In the Jan 22 2022 LCBO Vintages Release Sauvignon Blanc fans are in for a treat. France, Chile, Spain and Italy all make a good showing this release.
Fortified
Croft Reserve Tawny Port VINTAGES#: 538983 $18.95 Douro, Portugal. If Port has an economy class -this would be in it. There is no designation of 10, 20 year old etc. and the 'reserve' designation means this would be a blend of ports probably in the 4-6 year range. Nothing wrong with that. While there are ruby port-like characteristics such as colour and fruitiness, you can still expect the almond, fig notes along with more fruit than you might expect in an older Tawny. Natalie Maclean of nataliemaclean.com cites toasted almonds, figs and blackberry notes here. She calls it a 'Best Value Wine' and gives it a 92. And... if you have followed my recommendations for a while you probably already know that I consider Port as one of the best 'bangs for your buck' fortifieds out there.
Sparkling
We take good value for granted when it comes to Cava but this one is highlighted as a standout in the category. Família Oliveda Jove Brut Cava VINTAGES#: 647883 $15.95 gets a 90 from David Lawrason of winealign.com, who gives it a 90 and cites 'good complexity, structure and intensity'. There are some savoury notes of green olive and spiced pear on the fruit side. Acidity, mousse and finish seem to exceed expectations in this one. Stock up if you like sparkling wine anytime.
Outstanding in the 'Cheap and Cheerful Category'
Señorío de Barahonda Carro 2019 VINTAGES#: 574426 $12.95 Yecla, Spain gets a 90 from Josh Reynolds of vinous.com. This seems to be a robust red that he calls 'pungent' with aromas of 'candied dark fruit, baking spices and violet'. The palate is smoky blackberry and bitter cherry. He describes good depth, gentle tannins and a long, supple finish. That is a lot going on in a glass for $12.95!
Portuguese blends are some of the best value wines out there. Two stand out this month -
I am a fan of the wines of Alentejo because they are lighter and fresher than many of the other regions. Guadalupe Red 2019 VINTAGES#: 336313 $12.95 seems to fit that bill. Exect bright, fresh fruit with a 'luscious mouthfeel'. Sip with cheese and crackers or casual stew or chile of bifanas.
Quinta do Espírito Santo 2017 VINTAGES#: 488015 $13.95 Lisboa got a Best of Show from Mundus Vini 2019. According to Vintages note expect berry, raspberry and dried fruit with firm, round tannins. Oak treatment lends choclate and coffee notes. Enjoy with burgers, stews, roasts.
El Escocés Volante Manga del Brujo 2018 Calatauyd, Spain VINTAGES#: 15073 $16.95. What makes this interesting is - it is an old vine Garnacha (Grenache) blend and it is unoaked. So those averse to agressive tannins will find this tamer than many reds in that department. It also means the fruit will be more prominent. Vintages notes indicate there are hints of leather leather, herbs and some earthiness which will lend some complexity and depth. 2017 vintage got a 90 from Luis Guttierrrez of robertparker.com and the 2018 is scoring around that mark as well. Savour this with winter salads, spaghetti and of course... tapas!
White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc aficionados take note! Chile's Leyda Valley has all the soil and sea elements needed to produce outstanding Sauvignon Blancs with salty, herbaceous, fruity and mineral notes. Throw in good acidity and you have a nice Sauvignon Blanc.
There are 2 this month: Patricio Tapia of guiadescorchados.cl gives Boya Sauvignon Blanc 2020 VINTAGES#: 389726 $14.95 a 91 and calls it a classic example with 'herbal aromas, the strong intensity on the nose, the body that's light but marked by firm, sharp acidity.'
He gives Leyda Garuma Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2020 VINTAGES#: 99309 $17.95 a 94 and describes' firm, citrusy acidity surrounded by mineral and fruity flavours in a powerful body'.
If you are looking to expand your palate you may be interested in Feudo Maccari Olli Grillo 2020 VINTAGES#: 477877 $15.95 Sicily, Italy. It gets a 91 from James Suckling of jamesuckling.com wh o describes it as medium -bodied and well-balanced with pineapple and citrus notes. Smooth, crisp and fruity with some minerality on the finish. Italian white wines are some of the most under-rated in the North American market (IMHO). Try this with creamy seafood pasta, Cod Loins with Jezebel Sauce or Easy Slow Cooker Pork Stroganoff.
If New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is in your wheel house check out Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Awatere valley, Marlborough, NZ VINTAGES#: 225557 $19.95. Bob Campbell of therealreview.com gives it a 93 and describes 'a moderately punchy' example with gooseberry, lime, nettle and passionfruit flavours. Bright, fresh, good acidity and a lengthy finish. Enjoy with avocado salad or grilled white fish.
Christophe Patrice Petit Chablis 2019 VINTAGES#: 14871 $23.95 Burgundy, France is being hailed as exceptional value. According to Vintages notes it spent months on the lees to enhance texture and character. Expect light and crisp here with some minerality and 'crunchy green apple and lemon'. Enjoy with calamari or seafood.
Bachelder L'Ardoise Niagara Chardonnay 2019 VINTAGES#: 302083 $24.95 Ontario, Canada. This is an entry level Bachelder wine consistently scoring around the 90 point mark. According to Vintages notes it is rich and full-bodied with a big Chardonnay profile of peach, pear and apple along with some floral hints.
Red Wines
There are a couple of Bordeaux of interest this release -
Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2019 VINTAGES#: 24495 $15.95 Bordeaux Superieur, France got a 94 from Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. Expect cherries, raspberries, blackberry and spice. Silky and balanced with hints of chocolate and vanilla.
Château Labrousse 2019 VINTAGES#: 21083 $17.95 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, got a 93 from Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. Their notes describe this Merlot dominant blend as fresh and juicy, 'showcasing flamboyant truffled cherries and sweet oak edging.' More superlatives asn in 'hugely enjoyable and something of a crowd-pleaser' have me adding this to my shopping list.
I have a soft spot for Beaujolais wines and I lean toward the more substantial of them. Brouilly is known for producing some of the most powerful of them (although robust for a Beaujolais will still be light to medium bodied on the full red spectrum). Château des Tours Brouilly 2019 VINTAGES#: 637835 $18.95 Beaujolais, France is scoring in the 90 range among various reviewers. From old vines in a Cru designation, expect an enjoyable, easy, fruity pour. Enjoy now with Parmesan French Toast With Mushroom Fricasée or Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.
Cellier des Dauphins is new to the Vintage section in my experience. This offering on our shelves is fresh from a rebranding that took place in 2019 to focus on a new ' three tier product range to focus on premium expression of Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, and Crus des Côtes du Rhône' . In the top tier we have Cellier des Dauphins Cairanne 2018 Rhone France VINTAGES#: 20642 $19.95 gets a solid 95 from both Mathew Stubbs MW and Tim Atkin MW at the International Wine Challenge 2020. Expect a floral, plum nose and 'gorgeous fruit and a lovely rich concentrated finish'. This is a GSM blend from Cairanne- right next door to Chateau-neuf-du-Pape... just sayin'...
Josh Cellars is always a reliable choice for a pleasant pour. Josh Cellars Zinfandel 2019 VINTAGES#: 22596 $19.95 California, USA comes from the Mecca of Zinfandels - Lodi. Vintage notes say is is ripe and compes with smoky dark fruit, spicy clove and pepper notes. Good length and complexity. What's not to like? Enjoy with burgers, stew, pizza or charcuterie.
Peninsula Ridge Falcon's Nest Pinot Noir 2019 - 2019 was a good year for Ontario Pinot Noirs. This 'stunning value' according to Vintages notes . Expect black cherry, woods and stony tones.
Fleur de California Pinot Noir 2018 VINTAGES#: 214775 $27.95 got a Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2021. This looks like a classic New World Pinot Noir - ripe and rich and fruity. According to Vintages notes you can expect a 'robust expression' with 'impressive red fruit and spice'.
Premium Wine Choices
Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2016 VINTAGES#: 19875 $30.95. This Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino (60/20/20) gets a 93 from Monica Larner of robertparker.com who describes earthy, savour aromatics cherry, cassis, tobacco and spice on the palate. This is big, intense wine so enjoy now through 2027 with Osso Buco or this robust Ottolenghi Lasagne with Mushroom Ragu.
Lou Coucardié Rouge 2016 VINTAGES#: 39230 $34.95 Costieres de Nimes, France. Even at the top of our 'snack bracket' here, Jeb Dunnock of jebdunnuck.com says 'this just about maxes out the value scale' and gives it a 95. A Mourvedre dominated blend with Grenache and Syrah, it is full-bodied, deep and concentrated. Dunnuck describes aromas of blackberries, meaty hints along with spices and flowery incense. The palate is well balanced and 'shows why 2016 is such a great vintage southern Rhone Valley'. Enjoy it now through 2029 with Classic French Short Ribs or Ribs in Spicy Blackberry Sauce .
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