Cost: $23.95
Grape: 80% Tempranillo, 16% Garnacha, 2% Mazudo, 2% Graciano
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Franco Españolas
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A top notch, youthful Gran Reserva at a good price

Description: Medium garnet to ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features sandalwood, cherry, red currants, dried bramble fruit, old leather, shitake mushrooms, vanilla, chalk, and cherry tobacco on the nose. Medium body with dusty tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 10 of years, on its own or pair it with Braised Beef Roast with Cherry Balsamic Sauce.

Tasted: 20 July 2016 (Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, without her contribution to my site it would not have the positive impact that it has)

Best Buy & Top Pick

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

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

LCBO: 428060

Cost: $17.95
Grape: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Castillon, Bordeaux
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château Des Demoiselles
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Big on substance, low on price: Can’t ask for more

Description: Medium ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features cedar, bramble fruit, blueberry, cherry, red & black currants, plum, coffee, thyme, peppercorn, cassis, anise, turmeric, tomato leaf, leather and railway ties on the nose. Medium to medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity and a very long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Serve between 16-18 Celsius

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Gourmet Burgers made with Grass fed Prime Beef, Camembert, truffle Mayo, onion jam and tomatoes.

Tasted: 6 May 2016

Best buy & Top pick

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

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

LCBO: 348755

Cost: $18.95 (Sale price: $15.20)
Grape: Xinomaro
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Greece
Region: Naoussa
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Boutari
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic Old Word aged wine at a bargain price

Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features dusty old wood, sandalwood, dried red berries, licorice, anise, black olives, champagne mushrooms and leather. Medium+ body with mild tannins, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Similar to a Grand Reserva Rioja, but use the same glassware that you would drink a Cabernet in.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Penne with Bacon and Black Olive Sauce.

Tasted: 23 April 2016

Best buy & Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale: 9.5/10) Total: 18.5/20

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

LCBO: 140111

Cost: $22.25
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Special Order
Country: United States
Region: Carneros, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Waterstone Winery
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Gorgeous!

Description: Medium light garnet colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features pine, dark cherry, plum, strawberry, rhubarb, cloves, cola, vanilla, fresh peat moss, smouldering embers and violets on the nose. Medium body with mild tannin, good acidity, a long length and the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: The 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: Slightly chill and if you can use the balloon style Pinot glass

Drink now or in the next 5-7 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Duck Breast with Pomegranate-Plum Glaze.

Tasted: 8 April 2016

Best buy & Top Pick

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: Special order