October 31st, 2009 Chuck Posted in Red Blend, USA 3 Comments »
| Everyone loves choices, with this wine you can choose to buy it in a: bottle, large format bottle, funny jug with a ring handle and even a box. America #$@% YEAH! |
| This wine conjures up memories of a previous review: Charles Shaw Merlot 2007 |
| Tip: price listed is for the 1.5L bottle, don’t buy what you can’t drink within 2 days. |
| Taste |
cherry, plum, vanilla |
| Smell |
vanilla, cherry, plum |
| Food |
cold cuts |
| Sweetness |
off dry |
| Price |
$13.45 |
| LCBO# |
00070813 |
| Score |
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October 10th, 2009 Sean Posted in Merlot, USA No Comments »
| Only in America? This merlot came to us for $1.99. Often called two-buck-chuck, this wine is mostly found at Trader Joe’s in the United States. One thing is certain, we have never encountered two-dollar wine in Canada…god bless America. |
| First thing is the colour, yeah thats right I spelled it with a “u”. Get over it. Great dark purple, with light edges. We were actually surprised as this wine is not offensive, easy drinking and generally “not bad”. Does that make it a California Cab? Hell no. But, if your having a group over or making large quantities of Sangria. |
| Tip: chill slightly |
| Taste |
cherry, strawberry, berry jam |
| Smell |
vanilla, strawberry, cherry cola |
| Food |
cheese nachos, cheddar, cold cuts |
| Sweetness |
off dry |
| Price |
$1.99 |
| LCBO# |
0 |
| Score |
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April 2nd, 2009 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel No Comments »
| When I tried their 2005 Cabernet I made a mental note to remember the name Liberty School. I’m glad I did. |
| Their label sums it up nicely: “fruit-driven, soft and approachable”. The tannins are present but not overpowering which lets the drinker enjoy it on it’s own or paired with food. |
| Tip: Released on Jan 17, 2009 |
| Taste |
dark ripe berry, warm spice, vanilla |
| Smell |
dark ripe berry, warm spice, cherry |
| Food |
beef, steak, sausage |
| Sweetness |
dry |
| Price |
$17.95 |
| LCBO# |
41095 |
| Score |
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November 16th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chardonnay, USA 1 Comment »
| I have found my house chardonnay. This vintage has layers of great flavours and aromas, it’s priced well and is readily available. |
| People who are weary of the heavily oaked, buttery and spiced chardonnays don’t have to tread lightly here, this bottle is nothing of the kind. Drink up. |
| Tip: balloon glass |
| Taste |
apple, citrus, mineral |
| Smell |
golden apple, lime, grapefruit |
| Food |
roast chicken, pork chops |
| Sweetness |
dry |
| Price |
$7.95 |
| LCBO# |
614271 |
| Score |
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November 1st, 2008 Chuck Posted in Shiraz, USA No Comments »
| Different name, different label, different light green bottle…different thoughts of what shiraz is supposed to be. That said I’m not surprised at what I got: a shiraz with no pop. A proper shiraz should have blackberry, pepper and leather notes to it. But they’re nowhere to be found in this vintage. |
| Take this for what it is: an easy, medium-light bodied summer sipper. If tasted blind, you’d guess merlot. |
| Tip: you’ll want to chill this shiraz more than a typical one. |
| Taste |
medium berry, cherry, raspberry |
| Smell |
medium berry, hint of oak |
| Food |
grilled vegetables, sandwiches |
| Sweetness |
off dry |
| Price |
$9.95 |
| LCBO# |
35113 |
| Score |
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August 12th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel No Comments »
| This best zinfandels come from California, so it’s no surprise that this Californian delivers. What is surprising is that Cline has done it’s customers such a favour by making this bottle so affordable. This is the second time Cline has released an overachiever at a great price, see their Syrah here. |
| This zin has a full mouthfeel, smooth tannins, lots of dark fruit and finishes with subtle spice and vanilla. Exactly what you should expect from a zinfandel. |
| Tip: grab a few bottles as this can be cellared for up to 4 years |
| Taste |
black cherry, spice, vanilla |
| Smell |
black cherry, raspberry, vanilla |
| Food |
pork ribs, pepperoni calzone |
| Sweetness |
dry |
| Price |
$12.90 |
| LCBO# |
489278 |
| Score |
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June 17th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, White Zinfandel 2 Comments »
| White Zin always gets the cold shoulder from critics even though it’s one of the top selling varietals in North America. Why? because it’s a rose, it’s light and it’s sweet. Those three reasons are also my guess as to why it appeals to so many wine buyers out there, they make it easy and fun to drink. |
| Although the composition is 84% Zinfandel, an interesting spectrum of grapes are used for flavouring and balance: 8% Muscat, 4% Barbera, 3% Syrah and 1% Grenache |
| Note: given an extra half star because it’s not as syrupy as some other white zins |
| Taste |
strawberry, light berry |
| Smell |
strawberry, floral, cranberry |
| Food |
ham |
| Sweetness |
medium sweet |
| Price |
$9.95 |
| LCBO# |
249656 |
| Score |
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May 1st, 2008 Chuck Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, USA 2 Comments »
| Here we have a nice California cab which the LCBO has dubbed as a ‘Vintages Essential’. Best of all, this bottle has an affordable price tag. |
| Overall this wine is a winner. It strikes a nice balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. The wine is quite dry, but works surprisingly well on it’s own. |
| Tip: saying it comes from ‘Paso Robles’ is catchy |
| Taste |
blackberry, dark cherry, spice |
| Smell |
ripe red fruit, cherry, vanilla |
| Food |
grilled, braised or roasted meats |
| Sweetness |
extra dry |
| Price |
$16.85 |
| LCBO# |
738823 |
| Score |
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March 17th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel 2 Comments »
| If your eyes are bugging you, see an ophthalmologist. If your tooth hurts, see a dentist. If you want a good benchmark zinfandel, try Rosenblum. |
| I think of zinfandel as the middle ground between cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with a zesty punch. Zinfandel is a terrific varietal, if only more people would be open to it, without a doubt it could (and should) be a staple in everyone’s home. Don’t forget that zin was the merlot of the 80’s, times and palates change and like fashion, it all happens in cycles. |
| Tip: tulip glass |
| Taste |
strawberry, raspberry, menthol |
| Smell |
strawberry, raspberry, vanilla |
| Food |
mediterranean, bbq |
| Sweetness |
dry |
| Price |
$17.80 |
| LCBO# |
284653 |
| Score |
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March 10th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Shiraz, USA 4 Comments »
| Coming from Sonoma, California this Syrah is an excellent value wine. The blueberry/blackberry is very forward but not overpowering of the spicy/peppery finish. The only critique I have with it is the slightly bitter finish which lessens as the wine breathes. |
By the way, incase you were wondering: Shiraz, Syrah, potatoe, potato.
But if you every find yourself in Australia or South Africa, say Shiraz. Otherwise, Syrah. |
| Tip: balloon glass |
| Taste |
blueberry, plum, leather |
| Smell |
blueberry, pepper |
| Food |
grilled meat |
| Sweetness |
dry |
| Price |
$12.85 |
| LCBO# |
733758 |
| Score |
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February 25th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, USA No Comments »
| E&J is a house-hold name in California wines, releases this medium body, slightly sweet cabernet sauvignon. I shouldn’t be bias here, but I’m not a fan of sweet cabs, however I wasn’t the only one at the table who wasn’t a fan. I could however see myself gulping down this red in the summer heat when I’m thirsty. |
| I did however get a surprise I truly wasn’t expecting with this mass produced wine, and that was sediment. At least it was strange to me, anyone else have this happen ? |
| Tip: balloon glass this wine and decant of yours has sediment too. |
| Taste |
strawberry, mixed berries |
| Smell |
berry, red liquorice, floral |
| Food |
medium cheeses |
| Sweetness |
medium sweet |
| Price |
$10.40 |
| LCBO# |
223552 |
| Score |
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