Our wine reviews
Expected a lot more… Name: Viña Ardanza, Reserva Vintage: 2004 Producer: La Rioja Alta, S.A. Region/Country: Rioja, Spain Grape Varietal(s): Trempanillo, Garnacha (Grenache) Consumed: Chambar Restaurant, Vancouver, British Columbia Recommended By: The restaurant sommelier, who touted the wine as an “amazing millésime” and “to die for” Cost: 130 CAD Bottle Appearance: A traditional-looking label with … Read more
For a new world Pinot Noir, it is worth trying. Name: Vintage Pinot Noir Vintage: 2013 Producer: Sweet Cheeks Winery & Vineyards Region/Country: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: At home Recommended By: Mom, who purchased it while in Oregon Cost: Unknown Bottle Presentation: Busy and somewhat overdone. Not sure how the … Read more
A superb Spanish offering… Name: Serras del Priorat Vintage: 2010 Producer: Clos Figueras Region/Country: Priorat, Spain Grape Varietal(s): 65% Grenache, 15% Mazuela (Carignan), 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: August 2, 2015, at the Château Montebello BBQ restaurant. This fantastic place opens during the summer months only, so plan your stay accordingly. Recommended By: Justin, … Read more
One of the best chardonnays I have tasted… Name: Mer Soleil Santa Lucia Highlands Reserve Chardonnay Vintage: 2013 Producer: Mer Soleil Vineyard Region/Country: Rutherford, California, USA Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay Consumed: At home Recommended by: A colleague Cost: 34.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: Colourful, distinct yellow label. Stands out on the shelf. Appearance: Nice golden colour. Nose: … Read more
An engaging Châteauneuf-du-Pape… Name: La Célestière Vintage: 2009 Producer: SCEA La Célestière Region/Country: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France Grape Varietal(s): Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre Consumed: At home Recommended by: Happened upon it at the LCBO Cost: 59.00 CAD Bottle Appearance: Interesting font, clean, somewhere between traditional and modern. Appearance: Dark ruby red. Nose: Chocolate, leather, and grilled meat (maybe … Read more
Revealed its charm over time… Name: Domaine Grand Romane Gigondas Vintage: 2011 Producer: Pierre Amadieu Region/Country: Gigondas, France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Consumed: At home Recommended by: Happened upon it at the LCBO Cost: 22.75 CAD Bottle Presentation: A classic label, although the picture on the foil seems like overkill. Appearance: Light-medium ruby red. … Read more
An amazing rosé… Name: Costes de Beyrac – Buzet Vintage: 2014 Producer: Costes de Beyrac Region/Country: Buzet, France Grape Varietal(s): Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: At home, though purchased in Paris Recommended By: The wine store clerk, who was informative and, in his own way, kind of cute. Cost: 4.90 € Bottle Presentation: Clean, … Read more
New world all the way… Name: Alakai Vintage: 2000 Producer: Joel Gott Wines Region/Country: California, USA Grape Varietal(s): Grenache Consumed: At home Recommended by: SAQ Cost: $25.05 CAD Bottle Presentation: Classic, easy to read label Appearance: Medium-dark ruby red Nose: Initially, very fruit forward (sour cherries) with some bacon, but after a good decant, more … Read more