2014 Jackson Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut – Vintages 234161 – $29.95 – **** – Outstanding bubbly that delivers a lot of complexity for it’s under thirty dollar value price. Aromas offer apple mingling with a nice bready note. On the palate the fruit opens up with nice complexity as the apple from nose invites lemon and a bit of vanilla to the party. This hits the mid palate and opens up with nice depth. Signature acidity washes away all the weight and keeps the wine fresh and crisp.
2016 Wildass Merlot – Vintages 376822 – $18.95 – ****+ – I know I say it every time a Wildass bottle makes it to the shelves of the LCBO, but these wines are worth going out of your way to obtain. I don’t anticipate this one staying on the shelves long either. 2016 was a great summer for Bordeaux varietals thanks to the hot summer. As i’ve come to expect from these wines, you get something that you can dive into and resist the urge to guzzle. Great raspberry, strawberry, currant all mingle with smoke, and cocoa. The tannin is approachable but still has some grip so you may want to let this sit for a half hour before serving if you open it now. Even though this is a drink now bottle – there is nice structure to this wine that should let it age in your cellar for 5-7 years with ease.
