PRIMAL ROOTS RED BLEND 2011, California, United States

13 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, Red Wines

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Primal Roots

Cost: $13.99 Cayman Islands
Grape: 49% Merlot, 42% Syrah, 9% Zinfandel
Category: Red Wine
Location Tortuga
Country: California
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Primal Roots Wnery
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Although on the sweeter side it’s well integrated and balanced

Description: Opaque ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, Black Forest Cake, plum, cherry, mocha and vanilla. Full body with light tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: First time I can actually enjoy an entry style California Cab that’s on the sweeter style

Drink now or in the next couple of years on its own or pair it with Peppered Beef Tenderloin with Merlot Shallot Sauce.

Tasted: 5 Dec 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

PERRIER-JOUËT GRAND BRUT NV, Épernay, Champagne, France

11 Friday Dec 2015

Posted by in Champagne

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perrier

Cost: $68.95
Grape: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Category: Champagne Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Épernay, Champagne
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Perrier-Jouët
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

Creamy, rich, smooth with finesse

Description: Pale straw in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This complex Champagne features light yeast, brioche, lemon, grapefruit, ginger, croissant, Swiss Chard, dill, limestone  and Easter Lily on the nose . Full body with light tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 10-15 years on its own or pair it with Brie on white cheddar & rosemary flavoured crackers.

Tasted: 4 Dec 2015 (Celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary)

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 155341

JACOB’S CREEK RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2013, Adelaide Hills, Australia

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Jacob's

Cost: $14.95 (Clearance price: $12.00)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: Adelaide Hills
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Jacob’s Creek
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A true value Chard that stands out from the rest in this price range

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light toasted oak, lemon zest, honeydew melon, white peach, pear, green apples, nutmeg, clove and coconut. Medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Don’t over chill this wine in order to for all the flavours to come out. I love that an entry level Chard has moderate alcohol of 13% vs 14% or higher.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Crab Alfredo.

Tasted: 16 Nov 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 (Clearance price: 9.5/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 270017

DEAKIN ESTATE VIOGNIER 2014, Australia

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Deakin Viognier

Cost: $10.80 (Clearance price: $8.70)
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO
Country: Australia
Region:
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Deakin Estates
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

A nice easy drinking lighter style Viognier

Description: Pale straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features apricots, Kiwi, lime, honeysuckle and clementine. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Braised Rabbit with artichokes and bacon.

Tasted: 17 Nov 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 399253

KWV CATHEDRAL CELLAR 2013, Western Cape, Australia

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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Cathedral

Cost: $15.95 (Sale price until 29 Nov 2015: $13.95)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Format: 750 mL
Producer: KWV Cathedral Cellar
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

A Cab that taste twice it’s cost

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plums, boysenberry, nectarine, turmeric, cassis, eucalyptus, cinnamon, thyme and smoked leather. Full body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Venison Roast with red wine and juniper berries.

Tasted: 18 Nov 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9+/10 (Sale price: 9.5/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 328567

OYSTER BAY PINOT NOIR 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

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Oyster Bay

Cost: $19.95 (Clearance Price: $16:00)
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Oyster Bay
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A light charming Pinot that has character for under $20

Description: Light ruby to garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, cherry, rhubarb, nutmeg, kiwi, wet moss and light smoky underbrush. Medium body with light tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Remember to lightly chill this wine.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Roasted Squab Pigeon with Leeks.

Tasted: 22 Nov 2015

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance Price: 9.5/10) Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 590414

PIERRE SPARR CRÉMANT D’ALSACE BRUT RESERVE NV, Traditional Method, Ac Alsace, France

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Sparkling Wine

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Pierre Sparr Cremant

Cost: $18.95
Grape: Pinot Blanc
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Alsace
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Pierre Sparr
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Off dry, simple Champagne style sparkler that’s nice

Description: Bright straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose and a fine mousse. This wine features light yeast, white flower, mandarin, pear, melon, pink grapefruit and some minerality on the finish. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Scallops in Herbed Brown Butter.

Tasted: 22 Nov 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 388603

LINDEMAN’S BIN 65 CHARDONNAY 2015, South Eastern Australia, Australia

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by in White Wines

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Lindemans

Cost: $10.95 (Sale price: $9.95)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Australia
Region: South Eastern Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Lindeman’s
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Consistent value Aussy Chard for $10

Description: Bright straw in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, lemon, golden & green apples, grapefruit, pear, ginger, dill & a dusting of coconut. Medium+ body with high acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: A little too tart on the finish

Interesting Note: More food friendly than just drinking on its own.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Coconut Shrimp with Mango Horseradish.

Tasted: 19 Nov 2015

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance price: 9+/10) Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 142117

FOLIE À DEUX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Red Wines

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Folie Cab

Cost: $24.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Folie à Deux
Alcohol: 14.1% Alcohol/Vol.

Complex, well balanced & delicious

Description: Deep dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plum, cherry, mulberry, spearmint, Allspice, turmeric, cocoa, cola and leather. Full body with green tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.1% alcohol

Interesting Point: Decant for an hour before serving.

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Brazilian style flank steak with chimichurri sauce.

Tasted: 11 Nov 2015 (Lest We Forget)

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 186163

GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD PINOT NOIR 2013, VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada

16 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Red Wines

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Grange

Cost: $18.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Prince Edward County, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A lighter Old World style Pinot for under $20

Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine displays a lot of earthy notes, Shitake mushrooms, forest floor, wet moss & twigs, followed by cranberry, sour cherry and Christmas cake. Medium body and tannins with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This wine grows on you. Remember to lightly chill it.

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil.

Tasted: 12 Nov 2015

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 230227