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
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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
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2016 Monasterio de las Viñas Gran Reserva

Posted on February 21, 2023 by John Galea

I have to admit, I’ve had a mental block about Garnacha, which by the way is the Spanish name for Grenache, I’ve always thought I didn’t like it, so been reluctant to try it. As always, don’t let what you know get in the way of what you don’t … So when my buddy Greg gave me one of these I had to confront my block … Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some soft black cherry, chocolate and noticeable smokey and wood notes, along with firm tannins and acidity. The fruit on this one is subdued, and overwhelmed by the oaking and aging. I can’t say I hated the wine, but I liked it a whole lot more than I thought I would. Maybe 2016 wasn’t a good year, I’m not sure. I would give the wine an 87-88. We paired it with a BBQ striploin steak and it went well. On the label it says it’s a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carignan and cabernet sauvignon. This wine is a vintages essential and on sale right now for $2 off. To my tastes this is a drink now so if you buy some, don’t buy a lot IMHO. From the LCBO web site, check stock

$18.95Original Price$20.95 Save $2.00Sale Ends: February 26th VINTAGES#:82024

Monasterio de las Viñas Gran Reserva - View Image 1

Product Details

Aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle before release, this dark, dense blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carignan conveys a powerful sense of elegance and style. Try it with steak.

  • Vintages EssentialsVintages Essentials

Taste Profile

  • FlavoursFloral, Smoky, Berry
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Cariñena, Spain
  • By Monasterio de Las Vinas
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Grenache Blend
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Château Pipeau Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2019

Posted on February 16, 2023 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice black fruit nose. On the mid palate the wine is spot on with loads of black fruits, black cherries, dark chocolate and some nice mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dusty tannins, firm acidity and lovely dryness. This wine was perfect out of the bottle, no further aging, or decanting is necessary and to my tastes, this is an ejoy now. It may keep for a while longer but to my tastes won’t improve, it’s yummy. I would give it an 88+. Of course a wine of this caliber doesn;t come cheap, but if your looking for something for a special event, this is not a bad choice at all. In our case, it was valentines, paired with a beautiful filet mignon and it went perfectly. This is an LCBO essential so commonly available. I couldn’t find the exact blend other than Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$44.95 VINTAGES#: 302018

Château Pipeau Saint-Émilion Grand Cru - View Image 1

Product Details

Lauded by the international wine press, this is a decadent and surprisingly affordable Grand Cru from Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux’s crown jewels. Chocolate, smoky, prune and long with a spicy finish. Try with slow-cooked roast beef or lamb shanks. A great cellar-starter.

  • Vintages EssentialsVintages Essentials

Taste Profile

  • FlavoursChocolate, Smoky, Prune
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2021
  • Alcohol/Vol14%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Château Pipeau
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Blend – Meritage
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Château Les Tourelles 2021

Posted on February 15, 2023 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice smooth citrus, lime notes along with some noticeable floral overtones. On the medium length finish the wine displays some lively acidity and minerality. It’s nice and dry … If you like your sauv blancs edgy, ya this isn’t that, it’s more of a elegant style sauv blanc, which lately, I’ve been enjoying more. This one has 20% semillon which accounts for the floral notes and softens the sauv blanc, not to mention giving the wine a slightly thicker less watery texture. I would give it an -88, a nice example of a white Bordeaux for a great price. I consider this more of a drink more style of wine but it ought to easily keep for a year and maybe even 2. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$15.95VINTAGES#:28717

Château Les Tourelles 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Crafted by the Darriet family, who have been making wine for hundreds of years, this wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grown in chalk and clay. It was forged in steel tanks where it spent eight months on the lees. Look for lively grapefruit and acacia notes with good fruit intensity and a subtle mineral tone. Pour with crudités, salads or seafood.

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol12%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon
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Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2020

Posted on February 10, 2023 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color with a nice mild citrus nose. On the mid palate the wine delivers with lovely lime and citrus notes … On the medium length finish the wine shows lovely firm crisp minerality, and acidity that stick beautifully to the tongue … super dry. This is not a wine for wimpy food, or your only tasting the wine. I really enjoyed this, the Verdicchio grape is another of my favs from Italy! Yum, 88 or so. From the LCBO web site check stock:

$19.95VINTAGES#:268169

Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

Lemon and black-lime aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a little almond-peel-like, phenolic tension towards the end. Clean, crisp and delicious verdicchio. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Score – 91. (jamessuckling.com, Oct. 4, 2021)

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date February 4, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Marche, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Verdicchio
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Château Larroque 2018

Posted on February 4, 2023 by John Galea

I last reviewed the 2010 vintage of this wine and enjoyed it. Dark in color with a nice black berry nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch, matching the nose, with loads of black berries, dark chocolate notes, and cherries. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm dusty tannins, and vibrant acidity, oh and nice and dry! This wine punches well above it’s price point I would give it a solid 88 and a definite yumm! This will easily keep a couple years so don’t be afraid to grab more and cellar it for a bit … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$15.95VINTAGES#:92536

Château Larroque 2018 - View Image 1

Product Details

Black-fruit, cassis, tar, walnut-husk and raw-cocoa aromas. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins. Chewy layers of dark fruit and wood spice. Try from 2022. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, March 3, 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date August 13, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol13%
  • Made In Bordeaux, France
  • By Château Larroque
  • Sugar Content3 g/L
  • Varietal Bordeaux Red
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Château Bellevue La Forêt 2020

Posted on January 26, 2023 by John Galea

This is a grape that is new to me, Negrette described as a rustic grape from the South of France, so I decided to give it a while … Dak in color with a mild cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays candied dark cherry notes, leaning more towards black fruits. On the lighter side of medium in length the wine displays some mild black licorice, dark chocolate and coffee undertones along with milder acidity/tannins. The dark fruits to my tastes leaned almost a bit towards a malbec in flavor. I can’t say I loved this wine, but I’m also hard pressed to say I hated it. I can say, I won’t rush back for more. I’d say 87-88. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$15.95VINTAGES#:354134

Product Details

Nice pure red fruit on the nose framed with chocolate and coffee undertones. Intense, structured, and fairly serious. Lingering finish. Score – 90. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date January 7, 2023
  • Alcohol/Vol14.5%
  • Made In Southwest, France
  • By Château Bellevue La Forêt
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Negrette Blend
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Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2019

Posted on January 18, 2023 by John Galea

Ruby in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice firm dark cherries along with some dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays firm tomato notes as well as dusty tannins and vibrant acidity where the dark berry notes linger. This is more of an edgy Chianti than a fruit forward one. Be sure and pair it with something with some oomph 😉 I would give it an -88 or so. It should also keep well and would benefit from some aging or breathing to soften it out a bit. I bought 4, it’s not good enough to go get more, but not bad enough to return them either. I’ll just be patient and let it sit for a while. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$17.25Original Price$21.95 Save $4.70VINTAGES#:222810

Rocca di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

Rocca di Castagnoli’s 2019 Chianti Classico is supple, racy and wonderfully inviting. Succulent red cherry, tobacco, mint, dried flowers and licorice are some of the many aromas and flavors that open in the glass. Silky and pliant, with terrific depth, the [2019] has a lot to recommend it. This is very nicely done. Drinking window: 2024-2039. Score – 92. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Sept. 2021)

  • OrganicOrganic

More Details

  • Release Date September 10, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese Blend
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Invivo X, SJP Sud de France Rosé 2021

Posted on January 6, 2023 by John Galea

Ok, I have to admit, I avoid celebrity wines. I’m not convinced the celebrity brings anything to the table. I bought this one with no research walking through the LCBO and didn’t even notice this was associated with Sarah Jessica Parker. So with skepticism I opened it … Nice salmon in color with a mild soft red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice ripe strawberry notes along with some nice vibrant citrus acidity. On the medium length finish the wine is nice and dry as the residual sugar number would imply, and the crisp minerality lingers nicely in the mouth. In spite of this being an SJP wine, I enjoyed it. I would give it an 88 or so, pretty much spot on what I like in a Rose, Yum. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95VINTAGES#:21585

Invivo X, SJP Sud de France Rosé 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

From actor Sarah Jessica Parker this [is] another entry in the celebrity-rich field of rose from the south of France. It is pale pastel pink. The nose is soft saffron, rosewater, strawberry and grapefruit. It is medium weight, smooth, dry and slightly bitter. The length is very good. Tasted June 2022. [Drink till 2023.] Score – 89. (David Lawrason, winealign.com)

More Details

  • Release Date December 3, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé – Dry
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La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2021

Posted on December 30, 2022 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays nice crisp dry citrus notes, lemon and grass. On the medium length finish the vibrant acidity, nice minerality and stone fruits stick nicely to the tongue. This is a lovely crisp dry food friendly wine, yum, grab more, but this is more of a drink now style! I would give it an 88 or so … A friend Greg gave me this one! Thanks Greg! From the LCBO web site, check stock.

$16.95VINTAGES#:627067

La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

A fresh and crisp vermentino with aromas of sliced pears, golden apples, lemons and sea shells. Medium-bodied, with a simple yet pleasing core of crunchy stone fruit. Drink now. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, Sept. 6, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Dat eDecember 3, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12%
  • Made In Sardinia, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Vermentino
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Ventisquero Grey Glacier Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Posted on December 24, 2022 by John Galea

On behalf of Canadian Wine Guy and I, we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a safe New Years eve! Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with rich vibrant black cherries along with some dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays lively acidity, some peppery notes, and smooth tannins … nice and dry. Not a hint of off-putting herbacious notes, just a clean well made cab. I would give this an 88 or so … Yum, for the price, I’ll go back and grab more. From the LCBO web site, Check stock

$19.95VINTAGES#:485474

Ventisquero Grey Glacier Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

Notes of blackberries, blueberries, roses and herbs. It’s medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Fruity, creamy and slightly tannic at the finish. Drink from 2022. Score – 92. (jamessuckling.com, June 3, 2021)

More Details

  • Release Date December 17, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol14.4%
  • Made In Maipo Valley, Chile
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content2 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
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Graffetta Nero d’Avola 2019

Posted on December 17, 2022 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice bold rich black cherries to match the nose along with some mocha, vanilla and oak notes. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice firm acidity, peppery spice and tannins, nice and dry. This is a bigger wine, but not overly edgy. I would give this an 88 or so. Yum, for the price … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$18.95LCBO#:25590

Graffetta Nero d'Avola 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

This wine is sourced from mostly volcanic soil and has deftly accomplished ripe red fruit, berry and spice notes. Try it with roast meats or medium-aged cheeses. [Drink now till 2024+.] [Luca Maroni did not provide a tasting note.] Score: 93 points. (lucamaroni.com)

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • By Graffetta
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Nero d’Avola
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Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2018

Posted on December 13, 2022 by John Galea

This one was recommended by a colleague … dark in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some ripe cherry notes, On the medium length finish, which is where this wine lives, there’s some strong dry tannins and vibrant acidity. On the medium length finish the firm acidity and dry tannins linger in the mouth. This is a bigger Chianti Classico so be careful what you serve it with, perfect for Pizza or spaghetti. I would give it an 87-88. Some breathing or aging may help it ease a bit too … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95VINTAGES#:16448

Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2018 - View Image 1

Product Details

90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino, 5% Canaiolo. Intense soft cherry and black cherry nose with cedar notes and complex mineral nuances. Ripe tannins supported by a lively acidity. Score – 92. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2021)

More Details

  • Release DateSeptember 10, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 14%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese
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Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Chianti Classico 2018

Posted on December 9, 2022 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice a nice red cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely vibrant cherry notes along with some nice tomato hints. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice pepper, solid acidity and dry palate coating tannins. This is lovely varietal Chianti Classico, I would give it an 88+, yumm. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$18.95VINTAGES#:421388

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

Product Details

A juicy, fruity red with blackberry, walnut and coffee-bean character. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and creamy tannins. It’s long and flavorful. Drink or hold [through 2024+]. Score – 93. (jamessuckling.com, Oct. 27, 2020)

More Details

  • Release Date November 19, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol14%
  • Made In Tuscany, Italy
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 4 g/L
  • Varietal Sangiovese
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Monte Zovo Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé 2021

Posted on December 7, 2022 by John Galea

Salmon in color with a nice soft red berry nose … On the mid palate the wine displays some nice tart acidity, and cranberry notes. On the medium length finish the zesty acidity clings to the mouth and lingers nicely. This is a tasty wine, and consistent with other Bardolino’s I’ve had. They are a great deal for the price. We paired it with air fried chicken legs and it cut through the fat nicely, and was a nice pairing. I would give it an 88 or so which for the price is a bargoon! Yummy. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$14.95VINTAGES#:409763

Monte Zovo Bardolino Chiaretto Rosé 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Made from the local varieties Corvina (60%), Corvinone and Rondinella, this rosé delivers apricot, red plum and sour cherry. Racy acidity lends tart-and-tangy suggestions of grapefruit and white cranberry on the finish. A lovely wine at a friendly price. Pair with grilled tuna or mixed veggies.

More Details

  • Release Date September 10, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol12.5%
  • Made In Veneto, Italy
  • Sugar Content7 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Tawse Growers Blend Cabernet Franc 2019

Posted on December 3, 2022 by John Galea

When you want to splurge a bit and get a spot on varietal example of what Niagara can do you can’t go wrong with Tawse Growers blends, both the Pinot and Cab Franc are yummy … Dark in color with a lovely cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine delivers with beautiful rich black cherries, some dark chocolate and mocha notes. On the medium length finish the wine packs a punch with firm tannins, vibrant acidity and lots of peppery notes. The flavors coat the palate beautifully and linger, a perfect steak wine! Yumm … I would give it an 88+, but if your looking for a smooth soft elegant wine, ya this SO ISN’T that … Big and bold! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$29.95VINTAGES#:284570

Tawse Growers Blend Cabernet Franc 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

Each Niagara vintage lends predication and predisposed possibility to any number of grape varieties and for Tawse it is 2019 that really speaks to cabernet franc. Not exactly in a top, top fruit quality, get ambitious and be generous with wood kind of year. More like a transparent, solid fruit substance and let the varietal ability speak in clear vernacular, is what it is, honest and pure. That’s the case with Grower’s Blend 2019, a franc of great clarity and modesty. From growth through upbringing and towards a long, transparent and highly cognizant life. Those who know will appreciate the herbaceous, crisp and crunchy flavours of this handsome wine. Drink date: 2021-2025. Tasted November 2021. Score – 92. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)

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  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date September 10, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Tawse
  • Sugar Content 3 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Franc
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Kew Vineyards Rosé 2020

Posted on December 2, 2022 by John Galea

Pale salmon in color with a nice crisp minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine is nice and crisp and dry with soft red berries coming through, ripe strawberries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely vibrant acidity and the red berries follow through … This is a lovely, right up my alley Rosé. Really nice, I would give it an 88 or so and yumm! I’ll probably go back and grab some more! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$19.95VINTAGES#:27362

Kew Vineyards Rosé 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

This is the third vintage of this rosé made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It was fermented and aged in stainless steel, preserving all the delicate fruit aromas and flavours as well as ensuring freshness and lift. It has an undeniable charm and elegance, with peach, cherry and tropical flavours. A great sipping wine that will be excellent with grilled chicken or veggie kebabs.

  • VQA WinesVQA Wines
  • Made In OntarioMade In Ontario

More Details

  • Release Date July 16, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.7%
  • Made In Ontario, Canada
  • By Kew Vineyards
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Terra d’Aligi Tatone Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017

Posted on November 29, 2022 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some VIBRANT black fruits and dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine’s velvety tannins stick nicely to the tongue along with some nice lively acidity … nice and dry, just how I like em! This would pair well with pizza or spaghetti. I would give it an 88 or so, which for the price is a bargain! Yum … From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$16.95VINTAGES#:994616

Terra d'Aligi Tatone Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2017 - View Image 1

Product Details

[Vintages note] Fermented in stainless steel and matured two years in Slavonian oak, this wine was awarded 94 points on lucamaroni.com (May 15, 2020). It offers suggestions of cured meat and pressed violets along with black cherry, vanilla and mint. Savour with salumi, or pasta dishes with a classic ragù all’Abruzzese (slow-cooked tomatoes, lamb, beef and pork).

More Details

  • Release Date October 22, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13%
  • Made In Abruzzo,
  • By Terra d’Aligi
  • Sugar Content 6 g/L
  • Varietal Montepulciano
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2018 Rodney Strong Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Posted on November 27, 2022 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a bold red cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine packs a punch with bold vibrant cherries, and rustic notes and long with some dark chocolate. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant pepper notes, and strong acidity where the rustic notes live on … super dry. This is a BIG BOLD varietal pinot. It will easily keep a while, if you could wait, where I suspect it would soften and mature nicely. Right now I would give it a solid 88, albeit an edgy wine. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$29.95VINTAGES#:954834

Rodney Strong Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir - View Image 1

Product Details

Russian River Valley is among the world’s finest areas outside of Burgundy for growing Pinot Noir. This wine is intense, with lifted black cherry, toast, vanilla and nutty flavours. Pair with thick grilled pork chops, rotisserie chicken or grilled tuna steaks.

  • Vintages EssentialsVintages Essentials

Taste Profile

  • Flavours Floral, Cherry, Toast
  • Sweetness
  • Body
  • Flavour Intensity
  • Tannins

More Details

  • Release Date April 1, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.9%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Rodney Strong
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Posted on November 25, 2022 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice black cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice vibrant red cherries to match the nose along with some bold peppery/spicy notes and some mild mocha. On the medium length finish the wine displays some vibrant acidity and mild velvety tannins. There’s some noticeable hot alcohol notes in the mouth. This wine might be a bit young. At the original price of $31.95 it’s not a great deal in my mind, but with the sale price of 25.85 it’s not bad, although I would have to say, I won’t rush to grab more. On the positive side, there are no herbal or minty notes that I really dislike in cabs. I would give it maybe an -88 or so … from the LCBO web site, check stock:

$25.85: Original Price$31.95 Save $6.10

VINTAGES#:39388

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - View Image 1

Product Details

This is a quintessential Napa Valley Cab. It’s filled with the intense cassis for which the region is so noted, along with rich chocolate, toast, vanilla, and oak spice. A wine for grilled burgers or steak, it will evolve for another 3-5 years.

More Details

  • Release Date August 13, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 13.5%
  • Made In California, United States
  • By Franciscan
  • Sugar Content 6 g/L
  • Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
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Curatolo Arini Grillo 2019

Posted on November 23, 2022 by John Galea

Pale straw in color with a nice minerally nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some tangy green notes, maybe lime/lemon … On the medium length finish the wine displays beautiful racy acidity, crisp minerality and nice dryness. This is a lovely crisp wine that can hold it’s own. If your looking for a patio summer sipper that’s light fruity and easy drinking … ya this ISN’T that 😉 Beautiful vibrant fruit. We don’t get a lot of Grillos here, so when I see them, I grab em. I really enjoyed it, but this is definitely a drink now kind of wine. I would give it a solid 88, yumm, which for the price is a bargooooon! From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$14.95VINTAGES#:23915

Curatolo Arini Grillo 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

This crisp, tangy white has enticing aromas of sea breeze, citrus and white stone fruit. On the savory palate, bright acidity accompanies white peach, juicy grapefruit and pineapple before finishing on hints of saline and white pepper. Best Buy. Score – 90. (Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2020)

More Details

  • Release Date August 13, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol 12.5%
  • Made In Sicily, Italy
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Graciano
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Mirabeau X Rosé 2021

Posted on November 19, 2022 by John Galea

Nothing quite beats a Provence Rose and this is no exception. Pale salmon in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some solid crisp dry cranberry notes with vibrant acidity and minerality. On the medium length finish the wine displays lovely citrus notes, and acidity that stick to the tongue. I quite enjoyed this. I would give it an 88 or so, not the cheapest rose out there, but yum. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$21.95VINTAGES#:25792

Mirabeau X Rosé 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

A blend of 60% Syrah with 20% apiece of Grenache and Cinsault, this vegan-friendly pink wine is grown at high altitudes in clay and limestone. Look for vibrant strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate notes with a zesty ribbon of acidity running through. Pair with bacon-wrapped scallops.[The Berliner Wein Trophy did not include a tasting note.] Score – Gold. (Berliner Wein Trophy, 2022)

More Details

  • Release Date October 8, 2022
  • Alcohol/Vol12.4%
  • Made In Provence, France
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Rosé
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Domaine Tariquet Classic Blanc 2021

Posted on November 16, 2022 by John Galea

This wine is an interesting blend of a number of grapes I’ve not heard of before so I was curious … Pale straw in color with a mild nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some vibrant acidity, strong citrus notes and the like, the exact flavors were hard to pin down, likely unfamiliar to me. On the medium length finish the zesty citrus acidity and minerality cling to the palate nicely … This is definitely an interesting wine, with quite a bite to it. We paired it with pan fried pickerel and honestly, it kind of overwhelmed the food, so be careful what you serve it with. It’s also affected by temperature, cooler and it will be softer. I would give it a -88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$14.95LCBO#:175240

Domaine Tariquet Classic Blanc 2021 - View Image 1

Product Details

Colombard (35 %), Ugni Blanc (45 %), Sauvignon Blanc (10 %), Gros Manseng (10%). Brilliant light yellow with pale green tints. Fresh, aromatic nose of white fruits and citrus with subtle herbal touches. Lively, tangy palate, mirroring the nose and developing delicate sourness through to the finish. Drink with oysters. Score – Gold. (gilbertgaillard.com, 2022)

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol10.5%
  • Made In Southwest, France
  • By Vintages Front Line Release
  • Sugar Content 5 g/L
  • Varietal Ugni Blanc/Colombard
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Christopher Michael Northwest Winemakers Pinot Noir 2019

Posted on November 11, 2022 by John Galea

Garnet in color with a mild red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some nice vibrant red fruits, strawberry and the like along with some rustic notes. On the medium length finish the rustic notes live on nicely in the mouth along with some nice acidity and tannins. This is a lovely varietal, inexpensive pinot! I would give it an 88 or so. From the LCBO web site, check stock:

$20.95LCBO#:25111

Christopher Michael Northwest Winemakers Pinot Noir 2019 - View Image 1

Product Details

A ripe, soft wine with an earthy undertone, notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry, cherry and currant, and some dried-orange character. Try it with grilled salmon or grilled duck breast.

More Details

  • Alcohol/Vol13.5%
  • Made In Oregon, United States
  • Sugar Content 2 g/L
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
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