Cost: $14.95
Grape: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cariñena
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Cariñena
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Monasterio de las Viñas
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple, easy drinking wine

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features oak, black cherry, plum, pepper, raspberry, vanilla and violets on the nose. Medium+ body with light average acidity and a good length.

Negatives: A touch of heat from the 13.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Found it tasted better in the Tempranillo style glassware vs other styles.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with Parmesan and Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin.

Tasted: 20 July 2017

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17+/20

My Opinion: On The Fence

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO: 166579

Cost: $18.95
Grape: 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Garnacha Tintorera
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Viñas Viejas
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

And now for something different

Positives: A woodsy style wine with notes of mushroom and unagi complimented by a mix of dark fruits.

Negatives: 14.5% alcohol

Ageability: Drink now or in the next 5-7 years.

Best Buy

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: February 16, 2018

LCBO: 276162

Cost: $15.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Republic of California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Three Thieves Winery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

This isn’t half bad for a generic Californian red that’s usually designed for the masses in this price range. I have to admit I bought this wine because the label has it as “California Republic”.

Positives: Prunes and plums, but doesn’t go towards the sweetness that you would expect from a generic Californian Cab as it has good acidity and tannins to hold up.

Negatives: None

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 3 years.

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: March 4, 2018

LCBO: 541961

Cost: $28.95
Grape: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bollina
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

I don’t know if I should like this or not as if I’m looking for a Merlot, this is atypical. However, if I’m searching for a Primitivo, this fits the taste profile.

Positives: Full body, oak driven featuring raisins, plum, dried prunes, figs, cherry, mocha, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and Christmas cake.

Negatives: Some heat from the listed 14% alcohol

Interesting Point: The bottle label has this as 14% alcohol, however LCBO web site puts it at 15%. I would lean more towards the 15%.

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 5-7 of years.

My Opinion: Not Recommended

Tasted: November 23, 2018

LCBO: 475996