Cost: $15.95
Grape: 50% Garnacha, 50% Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: La Mancha
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Familia Bastida
Alcohol: 14.0 % Alcohol/Vol.

Designed for those that like the sweeter Cali red style wines, but a little less alcohol. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, stewed strawberry, orange peel, chocolate, Allspice & sandalwood.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Gazpachos Manchegos

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: March 29, 2022

LCBO: 22445

Cost: $16.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Long Barn Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Typical commercial Cali red, minus the high 14.5% alcohol & for those that enjoy a smooth, jammy & chocolate notes. Score: 85/100

Tasting Note: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Plum, blueberry pie, raspberry, ripe tamarind, milk chocolate & cassis.

Negatives: A little too sweet/jammy for my taste

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Venison Stew with Bacon and Parsley Dumplings

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: Feb 1, 2022

LCBO: 16482

Cost: $44.95 (Clearance Price: $36.00)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Folie à Deux
Alcohol:  14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

The wine is pleasant, although on the jammy side, which is not surprising as it has 14.5% alcohol & just not worth the price, even at the clearance price. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Dark ruby in colour with good acidity, medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, blueberry pie, plum, black olives, sage, black tea, licorice & tobacco leaves.

Negatives: The price and 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Point: Folie à Deux wines are sustainably grown in Sonoma County.

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Korean BBQ Ribs

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: Oct 23, 2021

LCBO: 186163

Cost: $19.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Chateau St. Jean
Alcohol:  13.8% Alcohol/Vol.

Not my cup of tea, but this is a better commercially produced Cali red wine that will please those that prefer ripe fruit forward with low tannin wines. Nice to see the alcohol level is below 14%. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Dark ruby in colour with average acidity, medium+ intense nose, low tannin & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Kirsch, raspberry, mulberry, plum, cassis, mocha & vanilla.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with Pork Tenderloin with sweet balsamic plum sauce. 

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: Sept 26, 2021

LCBO: 38034

Cost: $19.95 (Sale price until June 20, 20201: $17.95)
Grape: Red Blend
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Josh Cellars
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple, easy drinking, not sweet but has a jammy feel to it. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Plum, cherry pie, blackberry, toasted cedar, mocha, sage, white & black peppers.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2-4 years on its own or pair it with Grilled Flank Steak with grilled scallions, charred corn, roasted garlic fingerling potatoes and Chimichurri sauce.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: June 7, 2021

LCBO: 507467