• The following 2017 Vineland Estates St. Urban Vineyard ‘Elevation’ Riesling is a new Vintages Essentials product always available in select LCBO stores.
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Vineland Estates ‘Elevation’ St. Urban Vineyard Riesling 2017
VQA Niagara Escarpment $19.95 (38117) 8.5% alcohol
Aromas of mandarin orange, honey-drizzled pit fruit and whiffs of fresh ginger abound on the nose of this flavourful, value-packed, iconic riesling that was sourced from some of the oldest riesling vines in Ontario. A bracing wash of tangy lime cordial and lemon curd bathe the palate persisting through the very lengthy, mouth-watering finish and aftertaste. It’s medium-bodied with good texture and pours well with baked ham dotted with cloves or spaetzle with grilled or pan-fried bratwurst. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 Kim Crawford Chardonnay is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. It’s also $3 off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now until May 26, 2019
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Kim Crawford Chardonnay 2017
Marlborough $19.95 (991950) 13.5% alcohol
This popular and well-priced chardonnay is clean and fresh on the nose with lots of mineral, peach, and floral aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with juicy acidity and flavours of apple and peach that fade in a luxuriously refreshing finish. Enjoy with Camembert cheese. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following 2018 Kim Crawford Rosé is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores. It’s also $2 off the price shown below for each bottle purchased now until May 26, 2019
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Kim Crawford Rosé 2018
Hawke’s Bay $17.95 (650325) 13.0% alcohol
A wonderful rosé to raise in a toast to spring, this is a blend of 93% merlot with the balance malbec. It has a salmon-pink and peach-hue colour, with a nose of strawberry and clover aromas. This is medium-full bodied with a slightly off-dry sensation and nice crisp level of acidity. There are flavours of strawberry throughout, and a slight touch of gentle tannins on the finish. Enjoy with a baby spinach and strawberry salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar. (Dave Isaacs)
• The following 2017 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2017
Marlborough $21.95 (626390) 13.0% alcohol
A portion of this elegant and easy-drinking pinot noir has been aged in French oak barrels, 10% new. This has resulted in a complex nose with aromas of musty wood, dried red fruit, fresh cherries and spice. It’s medium bodied with good acidity and tannins that start gentle then slowly grow, but never become overwhelming. Red berry flavours linger nicely on the finish. It can be cellared another three years and enjoyed with a beef and mushroom stew. (Dave Isaacs)