Here are my top picks from the November 10 Vintages Release. You can also get all 72 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions.
You can add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews.
Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Awatere Valley, South Island, New Zealand
Fantastic sauvignon blanc! Fresh and crisp, not too herbals with terrific lime and citrus brightness. Terrific price. Pair with: mildly spiced shrimp stir fries. Drink: 2012-2014. 225557 13% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value White Wine
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Chardonnay 2009, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
VC: Plentiful aromas here, such as cantaloupe, toast, tropical fruit (banana, pineapple and coconut), spice and lemon meringue pie. Dry with lots of everything going on, but it all works extremely well. Full bodied, with ripe fruit, toasty oak and bright acidity in almost perfect harmony. Long finish. Cellar 3-5 years or enjoy tonight with rich seafood dishes. My note: Love it! Rich and layered with hazelnuts, smoke and almonds. Green apple notes shine through then there’s a lime zest finish. Pair with: lobster, crab, seafood dishes. Drink: 2011-2017. 208694 13.7% XD 750 mL $32.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated White Wine.
Kilikanoon The Lackey Shiraz 2010, South Australia, Australia
Rich and full-bodied with classic Aussie Shiraz character. Big black fruit, a hint of mint and a savoury depth. Incredibly great price. Pair with: roast leg of lamb, stuffed eggplant. Drink: 2012-2015. 5199 14% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value Red Wine.
Marziano Abbona Cerviano Barolo 2004, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy
Amarone-like on the nose with concentrated black cherry liqueur and smoke. The palate unfolds with gorgeous layers of dark fruit flavour and complexity. This big beauty needs cellar time. Drink: 2014-2018. 295915 14% XD 750 mL $47.95 Score: 94/100. Top Rated Red Wine.
Cave De Lugny Brut Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé, A.C., Burgundy, France
Toasty, with vibrant field strawberries and a bone-dry finish. Incredibly price. Pair with: baked salmon, hors d’oeuvres. Drink: 2012-2015. 297846 11.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine.
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Champagne Rosé 2002, A.C., Champagne, France
Terrific refreshment with a twist of strawberry field freshness. Complex and satisfyingly expensive. Drink: 2012-2016. 69831 12% XD 750 mL $87.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated Sparkling Wine.
Poças Colheita Manoel D. Pocas Jr. Port 1994, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal
Lovely and complete: toffee richness envelopes the senses. Why doesn’t every port aspire to be a tawny? Drink: 2012-2017. 216424 20% S 750 mL $27.95 Score: 92/100. Best Value Dessert Wine.
Fonseca Guimarens Vintage Port 2005, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal
Classic vintage port with cassis liqueur notes and blackberry richness. Loaded with flavour, layers and finish. Discuss the fate of the world over this wine. Drink: 2012-2020. 123695 20.5% S 750 mL $73.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated Dessert Wine
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
