Malivoire Vivant Rosé 2021

Posted on May 31, 2023 by John Galea

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

Malivoire Vivant Rosé 2021 - View Image 1

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)

Read More

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Malivoire
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé

From the Winery’s web site:

Winemakers Notes

Composition:  88% Pinot Noir, 12% Pinot Gris

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. 

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Alvi’s Drift Signature Range Chenin Blanc 2021

Posted on May 29, 2023 by John Galea

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

Alvi's Drift Signature Range Chenin Blanc 2021 - View Image 1

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.

More Details

  • Release Date January 7, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol13.5%
  • Made In Western Cape, South Africa
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Chenin Blanc
Share
Posted in JG Review, South Africa, Wine | Leave a comment

Mega Spileo Assyrtiko 2021

Posted on May 26, 2023 by John Galea

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+.

More Details

  • Release Date April 15, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Peloponnese, Greece
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Assyrtiko
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Vinedressers Reserve Pinot Noir 2018

Posted on May 25, 2023 by John Galea

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

Vinedressers Reserve Pinot Noir 2018 - View Image 1

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.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Vinedressers
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Rtvelisi Qvevri Kisi 2020

Posted on May 17, 2023 by John Galea

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

Rtvelisi Qvevri Kisi 2020 - View Image 1

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)

More Details

  • Release Date April 15, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 11.9%
  • Made In Kakheti, Georgia
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal White Blend
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2019

Posted on May 15, 2023 by John Galea

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

Château Maison Noble Saint Martin 2019 - View Image 1

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)

More Details

  • Release Date April 29, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol14%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Château Maison Noble Saint Martin
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Share
Posted in Bordeaux, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Josh 2021 Cellars Rosé

Posted on May 10, 2023 by John Galea

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

Josh Cellars Rosé - View Image 1

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.

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol12.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Josh Cellars
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L

From the winery’s web site:

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.

Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Zonin 2021 Valpolicella Classico DOC

Posted on May 9, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays dried fruits and raisiny notes. On the medium length finish, especially without food the wine displays some nice dry tannins and soft acidity. It’s a nice wine for the price, I would give it an -88 … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$14.95LCBO#:475145

Zonin Valpolicella Classico DOC - View Image 1

Product Details

A great example of one of the classic wine styles of Italy’s Veneto region, this Valpolicella is medium ruby red in colour, with aromas of rye bread toast, black raisins and a hint of spice. Dry with medium body and a supportive, moderately tannic structure, it is packed with lively dark fruit flavour.

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Bread, Toast, Raisin
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Veneto, Italy
  • By Zonin
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Valpolicella
Share
Posted in Wine | Leave a comment

Pelee Island Vinedresser Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2017

Posted on May 6, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a dark cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant dark fruits, along with some varietal cab franc notes, I always have trouble putting a name to them … There’s really noticeable oaking coming through … On the lighter side of medium in length finish the wine displays some fine dusty tannins and smooth acidity, nice and dry. All in all this is a nice wine with good earthy characters, distinctive, and varietal notes. I enjoyed the wine, but not sure I would race back and grab a case … I would give it an -88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$24.95VINTAGES#:32023

Pelee Island Vinedresser Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2017 - View Image 1

Product Details

A rich, ripe, robust blend of the two Cabernets, with Sauvignon making up 80% of the whole. It features burly, upfront dark fruit with earthy herbs and oak spice. Try it with mushroom burgers or a fully stacked beef stew. Drink in 2023.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date March 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol14%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc
Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

CREW Flagship Chardonnay 2020

Posted on May 5, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with a nice apple/pear nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice apple and pear notes along with some smokey/woody notes. On the medium length finish the wine is slightly creamy with some vanilla and minerally notes, nice and dry. This is one of those in between wines, not as oaked as some but not unoaked either. We paired it with pan fried chicken schnitzel and it went well. I would give it an 88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95VINTAGES#:520668

CREW Flagship Chardonnay 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

Bernard Gorski prides himself on the meticulous care he affords his grapes at every stage. Hand-harvested, barrel-fermented and aged eight months on the lees, this round, approachable Chard will invite you to sail away on waves of lemon, apple pie, buttercream, and oak spice.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.6%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Chardonnay
Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Cap Royal Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Posted on May 2, 2023 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft smooth citrus notes along with some tart acidity. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity that sticks nicely to the tongue. If your use to an edgy Chilean or New Zealand Zauv blanc this is so not that. Not as long in the finish as some, but nice dryness. The LCBO site quotes vanilla notes, I don’t get them at all, not even without food. We paired it with butternut squash ravioli in a butter sauce and it went well leaving lots of room for the food to shine through. I would give it a -88 or so. I have to say my tastes are leaning more towards the smoother, more elegant Sauv Blancs these days. From what I see there is no Semillon in this blend. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$18.95VINTAGES#:18491

Cap Royal Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

As is customary in Bordeaux, this Sauvignon Blanc is aged in French oak. In fact, it was crafted by celebrated winemaker and barrel-ageing expert Jean-René Matignon, whose extraordinary career stretched from the mid-1980s to his retirement in 2022. Expect an elegant, persistent wine with notes of peach, white flowers, and a judicious hint of vanilla spice.

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc
Share
Posted in Bordeaux, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

SeaGlass Pinot Noir 2019

Posted on April 29, 2023 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a nice soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays juicy red fruits, strawberries and raspberries along with some cherries. On the medium length finish the wine packs a punch with white peppery notes, firm tannins and acidity. This is a bold pinot, very tasty and dry, yumm! I would give this a solid 88+, which for the price is a bargain! Grab LOTS while it’s on sale! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$20.75Original Price$24.95 Save $4.20VINTAGES#:539163

SeaGlass Pinot Noir 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

The name SeaGlass refers to the beautiful wind- and wave-polished shards of glass that can be found washed up on California beaches. This expressive Pinot Noir offers lush red fruit, plum, cherry, herbs, delicate smoke notes and a vibrant, crisp finish. Savour with salmon.

More Details

  • Release Date December 17, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.8%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content6 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Posted on April 21, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a cherry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some subdued cherry notes along with some herbal and mild minty notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays smooth acidity and tannins, nice and dry. I’m not fond of the herbal notes but otherwise an ok wine. I would give it an 87-88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95VINTAGES#:904565

Bogle Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

The family-owned and -operated Bogle opened its doors in 1978, but the father-and-son team of Warren and Chris Bogle had begun growing grapes a decade before. In 2020, the grapes hung late into the season, reaching full ripeness without losing any of their balance. Plush dark fruit is beautifully partnered with baking spice, caramel and grippy tannins in this wine. Enjoy through 2026+.

More Details

  • Release Date April 15, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol13.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Bogle
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Riserva Chianti Classico 2018

Posted on April 18, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely varietal cherry and tomato notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely vibrant acidity, smooth dusty tannins and lovely dryness. I would give this a solid 88, from the LCBO web site, check stock.

$24.95VINTAGES#:643205

Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Riserva Chianti Classico 2018 - View Image 1

Product Details

Bright red-berry and stony-mineral character to this with a tinge of vanilla accompanying the fruit from start to finish. Medium- to full-bodied with still quite tight tannins and the same blend of vivid, creamy red berry through the finish. Nicely proportioned. Drink or hold [to 2030]. Score – 93. (jamessuckling.com, Aug. 9, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date April 15, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol13%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content3 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese
Share
Posted in Wine | Leave a comment

Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2021

Posted on April 7, 2023 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a earthy/woody nose along with some light red berries. On the mid palate the wine displays some bigger/bolder red fruits along with some chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine has some firm peppery, wood and earthy notes, along with bold acidity and nice tannins. This is most definitely a bigger pinot, watch what you serve it with. Nice and dry and the rustic notes coat the palate and tongue beautifully, especially without food. This is another pinot that punches well above it’s price point. Yumm … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$25.95 VINTAGES# :714451

Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Var is best known for red and rosé wines crafted from Grenache, Carignan and Cinsaut, but Burgundy’s Louis Latour certainly know their Pinot Noir and saw something special in the clay and limestone soils of this vineyard. Planted at 500 metres, the vines average 15 years old and produce elegant, finessed wines with concentrated black fruit and forest floor notes. Drink till 2026+.

More Details

  • Release Date March 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Provence, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
Share
Posted in Wine | Leave a comment

Terre Magre Merlot 2021

Posted on April 5, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine is a typical fruit forward merlot displays plummy notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays soft acidity and tannins, nice and dry. For things like white chicken meat, salmon or trout or the like this would go well, but being soft, be careful what you pair it with … I would give it an 87-88. From the LCBO web site, check stock.

$22.95VINTAGES#:29821

Terre Magre Merlot 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

A juicy and straightforward red with plum, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body. Drink now. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, July 4, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date March 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol14%
  • Made In Friuli, Italy
  • Sugar Content 7 g/L
  • Varietal Merlot
Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2020 Oak Bay pinot Noir

Posted on April 3, 2023 by John Galea

I’ve had a number of past vintages of this wine so when I saw it on the vintages release I pounced. Garnet in color with a nice mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely varietal vibrant red berries, strawberries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dried cherry notes along with some nice smooth tannins and acidity … nice and dry. This is a lovely pinot with some length and depth to it that punches way above it’s price point, an Okanaghan wine from BC. This wine IMHO should keep nicely for a couple years. I will get more and put them in the cellar yummy! I would give it an 88 or so … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95 VINTAGES #:267146

Oak Bay Pinot Noir 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

The 2020 vintage of this wine is the first to be fully certified organic. A wonderful value in Pinot Noir of this quality, it offers a complex range of spicy, brambly, bright berry notes along with an alluring aroma of forest floor. Pair with soy-glazed salmon or a warm mushroom salad.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date February 18, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.9%
  • Made In British Columbia, Canada
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2019 United Stars Mukuzani Dry Kakheti 

Posted on April 1, 2023 by John Galea

I had the pleasure of sitting next to a fellow who was born in Georgia (Eastern Europe not the US) at work, and he took the time to tell me a bit about his country and their steep history in wine. Well, I just had to go get one to try … Inky dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a bunch with deep black berries, coffee and oaky notes along with some chocolate … nice and dry! On the medium length finish the wine finishes big with firm bold tannins and lively acidity. This is a bigger wine, so be careful what you serve it with. I would give it an 88 or so, we paired it with a striploin and it went well! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

Product Details

The saperavi grape is indigenous to Georgia, and it is this country’s most planted red grape variety. Forward floral aromas of black and red berries with spicy, watermelon and leesy/bread notes. The wine is deeply coloured and extra dry, with lively acidity and a supportive tannic structure.

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Floral, Berry, Savory
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol13%
  • Made In Kakheti, Georgia
  • By United Stars
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Saperavi
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Attems Pinot Grigio 2021

Posted on March 30, 2023 by John Galea

I’ve overall been underwhelmed by Pinot Grigios, but some are quite good … so I always approach them with a bit of skepticism as to how good they are gonna be … I do however quite like wines from Friuli in Italy so decided to give this one a whirl. This one is pale straw in color with a nice citrus note on the nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely citrus, lime, and green apple notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice crisp dry minerality and lime … Nice and dry. This is not by any means the best Pino grigio I’ve ever had, but it is a good one. I would give it -88. I will go back and get more, very food friendly. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$20.95VINTAGES#:707950

Attems Pinot Grigio 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Lots of white pepper and crushed stone with some mineral undertones. Medium body. Bright acidity. Clean and crisp finish. Drink now. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, June 1, 2022)

More Details

  • Release DateDecember 17, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Friuli, Italy
  • By Attems
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Grigio
Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera d’Asti 2020

Posted on March 14, 2023 by John Galea

A friend of mine, Semion recommended this one … inky dark in color with a black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with vibrant/intense black cherry and dark chocolate notes … On the medium length finish the wine displays lots of oaky notes, the black cherries hang around nice, and there’s vibrant and firm tannins/acidity, super dry. WOW, this is a big bold wine that punches way above it’s price point, BUT be very careful what you serve it with or your not tasting anything but the wine. We served it with lasagne and it was a good match. If your looking for a smooth elegant wine, ya this isn’t that. Some breathing or aging would tone it down some. If you like your wines big and bold, this just maybe the ticket! I will go get more, for the price it’s a lovely distinctive unique wine, I would give it an 88 or so. Thanks Semion! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95VINTAGES#:517847

Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera d'Asti 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

This wine comes from a single vineyard planted with 25-year-old vines. After nearly a year in oak, the wine shows wonderful elegance and finesse along with notions of juicy cherry, cranberry, and baking spices. Pour with salumi or coq au vin alla Italiana (chicken braised in red wine and Italian tomatoes with Italian sausage and herbs).

More Details

  • Release Date January 7, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol13.5%
  • Made In Piedmont, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • VarietalBarbera
Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris de Cigare 2021

Posted on March 10, 2023 by John Galea

Very pale salmon in color with a mild citrus and light red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice soft red berry notes along with some nice tartness. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity, some strawberry notes and soft tannins, nice and crisp and dry. This is a lovely albeit softer rose. if your expecting say a Provence style wine it’s not that … I would give it an -88 … We paired it with air fried chicken legs and it was delightful. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95VINTAGES#:19526

Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris de Cigare 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Crisp aromas of melon, peach and rose petal are doused in an engaging tinge of fresh lime on the nose of this bottling. The palate is very approachable with ripe peach and melon flavors that aren’t shy. Ranked #54 in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buys of 2022. Score – 90. (Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast, Oct. 1, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol13%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Cavino Nemea Agiorgitiko 2020

Posted on March 9, 2023 by John Galea

Agiorgitiko’s are hearty Greek wines that are perfect with red meats like steak. Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely dark cherry notes along with some mocha and mild dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine’s lovely edgy tannins and firm acidity come through beautifully. If your looking for a smooth elegant wine, ya this isn’t that. If you want a distinctive, dry, edgy wine this may be right up your alley. If you have not had an Agiorgitiko before this is a good one to try. Some are even more sharp. I would give this a solid 88, which for the price is a great deal. I will go back and grab more … We paired it with a BBQ striploin and it was a perfect pair! From the LCBO web site, check stock …

$14.95VINTAGES#:588723

Cavino Nemea Agiorgitiko 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

Native to Nemea in the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece, Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted of all Greek red wine grapes. This 100% Agiorgitiko showcases ripe raspberry, juicy plum, lavender, and exotic spices in a sleek, velvety frame. Lightly chill, then pair with roast meats or gyros.

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol12.8%
  • Made In Peloponnese, Greece
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Agiorgitiko
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Lui Reserva Cabernet Franc 2020

Posted on March 1, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays vibrant black cherry notes to match the nose along with some nice dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm tannins and acidity along with some black pepper … nice and dry. This is definitely a firm cab franc, completely varietal and not a hint of greeness that can dog this varietal. If you like Cab Francs this is a good one for an excellent price. I would give it an 88 or so, and will go back and grab more! The LCBO refers to herbal notes, but I don’t get any herbal notes at all, which for me is a good thing. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$20.95VINTAGES#:28079

Lui Reserva Cabernet Franc 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

A cabernet franc with no complexes about showing its herbal side, this one also has red fruits and spicy tones. The palate has nerve, marked by the acidity and freshness it offers, supporting the fruit flavors and lending a sensation of tension in a franc that’s more Loire than Bordeaux, if you allow us the somewhat odious comparison. This comes from Los Sauces, a somewhat forgotten zone of the Uco Valley that’s very prone to frost and that Lui aims to recover with this juice of herbs and red fruits. Score – 93. (Patricio Tapia, guiadescorchados.cl, 2022)

Read More

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Mendoza, Argentina
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Franc
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

OTU Marlborough Pinot Noir 2020

Posted on February 27, 2023 by John Galea

Garnet in color with. a nice soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine is a juicy fruit forward pinot showing some nice strawberry and raspberry notes. On the lighter side of medium in length it displays nice soft tannins and acidity. This is a good pinot, especially for the price, Nice and dry, varietal and tasty. Definitely more of a drink now style of wine IMHO. I would give it a -88 or so From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$22.95VINTAGES#:25803

Product Details

Bright and pristine, the inviting bouquet shows Black Doris plum, sweet raspberry and floral aromas with a hint of spice. The palate delivers juicy fruit intensity beautifully supported by rounded texture and silky tannins, offering fabulous drinking. At its best: now to 2025. Score – 91. (Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz, March 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Sugar Content 2  g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2021

Posted on February 24, 2023 by John Galea

Pale salmon in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays lovely strawberry notes along with some citrus … On the medium length finish the wine displays some lovely vibrant acidity and minerality that stick nicely to the tongue, nice and dry! This is a beautiful, varietal, Provence Rose, food friendly and lovely. It’s on sale at the LCBO right now and should survive a little while. I would give it an 88+ yumm, I will go back and grab more, from the LCBO web site, check stock

$20.25Original Price$24.95 Save $4.70 VINTAGES#:19834

Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

The Château des Ferrages domaine is in Pourcieux, halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Saint-Maximin, where relatively cool temperatures make for bright, crisp wines such as this. Look for notions of strawberry, orange zest, peach and mineral and sip with white-bean burgers or grilled salmon.

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date September 24, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Provence, France
  • By Château des Charmes
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
Share
Posted in France, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment