The 2015 Il Barbiglione Terre di Pisa Rosso is a diverse, Italian red blend approaching its peak drinking window… Name: Il Barbiglione Vintage: 2015 Producer: Usiglian del Vescovo Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy; DOC Terre di Pisa Grape Varietal(s): Predominantly Syrah, with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (percentages unknown) Alcohol Level: 14% abv. Consumed: At … Read more
A fantastic Syrah from the Northern Côtes du Rhône region… We thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful Syrah from the Cornas appellation in Northern Côtes du Rhône. It offered black cherries and ripe strawberries in the nose, as well as iron, charred wood, green cedar, and black and red licorice. In the mouth, we enjoyed vibrant, sour, … Read more
A vibrant, complex Syrah from Walla Walla Valley in Washington State… This Syrah from Waterbrook Winery in Walla Walla Valley, a region located to the south of the Columbia Valley in Washington State, impressed us with its combination of vibrancy and structure. It offered an aromatic bouquet of dark currants, red currants, vanilla, and cedar … Read more
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 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
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 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 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