2009 Maipe Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina) - Wine Review

Purchased this Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon from the November 12 Vintages release, and probably should've held on to this red wine a bit longer as the tannins needed more time to develop. MAIPE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Mendoza, Argentina (#246116) (D) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Cherry aromas from the cork. Earth, currant and cassis aromas in the glass, and follow...

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2008 Chateau des Charmes Vidal Icewine (Ontario) - Wine Review

Got this one specifically for the #winechat on Icewine that took place on Twitter on December 21st at 9pm EST. And wow - was it ever a GREAT choice. CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE 2008 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#565861) (S) (200mL) - $25.95 Tasting Note: Icewine goodness from the cork - apricot, honey aromas. Peach and honey aromas from the glass....

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Red Shot Lane Pinot Noir 2009 (Oregon) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine from the Sept. 17 Vintages Release which compared Burgundy and Oregon Pinot Noir. I went with the Oregon version, as we do not get enough wines from that region here in Ontario. Willamette Valley is a region widely becoming known for their first class Pinots that rival Burgundy. RED SHOT LANE PINOT NOIR 2009 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#242560)...

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2009 Flagstone Writer's Block Pinotage (South Africa) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine from the November 26th Vintages release and decided to open it now instead of hanging on to it for another 12-24 months. FLAGSTONE WRITER’S BLOCK PINOTAGE 2009 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#243337) (XD) - $19.95 Tasting Note: Earthy, currant, cassis and oak aromas from the glass with more currant/cassis, and black fruit notes on the medium-full...

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Holiday Cheer Wine Picks: Dec. 10 LCBO Vintages Release

The next LCBO Vintages release is nearly upon us, and just in time for the holidays. The new release of wines will be in stores on December 10. To get ready for the holiday season, which typically means at least few get-togethers with friends & family, I have chosen something from each of the 5 major types  of wine - red, white, icewine, sparkling wine, and...

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2009 MezzoMondo Sangiovese Merlot (Puglia) - Wine Review

The roof of my mouth is slightly burnt from today's lunch, so this red wine may feel a little spicier than it really is. I received this one as a gift and having looked through my database, I found that I had tasted the 2008 version last year. Let's see how this vintage compares... MEZZOMONDO SANGIOVESE MERLOT 2009 - IGT Daunia, Puglia, Italy (#079327) (D) Tasting Note: Aromas...

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2009 Gehringer Brothers Private Reserve Pinot Gris (Okanagan) - Wine Review

Purchased this white wine a couple of months back from the September 17 LCBO Vintages release. GEHRINGER BROTHERS PRIVATE RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2009 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#347203) (XD) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Apple and honey aromas faded quickly from cork. Mineral, earth, grapefruit aromas from the glass. More grapefruit on the palate + citrus notes....

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2004 Fernandez Escudo de Plata Gran Reserva (Spain) - Wine Review

This one did not sit long once I purchased it from the latest Vintages release. FERNANDEZ ESCUDO DE PLATA GRAN RESERVA 2004 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#246751) (XD) - $19.95 Tasting Note: Corks smell reminds me of prune and raisin - not a fan of such aromas. Having said that, the aromas and flavours from the glass are MUCH better. Red fruits, spice, herbs and vanilla and earth...

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2010 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling (Ontario) - Wine Review

Last night's wine was an off-dry Riesling. In a blind tasting, you would have thought this white wine was made in Germany. It was purchased from the October 29 Vintages release. TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (MD) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Aromas of minerals, lemon, and floral. Lovely mineral notes, lemon rind, orange,...

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Master Works - Finest Wines & Spirits for Celebrations: Nov. 26 Vintages Release

The latest Vintages release is titled "Master Works: Our finest wines and spirits for splendid celebrations" and will be in stores on November 26. As is par for the season, many of these wines are available at a very high price point, and even though they are good quality, they are not affordable. Thus, I will skip over that section and move into the rest of the release. South...

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Gourmet Food & Wine Expo - Review

First time attending the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo in about 6-7 years and it has changed quite a bit (or maybe I've changed). Got there early before the show was officially open and was able to roam around quite freely before the venue got packed - and it filled up fast once the doors opened. I was able to attend the Cheese Pairing Seminar and it was a delight -...

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Winners of Tickets to Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

Congratulations to the following winners who entered my contest and won a pair of tickets to the 2011 Gourmet Food & Wine Expo. Winner of a pair of VIP tickets for Thursday, November 17: Dhimal V. Winners of a pair of of tickets for Friday, November 18: @trouble35 @pavelisp Enjoy the event! Thank you to everyone else who entered in this contest! If you would...

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Wine Picks: Holiday Magic + Sweet Wines: Nov. 12 Vintages release

As we get closer to the holiday season, it's time to think about wines for get-togethers. The November 12 Vintage release primary focus is on premium (i.e. expensive) wines. I mostly skipped over these as nearly all were out of budget. However, there are some gems should you wish to purchase a premium wine for your special occasion. The secondary focus in this release...

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2006 Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier (Australia) - Wine Review

Purchased this fine Shiraz/Viognier almost 2 years ago to the day from the Vintages release that was titled "Celebrate for less! 20 party wines under $20." YALUMBA SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 - Barossa, South Australia, Australia (#524926) (XD) - $19.95 Tasting Note: This red wine has fresh blueberries, blackberries, white pepper, herbal aromas that follow through on the...

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2009 Sol de Andes Reserva Chardonnay (Chile) - Wine Review

Purchased this one last month from the October 1 Vintages Release. This is an excellent Chardonnay! SOL DE ANDES RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2009 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#254334) (XD) - $13.95 Tasting Note: Cork smells of gorgeous guava, pineapple, and tropical fruit aromas. More guava and tropical fruit waft from the glass. Very aromatic. Buttered popcorn, pear on the palate. Nice...

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2008 Nugan McLaren Parish Shiraz (Australia) - Wine Review

Tasted this Decanter Award Winner over the weekend. NUGAN ESTATE MCLAREN PARISH VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008 - McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia (#072603) (D) - $24.95 Tasting Note: Cassis, blackberry, pepper and herb aromas follow through on the palate, finishing with dark chocolate notes. Perfectly ripe tannins. Enjoyed it with chicken lababdar and butter chicken. If...

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2000 Kiralyudvar Tokaji Furmint Late Harvest (Hungary) - Wine Review

This white wine / dessert wine was purchased waaaaayyyy back in April, 2006 and opened to celebrate Diwali. KIRÁLYUDVAR 'LAPIS' TOKAJI FURMINT LATE HARVEST 2000 - Hungary (#681338) (M) - $19.95 Tasting Note: Cork smells of orange blosson and honey. Burnt caramel, brandy, apricot, marzipan and touch of citrus aromas. Raisin, brandy, apricot on the palate. Reminds me of...

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Win Natalie MacLean's New Wine Book. Meet her in Toronto or Niagara

Contest is now closed! Congratulations to @TheFunkyCrew Win a Personally Signed Copy of Natalie MacLeans's New Wine Book - "Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines". How to Enter: "Like" this page and post to Facebook:   Follow me (@cono_sur) on Twitter and Tweet using this button: Tweet Contest Duration: Contest begins...

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Win Tickets to the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

Contest is now closed. View winners here. Want to go to the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo this November in Toronto? If you answered 'YES', then here is your chance to win a FREE tickets to the Expo. The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo offers you an unparalleled opportunity to sample over 1,500 fine wines, beers and spirits from around the globe, and to savour the culinary...

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Oct. 29 Wine Picks: Sonoma Special + Party Wines

The next LCBO Vintages Release on October 29 is nearly upon us. In this release, the major feature is wine from Sonoma, California. Overall, I thought many of the wines from Sonoma were overpriced and did not provide great value; however, two wines did make my Wine Picks list. We're also fast-approaching the holiday season. As such, the secondary feature in this release...

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2009 Korta Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine was purchased from the latest Vintages release. KORTA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Lontué Valley, Curicó, Chile (#236034) (XD) - $13.95 Tasting Note: Cork smells of fresh berries. Cassis, raspberry, dark fruit, finishing with earthy/forest aromas. Offers berries, tar, oak and touch of mocha on the palate. Tannins could use more time to develop. Full...

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Douro & Port Wine Tasting in Toronto

Earlier this week, I attended the IVDP wine tasting event in downtown Toronto. This event featured many Ports and Douros commonly found in the LCBO general list, as well as a few from the Vintages section. Some wines could only be purchase by direct order only. I was excited to find out that some wines (which are currently not available at the LCBO) were being tasted in...

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2008 Flat Rock Chardonnay (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a lovely offering one of our local wine producers - Flat Rock Cellars. This white wine was purchased from the Special Ontario-only Vintages release on September 10th. FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY 2008 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#681247) (XD) - $16.95 Tasting Note: A screw-top, so no smelling of the cork. Apple, toasty oak and...

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Wines of Tuscany & Piedmont + Whisky: Oct. 15 Wine Picks

The major feature in the LCBO Vintages release on October 15, 2011 are the wines from the two big powerhouses in Italy - Tuscany and Piedmont. Only one wine from Piedmont/Tuscany made my list. However, I do want to mention a 2nd - the Scopetani Chianti (#164814) - as it appears to be a good crowd-friendly wine to serve when having many guests over for dinner. Another crowd-pleasing...

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2009 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz (Australia) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine over the weekend from the most recent Vintages Release. THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2009 - Barossa, South Australia, Australia (#595306) (XD) - $16.95 Tasting Note: Big aromas of lush blackberry, blueberry, earth, mint and pepper. Dark fruit flavours, dark chocolate, turning a bit spicy at mid-palate. Full-bodied, chewy. Dry. Ageable, but ready...

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2010 Mission Hill Five Vineyards Rosé (B.C.) - Wine Review

This pretty Rosé wine was purchased this summer as part of the July 23 Vintages Release - and what a gem it is! MISSION HILL FIVE VINEYARDS ROSÉ 2010 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#229716) (D) - $15.95 Tasting Note: A lot of bubbles that sink to the bottom for a wine that is not a sparkling wine. Aromas of sweet cherries, sandalwood and grapefruit. Candy...

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Syrah & Shiraz Around the World: October 1 Vintages Release

The next Vintages release on October 1 features Syrah and Shiraz from around the world. If you didn't know, these 2 grapes are identical. So, when you see either "Syrah" or "Shiraz" on the bottle, it really is a reflection of the style of wine. Also, Syrahs tend to be from the Old World, while Shirazes tend to be from the New World. I like both Syrahs and Shirazes, so I've...

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2007 Château de Flaugergues (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine last month as part of the August 20 Vintages Release, the wine label on this bottle would be a top 3 finalist for most boring. However, it's what's inside that counts... CHÂTEAU DE FLAUGERGUES CUVÉE SOMMELIÈRE 2007 - La Méjanelle, AC Coteaux du Languedoc, France (#065896) (XD) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Cork smelled lovely on this one. Delicious aromas...

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Vintage Ink Mark of Passion Merlot/Cabernet 2009 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Purchased only a few days ago from the most recent Vintages Release that featured only wines from Ontario. This wine was opened so soon because everything else in my cellar is still not quite ready to open. VINTAGE INK MARK OF PASSION MERLOT/CABERNET 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#250209) (XD) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Spicy bouquet with black fruit, some...

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2008 Bordeaux + Pinots + New Zealand: September 17 Vintages Release

The next LCBO Vintages Release on September 17 doesn't appear to be your typical release because it focuses on 2 rather unique, and interesting subjects - the sleeper 2008 Bordeaux Vintage, and comparing Pinot Noirs from Oregon & Burgundy. The 3rd highlight in this release are high-scoring (but very pricey) wines from New Zealand. Among the 2008 Bordeaux's, only one made...

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Ferré I Catasús Brut Reserva Cava (Spain) - Wine Review

My experience with Bruts/Sparkling Wines/Champagnes is quite limited, but if you enjoy this type of wine, you might be interested in this sparkler from Spain. FERRÉ I CATASÚS BRUT RESERVA CAVA - Spain (#224717) (D) - $16.95 Tasting Note: Apple, lime aromas. Crisp apple and nutty flavours. Dry. It's well made and fills your mouth with bubbles quite well with every sip. Will...

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2007 Tierra Alta Reserva Carmenère (Chile) - Wine Review

This Decanter award-winning wine was purchased on Saturday as part of the September 3 Vintages Release. TIERRA ALTA RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2007 - Maule Valley, Chile (#236067) (XD) - $13.95 Tasting Note: Lovely blackberry, mocha, wet earth, flower aromas. Palate has ripe fruit with raspberry at the fore. Dry with a touch of tannin. Medium-bodied. Will pair nicely with the spicy,...

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Celebrating Ontario Wine: September 10 Special Vintages Release

This Special Edition Vintages release focuses entirely on Ontario wines from the Niagara region - to coincide with the Niagara Wine Festival that begins the following week. The September 10 release is a small one, with only 20 wines. Hope you enjoy my top 5 picks! Red Wine: VINTAGE INK MARK OF PASSION MERLOT/CABERNET 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#250209)...

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2009 Chalone Monterey County Chardonnay (California) - Wine Review

This wine is a good reminder me of why you should always smell the cork when you open a bottle of wine. Do you smell the cork when you open a bottle of wine? If not, then definitely start taking a whiff. This wine was purchased from latest Vintages Release on August 20. CHALONE MONTEREY COUNTY CHARDONNAY 2009 - Monterey County, California, USA (#080226) (XD) - $16.95 Tasting...

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Wine Blends + Viva Italia + Sake: September 3 Vintages Release

Judging from the cover of the next LCBO Vintages Release on September 3, this doesn't appear to be a strong release. However, we all know that you should never judge a book (or magazine!) by its cover. The first major feature in this release focuses on blends from around the world. My favourites blends are the classic Bordeaux (Cab Sauv, Merlot & Cab Franc) and southern...

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2008 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet (Australia) - Wine Review

Life outside of wine has been keeping me busy, hence the long time between wine reviews. Tonight's wine is from the general LCBO listing and was recently gifted to us. PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2008 - South Australia, Australia (#285544) (D) - $16.55 Tasting Note: Red berries, touch of earth aromas. Gentle ripe fruit, currants and light oak on the palate....

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Southern France + Other Cali Regions + TIFF: August 20 Vintages Release

Mmmm...Southern France. One of my favourite regions for wines of high quality that don't hit your wallet hard. Three from this region made my list, with the Sommelière being my top value pick of the entire release. The secondary feature in the Saturday, August 20 Vintages Release highlights other wine regions of California that are outside of the legendary Napa and Sonoma...

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