Partake Red Non-Alcoholic beer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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2017 Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay (Short Hills)

Golden in color with a nice apple and pear nose. On the mid palate the wine is a lovely rich chard with nice apple/pears coming through to match the nose along with some vanilla, limestone and some smokey notes, nice and dry! This is a vibrant rich well made chard. Not over oaked at all, right up my alley. We paired it with my usual ratatouille pairing, pan seared scallops and it went perfectly. Ahhhh Yummmmmm. I would give it an 88-89, which for the price is amazing. Niagara can make some awesome oaked chards and this is one of them! From the LCBO web site Check Stock:

Chardonnay

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  268342$21.95

Image for Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay from LCBO

Henry of Pelham is one of Ontario’s most trusted and beloved of producers. This Chardonnay is always an elegant wine crafted to emphasize focus and precision. It features bold, ripe fruit with vanilla, smoke, buttered toast and a creamy, long mouthfeel. A refined example of Ontario’s prowess with Chardonnay. Try this with grilled pork ribs or grilled lobster.Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:April 3, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Henry Of Pelham Family Est. WinerySugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:ChardonnayThis is a VQA wine

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Château La Fleur Grands Landes 2015

Dark in color with a nice mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark plums, black cherries and mocha. Lovely rich elegant fruit. On the finish the wine is medium to long in length with some nice rich tannins, chocolate notes, that build nicely in the mouth, nice and dry. This is a lovely smooth elegant wine from the right bank of bordeaux. On the back of the bottle the blend says 80% merlot 15% cab franc and 5% cab sauv. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the money is a bargain … Yumm. From the LCBO web site Check stock: Thanks for the suggestion Semion!

Bordeaux

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  387522$19.95DEC89

Image for Château La Fleur Grands Landes 2015 from LCBO

Plummy and ripe with toffee-fruited richness and a liquorice touch. Generous, classic and satisfying. Tannins are a bit furry, but acidity gives decent length. Drinking window: 2019-2025. Score – 89. (decanter.com, Jan. 16, 2018)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Jean Baptist AudySugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Bordeaux

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Hacienda López de Haro Blanco 2018

Pale straw in color with a mineral/citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some crisp minerality, and citrus notes to match the nose. Some nice lemon/lime. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity that sticks nicely in the mouth, especially without food, with the citrus notes hanging around, nice and dry. Theres a nice hint of white pepper on the tongue as well. I’m not sure I would go as far as pink edgy grapefruit but in the real. This wine is 75% Viura and 25% other. It’s a nice fresh, crisp, perfect summer sipper. We paired it with spicy chicken wings and it cut through the spice perfectly. I would give this an -88. From the LCBO web site:

Viura (Macabeo)

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  543785$14.95DEC89

Image for Hacienda López de Haro Blanco 2018 from LCBO

Sourced from old vines bearing Viura grapes, this white Rioja delivers a delicious mouthful of intense, waxy and slightly spicy apple and pear fruits, outlined by an energetic grapefruit tang. It has enough weight to work well as a winter white, and will pair nicely with roast pork. Drinking window: 2019-2024. Score – 89. (James Button, decanter.com, Oct. 21, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Rioja, SpainBy:VintaeSugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Viura (Macabeo)

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Mastronardi Estate Merlot 2016

Dark in color with a nice inviting dark plum nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely rich bold dark plums that match the nose along with big oaking notes from chocolate, to vanilla to earthy notes. This is NOT a gently oaked wine. It’s BIG. On the medium length finish the wine displays some smooth tannins and acidity. The wine is a bit young but there are no astringent or green notes, nice and dry too! A perfect expression a a big merlot! Quite impressive. I would give it an 88 or so … I’m quite impressed by the wines coming out of this region! From the LCBO web site: Check stock. Yummm

Merlot

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  13818$24.95

Image for Mastronardi Estate Merlot 2016 from LCBO

Founded in 2006, the 100-acre Mastronardi vineyard supports over 18 varietals, with Bordeaux reds as a regional specialty. This Merlot is ripe and smoky with black plummy fruit and a touch of spice rounding out the palate. Great for pairing with turkey or meaty stews. (Vintages panel, April 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.6%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Mastronardi Esatate WinerySugar Content:2 g/LStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:MerlotThis is a VQA wine

From the winery’s web site:

Merlot 2016 VQA

This delectable medium-bodied Merlot promotes aromas of sweet vanilla and a touch of leather on the nose followed by bold flavours of plum, black cherry and pomegranate with a subtle hint of spice on the palate. With a medium-long finish this Merlot pairs perfectly with softer poultry and meats on the sweet and savoury side.

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Maison Valdesday Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2018

Dark garnet in color with a dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays black berries as being mostly dominant, quite fruit forward. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some soft dusty tannins and food friendly light acidity. There are some noticable rustic and earthy notes, along with some nice dryness, that build in the mouth. This isn’t a horrible pinot noir, but is by no means a varietal or outstanding one either. I would give it an 87-88. I bought two since I like pinot’s, meh I’ll be taking the second one back, I’ve had better … From the LCBO web site: Check Stock

Pinot Noir

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  12176$20.95

Image for Maison Valdesday Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2018 from LCBO

Impressive ripe fruit, with a savoury herbal tone that adds considerable depth and complexity. A pure mineral note emerges on the finish. This is fresh, vibrant and made for food. Pair it with roast lamb. (Vintages panel, April 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:March 7, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.3%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Maison Des Vignes Aine & FilsSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Pinot Noir

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Holland Marsh Wineries 2017 Sauv Blanc

Nice grassy, mild cirtus and light grapefruit nose. On the mid palate the wine displays smooth elegant citrus and grapefruit to match the nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice citrus notes and some nice vibrant acidity. This is more of a smoother sauv blanc but spot on varietal. Not as edgy as say a New Zealand Sauv blanc but quite good. I would give it an -88. When at the winery they were telling me they have been slowly loosing the Sauv blanc to our cold winters. A crying shame given how good this wine is. Not in the LCBO but available from the winery for $22 which is a good price for this wine!

From the winery’s web site:

Winemaker’s Notes:

Fragrant aromatics of grapefruit and guava with grassy undertones. Stone-like minerality with flavours of gooseberries, lime and kiwi balanced by crisp and mouthwatering acidity. **Silver Medal – All Canadian Wine Competition

Pairings:

Shellfish and whitefish, goat cheese or pasta with garlic cream.

More Details

Sugar0 (g/L)
Alcohol12.3%
Volume750ML
2017 Select Sauvignon Blanc
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Fontevecchia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2017

Pale to golden in color with a nice minerally/citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose spot on with beautiful vibrant minerality along with some nice citrus and green apple notes. There’s some noticeable limestone/metallic/flint notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant food friendly acidity … nice and dry. It sticks to the tongue nicely with some nice mouth grip. We paired it with some roast pork and it cut through the fat and flavors beautifully complimenting it nicely. I would give it an 88 … Quite nice as long as you like minerally/acidity … From the LCBO web site: Check stock Thanks Greg for the suggestion!

50 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  11140$14.95LM97

Image for Fontevecchia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2017 from LCBO

Expect a bright, floral wine with lemon citrus aromas and flavours. The excellent freshness will make this a great option for seafood salads or crab. [Luca Maroni tasting note not available.] Score – 97. (Luca Maroni, lucamaroni.com, March 16, 2018)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 22, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.6%Made In:Marche, ItalyBy:Casal FarnetoSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & CrispVarietal:Verdicchio

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Château Tour de Sarrail 2010

Dark in color with a nice dark plum and dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely dark plums, and dark cherries to match the nose along with some nice chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm tannins and some hints of black tea, not bitter but close. We paired it with beef ribs and it held it’s own, almost overpowering the ribs. This is a great buy for the price. I would give it an 88 or so … Yumm … This is a wine from the Entre Deux Mers of Bordeaux where you can get some good bargain Bordeauxs from, more specifically Pompignac which is right in the center of the region. According to the back of the bottle this is 80% merlot and 10% Cab franc and 10% cab sauv. I’ll be going back to grab some more of this wine, it should easily keep 2-5 years!

Bordeaux

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  448829$19.95JS91

Image for Château Tour de Sarrail 2010 from LCBO

A rich and beautiful Bordeaux with lots of blackcurrants, blueberries and vanilla character. Full body, round and soft tannins and a flavorful finish. Fruit-forward style. Delicious now but better in 2017. Serious wine from this appellation. About 80% merlot and the rest cabernets. Score – 91. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Oct. 21, 2016)Read Less 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Hubert de Boüard & Bernard PujolSugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Bordeaux

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2017 Château des Charmes Aligoté VQA

This wine is bipolar … Fresh out of the fridge the wine is bland, light, watery and I was ready to write a review saying it was a mere shadow of it’s Burgundy equivalent and then it dawned on me … maybe I served it too cold. So I went back and bought a second bottle and this time kept it in the wine fridge which is set to 50F. Oh my what a difference. I’ve found this before with other wines but the pronounced difference was shocking. Out of the wine fridge the wine displays some minerally, slightly herbal notes on the nose. On the mid palate this wine displays some firm crisp green apple and asian pear notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity, zesty notes and some citrus. It’s not tart but pretty close. We paired this with some slightly spicy Andouille sausage and it had no issues with holding it’s own. This is a lively vibrant wine so be careful what you pair it with and be VERY careful with temperature. I have to say, I was impressed, yummy, and for the price!!!! From the LCBO web site: Check stock (this is a general list product)

Aligoté

750 mL bottle  |   LCBO#:  296848$15.95

Image for Château des Charmes Aligoté VQA from LCBO

Pale lemon colour; fresh and defined aromas of crisp apple, pear and mineral; extra-dry medium body; crisp and refreshing flavours of green apple, pear, wet stone with zippy acidity and a slight hint of honey on the finish.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Chateau Des CharmesSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & CrispVarietal:AligotéThis is a VQA wine

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Tarlant Brut Reserve Champagne

I’ve recently been learning a little more about Champagne and this one was submitted to me as a reasonably priced, relatively available Champagne. My go to for presents is usually a Pol Roger which is $69.25, this one is $43.65. Pale/straw in color with some nice rich toasty notes coming through. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with nice toasty notes being dominant along with some apple/pear. It displays some creamy notes but milder. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice crisp dryness, minerality and citrus. For the price, this is not a bad champagne. I would give it an -88. Check stock

750 mL bottle  |   LCBO#:  325167$43.65

Image for Tarlant Brut Reserve Champagne from LCBO

Pale straw colour; apple and pear aromas with toasty notes and a hint of cinnamon; full-flavoured with crisp citrus, apple and toasty flavours.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Champagne, FranceBy:Champagne TarlantSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Rich & ComplexVarietal:Champagne

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Donnachiara Irpinia Aglianico 2017

Dark in color with a dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine has some dark berries and black currant, quite jammy and fruity. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some soft tannins and acidity. To me this was WAY too fruit forward for my tastes. I would give it an 87-88. If I had more, I’d return it. I’ve had way better Aglianicos … From the LCBO web site Check Stock:

Aglianico

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  262956$24.95JS94

Image for Donnachiara Irpinia Aglianico 2017 from LCBO

Now here’s a really exciting Aglianico. Full of life, it’s overflowing with sea urchin, oyster shell, hot stones, blackberries and steak tartare. As for the palate, it’s full in body, but very silky and sleek, tiptoeing with the grace of a ballerina through vibrant but concentrated dark fruit. Long and complex. Amazing value! Drink from 2023. Score – 94. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Campania, ItalyBy:Az. Ag. DonnachiaraSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Aglianico

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François Martenot L’Or de la Terre Bourgogne Aligoté 2018

Pale straw in color with a mild mineral and green apple nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some sharp crisp green apple notes along with some nice stone notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays crisp, sharp, vibrant acidity. Acidity is the king in this wine, so pairing it must be done carefully. We paired it with alfredo and the vibrant acidity cut through the creaminess perfectly. I would give the wine an -88 which for the price is a bargain. I would pair this wine anywhere you might put a vibrant sauv blanc. This wine is from Beaune in the Burgundy region of France.

From the LCBO web site: Check stock

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  11912$15.95

Image for François Martenot L'Or de la Terre Bourgogne Aligoté 2018 from LCBO

Aligoté – the other white grape of Burgundy besides Chardonnay – is prized for its food-friendly acidity. This one also brings notions of fresh flowers, peach, pineapple and honey to the party and has a lovely mineral underpinning. It’ll especially shine with seafood. (Vintages panel, April 2019)

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.2%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Francois MartenotSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & Crisp

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2017 Ephemere Rosé

We were up on a hunt for Snowy owls and visiting the Northern Hawk Owl and stopped by Holland Marsh Winery to hear what’s going on up here … This wine is an interesting color, kind of a faded, browning strawberry … On the nose the wine displays some soft strawberry notes. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice strawberry, cranberry and candied notes. There’s some sweetness at 10g/l but it’s balanced by some vibrant acidity. On the medium length finish the acidity coats the mouth beautifully masking the sugar. I would give this an -88, a very unique rose made from Gamay noir. At $18 a bottle it’s a bargain. Not in the LCBO so you will have to check out the winery for yourself! You will be rewarded. Be sure and check out there cab sauv, shockingly good! One of the things I’ve learned travelling to wineries in Prince Edward County is to ask, is it your fruit? Well I was surprised to learn all but the chard are grown by them! The chard is from Niagara.

Winemaker’s Notes:

Aromas of ripe peaches, cherries and rose petals. This structured rosé has vibrant strawberry and cranberry flavours, with a clean and slightly creamy finish.

Pairing:

Grilled seafood, pasta with rosé sauce or as a patio sipper.

More Details

Sugar10 (g/L)
Alcohol10.5%
Volume750ML
Free ShippingFor purchases that total $180.00 or more (Ontario Only)
2017 Ephemere Rosé
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Chateau De Chaintres Saumur Champagny Les Sables 2016

Quite pale, almost garnet in color with a mild light red fruits nose, raspberry and the like. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with soft red fruits dominating, some cherries and the like. On the light side of medium in length it displays some soft tannins and acidity. I was shocked to learn this was a cab franc, and it is probably one of the softest cab francs I’ve had. Honestly, blind it’s not easy to tell this is a cab franc. If you buy this wine be sure and pair it with something light , pork, or salmon or you don’t have a hope of tasting the wine. I’m hard pressed to give this wine more and an 87-88. It’s not a bad wine by any means, just very mild, if I had more I’d probably return them. Cab franc for the non cab franc lovers 🙂 This is a wine from the Loire region of France. From the LCBO web site: Check stock:

Cabernet Franc

750 mL bottle  |   LCBO#:  482793$22.75

Image for Chateau De Chaintres Saumur Champagny Les Sables 2016 from LCBO

Made from organic Cabernet Franc grapes hand-harvested from vines with an average age of 35 years. A fruit-forward wine showing vibrant red fruit aromas and flavours. A perfect match for a range of uncomplicated dishes.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Loire, FranceBy:Chateau De ChaintresVarietal:Cabernet Franc

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Château Langlais 2009

On the lighter side of dark in color with a mild cherry nose along with some mocha and leather notes. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherry and mocha to go along with the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some fine dusty tannins along with some mocha notes that linger. This is a lovely approachable Right Bank Puisseguni Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux. I would give this an 89 or so. A lovely wine with some nice complexity and dryness. From the LCBO web site. Check stock

750 mL bottle  |   VINTAGES#:  463273$39.95

Image for Château Langlais 2009 from LCBO

A great opportunity to try maturing Bordeaux, and one crafted from organically grown grapes. Expect this to be a generous wine with a rich, silky character. It will add an air of refinement to a meal featuring lamb or braised beef.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Release Date:February 8, 2020Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:G. Dupuy, prop.Sugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Fruity

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