Vintages New Release Collection – September 27, 2025

SHOP IN-STORE AND ON LCBO.COM | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

SOUTH AFRICA – RED WINE

VILLA MARIA CLIFFORD BAY RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, sustainable With its power and gorgeous fruit purity, the enticing bouquet shows kiwifruit, Granny Smith apple, nectarine and kaffir lime notes on the nose, followed by a concentrated palate displaying brilliant focus and persistency. Exuberant and lively with a pro- longed, mouth-watering finish. At its best: now to 2030. Score: 96 (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, March 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 12631 (XD) 750 ml $23.95 2

KEN FORRESTER PAT’S GARDEN RESERVE 2020 WO Western Cape Aged in used barrels for 18 months, it has a fresh, minty bouquet with raspberry and crushed strawberry scents, darker fruit emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and, I must say, very Bordeaux/Right Bank in style. Well balanced and slightly grainy in texture, with a dash of black pepper on the finish, this is a well-crafted wine from winemaker Shawn Mathyse. Drinking window: 2024-2030. Score: 90 (Neal Martin, vinous.com, Sept. 19, 2024) Medium-bodied & Fruity 45169 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

SOUTH AFRICA – WHITE WINE

ARMENIA – RED WINE

ALVI’S DRIFT PRIVATE CELLAR SIGNATURE RANGE VIOGNIER 2024 WO Western Cape This is an inviting, youthful wine that delivers well above its price point. It has generous aromas and flavours of lifted white flowers, peach, citrus and apricot. Simply a delight! Pair with a spicy chicken dish or vegetarian lasagna. [Ultra Value Wine Challenge did not include a tasting note.] Score: 90 (Ultra Value Wine

ARMENIA DRY RED 2023 Aragatsotn (Armenia Wine Factory)

This blend of the indigenous Areni and Haghtanak is sourced from vineyards between 1,000 and 2,000 metres elevation in the Vayots Dzor region, which is the home of the world’s oldest-dated wine (over 6,000 years old). Daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C and drop below 20°C at night, allowing for vibrancy and elegance in the wines. This one boasts juicy red berry, plum, spice and chocolate. Medium-bodied & Fruity 37742 (XD) 750 ml $21.95 2

Challenge, 2024) Full-bodied & Rich 18687

$14.95 1

(XD) 750 ml

AUSTRIA – WHITE WINE

LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 DAC Kamptal, sustainable

Calm, cool, and collected with a label soothing to the eyes in mint-green. Discreetly aromatic with lime leaf, elderflower, ginger, almond, and fennel on the nose. Zesty but balanced with gentle lees and flavours of cucumber, white tea and mineral that mark the palate. Features a pleasant texture and notable persistence. Enjoy now or hold another 2-3 years. Tasted October 2024. Score: 90 (Sara d’Amato, winealign.com) Aromatic & Flavourful 142240 (XD) 750 ml $25.95 2 4 Organic product

SUTHERLAND CHARDONNAY 2021 WO Elgin (Thelema Mountain Vineyards) A compelling nose of struck flint, apple blossom, peach and cooling cucumber, chocolate with a silky sour cream palate and lime zest finish. Score: 95 (International Wine Challenge, 2023) Light & Crisp 146423 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 VINTAGES 33