Category Archives: On The Fence

CHATEAU ST. JEAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019, California, United States of America

26 Sunday Sep 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, Red Wines

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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

MATAHIWI HOLLY CHARDONNAY 2020, Wairarapa, New Zealand

27 Friday Aug 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $25.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Wairarapa
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Matahiwi Estate
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Not your typical oaked Chard, which may turn off people. I’m on the fence with this one regarding taste but think it’s overpriced. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with high acidity, intense nose, mild tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, brioche, fig, apple pie with cinnamon, oak spice, overripe orange & huge smoked notes on the nose.

Negatives: Too much smoke on the nose to be pleasant & overpriced.

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with shrimp tempura.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: Aug 26, 2021

LCBO: 12622

JOSH CELLARS LEGACY RED 2018, California, United States of America

08 Tuesday Jun 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, Red Wines

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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

IVORY & BURT CHARDONNAY 2019, Lodi, California, United States of America

28 Friday May 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Lodi, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple, soft but not sweet Cali Chard. Score: 85/100.

Tasting Note: Yellow gold in colour with average acidity, a medium+ intense nose & an average length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, yellow apples, marzipan, banana, kumquat, light oak spice & vanilla.

Negatives: Flabby

Interesting Point:

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2-4 years on its own or pair it with Spicy Garlic Asian Noodles.

My Opinion: On-the-fence

Tasted: May 26, 2021

LCBO: 17575

DOMAINE CLAVEL SYRIUS SAINT GERVAIS 2017, AOP Saint Gervais, Côtes du Rhônes, France

21 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, Red Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Saint Gervais, Côtes du Rhônes
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Domaine Clavel
Alcohol:  14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A powerful, full body wine with lots of sweet fruit notes & spices. Score: 86/100

Tasting Note: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Plum, raisins, cherry pie, cloves, cinnamon, Allspice, white pepper & tomato leaves.   

Negatives: Lots of heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Wild Boar.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: March 20, 2021

LCBO: 18144

SAND POINT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017, Lodi, California, United States of America

25 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, Red Wines

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Cost: $16.95 (Sale price until Feb 28, 2021: $14.95)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States of America
Region: Lodi, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Lange Twiins Family Vineyards
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

This is a fruit gusher. An easy drinking Cali Cab Sauv without the high alcohol now common with red wines from California. Score:  86/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, an intense nose & an average length on the finish. This wine features: plum, cherry, blueberry pie, ripe tamarind, cloves & cassis.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Certified Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Sticky Tamarind Beef.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: February 23, 2021

LCBO: 11193

MCMANIS CHARDONNAY 2019, River Junction, California, United States of America

22 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: River Junction, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: McManis Family Vineyards
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Just slightly better than your typical mass-produced Cali Chard, but at a higher price point. Score: 86 /100

Tasting Note: Light bright gold in colour with moderate acidity, medium+ intense nose & a fairly long length on the finish. This wine features: lemon, yellow apples, banana, peach, pineapple, buttered popcorn & vanilla.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Pineapple Pork Stir Fry

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: February 21, 2021

LCBO: 265983

BEAUTY IN CHAOS CHARDONNAY 2018, Washington State, United States of America

13 Saturday Feb 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $15.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Washington State
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Beauty in Chaos
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Lots of citric fruits but I’m on the fence with this Chard as it’s simple & not impressive, therefore I feel that it’s overpriced. Should be under $10. Score: 86/100

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a fairly long length on the finish. Wine features lemon, grapefruit, mandarin & green apples.      

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2-4 years & pair it with Lemon Garlic Roast Pork

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: February 13, 2021

LCBO: 15840

THREE THIEVES CHARDONNAY 2018, California, United States of America

16 Saturday Jan 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $15.95 (Sale price until Jan 31, 2021: $13.95)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Three Thieves Winery
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

If you can get past the slight bitter aftertaste, this Chard isn’t that bad. Score: 86/100

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a fairly long length on the finish. Wine features lemon, orange pith, peach, pear, green apples, figs, vanilla & ginger.

Negatives: A touch too bitter on the aftertaste

Interesting Point: 2017 vintage that I reviewed last year was a lot better.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2-4 years & pair it with Chicken Thighs with Orange-Ginger Glaze.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: January 15, 2021

LCBO: 633560

LAS MULAS RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2018, Chile

12 Tuesday Jan 2021

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $13.95 (Sale price until Jan 31, 2021: $11.95)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Chile
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Miguel Torres
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

An easy drinking Chard with some complexity. I would recommend this wine at the sale price of $11.95, but on the fence at its current price of $14.95. Score: 86/100

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a fairly long length on the finish. Wine features lemon, green & yellow apples, melon, pear, peach, marzipan, light oak spice & vanilla.

Negatives: Slight sour note at the back of the throat

Interesting Point: Certified organic

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years & pair it with a Rueben sandwich on Rye with Sour Pickles.

My Opinion: On-The-Fence

Tasted: January 11, 2021

LCBO: 572362