The LCBO recently released some exciting Ontario wines in its Vintages section, which is good news if you’re trying to shop local. So here’s your list of best buys. It includes two whites, three reds and one bottle of bubbly to keep you stocked and stoked for any occasion. Remember, these are small lots of get-‘em-while-you-can bottles. So act fast.
2020 Hidden Bench Riesling VQA Beamsville Bench
“Fragrant aromas of lime twist and sea spray, green mango and damp herbs.”
SuppliedScore 94 (Vintages 183491, $24.95)
This wine is a bargain for what it is, which is a chiselled, exciting expression of Ontario Riesling. Each swirl of the glass releases fragrant aromas of lime twist and sea spray, green mango and damp herbs. Then, it arrests the senses with a vivid bolt of tightly wound flavour that fans out and saturates the palate. Each sip is a racy-sweet eruption of citrus, white cherry and bitter lime that tapers slowly toward crushed stones, white flowers and salted orange peel. Excellent with cheese. (11% alc., 18 g/L sugar)
2022 Hare Riesling VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
“Full-throttle scents of lemon-lime sorbet laced with pineapple.”
SuppliedScore 90 (Vintages 32266, $24.95)
Zesty, zippy and pure, this Riesling delivers a lip-smacking lick of easy refreshment. It shines star bright, emits full-throttle scents of lemon-lime sorbet laced with pineapple and then slips in with more of the same. The succulent fruit centre lifted by vibrant acidity tastes generous and open-handed — something everyone can enjoy. While not wildly complex, it’s concentrated, pristine and well-balanced. And the finish leaves the palate seasoned with gentle lime zest and a note of ripe avocado. This bottle is a taco night waiting to happen. (12% alc., 16 g/L sugar)
2022 Peninsula Ridge Reserve Meritage VQA Beamsville Bench
“Plenty of black forest fruit on the nose with hints of black olive.”
SuppliedScore 93 (Vintages 299180, $29.95)
When you’re looking for a slow sipper that’s deep, dark and savoury for a great night in, this is your red. It’s a Bordeaux blend of 54 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 per cent Merlot and 14 per cent Malbec. The result is plenty of black forest fruit on the nose with hints of black olive, cool clay, incense and forest floor. The entry rolls in with full-bodied opulence, just the right level of tension and expansive fruit threaded with savoury-meaty allure. And the finish is long. (14% alc., 3 g/L sugar)
2021 Featherstone Gamay Noir VQA Niagara Peninsula
“Juicy-smoky, black cherry aromas.”
SuppliedScore 90 (Vintages 39275, $18.95)
This little sub-$20 wonder offers immediate pleasure. Each glassful opens with juicy-smoky, black cherry aromas with an oceanic top note and charcuterie underpinnings. Then, it floods in with balance and poise as flavours unfurl quietly with dried cranberry, cool violet and that smoked black cherry note found on the nose. Seamless and smooth, this light-bodied, bone-dry wine recedes slowly and keeps you topping up. Classic expression of Ontario Gamay that goes especially well with roasted poultry — especially sheet-pan chicken legs. Easy mid-week pour. (12% alc., 2 g/L sugar)
2022 Fielding Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara Peninsula
“Roasted hazelnut, spice, graphite, cherry pit and a touch of licorice emerge.”Â
SuppliedScore 90 (Vintages 36194, $26.15)
This bottle is chock full of bright, raspberry fruit etched with aniseed and pencil shavings. It shines a translucent ruby-violet hue, exudes a delicate and pure perfume and delivers a crush of summer-berried goodness that slides in and then quickly cascades with complexity. Roasted hazelnut, spice, graphite, cherry pit and a touch of licorice emerge and then retreat, while a long powdery finish persists. Just the wine to have on hand for impromptu gatherings because it goes with anything — pizza, pasta, burgers or just a nibble of cheese. (13% alc., 2 g/L sugar)
NV Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Estate Grown VQA Beamsville Bench
“Cool almond and lemon tart aromas.”
SuppliedScore 93 (Vintages Essential 213983, $32.95)
While this label is not vintage-dated and is always available in Vintages, a fresh batch was recently disgorged and is now on shelf. Disgorging is the removal of sediment from a bottle of bubbly. Then, it’s topped up with reserve wine and corked. This current bottling shows cool almond and lemon tart aromas that lead to a delicate slip of roasted apple, lemon curd, caramelized pastry and pistachio cream. Tiny bubbles thread to a bright centre and lend a quiet, mousse-like mouthfeel. One for the door of the fridge. (12% alc., 3 g/L sugar)
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