Mar. 2 Wine Picks: California Trends

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be in stores on Saturday, March 2. The main feature in this release is on the latest trends in California - which includes experimenting with new varietals, regions, and eco-friendly initiatives. From this part of the release, we begin with the Bonterra Pinot Noir. It's difficult to find a Pinot under $20 from anywhere, nevermind...

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Argiano Tasting at Fine Wine Reserve

I recently had the opportunity to taste some very fine wines from the historic Tuscan winery Tenuta di Argiano. The tasting event was hosted by Trialto Wine Group at the Fine Wine Reserve that is located in the King W and Spadina area. There were 4 wines available for tasting and purchase - reviews are below. Two other wines - the Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($50) and Solengo...

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Feb. 16 Wine Picks: Tuscan Triumphs

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be in stores across Ontario on Saturday, February 16. The major focus of this release is on wines from Tuscany, highlighting four of their more notable appellations. The secondary focus is on Kosher wines for the upcoming Purim holiday and Passover festival. The Sangiovese varietal is Tuscany's most prominent, however, many towns...

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Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 (Spain) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine last month from the Vintages release that featured Spanish Wines. One of the good things about this wine is that all the ageing was done at the winery before being released, and it's drinking great right now! It's made using 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha / Mazuelo (Carignan) and bottled in 2008. DON JACOBO RESERVA 2004 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#313270)...

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Dinner at Peller Estates

Last Fall, I was fortunate to win the "Dinner for Two at Peller Estates Winery" contest held by DINE Magazine. The prize was a 5-course Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings. Since I knew I would be Niagara for the Icewine Festival, it was only fitting that I make what was already going to be a fantastic weekend even better by enjoying this great prize at the same time. On January...

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Muskoka Lakes Winery Framberge (Ontario) - Wine Review

Opened this wine on Superbowl Sunday night to match the red on the 49ers uniform - I was cheering for the 49ers because of my affinity to the Bay Area (not sure what I would have done if I had an affinity to the Ravens). This dessert wine was purchased this last summer when I visited the Muskoka Lakes Winery. It's made using raspberries and cranberries and has a relatively...

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Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (USA) - Wine Review

Since I didn't have any Italian red wines that were quite ready to drink now, I decided to open this very fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with homemade Margherita Pizza last week. This red wine was received as a gift over the holidays. It's from the LCBO General List and is readily available. BERINGER CALIFORNIA COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - California, USA...

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