What’s New at LCBO this Spring

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.

Red, White & Fizz
by Steve Thurlow

Steve Thurlow

Since I last reported to you I have found some excellent new wines on the shelves of the LCBO. It is a mixed bunch from all over the world ranging in price from $9 to $74. Some are brand new and others may have been in VINTAGES in the past, but have now made their way to the front of the store. Two-off dry Champagnes are the standouts for quality but they come with a hefty price tag. My advice is to checkout below the classic Rioja Reserva, a very inexpensive red from Puglia, and a cabernet shiraz blend from Australia, for the best values among the new wines.

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 suggest you read on, pick a few that appeal, then sign in to WineAlign to check on inventory at your local LCBO which should be set up as your Favourite Store in Find Wine at WineAlign.

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 reviews of great value wines!

REDS

Oggi Primitivo 2014, Puglia, Italy ($8.85) – Primitivo is called zinfandel outside of Italy. This is a simple and well priced red that offers a lot for such an inexpensive wine. Fruity and easy drinking. Try with meaty pasta sauces or pizza.

Farm To Table Cabernet Merlot 2012, Victoria, Australia ($14.80) – A rather understated, delicate, almost austere Aussie red that’s quite mature for its age. It is midweight and dry with a long lingering fruity finish. Very good length.

Mallee Rock Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, South Australia ($14.95) – The cooler Limestone Coast has delivered a juicy fresh yet ripe red that is full bodied but feels lighter. Very good length. Try with grilled meats.

Antano Rioja Reserva 2009, Rioja, Spain ($16.70) – A typical mature traditional Rioja. Perfumed with sweet oak aromas and a dry well balanced palate. Very good length. Needs food try with grilled meats.

Young Brute Red Blend 2014, Wrattonbully, South Australia ($18.95) – The perfumed complex nose is quite enticing but it turns into being quite a brute, unbalanced and bitter in the end. Good to very good length.

Lakeview Cellars Merlot P.G. Enns Farms 2012, Niagara On The Lake, Ontario ($29.95) – An impressive red from the warm 2012 vintage with ripe aromas and flavours. After an hour in the decanter it is fine now, but another year or two in the cellar will help develop more complexity as the tannins fold into the wine. Best 2018 to 2023.

Piccini Villa al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2010 Tuscany Italy ($37.75) – Though inexpensive by Brunello standards this is a pricey wine for what you get. It is mature and quite dry with a complex nose but lacks the depth of flavour for which Brunello is noted. Very good length. Try with roast beef

WHITES & SPARKLING

Mallee Rock Pinot Grigio 2015, South Eastern Australia ($13.95) – The nose is initially marred by a hefty dose of sulphur. It is a simple fairly inoffensive fresh white that is midweight and creamy with a slightly bitter finish. Good to very good length.

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne, France ($69.90) – This is an off-dry Champagne though not that sweet. Enjoy on its own as an aperitif or with mildly spicy Asian cuisine. It is midweight and very juicy with great focus and a long lingering finish.

Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Champagne, France ($74.30) – This off-dry Champagne makes for a much better aperitif than brut Champagne since it can easily be sipped on its own without food. It also is balanced for mildly spicy items and not-too-sweet desserts. A fine wine with good power, depth and finesse.

13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario ($24.95) – This pink bubbly is a new addition to the Vintages Essential Collection. It has an enticing nose of ripe McIntosh apple with vanilla, raspberry and strawberry fruit. The palate is rich with just enough sweetness to balance the acidity with a good depth of flavour and a soft creamy mousse. Very good length. Enjoy with baked or smoked salmon.

Cheers!

Steve Thurlow

Here are some quick links to great values:

Top Value Report for May
Top 20 under $20

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!