Category Archives: Best Buys

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

NUGAN ESTATE THIRD GENERATION CHARDONNAY 2013, South Eastern Australia

14 Friday Aug 2015

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3rd

Cost: $11.65 (On sale: $10.15 until 16 Aug 2015)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: South Eastern Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Nugan Estate
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

If this was $25 Chard, I would be disappointed, but this is under $12

Description: Deep straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features light oak, lemon, dusty spiced oak, green & yellow apples, ginger, hazel & pine nuts and poached peach. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: On a blind I would think this maybe a Fiano

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with seared chicken with caramelized onions and apples.

Tasted: 8 Aug 2015

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale: 9.5/10) Total: 18/20

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

LCBO: 400317

MAGNOTTA LIMITED EDITION PINOT NOIR 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

14 Friday Aug 2015

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

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Magnotta Pinot

Cost: $20.05
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Winery
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A juicy, funky & earthy styled Pinot. One of the best Canadian Pinot’s for $20 & under

Description: Medium minus garnet in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features a barnyard nose in addition to aromas and flavours of pine, violets, dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry, licorice, forest earth and smoked charcoal. Medium body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: I wasn’t impressed with this wine at the winery tasting, but figured that may be due to the small tasting glass and the wine being at room temperature. I figured right as in a proper glass and slightly chilled, this Pinot is beautiful.

Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Braised Venison with rosemary.

Tasted: 11 Aug 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

MAGNOTTA INTERNATIONAL SERIES CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY 2012, California, United States

02 Sunday Aug 2015

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l_calchard11

Cost: $9.15 (Sale $8.15 Until 3 Aug 2015)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Winery
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Wines
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Here’s an inexpensive California Chard that has substance, not oaked & with a beautiful nose

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features jasmine on the nose, grapefruit, pear, green apple and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with snapper ceviche.

Tasted: 1 Aug 2015

Best Buy

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

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

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE, AC Châlonnais and Mâconnais, France

27 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Sparkling Wine

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Louis

Cost: $19.95
Grape: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Gamay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Châlonnais, Mâconnais
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Louis Bouillot
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex yet elegant & easy drinking sparkling wine

Description: Light pink in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features light yeast, raspberry, strawberry, cherry and Macintosh apple. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Established winery making sparkling wine since 1877. Nice bottle to impress dinner quest.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Risotto with sun dried tomatoes and shaved parmesan.

Tasted: 26 July 2015

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 48793

CREEKSIDE ESTATE LAURA’S BLEND 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

25 Saturday Jul 2015

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wine_76781_web

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec & 1% Petit Verdot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Creekside Estates
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality Ontario wine for under $20

Description: Dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. A fairly complex wine featuring cedar, black & red currants, black raspberry, cloves, cinnamon, dried herbs, mint, cassis, smoked Montreal meat, black pepper, leather and tomato leaves. Medium body with dry tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This shows the world that Ontario red wines can be of good quality at a reasonable price.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Lamb Chops in Moroccan BBQ Sauce.

Tasted: 18 July 2015

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 117960

No. 99 WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATES CHARDONNAY 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

17 Friday Jul 2015

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Wayne Gretzky

Cost: $13.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wayne Gretzky
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

The right glassware is key to enjoying this wine

Description: Medium to light bright gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. Not a complex wine but what it does have is full flavour that features hints of lemon, Golden Delicious apples, pineapple and kiwi. Full body with average acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: I tried this wine in warm climate style Chard glass, and all though it had flavour it was flat, lacking acidity. In the cooler style glass the acid was better making this wine very pleasant, and why it’s a Best Buy.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with grilled calamari with tomato citrus salad.

Tasted: 16 July 2015

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: 63826

WENTE RIVA RANCH CHARDONNAY 2012, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California

04 Saturday Jul 2015

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Wente

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wente Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Every thing I love about a great Chard: Rich, creamy, balanced & full body, all the qualities you find in a wine double the price.

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features toasted buttered oak, Easter Lily, lemon tart, peach, pineapple, mango, toffee, crème brûlée, roasted marshmallows, cream corn and vanilla. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Although I quite like Wente’s entry level Chard; Morning Fog that I reviewed previously, for $4 more this wine exceeds expectations.

Thanks to my daughter Sarah as this was an early father’s day present from her.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Quail with brioche and chorizo stuffing.

Tasted: 13 June 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: 979344

FEUDO DI SANTA CROCE, PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2011, DOP Puglia, Italy

12 Friday Jun 2015

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

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Feudo-Celebration-Primitivo

Cost: $24.00 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Primitivo di Manduria
Category: Red Wine
Location The Tasting Room, Cayman Islands
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Tinazzi
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the best Primitivo’s I’ve tasted; rich, balanced & smooth, but not overripe

Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features light cedar, fresh cut carnations, violets, raisins, plums, blueberries, raspberries and cloves. Full body with soft tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Thanks to Mario from the Tasting Room for suggesting this wine.

Interesting Note:  This is a quality wine showcased in a heavy and beautifully labeled bottle, and could easily pass for a wine double in price.

Drink now or in the next year on its own or pair it with BBQ point cut smoked brisket.

Tasted: 11 June 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

THE NED SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011, Waihopai River, Marlborough, New Zealand

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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The_Ned_Sauvignon_Blanc_web

Cost: $19.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: New Zealand
Region: Waihopai River, Marlborough
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Marisco Vineyards
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A rich Sauv Blanc at a great price, truly delightful, this one can compete with the best

Description: Straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features lime, passionfruit, kiwi, pink grapefruit, gooseberry, peach, seaweed and honeydew melon. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Check out their winemaker’s web site; http://www.thened.co.nz

Drink now or in the next year on its own or pair it with seared pork loin in mint sauce.

Tasted: 11 June 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5+

CHARLES DE FÈRE CUVÉE JEAN-LOUIS BLANC DE BLANCS NV CHARMAT METHOD, France

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

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CF_CuveeJeanLouisBlancdeBlanc_Bottleshot_175_657

Cost: $18.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: 40% Chenin Blanc, 20% Ugni Blanc & 40% other
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: France
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Charles de Fère
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A sparkling wine made in a non AOC Charmat method that has similar styling to a vintage Champagne but at less than half it’s price; Impressive

Description: Deep straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose and fine mousse. This yeasty delight features toasted brioche, baked apples, white peach, apricot, lemon drops, Anjou pear, fennel and limestone. Medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Jerk Chicken Hash and Fried Eggs served with Callaloo, Breakfast Potatoes, Peppers and Onions.

Tasted: 10 June 2015

Best Buy

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

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