Cost: $21.95
Grape: 93% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 2% Mazuelo
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Murua
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

A sold classic Old World style Rioja

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with an medium+ nose. This wine features sandalwood, dried cherry, dates, cinnamon, thyme, coconut, toasted walnuts, leather and smoked hickory on the nose. Full body average with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Needs to be decanted for an hour

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Chorizo-Stuff Capon with Sorrel Brown Butter.

Tasted: 18 Dec 2015

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

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

LCBO: 439836

Cost: $21.95 (Sale: $18.95 until Jan 3, 2016)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Chile
Region: Puento Alto
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Concha Y Toro
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex but a solid Cab

Description: Dark ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, lots of blackberry, plums, mocha, Allspice, turmeric and leather. Full body average with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length with the alcohol well integrated.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Parmesan and Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin.

Tasted: 16 Dec 2015

Best Buy at sale price

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: 337238

Cost: $27.50
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Desert Heart Wine Company
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Not subtle or gentle but in forthright & upfront Pinot

Description: Medium garnet to ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light pine, dark cherry, rhubarb, wet moss and light smoked underbrush. Medium+ body and tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None if you have it in the right glassware

Interesting Note: Using an Old World style Pinot glass (Riedel), at first I had over chilled it, and it tasted like Gamay. After warming up a little the first part of the taste was not great but the there were underlying notes that I really liked. Then I tried it in a New World style Pinot glass (Riedel) and it was a game changer towards the positive.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Pork Chops in Balsamic Cherry Sauce.

Tasted: 12 Dec 2015

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

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

LCBO: Special Order

Cost: $29.95 (Sale price until 3 Jan 2016: $24.95)
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Louis M. Martini
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice Napa Cab especially at the sale price

Description: Deep bright ruby in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, blueberry, black cherry, blackberry, oak spice, plums, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: I prefer the 2011 vintage, see review on my site

Drink now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Rosemary, Chocolate, Cabernet Sauce.

Tasted: 19 Dec 2014

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

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

LCBO: 232371

Cost: $24.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Folie à Deux
Alcohol: 14.1% Alcohol/Vol.

Complex, well balanced & delicious

Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plum, cherry, mulberry, spearmint, Allspice, turmeric, cocoa, cola and leather. Full body with green tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.1% alcohol

Interesting Point: Decant for an hour before serving.

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Brazilian style flank steak with chimichurri sauce.

Tasted: 11 Nov 2015 (Lest We Forget)

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17+/20

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

LCBO: 186163