Vintages New Release Collection – May 24, 2025

SHOP IN-STORE AND ON LCBO.COM | SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025

POMMERY APANAGE BRUT CHAMPAGNE AC, France Hard to resist this charming and characterful champagne. A wide range of stone fruit aromas plus ripe pear pulls you into the juicy and creamy palate which retains a very nice delicacy of touch. Long, elegant finish with dainty caramelized pear character. 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier with 20% of perpetual reserve in this cuvee based on the 2018 vintage. 17 villages, mostly Premier and Grand Cru. Drink now. Score: 93 (Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, July 5, 2023) Rich & Complex 173161 (XD) 750 mL $108.95 1

LUC BELAIRE RARE LUXE DEMI SEC SPARKLING France, Charmat method

This is a very full flavoured, off dry/medium sweet sparkler with quite intense and complex notes of dried apple, hay, crushed wildflowers and seeds. Quite custardy on the nose as well. Dessert in a glass but not super sweet. It is light to medium bodied, creamy yet fresh with very good acidity. The length is excellent. Tasted October 2023. Score: 92 (David Lawrason, winealign.com) Light & Fruity 632356 (MS) 750 mL $39.95 1 Featured in Dining Out Is In

SPARKLING WINE

FEATHERSTONE FIZZICS ROSÉ SPARKLING 2023 6 VQA Ontario, Charmat method

This is a new wine for Featherstone, a charmat style bubbly that’s a blend of Cabernet Franc (60%) and Merlot (40%). The name is an ode to Engel’s dad, who taught physics. It shows a light pink colour in the glass with a persistent bubble and notes of fresh strawberries, cherries, watermelon, floral accents and a smidge of citrus. There is a touch of sweetness on the palate with a lively bead and ripe red berries, a bit of peach and a juicy, vibrant finish. Fun bubbles at an attractive price. Score: 88 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, July 15, 2024) Medium-bodied & Flavourful 44918 (D) 750 mL $19.95 1 Featured in Local Find Flat Rock Twisted 2023 Charmat method bubble is a great value sparkler. Produced from 86% Riesling, 13% Chardonnay with the balance in Gewürztraminer, it is fragrant with ripe apple, lemon zest, tart orchard and stone fruit flavours on a lively and persistent mousse. Winemaker Andrea Perez Castillo suggests a pairing of sushi, tempura vegetables or potato chips. Score: 91 (nataliemaclean.com, Dec. 14, 2024) Light & Fruity 14421 (M) 750 mL $19.95 2 Featured in Dining Out Is In FLAT ROCK TWISTED SPARKLING 2023 6 VQA Ontario, Charmat method

LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE

AP, Burgundy, France, traditional method Cream, yeast and lemon form a perfect trinity on this wine’s vivid nose. The fresh palate is lively with bubbles, rounded with bready yeastiness and comes with a gentle texture. It is dry, appetizing and refreshing on the finish. Best Buy. Score: 90 (Anna Lee C. Iijima, Wine Enthusiast , Dec. 31, 2020) Medium-bodied & Flavourful 401018 (D) 750 mL $22.95 1

HXM ROYAL CRÉMANT RIESLING BRUT SPARKLING Mittelrhein, Germany, traditional method

Made in the traditional method from 100% Riesling grapes, this elegant bubbly spent nine months ageing on the lees. It delivers juicy apricot and spice notes on the way to a long, satiny finish. Light & Fruity 42017 (D) 750 mL $17.95 1

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025 VINTAGES 35