There are some hidden gems in the general list section of the LCBO. Billy’s Best Bottles has been covering them for a while. Finding them can be a challenge.
As restaurant goers we are use to paying high prices for wine (2x and more) but I’ve never seen such a blatant example of this as Toula , a restaurant in Harbour front (admittedly a tourist trap). The sad thing is they’re probably not even the worst in the city. What is a high end ($100 a person for a 4 course meal) restaurant even doing serving a $13 bottle of wine? And where does it get off charging $15 a glass? That 4.6x. Sheesh. I do digress.
Dark color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays dried berries and red fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely dryness backed by some mild acidity and alcohol. This wine is spot no varietal for a Chianti. I would give 88-89, which given the price is a BB-Bargoon! I bet this might be even a little better in a year. I wouldn’t wait much longer than that though … I doubt it will keep.
From the LCBO web site:
STRACCALI CHIANTI DOCG LCBO 621227 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 11.45
Limited Time Offer
Was: $ 12.95 Now: $ 11.45 Save: $ 1.50 Until May 25, 2014
Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Rocca Delle Macie S.P.A.
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
Medium ruby red colour; aromas and flavours of cherry and strawberry, with dried herb notes; dry, medium bodied with well balanced acidity and tannins on finish.
