Vintages New Release Collection – July 5, 2025

SHOP IN-STORE AND ON LCBO.COM | SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025

RHÔNE DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2021 AC The 2021 Gigondas boasts lovely florals that suggest roses and violets, plus garrigue and black cherry notes. It’s medium to full-bodied, not the rich, blockbuster-concentrated wine that some vintages at this address can yield, but charming, balanced, silky and easy to drink. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. Drink date: 2023-2035. Score: 92 (Joe Czerwinski, robert parker.com, May 16, 2024) Full-bodied & Smooth 981787 (XD) 750 mL $39.95 2

CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2022 AC Fronsac (Famille Saby)

Fronsac is found on the north bank of the Dordogne River and its blends are typically Merlot-led. This one has plentiful dark fruit, earth and spice and showcases the vibrant acidity and freshness that characterize the reds of the 2022 vintage; a surprise from what was a hot, drought-like year. A great barbecue wine that you can also put aside for holiday dinners through 2030+. Medium-bodied & Fruity 123489 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 2

BURGUNDY MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE CUVÉE RÉSERVE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2023 AC A bright and fruity, very pinot noir-like expression here [from] the 2023 vintage, one of immediate charm and pleasure. Tannins are very fine and silky, and acids comfortably fresh. I like the zest and succulence – it’s a fine Bourgogne rouge that delivers all one could hope for in the category. Ready to enjoy. Tasted March 2025. Score: 89 (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com) Medium-bodied & Fruity 299859 (XD) 750 mL $28.95 2 LANGUEDOC CHÂTEAU RIVIÈRE 2020 AP Minervois Ripe strawberries, currants, thyme, blue fruits, baking spices and black olives on the nose. Crunchy and medium- to full-bodied with a fine wrapping of firm tannins. Fleshy and bright with raspberries and cherries on the palate leading to a joyous, spicy finish. 80% syrah and 20% grenache. Drink now [through 2025]. Score: 91 (jamessuckling.com, Oct. 5, 2022) Medium-bodied & Fruity 35999 (XD) 750 mL $18.95 1 Featured in Mediterranean Season

DOMAINES ANDRÉ AUBERT VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 AC 65% Grenache, 35% Syrah. Lifted intensity on the nose, with prune and mulberry notes. Plenty of concentration on the palate, with ripe, dark fruits. Impressive for the price. Score: 93 (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2024) Full-bodied & Smooth 224915 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2

SOUTHWEST DOMAINE BERTHOUMIEU CONSTANCE 2021 AP Madiran (C. & M. Bortolussi, prop./Viella, Lionel Osmin & Cie)

While Tannat is in the majority in this wine, Caber nets and the local Pinenc varities are also in the mix. The result is a rich, dense wine, full of black fruits and spicy tannins. It is still structured and with a firm core that needs to soften. The family firm in the central Madiran town of Viella has given a wine that needs to age. Drink from 2026. Best Buy. Score: 92 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast , March 1, 2024) Full-bodied & Firm 43495 (XD) 750 mL $20.95 3

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2025 VINTAGES 37