What’s New at the LCBO – June 2015

Between our VINTAGES Buyers’ Guide and Steve Thurlow’s top picks from the LCBO Wines, we have the whole store covered each and every month.

Niagara, Macedonia and More
by Steve Thurlow

Steve Thurlow

The wines on the shelves at the LCBO are constantly changing and I am tasting the new ones all the time. Many favourites are always there but the range and variety is gradually being updated. I have selected 11 new wines that have refreshed the system out of the 50 or so that I have tried since I last reported. Most are on the shelf already with the rest arriving over the next few weeks.

Among the many new wines added are some well priced selections from Ontario and Greece. I have selected two inexpensive VQA wines and three finely priced Greek wines for you to consider. The Greek selection at the LCBO has seen some excellent new additions over the last few months. If you’re curious to discover more about wines from Greece, you may want to read John Szabo’s recent article on Reasons to Drink Greek.

For now I suggest you read on, pick a few of these that appeal and then check the inventory at your local LCBO which should be set up as your Favourite Store. You can find my complete review by clicking on any of the wine names or bottle images highlighted below. Paid subscribers to WineAlign see all critic reviews immediately. Non-paid users wait 60 days to see new reviews. Membership has its privileges; like first access to reviews of great value wines!

Reds

Tsantali Rapsani 2011, Macedonia, Greece ($12.80) – Made from vineyards on the slopes of Mount Olympus from three indigenous grapes, it is a midweight well structured red with the fruit supported by firm tannin and vibrant acidity with a long very dry finish. Needs some protein, try with creamy cheese or juicy roast meats.

Kir Yianni Paranga 2012, Macedonia, Greece ($14.30) – This is a modern styled red blend with little evidence of its Greek origin. It is fullbodied and quite vibrant with very good length. Try with lamb cutlets.

Fielding Estate Fireside Red Cabernet 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($14.95) – An appealing blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon that’s built for a few years of maturation in the cellar. Decant for an hour and enjoy with a steak.

Whites

Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2014, South Eastern Australia ($10.95 also 1500ml $19.70) – This wine has been around for a few years, I know, but the 1.5L version is new, so it’s even better value for a well-balanced fruity sweetish white. Try well chilled with cheesy pasta dishes.

Mauro Chardonnnay 2014, Puglia, Italy ($11.50) – A fresh lively chardonnay with good focus and palate length and a nice floral tone to the pear and melon fruit. Try with cheesy pasta sauces.

Domaine Glinavos Primus Zitsa 2013, Zitsa, Greece ($12.60) – Made from the indigenous grape, debina, this is a food friendly easy drinking white. It’s lightly floral and herbal with a zesty fresh palate. Try with seafood pastry nibbles.

Norton Barrel Select Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Mendoza, Argentina ($12.95) – A barrel matured sauvignon with nicely integrated oak and a rich creamy palate. Try with creamy pasta sauces.

Lagaria Chardonnay 2013, Trentino, Italy ($13.55) – A pure, fresh, apparently unoaked chardonnay with aromas of white peach with lemon sherbet, white flowers and clover honey. Try with roast chicken.

Cheval Quancard Réserve Blanc 2013, Bordeaux, France ($13.90) – A typical Bordeaux white with oak aromas nicely woven into the lemon, apple pear fruit. It’s vibrant and juicy with a solid structure from oak and brisk acidity. Very good length. Try with roast veal or pork.

Rockway Vineyards Block Blend Riesling 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario ($13.95) – A delicious well priced Ontario riesling, minerally soft with just enough sweetness for balance. Try with oysters or creamy goats cheese.

Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus Riesling Kabinett 2013 Rheingau, Germany ($17.95) – This classic Rheingau riesling is a soft, off-dry, very fresh riesling with just enough sweetness to counteract the acidity with a generous palate and a long, dry and crisp finish. Try with lemon chicken stir fry.

*****

We would love to get your feedback on this report. Meanwhile check our my list of Top 50 wine values by dipping into the Top 50 LCBO and VINTAGES Essentials wines. There will surely be something inexpensive that suits your taste. In two week’s time I will be back with a look at the updated list in our WineAlign’s Top 20 Under $20 report.

Cheers!

Steve Thurlow

Top 20 Under $20
Top 50 Value Wines

Editors Note: You can find our complete critic reviews by clicking on any of the wine names, bottle images or links highlighted. Paid subscribers to WineAlign see all critic reviews immediately. Non-paid users wait 60 days to see new reviews. Membership has its privileges; like first access to great value wines!