Category Archives: Best Buys

Recommended wines considering the price, usually under $25, where it’s from, the winery and the varietal.

VIENI BOLLICINE 2014, CHARMAT METHOD, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

01 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Riesling
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

High quality at a good price

Description: Light straw in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features light breaded yeast, green & red apples, pear, pink grapefruit, lemon rind, strawberry Medium body with good acidity and a very long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Creamy Lobster Bisque served with Arugula Salad and warm homemade Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia.

Tasted: 21 July 2017

Best Buys

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18.5/20

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

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

JACK RABBIT ROSÉ 2015, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Rosés

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Cost: $15.50
Grape: Cabernet Franc
Category: Rosé Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Hare Wine Co.
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sweetness without being overtly sweet

Description: Salmon in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cherry, nectarine, strawberry, a kiss of pink grapefruit and Jasmine on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This Cab Franc is only available to Founder Club members. A reason to join the Club.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Chicken with Herb Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce.

Tasted: 18 September 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Recommended

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

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

FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2015, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $18.95 (Clearance price: $15.20)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Flat Rock Cellars
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Ontario oaked Chards under $20 by a large part one of the best in the world & this one may just be lead the pack

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium+ nose. This wine features medium buttered toast, lemon tart, peach, pear, green apple, honeydew melon, pineapple, dill, ginger, oak spice, vanilla and Jasmine on the nose. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Ginger Garlic Baked Chicken.

Tasted: 26 Aug 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Clearance price: 9.5/10) Total: 18.5/20

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

LCBO: 286278

CASTELLANI CHIANTI RESERVA 2014, Docg Chianti, Tuscany, Itlay

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Chianti, Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Castellani
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex just a quality DOCG Chianti Reserva at a great price

Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium nose. This wine features sour cherry, pomegranates, leather, sage and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Tuscan Sausage Linguine with Zucchini, Chilies and Parmesan.

Tasted: 23 Aug 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Recommended

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9.5/10 Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 970707

CHEVALIER MONOPOLE BRUT ROSÉ NV, France

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $15.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Chevalier
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

I think this is one of the smoothest, full flavourful rosé sparkling that I’ve tasted, plus you can’t beat the price made in the traditional method

Description: Light cooper in colour with a medium to intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features light yeast, strawberry, rhubarb, nectarine, clementine, lemon/lime, Spy apple, Anjou pear and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Monopole on French sparkling/champagnes means that the grapes are exclusively owned by the winery and not purchased elsewhere and brought to the winery.

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Lobster Fettuccini with Creamy Spicy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce.

Tasted: 20 Aug 2017

Top Pick, Best Buy

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Score: 9+/10, Value: 10/10 Total: 19.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: 485920

VIÑA CHOCALAN CHARDONNAY 2016, Valle del Maipo, Chile

27 Thursday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $13.80 (Sale price until 10 Sept 2017: $11.80)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Chile
Region: Valle del Maipo
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Viña Chocalan
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A pleasant citric dominated Chard especially at the price

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, lemon, pineapple, green apples, pear, ginger, dill & Champagne mushrooms on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a good length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note:

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with Skillet Chicken With Garlic Herb Butter.

Tasted: 19 Aug 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Recommended

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

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

LCBO: 487280

VIENI MOMENTI ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE EXTRA DRY NV, Charmat Method, VQA Ontario, Canada

22 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: Blend
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, balanced, pleasant & all at a good price

Description: Pomegranate in colour with a light intense nose and a fine mousse. This wine features light yeast, cherry, strawberry and red currants. Medium body with good acidity and a good length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3 – 5 of years on its own or pair it with Duck Terrine with Cranberries and Pistachios.

Tasted: 30 July 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Recommended

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

VIENI ALLERIA RED 2012, VQA Ontario, Canada

22 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $13.95
Grape: 24.5% Cab Franc, 24.5% Cab Sauvignon, 23% Baco Noir, 20% Maréchal Fosch, 8% Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

An eclectic mix of classic & hybrid grapes that give you a nice experience

Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features smoked pine, strawberry, cherry, candy apple, and Champagne mushrooms. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a good length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Tried an open bottle that was 3 days old, and still very good.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Thyme and Spiced Rubbed Roast Beef.

Tasted: 21 July 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Recommended

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

VIENI BRIGANTI RESERVE 2014, VQA Ontario, Canada

21 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $18.95
Grape: Maréchal Fosch, Baco Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better wines to represent Canada’s true hybrid grapes

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, raspberry, cherry, blueberry, bramble fruit, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, Champagne mushrooms and smoked cherry tobacco on the nose. Medium+ body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Use the balloon style Pinot Noir glassware & slightly chill the wine.

Brigantia was the goddess of the largest Celtic tribe in the north of England – the Brigantii. They constantly challenged Roman rule, and armed conflict frequently erupted when the confines of Pax Romana became unbearable. This defiance of convention echoes through the ages and the name “brigand” still describes one who plays outside the rules.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Grilled Lamb Kebabs.

Tasted: 21 July 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18.5/20

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

CICLOS ICONO MALBEC MERLOT 2012, Calchaqies Valley, Salta, Argentina

20 Thursday Dec 2018

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $19.95 (Clearance price: $16.00)
Grape: 50% Malbec, 50% Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Argentina
Region: Calchaqies Valley, Salta
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Grupo Penaflor Sa
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth & delicious

Description: Dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, blackberry, mulberry, cassis, anise, roasted almonds, vanilla bean, black peppers and shitake mushrooms. Medium+ body with good acidity, long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: I have to admit, I bought this wine because I liked the label. Glad that it was a good wine.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years

Tasted: 9 October 2017

Best Buy

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance price: 9.5/10) Total: 18+/20

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

LCBO: 37895