The June 30 2022 LCBO Vintages Release is on line only. Check out the Spanish Granache blend under $20 that one Best in Show from Decanter World Wine Awards!
White Wines
André Blanck et ses Fils Altenbourg Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace, France $19.95 LCBO#: 168906. This Gewurtz scores consistently in the 90 point range year after year. This is in the medium sweet category which Gewurtz aficionados may not mind (but others beware!) Vintages notes describe ‘lifted floral rose notes, peach, candied ginger, grapefruit citrus, apricot, lychee, and white pepper spice.’ Enjoy now with shrimp, scallops or Thai dishes or cellar up to 5 years.
Viña Aquitania Sol de Sol Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Malleco Valley, Chile $24.95 VINTAGES#: 24251. Chilean Sauv Blancs are starting to receive regular recognition. Guia Descorchado gives this one a 96. Patricio Tapia says ‘it offers notes of tropical fruits and is exuberant in its aromas and flavors. The acidity is significant, and so is the body. It’s all about generosity and exuberance. It also has a sweetness that’s slight but intentional. Felipe de Solminihac left the wine with four grams of sugar in an attempt to balance the severe acidity of the grapes—and his experiment was successful.’ Enjoy with seafood or aspragus quiche.
Red Wines
Pago Aylés Cuesta del Herrero 2020 Aragón, Spain $18.95 VINTAGES#: 25252 got a 97 from Decanter World Wine Awards and a Best in Show! Definitely worth risking your $20 on! (The 4 Decanter co-chairs retaste all the Platinum medal winners and determine the ultimate wine by category). It is a Grenache dominant blend with Tempranillo and splashes of Merlot and Cab Sauv. with rich dark cherry and plum notes and ‘remarkable’ concentration.
Barbanera Celebration Promessa Primitivo 2020 Puglia, Italy $25.95 VINTAGES#: 25589. This Old World Style Zinfandel is scoring 90ish among critics, It has red and black fruit with oaky, smoky notes and is quite velvety according to various tasting notes. Enjoy with Ribs off the BBQ.
Serafino GSM 2019 South Australia, Australia $29.95 VINTAGES#: 23786 This gets 96 from James Halliday of winecompanion.com.au. He describes this Grenache dominant blend as ‘perfect’ with the ‘ red fruits of grenache doing all the lifting, shiraz providing a dab of plum coupled with silky tannins’. He calls it Special Value. Enjoy with steak or ribs.
Paitin Ca Veja Nebbiolo d’Alba 2017 Piedmont, Italy $34.95 VINTAGES#: 25677 Nebbiolo is the grape behind the prestigious Piedmont Barolos. This one is considered an entry level to Piedmont premium wines. Robert Parker gives it a 93+. Look for ‘wild cherry, cassis, candied orange peel and rusted iron ore ‘. Tannins are silky and carefully integrated. Enjoy with rack of lamb or Venetian Duck Ragu‘
