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85
Points |
Château Lamothe de Haux 2007 Clairet Rosé **
Bordeaux
Fruity, herbal, strawberry leaf-scented 50-50 rosé blend of Cabernet-Merlot that is not quite squeaky clean but all the more interesting for it. Vibrant but short palate. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 684969
ON $16 |
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| Argentina - Red |
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89
Points |
AMANCAYA (Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena) 2007 GRAN RESERVA MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON**1/2
Mendoza
A more Rothschild than Catena style, with earthy, old world characteristics of leather, coffee grounds, dark chocolate and spice alongside ripe but not jammy black berry fruit. The palate is dry, medium bodied, juicy, balanced and fresh; an ideal partner for savoury, red meat-based dishes. Now-2012.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 16097
ON $18 |
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88
Points |
DOÑA PAULA 2006 ESTATE MALBEC***
Mendoza
Quite a tasty and good-value version of Malbec with plenty of both red and black fruit character, though the wood is a little overstated at the moment. The palate is nice and juicy though, with soft, plush tannins that make this pleasurable to drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 661819
ON $17 |
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85
Points |
LA POSTA 2006 ANGEL PAULUCCI VINEYARD MALBEC **
Mendoza
Rather simple, straightforward and fruity, short and juicy; no more, no less. Better at $12.95. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 75515
ON $16 |
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| Argentina - White |
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87
Points |
Catena 2006 Chardonnay**
Mendoza
Nice but quite advanced wine, already beginning to show some oxidative notes, wood influence (mostly old wood) and bruised apple character. The palate is full, intense, and ready to match highly flavourful fish and poultry dishes, but don't hang on to this one.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 918805
ON $20 |
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87
Points |
Bodegas El Porvenir de Los Andes 2007 LABORUM TORRONTÉS Limited Edition**
Cafayette Valley, Salta
Perfectly correct, if slightly overpriced version of Torrontés, with typically fresh and floral, Muscat-like, elderflower and stone fruit nose. Dry, fullish, flavourful, light-medium bodied, simple but pleasant. Would be super at $14.95
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 82404
ON $20 |
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| Australia - Red |
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92
Points |
TORBRECK 2005 THE STEADING**1/2
Barossa Valley, South Australia
A Rhône style blend of Grenache (60%) plus equal parts Mataro (aka Mourvèdre) and Shiraz, this is crafted in a high toned, floral, almost old world style that is showing clear signs of evolution for the better. Dried berry, even port-like flavours characterize the palate, though the wine manages to retain poise and finesse despite the big concentration and generous, ripe flavours/alcohol. Serve this beauty with a selection of hard-aged cheeses on cold wintry nights.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 723890
ON $49 |
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91
Points |
Penfolds 2005 Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz**1/2
South Australia
Open, fragrant and classy wine showing both structure and elegance, with refined tannins, high concentration and long finish. This should be best from about 2012-2020.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 309625
ON $37 |
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90
Points |
TORBRECK 2006 WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ**1/2
Barossa Valley, South Australia
Another fine example here from Torbreck, with spicy wood and fresh (not jammy) fruit flavours. The palate is soft, round and generous, with silky, seductive tannins and above average length. Lots of appeal and an extra measure of class for the money.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 927533
ON $27 |
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90
Points |
ANAPERENNA BY BEN GLAETZER 2006 SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON**
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Unfiltered
A bold, take-no-prisoners style of Shiraz-Cabernet with abundant ripe, jammy fruit flavours and dark chocolate-wood spice. Big, jammy, full and masculine structure on the palate - a convincing style yet certainly no bargain. You gotta lik'em big here.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 72926
ON $65 |
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89
Points |
Penfolds 2006 Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvèdre**1/2
South Australia
Pretty classic South Australia Shiraz here, with added spice and animal notes contributed by the Mourvèdre. Dried herbs mingle with black fruit, wood spice and vanilla extract, while polished tannins, generous alcohol and an above average length makes this a reliable option. Ready to drink.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 468629
ON $20 |
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89
Points |
GRANT BURGE 2006 MIAMBA SHIRAZ**1/2
Barossa, South Australia
Full-on minty-eucalyptus and sweet black fruit on the nose. The palate is firm and juicy with decent structure and above average character for the $$$. Drink now-2015.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 725127
ON $24 |
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87
Points |
PIRRAMIMMA 2005 PETIT VERDOT**
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Hardly subtle, this PV has big, oaky, spicy, mint-eucalyptus, black fruit and melted butter aromas, and a massive palate to match. There is a slightly sweet impression from the intense oak and raisined/jammy fruit character, finishing on whisky barrel/smoke notes. Intriguing for a sip or two, but would quickly grow tiresome without a serious wild boar ragù or similar dish on the side.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 986752
ON $24 |
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87
Points |
BECKETT'S FLAT 2004 SHIRAZ*1/2
Margaret River, Western Australia
Friendly and inviting, open dark fruit, spice and black licorice on the nose. Dry, full-bodied, moderate, soft tannins and juicy-fresh finish. Correct, but more attractive under $20.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 585869
ON $24 |
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82
Points |
TATACHILLA 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON*
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Not sure what happened here, but the sample presented was fully oxidized and baked, with no foreseeable (interesting) future ahead of it.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80689
ON $22 |
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| Canada - Red |
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91
Points |
JACKSON TRIGGS 2005 DELAINE VINEYARD SYRAH***
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Very fine example of local Syrah, certainly appropriately named (as opposed to Shiraz). This is quite northern Rhône in style, with spicy black pepper and dark berry fruit aromas. The palate is dry, medium-bodied, with juicy acidity and well balanced, spicy integrated wood, earth and dark chocolate flavours. Above average finish. This shows what is possible in an unusually warm vintage in Niagara.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 86553
ON $30 |
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89
Points |
Cave Spring 2005 Cabernet Franc**1/2
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
A really fine effort here from Cave Spring that is drinking beautifully at the moment. It's fragrant and inviting on the nose with delicate licorice, red fruit and tobacco aromas, while the palate is dry and elegantly light and lively. A long perfumed finish finishes the experience. Now-2014 or beyond.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 72751
ON $30 |
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87
Points |
FLAT ROCK CELLARS 2007 RED TWISTED**
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Screw cap closure. Like the white version, Twisted Red is an unspecified blend, though given FlatRock's devotion to Pinot Noir you can be sure that makes up a large part of the composition. The wine is closed at the moment, though wood-vanilla notes are evident alongside some red berry fruit and wet earth. The palate is dry and still quite firm and astringent. I would leave this alone until mid-2009 to see how it evolves. Consider the score provisional.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 86918
ON $20 |
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87
Points |
INNISKILLIN 2004 MONTAGUE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR Single Vineyard Series**
VQA Niagara Peninsula
An interesting, evolved expression of Niagara Pinot noir, showing orange peel, dusty earth and tart red fruit aromas. The palate is dry, light-bodied and somewhat tart, showing average flavour intensity though pleasant juiciness. This would show best with rare-roasted duck breast in cranberry or red currant sauce.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 997353
ON $25 |
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| Canada - White |
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84
Points |
FIELDING ESTATE 2007 RIESLING *1/2
VQA Niagara Peninsula
The 2007 Fielding Riesling gives an impression of sweetness right from the nose, with overripe pear and bruised stone fruit aromas. The palate is indeed off-dry to medium-sweet, lacking balance and freshness and ending rather abruptly on candied fruit flavours. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 36202
ON $16 |
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| back to top |
| Chile - Red |
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90
Points |
CASA LAPOSTOLLE 2006 CUVÉE ALEXANDRE MERLOT**
Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard
Sometimes referred to as the ""Pomerol"" of Chile, the Colchagua Valley is undoubtedly suited to fine wine production. The 2006 Merlot from Lapostolle is a little closed at the moment, but there is obvious intensity and concentration here with plenty of high-quality, integrated wood spice and dark fruit character. The palate is full and chewy, bold and generous in alcohol and with impressive concentration. I would like to see this again in about 3-5 years, then drink through to 2020.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 459206
ON $35 |
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| Chile - White |
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87
Points |
Terramater 2007 Altum Chardonnay*1/2
Casablanca Valley, Single Vineyard
Simple, clean fullish Chardonnay showing ripe stone fruit and apparent barrel influence. Moderate length; simple but correct.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 83675
ON $23 |
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| France - Red |
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92
Points |
CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIÈRE 2005 AC Pessac-Léognan **
Bordeaux
Closed and tightly wound, this excellent wine nonetheless shows great promise. The palate is rich and expansive, with excellent fruit/tannin balance and impressive concentration, leading to a long finish. Very fine and textbook style Péssac-Léognan. This should be a real pleasure from 2012-2025.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 502179
ON $78 |
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92
Points |
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL (Vignobles Pierre Perrin) 2006 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE**
Rhône Valley
This Mourvèdre-led Beaucastel has plenty of character and complexity on the nose, showing spicy dark fruit, dried herbs, fennel, licorice, tar and faded rose petals. The palate is impressively structured and full-bodied, with abundant but soft, ripe tannin, juicy-balanced acidity and a long, long finish. Certainly terrific wine, but it comes at a price.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 968750
ON $48/375ml |
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91
Points |
CHÂTEAU HAUT-CHAIGNEAU 2005 "AC Lalande de Pomerol, Cuvée Prestige"***
Bordeaux
Quite a nice find here from Pomerol's satellite appellation, Lalande de Pomerol. Lots of high-quality wood is evident, but beyond that there is plenty going on such as orange peel, spice, wet clay, vanilla and succulent black fruit and plum aromas. Dry, medium-full-bodied, this has big chewy tannins yet sufficient fruit extract to ensure solid ageing potential. Excellent length. Drink 2012-2020.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87650
ON $34 |
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91
Points |
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2005 AC St-Estèphe **1/2
Bordeaux
Very fine, serious left bank Bordeaux, with a classic, concentrated, complex and spicy nose including beguiling earth and mineral notes. The palate is dry, fullish and highly flavourful, with juicy-balanced acidity and a long, toasty finish. Best 2010-2020.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 717389
ON $64 |
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90
Points |
Château du Tertre 1996 Grand Cru Classé*1/2
Bordeaux
Yes, that is correct, 1996, an unusual inclusion in this line-up of mostly 2nd millennium + Bordeaux (also begs the question of the usefulness of a tasting note from 2001 in the Vintages catalogue). The nose is quite fabulous, fully evolved and highly fragrant, but the pleasure begins and ends there. After enjoying complex floral, earthy, dried red and black berry aromas, the palate fails to wow in like fashion. It shows moderate intensity, still lightly dusty tannins and a touch of funk on the finish. Still intriguing, but it is priced beyond the range of casual explorers.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 72132
ON $96 |
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89
Points |
Château la Couronne 2005 Grand Cru**1/2
Bordeaux
Nicely concentrated cherry essence, integrated wood and youthful, juicy fruit flavours are framed up by firm tannins. A bit chewy and green for the moment, but extract levels are impressive enough to balance. Best 2010-2018
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 606640
ON $31 |
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89
Points |
Château Malescot St-Exupery 2005 LA DAME DE MALESCOT AC Margaux**
Bordeaux
The second label of Malescot St. Exupéry comes across as a modern and wood-driven wine, with coconut, cinnamon and melted butter aromas joining ripe black cherry and cassis notes - average complexity. The palate is a little more compelling, indicating that this needs a few more years to hit its stride and for the tannins to integrate and harmonize. Try 2012-2018.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 79269
ON $52 |
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88
Points |
CHÂTEAU DE ROQUES 2005 AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux MERLOT **1/2
Bordeaux
One of the better value Bordeaux in this release, this wine shows simple but attractive fresh red berry and an intriguing herbal component. The palate is dry, clean, medium-bodied, with juicy acidity and average concentration and depth. All I all, this is very pleasant, ready-to-drink Bordeaux at an affordable price.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87726
ON $18 |
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88
Points |
CHÂTEAU TOUR HAUT VIGNOBLE 2005 AC St-Estèphe **1/2
Bordeaux
A simple, open, spicy red of modest intensity and concentration that is designed to be enjoyed over the short to mid-term. Juicy acids, balanced tannins and above average length make this a decent value intro to the 2005 vintage.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87742
ON $26 |
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88
Points |
Château la Papeterie 2000 **
Bordeaux
From the St. Emilion satellite of Montagne-St-Emilion, this 2000 vintage is pretty much ready to go, showing intriguing wet earth, 5-spice and mature black fruits aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, with dusty tannins and average length. Decant this with braised meats over the next 2-3 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87759
ON $30 |
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88
Points |
CHÂTEAU LOUDENNE 2001 AC Médoc**
Bordeaux
From the not highly touted yet rather decent 2001 vintage, this AC Médoc is ready to be enjoyed. It has evolved, spicy, quite complex aromas with just a hint of apple peel oxidation starting to creep in. The palate offers integrated dusty tannins and vibrant acidity to keep the flavours alive; average length. Correct, mature example.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87718
ON $39 |
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88
Points |
Domaine Chante Cigale 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape*1/2
Rhône Valley
Firm, highly extracted tannins and high-toned floral, barnyard and marked earthiness give some cause for concern over the future of this wine. It seems to be drying out already for such a young wine. It has decent concentration and length, but I would drink this sooner rather than later.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 43026
ON $42 |
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88
Points |
ANTONIN RODET 2005 GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN*1/2
Burgundy
Not exactly a classic Gevrey, with its appley, slightly oxidative character and under ripe phenols for such a generally fine vintage. Medium body, light but firm tannins and pleasantly juicy acidity round out the picture. All in all this is a pleasant drinking wine but hardly great value. Now-2012.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 84558
ON $43 |
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87
Points |
CHRISTIAN MOUEIX 2005 SAINT-ÉMILION**
Bordeaux
Polished, clean, modern style wine of average concentration but nonetheless inviting and decent value for money. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, and is ready to be enjoyed now and over the next 3-5 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 979955
ON $23 |
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87
Points |
Louis Jadot 2006 Château des Lumieres Morgon*1/2
Burgundy
Stylish, if a little overpriced for the depth and complexity offered, this cru Beaujolais from Jadot shows threshold volatile acidity levels and simple cherry-berry fruit aromas. The tannins are surprisingly firm, but intensity is more impressive on the palate. this just doesn't seem to get out of 1st gear. Now-2012
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 653584
ON $28 |
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87
Points |
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL (Vignobles Pierre Perrin) 2006 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL*1/2
Rhône Valley
The Beaucastel second label is a tasty, lighter version of the grand vin, though it doesn't have the depth or complexity of the 2005 Coudoulet in my view. Some leafy, herbal notes join soft red fruits, with a matching supple texture, low, round tannins and average length. Correct, pleasant and drinkable now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 48884
ON $31 |
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87
Points |
Château Lilian Ladouys 2003 *1/2
Bordeaux
Evolved, slightly earthy nose with baked/oxidized fruit character and a touch of barnyard. The palate shows rather firm, hard tannins and average intensity/length. I don't suspect time will improve this greatly, so subdue the tannins with grilled lamb champs and a brisk decant.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 86827
ON $36 |
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86
Points |
CHÂTEAU LA GORCE (Pascal Fabre & Fils) 1996 AC Médoc**
Bordeaux
Another 1996 here, which seems to have slid past its prime. Highly evolved notes of dried fruit are joined by distinctly green/bell pepper and fennel undertones that indicate only moderate ripeness at harvest. The palate is nevertheless interesting, showing light, fully integrated tannin; average length. Not a world-beater but an interesting tasting exercise in the evolutionary curve of a wine. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 87668
ON $22 |
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86
Points |
Château de l'Estang 2004 Côtes de Castillon*1/2
Bordeaux
A decent but not special example of 2004 right bank Bordeaux, so don't expect the richness and complexity of riper years. The nose shows some red raspberry fruit and a nice measure of wood to overshadow green bell pepper aromas, while the palate shows well-polished tannins but moderate depth and complexity overall. Drink soon.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 92809
ON $22 |
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86
Points |
CAVE DE TAIN 2005 CROZES HERMITAGE FINE FLEUR DE CROZES**
Rhône Valley
Totally correct, recognizably northern Rhône style Syrah of modest intensity and concentration. Typical flavours of spice, tar, leather and black fruit sit on moderate tannins and bright acidity. Average length; this would be more exciting value under $20.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 76380
ON $23 |
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86
Points |
CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT LA ROSE 2004 AC Fronsac*1/2
Bordeaux
Cool climate style, Merlot-based red showing roasted bell pepper aromas that are partially masked by good quality wood. The palate is dry, firm, delicate, with slightly green tannins and pronounced acidity; average length. Hopefully the acid will keep this long enough for the tannins to soften, but it will never be top class.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 86611
ON $24 |
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85
Points |
CHÂTEAU DUCLAAC (Domaines Mau) 2005 Bordeaux Supérieur**
Bordeaux
Simple but well priced Bordeaux Sup made in a clean, modern style. It shows, light (mostly old) wood spice character and fresh red berry notes. Dry, light-medium bodied with pleasantly herbal-fruity flavours and short finish. Correct, everyday drinking wine.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 162461
ON $15 |
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85
Points |
CHÂTEAU HAUT-MONPLAISIR 2004 AC CAHORS PRESTIGE*1/2
Southwest
Unlike the catalogue notes, I didn't find this particularly accessible. From the impenetrable purple colour to the hard tannin and distinctly earthy-brett notes, it comes across as very rustic indeed. In time it will certainly soften somewhat, but will remain a rustic old world style wine to be served with rustic fare, such as a rich duck confit or daube d'agneau.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 936534
ON $21 |
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| back to top |
| France - White |
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90
Points |
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2007 COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC AC Côtes du Rhône**
Rhône Valley
A fine, ripe southern Rhône white from just outside the Beaucastel estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (hence the Côtes-du-Rhône designation), led by Marsanne and Viognier with a smattering of other local white varieties. Moderate+ intensity aromatics offer ripe, dry and even slightly candied stone fruit aromas (nectarine, peach) verging on tropical fruit. Subtle oak adds an extra dimension. On the palate it's fullish, dry, round and creamy-textured, with high flavour intensity and a big mouth filling impression. The finish is merely average, but this is nonetheless a flavourful wine for winter drinking.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 48892
ON $34 |
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90
Points |
DOMAINE TINEL-BLONDELET 2006 POUILLY-FUMÉ GENETIN**1/2
Loire Valley
Very enjoyable and textbook expression of Loire Valley Sauvignon here, showing clean, delicate, highly mineral aromas in a classic old world style, on a pleasant backdrop of grassy citrus flavours. Long finish; very nice.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 653154
ON $27 |
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90
Points |
Château de Rochemorin 2006 Blanc**1/2
Bordeaux
Fresh, really intense and attractive aromas in a ripe, modern expression. Fresh basil and lemon custard notes and balanced by well-integrated wood. Dry, medium bodied, with above average concentration and palpable texture and extract, leading into a long finish. The wood dominates the palate for the moment, but this should evolve nicely and offer pleasure between 2009-2012 with intensely flavoured food.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 91371
ON $30 |
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89
Points |
ANTONIN RODET 2006 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET**
Burgundy
There is plenty of new wood evident in this young Puligny, showing resinous flavours alongside pear and peach fruit, and notably low mineral expression. The palate has quite decent intensity and an attractive, creamy mouth feel, leading to a warm (13.8% alc.) finish. Best from 2009.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 84541
ON $54 |
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86
Points |
ALAIN GRAS 2006 SAINT-ROMAIN BLANC*1/2
Burgundy
Moderate intensity nose in a distinctly old world, earthy, dusty, minerally style with low fruit intensity. The palate is juicy, though flavour intensity and length are rather average, finishing on apple/caramel flavours. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 91074
ON $37 |
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85
Points |
ZEYSSOLFF 2006 RIESLING RÉSERVE PARTICULIÈRE*1/2
Alsace
High intensity aromas reveal floral notes and possible botrytis, including a little VA, though within acceptable limits. The palate is slightly off-dry with curiously hard acid and a short finish. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80440
ON $20 |
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| back to top |
| Germany - White |
| |
88
Points |
DR. H. THANISCH 2004 " BERNKASTELER BADSTUBE RIESLING KABINETT QmP, Estate Btld."**1/2
Germany -- Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Distinct minerality is immediately apparent up front, like wet slate and crushed stone, joining fresh stone fruit and white flower aromas. The palate is medium-dry, light bodied and refreshingly low in alcohol, with vibrant acidity. Textbook German Riesling not quite in the top echelon but very enjoyable nonetheless.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 85076
ON $20 |
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| back to top |
| Italy - Red |
| |
92
Points |
TENIMENTI ANGELINI VAL DI SUGA 2003 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO***
Tuscany
My score kept creeping up as I delved into this solid offering from Val di Suga, gaining in complexity with aeration to reveal intriguing spicy notes matched by abundant ripe red and black fruit and minerally earth notes. The palate is dry, fullish and solidly structured with vibrant acidity and more layers of fruit and floral flavours lingering on and on. Best from 2009-2015
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 713719
ON $52 |
|
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92
Points |
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MORMORETO CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO 2005 MORMORETO IGT Toscana**1/2
Tuscany
Done in a very polished, new world style with plenty of seductive oak and enough wild herb/Mediterranean scrub aromas to keep things interesting, complex and Italian. Impressively concentrated on the palate as well with juicy-firm tannins and acids and loads of fruit extract to balance. Serious red for mid-term cellaring, best now 2015 with hearty dishes and firm cheeses.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 951210
ON $60 |
|
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91
Points |
Massolino 2004 Barolo**
Piedmont
Massolino makes very masculine style Baroli, chalk full of extract and concentration like this one. Plenty of black cherry essence and new wood adds spice and complexity in a modern expression. This should be best from about 2012-2020.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 11205
ON 59 |
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90
Points |
TENUTA SANT'ANTONIO 2005 MONTI GARBI VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO***
Veneto
Super value here in an almost Amarone style ripasso, showing clean, sweet, dark raisined fruit character, dried violets and a judicious layer of oak spice. The palate is dry, fullish and plush, with sweet cherry liqueur flavours and above average depth and length. A very fine example for current enjoyment.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 29850
ON $22 |
|
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90
Points |
SILVIO NARDI 2003 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO**
Tuscany
A pretty successful 2003 Brunello here, with nice balance between old world earth, leather and spice, and rich, ripe new world fruit and concentration on the nose. The palate doesn't quite match the aromas yet, revealing dry, firm tannins and good but not excellent length. Another year or two should harmonize things nicely, and the wine should hold until late in the next decade.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 922054
ON $60 |
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88
Points |
Terre da Vino 2003 Barolo Essenze*1/2
Piedmont
Neither classic nor modern in style, the 2003 Barolo Essenze has slightly baked fruit character and average complexity, while the palate shows fine but still very firm tannin and average concentration and length. Correct but not the great value I was hoping for from Terre di Barolo, given past successes.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 92460
ON $45 |
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87
Points |
TERRA D'ALIGI 2005 TATONE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO**1/2
Abruzzo
A compelling southern Italian wine that was killer value when it came in under $13, and is now merely good value. It is fully ripe with rustic leather, dusty earth, bitter chocolate and dried black berry/apple flavours, while the palate offers grippy tannins high alcohol and solid structure overall. A classic ""food wine"" to be served with roasted game and other hearty wintry fare.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 994616
ON $16 |
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87
Points |
TOMMASI 2004 AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO*
Veneto
Disappointing and expensive wine from Tommasi, or potentially a faulty-oxidized sample presented. The wine presented smoky, peppery, dried apple skin and fully baked fruit character and merely average concentration on the palate. Precipitous finish. Provisional score.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 980128
ON $28/375ml |
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| New Zealand - White |
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88
Points |
ASTROLABE 2007 SAUVIGNON BLANC**
Marlborough, South Island
Screw cap closure. Typically intense, almost exaggerated pyrazine character (pungent herbal, green bell pepper, jalapeño) alongside lemon-lime-grapefruit. The palate is dry with some barely perceptible sweetness, a round, full body and generous alcohol. Flavours of confit of grapefruit and fresh jalapeño dominate. This is an intense, in-your-face style for fans of pungent NZ Sauvignon.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 10421
ON $21 |
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| Portugal - Red |
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87
Points |
Quinta da Boavista 2003 TERRAS DE TAVARES TINTO RESERVA DO Dão*1/2
Dão
A rather hard and over-extracted example, which nonetheless offers some promise of improvement with underlying dark fruit and moderate concentration. Hang on to this for another year for better tannin-fruit balance, then decant with grilled lamb.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 82099
ON $22 |
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85
Points |
V. Leite de Faria (Vinhos) Lda. 2004 GLORIA COLHEITA SELECCIONADA TINTO DOC DOURO*1/2
Douro
Not a terribly typical style Douro red, showing light red berries and high-toned-floral notes. Some darker fruit and spice notes emerge on the palate, but firm tannins and high acid make this tough to really get into.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 82933
ON $19 |
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83
Points |
DFJ VINHOS 2005 GRAND'ARTE TOURIGA NACIONAL *
Vinhos Regional Estremadura
Something went wrong here: a fully baked/oxidized sample and short, raisined finish.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 925131
ON $15 |
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| Portugal - White |
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87
Points |
QUINTA DA ALORNA 2006 RESERVE WHITE Vinho Regional Ribatejo**1/2
Ribatejo
A clean, modern, lightly oaked white from the native Arinto variety blended with Chardonnay. Creamy lees character adds interest to ripe pineapple fruit aromas; moderate intensity. The palate is more new world in style with its round, creamy texture and ripe fruit and wood flavours. All in all a fine modern Portuguese white designed for immediately appeal.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 81505
ON $18 |
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| South Africa - Red |
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89
Points |
RUSTENBERG 2005 JOHN X MERRIMAN**
Stellenbosch
A Bordeaux-style blend that shows moderate ripeness, elevated, high-toned notes, floral, dill, fennel and fresh herbal aromas. Dry, medium-bodied, well-integrated tannins and above average finish. Quite a charmer in a mature, nicely evolved state of drinking.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 707323
ON $28 |
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| Spain - Red |
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92
Points |
COTO REAL 2001 RESERVA DOCa Rioja***
Rioja
A real beauty for fans of old-style Rioja, this example has highly intriguing, evolved dried cherry, strawberry jam fruit alongside loads of spicy old wood nuances. The palate is still fresh and lively, with delicate silky tannins, medium body and long perfumed finish on dried flowers and pot pourri. A real pleasure to sip or pair with slow-braised meats; nice value for money as well.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80341
ON $40 |
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90
Points |
Legaris 2004 Crianza**1/2
Ribera del Duero
Interesting though not fully developed nose showing dominant wood (dark spice, orange peel, toasted coconut), though the palate kicks up the intensity and complexity. Juicy red fruit and licorice flavours emerge, framed by fine grained tannins and lively acid. Try this 2010-2018.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 699736
ON $27 |
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89
Points |
Bodegas Y Viñedos Maurodos 2006 PRIMA DO Toro**1/2
Toro
This is a sure-fire crowd pleaser, offering loads of superripe, slightly raisined dark fruit, cacao and caramel aromas The palate is full with an almost sweet impression from generous (14.5%) alcohol and fig jam flavours. A blockbuster style to be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80762
ON $25 |
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87
Points |
LA BÁSCULA 2005 TURRET FIELDS MONASTRELL/SYRAH DO Jumilla**1/2
Jumilla
Pretty decent value southern Spanish red here. It is still somewhat reductive on the nose (burnt rubber), as is common for Mourvèdre based wines, though there is enough complexity to see this through. Try again after 2009, once the firm tannins have softened and its full complexity is revealed.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 82123
ON $16 |
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| Spain - White |
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88
Points |
Bodegas Valdemar 2006 "CONDE DE VALDEMAR WHITE DOCa Rioja, Fermented in Barrel"**1/2
Rioja
This is a wine for fans of traditional style Spanish whites, crafted in a fully oxidative, rather woody style with honey, walnut and dried flower aromas alongside ripe stone fruit. The palate is quite well balanced, dry, and medium-bodied, and surprisingly not dominated by wood notes. Crisp acidity keeps things lively through to a pleasant, caramel-flavoured finish. Ready to drink, but wines in this style also hold quite well in the cellar.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80952
ON $19 |
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| Sparkling |
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92
Points |
Deutz N/V Classic Brut Champagne**1/2
Champagne
Deutz makes a very classic, delicate and elegant style of champagne, with lots of mineral, citrus and autolytic character (toasty, broche, nutty nuances). The palate is richly nutty, creamy ,delicate yet mouth filling with a long flavourful finish. Very classy indeed and ready to drink.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 710038
ON $58 |
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91
Points |
TAITTINGER 2002 CHAMPAGNE BRUT**
Champagne
The 2002 Taittinger shows significant evolution and tastiness, with plenty of autolytic character and complexity in a more solid, masculine style. The palate is fullish and densely packed with flavour in a power-over-finesse expression. This is a champagne that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods up to and including roasted poultry and fleshy fish.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 989905
ON $88 |
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90
Points |
Cattier N/V Premier Cru Champagne Brut***
Champagne
Good value champagne here, with a fine, clean, evolved character, mineral, toast and roasted almond flavours. The palate is beautifully balanced between power and finesse and the finish is well above average. Ready to enjoy.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 919464
ON $43 |
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| United States - Red |
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92
Points |
ARROWOOD 2002 LE BEAU MÉLANGE SYRAH***
Sonoma Valley
Super wine here from Arrowood, all class and finesse. It has evolved, spicy, smoky, meaty and integrated wood spice aromas in a textbook Syrah style - makes one pine for a plate of charcuterie. The palate is equally compelling with its fullish body, balanced, juicy acidity and well-structured but ripe tannins. This is a real pleasure to drink now and over the next 2-3 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 64550
ON $30 |
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90
Points |
CALERA 2006 PINOT NOIR**1/2
Central Coast
At the forefront of California Pinot Noir, Josh Jensen of Calera makes very fine, delicate wines from his limestone-rich soils in the Central Coast AVA. The 2006 version has very pretty, delicate aromas of faded roses, ripe red berry fruit, black tea and well integrated oak. The palate is all silk, light-medium bodied, with smooth soft tannins and above average, perfumed finish. Very lovely and ready to drink.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 933044
ON $30 |
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90
Points |
RODNEY STRONG 2002 SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON **
Alexander Valley, Alden Vineyards
Here's a nice wine to pull out for that special group of friends: evolved, ready to enjoy, above average quality and complexity, and, most importantly, in magnum. Sweet black fruit and sandalwood spice greet the nose, while the palate reveals firm, well integrated tannins, juicy acidity and an elegant, perfumed finish. Drink now or hold 3-5 more years in the cellar.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 79251
ON $76 |
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89
Points |
Fries Family Cellars 2006 DUCK POND PINOT NOIR**1/2
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Screw cap closure. Clean, fresh, ripe red berry fruit, brown spices and a touch of peanut shell on the nose. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with succulent fruit and acid, and a pleasant all-around mouth feel in a fairly restrained and balanced style. 14% alcohol makes this a little hot on the finish, but very drinkable nonetheless.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 427872
ON $26 |
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89
Points |
KENWOOD 2006 ZINFANDEL***
Sonoma County
I found this a particularly interesting example and good value Zin from Kenwood, showing intriguing spicy, black pepper notes and fresh rather than jammy black fruit characteristics. The palate is well structured and balanced as well, so while not exactly textbook, this is a highly drinkable wine for enjoyment over the next 2-4 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 983577
ON $20 |
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89
Points |
Duckhorn Wine Co. 2006 DECOY RED**
Napa Valley
This proprietary Bordeaux-style blend is clean, fresh and spicy, with plenty of black pepper, black berry fruit and wet earth aromas. On the palate it is dry, medium-bodied and surprisingly juicy; tannins are moderate and balanced. A very decent example from a generally reliable producer, for enjoyment over the next 3-5 years.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 41343
ON $37 |
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88
Points |
CLOS DU VAL 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON**
Napa Valley
Rich, dark chocolate and cacao aromas blend with black pepper and slightly oxidative fruit characteristics. The palate is dry and quite spicy, with fennel and black fruit of above average concentration and intensity and moderate, balance tannins. Correct and typical example of Napa Cabernet at a reasonable (by Napa standards) price.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 325779
ON $32 |
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87
Points |
Waterstone 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon**
Napa Valley
A very decent and moderately structured Cabernet from Washington State, with highish alcohol and juicy acidity. Flavours wrap around a core of jammy cassis fruit, though it's a little one-dimensional . This would be more attractive at a tenner or so less.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 4366
ON $31 |
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87
Points |
J. LOHR 2006 LOS OSOS MERLOT**
Paso Robles
Simple, pleasant, if somewhat predictable new world style merlot with its ripe black fruit and measured wood influence. It delivers the expected soft plush texture and generous ripe fruit and alcohol on the palate, and ends there. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 27516
ON $20 |
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87
Points |
RODNEY STRONG 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON**
Sonoma County
The dry, firm tannins and gangly balance of this wine seem to indicate that some time is needed for it to come together, perhaps another 2-4 years in the cellar. Oak, shoe polish and black fruit dominate the flavour profile for the moment, but it is nonetheless reasonably promising.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 226944
ON $23 |
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85
Points |
MARKHAM 2002 CABERNET SAUVIGNON*1/2
Napa Valley
Some curiously oaky and blue cheese aromas through me off track with this wine, while high tannins and average intensity on the palate failed to put things back. Perhaps an off sample, or simply overpriced for what is delivered. Provisional score.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 67181
ON $33 |
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85
Points |
BLACKSTONE 2006 CABERNET SAUVIGNON*1/2
California
Calculated, entry-level Cabernet with average intensity aromas showing leafy characteristics and soft, pliable texture. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 714816
ON $15 |
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85
Points |
Michael and David Phillips 2006 "7 DEADLY ZINS, Old Vine"*1/2
Lodi
As the catalogue, quoting Chris Waters of Vines Magazine states: ""Those who like it will love it"". Dead on, I'd say, that is, you have to dig the superripe black cherry syrup, Bavarian chocolate cake-vanilla essence expression of over-the-top Zin. A plush texture, high alcohol and oaky-caramel finish round out the picture. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 59311
ON $25 |
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| United States - White |
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90
Points |
CHALONE VINEYARD 2005 ESTATE CHARDONNAY **
Chalone Appellation, Monterey County,
A classy chardonnay here from Chalone, with good intensity on the nose and restrained, minerally character. The palate is dry, fullish, balanced, managing to carry the 14.2% alcohol without being hot. Well integrated wood, long finish. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 80226
ON $37 |
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89
Points |
TREANA 2007 WHITE MER SOLEIL VINEYARD VIOGNIER/MARSANNE**
California Central Coast
Not tasted this time around, but previous showings of this wine have been very positive, with high intensity aromatics verging on tropical flavours, full, rich body, generous alcohol and long finish. This is an intriguing wine that should be on the radar of anyone seeking full-flavoured, winter-appropriate whites for drinking over the next year or two.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 11247
ON $31 |
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87
Points |
CAKEBREAD 2006 SAUVIGNON BLANC*1/2
Napa Valley
Subdued nose, relatively speaking, showing ripe aromatics and some honey/hay/ earthy characteristics. Dry, full, and round on the palate in a warm climate, lush style, with generous alcohol, though flavour intensity is decent. Drink now.
Tasted By: John Szabo
LCBO Product Code: 707224
ON $38 |
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