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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Elderton Eden Valley Chardonnay 2018

Pale to golden in color with a nice apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely rich vibrant app/pear and vanilla notes. Nice and creamy, and dry on the medium length finish. This is a perfectly oaked chard, right up my alley. I would give it an 88+, which for the price is a bargain. Yummy!

From the LCBO web site, check stock :

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  15054$19.95JS90 (0)Write a Review

Elderton Eden Valley Chardonnay 2018 from LCBO

A full and rich style with buttery peaches and cream, as well as mangoes, which really fill out the smooth, soft palate. Drink now. Score – 90. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, June 26, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:South Australia, AustraliaBy:Elderton WinesSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay

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2015 Monte Antico

Dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some cherry notes along with some firm smoky/woody notes. This is a VERY oaked wine. With some time these oak notes might soften but for now, wood is the dominant note. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be rushing to grab more. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Sangiovese Blend

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  69377$15.955.0 (2)Write a Review

Monte Antico from LCBO

This modern Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cab offers refined cherry and berry aromas with enough structure for short-term cellaring or pairing with food tonight. Great with spaghetti and meatballs, or with grilled lamb with mushroom risotto.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Empson & Co. S.R.L.Sugar Content:7 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Sangiovese Blend

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Nuiton Beaunoy Bourgogne Aligoté 2018

At a wine course I got introduced to Aligote and was impressed. It actually shocks me that farmers in Burgundy make this wine when they could make a much more profitable pinot noir … Pale straw in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate without food, and a little warmer and the wine has some nice sharp, crisp, tartness, a little lighter on the finish where the acidity and citrus notes live on. With food however this wine is fairly easily overwhelmed. I’ve paired other Aligote’s with chicken legs and enjoyed them, but this one is a softer, gentler Aligote, which is so not what I look for in an Aligote. I would give it an 87-88. Not a bad wine, but not a great one either. I won’t be rushing out to grab more. From the LCBO web site, check stock: The LCBO say light and crisp, I agree, it should have been a give away for me to skip this one 🙁

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  14748$17.95 (0)Write a Review

Nuiton Beaunoy Bourgogne Aligoté 2018 from LCBO

The early-ripening Aligoté is a native to Burgundy, where it produces tart, floral, herbal wines with vibrant acidity. For those who love Burgundian Chardonnay, Aligoté makes for a rewarding change of pace and offers another take on the region’s famed terroir. Its bright food-friendly acidity makes it an excellent option for seafood dishes.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:June 27, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Union Des Vignerons Associes Des MoSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & Crisp

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Underwood Pinot Noir 2018

Garnet in color with nice rustic and soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine is a spot on, varietal, fruit forward pinot with lots of soft red berries, strawberries, raspberries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some soft tannins, vibrant acidity and some mild earth notes, nice and dry! This is a excellent fruit forward pinot. I would give it an 88+. We paired it with roast duck and it was a perfect match that complemented without overwhelming the meal. Yum. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

50 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  421198$22.95WE894.0 (1)Write a Review

abc

This wine delivers a lovely core of black cherry-candy fruit accompanied by light, refined tannins and balanced acidity. It is a perfect choice for near-term drinking. Best Buy. Score – 89. (Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast, Jan. 1, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Oregon, USABy:Union Wine CompanySugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Pinot Noir

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Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018

Slightly golden in color with a slightly smoky nose. On the mid palate the wine is dominated by smokey notes along with some subtle apple/pear and vanilla. On the medium length finish the wine is nice and dry but the odd smokey notes live on. This is a very odd wine, I can only imagine that the barrels used were new and toasty. It’s slightly creamy in nature. I’m not a fan of this wine, I’d give it an 87-88. From the LCBO web site: check stock.

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  149302$21.95TS93 (0)Write a Review

Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 from LCBO

Baked beans from a can makes a surprisingly satisfying meal served with 2018 Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay. The wine is bone dry but delivers compelling aromas and flavours of baked apple with butter and brown sugar. Silky, rich and well balanced, each sip seasons the palate perfectly for the next forkful of beans. Toast or wieners optional. Score – 93. (Carolyn Evans Hammond, Toronto Star, May 30, 2020)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Featherstone Estate WinerySugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:ChardonnayThis is a VQA wine

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Mercer Bros Merlot 2017

Inky dark in color with a black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant black fruits, black cherries/black plums and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm peppery notes, especially straight out of the bottle. The wine displays some nice acidity, and velvety tannins, along with some earthy notes. This is a well made hearty merlot. We paired it with rack of lamb and it went beautifully. I would give it an 88 or so … Not cheap, but yummy. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Merlot

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  15819$26.95WS89 (0)Write a Review

Mercer Bros Merlot 2017 from LCBO

Svelte and structured, with expressive raspberry, violet and toasted spice flavors that build toward big but refined tannins. Best from 2021 through 2028. Score – 89. (Tim Fish, winespectator.com, Aug. 31, 2020)READ LESS

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Washington, USABy:Delicato Family VineyardsSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Merlot

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Three of Hearts Rosé 2019

This wine is a lovely pink/salmon color. Mild soft red berry on the nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice strawberry notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely zesty notes, firm, lively acidity and nice dryness. This is definitely a more serious rose with enough punch to hold it’s own, it dances on the tongue, lingering nicely, especially without food where the citrus notes are noticable. I really enjoyed this wine, which we paired with pizza and it was a perfect match. I would give it a solid 88+. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Three of Hearts Rosé

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  552562$19.95 (0)Write a Review

abc

Made by Henry of Pelham, this Pinot Noir/Pinot Gris blend underwent cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve the delicacy and precision of the fruit. The result is a food-friendly wine with bright, vivid ripe strawberry and orange citrus notes. This will be a fresh, lifted, balanced wine, excellent as a sipper or when paired with grilled seafood or roast chicken.READ LESS

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Speck Bros.Sugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & DryVarietal:RoséThis is a VQA wine

From the winery’s web site:

Three of Hearts Rosé

Fresh and elegant, this wine displays vibrant aromas of white peach and strawberry with subtle floral notes. Medium-bodied mouthfeel with balanced acidity and flavours of fresh raspberries and honeydew melon on the palate.

Winemaker’s Notes

  • Hand-picked and whole cluster pressed Pinot Noir.
  • No skin contact for subtle colour extraction.
  • Cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks enhanced the fruit flavours.

Food Matches

Gourmet white pizza with basil pesto, fresh mushrooms, marinated artichokes and feta cheese. Or better yet, enjoy with your favourite friend.

Retail Price – $19.95

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Seven Falls Chardonnay 2016

Pale in color with a mild apple and pear nose. On the mid palate this wine is a tale of two situations … with food this is a mild chard with light oaking. Some apple/pear to match the wine. Without food the apple/pear come through and there’s some mild vanilla notes. This is a lighter chard and you need to be careful what you serve it with. We served it with pan fried scallops but honestly the wine was overpowered. I would give it an 87+, I was quite disappointed and expected more. If I had more I’d take them back based on price. It’s not a bad wine, just not a great wine for my tastes. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  385773$21.95 (0)Write a Review

Seven Falls Chardonnay 2016 from LCBO

Open-knit, inviting, easy and appealing, with notes of ripe pineapple and tropical fruit. There’s a strong but balanced oak influence here that adds complexity. A great option for grilled chicken. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Washington, USABy:Chat Ste MichelleSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay

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Calvet Pinot Blanc 2018

I get a lot of my content from wine tastings that of course in todays COVID times are suspended. As an example I would get 30+ wines tasted in an evening. Even if I only wrote up the stars of the night I would get 5-10 wines out of an event. I’m sure you’ve noticed the update rate has slowed. Sorry about that. I will continue to do my best to share as much as I can …

Pale in color with a nice minerally, citrus not. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice citrus notes that match the nose, lime/lemon and the like. With food it’s milder, without food a little more descript. I served it with seafood fettucine alfredo and it was a little hard pressed to rise above it. On it’s own it’s got some nice mouth grip where the nice acidity dances on the tongue. I would give it an 88-. For the price not a bad deal, just pair it with something not quite as lively. Nice and dry. from the LCBO web site: Check stock

Pinot Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  15382$14.95 (0)Write a Review

Calvet Pinot Blanc 2018 from LCBO

The Calvet Pinot Blanc 2018 is fermented in stainless steel, preserving the delicate floral and fruit tones. It shows lifted citrus notes, with excellent freshness and a fine minerality. It’s a good food wine that will be great with fish or salads but will also shine as a sipper paired with soft cheeses. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:October 3, 2020750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Alsace, FranceBy:Les Grands Chais De FranceSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & CrispVarietal:Pinot Blanc

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Giant Steps Chardonnay 2018

Pale in color with a nice apple and pear nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with vibrant apple and pear coming through. This is a fruit forward, elegant, unoaked (or lightly oaked) chard. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice acidity, nice and dry. If you prefer your chards unoaked this is a good one, but an expensive one. I’d give it an 88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  243154$29.95AWC95 (0)Write a Review

Image for Giant Steps Chardonnay 2018 from LCBO

In terrific form. It captures you from the outset. Stone fruit, custard powder, toasted bran and cedar spice notes have sparks flying in the glass. Crushed fennel too, particularly through the aftertaste. It attacks with flavour from the start and maintains a good pace throughout. The finish takes care of itself. Special Value. Drink by: 2025. Score – 95. (Campbell Mattinson, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:May 16, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Victoria, AustraliaBy:Inland Trading Co.Sugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay

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Tawse Spark Brut Sparkling 2016

Pale straw in color with nice mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely varietal apple, pear and citrus notes. On the medium length finish, especially on it’s own, the wine has some nice mouth grip where the lime, and minerality notes stick around nicely along with some prominent pastry and nutty notes. This is a nice bubbly. We paired it with shrimp fettucine alfredo and it went perfectly. This is a well made wine, for a reasonable price. I’d give it an 88+. From the LCBO web site: Check stock.

Sparkling – Dry

375 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  404558$15.95WN89 (0)Write a Review

Image for Tawse Spark Brut Sparkling 2016 from LCBO

This is a bright, easy-going sparkler from a blend of 44% Pinot Gris, 31% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay with an emphasis on the citrus. Look for candied lemon and lime, a faint pear note with a delicate floral character. The bubbles persist nicely making it a refreshing spring/summer sipper. Score – 89. (Michael Lowe, winesinniagara.com, Dec. 16, 2019)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 31, 2018Bottle Size:375 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Tawse WinerySugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FlavourfulVarietal:Sparkling – DryThis is a VQA wine

From the winery’s web site:

Winemaking Notes: This Traditional Method Sparkling is made from a base of Quarry Road Chardonnay, with Laundry Vineyard Pinot Noir and Hillside Vineyard Pinot Gris. Having spent 12 months on the lees, this spark has delicious notes of pie crust, crisp green apple and citrus on the nose. These aromas are complimented by flavours of Granny Smith apple, grapefruit and just a hint of pastry on the palate.

Growing Conditions: Sourced from select sustainably farmed Niagara Peninsula vineyards. Viticultural practices included vertical shoot positioning, shoot thinning, cluster thinning, hand leaf removal and hand harvest.

Food Pairing: Sparkling wines are always a pleasure to pair as they are so versatile and easily compliment a wide variety of foods. The Spark Blend is no different. Shrimp ceviche, deep fried tempura vegetables or gougeres would be fun and tasty pairings for this delightful Spark. Of course a Sparkling wine is always perfectly fine all on its own, just add a toast!

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Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2017

Dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant black plums. On the medium length finish the wine displays some soft tannins and acidity. This is definitely a softer, gentler fruit forward Merlot. Be careful what you serve it with, we had a tomato based pasta and it pretty much overwhelmed the wine. I’d give this an -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  25304$19.955.0 (1)Write a Review

Image for Chateau St. Jean Merlot 2017 from LCBO

Floral, with fruit, vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate is ripe and vibrant, offering mixed blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb and cherry. Pair with grilled ribs or lamb burgers. (Vintages panel, July 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:July 25, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.8%Made In:California, USABy:Treasury Wine EstatesSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Full-bodied & Smooth

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Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2018

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark berry notes along with some noticeable oak/wood. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity and nice dry tannins. This is quite a nice wine, albeit a bit young. I’d give it an 88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  145920$18.95$21.95 Save $3.00 Limited Time Offer
Until October 11, 2020 (0)Write a Review

Image for Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni from LCBO

Frescobaldi has been crafting wines for over 700 years. This silky, modern-styled blend of Cab, Merlot and Sangiovese is filled with red fruit, sweet spice and vanilla notes. A perfect choice for lamb.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Marchesi De FrescobaldiSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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Domaine Chauviniere Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie 2018

Pale in color with a citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with some nice, crisp, dry minerality along with some dominant smokey notes that’s kind of off putting. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dryness and the citrus notes remain. I really didn’t like this wine, and the smokey notes were powerful enough to impart their way into the quiche we were having with it. I’d give this an 87 or so … Not to my tastes.

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Evidencia Reserva Touriga Nacional 2016

Inky dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some expressive dark fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm tannins and acidity along with some bold mocha/coffee notes, but I have to admit, expectations had me expecting a much more vibrant wine. Now if your into soft easy drinking wines, this isn’t for you, but if your expecting a big palate bruising tempranillo like wine, meh this isn’t that either. Somewhere in between. Not a bad wine I just don’t think I had my expectations met … I do admit I don’t know this grape well … I would give it a -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  15002$16.95WE90

Image for Evidencia Reserva Touriga Nacional 2016 from LCBO

Floral aromas and a rich texture set the scene for a dense wine. Tannins and black fruits combine together, held by the mineral texture and spice from oak aging. This is a powerful wine that should age longer, so wait to drink until late 2019. Best Buy. Score – 90. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:July 11, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Dão, PortugalBy:Parras WinesSugar Content:7 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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Rioja Vega Crianza 2016

Dark in color with a mild nose, about all that is mild about this wine. On the mid palate the wine displays some firm black cherries along with some nice chocolate notes. On the medium length in finish this wine displays some firm peppery notes that easy with food and as it breathes along with some nice firm tannins and acidity, nice and dry. This is not as much a bruiser as some, but is definitely a bigger wine. We paired it with lamb and it was a perfect pairing. I’d give it an 88 which for the price is a good deal. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Tempranillo

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  471854$17.95DWWA89 (0)Write a Review

abc

90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha. Youthful red berry fruits on the nose with some delicate liquorice notes. Rich and concentrated palate. Score – 89. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:August 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.6%Made In:Rioja, SpainBy:Principe De Viana, S.L.Sugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Tempranillo

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Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2018

Pale in color with a nice minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice crisp mild green apple notes along with some golden delicious. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice, crisp, dry minerality and some citrus notes. Without food this is nice and crisp but with food, we served it with seafood alfredo, it softens and does not overwhelm the food. I would give it an 88 or so … Quite nice and for the price a great deal! From the LCBO web site, check stock.

Pinot Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  15381$20.95 (0)Write a Review

Image for Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2018 from LCBO

This is quite juicy and balanced, with nice freshness and fruit purity. Notes of yellow and green apple, with lemon and a refined, sharply delineated mineral note. Pair with grilled shrimp or seafood pasta. (Vintages panel, Nov. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:August 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Alsace, FranceBy:F.E. TrimbachSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Pinot Blanc

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Villa Matilde Stregamora Piedirosso 2018

Dark in color with a dark berry and smoky nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark berries along with some noticeable coffee and mocha notes along with a hint of earthiness. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity and nice tannins. Quite a lively wine, and more dry than 8 g/l would lead you to expect. I would give it an 88 or so … Check LCBO stock. From the LCBO web site:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  575233$18.95LM90 (0)Write a Review

Image for Villa Matilde Stregamora Piedirosso 2018 from LCBO

This is well-balanced and extremely tasty, with ripe dark fruit framed by suggestions of tobacco and a subtle earthiness. Appealing and quite firm, it will be a good match for beef empanadas or barbecued ribs. (Vintages panel, June 2019)[Luca Maroni did not include a tasting note.] Score – 90. (Luca Maroni, lucamaroni.com, July 5, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:August 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.4%Made In:Campania, ItalyBy:Villa MatildeSugar Content:8 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Fruity

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Calamus Ball’s Falls Red 2017

Inky dark in color with a mild black berry nose, about the only thing about this wine that is mild. On the mid palate the wine displays some intense, vibrant black berry notes, along with some slightly bitter dark chocolate, quite fruit forward. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity, nice and dry. There’s a hint of green pepper notes as well. This is a wine that’s bolder than one would expect at this price point. Be sure and serve it with something fairly big, I went with bacon wrapped filet mignon and it held it’s own. I would give it an 87-88 … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  10527$16.95WC91 (0)Write a Review

Image for Calamus Ball's Falls Red 2017 from LCBO

Alluring aromas of rich, dark berry fruit, dark chocolate and cassis abound on the nose of this deftly balanced, gorgeously flavoured red. It dishes up mouthfuls of sweet-tinged fruit – dark cherry and ripe bramble berry interwoven with excellent tang and acidity and mixed spice. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy finish oozing with flavour, tangy acidity and plenty of charm. Load up the trunk and pour with steak, burgers or beef fajitas. Score – 91. (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Sept. 21, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:August 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Calamus Estate WinerySugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Cabernet Franc/Cabernet SauvignonThis is a VQA wine

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