Graffigna Malbec, Hartley Pinot Noir, Seghesio Zinfandel: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release May 12

Here are my top picks from the May 12 Vintages Release. You can also get all 69 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also already posted my picks for May 12 Vintages Release.

You can also add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews.

Call it your What to Buy Me for My Birthday List or Here are the Wines that Can Truly Express Your Gratitude List. You can start a new list next time to keep them separate.

Stock up for the weekend, then enjoy!

Natalie

 

2011 Alamos Torrontés, Salta, Argentina

Pretty and floral with very pleasant lime blossom aromas. Medium-bodied and ultra food-friendly. Pair with: Asian dishes, fresh seafood salad. Drink: 2012-2014.  81539  13.5%  $13.95  Score: 87/100. Best Value White Wine

 

 

2010 Helfrich Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France

Gorgeous gewurz! Lovely lychee, rose petal and light spices on the nose. Perfect for a variety of dishes, from Asian to curries. Pair with: mildly spiced seafood dishes. Drink: 2012-2016.  169748  12.5%  $18.95  Score: 91/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

 

 

2011 Geil Bechtheimer Riesling, Rheinhessen, Germany

Lovely! Lime blossom and honeysuckle… So pretty. Medium-bodied with terrific acidity for food. Pair with: Thai green papaya salad and chicken skewers. Drink: 2012-2015.  994764  10%  $14.95  Score: 88/100. Best Value White Wine

 

2011 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Grassy and herbal with quivering lime vibrancy. Pure, fresh, no oak. Bring me a mega big salad! Pair with: steam mussels. Drink: 2012-2014.  919514  13.5%  $17.95  Score: 90/100. Best Value White Wine

 

 

 

2009 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley, California

Glorious nuttiness and peach-pear mingle on the nose. Rich, long and complex. A chardonnay lover’s chardonnay. Pair with: grilled lobster tail, halibut with mango salsa, barbecued pork loin. Drink: 2012-2017.  608646  14.5%  $49.95  Score: 92/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

 

2010 Stags’ Leap Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California

A chardonnay that’s vibrant and alive! Great acidity yet lovely richness and complexity with green apple, baking spice and tree fruit aromas. Pair with: butter-brushed lobster tail, roast chicken with fresh herbs and goat cheese. Drink: 2012-2016.  655381  14.1%  $34.95  Score: 91/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

 

 

2010 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

A stunning quality and taste for this price point! Rich and full-bodied with lip-smacking delicious black fruit aromas and just enough toasty oak. Vibrant and alive. Pair with: grilled juicy steak, baked beef empanadas. Drink: 2012-2015.  143248  14.5%  $14.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

 

2008 Graffigna Malbec , San Juan, Argentina

Smoky with dark fruit: perfect for barbecues! Lots of rich flavour here with a satisfying full-bodied texture. Fire up the grill and crack open a bottle! Pair with: grilled steak, hamburgers, prime rib, brisket. Drink: 2012-2015.  162149  14.5%  $16.95  Score: 88/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

2009 Heartland Stickleback Red, South Australia, Australia

Incredible price for this quality. Loaded with big black fruit and lots of mouth-watering acidity. Great wine for big meals, especially those involving steak. Drink: 2012-2015.  116574  14.5%  $14.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

2008 Shotfire Quartage, Barossa, Australia

Love this! Gorgeously rich and full-bodied with layers of voluptuous black fruit flavours. Velvet caress on the tongue. Top me up! Drink: 2012-2016.  24091  14.5%  $22.95  Score: 92/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

 

2008 Wolf Blass Shiraz Gold Label, Barossa, Australia

Classic Australian shiraz nose of dark, fleshy ripe blackberries, a hint of oak and a mouth-watering juiciness. Loaded with delicious dark fruit flavours, incredible depth, concentration and length. Benchmark shiraz. Drink: 2012-2016.  590273  15%  $28.95  Score: 93/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2009 Arduini Ripasso Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy

Juicy and delicious with tremendous mouth-watering juiciness. Dark red fruit, smoke and earth. Perfect for many dishes. Pair with: short ribs, three-cheese lasagna. Drink: 2012-2015.  267898  14%  $18.95  Score: 90/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

2010 Juan Gil Monastrell White Label, Jumilla, Spain

Deal of the Century! Full-bodied, juicy, savoury and delicious. Loaded with dark wild blackberries and forest-deep cherries and cedar. Oh yum. Pair with: mushroom and wild rice dishes, savoury meat stews. Drink: 2012-2015.  13656  14.5%  $12.95  Score: 90/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

2009 Hartley Ostini Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, California

Big cherry-berry notes with a little mocha and oak. Juicy with a medium- to full-boided weight and ultra smooth texture. Pair with: teriyaki salmon. Drink: 2012-2016.  179812  14.2%  $34.95  Score: 91/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, Napa Valley, California

Full-bodied and dry with cassis and blackcurrant aromas. Elegant, balanced and refined with terrific length on the finish. Drink: 2012-2016.  45476  15.4%  $84.95  Score: 92/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

 

2010 Seghesio Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California

Very complex with a great balance of acidity and fruit. Layers of delicious flavour and a long finish. One of the most elegant zinfandels I’ve ever tasted. Pair with: prime rib. Drink: 2012-2016.  942151  14.8%  $29.95  Score: 93/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2011 Featherstone Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Lovely sipper with soft strawberry notes and flavours. Great aperitif or food companion. Pair with: barbecued prawns, steak frites.  117861  12%  $14.95  Score: 87/100. Best Value Rosé

 


2011 Château La Tour De L’évêque Rosé, Côtes De Provence, France

So pretty! Aromas of tiny field strawberries and little white flowers. Run barefoot with your senses through this delightfully dry and refreshing rose. Pair with: homemade aioli with grilled shrimp, seared ahi tuna steaks. Drink: 2012-2014.  319392  13.5%  $18.95  Score: 88/100. Best Value Rosé

 

 

2011 Château D’aquéria Rosé, Rhône, France

The rose I drink for personal pleasure and stock up every year. Bone-dry, complex with field berry notes and a long, dry finish. Pair with: crab cakes with aioli. Drink: 2012-2014.  712000  13.5%  $10.45  Score: 93/100. Top Rated Rosé

 

Louis Bouillot Rosé, Burgundy, France

Superb value! Superb aromas of field raspberries and strawberries. An I can’t believe it price. Get it now if you have wedding and celebration this summer. Pair with: poached salmon, pastry based hors d’oeuvres. Drink: 2012-2014.  48793  12%  $18.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine

 

 

Quinta Do Infantado Port Ruby, Douro, Portugal

Smokin! Especially for this price. Rich and layered with lots of pleasure. Dark berry jam and happiness. Drink: 2012-2018.  979898  19.5%  $15.95  Score: 90/100. Best Value Dessert Wine

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply