July 6 Wine Picks: Cali Wines + Pure Whites

The next Vintages wine release will be on LCBO shelves this Saturday, July 6th. The major feature in this edition is on California wines for Summer gatherings. What you'll find among the 17 wines are many easy-drinking wines suitable as patio sippers, and for backyard gatherings where meals are prepared on the BBQ. Among my recommendations below, you will find a sub-$20...

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2011 Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling (Germany) - Wine Review

Purchased this white wine from the May 25th Vintages release that had a minor focus on German Rieslings. Many of the German offerings in this release were very good to spectacular. Lucky for you - this wine is still available at the LCBO. VOLLENWEIDER WOLFER RIESLING 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#324335) (D) - $19.95 Tasting Note: Light floral aromas from...

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2013 Niagara New Vintage Festival Review

Last weekend I visited Niagara for the annual New Vintage Festival, which focuses on new-release wines paired with culinary adventures for the senses. Due to a late departure from Toronto, coupled with lots of traffic on the QEW, we arrived later than expected and had to be swift with our stops. We picked up our passes at our first stop - Featherstone Estate Winery and...

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June 22 Wine Picks: Rhône + South Africa + Canada Day

The next LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves across Ontario on Saturday, June 22. This edition of the Vintages magazine begins with a look at the Rhone Valley, specifically focusing on the vintages of 2009, the stellar 2010's, and the just now starting to come to market - 2011 vintage. The secondary feature in this release is on wines from South Africa that showcase...

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June 8 Wine Picks: Argentina + Father's Day

The next LCBO Vintages release will be in stores on Saturday, June 8. The major feature in this release is on the various modern wines found in Argentina, and apparently representing the best modern wines that this country has to offer. While I doubt that this is the best of Argentina's modern wine offering, there are a couple of wines from 11-wine selection that are worth...

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Beaujolais BBQ at Acadia Restaurant

A couple of weeks ago I attended an exclusive tasting of Beaujolais wines paired with items off the BBQ. This event was done in advance of a special promotion that will be out soon at the LCBO, just in time for the upcoming - or finally arrived? - BBQ season. The luncheon was hosted at Acadia Restaurant in Little Italy, with the food items prepared by chef Patrick Kriss. Leading...

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May 25 Wine Picks: Pinot Noir + German Riesling

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be on Saturday, May 25. The major focus on this release is on Pinot Noirs that show a sense of place. Most of this feature is quite disappointing. However, if you're heart is set on the heart-break grape, check out the version from Lailey that's from our own backyard. The secondary feature is on German Rieslings. This noble white...

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