2012 Tragically Hip Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red (Stoney Ridge) – Vintages 411595 – $24.95 – **** – The label is immediately recognizable as this wine was co-created with the Tragically Hip. A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc right off the nose you get a little...
I recently had the chance to taste through some upcoming releases from Southbrook with winemaker Ann Sperling. You can consider this blog post to be your shopping list for the summer. The great news is that Southbrook frequently makes appearances at local farmers markets in Toronto (to keep tabs you...
2012 Pondview Reserve Cabernet/Merlot – Vintages 307561 – $18.95 – ***1/2 – As the weather outside warms it’s time to start thinking about wines to eat with grilled meats. This is one that will do the trick. Fruit flavours in your glass will be Plum, Blackberry, and Blueberry with a nice...
What exactly is dry farming? When I got my invitation to the Montes tasting hosted in Toronto on March 2, 2015 Three vintages of the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon were presented. This was interesting because starting with the 2012 vintage we are seeing the results of “dry farming”. The long...
I had a chance to recently visit Two Sisters winery in Niagara. There is quite a buzz about the new impressive facility and the wines since they opened their doors. I had to go and check it out for myself. Lush Brut Rosé – $35.00 – **** – 50/50 Chardonnay...
I love Pelee Island wines. As much as I love reviewing and tasting the new released from the Vintages section as they come out, I do remember that for most people the regular list is where they do most of their shopping. Quality VQA products are essential in the regular...
2012 Bricklayer’s Reward Block 7 Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintages 406124 – $19.95 – **** – So far every bottle from the Bricklayer’s Reward series has impressed … this Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. The nose has Pencil Shavings and Cedar notes with Currant and Blackberry. The flavours in this wine...
Now that we are in the cold stretch of winter it is the perfect time to drink some red wines and start roasting some red meat. There is a certain romanticism when we watch movies and televisions and watch a bigshot order a very old bottle from a specific vintage...
2013 Burnt Ship Bay Cabernet Merlot – Vintages 404947 – $14.95 – ***1/2+ – This was a pleasant surprise when I opened the bottle. Very fruit driven loaded with all sorts of blackberry, plum, and hints of black currant. The tannin is soft and approachable right from the bottle....
Château Grand Pontet is a Grand Cru Classé that is adjacent to Beau-Séjour Bécot. The proprety is owned and run by Sylvie Pourquet-Bécot, the sister of the proprieters of Beau-Séjour Bécot. Even though Grand Pontet is not Premier Cru the wines are very good. We were warmly received by Marie Pourquet and taken...
2012 Red House Wine Co Cabernet Shiraz – LCBO 219030 – $12.95 – This is a very good easy drinking red blend from the very hot 2012 Summer. This is not something you have to worry about cellaring, aging or storing just open and serve. Very fruit dominant with lots...
2012 Flamboyant Red – $17.95 – Loaded with bright red fruit and tannin on the finish that isn’t overbearing. This bottle isn’t just a flashy label… but let’s face it the artwork on both the White and the Red are fantastic. This Red blend is well worth the price of...
