Category Archives: Highly Recommended

DOMAINE CARNEROS AVANT-GARDE PINOT NOIR 2019, Carneros, California, United States of America

15 Sunday May 2022

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $36.95 (Clearance Price: $30.25)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Carneros, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Domain Carneros
Alcohol: 13.8 % Alcohol/Vol.

Consistently one of my favourite Pinots. Juicy, tart & delicious: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Light ruby with a garnet tinge in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, supple tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Bing cherries, pomegranate, strawberry, rhubarb, cinnamon, cloves, tobacco leaves & pickle beets.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Chill wine to approximately 15 C

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with roasted duck.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: May 14, 2022

LCBO: 11528

SHANNON RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019, California, United States of America

11 Wednesday May 2022

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Sangiovese
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Shannon Ridge Family of Wines
Alcohol: 13.9 % Alcohol/Vol.

A balanced Cab Sauv from Cali with moderate alcohol & great taste. Score: 91/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, firm tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, blackberry, mulberry, plum, crème de cassis, Allspice, black pepper, anise, turmeric, pencil shavings, vanilla & cedar.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Shannon Ridge won the 2021 Green Medal Environment Award for their efforts in creating sustainably farmed wines.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Porterhouse Steak

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: May 10, 2022

LCBO: 24097

DOMAIN GUILLOT-BROUX MÂCON-CRUZILLE 2019, AOC Mâcon-Cruzille, Burgundy, France

19 Tuesday Apr 2022

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $28.95
Grape: Gamay
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages Online Exclusive
Country: France
Region: Mâcon-Cruzille, Burgundy
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Domain Guillot-Broux
Alcohol: 13.0 % Alcohol/Vol.

This is what a very good gamay should taste like; balanced with complexity, juicy, crisp & gamey. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Light bright ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, green tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Sour cherry, pomegranate, redcurrants, strawberry, portobello mushrooms & peat moss on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Organic since 1991

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with seared Ahi tuna.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: April 18, 2022

LCBO: 24169

PEARMUND OLD VINE CHARDONNAY MERIWETHER VINEYARD 2018, Fauquier County, Virginia, United States of America

10 Sunday Apr 2022

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $29.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages Online Exclusive
Country: United States of America
Region: Fauquier County, Virginia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Pearmund Cellars
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Nice to see Virginian wines at the LCBO, especially such a delicious one like this one. This is like an aged Bourbon (minus the high alcohol) as it’s smooth, complex, balanced, tangy, citric, spicy & smoked. Score: 99/100.

Tasting Note: Medium bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, powdery tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Kumquat, lemon zest, green apples, pear, peach, grilled pineapple, hazelnut, nutmeg, dill, ginger, honeycomb, butter toast, vanilla & smoked fall leaves.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point:
• Meriwether Vineyard is the 1st East Coast vineyard nominated as Grand Cru Vineyard from the American Grand Cru Society, as well as Virginia’s oldest Chardonnay vineyard that was established in 1976.
• The Winery sells this chard for $34 (+tax) US, so it’s a great price for LCBO to sell.
• Don’t over chill this wine in order to bring out all the complexity of the Chard.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Turkey dinner

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: April 9, 2022

LCBO: 21833

IDI DI MARZO MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2019, DOC Abruzzo, Italy

09 Saturday Apr 2022

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $13.95
Grape: Montepulciano
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Villamagna, Abruzzo
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Federico de Cerchio Family Estates
Alcohol: 13.0 % Alcohol/Vol.

High score due to exceptional value, high quality, smooth, balanced, simply delicious & tasted the same after trying the wine on a variety of different glassware. Score: 97/100.

Tasting Note: Light to medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, fine grained tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry, ripe redcurrants, raspberry, roasted red peppers, licorice, cocoa, thyme, sage, Champagne mushrooms, tobacco leaves & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Sustainable wine & Vegan

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Eggplant Parmesan.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick, Amazing & Best Buy

Tasted: April 8, 2022

LCBO: 23862

CECCHI STORIA DI FAMIGLIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019, DOCG Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

07 Thursday Apr 2022

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Sangiovese
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cecchi
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex but delicious & smooth all at a great price. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Sour cherry, mulberry, pomegranate, thyme, arugula, cocoa powder & leather.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with wood oven pizza with Speck, arugula & a melody of baby tomatoes.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: April 6, 2022

LCBO: 540922

GRUET BRUT NV, Méthode Champenoise, New Mexico, United States of America

03 Sunday Apr 2022

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $26.95
Grape: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: New Mexico
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Gruet Winery
Alcohol: 12.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Finesse & elegance sparkling wine at half the price of more well-known Napa sparkling wines. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Brioche, sourdough bread, light yeast, lemon zest, green apples, pear, ginger & limestones.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: This is Gruet’s 2nd entry to LCBO. I reviewed their rosé earlier, & that was very good as well.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Homemade Oven Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: April 3, 2022

LCBO: 21172

LUNDY MANOR LUNDY RED 2016, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

24 Thursday Mar 2022

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $21.95
Grape: 67% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 13.5% Syrah, 3.5% Petit Verdot
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Lundy Manor Wine Cellars
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Best value Canadian red wine I’ve tasted to date. Beautifully made that has elegance, smooth, complexed & all at an amazing price. Score: 96/100.

Tasting Note: Light to medium garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, plum, blackberry, tamarind, raspberry, blueberry, Crème de cassis, baking spice, black & white peppers, cassis, Star Anise, dry figs, cocoa, vanilla & lavender on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Vinification Notes: the grapes were all 100% handpicked, then hard sorted, and fermented on their skins. A portion of the wine was placed on appassimento skins in a Ripasso style, then aged in a combination or French and American oak for a minimum of 18 months each.” LM Also I love the classic elegant wine label.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: March 21, 2022

LCBO: 21656

CHÂTEAU DE MANISSY LE MOULIN LE MOULIN DE NOTRE DAME TAVEL 2020, AOP Tavel, France

16 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Rosés

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Cost: $19.95 (Clearance Price: $14.00)
Grape: Grenache, Syrah, Clairette, Cinsault
Category: Rosé Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Tavel
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château de Manissy
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Beautifully made, balanced with juicy notes. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Bright deep salmon in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry, strawberry, raspberry, peach, pink grapefruit, persimmon & cinnamon.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Certified organic and biodynamic by Ecocert and Demeter respectively

Pairings: Drink this now or in 2-3 years on its own or pair it with BBQ sweet chili wings

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Amazing Buy at clearance price

Tasted: March 3, 2022

LCBO: 19573

PIERRE PAILLARD LA GRAND RÉOLTE BOUZY GRAND CRU EXTRA-BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2018, AOC Bouzy, Champagne, France

14 Monday Mar 2022

Posted by in Champagne, Highly Recommended, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $130.00
Grape: 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay
Category: Champagne Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Bouzy, Champagne
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Pierre Paillard
Alcohol: 12.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Beautiful, elegant, delicious & complexed. Score: 98/100.

Tasting Note: Old gold in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, an intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Brioche, sour dough, buttered toast, Anjou Pear, lemon, kumquat, Golden Delicious apples, yellow pitaya, honeycomb, chalk, limestone, vanilla, a hint of salt & plumeria on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: La Grande Récolte 2008 benefits from extended aging “sur lie”: 10 years in our 19th century cellars at a depth of 53 feet/16 meters and
at a constant 50°F/10°C temperature

Pairings: Drink this now or in 7-10 years on its own or pair it with Caviar served on fresh baked Blinis.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 12, 2022

LCBO: 22922