• The following 2018 Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontés 2018
Cafayate and Mendoza, Argentina $14.95 (1834) 14.0% alcohol
In a wine world awash with watery, sometimes bitter, Torrentés, this is an island of pure ambrosia. Honeysuckle and mixed spice aromas provide segue to a medium-bodied, nicely textured palate-bathing wash of ripe pear and honey drizzled pear that gives way to minerality and tang-infused lemon citrus providing a mouth-watering, crisp and refreshing finish and aftertaste. Pour with ceviche or pan-seared fish or grilled calamari. Just plain delicious. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2016 Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is discounted $5.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below in LCBO stores from June 24 to July 21, 2019.
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Beringer ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Knights Valley, California $44.95 (352583) 14.8% alcohol
This blend of predominantly cabernet sauvignon with a splash of cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, matured 16 months in French oak, 30% new. Dark cherry, plum compote, chipotle, baking spice and violet aromas showcase the complex nose. Silky soft on palate entry with flavours of ripe black cherry, clove and vanilla, it shows a firmer profile mid palate with tight tannin and flavours of cocoa powder, freshly cracked black peppercorn and a wisp of red plum acidity through the finish and aftertaste. This is full bodied with cellaring potential; enjoy now to 2024 with juicy, grilled-rare prime rib after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2017 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay is discounted $3.00 per bottle purchased from the price shown below in LCBO stores from now to June 23, 2019. It’s also a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Beringer Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley (84988) $25.95 14.1% alcohol
There’s good value in this pleasing Napa chardonnay. Grapes sourced from multiple vineyard parcels were fermented in 25% stainless steel and 75% French oak followed by eight months barrel aging before bottling. The nose leads with lemon, lime zest, red apple adorned with a pleasant floral note, hints of spice and toast. Dry and medium bodied with balancing acidity, the generous mouthfeel transports flavours of Meyer lemon, pear and Gala apple through the medium-long finish before a mineral note appears on the aftertaste. Sip on its own or alongside simply-prepared roast chicken. (Lisa Isabelle)
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Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley, California $65.00 (26682) alcohol 14.7% alcohol
Golden hued in the glass, this opens with aromas of toasty/oaky notes robed in citrus and baking bread. It’s medium-full bodied with generous texture and creamy smooth mouthfeel. Palate flavours of blood orange and Granny Smith apple abound with wisps of caramel and baking spice adding interest. This offers persistent purity of fruit, depth and excellent structure. It’s balanced and drinking well now, and will for the next five or more years. (Vic Harradine)