Cost: $17.95
Grape: Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Duca Di Saragnano
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Juicy, full flavoured & easy to drink Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Light to medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, dusty tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark & sour cherries, sweet plum, raspberries, blackberry, sage, cocoa, turmeric, graphite & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: This wine is made according to the ancient Tuscan tradition of governo alla toscana, whereby partially dried grapes are added into the winemaking after first fermentation.

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

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: May 13, 2022

LCBO: 25399

Cost: $24.95
Grape: Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Petite Syrah, Tempranillo & Malbec
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages Online Exclusive
Country: United States of America
Region: Idaho
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Sawtooth Winery
Alcohol: 13.6 % Alcohol/Vol.

With 7 red blends, this could have gone very easily to the sweet side, but the winemaker; Meredith Smith, succeeds in having an easy drinking, smooth wine that’s balanced. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, light tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Ripe cherry, plum, Crème de Cassis, raspberry, blackberry, chocolate, tamarind, Allspice, tobacco leaves, truffles, cinnamon, vanilla & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Nice to have an Idaho wine at the LCBO

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with homemade Beef soup with twice cooked Caribbean golden potatoes and garlic, scotch bonnet and fresh basil.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: April 5, 2022

LCBO: 21174

Cost: $19.95
Grape: Grenache (50%) Syrah (25%) Carignan (25%)
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Rhône
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Maucoil
Alcohol: 14.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Intense & powerful yet shows finesse. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, fine grain tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry, raspberry, plum, blackberry, blueberry, cassis, anise, vanilla & cherrywood

Negatives: The heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Point: Organic wine

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Stewed Beef Tips with gravy

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 30, 2022

LCBO: 638502

Cost: $13.95 (Sale Price until March 27, 2022: $11.95)
Grape: Montepulciano
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Controguerra, Abruzzo
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Azienda Agricola Dino Illuminati
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Good table wine. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Sour cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, licorice, arugula, thyme & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Use the smaller Sangiovese or Tempranillo glassware

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

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 11, 2022

LCBO: 269985