Dog Point Chardonnay, Andrew Rich Pinot Noir, Sister’s Run Shiraz: Best LCBO Wines Vintages Release April 28

 

Here are my top picks from the April 28 Vintages Release. You can also get all 74 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

 

2008 Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

Stunning! Rich, deep, complex, satisfying. Words almost diminish the experience. Loaded with savoury dark fruit, a complex weave of smoke and a finish that you hope lasts until the next bottle. Drink: 2012-2028.  261958  13.5%  $31.95  Score: 95/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2010 Torres Viña Esmeralda, Catalunya, Spain

Lemon and white floral notes galore! Mouth-watering acidity. I dare you to find a better wine at this price for Asian and spicy dishes… Go ahead, challenge me. Drink: 2012-2015.  113696  11.5%  $13.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value White Wine

 

 

2009 St. Hallett Shiraz Gamekeeper’s, Barossa, Australia

Good acidity that cries out for food, especially hearty meat dishes. Ripe and tart blackberry flavours with some black plum and just enough oak. Very consistent producer. Drink: 2012-2016.  166991  14%    $15.95  Score: 91/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

2009 Dog Point Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Full-bodied with hazelnut richness on the nose plus green apple, white peach and pear on the palate. Complex and layered but not heavy. Terrific balance and finish. Drink: 2012-2016.  238568  14%  $39.95  Score: 91/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

 

2006 Marziano Abbona Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Needs cellar time: very tannic yet the balance is there. Gorgeous black fruit, tar, violets and smoke. A long-term keeper. Drink: 2014-2022.  67918  14%  $42.95  Score: 94/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

2009 Lawson’s Gewürztraminer Dry Hills, Marlborough, New Zealand

Gorgeous! Exotic with lychee, rose petal and baking spices. Perfect with Asian and spicy dishes. Looooove it! Drink: 2012-2016.  60129  14%  $17.95  Score: 90/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

 

2009 Vincent Girardin Santenay Les Gravières, Burgundy, France

Love it! My kind of burgundy: earthy, black cherry and violets with a terrific zing of acidity. Medium- to almost full-bodied with a satin smoothness. Bring some to my birthday party please. Pair with: beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce, robust cheese such as Époisses. Drink: 2012-2018.  940825  13.5%   $38.95  Score: 94/100. Top Rated White Wine

 

2008 Andrew Rich Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Gorgeous pinot: best of both worlds! Juicy cherry fruit yet elegant, long and refined with just enough mouth-watering juicy. Smooth as satin. Drink: 2012-2016.  127043  13.5%  $29.95  Score: 93/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2010 Two Hands Shiraz Gnarly Dudes, Barossa Valley, Australia

Complex, full-bodied and delicious! Loaded with black fruit flavours yet it’s very dry and balanced, with a lovely long finish. Great dinner party wine. Drink: 2012-2016.  660043  14.5%  $29.95  Score: 92/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

2010 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina

Vibrant black cherry aromas on the nose, with terrific balance on the palate. Juicy and mouth-watering, which makes it a terrific food partner. Loaded with black fruit and just the right amount of smoky richness.  467944  13.5%  $13.95  Score: 88/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

2009 Arele Appassimento, Tommasi, Veneto, Italy

Love the black pepper juiciness of this red! Fleshy black cherries with some tart blackberries mingled in. Absolutely delicious! Drink: 2012-2016.  224188  13%  $17.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

2008 Leasingham Shiraz, Clare Valley, Australia

Cool and minty on the nose with a tease of black fruit. Gorgeous balance on the palate: ripe fruit but not heavy, mouth-watering juiciness for a wide range of meat and robustly flavoured dishes. Pair with: filet mignon, meat lovers pizza, hamburgers. Drink: 2012-2015.  448241  13.5%  $24.95  Score: 92/100.  Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2010 Finca El Origin Torrontés, Cafayate Valley, Argentina

White floral aromas and a profusion of peach-pear happiness. Try this white if you haven’t and open your world to more happiness. Pair with: lemon chicken. Drink: 2012-2014.  262089  14%  $14.95  Score: 89/100.  Best Value White Wine

2009 Equifera Riesling Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gorgeous luxury for the senses. Apricot and peach preserves wrapped in a blanket of honeyed richness. Enjoy life! Pair with: aged cheeses, apple strudel, fresh fruit and a scoop of sorbet.  274472  9%  $59.95  Score: 93/100.  Top Rated Dessert Wine

 

 

RavensWood Single Vineyard Pickberry Red, Sonoma Mountain, California

An ultra dry and complex red with a blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Classic cassis and blackcurrant aromas. Needs decanting 2 hours and will keep well in the cellar. Drink: 2013-2017.  200865  14.5%  $44.95  Score: 92/100. Top Rated Red Wine

 

2008 Monte Del Frá Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Fun and delicious! Full-bodied and juicy… Wonderful wine for pizza, hamburgers and movie nibbles. Fantastic price! Drink: 2012-2015.  272500  13.5%  $15.95  Score: 89/100.  Best Value Red Wine

 

 

Two Rivers Of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Here’s your ultimate NZ SB! Citrus lift, not too grassy and ultra refreshing. Want to love SB? Start here. Drink: 2011-2014.  277707  13.5%  XD  $29.95  Score: 93/100.  Top Rated White Wine

 

2009 Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Hazelnut richness on the nose with a lovely green apple vibrancy. Luscious layers of richness and juiciness. Surely one of Canada’s best chardonnays, if not the best!  33910  13%  $40.00  Score: 93/100.  Top Rated White Wine

 

 

Frei Brothers Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California

Love this! Big juicy purple and black plums, fleshy ripe blackberries with layers and layers of flavour. Full-bodied and smooth with just enough oak. Perfect for barbecue and meat lovers’ pizza. Drink: 2012-2016.  38075  15%  $23.95  Score: 93/100.  Top Rated Red Wine

 

 

2010 Willy Gisselbrecht Riesling, Alsace, France

Lovely lime blossom and lemon peel with mouth-watering juiciness and the faintest hint of natural sweetness. Lovely food companion for many dishes. Pair with: roast chicken, pork, grilled fish, seafood appetizers, sushi. Drink: 2012-2016.  169011  12%  $15.95  Score: 89/100.  Best Value White Wine

 

 

2009 Calina Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile

A terrific chardonnay, especially for this price point! Lovely aromas of green apple, some butter and just enough oak to make this a toasty, full-bodied (but not heavy) package. Pair with: roast pork, lightly smoked turkey breast. Drink: 2012-2015.  640912  13.5%  $14.95  Score: 87/100.  Best Value White Wine

 

2008 Sister’s Run Shiraz, Mclaren Vale,  Australia

Fantastic for the money! Full-bodied with a streak of acidity that holds together the fleshy dark fruit flavours. Full-bodied and layered. Pair with: marinated steaks, mild Thai beef curry. Drink: 2012-2015.  269464  14.5%  $15.95  Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine

 

 

 

Lots more wine picks and pairings here.

 

 

 

 

 Posted with permission of the LCBO.