Category Archives: Highly Recommended

LA GRANGE DES COMBES 2018, AC Saint-Chinian Roquebrun, Languedoc, France

06 Sunday Jun 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $20.95
Grape: 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Saint-Chinian Roquebrun, Languedoc
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cave de Roquebrun
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A delicious combination of red fruits, spiciness & earthiness. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Bing cherry, strawberries, raspberries, dried herbs, mocha, portobello mushrooms, & white pepper

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Reminds me of Vaqueyras

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Herb Duck Breast

My Opinion: Top Pick & Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: June 5, 2021

LCBO: 155804

LOUIS M. MARTINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018, Sonoma County, California, United States of America

03 Thursday Jun 2021

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $24.95 (Sale price until June 2021: $21.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Sonoma County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Louis M Martini
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality Cali Cab wine under $25 that’s smooth with lots of nice black & red fruits. Nice to see this vintage below 14.5% alcohol. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, blackcurrants, blackberries, plum, tamarind, raspberry, mocha, Crème de Cassis turmeric, vanilla, leather & purple lilacs on the nose.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Beef Wellington.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: June 1, 2021

LCBO: 292151

MICHAEL DAVID CHARDONNAY 2019, Lodi, California, United States of America

19 Wednesday May 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $26.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Lodi, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Michael David Winery
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

The stainless-steel fermentation gives this wine a crisp start with tropical fruits, which is followed by the more mellow soft & creamy notes from the oak aging. Truly a top Chard. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Light bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium-low intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, green apples, pear, peach, pineapples, honeydew melon, ginger, oak spice & vanilla.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: The Phillips family have been farming this soil since the 1860’s and cultivating wine grapes since the early 20th century. The founders, brothers Michael and David Phillips, are 5th generation grape growers who have raised their families in the vineyard, and now the 6th generation has joined the team, Mike’s son Kevin and daughter Melissa. They understand the importance of leaving it better than you found it for future generations. Their family legacy and love of Lodi drive their focus on sustainability.

I bought this wine based on 2 things: 1) The bottle, just love the unique shape & the beveled engraved winery logo, 2) Under 14.5% alcohol.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with snow crab legs & drawn butter.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: May 18, 2021

LCBO: 396283

FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER 2016, IG Alentejano, Portugal

02 Sunday May 2021

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $13.95
Grape: Trincadeira, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Portugal
Region: Alentejano
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnum Vinhos Wines
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

An undervalued wine, which is great for the consumer, as you get lots of red fruit with spiciness. Score: 92/100

Tasting Note: Opaque in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate, mulberry, white & black peppers, Allspice, licorice & fennel on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: This wine is Vegan friendly & 100% fermented in stainless steel.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with BBQ Alabama Beef Ribs.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Amazing Buy, Best Buy

Tasted: May 1, 2021

LCBO: 427195

WENTE RIVA RANCH VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2018, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, United States of America

30 Friday Apr 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $27.95 (Clearance price: $22.40)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wente Vineyards
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A rare sighting for a full body, rich, complex Cali Chard that’s delicious & yet having under 14% alcohol. Score: 96/100

Tasting Note: Bright deep gold in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, peach, pineapple, mango, pear, honeydew melon, ginger, dill, roasted almonds, oak spice, vanilla & Easter Lily on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Use the larger Chard style stemware & don’t over chill this wine in order to bring out all the flavours it has to offer.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 6-8 years on its own or pair it with Chilean Sea Bass

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: April 29, 2021

LCBO: 979344

ABBOTTS & DELAUNEY LES FRUITS SAUVAGES CHARDONNAY 2019, Pay DOC, France

21 Wednesday Apr 2021

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, White Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $15.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Cévennes, Limoux Aude Valley, Hérault
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Abbott Delaunay
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Found my new inexpensive easy drinking Chard. This wine should please those that are anti-oak to those that like rich bold wines. This wine has freshness with a slight buttery finish. Score: 92/100

Tasting Note: Light gold in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, green apples, pear, peach, clementine, honeydew melon, dill, ginger, light oak spice & Gardenia on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “The grapes from Cévennes bring freshness, those from Limoux’s Aude Valley introduce aromatic fruit tones to the bouquet, and those grown in Hérault add richness. Partially fermented in oak with the rest in stainless steel.” LCBO. This wine taste just as good as in a Chablis style stemware as well as the larger Chards that are big & rich.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Chicken & Pears

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: April 20, 2021

LCBO: 18371

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY BALANCE MUSCAT 2019, VQA Ontario, Canada

09 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines, Winery Review Series

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $16.95
Grape: Muscat
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol:  10.0% Alcohol/Vol.

An easy drinking, delicious off dry white wine to have on a beautiful sunny day on the patio or while enjoying a hot tub. Score: 90/100

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Honeydew melon, kiwi, green apples, lemon meringue, clementine, peach & Ylang-ylang on the nose.     

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Thanks to Chetan from the Teaching Winery Store for suggesting this wine.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Thai green curry coconut shrimp.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: April 9, 2021

MATAHIWI ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2019, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

02 Friday Apr 2021

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

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $19.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Hawke’s Bay
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Matahiwi Estates
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Another winner from New Zealand. Great quality, complexity, taste, balance & all at under $20. Score: 92/100

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: lemon, green, orange & red apples, clementine, pink grapefruit, roasted almonds, oak spice, ginger, dill & Easter Lily on the nose.  

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: For me, New Zealand Chards are delicious & better priced for the value than any other country, with Canada coming in 2nd.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Pan Fried Mahi in Lemon Butter Sauce

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buys & Top Pick

Tasted: April 1, 2021

LCBO: 17547

STREWN TERROIR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

27 Saturday Mar 2021

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $24.00
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Stewn Winery
Alcohol:  13.8% Alcohol/Vol.

A complex Sauv with nice fruits & some spiciness. Score: 90/100

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: gooseberry, fresh cut grass, honeydew melon, pear, mandarin & white pepper.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: My thanks to the winery’s sommelier; Juan Nunez-Sanchez, for his recommendation of this wine for my pairing with the ceviche that I made.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Pico de Gallo

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 26, 2021

MARQUÉS DE TORO FINCA LA MOURA MENCÍA 2015, CEO Castilla y León, Spain

23 Tuesday Mar 2021

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Red Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Cost: $13.95
Grape: Mencía & other Spanish Reds
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Castilla y León
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Alvares de Toro
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Undervalued wine that’s well-made, complex & featuring juicy fruit notes & spiciness. Score: 91/100

Tasting Note: Opaque purple to ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, soft tannin & an average length on the finish. This wine features: black cherry, plum, ripe tamarind, mulberry, blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate, black peppers, cassis, anise, tomato leaves, leather & vanilla.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: I believe you could bring this bottle to a dinner party & people will think it’s a $30+ bottle of wine.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Seafood Paella

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Amazing & Best Buys

Tasted: March 22, 2021

LCBO: 545939