Category Archives: Red Wines

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

ST. SUPÉRY MERLOT 2007, Napa Valley, California

04 Wednesday Apr 2012

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St. Supéry Merlot 2007, Napa Valley Bottle

Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: USA
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: St.Supery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Although the nose is somewhat muted in scent but the taste surely is not. The mouth explodes with blueberry, plum, raspberry, cassis, cedar, black cherry, dark chocolate & cinnamon. Medium+ body with young tannins, good acidy & long length.

Negatives: A little heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Thing: I was able to get this at the LCBO on sale for $13.35, which would give it a 10/10 on the value scale.

Decant and drink on its own today or pair it with prime rib. I believe this wine will get better in 2 years.

Tasted: 3 Apr 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

LCBO#: 398214

CHÂTEAU ROUSSEAU DE SIPIAN 2006, Médoc, France

01 Sunday Apr 2012

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Château Rousseau De Sipian 2006, Ac Médoc Bottle

Cost: $22.95
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon blend
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: France
Region: Médoc
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Chateau Rousseau De Sipian
Alcohol: 13.1% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with medium to medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Cedar, blackberry, plum, cassis, anise, turmeric, pencil shavings & leather. In other words classic Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium body with medium tannins, medium acidity & medium+ length.

Negatives: Flavours are somewhat muted.

Interesting Point: Found this wine on sale at LCBO for $16.15.

Drink now on its own or pair it bacon, mushroom burger.

Tasted: 31 Mar 12

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 (sale price 9.5/10), Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO#: 246637

CAMPO VIEJO CRIANZA 2008, DOC Rioja, Spain

27 Tuesday Mar 2012

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Campo Viejo Crianza 2008, Rioja Bottle

Cost: $14.45 (sale: $12.95 until 1 Apr 12)
Grape Variety: Tempranillo, grenache & Mazuelo
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Campo Viejo Savin S.A.
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Easy drinking wine featuring plum, cherry, raspberry, some sandalwood & Macintosh apple. Medium body with medium tannins, good acidity, medium+ length & the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: Surprising to me that the nose is somewhat muted considering tempranillos have vibrant aromas.

Drink now on its own or pair it with butternut squash risotto.

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO#: 620997