Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Lussac Saint-Émilion
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château des Landes
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.

A nice French Right Bank Bordeaux that’s fairly priced

Positives: This wine features cedar, dark cherry, plums, mulberry, cigar box, radicchio, leather, iodine, dry herbs & spinach. Medium+ body and with good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: A little bitterness & heat on the finish.

Interesting Point: Decant for an hour

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with grilled steak.

Tasted: 21 February 2014

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

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

LCBO: 363101

Cost: $29.95 (on clearance for $22.75)
Grape Variety: Right Bank Bordeaux blend (Merlot dominated)
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Pomerol
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Christian Moueix
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Nice to have quality Right Bank Bordeaux at a good price, especially at the clearance price!

Positives: A smooth & juicy wine that features integrated oak, cherry, raspberry, cola, plum, pencil shavings, leather & portabella mushrooms on the finish. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with rib-eye steak.

Tasted: 3 February 2014

Best Buy at clearance price

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 (9.5/10 at clearance price) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 903013

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Pomerol, Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Pascal Chatonnet
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

For those that like classic Right Bank Bordeaux this one will not disappoint at this price.

Positives: This wine features mild oak, cherry cola, red currants, mulberry, anise, dry herbs & leather. Medium+ body, dusty tannins with good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: A little more heat than expected from the 14% alcohol.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with prime rib.

Interesting Point: Decant for an hour

Tasted: 31 January 2014

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

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

LCBO: 138677

Cost: $18.95
Grape Variety: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha
Category: Red wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Don Jacobo
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Bright ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose.

A nice Tempranillo reserva for under $20

Positives: This wine features cedar, oak, sandalwood, cherry, leather, cigar box, strawberry & fresh spinach. Medium body & tannins, good acidity & a fairly long length.

Negatives: A little too tart on the finish.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with pork fillet with sherry sauce.

Tasted: 17 January 2014

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

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

LCBO: 313270