By Melanie Lloyd
Last month, I sampled a selection of wines from both of the LCBO’s February Vintages releases. Here are my top five!
Number 1:
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
LCBO price: $69.95
This wine is simply wow!!! A keeper for your wine cellar. It is beautifully complex and absolutely marvelous.
On the nose, it has loads of ripe blueberries and dark berry aromas, as well as jalapeño, violet, underwood, potpourri, and hints of vanilla and chocolate.
On the palate, it is full bodied and has structured tannins which are balanced by the acidity and body of this wine. In terms of flavours, there are juicy blueberries, blackcurrant, hints of wood, as well as subtle notes of black olives and cocoa at the finish.
Although yummy now, this wine will taste even better over time so keep it in your cellar to enjoy over the next couple of decades.
Number 2:
Lornano Chianti Classico 2013
Sangiovese
LCBO price: $17.95
This is a fabulous wine at such a great price. Buy more than one bottle if you can get your hands on it. It seems to be flying off the shelves!
Aromas of blueberry preserves, cedar, cinnamon and floral notes with hints of vanilla bean.
On the palate, there are blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, as well as black pepper, subtle coffee notes, and a slightly bitter finish.
It is medium bodied and has a wonderful harmony between the fairly structured tannins, the fresh but not overly tart acidity, and the juicy flavours. This wine is smooth and easy to drink.
Number 3:
Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
LCBO price: $20.95
Lovely and complex with earthy beet aromas, as well as blueberry, mint, violet, potpourri, cedar, autumn leaves, bell pepper, and hints of vanilla.
The earthy quality follows through on the palate. In terms of flavours, there are tart yet ripe blackberries and cocoa at the finish.
The tannins are medium and well integrated with the fresh acidity. It is a great product that won’t break the bank.
Number 4:
Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2015
Riesling
LCBO price: $18.95
An excellent example of a lovely Canadian Riesling. On the nose, there are lots of mineral notes, as well as dried apricots, orange marmalade, honey, and hints of almond.
On the palate, there are tart flavours of lemon, clementine, as well as stone fruit. It is marvellously fresh and crisp.
Number 5:
Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenère 2014
Carmenère
LCBO price: $19.95
You can taste the Chilean warmth in this wine. Aromas of sun-soaked blueberries, sweet tobacco, cedar, dried eucalyptus leaves, dried petals, and hints of cinnamon.
On the palate, it has velvety tannins, dark berry flavours, subtle floral notes, sweet spice, and a touch of cedar. Overall, a lovely wine!
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