Category Archives: Best Buys

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

IN SITU SIGNATURE WINES HILLSIDE BLEND 2012, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

24 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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In Situ

Cost: $19.95 (Clearance: $14.05)
Grape: 55% Syrah, %40 Mourvedre, %5 Viognier
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Aconcagua Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: In Situ Wines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, juicy sweet fruit with some heat

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, raspberry, thyme, pepper, mint, chocolate, dates and lavender on the nose. Medium+ body with smooth tannin, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: The front labels on In Situ wines always contain interesting facts.

Drink now or in the next 3 years.  Great on its own, but one of the most perfect pairings with a good Syrah is a simple Beef Stew, seasoned with herbes de Provence, anise seeds and pepper.

Tasted: 22 March 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 431098

BADDAGINNIE RUN VERDELHO 2014, Victoria, Australia

20 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines

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baddaginnie-run-verdelho-nv-510x510

Cost: $18.00
Grape: Verdelho
Category: White Wine
Location American Airlines
Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Seven Sisters Vineyard
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Interesting, unique & delightful. Love the nose

Description: Yellow gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features smoked pine nuts, honeysuckle, lemon, pear, pink grapefruit, kiwi, gooseberry and limestone. Medium+ body with crisp acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Verdelho is native to Portugal but now exquisitely grown in Victoria, Australia where the climate and soil suit the grape.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Angel Hair Pasta in a light lemon sauce with Pancetta, Pine Nuts and Chicken.

Tasted: 8 March 2016

Best Buy

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

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

 

 

BERINGER CHARDONNAY 2014, Napa Valley, California, United States

20 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Beringer

Cost: $22.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Beringer Vineyards
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Rich, buttery, moderately oaky & well balanced Napa Chard at a good price

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features medium toasted oak, lemon, Spy apples, green apple, clementine, pineapple, peaches & cream corn, peach, dill, ginger, oak spice, nutmeg and Jasmine on the nose. Full body with good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: The 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Better balanced and higher quality than the 2013 vintage, which is reviewed on my site.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Seared Scallops with Linguini in a Herb Wine Sauce.

Tasted: 7 March 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 84988

MAGNOTTA LIMITED EDITION PINOT NOIR 2014, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

20 Sunday Mar 2016

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

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Magnotta Pinot

Cost: $20.15 (Sale until 29 Feb 2016: $16.15)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location Magnotta Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Winery
Alcohol: 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.

A modern style Pinot that balances sweet & tartness to make this a juicy & well received

Description: Medium light garnet in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine cedar, sweet cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, licorice, truffles, an undertone of earth and violets on the nose. Medium+ body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Less funky than their 2011 vintage, reviewed by me last year, and I believe this will find a wider audience. Remember to lightly chill it.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Sage Pork Chops with Cherry Balsamic Glaze.

26 February 2016

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale Price: 9.5/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

CHÂTEAU LA COURANÇONNE SEGURET ROSÉ “La Fiole du Chevalier d’Elbène”2014, AOC Côtes du Rhône, France

16 Wednesday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, Rosés, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Seguret

Cost: $24.40 US ($20 CI)
Grape: 50% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Category: Rosé Wine
Location The Tasting Room, Cayman Islands
Country: France
Region: Côtes du Rhône
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château La Courançonne
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, smooth, juicy & delicious

Description: Red snapper in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features watermelon, pink grapefruit, strawberry, raspberry, tangerine and cherry blossom on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Thanks to Mario from The Tasting Room www.caymanboutique.com for suggesting this wine

Interesting Note: This vintage is superior to the 2012 vintage reviewed by me in 2014.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto & basil roll

Tasted: 15 March 2016

Best Buy & Top Pick

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18.5/20

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

DIEMERSFONTEIN PINOTAGE 2014, Wellington, South Africa

15 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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Pinotage

Cost: $30 US ($18.95 at LCBO)
Grape: Pinotage
Category: Red Wine
Location The Tasting Room, Cayman Islands
Country: South Africa
Region: Wellington
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic smoky intense Pinotage that’s quite delicious

Description: Medium bright ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features oak, tiramisu, buttered dark toast, mocha, Christmas cake, sticky toffee, cigar box, strawberry jam, tar and sizzled bacon. Medium+ body and tannin with good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Thanks to Mario from The Tasting Room www.caymanboutique.com for suggesting this wine and a delightful afternoon of wine tasting.

Interesting Note: Wine is made from hand-picked grapes.

Ideally suited to drink this wine on its own over the next 3 years.

Tasted: 14 March 2016

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

Best Buy

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 956409 (As of this review the 2014 vintage is not yet available at the LCBO)

ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA 2014, DOC San Benedetto del Tornto, Marche, Italy

10 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Lugana

Cost: $16.95
Grape: Trebbiano di Lugana
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Zenato
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Crisp, clean, refreshing with layers of flavours

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features honeysuckle, apricot, Asian pear, grapefruit, green apple, peach pit, limestone and a touch almond. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This could easily pass for a Viognier. Don’t over chill as it will loose it’s underneath layers.

Thanks to Maria from LCBO for recommending this wine to me.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Trout with Garlic Lemon Butter Herb Sauce.

Tasted: 21 February 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 707158

CONO SUR SINGLE VINEYARD BLOCK 21 PINOT NOIR 2013, DO San Antonio Valley, Chile

05 Saturday Mar 2016

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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Cono Sur Pinot

Cost: $18.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: San Antonio Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cono Sur Winery
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Well this is a pleasant surprise!  Easy drinking yet full of flavour

Description: Ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features smoked oak, rhubarb, cranberry, dark cherry, raspberry pie, strawberry, cured meat and violets with smoked amber on the nose. Medium+ body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Good balance of sweetness without the typical cloying jammy notes. Nice label. Remember to lightly chill and use the balloon style glassware.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with tuna tartare.

Tasted: 5 March 2016

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 419010

13th STREET CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUT NV, Methode Traditionnelle, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

21 Sunday Feb 2016

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Sparkling Wine, Winery Review Series

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13th

Cost: $24.95 (Sale until 28 Feb 2016: $22.95)
Grape: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A rustic rosé sparkling wine that has underlying charm.

Description: Rustic brick red in colour with a medium intense nose. This sparkling wine features light yeast, strawberry, McIntosh apples, truffles and forest greens. Medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Originally tasted in 2014, and this batch is better.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Mushroom and Prosciutto, Asparagus and Brie Tartines.

Tasted: 14 February 2016 (Happy Valentines Day)

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 147504

MAGNOTTA INTERNATIONAL SERIES PINOTAGE 2011, SOUTH AFRICA

13 Saturday Feb 2016

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

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Pinotage

Cost: $9.70(Sale until 29 Feb 2016: $8.10)
Grape: Pinotage
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Vineyards
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Impressive wine, reminds me of on open fire on the beach

Description: Deep ruby to garnet in colour with an intense nose. This wine features heavy smoked notes, blackberry, blackcurrant, dark cherry, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorn, white & red peppers, coffee, cigar box and tobacco leaves. Medium+ body with low tannins tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Use same glass ware as Pinot Noir

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Spicy Smoked Chorizo Sausage Casserole.

Tasted: 10 February 2016

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale price: 10/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4