Pale in color with a nice minerally/citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with lovely, vibrant racy citrus notes and acidity. This is a lively wine that can hold it’s own with lots of food choices. On the medium length finish the vibrant acidity lives on in the mouth. This is ABSOLOUTELY NOT a summer sipper 🙂 I would give it an 88 or so. If your looking for a classic Grüner this is a perfect example! The LCBO say light and crisp? Bizarre
Generous yet bone-dry, featuring white peach, apple, lemon and elderflower aromas and flavors. Firm, with a finish that verges on austere, yet remains long, picking up a mineral edge. Drink now through 2024. Score – 91. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2018)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:November 9, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Kamptal, AustriaBy:Laurenz V Fine Wine GmbhSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Light & Crisp
Pale in color with a varietal honeysuckle nose. On the mid palate the wine is nice and dry, crisp, with honey suckle being the dominant flavor. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice crisp minerality, some citrus notes and lively acidity. The wine has some nice mouth grip. We had it with BBQ sauced pulled pork and it held up well. The acidity is particularly noticeable as it warms up where it beautifully coats the palate with flavors! I would give it an -88. Quite a good dry riesling. The LCBO say aromatic and flavorful, I agree totally, perfect description. From the LCBO web site: Check stock
Riesling
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 308312$19.95
The Stewart family at Quails’ Gate have been making wine since 1989 from vines planted in 1961. The 2017 vintage of this Dry Riesling won Gold at the National Wine Awards of Canada. Expect similar greatness from this latest vintage, which will be at peak drinking through 2023 with your favourite seafood, chicken or pork dish.Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:August 17, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:British Columbia, CanadaBy:Quails’ Gate Vyds. Estate WinerySugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:RieslingThis is a VQA wine
Dark in color with dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some complex dark plums, cherries and some peppery notes, quite an intensely flavored wine. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins, acidity and noticeable alcohol. This is a shockingly complex wine, but a little young. I would give it an -88 but be sure and pair it with something pretty big or you won’t taste anything but the wine. It earns it’s name, lots of pepper, not a wimpy merlot at all. From the LCBO web site: Check stock:
Merlot
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 520528$22.95AWC93
A come-hither merlot, so approachable and well balanced it’s impossible to criticise it. The flavours are of redcurrant, red cherry, raspberry and cassis couched in integrated but palpable oak, the tannins supersoft. What a bargain. Drink by: 2022. Special Value. Score – 93. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2019)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 26, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14.8%Made In:South Australia, AustraliaBy:Pepper Tree Wines Pty LtdSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & SmoothVarietal:Merlot
I had the pleasure of attending the annual Italian tasting a little while back and this wine was hands down one of my favorites of the evening. Interestingly enough, it was also one of the first. I brought a number people back to try and all enjoyed it. Pale in color with a nice crisp nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice crisp dry citrus and minerally notes. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice mouth grip, hanging around nicely in the mouth where the vibrant acidity gently coats the palate. Yum … I would give it an 88 or so. Sadly not in the LCBO. $17.99 a bottle from Profile Wine Group.
PRODUCTION AREA Vineyards in the original and most ancient area of Castelli di Jesi.
VARIETY Verdicchio monovarietal.
AVERAGE ALTITUDE 100 meters above-sea-level
SOIL TYPE Medium-texture tending to sandy.
TRELLISING SYSTEM Spurred cordon.
DENSITY PER HECTARE 5.000 plants per hectare.
YIELD PER HECTARE 80 quintals of grapes approximately.
YIELD PER GRAPE-VINE 1,5 Kg of grapes approximately.
HARVEST Handpicked, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, grapes are placed in small trays and kept in cold cells before being taken to the winery.
FERMENTATION Verdicchio is made from grapes which are handpicked when they are slightly over ripe. After soft pressing, the must is channelled into cooling containers and brought to 5°C for static decanting. Then it is transferred into steel tanks, and is vinified at controlled temperature to preserve its aromas. The wine matures in steel containers, at controller temperature, until sterile bottling.
I had recently read a raving review of this wine on another web site and it was on sale $2 off so I thought … WTF I love chards let’s give it a go. Now, biases up front, I love my oaked California chards. Pale in color with a minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice citrus notes. If your looking for vanilla, oak, apple/pear … meh not here. On the medium length finish the wine is nice and dry with the citrus notes and minerality living on. There isn’t a hit of creamy or butteryness to be had. One could be forgiven for blind tasting this wine and mistaking it for a sauv blanc. An oaked chard this is not. This is a wine I struggle with. On it’s own without considering varietal expectations it’s not a bad wine … expect a nice oaked chard … it disappoints. The LCBO say full bodied and rich, no idea what planet they are living on, surely not mine. For what it ought to be I would give it an 87+ based soley on the fact this is a poor example of a chard. If I had more I would take them back 🙁
Founder Wolfgang Blass has been making wine in South Australia since 1966. This chardonnay is matured with French oak to create a balanced and generous flavour profile. Enjoy aromas and flavours of tropical fruit and citrus, with notes of toasty, buttery oak. Serve with seafood, veal tenderloin or pumpkin ravioli.Read Less
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:November 30, 2000Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:AustraliaBy:Mildara Blass LimitedSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & Rich
Garnet in color with a nice soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice raspberry/strawberry notes, quite fruit forward. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity. A spot on, varietal pinot, perfect for things like turkey! I would give it an 88 or so …
This is a bang on Oregon Pinot, with cherry, tobacco leaf and earthy aromas and flavours that just might put it in the running for your house red. Dry, medium-bodied and supple, it has the versatility to match everything from planked salmon to burgers to roasted red peppers and grilled back ribs.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:April 3, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Oregon, USABy:Chat Ste MichelleSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Fruity
I have to state up front, my tastes tend to run more towards an oaked Chianti classico than Chianti, but when I saw this one it intrigued me, that and a colleague had tried it and enjoyed it, so I grabbed one. Right off the bat the nose is quite fruity with lots of red fruits. On the mid palate the wine displays some fruit forward red berries, somewhere between the red cherries of a cab, and the raspberries of a pinot noir. It’s not overly sweet, which at 4 g/l it shouldn’t be. On the medium length finish the wine displays very soft tannins and acidity. I have to say the wine is much more fruity than I care for. If your serving something mild like pork, chicken, or salmon it might be ok, but a red sauce pasta to my tastes would totally overwhelm it. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be rushing to get more. It’s worth noting this is a Chianti Riserva which is unusual at least in our market. Chiantis generally see little to no oak but the back of the bottle says this one says it was aged 24 months in large oak barrels and has a touch of merlot and cab sauv.
Chianti
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 111641$15.95
One of Italy’s most famously food-friendly red wines, Chianti is a welcome guest at any table. This one shows layers of spice, chocolate, wild berry and cherry. A brilliant choice with eggplant parmigiana sandwiches or grilled beef and mushroom kebabs.Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:April 3, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.9%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Rocca Delle Macie S.P.A.Sugar Content:4 g/LStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Chianti
Pale in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate there’s some nice citrus and passion fruit coming through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity with the citrus notes lingering nicely in the mouth, nice and dry. This is more of a subtle, elegant style sauv blanc Vs edgy and sharp. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a good deal. We paired it with liver and kidney and it held it’s own nicely with the acidity cutting through the flavors.
This Sauvignon Blanc delivers above its pay grade. A huge bouquet of nectarine, guava, passion fruit, poached pear and grapefruit. On the palate, it is dry with fresh acidity and very good length as well as added nuances of lemon balm and minerals. Ceviche please! Score – 88. (Evan Saviolidis, evanwinesavvy.com, April 2017)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:July 22, 2017Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Burnt Ship Bay Estate Winery Ltd.Sugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulThis is a VQA wine
Finding inexpensive good Bordeaux’s is a challenge. I also find I prefer when Cab Franc is in the blend like this one, and this time LCBO site made super clear, a rarity. Dark in color with a milder black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with nice black berries, black currant and some nice oak notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity and a hint of pepper. Nice and dry. This is a milder gentler, drink now Bordeaux. For the price not a bad deal. We paired it with a striploin and it went well. Very nice. I would give it an -88. This wine is in Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux on the right bank of bordeaux.
There’s a great balance of tannin and fruit in this wine. It has concentration and a bold structure that contrast with the black currant fruit and final acidity. It will develop slowly and well. Drink from 2021. Best Buy. Score – 90. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2017)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 26, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.9%Made In:Bordeaux, FranceBy:Sas DubraudSugar Content:3 g/LStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc
Salmon in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft red berry notes, strawberry and a hint of cranberry. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice vibrant acidity, some mild soft tannins and a hint of spice. It’s nice and dry with some nice complexity with enough bite to hold it’s own with lots of food choices. We paired it with Mac and cheese and it went beautifully! I would give it an 88. On sale right now for $2 off … act now operators are standing by! With value included, this is one of the better Niagara rose’s I’ve had in a while!
750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 341743$15.95$17.95 Save $2.00 Limited Time Offer Until November 10, 2019
A pioneering Ontario winery, with over thirty years of experience in the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region. A fragrant blend of gamay noir, pinot gris and syrah, with floral and red fruit notes. Dry and medium-bodied, with strawberry, cherry, and rhubarb flavours. Serve chilled with lamb sliders and grilled vegetables. (Vintages panel, April 2013)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:June 22, 2013Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.1%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Peller EstatesSugar Content:7 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & DryVarietal:RoséThis is a VQA wine
From the winery’s web site:
It’s time to rethink pink. This Trius Rosé isn’t just a pretty face. Our Winemaker blended Gamay Noir and Syrah grapes to create this dry, perfectly pink wine. It is light, fresh and fruity with initial flavours of juicy currant, red berry and watermelon before notes of pink grapefruit, currant and a touch of spice on the finish. Incredibly versatile, enjoy Trius Rosé with a wide range of foods including gourmet pizza, Mediterranean appetizers, seafood paella, crab cakes, poached salmon, shellfish and charcuterie. Of course, it’s also always delicious paired with a sunny patio. Serve at a cool 10 to 12°C
Pale in color with a lovely apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays beautiful vibrant apple and pear to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dryness and acidity. It’s slightly creamy with some noticeable oak and vanilla. If you like your chards hugely oaked this might not be for you … if you like your chards unaoked, this might not be for you. This is somewhere smack in the middle. I paired it with scallops and … yumm. I would give it an 88, which for the price is a good deal.
A wine that will impress you with its concentration and depth of apple, pear, peach and citrus along with the toasty oak and spice undertone. This well-crafted Chardonnay will drink well for the next 2-3+ years and will pair wonderfully with grilled seafood, chicken or pork dishes.Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:September 28, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.5%Made In:Stellenbosch, South AfricaBy:Simonsig Wines Pty LtdSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay
Inky dark in color with a nice dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant black berry notes to match the nose. Fresh out of the bottle the fruit is backed immediately by edgy tannins and acidity which ease with a bit of time. If you like your wines raw this is ready now, otherwise be sure and decant or let breath for at least an hour and you will be rewarded. The fruit will get a chance to shine, nice and dry. This is classic edgy Agiorgitiko. Make sure your serving something pretty big or not a chance your tasting any of the food. I’d give it an -88. A great introduction to a distinctive Greek red wine if you’ve never had one. This one could easily keep for a couple years.
Clean, fresh, this is a fine and firm, lively agiorgitiko, savoury and spicy, but also more fruity than the mean. Tannins are firm and dusty and alcohol is a bit warm at 14% declared, but overall this works well. Length and depth are good. Tasted October 2019. Score – 89. (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com, Oct. 2, 2019)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 12, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Peloponnese, GreeceBy:Lantides PanikosSugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & FirmVarietal:Agiorgitiko
Pale to slightly golden in color with a lovely apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with vibrant, varietal apple and pear. It’s nice and creamy and rich. There some nice vanilla notes as well. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice acidity. I would give it a solid 88+. Not in the LCBO but available from the winery for $25.15. A beautiful example of an oaked chard, right up my alley! I wish I had more 🙁
This Chardonnay was aged for 8 months in fine French Oak. With enticing aromas of peach and nectarine mix with vanilla bean and fresh baked bread on the nose. The palate delivers bright and lively peach and honeydew fruit complimented by a rich buttery backbone. Enjoy this complex wine on its own or match with Braised meats (lamb shank, pork loin), smoked salmon, or pasta with creamy sauce.
A previous visit to Redstone revealed that Tawse (Redstone’s parent) has decided that going forward Tawse will make all Pinot Noirs … no more Redstone Pinot Noirs … waaaaa. It seems they discovered that Redstone and Tawse were competing with each other. Shocking, never saw that coming 🙂 Lovely garnet in color with some nice soft red berries coming through on the nose. On the mid palate the wine displays beautiful strawberry notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and good acidity. Given this is a 2013 the fruit is still quite vibrant and varietal. I had a bit left over and tried it the next day, it had not kept well, with some noticeable alcohol/vermouth. This would imply to me, there’s not a lot of life left in this wine. If you like a spot on varietal pinot, grab one or two, but don’t hang onto it long. I would give it an 88.
This elegant, expressive Pinot Noir shows sunny strawberry, red cherry, underbrush and smoky spices, with good depth of flavour and brilliant, food-friendly acidity. A fantastic choice for prime rib and root vegetables, it’s showing beautifully now and will impress through 2020. (Vintages panel, Sept. 2018)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 12, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Ontario, CanadaBy:Redstone Winery Inc.Sugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:D – DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityThis is a VQA wine
My regular readers know I’ve been on a bit of a path of rediscovery on Riesling. I was recently at the TreAmici portfolio tasting and this winery was there. Spoiler alert, they had two of my favorite whites of the night … This one is pale in color with a nice crisp minerally and floral nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with some nice vibrant acidity, lots of citrus/lime and a hint of honey suckle. On the long finish the acidity lives on in the mouth beautifully. This is a nice, dry, complex Riesling, I was thoroughly impressed. The wine is 9g/l but with the racy/zesty acidity you wouldn’t know it. This wine could easily hold it’s own against some spicy foods, but be careful not to serve it with anything too mild or your only tasting the wine. Yumm. I would give it an 88-89. Not in the LCBO, $27 a bottle in cases of 12 from TreAmici. The wine is from Marlborough in New Zealand.
LANDMARK SERIES RIESLING 2019: Gold Medal Winner at the NZ International Wine Show, our 2019 Misty Cove Estate Riesling is deliciously delicate with an inviting hue. Beautifully floral, with punchy fresh lime zest. The nose marries well with hints of manuka honey, spice and nougat. The palate is long, mellow and is well balanced with subtle acid and refined residual sugar.
Food Pairing: Savour the good times, and share this vibrant drop with music, mates and great food. The deliciously delicate Landmark Riesling is beautifully floral, with punchy fresh lime zest. This marries well with hints of manuka honey, spice and nougat. The palate is long, mellow and is well balanced with subtle acid and refined residual sugar.
I love Chianti classicos … So perfect for red sauce based meals! Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some beautiful red fruits backed by some very nice smooth velvety tanins and vibrant acidity., nice and dry! There’s some nice chocolate notes too! This is a nice complex Chianti Classico that punches well above it’s price. It should keep a while too, so don’t be afraid to buy a few. I would give it an 88+ Yumm! I paired it with a veal chop and it went ok, but honestly a red sauce is what this wine was begging for!
Even among classic wine styles from classic regions, the intrepid bargain hunter can find old-school values. The San Vincenti Chianti Classico will deliver great balance and refinement with touches of dried fruit, strawberry and cherry alongside fine tannins and a bright finish. This is a wine that will work well with pizza or a hearty meat-and-vegetable stew.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 12, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:San Vincenti Di R.Pucci & F.Muzzi SSugar Content:3 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Sangiovese Blend
A lovely strawberry in color, this one caught my eye in the store. At 3 g/l in residual sugar it’s up my alley. We had pizza on the menu tonight, lazy, so a perfect Rose night! A mild nose greets you, but it’s about all that’s mild. On the mid palate the wine displays lots of light red berries, quite a melange of flavors. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity. This is a surprisingly complex Rose, but when you see the details from the winery’s web site (42% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 4% Syrah, 3% Tempranillo, 1% Graciano ) you can see why! I would give it an -88, and a perfect pizza wine. I’ll probably go back and grab a few while they are still around.
Simi has been making wine since 1876 and historically blends this rosé by drawing on a palette of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, with splashes of Syrah, Zinfandel and others in support. The 2018 is bursting with juicy suggestions of ripe watermelon, strawberry and citrus and will pair well with grilled chicken, charcuterie, pork loin or pizza. (Vintages panel, June 2019)Read More
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:July 20, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13.9%Made In:California, USABy:Constellation Brands Inc. (Us)Sugar Content:3 g/LStyle:Easygoing & Fruity
Pale in color with a mild apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice varietal fruit, lots of apple/pear coming through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice acidity, and nice dryness This is more a gently oaked chard in the typical French style. There’s no vanilla, or butterscotch, no creamyness. It’s an ok chard, but honestly, I like them bigger/more complex, more oaky. The LCBO say full bodied/rich? Not to my tastes it isn’t. Honestly, if I had more I’d take them back, more of a personal preference thing. I’d give it an -88.
A very fine, uplifting Chardonnay that presents in a thoroughly pleasing, quaffable style. Balanced and lithe with bright acidity and intense stone fruit and citrus. Refreshing and engaging with a long, dry finish. Quite versatile, it will be a delightful sipper, but it’s also perfect for grilled fish, grilled shrimp or any number of salads. (Vintages panel, Oct. 2018)
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:October 12, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Burgundy, FranceBy:Blasons De BourgogneSugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Full-bodied & RichVarietal:Chardonnay
For a while this was one of my goto Sauv Blancs … If your looking for a continuously happy story, it’s in theater number 3 (a Lemony Snickets reference). Very pale in color with a citrus lime nose. On the mid palate the wine displays really FIRM citrus, lime, and grapefruit notes. This is NOT a subtle or elegant wine, it’s a mouthful of grapefruit. This has, for me, gone over the edge from being an edgy wine into an over top inelegant wine. If you are serving something super spicy it might hold up to it, otherwise I would so skip this wine. I would give it an 87 or so.
750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 417600$14.25$16.75 Save $2.50 Limited Time Offer Until October 13, 2019
Set in Marlborough, New Zealand’s famed wine region, Riverlore is making flavourful wines. This sauvignon blanc has aromas of pear, gooseberry and fresh cut grass with a hint of lime, tailed by flavours passion fruit and citrus. Medium-bodied and dry with lively acidity; great with baked salmon with a lemon-caper drizzle.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Marlborough, New ZealandBy:Wairau River Wines Ltd.Sugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Sauvignon Blanc
If you haven’t tried a Grüner yet, this is a good one to try, it’s exactly what you can expect from one, and reasonably priced, but I guess I’m getting ahead of myself a little. Pale in color with a nice crisp dry minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice citrus notes, nice crisp dryness and vibrant acidity. The wine has some lovely mouth grip where the lively acidity lingers nicely in the mouth especially as it warms up a little. Leaving lots of dryness on a medium length. This is a super food friendly wine. I would give it an 88 or so. Very nice. Give it a try!
Kamptal is one of the best regions for Austria’s signature white. This one is floral and fresh-tasting, with honey and citrus overtones and a refined underlying minerality. Ideal for seafood. (Vintages panel, Sept. 2018)
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:September 28, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.5%Made In:Kamptal, AustriaBy:Weingut Rudolph RablSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & Flavourful
Dark in color with a milder nose … On the mid palate the wine packs a nice punch with big with nice red berries jumping out at your. On the mid palate the wine matches the mid palate with BIG dryness, nice complexity and nice mocha notes. The complexity of this wine is punching well above it’s price point. Really yummy, as long as you like bigger wines. I would say this is a drink now wine, but if you like it softer, a year or two of aging or breathing will soften it … but why would you do that 🙂 I would give this an 88-89 very nice!
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 211599$18.95LM97
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:September 28, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:14%Made In:Tuscany, ItalyBy:Riolite Vin S.R.L.Sugar Content:4 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & FruityVarietal:Sangiovese
It’s always a good place to put one’s biases up front … I don’t like sweet wines. Sadly, a lot of Riesling’s from many places fall into this category, resulting in me going largely off Reisling. Greg, a friend at work recommended I give Alsace Rieslings at try. Alsace is a region right near the border of France and Germany. I recently was perusing the WineAlign limited time offer list and found this one. Every month the LCBO “feature” certain wines at a discounted price, kinda like a sale. So I thought ok no better time than now to test Greg’s recommendation. Interestingly my gf seems to like Greg’s recent recommendations … hmmm. I digress … Pale in color with an interesting nose, straight out of the fridge it was quite mild, as it warmed up the scents started to become more boisterous. Lots of floral notes, some minerality, a hint of honey suckle all come up to greet the nose. Quite inviting … on the mid palate the wine displays some noticeable honey suckle, some nice minerality and some citrus notes. On the medium length finish the wine’s vibrant acidity coats the mouth leaving a nice citrus note. The wine has a slightly syrupy texture to it, noticeable mostly on the finish. This wine has some nice mouth grip and can hold it’s own with a lot of food. I paired it with a shrimp and scallop fettuccine alfredo and it went well. It’s super food friendly. I would have to say … Greg’s right, I liked it 🙁 Wahhhhh I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a good deal. Grab some while the LTO is on! I bet it will easily keep for a while! At 5g/l residual sugar, it’s nice and dry!
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 11452$17.95$19.95 Save $2.00 Limited Time Offer Until October 13, 2019
Think Riesling is always sweet? Think again. Rieslings from Alsace, like this classic, are often bone dry. This features aromas and flavours of lime juice, peach and mineral. The ultimate food wine. Pair with grilled shrimp and pesto pasta, or gourmet sausages.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:April 3, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12%Made In:Alsace, FranceBy:A. WillmSugar Content:5 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Riesling
Pale in color with a slightly smoky nose along with some citrus notes. I don’t get any floral notes one would expect from the semillon. As it turns out, this wine has been aged in oak for 2 months. On the mid palate the wine displays some softer citrus notes along with some vibrant acidity. This is more of an elegant style of sauv blanc Vs some edgy ones. I would give it an -88.
Blend – Meritage
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 570770$16.75
Estate-grown, night-harvested, matured for 2 months in oak … Right in the mainstream of Margaret River style, and of high quality. The fragrant bouquet has lemon myrtle and herb aromas, the long palate with perfect acidity to freshen the finish and aftertaste. Drink By: 2020. Special Value. Score – 94. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 1, 2017)
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:September 1, 2018Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:12.9%Made In:Western Australia, AustraliaBy:Voyager Estate Wa Pty LtdSugar Content:2 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Aromatic & FlavourfulVarietal:Blend – Meritage
Nose: Fresh, lifted tropical fruit aromas with hints of citrus and talc.
Palate: A vibrant blend with fresh, crunchy fruit flavours of tropical and citrus. A small component of barrel fermentation and some lees contact offers additional complexity and texture to the palate, finishing with a clean, crisp, natural acidity. Style: The 2016 vintage has produced a classic expression of this quintessential Margaret River blend, showcasing a wonderful purity of fruit coupled with lovely texture and complexity; a perfectly balanced wine with a long, crisp dry finish, made to drink whilst young and fresh.
Food Match: Great as an aperitif. Enjoy with fresh goat’s cheese, light crustacean or fish entrées. Alc/Vol: 13.0% pH: 3.27 Total Acidity: 6.2g/L Harvest Date: 24 Ferbuary to 3 March 2016
Oak Maturation: 18% new French oak for two months (Semillon)
Bottling Date: July 11, 2016 Cellaring Potential: Made for immediate enjoyment
Dark in color with a dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark plums. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth tannins and acidity. This particular gamay is not as temperature sensitive as others, but still don’t let it get too warm or too cool. I would give it an -88. A good pair for lighter meals like salmon, trout (which is what we had it with) or pork. This is a general list product so widespread availability.
An intense bright ruby colour; shows fragrant aromas of red cherry/cranberry and spice with earthy/floral, cracked peppery notes; dry, soft and rounded palate, delightfully fresh and tart with easy tannins, shows forward flavours of stawberry, sour cherry, pepper and herb, with notes of dark candied fruit and sweet spice.
Strawberry in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice lively acidity, some tart rhubarb like notes, along with some mild citrus notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice palate coating minerality. I would give it an -88. Quite a nice rose with some nice complexity and bite 🙂
750 mL bottle | VINTAGES#: 568212$18.95
Made from a blend of Syrah and Merlot, this is built like a red wine with a touch more delicacy and brightness. It’s lively and polished with aromas and flavours of red apple, watermelon, cherry and rhubarb, and a long, balanced finish. Best now through 2021 with grilled pork or lamb burgers. (Vintages panel, May 2019)
PRODUCT DETAILS
Release Date:July 20, 2019Bottle Size:750 mL bottleAlcohol/Vol:13%Made In:Washington, USABy:Chat Ste MichelleSugar Content:6 g/LSweetness Descriptor:XD – Extra DryStyle:Medium-bodied & Dry
