Cost: $14.95
Grape: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Quinta de Rede
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Complex, delicious wine that is juicy with spiciness all at a great price. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby to purple in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, dry tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, thyme, raisin, cassis, Star Anise, leather, tobacco leaves,

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Partial aging in French oak wood for 6 months. The oldest historical records of Quinta da Rede are from 1484. It is part of the Douro wine region even before the demarcation of 1756. The Quinta overlooks the Douro River, on its right bank, between Mesão Frio and Régua, an altitude between 90 to 140 meters.” QR

Pairings: Drink this now or in 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Espetada.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: Feb 28, 2022

LCBO: 431262

Cost: $17.95
Grape: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Scea Labrousse
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic Right Bank Bordeaux with juicy fruits, musk & spice, all at a great price. Score: 95/100

Tasting Note: Dark ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, fine grained tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Dark cherry, raspberries, pomegranates, blackcurrants, blackberries, plum, cassis, anise, tomato leaves, pencil shavings, Champagne mushrooms, vanilla, cedar & leather.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Beef Bourguigon

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: Feb 7, 2022

LCBO: 21083

Cost: $15.95
Grape: 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Maison Noble St. Martin
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Let this wine open up & you will have discovered a great Bordeaux wine at a great price. Lovely fruit notes followed by spice. Score: 94/100

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, fine grained tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Strawberry, blackberry, Ribena, tamarind, anise, cloves, cocoa, turmeric, pencil shavings, vanilla & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: 30% in barrels (French oak) and 70% stainless steel and cement vats

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Quail with Grape Sauce

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick & Best Buy

Tasted: Jan 28, 2022

LCBO: 24495

Cost: $16.95 (Sale Price Until Jan 30, 2022: $13.95)
Grape: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Beronia
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Consistent taste profile vintage to vintage. Beautifully made & my favourite Tempranillo for under $20. Score: 94/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, prune, chocolate, Chinese 5 Spices, liquorice, vanilla bean, oak spice & sandalwood on the nose.

Negatives: 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Point: Can’t beat the sale price for a wine of this quality.

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Ibérico Cured Meats.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended
Top Pick, Best Buy & Amazing Buy at sale price
Tasted: Jan 25, 2022
LCBO: 426981