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
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 interesting Lalande-de-Pomerol given its strong flavours yet light body… Name: Château Vieux Chevrol Lalande-de-Pomerol Vintage: 2010 Producer: Château Vieux Chevrol Region/Country: Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Grape Varietal(s): 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Consumed: Brought with us to the Hotel Nelligan in Montreal to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday. Recommended By: Found at the … Read more
Expected a lot more from this highly reputable Saint-Émilion Grand Cru… Name: No. 3 Angelus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Vintage: 2013 Producer: Château Angélus Region/Country: Saint-Émilion, France Grape Varietal(s): 85-90% Merlot (according to the Château Angélus website) Consumed: At the Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Montréal, Québec, Canada Recommended By: The sommelier at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse Cost: $102 CAD … Read more
Young, full-bodied, and Intense… Name: Supreno Vintage: 2013 Producer: Alma – Santa Maria della Versa Region/Country: Puglia, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese, Merlot Consumed: Firegrill Restaurant, Montreal Recommended By: An amiable waitress at the Firegrill Restaurant Cost: $59.00 Bottle Presentation: Modern, bordering on dramatic (somehow reminiscent of Dracula), would definitely stand out on the shelf Appearance: … Read more
Surprisingly herbaceous, yet good with steak… Name: The Silver Line Epic Vintage: 2010 Producer: G. Marquis Vineyards Region/Country: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $29.75 Bottle Presentation: Classic, classy, clean, and distinctive Appearance: Medium ruby red Nose: Herbs, cedar, and leather Taste: Wood, … Read more
Big, bold, and complex… Name: Can Feixes Negre Tradició Penedès Vintage: 2008 Producer: Huguet de Can Feixes Region/Country: Penedès, Spain Grape Varietal(s): Trempanillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot (proportions unknown) Consumed: At home with BBQ Filet Mignon on a Friday night (at the end of a long week) Recommended By: Found it at the SAQ … Read more
Somewhat underwhelming… Name: MERITAGE MER’R’IYM Vintage: 2012 Producer: NK’MIP (pronounced Inkameep) Region/Country: British Columbia, VQA Okanagan Valley, Canada Grape Varietal(s): 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, and 6% Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home Recommended By: My parents, who visited the winery not too long ago, and, I have to admit, the combination of varietals … Read more