Boeckel Riesling 2021

Posted on January 28, 2024 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice crisp citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely crisp dry citrus notes, stone fruit and minerality. There’s a lot going on in this wine … On the medium length finish the wines citrus notes and vibrant acidity live on … If your use to sweet Rieslings … ya this is so not that, and is a wonderful tribute to this grape! I am not a big Riesling lover, but this one is right up my alley, yum, I would give it an -88 or so … Check the LCBO web site:

$17.95 VINTAGES#: 29823

Product Details

Domaine Boeckel has a long history in the Mittelbergheim region of Alsace dating back over 400 years. The fifth generation of winemakers are keeping the tradition alive and well with excellent wines made from Alsatian varieties that reflect the unique terroir found near the Vosges mountains.

More Details

  • Release Date November 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Alsace, France
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Riesling
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Harken Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2020

Posted on January 23, 2024 by John Galea

This is the second of two chards I picked up looking for another buttery, creamy, rich chard and it filled in when Ahead by a Century was a flop … Pale straw in color with a nice apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays varietal apple and pear notes along with some lively white pepper and vanilla. On the finish the wine is nice and dry with some creaminess and some buttery notes noticeable, along with some citrus. I would give this one an -88 or so. While not as buttery, rich and creamy as some, it is kinda smack dab in the middle of the oaking scale IMHO. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$23.95 VINTAGES#: 16957

Product Details

This full-bodied wine leads with bold new-oak aromas of grilled bread, wood char and butter, followed by luscious, ripe pear and vanilla flavors accented with toasted almonds. It’s an unapologetic, barrel-fermented wine that gives a lot of pleasure. Best Buy. [Drink through 2025+.] Score – 90. (Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, July 1, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date December 2, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 7 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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Alvento Sparkling Rosé 2018

Posted on January 20, 2024 by John Galea

Quite pink in color with a very champagne like nose … On the mid palate you could close your eyes and forget this is a rose, it displays mostly some crisp dry milder citrus notes that totally do not give away that this is an 18 g/l wine … Theres some nice creaminess, and nutty notes as well. On the medium length finish the wine’s fresh acidity dance on the tongue especially without food. I have to say, I was quite surprised by this wine … I would give it -88 or so, quite nice but not what I expected at all … Alvento has quite the colorful history behind it …

I couldn’t find out much about the 2018, but on the winery’s web site for the 2021 release:

Tasting Note: Raspberry, citrus, and floral flavours and aromas are supported on a fresh and balanced palate with a clean mousse and a long finish.

Wine Maker’s Note: A blend of property-grown Vidal and Marquette fermented separately under cool conditions using select yeast strains. A selection of these wines was then blended to yield a fresh, crisp base for secondary fermentation and carbonation via the Charmat process.

From the LCBO website, check stock:

$20.25 VINTAGES#: 25241

Product Details

Bursting with Niagara verve and energy, this sparkler has generous raspberry and strawberry tones with a fine mineral underpinning. It’s fresh and zesty, with a rich mousse and a velvety mouthfeel. A great companion for brunch or picnic-style dining. (2020)

More Details

  • Release Date March 5, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Alvento
  • Sugar Content 18 g/L
  • Varietal Sparkling
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2021 Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay

Posted on January 13, 2024 by John Galea

Golden in color with a nice Apple and pear nose … On the mid palate the wine spot on matches thee nose with lovely rich apple and pear fruit along with beautiful vanilla and butterscotch notes. On the medium length finish the wine shows creamy, rich buttery notes along with smooth acidity and lovely dryness. This is an elegant wine, but if you don’t like your chards oaked don’t choose this one, but we do so it’s right up our alley. My brother in law introduced it to me and I bought a bunch on sale. Yum I would give it an 88+, perfect scallop win!. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$29.95 VINTAGES#: 608653

Product Details

An exquisite example of cool-climate Chardonnay, this favourite features roasted nuts, fresh fig, toast, tobacco note and vanilla. Serve with grilled salmon, Camembert with crusty bread, or stuffed pork tenderloin.

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.8%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Sonoma-Cutrer
  • Sugar Content 3  g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

Posted on January 9, 2024 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nice red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lots of vibrant fruit, tomatoes, cherry, mocha and dark chocolate. On the longer side of medium in length this is a BIG wine with lots of full bodied tannins, and vibrant acidity, especially without food … Super dry! This wine is a lot more complex than some Chianti Classicos, and for a Riserva the fruit has lots of oomph to stand up to the longer aging. Wow, definite yum. For the price this is a good deal, I would give it an 88+, if you buy it now, and don’t like big bold wines, you may want to wait for a bit, likely a couple years, otherwise decant it. but it ought to keep a good while too .. I bet easily 2-5 years. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 11109

Product Details

This has intense spice and and floral character, with violets, bell peppers, morello cherries, cloves and tomato leaves on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Dense and compact palate. Some walnut notes at the end. Try after 2023 [through 2026+]. Score – 93. (jamessuckling.com, Feb. 26, 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date November 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Chianti
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Elderton Barossa Shiraz 2020

Posted on December 31, 2023 by John Galea

I don’t drink a lot of Shiraz’s these days … This one is inky dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice smooth black berry notes, with no sweetness … On the medium length finish the wine displays soft tannins and acidity, very food friendly, and most definitely a DRINK NOW style of wine, which is amusing because the LCBO review says good to 2035? If you expect to have a big bold wine with nice peppery notes, firm tannins and lots of character … ya this has none of that. If your looking for a soft smooth wine … it might be just the choice. Honestly, I expect more at this price point. I would give it an 87-88. Not a horrible wine, but not a good one either. If I had more I’d probably take it back. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 713024

Product Details

This is wonderfully fruited and immediately appealing, showing black/blueberry, rich floral, clove, mocha and cedary oak characters on the nose, followed by an opulent palate offering velvety texture and beautifully melded tannins. Upfront and generously expressed, making it highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2035. Score – 94. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Jan. 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date November 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In South Australia, Australia
  • By Elderton
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Shiraz/Syrah
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I Balzi BIO Grillo 2021

Posted on December 24, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with an odd solvent nose. On the mid palate the wine display lovely crisp acidity, firm green apple notes, some nice tartness and the solvent notes continue. On the medium length finish the wine displays lively acidity and nice dryness. The solvent notes are quite off putting, I would give this an 87 at best, and honestly, if I had more I would return it. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95 VINTAGES#: 17702

Product Details

Clear, pale gold. Fruity nose coupled with candy tones. The palate is lightly styled, easy-drinking and soft with more of the same, very accessible aromas. Score – Gold. (Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2022)

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date August 19, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Grillo
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Thymiopoulos Young Vines Xinomavro 2020

Posted on December 20, 2023 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with big black berry notes along with some dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm peppery notes, tannins and acidity … nice and dry. This is not as coarse as some Xinos but it’s a definitely a bigger wine. Paired with blue cheeses it went REALLY well and complimented them nicely hiding the sharper notes. I paired it with lamb chops and it was more subtle with food. Xinos are often bigger wines, and I would give this one an -88, if you haven’t had one it’s a good one to try. To my tastes, and I don’t mind a bigger wine, this is a drink now, but it may keep a couple years and hold up … From the lcbo web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 466474

Product Details

Apostolos Thymiopoulos, the winemaker behind this superb Xinomavro, was named the Decanter Rising Star in 2022. This wine is a blend of fruit sourced from sites on both the warmer lower and cooler upper slopes of Mount Vermio, where altitude and cooling breezes aid in the balanced, even ripening of the grapes. Look for ripe red fruit and savoury herbs, with a crisp acidity.

More Details

  • Release Date September 23, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Macedonia, Greece
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Xinomavro
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Locust Lane Chardonnay 2019

Posted on December 19, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some bold apple and pear along with some vanilla notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild creamy and peppery notes, nice and dry. This is a vibrant fruit forward wine with some nice oak notes, not as oaky as some … I would give it an -88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 33493

Product Details

Toasty and rich with an abundance of tree fruit. The texture is particularly appealing with viscosity balanced by freshness. Nutty notes add complexity from gentle maturity. Featuring very good length. Tasted NWAC 2021. Score – 90. (Sara d’Amato, winealign.com, Oct. 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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The Tragically Hip Ahead by a Century Chardonnay 2021

Posted on December 10, 2023 by John Galea

I was looking for some new buttery, rich, creamy, oaked chards to supplement our gotos which are the Kendal Jackson and the Henry of Pelham Short Hills and the description on this one sounded promising. With a lot of white fish like cod, or seabass, or my all time fav scallops, we enjoy a good chard! Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose along with some noticeable flinty notes. On the mid palate the wine smacks in the mouth with firm green apple notes along with VERY noticeable flint. On the medium length finish it’s nice and dry with some citrus notes lingering. If you were expected a buttery rich wine, ya this is SO NOT that. It’s more, to my tastes, a lightly oaked fruit forward chard. Now, in all honesty, it’s not a bad wine, it just so did NOT live up to the expectations. You know that say, it’s not that bad things happen in life, it’s that you expected it to be different 😉 I digress … I would give it maybe an 87-88 and I’m being generous. Because of the flinty notes, that I found off putting, we decided to not even finish the bottle. So ya … I will NOT be going back and getting more. I think maybe my caps button is stuck 😉 From the LCBO web site, check stock: This wine is made by Stoney Ridge in Vineland.

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 483875

Product Details

First produced as part of the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of The Hip’s classic album Trouble at the Henhouse, this wine has been in heavy rotation at Vintages ever since. It’s rich and layered, with ripe apple, peach, lemon and pineapple along with oak spice and vanilla. Buttery, long and fresh, it’s a wine with broad appeal. Try it with grilled chicken breasts.

More Details

  • Release Date December 2, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By The Tragically Hip
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
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2022 Doppio Passo Grillo Sicilia

Posted on December 8, 2023 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely crisp citrus notes, albeit a bit milder … On the medium length finish the wine display some nice crisp vibrant acidity that sticks to the tongue nicely, especially without food, nice and crisp and dry! We paired it with a quiche and it went well, but some care needs to be taken, anything too lively and your not tasting the wine. I would give it an -88 or so … I originally encountered Grillo at a tasting, this is a Sicilian grape, and this one is in the general list, I had no idea there was a grillo in the general list! It went on sale a couple weeks back, I missed it, it was $2 off … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$13.55 LCBO#: 30947

Product Details

Made from 100% Grillo grapes this juicy Sicilian beauty reveals aromas of apricot and peach complemented by sun-ripened citrus notes. Fresh, with intense fruit and light acidity this fuller-bodied wine is well-balanced with an elegant finish. Enjoy paired with seafood, vegetables and pasta dishes.

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • Sugar Content 7 g/L
  • Varietal Grillo
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Feudo Maccari Noto Neré Nero d’Avola 2020

Posted on November 29, 2023 by John Galea

This one comes to me as a recommendation from Semion … Dark in color with a mild black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice rich black fruits to match the nose. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice firm black peppery notes, form tannins and lively acidity. Nero D’Avola wines are lovely and distinctive, but if your looking for a soft elegant wine, ya this so ain’t that … but if you like your wines, like the author of this post, firm edge and distinctive, this might be right up your alley. I would give this a solid 88, nice and dry, and for the money a great deal even before the sale. Act now! Operators are standing by! From the LCBO web site, check stock, I’ll be going back to grab more! Now I have to say, when I think of Italian names … Fuedo, doe NOT come to mind 🙂 I digress:

$17.95 Original Price $19.95 Save $2.00Sale Ends: December 31st VINTAGES#: 339101

Product Details

Plenty of crushed mulberry and blackberry aromas with hints of fresh herbs. Medium bodied with medium, round tannins and a delicious finish. Iron-like undertones. Shows a nice balance of light tannins and freshness, as in recent vintages. Drink and enjoy. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 17, 2022)

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date September 23, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • By Feudo Maccari
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Nero d’Avola
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2020 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico DOCG

Posted on November 24, 2023 by John Galea

This is a general list product that was on sale so I thought I’d give it a whirl … Chianti Classicos have become one of my favorite, go to wines. This one is dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some soft cherry notes along with some firm tomato notes and acidity. On the medium length finish, with food the tannins are soft and the acidity is kind of overwhelming. The acidity eased as it was open, and the tannins were more noticeable without food. Funny enough, we only paired it with trout. I would give it an 87-88, not great, I’ve had better Chianti Classicos even at the sale price. If I had more I’d take them back … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.00 Original Price $22.00 Save $3.00 Sale Ends: November 26th

Product Details

Medium ruby colour; aromas and flavours of chocolate, dark fruit and gentle baking spice, with prune and honey notes; dry, medium-bodied, structured tannins and refreshing acidity.

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Chocolate, Dark Fruit, Savory

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made InTuscany, Italy
  • By Cavaliere d’Oro
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Chianti
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Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2021

Posted on November 20, 2023 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a red berry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some sour cherry notes. On the lighter side of medium in length this wine displays soft tannins, but vibrant acidity especially with food, nice and dry. Without food the wine’s tannins are more noticeable. This is definitely more of a soft, fruit forward, gentle pinot. I would give it an 87-88 … If you were looking for a good pinot to introduce someone to, this might not be a bad choice, personally, I won’t be rushing back to get more, but if I had more, I’d probably keep them. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 22141

Product Details

Villa Wolf traces its winemaking beginnings to 1756, but its modern ascendancy dates to 1996, when the Dr. Loosen estate began overseeing the vineyards. Pfalz is Pinot (a.k.a. Spätburgunder) country, and this one has wonderful acidity, ripe and juicy cherry, earth, smoke, and wood spice. Made for everyday dining, it’s a fun, engaging wine that will work with grilled sausages or grilled salmon.

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12%
  • Made In Pfalz, Germany
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Château La Gorce 2018

Posted on November 11, 2023 by John Galea

I haven’t had this one in a while, way back in 2014 it was the 2005 vintage back then … Dark in color with a nice rich dark berry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays big bold black fruits to match the nose, black cherries and the like along with some rich mocha and dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm but approachable tannins and acidity. If you like your wines with some bits, then drink now, if you prefer a little more subtle and elegant give it a year or so to age or decant it. The complexity and layers of this wine are lovely. I would give it a solid 88+ which for the price is not a bad deal at all, super dry! I’m going back to get some more for the cellar! This will easily keep a couple years, maybe even 5 … Yumm! From the LCBO web site check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 91397

Product Details

Aromas of black cherry, coffee, walnut and black olive. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Nice flavors and good length with hints of bitter spice and dark wood on the finish. Try from 2024. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, March 3, 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date October 21, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Bordeaux Red
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Castello di Bossi C. Berardenga Chianti Classico 2020

Posted on November 1, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a milder cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine has some vibrant black cherry notes, along with some dark chocolate and mocha. On the longer side of medium in length this wine packs a BIG punch with firm tannins and acidity … very dry. If your looking for a smooth elegant wine then you best decant or age this wine, at this point it’s BIG. Watch what you serve with it or your not tasting the food. We served it with filet mignon and it was way to big for it … I would give it a -88 … not exactly what I usually expect from a Chianti Classico … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95 VINTAGES#: 994608

Product Details

A layered and juicy red with currant, cedar and some walnut character. It’s full and savory with lovely fruit and real Chianti Classico character in the undertones of mushrooms and bark. From organically grown grapes. Drink now [through 2026+]. Score – 93. (jamessuckling.com, July 4, 2022)

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese Blend
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Villa Cerna Primocolle Chianti Classico 2019

Posted on October 30, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice mild cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely vibrant cherry notes along with some nice coffee, mocha and dark chocolate notes. On the medium length finish the wine display lovely vibrant acidity, strong youthful tannins and beautiful dryness … nice and complex. This in a wine that punches way above it’s price point and earns the yumm score. Chianti Classicos are definitely becoming some of my favorite wines, I will be going back to get more as it ought to keep for a good year or two, definitely a drink now if you like your wines with some body! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 573501

Product Details

Lovely sweet-cherry and orange-peel aromas follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and delicious. Drink now [through 2029+]. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 8, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date October 7, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.6%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese
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Monterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Posted on October 26, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some some nice vibrant, varietal, rich cherry notes along with some mild herbal notes, but not in your face. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins, acidity, soft peppery notes and dryness. I would give this an 88- Not a bad cab for the money if I had more I would note return it, but I won’t rush back and grab a case either. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95 VINTAGES#: 12835

Product Details

The 2021 vintage in McLaren Vale was one that offered an ideal balance of warm days and cool nights combined with predominantly dry conditions leading up to and through the harvest. This wine is ripe and inviting, with dark berry fruit, vanilla, oak spice, and dark flowers. Complex and firm on the finish. Drink through early 2030s.[Australian Wine Showcase did not include a tasting note.] Score – 95. (Australian Wine Showcase, March 2023)

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More Details

  • Release Date October 21, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14.5%
  • Made In South Australia, Australia
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
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2022 Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT Delle Venezie2022

Posted on October 23, 2023 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays strong green apple notes … On the medium length finish the wine displays vibrant acidity, and citrus notes that stick nicely to the palate, nice and dry, right up my alley. This is definitely NOT a wimpy Grigio, it has some bite. We paired it with air fried, rotisserie pork tenderloin and it held it’s own, but honestly, wasn’t a match made in heaven, the wine was a bit over powering. I would give it a solid 88 which for the price is a good deal. From the LCBO web site, check stock, on sale right now $2 off:

$14.00 Original Price$16.00 Save $2.00 Sale Ends: November 5th

Product Details

A lovely example of a Venetian pinot grigio. Pale yellow, with delicate aromas of ripe pear, honeydew melon and nuts. The palate shows tropical notes of banana and mango, along with crisp minerality. It’s light-bodied and dry with a clean finish. Pair with cream-based pasta dishes, lightly fried calamari, or summer salads.

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Pear, Melon, Nutty
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Acidity

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 12%
  • Made InItaly
  • By Cavaliere d’Oro
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Grigio
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2021 Flat Rock Pinot Noir Classics

Posted on October 21, 2023 by John Galea

I haven’t had a Flat Rock Pinor Noir in a long time, so when a guest brought it over I was thrilled to reunite with an old fav … I was positively shocked to see the Gravity Pinot has crept all the way up to $40 a bottle … Duck was on the menu so Pinot was a great choice … but then again the guest asked for a suggestion 😉 Slightly garnet in color with a nice varietal nose. On the mid palate the wine is spot on, exactly what one would expect from a Pinot, and I’ve always considered Flat Rock to be one of the Benchmarks for a good Niagara Pinot Noir … Nice cherry and rustic notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays nice firm tannins, acidity the flavors cling to mouth … nice and dry. I would give this a solid 88+, the complexity since I last had this wine has definitely kicked up a notch or two … This should easily keep a few years, but in boat, this is spot on approachable now, but I appreciate an edgier wine. I can’t say I find my taste buds aligning with the LCBO description … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95 VINTAGES#: 1545

Product Details

Innovative Flat Rock Cellars specializes in crafting elegant Pinot Noir. This excellent wine is a great introduction, with its flavours of berry preserves, herbs, blood orange and watermelon. It works well with grilled salmon or with veal in a red wine reduction.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Vintages Essentials Vintages Essentials
  • Made In Ontario

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Berry, Marmalade, Herbal
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • ByFlat Rock
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Valdemar Inspiración Selección 2019

Posted on October 16, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine display some nice black fruits to match the nose. On the medium length in finish the wine display some peppery notes, along with some nice tannins and acidity. This is a nice wine, nice and dry with some nice complexity and mouth grip. I’d give it an 88 or so. Not as big as some tempranillos, quite approachable even now. From the LCBO website, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 166512

Product Details

Creamed red cherries, blackberries and fine spices on the nose, follow through to a juicy, medium-bodied palate rounded by fresh and silky tannins. Elegant and lengthy finish to close. Drink now [through 2029+]. Score – 91. (Zekun Shuai, jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2023)

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Rioja, Spain
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Tempranillo/Graciano
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Il Poggio Sannio Aglianico 2018

Posted on October 12, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild red cherry nose … about the only thing mild about this wine. On the mid palate the wine packs a big punch with cherry, earthy notes, strong oak, and big dark chocolate. On the longer side of medium in length on the finish the wine packs BIG firm tannins and acidity … nice and dry. If you like your wines big and bold, this might be right up your alley, if you’ve never had an Aglianico this is a good one … If your use to smooth elegant food friendly wines … ya this is so not the wine your looking for. I would give it a solid 88 … lots of complexity … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 575225

Product Details

Very aglianico nose, showing plum skin, amarena cherry and hints of dark chocolate, dried sweet herbs and red licorice. Medium-bodied with a silky-textured, fruity palate and fine, well integrated tannins that just flex a little muscle at the end. Long finish with steely fruit. Delicious. Drink now. Score – 92. (jamessuckling.com, July 5, 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date October 7, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Campania, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Aglianico
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Buried Cane Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Posted on October 10, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a a vibrant black berry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays intense, vibrant black fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins and peppery notes along with some firm acidity, super dry! This is not a soft, elegant cab … more of an edgy wine. Some breathing or aging would help but if you like your cabs firm, this is ready to go! I would give it an 87-88 … From the LCBO web site, check stock

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 402081

Product Details

The name Buried Cane refers to a technique, commonplace in chilly wine-growing regions such as Ontario’s own Prince Edward County along with parts of the Pacific Northwest and others, whereby vines are covered in earth and ‘hibernate’ through the winter to avoid freezing. Expect this wine to showcase vibrant cherry, raspberry and redcurrant caressed by plush tannins and savour with hearty beef stew.

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.9%
  • Made In Washington, United States
  • By Buried Cane
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
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Rustenberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Posted on October 5, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely rich dark cherries to match the nose along with some nice soft dark chocolate notes and som nice smooth tannins and acidity. This is a super food friendly wine, nice and dry that sticks to the palate! … I would give it an 88 or so which for the price is a bargain. Definite yum! From the LCBO web site, check stock: I will definitely go back and grab more it should keep easily for a couple years!

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 443374

Product Details

Ripe, black berry distinction with new oak dusting (20%), gentle muscular feel & ripple of fine-grained tannins all indicative of Stellenbosch cab. 2019 also has pleasing freshness but remains youthfully tight, needs time to flesh out, reach full potential. Score – 91. (Platter’s South African Wine Guide, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date September 9, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Stellenbosch, South Africa
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
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Altanza Crianza 2018

Posted on September 30, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild dark fruit nose. On the mid palate the wine display some black fruits, black cherries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity and tannins and a whack of noticeable alcohol. This was so strong that I broke out the decanter for the first time in a long time, which eased the alcohol nicely, but also seemed to dampen the fruits. I had planned this to go with our filet mignon Sunday dinner, and I have to say, I was underwhelmed. I would give it an 87-88. I’m sure you’ve guessed, I won’t be going back for more 😉 From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95 VINTAGES#: 114835

Product Details

Made from 100% Tempranillo, this wine spent 12 months in French oak casks, 15% of them new, followed by a further two months in French oak foudres. Expect notes of ripe strawberry and cherry mingling with balanced oak spice and subtle licorice, and savour with a selection of manchego, provolone and Comté cheeses; chorizo; or patatas bravas (spiced potatoes). Drink through 2026+.

More Details

  • Release Date August 19, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.3%
  • Made In Rioja, Spain
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Tempranillo
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Posted in Spain, Wine | Leave a comment