Mirassou Pinot Noir 2010

January 9th, 2012 Chuck Posted in Pinot Noir, USA No Comments »

A soft, fruit forward, easy drinking (very) California pinot noir
Pickup a few bottles, it makes a great house pinot
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste strawberry, vanilla, raspberry
Smell cherry, plum, vanilla
Food salmon, risotto
Sweetness off dry
Price $12.95
LCBO# 185249
Score 5




The Beach House Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2010

November 5th, 2011 Chuck Posted in South Africa, White Blend No Comments »

Most people aren’t fans of either Sauvignon Blanc or Semillon, this wine won’t change their minds.
Made from 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon in South Africa (Cape Coastal Region)
Tip: chill well
At a Glance
Taste gooseberry, lemongrass, bitter citrus
Smell green apple, gooseberry, lemongrass
Food sushi, crab, shrimp
Sweetness off dry
Price $9.95
LCBO# 122390
Score 2.5




Hardys Bankside Shiraz 2009

October 11th, 2011 Chuck Posted in Australia, Shiraz No Comments »

A great Aussie shiraz for the price, I can recommend buying a couple for the rack.
Works as a nice benchmark shiraz for beginners and intermediate wine lovers.
Tip: Stock up on a few
At a Glance
Taste dark currant, medium berry, warm spice
Smell raspberry, leather, dark chocolate
Food red meat, bbq, ribs
Sweetness dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 436022
Score 4.5




Huff Estates Rosé 2007

September 10th, 2011 Chuck Posted in Canada, Rosé No Comments »

It’s true, not all pink wines are sweet and syrup like. Here’s a dry to off dry rose that has a serious side to it.
Seems to only be available via the winery
Tip: Serve well chilled
At a Glance
Taste cranberry, grapefruit, grass
Smell grapefruit, herbaceous, lychee
Food appetizers, salmon
Sweetness off dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 0
Score 3




Open Riesling-Gewürztraminer 2010

August 3rd, 2011 Chuck Posted in Canada, Gewürztraminer, Riesling No Comments »

This VQA fuses two great varietals and the outcome is a success in my books since characteristics from both grapes are allowed to shine through. The palette is crisp all around with a slightly sweet yet tart citrus finish.
This bottle was well received by 3 of 3 white wine drinkers at the table.
Tip: Serve well chilled
At a Glance
Taste pear, tropical fruit, floral
Smell pear, citrus, lychee
Food thai, salad
Sweetness medium sweet
Price $11.95
LCBO# 134965
Score 4




Château Poitevin 2003

June 21st, 2011 Chuck Posted in Bordeaux, France No Comments »

The second saddest part about cellaring is that when you finally decide to reach for one and it’s great, you can’t get any more. Unless you bought a case to begin with.
Release Date: Sometime in 2007
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste spicy fruit, blueberry, leather
Smell dark fruit, spice, leather
Food ribs
Sweetness extra dry
Price $12.95
LCBO# 0
Score 4




Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

April 19th, 2011 Chuck Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, USA No Comments »

This vintages release is a great way to drink some full bodied, fruit forward California Cab at a great price.

I will be picking up a few more bottles on my next trip.
Release Date: March 19, 2011
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste blackberry, blueberry, leather
Smell blackberry, blueberry, cinnamon
Food pasta, pizza
Sweetness dry
Price $15.95
LCBO# 684399
Score 4.5




Farnese Negroamaro 2009

February 4th, 2011 Chuck Posted in Italy, Negroamaro No Comments »

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Farnese is the best at what they do, and what they do is produce good, consistent, Italian IGT wines at more than affordable prices, vintage after vintage.

Their Sangiovese has been my house wine for over 2 years, this Negroamaro will have some constant shelf space as well.

If I could change anything, I would add a little more structure / edge - but then again, I’d get a Sangiovese clone.
To sum up: easy drinking, fruit forward, very little oak, high alcohol at 13.5% but you don’t taste it whatsoever. Nice tannins felt along the gumline on the finish.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste black cherry, blueberry, herbaceous
Smell black cherry, blueberry, vanilla
Food pizza, hard cheese
Sweetness dry
Price $8.00
LCBO# 143735
Score 4




Pelee Island Gewürztraminer 2009

January 31st, 2011 Chuck Posted in Canada, Gewürztraminer 1 Comment »

If you’re looking for a sweeter white wine with loads of honey and pear notes, look no further. Serve this nice and cold but take it easy, as the easy drinking nature hides it’s 12.5% alcohol content very well!
This is the non-VQA version, do I mind? nope. Watch for the hint of spice on the finish.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste sweet fruit, honey, pear
Smell pear, honeydew, honey
Food apertif, chinese, stir fry
Sweetness medium sweet
Price $10.95
LCBO# 135970
Score 4.5




Colio Lake and River Series Cabernet Franc 2008

January 11th, 2011 Chuck Posted in Cabernet Franc, Canada No Comments »

Franc is harder to find than it should be, this bottle is medium light, food friendly and fruit forward - a good intro to theis varietal.
Made from 100% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol Content: 12.2%
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste strawberry, raspberry, herbaceous
Smell raspberry, strawberry, pepper
Food pizza, burger
Sweetness dry
Price $10.95
LCBO# 183079
Score 3.5




Fetzer Pinot Grigio 2009

December 22nd, 2010 Chuck Posted in Pinot Grigio, USA No Comments »

Unfortunately nothing great to report on this 2009 white, I had some high hopes based on the 2007 vintage but 2009’s did not show as well.
Slightly bitter on the finish
Tip: serve chilled
At a Glance
Taste lime, melon, bitter apple
Smell melon, lime, floral
Food tapas
Sweetness off dry
Price $12.45
LCBO# 34041
Score 2.5




Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc 2009

December 16th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Sauvignon Blanc, USA 1 Comment »

Being very dry and heavy on the alcohol, this white may not appeal to everyone.
A friend told me their Pinot Grigio is very nice, review to come.
90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier
Tip: serve well chilled
At a Glance
Taste grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry
Smell melon, grass, floral
Food herbed tilapia fillet
Sweetness extra dry
Price $11.95
LCBO# 34033
Score 3




Henry of Pelham - Sibling Rivalry White 2009

November 19th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Canada, White Blend No Comments »

This bottle would be a perfect one to open amongst white lovers with different palates. The blend of Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer is well balanced and anything but bland.
Special thanks to Daniel Speck for the tasting and history of the brand.
Tip: serve chilled
At a Glance
Taste lime, citrus, apple
Smell citrus, peach, floral
Food mango chicken salad
Sweetness medium sweet
Price $13.95
LCBO# 126144
Score 4




Southbrook Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2006

November 1st, 2010 Chuck Posted in Canada, Red Blend No Comments »

I think this should be the typical three grapes for a meritage. An excellent blend for the price.
The shiraz shines well in this dry, mid-full bodied vintage.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste raspberry, black pepper, mocha
Smell red berry, earth, pepper
Food bbq ribs
Sweetness extra dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 45609
Score 4.5




Spinelli Malbec 2008

October 28th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Italy, Malbec No Comments »

Glad to announce Spinelli remains one of the LCBO’s great bargains. If you aren’t a big malbec fan (personally I’m not after all the misses I’ve had with them) give this a shot because it’s not in the traditional style. Much more fruit forward and jammy, almost like a Merlot-Cab-Malbec mix.
This bottle scored extra points because of the price and wide usage as a bottle to open any day of the week or bring over to dinner at a friend’s place.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste blackberry, plum, jam
Smell dark berry, coffee, cigar
Food mexican
Sweetness dry
Price $7.95
LCBO# 143750
Score 3.5




Folonari Valpolicella 2009

September 27th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Italy, Valpolicella 1 Comment »

Even though there isn’t a lot going on in the glass, it’s not a bad choice at all for casual bbq food. Not sure if this is really LCBO #828 or what I have listed below, the price difference is 4 more dollars.
This valpolicella is a blend of 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste cherry, oak
Smell cherry, oak, raspberry
Food pizza, burgers
Sweetness dry
Price $8.00
LCBO# 6254
Score 3.5




KWV Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

September 4th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa No Comments »

Well there isn’t a huge story behind this bottle but it is a good easy drinking wine for a weekday evening.
Put this bottle in the fridge for 20 minutes before opening
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste cherry, cedar, cigar
Smell cedar, cherry, plum
Food grilled red meats, medium cheeses
Sweetness dry
Price $10.00
LCBO# 22004
Score 3.5




Ogio Pinot Grigio 2009

August 20th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Italy, Pinot Grigio No Comments »

Here’s a white that when served cold is very crisp and acidic. The major flavours and aromas are definitely lemon and citrus.

Serve well chilled
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste lemon, citrus
Smell pear, citrus, lemon
Food fish, pesto chicken
Sweetness off dry
Price $8.85
LCBO# 86199
Score 3




Ironstone Vineyards Merlot 2007

July 30th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Merlot, USA No Comments »

This merlot drinks much like a California cab. It has a full mouthfeel and is very well balanced.

Ironstone continues to be a great value for under $20
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste cherry, plum
Smell cola, black cherry, pomegranate
Food steak, pork, veal
Sweetness extra dry
Price $16.95
LCBO# 704353
Score 4.5




Naked Grape White Zinfandel Pinot Noir

July 8th, 2010 Chuck Posted in USA, White Zinfandel No Comments »

Friend of the site Vesna has deemed this white zin to be the best of the best. Take her word over mine on this varietal. Although the tasting notes are by yours truly, because c’mon…they don’t give websites to just anybody ;)

Overall this is a great summer sipper to be placed in the ice bucket among the beers, but only if there are ladies around so you can explain to passers by that it belongs to them.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste white grape, strawberry, kiwi
Smell strawberry, white grape, syrup
Food apertif, salads
Sweetness medium sweet
Price $9.95
LCBO# 0
Score 4




Cotnari Tămâioasă Românească 2007

June 13th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Romania, Tamaioasa No Comments »

We don’t review many sweet wines here but I’m glad this bottle came along. Not only is it a delicious dessert wine, it also hit two milestones for the site: The first Romanian wine and the first bottle from the Tămâioasă Românească varietal.

I’d like to send a big thank you to Angelica for the bottle, it was enjoyed at Sunday lunch with the family.
Tip: serve well chilled
At a Glance
Taste honey, white rasins, ginger
Smell honey, citrus, floral
Food dessert wine, pork
Sweetness extra sweet
Price $14.95
LCBO# 143123
Score 4.5




French Cross Vineyard Blush

May 10th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Canada, White Zinfandel No Comments »

A light-bodied wine with sweet strawberry notes all around.

As always with blush wines, chill well
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste white grape, strawberry, peach
Smell pixie sticks, peach syrup, kiwi
Food ham, sandwiches
Sweetness sweet
Price $7.95
LCBO# 459925
Score 3




Voga Pinot Grigio

March 21st, 2010 Sean Posted in Italy, Pinot Grigio 6 Comments »

We eat with our eyes, and shop with them too. A lot of fuss has been made online about the shape of this bottle. Well the bottle is cute, and reminds me of VOSS Water from Norway, which if you like trends than this is right up your alley. However, I’m more interested in what is in the bottle, as you should be too. I had major issues with this wine, so much so that I had to pickup a second bottle and recruit two regular wine drinkers (thanks Dana & Lauren) to provide a second opinion.
Seeing as the bottle is very non-traditional, I was surprised to find a stopper in it. This was just the beginning of what was becoming an awkward experience. The next item at issue was the smell. Pinot Grigio is known for a subtle, slightly floral or citrus leaf scent. The key to that last sentence was the word ’subtle’. I was greeted by an aggressive burnt wood scent, which seemed to be competing with Lemon Pledge. My volunteer tasters both noted the strange aroma, and were somewhat baffled by it. Finally we tasted. The first sip was, shall we say…unpleasant. But, this is where things begun to change. The second and third sips improved to the point where the wine became enjoyable. To describe the first sip, we settled on comparing it to the aftertaste of eating a sour candy, which to some isn’t always a bad thing.

We are careful when we encounter a wine that doesn’t live up to our expectations, especially those receiving a lot of media attention, but this just isn’t a winner in our books. Especially for the price.

Your thoughts and comments on this wine are much appreciated!
Tip: chill well
At a Glance
Taste green apple, lemon, citric acid
Smell burnt wood, chemical
Food seafood
Sweetness off dry
Price $13.50
LCBO# 669226
Score 1.5
Voga Pinot Grigio




Fazi Battaglia Sangiovese 2007

February 17th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Italy, Sangiovese No Comments »

Yes, another bottle that proves that Italian wine always goes with Italian food. It’s a good sangiovese at a good price, worth a try any day.

Warning: This bottle is so Italian you may be inclined to make your own tomato sauce.

Tip: Serve slightly chilled
At a Glance
Taste plum, sour cherry, light oak
Smell pomegranate, sour cherry, light oak
Food italian
Sweetness dry
Price $10.95
LCBO# 326306
Score 3.5




Pelee Island Merlot Reserve 2008

January 17th, 2010 Chuck Posted in Canada, Merlot No Comments »

Well this VQA is alright to drink but it’s not giving me a whole lot to write about…It’s a middle of the road, classic Ontario red - a pretty safe bet for any red meat.

Grapes: 85% Merlot, 15% Zweigelt. Do I know what Zweigelt is? I do not.

Tip: Serve slightly chilled
At a Glance
Taste dark berry, oak, vanilla
Smell black cherry, dark berry, light oak
Food grilled red meat
Sweetness dry
Price $12.95
LCBO# 612622
Score 3




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