This is a Vin de Pays wine, now known by the EU designation Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP), these are wines that either couldn’t or chose to not meet the rules of the Appellation, assuming they are in a region covered by an Appellation. You can get some good deals in this category, so with no research I grabbed one given the attractive price. This wine is extremely inky dark in color with a mild dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some dark cherry notes, along with some firm dark chocolate and coffee notes, that are quite strong on first opening. I definitely recommend you breath or even decant (something I rarely feel the need to do) if you prefer a more elegant wine. On the medium length finish the firm tannins, and acidity dominate, again, especially straight out of the bottle. Some aging on this wine would definitely improve this wine immensely, like at least a year maybe more. I was hoping to love this wine … not so much, firm edgy, and sharp, I would give it an 87 at best. This is definitely a super dry wine. Be careful what you serve it with, anything too light on flavor and the firmness of this wine will dominate. I won’t be running back to grab more, thankfully, I only grabbed one. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 12993

Product Details

Sourced from a certified-sustainable clay and limestone vineyard, this is a structured, generous, characterful Cabernet Sauvignon. Punching well above its price point, it delivers considerable complexity and breadth, with boldly expressed cassis, dark fruit, coffee, and oak spice. Perfect for mid-week dining, it will delight through 2028+.

More Details

• Release Date January 24, 2026
• Alcohol/Vol 14.4%
• Made In Languedoc, France
• ByV intages Front Line Release
• Sugar Content 3 g/L
• VarietalCabernet Sauvignon

Dark in color with a rich red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays beautiful rich vibrant red fruits, tomato notes along with some oak and earth tones. On the medium length finish it shows some soft elegant tannins and acidity, nice and dry. This is a wine that punches well above it’s price point and I will definitely be going back and getting more … wow, yum, but this is very much a drink now style of wine. From the LCBO web site, check stock: According to the label this is 100% Sangiovese

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 421107

Product Details

A juicy, crunchy and agile red with aromas of sour cherries, sweet berries and dried oregano on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Vivid core of crunchy red berries and a succulent, fresh finish. Drink now. Score – 92. (jamessuckling.com, July 12, 2024)

More Details

• Release Date January 10, 2026
• Alcohol/Vol 13%
• Made In Tuscany, Italy
• By Vintages Front Line Release
• Sugar Content 3 g/L
• Varietal Sangiovese

Inky dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some rich dark berry notes, some tomato notes and some chocolate. On the medium length finish it displays some firm tannins mild dark chocolate notes and lively acidity. This is a bold wine with some nice complexity. I would give it a solid 88 yum … Check LCBO stock: From the LCBO web site, this is a general list product:

$29.95 LCBO#: 45195

Product Details

A benchmark of the Ruffino portfolio and Tuscan wine in general, this Chianti Classico Riserva has been gracing tables since 1927. Made with modern techniques and respect for the region’s traditions, this wine is a study in elegance. Spice, red berry, cedar, and leather notes provide layer upon layer of complexity.

Taste Profile

• FlavoursFloral, Walnut, Cassis
• Sweetness
• Body
• Flavour Intensity
• Tannins

More Details

• Alcohol/Vol14%
• Made InTuscany, Italy
• ByRuffino Chianti Cl. Riserva Ducale
• Sugar Content2 g/L
• VarietalSangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some rich dark cherry notes … On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice pepper, firm acidity and tannins along with some earthy notes . Quite an interesting pinot. I would give it an 87-88 … Not bad for the price. Check stock, this is a general list product.

$18.95 LCBO#: 30622

Product Details

A dazzling display of the quality that can be achieved in the Niagara Peninsula, this wine was made from sustainably grown grapes sourced from numerous farms across the region. Simultaneously ethereal and muscular, this elegant, spicy Pinot Noir shows notes of cherry, cinnamon, oak spice and rosemary.

More Details

• Alcohol/Vol 13.3%
• Made In Ontario, Canada
• Sugar Content 8 g/L
• Varietal Pinot Noir

Nice dark berry nose, on the mid palate the wine packs a punch firm firm black cherries, along with some earthy notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some black peppery notes that stick to the tongue along with some lively acidity, and tannins … nice and dry. This is definitely not a wimpy wine. I would give it an 87-88. It might soften a bit with time, right now, definitely edgy. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$17.95 VINTAGES#: 426916

Product Details

A ripe, fun Bordeaux blend featuring 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. The complex, layered notes of raspberry, dark berry, cherry, cassis, nutmeg, black licorice, cinnamon, cocoa and cigar make for a real treat. Lithe and fresh with grippy tannins, the 2021 is a wine that really overdelivers. There really is a lot to like here. Drink through 2027+.

• Made In Ontario

More Details

• Release DateAugust 2, 2025
• Alcohol/Vol 13%
• Made InOntario, Canada
• Sugar Content 3 g/L
• Varietal Cabernet Franc Blend

This is another of the wines from Nova Scotia, I bought this one with no research … Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice smooth citrus notes, lemon/lime. On the medium length finish the vibrant acidity and dominant citrus notes linger nicely in the mouth … This is a smoother more elegant sauv blanc quite impressive for the price … I would give it an 87-88, quite a nice wine. From the winery’s web site:

Ducks Crossing Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh and aromatic, this classic Sauvignon Blanc is brimming with notes of citrus and tropical fruit. Ducks Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is crisp with a refreshing finish.

• Ducks Crossing
• White
• Curico Valley
• 750 mL
• 13% Alc./Vol.
• ^$13.87

Nose

Fresh and aromatic, this classic Sauvignon Blanc is brimming with notes of citrus and tropical fruit.

Palate: Ducks Crossing Sauvignon Blanc is crisp with a refreshing finish.

Pairings: Pair with sushi, salads, and ceviche dishes.

Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc

While in Nova Scotia I had a chance to try one of their local wines at a restaurant and was impressed. Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant green apple tartness. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely vibrant acidity that dances nicely on the tongue and lingers leaving some nice lime notes. This was surprisingly good for the price which is $13.87. We get little if any Nova Scotia wines in Ontario (to the best of my knowledge). I would give it an -88. It is available at NSLC …

From the winery’s web site:

Rich notes of fresh pear and spring blossoms are expressed on this classic example of Pinot Grigio. This wine has a concentrated mouth feel and a long refreshing finish. 

Ducks Crossing White Breede River Valley 750 mL 12% Alc./Vol. ^$13.87

Nose

Rich notes of fresh pear and spring blossoms are expressed on this classic example of Pinot Grigio.

Palate

This wine has a concentrated mouth feel and a long refreshing finish. 

Pairings

Pair with seafood chowder, aged hard cheeses, potato chips, and edamame.

Varietals

Pinot Grigio

A lovely pink salmon color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely strawberry notes … On the lighter side of medium length in finish the wine displays some nice tongue sticking acidity minerality and citrus notes. This is a lovely, soft summer sipper perfect for the patio, nice and refreshing. It’s milder so be careful on the food you serve it with, but for the price, this is a bargoon! I’ll be going back to get more, I’d give it an -88 or so , nice and dry … From the LCBO web site, check stock, this is a general list product.

$11.05 LCBO#: 17901

Product Details

The vibrant pink colour of this rosé is achieved through gentle pressing and soaking of the blush-hued pinot grigio grape skins with the juice. The elegant bouquet has citrus zest and hibiscus notes with flavours of red apple and a dry finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif or with grilled fish filets.

More Details

• Alcohol/Vol 12%
• Made In Veneto, Italy
• By Oggi
• Sugar Content 4 g/L

If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying a Nero d’Avola it’s worth a try. It’s a bit of a more rustic grape, less refined or elegant than some. This wine is dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays firm black cherries along with some mild dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine packs a good punch with strong black pepper, firm palate coating tannins and acidity, nice and dry. This wine definitely lives in the finish and is edgy, but honestly, this is a softer Nero d’Avola than some. I would consider this a drink now wine, it may soften some, but honestly I like the unique character of the wine. We paired it with lasagna and it went well, but be careful what you serve it with. Red sauce based pasta, pizza are good choices. Steak would also be good. This wine is a general list product and is a bargain … Oddly I could not find the year of the wine on the bottle. I would give it a solid -88 or so … from the LCBO web site, check stock:

$12.70 LCBO#: 31797

Product Details

An elegant organic wine produced in the sunny hills of Sicily, it is matured in stainless steel tanks with minimal oak, preserving its fruit freshness. Intriguing aromas of currant, pomegranate and cherry lead to rich and soft flavours on the palate with fresh fruit and velvety tannins. Pair with pizza and pasta.

• Organic

More Details

• Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
• Made In Sicily, Italy
• Sugar Content 4 g/L
• Varietal Nero d’Avola