Cost: $11.95
Grape Variety: Tempranillo
Category: Wine
Location Bought: LCBO General List
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Beronia S.A.
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Medium bright ruby in colour with medium+ intensity in the nose.

Positives: Sandalwood, strawberry, bacon, basil & cherry notes on the nose & taste. The wine is dry, medium to low tannins, medium acidity, medium body & medium length.

Negatives: Slight wateriness detected on the taste.

Interesting Things: This is one of the best inexpensive & consistent year to year Tempranillo’s. Usually the LCBO will put this on sale for a $1 off.

Drink now on its own or with lamb chops.

Best Buy

Tasted: 17 Nov 11

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 243055

Cost: $22.50
Grape Variety: 39% Zinfandel, 36% Syrah, 15% Petite Sirah and 10% Malbec
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Mendocino County, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Sarasina Winery
Alcohol: 14.8% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium+ ruby to garnet in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Violets, spruce, raisins, dates, bacon, red peppers, hickory, raspberry, milk chocolate & a forest in autumn with the leaves changing to their beautiful fall colours. As you can see I just love the nose. And now for the taste: like the nose but also blueberry pie. The wine is complex with medium tannins, good acidity, medium length & body. The high alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: I detected a slight wateriness on the finish, which shortened the length.

Interesting Things:

• If you ever had The Prisoner (highly recommended, but not sold in Ontario), this is the lighter version of it.
• Best with a Zinfandel glass.
• What caught my eye when I first saw this wine is the classy label & The Old Soul Red. It all reminds me of my wife so I had to get it. I wasn’t disappointed & I hope you won’t be either.

Drink now on its own or with a grilled tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 4 Nov 11.

Best Buy.

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 214825

Cost: $24.95
Grape Variety: Sangiovese
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Casa Vinicola Barone Ricasoli Spa
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Classic Chianti with sour cherry, cedar, dried herbs, blackberry, Conifer spice, red & black pepper. This wine has medium+ tannins with good acidity, medium body & medium+ length.

Negatives: None.

Pair this wine with traditional Italian tomato based dishes.

Tasted: 29 Oct 11

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 943613

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: 80% Merlot 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: France
Region: St. George, St. Émilion
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bonnet-Gapenne
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Dark ruby colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Very nicely balanced wine. Red & black fruits intertwined with earth notes, medium+ tannins & good acidity. Some spice notes are detected in the middle during its long length. Easy drinking wine.

Negatives: Slightly watery finish.

Interesting Things: If you can’t afford the higher end Right bank Bordeaux, this is a very good entry level.

Drink now or cellar for 2-4 years. Pairs nicely with grilled lamb & squash.

Tasted 28 Oct 11

Best Buy.

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 244053