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)

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

Cost: $19.95
Grape: 61% Shiraz, 20% Cab Sauvignon, 7% Grenache, 4% Mouvèdre, 4% Viognier, 4% Cinsault
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ernie Els Wines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Big Easy is a big entry wine for Ernie Els wines

Description: Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features mild oak, sour cherry, raspberry, mulberry, cranberry, eucalyptus, white pepper, smoky bacon and Thai basil. Full body with dusty tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Paprika Roasted Leg of Lamb.

Tasted: 27 January 2016

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: 220038

Cost: $16.95 (Sale until 31 Jan 2016: $14.95)
Grape: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Navarra
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Gran Feudo of Chivite
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A nicely aged reserva at a good price

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features sandalwood, plum, cherry, blackberry, thyme, pumpkin spice, espresso, tobacco leaves and leather. Medium body with dusty tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Slightly watery

Interesting Note: Like the fact that it’s only 13% alcohol. This wine presents better in the Tempranillo style glassware vs the larger Cab glassware

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Spicy Chorizo Paella.

Tasted: 28 January 2016

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: 479014