February 2025 LCBO Vintages Picks

It's that time again -- when I realize the month is nearly over before I get around to sharing my picks!

Maybe March will be better (?)

Challenge Accepted

Somewhere along the line, I decided I had enough critical mass in terms of occasions over the course of the month to try and pick 5 bottles that best aligned to what I THINK I like when it comes to wine. I'm still using AI to help wade through everything and after a reasonably successful January, February seemed like an easy enough challenge.

There's Just One Problem With That...

So even back when I was REALLY a non-drinker, I always enjoyed visiting the LCBO and browsing. I knew nothing and if I'm being perfectly honest, bought wine more based on what was on the label than where it was from or what it tasted like.

Ever visited the LCBO and tried to pick a product based on the little shelf tags? Some have nice numerical ratings (which I've quickly learned that sometimes, a 93 is actually a 75...depending on your tastes), some commentary on the taste and body...and that's really just about it. You try making a choice based on 'medium-body & fruity'.

All that to say, browsing and NOT buying at the LCBO has proven...challenging to say the least. Needless to say between the tariff situation (don't get me started) and "other factors"...I brought home more than five bottles. Apparently it's time to work on impulse control.

Without further ado, here's...

My February 2025 Vintages 'Picks'

Manos Negras Stone Soil Malbec (2021)

'Manos negras', meaning 'black hands', refers to the belief of owners Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach that 'real winemakers get their hands dirty - hands black with wine'. From Paraje Altamira in the Uco sub-region of San Carlos, Stone Soil is the product of a selection of vines planted on a stretch of stony soil, notable for its white calcium carbonate-covered stones. Whole berry fermentation with natural yeasts, matured 12 months in 20% new French oak barriques. Amanda Barnes: Nice floral notes opening on the palate, good brightness and approachability. Lots of energy and tension, lovely for the price. Madeleine Stenwreth, MW: Vibrant, with intense ripe forest fruit, floral notes and spice. Alive and full of fruit, it requires a bit of time to open up in the glass. Dirceu Vianna Junior, MW: Gorgeous fruit, and a modern reductive character, youthful but with great energy. Fresh and just lovely: drink. Drinking window: 2024-2030. Score - 95.

• decanter.com via LCBO.com

La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (2019)

The wine is bright ruby red with vibrant aromas of vanilla and ripe fruit. A generous and vibrant flavour with nice mineral hints typical of the zone. Soft, balanced tannins.

• Vivino.com

Gérard Bertrand An 990 Fitou Grenache/Carignan (2021)

Gérard Bertrand's terroir-based expressions have been central to the re-emergence of the Languedoc as a premium-quality wine region. This example showcases Grenache and Carignan from Fitou and is crafted in an international style that makes it exceptionally accessible and gives it broad appeal. Look for ripe dark fruit, currant, roasted coffee bean, chocolate, spice and clove.

• LCBO.com

Vignerons de Bel-Air Bourgogne Pinot Noir (2022)

With more than 300 members, Vignerons de Bel Air was founded in 1929 and is one of southern Burgundy's largest cooperatives. This wine was sourced from 15-year-old vines planted in soils featuring hard schist and granite and offers considerable value for the region. Showing plentiful blackcurrant, black cherry, forest floor, earth and mineral, this versatile food wine will drink through 2028+.

• LCBO.com

Henry of Pelham The School House Cabernet/Merlot 2020 (2020)

Structured and balanced, with ripe red fruit, cassis, herbs, pepper, and oak spice. It will cellar into the early 2030s but to serve it tonight, decant for one hour and pair with prime-rib roast, or black-bean burgers with mushrooms sautéed in soy sauce. Score - 93. (winecurrent.com, March 13, 2024)

• winecurrent.com via LCBO.com

Looking Ahead to March

Writing this out the week before March means that I do indeed already know what's coming for March, and I'm posting more picks than I am reviews. There's definitely a little bit of imposter syndrome going on here as I wonder if anyone actually wants to hear what a wine neophyte has to say (SPOILER ALERT: I don't mind off-dry or jammy wines...JUDGE AWAY!)

I've actually had a lot more fun analyzing products...but that's a topic for another day.

Do you like the picks? Have others I should have tried and missed? Can't figure out why one the links doesn't work (SURPRISE! It's already out of stores!) -- drop me a line and tell me what you think.