Tasting my way through California definitely opened my eyes to a world of wine that isn’t making its way to the LCBO. Beautiful Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Zinfandel all very reasonably priced. As I said in a tweet halfway through the dinner there is always room in my glass...
2012 Chateau des Charmes Equuleus – $40.00 – ****1/2 – Simply put this wine is fantastic. This is a perfect indicator of the quality of the 2012 vintage with a wine that is both approachable right now (with some decanting) and will make a great addition to a budding wine...
2012 Creekside Estate Laura’s Red – Vintages 117960 – $19.95 – ****+ – There is a little bit of everything you can grow in Niagara in this bottle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Coming from the hot 2012 summer the nose is nice and fruity...
2013 Featherstone Red Tail Merlot – Vintages 131540 – $19.95 – ***1/2+ – This is a little lighter than previous vintages of this wine, which is not a bad thing and indicative of the 2013 vintage. There is a touch of roasted herb on the nose but it is swallowed...
My biggest pet peeve with regards to wine is that often most people overthink what goes with what. Whether you stick to the simplest of rules red with red meat and white with white meat or freestyle your pairings once you have had the chance to taste a perfect wine...
2013 Lady in Red – LCBO 266486 – $14.95 – This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is uncomplicated, unpretentious and easy drinking. This is a beautiful expression of the Lake Erie North Shore terroir. The fruit is very ripe – lots of Strawberry, Raspberry,...
I look forward to each vintage of the Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin. This is straight up one of the best Canadian wines on the market and every vintage has been exceptional value. I am not in a position where I can spend a couple hundred bucks on Premier Grand...
2012 Chateau Canteloup Médoc – LCBO 420000 – $19.65 – ***1/2+ – Who said that decent Bordeaux was expensive? or that it had to age in a cellar for years? This is uncomplicated straight forward and most importantly delicious. Fruit driven with very soft tannin on the finish. The nose...
2013 Cave Spring Indian Summer Select Late Harvest Riesling – Vintages 415901 – $24.95 – ****+ – This is a great wine for those of you who say that Icewine is too sweet. First off being a late harvest there is less sugar than in your regular Icewine. Secondly, this...
2013 13th Street Red Palette – Vintages 249458 – $15.95 – ***1/2 – The nose on this wine is Raspberry jam. This is made to be enjoyed now with no cellaring necessary. The flavours in the glass are Cherry, Strawberry and Raspberry and as with the nose very ripe and...
This isn’t a part of my regular weekly reviews. But these are a couple of wines that I have tasted through recently that I thought were worth sharing with you. It was certainly nice to get into some quality more pocket book friendly wines after my visit to California. 2013...
2010 Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet-Merlot – Vintages 395855 – $24.95 – ****+ – This is approachable right out of the bottle but if you’re looking for an affordable bottle that will age for a few more years in a cellar. Aromas of Cocoa and Black Currant and flavours of...
