Cost: $19.95
Grape: 61% Shiraz, 20% Cab Sauvignon, 7% Grenache, 4% Mouvèdre, 4% Viognier, 4% Cinsault
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ernie Els Wines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Big Easy is a big entry wine for Ernie Els wines

Description: Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features mild oak, sour cherry, raspberry, mulberry, cranberry, eucalyptus, white pepper, smoky bacon and Thai basil. Full body with dusty tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Paprika Roasted Leg of Lamb.

Tasted: 27 January 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 220038

Cost: $16.95 (Sale until 31 Jan 2016: $14.95)
Grape: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Navarra
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Gran Feudo of Chivite
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A nicely aged reserva at a good price

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features sandalwood, plum, cherry, blackberry, thyme, pumpkin spice, espresso, tobacco leaves and leather. Medium body with dusty tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Slightly watery

Interesting Note: Like the fact that it’s only 13% alcohol. This wine presents better in the Tempranillo style glassware vs the larger Cab glassware

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Spicy Chorizo Paella.

Tasted: 28 January 2016

Best Buy

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

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

LCBO: 479014

Cost: $17.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Miapo Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Santa Rita
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice Cab for a great price

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, blackcurrant, dark cherry, blackberry, tamarind, mint, tobacco, cassis, star anise, turmeric, cocoa and leather. Full body with green tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: none

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Braised Jerk Oxtail, served on Butterbean Puree with Tomato Pepper Jam.

Tasted: 22 January 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: 275594

Cost: $18.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Maipo Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Santa Carolina
Alcohol: 13.8% Alcohol/Vol.

Interesting & smooth

Description: Opaque ruby in colour with an intense nose. Primary features are cedar, blackcurrant & eucalyptus followed by blackberry, cassis, granite, cocoa, turmeric, leather and fresh cut carnations on the nose. Full body with medium to medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: none

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Dry Aged Rib Eye with Red Wine Demi Glaze.

Tasted: 19 January 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: 408658

Cost: $15.95 (Sale until 31 Jan 2016: $13.95)
Grape: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Beronia
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic Rioja style that’s smooth and delicious at a great price

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ nose. This wine features sandalwood, strawberry, dark cherry, pomegranate, grilled red peppers, cloves, cinnamon, cigar box, oregano, vanilla and leather on the finish. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A touch hot on the finish from the 14% alcohol.

Interesting Note: My first experience with this wine was in the Cayman Islands. Sadly, until now it wasn’t available at the LCBO. Today it’s on their general list.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with BBQ Lamb Chops in Rosemary Garlic Marinade.

Tasted: 2 January 2016

Best Buy (Amazing Buy at the sale price)

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 426981