Cost: $18.95 (Sale Price until March 26, 2017: $15.95)
Grape: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States
Region: Mattawa, Washington
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Charles Smith Wines
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Teeters on the sweeter side, yet still pleasant

Description: Medium+ ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose and some cloudiness. This wine features light cedar, dark cherry, plum, Christmas cake, nutmeg and pumpkin spice on the nice. Medium body with mild tannin, good acidity and an average length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 2-3 years on its own or pair it with Parmesan Veal Burgers.

Tasted: 6 March 2017

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8+/10 (Sale Price: 8.5/10), Total: 16.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO: 394742

Cost: $23.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Red Hill Estate
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A pleasant drinking, old-world style Pinot

Description: Light ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features pine, pomegranate, maraschino cherry, cranberry, Shitake mushroom and peat moss on the nose. Medium body and tannin with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some acetone on the finish

Interesting Note: Chill to 15 C and use the balloon style glassware.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with roasted red pepper beef stew.

Tasted: 25 January 2017

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

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

LCBO: 58073

Cost: $25.95 (Sale price: $22.95 until 1 Jan 2017)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Rodney Strong Winery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, new world style Pinot

Description: Light ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, dark cherry, plum, raspberry, beets, sweet cranberries, mushrooms and smoked peat moss on the nose. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Note: Use the balloon style glassware and chill it to 15C

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Creamy Beet Risotto with Pecorino.

Tasted: 17 December 2016

Best Buy at the sale price

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Sale price: 9/10) Total: 17.5/20

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

LCBO: 954834

Cost: $59.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wagner Family of Wines
Alcohol: 14.8% Alcohol/Vol.

Not for the faint of heart Pinot lovers as this wine leans towards Port

Description: Opaque ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features pine, blueberry pie, bramble fruit, dark cherry, plum, figs, cinnamon and cloves on the nose. Full body with mild tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.8% alcohol.

Interesting Note: Use the balloon style glassware and chill it to 15C

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Grilled Rack of Lamb.

Tasted: 25 December 2016

Score: 9/10, Value: 8/10 Total: 17/20

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

LCBO: 212076