LCBO / Vintages - July 9, 2011 New Wines Release

The LCBO / Vintages release for July 9, 2011 includes some nice red wines that feature both quality and value. There is also a nice 10 year old Tawny Port for $21.95 and several nice summer whites.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting 5 lovely wineries in Essex County (near Windsor along the Lake Erie shore).  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their Chardonnay wines, Rieslings and Cabernet Blends. We also toured a local B&B which is located in close proximity to all of these wineries. La Roos Maison B&B is a beautiful lakeside home that is wonderfully appointed and well priced. What a great place for a quick getaway www.laroosmaison.com  The five rooms are priced from $99 to $179 per night or get 5 couples together and book the entire place.

My most memorable imbibing occurred at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Their Sangria was outstanding and given the 32C weather that day I could have consumed a keg of this, it was so good. I will try to duplicate it this weekend and will post the recipe in my next Blog.

Red Wines

Pléyades Reserva 2005, Do Cariñena; Spain
LCBO #214163;  Rating – 91;  $12.95

A tasty Spanish blend for a great price. You can’t go wrong at this price. Will pair nicely with grilled red meats.

Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County California, USA
LCBO #224147; Rating – 91;  $21.95

Good Zinfandel is often hard to find these days, so this a good one to put away for a rainy day. A nice fruity medium-full bodied wine with great depth and excellent length. Try with aged cheddar.

Dominique Piron Les Pierres Morgon 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #231969;  Rating – 91;  $22.95

This was a great vintage and this is a wonderful example. Supple, fine and rich. You will want to quaff this it is so good. Pair with roast chicken or pork.

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, Docg, Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #212571;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Good value for an authentic Tuscan wine. It’s mid-weight with great flavours and very good to excellent length. Try with rosemary crusted leg of lamb.

Lomond Syrah 2008, Wo Cape Agulhas; South Africa
LCBO #146464;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

A northern Rhone style Syrah  that is medium-full bodied and a good value at this price.

Baglio Di Pianetto Shymer 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #219501;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

A blend of merlot and syrah with structure that you’d normally find at twice the price. Very good length.

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #58081;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A medium-full bodied and dense cabernet that is very tannic and dry. Try now, but could be better in two years.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #224915;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

A very good Rhone wine at a very good price. Try with your favourite charcouterie.

White Wines

Château Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #228924;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A classic Chenin nose with honeyed pear character. It’s medium weight, slightly off dry with excellent focus.

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #214437;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A good example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a nose of citrus fruit and green herbs.  Good length and value.

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #127720;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A fresh style, with lime, tarragon, green plum and green apple notes, backed by a finish that turns creamy at the very end. Drink now.

Andrian Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Alto Adige; Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy
LCBO #234914;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

Pinot Grigio is a great patio wine that is ideal for sipping or for light seafood salads.

Port

Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Doc Douro; Portugal
LCBO #223958;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

A wonderful Tawny Port at a reasonable price. Buy now as these are always hard to find at Christmas time.