Ottawa Wine and Food Guide

Every second week, Ottawafocus.com will present new release wines. Highlights that feature some of the best value wines available at your local Ottawa LCBO.

LCBO Vintages Release Highlights - June 7th, 2008

Here is a sampling of affordable highly rated wines from the Vintages Highlights Release. We look forward to providing you with a monthly selection for your tasting pleasure. Please visit www.vintages.com for a complete list and ratings.

“Hi Lite White”

Leon Beyer Riesling “Les Escaillers” 2005, AC Alsace FRANCE
#955401 $29.95 **** +

-Fragrant, floral, hibiscus, honey, mineral lemon/lime and peach pit aromas.
-Delicious, ripe entry on palate with juicy citrus, pear and peach shining through which quickly meet with a bracing acidity mid palate and on.
-The bright, zippy acidity cuts the ripeness as this wine is showing only a hint of it’s potential….needs something oily and thick to cut through at the moment, like maybe a dressed up Arctic Char stuffed with wild rice
-Youthful at moment with all the elements needed to age gracefully.

“Hi-Lite Red”

Tedeschi Capitel Dei Nicalo Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2006, DOC VENETO
#984997 $18.95 **** Great Value

-Sweet, black fruits, plum, and a touch of wet hay, not the entire barnyard.
-Ripe entry, silky, sweet plum, blackcurrant flavours load up on the palate.
-Excellent balance, full flavoured, delicious, with a long warm, dry fruited, spiced finish.
-Great value here with “Amarone” like fruit, less heady, a touch drier throughout.

*There are some great new “Vintage Essentials” added to the Portfolio*

J Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon   $19.95
Killikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz     $24.95
Esporao Reserve Portugal              $24.95
Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay $24.95
Muga Reserva Rioja       $24.95
Jester Shiraz Mitolo    $24.95

Notes provided by John MacKinnon, Area Representative, Vintages brands at L.C.B.O.