2009 Naia Verdejo (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is an impressive offering from great 2009 vintage in Spain. Purchased from the April 30 Vintages Release. NAIA VERDEJO 2009 - DO Rueda, Spain (#211045) - $18.95 Tasting Note: Muted aromas of citrus, floral (I think I chilled it too much). Rich and creamy on the palate, with tree fruits like apple and pear. Lees aging evident. Made in a dry style with a...

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Top Marks New 90+ Wines and Sparklers: July 9 Vintages Wine Release

The upcoming Vintages Release on Saturday, July 9 looked promising when I first gazed at the cover. However, I found the bulk of the 90+ wines were well over $20, and tasting notes that seemed a little dated based on the ageability of the wine. On the other hand, the feature on Sparkling Wines, including Champagne is outstanding. Lots of variety with great value! On page...

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2009 Granacha Signargues (Rhône, France) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was purchased in May, from the May 14 Vintages Wine Release, featuring wines from Southern Rhône. Tasting Note: Lovely cherry, brandy, raspberry, earth, pepper aromas. Strong herbal characteristics, some plum and tobacco on the palate; short finishing. Definitely ready to drink now, but lip-smacking tannins would reward cellaring 1-2 years. Will be having...

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2010 Malivoire LadyBug Rosé (Ontario) - Wine Review

To celebrate Canada Day, I was determined to choose something made locally. Fortunately, I had one Canadian-made wine ready to drink now (the rest are being aged). This wine was purchased from the May 14th Vintages Release, which had a tremendous focus on refreshing rosés. 2010 MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#559088) - $15.95 Tasting...

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2008 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel (California) - Wine Review

PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008 - Lodi, California, USA (#219485) - $17.95 Tasting Note: Red fruits, milk chocolate, earthy, and light oak aromas. Dried cherry, fruit-forward, and some cocoa on the palate. Light to medium-bodied. Lacking a little oak for my palate, but otherwise good structure and well made. Having this tonight with curried chicken made over charco...

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Argentina + Canada Day Toast: June 25 Vintages Wine Release

Alright...here we go again. "The Heat Is On" Argentina as the primary focus of this Saturday's LCBO Vintages Release. With Canada Day celebrations around the corner, a few wines throughout the country (including Quebec) were highlighted - but none made my cut. Many great value white wines in this Release. If you're looking for a dry offering, seek the Chardonnay (USA),...

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2008 Château la Verriere (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE 2008 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#199000) - $14.95 Tasting Note: Cork was a bit dried out, even though it was purchased only in April 2011. Nevertheless, it did taste/smell like very delicious dark chocolate. Gold medal winner in 2010. Aromas of cherries, herbs, smoked wood aromas. On the palate - lots of lilac/violet flavours, plus...

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