2021 Mitolo Jester Shiraz

Posted on January 1, 2025 by John Galea

As you may have noticed, I don’t buy a lot of Shirazs … A lot of them are just too jammy … I’ve had this one, a long time ago, and liked it, so I went off my usual script and bought this one … Inky dark in color with a nice mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft, subtle black berries, blueberries and the like along with some dark chocolate. On the mid palate there’s some typical peppery notes along with some nice smooth tannins and acidity. This wine is not sweet, and not jammy at all, nice and dry. This is most definitely a drink now wine, with very muted fruit. Quite elegant … On the lighter side of medium in length on the finish. I would give it a -88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$18.95Original Price$20.95 Save $2.00Sale Ends: January 5th VINTAGES#: 659607

Product Details

Superstar winemaker Ben Glaetzer isn’t clowning around with this opulent Shiraz, a blockbuster with notes of chocolate, fresh rye bread, prune, toast and vanilla. Enjoy with spicy mushroom pasta, chicken wings, ribs or rare roast beef.

More Details

  • Release Date April 2, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.9%
  • Made In South Australia, Australia
  • By Mitolo
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Shiraz/Syrah
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Pétalos de Aresan Rosé 2023

Posted on December 25, 2024 by John Galea

Pale salmon in color with a nice citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lively red wine notes, firm ripe strawberries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine packs a nice punch with the vibrant acidity sticking nicely to the tongue, nice and dry. This is made from the tempranillo grape and it shows well … I would give this a solid 88 or so, which for the price is bargain! Not as soft or elegant as say a Provence Rose but nice in it’s own right …

$13.95 VINTAGES#: 37864

Product Details

This 100% Tempranillo rosé was fermented and matured on the lees in stainless steel and reveals brightly defined red fruit, apple, pear and citrus notes. It’s sleek and refreshing, with crisp, food-friendly acidity. It will be ideal with seasonal salads, pasta dishes, or simply as a sipper on a warm day.

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date June 8, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In La Mancha, Spain
  • Sugar Content 6 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Schroeder Saurus Select Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2021

Posted on December 4, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant, fruit forward red and black cherry notes along with some nice mocha. On the medium length finish the wine display some vibrant acidity, firm tannins and bold peppery notes. It’s quite complex, and nice and dry. I quite enjoyed it, I would give it an -88, yumm … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95 VINTAGES#: 36314

Product Details

Equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from San Patricio del Chañar in Northern Patagonia, the 2021 Cabernet-Cabernet Saurus Select aged 12 months in French and American oak. Notes of candied black fruit, marmalade and cassis unfurl over a toasty, ashen layer of oak. Dry and rich on the palate, well-calibrated acidity provides lift to the fine-grained tannins, leading to a flavorful mouthfeel. This tasty Patagonian red lingers on its fruit notes. Drinking window: 2023-2031. Score – 91. (Joaquín Hidalgo, vinous.com, Feb. 20, 2024)

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More Details

  • Release Date October 19, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Patagonia, Argentina
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc
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Cap Royal Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Posted on November 28, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft elegant citrus notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity and the citrus notes dance nicely on the tongue, nice and dry. If you looking for an edgy New Zealand or Chilean sauv blanc with lots of flavors in your face … ya this isn’t that. This wine is apparently 100% Sauv blanc, no Semillon, so there’s no floral notes, or oily notes … I would give it an -88 or so … from the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 18491

Product Details

This has a fresh, slightly leafy character with citrus fruit and white flowers. Medium-bodied, dry and a little salty on the palate, with a zesty, lightly phenolic finish. Vegan. Drink now. Score – 89. (jamessuckling.com, May 30, 2024)

More Details

  • Release Date November 16, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc
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2014 Faustino I Gran Reserva

Posted on November 25, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays big bold black fruits, dark cherries and the like along with some nice dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins, acidity and peppery notes, and it’s super dry. In spite of this being a 2014 the fruit and finish have lots of live in them, owing to Spains practice of aging in larger, older barrels for long periods of time. This is a BIG wine with lots going on so make sure you pair it with something with lots of flavor or your not tasting the food. I would give this a solid 88-89, yum, it was given as a gift, thanks Merv! From the LCBO web site, check stock.

$31.95 VINTAGES#: 976662

Product Details

When it comes to red wines, Rioja is king in Spain. With its distinctive bottle and classic sandalwood, strawberry preserve, vanilla, floral and black olive notes, the Faustino I Gran Reserva is one of the most recognizable, popular wines from this historic region. Try it with a mushroom risotto.

  • Essentials CollectionEssentials Collection

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Cedar, Strawberry, Vanilla
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Release Date April 2, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Rioja, Spain
  • ByFaustino
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Tempranillo Blend
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Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko/Moschofilero Rosé 2023

Posted on November 21, 2024 by John Galea

I enjoy Agiorgitiko wines so when I saw this one in the LCBO, and on clearance I grabbed one. Quite pale salmon in color with a mild minerally nose, but this is another one that benefits from being not too cold. On the mid palate the wine packs some lively citrus notes, with vibrant acidity that dances on the tongue. There’s some mild hints of red fruits coming through and this wine is by no means edgy, but not watery or weak either. On the medium length finish the citrus notes and minerality live on in the mouth, nice and dry. We paired it with chicken legs and it went nicely holding it’s own and cutting through the fat of the chicken legs. To my tastes this leans more towards a white than a rose … I would give it an 87-88 which even for the original price is a good deal, but on clearance it was 30% off! From the Kolonaki web site:

Agiorgitiko 70% & Moschofilero 30%, grown on over 20-year-old vines at altitudes of over 750m and fermented in stainless steel tanks with no malolactic fermentation and short ageing on fine lees. The colour is bright with pink hues. Fresh and clean on the nose, with aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, and floral notes. Full & complex on the palate with flavours of ripe cherries and raspberries. Medium-bodied with medium to high acidity.

From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$13.25 VINTAGES#: 25745

Product Details

Keen Vintages customers will notice the continued presence of the Skouras name on our shelves. They are one of the best purveyors of both classic Greek wine styles and modern applications of traditional Greek grapes. This rosé blend shows fresh red berry flavours with an abundance of floral aromas like rose petal, acacia and honeysuckle.

More Details

  • Release Date July 6, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Peloponnese, Greece
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Filarino Sangiovese Rosé 2022

Posted on November 8, 2024 by John Galea

Pale salmon in color with a mild minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice mild strawberry notes and nice minerality. On the medium length finish the lively acidity sticks nicely to the tongue. This is a nice albeit milder rose, nice and dry. I’d give it a -88 or so … for the price it’s not a bad deal and another good Italian Rose. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 37640

Product Details

Bright baby pink. On the nose fresh raspberries and cherries, then light savoury notes. Fresh and salty on the palate, with a light tannic grip, slightly abrupt on the finish. Score – 88. (Othmar Kiem & Simon Staffler, falstaff.com, May 26, 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date July 6, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12%
  • Made In Emilia-Romagna, Italy
  • Varietal Rosé
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Satellite Pinot Noir 2020

Posted on November 5, 2024 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a nice bright red berry nose. On the mid palate the displays some nice vibrant raspberries and red cherries. On the medium length finish the varietal rustic notes dance on the tongue and the firm tannins and acidity linger nicely … nice and dry. This is a lovely pinot that punches well above it’s price point, definitely a yummy wine! From the LCBO site, check stock:

$22.95 VINTAGES#: 12627

Product Details

Sweetly fruited and immediately appealing, the wine shows ripe cherry, raspberry, floral and mixed spice aromas, leading to a juicy palate that’s smooth and supple. Beautifully rounded and elegantly flavoursome with a lingering silky finish. At its best: now to 2024. Score – 91. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, May 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date September 21, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.2%
  • Made In Marlborough, New Zealand
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Triennes Rosé 2023

Posted on November 3, 2024 by John Galea

Salmon in color with a nice crisp minerally nose. On the mid palate this is a spot on varietal, vibrant Provence Rose … super dry, super crisp, and super tart on the finish without being harsh. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely vibrant acidity and minerality that dance beautifully on the tongue, especially without food. Yumm . I would give this a solid 88 … While not an ageing wine it sure ought to keep for at least a year plus … I will go back and get more … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 409771

Product Details

This collaborative project between winemakers Jacques Seysses (Domaine Dujac), Aubert de Villaine (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti) and Michel Macaux is a love letter to the Triennia festival: an annual celebration of Bacchus, god of wine. This juicy rosé shows notes of watermelon and strawberry, with hints of rose petal on the finish.

More Details

  • Release Date August 24, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Provence, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir 2020

Posted on October 28, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a firm black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some subtle dark berries, dark plums and the like, whacked almost immediate by some very strong harsh notes, when tasted straight out of the bottle. I got strong earthy notes, and scads of rustic notes, my GF got old wood notes. Now, the commonality in these adjectives is they are not a good thing … On the medium length finish the wine displays FIRM tannins and acidity. This is a wine that really runs rough shod over your food, and your palate leaving rustic notes living on in the mouth. As a pinot I expected a certain degree of finesse and had paired it with artic char … this wine has NO finesse … It definitely softened as we drank it, and I’m pleased to admit we did not want to injure the fish by pouring it down the drain, so we did end up finishing the bottle, but I have a second and will most definitely be returning it. Oh, speaking of which, as you may know, the LCBO has changed their policy and will only accept a bottle back if you have the receipt, so keep your receipts … PSA. I would have to say, this is one of the worst bottles of wine I’ve had in quite a while … I would give this wine an 84 at best, and this definitely has earned my YUCK score.

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 325654

Product Details

Well worth cellaring, this sturdy red was grown in the Rapaura district of the Wairau Valley. Full, bright ruby, it is mouthfilling, with good concentration of plummy, spicy flavours, oak complexity, and a savoury, fairly firm finish. Best drinking 2023+. Score – 95. (Michael Cooper, Winestate, Nov./Dec. 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date October 5, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Croix de Marsan Blanc 2023

Posted on October 26, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice smooth citrus notes, nice minerality … On the medium length finish the wine’s citrus notes dance nicely on the tongue and the lovely dryness coats the palate. There’s a nice oily/floral note that noticeable as well. This wine is a a sauvignon blanc/semion blend, smoother more elegant sauv blanc then say an edgy one … This is a lot more to my style these days and this wine punches way above it’s price point, but, be sure and not buy much, this is most definitely a drink now style of wine, I would give it a -88 … It’s a bargain and I’ll be going back to get more! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$13.95 VINTAGES#: 38196

Product Details

This blend of 70% Sauvignon and 30% Sémillon is sourced from vines averaging 20 years of age. It’s highly aromatic and fruity, with peach and citrus notes. It has a broad, generous versatility with food and will work alongside brie, charcuterie dishes, sushi, tabbouleh salad or pork.

More Details

  • Release Date October 19, 2024
  • Made In Bordeaux,
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon
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Château La Roque de By 2019

Posted on October 24, 2024 by John Galea

Château La Roque de By 2019

Inky dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays varietal black fruits, along with some mild dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays lively acidity and tannins. Not a bad wine, and if you prefer your wines more smooth, then aging or breathing is needed, it’s definitely got more of an edgy sharp finish to it, nice and dry. Not bitter, but not wimpy either. Somewhere in between. I would give it a -88. We paired it it with rack of lamb and honestly, the lamb kinda out did the wine … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 38234

Product Details

Situated close to the Gironde estuary, this 24-acre vineyard has produced a ripe, impressively structured wine. With dark tannins and juicy blackberry flavors, the wine is generous and has potential. Drink from 2025 [until 2034]. Best Buy. Score – 93. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date September 21, 2024
  • Made In Bordeaux,
  • Varietal Bordeaux
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Les Turitelles Altugnac Pinot Noir 2022

Posted on October 22, 2024 by John Galea

For a while now the formerly Vin de Pay’s has been replaced by Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) which is the quality level one below the well known AOC. This particular wine is labeled both ways and in uncharacteristic form also identifies clearly the varietal, Pinot Noir. Garnet in color with a bright red cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice lively fruit forward notes, red cherries to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine delivers some nice lively tannins and acidity. I have to say, for the price, this is a surprisingly good, albeit fruit forward wine. It’s half way in between a serious pinot with bite and fruit forward wine. I would give this a -88 … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 37921

Product Details

Sourced from vines grown in limestone and clay soils, Les Turitelles is named for the marine fossils that are common in the vineyard. This generously styled wine has plenty of cherry fruit character alongside nutmeg, cinnamon, mocha and earth. Pair it with sautéed mushrooms, swordfish or turkey.

More Details

  • Release DateSeptember 21, 2024
  • Made InLanguedoc,
  • VarietalPinot noir
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Il Poggio Sannio Aglianico 2019

Posted on October 19, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays firm black berry notes along with some nice dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins and acidity, super dry. Agliancos are never smooth or elegant wines, but this one is one of the smoother I’ve had. It’s a perfect pair for pizza or red sauce pastas … We quite enjoyed it and I went back and got more. I would give it an 88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$18.95 VINTAGES#: 575225

Product Details

A fragrant nose of cherries, blackcurrants, chocolate, black dates and tar. Pretty full-bodied with chalky tannins, juicy blueberries and some tart, dark cherries. Firm, flavorful and vivid in finish. Drink or hold [until 2028]. Score – 92. (jamessuckling.com, Sept. 6, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date September 7, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Campania, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Aglianico
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Marina Danieli Merlot 2018

Posted on October 17, 2024 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a vibrant black berry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely black plum flavors, quite rich … On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely vibrant acidity and tannins that slightly overwhelm the fruit, and some noticeable pepper. Depending on how you prefer your wines, it may need some breathing/aging. Nice and dry. This is definitely leaning more towards a more serious rather than a fruit forward merlot. Be careful what you serve it with, it’s got some peppery bite. I would give this an -88 I’ll probably go back and get some more. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$20.95 VINTAGES#: 36984

Product Details

The 2018 Merlot captivates with a mix of black cherries and plums complemented by exotic spices and dusty rose. This is a vibrant and round expression, lifted by juicy acids, and with cocoa and clovetinged red berries that give way to balsam herbs toward the close. There are so many layers here, and yet the 2018 comes across as accessible and pleasurable already. Nuanced tannins linger, as the 2018 finishes long and perfumed with blue and purple-tinged florals. Drinking window: 2023-2028. Score – 91. (Eric Guido, vinous.com, April 21, 2022)

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More Details

  • Release Date September 21, 2024
  • Made In Friuli,
  • Varietal Merlot
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William Hill California Chardonnay 2022

Posted on October 15, 2024 by John Galea

Golden in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays varietal apple and pear notes along with some nice vanilla, it’s nice and creamy. On the medium length finish the wine is nice and dry with vibrant acidity. If you like a chard with generous oak, but not too over the top, this may be just the ticket. It’s our new fav chard, and a bargain for the price. I went back and grabbed 6. Yumm … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Product Details

Showing a lot of oak in the aromas and flavors, this broad and toasty wine is full-bodied, rich in texture and soft in acidity, with Bartlett pear and vanilla notes accented by heady cloves and vanilla bean. Drink now. Score – 89. (jamessuckling.com, May 30, 2024)

More Details

  • Release Date August 24, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.8%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By William Hill
  • Sugar Content5 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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Clos LaChance Colibri Cuvée du Cecilia 2021

Posted on October 13, 2024 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice elegant black cherries, black plums and dark chocolate notes. on the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely tannins and acidity. This is a lovely varietal cab (although I can’t tell you the blend, in spite of checking), quite a smooth well made wine. It should easily age a couple years but it’s drinking nicely now. We enjoyed it … I’d give it an 88+, quite nice, a gift, thanks Jamie … I even went back and got more, not cheap, but well worth the price! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$29.95 VINTAGES#: 38037

Product Details

This is deeply coloured, substantial and ripe, with generous aromas of almost candied black plum and cherry, liberally anointed with oak resin, vanillin and spice. It is full bodied, soft, warm and quite plush with fine tannin. A touch sweet but contextually appropriate. It lacks varietal personality but it is California to its boot straps. Very good to excellent length. Tasted Feb 2024. Score – 89. (David Lawrason, winealign.com)

More Details

  • Release Date July 6, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • Sugar Content 6 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
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Doppio Passo Grillo Sicilia DOC

Posted on October 10, 2024 by John Galea

I noticed this Grillo in the general list and thought I’d give it a whirl … Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some apricot notes along with some citrus … On the lighter side of medium in length the citrus notes come through. This wine is noticeably sweet, too much so for my tastes. I would give it an 87 or so … Won’t be rushing back to get more in spite of the price … Check stock

$13.55 LCBO#: 30947

Product Details

Made from 100% Grillo grapes this juicy Sicilian beauty reveals aromas of apricot and peach complemented by sun-ripened citrus notes. Fresh, with intense fruit and light acidity this fuller-bodied wine is well-balanced with an elegant finish. Enjoy paired with seafood, vegetables and pasta dishes.

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol12.5%
  • Made InSicily, Italy
  • Sugar Content7 g/L
  • VarietalGrillo
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Soho Stella Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Posted on October 7, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice soft, milder citrus notes, this is NOT a sharp wine like some New Zealand Sauv blanc can be, and no green notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely vibrant acidity that dance on the tongue … I would give it a solid 88 … A friend recommended this wine, and I’ll go back and grab more! Thanks Semion! Check LCBO stock.

$20.95 VINTAGES#: 554311

Product Details

Fabulously fruited and instantly appealing, the wine shows feijoa, Granny Smith apple, nectarine and jasmine aromas, followed by a concentrated palate displaying outstanding fruit purity combined with vibrant acidity, finishing superbly long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2028. Score – 95. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Aug. 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date September 7, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.8%
  • Made In Marlborough, New Zealand
  • By Soho
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc
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Attems Ramato Pinot Grigio 2023

Posted on October 4, 2024 by John Galea

Pale salmon in color with a nice citrus nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some lively citrus and some mild strawberry notes. On the mid palate the citrus notes linger nicely gripping the tongue. If this was only a pinot grigio it would be a lively complex one, but they left it in contact with the skins to give it the light salmon color. Nice and crisp and dry … I enjoyed it. I would give it an -88. A nice wine, but to my tastes it leans more to a white than a rose perse … From the LCBO web site, check stock: If you want to read more about Ramato wines … check out this article.

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 11173

Product Details

Your eyes do not deceive you; this is in fact a pink Pinot Grigio. ‘Ramato’ wines are made by leaving the pinkish skins of this Pinot clone to soak with the juice. Striking a balance between a rosé and an orange wine, this 2023 shows flavours of peach and strawberry, with aromas of freshly picked iris and a hint of beeswax. Served slightly chilled.

More Details

  • Release Date August 24, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Friuli, Italy
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Grigio
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SevenHill Inigo Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Posted on September 23, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely black cherries along with some mocha and dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine display some nice dry tannins and not a hint of herbal or minty notes … yay! I would give this an -88, quite nice. Check stock

$20.95 VINTAGES#: 36419

Product Details

Estate blend (planted 1975-2009) of 87/8/3/2% cabernet sauvignon/ruby cabernet/cabernet franc/shiraz. Selectiv’-machine harvested, 10 days on skins, and matured in French hogsheads (16% new). An unexpectedly fragrant and fresh wine; red berry and blackberry flavours shape the medium-bodied palate. Drink by: 2035. Special Value. Score – 94. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, June 22, 2023)

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  • Release DateSeptember 7, 2024
  • Made InSouth Australia,
  • VarietalCabernet Sauvignon Blend
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2022 Monnalisa Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Posted on August 26, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some softer fruit notes, pretty much immediately overwhelmed by the finish … On the finish the wine displays some dark chocolate notes, firm tannins and acidity. This might be a little young, but all in all the fruit it quite subdued. I would give it an 87 or so … There was next to no information on the LCBO site, I bought it largely because I generally enjoy Montepulciano’s. If I had more I’d probably return them … Disappointing would be the best adjective I can come up with … I expect more. Check stock on the LCBO web site.

$18.95 VINTAGES#: 36661

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2021 Cecchi Storia Di Famiglia Chianti Classico

Posted on August 6, 2024 by John Galea

“Back in the day” Billy’s best bottles use to go through the general list at the LCBO to find the hidden gems … I have been less than successful at finding good, general list, repeatable reds … until … Dark in color with a nice mild red berry nose. On the mid palate this is a spot on varietal Chianti classico, lots of tomato notes, cherries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine packs a nice punch with lovely crisp tannins and acidity … nice and dry. Yum … A great deal for the price …

$18.15 LCBO#: 31752

Product Details

The Sangiovese grape is the cornerstone of winemaking in Tuscany. This Chianti Classico, made from 100% Sangiovese, is vibrant and food-friendly. The aromas of mocha, red cherry, and savoury herbs are reiterated on the palate. The medium-bodied structure and balanced acidity allow for diverse food pairing options.

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Chianti
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2020 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna

Posted on April 4, 2024 by John Galea

Mental biases can get in the way … and sometimes you don’t even know where they came from … Ya this is one of those … Cannonau is Italy’s name for Grenache (also known as Garanacha in Spain), and for whatever reason I have this mental memory of a fruity, jammy fruit bomb, and I have no clue where it came from … But I bought this one anyway … Dark in color with a nice cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine delivers big bold black fruits, black cherries and the like along with some mocha. On the medium length finish it delivers with a nice bit of tannins and acidity … nice and dry! Hopefully this is me on the way to retraining my brain 😉 I would give this an -88 or so. Quite nice. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 425488

Product Details

Cannonau is the Sardinian name for that darling Mediterranean grape, Grenache. This traditional version has complex flavours of plum, wild berries, leather and spice. Enjoy with grilled lamb or beef kebabs, or osso buco.

Cannonau is the Sardinian name for that darling Mediterranean grape, Grenache. This traditional version has complex notes of flowers, red fruit, blood orange, tobacco and leather. Enjoy with grilled lamb or beef kebabs, or osso buco.

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Sardinia, Italy
  • By Sella & Mosca
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Grenache
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Château L’Espérance 2014

Posted on March 19, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with nice firm back fruits, along with some nice mocha and coffee notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm tannins and acidity … nice and dry! For the price, this wine is shockingly good. So much so I went back and grabbed a case! I would give it a -88. Not as complex as some, but yum none the less! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 487868

Product Details

The Jonck family’s wine is dense and still young with firm tannins. It has excellent potential because the ripe berry fruits are right there to give richness and flesh out the tannins. Spice and acidity fill the background. Drink this fine wine from 2019. Score – 90. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 1, 2016)

More Details

  • Release Date March 2, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.8%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Merlot Blend
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