Cost: $17.95 (Sale price until Jan 31, 2021: $14.95)
Grape: 90% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo, 4% Garnacha
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Montecillo
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A really good wine consistently vintages to vintage, add to it that it’s an aged wine for under $18, but then add when it’s on sale, which is a couple times a year at the LCBO, & you just need to buy a case, it’s that good for the price. Score: 92/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby to garnet in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features dark cherry, strawberry, blackcurrants, plum, dates, licorice, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, leather & sandalwood on the nose.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 10 – 15 years & pair it with Flank Steak with Rib Lamb Chop.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: January 9, 2021

LCBO: 621003

Cost: $22.00
Grape: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Italy
Region: Verona
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Masi
Alcohol:  13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Full body, smooth & velvety with lots of fruits & spice. Simply delicious. Score: 93/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features dark cherry, plums, figs, dried cranberries, pomegranate, cloves, Allspice, cinnamon, sage, oregano & spinach leaves.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Masi is Vegan friendly as they do not use any animal by-products or allergy causing products in the wine production.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 15-20 years & pair it with well-aged cheese.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: January 4, 2021

LCBO: 155051

Cost: $19.95 (Sale price: $17.95 until Jan 3, 2021)
Grape: Grenache & Viognier
Category: Rosé Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States of America
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Tom Gore Vineyards
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A pleasant drinking Cali Cab whose grapes are sourced from Central & North Coast. This surprisingly complex wine has nice dark fruit, without the sweetness & high alcohol associated with too many of the Cali Cabs, along with a nice balance from the oak. Score: 91/100

Tasting Note: Opaque ruby in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, round tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrants, mocha, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, tobacco leaves, turmeric, leather, pencil shavings & dried sage.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 13.5% alcohol.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 4 years & pair it with Garlic and Herb crusted Roasted Rack of Lamb. 

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: December 5, 2020

LCBO: 451336

Cost: $24.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Invivo
Alcohol:  14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

On tasting this Pinot, my mouth just expressed so much delight as the flavours just jumped out & stayed with my taste buds. This is a true Pinot delight at a great price for a Central Otago Pinot found at the LCBO, as well, I just love the writings on the front & back labels. It truly does have “Traces of Bloody Good Wine”. Score: 94/100

Tasting Note: Light garnet in colour with good acidity, an intense nose, smooth tannin & a long length on the finish. Wine features dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry, grilled portobello mushrooms, peat moss, autumn leaves & barnyard notes.   

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Chill to 15C & use the balloon style glassware

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5-7 years & pair it with grilled duck breast.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: November 23, 2020

LCBO: 466029