Category Archives: Non LCBO Wine

RAVENTOS i BLANC ROSÉ BRUT 2014, Conca Del Riu Anoia, Spain

12 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $37.50 US
Grape: Xarel-lo, Macabeu, Parellada, Monastrell
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar
Country: Spain
Region: Conca Del Riu Anoia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Raventós i Blanc
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

A very dry rosé Cava that is on the higher price range

Positives: Wine has a light salmon colour with a fine mousse and features raspberry, kiwi, white peach, pear, tangerine and rose petals on the nose.

Negatives: Price

Interesting Point: Winegrowers since 1497

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with spicy cheese omelette.

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: January 12, 2019

CHAMPAGNE LE MESNIL BLANC DE BLANCS GRAND CRU BRUT NV, AOC Côtes des Blanc, Champagne, France

12 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Champagne, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended

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Cost: $75.00 US
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Champagne Wine
Location: The Tasting Room & Wine Cellar
Country: France
Region: Côtes des Blanc, Champagne
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Le Mesnil
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic expression of Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Positives: Rich, crisp and yeasty Champagne featuring a fine mousse, buttered brioche, green and yellow apples, lemon rind, cucumber and limestone

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: – 90% 2014 harvest, 5% 2013 harvest, 5% 2010 harvest

-Bottled in April 2015, minimum 3 years aged in cellar

-Disgorged in 2018 as Brut with sugar dosage 9 g/l)

-100% of vineyards of Le Mesnil sur Oger are ranked as Grand Cru

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 10-15 of years on its own or pair it with crispy fried calamari.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: January 12, 2019

SKYFALL MERLOT 2015, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States

11 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, Red Wines

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Cost: $24.97 US
Grape: 88% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Tortuga Fine Wine & Spirits
Country: United States of America
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Skyfall Vineyard
Alcohol: 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.

Verging on the sweeter commercial side

Positives: This wine features kirsch, plum, blueberry, vanilla and cocoa powder with light tannins.

Negatives: Slight sweet

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 2-5 of years on its own or pair it with dark chocolate

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: January 11, 2019

MUD HOUSE PINOT NOIR 2015, Central Otago, New Zealand

10 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, Red Wines

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14671

Cost: $27.49
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: Tortuga Fine Wines & Spirits, Cayman Islands
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Mud House Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Beautiful nose, as expected from a Central Otago Pinot, but falls short on the taste, so sad!

Positives: Wine features cherry cola, cranberry, black olives, dark chocolate, cedar and vanilla

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Chill to 15C

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: January 9, 2019

VIENI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

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

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Cost: $22.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A lighter style Cab that’s very pleasant

Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, wild cherries, boysenberry, red & black currants, black pepper, cassis and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with Pork Medallions in Balsamic Red Currant Sauce.

Tasted: 5 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI SEMI-DRY RIESLING 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

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

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Cost: $16.95
Grape: Riesling
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 10% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice easy drinking Riesling, not too tart, not too sweet with only 10% alcohol

Description: Medium straw to yellow with a green ting in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose and some frizzante on the pour. This wine features lemon/lime, green and yellow apples, peach and orange blossom on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Lemongrass Roasted Chicken.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI RIESLING 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Riesling
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A dry Riesling full of citric flavours that craves for food

Description: Medium straw to yellow with a green ting in colour with a medium intense nose and some frizzante on the pour. This wine features lemon rind, grapefruit, green apples, passion fruit and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Sweet and Sour Passionfruit & Pineapple Chicken.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: On the Fence

VIENI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

An intense New Zealand styled Sauv

Description: Light straw with a green tinge in colour and an intense nose. This wine features guava, gooseberry, grapefruit, lime, green apples, honeydew melon, passion fruit and Lantanas.  Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next couple of 5 years on its own or pair it with Hot and Sour Rhubarb with Crispy Pork.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI PINOT GRIGIO 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: Pinot Grigio
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better Pinot Grigios on the market

Description: Light straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features grapefruit, green apples, peach and on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: For not being a Pinot Grigio fan, As I prefer Pinot Gris, I do like this wine.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Lemon Chicken Piccata.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI ALLERIA WHITE 2013, VQA Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

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Cost: $12.95
Grape: Chardonnay, Vidal
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, citric, pleasant & all at a great price

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features lemon, pink grapefruit, green apples, yellow plum and fresh daisies on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Wine has still retained its zest even after 4 years.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Angel Hair Pasta with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic Sauce.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

My Opinion: Recommended