VINTAGES Release February 17, 2018: Rising-Star Regions + Winning Ontario

The February 17, 2018 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from Rising Star Regions as its main theme, while the mini-theme features award-winning wines from Ontario. All of these new wines will be on shelves this Saturday, February 17th.

We'll begin with the main theme that features 10 wine regions that tend to make super wines at stellar prices. Just 11 wines are featured in this section, and the only wine included among my top wine picks is a white wine blend consisting of Sauvignon Blanc & Assyrtiko from Drama, which is located in the northeastern end of Macedonia in northern Greece.

From the mini-theme that features wines that took top honours at the 2017 National Wine Awards of Canada, there are only (!) four wines listed, but three of them are included among my top wine picks from this release. Wines with top honours include a Vidal Icewine, an oaked Chardonnay, and a Gamay Noir. All of these wines are from Niagara and are typically well-made year after year.

Among my red wine picks, the Douro dry red wine is a steal at $13 and consists of 30% Tinta Barroca, 25% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca, 15 Tinta Roriz and 5% Tinto Cão, grapes typically used to make Port. From Bordeaux, the Recougne is a blend of  90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Carmenere, while the Sénéjac is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. From the Languedoc, the Mosaique is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourverdre, while the Gigondas is a Grenache-led blend that also contains Syrah. Lastly, the Gattinara is made with Nebbiolo.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• VALE DO BOMFIM 2015 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#167676) (XD) - $12.95
• CHÂTEAU RECOUGNE 2014 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#368167) (XD) - $15.95
• S. DELAFONT MOSAIQUE 2016 - AP Languedoc, France (#482455) (XD) - $17.95
• MALIVOIRE GAMAY 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#591313) (D) - $17.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR 2016 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#461699) (D) - $24.95
• ANZIVINO GATTINARA 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#534909) (XD) - $29.95
• CHÂTEAU SÉNÉJAC 2015 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#962977) (XD) - $29.95
• DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR GIGONDAS 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#981787) (XD) - $32.95
• SORDO GABUTTI BAROLO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#530485) (XD) - $68.95

White Wine:

• PIATTELLI RESERVE TORRONTÉS 2016 - Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina (#536672) (XD) - $14.95
• SNAPPER ROCK MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536185) (XD) - $16.95
• THEMA WHITE 2015 - PGI Drama, Greece (#178442) (XD) - $18.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $18.95
• D’ARENBERG THE MONEY SPIDER ROUSSANNE 2016 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#656710) (XD) - $19.95
• VILLA MARIA RESERVE WAIRAU VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536201) (XD) - $24.95
• REDSTONE CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#511428) (XD) - $25.70
• BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY 2015 - Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California (#395699) (XD) - $44.95
• DOMAINE TAUPENOT-MERME SAINT-ROMAIN BLANC 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#522177) (XD) - $53.95
• PATZ & HALL CHARDONNAY 2015 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#200808) (XD) - $64.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• COLVENDRA GRAN BRUT PROSECCO CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#517862) (D) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• INNISKILLIN VIDAL ICEWINE 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#388306) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95  90+ pts  wine review

Fortified:

• DALVA COLHEITA PORT 1995 - DOC, Portugal (#69930) (S) - $41.95  92 pts  wine review

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VINTAGES Release February 3, 2018: Mediterranean + Fun Facts

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on February 3, 2018 features wines from the sunny Mediterranean - which in this release includes wines from France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Lebanon - that are suitable for any table and any budget is the main theme. Meanwhile, the mini-theme is titled "Fun Facts about Fine Wine". These new wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this Saturday, February 3rd.

We'll begin with the main theme that lists fifteen wines from five countries, and while the list is quite respectable, just three wines are included among my top wine picks. First up is the Assyrtiko white wine from Greece that is always delicious and minerally-driven. The second white wine from this section is made with Inzolia, a grape long associated with the production of Marsala fortified wine, but now seen on its own in dry table wine. Lastly, the Château de Tréviac is a lovely blend of 60% Syrah, and 40% Grenache from 35 year old vines.

From the mini-theme of the release, the nine facts are interesting, as well as some of the nine wines listed in this feature, however, just two of these wines are listed among my wine recommendations. The fun fact tied to the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is that the Kiwis figured out how to farm sunshine - New Zealand is a cool-climate wine region and, in terms of wine, is rather difficult to get sunshine down there. The second fun fact is related to Brunello di Montalcino wines that are made with 100% Sangiovese using a specific clonal variation (natural mutation) of the grape found in Chianti, and is now found only in Montalcino.

Among my red wine picks from the rest of the release, Syrah/Shiraz plays a large part with three single varietal wines, plus the Gigondas that is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The 2008 Bordeaux red is fully mature and made with 74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Barbaresco is made with 100% Nebbiolo.

In white wines, there are a pair of interesting white blends. The Pekin White from South Africa is mostly Chenin Blanc with small amounts Roussanne, Muscat de Frontignan, Viognier and Sémillon, while the Loire white is a blend of Melon de Bourgogne, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Folle. For sweet wine lovers, the German Riesling or the Pinot Gris from Alsace are your best bets.

It's always nice to rosé arrive during the winter months, and in this release we have a dry rosé wine from Chile that consists of 56% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, 12% Grenache and 7% Mourvèdre.

Enjoy my top wine picks from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• LUA CHEIA OLD VINES RED 2015 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#266882) (XD) - $13.95
• CHAKANA NUNA ESTATE MALBEC 2016 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#018671) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2015 - AP, Midi, France (#670505) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• MOUNT RILEY SYRAH 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#535856) (XD) - $18.95
• BOSCHENDAL 1685 SHIRAZ 2015 - WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#542787) (XD) - $19.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ 2015 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#433060) (XD) - $22.95
• BERSANO MANTICO BARBARESCO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#452805) (XD) - $39.95
• CHÂTEAU LA VIEILLE CURE 2008 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#484253) (XD) - $41.95
• E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#331900) (XD) - $42.95
• LAZZERETTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#318352) (D) - $53.95

White Wine:

• AVONDALE JONTY’S DUCKS PEKIN WHITE 2015 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#439554) (XD) - $15.95
• DOMAINE DE LA FRUITIÈRE VIGNES BLANCHES 2015 - IGP Val de Loire, France (#527184) (XD) - $16.95
• RABL KITTMANSBERG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2016 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#346007) (XD) - $16.95
• FRAMINGHAM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#606848) (XD) - $19.95
• PEWSEY VALE SINGLE VINEYARD ESTATE RIESLING 2016 - Eden Valley, South Australia (#686600) (XD) - $19.95
• DARTING DÜERKHEIMER HOCHBENN RIESLING KABINETT 2015 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#523944) (S) - $21.95
• INZOLIA DEI FORNELLI 2016 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#539932) (XD) - $22.95
• ARGYROS ASSYRTIKO 2016 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#387365) (XD) - $27.95  90 pts  wine review
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER KESSLER PINOT GRIS 2012 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#249623) (D) - $29.95
• DOMAINE LAROCHE LES FOURCHAUMES 1ER CRU CHABLIS 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#530162) (XD) - $44.95  FSE

Rosé Wine:

• LAPOSTOLLE LE ROSÉ 2016 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#524967) (XD) - $17.95

Sparkling Wine:

• STARS BRUT NATURE RESERVA CAVA 2015 - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#515221) (XD) - $16.95
• PATRICK CHAN SPARKLING BLANC DE BLANCS 2011 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#546291) (D) - $29.95

Fortified:

• VALE MEÃO VINTAGE PORT 2014 - DOP, Portugal (#545046) (S) - $65.95

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VINTAGES Release January 20, 2018: Chile + Portugal

The value-based releases of 2018 continues with this second release of the year. The main theme of the January 20, 2018 VINTAGES Release focuses on sustainable and green wines from Chile, while the mini-theme highlights the wines from the varied regions of Portugal. New wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this Saturday, January 20th.

Chile shines in this release, with nine of the fourteen wines included in my top wine picks. We'll begin with the organic sparkling wine that is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Among the white wines from Chile, there is a single vineyard oaked Chardonnay, as well as an interesting blend from coastal vineyards made with 85% Chardonnay (oaked) and 15% Viognier. Among the reds there are numerous single varietal wines to choose from, including Syrah, Cot (the original name for Malbec in France), Carmenère, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The blends include a 2010 that consists of 80% Carignan from dry farmed 60-year-old vines, with the balance Mourvèdre. And lastly, the LFE 900 is a blend of 77% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Mourvèdre, 4% Tempranillo, and 1% Grenache.

The mini-theme from Portugal is very small, with just five wines listed, and the only one included among my wine picks is a dry, unoaked white wine made with the Avesso varietal from the Vinho Verde wine region in northwestern Portugal. It's not common to see single varietal wines made with this grape, and is very uncommon to see in our market.

From my top red wine picks in this release, the 2008 Bordeaux is a blend of roughly 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Flagship Store Exclusives (FSE) in this release are also very good. From South Africa, the Optima is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 16% Cabernet Franc, while the Languedoc red is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% old vine Syrah. There are also a pair of very fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines - the 2015 is a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre / Vaccarèse / Cinsault, while the 2004 has Grenache as the main component, and but contains other varietals typical for the region.

Among my white wine picks, the Bila-Haut is a blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Macabeu, 10% Marsanne, and 10% Vermentino, while the rest are all single varietal wines. For sweet wine lovers, the Gewürztraminer is a must buy; there is also a Niagara Riesling which is a blend of grapes from both the Ivan and Picone vineyard.

It's refreshing to see rosé wines on VINTAGES shelves in the middle of winter. The Il Borro is a dry, organic rosé wine from Tuscany made with 100% Sangiovese.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• BOUTARI NAOUSSA XINOMAVRO 2015 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#023218) (XD) - $13.95
• SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2015 - Leyda Valley, Chile (#371161) (XD) - $18.95
• PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION COT 2015 - Estate bottled, Maipo Valley, Chile (#670547) (D) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2015 - Peumo, Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• ANKO FLOR DE CARDÓN MALBEC 2014 - Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina (#536706) (XD) - $19.95
• MIGUEL TORRES CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#541169) (XD) - $19.95

• IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#382945) (XD) - $24.95
• LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS LFE 900 SINGLE VINEYARD BLEND 2014 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#431809) (XD) - $24.95
• ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA 2013 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#455915) (XD) - $27.95  FSE
• VALDIVIESO ÉCLAT 2010 - Dry farmed, old vines, Maule Valley, Chile (#541128) (XD) - $29.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU PECH-REDON LA CENTAURÉE COTEAUX DU LANGUEDOC LA CLAPE 2012 - AC, Midi, France (#530246) (XD) - $33.95  FSE
• CHÂTEAU BELLEGRAVE DU POUJEAU 2008 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#526921) (XD) - $38.95
• CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2004 - AC, Rhône, France (#735407) (XD) - $52.95  FSE
• CLOS DU CAILLOU LES SAFRES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#525998) (XD) - $62.95  FSE

White Wine:

• TETRAMYTHOS RODITIS 2016 - PDO Patras, Peloponnese, Greece (#261610) (XD) - $13.95  88 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE DE LA FRUITIÈRE MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE SUR LIE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#451112) (XD) - $14.95
• LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2015 - AC, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95  88 pts  wine review
• COVELA EDIÇÃO NACIONAL AVESSO 2015 - Vinho Verde, Portugal (#524868) (XD) - $17.95
• VISTAMAR CORTE DE CAMPO COASTAL BLEND 2015 - Single estate, Casablanca Costa Valley, Chile (#541003) (XD) - $18.95
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2015 - Elquí Valley, Chile (#540781) (XD) - $19.95
• ANDRÉ BLANCK & FILS ALTENBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#168906) (M) - $19.95
• CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#523845) (M) - $22.20
• LOUIS MOREAU VAULIGNOT CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#525386) (XD) - $38.95

Rosé Wine:

• IL BORRO ROSÉ DEL BORRO 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#539940) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• EMILIANA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#536607) (XD) - $17.95

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VINTAGES Release January 6, 2018: Smart Buys

This first LCBO VINTAGES release of the year always the annual Smart Buys release, and 2018 is no different. After the many high-priced releases leading up to the holidays, this release is filled with mostly sub-$20 wines - a welcome sight to many wallets, I'm sure. This release is also much smaller than the holiday-themed releases from October through December. Nonetheless, there are some quality buys in this release. New wines will be on shelves this Saturday, January 6th.

In this mono-thematic release, twenty wines are featured as Smart Buys, and four are listed among my top wine picks. The first is a nice Shiraz from South Africa, while the second red wine is a Carignan from 60+ year old vines in Roussillon. In white wines, both are sweet Rieslings, with one coming from British Columbia, and the other being a mature 2008 Riesling Kabinett from Germany.

In continuing the theme of nice (and sweet) Rieslings, you'll also want to check out the Niagara Riesling that comes from vines nearly 40 years of age and is always delicious year-after-year. It would be a nice comparison to taste the Niagara Riesling alongside the versions from the Okanagan and Mosel. Other white wines in this release include dry wines made with lesser-known varietals Godello and Fiano - neither of which make an appearance at the LCBO often. The dry white wine from Loire is made with Chenin Blanc, while the Burgundian white is a Chardonnay.

Among top red wine picks from this release, there is a Côtes du Rhône from the excellent 2015 vintage which contains 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, while the Australian GSM is mostly Grenache with some Shiraz, and small amounts of Mataro (Mourvèdre). From Tuscany, the Brunello is made with Sangiovese Grosso, while the Morellino di Scansano is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante, and 5% Malvasia Nero. Also from Tuscany, the Irrosso is a blend of 75% Sangiovese and 25% Colorino. And last, but not least, from Friuli is a red wine made with the little-known Schioppettino varietal.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this Release and Happy New Year to all! May you drink great wine in 2018. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• COURTOIS LA SOURCE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#526640) (XD) - $14.95
• LEEUWENKUIL SHIRAZ 2016 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#536631) (XD) - $14.95
• D’ARENBERG THE FOOTBOLT SHIRAZ 2014 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#984021) (XD) - $17.00
• FATTORIA LE PUPILLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#455659) (XD) - $17.95
• KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S RUN GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MATARO 2013 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#412189) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• MOMO PINOT NOIR 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#163972) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE LAFAGE CAYROL VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2014 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#494039) (XD) - $19.95
• CA’TULLIO LO SCHIOPPETTINO 2015 - DOC Colli Orientali, Friuli, Italy (#539072) (XD) - $21.95  FSE
• IRROSSO 2015 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#536235) (XD) - $28.95
• LA GERLA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#642561) (XD) - $61.95

White Wine:

• ABAD DOM BUENO GODELLO 2015 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#154302) (XD) - $14.95
• JANARE FIANO 2016 - DOP Sannio, Campania, Italy (#528786) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE DES QUINTS SAUMUR 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#527259) (XD) - $16.95
• TERRES SECRÈTES LA ROCHE VINEUSE MÂCON 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#522193) (XD) - $17.95
• DR. SIEMENS SERRIGER WÜRZBURG RIESLING KABINETT FEINHERB 2008 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#524827) (M) - $17.95
• ST. HUBERTUS RIESLING 2014 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#544072) (M) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#38117) (M) - $19.95  89+ pts  wine review

Sparkling Wine:

• CHÂTEAU MONCONTOUR TÊTE DE CUVÉE BRUT VOUVRAY - Traditional method, AC, Loire, France (#207936) (D) - $17.95

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VINTAGES Release Dec. 9, 2017: Wines for Fêtes & Feasts + Bubblies

The upcoming December 9, 2017 VINTAGES Release is the last (and largest) release of 2017 and features Fine Wines for Fêtes & Feasts as its main theme. The mini-theme in this release features some very fine bubblies for festive occasions such as ringing in the New Year. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin with the feature listing fine wines for fêtes & feasts, which focuses on wines for holiday get-togethers. Of the eighteen wines listed, just two are included among my wine picks. The red wine is from Gérard Bertrand and is made with 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 30% Mourvèdre, while the white wine is a Premier Cru Chablis (Chardonnay) from Burgundy.

From the bubblies mini-thematic which is composed of ten Champagnes, five are included among my top wine recommendations. The Cristal is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, while the Nicolas Feuillatte is blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The HBH is equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and aged at least 10 years on their sides. The Moët & Chandon is the 72nd vintage of this Champagne and this latest incarnation is composed of 40% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 23% Pinot Meunier. Lastly, the Rosé Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir that was vinified as a red wine.

In red wines from the rest of the release, there are a pair of nice Portuguese reds - the DAC Tinto is a blend of 30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Alfrocheiro, and 20% Jaen, while the Quadrus is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Souzao. From Rhône, a pair of wines from the excellent 2015 vintage include the Les Grands Bois, which is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan, while the Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault. The Elderton from Australia is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz, and 7% Merlot, while the 1994 Spanish red is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. The blockbuster Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon also includes 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Lastly, the pair of Bolgheri's are the Antinori, which contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, and the stellar Ornellaia that is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Petit Verdot.

For sweet wine lovers, you'll want to look at either Riesling from Ontario or the Gewürztraminer from British Columbia as all three wines are mildly sweet. For very sweet wines, check out the Riesling Spätlese from Germany or the Tokaji from Hungary.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Happy holidays!

Red Wine:

• GÉRARD BERTRAND GRENACHE / SYRAH / MOURVÈDRE CORBIÈRES 2014 - AP, Midi, France (#394288) (D) - $16.95
• DAC TINTO 2014 - DO Dão, Portugal (#523589) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE LES TROIS SOEURS CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2015 - AP, Rhône, France (#281147) (XD) - $16.95
• DELHEIM SHIRAZ 2013 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#959080) (XD) - $17.95
• TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2015 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
• FEUDO MONTONI LAGNUSA NERO D’AVOLA 2014 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#523738) (XD) - $22.95
• GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ 2015 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#627844) (XD) - $28.95

• QUADRUS RESERVA 2011 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#534271) (XD) - $30.95  90+ pts  wine review
• ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE 2014 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#976423) (XD) - $39.95
• ASCHERI BAROLO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#496851) (XD) - $49.95
• LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#700922) (XD) - $65.95
• FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA 1994 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#929489) (XD) - $68.95  91 pts  wine review
• ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2014 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $109.95
• JOSEPH PHELPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#189795) (D) - $114.95
• ORNELLAIA 2014 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $199.95  94 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• CANTINA GALLURA PIRAS VERMENTINO DI GALLURA 2015 - DOCG, Sardinia, Italy (#511485) (XD) - $15.95
• LA FORTEZZA TABURNO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO 2016 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#527630) (XD) - $16.95
• MEGALOMANIAC NARCISSIST RIESLING 2016 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#67587) (D) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
• DIRTY LAUNDRY THREADBARE VINES GEWURZTRAMINER 2015 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#514992) (D) - $19.95
• FAMILIA ZUCCARDI Q CHARDONNAY 2016 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#232702) (XD) - $19.95
• VALTEA ALBARIÑO 2016 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#518019) (XD) - $22.95
• CHARLES BAKER IVAN VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#395921) (D) - $27.20  FSE
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE LES CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2016 - AC, Loire, France (#65573) (XD) - $27.95
• STUDERT-PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2016 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#912659) (S) - $27.95
• DOMAINE DE LA MOTTE BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#524306) (XD) - $42.95
• PATZ & HALL CHARDONNAY 2015 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#200808) (XD) - $64.95  FSE

Sparkling Wine:

• LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France (#401018) (XD) - $20.95
• NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#240085) (D) - $56.95
• LOUIS BROCHET HBH 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE 2002 - AC, France (#385815) (XD) - $69.95
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#69773) (XD) - $92.95
• BILLECART-SALMON BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#724559) (XD) - $109.95
• CRISTAL BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2009 - AC, France (#268755) (XD) - $304.95

Fortified:

• SANDEMAN 20-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#116178) (S) - $64.95  91+ pts  wine review
• WARRE'S QUINTA DA CAVADINHA VINTAGE PORT 2004 - Bottled 2006, DOP, Portugal (#189605) (S) - $54.95

Dessert Wine:

• ROYAL TOKAJI LATE HARVEST TOKAJI 2015 - Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (#517375) (S) (500 mL) - $19.95

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VINTAGES Release Nov. 25, 2017: California Wines for Holiday Wish Lists

The next release into LCBO VINTAGES on November 25, 2017 is a mono-thematic release featuring top California wines for holiday wish lists. All of these wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this coming Saturday. This is the second to last release of 2017, and it's a thick one, so you'll want to begin stocking up for the holidays from this release and the past few releases in October and November.

We'll begin with the main theme that features top wines from California. Most of the seventeen wines listed in this thematic will provide enjoyment, but I have limited my selection to four top wines. This includes the mountain vineyard blend from The Hess Collection which contains 61% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot/Syrah, while the flagship wine from Stags' Leap is made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. In white wines from California, the Grgich Chardonnay is always delicious every year, while the Kistler Chardonnay comes from their mountain vineyards that range in elevation from 800 to 1700 feet above sea level.

From my red wine picks from the rest of this release, the Crianza is made with 100% Tempranillo, while the Faithful Hound from South Africa is faithfully made with 32% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 16% Malbec, and 7% Petit Verdot. The Chianti Classico is also a blend and consists of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, and 10% Pugnitello. From France there are a pair of GSM-blends - the La Ferme du Mont wine is composed of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, while the Tessellae Old Vines is made with 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Also from France, the Crozes-Hermitage is 100% Syrah, while the "Vin de France" Xavier wine from Rhône consists of almost 100% Mourvèdre. On the local front, the Stratus Red is predominantly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with Syrah, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Tannat added to complete the final blend.

Among my white wine picks, the Antinori white from Umbria and the Montagny from Burgundy are both made with Chardonnay. For sweet wine lovers, you should pick up any of the Rieslings from either Ontario or Germany.

The sparkling wines found among my wine recommendations are all on the dry side. The Desiderius Pongrácz Sparkling Wine and the Drappier Champagne are both blends of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, while the Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne is a blend of 46% Pinot Noir (of which 20% is red wine), 32% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier. Meanwhile, the Cuvée Catharine Blanc de Blanc is made with 100% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my top wine picks from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• VIÑA OLABARRI CRIANZA 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#461277) (XD) - $14.95
• LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2015 - Unfiltered, AP, France (#251645) (XD) - $17.95  88+ pts  reviewed here
• TESSELLAE OLD VINES GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON 2015 - AC, Midi, France (#343517) (XD) - $18.95
• SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#282996) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  reviewed here
• ZUCCARDI Q CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Gualtallary & La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#140855) (XD) - $19.95
• MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2014 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#922443) (XD) - $20.95
• CAVE DE TAIN GRAND CLASSIQUE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#572230) (D) - $23.95

• XAVIER ARCANE XV LE DIABLE 2015 - Vin de France, Rhône, France (#526301) (XD) - $29.95
• STRATUS RED 2013 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#131037) (XD) - $48.20
• DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON PINOT NOIR 2014 - Dundee Hills, Oregon, USA (#961284) (XD) - $49.95  91 pts  reviewed here
• THE HESS COLLECTION 19 BLOCK MOUNTAIN CUVÉE 2013 - Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA (#018879) (D) - $54.95
• CA’ ROMÉ ROMANO MARENGO CERRETTA BAROLO 2011 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#000455) (XD) - $71.95
• FUMANELLI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#475053) (XD) - $72.95  92 pts  reviewed here
• STAGS’ LEAP ESTATE THE LEAP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#142844) (XD) - $99.95

White Wine:

• FAZIO AEGADES GRILLO 2015 - DOC Erice, Sicily, Italy (#388637) (XD) - $17.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2015 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $18.95
• LAURENZ V. FRIENDLY GRÜNER VELTLINER 2015 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#066225) (XD) - $19.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUÉS DE CASA CONCHA CHARDONNAY 2015 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#342857) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  reviewed here
• FRITZ WILLI FRIEDRICH-WILHELM-GYMNASIUM RIESLING FEINHERB 2015 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#523894) (M) - $20.95  89 pts  reviewed here
• STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#324228) (XD) - $21.95  89+ pts  reviewed here

• BACHELDER OREGON CHARDONNAY 2014 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#273334) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  reviewed here
• CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING 2014 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#241182) (M) - $35.20
• HENRI DE VILLAMONT MONTAGNY 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#522151) (XD) - $40.95  91 pts  reviewed here
• ANTINORI CASTELLO DELLA SALA CERVARO DELLA SALA 2015 - IGT Umbria, Italy (#512376) (XD) - $59.95
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#346304) (XD) - $67.95  92 pts  reviewed here
• KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY 2015 - Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, USA (#183921) (XD) - $107.95

Sparkling Wine:

• DESIDERIUS PONGRÁCZ BRUT CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING CHARDONNAY/PINOT NOIR - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#404111) (XD) - $16.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC 2012 - Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (XD) - $44.95  91pts  reviewed here
• DRAPPIER MILLÉSIME EXCEPTION CHAMPAGNE 2012 - AC, France (#513895) (XD) - $74.95
• MOËT & CHANDON GRAND VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2008 - AC, France (#069831) (XD) - $98.95

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LCBO VINTAGES November 11, 2017: France + After-Dinner Drinks

The next release in LCBO VINTAGES on November 11, 2017 is features wines from France as its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on after-dinner drinks. It's a big release, with many top wines to add to your cellar. These new wines will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario starting this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that lists twelve wines, nine of which are included among my top wine picks. Both Champagnes are of the Rose type, with the Deutz made with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, while the Veuve Clicquot is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Meunier. In white wines, there is the Picard Premier Cru Chablis and Servin Grand Cru Chablis, both of which are Chardonnay with little oak influence. From Sancerre, there is a Sauvignon Blanc made from vines that are at least 50 years old. The final white is a dry Riesling from Alsace. Among French reds, the 2006 Madiran is made with Tannat, while the 2001 Burgundy is made with Pinot Noir. Lastly, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre.

Red wines from the rest of the release include the Fontaine du Clos, which is a blend of Grenache and Syrah. From Spain, the Murrieta is a blend of 83% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, and 3% Garnacha, while the Remelluri is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Viura and Malvasia. From Italy, the "baby" Ornellaia is a big wine that consists of 64% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 9% Petit Verdot. Lastly, the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon also contains 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 2% Merlot.

Among my white wine recommendations, the Hugel Gentil is a dry blend made with 50% Sylvaner & Pinot Blanc, 22% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewürztraminer, 7% Riesling, and 6% Muscat. For sweet wine lovers, look for the Riesling from Ontario or British Columbia, or the Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

From the drinks to enjoy after-dinner section, there are two lovely Port wines, as well as the Botrytis-affected Semillon from Australia that always makes an appearance around this time of year.

Enjoy my top wine picks from the release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• GÉRARD BERTRAND SAINT CHINIAN SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2014 - AP, Midi, France (#370247) (D) - $16.95
• DEMORGENZON DMZ SYRAH 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#404202) (D) - $16.95
• SANTA CAROLINA SPECIALTIES DRY FARMING CARIGNAN 2013 - Cauquenes Valley, Chile (#213520) (XD) - $17.95
• FONTAINE DU CLOS CONFIDENCES 2014 - AP Côtes du Rhône, France (#498451) (XD) - $17.95
• FOWLES STONE DWELLERS SHIRAZ 2015 - Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia (#265967) (XD) - $19.95

• CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2014 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#525022) (D) - $24.95  reviewed here
• MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#209148) (XD) - $30.95
• CHÂTEAU BOUSCASSÉ VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN 2006 - AP, Southwest, France (#132415) (D) - $38.95
• TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA AMBROSÍA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2012 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#402941) (XD) - $39.95  reviewed here
• REMELLURI RESERVA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#480160) (XD) - $39.95
• PIETRANERA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#189761) (XD) - $44.95

• DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIÈRE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 - AP, Rhône, France (#062711) (D) - $44.95
• BORGOGNO BAROLO 2012 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#283499) (XD) - $45.95
• LE SERRE NUOVE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2015 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#606194) (D) - $64.95  reviewed here
• CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Puente Alto, Chile (#403980) (D) - $89.95
• MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE COLLECTION BELLENUM PETITE CHAPELLE GEVREY CHAMBERTIN 1ER CRU 2001 - AC, Burgundy, France (#514257) (XD) - $106.95
• CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (#014217) (XD) - $122.95  reviewed here

White Wine:

• HUGEL GENTIL 2015 - AC Alsace, France (#367284) (XD) - $17.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2015 - Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
• DIRTY LAUNDRY RIESLING 2014 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#514976) (M) - $19.95
• TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT GRIGIO 2016 - IGT Vignetti delle Dolomiti, Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy (#474742) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMANE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2015 - DAC Wachau, Austria (#031534) (XD) - $19.95
• FLAT ROCK NADJA’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#578625) (M) - $24.95

• LA CHABLISIENNE GRANDE CUVÉE CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#685222) (D) - $31.95
• CAVE DE TURCKHEIM BRAND GRAND CRU RIESLING 2013 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#021303) (XD) - $37.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER VIEILLES VIGNES SANCERRE 2015 - AC, Loire, France (#527218) (XD) - $39.95
• PICARD LE CHARMOIS SAINT AUBIN 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#522078) (XD) - $57.95
• WEINBACH CUVÉE LAURENCE GEWURZTRAMINER 2015 - AC Alsace, France (#581975) (M) - $62.95  FSE
• DOMAINE SERVIN BOUGROS GRAND CRU CHABLIS 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#145623) (XD) - $69.95

Sparkling Wine:

• SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#558825) (D) - $32.95
• DEUTZ BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#092833) (D) - $80.95
• VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2008 - With gift box, AC, France (#588475) (XD) - $109.95

Dessert Wine:

• ROSEWOOD MEAD ROYALE HONEY WINE 2015 - Barrel aged, Canada (#437319) (MS) (500 mL) - $16.95  reviewed here
• DE BORTOLI NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2014 - Riverina, New South Wales, Australia (#917252) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95

Fortified:

• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $28.95
• FONSECA VINTAGE PORT 2009 - DOP, Portugal (#256875) (S) - $58.95

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