LCBO VINTAGES SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 RELEASE - TOP PICKS
If you’re in Canada, and more specifically in Ontario, you undoubtedly know the LCBO. How can you not? With over 660 retail locations, the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) is THE place to buy alcohol in Ontario. It also happens to be ubiquitous - every Ontario resident has undoubtedly seen the green LCBO sign at some point. Even if you buy your liquor at the grocery store, chances are it’s coming from the LCBO’s wholesale division.
The LCBO also happens to be one of the world’s largest buyers and retailers of alcohol, offering more than 28,000 products from over 80 countries to its customers. Yes, you read that right - I said 28,000!
As a consumer, and wine lover, this is a real gift. You can get really great wines, at all price points, from the LCBO. And the stock keeps rotating constantly, so there’s always something new to explore and try!
Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the LCBO Vintages section. Vintages is the section of the LCBO where you can find incredible wines from all around the world, often at very reasonable price points. In fact, Vintages does a new release every two weeks - so there is never a shortage of new wine for wine lovers to try here in Ontario! :)
Are you wondering how you can find out more about all of this? It’s easy! All you need is the Vintages magazine, which you can get at any LCBO store, have mailed to your house or check out online (click here). It’s literally one of my favourite reads - I get pretty excited when it turns up in the mail (yes, I’m a wine geek and also a dinosaur who still uses snail mail, lol!). The Vintages magazine is always chock-full of great articles, features on types of wine or wine regions, and detailed product write-ups...a true wine nerd’s dream come true!
Now, having said this, I recognize that this whole thing can be overwhelming. New wines every two weeks, wines from all around the world, a magazine full of wine talk, varietals you’ve never heard of….and perhaps many people have already tuned out, or have decided to reach for some good old California Cab that they already know (not that there’s anything wrong with that, by the way!). If this is you, let me help you by sharing my favourite picks. Here are some of the wines I think are interesting in the current Vintages release and I think you should check out too!
NOTE: Product availability will vary across LCBO locations, and not all products last very long. Be sure to use the product numbers noted to check availability of products you like, before you decide what you’re going to purchase! Also remember to check out online vs. in store shopping as product availability varies across LCBO’s various channels.
WINEITUPANOTCH TOP PICKS
Closson Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
$34.95
Product #145888
As a proud resident of Ontario, it is impossible for me to not love Ontario wine. And whenever someone asks me which ones I like or think are noteworthy, Closson Chase is always at the top of my list! The fruit for this wine is sourced from Prince Edward County and the wine can be aged for the short to medium term. Grab a bottle or two and indulge in some lovely cool climate Pinot Noir while also supporting local wine and wine making!
Decoy Zinfandel 2017
$36.95
Product #327502
Are you a big Zin fan? I haven’t had a ton of California Zinfandel but I want to get to know it better and to do so, I definitely trust the good folks at Decoy. You can generally rely on the fact that Decoy wines are good wines at reasonable prices. Aged in 100% French oak, the fruit for this wine is primarily sourced from Dry Creek Valley, an area known for producing excellent quality Zinfandel.
This wine was highly rated by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and is actually sold out at the winery itself according to the Decoy website, which has to be a good sign!
90 points - Wine Enthusiast
Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir 2016
$39.95
Product #748434
Oregon is well-known for producing great Pinot Noir and this wine is no exception. Hailing from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, this family run winery has been making noteworthy wines since 1971.
The fruit for this wine is sourced from Dundee Hills, an AVA (appellation) in the Willamette Valley. Expect a wine that is earthy, full of red fruit and has a silky mouthfeel. Perfect for cooler nights in the Fall!
I’ve had wine by this winemaker and loved it and I think you will too :)
91 points - James Suckling
Pierre Sperry Coeur De Granit Riesling 2018
$16.95
Product #15523
This Riesling from Alsace, France is compelling for a number of reasons. Firstly, Alsatian Riesling has a character all its own, and it is not the same as German Riesling. This wine is extra-dry and will therefore not be sweet. However, it should have good acidity which will make it a nice match for a range of dishes. Secondly, the price point is so welcoming, it’s easy to grab a bottle and just give it a try for fun without feeling much regret! :)
Bernard Fouquet Domaine Des Aubuisieres Cuvee Silex Vouvray 2018
$20.95
Product #15615
This wine is made in France, in Vouvray, from Chenin Blanc vines that are more than 50 years old, which is definitely impressive. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is the older the vines, the better the wine!
Accordingly, I expect this will be quite a crowd pleaser, with a nice touch of sweetness and a very aromatic nose.
This could be just what you need for Thanksgiving dinner in a few weeks time, and you don’t have to break the bank to get it!
91 points - Jamie Goode
Quentin Jeannot Vieilles Vignes Santenay 2018 $39.95 Product #14749
This wine is 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, from the Santenay appellation in the southern end of the Cote de Beaune. If you want to try Burgundy reds at a price point that is within reach, the village of Santenay is worth knowing. Though not as prized as other villages in Burgundy, I like the rustic character of Santenay and think these wines represent good value for money. If you buy this, don’t drink it right away as it should get better with some time to age in bottle.
Chateau Bellevue La Foret 2018 $14.95 Product #354134
This wine is from southwest France, specifically an appellation called Fronton which is one of France’s oldest wine production areas. Vineyards in this AOC must give over at least 50% of their land to planting of the local grape variety Negrette.
This wine is a Negrette blend and I think it is super interesting for this reason. I also love the price point. This wine will pair well with heavy and dark meats such as steak or lamb.
Karl Erbes Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2016 $50.95
Product #15294
I’m pretty excited about this wine. Auslese Riesling is only made in selected harvests and it’s usually pretty special. This is a sweet wine, but I expect it will have amazing acidity to counterbalance the sweetness. This is a wine for special moments, in my view. I will be having this one its own, or perhaps with an amazing cheese board of rich, fatty, mild cheeses and fruit!
According to the Vintages magazine, the drinking window for this wine is 2018 to 2050 - wow! So, there’s plenty of time to find a special occasion to try this beauty!
95 points - robertparker.com
Cavino Nemea Agiorgitiko 2017 $13.95
Product #588723
Agiorgitiko is a red wine grape grown in Nemea, Greece and it produces a wide range of styles of very good wines. This wine is perfect for the wine geeks you know who are bored with the usual varietals that are available in our market...or your best Greek friend!
This wine should be very drinkable, with plenty of bright red fruit and light oak notes. I think this would be amazing with a grilled meat and veggie platter....all for the bargain basement price of $13.95!
As this wine is not meant to be aged, you should buy it and enjoy it now.
Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2016 $34.95
Product #15087
Do you know about Langhe Nebbiolo? It’s Nebbiolo that could be Barolo or Barbaresco because it is usually from the same general region (and sometimes even from the same vineyards!) as the more esteemed Barolo and Barbaresco. What’s the difference then? Well, it’s usually far more approachable, less tannic and austere, and more affordable than the “Big Bs”.
This wine is a great way to experience all that Nebbiolo has to offer, for a fraction of the price. This wine can be aged for several years, but can equally be enjoyed shortly after purchase, depending on your preferences. A wine for a smart consumer, in my humble opinion :)
93 points - robertparker.com
And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this run down of the September 19th LCBO Vintages release and get a chance to try one or two of these wines! If you do, be sure to let me know what you think!
Cheers and good health to you!