In the 2016 merry month of May, LCBO Vintages brings back all kinds of “Customer Favourites”. In the May 14 release, there’s a varied collection of wines from around the world that you will just LOVE!
These are tried & true bestsellers that come with our Vintages customers’ seal of approval. There are also some great new picks from New Zealand
to help us give summer a push. Believe me when I say…this is the time to go looking for new favorite wines.
I found a little trivia on the month when I was scouting on the internet. Things I did not know is that 1) May was named after the Greek goddess Maia, of fertility and 2) in any given year, no month ever begins or ends on the same day of the week as May does. How’s that for (useless) information.
But it’s a beautiful month and everything with legs is out there walking, running, cycling etc…and speaking of legs, there are some great wine picks here and some even have legs!
Cheers,
Julie
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015Marlborough, South Island
$24.95 (Vintages #677450) 13.5% alcohol
Year after year “Dog Point” produces first class Sauvignon Blanc’s. Pungent aromas of lemon, lime, a little ginger that follows through on the palate. It’s light to medium weight delivering great fruit flavour. There’s some grapefruit on the aftertaste that pulls it all together with a tangy white peppery finish. Clean and fresh, it never disappoints. It’s one great sipper.
Fielding Estate Rosé 2015VQA Niagara Peninsula
$15.95 (Vintages #53421) 12.3% alcohol
For those of you who follow my column, you know I am a big fan of Fielding wines and this rosé is the best ever. And so pretty in PINK, a lighter colour than other years; I really do prefer the lighter coloured rosés, they just seem to have more “class”. There’s a hint of sweetness in the off dry candy floss taste but it’s very smooth and edgey with enough acidity to make it interesting while delivering culprits of tart rhubarb and ripe strawberries. It is a lovely rosé. I hope winemaker Richie Roberts made enough to last the summer. There’s a case of this on my list.
Conundrum Red 201325th anniversary edition, California
$24.95 (Vintages #294298) 14.2% alcohol
A fabulously deep ruby red and the label on this bottle tells that the Wagner family has gone all out to celebrate. There is outstanding intensity to this big robust red. Rich ripe dark berries that are generous in flavours make it extremely palatable. Soft tannins offer good balance and a delicate mix of spice at the end make this year’s Conundrum special indeed. With the usual food groups that demand a red wine, this is superb.
Zolo Reserve Malbec 2013Mendoza Fincas Patagonica, Argentina
$18.95 (Vintages# 81091) 14% alcohol
Aged 14 months in American and French oak barrels makes this Malbec even more delicious than other years. Ripe nose of violets, blueberries and black currants, it’s dark and inky in colour.
The palate is full-bodied with fine-grained tannins , a touch of mint on the finish; it’s just begging for some rare grilled steak.
Ardal Crianza 2010DO Ribera del Duero
Bodegas Balbás, Spain $17.95 (Vintages #167601) 14% alcohol
A winemaker can hardly go wrong with a blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, certainly two of my favourite varietals. Intense dried black fruit notes, full bodied and nicely polished. There is good volume and it just flows on the palate with tannins building into a spicy bramble, peppery aftertaste. One great choice for spicy burgers.
(oops, I changed coats so I am looking in my pockets for spare change)
