The May 13 2023 LCBO Vintages Release is restricted to on-line ordering for the majority of us. Some product will be available at 10 flagship stores. Anything worth ordering?
There are a few wines of interest if you are not in a hurry for them and don’t mind ordering. The majority of wines on offer are above the $40 benchmark I have chosen which may explain why the LCBO strategy seems to be not to incur the cost of sending them to various outlets.
NO information on these wines provided by the LCBO. (Can you tell I am not impressed??)
If you are heading to your local LCBO and need some ideas there were lots of good value wines in the April 29 release you can check out.
Otherwise -read on for a few recommendations of wines worth searching out from the May 13 release.
White Wines
If you are a fan of Alsace wines there are 2 you might be interested in and worth ordering.
Allimant-Laugner Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace, France $24.95 VINTAGES#: 30364 I was able to review this wine earlier this through the Wines of Alsace Digital Fair. In short- it was a delight.
Carolyn Hetke rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review: Lots of classic character here in this off-dry Gewurz. Enticing aromatics of stone fruits and lychee carry to the palate. A silky, balance palate winds up with lingering candied lemon notes. Most enjoyable. Pair with lemon chicken. Tasted Feb 2023 thewineloverskitchen.com |
Vieil Armand Ollwiller Gewurztraminer 2019 $27.95 VINTAGES#: 29501 This is a Grand Cru and scores low 90s from year to year. It was released previously in Oct 2022 – notes at that time showed it won Gold at Concours de Lyon 2020. Look for pineapple, citrus and tropical flavours and, of course, that wonderful ginger note. Enjoy with Szechuan Green Beans and other Asian fare.
Matawhero Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Gisborne, North Island, NZ $23.95 VINTAGES#: 30156 I tasted this at a trade show last year.
Carolyn Hetke rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:
This is crisp, clear, lemony Pinot Gris, slightly rounder than many New Zealand examples. Lots of lime and ginger on the palate settling out to a lovely apricot finish. Enjoy with chicken crepes or fish tacos with lime crema. Tasted 5 May 2022
Red Wines
Montes Outer Limits Syrah, Zaallar, Aconcagua Costa, Chile $24.95 VINTAGES#: 30209 This is one of Chile’s premium wines and scores low to mid 90s year after year. Typically silky, smooth with plum and blackberry notes. Probably one of the best choices in this release. Enjoy with Pepper Steak.
