Aug 5 2023 LCBO Vintages Release -Wine Picks <$40

The Aug 5 2023 LCBO Vintages Release is limited to on-line orders and a few flagship stores. It's a short read folks..

If you need to stock up then you might want to check out the July 22 2023 LCBO Vintages Release -Wine Picks <$40 for a much greater selection of good value.

White Wines

Hidden Bench Béton Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, ON Canada $27.95 VINTAGES#: 33552 This is scoring consistently between 90-93 among critics. Rick VanSickle of winesinniagara.com calls it interesting with a different nose of grapefruit, pear, herbalness and flinty minerality. The palate is rich and textured with 'ripe pear, grapefruit, subtle spice notes, lime zest and a long, fresh finish.' Enjoy with Pork Chops with Mustard Caper Sauce.

Nanny Goat Dry Riesling 2019 Central Otago, South Island NZ $28.95 VINTAGES#: 25836 Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz gives this a 94 and desribes a fruity palate, refined mouthfeelm with firm acidity, finishing impressively long and mouth-watering. Enjoy with Shrimp Tacos.

te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Marlborough, NZ $29.95 VINTAGES#: 30159 Sam Kim of wineorbit.co.nz gives this a 95. This is a complex barrel fermented wine. Look for citrus aromas with hits of oatmeal and beeswax. The palate is concentrated with finely textured mouthfeel and bright acidity, and an impressively long finish. Enjoy with Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus and Hazelnuts.

Red Wines

Rolf Binder Heinrich Shiraz/Mataro/Grenache 2016 Barossa Valley, Australia $28.95 VINTAGES#: 90258 This is scoring in th 91-95 range. All agree it is a rich robust blend of Shiraz Mataro (aka Mourvedre) and Grenache. Smoky, jammy with cherry and vanilla. Tannins are grippy so plan to enjoy with Balsamic Marinated Sirloin Steak off the grill.