Pomar Junction Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Inky dark in color with a black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice juicy vibrant black cherries. This is definitely more of a softer fruit forward wine, not to the point of being a fruit bomb … There some mild chocolate notes and some oaky notes as well. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some soft tannins and acidity, nice and dry. There no herbal, or eucalyptus notes, which is great. I would give it an 88+. from the LCBO web site, check stock:

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  16459$24.95 (0)Write a Review

Pomar Junction Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 from LCBO

Made entirely from estate-grown grapes harvested by hand, this Cab spent 18 months in a combo of French and American new oak. Its core of dark fruit is wrapped in layers of smoky oak, cocoa, and structured tannins that’ll serve the wine well alongside braised short ribs, or roasted duck breast with pecan purée. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 23, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.4%Made In:California, USABy:Pomar Junction Cellars LlcSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon

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Rustenberg Stellenbosch Shiraz 2018

Inky dark in color with distinctive albeit mild smoky/wood and black berry nose. On the mid palate the black berries are noticeable but this is not a fruit forward wine by any means. On the medium length finish the wine is dominated by black berry and peppery notes, nice and dry. The tannins are somewhat smooth but noticeable. This is an interesting wine on different levels, i would give it an 88-. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Shiraz/Syrah

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  399246$16.95 

Rustenberg Stellenbosch Shiraz 2018 from LCBO

Although Shiraz has a long history in South Africa it’s fairly new to Rustenberg, having been introduced to their vineyards in the late 1990s. This one spent 16 months in oak and promises to be vibrant and peppery, with spicy dark fruit and nice tannin structure. Pair it with peppercorn chicken.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 23, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14.5%Made In:Stellenbosch, South AfricaBy:Rustenberg WinesSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & FirmVarietal:Shiraz/Syrah

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Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2019

This wine is 60% sauv blanc and 40% semilion. Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. For those of you use to edgy Chilean or New Zealand Sauv blancs, meh this isn’t that. I last reviewed the 2018 vintage of this wine and enjoyed it. Pale straw in color with a soft citrus note. On the mid palate the wine displays some soft citrus notes along with some nice minerality. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity, nice food friendly dryness, and the citrus notes dance nicely on the tongue. This is more of a softer, gentler, more elegant sauv blanc. I would give it an -88 From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  387787$18.95IWWC90 (0)Write a Review

Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2019 from LCBO

Awarded Best of Class honours at the 2020 International Women’s Wine Competition, this wine was sourced from vines planted in gravelly, clay and limestone-rich soils. Maison Raymond’s Bordeaux white is always ripe, lively and herbaceous, offering snappy citrus, apple, pear and peach tones alongside a brilliant minerality. Pair with a sweet-potato casserole.[The International Women’s Wine Competition did not include a tasting note.] Score – 90. (International Women’s Wine Competition, 2020)READ MORE. SCREEN READERS, CONTENT WILL APPEAR ABOVE THIS CONTROL.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 23, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Maison RaymondSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon

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Tenuta di Vignole Chianti Classico 2016

Dark in color with a mild cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely varietal dark almost sour cherry notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm acidity and nice tannins that dance on the tongue. There’s lots of that classic tomato notes …. This wine is a bit young with some super mild green notes, amd a hint of white pepper, nice and dry but otherwise a varietal spot on chianti classico. Super food friendly. We paired it with meat spaghetti and as the saying goes if it grows together it grows together. Yumm. Not a bad price for a nice wine. If you can wait 6 months I bet it will be even better, but as they say, a wine is ready to drink when you can’t wait any longer! I would give it an 88 or so … from the LCBO web site, check stock:

Sangiovese

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  17404$19.95WAL91 (0)

Tenuta di Vignole Chianti Classico 2016 from LCBO

This pure Tuscany sangiovese offers lovely notes of iodine and a salty profile. Feels unadultarated showcasing the high quality fruit and notable purity. Flavours of cherry skin, a hint of cherry blossom, red plum, new leather and a significant tannic presence provide a firm grip on the palate. Very fine, delicate oak treatment is wonderfully integrated even at this early stage. Best 2021-2025. Score – 91. (Sara d’Amato, winealign.com, April 26, 2019)READ MORE. SCREEN READERS, CONTENT WILL APPEAR ABOVE THIS CONTROL.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 23, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:15%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Tenuta Di VignoleSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & FirmVarietal:Sangiovese

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The Lackey Shiraz 2018

Dark in color with a earthy, oaky nose straight out of the bottle. On the mid palate the wine displays at first some fruit forward black berry notes, not to the extreme of blueberries … On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm vibrant acidity, and strong peppery notes. The wine is definitely more of a fruit forward drink now style of wine … We paired it with a striploin and it went fine. I would give it an 87-88 … Not an outstanding shiraz but not horrible either. I won’t be running out to grab more, but then again, I must admit, my taste buds have meandered away from shirazs for a while … And yet I bought this one anyway? From the LCBO web site check stock:

Shiraz/Syrah

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  5199$17.95NM904.7 (3)Write a Review

The Lackey Shiraz 2018 from LCBO

A luxurious, full-bodied Shiraz with dark cherry, chocolate, ripe blackberry, meaty, minty, cracked pepper and toasty oak spice flavours finishing with oak spice. Pair with a roast leg of lamb. Drink: 2020-2024. Score – 90. (nataliemaclean.com, Aug. 13, 2020)READ LESS

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 9, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:South Australia, AustraliaBy:Kilikanoon WinesSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Shiraz/Syrah

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Long Barn Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Dark in color with a mild soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherries, more of a fruit forward wine without being a fruit bomb. On the medium length finish the wine displays some dark chocolate notes along with some nice smooth tannins and vibrant acidity. There’s a teeny tiny bit of herbal notes on the finish, especially notable without food. Not a bad cab for the price. I would give it an -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  16482$16.955.0 (2)

Long Barn Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from LCBO

Long Barn winemaker Stefano Migotto brings his northern Italian sensibility to California winemaking, as evidenced by this rich, plush mouthful of cassis and chocolaty goodness that retains fine structure. He suggests pairing it with prime rib. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 9, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:California, USABy:Fior di SoleSugar Content:8 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon

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Tom Gore Chardonnay 2018

Pale straw in color with a vibrant apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant fruit forward apple and pear to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vanilla notes, some creamyness and some vibrant acidity, nice and dry. A nice mid level oaked chard. I would give it an -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  458810$19.955.0 (1)Write a Review

Tom Gore Chardonnay 2018 from LCBO

A second-generation grape farmer, Tom Gore favours what he calls an ‘old school’ style of California Chardonnay that emphasizes big, ripe flavours, creamy textures and buttery, oaky, vanilla-and-caramel embroidery. This one will suit pork chops or pan-seared scallops.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 9, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:California, USABy:Arterra Wines Canada, Inc.Sugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay

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Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2019

Dark garnet in color with a soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the displays some nice vibrant fruit forward raspberries. On the medium length finish the wine displays nice smooth tannins and vibrant acidity along with some rustic notes that live on nicely in the mouth, nice and dry. A varietal, fruit forward, food friendly wine. I would give it an 88 or so … From the LCBO web site check stock.

Pinot Noir

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  60137$19.95WO93 (0)Write a Review

Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2019 from LCBO

Offering terrific fruit purity and elegance, the fragrant bouquet shows dark cherry, blueberry, floral, olive and almond characters. The palate delivers lovely weight and fleshy texture, beautifully complemented by silky mouthfeel and fine tannins. Gorgeously composed and soothing. At its best: now to 2023. Score – 93. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, May 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 9, 2021750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Mount Riley Wines LimitedSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Pinot Noir

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2014 Culmina Cab Franc

Inky dark in color with a mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely vibrant black cherry noes along with some dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine is a little young and needs a little breathing or decanting. There was a good deal of sediment so this would also be helped by decanting. This wine easily has another 2-5 years where it will continue to evolve and improve. A lovely wine. I would give this an 89-90. We paired it with grilled rack of lamb and it was lovely, Yumm. We bought this from the winery for $35 and have had it in the cellar for the last two years. Today you can buy the 2016 from the winery for $38. Culmina is owned by the Triggs family and is in Okanagan BC.

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Lantides Neméa Agiorgitiko 2016

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some mild dark berries along with some mocha and dark chocolate nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild tannins along with noticeable alcohol and vibrant acidity, nice and dry. Not a bad wine at all I would give it an -88, perfect for steak or lamb! From the LCBO web site check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  286708$18.95WAL89 (0

Lantides Neméa Agiorgitiko 2016 from LCBO

Good value in a Greek red with a quite fine, well integrated and pretty if not showy nose of red plum/raspberry jam, fresh herbs, underbrush and wood spice. It is medium-full bodied, quite rounded but not at all sweet, with lowish acid and fine-grained dusty tannin. The wood spice echoes on the finish longest. A bit warm, very good to excellent length. Score – 89. (David Lawrason, winealign.com, Oct. 7, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:July 11, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Peloponnese, GreeceBy:Lantides PanikosSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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2019 Columbia Crest Grand Estates

Slightly golden in color with a nice mild apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice apple and pear notes along with some buttery creaminess. There’s some nice dryness and a hint of white peppery notes on the medium length finish. This is a mid range oaked chard, not as heavily oaked as some and not as light as others, smack in the middle … I would give it an 88 or so which for the price is a great deal. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  462846$17.95

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay from LCBO

From the iconic Columbia Crest, this Chardonnay offers impressively articulated apple and melon, with butterscotch and oak. A wine for grilled chicken or grilled pork chops.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Washington, USABy:Columbia Crest WinerySugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Full-bodied & Rich

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2018 Luzzato Langhe Nebbiolo KPM

Garnet in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some soft red berry fruits backed almost immediately by some acidity. On the medium length finish the wine displays some velvety tannins that coat the palate, nice and dry. There’s some nice rustic notes that linger on the palate. As Nebbiolos go this is a softer one. We paired it with BBQ chicken legs and honestly it wasn’t a match made in heaven. This ISN’T a to die for Nebbiolo. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be rushing out to grab a bunch more … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Nebbiolo

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  577452$17.10 (0)Write a Review

Luzzato Langhe Nebbiolo KPM from LCBO

PRODUCT DETAILS

750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.6%Made In:Piedmont, ItalyBy:Batasiolo S.P.A.Sugar Content:3 g/LVarietal:Nebbiolo

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2018 Oyster Bay Chard

Pale straw in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some apple/pear notes consistent with a lightly oaked or unoaked chard. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice acidity along with some flinty/smokey notes, nice and dry. How your feel about this wine is more about whether you like your chards oaked or unoaked. As an unoaked chard it’s pretty good, but I prefer oaked chards. I would give it an 87-88. Right now it’s on sale for a limited time. As an unoaked chard it’s more of a drink now wine IMHO … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  326728$16.95$19.95 Save $3.00 Limited Time Offer
Until January 3, 2021 (0)Write a Review

Oyster Bay Chardonnay from LCBO

A real crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that shows there’s more to New Zealand than Sauvignon Blanc. Apple, melon, lemon and well-handled oak – a model for trendy cool-climate Chard. Oysters are an obvious match, but try with sautéed fish or grilled pork chops.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.7%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Delegat LimitedSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Rich

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2014 Laughing Stock Portfolio

This wine was bought at the winery in Okanagan BC and give to me as a gift. Dark in color with a nice dark berry nose. On the mid palate this wine displays lovely, elegant dark cherries, and dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays smooth refined tannins and nice acidity. This is a lovely wine, rich, well made. We paired it with a filet mignon and it was a marriage made in heaven. Yumm … according to the label Merlot 49%, Cab sauv 28%, Cab Franc 20%, Malbec 2% Petite Verdot 1%, 19 months in barrel, 40% new and 60% second fill French Oak. Here’s the write up from the wineries web site, for a different vintage.

portfolio 2017

Portfolio 2017

In Stock$49.99 / bottle

wine profile

Just like a finely balance stock portfolio, putting together a blended wine takes finesse and judgement so that the experience of the whole will be greater than the sum of the individual parts. Our Portfolio is a wine that marries the art and science of winemaking with a blend of Bordeaux varietals. For over a decade, Portfolio has routinely won top accolades from wine competitions and wine critics alike: a proven chart-topper. Also available in 1.5 litre Magnum and Double Magnum 3.0L.

Aromas of tobacco leaf, cedar box, leather and vanilla bean greet you. On the palette, this wine hints at blackberry, dark cherry with a touch of all spice. The bold tannins and balance of fruit and acidity will make this a great wine for ageing 7-10 years. We would expect nothing less from Portfolio.

winemaking notes

The 2017 vintage combines the five classic varietals: 48% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot to create a multilayered, complex wine.

Using double sorting tables to sort grapes first by cluster and then by berry allows us to put meticulous attention on using only the best grapes in our wines. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks as well as in oak. Portfolio sees 20 months in French oak barrels with 48% new French oak and 52% second fill French oak.

vintage notes

2017 brought some wild weather. One of the coldest winters we’ve experienced in years gave way to a cool, wet spring.  Although there was flooding in the Okanagan, it was followed by 54 straight days with no rain. The hot dry summer allowed fruit development to catch up from its late start and created smaller more concentrated grapes. Fall weather cooled down quickly, but we were able to bring in our fruit prior to any risk of frost. Overall, expect ripeness and weight to the wines, while still retaining bright fruit flavours

vineyards

Sourced from 3 sites on the Naramata Bench and from the Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoo

wine specs: Vintage2017AppellationOkanagan ValleyHarvest DateOctober 7, 2017Acid5.4 g/LpH3.8Aging20 months in French oak barrels, 48% new French oak and 52% second fill French oak.FermentationIn stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels.Residual Sugar0.0 g/LAlcohol %14.8

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Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Pale straw in color with a mild citrus note. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice tart notes, vibrant acidity with some nice lime notes. On the medium length finish the wine’s acidity and lime notes live on nicely, nice and dry. This is a lovely, varietal food friendly sauv blanc. Yum. I woud give it an 88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Sauvignon Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  919514$19.95WAL89 (0)Write a Review

Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from LCBO

A fresh and ethereal sauvignon blanc, not overly underripe and but very representative of Marlborough fruit. Fresh lime, grapefruit and pineapple liven the tangy palate. A touch of cut grass and wildflower add further dimension. Good value. Score – 89. (Sara d’Amato, winealign.com, July 17, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Wither HillsSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc

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Wits End Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Dark in color with a nice dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays black berries to match the nose, lots of black cherries. On the medium length finish the wine displays some soft tannins and vibrant acidity, nice and dry. The wine is a little young and the acidity softened, fresh out of the bottle it had some almost dark chocolate notes. I would give it an -88. I won’t be rushing out to buy a ton more, but it was enjoyable. We paired it with leg of lamb and it went well … from the LCBO web site, check stock:

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  921239$17.95

Wits End Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from LCBO

This Cabernet offers a rich, fresh array of black fruit, cassis, chocolate and tobacco, with plenty of classic McLaren Vale character. A balanced, structured wine that delivers considerable value and will pair beautifully with steak or braised beef dishes. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2020)READ LESS

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14.7%Made In:South Australia, AustraliaBy:Chalk Hill WinesSugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & FirmVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon

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Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2015

I’ve had this one in the cellar for a while now, so it was time to check it out. Ink dark in color with a mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice black cherries and black plums along with some dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely, complex, dry dusty tannins and lively acidity. At first it had some signs of over aging, but they passed quickly. We paired it with a roast beef and it was definitely the highlight of the meal. I would give it an 88-89. from the LCBO web site (for a different year).

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2017

Sangiovese/Merlot

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  727636$34.95JS94 (0)Write a Review

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2017 from LCBO

A balanced and fresh red for the hot 2017 vintage with medium body, fine tannins and plenty of currants, blackberries and blueberries on the finish. Drink or hold. Score – 94. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:July 25, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Tenuta Sette PontiSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Sangiovese/Merlot

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Roche de Bellene Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2018

Garnet in color with a nice red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice ripe cherry notes along with some nice rustic and earthy notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity and tannins with the dryness and acidity lingering beautifully. This is a lovely, complex pinot. I would give it an 88+ which for the price is a good deal, yum. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  299859$22.95WAL90 (0)Write a Review

Roche de Bellene Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2018 from LCBO

This is an affordable introduction to Burgundy. It was a hot year in Europe so this shows a bit more colour depth and ripeness than normal, with pretty cran-raspberry, violet and fine scented oak. It is medium weight, nicely firm, a touch juicy with good tannin. I like the balance here, although it could use another year or two. Very good length. Score – 90. (David Lawrason, winealign.com, Nov. 17, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Maison Roche De BelleneSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Fruity

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Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Pale straw in color with a lovely grassy nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice grassy and lime notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice lively acidity with lots of citrus notes on the tongue. I would give it an -88. Quite a nice varietal example of a Touraine Sauv blanc and will hold it’s own with lots of different foods. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  391847$16.95WAL90 (0)Write a Review

Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from LCBO

This is an excellent, pure, complex Touraine sauvignon. Many are certainly varietal but also shrill and simple. This packs in some complexity and richness without numbing sauvignon character. Expect very lifted spearmint, lime, dill and caper scents. It’s medium bodied, fresh and lively, yet broad and almost creamy, with excellent flavour depth. I don’t remember this wine ever being this good. Score – 90. (David Lawrason, winealign.com, Aug. 11, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 28, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Loire, FranceBy:Joël DelaunaySugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Aromatic & Flavourful

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Bersano Gavi di Gavi 2019

Pale straw in color with a floral nose. On the mid palate the wine is interesting, some unique flavors. In some ways it reminds me of honeysuckle notes, sorta, kinda super dry riesling like. On the medium length finish, especially as it warms up the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity that dances on the tongue. I would give it an -88, nice and dry. We paired it with a soya sauce based stir fry and honestly it didn’t have enough oomph to hold it’s own, so we appreciated it more without food and as it warmed up.

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  999979$18.95JS91 (0)Write a Review

Bersano Gavi di Gavi 2019 from LCBO

Attractive lemon and mineral character with hints of dried apricots. It’s medium-bodied, fruity and layered. Some peaches, too. Drink now. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 4, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 31, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Piedmont, ItalyBy:Bersano Vini S.P.A.Sugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & CrispVarietal:Cortese

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Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherries to match the nose along with some herbal notes. The back of bottle says thyme? On the medium length finish the wine displays some soft tannins and acidity. We paired it with pizza and it went fine. I would give it an 87-88. Nice and dry. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  427542$24.955.0 (1)Write a Review

Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from LCBO

Ripe and bold, with an easygoing, approachable character, a tasty mixture of red and dark fruit, and a long, smooth finish. Really enjoyable. A wine for lamb stew or grilled meats. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:California, USABy:Jackson Family Wines IncSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

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Chombart & Speck Cave Mystère Merlot 2018

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some big bold black cherries and black plum notes that punch well above it’s price point. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice edgy tannins and acidity. Fresh out of the bottle there were some tart green notes but these passed quickly. For the price, this is a bargoon. I would give this a solid 88. Yumm. From the LCBO web site, check stock. This is a Vine de Bordeaux which basically means the grapes came from somewhere in Bordeaux. I wouldn’t consider this a long term keeper, drink within the next couple years.

Merlot

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  17232$18.95 (0)

Chombart & Speck Cave Mystère Merlot 2018 from LCBO

Cave Mystère is a collaboration between Ontario’s Speck brothers (Henry of Pelham) and Bordeaux’s Damien Chombart of Château Lamothe de Haux. The château’s cellars date back to the 1700s, when the miles of limestone caves beneath the vineyards were excavated to provide building materials for the construction of the city of Bordeaux. These caves have provided shelter since prehistoric times, and the walls bear the marks of both primitive tools and the pickaxes of 18th-century French labourers. This Merlot marries the ripeness and juiciness of a New World wine with the finesse and elegance of the Old World. Expect a luxuriously textured wine, with black fruit, herbs and oak spice. Pair with lamb.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Château Lamothe de HauxSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Merlot

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Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Inky dark in color with a musty, earthy and black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice black cherries, almost blueberry notes whacked almost immediately by firm black peppery notes. On the medium length finish it is dominated by firm vibrant acidity. This wine is just simply too young. If you want to drink it now I would recommend decanting it, or aerate it, something you RARELY hear me say. I would give it an 87-88. It will most definitely improve, maybe even as little as a year.

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  9175$24.95 (0)Write a Review

Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from LCBO

This is loaded with rich, concentrated Barossa fruit expressed through layers of blackberry, cassis and blueberry, with dark chocolate and spice adding even more complexity. Great balance and depth, and a great value. A wine for grilled or braised meats. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 14, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:South Australia, AustraliaBy:Elderton WinesSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & FirmVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon

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Velenosi Querciantica Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2019

Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some firm citrus notes, lime and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity that coats the palate nicely, lingering where the citrus notes live on, nice and dry. This is a vibrant, long white wine, that you need to be careful with, serve it with something mild and the wine will dominate … This is a wine that benefits from not being too cold if you appreciate the length of the wine, or colder if you wanna soften it. For the price this is a bargain! Yumm … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Verdicchio

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  16607$16.95 (0)Write a Review

Velenosi Querciantica Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2019 from LCBO

Expect this wine to deliver the classic lemon citrus tones and characterful, driving, intense acidity that the style is renowned for. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a superb sipping wine and a perfect pairing for seafood.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 31, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Marche, ItalyBy:Az. Vitivinicola Velenosi ErcoleSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & CrispVarietal:Verdicchio

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2014 Culina Cab Sauv

Back in 2017 I attended a tasting with Sara Triggs of this wine (and others) and was impressed and bought some, I’ve had it in the cellar ever since. A wine is ready to drink when you can’t wait any longer and that is definitely the case here. Inky dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with lovely rich black cherries, and black berries. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dark chocolate nose along with some smooth well integrated tannins and some nice vibrant acidity. This wine has calmed nicely from the edgy wine I tasted back in 2017 and is VERY approachable now. I’d say it’s a perfect time to crack some if you’ve been being patient. We had it with a filet mignon and it was yummy. really good. I would give it an 90. We bought it directly from the winery for $39, but they come into the LCBO from time to time. The 2015 is in the https://www.culmina.ca/ store right now and they will deliver it to you!

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