Category Archives: Non LCBO Wine

MAGNOTTA INTERNATIONAL SERIES ZINFANDEL NV, California, United States

25 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines

≈ Leave a comment


Magnotta Zin

Cost: $10.15
Grape Variety: 75% Zinfandel, 25% other red blends
Category: Red Wine
Location Magnotta Winery
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Well, this is impressive for $10!

Description: Medium bright ruby in colour with an intense perfume nose. This wine features violets, fresh carnations, lavender, ripe tamarind, plums, raisins, cloves, red and black raspberries, dark cherry and red currants. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting note: Don’t think I’ve had a quality Zin for $10 until now, plus only 13.5% alcohol? Double impressive!

Drink now or in the next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with sweet and spicy baby back ribs.

Tasted: 17 July 2015

Amazing Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

FEUDO DI SANTA CROCE, PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2011, DOP Puglia, Italy

12 Friday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment


Feudo-Celebration-Primitivo

Cost: $24.00 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Primitivo di Manduria
Category: Red Wine
Location The Tasting Room, Cayman Islands
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Tinazzi
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the best Primitivo’s I’ve tasted; rich, balanced & smooth, but not overripe

Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features light cedar, fresh cut carnations, violets, raisins, plums, blueberries, raspberries and cloves. Full body with soft tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Thanks to Mario from the Tasting Room for suggesting this wine.

Interesting Note:  This is a quality wine showcased in a heavy and beautifully labeled bottle, and could easily pass for a wine double in price.

Drink now or in the next year on its own or pair it with BBQ point cut smoked brisket.

Tasted: 11 June 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

THE NED SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011, Waihopai River, Marlborough, New Zealand

11 Thursday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,


The_Ned_Sauvignon_Blanc_web

Cost: $19.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: New Zealand
Region: Waihopai River, Marlborough
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Marisco Vineyards
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A rich Sauv Blanc at a great price, truly delightful, this one can compete with the best

Description: Straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features lime, passionfruit, kiwi, pink grapefruit, gooseberry, peach, seaweed and honeydew melon. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Check out their winemaker’s web site; http://www.thened.co.nz

Drink now or in the next year on its own or pair it with seared pork loin in mint sauce.

Tasted: 11 June 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5+

CHARLES DE FÈRE CUVÉE JEAN-LOUIS BLANC DE BLANCS NV CHARMAT METHOD, France

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,


CF_CuveeJeanLouisBlancdeBlanc_Bottleshot_175_657

Cost: $18.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: 40% Chenin Blanc, 20% Ugni Blanc & 40% other
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: France
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Charles de Fère
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A sparkling wine made in a non AOC Charmat method that has similar styling to a vintage Champagne but at less than half it’s price; Impressive

Description: Deep straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose and fine mousse. This yeasty delight features toasted brioche, baked apples, white peach, apricot, lemon drops, Anjou pear, fennel and limestone. Medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Jerk Chicken Hash and Fried Eggs served with Callaloo, Breakfast Potatoes, Peppers and Onions.

Tasted: 10 June 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

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

ESSER CHARDONNAY 2012, Monterey County, California, United States

08 Monday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,


chardonnay-large

Cost: $18.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: United States
Region: Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Esser
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality Monterey County Chard for under $20

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features light toasted oak, lemon rind, pineapple, peach, oak spice, ginger, pink grapefruit, passion fruit and limestone. Medium+ body body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Slight bitterness on the finish

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Pineapple Chicken with Ginger and Bok Choy.

Tasted: 8 June 2015

Best Buy

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

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

ESSER PINOT NOIR 2012, Monterey County, California, United States

07 Sunday Jun 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags


pinot-noir-large

Cost: $20.99 CI (Cayman Islands)
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location Tortuga, Cayman Islands
Country: United States
Region: Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Esser
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A quality Monterey County Pinot for under $25

Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This smoky Pinot features light cedar, hickory, cherry, strawberry, thyme, pimento, cardamom, cranberry, beets, tobacco & cola. Medium to light body body with mild tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Texas style slow smoked brisket.

Tasted: 7 June 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

MAGNOTTA SPECIAL RESERVE SHIRAZ 2013, Ontario, Canada

22 Friday May 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,


l_srshiraz09

Cost: $13.10 (Sale until 18 May 2015: $11.70)
Grape Variety: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location Magnotta Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Wines
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, good flavours with a little spice

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plums, cassis, anise and peppercorn. Medium body with medium to light tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Notes: Unlike some of their other Special Reserve wines from Ontario, this one isn’t VQA. Styled in the French Syrah way rather than the Aussie Shiraz way.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with seared pork glazed with sweet and tangy plum sauce.

Tasted: 18 May 2015

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Sale price: 9/10) Total: 17.5/20

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

MAGNOTTA SPECIAL RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

16 Saturday May 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,


Cab and Franc

Cost: $14.15 (Sale: $13.15 until 18 May 2105)
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: Magnotta
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Winery
Alcohol: 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

Consistently a good quality Cab Franc for under $15

Positives: This wine features cedar, blackberry, raspberry, grilled green peppers, white pepper, Kalamata olives, dark chocolate, mocha and tomato leaf. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: This vintage is slightly better than the previous 2011 vintage, that I reviewed last year so I up it to be an Amazing Value.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or and pair it with lamb chops glazed with spicy tomato leaf infused mint sauce.

Tasted: 14 May 2015

Best Buy

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

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

MAGNOTTA GRAN RISERVA MERITAGE 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

09 Saturday May 2015

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines

≈ Leave a comment

Tags


Magnotta Meritage

Cost: $29.20 (Sale $19.20 May 8-17, 2015)
Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location Magnotta Wines
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta
Alcohol: 14.3% Alcohol/Vol.

Extremely pleasant & an elegant wine to bring to a dinner party

Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, dark cherry, cassis, turmeric, Allspice, oregano and leather on the finish. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: I have tried the 2010 vintage at Magnotta tastings many times and I wasn’t too impressed as it felt light in taste especially compared to the 2009, which I really liked and reviewed on my site. However, at the sales price, I said what the heck, and was pleasantly surprised when I used the proper wine glass and slightly chilled.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Pork Tenderloin with a cassis and soy sauce reduction.

Tasted: 8 May 2015

Best Buy at sale price

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Sales price: 9+/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

MAGNOTTA SPECIAL RESERVE OTTONEL MEDIUM DRY 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

10 Friday Apr 2015

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

≈ Leave a comment


Muscat

Cost: $12.15
Grape Variety: Muscat Ottonel
Category: White Wine
Location Magnotta Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta
Alcohol: 12.4% Alcohol/Vol.

Unique to Canadian wines, this Muscat Ottonel delivers tropical sweetness with a nice refreshing finish.

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features ylang ylang flowers on the nose followed by peach, mangos, honeydew melon, sweet apples, cantaloupe followed by pink grapefruit on the finish. Full body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Thanks to Matthew from Magnotta’s Vaughan store for recommending his favourite white wine by the company.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own as an aperitif or digestif.

Tasted: 7 April 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4