Cost:  $21.95
Grape Variety: Zinfandel
Category:  Red Wine
Appellation:  LCBO Vintages
Country:  United States
Region: Mendocino County
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Jackson Estates
Alcohol: 14.5%

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

Positives: This easy drinking Zin features light oak, raspberry, dried figs, dates, raisins, plums, chocolate and a hint of leather. Medium+ body, medium tannins, good acidity and the high alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: The 14.5% alcohol.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with BBQ ribs.

Interesting Things: This is a great wine to bring to gatherings or to have as your second bottle for the night. This won’t disappoint.

Tasted: 26 July 12

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 4+

LCBO #: 967679

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO Vintages
Country: Argentina
Region: Medoza
Format: 750 mL bottle
Producer: La Agricola
Alcohol: 14.0 %
Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: What a nice wine this is featuring cedar, incense, blackberry, sandalwood, dark cherry, cherry liquorice, hickory, sage & rosemary. Medium body & tannins, good acidity, fairly long length & alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: Zuccardi has done a nice job taking the Spanish Tempranillo & transplanting it to Argentina.

Drink now on its own or pair it with rack of lamb.

Tasted: 8 June 12

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 973503

Cost: $20.95
Grape Variety: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Vinos De Los Herederos Del
Alcohol: 14.0 %
Description: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Cedar, sandalwood, plums, dry cherry, a touch of vanilla bean, leather, cinnamon, all spice, red peppers & raspberry. Medium to full body with medium+ tannins, good acidy & long length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Points: The Marqués De Riscal Reserva has been on the LCBO general list as long as I can remember & always consistent in taste, which is very good. Best part is the LCBO usually has this wine on sale periodically throughout the year.

Drink now or over the next 5 years on its own or pair it with grilled lamb chops.

Tasted: 25 June 12

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 32656

Cost: $17.95
Grape Variety: Carmenere
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Chile
Region: Elqui Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vina Mayu Limitada
Alcohol: 15.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby with a medium+ intense nose.

Positives: I’m not usually a Carmenere fan because a lot out there is boring. Well this is anything but featuring cedar, bramble fruit pie, tobacco, dried fig, mesquite, spiced apple, peppers (red, black & white), truffles, plums & ripe tamarind. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: There’s heat coming from the 15% alcohol.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own as a meal or pair it with venison.

Tasted: 16 June 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO:# 90035

Cost: $13.65
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Penfolds Wines Pty. Ltd.
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Classic Cab notes while being restraint from going to jammy in a lot of inexpensive Australian Cabs & the alcohol being under 14%. Wine shows cedar, cassis, blackberry, cloves, leather, turmeric, pencil shavings, ripe tamarind & a touch of eucalyptus. Medium to full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: GET IT WHILE IT’S AVAILABLE. Now that I got your attention, LCBO has this wine on sale for $13.65.

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with T-Bone steak.

Tasted: 30 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 45625