LCBO VINTAGES SATURDAY FEB 19
Cabernet is the feature with lots of high priced, highly polished offerings. But as ever, the values are in the regular section of the catalogue.
MY 6 HIGHLIGHTS
#1. ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST VALUE SPARKLING WINES
Codorniu’s Pink bubbly is back in town. Refreshing with a tease of strawberry flavour, and something earthy. Good fun naturally, but good with food too. Especially anything spicy/hot.
Wine style: Sparkling Dry Rosé
CODORNIU BRUT ROSÉ CAVA, Spain 665372 $16.95
#2. THE MEDITERRANEAN FEELING FOR ONLY $12.95
Try something different in white wine. Light “˜n refreshing but loaded with bold flavours. Herbs, olives ““ the Mediterranean feeling. Perfect with a seafood platter. Organic.
Wine-style: Fresh White
PARES BALTA 09 Blanc de Pacs, Penedes, Spain 190603 $12.95
#3.~ A PAIR of LOCAL HEROES ““ GOOD GAMAY and DELISH SWEET RIESLING
(a) 13th Street is one of the few wineries to take Gamay seriously. This vintage is Italian in spirit. Vibrant, gutsy and big on pucker. Not for the timid, but the perfect partner for a greasy burger or lamb chop. A bit expensive but an exciting local experience.
P.S. 13th Street has moved to beautiful new digs ““ bright and colourful with an art gallery feeling. The barn next door has been converted into a café with delicious local offerings to eat-in, or take for a picnic. A five star Niagara experience.
Wine style: Rustic Red
13th STREET 08 Gamay, VQA Niagara 177824 $17.95
(b) Late Harvest Riesling is one of the wines that Ontario does best. Hugely concentrated flavours with equal amounts of sweetness and zest are the features in Chateau des Charmes wine. A delicious anytime sipper. Heavenly after an alfresco lunch.
Wine style: Medium-sweet White
CHATEAU DES CHARMES 07 Late Harvest Riesling, VQA Niagara-on-the -Lake 432930 375ml/$21.95
#4. ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST VALUES IN RED WINE
What more can I say about Cotes-du-Rhone! This one is delicious and~ warmhearted without feeling heavy, and the traditional label suggests a far more expensive wine. A-bottle-a-day drinkers will welcome the handy screw cap. Certain to be one of the buys of the year.
Wine style: Rich Red
LOUIS BERNARD 09 Cotes du Rhone “˜Reserve de Bonpas’, France 194969 $13.95
#5. THE SEXY RIOJA THING
A few weeks ago I recommended an everyday Rioja from this winery and now here’s their Saturday night offering. Richer, with more spicy/sweetness and pouring on the charm and seduction. Sip slowly from a big glass.
Wine style: Rich Red
PALACIO GLORIOSO 05 Rioja Reserva, Spain 930164 $19.95
#6. WINE SCHOOL ““ A LESSON IN CABERNET
Meet Cabernet in the raw. The original ““ unadorned by the sweetness of oak. Lots of vigour, pucker and refreshment. Wine for any Bistro food or mood.
P.S. The catalogue notes by James Suckling (Wine Spectator) are very misleading ““ he always is.
Wine style: Rustic Red
DOMAINES LAPALU 09 Medoc “˜La Patache’, Bordeaux, France 217307 $14.95
AND A FEW OTHERS…
Leth’s Gruner is a wonderful combination of zest and Spring-like flavours. Imagine a dry Riesling with a little spice and richness. Stock-up for patio lunches.
Wine style: Fresh White
LETH 09 Gruner Veltliner, Austria 207282 $16.95
Give Chardonnay a rest and explore another style of rich white. A spicy, manly white with a whiskey personality. Cannot wait to have this with summer BBQ’d chicken or pork. A mouthful of a name for a mouthful of a wine.
Wine style: Rich White
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF 09 Viognier/Grenache Blanc “˜Porcupine Ridge’, South Africa 203893 $16.95
Cotes du Rhone with an extra shot of richness and seduction.
Wine style: Rich Red
CHATEAU GOUDRAY 09 Rasteau, Cotes du Rhone Villages, France 195032 $15.95
Rich and plummy in the Merlot style. But not overdone.
Wine style: Rich Red
LUIGI BOSCA 08 Malbec Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina 79293 $17.95
Wakefield always offers more than Aussie bigness. There’s character too.
Wine style: Rich Red
WAKEFIELD ESTATE 08 Shiraz, Clare Valley, Australia 943787 $17.95
