Dec. 7 Wine Picks: Festive Gatherings + Sparkling Wines

The final release of 2013 will arrive on LCBO shelves on Saturday, December 7th. No surprise that this Vintages release focuses on "Fine Wines for Festive Gatherings", while the sub-focus highlights 20 Sparkling Wines for celebrations. We'll begin with the Sparkling Wine section as three wines from this feature made my list of wine picks below. All three were picked with...

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Les Vignes Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2011 (Midi) - Wine Review

Received this wine a couple of weeks ago courtesy of the fine folks at Philippe Dandurand Wines. It is from the June 8th release earlier this year and pretty much completely sold out at the LCBO. Not surprising as it's very nice at this price point. Recommended buy if you can find it. Keep an eye out for the 2012 vintage. LES VIGNES BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES...

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Nov. 23 LCBO Wine Picks: The Best for the Holidays

"Our finest wines and spirits for the holidays" is the theme of the next LCBO Vintages release, which will be on shelves across Ontario on Saturday, November 23rd. It looks as though the LCBO went the extra mile with this release as the Vintages logo on the cover received the special gold foil treatment, while inside the magazine there are many, many very nice (and pricey)...

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2013 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo - Review

On November 14th, I attended the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo VIP night. The show returned for its 19th year, and this is the 3rd consecutive year (4th overall) that I attended. I always find the event to be super-busy for a Thursday night. However, it did seem like there were fewer people this year. Or, perhaps it only felt more spacious because they moved the event to...

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Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2011 (Austria) - Wine Review

Opened this white wine last night, which was purchased from a Vintages release last March. It's extra dry and sure to be enjoyed by all who like crisp, extra dry, white wines. There is a case available in Richmond Hill, if you're interested (click the 6-digit LCBO product code below and then Verify Store Inventory). LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240)...

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Réserve des Vignerons Saumur-Champigny 2010 (Loire) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is from Loire and made with the Cabernet Franc grape. This red wine was purchased from this weekend's LCBO Vintages release. Normally, I am not one to buy and consume within days after purchase. However, I knew that this wine was nearing the end of it's peak drinking window and felt it was time to open sooner rather than later. It's quite nice, and plenty are...

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Nov. 9 LCBO Wine Picks: Holiday Stars + Dessert Wines

Now that we're past Halloween, the 3 remaining Vintages releases of 2013 will all hover around the concept of "wines for the holiday season". The next release, which will be in LCBO outlets across Ontario, will be on Saturday, November 9. This release is titled "The Stars Are Aligned" and features 30 "top-quality" wines geared for your enjoyment during the holiday season,...

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