The Magician Reif Estate Winery Shiraz Pinot Noir 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
This Niagara red wine called "The Magician" is a blend of 70% shiraz and 30% pinot noir grapes that are kiln-dried before they're pressed to deepen the wine's flavours. A full-bodied, smooth, supple red wine with attractive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis. Some anise and smoke on the finish. Pair with hearty meat dishes.
Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2016-2019
Price: $24.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 246413
Tomassi Classico Amarone Della Valpolicella 2012
Veneto D.O.C.G., Italy
A classic Amarone with gorgeously rich aromas of black cherry, fruitcake, dark spices and brooding mystery on the nose. Full-bodied and velvet smooth. Mouth-filling with some dark plum on a long finish. The 2012 vintage of this Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is well structured.
Alcohol: 15%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2017-2021
Price: $26.95
Score: 92/100
LCBO: 980128
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2014
Columbia Valley, Washington State, United States
This vines for this lovely Washington Chardonnay are planted at 200 feet above sea level which is ideal for achieving a silky texture from the grapes rather than an oak barrel. Rich and full-bodied with luscious layers of fleshy ripe peach, pear and butterscotch. This Washington Chardonnay has great finesse and styling: French spirit with Washington DNA. It was barrel fermented without a lot of lees stirring to preserve it's zesty character. Finishes with apple and citrus notes. Pair with roast chicken or veal.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2014-2019
Price: $20.95
Score: 92/100
LCBO: 232439
Tyrrell's Wines Lost Block Semillon 2015
Hunter Valley, New South Wales, South Australia, Australia
Lemon lanolin on the nose of this attractive Australian white wine made from Semillon grapes, with a refreshing zestiness yet rich texture. Tyrrell’s winery accidentally left a section of Semillon grapes on the vine allowing it to ripen more than usual back in 1993. Thus the name “Lost Block.” The result was a richly flavoured white wine with mouth-brightening acidity. Lovely white for so many dishes.
Alcohol: 11%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2016-2021
Price: $17.95
Score: 90/100
LCBO: 933200
Chateau Moncontour Tete De Cuvée Brut Vouvray Sparkling
Loire A.C., France
The French writer Honoré de Balzac featured this winery in his novel, La Femme de Trente Ans. What a bargain for such a crisp, toasty bubbly! Lovely bright green fruit and lemon lift on the finish. A toasty, nutty French sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. These bubblies are rare finds, and this one represents tremendous value. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to seafood and great novels.
Alcohol: 12%
Sweetness: Dry
Drink: 2016-2020
Price: $17.95
Score: 90/100
LCBO: 207936