The Feb 5 2022 LCBO Vintages Release has lots of interest for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc aficionados, among other gems.
Sparkling Wines
Argentina has all the right conditions to prouduce classic sparkling wines. Jasmine Monet Organic Brut Sparkling 2019 Mendoza VINTAGES#: 21234 $19.95 got a Gold at Mundus Vini 2021. It is the classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Vintage notes describe it as fresh and flavourful. Look for apple, citrus and the telltale bready notes of a good sparkling. Enjoy with brunch or pastry apperizers.
White Wines
Two Cheap and Cheeful picks this week:
You don't always find a Soave Classico on the shelf so I like to pick one up when they show up. Montresor Soave Classico 2020 VINTAGES#: 408302 $13.95 Veneto, Italy- expect citrus and herbs. the 2019 got 90 points so this seems like a safe bet.
You may not be familiar with a grape called Melon de Bourgogne but it is the work-horse of my luncheon entertaining. La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2020 VINTAGES#: 948182 $16.95 will have subtle floral, citrus, apple and mineral notes. Enjoy it with quiche, chicken, shellfish, light pasta.
If you are a Chardonnay fan run -don't walk to pick up this one. El Enemigo Chardonnay 2018 VINTAGES#: 482984 $24.95 Mendoza, Argentina. It is consistently scoring well in to the 90s among respected critics (as do the previous vintages). James Suckling gave it a 97 and calls it a 'rock star' with apple, pear, peach and crushed stone notes. Tons of character, silky, spicy and greata value at this price. Enjoy through 2028 with robust cheeses, roast chicken or pastry appetizers.
New Zealand has 5 Sauvignon Blancs on offer this release ranging from $19.94 to $23.95. Any one of the would be a reliable pick but here are the value standouts to me.
Rapaura Springs Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2020 VINTAGES#: 465880 $19.95 Marlborough, New Zealand. Rated 94 by Sam Kim of wineorbitco.nz. Fragrant passionfruit, apple and citrus on the nose. Palate is flavourful, vibrant and lively.
Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2021 VINTAGES#: 277707 $21.95 Marlborough, New Zealand gets a 96 from Sam Kim of wineorbitco.nz who says it 'lives up to its billing as one of the finest sauvignons in the country.' Expect intense aromas of rockmelon, lime, kiwi; a 'powerful' concentrated palate with 'outstanding weight and persistency'. Drink now though 2023.
Whitehaven Greg Single Vineyard Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020 VINTAGES#: 325944 $23.95 Marlborough, New Zealand gets a 95 from Bob Campbell of therealreview.com. He calls it intense and punchy with passionfruit, lime, grapefruit, gooseberry and capsicum. Good acidity with a 'lingering finish'.
Compare those with a classic French Sauvignon Blanc - Jean-Max Roger Cuvée Marnes et Caillottes Sancerre 2019 VINTAGES#: 196667 $31.95 Loire, France. This one is scoring consistently in the low 90s with lots of superlatives. Rebecca Gibb of vinous.com describes it as 'succulent and mouth-caressing' with restrained citrus, ripe elderflower and a hint of florality and chalky limestone.
There are 2 Austrian Grüner Veltliner in this release and both show promise.
If you are not familiar with Grüner Veltliner it is a refreshing, high acid, dry white that can range from a citrus to a stone fruit profile depending on the ripeness when picked. It is known to be lively with some signature spicy notes. Pss... pick your price point but I suspect the extra $2 for the Langenlois will be worth it.
Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner 2020 VINTAGES#: 71233 $16.95 Niederösterreich, Austria would be a a great choice to introduce yourself to this grape. It is scoring high 80/low 90s among various critics. Expect herbs, apple and some spicy notes on the nose. The palate is 'juicy, elegant' with melon and honey on the finish.
Rabl Langenlois Grüner Veltliner 2020 VINTAGES#: 377457 $18.95 Kamptal, Austria comes from a very respected Austrian region. It has has orange, nectarine ans spicy notes, lively fruit and acid; clove and grapefruit on the finish. A La Carte Wie Guide Austria gave it a 91.
Red Wines
José de Sousa 2017 VINTAGES#: 494153 $17.95 Alentejo, Portugal ranked # 56 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2019 and gets a 92 from Roger Voss. Expect ripe, rich black fruit and ripe tannins. Hints of spice add complexity. Enjoy this with a winter stew or pot roast.
Del Rio Elorza Verum Malbec 2019 VINTAGES#: 22000 $16.95 Patagonia, Argentina gets a 94 from James Suckling who describes blueberries, violets. Expect a medium to full-bodied, smooth pour with 'a long, flavorful, finish'. Enjoy now through 2025 with roast beef, pasta or charcuterie.
Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva 2018 VINTAGES#: 21470 $19.95 Central Valley, Chile gets a 93 from Julie Sheppard of decanter.com. A 40/38/20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah with a spash of Cab France for interest. She describes pronounced aromas of cassis, mint, choclate and spice. The palate has 'lush' blackberry, plum, cherry with fine tannins. Throw in some hints of spice and coffee and a long finish to make this great value. Enjoy now through 2031 with roast beef, lamb, mushroom ragu.
There are 3 Bordeaux on offer this release. Any one of them seems like a good buy but 2 stood out for me. Château Cilorn 2018 VINTAGES#: 21092 $18.95 is 100% Merlot, which you don't see every day from Bordeaux. Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 gave it a 93 and call it 'lush, almost opulent' with intense cassis and plum.
Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast describes Château Grand Colombier 2016 VINTAGES#: 21090 $17.95, from Montagne-Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France, as structured with firm tannins and black current. Enough structure and balance to enjoy now or hold a few years.
Alchymia Duca di Saragnano Primitivo 2019 VINTAGES#: 636613 $19.95 from Puglia, Italy is getting high praise on line to go with the Gold Berliner Wein Trophy 2021. Expect red and black cherries, plums. Smooth but with noticeable tannins, plan to enjoy this one with a steak or stew.
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