Category Archives: Red Wines

DOMAINE SERGENT OAK AGED MADIRAN 2008, AC Madiran, Maumusson, South West France

20 Sunday May 2012

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Domaine Sergent Oak Aged Madiran 2008, Ac Bottle

Cost: $16.90
Grape Variety: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: France
Region: Madiran
Format: 750 mL
Producer: M.T. Vins
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lots going in this wine. The nose brims with cedar, sandalwood, leather, pencil shavings, cinnamon, sage, cloves, plums, blackberry & expresso. The taste has similar notes as the nose but with mint, red currants & pomegranates. Medium to full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity with a very long length.

Negatives: Quiet a bit of heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: This wine won gold in Paris in 2010. I would encourage everyone to try to explore wines that come from areas around the world that are generally not accessible unless you visit the specific location. Lucky the LCBO has brought us wine from Madiran.

Drink now or over the next 3 years. It’s enjoyable on its own but would pair even better with rack of lamb or grilled tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 19 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 251561

PASSADOURO VINHO TINTO 2008, DOC Douro, Portugal

13 Sunday May 2012

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Passadouro Vinho Tinto 2008, Doc Douro Bottle

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: Red Wine
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Quinta Do Passadouro
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Violets on the nose with plum, cinnamon, peppercorns, cherry, figs, blackberry, mocha, leather, olives, vanilla & black currants. Full body with medium+ tannins, good & long length.

Negatives: Slight heat from the high alcohol.

Interesting Point: Classic Port notes without the sweetness of desert wine.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with beef coq au vin.

Tasted: 12 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10 , Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 267997

IRONY MERLOT 2009, Napa Valley, California

13 Sunday May 2012

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Irony Merlot 2009, Napa Valley Bottle

Cost: $17.00
Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Delicato Family
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: “Classic Napa Merlot with aromas of black cherry, mocha, raspberry and vanilla. Elegant use of oak gives the whole package a fine structure and balance. The producers suggest enjoying this wine with roast beef, grilled chicken, baked ham, a classic cheeseburger or rich minestrone soup.” LCBO

Medium ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Plums, milk chocolate, mulberries, sweet cherry, rhubarb, some leather, cumin, red liquorice, cinnamon & all spice. Medium body, medium tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: Lots of heat coming from the listed 14.5% alcohol. Some bitterness on the finish.

Interesting Points: This wine should please those that like their reds with a slight sweetness & lots of alcohol.

Drink now on its own or pair it with BBQ beef ribs.

Tasted: 12 May 12, Score: 8+, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3+

LCBO#: 183186

THE PEOPLE’S WINE PINOT NOIR 2010, Central Otago, New Zealand

05 Saturday May 2012

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THE PEOPLE'S WINE PINOT NOIR

Cost: $16.95 (Sale $15.95 until 27 May 12)
Grape Variety: Pinot noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Constellation Wines Nz
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium minus ruby with a low intense nose.

Positives: A lighter & simple style Pinot featuring raspberry, sour cherry, rhubarb & a slight earthy note. Medium minus in body, low tannins, medium acidity & medium+ length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Points: This maybe a simple Pinot but I like it. The flavours that it does feature are all very good. The other things I like are: It’s in the LCBO General List, it’s under $20, which both points used to be unheard of for a Central Otago, it’s on sale now & it has a funky front & back label. Drink now on its own or pair it with Thumper, AKA rabbit. (Hey at least I didn’t say Bambi!)

Tasted: 3 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 234526

AMISFIELD PINOT NOIR 2008, Central Otago, New Zealand

30 Monday Apr 2012

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Amisfield Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, South Island Bottle

Cost: $44.95
Grape Variety: Pinot noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Amisfield Wine Co Ltd
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: “TASTING NOTE: Amisfield has been on a hot streak, and the 2007 continues that roll. The aromas show wonderfully high-toned cherry fruit, with a slightly herbal element that adds welcome complexity. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and richly textured, with its black cherry fruit framed by a hint of vanilla. Long and lush on the finish, this looks to be at its best now and for the next several years. Score: 92 (Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, March 1, 2009)” LCBO

Dark ruby in colour with medium to medium+ intensity.

Positives: Now this is a great Pinot featuring bold flavours of cherry, pomegranate, rhubarb, cranberry, beets, pine & hints of barnyard. Medium body with medium minus tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Points: I had the privilege of tasting this wine last year at the New Zealand Wine Tasting & it was one of my favourite wines that were offered. I’m happy to find that the LCBO now carries it, and even better was that I picked up this wine for $31.55.

Drink now or over the next 2 years on its own or pair it with Ahi tuna.

Tasted: 28 Apr 12

Top Pick. Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 5

LCBO#: 179754

ROSS SHIRAZ 2006, Barossa Valley, Australia

27 Friday Apr 2012

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Ross Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia Bottle

Cost: $30.95
Grape Variety: Shiraz
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ross Estate Wines Pty Ltd
Alcohol: 14.0 %
Description: Dark garnet to ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: A powerful but not jammy Shiraz from Australia featuring cedar, peppers  (white, red & black), bacon, plums, mesquite, dark chocolate, blackcurrants, tar, dark cherry & expresso. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: Quite a bit of heat coming from the alcohol although it’s only listed as 14%.

Interested Point: I purchased this wine at a LCBO store for $21.70, which makes it a best buy at that price).

Drink now on its own or pair it with braised lamb shank.

Tasted: 25 Apr 12

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 233825

GEYSER PEAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007, Alexander Valley, California

22 Sunday Apr 2012

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Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County Bottle

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Alexander Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Ascentia Wine Estates
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: “This wine won a Judges’ Choice Award at the Wine Access International Value Wine Awards in 2009. The wine is filled with cassis, black plum, vanilla and cherry aromas. Dry and fruity, it is surrounded by ripe tannins and gentle acidity. Enjoy this award-winner with grilled lamb steaks.” LCBO

Dark ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Cedar, pine cones, dark cherry, marzipan, chocolate, cassis, anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, leather, pencil shavings, tamarind, slate & cigar box. Medium+ body, medium tannins, good acidity, long length & the alcohol is nicely integrated.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: This has been a favourite of mine for decades. I’m glad it’s back & it’s under $25.

Drink now on its own or pair it with a T-bone grilled steak.

Tasted: 21 Apr 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 343467

TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS MALBEC 2006, San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

14 Saturday Apr 2012

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Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Malbec 2006, Uco Valley, Mendoza Bottle

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Malbec
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Argentina
Region: Mendoza
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Penaflor/Trapiche
Alcohol: 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium purple to ruby in colour with medium to medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lots of bramble fruit, cedar, graphite, blueberry pie, plums & turn tamarind. Medium body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: The wine is a little astringent.

Interesting Point: I bought on sale for $14.05, which would make it a best buy.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with venison.

Tasted: 13 April 12

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 186668

TANDEM PINOT NOIR GREEN VALLEY KEEFER RANCH 2004, Sonoma County, California

09 Monday Apr 2012

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Cost: $31.99 CI
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Cayman Islands
Country: United States
Region: Sonoma County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wine Creek Cellars
Alcohol: 14.2 %
Description: Medium minus ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Interesting Pinot that is still vibrant for a 2004. Shows blueberry, strawberry jam, pine, stewed plums, nutmeg and cloves. Medium to medium minus in body, good acidity, mild tannins, good length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: A little too syrupy on the finish

Interesting Note: Taste more like a Zin with Merlot than a Pinot, which isn’t a bad thing unless you’re looking for classic Pinot taste.

Drink now on its own or match it with cured dried duck breast.

Tasted: 8 April 12

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Foley Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir 2007, Santa Rita Hills, California

07 Saturday Apr 2012

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Foley Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir 2006, Santa Rita Hills Bottle

Cost: $34.99 CI
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Cayman Islands
Country: United States
Region: Santa Rita Hills
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Foley Estates
Alcohol: 14.3%
Description: Light ruby colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: What a delightful Pinot, even my wife loved it.  Features classic pinot notes of cranberry, cherry, rhubarb, pine along with spearmint, sage, espresso and cola. Medium minus in body with light tannins, medium acidity, long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Drink now on its own or pair it with rosemary roasted duck.

Tasted: 6 April 12

Top Pick

Score: 9.5+, Value: 9/10, Total: 19/20