Cost: $19.95
Grape: 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Valdemar
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

My new favourite Tempranillo Reserva; full flavoured, spicy & smokey

Description: Light to medium garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features sandalwood, cedar, plum, dried cherries, raspberry, tobacco, dried herbs, black olives, Champagne mushrooms, peppercorns, black tea and cigar box on the nose. Medium+ body with medium+ tannin, 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 Vietnamese Smoked Pulled Pork Buns.

Tasted: 17 May 2017

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

LCBO: 947309

Cost: $24.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Nicolas Pearce Wines
Alcohol: 14 % Alcohol/Vol.

Lots of flavours & substance for a good price

Description: Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, black cherry, cranberry, cloves, vanilla and peat moss on the nose. Medium body with mild tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Use the Pinot, balloon glass, and chill to 15C

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Pot Roasted Guinea Fowl with Sage and Orange.

Tasted: 1 April 2017

Best buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 466029

Cost: $17.95
Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Castillon Côtes De Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ducourt
Alcohol: 13 % Alcohol/Vol.

Great Bordeaux taste at an equally great price

Description: Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, red & black currants, raspberry, anise, cloves, pencil shavings, spinach, vanilla and violets on the nose. Medium body and tannin with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Slightly chill between 16-18C

Drink now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Classic Steak-Frites.

Tasted: 10 April 2017

Best buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 348755

Cost: $15.95
Grape: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Carpineto Casa Vinicola
Alcohol: 14 % Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, versatile & delicious

Description: Medium ruby to purple in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, sour cheery, strawberry, red currants, leather, Unagi and purple lilacs on the nose. Medium body with dusty tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Penne Arrabbiata with Pancetta.

Tasted: 17 March 2017

Best buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

LCBO: 361501

Cost: $20.95
Grape: 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Lussac Saint-Emilion
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Bonnin Pichon
Alcohol: 13 % Alcohol/Vol.

Classic nuances of the right bank Bordeaux, but it’s affordable

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, blackberry, cassis, anise, black & red peppers, nutmeg and purple lilacs on the nose. Medium+ body and tannin with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Like the classic label.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Beef Wellington with Spinach and Artichoke. 

Tasted: 23 March 2017

Best buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 280008

Cost: $17.95 (Sale Price until March 26, 2017: $15.95)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: United States
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Charles Smith Wines
Alcohol: 13.5 % Alcohol/Vol.

Simple but nicely done

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light cedar, dark cherry, plum, cassis and anise. Medium body with mild tannin, good acidity and a good length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 2-3 years on its own or pair it with BBQ Pork Loin in Fresh Plum Sauce.

Tasted: 6 March 2017

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 363838