A bold, balanced, and sumptuous red blend from Mendoza… This Argentinian red blend, Viñalba Reserva, a combination of Malbec and Touriga Nacional, impressed us in terms of its balance, complexity, and structure. With an intriguing bouquet on the nose, including grilled meat, dark plums, and anise, it offered plenty of fruit in the mouth, combined … Read more
A very good Blauburgunder from Sϋditrol-Alto Adige… This Blauburgunder (another name for Pinot Noir) offered a fruity, fragrant nose with a tart, vibrant mouth. The tannins came across as somewhat sharp, yet not over-bearing, and the high degree of acidity added a welcomed touch of crispness. We paired it with an Italian-style margherita pizza and … Read more
A very good Bordeaux-blend with a twist… This Bordeaux-style blend, produced in British Columbia by Le Vieux Pin, impressed us in terms of complexity, ease of drinkability, and value. Similar to many blends produced on the Right Bank in Bordeaux, where Merlot dominates Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the twist of Petit Rouge comes in … Read more
In the end, the Spanish red blend took the honours in this blind tasting… Wanting to hone Emilie’s tasting skills, Ryan surprised her with an impromptu blind tasting on a gorgeous summer night. It was a good way to see if the skills she developed during the WSET Level 2 course in Wines & Spirits … Read more
La Clape Grand Terroir, another solid offering from Gérard Bertrand, one of our favourite producers in Languedoc-Roussillon… We enjoyed this Rhône-style red blend, which offered a nice balance of dark and red fruit, combined with earth, leather, and tobacco notes. Made in a classic, old-world style, La Clape Grand Terroir offers pretty much what you’d expect from … Read more
This Escudo Rojo blend could use more time in cellar… This Chilean red blend, a classy-looking offering bearing the heralded name of Baron Philippe de Rothschild, came across as bold, sharp, and a little aggressive, with green cedar notes and gritty tannins. And that was after having decanted it for a good hour. We’d recommend … Read more
A big, bold Barolo we would definitely drink again… Name: Barolo Vintage: 2012 Producer: Batasiolo Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo Consumed: At La Cucina restaurant in North Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list Cost: $72 CAD (although we found it for $29.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: A simple, … Read more
A Merlot-Sangiovese blend with excellent potential… Name: La Vite Lucente Vintage: 2014 Producer: Luce della Vite, Frescobaldi Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Merlot and Sangiovese Alcohol content: 13.5% Consumed: At Bella Gelateria and Pizzeria in Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list at the restaurant Cost: $75 CAD at the restaurant (available … Read more
A balanced, complex South African red blend at a tremendously good price… Name: Glenelly Grand Vin Vintage: 2010 Producer: Glenelly Estate Region/Country: Stellenbosch, South Africa Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (36%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (10%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: The last chance bin at the LCBO (though other locations, especially in the … Read more
An excellent Cabernet Franc from Pillitteri that was well worth the wait… Name: Cabernet Franc Family Reserve Vintage: 2002 Producer: Pillitteri Region/Country: VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home as part of a birthday celebration (not saying which one). Recommended By: Received it as a gift from a beloved source. Cost: … Read more