Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot & Cabernet Franc
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Rustenberg
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

A lot going on for a wine under $20

Positives: This complex wine features cedar, blackcurrants, plums, dark cherry, hickory, cocoa, eucalyptus, pepper, cassis, arugula, radicchio and licorice. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: A touch hot on the finish from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Rustenberg was founded in 1682, but South Africa is still labeled as New World. Decant for 30 min to an hour.

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with an aged T-bone steak.

Tasted: 26 March 2014

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 278390

Cost: $16.95
Grape Variety: 60% Garnacha, 30& Tempranillo, 10% Cariñena
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Cariñena
Format: 750 mL
Producer: San Josè de Aguaròn
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark purple to ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

A rustic wine that will please a discerning palate

Positives: This wine features sandalwood, sour cherry, pine needles, graphite, forest floor, dry herbs, coconut, black currants, leather, arugula, cocoa & allspice. Medium body with dry tannins, good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: A touch watery on the finish.

Interesting Point: I prefer the 2006 vintage that is $2 cheaper. See my review 9 July 2013.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with arugula & prosciutto pizza.

Tasted: 24 February 2014

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 82024

Cost: $19.95 (Clearance: 17.75)
Grape Variety: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Ribera Del Duero
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Finca Villacreces
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Smooth, juicy, crisp and yummy

Positives: This wine features cedar, prunes, blackberry, mulberry, raspberry, leather, licorice sour cherry, espresso, thyme & mustard seed. Full body with medium+ tannins with good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: A little heat from the 14% alcohol

Interesting Note: Decant for an hour before serving

Drink now or in the next 7-10 years on its own or pair it with grilled Rosemary/Dijon crusted lamp chops.

Tasted: 1 March 2014

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 312140