burgers.
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2015
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
$16.95 (Vintages #167619) 13% alcohol
Ever since my trip to Buenos Aires, a Malbec always finds its way into my shopping basket. Dark ripe plums and black cherries wash the palate, this full-bodied red wine has firm tannins and a leathery finish. The mouthfeel is plush and velvety. If you are looking for a Malbec, this is the one! You simply couldn’t ask for more.
Grilled sausages or BBQed burgers would be a great match.
Rapel Valley, Chile
$16.95 (Vintages # 7484) 14.5% alcohol
“Petit” in this varietal comes from the small size of the grape berries known for their dense, inky, violet colours. They are good descriptors for the start of this red wine. There’s also a whiff of woodsy herbal aromas. Aged in French oak it offers a hint of vanilla and savoury spice while black currants and ripe plum flavours dance on the palate. Firm, rich tannins and dark fruit concentration hover in the long dry aftertaste. It is a work of art for the price point and begs to accompany something grilled or a Chilean bean stew. The latter food pairing may not be summer fare, but it could sure brighten up a rainy day.
C.J. Pask Gimblette Road Cabernet/Merlot/Malbec 2013
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
$19.95 (Vintages #279869) 13.5% alcohol
Talk about legs and length, this red wine blend says it all. This Bordeaux-style red blend delights with aromas of ripe dark plums garnished with smooth, savoury woodsy notes that release on the full fruity palate. Easy going with noticeable tannin and texture that support an enduring dark fruit finish. Would be perfect with a herbed crusted roast of lamb or pork.