GHOST PINES CHARDONNAY 2018, 36% Monterey County, 33% Napa Valley, 31% Sonoma County, California, United States of America

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

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

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Cost: $21.95 (Sale price: 19.95 until March 29, 2020)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: 36% Monterey County, 33% Napa Valley, 31% Sonoma County
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Louis M. Martini
Alcohol:  14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

This Chard is the exception to my rule of not buying high alcohol wines (above 14.1% alcohol) due to the fact it is so bloody good.

Tasting Note: Bright gold in colour this wine features lemon, baked apples, pineapples, yellow plums, peach, crème brûlée, lemon meringue pie, vanilla, light oak spice, ginger, dill and limestone.

Interesting Point: As my viewers know, I am anti high alcohol (above 14.1%), and although this one is 14.5%, the alcohol is well integrated, and the wine is too good not to buy just because of the high alcohol.

Pairings: Drink now on its own for the next 3-5 years or pair it with Lobster Thermidor.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: March 17, 2020

LCBO: 308122

PELLER ESTATES PRIVATE RESERVE 2017 CHARDONNAY, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Not Recommended, White Wines

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Cost: $20.95 at The Wine Shop, $19.95 LCBO
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: Winery & LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Peller Estates
Alcohol:  13.1% Alcohol/Vol.

Verges on the flabby side plus I don’t like marzipan

Tasting Notes: Gold in colour this wine features papaya, cantaloupe, lemon & marzipan.

Interesting Point: So why is The Wine Shop selling this wine at $1 more than LCBO?

Pairings: Drink now on its own or pair it with buttermilk fried chicken.

My Opinion: Not recommended

Tasted: March 16, 2020

LCBO: 383109

DOMAINE DES VALS 2017, AOP Corbières, France

10 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by in Best Buys, Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $14.95
Grape: Syrah & Grenache
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Corbières
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cellier des Demoiselles
Alcohol:  14% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple yet elegant red wine

Positives: Dark purple to ruby in colour this wine features cherry, blackberry, mulberry, black & white peppers and soft tannins.

Interesting Point: The Cellier des Demoiselles was created in 1914, just before the First World War. The name is a tribute to the women of the village who, in the absence of their men, strove to preserve our wines and our Terroir.

Pairings: Drink now on its own for the next 3-5 years or pair it with Manchego cheese

My Opinion: Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: March 10, 2020

LCBO: 12981

MURIEL FINCAS DE LA RESERVA 2014, Rioja, Spain

09 Monday Mar 2020

Posted by in Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Roja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bodegas Muriel
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A simple Reserva, but still good

Positives: Medium purple to garnet in colour this wine features cherry, pomegranate, sandalwood, Allspice and leather.

Pairings: Drink now on its own for the next 5-7 years or pair it with chicken and chorizo rice pot.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: March 9, 2020

LCBO: 276030

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY BALANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

07 Saturday Mar 2020

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Niagara College Teaching Winery
Alcohol:  14% Alcohol/Vol.

This light-coloured Cab is a unique Canadian Cab that has complexity & more so when it really opens up. For all that this Cab has to offer without going over 14% alcohol, it  truly is Canadian gem.

Positives: Light purple to garnet in colour, this wine features Bing Cherries, tamarind, blackberries, blueberries, mulberries, cinnamon, cloves, leather, cocoa, black peppers & Harissa.

Interesting Point: A special thanks to the Teaching Winery manager; Chetan, for his customer service to the wine club members. Makes me feel special.

Pairings: Drink now on its own for the next 5-7 years or pair it with foods infused with dark chocolate.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy & Top Pick

Tasted: March 7, 2020

THE AUDACITY OF THOMAS G. BRIGHT MERLOT-CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

02 Monday Mar 2020

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Not Recommended, Red Wines

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Cost: $17.95 (Sale price until March 1, 2020: $15.95)
Grape: Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Arterra Wines
Alcohol:  13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

I enjoyed their Chard, but this red, not so much as it flabby & a lot of sweet notes like strawberry rhubarb pie, milk chocolate covered prunes. Those that prefer the sweet California wines will like this one.

My Opinion: Not Recommended

Tasted: March 2, 2020

LCBO: 11564

THE AUDACITY OF THOMAS G. BRIGHT SUSSRESERVE CHARDONNAY 2018, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

26 Wednesday Feb 2020

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

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Cost: $16.95 (Sale price until March 1, 2020: $14.95)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Arterra Wines
Alcohol:  14% Alcohol/Vol.

An Ontario Chard that will please those that like oaked Chards that are full body, powerful yet balanced and has complexity. Oh yes, so far haven’t tried a Canadian Chard with all that & at this price!

Positives: Deep gold (you can tell it’s oaked age just by the colour), this wine features lemon tart, Golden apples, pineapple, peach, clementine, vanilla, oak spice, ginger, dill and limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2019 /CNW/ – Today, Arterra Wines Canada announced a very special homage to one of its original founders, with the launch of the company’s newest VQA wine The Audacity of Thomas G. Bright. In 1874, a young man named Thomas G. Bright had a bold idea: grow European grapes in Niagara, Ontario. In the face of countless challenges, from the soil conditions to the unique Canadian climate and an army of naysayers, T.G. Bright & Co. – his company – persevered, eventually importing hundreds of types of vines to Canada. His innovation and leadership were fundamental to the development of the Niagara wine industry, and his company eventually became part of the modern-day Arterra Wines Canada. “Anyone who has ever enjoyed a glass of Canadian wine owes a debt to Thomas G. Bright,” explains Andrea Hunt, senior vice president marketing, Arterra Wines Canada.

Ageability: Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with lobster bisque.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: February 22, 2020

LCBO: 11565

FLAT ROCK CELLARS CHARDONNAY 2018, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

25 Tuesday Feb 2020

Posted by in Canadian Wines, On The Fence, White Wines

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Cost: $19.95 (Sale price until March 1, 2020: $17.95)
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Flat Rock
Alcohol:  13% Alcohol/Vol.

Middle of the road Ontario Chard that should please those that enjoy the heavier oak style and those that like the crisp unoaked style

Positives: Bright gold in colour this wine features light butter, lemon, green apples, pear, honeydew melon, ginger, some oak spice and limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Not as good as their 2015 vintage, which I reviewed back in 2017

Ageability: Drink now or in the next 3-5 of years on its own or pair it with grilled chicken.

My Opinion: On the Fence

Tasted: February 25, 2020

LCBO: 286278

MONMARTHE SECRET DE FAMILLE BRUT CHAMPAGNE NV, Premier Cru, Ac Ludes, Montagne de Reims, France

23 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in Champagne, Highly Recommended, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $47.95
Grape: 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
Category: Champagne
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Ludes, Montagne de Reims
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Monmarthe
Alcohol:  12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Classic Champagne but from an Independent Winegrower that is priced well under top Champagne houses with the same quality.

Positives: Deep gold in colour with a copper tinge. This wine has a fine mousse and features yeast, brioche, finely oxidative, green apples, Anjou pear, lemons, peach, ginger, nutmeg and crushed limestone.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: This Champagne was bought as a birthday present from my daughter, but today we drink in her honour in getting into her Masters program.

Ageability: Drink now or in the next 10-15 of years on its own or pair it with New York style Parmesan, garlic & herb pits chips.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: February 22, 2020

LCBO: 624775

LA MOSCOTA EXTRA BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE, NV, Champenoise Method, San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

17 Monday Feb 2020

Posted by in Best Buys, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $19.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Argentina
Region: San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Moscota Vineyards
Alcohol:  11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Not complex easy drinking dry sparkling with elegance

Positives: Light gold with a rose coloured tinged & fine mousse, this wine features light brioche & yeast, strawberry, cherry, pear and blood orange.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Tasted well in several different Champagne/sparkling wine glassware, which is unique.

Ageability: Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with strawberry.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: February 16, 2020

LCBO: 11806