Category Archives: Recommended

STAGS’ LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2016, Napa Valley, California, United States

07 Monday Jan 2019

Posted by in Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $39.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Napa Valley, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Stags’ Leap Winery
Alcohol: 14.3% Alcohol/Vol.

A rich Chard full of expression

Positives: Full body wine featuring lemon, guava, gooseberry, pineapple, crème brûlée, white peach, green & red apples, oak spice, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves.

Negatives: Slight heat from the 14.3% alcohol

Interesting Point: Don’t over chill this wine as it will mute its features.

Ageability: Drink now or over the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with slow cooked butter chicken.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: January 7, 2019

LCBO: 655831

VIENI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $22.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A lighter style Cab that’s very pleasant

Description: Light to medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, wild cherries, boysenberry, red & black currants, black pepper, cassis and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with Pork Medallions in Balsamic Red Currant Sauce.

Tasted: 5 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI SEMI-DRY RIESLING 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $16.95
Grape: Riesling
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 10% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice easy drinking Riesling, not too tart, not too sweet with only 10% alcohol

Description: Medium straw to yellow with a green ting in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose and some frizzante on the pour. This wine features lemon/lime, green and yellow apples, peach and orange blossom on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Lemongrass Roasted Chicken.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

05 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

An intense New Zealand styled Sauv

Description: Light straw with a green tinge in colour and an intense nose. This wine features guava, gooseberry, grapefruit, lime, green apples, honeydew melon, passion fruit and Lantanas.  Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next couple of 5 years on its own or pair it with Hot and Sour Rhubarb with Crispy Pork.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI PINOT GRIGIO 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: Pinot Grigio
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better Pinot Grigios on the market

Description: Light straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features grapefruit, green apples, peach and on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: For not being a Pinot Grigio fan, As I prefer Pinot Gris, I do like this wine.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Lemon Chicken Piccata.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI ALLERIA WHITE 2013, VQA Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

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Cost: $12.95
Grape: Chardonnay, Vidal
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, citric, pleasant & all at a great price

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features lemon, pink grapefruit, green apples, yellow plum and fresh daisies on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Wine has still retained its zest even after 4 years.

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Angel Hair Pasta with Clams, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic Sauce.

Tasted: 3 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI GAMAY NOIR 2016, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

03 Thursday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $17.95
Grape: Gamay Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Pleasant bursting with fresh fruit that’s easy drinking & shows why more people should drink Gamay

Description: Light ruby in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features wild cherries, boysenberry, strawberry, black pepper and cinnamon. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Chill to 15C and use the Balloon style glassware.

Drink now or in the next 2-4 of years on its own or pair it with pizza topped with mushroom, pepperoni & tomatoes.

Tasted: 7 Aug 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI PINOT NOIR 2015, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada

02 Wednesday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $16.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better Ontario Pinot’s at this price range

Description: Light ruby to garnet in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features pine, Rainier cherry, red apples, cinnamon and cloves. Medium+ body with light to medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Chill the wine to 15C and use the Balloon style glassware

Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Seared Duck Breast with Apple Pomegranate Sauce.

Tasted: 27 July 2017

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended

VIENI SPARKLING ROSÉ BRUT 2012, VQA Ontario, Canada

01 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $29.95 (Sale price: $19.95)
Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Riesling
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vieni
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex but a most pleasant & diverse sparkling rosé

Description: Copper in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features yeast, Anjou pear, wild strawberries and McIntosh apples. Full body with good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Original price was $29.95, somewhat over priced, but bang on with their sale price of $19.95

Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Red Snapper Ceviche with Shallots and Mango.

Tasted: 23 July 2017

Best Buy at the sale price

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5/10 (Sale price: 9/10) Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

My Opinion: Recommended at $19.95

VIENI SPARKLING CABERNET ICE WINE DOUX 2013, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara, Ontario

01 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Fortified & Desert Wine, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended

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Cost: $69.95
Grape: 64% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Desert Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Niagara, Ontario
Format: 375 mL
Producer: Vieni Vineyards
Alcohol: 10% Alcohol/Vol.

Uniqueness, but for a price

Description: Red amber in colour with an intense nose and light mousse. This wine features candy coated red apple, plum, blackberry, candied tamarind and honey on the nose. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This is 260 g/l of sugar

Drink now or in the next 10 of years on its own or pair it with Duck Confit with Apricot Relish.

Tasted: 17 Aug 2017

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

My Opinion: Recommended