Why spend $20-$30 on a bottle of wine you don't know anything about when there are wines scoring 90+ for less than $20?
I was trying to narrow my selections in the August 6th, 2016 release down to a reasonable level but it wasn't to be! There are a lot of fantastic value wines in this release. I will summarize a few groups below that I found interesting. I wish they could all be on my shopping list but I will have to try to continue to zero in on my final purchases.
Sparkling Wines
Cathedral Cellar Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2010
LCBO # 462762 $16.92
I know Cathedral Cellar mostly for their red wines but I find them to be pretty reliable producer for my tastes. This one caught my eye because it is 100% Chardonnay and fermented in the bottle. Tasting notes suggest a mixture of yeast and apple, pear.
Laboure-Gontard Brut Cremant de Bourgogne
LCBO 401018 $20.95
I think this is a close to real champagne as you can get without the price tag of real champagne. The grapes are grown just south of the region of Champagne, the blend and method are the same as traditional champagne. All this for $20.95!! Tasting notes say it is 'rich, fruity..satin, smooth mouth feel...divine aftertaste'... I'm in!
Exceptional Value Wines- Red
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2013
LCBO #412189 Score 95 $19.95
Tasing notes from Campbell Mattinson, winecompanion.com.au sum it up as a 'Beautiful wine at a beautiful price. Balanced, bright-fruited, spice-laden'. At this price I would buy a few and try them now and over the next 5 years.
Piattelli Reserve Malbec 2013
#452029 Score 90 $14.95
Kim Marcus of winespectator.com describes this as 'lively acidity behind dried berry, cherry pomegranate..medium grained tannins, seductive spicy notes on the finish' .
Fattoria Le Pupille Morellino di Scansano 2013
LCBO# 455659 Score 91 $16.95
Sounds like a Tuscan gem. According to Ian D'Agata, vinous.com there are cherry, berry notes on the 'knockout' nose. Cherry/Berry balances with tarry and earthy notes. Finishes smooth, long and clean.'
Exceptional Value Wines- Whites
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc
LCBO #606848 Score 95 $18.95
'Rich texture..good concentration..bone dry.. currant bud, stone fruit and subtle stony mineral flavour ... balanced with power and length (excerpt from Bob Campbell.nz) What more can you ask of a Sauvignon Blanc?
Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2015
LCBO # 080234 $16.95
Tasting notes here talk of a blend of floral, mineral and citrus, sweet and tang..purity of fruit, balance, monumental long and refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com) This would be interesting to try now and lay another down for a few years.
Cellar Suggestion
Confidencial Reserva 2012
LCBO #452789 Score 92 $14.95
Portugal always provides good value. This one is described as 'oozing with blackberry fruitiness as well as a balanced layer of dry tannins. The wine is fruity and rich while keeping it's elegance.' Drink from 2017
(Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast)
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