Ratings are a subjective thing. There are raters that I find I align with very well, and raters whose tastes are very different than mine. The key is finding the difference. Gord Stimmel and I taste VERY differently. That’s just one of those things. When I saw this one I thought, heh, give it a [...]

This little bottle has sat in the CWG wine fridge for almost 3 years, while not expensive originally (~$30) it did however have some cellaring ability that led me to keep it safe and sound. This wine use to be in the Chianti Classico classification but still a super tuscan I was hoping that this [...]

Fast note on this Italian red since I am a tad short on time but wanted to share.
Fruity nose, medium tannins, soft finish. This is not a home run but a solid double-triple (mid winter baseball reference there for you). A tad rough to start but polishes out evenly. You will get cherries and [...]

Had this one at Terroni’s, and shockingly, it’s in the LCBO. I actually wonder if this is the exact one. It is unusual for Terroni’s to use wines that are in the LCBO. This wine is a Ripasso. A process that to my knowledge is unique to Italy. Using this method you can get [...]

I had this wine at Terroni’s the other day. They tend to have a good selection of wines by the glass and rotate them through. As usual they are not available in the LCBO. The server informed me this wine is a blend of a Chard and a Sauv Blanc and based on tastes that [...]

The wine is dark purple in color. On the nose are lots of dried dark fruit fruits but on the mild side. On the mid pallet are dried dark fruits to match the bouquet, I’d say some raisin flavors along with some stewed prunes. Again on the milder side. Subtle and smooth. On the finish [...]

The wine is very dark purple in color, slightly fruity on the mid pallet. Some red berry flavors. On the finish there are some lovely tannins and some terrific dryness. The cab and Sangiovese are lovely together. The rating is accurate I would give this a 90 which for the price is a great deal!. [...]

I had this wine at Terroni’s . As usual it is not available in the LCBO which is a shame. This is quite common with their wine list. I find restaurants do that so you have no idea how much you are being overcharged for a glass/bottle of wine The wine is pale [...]

If you like Chianti’s this is a good one. Lovely deep wine with a medium finish. The fruit is a little overwhlemed again (like the tempranillo I last blogged about). My GF says she tastes stewed grass in Chiantis and got it on this one. I get more prunes, maybe even stewed prunes. I would [...]

This was a recent Vintages release (June 6th) that I stumbled upon in my local store a week or so ago. A Chianti Rùfina (Reserva no less) priced at $20 is always a good potential bargain so I leaped in and grabbed one. On our recent trip to Tuscany, Mrs CWG and I actually avoided [...]

On the heels of my last Chianti I thought I would give this one a try blind. No research. I rarely do that. This wine is DOCG rather than an IGT so a little lower on the quality scale. It’s also a Classico not a Classico Supremo … On first opening this wine has [...]

We were Ottawa for the weekend and stopped by Vittoria Trattoria . Right in the Byward Market this Italian restaurant has an impressive wine list. They have a number by the glass, 1/2 litre, half bottle and full bottle. They have wines of a number of different styles, from a number of different countries. You [...]

Every now and then I come across a review about some great bottle of wine under $10. Blah blah Blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and skip to the chase. Underwhelming, tasted like vinegar. Alcohol was the only flavor. Then every now and then one comes along and make you go hmmm. This is one of those. [...]

I am in transit back home through San Diego. This restaurant in Little Italy is outstanding. I hate being a creature of habit when I am in foreign cities but when you find a great restaurant why risk somewhere else disappointing you when all you want is great food and wine? So this at least [...]

Ok, I’ve got a deal for you! For $20 I will give you a deep purple color liquid whose taste can best be described as sucking on a bunch of wood chips! Are you lining up for the opportunity? This seems like one of those wines that was designed to please Robert Parker who loves [...]