Here are my top wine picks from the March 16 Vintages Release. You can also get all 65 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.
Here are several of my reviews quoted in the LCBO Vintages Catalogue:
Muga Barrel Fermented White 2011, D.O.C.A., Rioja, Spain
This gorgeous wine is a blend of 90% viura and 10% malvasia grapes that was fermented in new French oak barrels and aged for 3 months on the lees. Lovely yellow apple, Asian pear and lily aromas. Medium-bodied. Dry and refreshing. Try with roast chicken. Drink: 2013-2016. 958736 13% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value White Wine. Charming Chicken Wine.
Creekside Laura’s White 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Lovely blend of Chardonnay, Chardonnay Musque, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Gorgeous aromas of butterscotch, toasted almond and white peach. Floral notes and light spices on the finish. Try it with fresh seafood. Yum! Drink: 2013-2017. 121764 13% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 92/100. Top Rated White Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine.
Pierre Henri Morel Signargues 2010, A.C., Rhône, France
Dense black fruit, licorice and smoke on the nose of this amazingly well-priced wine. Full-bodied and supple with black plum and black raspberry on the finish. This is a terrific blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes. I’m still shaking my head at the great price. Try it with meat lovers’ pizza or hamburgers. Drink: 2013-2016. 277038 13.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 91/100. Best Value Red Wine. Pizza Pleaser Wine.
Tenuta Di Ghizzano Veneroso 2009, I.G.T., Tuscany, Italy
Love it! Classic and structured and intriguing. Black fruit and smoky mystery on the nose. The palate floods the senses with black plums, anise and dark spices. Considerable structure, complexity and concentration. This will do well in the cellar, but it’ll be difficult to wait. The wine is a blend is 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Drink: 2014-2022. 103218 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 96/100. Top Rated Red Wine. Luscious Lamb Wine.
Cave De Hoen Heimberger Brut Cave De Beblenheim Rosé Crémant D’alsace, A,C., Alsace, France
Love it! Light, dry notes of wild field raspberries blowing in a spring wind. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering with a savoury goodness. Stock up for weddings. Pair with: lighter fish, seafood dishes. Drink: 2013-2015. 168948 12.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine. Scrumptious Seafood Wine.
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Unfiltered Port 2007, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal
Simply divine! Fleshy black plums huddle together then spread across your senses. Full-bodied, sweet and the perfect dessert wine for happiness and conversation. It can also age well in the cellar. Drink: 2013-2022. 87551 20% S 750 mL $23.95 Score: 94/100. Top Rated Dessert Wine. Divine Dessert Wine.
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
