Vintages Release – October 1, 2011

Today’s release is the start of the great fall programs at the LCBO as we move towards the holiday season. The next 6 releases will feature some of the best wines of the year. For this week there are some amazing dessert wines that are never available when you want them for a special dinner party. Now is the time to pick them up, to insure that you have them when you need them.

I have also picked two lovely value reds that will last you through the winter. It would be a good idea to pick up at least 6 bottles of each at these prices.

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only a week away and I have selected several different whites and reds that will compliment your meal. I have also posted a recipe for the most delicious turkey (below). We cooked our turkey like this two years ago and it was definitely the tastiest and juiciest bird I have ever eaten. The dry rub we used had wonderful flavourings and made for even better soup. I will also post a recipe for the leftover turkey soup next week.

http://www.thechefupstairs.com/Dry_Rubbed_Roast_Turkey.html  

The traditional pairing with turkey is white Riesling and for red wines, either Pinot Noir or Gamy grapes. I have featured several of each and would put a bottle of white and a bottle of red on the table to satisfy the palettes of all of your guests.

The weather doesn’t look very good for outdoor work or activities today, so head out to your local fall market to pick up some of the amazing fall bounty and don’t forget to hit the LCBO on your way home.

 

Red Wines under $20

Wild Rock Gravel Pit Red 2008, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
LCBO #163600; Rating – 87; $15.95

A blend of 71% Merlot, 25% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc produces a smooth and silky wine. From the producers of Craggy Range in the Gimlett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay. It is elegant and mid-weight with very good length. Enjoy this good value now to 2015.

Goats Do Roam The Goatfather 2009, Wo Coastal Region; South Africa
LCBO #11072;  Rating – 87;  $14.95

A very interesting blend of Italian Sangiovese and barbera grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon makes for a full soft and earthy wine that is very drinkable for the price. We bought a case of this last year and it was a very enjoyable wine during the colder winter months. Will pair well with grilled meats or even Spaghetti and Meatballs.

White Wines under $20

Domaine De Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #251454;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #89037;  Rating – 89; $19.95

Dessert Wines

Fleur Du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2008, Wo Coastal Region (375ml); South Africa
LCBO #173781; Rating – 94;  $20.95

Dessert wines such as this classic are created by introducing the botrytis (noble rot) to the Riesling grapes. The result is a deep dark orange colour, that is very sweet, luscious with excellent to outstanding length. Enjoy with hazelnut chocolates or any dessert that is sweet and or chocolate.

Château De Rayne Vigneau 2007, Ac Sauternes, 1er Cru (375ml); Bordeaux, France
LCBO #98236;  Rating – 91;  $31.00

The sauternes of Bordeaux are rare and scooped up quickly in Ontario. They are beautiful rich wines. My favourite pairing is with seared foie gras, served with either an apricot, mango or apple chutney.

Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006 (250ml); Hungary
LCBO #972836;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Reds

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granits Fleurie 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #207886;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Part of the great Beaujolais class of 2009. It is medium weight and very smooth, with very good length. Good value at this price.

Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #242933;  Rating – 90; 17.95

Central Otago is New Zealand’s best location for growing great Pinot Noir. It is mid-weight with very good length. Chill slightly.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #146548;  Rating – 90; $19.95

This is a very affordable Pinot in a lighter style. It has very good length and is always in stock at most LCBO locations.

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve Vielles Vignes 2009, Burgundy, France
LCBO #168427;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

This is  a light-mid weight pinot noir with typical sour cherry, woodsy scents; ideal with roasted poultry.

Whites

Dr. Hermann Riesling Kabinett 2008, Qmp, Erdener Treppchen; Mosel Germany
LCBO #189647;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

This a wonderful Mosel Riesling that is off-dry but well balanced. Rich and honeyed in character with excellent finish.  A great price for this quality wine.

Vineland St. Urban Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #38117;  Rating – 89; $19.95

This is elegant but intense Riesling in a slightly off-dry style. A good sipping style or will pair nicely with salmon with lemon or poultry. Very good to excellent length.

Angels Gate Riesling 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #160523;  Rating 88;  $13.95

This is great value for $14 - a serious Riesling nicely opening up. It's mid-weight, firm, dry and a bit tart  with very good length.