Category Archives: Wine

Chaoteau La Gorce 2005 AOC Medoc

I bought this one back in 2009. Dark in color with a lovely inviting nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays black cherries to match the nose. The wine has some lovely chocolate notes. The wine … Continue reading

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2010 Mirassou Pinot noir

Garnet in color with a nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some strawberry and raspberry to match the nose. The wine is one the lighter side of medium in length on the finish with some … Continue reading

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HASELGROVE FIRST CUT SHIRAZ 2010

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this wine is sweet with lots of black berries coming through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild tannins and acidity. This is definitely a fruit … Continue reading

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2004 Ojai Vineyard “Bien Nacido” Syrah

Anyone who travels through San Francisco airport (SFO) and has 30 minutes to kill has probably perused one of the wine stores that dot themselves throughout. This bottle was purchased on one of those days back in March of 2010. … Continue reading

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Robert Biale 2012 Founders Farmers Zinfandel mini review

This wine comes from older vineyards in small lots, 400-500 cases. It’s a field blend of 10-12 different vines. It’s milder on the nose with some light red berries along with some wood coming through. On the mid pallet this … Continue reading

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CAVE DU HAUT-POITOU VALLÉE LOIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 mini review

Pale in color with a lovely grassy nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays green notes to match the nose along with some strong dominant grapefruit notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely long mouth … Continue reading

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Robert Biale 2012 Rocky Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel mini review

It’s always a thrill to hear a winemaker speak about the passion they have for making wine. And often this has been a passion that has been in the family for generations. When Barrel Select invited me to meet and … Continue reading

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2010 Stratus Malbec

Inky dark in color with a nice nose of black berries consistent with a Malbec along with some oak. On the mid pallet the wine is a fruit forward Malbec displaying some lovely rich black berries to match the nose. … Continue reading

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2011 Protea Reserve mini review

This wine is a Cab sauv/Shiraz/Merlot. Dark in color with a lovely nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays loads of red berries. This is a nice fruit forward wine. On the medium length finish the … Continue reading

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KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012

Dark in color that right off first opening the wine jumps out with lots of cherries and red berries on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with cherries and lots of red fruits. On the … Continue reading

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2000 Chapoutier ‘La Bernardine’

A fast note about a great wine. I do love Chateauneuf-du-Papes, southern Rhone is an amazing region, and not just for their wines. This mature vintage is both balanced and engaging, leaving you wanting more. A fantastic wine solo or … Continue reading

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2009 Vineland Estates Semi dry riesling

Bias up front I like my rieslings dry. So when I saw this one as Semi dry (it was a gift) I was not anxious to try it. Pale in color with a nose of honeysuckle. On the mid pallet … Continue reading

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2012 MONTALTO NERO D’AVOLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Dark color with a nice nose of red berries. Nice varietal red cherries on the mid pallet, quite fruity, with the cab shining through. On the medium finish the wine displays some nice dryness. I would give it an 88. … Continue reading

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2009 MUMM CUVEE NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE

Pale in color with a lovely nose of citrus and minerality. On the mid pallet this is a crisp dry champagne style bubbly. The bubbles are nice and fine. The wine is medium in length with the citrus notes lingering … Continue reading

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CHALONE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010

Pale in color with mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice varietal chard notes, apple, some vanilla and some butter. On the medium length finish the wine lingers nicely with some oak noticeable. The wine is … Continue reading

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2010 Montoya Napa Cab

Dark in color with a nice nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays the classic Napa cab red cherries. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice smooth tannins along with some nice dryness. … Continue reading

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2007 Inniskillin Reserve Cab Franc

I’ve expounded on a number of occasions about Niagara Cab Francs. I love them. Well this one is no exception. Reserve is a term which generally means the wine was kept in barrels aging longer. Inniskillin is in Niagara on … Continue reading

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2011 Kacaba Single vineyard Merlot

I enjoy Kacaba wines. They have consistently been one of my favorites. There wines are reasonably priced and well made. I submit this one as a perfect example. Dark in color with a nose of dark berries. On the mid … Continue reading

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2012 Fleur du Cap Chardonnay “Bergkelder Selection”

South Africa is the topic du jour it appears, as several of the past reviews have been from the ‘new’ world wine producing country. This is one varietal from a label that covers a large spectrum of grapes. The LCBO … Continue reading

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2011 Cape Heritage Inception “Deep Layered Red”

With a steady stream of wines in the $10-$15 range hitting the LCBO in time for summer season, there appears to be a good wave of South African entries. This new wine from the Distell conglomerate fits into that category … Continue reading

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L’Orpailleur White 2012

When we were up in Quebec to do some skiing we checked out this winery. I was unfamiliar with what they were doing in the area so was curious. I picked this one up. Pale in color with minerality coming … Continue reading

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2008 Ravine Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc

A funny start to this wine which was purchased in August of 2011: after uncorking, the flow out of the bottle was unusually slow, upon closer inspection, the neck had significant sediment built up that it was actually slowing the … Continue reading

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2011 Durbanville Hills Shiraz

Following up John’s earlier review, today must be affordable Shiraz review day! The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has often times seemed like an ugly behemoth who greatly inflates prices and restricts access. While not completely untrue, that image … Continue reading

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2012 Protea Shiraz mini review

Dark in color with a mild nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice dark berries to go along with the nose. The wine is medium in length with some tannins and acidity coming through. … Continue reading

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2011 MEGALOMANIAC ECCENTRIC SAVAGNIN

Pale in color with a nose of minerality. When warm the minerality is most noticeable. As it chills the wine displays more chard like flavors along with some nice vanilla and even a bit of buttery notes. The wine builds … Continue reading

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