Vintages Picks – Saturday April 18, 2015

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Lorie O'Sullivan

Here are some wines that I’m looking forward to picking up this week. Happy Shopping!

WHITE WINES
Chardonnay Pick
2011 Vignerons de Buxy Buissonnier Montagny, Burgundy France $19.95 #382879
I’m a huge fan of white Burgundy and to find one for under $20 is amazing! Montagny is located subregion of Côte Chalonnaise in the southern end of the region. Look for notes of citrus and apple with a hint of spice. Pair with chicken, fish or white pizza.

Calling all Oysters
2013 Chateau de la Bretesche Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire Valley, France $12.95 #412163
Let’s break this down…the grape here is Melon de Bourgogne and “sur lie” means that wine is aged on its lees (sediment) to give the wine some yeast characteristics and complexity. Don’t be afraid if it has a little bit of spritz too. Pair with Oysters, crab or shrimp or with Asian cuisine.

Pinot Grigio Pick
2013 Gradis’Ciutta Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy $19.95 #404376
I’m a huge fan of Pinot Gris/Grigio but ones that have great fruit, complexity and depth. This one has all three all put together in a funky bottle with a neon green top. With the warmer springs temps that have finally seemed to arrive in Ontario, you’ll find me on my back patio with a glass of this wine in my hand.

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Vintages Picks – April 4, 2015

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Lorie O'Sullivan

Back by popular demand and in time for Easter weekend. Happy Shopping!

White Wine

Perfect Easter White
2013 Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, BC #347203 $18.95
A lively Pinot Gris from the Okanagan Valley that would pair nicely with ham, turkey or chicken dishes.

Good Value
2013 Montressor Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy #408302 $13.95
The perfect wine to keep in your fridge and enjoy after a busy day at work! Also a must try for Pinot Grigio lovers. Pair with chicken mango salad or a pizza.

A tale of two Cali Chardonnays…
2013 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California #361949 $27.95
This is Chardonnay is the perfect balance of oak and fruit! Enjoy with panko-crusted salmon.

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Port buying made easy

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Lorie O'Sullivan

Port is amazing but there are some many to choose from and which one is best? To assist with your last minute shopping, I’ve created a quick guide on some 2011 Vintage Ports that I recently tasted to help you make the right decision. All Ports are available in the LCBO/Vintages.

Toronto-20141103-00297

Fruit forward style

Then the 2011 Sandeman Ruby is for you! Priced at $70.00, this Port is value driven while still delivering that full bodied, black fruit style. This Port can age for 20 – 30 yrs and some consider this house a “1st Growth” in the family Port. Great value!

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Tasting and loving the wines of Lombardy

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Lorie O'Sullivan

Last week I had the opportunity to taste some amazing sparkling, white, roses and red wines from this fabulous region. Here are some of the highlights.

Quaquarini Francesco

Starting with the very refreshing Pinot Nero Brut, I then tasted the 2010 Blau Pinot Nero which is aged one year in barrel and one year in bottle before being released. Next up was the tart and tasty Poggio Anna Barbera (90% Barbera, 10% Croatina), Finally, my favorite which was the Buttafuoco La Guasca (60% Croatina, 30% Barbera, 10% Ughetta di Canneto), just lovely tannins here reminding me very much of a Barbaresco!

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Holiday Picks from December 8th Vintages release

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

For the Rich Uncle: 2007 Darioush “Duel” Napa Valley $48.95
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz bursting with ripe, black Napa fruit that will be sure to impress!

For the Wine Geek: 2010 Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany $18.95
Wine geeks love Riesling and this one from the Rheingau is exceptional.

For the Flirty Gal: Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Italy $17.95
A dry Prosecco that pairs well with oysters or stone crab or just as delicious on its own.

For the Young Professional: 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State $19.95
This easy to drink now Cabernet will impress your friends and introduce them to the great wines of Washington State!

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Lorie’s Vintages Picks for September 15, 2012

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

Lots of great wines this week and I was able to taste all of my recommendations, so, get your Vintages Catalogue and let’s start shopping!

White Wine

Ontario Pick

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Lorie’s Vintages Picks for June 9, 2012

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

I recently tasted these amazing wines at the LCBO, so, get your Vintages catalog and let’s start shopping! All wines will be available for purchase in Vintages on Saturday, June 9.

White Wine

Chardonnay Pick

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Lorie’s Vintages Picks for April 14, 2012

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

All of my picks are from the LCBO Vintages magazine for the release date of Saturday, April 14. If you have a magazine already, feel free to make notes, just like I do.

Unfortunately this month I did not have the opportunity to taste all the wines I’m going to recommend to you today, however, some of the wines I have tasted in the restaurants where I work and with others I have had previous vintages and can give you my sommelier guarantee that this vintage will be equally as delicious. So, get your Vintages Catalogue and let’s start shopping!

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Lorie’s Vintages Picks for March 31, 2012

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

All of my picks are from the LCBO Vintages magazine for the release date of Saturday, March 31. If you have a magazine already, feel free to make notes, just like I do.

Unfortunately this month I did not have the opportunity to taste all the wines I’m going to recommend to you today, however, some of the wines I have tasted in the restaurants where I work and with others I have had previous vintages and can give you my Sommelier guarantee that this vintage will be equally as delicious.

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Lorie’s LCBO Vintages Picks For March 17, 2012

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Lorie O'Sullivan

All of my picks are from the LCBO Vintages magazine for the release date of Saturday, March 17. If you have a magazine already, feel free to make notes, just like I do.

Sparkling

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