Cost: $12.95 (Sale price until 9 Oct 2016: $10.95)
Grape: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Valdepeñas
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Navalon
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Love the beautiful bottle & the price & the taste isn’t too bad either

Description: Medium garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light sandalwood, raisin, plum, cherry, mushrooms and some leather on the finish. Medium body with dusty tannin, good acidity and an average length.

Negatives: Don’t expect this simple wine to be typical of a Grand Reserva that sells for over $20+

Interesting Note: Has the classic Rioja gold metal like mesh over the bottle to prevent counterfeiting.

Drink now on its own or pair it with Caramelized Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, and Cherry Tomato Pasta.

Tasted: 7 October 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 464214

Cost: $18.95 (Sale price until 8 Nov 2016: $16.95)
Grape: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: United States
Region: 86% Sonoma County, 14% Napa County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ghost Pines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the better tastes and buys for California red coming from a premium AVA

Description: Dark garnet to purple in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, mulberry, black cherry, blackberry, mocha, cinnamon, cloves, and violets on the nose. Full body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A little heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Ghost Pines consistently has great value for the quality of wine they produce

Drink now or in 2-3 years on its own or pair it with Scallion and Brie stuffed Burgers on Grilled Focaccia Rosemary Buns.

Tasted: 14 October 2016

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 (Sale price: 9+/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 454876

Cost: $15.95
Grape: 97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Graves
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Dorleac
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Simple, easy drinking but with substance & at a great price

Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, red currants, dried berries, smoked cherry tobacco and violets on the nose. Medium+ body with medium tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Reminds me of my teen years during summers when I tried Colts cigars

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years, on its own or pair it with Roast Chicken with Thyme and Onions.

Tasted: 15 July 2016

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 444315

Cost: $16.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Adelaide Hills
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Penthouse Wines
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice mix of new and old world style Pinot at a great price

Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, strawberry, plum, truffles, mushrooms, pipe tobacco and violets on the nose. Medium body with light tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 of years, on its own or pair it with Brisket and Mushroom stew served with Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits. 

Tasted: 22 July 2016

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 432864