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)

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  • 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)

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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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2022 Ride Rd winery Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on March 16, 2024 by John Galea

We were down in the area birding and decided to stop in here for a tasting … Was so not disappointed. Staff were excellent and the wines were enlightening … This Sauv blanc is pale straw in color with a nice grassy nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice grassy notes along with some nice citrus, lime notes. On the medium length finish the citrus notes and acidity dance on the tongue. This wine is towards a New Zealand style Sauv blanc with none of the sharp edgyness … Maybe not as elegant as say a Touraine but good none the less, especially given the price, I would give it a -88 and we bought two! Available at the winery … from the winery’s web site:

2022 Sauvignon Blanc

C$19.95

Our 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is fresh, crisp and juicy. The nose has pronounced gooseberry and passionfruit and is complimented by flavours of grapefuit, lime and a hint of herbaceousness.

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Vallée Loire Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Posted on March 7, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some nice firm lime notes along with vibrant acidity. On the medium length finish the racy acidity and citrus notes stick nicely to the tongue. As you may know Touraine is the baby brother of Sancerre and a 100% sauv blanc. The price on this one is good, as Touraines often are. I would give it a solid 88 … Yum! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 38011

Product Details

The 2022 Valee Loire Sauvignon offers a lovely mix of citrus, melon, gooseberry and mineral nuances all taking shape and emerging from the glass. On the palate this is clean and bright with flavors of exotic tropical fruits and lime accents which burst onto the lively finish. Overall, this is a delicious Sauvignon, which will be ready to drink upon release. Drink: 2023-2024. Score – 91. (Joe D’Angelo, internationalwinereport.com, Feb. 2023)

  • Release Date February 3, 2024
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Loire, France
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc
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2021 Conundrum Red

Posted on March 5, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a red berry nose. On the mid palate this is a big jammy wine with lots of strawberry notes coming through. The residual sugar at 12g/l is quite noticeable. On the medium length finish the wine displays balanced acidity and tannins. This is REALLY not a wine to my tastes at all. Frankly, if I had more I would take them back … and for the price, I expect a lot more complexity. This is quite simply a fruity, jammy wine … I would give it an 87 … According to the winemakers web site “created from dark red varietals including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon”. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 294298

Product Details

Caymus (the minds behind this puzzle) won’t tip their hat as to what comprises this popular blend. The chocolate, prune, floral element, smoke and licorice notes are the perfect solution for your dinner conundrum. Enjoy with pulled pork or grilled short ribs.

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.6%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Conundrum
  • Sugar Content 12 g/L
  • Varietal Red Blend
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2021 Burning Kiln Broken Needle Rose

Posted on March 1, 2024 by John Galea

We were in the Long Point area for birding and decided to stop by Burning Kiln … I haven’t been back since 2019 and it’s always nice to see what’s new! We previously tasted the 2016 Curemans Chard so I tried the 2021 vintage but it was a lot milder than I prefer. We’d previously tasted the 2016 M1 which is a merlot based Apassimento wine which I was impressed with so we tried the current vintage, 2020 which was positively delicious but the price has skyrocketed from $49.95 for the 2016, which was already pushing my price limit, to the 2020 at $69.95 … Sadly out of the reach for what I’m willing to pay. Quite disappointing …

The 2021 Broken Needle pinot noir is a pale strawberry color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely vibrant rich red wine like notes, firm ripe strawberries, and lots of lovely complexity in the mouth. For a rose this is a very good one. On the medium length finish the wine displays nice acidity and citrus notes that dance nicely on the tongue especially noticeable without food. Nice and dry. I have to admit, I’m surprised they haven’t yet sold through the 2021 vintage, the 2022 is ready to be released and they are on the cusp of a switch over. I actually think this wine might have some life left in it, maybe even another year or two … not that Roses are made for storing … I would give this wine a solid 88, sadly only available from the winery for $21.95 …

From the winery’s web site:

Broken Needle | Pinot Noir Rosé

Dry rosé with notes of strawberry, raspberry, lime zest, pineapple, and freshly baked brioche.

Dry  |  RS 3.0g/L  |  13.0% Alc/Vol

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Oyster Bay Pinot Noir

Posted on February 13, 2024 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with spot on varietal cherries and strawberries along with some nice rustic notes. On the medium in length finish the wine’s fruit forward notes and mild tannins live on for a bit. This is definitely a milder, gentler, varietal, fruit forward pinot. We paired it with venison and it was a perfect match with the softer tones complementing the gentler flavors of the meat. I would give it an -88 … From the LCBO web site:

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 590414

Product Details

Oyster Bay’s Pinot Noir is always a hit, delivering reliable quality at an easy-to-swallow price. It has a pretty, floral nose, with dark fruit and berries, portabello mushrooms, vanilla and cherry. Food-friendly and fresh, it will pair well with duck, salmon or grilled pork.

Release Date April 1, 2023

  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Marlborough, New Zealand
  • By Oyster Bay
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Cavino Nemea Grande Reserve 2014

Posted on January 30, 2024 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild black berry nose … it’s about the ONLY thing about this wine that is mild … On the mid palate the wine displays prominent oakey notes along with BIG vibrant black berries, black cherries, coffer and mocha. On the medium length finish the displays BIG tannins, firm acidity and the black berry notes stick to the tongue … super dry. If your looking for a well refined smooth wine … ya this is so not that, but if you like your wines big and bold like I do, then this might just well be the trick! But … be careful what you serve it with, we paired it with bacon and blue cheese hamburgers and it went well. I would give it a -88 or so … Yumm. For the price a good deal. This wine is made from the St George’s grape, also known as Agiorgitiko, from the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 295618

Product Details

This plush, inviting 100% Agiorgitiko comes from one of Greece’s highest mountain ranges. The elevation and the cooling winds allow grapes to retain acidity and balance amidst the sweltering heat the region frequently experiences. Spicy on the palate with black fruit and firm tannins, this wine will pair well with moussaka or rack of lamb.

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More Details

  • Release Date October 21, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Peloponnese, Greece
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Agiorgitiko
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Boeckel Riesling 2021

Posted on January 28, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice crisp citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely crisp dry citrus notes, stone fruit and minerality. There’s a lot going on in this wine … On the medium length finish the wines citrus notes and vibrant acidity live on … If your use to sweet Rieslings … ya this is so not that, and is a wonderful tribute to this grape! I am not a big Riesling lover, but this one is right up my alley, yum, I would give it an -88 or so … Check the LCBO web site:

$17.95 VINTAGES#: 29823

Product Details

Domaine Boeckel has a long history in the Mittelbergheim region of Alsace dating back over 400 years. The fifth generation of winemakers are keeping the tradition alive and well with excellent wines made from Alsatian varieties that reflect the unique terroir found near the Vosges mountains.

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  • Release Date November 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Alsace, France
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Riesling
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Harken Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2020

Posted on January 23, 2024 by John Galea

This is the second of two chards I picked up looking for another buttery, creamy, rich chard and it filled in when Ahead by a Century was a flop … Pale straw in color with a nice apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays varietal apple and pear notes along with some lively white pepper and vanilla. On the finish the wine is nice and dry with some creaminess and some buttery notes noticeable, along with some citrus. I would give this one an -88 or so. While not as buttery, rich and creamy as some, it is kinda smack dab in the middle of the oaking scale IMHO. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$23.95 VINTAGES#: 16957

Product Details

This full-bodied wine leads with bold new-oak aromas of grilled bread, wood char and butter, followed by luscious, ripe pear and vanilla flavors accented with toasted almonds. It’s an unapologetic, barrel-fermented wine that gives a lot of pleasure. Best Buy. [Drink through 2025+.] Score – 90. (Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date December 2, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 7 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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Alvento Sparkling Rosé 2018

Posted on January 20, 2024 by John Galea

Quite pink in color with a very champagne like nose … On the mid palate you could close your eyes and forget this is a rose, it displays mostly some crisp dry milder citrus notes that totally do not give away that this is an 18 g/l wine … Theres some nice creaminess, and nutty notes as well. On the medium length finish the wine’s fresh acidity dance on the tongue especially without food. I have to say, I was quite surprised by this wine … I would give it -88 or so, quite nice but not what I expected at all … Alvento has quite the colorful history behind it …

I couldn’t find out much about the 2018, but on the winery’s web site for the 2021 release:

Tasting Note: Raspberry, citrus, and floral flavours and aromas are supported on a fresh and balanced palate with a clean mousse and a long finish.

Wine Maker’s Note: A blend of property-grown Vidal and Marquette fermented separately under cool conditions using select yeast strains. A selection of these wines was then blended to yield a fresh, crisp base for secondary fermentation and carbonation via the Charmat process.

From the LCBO website, check stock:

$20.25 VINTAGES#: 25241

Product Details

Bursting with Niagara verve and energy, this sparkler has generous raspberry and strawberry tones with a fine mineral underpinning. It’s fresh and zesty, with a rich mousse and a velvety mouthfeel. A great companion for brunch or picnic-style dining. (2020)

More Details

  • Release Date March 5, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Alvento
  • Sugar Content 18 g/L
  • Varietal Sparkling
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2021 Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay

Posted on January 13, 2024 by John Galea

Golden in color with a nice Apple and pear nose … On the mid palate the wine spot on matches thee nose with lovely rich apple and pear fruit along with beautiful vanilla and butterscotch notes. On the medium length finish the wine shows creamy, rich buttery notes along with smooth acidity and lovely dryness. This is an elegant wine, but if you don’t like your chards oaked don’t choose this one, but we do so it’s right up our alley. My brother in law introduced it to me and I bought a bunch on sale. Yum I would give it an 88+, perfect scallop win!. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$29.95 VINTAGES#: 608653

Product Details

An exquisite example of cool-climate Chardonnay, this favourite features roasted nuts, fresh fig, toast, tobacco note and vanilla. Serve with grilled salmon, Camembert with crusty bread, or stuffed pork tenderloin.

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.8%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Sonoma-Cutrer
  • Sugar Content 3  g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

Posted on January 9, 2024 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nice red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lots of vibrant fruit, tomatoes, cherry, mocha and dark chocolate. On the longer side of medium in length this is a BIG wine with lots of full bodied tannins, and vibrant acidity, especially without food … Super dry! This wine is a lot more complex than some Chianti Classicos, and for a Riserva the fruit has lots of oomph to stand up to the longer aging. Wow, definite yum. For the price this is a good deal, I would give it an 88+, if you buy it now, and don’t like big bold wines, you may want to wait for a bit, likely a couple years, otherwise decant it. but it ought to keep a good while too .. I bet easily 2-5 years. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 11109

Product Details

This has intense spice and and floral character, with violets, bell peppers, morello cherries, cloves and tomato leaves on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Dense and compact palate. Some walnut notes at the end. Try after 2023 [through 2026+]. Score – 93. (jamessuckling.com, Feb. 26, 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date November 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Chianti
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Elderton Barossa Shiraz 2020

Posted on December 31, 2023 by John Galea

I don’t drink a lot of Shiraz’s these days … This one is inky dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice smooth black berry notes, with no sweetness … On the medium length finish the wine displays soft tannins and acidity, very food friendly, and most definitely a DRINK NOW style of wine, which is amusing because the LCBO review says good to 2035? If you expect to have a big bold wine with nice peppery notes, firm tannins and lots of character … ya this has none of that. If your looking for a soft smooth wine … it might be just the choice. Honestly, I expect more at this price point. I would give it an 87-88. Not a horrible wine, but not a good one either. If I had more I’d probably take it back. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 713024

Product Details

This is wonderfully fruited and immediately appealing, showing black/blueberry, rich floral, clove, mocha and cedary oak characters on the nose, followed by an opulent palate offering velvety texture and beautifully melded tannins. Upfront and generously expressed, making it highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2035. Score – 94. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Jan. 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date November 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In South Australia, Australia
  • By Elderton
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Shiraz/Syrah
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I Balzi BIO Grillo 2021

Posted on December 24, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with an odd solvent nose. On the mid palate the wine display lovely crisp acidity, firm green apple notes, some nice tartness and the solvent notes continue. On the medium length finish the wine displays lively acidity and nice dryness. The solvent notes are quite off putting, I would give this an 87 at best, and honestly, if I had more I would return it. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 17702

Product Details

Clear, pale gold. Fruity nose coupled with candy tones. The palate is lightly styled, easy-drinking and soft with more of the same, very accessible aromas. Score – Gold. (Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2022)

  • OrganicOrganic

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  • Release Date August 19, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Grillo
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Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro 2020

Posted on December 20, 2023 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with big black berry notes along with some dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm peppery notes, tannins and acidity … nice and dry. This is not as coarse as some Xinos but it’s a definitely a bigger wine. Paired with blue cheeses it went REALLY well and complimented them nicely hiding the sharper notes. I paired it with lamb chops and it was more subtle with food. Xinos are often bigger wines, and I would give this one an -88, if you haven’t had one it’s a good one to try. To my tastes, and I don’t mind a bigger wine, this is a drink now, but it may keep a couple years and hold up … From the lcbo web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 466474

Product Details

Apostolos Thymiopoulos, the winemaker behind this superb Xinomavro, was named the Decanter Rising Star in 2022. This wine is a blend of fruit sourced from sites on both the warmer lower and cooler upper slopes of Mount Vermio, where altitude and cooling breezes aid in the balanced, even ripening of the grapes. Look for ripe red fruit and savoury herbs, with a crisp acidity.

More Details

  • Release Date September 23, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Macedonia, Greece
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Xinomavro
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Locust Lane Chardonnay 2019

Posted on December 19, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some bold apple and pear along with some vanilla notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild creamy and peppery notes, nice and dry. This is a vibrant fruit forward wine with some nice oak notes, not as oaky as some … I would give it an -88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 33493

Product Details

Toasty and rich with an abundance of tree fruit. The texture is particularly appealing with viscosity balanced by freshness. Nutty notes add complexity from gentle maturity. Featuring very good length. Tasted NWAC 2021. Score – 90. (Sara d’Amato, winealign.com, Oct. 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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