In response to our latest readership survey, we’re posting early reviews of wines coming out in the LCBO this fall.
You’ll find tasting notes and scores for Ontario wines coming out in the next Vintages Releases below. You’ll find all wines here.
To find a wine quickly, click on the “CRTL” and “F” buttons on your keyboard, then search by a simple keyword in the open blank that appears. One unique word is often best, for example: Pelham
Please note that prices are subject to change and will be updated when the LCBO publishes its final prices for each release. Please let us know if any vintages noted below are incorrect or there are any typos.
Cheers,
P.S. January reviews will be posted in mid-October.
Use these links to jump to reviews for:
December 10 Vintages Release
Note: This also contains some December 1 Classic Catalogue wines.
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December 10 Wine Reviews
White Wine
Tawse Winery Limestone Ridge Riesling 2014, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A lovely off-dry Niagara Riesling with notes of lemongrass and lime zest. Tawse has developed a much-deserved first-class reputation among Niagara winemakers. Pair with fresh seafood. Riesling food pairings: roast chicken, spicy pasta dishes, shrimp tempura, grilled salmon. Drink: 2016 – 2021 431593 10% M 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. September 2016.
Red Wine
Henry of elham Estate Cabernet Merlot 2012, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: A balanced, full-bodied Niagara red wine, with attractive notes of cedar forest, wild blackberries and some herbal notes. This wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes grown on the winery’s own estate. Yields are kept low to 2 to 3 tonnes per acre so that the grapes are concentrated with flavour, which translates directly into the wine’s complexity. Cabernet Merlot food pairings: beef, pork, lamb roast with grilled vegetables. Drink: 2016 – 2019 395855 13.6% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. July 2015.
Tawse Winery Inc. Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Medium-bodied, silky Niagara red wine, with mocha and spice aromas on the nose of this Pinot Noir. Fleshy ripe cherry aromas and flavours on the palate of this medium-bodied, mouth-watering Pinot Noir from Niagara. Very respected winemaker. Pair with salmon or tuna. Lovely craftsmanship. The 2011 vintage of the Tawse Grower’s Blend Pinot Noir has done well, despite a challenging vintage. Pair with roast chicken. Pinot Noir food pairings: grilled lamb sirloin with cocoa rub, veal chops, grilled duck sausages, grilled pork tenderloin with cauliflower purée and cherry compote. Drink: 2016 – 2019 130989 13% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 92/100. April 2015.
Sparkling Wine
Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2014, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Zesty and vibrant with lime and lemon notes in this terrific Niagara sparkling wine made from the region’s classic Riesling grape. Great value for the price. Pair with oysters. Sparkling Riesling food pairings: deep sea scallops, steamed lobster with fresh lemon juice. Drink: 2016 – 2019 370361 12% D 750 mL $20.20 Score: 90/100. September 2016.
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
