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
Product Details
A juicy and straightforward red with plum, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body. Drink now. Score – 90. (jamessuckling.com, July 4, 2022)
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
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.
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.
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
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)
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
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).
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
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)
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
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.
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
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)
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)
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
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.
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 26thVINTAGES#:82024
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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
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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