Category Archives: Highly Recommended

RED HOUSE WINE CO. BACO CABERNET SAUVIGNON NV, VQA Ontario, Canada

06 Friday Jun 2025

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

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Cost: $13.95 (on sale until June 22, 2025: $11.95)
Grape: Baco Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Red House Wine Co.
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Score a big wine for the Speck brothers and for Ontario, for making an inexpensive red wine that has substance, easy to drink & delicious Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium bright ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry pie, plum, mulberry, blackberry, ripe tamarind, white pepper, cassis & violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Can’t beat this wine at the price, especially at the sale price.

Winemaker’s Note:

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2 – 4 years on its own or pair it with BBQ hamburgers

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Amazing Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: June 5, 2025

LCBO:  279521

KACABA RESERVE SYRAH 2022, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada

04 Wednesday Jun 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $69.95
Grape: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kacaba Winery
Alcohol: 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.

High price but it’s worth the complexity, structure & taste of this wine Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Medium bright ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, powdery tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, plum, mulberry, blackberry, cocoa, tobacco leaves, white pepper, star anise, tarragon & fresh cut violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “Grapes were harvested using a combination of hand & machine harvesting. Grapes undergone a long cold soak before a gentle & cool fermentation to extract colour & tannin, and to achieve optimal colour & aroma. Fruit was transferred to open top fermenters & inoculated with select strains of yeast. The wine was left on the skins post fermentation to add to the complexity & texture of the wine. After the wine was pressed from its skins, it was transferred to French & American oak barrels for 18 months of aging.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 7 – 9 years on its own or pair it with Mechoui

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: June 3, 2025

KACABA CABERNET/SYRAH 2019, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada

08 Thursday May 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $44.95
Grape: 38.7% Syrah, 28.5% Cab Franc, 28.5 % Cab Sauvignon, 4.3% Viognier
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kacaba Vineyards & Winery
Alcohol: 13.2% Alcohol/Vol.

Well-made Ontario red blend with luscious & vibrant notes. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Light ruby going to garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, plum, blackberries, blackcurrants, cassis, anise, white pepper, graphite, espresso, tobacco leaves & smoked ambers on the nose.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Point: “Aged in French & American oak for 12 months.” Winery

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

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: May 6, 2025

KACABA CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2022, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada

30 Wednesday Apr 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $69.95 (sale price until May 14/25: $65.15)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kacaba Vineyards & Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

High-end Ontario red that is outstanding with luscious & vibrant notes. Score: 97/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, plum, boysenberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, cassis, anise, graphite, espresso, tobacco leaves & violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Point: “All grapes for this reserve Cabernet Sauvignon were gently crushed and destemmed prior to cold soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. All three blocks of estate grown Kacaba Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French and American oak barrels. The wine was matured 18 months in barrel before its final blending, filtering, and bottling in September 2024.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Bavette steak.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: April 28, 2025

CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN BLANC DE BLANCS, NV, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

06 Sunday Apr 2025

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

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Cost: $32.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Beamsville Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Cave Spring
Alcohol:  12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

An elegant Traditional Method Brut style sparkling wine that is very versatile with food pairings. Score: 93/100.  

Tasting Note: Deep straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, yellow plums, green & golden apples, light brioche, butter toasted bread & roasted almonds.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Point: “Bottle fermented in the Traditional Method from Chardonnay, it was aged sur lie for a minimum of 26 months prior to disgorging, resulting in a dry brut style sparkling wine exhibiting delicate effervescence and mineral nuances reflective of its origins.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Oyster Rockefeller.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 30, 2025

LCBO: 213983

13th STREET WINERY ESSENCE SYRAH 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

30 Sunday Mar 2025

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $44.95
Grape: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Complexed, smooth, elegant brimming with fruits & spiciness. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, powdery tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Bing Cherries, plums, mulberries, dark chocolates, Allspice, vanilla, white & black peppers, cloves, cinnamon & baby arugula.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Point: “Sourced mainly from the Wismer Vineyard in Vineland with a small amount from AJ Lepp nearer to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Manually harvested in late October and moved to the winery immediately for sorting, crushing and destemming followed by cold soaking to extract the bright fruit and floral notes. Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks lasted roughly 21 days and the wine was moved to 100% French oak barrels consisting of primarily 2nd and 3rd use with some older wood. After malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine rested on fine lees with regular racking for 14 months when the final blend was conceived and the wine was bottled.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Pig.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 27, 2025

FAMILLE PERRIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2022, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France

13 Thursday Mar 2025

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

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Cost: $43.95
Grape: Syrah & Grenache
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Famille Perrin
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Complexed, smooth, elegant with layers of flavours & spiciness. Score: 96/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, powdery tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Bing Cherries, plums, tamarind, mulberries, dark chocolates, Allspice, vanilla bean, white & black peppers & baby arugula.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Ageing
“From the month of August onwards we carry out maturity checks and taste the berries regularly to determine the optimum harvest date. Each grape variety is harvested separately. On arrival at the cellar the berries are sorted. Part of the Syrah is vinified in whole clusters and the remainder, plus the Grenache, is destemmed. Vinification is in wooden and stainless-steel vats using the same methods as for the Château de Beaucastel wines. The wines are then tasted to determine the blend, and finally aged in foudres for 2 years.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 7 – 10 years on its own or pair it with Wild Boar with wine mushroom sauce.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 11, 2025

LCBO: 926626

STATUS CHARDONNAY 2021, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

11 Tuesday Mar 2025

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

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Cost: $35.20 (Clearance price: $28.20)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Stratus
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Complexed yet elegant full body Chard that’s cream with a nice balance between the oak & fruit. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, light tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pineapple, peach, pear, mango, buttered toast, honeycomb, vanilla, almonds, dill, ginger, oak spice & Easter Lily on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Unfiltered

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with snow crab legs.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 10, 2025

LCBO: 267856

TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2024, D.O. Valle Del Maipo, Chile

28 Friday Feb 2025

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

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Cost: $20.80 (Clearance price: $20.25
Grape: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and 2% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Valle Del Maipo
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Vina Tarapacá
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Full body, elegant, lots of flavour with fruits & spices all a great price point. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, grainy tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, plum, mulberry, raspberry, black currents, white pepper, tobacco leaves, anise, cloves, leather, granite & violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point:

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with ribeye tacos.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: February 26, 2025

LCBO: 37868

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY, BLANC DE NOIRS, MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE, 2019, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

24 Monday Feb 2025

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

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Cost: $40.00
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Four Mile Creek, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Medium body yet full flavoured sparkling with a nice depth. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Deep straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Buttered toast, lemon zest, peach, pear, MacIntosh apples & oak spice.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Sparkling wine was aged for 54 months on lees. The grapes were gently whole cluster pressed to avoid any pick-up of colours or hard phenolics. It was fermented in stainless steel for its primary ferment, and then was placed in a 750mL for tirage and secondary fermentation and aging.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 8 – 10 years on its own or pair it with Maritime lobster & crêpes.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: February 23, 2025