Since its inception in 1970’s, the Vintages division of the L.C.B.O has offered fine wines in limited quantities. This division now has twice-monthly releases, and once the inventory of a particular wine is sold out, it may or may not be offered again; if it is it will be another vintage. The management of Vintages knows that a good portion of the population in Ontario likes the convenience of buying a wine with which they are familiar. For this reason the concept of “Essentials” was developed which offers affordable, thoughtfully selected wines available all the time.
Once a year, a poorly performing wine may be de-listed, but more often than not a new wine or two value wines are added.
Presently the Essentials catalogue lists eight spirits, one liqueur, two tawny ports, five champagnes, 30 white and 52 red wines from all over the world.
Once a year, wine writers taste the whole portfolio with the exception of a few very expensive and rare spirits like Louis XIII cognac by Remy Martin at $ 2,400.00 a bottle and Johnnie Walker Blue label $ 245.95.
Vintages of wines listed may change during the year.
Descriptions here are relevant to the vintage noted.
This year the following wines pleased my palate:

20-Year-Old Tawny Port, Taylor Fladgate, Douro Valley, Portugal
Rich apricot and dried fruit aromas, and lengthy, nutty, honeyed finish make this wine an excellent choice for sipping after an extended gourmet meal, or with a piece of milk chocolate. Once opened, it can be kept for a few weeks without much oxidation.
$ 67.95

Cuvee Rose Brut Champagne, Laurent-Perrier, Champagne, France
Offers delicate, ripe strawberry aromas, balance and elegance. It is the world’s best selling rose champagne.
$ 99.95

Premier Brut Champagne, L. Roederer, Champagne, France
Aromas of toast, almonds and citrus fruits waft out oft eh glass. Fine, persistent bubbles prove the finesse of this excellent champagne.
$ 67.95

Indian Summer Select Late harvest Riesling, 2008, Cave Spring Cellars, Ontario, Canada
Rich with layered flavours of mango, pear, caramel, apples and cinnamon make this a delightful alternative to ice wines.
$ 24.95 375 ml

Red Icewine, 2007, Stratus Winery, Ontario, Canada
J.P Groulx, the winemaker at Stratus, never provides about grape varieties that constitute the bled, but his wines are always expertly and lovingly made. This icewine (Canadian spelling) is no exception. It smells intensely of dried berries and is superbly balanced.
$ 39.95 200 ml.

Reserve Chardonnay, 2006, Mission Hills Winery, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Loaded with peach, pineapple and banana aromas, and toasty, floral flavour, this medium-bodied, creamy-textured wine with along finish would be excellent with sautéed shrimp, pilaff-style Basmati rice, poached or pan-fried salmon, or baked turbot, grilled squid or lobster.
$ 19.95

Conundrum, 2006, Conundrum Winery, California
An ingenious blend of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, viognier and muscat Canelli offers aromas of peach, jasmine, pear, melon, vanilla and gooseberries. Well balanced with a long aftertaste.
$ 26.95

Chardonnay, 2008, Oyster Bay, New Zealand
Green apple, ripe peach, vanilla, underlined with tropical fruit aromas. Tasty, dry, soft, and creamy.
$ 18.95

Les Baronnes Sancerre, 2008, Henri Bourgeois, Loire Valley, France
Smells of thyme, sage, kiwi, green apples, gooseberries and grapefruit waft out of the glass. Refined and elegant with a long and pleasant aftertaste.
$ 24.95

San Vincenzo, 2008, Anselmi, Veneto, Italy
Light, fresh, ripe citrus, tropical fruit and melon, pear and peach aromas are evident.
Blended using garganega, chardonnay and trebbiano, this medium-bodied wine would be excellent with seafood pastas, thin-crust pizzas, poached or breaded fried smelts or smoked trout.
$ 16.95

Cabernet Sauvignon, Knight’s Valley, Sonoma County, Beringer Winery, California
Classic cabernet sauvignon brimming with cassis, toasty oak, coffee, vanilla and spice. Full-bodied, balanced with a long and satisfying aftertaste.
$ 39.95

Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006, Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley, California
Intense bouquet of red and black currants liquorice, and cedar are noticeable. Full-bodied, with a rich mid-palate, layered flavours and long aftertaste.
$ 35.95

Malbec, 2008, Kaiken, Argentina
Attractive aromas of blueberry, raspberry, chocolate and sandalwood are evident. Full-bodied, smooth elegant, and well extracted.
$ 14.95

Darry’s Original, 2006, D’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia
A blend of grenache and shiraz, this bold wine will please your palate with blackberry, raspberry, dark chocolate and cherry flavours. Full-bodied and well balanced.
$ 19.95

Jester Shiraz, 2007, Mitolo, South Australia
Created by the young and talented wine maker Ben Glaetzer, this McLaren shiraz has everything a South Australian shiraz should offer. It is intense, with fruit and long aftertaste.
$ 21.95

Merlot, 2008, Moueix, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Two bottles were tasted and one was outstanding with plum and blackberry aromas, earthy and cedary flavours. The other was barely passable.
Enjoy with lasagne, veal or lamb stews, grilled lamb meatballs.
$ 15.95

Duca di Castelmonte, Centare Nero d’Avola, 2007, Carlo Pellegrino, Sicily, Italy
Medium-bodied, smells of plums, cherry, leather, and roasted chestnut are evident. Balanced, with mild tannins. Excellent value.
$ 13.95

Peppoli Chianti Classico, 2006, Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
Light ruby in colour, with aromas and taste of cherries, this medium-bodied intense Chianti is highly recommended with cured meats, pastas, antipasti and semi-hard cheeses.
$ 19.95

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2005, Fratelli Tedeschi, Veneto, Italy
Veneto’s unique method of drying grapes on wooden mats yields extraordinary and powerful wines. The Tedeschi family, resident just outside of Verona, is well known for its outstanding amarones. Loaded with cherry, dried fruits, figs, and floral aromas, this potent wine is ready to enjoy now with game stews, or roasts, roast beef, medium-rare grilled steaks, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or dark chocolates.
$ 39.95

Hecula Monastrell, 2006, Bodegas Castano, Yecla, Spain
This powerful and balanced wine offers rich fruit flavours ands solid tannins. Deeply flavoured, and consistent vintage after vintage, it represents solid value.
$ 13.95

Santa Digna Reserva, 2006, Miguel Torres, Curico, Chile
This cabernet sauvignon produced by Miguel Torres from Catalonia in Spain offers plum puree, roasted bell peppers, smoke and black currant aromas. It is well balanced and easy to drink and enjoy. Good value.
$ 14.95

Gran Feudo Reserva , 2004, Julian Chivite, Navarra, Spain
Medium-bodied ad dry, this wine mostly vinted using tempranillo grapes is bursting with cherry, sandalwood, cocoa and incense. It is well structured with soft tannins and possesses a long, satisfying aftertaste.
$ 15.95

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Tags: VINTAGES ESSENTIALS

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