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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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 31stVINTAGES#: 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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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+.
Dark in color with a dark berry nose. On the mid palate the wine display some nice vibrant black cherry notes to match the nose. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some soft tannins and acidity. This is very much a fruit forward, drink now style of wine. Perfect for hamburgers or pizza, but be careful what you serve it with, it’s easily overwhelmed. I would give it an 87-88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:
$21.95 VINTAGES#: 30891
Product Details
Beautifully vivid blackcurrants and raspberries with crushed stone and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely fresh fruit with rose petals. Drink or hold. Score – 94. (jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2022)
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)
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