Cost: $19.95 (Clearance: 17.75)
Grape Variety: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Ribera Del Duero
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Finca Villacreces
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Smooth, juicy, crisp and yummy

Positives: This wine features cedar, prunes, blackberry, mulberry, raspberry, leather, licorice sour cherry, espresso, thyme & mustard seed. Full body with medium+ tannins with good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: A little heat from the 14% alcohol

Interesting Note: Decant for an hour before serving

Drink now or in the next 7-10 years on its own or pair it with grilled Rosemary/Dijon crusted lamp chops.

Tasted: 1 March 2014

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10 (Clearance price 9.5+/10)

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

LCBO: 312140

Cost: $18.95 (Clearance price: $14.75)
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Awatere Valley, Marlborough
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vavasour
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Light garnet with some ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

One of the best Pinots for under $20, and can’t think of one that’s better at the clearance price

Positives: Not a complex wine but full of flavour. This wine features cherry, strawberry, raspberry, light cranberry, rubbed sage & lilac. Medium to light body and with light tannins, good acidity & fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with smoked oysters.

Tasted: 10 February 2014

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Clearance Price 10/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 326041

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: California
Region: Santa Barbara County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Jekel Vineyards
Alcohol: 14.1% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium light ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.

A simple fruit driven Pinot that is deserving at its price

Positives: This wine features a light smoky note, cranberry, cherry, rhubarb & strawberry. Medium body, mild tannins with good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.1% alcohol.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with tuna sashimi.

Tasted: 12 February 2014

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 27268