Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Mendocino
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Fetzer Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: “This organically grown Cabernet rewards with pure and polished aromas and flavours of cassis, cherry, roasted herbs, licorice and ripe blackberry, all wrapped in silky tannins and culminating in a medium-long finish. Toast mother nature by serving this Cab with organic steaks and roasted potato wedges topped off with stir-fried portobello mushrooms.”LCBO

Medium to medium+ ruby in colour with high intensity on the nose. Positives: Lots of black fruits to go with cedar, anise, ribena, turmeric, pencil shavings, leather, arugula & a touch of spinach leaf on the finish. Medium body, medium+ tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Points: The wine is organic.

Pleasant drinking wine that can be drank now or over the next 2 years on its own or paired prime rib.

Tasted: 31 Jan 12

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 342428

Cost: $13.90
Grape Variety: Corvina Blend
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Valpolicella-superiore
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Az. Agr. Gamba
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium garnet in colour with medium+ intensity.

Positives: Very smooth albeit not complex Valpolicella but still delicious wine. You’ll find classic Valpolicella notes of cedar, dark chocolate, raisins, plums, dark cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon & leather. Medium body, medium to medium minus tannins, good acidity with long length.

Negatives: Be careful not to inhale the aromas too quickly as the high alcohol vapor may knock you out. I kid, but it is really strong.

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

Tasted 24 Jan 12

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 160242

Cost: $16.15
Grape Variety: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Columbia Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Badger Mountain Winery
Alcohol: 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with a high intensity nose.

Positives: The taste of this complex wine washes over the palate in waves. Look for dark cherry, tamarind, rhubarb, blackberry, mulberry, plums, red currants, licorice, black pepper, capers, celery & earth notes. Medium body, medium+ acidity & very long length.

Negatives: Due to its complexity some notes may not be for everyone, but I really liked it.

Interesting Point: Washington’s first certified organic winery in 1990.

Drink now on its own or pair it with veal Parmigiana.

Tasted: 22 Jan 12

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 209882

Cost: $14.95
Grape Variety: Syrah
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Swartland
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Boekenhoutskloof Winery
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Description: “Impressive Syrah with aromas of blackberry, bacon, brambleberry, mixed dried herbs and black pepper. It’s dry, with concentrated fruit and moderate tannins. Sweet-fruit core is nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Medium-full bodied with an impressive finish. Can cellar 2-3 years, but why wait? Enjoy it with bacon-wrapped sausages, smoked back ribs or grilled steaks with a peppercorn sauce.” LCBO

Medium+ ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. Positives: Smooth wine with notes of light cedar with tamarind chutney, blackberry, black cherry, mulberry, fried peameal bacon & sage. Full body, medium tannins, good acidity & medium+ length.

Negatives: A lot of heat on the finish due to the high alcohol.

Interesting Things: South Africa is the place to go for inexpensive Rhône varieties.

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

Tasted 18 Jan 12

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 59280