SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT RESERVA NV, Catalunya, Spain

20 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Sparkling Wine

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Segura

Cost: $14.95 (Sale until Oct 11, 2015: $13.45)
Grape Variety: Macabeau, Xarel-lo & Parellada
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location Bought: LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Segura Viudas
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

Consistently a fine sparkling wine for under $15

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium to low intense nose and fine mousse. This sparkling wine featuring lemon, ginger, light yeast, green apple, cashews & nectarine. 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 with Chicken in Garlic Almond sauce.

Tasted: 11 October 2015: Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18/20

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

LCBO: 216960

BEAUREVOIR TAVEL 2014, Ac Tavel, France

20 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by in Rosés

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Tavel

Cost: $19.95
Grape: Grenache
Category: Rosé Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Tavel
Format: 750 mL
Producer: M. Chapoutier
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Unique: Some will like it & some not so much

Description: Light ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features roses, strawberry, cherry, grenadine, apple pit and herbs de Provence. Medium body with some tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A touch bitter on the finish

Interesting Point: Using a Chianti/Zin/Riesling glass will bring out the full potential of this wine. Using the larger Sauvignon glass made this wine more watery.

Drink now on its own or in the next year on its own or pair it with Spicy Pumpkin Ratatouille.

Tasted: 8 Oct 2015

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

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

LCBO: 991331

RAYMOND FAMILY CLASSIC CHARDONNAY 2014, California, United States

19 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, White Wines

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Raymond

Cost: $17.00 (On Sale until 8 Nov 2015: $14.00)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO General List
Country: United States
Region: St. Helena, Sonoma & Monterey County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Raymond Vineyard & Cellar
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Macon style California Chard at a great price

Description: Gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, lots of apple (Granny & Spartan), peach, vanilla, nutmeg and clove. Medium+ body with, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Boisset of Burgundy purchased Raymond vineyards in 2009 and began converting to biodynamic viniculture.

Drink now or in the next 4 years on its own or in the next year on its own or pair it with Shrimp Fettuccine in Cajun Alfredo Sauce.

Tasted: 18 Oct 2015

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 (Sale Price: 9+/10) Total: 17.5+/20

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

LCBO: 269753

MEYER PINOT NOIR 2013, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

19 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Meyer

Cost: $29.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Red Wine
Location Strath Ale Wine & Spirits Merchants, Victoria, BC
Country: Canada
Region: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Meyer Family Vineyards
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

This could pass for a $50 Burgundian Pinot, truly delicious

Description: Light garnet in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features barnyard smells, pine, dark cherries, raspberry, rhubarb, pinenuts, beets, a touch of Christmas cake, forest moss and smoked ambers. Medium body with light tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Surprisingly, there’s some heat from only 13% alcohol

Interesting Point: Lightly chill

Drink now on its own or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Balsamic Cherry and Thyme Glazed Duck Breast.

Tasted: 7 Oct 2015

Top Pick

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: 392449 (2012 vintage presently at LCBO)

ROBERT MONDAVI NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013, Napa Valley, California, United States

19 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Red Wines

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Robert Mondavi

Cost: $34.95 (Sale until 11 Oct: $29.95)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Robert Mondavi Winery
Alcohol: 15% Alcohol/Vol.

Linear in tasting, but may evolve in time

Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, plums, mulberry, blackcurrants, cassis, licorice, turmeric, espresso, dried Provencal herbs, spinach and spearmint. Medium body with medium+ tannins, good acidity, a long length and alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol on the finish

Interesting Point: Unusual high 15% alcohol for a Napa Cab, but lucky that it doesn’t show it on the taste

Drink on its own in the next 5 to 10 years on its own or pair it with Braised Pork Shanks with Peppers and Oregano.

Tasted: 6 Oct 2015

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 (Sale price: 8.5+/10) Total: 17+/20

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

LCBO: 255513

THE MUSICIAN CABERNET SHIRAZ 2012, Coonawarra, Australia

04 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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Musician

Cost: $19.95
Grape: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Coonawarra
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Majella Wines
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

An Aussy Cab/Shiraz that’s not jammy, priced right & oh yes it’s good

Description: Deep garnet in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, plums, cherry, eucalyptus, white pepper, roasted red peppers, turmeric, fresh cut carnations & Allspice. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol on the finish

Interesting Point: Using a Shiraz style wine glass smooths out the tannins versus the larger Cabernet Sauvignon glass

Drink now on its own or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Spicy BBQ Leg of Lamb with Rosemary Couscous.

Tasted: 2 Oct 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated 4

LCBO: 142018

GREG NORMAN ESTATES CABERNET MERLOT 2007, Limestone Coast, Australia

04 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines

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Greg Norman

Cost: $24.95 (Clearance: $20.00)
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Limestone Coast
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Greg Norman
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A nicely aged and not jammy wine even with a 14.5% alcohol

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

Negatives: Some heat from the 14.5% alcohol on the finish

Interesting Point: 8 years and still going strong

Drink now on its own or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Pan Seared Venison with blueberries and shallots.

Tasted: 30 Sept 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: 552075

MAYOR DE CASTILLA CRIANZA 2012, DO Ribera Del Duero, Spain

04 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by in Red Wines

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Mayor

Cost: $12.15
Grape: Tinta del Pais Blend
Category: Red Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Ribera Del Duero
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Señorio De Castilla
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

Proper glass is key to enjoying this wine

Description: Medium ruby to garnet in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features some sandalwood, pomegranate, blueberry, red currants, oregano and tobacco leaf. Medium body with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: Some heat from the 14% alcohol on the finish and a little watery

Interesting Point: Using the smaller Tempranillo wine glass smooths out the tannins versus the larger Cabernet Sauvignon glass

Drink now on its own or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Hot & Smoky Vindaloo with Pork Belly.

Tasted: 1 Oct 2015

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO: 318931

YALUMBA VIOGNIER 2013, Eden Valley, Australia

01 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, White Wines

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: Eden Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vicenta Gandia
Alcohol: 13% Alcohol/Vol.

Smooth, rich, elegant & so beautiful

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This complex wine features orange blossom, honeydew melon, orange, apricot, guava and white pepper. Medium+ body and with good acidity and a very long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Best non Condrieu Viognier I’ve had. Far superior in every sense than Yalumba’s Y Series Viognier (see my previous review).

Drink now or in the next 10 of years on its own or pair it with Spicy Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries.

Tasted: 31 Aug 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO: 954644

YALUMBA THE Y SERIES VIOGNIER 2014, South Australia, Australia

01 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in White Wines

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Yulumba

Cost: $16.95
Grape: Viognier
Category: White Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Yulumba
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A mid-weight, crisp, food friendly Viognier

Description: Medium straw in colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features pink grapefruit, peach pit, honeysuckle, apricot and lychee. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Has a bit of a bitter finish, but not noticeable when paired with food

Drink now or in the next 5 of years on its own or pair it with Coquilles St. Jacques.

Tasted: 30 Aug 2015

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 18.5+/20

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

LCBO: 624502