Cabernet is King!
Posted by Debbie
Friday, February 28th, 2014Last weekend’s Academy Awards shone the spotlight on the top movies, actors & directors of the year. While at the LCBO, they have crowned Cabernet Sauvignon as ‘King’ of their latest release. I tried several from every point across the globe & was impressed by many. Also impressed by the differences. Typically we think of Cabernets as knock your socks off red to enjoy with steak & prime rib. While the ones that I tasted made a statement, they ranged from medium to full bodied, were elegant, well balanced & made a good impression. No doubt in my mind that they would be enhanced with food from BBQed pork chops to Sunday roasts with all of the trimmings.
And drinking only Cabernets – or many red wines for that matter – will turn your lips & teeth purple, I have added to my shopping list some white wines & other interesting reds to add to your shopping cart.
Oh…and you may be surprised to see that the LCBO is shining the spotlight on wines from Israel. Mark my words – you will see more. Five years ago, I was invited by the Embassy of Israel in Ottawa to join the first media tour of Canadian wine writers. We were impressed by the incredible wineries that we visited & the HUGE wines that we tasted. Now it is your turn to pick up a bottle & explore. Don’t by shy because it is labelled Kosher – this does not impact the taste, only the winemaking process. All 6 wines from Israel in this release were good – splurge & you too will be impressed.
Cheers!
-Debbie
If I only had a $100, I would buy these wines at LCBO Vintages
February 28th, 2014
Wingspan Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand
$17.95 (Vintages 365403) 13% alcohol
This is springtime in a glass. Classic Sauvignon Blanc – cut grass (do you remember that smell after this long hard winter?), fresh herbs (thyme & mint) combined with aromas & tastes of white flowers & citrus fruits. This will melt away all thoughts of winter. Enjoy with spring roasted chicken or fresh asparagus.
Apollonio Squizano
Italy, Puglia
$17.95 (Vintages 362475) 14% alcohol
If you don’t speak Italian nor have 20/20 eyesight you will miss this wine all together! I have never seen a label with font so small….and it is all in Italian! Ask any LCBO Product Consultant (look for those with a gold badge) and say that you are looking for the ‘Squizzy’ wine, they will apparently know exactly what you are looking for. This Nebillio red wine is my new favorite. Apparently this winery releases frequently into Vintages incredible red wines under $20. Big, loaded with black fruit and a long finish. Be on the lookout for this wine from this lesser known Italian wine region
CedarCreek Estates Cabernet Merlot
Okanagan Valley, BC
$24.95 (Vintages 175604) 13.9% alcohol
What?!?! Under $25 for this medium to full red wine from British Columbia – how can this be so? Loaded with red & black fruit, this wine deserves to be served with beef tenderloin, Sunday roast with all the trimmings or BBQed ribs. Buy 2 or 3 bottles while you are at it!
Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
South Africa
$16.95 (Vintages 278382) 13.5% alcohol
There was a buzz around the room about this wine. Eyebrows were raising with each sip. BIG and I mean BIG aromas & tastes in this plush red wine of black fruit (figs, dates) and bumbleberry jam. Smooth texture & long finish – this was a great surprise. At this price, make it your weekday wine.
Dante Robino Bonarda
Argentina
$14.95 (Vintages 277640) 13.9% alcohol
Never heard of Bonarda grape variety? At this price, grab this wine & discover what you have been missing. Medium full bodied with concentrated aromas of red berries, plush texture in the mouth and well integrated tannins. A food wine – bring on lamb chops or sit down to a hearty Sunday roast.