Cost: $32.90
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location Bought: LCBO VINTAGES
Country: USA
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Diva California
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

Positives: An elegant wine featuring cedar, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, green & black peppercorn, turmeric, graphite, cranberry & suede. Medium to medium+ body with medium tannins & acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives. Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: Pretty bottle.

Drink now on its own or pair it with tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 22 Dec 12

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 261727

Cost: $34.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: LCBO VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vine Cliff Winery
Alcohol: 14.6 %
Description: Golden in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

Positives: The 2007 is showing nicely with rich creamy buttery texture. Medium toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, crème brûlée, pineapple, lemon meringue pie, nutmeg, marshmallow, limestone & a hint of sarsaparilla on the finish. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: There is some heat coming from the 14.6% alcohol. Chill it a little more than usual.

Interesting Point: Use the larger Chard glasses.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with lobster and drawn butter.

Tasted: 21 Dec 12

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18+/20

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

LCBO#: 198903

Cost: $34.95
Grape Variety: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: LCBO VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Foster’S Wine Estates Americas
Alcohol: 14.1 %
Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: A nice Viognier that reminds me more of the Argentine Torrontes. This wine features peach, nectarine, tangerine peel, lemon, grapefruit, limestone and a touch of rosemary. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 3 years, on its own or pair it with deviled eggs.

Tasted: 10 Dec 12

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

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

LCBO#: 597369

Cost: $22.95
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: Cayman Islands, Jacques Scott
Country: USA
Region: Sonoma County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ferrari Carano Winery
Alcohol: 13.8 %
Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: A nice easy and well balanced Sauv featuring light oak with gooseberry, hay, guava, passion fruit, limestone, lots of pineapple and a silky finish. Medium  to medium minus in body with good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with lemon pepper catfish.

Tasted 2 Dec 12

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

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

Cost: $24.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Bought: LCBO VINTAGES
Country: USA
Region: Russian River Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Constellation Wines U S
Alcohol: 13.8 %
Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Medium toasted oak with buttered popcorn, lemon, peach, green apple, grapefruit, pear, cinnamon, butterscotch & limestone. Medium+ body with good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: A touch too sour in the mid palate.

Interesting Point: Calcaire means limestone or chalk and describes the soil that the grapes come from.

Drink now or over the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with lobster & drawn butter.

Tasted 24 Nov 12

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

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

LCBO#: 421941