Our wine reviews
A vibrant, beautifully-made Ontario Rosé… Name: Rosé Vintage: 2016 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (percentages unknown) Consumed: At home on a gorgeous (finally!) summer evening Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO Cost: $13.75 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive … Read more
A Rosé that’s sweet in the nose, dry in the mouth, and fantastic in the hand… Name: Anew Rosé Vintage: 2016 Producer: Anew Winery, under the Château Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ group Region/Country: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (93%) and Grenache (7%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at … Read more
This red McPrice Myers emphasizes the “S” in GSM… Name: McPrice Myers Beautiful Earth Vintage: 2013 Producer: McPrice Myers Region/Country: Paso Robles, California, USA Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (79%), Grenache (13%), Mourvèdre (8%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: Received it as a gift as part of a Wine Collective package Cost: $66 CAD Bottle Presentation: Simple, … Read more
A layered Spanish red blend at an outstanding price… Name: Monasterio de la Viñas Gran Reserva Vintage: 2007 Producer: San José de Aguarón Region/Country: Cariñena, Spain Grape Varietal(s): Grenache, Tempranillo, and Carignan Consumed: At home Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO based on the blend Cost: $17.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: A … Read more
Not your typical Cabernet Franc, but still a fantastic offering from Hester Creek… Name: Hester Creek Cabernet Franc Reserve Block 3 Vintage: 2009 Producer: Hester Creek Region/Country: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home Recommended By: A gift from a trusted source Cost: $28.99 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, classy label, … Read more
An intriguing white blend with plenty to offer… Name: Terres Vintage: 2011 Producer: Domaine de la Baume Region/Country: Languedoc Roussillon (Pays d’Oc), France Grape Varietal(s): Viognier (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: A trusted friend Cost: $23 CAD Bottle Presentation: Classy, elegant label, with a notably heavy bottle. Appearance: Medium gold Nose: … Read more
A lovely, balanced Albariño from Benito Santos… Name: Pequeño santos Vintage: 2016 Producer: Benito Santos Region/Country: D.O. Rias Baixas, Spain Grape Varietal(s): 100% Albariño Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise. Recommended By: A wine shop in the Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain – worth a visit in itself! Cost: About 10 Euros Bottle Presentation: A colourful, … Read more
Could benefit from additional time in bottle… Name: Celeste Crianza Vintage: 2014 Producer: Torres Region/Country: Ribera Del Duero, Spain Grape Varietal(s): Tinto fino (Tempranillo) Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise. Recommended By: Selected from the wine list on the cruise ship. Cost: $42 USD ($20.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: A clean, classy label, with … Read more
A good Pinot Noir from Matua with an interesting nose… Name: Matua Vintage: 2014 Producer: Matua Valley Wines Region/Country: Marlborough, New Zealand Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Selected from the wine list on the cruise ship. Cost: $42 USD ($12.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: Clean, classy aqua-blue … Read more
A good example of a Provence Rosé… Name: Cape Bleue Rosé Vintage: 2014 Producer: Jean-Luc Colombo Region/Country: Provence, France Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (67%) and Mourvèdre (33%) Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Selected from the wine list on the cruise ship. Cost: $43 USD Bottle Presentation: A colourful, clean, and interesting label that seems … Read more