Cost: $21.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Graves, Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer:
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Juicy, a touch acerbic on the finish, yet still smooth & delicious

Description: Medium+ ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, blackberry, black currants, blueberry, turmeric, pencil shavings, leather and mesquite. Medium+ body and tannins, with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Crispy Skin Trout with Mint and Coriander Pork Belly.

Tasted: 4 April 2016

Best buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

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

LCBO: 444281

Cost: $19.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Villa Maria
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A juicy, mid weight, well balance & delicious Pinot for under $20

Description: Medium ruby to garnet colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features pine, cherry, raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, forest greens and fresh cut carnations on the nose. Medium body with mild tannin, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Slightly chill and if you can use the balloon style Pinot glass

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Dry Rubbed Oven Roasted Brisket stuffed with Garlic, Rosemary and Pine-nuts.

Tasted: 7 April 2016

Best buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

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

LCBO: 146548

Cost: $16.95 (Sale until 24 April 2016: $13.95)
Grape: Sangiovese
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Italy
Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Gabbiano
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Hard to beat this Chianti Classico for the price vs quality

Description: Medium light ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, sour cherry, strawberry, mulberry, sage, oregano, arugula and dried mushrooms. Medium body and tannins, with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A little heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Excellent palate cleanser when having it with food. Lightly chill the wine.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Angel Hair pasta in olive oil sauce with mushrooms and dried tomatoes.

Tasted: 1 April 2016

Best buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale price: 9.5/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 219808

Cost: $20.95 (Clearance price: $14.75)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Rainbow’s End Estate Wine
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Quality, complexity, juicy, full force, delicious all at a great price

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, blackcurrants, blackberry, dark cherry, plum, anise, cassis, eucalyptus, thyme, turmeric, coffee, mushrooms, spinach and violets on the nose. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: The grapes are hand picked, unfiltered and no fining

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Broiled Marinated Hanger Steak with grilled butternut squash.

Tasted: 30 March 2016

Best buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10(Sale price: 9.5+/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 425884

Cost: $19.95
Grape: Montepulciano
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Abruzzo
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cantina Zaccagnini
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice Italian wine that’s under $20

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, bramble fruit, blackberry, cherry, plum, chocolate, thyme, arugula & light earth flavours. Medium body and tannin with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Interesting bottle with a piece of vine attached to it.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with arugula, prosciutto pizza

Tasted: 23 March 2016

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 17.5+/20

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

LCBO: 396382

Cost: $19.95 (Clearance: $14.05)
Grape: 55% Syrah, %40 Mourvedre, %5 Viognier
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Aconcagua Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: In Situ Wines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, juicy sweet fruit with some heat

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, plum, raspberry, thyme, pepper, mint, chocolate, dates and lavender on the nose. Medium+ body with smooth tannin, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: The front labels on In Situ wines always contain interesting facts.

Drink now or in the next 3 years.  Great on its own, but one of the most perfect pairings with a good Syrah is a simple Beef Stew, seasoned with herbes de Provence, anise seeds and pepper.

Tasted: 22 March 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 431098