Vintages New Release Collection – December 20, 2025

SHOP IN-STORE AND ON LCBO.COM | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

NEW ZEALAND – WHITE WINE

SOUTH AFRICA – WHITE WINE

GRAHAM NORTON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024

ALVI’S DRIFT 221 CHENIN BLANC 2024 WO Western Cape

New Zealand (Invivo & Co.)

Fermented with wild yeast and aged in a mix of French oak and stainless steel, this Chenin is crisp and complex, with suggestions of jasmine, white peach, passion fruit, citrus zest and funky earthy tones. Ideal for chicken curry or butternut quiche. [International Wine & Spirits Awards did not include a tasting note.] Score: 93 (International Wine & Spirits Awards – Spain, 2025) Full-bodied & Rich 45189 (XD) 750 ml $17.95 2

Intensely expressed and instantly appealing, the wine shows green rockmelon, feijoa, kiwifruit and lemon peel aromas, leading to a splendidly flavour- some palate that’s filled with juicy fruit flavours with lively acidity, finishing persistent and delicious. At its best: now to 2027. Score: 94 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Aug. 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 560284 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 1

SOUTH AFRICA – RED WINE

PALLISER ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Martinborough, North Island

KANONKOP KADETTE PINOTAGE 2022 WO Stellenbosch I’d love to pour a glass of this widely distributed red for anyone who tells me that “I don’t like Pinotage”. Layers of bramble and summer pudding are complemented by svelte tannins, rose petal and cinnamon aromas and enough acidity to lengthen the finish. Drink date: 2024-2030. Score: 92 (timatkin.com, South Africa Special Report 2024 ) Medium-bodied & Fruity 30191 (XD) 750 ml $21.95 2

It’s gorgeously fragrant on the nose, showing passionfruit, feijoa, green rockmelon and lime zest aromas. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and persistency. Powerful and delectably expressed, making it hugely appealing. At its best: now to 2028. Score: 95 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Aug. 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 708602 (XD) 750 ml $24.95 2

AUSTRIA – WHITE WINE

BRÜNDLMAYER TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 DAC Kamptal

VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Marlborough, South Island, sustainable This is immediately appealing on the nose with green rockmelon, Gala apple, feijoa and lime zest aromas. The palate offers excellent vibrancy and juicy fruit intensity, splendidly supported by bright acidity, making it flavoursome and highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2027. Score: 93 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Nov. 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 974527 (XD) 750 ml $21.95 1

Cool and elegant, yet juicy and wonderfully fresh, this medium-bodied gruner vetliner has the garden herb and celery aromas of the grape. As lightly as this skips over the palate, and as crisp as it is in the finish, there’s very good substance here. It should stay fresh for quite a few years. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold [through the end of the decade+]. Score: 93 (Stuart Pigott, james suckling.com, Sept. 12, 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 979708 (XD) 750 ml $32.95 2 4 Organic product

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 VINTAGES 35