These new releases deserve your attention
Get ready for the LCBO’s upcoming Vintages release when the next batch of small lot wines hit shelves. It happens on Oct. 31, which is not only Halloween and a blue moon, but also follows the highly unusual cancellation of a bi-weekly Vintages release. Coincidence? They say things happen in threes.
The Oct. 17 cancellation flowed from slow sales in Vintages from March to July. But sales picked up in August and aren’t slowing down. Now demand is at an all-time high. And All-Hallows Eve looms.
Fear not. This story will heighten your awareness by giving you insight into the best value bottles of the new release — so you can plan ahead. And though the official release date is Oct. 31, many wines actually hit shelves a day or two early.
Your list starts with something sublime from Spain.
The 2018 Potente, DO Montsant (Vintages 10682 $19.95) definitely deserves to be on your shopping list. Montsant is a wine region in Catalonia and this wine is a deep, dark, heady blend of Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah and Merlot from old vines grown in Montsant, a region in Catalonia. The fruit is grown high up in the mountains and carefully vinified — you can taste that. From its blackberry liqueur-like aromas to its bold expression, this is a serious wine you’ll want to sip slowly and savour. Its brawny expression unfolds with blackberries, black cherries and grilled meat as well as dark earth and crushed stone, graphite, walnut, black tea and more before drawing you back for another sip. Marvellous. Especially with beef short ribs. Score: 95
From South Africa, the 2019 Unoaked Chardonnay from The Winery of Good Hope (Vintages 15985 $14.95) is a bit of steal, too, and arrives Oct. 31. It gleams a gorgeous sunlit yellow in the glass, exudes bright aromas of orange zest and lemon squirt, then floods in with broad citrusy flavour. The fruit is saturated and pure with an almost oily texture that’s perfectly balanced with lively, mouth-watering acidity. This wine is dry, vivid and lingers for ages on the finish. A delight. Especially served with baked brie with some toasted bread, or fish and chips. Score: 92
Also from South Africa comes the outrageously delicious 2016 Rustenberg John
X Merriman from Stellenbosch (Vintages 707323 $24.95). Such great value for money. This is just the type of wine you buy by the case to stock your pantry and finish your holiday shopping ahead of time in one fell swoop. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It was matured in oak for 20 months. And it’s now four years old and drinking beautifully.
Aromas of plum pudding and cedar, cassis and cigars lead to an immediate crush of velvet flavour that drenches the palate. Blackcurrant and dark chocolate, poached plum and tobacco, cedar and black earth swirl in with each sip. This wine is smart, satisfying and quite inexpensive for what it is. Serve it with grilled steak with mushrooms. Or gift it with pride. Score: 94
And here’s news for diehard fans of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: the LCBO is releasing two premium expressions of that style from two popular producers — Kim Crawford and Villa Maria.
The 2018 Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand (Vintages 924555 $24.95) tastes similar to the always available sub$20 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (Vintages Essential 35385 $19.95) but less grassy and more concentrated. Scents of lime laced with thyme, rosemary and oregano lead to a blast of passion fruit and lime with cool, crushed minerality underpinning the full-throttle fruit. And the length is long. Those who like the usual Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc will love this wine. Serve it with pesto anything. Score: 90
Likewise, the 2019 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough (Vintages 974527 $21.95) tastes similar to the always available Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (LCBO 426601 $17.95), but more intense and articulate. Expect a juicy-lit hit of gooseberry and grapefruit laced with flint, lime and crushed salt that stays for eons on the finish and leaves the palate primed for food. This wine is fabulous with grilled salmon drizzled with lemon-dill butter. Score: 93