Vintages Picks

Vintages release recommendations, every two weeks. Most LCBOs carry a selection of Vintages wines, beside the eight major Vintages stores in the province. You can request your local LCBO to order in Vintages wines – a percentage of the stock is set aside for customers outside the Metropolitan areas. No guarantee you’ll get the wine, but it’s worth trying.

LCBO Vintages Saturday August 21

18th
Aug. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: I didn’t get to the Vintages press tasting for this Saturday’s release but here’s a couple of delicious reds I tasted elsewhere. The Rhone is all charm and the Pinotage delivers a bit mre grit. Both are wonderful wines and values – and who knows? They may be the best two wines [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday August 7

5th
Aug. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: South and central Italy is the feature and I’m recommending four wines which deliver something different – along with great value. Beaujolais, Chianti, Pinot and a blockbuster Syrah are my red picks. A buy of the year is Graham Beck sparkling Rosé and Mike Weir sparkling is worth checking out. Malivoire Ladybug [...]

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Terrific Torres

31st
Jul. × ’10

There is no such thing, but if I had to nominate some candidates for the perfect everyday red, Torres Sangre de Toro would be on my list. It’s produced from Grenache grapes (responsible for Cotes du Rhone’s delicious flavours) but it can also be likened to Pinot Noir. Especially when lightly chilled. It combines lovely [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday July 24

22nd
Jul. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: South of France is the feature and I URGE you to check out my three red picks. You’ll discover that there’s more to wine than Aussie Shiraz. France also scores high with a wonderful sparkling and a still Rosé. Complete your shopping basket with Aussie Riesling, Italian Pecorino and Californian Zinfandel.

SPARKLING ROSÉ
wine [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday July 10

9th
Jul. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: I love my picks from this release. Four very different whites at an average price of less than $15. Best Muscadet ever and the Verdejo would be perfect with your World Cup Paella party. I’ll be wearing orange but probably cheering for Spain.
Wildass Rosé is almost serious and perfect for any Summer [...]

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Celebrating South Africa

4th
Jul. × ’10

Football (soccer) may not be your passion, but I hope that the next few weeks will prompt you to explore the wonderful wines of the World Cup host nation, South Africa. This country is unique in the New World/hot climate context in that while the wines are rich with big flavours, they don’t feel heavy. [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday June 26

24th
Jun. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: In whites, I found two lightheared, value-priced wines for summer drinking , a seafood partner, and one of the world’s little gems – ARINTO from one of the oldest regions in Portugal. Pinot Noir and a Sangioveses Rosé would be perfect partners for summer meals or picnics. All my red picks are [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday June 12

10th
Jun. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: A few very good and novel South African wines to get you into World Cup mood. And to enjoy all summer, of course. Other recommendations for the season are a Provence Rosé, a red Rhone and a New Zealand Pinot. Cheers!
DRY ROSÉ
wine style: dry rosé
DOMAINE HOUCHART 09 Rosé, Côtes du Provence, [...]

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South African BBQs in Toronto & Ottawa

5th
Jun. × ’10

Vintages are hosting a couple of South African Braai (BBQ) and walk-around wine events right on the eve of World Cup. Yippee! A great opportunity to connect with wonderful South African wines, and to the biggest sporting event on the planet. I’ve just learned that your entrance ticket will include a copy of ‘Cape Wine [...]

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LCBO Vintages Saturday May 29

27th
May. × ’10

THE LOW DOWN: Don’t miss this opportunity to experience wines from France’s Loire Valley. Red and  white with bright flavours and a pure, spring-like quality. And a sensational sweetie. There is nothing like these at regular LCBOs.
Niagara Riesling is back on form with the 08 vintage so it’s time to start buying again. I’m recommending [...]

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