The freezing rain, snow and resulting backbreaking shovelling in Ontario is now behind us and the sun is shining. So as the weekend dawns, many of us will be heading to the LCBO to stock up on some well-deserved libations. Here are a couple new releases worth taking at gander at.

Altanza Gran Reserva 2015 — Rioja, Spain ($30.95)
We’re getting into serious review numbers with this vegan-friendly Tempranillo, carefully aged over two years with a 50/50 split of French and America oak, and then another three months for good measure in huge 22,000 litre French oak vats. It’s hard to believe this is a 2015 vintage, given how lively, wild and intense it is. Aromas of dark tart cherries, ripe blackcurrants and plums, spice, lime rind and hints of cigar box and eucalyptus rush out like a prison break after being in bottled captivity for almost five years. Smooth and silky with subtle tannins on the palate, it rests equidistant between medium and full bodied, with measurements of 14% alc. and 2 g/L sugar. It has another five years of aging, if you’re into that, but will give you no shortage of pleasure right now. 92

Wakefield Estate Chardonnay 2021 — Padthaway/Clare Valley, Australia ($17.95) 
Designed to please, this is the softest, creamiest edition I can recall of this well-priced Aussie Chardonnay. A double-gold winner at the 2022 China Wine & Spirits Awards (including the trophy for Clare Valley Wine of the Year), it is particularly smooth, owing to a small portion being barrel-fermented and then lees-stirred for four months. Almost eight months of maturation in French oak followed before the wine was blended and bottled. Expect a nose of lime-led tropical citrus and cashews, with more citrus and green apple and a welcomed acidity on the palate, leading to a very good finish. A safe bet for fans of oaked Chardonnay. (4 g/L of residual sugar content.) 89