CREW Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Posted on June 3, 2020 by John Galea

I last reviewed the Merlot from Crew and was impressed. This one is inky dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some big bold edgy black fruits, strong peppery notes, firm acidity, noticeable alcohol and super dry tannins. If your looking for a soft, elegant wine, meh, this ain’t for you 🙁 In some ways the wine reminds me of some of the big edgy Niagara reds of 10 years ago. I would give it an 87-88 … From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  465187$22.95

Image for CREW Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 from LCBO

LENS has a warm growing season, and the area’s advantageous combination of the shallow waters of Lake Erie and its southerly position allows grapes ample opportunity to achieve full ripeness. This Cabernet is savoury and ripe, with redcurrant, plum, spice box and smoke, and will be great with lamb burgers or steak. (Vintages panel, April 2019)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:May 30, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Inc.Sugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Cabernet SauvignonThis is a VQA wine

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Durigutti Cabernet Franc 2017

Posted on May 30, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherries to match the nose along with some firm peppery notes, vibrant acidity and some mocha, nice and dry. Not a bad Cab Franc and much less mild than previous Argentinian cab francs. I would give it an -88. From the LCBO check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  14916$18.95JS94

Image for Durigutti Cabernet Franc 2017 from LCBO

This is very floral and inviting on the nose with notes of rosemary, violets, lavender, citrus, orange peel and boysenberries, as well as lots of spicy undertones. Full-bodied and really seductive with tightly-wound, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, succulent finish. Drink in 2021. Score – 94. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 11, 2018)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:May 30, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.8%Made In:Mendoza, ArgentinaBy:Pacha Co SaSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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I Balzi Nero d’Avola 2018

Posted on May 28, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice black berries to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely rich chocolate and mocha notes along with some nice acidity and tannins, nice and dry! This wine’s complexity punches well above it’s price point. A nice wine, with some big flavors. Be careful what you pair it with … I’d give it an -88. This is a Sicilian wine. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  14007$14.95

Image for I Balzi Nero d'Avola 2018 from LCBO

There’s a lot of wine here for the price, with richly articulated red and black fruit, tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and pepper spice. Refined tannins give structure, while the acidity offers nice balance. This is a wine to pair with venison or ripening cheeses. (Vintages panel, July 2019)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:May 16, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Sicily, ItalyBy:Casa Vinicola Natale Verga S.P.ASugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Fruity

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Château Le Grand Moulin Collection Grande Réserve 2016

Posted on May 18, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice nose of dark berries and mocha … On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark plums, dark berries and chocolate/mocha to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice acidity, edgy tannins and nice dryness. This is a lovely, drink now right bank Bordeaux from the Cotes de Blaye region. It might soften some, if you prefer softer wines. I’d give it an -88, great for the price. From the LCBO web site check stock

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  11326$17.00WE92

Image for Château Le Grand Moulin Collection Grande Réserve 2016 from LCBO

Though he’d rather be a musical genius, Jean-François Reaud did wonders with this estate, in the family since 1904. Dense and full of tannins, it also offers ripe fruits. Its structure and density match the intensity of the fruit, meaning the wine has a great future. With a dense aftertaste, the wine will age, so drink from 2022. Editors’ Choice. Score – 92. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 1, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 18, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Sarl RobinSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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Collier Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Posted on May 16, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with an expressive fruit forward dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with fruit forward black berries, jammy notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth dryness and tannins. In some ways this reminded me more of a zinf … I would give it an -88 … We paired it with a striploin and it went fine. There are no herbaceous, minty notes at all … Honestly I wouldn’t race out to grab a bunch of it … From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  14428$19.95WE89

Image for Collier Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 from LCBO

Very rich and ripe, this lip-smacking wine has abundant grapey jammy blackberry-like aromas and flavors, and a broad, mouthfilling texture. It’s well-backed by moderate tannins to balance out all that fruit. Best Buy. Score – 89. (Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 1, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 18, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:California, USABy:Peltier Winery + VineyardsSugar Content:7 g/LStyle:Full-bodied & Smooth

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2018 Trius Merlot VQA

Posted on May 14, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild, red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some dark plums … On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm tannins and acidity. Quite nice, I’d give it an -88. From the LCBO web site check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   LCBO#:  587907$15.95

Image for Trius Merlot VQA from LCBO

Medium-deep garnet red colour; aromas of dried cherry, red plum, toasty vanilla, mint and cranberry; dry, with balanced acidity, medium bodied, with flavours of spiced plum compote, pepper, red liquorice and cherry; moderately long finish.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Andrew Peller LimitedSugar Content:7 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothThis is a VQA wine

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Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Posted on May 11, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with nice black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherries, and black currants overwhelmed by strong white pepper and very noticeable alcohol … nice and dry! There are some chocolate notes … This wine is a mixed bag. On it’s own it’s a big, bold edgy wine that’s a little young. We paired it with a red sauce pasta and it went okay with the pasta but it didn’t exactly compliment it either. Perhaps a steak might have been a better pairing. I would give it an 87+, but for $24.95 I can think of much better wines. Another one to two years in the bottle might soften it some. from the LCBO web site: check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  744375$24.95

Image for Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from LCBO

In the glass, the wine is an opaque bplooplum at the heart which pales out to a purple tinged ruby at the edges. The aromas and flavours are classic Cabernet. Blackcurrants, roadside brambles, pencil shavings, fynbos herbaceousness and Palma violets. The well applied oak adds its spice and vanilla. From entry the wine fills the palate with fruit, cashmere clad tannins and ends in a long and gently waning aftertaste. Iron fist in velvet glove, a balance of elegance and a serious statement. While eminently drinkable now, the wine will reward you after 5 or more years of cool cellaring. (Michael Olivier, michaelolivier.co.za, Aug. 20, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 18, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Stellenbosch, South AfricaBy:Simonsig Wines Pty LtdSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Firm

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2018 Trius Niagara Peninsula Cab Franc

Posted on May 7, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some cherries, jammy notes, along with some mocha. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity and nice tannins. This is more of a drink now, fruit forward cab franc, quite food friendly. Very approachable, I would give it an 87-88. Available at the Wine shop for $16.95 From their web site:

Our Cabernet Franc’s juicy flavours of ripe currants and blackberry develop on the palate and linger on the finish with notes of black tea and cocoa. Medium-bodied and aged 7 months in French and American oak. An incredible value for Niagara’s favourite red varietal!

Serve at a cool room temperature of 16 to 18ºC in large bowled red wine glasses with grilled steak and mushrooms; herbed lamb chops; prime rib on focaccia; Portobello burgers; beef wraps; beef and red pepper kebobs; aged Canadian cheddar or other hard cheeses.

Trius Cabernet Franc VQA 750mL
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Lyrarakis Vóila Assyrtiko 2018

Posted on May 4, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with nice minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine has some super distinct flavors, pink grapefruit, nice stone notes, and some lovely minerality. On the medium length finish the wine, especially without food, has some nice long mouth grip where the citrus/lime/grapefruit notes live on. This is a nice bold wine. We paired it with grilled chicken drumsticks and it calmed down a bit with food. Yumm … I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a good deal! Nice … and unique! From the LCBO web site check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  14420$16.95

Image for Lyrarakis Vóila Assyrtiko 2018 from LCBO

Assyrtiko creates fresh, mineral-driven wines; this certified-vegan example has all that in spades. It’s floral, with lemon and tropical tones, a pure mineral note and bright acidity. A nice pairing for a roasted green-vegetable medley. (Vintages panel, Aug. 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 18, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Crete, GreeceBy:Gea Sa Lyrarakis WinesSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & Flavourful

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Oyster Bay 2019 Pinot Grigio

Posted on May 2, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some mild peach and stone fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice green apple tart notes along with some nice vibrant acidity. This is actually not a bad Pinot Grigio (said as someone who doesn’t find most Pinot Grigios complex or long enough). The tart notes coat the palate and live on nicely in the mouth, nice and dry! I would give this an 88 or so. We paired it with a bacon and mushroom quiche and it held it’s own, and was maybe even a little over powering for the meal. Who knew. It’s also not as sensitive to temperature as some whites, even straight out of the fridge there’s some nice complexity. From the LCBO web site Check stock:

Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  326090$17.95$19.95 Save $2.00 Limited Time Offer
Until May 24, 2020

Image for Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio from LCBO

Oyster Bay has long been a flag-bearer for New Zealand premium wine. Their PG is zesty and juicy with generous peach, lime, grapefruit and minerality, and falls between the Alsatian and Italian styles. Enjoy with grilled pork.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Hawke’s Bay, New ZealandBy:Delegat LimitedSugar Content:6 g/LStyle:Light & Crisp

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Domaine Coudoulis Evidence Lirac 2016

Posted on April 30, 2020 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with some black berries. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant peppery notes and some VERY noticeable alcohol. This is either WAY too young or just an alcohol bomb. Really not a great wine. It’s suprising how subdued the Grenache flavors on this wine are. I would give this wine at best an 87. If I had more I’d return them. This wine comes from the Southern Rhone, Lirac region of France. It’s a Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre. From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  13513$19.95JS92

Image for Domaine Coudoulis Evidence Lirac 2016 from LCBO

Attractive, dried red-flower, cassis and blueberry aromas. The palate has a very succulent core of ripe, dark-berry flavors. Succulent, deep and even. This is a very plush and appealing Lirac. Drink now or hold. Score – 92. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Aug. 29, 2018)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:15.7%Made In:Rhône, FranceBy:Domaine CoudoulisSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre

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Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Grillo 2018

Posted on April 28, 2020 by John Galea

I attended an Italian tasting that included some eclectic wines/wineries from Italy and Grillo was a Sicilian grape that caught my attention. So when this one was on the release I jumped at the chance. Grillo is another one of the many very unique regional varietals that you can explore from Italy. This particular one is pale straw in color with a nice minerally, dry, lime nose. There’s some noticeable small subtle bubbles in the glass. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice tart green apple and lime notes, some nice minerally notes, that match the nose along with a hint of effervescence. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice food friendly acidity where the lime notes live on. We paired it with a rich carbonara and it went really well, held it’s own without overwhelming or fighting with the richness of the food. As it warmed up the tartness really grew in the mouth so be careful the temperature you server it at … I really enjoyed this. I would give it a solid 88! From the LCBO web site: Check Stock

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  11670$17.95FA92

Image for Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Grillo 2018 from LCBO

Brilliant straw-colour. Yellow fruit aromas of ripe pear and succulent peach on the nose, accentuated by a light touch of minerals. Luscious and balanced on the palate, creamy and delicate at first, with an exciting and salty finish, seems still young. Score – 92. (falstaff.at, March 4, 2019)

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PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 21, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.6%Made In:Sicily, ItalyBy:Tenuta Gorghi Tondi Sas Di DorettaSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & Flavourful

Oh an the carbonara:

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Château Haut-Bergey 2016

Posted on April 26, 2020 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with lovely inviting dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with dark cherries, and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some bitter dark chocolate notes along with some fine ripe tannins and hints of green pepper. This wine is quite complex, with lots of layers going on with the grippy tannins lingering. I suspect the wine is a bit young, maybe another 1-2 years and it would be even better. I would give this an -89. It really displays how the added complexity of the left bank where Cab sauv/franc are usually the star. Sadly I was unable to find much of anything about the blend on this wine. This is a left bank wine from the Pessac-Léognan region in Bordeaux.

From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  522722$44.85WS90-93

Offers a grippy, slightly extracted feel, with a layer of plum skin around the core of steeped blackberry and black currant fruit. Delivers ample tarry grip through the finish. Score – 90-93. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 1, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Ulysse CazabonneSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra Dry

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Cloudline Pinot Noir 2018

Posted on April 23, 2020 by John Galea

Dark garnet in color with a nice red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovey ripe strawberry/raspberries. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice earthy tannins and smooth acidity. This is a lovely, varietal, pinot, exactly as we would expect from Oregon. Yum. I would give this an 88+. We paired it with venison striploin and it was delicous! I previously had the 2017 which was also very good. From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

Pinot Noir

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  159970$26.95

Image for Cloudline Pinot Noir 2018 from LCBO

It’s rare to find terrific Oregon Pinot Noir [at this price], but this cherry-inflected bottling from Cloudline (an affordable label from the benchmark producer Domaine Drouhin) does the trick effortlessly. It’s light enough for roast turkey and flavorful enough for roast tenderloin. (Ray Isle, today.com, Dec. 4, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Oregon, USABy:Drouhin FamilySugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Pinot Noir

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Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2018

Posted on April 19, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice citrus notes to match the nose. On the medium in length finish the wine displays some soft mild acidity. Be careful what you pair this with or it will overwhelm the wine pretty easily. Not a bad sauv blanc from the Loire region of France. Touraine where this comes from can bring some reasonable priced alternatives to Sancerre. I would give it an -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock.

Sauvignon Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  745349$15.95

Image for Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2018 from LCBO

You will find this to be a floral, attractive wine, with a concentrated lemon-tinged palate and a hint of fruit sweetness on the close. This will be a wine that puts the focus on texture. A good option for any seafood dish.Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 25, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Loire, FranceBy:Domaine Jacky MarteauSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc

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Partake Red Non-Alcoholic beer

Posted on April 17, 2020 by John Galea

I’ve previously reviewed a couple of the Partake products and been impressed. When looking for a non-alcoholic alternative they have become my goto … I noticed the Red on the list that I haven’t had before so I thought heh let’s give it a whirl. Right out of the can the beer looks like a typical red. The benchmark for me is a Richards Red and this looks and smells (albeit milder) a lot like a Richards red, which for me is a compliment. On the mid palate the beer matches the nose with a lovely, milder red beer like flavor, with nice soft hops and acidity. It really is quite a flavorable, mild red beer. Quite nice. I really like it.

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Château Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2018

Posted on April 12, 2020 by John Galea

This a white Bordeaux made from 60% Sauv banc and 40% Semillon. Pale straw in color with a mild citrus, along with some nice floral notes. On the mid palate the wine displays some softer, more elegant citrus and floral notes to match the nose. On the medium length in finish the wine displays some nice smooth food friendly acidity. Nice and dry! If your not a fan of edgy New Zealand style Sauv blancs this might be right up your alley. This is a perfect example of how Bordeaux does Sauv blanc. I would give it an -88, which for the price is not a bad deal! From the LCBO web site, check stock.

Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  387787$17.95GGICGold

Image for Château Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2018 from LCBO

All of the wines of Maison Raymond are Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan-friendly. Expect this stainless-steel-vinified blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon to deliver ripe, lively citrus, apple, pear and peach, with a distinctive asparagus-herbaceous note and a saline minerality. Pair with salmon with rosemary and thyme. [The Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge did not provide a tasting note.] Score – Gold. (Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 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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2018 Trius Niagara Escarpment Pinot Noir

Posted on April 9, 2020 by John Galea

As I was coming out of Longos I nipped into the wine store there, getting into the LCBO these days requires a LOT of time and patience. Trout was on the menu for dinner so I really wanted a Pinot noir, so I grabbed this one and it did not disappoint. Bright, light, garnet in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely sharp, rustic strawberry notes along with some earthy notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some bright, lively, firm tannins. Quite an expressive, varietal pinot. I would give this an 88 or so … quite nice and went perfectly well with the meal! Not in the LCBO but available for $26.95 from the Wine Shop or from the winery’s web site:

Delicate ruby red in colour with a bouquet of red cherry and raspberry fruit, accented by notes of smoky oak, red licorice and gentle spice. Light-bodied and fruit-forward. Flavours of red currant, plum and cherry fill the mouth. Notes of red currant, pomegranate, red berry tea, spice, earth and oak linger on the finish. Serve at a cool room temperature of 15 to 17°C.

Serve with grilled beef tenderloin and sautéed mushrooms; grilled Portobello Panini; cold beef wraps; duck breast; quail; roast turkey with mushroom stuffing; mushroom lasagna; meaty, cheesy lasagna; red sauce pastas; mushroom risotto; gourmet pizza topped with turkey pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms; La Sauvagine cheese with water crackers.

Trius Pinot Noir 2017
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Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Posted on April 7, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice mild pink grapefruit nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice pink grapefruit to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth food friendly acidity. I would give it a -88. Not a bad, varietal smoother New Zealand Sauv blanc, perfect with so many foods. From the LCBO web site, check stock.

Sauvignon Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  277707$19.95WO94

Image for Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2018 from LCBO

Striking and intense, the gorgeous bouquet shows grapefruit, passionfruit, feijoa and kaffir lime characters. The palate delivers impressive fruit concentration and purity, brilliantly complemented by fine texture and bright acidity. Punchy and flavoursome, while remaining harmonious and wonderfully balanced. A hugely appealing sauvignon. At its best: now to 2022. Score – 94. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Oct. 2018)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 11, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Two Rivers Of Marlborough LimitedSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc

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Château de la Grange Vieilles Vignes Côtes de Grand Lieu Muscadet 2017

Posted on April 4, 2020 by John Galea

Slighty golden in color with a nice minerally nose with some mild citrus notes. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice tart acidity along with some nice stone and biscuit notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice sticky acidity, and even some slight smoky notes. There’s also a slight creamyness to the wine. Nice and dry! This is a very interesting wine, but you need to be careful, this is another wine that is VERY sensitive to temperature. We tried it right out of the fridge and it was noticeably milder. This wine is done using the Sur Lie process, meaning it spends time on the dead yeast that imparts the creamy, biscuit notes. The grape is Melon de Bourgogne, also called Melon blanc. This is from the Loire region of France. Greg introduced me to this grape, and I quite enjoy this one. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a great deal. Yum. From the LCBO web site, check stock.

Melon de Bourgogne

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  637868$13.95

Image for Château de la Grange Vieilles Vignes Côtes de Grand Lieu Muscadet 2017 from LCBO

A nice value-priced wine that delivers solid varietal characteristics. Impressive pear, melon, apricot and peach tones, with lemon zest and a tantalizing hint of ginger over a refined mineral backbone. A great option for seafood dishes. (Vintages panel, March 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:11.7%Made In:Loire, FranceBy:Earl B. De GoulaineSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Melon de Bourgogne

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Charles Montserat Bourgogne Aligoté 2018

Posted on March 31, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with some nice lemon/lime/minerally/stone notes. On the medium in length the lime and minerally notes are dominant and stick nicely to the tongue. This is a softer gentler Aligote but still lively and tart. We paired it with seafood alfredo and it held it’s own. The tart finish is appreciated best without food. I would give it a solid 88, which for the price is a great deal. I’m really coming to appreciate the Aligote grape and the unique flavors and brisk acidity it can bring to the table! The LCBO say Crisp and light? On what planet … From the LCBO web site, check stock.

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  12026$16.95

Image for Charles Montserat Bourgogne Aligoté 2018 from LCBO

This greets you with lifted white flowers, citrus, and stone fruit. Fresh and bright in the mouth, it follows up the nose with suggestions of peach and melon. A nice price for this unassuming but far-from-simple wine. Pair with seafood or a charcuterie board. (Vintages panel, April 2019)Read More 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.8%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Lamblin Et FilsSugar Content:2 g/LStyle:Light & Crisp

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Vetiver Viura 2014

Posted on March 29, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with lots of stone minerality, some mild lemon and some smoky notes. On the medium length finish the wine has some lovely mouth grip where the citrus notes and minerality live on in the mouth, particularly without food. This is a very interesting, food friendly wine that softens with food. I’d give it an -88. From the LCBO web site, Check stock:

Viura (Macabeo)

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  437707$15.95WS91

Image for Vetiver Viura 2014 from LCBO

This bold white marries expressive flavors to a muscular texture. Pear and quince notes mingle with brioche, chamomile and dried pineapple details, with juicy acidity and light tannins lending support. Lively now, this should harmonize with time. Drink now through 2024. Ranked #62 in the Wine Spectator 2016 Top 100. Smart Buys. Score – 91. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2016)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 11, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Rioja, SpainBy:Ontanon S.A.Sugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Viura (Macabeo)

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Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Posted on March 27, 2020 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nice dark cherry and black plum nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely, elegant, vibrant black cherries, black plums to match the nose along with some nice mocha and dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity. This is a bold elegant classic Cali cab, right up my alley. I would give it an 89, which for the price is a great deal. From the LCBO web site: Check Stock

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  38075$26.25

Image for Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from LCBO

This is always a big, round, generous wine, and the 2015 is no exception to the rule. Juicy and ripe with sweet plums, blackberries, vanilla, spice and succulent tannins, this will be brilliant with your favourite cut of steak, grilled medium rare. (Vintages panel, June 2018)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:June 22, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14.2%Made In:California, USABy:E. & J. Gallo WinerySugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Cabernet Sauvignon

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SOHO White Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Posted on March 24, 2020 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with an odd nose, kinda like cats pee. I’ve heard this referred to before, but this one actually has it. On the mid palate the wine displays some tart acidity and citrus notes. There’s a hint of sweetness that’s above what you’d expect from 4g/l. This isn’t an awful Sauv Blanc but not a great one either. I’d give it an 87-88 which for the price … meh I’ve had better. From the LCBO check stock:

Sauvignon Blanc

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  144386$19.95WO93

Image for SOHO White Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018 from LCBO

Intensely aromatic and inviting, the bouquet shows passionfruit, kiwifruit, kaffir lime and lemon peel characters. The palate is lively and mouth-watering with excellent fruit power and vibrancy, beautifully supported by crisp acidity. Crowd-pleasingly tasty. At its best: now to 2020. Score – 93. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Nov. 2018)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:November 23, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.9%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Soho WinesSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc

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Cuatro Rayas 4R Verdejo 2018

Posted on March 21, 2020 by John Galea

Pale to slightly golden in color. On the nose has a noticeable dish towel nose. At first I thought it was the glass so I changed the glass, nope it’s the wine. And given this is a screw cap, it isn’t corked. On the mid palate the wine displays some tart green apple notes, and some nasty unpleasant astringent green notes. On the medium length finish the strong green apple tartness lives on. This is really not a pleasant wine. I’m hard pressed to decide if there was something wrong with the bottle or just not my tastes. I would give this an 86-87. If I had more, I would most definitely return them. from the LCBO web site. Check stock:

Verdejo

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  10969$13.95

Image for Cuatro Rayas 4R Verdejo 2018 from LCBO

This fresh, balanced white will deliver delicate but precise citrus, green apple and stone fruit aromas and flavours, with just a hint of honey in the background. A refreshing, vibrant wine that will be a nice option for pairing with fresh seafood dishes.Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:January 25, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.4%Made In:Rueda, SpainBy:CastellanaSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Verdejo

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