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
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
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
Not a typical Pinot Noir, but well worth a look… Name: Meiomi Vintage: 2015 Producer: Meiomi, Constellation Brands Region/Country: A blend from Monterrey County, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara County, California Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Vintages Wine Bar sommelier on the cruise ship Cost: $27.95 CAD at the … Read more
What you’d expect from a McLaren Vale GSM… Name: Yangarra Estate GSM, Cadenzia Vintage: 2007 Producer: Yangarra Estate Vineyard Region/Country: McLaren Vale, South Australia Grape Varietal(s): Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre Consumed: On a Mediterranean cruise Recommended By: Vintages Wine Bar sommelier on the cruise ship Cost: $12 USD per glass on the cruise ship (although we … Read more