A smooth, complex red blend from Côtes du Rhône Villages at a tremendous price… This Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend, Plan de Dieu from Domaine Le Grand Retour in Côtes du Rhône Villages offered plenty of complexity in both the nose and mouth. Ostensibly part of God’s plan—hence the name—we appreciated the smoothness of this wine, … 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
A light, dry rosé with plenty of floral notes… Name: L’Opaline Vintage: 2015 Producer: Pure Provence SARL Region/Country: Provence, France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault Consumed: At Le Riverain Restaurant, Fairmont Le Château Montebello Recommended By: The waitress at Le Riverain. Cost: $12.50 per glass. Bottle Presentation: Simple, yet modern and stylish. Appearance: Pale salmon. … Read more
A decent red blend definitely worth a try… Name: Mas Janeil Vintage: 2009 Producer: François Lurton SA Region/Country: Côtes du Roussillon-Village, Languedoc-Roussillon, France Grape Varietal(s): 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 10% Syrah Consumed: At home on a Friday night (date night) Recommended By: The LCBO and Decanter (world wine awards commendation) Cost: $17.75 Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, … Read more
A nice Grenache Noir with notes of complexity that emerge over time… Name: Nicolas Côtes Catalanes 100% Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes Vintage: 2013 Producer: Domaine Lafage Region/Country: Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon I.G.P., France Grape Varietal(s): Grenache Noir Consumed: At home Recommended By: LCBO Cost: 18.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: Clean, simple, and understated label Appearance: Medium ruby … Read more
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
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