Bernard Defaix Chablis Burgundy, France

Pale in color with a mild nose with some apricot and the like coming through. On the mid pallet the wine is light with some apricots coming through. The wine kind of reminds me more of a crisp Riesling. The finish is on the lighter side of medium. This is an odd taste for a Chablis. I would give it an 87-88. Not thrilling. Not available at the LCBO. I sadly did not get the year of the wine.

From the Winery`s web site:
Chardonnay 100%
Our vines on the appellation Chablis spread over 12 hectares, situated at the heart of the Chablisian vineyard. This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks so as to respect the typicity of the appellation. Our Chablis are characterised by their freshness, power and tenacity.
Their bouquet displays a dominance of mineral notes, which are often associated with delicate touches of citrus fruit (lemon and grapefruit).
This wine can be enjoyed within 2 years, an excellent match for seafood or fish.

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Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Dark in color with a nose of black berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some deep rich black berries more reminiscent of a Shiraz, almost blueberries. Some cassis coming through as well. On the medium length finish the wine displays some smooth tannins, some nice acidity along with some peppery notes. There’s some noticeable alcohol but that will pass quickly. The wine has some lovely complexity. I would give it an 89-90. Yummy

From the LCBO web site:
Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 —VINTAGES#: 237784
Style – Full-bodied & Smooth  ›
Nice complexity on the nose, with raspberry, black fruit, smoke and vanilla notes joining the cassis. The palate is fruit driven and suggests both dark and red fruits along with a dash of spice. The finish is consistent and long. This is a great wine for barbecue steak, especially with a spicy rub. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2013
WAS$18.95 Now $17.95

miller

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CHÂTEAU MANON LA LAGUNE 2010

Dark in color with a lovely nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with some nice black berries coming through along with some nice chocolate and mocha. On the medium length finsih the wine displays some nice tannins, dryness and peppery notes. I would give this wine a 90. it`s a varietal Bordeaux at a good price.

By the way if you hate the new LCBO search function like I do. You can use the old site info from the old link.

From the LCBO web site:
CHÂTEAU MANON LA LAGUNE 2010 VINTAGES 365890 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 21.95
Made in: Bordeaux, France By: Chateau Bertinerie
Release Date: Jun 7, 2014
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Sugar Content: 7 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
A big, ripe and juicy wine packed with black fruit notes and laced with acidity. The tannins offer a contrast to the fruitiness, bringing balance and structure. This is an impressive wine, the smoky aftertaste bringing out the wood aging. Special Designation: Editor’s Choice. Score – 91. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, May 2013)

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2010 St. Clement Oroppas Napa Valley

Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries coming through along with some earthy notes and some wood. On the mid pallet the wine displays some mild cherries to match the nose along with some earthy notes and wood to go right along with the nose. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild tannins and very noticeable alcohol. I would give this wine an 87-88. Not a great wine to my tastes. I expected better. Not at the LCBO.

From the winery`s web site:
Rich, ripe and juicy, the 2010 Oroppas is driven by classic aromas of plum, quince, black cherry and black currant, and accented with inviting dark chocolate and cinnamon notes. The palate generously showcases a concentrated and elegant structure with flavors of fresh blackberry and sweet mocha. This vintage displays the signature Oroppas characteristics with an intense fruit core, smooth tannins and balanced acidity.
$55 US at the winery

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Villa Sandi Prosecco

Pale in color with a lovely crisp citrus nose. On the mid pallet the wine is a lovely crisp prosecco perfectly matching the nose. There some nice minerality to go along with the citrus notes along with some nice fine bubbles. This is a crisp, dry wine that is very food friendly. I would give it an 89 or so. Another great prosecco. Perfect for the patio. We paired it with roast chicken and fettuccine alfredo and it went very well. Yumm. At $14.95 you can`t go wrong with this one! Spot on varietal!

From the LCBO web site:
Villa Sandi Prosecco Doc — LCBO#: 249722 STYLE – Light & Fruity
Clear, pale lemon yellow colour; clean aromas with intense mineral mineral and citrus notes; off-dry, light bodied, with citrus and herbs, with a vigorous mousse $14.45

cq5dam.web.1280.1280

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Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Dark in color with a lovely mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely red cherries along with some cassis. The wine has some smooth tannins on it’s medium length finish. We paired it with a rack of lamb and it went perfectly. I would give the wine a solid 89. Yumm. I would consider this a drink now wine.

From the LCBO web site:
Aromas of cassis, cola and woodsmoke with an herbal undertone. Unabashedly Californian, it is round and generous with big fruit and a sensual touch of spice on the close. This calls for some superior cuts of meat, prepared the way God intended – grilled on a barbecue while wearing a Stetson. All joking aside, this is another stellar wine from Frei. (VINTAGES panel, April 2014)

cq5dam_web_1280_1280

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Oyster Bay 2013 Merlot

Dark in color with a mild nose of plums coming through. On the mid pallet the wine displays some plum along with red cherries (think cab sauv). On the medium length finish the wine has some mild pepper along with some tannins. Not a bad Merlot. I would give it an 88 or so …

From the LCBO web site:
Oyster Bay Merlot 2012 Merlot—VINTAGES#: 692343 Style – Medium-bodied & Fruity  ›
Bright and brimming with fruit, this Merlot delights with plum, dark cherry, gentle wood smoke and notions of chocolate cake. Zippy acidity gives nice delineation to this juicy, elegant wine. Tuck it away for up to three years, or enjoy it tonight with rare roast beef. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013) $18.95

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Viña Herminia Excelsus 2009

I enjoy my tempranillos big with lots of finish to them … This one is dark in color with a nice nose of red berries along with some wood and some alcohol. On the mid pallet the wine displays lovely varietal tempranillo fruit, red berries but this wine lives in the medium length finish that has some nice bite, some nice dryness and some firm tannins. This isn’t a bruiser but it’s a big tempranillo for sure. Especially without food. As the wine opened up there was noticeable eucalyptus coming through. I paired it with a lasagna and it went very well I would give it an 88. If you like your tempranillos soft and smooth look elsewhere …

From the LCBO web site:
Viña Herminia Excelsus 2009 Tempranillo —VINTAGES#: 50567 Style – Medium-bodied & Fruity  ›

This focused red shows good density, a restrained character and solid depth, offering plum, espresso, tobacco and mineral flavors that are harmonious and long. Not showy, but solid. Drink now through 2022. Score – 93. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2013)

$21.95

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Two Oceans Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling

Pale in color with a nice citrussy nose along with some minerality coming through. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with some nice citrus notes coming through and living on into a medium length finish. The bubbles are definitely noticeable, a little more so than say a prosecco which this wine will unavoidably be compared to. This is a very food friendly wine. I would give it an 88 or so, which for $12.95 is not a bad deal!

From the LCBO web site:
Two Oceans Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Sparkling
LCBO#: 216705 Two Oceans Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc STYLE – Light & Fruity
Clear, pale straw colour; aromas of citrus, guava and hints of pineapple; crisp, tangy and mouth-watering with fine bubbles sparkles into a fruity, clean finish. $12.95

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2014 Two Oceans Pinot Grigio

Pale in color with a lovely nose of stone fruits. On the mid pallet the wine displays stone fruit to match the nose, some pear, and a hint of peach. The wine is on the lighted side of medium in length on the finish with some acidity finishing off. I would give it an 88-89. Not a bad Pinot Grigio at all and another bargain at $10.25.

From the LCBO web site:
TWO OCEANS PINOT GRIGIO LCBO 295022 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 10.25
Made in: Region Not Specified, South Africa By: Distillers Corporation Limited
12.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Light & Crisp Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

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2012 The Show Malbec

Dark in color with a mild nose of black berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some black berries to match the nose backed quickly by some firm acidity and tannins. The wine is medium in length on the finish with some black berries lingering without food. The texture on the mid pallet is jammy. I would give it an 88-89. Not a bad Malbec.

From the LCBO web site:
Americans Charles Bieler, Roger Scommegna and Joel Gott are the 3 Thieves Wine Company and the folks behind The Show Malbec. The fruit is all high-altitude from Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley and in 2012, it looks as if they have abandoned the sweet oaky style for something much more interesting. Let us hope they don’t go back. Drier, more savoury red fruit with good acidity and texture. Far more food-friendly and, while it doesn’t really matter, a sensational label. The classic match, steak, is the fit. Score – 89. (Anthony Gismondi, The Vancouver Sun, April 11, 2014) $17.95

cq5dam_web_1280_1280

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Chaoteau La Gorce 2005 AOC Medoc

I bought this one back in 2009. Dark in color with a lovely inviting nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays black cherries to match the nose. The wine has some lovely chocolate notes. The wine has a smooth medium length finish with some smooth tannins. This is a beautiful wine that has aged well I would give it a solid 90. Yummmy.

From the LCBO web site at the time when I bought it:
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot and Petit Verdot it’s a knock-out from the get-go. There are gorgeous notes of coffee spice pepper violet and floral perfume. Full bodied and firmly structured there’s a good backbone of acidity alongside 13.5% alcohol and flavours of red cherry cassis blackberry nutmeg and clove. At under $20 this is a no-brainera€”load up the trunk! (LG) Rha´ne Valley (0091397) $19.95

Not in the LCBO right now.

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2010 Mirassou Pinot noir

Garnet in color with a nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some strawberry and raspberry to match the nose. The wine is one the lighter side of medium in length on the finish with some mild tannins. The sweetness lingers for a bit in the mouth. Not a bad wine but definitely on the fruit forward side of things with not a whole lot of complexity on the finish. I would give it an 87-88.

From the LCBO web site:
MIRASSOU PINOT NOIR LCBO 185249 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Made in: California, USA By: Mirassou Vineyards
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Light-bodied & Fruity Sugar Content: 14 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
pale ruby colour; raspberry, sour cherry and touch of vanilla in the nose; dry light to medium body; soft cherry and cranberry flavours, soft, smooth finish.

0185249

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HASELGROVE FIRST CUT SHIRAZ 2010

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this wine is sweet with lots of black berries coming through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some mild tannins and acidity. This is definitely a fruit forward Shiraz. I would give it an 87-88. A far cry from the 91 James Halliday gave it, but that’s nothing new. I rarely align to his tastes. I will be returning the ones I have. I also have a hard time imagining this lasting very long. I would say it’s definitely a drink now wine.

From the LCBO web site:
HASELGROVE FIRST CUT SHIRAZ 2010 VINTAGES 367425 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Haselgrove Wines Pty Ltd
Release Date: Jun 7, 2014
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Medium red-purple; a generous, soft yet full-bodied McLaren Vale shiraz, filled with blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and a hint of vanilla; the tannins are precisely where they should be. Drink [until] 2018. Score – 91. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, July 17, 2012)

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2004 Ojai Vineyard “Bien Nacido” Syrah

Anyone who travels through San Francisco airport (SFO) and has 30 minutes to kill has probably perused one of the wine stores that dot themselves throughout. This bottle was purchased on one of those days back in March of 2010. Like I am apt to do, I put this in the cellar and figured it would come out at some later date. So out it came last night after I returned from, surprise, California (with a few bottles of Petite Syrah from Turley, but that is for another day). Ojai is a small city just north of Los Angeles and only a few miles east of Santa Barbara. While not known as a foremost wine region, Ojai Vineyards has produced some great wines over the years. The vineyard produces up to 8 single vineyard Syrahs (depending on the year) and this one in particular comes from the Bien Nacido vineyard. Bien Nacido is much closer to the ocean (West of Ojai) than Ojai, this allows for both good summer heat and cooler winds than their more eastern vineyards. This type of climate allows the varietal to grow similar to old world Rhone Syrahs. So how does this taste? Read on.

This inky wine is showing hints of rust as it is now 10 years old. The nose is plum and smoke with hints of spice. The initial sips show good fruit and even tannins. As you get deeper into the wine the balance remains, the tannins are firm but not overwhelming and the fruit is constant. Plum and and sweet berries (raspberry and blueberry) are distinctive but there is a hint of pepper. Overall this wine is ready to go and if you have had the patience to cellar it till now I do recommend opening and enjoying it as this ready to go. A good solid wine worth the original $40 spent.

The CWG Subjective Rating is 89 out of 100.

ojai_syrah

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Robert Biale 2012 Founders Farmers Zinfandel mini review

This wine comes from older vineyards in small lots, 400-500 cases. It’s a field blend of 10-12 different vines. It’s milder on the nose with some light red berries along with some wood coming through. On the mid pallet this is a rounder, smoother wine with red berries coming through. The medium length finish displays some acidity along with some alcohol. There’s also some herbal minty notes going along for the ride. I would give the wine an 89-90. Very nice Zin. Available in cases of 6 at $51.97 from Barrel Select. Winery’s Web site.

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CAVE DU HAUT-POITOU VALLÉE LOIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 mini review

Pale in color with a lovely grassy nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays green notes to match the nose along with some strong dominant grapefruit notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely long mouth grip. This is very much a New Zealand style wine. I would give it an 88-89. Very nice.

From the LCBO web site:
CAVE DU HAUT-POITOU VALLÉE LOIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 VINTAGES 357293 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 16.95
Made in: Loire, France By: Alliance Loire
Release Date: Mar 29, 2014
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Aromatic & Flavourful
Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Though winemaking in the region dates back to Roman times, the Haut-Poitou appellation was just recently given AC status in 2010.

Tasting Note
Like strolling through a vegetable garden next to an orchard, this wine offers up lovely aromas of artichoke, green beans, sweetgrass, apple and pear. It’s crisp and focused in the mouth with a lip-smacking mineral element. Pair with freshwater fish, seafood or herbed chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2014)

0357293

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Robert Biale 2012 Rocky Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel mini review

It’s always a thrill to hear a winemaker speak about the passion they have for making wine. And often this has been a passion that has been in the family for generations. When Barrel Select invited me to meet and taste Robert Biale wines I jumped at the chance.

I enjoy Zinfandels (the red ones not the blush ones). In California as you may know the older vineyards are often field blends (within the vineyard different grape types are intermingled). In Italy Zinfandel is referred to as Primitivo. I recently learned the grape is also linked to a Croation variety called Crljenak Kăstelanski. Huh … who knew 🙂

Very dark in color with a lovely red berry nose. Very typical Zinf coming through. On the mid pallet the wine displays some very nice red berries backed almost immediately by some firm pepper notes, some lively acidity and some smooth tannins. There’s also a hint of eucalyptus. This wine lives in in the bold finish but it does not linger long. The wine comes from a newer vineyard that has been planted with 100% Zinfandel. I would give it an 89-90. A very nice wine. It’s $68.99 available in cases of 6 from Barrel Select.

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2010 Stratus Malbec

Inky dark in color with a nice nose of black berries consistent with a Malbec along with some oak. On the mid pallet the wine is a fruit forward Malbec displaying some lovely rich black berries to match the nose. The wine is smooth on the finish with tannins and alcohol well under control. This is a well made wine. I would give it a solid 90. And then I saw the price … $48 at the winery or the 2009 is in the LCBO for $48.20. Wow.

From the LCBO:
STRATUS MALBEC 2009 VINTAGES 307637 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 48.20
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Stratus Vineyards
Release Date: Feb 11, 2013
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Deep ruby. Floral nose hints at aromatic herbs, blackberry, violet, quinine and pink peppercorn. Sweet and perfumed on the palate, with smooth cassis, coffee and bay leaf flavors that linger nicely at the back. Score – 90. (Ian D’Agata, International Wine Cellar, Feb. 2012)

From the Winery’s web site:
The 2010 Stratus Malbec bears the hallmark of Stratus’ collaboration with Viticulturist/Winemaker Paul Hobbs. This Malbec exhibits a perfumed bouquet of blueberries, violets and Saskatoon berries. The palate possesses an exuberant juiciness, softer riper tannins and a velvety textured finish. Almost 19 months in second-vintage French cooperage brings a pleasing oak spice to this multi-layered wine.

Stratus-Malbec-2010-N1012_XL

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2011 Protea Reserve mini review

This wine is a Cab sauv/Shiraz/Merlot. Dark in color with a lovely nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays loads of red berries. This is a nice fruit forward wine. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice pepper backed by some nice acidity. I would give it an 88-89 Very nice. $18 a bottle on consignment by the case from Vinexx.

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KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012

Dark in color that right off first opening the wine jumps out with lots of cherries and red berries on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with cherries and lots of red fruits. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely velvety tannins along with some acidity. It’s nice and dry with some nice complexity in the mouth the builds nicely in the mouth. This wine likely has another 2-5 years of life left in it. I would give it an 89-90 all in all given the price this wine is a steal. Grab a bunch and put it in the cellar!

From the LCBO web site:
KILIKANOON KILLERMAN’S RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 VINTAGES 675223 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Kilikanoon Wines
Release Date: Jun 7, 2014
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Sugar Content: 7 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Kilikanoon was named 2013 Winery of the Year by James Halliday’s Wine Companion.

Tasting Note
Smooth and generous with dark blackberry and blackcurrant fruit along with touches of smoky coffee and chocolate. Ripe and inviting in the mouth with good bright acidity and gentle tannins, and a sprinkling of mocha spice on the finish. A bonzer choice for barbecued burgers with your favourite toppings – for an authentic Aussie experience, top ’em with grilled beetroot or pineapple rings. (VINTAGES panel, April 2014)

From winecurent.com
****drink or cellar
Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Claire Valley, South Australia $19.95 (675223) 14.0% alcohol Aromas of espresso roast and black currant spill from this medium-bodied Cab. There’s oodles of red fruit throughout with cherry, currant and raspberry to the fore on the palate, joined by sweeter, riper mulberry on the dry, tangy, mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with a rich beef or lamb daube.

Check LCBO Stock

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2000 Chapoutier ‘La Bernardine’

A fast note about a great wine. I do love Chateauneuf-du-Papes, southern Rhone is an amazing region, and not just for their wines. This mature vintage is both balanced and engaging, leaving you wanting more.

A fantastic wine solo or with a wide selection of cheeses and meats. In fact, it almost seems designed for a charcuterie plate. Tasting notes are void as I failed to properly walk through the wine, however this is a drink now with great rust colours and sediments indicative of a 14 year old vintage.

The CWG Subjective Rating is 89 out of 100.

20140607-215809-79089236.jpg

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2009 Vineland Estates Semi dry riesling

Bias up front I like my rieslings dry. So when I saw this one as Semi dry (it was a gift) I was not anxious to try it. Pale in color with a nose of honeysuckle. On the mid pallet this wine definitely lives up to it’s name as semi-dry. Apricots come screaming out along with some dominant sugar. The wine is medium in length on the finish with the sweetness living on. I have to admit this is so not to my tastes. From a German scale this would get an auslese. I would give it an 87 or so but only because it’s not to my tastes. For me this is the kind of sweet sugar water that gives Rieslings a bad name.

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2012 MONTALTO NERO D’AVOLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Dark color with a nice nose of red berries. Nice varietal red cherries on the mid pallet, quite fruity, with the cab shining through. On the medium finish the wine displays some nice dryness. I would give it an 88. For the price it’s a good deal!

From the LCBO:

MONTALTO NERO D’AVOLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON LCBO 621151 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 8.95
Made in: Sicily, Italy By: Barone Montalto
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Deep red violet colour; dark fruit and spice aromas and flavours; dry, medium to full bodied, long, smooth finish.

Serving Suggestion
Roast lamb or beef, meat pastas and grilled meats.

0621151

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2009 MUMM CUVEE NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE

Pale in color with a lovely nose of citrus and minerality. On the mid pallet this is a crisp dry champagne style bubbly. The bubbles are nice and fine. The wine is medium in length with the citrus notes lingering nicely. I would give it an 88-89. Very nice wine and quite food friendly. For the price is it a good deal if your looking for bubbles 🙂 And who doesn’t like bubbles 🙂

From the LCBO web site:
MUMM CUVEE NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE LCBO 217273 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 25.95
Made in: California, USA By: Seagram Classics Wine Co.
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Medium-bodied & Flavourful Sugar Content: 13 g/L

Tasting Note
Clear golden straw with good mousse; apple and pear aromas with biscuit and citrus notes; dry, medium bodied; apple, buttered toast and citrus flavours; balanced acidity with a touch of hazelnut on a medium to long finish.

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