The Red Carpet Ontario Awards and Australia are featured in this LCBO Vintages release. Just like the Academy Awards, I look forward to the Red Carpet Ontario awards since I’m cheering for all my favourite wineries and winemakers to win, many which I have visited over the years and it’s just too exciting.
As for the Australian features, I don’t know anyone who does not enjoy a big fruity Shiraz. There were too many to fit in my basket but I thought I’d take advantage of all these reds since by mid-winter I’ve perfected the hearty stews and they are going to have great accompaniments.
I’m picking up a few of everything to help me stay warm at the end of winter, ahem.
Cheers,
Julie
If I had $100, I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintages…
Saturday February 20, 2016
Creekside Estate Queenstown Road Pinot Noir 2014
VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula
$18.95 (Vintages #415877) 12.5% alcohol
Great things grow along that Queenstown Road, even if the vineyards are situated some 105 metres above sea level. Cherry and cranberry aromas and tastes, smooth as silk on the palate, medium bodied weight and tannins with some beloved St. David Bench earthiness and minerality on the spine of this red wine. For Pinot lovers, don’t miss out.
Peller Estates Private Reserve Gamay Noir 2013
VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula
$19.95 (Vintages #444745) 13.3% alcohol
In 2012 and 2013 Peller Estates vintages won the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Ontario Wines. The 2012 also won a Gold Medal from Wine Align’s National Wine Awards of Canada 2014, Silver Medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition UK 2014, and Silver Medal from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014. How’s that for credentials?
I did not have the opportunity to taste this red wine but tasting notes highlight cherry and red fruit flavours, some vegetal and earthy notes on the finish, light to medium bodied and would work with any number of dishes including salmon. Serve it slightly chilled so the fresh tastes are even more lasting. I can’t wait!
Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mendoza, Argentina
$16.95 (Vintages #143206) 14.5% alcohol
Rich alluring aromas of cassis and vanilla waft through the glass and big ripe juicy red and black fruits dance on the palate. Last year this red wine flew off the shelves and I don’t expect this year to be any different, so if you like Cab. Sauv.’s from Argentina, stock up.
Fruity but bone dry with a little smokiness at the end of the long finish. Richly textured with great depth and fine tannins. A knock out for the price-tag so you can spend extra on the prime rib or crown roast of pork from your favourite butcher.
Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Nagamble Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia
$22.95 (Vintages #138818) 13.5% alcohol
Alluring, concentrated aromas of rich blackberry and black currant fruit. There’s savoury notes on the palate with a little chewy texture, well integrated tannins and it slips down very smooth. There’s some woodsmoke at the end of a long flavourful finish. It’s a lovely Cab. Sauv, and ready to take on any strong spicy meats, cheeses or charcuterie.
Heartland Shiraz 2013
Langhorne Creek, South Australia
$18.95 (Vintages #661934) 14.4% alcohol
Boasting big dark intense fruit flavours in aromas and tastes, this Shiraz is a beauty. Opaque, dark purple almost inky in colour, it exudes richness and depth. Full-bodied red wine with a little pepper dancing in the layered dark fruit flavours, there’s some bitter dark chocolate and a tinge of menthol on the long fruity finish. Bring on the rack of lamb and mint jelly.
Grand Total – $97.95
Tags: Accredited Sommelier Julie Stock, buy your Valentine's wines at LCBO, buying wines at the LCBO, Cathedral Cellar Pinotage 2013, Creekside Estate Queenstown Road Pinot Noir, good value wines, Heartland Shiraz 2013, If I had $100 I would buy at Vintages, International Wine & Spirit Competition UK, Lakeview Cabernet France Ice wine 2013, LCBO Vintages release of February 6, Lustau Escadrille Rare Amontillado Sherry, Peller Estates Private Reserve Gamay Noir, Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace, red wine, Savvy Company, Sparkling Wine, Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon, Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon, white wine, Wine Align's National Wine Awards of Canada, wine from France, wine from Niagara, wine from Southern France, wine shopping list, wine tips from a Sommelier, wines for Valentine’s Day, Wines from Argentina, wines from Australia, wines from France, wines from Niagara, wines from South Africa, www.savvycompany.ca