Here are my top picks from the July 7 Vintages Release. You can also get all 67 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 posted my picks for everyday good value wines from the regular list of wines as well as the July 7 Vintages Release.
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.
2010 Wynns Riesling, Coonawarra, South Australia
I adore that petrol nose! Like dark skies that open to a shaft of sunlight with its dry peach essence. Superbly concentrated. Mouth-watering acidity. A riesling for intellectuals, and those who want to be. Pair with: pulled pork, grilled calamari. Drink: 2012-2018. 528216 12.5% D 750 mL $17.95 Score: 93/100. Best Value White Wine
2009 Closson Chase Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
A vibrant chardonnay with mouth-watering flavours of green apples and sun-dappled orchards. Full-bodied and multi-layered. Drink: 2012-2016. 184291 13.9% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 92/100. Top Rated White Wine
2009 Emiliana Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Maipo Valley, Chile
This organic wine has just 15 mg/l of free sulphur. A terrific wine, especially at this price. Full-bodied, juicy and richly layered with fleshy black plum and berry aromas and flavours. Superb. Great gift wine too — the label looks expensive :) Pair with: barbecued eggplant, steaks, ribs. Drink: 2012-2015. 685792 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine
2009 Thomas George Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
Gorgeous notes of clove, cinnamon and spices intermingle with bright cherries and mouth-watering juiciness. Full-bodied but not heavy. Triple delicious! Drink: 2012-2017. 284018 14.3% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. Top Rated Red Wine
2011 Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Delightfully pretty! Fleeting, gossamer aromas of field strawberries. Mouth-watering and refreshing. Pair with: grilled calamari, smoked salmon, crab salad. Drink: 2012-2014. 39974 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. Top Rated Rosé
2011 Château Val Joanis Syrah Rosé, Luberon, Rhône, France
Lovely balance and taste. Mouth-filling but not heavy. Aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry. Pair with: paprika-dusted barbecued chicken. Drink: 2012-2014. 707281 13.5% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. Best Value Rosé
Louis Picamelot Crémant De Bourgogne, Burgundy, France
Fantastic! Got a wedding or large gathering? Buy this one by the case. Toasty with fresh vibrant green apple aromas. Cheers! Drink: 2012-2014. 161919 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 90/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine
2008 Huff Estate, Prince Edward County, Ontario
Toasty, rich and deep with refreshing notes of green apple and fresh bread. Long beery, yeasty finish. Drink: 2012-2014. 198754 12% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 91/100. Top Rated Sparkling Wine
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
