Espino Single Vineyard Gran Cuvée Carmenère 2012
Maipo Valley, Pirque, Chile
Cedar-rich with woodland scents on this robust Chilean red wine. The vines grow in ancient riverbed soils which yields a spicy character in the wine. Chablis’ own William Fèvre is another wine icon who recognized Chile’s potential to become a world player. In 1992, he established Viña William Fèvre with both French and Chilean partners. The Carmenère grape, originally from Bordeaux, is thriving in Chile. The country’s warm, sunny valleys allow the grape to realize its full potential, making generous and complex wines like this one. My note: Terrific value for this full-bodied wine with aromas of ripe plums.
Alcohol: 13.4%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2015-2019
Price: $19.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 59337
Tomaresca Trentangeli Trentangeli 2014
Puglia D.O.C., Italy
Loaded with black fruit, dark spice and meaty notes. This full-bodied southern Italian red wine was oak aged and is a great wine for the cellar. Pair with prime rib.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2016-2022
Price: $19.95
Score: 90/100
LCBO: 435529
Jardin Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015
Stellenbosch W.O., South Africa
This wine is called Jordan in South Africa, however since there is a Californian winery by that name, it goes by Jardin outside the country. Husband and wife team Gary and Kathy Jordan own and operate this winery. Generous toasty oak and golden apple on the nose and palate of this robust Chardonnay. Good balancing acidity. Pair with roast chicken. Love it! Big, generous Chardonnay with mouth-watering zip! Gorgeous aromas of green apple, butter and hazelnut yet there’s also a zingy lime finish to clean up after the richness. Make your tongue happy.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2017-2020
Price: $21.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 663336
Château des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Chardonnay 2014
St. David's Bench, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
Butterscotch, toasty oak and green apple vibrancy. Waiting for roast chicken or turkey.
Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2017-2018
Price: $19.95
Score: 87/100
LCBO: 430991
Domaine Des Bernardins Vin Doux Naturel Muscat Beaumes De Venise 2015
Rhône A.C., France
This pleasant southern French dessert wine offers aromas of apricot and quince preserves. Nicely balanced acidity. Pair with biscotti.
Alcohol: 15%
Sweetness: Sweet
Drink: 2017-2019
Price: $19.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 442160
