Here are my top wine picks from the January 5 Vintages Release. You can also get all 55 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.
You can 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.
Torres Viña Esmeralda 2011, Catalunya, Spain
Simply divine even at triple the price it is. Stunningly lovely white floral notes along with some lychee and white melon. So, so pretty as an aperitif or with fresh seafood. Highly recommended. Drink: 2013-2015. 113696 11.5% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value White Wine
Scott Family Estate Dijon Clone Chardonnay 2011, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California
Perfectly balanced, full-bodied, generous chardonnay. Toasted almond, green apple and melon aromas with layers of complexity and a long finish. This is a chardonnay lover’s chardonnay. Highly recommended. Pair with roast chicken. Drink: 2013-2017. 99051 13.5% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 93/100. Top Rated White Wine
L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2010, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico
Spicy with black pepper and luscious ripe blackberry aromas. Smooth and full-bodied with incredible layers of flavour. You simply can’t beat this price. Stock up for your parties for the next year or two. Pair with: sloppy beef-cheeks tacos, slow-cooked beef. Drink: 2013-2016. 983742 14% D 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine
Peter Lehmann Wines Futures Shiraz Muscadelle 2009, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Vibrant and expressive with lively aromas of fleshy ripe black plum, blackberries and garrigue. There’s a long finish with is superb and dry. The layers in this wine will satisfy diehard shiraz fans. Pair with hamburgers, steak or lamb. Drink: 2013-2017. 301309 14.5% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 94/100. Top Rated Red Wine
Flourish Wines Vidal Icewine 2008, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
A profusion of honey-drizzled apricots and peach preserves. So lovely. Top me up! Pair with: foie gras, fruit custard. Drink: 2012-2018. 222356 9.5% S 200 mL $17.95 Score: 91/100. Top Rated Dessert Wine.
Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tawny, Douro, Portugal
Toffeed nose with toasted almond richness. Wonderful after-dinner drink, especially by a blazing fire. Pair with creme caramel, biscoti or angelfood cake. Highly recommended. Pair with: roasted nuts, blue-veined cheeses. Drink: 2013-2020. 297796 20% S 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value Dessert Wine
See all wine reviews here.
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
