Garnet in color with a a soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant rich bold red fruit, strawberry and raspberry notes … On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice smooth acidity and tannins. This is a lovely rich, varietal food friendly pinot … Quite nice, complex and dry. I would give it an 88 or so … From the LCBO check stock:
$26.95 VINTAGES#: 12892
Product Details
The drought conditions of 2021 gave rise to grapes of great concentration and quality. This Pinot was sourced from vineyards across Sonoma County, each planted with the same clonal selections but reflecting the varied topography and mesoclimates of their specific sites. The final result is a dynamic wine with bold cherry tones and notes of forest floor, herbs and spice.
Pale straw in color with a nice citrus and minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely citrus notes, lemon/lime and the like along with some beautiful minerality. On the medium length finish the bright vivid acidity dance nicely on the tongue and the minerality hangs around nicely. This is a lively, crisp dry food friendly wine. I was all ready to jump and grab more, and then it hit me … about 15 minute sneezing fit that is typically indicative of high sulphites in the wine 🙁 From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$16.95 VINTAGES#: 477877
Product Details
A fragrant nose of peach, jasmine and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with zippy acidity and some mineral notes that add welcome depth to the bright stone and citrus fruit. So fresh. Drink now. Score – 92. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 17, 2022)
Inky dark in color with a mild black fruit nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with black currants, blackberries and blueberries, quite a bold fruit forward wine … On the medium length finish the wine displays some smooth tannins and acidity along with a boat load of black pepper (This might ease some with aging) … nice and dry. If there’s anything missing it’s that this is not an overly complex wine with the flavors being on one level. I would give this an -88, not a bad wine, but I wouldn’t leap out and grab more … From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$24.95 VINTAGES#: 357517
Product Details
This is a most impressive young Cabernet from a very good Barossa vintage. In a good year like this the varietal characters of Cabernet display themselves beautifully. In this case blackcurrant and fragrant scented violets and blackberry notes. The palate is typically firm through the core but there is excellent flesh and generosity. A vibrant high energy Cabernet ideal for medium term cellaring. Drink: 2023-2035. Score – 93. (Ray Jordan, winepilot.com, March 2023)
Pale salmon in color with a nice crisp soft red berry nose. On the mid palate thee wine displays some nice strawberry notes along with some nice crisp dry minerality. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dry minerality that lives on nicely in the mouth. We paired it with pork tenderloin and it went well. I would give it a -88 or so. From the LCBO web site check stock:
$17.95 VINTAGES#: 25752
Product Details
Blending Chardonnay from the mountainous area of Trentino, Sauvignon Blanc grown near the warm shores of the Adriatic Sea, and a touch of Venetian Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), this wine from a super-popular producer offers tangy red fruit and delicate florals. It’ll go nicely with pasta salad, mushroom burgers or arancini.
Dark in color with a nice black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice dark cherries and some dark plums … along with mocha and chocolate. This is a rich vibrant wine. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm tannins, and peppery notes … nice and dry. This is a lovely complex cab franc with some merlot. I would give it an 88+. From the LCBO web site:
$25.95 VINTAGES#: 30522
Product Details
This is 91% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot, aged in oak. It is a bright, aromatic red with vibrant aromas of raspberry and blackberry. The palate has juicy flavours of cherry, blackberry, raspberry and spice. Score – 90. (johnschreiner.blogspot.com, April 12, 2022)
Dark in color with a nice red berry and cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice cherry and red berry notes along and some coffe notes along with some firm tannins and acidity. On the medium length finish the firm tannins and acidity dominate leaving silky tannins and peppery notes sticking to the tongue. The fruit is somewhat subdued by the firm tannins and acidity, the wine might be a little young. This is a general list product … I would give it an 87-88. From the LCBO web site, check site:
Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lots of green notes, grassy, and lime … On the medium length finish the citrus notes, crisp acidity and some minerality come through. This is more of a sharper Sauv Blanc. For the price, honestly I’d look for more. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be rushing back for more. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$21.95 VINTAGES#: 530493
Product Details
A green-fruited white with aromas of gooseberries, lime zest and bell pepper. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Drink now. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, July 4, 2022)
We stopped by the Keg and this was on the bottle list at $79 so we gave it a whirl … Duckhorn is one of our usuals but we thought we would try something different … Inky dark in color with lots of black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant, deep, rich black cherries, and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely velvety smooth tannins along with nice food friendly acidity, nice and dry. This wine was absolutely made for steaks, the Keg chose well! I would give this an 88-89, very nice wine for the price, I’ll be grabbing some for cellar, but this is a drink now wine IMHO. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$38.95 VINTAGES#: 34223
Product Details
The 2019 Edge Alexander Valley Cabernet contains 6% Petite Sirah. There’s good concentration and precision here, with firm but yielding tannins that give the wine an elegant structure. The fruit is concentrated and ripe, typical of the long, cool growing season of 2019. The wine shows generous dark fruit, cassis, mixed spices, licorice, coffee and tobacco, with fresh, vibrant, lifted 2019 acidity.
Dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice firm black plummy notes along with some chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays some smooth tannins and acidity as well as some noticeable black peppery notes … nice and dry. Not a bad merlot at all!. I would give it an -88 which for the price is good. Not as firm as some French merlots, not as fruity as California merlots … Pretty much right in the middle. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$19.95 VINTAGES#: 920959
Product Details
Richly fruited and inviting, the bouquet shows dark berry, vanilla, roasted nut and mixed spice aromas, leading to a supple palate that’s richly textured and lingering. The wine offers excellent power and persistency backed by polished tannins, making it delightfully drinkable. At its best: now to 2030. Score – 93. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, Feb. 2021)
Lovely crimson on color with a soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with soft red berry notes, strawberry and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely crisp dry acidity and minerality. This is a lovely crisp dry rose. This wine is a great deal for the price. I would give it an -88 … I went back and grabbed more! From the LCBO website, check stock:
$16.95 VINTAGES#: 177840
Product Details
Cabernet Franc is particularly well-suited to producing top-flight rosés. This one is aged in stainless steel and is juicy, soft and ripe, with watermelon, cherry, redcurrant, and red bell pepper. It’s a quintessential food wine that will go with anything you wish to try it with, but it would be particularly superb with handmade pizza topped with tomato sauce, grilled veggies and maple-cured smoked bacon.
I’ve never had a Gavi before so had no idea what to expect … Pale straw in color with a citrus nose. on the mid palate the wine displays some nice lime and mild pink grapefruit notes along with some mild peach … On the medium length finish the citrus notes hang around as well as some nice minerality and crisp dry acidity. This is not as sharp as say a New Zealand or Chilean Sauv blanc can be, but not as smooth or elegant as a Bordeaux Sauv blanc. It’s a nice food friendly wine that will pair well with lots of foods including seafood. I would give it an -88 … For price, not a bargain by any means …. but an interesting wine for sure! From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$22.95 VINTAGES#: 250696
Product Details
Legend suggests that Principessa Gavia, daughter of the King of the Franks, fell in love with a soldier and the two fled to northwest Italy to escape her disapproving father. The village and wine of Gavi are named after her. This refreshing wine shows herbs, mineral and grapefruit notes. A great sipper or aperitif, it will be a fine match for salads, seafood antipasti, or lighter fish dishes.
If you haven’t had an Agiorgitiko before, it’s a big bold Greek wine, a perfect companion for steak, and this one is no exception. Inky dark in color with a dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine matches the nose with vibrant dark cherry notes along with some mocha and dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tannins and acidity … nice and dry! Definitely more of a bigger wine, so watch what you serve it with or your not tasting the food. We paired it with a grilled striploin. If you are use to smooth elegant wines … ya this so isn’t that. I would give it an 88 or so … which for the price is a good deal! This particular ones come in to the LCBO often … from the LCBO web site, check stock, and even better … it’s on sale! Act now!
$17.25 Original Price $19.95 Save $2.70 VINTAGES#: 10874
Product Details
100% Agiorgitiko. Chalky bright ripe red fruits, juicy, hints of cherries. Light and fragrant, grippy tannins but persistent finish. Well made! Score – 91. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2021)
This is an extremely pale colored Rose … quiet a bit of minerality and citrus coming through on the nose. On the mid palate the citrus notes come through as the dominant flavor with some mild soft red berry notes. On the medium length finish the wine is nice and dry, with vibrant acidity, with the citrus notes sticking to the tongue. I have to say if I had to blind taste test this wine, I would say it reminds me more of a white than a Rose. The LCBO site says it’s a blend of “Syrah, Grenache and Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino)” and I have to say, it reminded me a LOT of a Vermentino. I didn’t hate this wine, but it really didn’t have what I have come to love in Roses … I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be rushing back for more. From the LCBO web site, check stock …
$20.95 VINTAGES#: 707281
Product Details
This pink wine is so popular that it’s been a fixture on Vintages shelves for more than 20 years in a row. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino), it displays juicy notes of peach and cherry, with suggestions of garrigue and white pepper amping up the complexity.
Ok, as usual, biases up front … I tend to stray away from celebrity wines, I don’t feel the celebrities do anything to improve the wine … Moving on, the blend on this wine seemed interesting. Dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine display some vibrant fruit forward varietal Montepulciano notes and some milder Sangiovese notes. Lots of tomato, cherries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm tannins and acidity … There’s lot going on with this wine, it’s quite intense. I would give it an 87-88. I’m not sure I will rush to grab more but we enjoyed it. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$17.00 VINTAGES#: 32384
Product Details
Sangiovese 50%, Montepulicano 30%, Merlot 20%. This ‘intenso’ red blend from Italy, made for Gordon Ramsay by Alberto Antonini, is a wonderful find for a fair price, mixing fleshy vibrant red and black fruit flavours, with spice, cherry stone and plum, along with background vanilla. An easy-to-drink, layered, fairly light, bright but ripe red for a good price. This is an impressive entry to the wine world from Ramsay. Gold Medal winner at the Global Wine Masters Spring 2022 competition. (Patrick Schmitt, MW, thedrinksbusiness.com, June 6, 2022)
Inky dark in color with a black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some milder black fruits along with some firm acidity and tannins. This wine is a bit young, and the finish is overwhelming the fruit. Some decanting or aging might help a little. We paired it with a striploin and it wen ok … I would give it an 87-88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$18.95 VINTAGES#: 17949
Product Details
From a family vineyard dating back to the 18th century, this Right Bank blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon is youthful and bright, with dark fruit, smoke and tobacco. It has good depth and character and will make a great partner for grilled ribs or roast-beef sliders. Decant and savour now or cellar for 3-5 years.
Biases aside, nobody does crisp dry Rose’s quite like Provence … pale salmon in color with a mild soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely varietal, strawberry and soft red berry notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays nice crisp dry minerality and acidity that stick nicely to the tongue, nice and dry. We have come to love having air fried chicken thighs and a rose to compliment and this wine was absolutely a perfect pair. So much so, we are going back and getting more. Now, this quality level does not come cheap, at $19.95 it’s no bargoon. I would give it an 88+. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$19.95 VINTAGES# 19509
Product Details
Pale apricot color with aromas of pomegranates, grapefruit, rosemary, lavender and peaches. Fresh and delicate, yet fragrant and flavorful, with a medium body and bright acidity. Lovely fresh pink fruit. Drink and enjoy. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, March 6, 2023)
Pale salmon on color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft red berry fruits, like strawberry and the like. On the lighter side of medium in length on the finish the wine display some nice crisp acidity, minerality and citrus notes. This is a perfect patio summer sipper. It’s easily enjoyed without food, but be careful what you serve it with, it’s a softer rose. Honestly for the price there’s lots of roses with more punch for less money … I won’t be rushing to grab more … I would give it a -88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$24.95 VINTAGES#: 15275
Product Details
A nice, easy-drinking rosé that smells like Pinot Noir, tastes like Pinot Noir and is easy on the wine budget. Can’t ask for more than that at this price point. Aromas and flavors of bright red cherries and strawberries, with thyme and a tiny tropical note of either guava or pink grapefruit. The wine’s supple texture matches its pillow-soft acidity. Best Buy. Score – 89. (Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast, March 1, 2023)
Pale straw in color with a nice citrus and minerally nose … On the mid palate the wine spot on matches thee nose with lovely crisp dry citrus notes and minerality coming through. This isn’t as vibrant and sharp as some, but still distinctive. We served it with basa and it went well … just enough bite to hold it’s own without overwhelming the fruit. On the medium length finish the citrus and minerality come through. I would give it an -88 or so … Quite a nice Vermentino, varietal! From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$17.95 VINTAGES#: 30120
Product Details
Freshly cut lime and seashell in the nose. Medium to full body, layers of fruit and a bitter-lemon and pear aftertaste. Delicious. Drink now. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 8, 2022)
Salmon in color with a soft nose. On the mid palate the wine displays ripe strawberry notes along with some cranberry and floral tones. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice crisp dry minerality and vibrant acidity. I have to say, this wine did not immediately grip me or make we want to go get more, in fact, on first taste it was like, ok this is odd … It grew on me as I got use to it, but I would say I am not a fan. I would give it an 87-88 and honestly if I had more, I’d probably take it back 🙁 From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$19.95VINTAGES#:498535
Product Details
A slight, pink-hue greets the eye while the nose takes in strong aromas of strawberry, cranberry and red cherry. It surges over the palate with a racy streak of tart rhubarb and strawberry pie, along with Meyer lemon and passionfruit. This is well paced, well-priced, well balanced and well… lip-smacking delicious from twist top to last drop. The winemaker suggests pouring with rainbow trout and I agree, especially when pan-seared then receiving a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Drink or cellar [for 3-5 years from vintage]. Exceptional Value! Score – 93. (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Aug. 15, 2022)
The nose is a busy mélange of strawberry, white raspberry, Granny Smith apple, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit and chamomile.
Tasting reveals a juicy mouthfeel, buoyed by vibrant front palate acidity. Melon, citrus and tree fruit reminders carry to the palate, adding cranberry, lime and lingering watermelon.
Estate-grown grapes were hand-picked at cool daybreak temperatures on September 14th and 23rd, as grape sugars averaged 21.3° Brix.
Vinification: Estate-grown Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes were hand-picked and pressed immediately, after which the juice was chilled in a horizontal “dairy tank” prior to cool fermentation in stainless steel.
Pale straw in color with a nice minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice crisp minerally notes, citrus/lime and the like and some interesting smoky/flinty notes as well. On the medium length finish the wine displays crisp vibrant acidity with the racy acidity sticking nicely to the tongue. This is a bigger wine, so be careful what you serve it with. I’d give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a bargain. From the LCBO web site, check stock.
$13.95VINTAGES#:21107
Product Details
Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most widely planted wine grape and has been grown there for centuries. This dry, unoaked Chenin is grown with minimal intervention in the vineyard and spent several months on the lees. The result is a vibrant, effortlessly elegant wine evoking apple blossoms, beeswax and candied lemon rind. Savour with soft brie, seafood pasta, or slow-roasted pork belly.
Pale straw in color with a crisp citrus nose … On the mid palate the wine displays nice citrus/lime notes along with some nice minerality. On the medium length finish the wine’s crisp acidity and citrus linger a bit … this isn’t as strong or vibrant a flavor as some Assyrtiko’s likely because in the LCBO description it says ” 20% of this wine was fermented in new oak” which would soften it. I would give it a -88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$19.95 VINTAGES#: 31680
Product Details
For the 2021 vintage, about 20% of this wine was fermented in new oak while the remainder was cold-fermented in stainless steel. It’s energetic and intense, with lifted floral, peach and tropical notes. A refreshing, satisfying sipper, it will also be wonderful with fish or a roasted-tomato soup. Drink now to 2024+.
As you may have noticed we had a prolonged outage due to an issue at our ISP. Our apologies … We resume our regularly scheduled program already in progress 😉
Ok, biases up front, I have a HUGE hang up that I expect a wine to be varietal … If it’s a pinot it ought to taste like a pinot, but I am getting ahead of myself … Garnet in color with a nice soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays mostly soft red cherries along with maybe some riper raspberries. On the light side of medium in length this wine displays soft tannins and acidity. To my tastes this wine is ore like a cab than a pinot. I would give it an 87-88 only because of my upfront disclosed bias. If you can close your mind to what it ought to be, it’s not a bad wine at all. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$24.95VINTAGES#:325282
Product Details
The Vinedressers Reserve Pinot Noir 2018 is made in a rich style, with tones of smoky fruit, earthy forest and savoury herbs, plus some chocolate notes. Try it with steak kebabs.
Almost orange wine, or ice wine in color with a mild unusual nose. On the mid palate the eclectic notes continue with some apricot, and strong floral notes coming through. On the medium length finish the wine has some tart and smoky notes coming through. To say this was an unusual wine is an understatement. I had no expectations for what this might taste like and it definitely was different. I have no clue how to put a rating on it other than to say, we didn’t finish the bottle and ya, I’m not leaping to go get more … From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$22.95VINTAGES#:30357
Product Details
Apricot, white blossom, candied pineapple and sweet spice aromas and flavours on the nose and palate, with refreshing acidity and long length showing a beautifully balanced wine. Score – 95. (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2023)
Dark in color with a mild dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lots of deep vibrant black fruits, black cherry, black plum and the like along with some nice mocha and dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays FIRM tannins and acidity … nice and dry. It may be a little too young for some, if you prefer softer wines in which case, age it or decant it. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a good deal! From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$16.95VINTAGES#:24495
Product Details
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep and pure, with an abundance of creamy blackcurrant and blackberry, boosted by licks of vanilla, cacao and spice. Score – 94. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2020)
Dark salmon in color with a mild soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice vibrant strawberry notes along with some citrus. On the medium length finish the wine delivers some lovely vibrant acidity, citrus notes and minerality that stick nicely to the tongue, especially without food. This is a good Rose for an excellent price, especially given it’s current on sale at the LCBO. I’ll be going back for more. I would give it a solid 88 … Spot on what I like in a Rose! From the LCBO web site, check stock, note this is a general list product from the US:
$16.95 Original Price$19.95 Save $3.00 Sale Ends: May 21st LCBO#:539312
Product Details
From the top achieving New World Wine brand comes this rosé, that’s sure to be an instant customer favourite. Led by a bouquet of vibrant aromas of light spice, red plum, fresh pastry with floral and nutty notes that turn into mouth-watering plum, floral and nutty flavours on the palate and culminate in a clean, dry finish.
Crisp, refreshing and bright: our Rosé is perfect for sunsets and warm summer days. This wine has flavors of white peach and strawberry complemented by hints of nectarine. We love pairing this vibrant Rosé with grilled fish, summer salads, and chilled seafood.