Aug. 2 LCBO Wine Picks: California + Alsace + Loire

The next LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves across Ontario this Saturday, August 2nd. The major theme of this release is on top wines from California, with an emphasis on Cabs, Zins and Chards. There are two minor themes - one which focuses on white wines from Loire and Alsace, while the second focuses on mostly disappointing Greek wines. Just one of the 18 wines...

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Gallo Family Laguna Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 (Sonoma) - Wine Review

Purchased this gorgeous cool-climate Chardonnay from an LCBO Vintages release last August that highlighted a bunch of wines that were scored 90 pts or higher by some of the more famous wine critics. It was opened last night due to a closing drinking window. For those that prefer very oakey Chardonnays, this is one not to be missed, as you will see from my wine review below....

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Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2013 (Midi) - Wine Review

Opened this lovely, dry rosé wine Sunday night. The packaging on this wine is well-above average as it includes an indented rose design on the bottom of the bottle and a reusable glass cork. I hope you purchased this when I recommended it back in May, as it's virtually sold out in LCBO Vintages now. GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ 2013 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#373985)...

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July 19 LCBO Wine Picks: BBQ + Cool-Climate Chardonnay

The next LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves across Ontario on Saturday, July 19th. This edition features 18 wines for pairing with various foods off the BBQ, while the secondary feature highlights 10 cool-climate Chardonnays to coincide with the upcoming 4th Annual International Cool-Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4c) that takes place in Niagara. Only three of the...

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Radio Boka Tempranillo 2012 (Spain) - Wine Review

This red wine was recently released into the LCBO General List. I received this wine sample last week and opened it up last night. It is made using 100% Tempranillo from 12-25 year old vines, and was partially aged in French oak. RADIO BOKA TEMPRANILLO 2012 - DO Valencia, Spain (#376145) (D) - $11.00 Tasting Note: Screw cap. Medium+ intensity nose with aromas of deli meats,...

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Molson Canadian Cider and Stone Fruit Cider

These were the second and third Canadian beverages enjoyed on Canada Day - see yesterday's post for first items. I received these as part of the #shareyourdare campaign. Given that these items would probably not be the first beverage I'd be reaching for on Canada Day - as it would surely be an Ontario wine - it was definitely a pleasant alternative. I dared to be different...

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Great Lakes Brewery Chill Winston Grisette + Neal Brothers Kettle-style Chips

To kick back this Canada Day, I decided to open up a few locally-made, Canadian treats that I recently received. First up are a pair of newly launched, chef-inspired Kettle-style Potato Chips created by Neal Brothers in collaboration with Montreal chef and television host Chuck Hughes, and Vancouver-based chef and CBC's newest Dragon, Vikram Vij. Chuck's Srirachup chips...

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