The Goatfather 2014
Coastal Region, South Africa
Juicy purple and black plum aromas with dark spice. Happy, straight-up pleasure in a glass. Full-bodied, but not heavy. This wine is a non-traditional blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes. Some terrific notes of cherry and blackberry on the finish. I love this producer's sense of humour as evident by the name of this wine and others. Pair with roast goat.
Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2016-2019
Price: $14.95
Score: 89/100
LCBO: 11072
Calcagno Feudo Di Mezzo Nerello Mascalese 2011
Sicily I.G.T., Italy
Considered the Sicilian version of Pinot Noir with its tart cherry flavours, smooth texture and mouth-watering acidity, this is liquid gorgeous. The difference is a lot more alcoholic heft and warmth. So lovely. Pair with pork tenderloin.
Alcohol: 14/5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2014-2022
Price: $31.95
Score: 93/100
LCBO: 408187
Nikolaihof Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner 2014
Wachau, Austria
A lovely yeasty, freshly baked bread note on the nose of this vibrant, beautifully balanced Austrian white wine made from the country's iconic Gruner Veltliner grape. Fresh, racy acidity to take on seafood and shellfish as well as vegetarian dishes. This wine is Demeter certified, and is made using biodynamic farming principles which go well beyond organic methods to respect the earth and the people making this wine. Highly recommended.
Alcohol: 11.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2016-2019
Price: $20.95
Score: 93/100
LCBO: 85274
Marynissen Chardonnay 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Founders John and Adrianna Marynissen planted the vines for these vinifera grapes back in 1975, and so they were among the first of producers to plant and make Chardonnay in Niagara. This vibrant Niagara white wine is a mostly Chardonnay, but also includes some Chardonnay Musqué which gives it a lift and floral note. Very balanced and medium-bodied. Pair with roast turkey or chicken.
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2016-2019
Celebrated Chicken and Cream Sauce Wine
Price: $15.00
Score: 89/100
LCBO: 907683
Koncho Kindzmarauli Kakheti Saperavi 2014
Georgia
As long as you're prepared for the sweetness uncommonly associated with a red wine, you'll enjoy it. It's savoury and tasty and ripe red berry fruit. Great for meaty dishes with a touch of sweetness to them or a glaze. This Georgian late-harvest wine is made from the country's indigenous Saperavi grape, whose name means "paint dye" due to its naturally dark colour. The designation “kindzmarauli” means that the wine was aged for two years before being released.
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Medium Sweet
Drink: 2016-2020
Price: $15.95
Score: 85/100
LCBO: 13961