European Wines in Upcoming Vintages Releases

Picture of a village in the French region of Beaujolais, famous for its wines — 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 European 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.

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December 10

December 10 Vintages Release

Note: This also contains some December 1 Classic Catalogue wines.

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December 10 Wine Reviews

White Wine

Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2015, Alsace A.C., France: A terrific Alsatian white wine with classic Gewürztraminer aromas of lychee, rosewater, grapefruit and baking spice. Pair with spicy and Asian dishes. Gewurztraminer food pairings: Asian dishes, pork tenderloin, curried rice, Panko-crusted chicken. Drink: 2016 – 2020 747600 13.5% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 91/100. September 2016.

Santa Margherita Impronta Del Fondatore Pinot Grigio 2015, Alto Adige, Trentino D.O.C., Italy: This zesty Italian white wine is fresh, clean and crisp with white peach notes. Medium-bodied with lime lift on the finish. Great aperitif. Try this medium-bodied white wine with balsamic grilled radicchio, basil pesto or zucchini and red onion frittata. Pinot Grigio food pairings: pasta in a garlic sauce, avocado and papaya salad, vegetable tempura. Drink: 2016 – 2018 231258 13.5% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. August 2016.

Zenato San Benedetto Lugana Trebbiano 2015, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: A zesty northern Italian white wine with notes of grapefruit, lime and lemon zest. Racy acidity on the palate for shellfish. Trebbiano food pairings: roast turkey, planked salmon, pasta in cream sauce. Drink: 2016 – 2018 707158 13% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. June 2016.

Vetus Flor De Vetus Verdejo 2015, Rueda D.O., Spain: Bone-dry and refreshing Spanish white wine with bright lemon notes. Medium-bodied with lots of mouth-watering acidity. Great aperitif or companion to shellfish. Good price. Pair with pan fried seafood or vegetarian dishes. Verdejo food pairings: shellfish, salads, seafood tapas. Drink: 2016 – 2019 320259 12.5% XD 750 mL $15.95 Score: 89/100. September 2016.

Domaine Jean Vollet & Fils Montmains Chablis 2014, Burgundy A.C., France: Fresh green apple notes a steely purity of fruit in this Old World Chardonnay from the northern Burgundian region of Chablis. Lots of acidity. Pair with lemon or cream sauces Chablis food pairings: shellfish, seafood salads, baked brie and pear, sushi. Drink: 2016 – 2020 405704 12.5% D 750 mL $31.95 Score: 90/100. September 2016.

Chateau De Sancerre Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Loire A.C., France: This Sauvignon Blanc from the Old World has some lemon and smoke notes. Pair with fresh seafood. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: pan-fried fish in lemon beurre, poached white fish in white wine sauce, oysters Rockefeller. Drink: 2016 – 2018 340893 12.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 87/100. September 2016.

Red Wine

Clemente Vii Reserva Chianti Classico 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Lots of coffee, mocha and espresso from oak aging on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, supple Italian red wine from Chianti. Pair with tomato sauce dishes. Chianti Classico food pairings: stuffed roasted turkey, steak topped pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, breaded veal cutlets. Drink: 2016 – 2020 643205 13% D 750 mL $20.95 Score: 88/100. March 2015.

Domaine Du Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2013, Rhone, France: Superb! Polished, bright and vibrant when I expected a monster of a dark red wine. The heft is there yet this wine doesn’t taste either hot (from alcohol) or heavy — so balanced, elegant and long in the finish. Pair with prime rib. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: rare rib steak, apricot and fresh green herb stuffed pork chops, roast pheasant. Drink: 2018 – 2025 951475 14.5% XD 750 mL $105.00 Score: 96/100. September 2016.

Casa Vinicola Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2013, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This respected winery is located between Florence and Siena in the heart of Tuscany. A robust, mouth-watering red wine made from the Chianti region’s classic grape Sangiovese. A balanced, medium- to full-bodied red with aromas of tart cherries and raspberries. Pair with pasta in tomato sauce. Chianti Classico food pairings: bucatini with sausage and peas, roast beef, cheesy pizza, stuffed roasted turkey, pasta with tomato sauce. Drink: 2016 – 2019 3962 13.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. September 2016.

Fuligni Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: Full-bodied, towering, tannic and black as night. This has at least a decade ahead of it, why rush the matter? Supple and a velvet mouth-filling texture. Pair with truffle-accented dishes. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: grilled steak, roast leg of lamb, hard cheese, veal piccata. Drink: 2016 – 2021 245225 13.8% XD 750 mL $84.00 Score: 93/100. January 2015.

Ornellaia Bolgheri 2013, Tuscany D.O.C., Italy: Feral with underbrush and wild mushroom and truffle notes. Earthy, dark and complex. Needs cellar time. Pair with truffle accented risotto and wild boar while you’re lounging in Piedmont. Bolgheri food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast saddle of rabbit. Drink: 2016 – 2020 722470 14.5% XD 750 mL $199.95 Score: 94/100. June 2016.

Tomaresca Trentangeli Trentangeli 2014, Puglia D.O.C., Italy: Loaded with black fruit, dark spice and meaty notes. This full-bodied southern Italian red wine was oak aged and is a great wine for the cellar. Pair with prime rib. Trentangeli food pairings: grilled pork sausage, hard cheeses, veal chops, meat lover’s pizza. Drink: 2016 – 2019 435529 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 2016.

Casa Santos Lima Quinta Das Setencosta 2012, Alenquer D.O.C., Portugal: This robust red wine hails from Portugal’s lovely Estremadura district which is about 25 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean coastline and is called the Alenquer zone. This wine is created from indigenous, local grape grapes. It’s a tasty red with full-bodied goodness and flavors of blackberries and plums with some pepper. Pair with hamburgers. Food pairings: gazpacho soup with smoked sausages, lamb stew. Drink: 2016 – 2018 50930 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. November 2015.

Bodegas Balbas Ardal Crianza Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Ribera Del Duero D.O., Spain: Smokey campfire and hickory smoke on the nose and palate of this robust, Spanish red wine with firm tannins. Decant 2 hours. Pair with grilled lamb. Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: veal Porterhouse, grilled lamb, grilled pork chops, Tandoori-flavored dishes. Drink: 2016 – 2019 167601 14% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 89/100. January 2015.

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Nippozzano Vecchie Viti Sangiovese 2012, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: This is the magnum size of this robust Italian red wine, the equivalent of two regular sized bottles. The regular 750 ml is also in this release. A full-bodied, balanced, layered and complex Italian red wine from the heart of Tuscany. Made from the Sangiovese grapes that grow on the oldest vines, with the deepest root structures, of the Castello de Nipozzano estate. This wine was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, in accordance with Tuscan tradition. Aromas of dark tart cherry, earth, smoke and sun-dried tomato. Pair with pasta in tomato sauce or spicy sausages. Decant 1-2 hours Sangiovese food pairings: pasta in tomato sauce or spicy sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2016 – 2021 403469 14% D 1500 mL $64.00 Score: 92/100. November 2015.

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2013, Veneto I.G.T., Italy: Aromas of coffee and espresso nose, with black fruit and smoke on the nose and palate of this robust Italian red. Smooth and mouth-filling on the palate with black fruit and smoke on a long finish. Decant 2 hours and enjoy with meat lovers’ pizza. Food pairings: pizza with meat, pork tenderloin, rare beef steaks. Drink: 2016 – 2018 672931 14% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 91/100. September 2016.

Guigal Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010, Rhone A.C., France: The 2010 vintage of this Châteauneuf du Pape is robust and fully flavoured with blackberry liqueur and smoke. Complex, rich, deep and long on the finish. A real wow wine that would be a great gift. Pair with roast beef. Châteauneuf-Du-Pape food pairings: roast beef and all the trimmings, gorgonzola and other blue cheeses, lamburgers. Drink: 2018 – 2022 727503 14% D 750 mL $63.95 Score: 94/100. February 2015.

Sobrero Ciabot Tanasio Barolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: Vibrant and alive, though the acidity mid-palate will surprise. Worry not. Give this wine the food it deserves: big pasta or meat dishes. Barolo food pairings: rich tomato sauce and pasta dishes, full-bodied meat dishes. Drink: 2017 – 2022 286070 14% XD 750 mL $52.00 Score: 91/100. January 2015.

Domaine Consta Lazaridi Amethystos Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Agiorgitiko 2012, Drama P.G.I., Greece: A juicy, full-bodied Greek red wine with purple and black plums notes on the notes and palate. Firm tannins. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes with the traditional local Agiorgitiko grape which adds vibrancy and lift to the wine. Pair with wild boar. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Agiorgitiko food pairings: gourmet hamburger, braised short ribs, vegetable stew. Drink: 2016 – 2018 724831 14.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 88/100. November 2015.

Campo Casalin I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2012, Veneto, Italy: Voluptuous rich red with aromas of cherry liqueur and blackcurrant preserves. This is a towering red that will go the distance in your cellar as well as muscle in beside the heartiest of meat dishes on your table. Superb craftsmanship. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: seared beef sirloin, rouladen, stuffed green and red peppers. Drink: 2016 – 2021 946558 15.5% D 750 mL $51.95 Score: 93/100. July 2015.

Bodegas Hermanos Pecina Senorio De Peciña Reserva 2009, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: This robust Spanish red wine exceeds the Gran Reserva maturity guidelines, but is still labeled as only a Reserva. This points to a great bargain on this wine, and the high standards of the winery. Aromas of leather, smoke and memories of a dusty walk in Spain. The fruit is a flesh memory only, but the bones remember to their marrow. Smooth and smoky, for conversations that are comfortable with long silences. Food pairings: pork tenderloin, spaghetti with meatballs and sausage, roast lamb, game meats, slow-roasted beef. Drink: 2016 – 2021 82156 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 92/100. December 2015.

Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2011, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy: A full-bodied, mouth-watering red with aromas of dark red fruit, smoke and dried herbs. Firm tannins. Decant 2 hours. Will cellar well. Pair with game dishes. Brunello Di Montalcino food pairings: rich tomato sauce and pasta dishes, full-bodied meat dishes. Drink: 2016 – 2018 579094 13.5% D 750 mL $44.95 Score: 92/100. March 2015.

Dourthe Freres Chateau Pey La Tour Reserve Verdot Malbec 2012, Bordeaux, France: This traditional Bordeaux blend has Merlot (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Cabernet France (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%) grapes. Classic aromas of cassis and black currant with some pepper and smoke on the nose, palate and long finish. The 2012 vintage was a strong one and it shows in this value-priced Bordeaux. The vines are planted in calcerous-clay soils. Superb balance, depth and freshness. Pair with prime rib or a rare steak. Verdot Malbec food pairings: prime rib roast rare, New York strip loin steak, Porterhouse veal chops. Drink: 2016 – 2019 349308 14.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. November 2015.

Faustino Martinez Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2004, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Mature with tanned leather and Old World finesse. Gorgeous dry fruit and herbs, earth, dust and time gone by aromas. Finishes with longing and regret (for another glass). Pair with lamb. Tempranillo food pairings: wild boar roast, grilled venison steak, roast pheasant. Drink: 2016 – 2019 976662 12.8% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. September 2016.

Domaines Alain Aubert Chateau Hyot 2012, Castillon, Côtes De Bordeaux A.C., France: Pleasantly bitter black fruit and mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied and juicy Bordeaux red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Great for steak, especially at this price. Food pairings: rare rib steak, stuffed pork tenderloin roast, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2016 – 2020 63537 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. November 2015.

Storia Antica Superiore Valpolicella Ripasso 2014, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Generous oak is well woven with rich black fruit. Savoury, dark and delicious with full-bodied weight and incredible concentration of flavour. Long finish. Great wine. Pair with rich meat dishes. Valpolicella Ripasso food pairings: grilled steaks, slow-cooked beef, osso buco. Drink: 2017 – 2021 273672 13% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. March 2016.

Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo 2010, Piedmont D.O.C.G., Italy: If you like Barolo, try this one as it’s also made from the Nebbiolo grape. This seductive, robust Italian red wine is still quite tannic with tarry black fruit and violets, so it needs cellar time. Decant 2 hours. Try it with a rack of lamb. Nebbiolo food pairings: beef, mushroom risotto, gorgonzola. Drink: 2016 – 2020 713354 13.5% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. April 2015.

Perrin & Fils Les Christins Vacqueyras Grenache 2013, Rhone A.C., France: Concentrated and complex southern French red wine from the heart of the Rhone Valley, with deep, satisfying layers of blackberry liqueur on the nose and palate. Smooth yet mouth-filling. Pair with roast beef. Grenache food pairings: pepper steak, roast beef, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2016 – 2023 973453 14% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. September 2016.

La Vite Lucente 2014, Tuscany I.G.T., Italy: Complex, full-bodied yet nuanced and long on the finish. This vibrant Italian red wine features gorgeous aromas of dried black cherry, cedar, smoke, fleshy blackberries from an iconic producer. It’s a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and it was aged for 1 year in French barriques. Decant for 1 hour. Pair this wine with prime rib. Food pairings: pepper steak, roast beef, sausage cassoulet. Drink: 2016 – 2018 747030 13.5% D 750 mL $34.95 Score: 93/100. March 2016.

Bodegas Alto Moncayo Grenache 2013, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: A seriously hefty Spanish red wine: this is gorgeous. On the palate, absolutely stunning flavours of fleshy black plum, blackberry and some smoke. Velvet texture. Love, love! Pair with rack of lamb. Grenache food pairings: veal stew with sautéed vegetables, roast quail wrapped in prosciutto, beef bourguignon, grilled tuna with a pepper crust, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2016 – 2019 396358 16% XD 750 mL $51.00 Score: 93/100. August 2015.

Domaine Dupre Vignes De 1935 Gamay 2014, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France: Tart cherry and dark spice with lots of acidity for tomato sauces on the palate. Attractive, medium-bodied and mouth-filling. Pair with planked salmon. Gamay food pairings: grilled rib steak, veal chops, duck comfit. Drink: 2016 – 2019 440297 12.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 87/100. September 2016.

Alto Moncayo Veraton Grenache 2013, Campo De Borja D.O., Spain: A savoury, juicy, lip-smacking delicious Spanish red wine with incredible depths of concentrated dark fruit flavour. Think fleshy black plum and blackberries with some cedar smoke and savoury bacon notes. So, so tasty. Pair with roast beef. Grenache food pairings: roast beef, porchetta, slow-cooked venison ribs. Drink: 2016 – 2021 173211 15.5% XD 750 mL $35.95 Score: 93/100. September 2016.

Sparkling Wine

George Gardet Tradition Brut Cuvée Champagne, Champagne A.C., France: A steal for Champagne! Great finesse, finish and crispness. Well-toned and refreshing. Aromas of baked bread, green apple and lime. Good persistence of flavours and bubbles. Perfect as an aperitif, whether as a toast to the happy couple or just for sipping on a lazy afternoon. Champagne food pairings: salad, cheese, poultry, Thai coconut shrimp, pasta with cheese-based sauce.. Drink: 2016 – 2020 924654 12% XD 750 mL $41.95 Score: 92/100. August 2016.

Villa Conchi Seleccion Brut Cava, Cava D.O., Spain: A crisp, refreshing sparkling wine from Spain that’s a fraction of the price of Champagne. Toasty and vibrant with notes of almond and apple. Pair with fried chicken. Cava food pairings: seafood tapas, steamed shellfish, grilled sardines. Drink: 2016 – 2019 386979 11.5% D 750 mL $15.95 Score: 90/100. September 2016.

Dessert Wine

Puklus Cellar 3 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2012, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary: Splendid! Rich apricot, clementine unfolds on the palate enveloped by layers of ripe peach goodness. Supremely great dessert wine! Hungary’s Tokaji region is renowned for making the “king of wines” – the sweet wine Tokaji Aszù. The more “Puttonyos,” which range from 3 to 6, the sweeter the wine. This lovely dessert elixir finishes with apricot preserves, pear, and clementine. The acidity and moderate sweetness makes it very balanced and suitable for nuts, cheeses and fruit-based desserts. Tokaji Aszu food pairings: foie gras, blue-veined cheeses, crème brûlée. Drink: 2016 – 2020 980805 13.5% S 500 mL $20.95 Score: 93/100. November 2015.

Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Spätlese Gewurztraminer 2015, Pfalz Pradikätswein, Germany: A gorgeous German sweet wine with layers of honeyed apricot flavours and some peach notes on the finish. Pair with fruit flans. Gewurztraminer food pairings: honey cake, chocolate cookies, berry tarts, apple dumplings. Drink: 2016 – 2018 320473 10% MS 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. September 2016.

Rosés

Chateau Tour De L’eveque Rosé 2015, Côtes De Provence A.C., France: This lively French rosé not only offers wild strawberry notes, it also has a little white pepper for intrigue and pleasure. Medium-bodied, dry and some kind of wonderful from Régine Sumeire, Propreitor-récolt. One of the most respected rosé producers in Provence: consistently great year after year. Rosé food pairings: pan-fired pickerel, gravel, steamed shrimp with lemon butter. Drink: 2016 – 2017 319392 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 91/100. August 2016.

Posted with permission of the LCBO.

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