Cost: $19.95
Grape: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vinicola Hidalgo
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic Rioja Tempranillo. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Plum, dark cherry, raspberry, cassis, star anise, sage, tobacco, espresso, arugula, vanilla, baking spice, leather & sandalwood on the nose.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with grilled lamb chops

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: Aug 20, 2021

LCBO: 18933

Cost: $22.95
Grape: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Saint-Èmilion, Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Chateau Graves de Rabion
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A mix of berries, spice & earth notes. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, plum, blackcurrants, cloves, Champagne mushrooms, rosemary, cedar, leather, vanilla & barnyard aromas.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: As the nose is dusty & barnyard, this may detract some people, but go beyond the nose & you should enjoy this wine.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Entrecote Bordelaise.

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: June 15, 2021

LCBO: 92536

Cost: $17.95
Grape: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ducourt
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

This left bank Bordeaux is one dimensional, but inexpensive & pleasant drinking. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Blackcurrant, plum, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, anise, nutmeg, vanilla & leather.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Marie-Christine, the daughter of Henri Ducourt, purchased this prestigious left-bank property in 1979, which lies on the border of the Graves appellation. The 60-hectare vineyard was rapidly replanted and the château building, which dates from 1348, was restored.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Flank Steak

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: June 15, 2021

LCBO: 92536

Cost: $17.95
Grape: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: SCEA Terre Blanque
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

An easy drinking wine with substance all at a good price. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Medium ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, soft tannin & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Black cherry, bramble fruit, turmeric, cassis, pencil shavings & violets on the nose.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Garlic Butter Steak Bites

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: June 9, 2021

LCBO: 18577