Got the Long Weekend blues?  Try the new releases from LCBO Vintages on August 8 and you’ll think you’ve won the lottery. Although this release focuses on the Loire Valley and the Pacific North West, for those of you who know and read my blog I really am a Canadian at heart kind of gal so once again – I can only “brag” about our Canadian content.

There’s quite a variety of new reds from all over Ontario especially the Lake Erie North shore and while I haven’t traveled down that way, it’s starting to look like a destination for wine lovers.

I can only encourage you to stroll through Vintages on 8 August and see for yourself, you may also want to pick up one or two of my suggestions which will not disappoint.

Cheers, Julie

If I had $100, I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintages…
Saturday August 8, 2015

Dea’s Sparkling Rosé 2013

VQA Prince Edward County, Casa Dea Vineyards
$19.95 (Vintages #424622) 11.4% alcohol

100% Gamay grapes went into producing this lovely rosé which offers huge berries and fine mousse on the palate, with just a little touch of citrus on the finish. There’s a pinch of earthiness which makes it interesting and adds complexity – crisp and refreshing, it’s one lovely sparkling rosé.

Foreign Affairs Enchanted 2013

VQA Niagara Peninsula
$17.95 (Vintages # 389767) 12% alcohol

With a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling it is almost impossible to go wrong. Floral nose and fruity flavours on the palate, lots of citrus; sweet pink grapefruit, peaches and lemon but dry and refreshing. Tastes clean and crisp; an elegant white wine blend to sip on its own or with a strawberry grilled chicken salad – a perfect summer afternoon delight.

Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2013

BC VQA Okanagan Valle,
$21.95 (Vintages # 545004) 13.5% alcohol

A few years ago, my husband and I lunched at the Mission Hills winery overlooking the beautiful vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. The Mission Hill Winery reminded me of a French Chateau; a first class act, very impressive and the wines were just generally fabulous. This is a beautifully made Chardonnay, crisp and layered with flavours of apricots, pears, melon the usual tropical fruit culprits but integrated into such creamy full body, no doubt as a result of some time spent in American oak barrels. A little butter on the finish of this white wine and worth every penny; elegant and refined. Chicken Alfredo comes to mind.

Antica Masseria Jorche Primitivo di Manchuria 2010

DOP, Puglia, Italy, $21.95 (Vintages #417535) 15% alcohol

This intense dark opaque beauty oozes with ripe dark berry fruit. Dark fruit aromas and on the palate, layer upon layer of juicy goodness in this full-bodied red wine with aftertastes of Christmas cake and subtle vanilla flavours. While I don’t usually think about “winter” food in July , it would make an extremely handsome accompaniment with Osso Bucco and I’m stashing at least one away for November. Sheer yum.

Penfolds Bin 9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

South Australia$23.95 (Vintages #411504) 14.5 % alcohol

Black fruit notes prevail in a solidly built Cabernet Sauvignon. A big red wine; classic and complex with a blackcurrant, black cherry structure with suggestions of cedar and herbal notes. Medium to full bodied, bone dry with soft but grippy tannins, dark berries and mocha on the smooth finish. Worthy of a great roast. (Julie Stock)

GRAND TOTAL – $105.75  

(oops, but these were all so good)