Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: St.Supery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Although the nose is somewhat muted in scent but the taste surely is not. The mouth explodes with blueberry, plum, raspberry, cassis, cedar, black cherry, dark chocolate & cinnamon. Medium+ body with young tannins, good acidy & long length.

Negatives: A little heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Thing: I was able to get this at the LCBO on sale for $13.35, which would give it a 10/10 on the value scale.

Decant and drink on its own today or pair it with prime rib. I believe this wine will get better in 2 years.

Tasted: 3 Apr 12

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO#: 398214

Cost: $17.95
Grape Variety: Pinot noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Hawke’s Bay
Format: 750 mL bottle
Producer: Sileni Estates
Alcohol: 12.0 %
Description: Light ruby in colour with medium minus intensity on the nose.

Positives: This is a light easy drinking Pinot. The nose is predominantly barnyard but the taste features notes of cherry, rhubarb, cranberry, strawberry & light earthy notes. Light body with low tannins, good acidity, alcohol is on the lower side & a long length.

Negatives: None.

Drink now on its own or pair it with smoked salmon filet.

Taste: 18 March 12

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19/20.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 694901

Cost: $15.95 ($13.95 until 1 Apr 12)
Grape Variety: Shiraz
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: Southeastern Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Rosemount Estate Pty
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Deep dark ruby to purple in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Not your typical jammy notes that you would find in a lot of Australian Shiraz at this price. Notes of cedar, plum, nectarines, blackberry, white & black pepper, blackcurrants, tamarind, mocha & some fried bacon. Medium to medium+ in body with medium tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: There’s some heat here, which tells me that the true alcohol maybe more than 13.5%.

Interesting Points: Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz is consistently good, and you can find it on sale a couple of times a year.

Drink now or in the next 2-3 years on its own or pair it with prime rib.

Tasted: 17 Mar 12

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+, Value: 9.5 (10/10 on sale), Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 302349

Cost: $10.90
Grape Variety: Malbec
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Argentina
Region: San Juan
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Salentein Family Of Wines
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Medium minus ruby with a touch of purple in colour and a medium to medium+ intensity in the nose.

Positives: This is a lighter style of Malbec. Notes of cedar, blackberry, plums, mulberry, raspberry, fried peameal, tobacco leaves, anise, cassis, spinach leaves & a touch of spice. Medium body with medium+ tannins, good acidity, medium+ length & the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: Touch too green.

Interesting Points:

• A somewhat complex wine that is difficult to find at this price.
• This has a screw cap
• I like the classic label, looks more expensive than it really is.

Drink now or over the next 2-3 years. Pair it with veal sandwich or drink on its own.

Tasted: 16 Mar 12

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 160978