Category Archives: White Wines

FROG’S LEAP CHARDONNAY “SHALE AND STONE” 2018, Napa Valley, California, United States of America

25 Sunday Dec 2022

Posted by in Non LCBO Wine, On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $31.99 KY
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Jacques Scott, Cayman Islands
Country: United States of America
Region: Napa Valley, California
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Frog’s Leap
Alcohol: 13.2% Alcohol/Vol.

Somewhat over ripped. Score: 86/100.

Tasting Note: Light gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Orange pith, grapefruit, marzipan, golden apples, white cherry & shale.

Negatives: Too over ripped for me.

Interesting Point:

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with scampi

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted December 24, 2022

FOLKLORE CHARDONNAY 2019, Western Australia

01 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by in Not Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $17.95 (Clearance Price: $12.60)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Western Australia
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Folklore
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Horrible, like biting into over ripe orange. Score: Not worth to score.

Not recommended

Tasted: November 1, 2022

LCBO: 19905

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY TOM THOMSON WHITE CANOE 2108, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

09 Wednesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Recommended, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $22.95
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

I am normally a traditionalist when it comes to white wine, meaning I’m not crazy when it comes to several blends of white grapes in a wine, but this one was pretty good. Score: 87/100.

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with good acidity, an intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Grapefruit, passion fruit, Dragon fruit, kumquat, & lemon rind.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “The Tom Thomson art gallery (The Tom) is a national cultural attraction dedicated to the innovation and spirit of the iconic artist Tom Thomson (1877-1917) whose artwork has been described as being the “visual equivalent of our national anthem”. This wine was created by the Niagara College Teaching Winery in honour of the 50th anniversary of The Tom and 100th anniversary of Thomson’s untimely and mysterious death at Canoe Lake.” (Winery)

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2 -4 years on its own or pair it with calamari.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: November 8, 2022

BORNE OF FIRE, THE BURN CHARDONNAY 2019, Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States of America

30 Sunday Oct 2022

Posted by in On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States of America
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Born of Fire
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Overpriced for a simple, linear style Chard. Score: 87/100.

Tasting Note: Gold in colour with average acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Light lemon, pear, golden apples, cantaloupe & baking powder.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point:

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3 – 4 years on its own or pair it with chicken alfredo.

My Opinion: On-the-Fence

Tasted: October 29, 2022

LCBO: 26511

STREWN TERROIR CHARDONNAY FRENCH OAK 2018, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

28 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines

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Cost: $32.00
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Strewn Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Just like to reiterate my previous review on Strewn’s Terroir Chards that I am so thankful that they are now under 14%. This French Oak Chard has style similar to Meursault & beautiful made. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Old gold in colour with good acidity, a medium to medium+ intense nose, round tannin & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, Jonagold apples, peach, ripe pear, kumquat, brioche, grilled pineapple, almond butter, honey, oak spice, ginger, dill, butterscotch & limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Barrel fermented with malolactic fermentation in new and seasoned French oak barrels. Left on lees for 11 months in oak with bâttonage as desired.” (Winery)

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 -7 years on its own or pair it with Limburger cheese.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: October 25, 2022

STREWN TERROIR CHARDONNAY CANADIAN OAK 2018, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

22 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $35.00
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Strewn Winery
Alcohol: 13.1% Alcohol/Vol.

Nice to see Strewn’s Chards below 14% alcohol. Combination of richness with creaminess & a crispness on the finish. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Old gold in colour with good acidity, a medium intense nose, light tannin & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, orange, cantaloupe, Jonagold apples, ginger, dill, coconut, oak spice, roasted almonds & limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Barrel fermented with malolactic fermentation in new and seasoned Canadian oak barrels then left on lees for 11 months in oak with bâttonage as desired.” (Winery)

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-4 years on its own or pair it with pan seared Chilean Sea Bass.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: October 21, 2022

13TH STREET WINERY JUNE’S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2020, VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

16 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $21.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Creek Shores, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the best Canadian non-oaked Chards I’ve tasted that shows a creamy rich texture along with minerality. Score: 92/100.

Tasting Note: Straw with some gold tinge in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pineapple, Jonagold apples, ripe pear, honeycomb, honeydew melon & limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Vegan Friendly

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with grilled shrimp

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: September 12, 2022

LCBO: 154617

SPIER SIGNATURE CHARDONNAY 2021, Stellenbosch, South Africa

25 Thursday Aug 2022

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Best Buys, Highly Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $13.35
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Spier
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Clean, balanced medium body Chard at a great price for the quality Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, pink grapefruit, Golden Delicious apples, pear, pineapple, dill, light caramel & baking spices.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Established in 1692, Spier is among the oldest of South African wineries.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with pan-fried salmon

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Amazing & Best Buy

Tasted: August 24, 2022

LCBO: 487181

13th STREET WINERY RESERVE VIOGNIER 2020, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

17 Wednesday Aug 2022

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $34.95
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, elegant & delicious. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: White peach, lemon zest, honeydew melon, green apples, pear, star fruit (Carambola), vanilla & honeysuckle on the nose.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Fermented & aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels.

Pairings: Drink this now or in 4-6 years on its own or pair it with Sautéed chicken with roasted red peppers, tossed in a cajun cream sauce with spinach and feta.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: July 22 & August 4, 2022

BRAMÌTO DELLA SALA CHARDONNAY 2021, IGP Umbria, Italy

13 Saturday Aug 2022

Posted by in Best Buys, Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $23.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Umbria
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Antinori
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A clean, fresh, mineral driven Chard. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Light in colour with good acidity, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon, yellow plum, green & yellow apples, toasted almonds, oak spice, ginger, Ciabatta, light vanilla & limestone.

Negatives: None

Pairings: Drink this now in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Lobster Ravioli

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: August 12, 2022

LCBO: 176792