Cost: $17.95
Grape: Shiraz
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Yalumba
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Even though there’s a lot of spice, which is to be expected from Shiraz, this wine is very smooth & nice to see that it’s under 14% alcohol. Score: 89/100

Tasting Note: Medium to dark ruby with some purple in colour with good acidity, a Low to medium intense nose, mild tannins & a good length on the finish. Wine features plum, blackberry, mulberry, blueberry, peppercorn, Allspice & violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Shiraz & Syrah are the same grape, but generally Australia’s Shiraz is different from the Rhône style Syrah. This is very noticeable if you compare these grape styles with their appreciate glassware. I tried this wine in both style stemware & found that when I had it in the Syrah style, it should more roughness, so I chose the Shiraz style. Other interesting point is that the wine is Vegan friendly and organic.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 4 yrs. on its own or pair it with Roasted Duck Breasts with spiced blackberry Au Jus.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: August 12, 2020

LCBO: 280883

Cost: $18.95
Grape: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Ariñena
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Grandes Vinos
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A nicely aged wine full of  flavour & elegance while all under $19. Score: 88/100

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features Bing cherries, red currants, bramble fruits, plum, ripe tamarind, tobacco, cedar, eucalyptus & aged balsamic.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Aged 2 years in oak barrels with a further 3 years in bottle before being released.

Pairings: Drink now or over the next 8-10 years on its own or pair it with Brazilian skirt steak with golden garlic butter.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: August 5, 2020

LCBO: 82024

Cost: $20.30 (Clearance Price: $16.30)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Israel
Region: Galilee
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Barkan Vineyards
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A very pleasant young Cab Sauv without the harsh tannin that has nice juicy black fruits

Tasting Note: Purple to ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, smooth tannin & a fairly long length on the finish. Wine features blackcurrants, blackberry, dark cherry, tamarind & cedar.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink now or over the next 3-4 of years on its own or pair it with braised beef ribs with blackberry glaze.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: July 17, 2020

LCBO: 637785

Cost: $18.95 (Clearance Price: $15.20)
Grape: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Sangiovese
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Toscana
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cavaliere D’oro
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Solid value & versatile IGT red wine for under $20

Tasting Note: Light ruby in colour with good acidity, an intense nose, mild tannin & a fairly long length on the finish. Wine features blackberries, sour cherry, pomegranate, cassis, fig, Allspice and violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink now or over the next 3-4 of years on its own or pair it with veal parmigiano.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: July 2, 2020

LCBO: 13453