Sale $14.95, Regular $16.95
Discount (until April 28th): $2.00
Vintages # 553842 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Bright fresh fruit with a dash of earthy funk. A bit of a spicy note on the finish.
Pairs with: Herb frittata, mushroom omelette, lamb, lean grilled steak & risotto.
Good for: Ramping up for patio season to enjoy the sun or just taking a break from gardening.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Drink: Now to 2021
Why we're drinking this
To kick off the “Pinot Affair” event this weekend in Niagara, there isn't a better way to celebrate than sampling one of the best examples of our cool-climate wine. Henry of Pelham quality is usually very high across their entire portfolio, so their juice is a reliable purchase. When we can nab this Niagara staple at the LCBO for two bucks off, we jump on it.
Tasting note
A textbook example of what smart people love about Pinot Noir. You have to put in the effort, as with any good relationship—so take a pause and get to know this wine. It’s light in colour, delicate, lively and juicy, with quite a bit of finesse. You’ll get a lovely burst of ripe red berry fruit and a dash of earthiness—even a little white mushroom. The finish is unexpectedly long. Overall a lovely wine.
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Sale $13.95, Regular $15.95
Discount (until April 28th): $2.00
Vintages # 553842 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Seductive, easy-to-love soft plum, blackberry, cassis, mint, and earth with a grind of black pepper.
Pairs with: Serve with stew, snack foods, burgers, pizza, cheesy pastas (lasagna), hot dogs, lamb, grilled cheese & poutine with beef gravy. So, pretty much anything.
Good for: A little midweek treat. You made it to Wednesday!
Alcohol: 11%
Drink: Now
Why we're drinking this
This is a damn good wine at a great price. It’s less the brutish beast we’re used to from Down Under and more of a refined and forthright reflection of a brilliant winemaking culture. Grapes love its drainage and it seems to impart a unique earthiness and a dusty, mineral quality. You will definitely want to barbecue with this one! For under $20, this wine is a keeper that will last a few years in the cellar.
Tasting note
Velvety blackberries with wild strawberry, jammy blueberries, red berries and coffee, with a dry, vanilla/earth finish. Soft? You bet. Super smooth, medium-plus body, the ripest tannins ever, and a nice tip of acidity. There’s a little nerve here, which is nice to have. But still, softness is the groove.
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Sale $14.95, Regular $15.95
Discount (until March 31st): $1.00
Vintages # 234583 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Vibrantly crisp peach, pear, white flower and lots of citrus. Dry, bright and delicious.
Pairs with: Crab cakes (crab anything, really!), seafood ceviche, sushi, grilled or roasted white meat, or chow mein. Try it at brunch with lots of hollandaise.
Good for: A little midweek treat. You made it to Wednesday!
Alcohol: 11%
Drink: Now
Why we're drinking this
This is a classic Riesling from an excellent winery in our backyard, which makes it even more special. The Cave Spring Riesling is a cut above and perfect for welcoming in Spring. In fact, if you don’t know Riesling well, this is a great gateway that is dry, crisp and refreshing.
Tasting note
A pretty nose of fresh peach, pear, white flower and citrus/tangerine. Clean, pure and delightful. The palate is dry with crisp acidity with clean minerality and a pleasantly bitter finish. You can taste the fresh fruit and the complexity of flavours that result. This is a very good wine.
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]]>Sale $14.95, Regular $16.95
Discount (until March 2nd): $2.00
Vintages # 30072 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Blackberry, cherry and cedar. This is accompanied with soft leather and a little bit of delicious earth. It is a tasty Bordeaux.
Pairs with: Rack of lamb with blackberry sauce, veal shank, ribeye, mushroom risotto.
Good for: Taking Wednesday night to the next level. Movie, date or bowling night. You can decide.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2022
Why we're drinking this
It’s a modern Bordeaux style, made predominantly with Merlot, so it’s approachable and easy to drink. It delivers a textbook Bordeaux character — elegance, lean structure, tannins and precise berry fruit — that’s great for meaty meals. It is an easy wine for sipping.
Tasting note
Deep ruby red. With tight aromas of candied red fruit, leather, vanilla and a hint of spice. A very dry wine, with bright fruit and zesty acidity. It’s lean but generous. A good wine for lamb chops, bavette and burgers.It’s bold, and might in fact clear your blocked airways.
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]]>Sale $12.95, Regular $14.95
Discount (until March 2nd): $2.00
Vintages # 545608 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Ripe blackberries, blood plum with hints of dry herbs and pepper.
Pairs with: Pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, cured meats & slow-cooked meals.
Good for: For Family Day get togethers accompanied by laughter and cheer. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful Australian Shiraz.
Alcohol: 14%
Drink: Now to 2023
Why we're drinking this
This wine is a great value that is easy drinking and smooth. Food Truck wines are designed to reflect the Australian cuisine and lifestyle. Australian wines are becoming popular with consumers and this demonstrates the reason for their increasing popularity. Food Truck wines created a knock out with this vintage, it has a nice balance and is consistent through its long finish. Taste for yourself—there’s something there.
Tasting note
Blood plum and blackberries on the nose, and more on the palate. You’ll get a whiff of spicy oak. This is a straightforward wine. No surprises—except that it’s so good. It is not elegant, but still a bit wild. This is a wine that makes you take notice.
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]]>Sale $8.95, Regular $$9.95
Discount (until February 2): $1.00
Vintages #553867 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Big, big, big berry and plum fruit, vanilla and coffee with a hint of toast/smoke.
Pairs with: Short rib, lamb chop, beef burgers & braised brisket.
Good for: Sipping away while you make dinner. So we think you had better grab two bottles.
Alcohol: 14%
Drink: Now
Why we're drinking this
This is a winter wine because, if you taste carefully enough, you can pick up those lovely sweet spices like clove, cinnamon, and allspice that make you dream of snowy evenings. Grab your wine skin and fill it up with a rich, warming mix of cherry, plum, and blackberry, with a definite nutty and toasty backbeat. The tannins are soft and the finish is smooth. This is good with food—or just a bowl of nuts, a wood stove and a warm puppy on your lap.
Tasting note
This is a juicy wine with a formidable structure. You’ll find aromas and flavours of blackberries, blueberries and dark plum, and savory notes of black tea and black olive. It’s got some weight in the mouth and soft tannins, this is a good thing. The wine will stand up to and enhance foods with big flavours and textures. We say it’s pretty darn good right now.
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Sale $13.95, Regular $$15.95
Discount (until February 2): $2.00
Vintages #272393 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Juicy with plum, raspberry and mocha aromas. On the palate, cherry, pomegranate and clove dominate.
Pairs with: Pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, cured meats, and a smoke cheddar cheese.
Good for: An Italian-style family meal.
Alcohol: 14%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
This value is coming straight from California, it is astounding and there’s no doubt that this wine showcases its pure Californian roots. California wines have their own identity, savoury quality and a silky smoothness that is irresistible. You’ll want to drink this wine now, but you could age it a few years too.
Tasting note
This is a classic with a great value! Made to drink with a plate of antipasto while the pizza cooks or pasta boils, then takes you and the famiglia straight through the main course. It’s not overly fancy, just good, honest vino.
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]]>Sale $23.95, Regular $$26.95
Discount (until January 6th): $3.00
Vintages #954834 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Juicy with dark chocolate tones, velvety blackberries, and plum, accompanied with a nice woodsy, savoury kick.
Pairs with: Just about anything you would like to eat with a big red, from soups and stews to a fatty steak.
Good for: Sipping or noshing. Casual or formal. Fun or serious. Day or night. You get the point.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
This value is coming straight from California, it is astounding and there’s no doubt that this wine showcases its pure Californian roots. California wines have their own identity, savoury quality and a silky smoothness that is irresistible. You’ll want to drink this wine now, but you could age it a few years too.
Tasting note
Enjoy this wine for its gorgeous perfume of blackberries, ripe cherry, and vanilla (that’s some nice oak there). In the mouth, you’ll get juicy blackberry and plum backed with savoury dried herbs, more vanilla and a little smoke. What’s nice about this wine is that its serious stuff, but it’s so fun to drink, that you don’t need to get all cerebral about it. This is a perfect wine down Wednesday treat. Cheers to that!
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]]>Sale $26.95, Regular $$29.95
Discount (until January 6th): $2.00
Vintages #450700 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Lots of fruitful flavours in this bottle, but it’s also cheerful and elegant on the palate. Strawberry with some raspberry and sweet cherry tones.
Pairs with: Pairs perfectly with kisses and canoodling with your loved ones this time of year. We also suggest some grilled salmon or your favourite seafood dish.
Good for: Making big decisions. Like, should you have another piece of that pumpkin pie?
Alcohol: 11.5%
Drink: Frequently. (But responsibly.)
Why we're drinking this
We’ve got a weak spot for all bubbles, but this sparkler is serious when we suggest that this is a necessary bottle to have on hand. Whether you are gathering with friends, toasting the New Year or simply want to turn a chilly winter day into a celebration, there's nothing like popping open the perfect sparkling wine. It’s delicate and finessed, superbly balanced and delightful. This is quality, at a great price. Now, for two bucks off, you can stock up.
Tasting note
As you might expect, this pink sparkling wine is flavourful! Ripe strawberries with a shot of tang at the core. This is medium weight and it sure does go down easy, so beware.
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]]>Sale $13.95, Regular $$15.95
Discount (until December 2nd): $2.00
Vintages #620724 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: The wine just zings, but it’s also elegant and lovely on the palate. Bright citrus with key lime, tropical passion fruit, grapefruit and cut grass.
Pairs with: Spicy chicken skewers, coconut shrimp, toasted nuts or potato chips.
Good for: Pre-dinner drinks or a cocktail alternative. Serve it cool, not cold.
Alcohol: 11.5%
Drink: Now
Why we're drinking this
Great bottle to have on hand for holiday drop-ins and entertaining. Its wild shock of fruit, razor-sharp acidity, and grab-you-by-the-jugular flavours are instant refreshments and happy juice. I would say sensational solo but also an easy choice with salty finger food.
Tasting note
Full-throttle refreshment here. Zips across the palate like a thing possessed. The intense lime core is shot through with tropical flavours. This is light and crisp, concentrated, kwäffable and sure to please.
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]]>Sale $23.95, Regular $$26.95
Discount (until December 2nd): $3.00
Vintages #59311 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Red and black berries, black cherries, wood spice, vanilla, and dusty earth. Nice texture, dry and easy drinking.
Pairs with: This juice is made for meat-based dishes. This time of year is meant for indulging, so we suggest red-sauces, pizza, meatballs, bavette, steak pie, or hard cheese.
Good for: Geeking out on your favourite holiday music, Black Friday shopping online, or pondering Holiday renovations before relatives arrive.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drink: Now to 2022
Why we're drinking this
It’s cold outside and a big wine just makes sense. 7 Deadly Zins is full and rich, just what we want this time of the year. It is turbo-charged to 14.5% — which can be a little much under normal circumstances but makes sense during this busy and hectic Holiday season. There are a lot of fruit and structure here to keep things in balance. It is about authenticity, and this is simply good stuff.
Tasting note
It is rich, pretty on the nose with cherry, blackberries, oak spice, and vanilla. A lot of complexity for the price! A very dry wine, but generous with fruit and spice.There is a nice dusty, leafy quality that most red wine-lovers are enamored with. Packed with fruit and nice texture, it’s a real good sipper. The tannins are present but smooth, with just enough heft to take on a cheesy or fatty dish, or even a big steak. We enjoy it best with easygoing foods like pizza, pasta, charcuterie, etc.
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]]>Sale $9.95, Regular $11.95
Discount (until December 2nd): $2.00
Vintages #8094 | | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Pure and inviting fresh apple, melon, pear, melon and a kick of tropical fruit. This soft and off-dry wine has lower alcohol making for easy drinking.
Pairs with: Serve this wine chilled with shellfish or white meat, we suggest a little bit of spice to heat it up. How about jerk chicken tonight?
Good for: Weekday dinners when you want good wine, but u don’t feel like breaking out the big guns.
Alcohol: 10%
Drink: Now, or over the next year.
Why we're drinking this
This Riesling is a consistent bottle for a great value. It has an incredibly precise profile — apple and stone fruit flavours, bright acidity, a wet-stone steeliness, clean finish — and yet it’s a wine with infinite variability. You’ll be rewarded with a wonderful green apple, melon and slightly savoury and herbal notes (lime pitch, sage, thyme). The texture is light, but it’s present on your palate. A solid 89 points, maybe 90, so grab this one while you can!
Tasting note
Very pretty; fresh fruit nose leads your palate to flavours of fresh apple, pear, melon and a hint of tropical fruit. Supple and fleshy for such a low-alcohol wine, with a nice lemon acidic structure to balance things out. It’s refreshing and inviting, finishing nice and dry with a kiss of vanilla.
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]]>Sale $13.95, Regular $15.95
Discount (until November 11th): $2.00
Vintages #436956 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: This is a smooth and fruitful juice, with strong aromas of cherry and dark chocolate. With a touch of vanilla, oak and jammy flavours.
Pairs with: We suggest tomato-based pasta dishes, game meat, and hard cheeses.
Good for: An occasion. This isn’t a stuffy wine, but it deserves some considered accompaniments and your undivided attention. Decanting seems in order; give it some room to strut.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
The Devil’s cellar brings you a premium selection with a great value. The winery tells us “shrouded in the mystery of the legendary Casillero del Diablo cellar, created under a veil of secrecy, and devised at the complete discretion of our winemaker, this exclusive wine is revealed at last to be as captivating as the magic of its famed cellar.” It is very youthful and this bottle will improve with age. It is simply delicious.
Tasting note
Red ruby hues and aromas of succulent plums and blackberries. Medium-bodied, on the palate it is well balanced and has a smooth texture and good acidity. This unique wine has a combination of ripeness and elegance that delivers a high impact.
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]]>Sale $15.95, Regular $17.95
Discount (until November 11th): $2.00
Vintages #462853 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Pretty and powerful berry fruits, cherry, hints of floral and spice. A touch of sweet, spicy oak, and a silky finish.
Pairs with: Just about anything you like. We suggest textured foods, like risotto, stews, braised meats and pasta.
Good for: We would say, just drink it. If you need an excuse, try a good book, a warm dog, a toasty fireplace - leisurely things.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
This is one of California's best. The Pinot Noir in the bottle has a seamless cherry flavour, the Malbec makes it soft and the Petite Sirah creates depth. The blend showcases a solid-liquid and the unique fermentation methods used to craft an exquisite textured wine. The grapes were cold soaked, then gently pressed to silky perfection. To further illuminate the wine’s unique texture and flavours, the blend was enhanced with a hint of sweet, spicy French and American oak. So it’s safe to say, you will do almost anything, just for one sip, but lucky for you, you don’t have to.
Tasting note
Red ruby hues; succulent cherries, raspberry, and spice. Full-bodied, with a marvelously smooth mouthfeel, the silk exposes the softer side on the finish. Tremendous value in a warming red wine for fall and winter.
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]]>Sale $17.95, Regular $19.95
Discount (until November 11th): $2.00
Vintages #478727 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: In the mouth, this is a rich and lush juice. On the nose, it is ripe, with dark fruit aromas along with a floral note. It is full-bodied, showcasing a hint of mocha and vanilla, with soft and supple tannins on the finish.
Pairs with: Pot au feu, veal shank, wild boar, charcuterie, or Flintstone steak. Maybe a vintage fuzztone.
Good for: Cranking up some big guitars — Hendrix, Townshend, Beck — and pushing into sensory overload. Yeah, this wine goes to 11.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2022
Why we're drinking this
This Argentinian wine family comes with great history, culture, food and of course wine The Malbec label showcases the history of the grape, starting in France, and how it has developed and now integrated into the culture of Argentina. The Catena family history is in each sip and is a true expression of the land and its people.
Tasting note
Full-bodied. Deep ruby in color, with dark berries and black cherry; on the mid-palate it is filled with flavours of sweet spices, tobacco, and a hint of leather. Smooth on the palate, offering spicy and acidic tones which blend to produce a lengthy finish.
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]]>Sale $17.95, Regular $19.95
Discount (until November 11th): $2.00
Vintages #164087 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: There’s serious moxie here. The wine has a solid structure, beautifully balanced acidity and soft tannins. It’s showing a hint of requisite earthiness to go with the blackberries, raspberries and vanilla notes, with a velvety richness throughout.
Pairs with: Did someone say baby back ribs? Try it with your favourite southern BBQ sauce. This is a hearty wine, a perfect match with beef stew or spaghetti and meatballs.
Good for: After a long day of working outside, putting your garden to rest. This juice will enhance the fruits of your labour from harvest, showing it off in a savvy way!
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
As the season shifts, this gorgeous hybrid red perfectly compliments the changes that surround us. This blend of Baco and Foch creates a “beautiful rustic red”. An excellent wine that is well worth the price.
Tasting note
Deep ruby with purple hues; aromas of dark plum, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, coffee and spice. Full body, good acidity and finely structured tannins with dark fruit flavours and toasty oak and vanilla notes.
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]]>Sale $12.95, Regular $$14.95
Discount (until October 14th): $2.00
Vintages #416487 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: These supple, savoury flavours are even more pleasing at this eye-catching price. Full-bodied with stewed fruits and accents of blueberry and raisin flavours. A round presence with a sweet core that is infused with baking spices and toasted coconut.
Pairs with: Chill this wine and fire up the grill; burgers are a perfect match.
Good for: Enjoying the last few days of the heat wave. This is a versatile wine for casual or formal dinners. But feel free to go deep with a great big juicy burger on a Wednesday night.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Drink: Now to 2019
Why we're drinking this
The label alone draws you in; it looks like a poster that would be nailed to a tree in the Wild West, complete with the description "Carefully Matured in American Oak." The vintage also suggests the likelihood of a ‘youthful roughness’. The Wanted Zin is a big and powerful wine. It is fun to drink, and the components vary from vintage to vintage. It’s just the right way the enjoy the evenings.
Tasting note
Full-bodied. Deep ruby in colour, releasing dried fruit, cherry, plum, blueberry, and spice; rounded mouthfeel with a juicy mid-palate filled with flavours of dried fruit, mulberry, herbs, and spice. Forceful on the palate. Smooth, with a good overall balance, offering spicy tones and a lengthy finish.
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]]>Sale $13.45, Regular $$15.95
Discount (until October 14th): $2.50
Vintages #226860 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: An easy white wine packed with enticing aromas of stone fruits, medium-bodied on the palate with a soft rich texture, refined oak, and a lingering finish.
Pairs with: That rich seafood, egg dishes, chicken, turkey, pork, creamy pasta, nuts, root vegetables, and pumpkin.
Good for: Propelling lively conversation during family time, dancing to your favorite tunes while getting Thanksgiving dinner ready, and of course cozying up by the fireplace with Netflix.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
This fun mash-up of a white grape is a unique kind of juice. It has that sense of playfulness that we love with extra originality. You get the rich texture with hints of pineapple and lemon notes of Chardonnay. It’s an all-out taste treat.
Tasting note
Full bodied. Bright yellow-gold in colour, releasing a rich, intense tropical flavourand buttery oak aroma, with a trace of citrus. Forceful on the palate. Smooth, with a good overall balance, offering spicy tones and a lengthy finish.
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]]>Sale $12.95, Regular $$14.95
Discount (until October 14th): $2.00
Vintages #563122 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: This juice is medium bodied. On the palate, it is dry with intense berry fruit, this is well balanced by tannin and acidity. Very good length with a dry finish.
Pairs with: Serve with barbecued or smoked meat. Try a smoked turkey!
Good for: When you need something to add to those savoury foods for your fall harvest or seasonal celebratory table. The wilder the better!
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
You know that first walk in the woods just as the leaves are turning for the fall season and the air is fresh and crisp? That sense that life starts all over again when the crisp air touches your face? This wine is like that. It's alive, brimming with earthiness and woodsy tones. It's a big wine so get ready. It needs big food, with lots of protein and fat for those tannins to dig into. A true autumn awakened moment.
Tasting note
Medium body. Dark purple in colour, this unlocks a rich, dense bouquet of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, purple violet, and cocoa nib. The lush palate has smooth tannins and good overall balance, with earthy, spicy tones that linger through the finish.
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]]>Sale $15.95, Regular $$16.95
Discount (until October 14th): $1.00
Vintages #559088 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: A light and refreshing palate teaser with a hint of spritz. Zesty wild strawberry and cherry, with bursting citrus notes that ignite your mouth. Its packed with summer sunshine, lime with a frisky finish.
Pairs with: Chill to near 10° C and serve with chicken wings, barbecued poultry or pizza with creamy white sauce.
Good for: That’s right, you don’t have to give up on Rosé with temperatures like this. Great for those afternoons spent enjoying sunshine and laughter with friends.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Drink: Now to 2020
Why we're drinking this
It’s no wonder it’s one of Ontario’s most popular Rosés. This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay grapes, this is a refreshing food friendly wine that can only be explained as tasty.
Tasting note
Aromas and flavours imply grapefruit, strawberry, gooseberry and candied fruits with a fresh, dry finish.
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]]>Sale $16.95, Regular $$19.95
Discount (until September 16th): $3.00
Vintages #322586 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: A refined cedary French oak with ripe berry flavours, lingering on the finish. It is deep, tannic and chewy it would be best to let it breathe before drinking.
Pairs with: Fortunately, we still have grilling weather, highly recommend this with red meat. Want to try something sweet instead? Dark chocolate will do.
Good for: This is a restrained powerhouse of a wine that needs a good breath of oxygen to reach full expression. Decanting or swirling for at least five minutes in your glass is recommended. For a fairly serious dinner — this wine should impress and give them something to talk about!
Alcohol: 14%
Drink: Now to 2022
Why we're drinking this
Winemaker Aurelio Montes has won Winemaker of the Year twice and we can see why with this juice, making a rich and heavy selection a great value. A ripe and stunning ruby color with intense fruit and nutmeg flavours! It is sophisticated, and will undoubtedly thrill.
Tasting note
Full-bodied. It is well balanced, a ruby red colour, with traces of dill, smoke and deep fruit. The traditional cassis fruit, amid chocolate and herbal notes.
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]]>Sale $12.95, Regular $$14.95
Discount (until September 16th): $2.00
Vintages #268375 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: It’s gratifying and refreshing. With some floral, peach and apricot notes. The wine is light-bodied with a light spritz and subtle sweetness that is balanced by acidity from its citrus flavour.
Pairs with: You will want to enjoy it with some Asian cuisine, it cleanses your palate after each sip. Equally easy to enjoy with roasts, grilled sausages and fish dishes.
Good for: After the hustle and bustle of back to school this week, take some time to savor the downtime. Chill this wine and serve alongside the pool.
Alcohol: 10.5%
Drink: Now
Why we're drinking this
This exquisite Riesling from the Speck family is a limited production and made to age using the best fruit. This wine has a robust fruit and floral aroma. A fresh and light white wine with a touch of sweetness behind the crisp. It is unquestionably tasteful; you will thank us later.
Tasting note
Medium-bodied and dry. A pale, straw colour, well blended with rose petal citrus, and lemon aroma. This is a light and crisp, but full of fruit flavour.
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]]>Sale $17.95, Regular $$19.95
Discount (until September 16th): $2.00
Vintages #606541 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: It’s extremely enjoyable, with pure tannins, smooth and savoury on the palate. With some juicy wild cherry, black raspberry and baking spice. The wine exhibits beautiful balance with well-integrated notes of smoke and polished tannins.
Pairs with: You would want to try it with a red meat, game meat, pasta or hearty soups.
Good for: Enjoying this on a cool evening with dinner and classic tunes in the background, we recommend the late Aretha Franklin.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2024.
Why we're drinking this
Tuscany is known without a doubt a wine region that produces some of the most important reds. This wine has an intense berry aroma and great structure. A ripe and fresh red wine with minerals and earth flavors! It is absolutely elegant, a must have. A ripe and fresh red wine with minerals and earth flavors! It is absolutely elegant, a must have.
Tasting note
Medium-bodied. A ruby red color, hints of cherries well blended with touches of chocolate and vanilla. Balanced with cherry, currant, leather and herbal notes, with a round and persistent finish.
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]]>Sale $9.40, Regular $$10.90
Discount (until September 16th): $1.50
Vintages #122390 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: A light and refreshing palate teaser, crisp green apple with some citrus that just lights up your mouth. It’s packed with summer sunshine, tropical passion fruit, pineapple and lime with a frisky finish.
Pairs with: Pretty much any seafood dish, even in a creamy white wine sauce. If you want to try it with cheese, try a goat cheese!
Good for: For the days you want to just take it easy. Sitting on the patio, relaxing, then realizing August is truly the Sunday of the summer. You want to make sure you take the time to take it all in.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now to 2020.
Why we're drinking this
A decently priced white wine that makes for very easy drinking, and simply it is purely enjoyable! It's absolutely refreshing on the palate which makes it perfect to enjoy in the summer. For added coolness, drink this sauvignon blanc in a large, chilled wine glass.
Tasting note
Light bodied. Gooseberry aromas, mainly citrus, together with a lively lemon and lime. Balanced on the palate together with fruit, with a crisp and clean finish.
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]]>Sale $13.20, Regular $$15.20
Discount (until August 19th): $2.00
Vintages #144493 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: On the palate, juicy cherries and a bit of ripe berries, excellent spices, a balsamic note and smooth.
Pairs with: Very good with meat dishes. Try with some grilled lamb chops or grilled smoked sausages.
Good for: Any occasion, even just "Fri-yay!” Invite the neighbours over and let the good times flow!
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now to 2023.
Why we're drinking this
Having an excellent reputation always leads the way, this wine adds to any celebration this summer! Its fine acidity makes it extremely drinkable with an unmistakable length and aromatic elegance.This 2012 Crianza of Rioja, I can only describe as simply outstanding.
Tasting note
Full bodied. Mature fruit aromas, mainly cherries, together with a subtle oak and licorice. Balanced on the palate together with fruit, mildly acidity and mildly spicy.
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]]>Sale $16.95, Regular $17.75
Discount (until August 19): $1.00
LCBO #951319 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: This Pinot Grigio is well balanced, fresh and flavourful. Hints of some riper peachy fruit and wildflower scent, with a honeyed and waxy note to the aromas as well. It is medium-light bodied, lively and a touch sour-edged, with some grapefruit/lemon bitterness. The length is very good.
Pairs with: An excellent aperitif white wine and a great choice for parties because it matches beautifully with a wide range of appetizers, especially fried calamari, turkey breast, grilled chicken, clams and crab.
Good for: When I sip, you sip, we sip! An excellent sipping wine.
Alcohol: 13%
Drink: Now.
Why we're drinking this
In Trentino, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures helps create wines that are remarkably fresh and robust in aroma and flavor. Production begins with an immediate pressing of the fruit followed by cold settling. Vinification is carried out at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh varietal character of the fruit. This is a Pinot Grigio that shows strong varietal character and solid value.
Tasting note
Bollini Pinot Grigio is styled to show intense varietal aromas with an especially fragrant bouquet and elegant, delicately focused white fruit flavors. The texture is crisp and clean in the mouth, with superb acid balance. Very good length. The palate has a good depth of flavour with ripe apple pear fruit with a buttery texture and mineral balance.
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Sale $14.75, Regular $16.75
Discount (until August 19): $2.00
LCBO #152587 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Beautiful ruby red colour. A fine and expressive nose with aromas of cassis, violet and spices including cloves, cinnamon and liquorice. Round and concentrated in the mouth with a good structure, soft tannin with a long fruity finish
Pairs with: Perfect with grilled meat and cheese
Good for: Too good not to share. Best enjoyed with friends with some grilled favs.
Alcohol: 14%
Drink: Now.
Why we're drinking this
The château was bought by the Weber family in the 50s, before winemaking this family specialized in the cultivation of oranges in north Africa.This Bordeaux offering was pleasant surprise! Not an overly complex wine. It is well balance and easy to drink. Mild fruit flavours of sour cherry and raspberry, with stronger fresh herbal flavours of tarragon and rosemary.
Tasting note
Clear medium ruby colour; black cherry and currant with light oak spice aromas; medium body, dry wine, cherry fruit and oak spice flavours to finish.
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]]>Sale $13.75, Regular $15.25
Discount (until August 19): $1.50
LCBO #189415 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: A bright Viognier with apricot, peach and orange aromas together with a fresh stone fruit palate
Pairs with: This is the perfect wine to serve with many Chinese dishes, particularly sweet and sour chicken or prawn
Good for: For the perfect date night under the stars.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink: Now.
Why we're drinking this
After just over a decade, Cono Sur's original claim, 'No Family Trees, No Dusty Bottles, Just Quality Wine' continues to inspire us in quality, innovation, style and creativity. Cono Sur continues to push the boundaries of winemaking in Chile. Abundant sunlight, hot days, cool nights and irrigation water coming directly from pure thawed Andean snow contribute to the production of the aromatically rich, pure and potential filled grapes.
Tasting note
Pale gold colour; tropical fruit aromas with melon, peach and orange blossom notes; dry, medium bodied, with great acidity and flavours of grapefruit, peach, green apple and pineapple; good length on the finish.
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]]>Sale $13.75, Regular $15.25
Discount (until July 22): $1.50
LCBO #189415 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: The blues! Blueberry, black berry, cassis … with sweet spice and generous plum and fig.
Pairs with: Southern BBQ, burgers, steaks, grilled veg, osso buco, Indian flavours, roti, mushroom risotto.
Good for: Sending the kids off to camp with a hearty “cheers!”
Alcohol: 14.4%
Drink: Now.
Why we're drinking this
Here’s a nice, fresh tasting Aussie Shiraz that has that requisite generosity of fruit that we’ve all come to know and love. Well, most of us. Truth is, Aussie Shiraz — the more commercial brands, anyway — became a bit of a caricature of themselves through the early 2000s. They became over-done: flabby, soft, over-ripe. But the winds are changing again, and astute winemakers are pulling back from the “big and bold and rich” camp and instilling some elegance into their wines. Even at this price point. Wyndham has always been a favourite estate of ours and they continue to make solid, very pretty, Shiraz.
Tasting note
Lots of ripe black and blue fruit aromas: blackberry, blueberry, plum and black cherry. There’s some delicate spice on the nose too, and soft leather. Really very pretty. The palate is generous, very fruity and delicious. More black fruit and spice. It’s dry, but there’s some residual sugar that lends texture and flavour. This is a nice big wine for people who love big wines, but in fact it exhibits a level of complexity and elegance that is rare at this price. Well done!
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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder
]]>Sale $18.95, Regular $20.95
Discount (until July 22): $2.00
Vintages #370361 | 750 mL bottle
Tastes like: Zingy citrus (lime especially) and green apple with touches of white flower and honeysuckle.
Pairs with: Raw seafood, ceviche, charcuterie and cheeses. Pasta in cream sauce too. Casual nibbles of all sorts, the saltier the better.
Good for: Knocking off work early to take care of things. You know, “things.”
Alcohol: 12%
Drink: Now.
Why we're drinking this
Not only does Tawse make some of the finest wines in Ontario, but we like their biodynamic and eco-friendly vibe. Sure, that has nothing to do with the taste of this fantastic sparkler, but it makes us feel good. Made with 100% Riesling — unusual for a sparkling wine — this is a unique and eminently enjoyable bubbly. Perfect to drink super-cold on a hot day all on its own, but also great with all kinds of food. It has the zippy acidity that goes so well with everything from raw seafood to creamy sauced pastas. This wine really loves oysters. Trust us on this, we’ve experimented many times.
Tasting note
Fresh nose of citrus, green apple and fresh herbs. Pretty, refreshing and inviting. A real “zing” in the mouth from the acidity, which is well balanced with a touch of residual sugar. The mousse is just lovely and the overall mouth effect is lively, juicy and… well, you’ll just want to keep drinking it! Quite a substantial finish, very clean and lemony. A wonderful wine at any price, but superb at under 20 bucks!
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This week's selection by kwäf Taste Bud Dick Snyder
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