MARK KOZAR

Dveri Pax Janez 2008, Slovénie

This white is an exceptional value as a stoic, flexible, easy drinking white.

Great balance of freshness, fruit and perfect acidity. Only wish there were more around.

Cono Sur Organic Pinot Noir 2019

7 months on from Steve's review, this 2020 (he has it listed as 2019) Pinot Noir has lost its austerity with some time. A decent sipper and food accompanier, though the alcohol (14%) does punch above the delicate fruit and florality this PN possesses, unfortunately.
Otherwise a decent PN with medium cheeses, olives, baba ganouj, mushroom pizza... I made Lentils Bourguignon and it was perfect after cooking off the alcohol.

Filaree Italia Ribolla Gialla 2020, I.G.T. Venezia Giulia

it is great to finally have the varietal available at the LCBO!
Interesting nose of vineyard after a rainfall: green, grape and white fruit orchard, yet a bit musty, some garrigue, white flower and a hint of orange blossom. The palate is typical Rebula/Ribolla: stone fruit, tangerine, lime zest, vibrant acidity, wet stone minerality, a touch of white-tea-like tannins.
The low-ish alcohol really lets the fruit show its stuff.
I love this varietal, and this is an excellent example at this price... its no Movia, but a great introduction to Rebula.

Cono Sur Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose, Bio Bio Valley

If you need a summer sparkler for a backyard bash, or something different as a go-to, this is lovely and a super value.
Berry fruit and toast with a bit of lime pith on the nose, and super balanced with its berry, pomelo, minerality, reasonable alcohol and toastiness, this is deliciously quaffable with definite pinot characteristics.
Super affordable wine from a conscientious/sustainable practise producer
Just wish the WA Cru would revisit some of these standby wines and give them another review (its been +3yrs since the last) as I think this wine has improved since 2015/2016... ;)

Wayne Gretzky Founders Series Pinot Grigio 2018, Niagara Peninsula

Not sure what was tasted in July'19 by the Wine Awards panel, but the bottle I have is flat, thin, low alcohol and body; nice colour and definite pinot grigio nuances but this literally tastes watered down... literally, like a decent wine had water added to it to lower the alcohol to 12% (indicated) or something

Gazela Rosé

What a great summer crusher.
This honest vinho verde styled rose doesn't try to be anything other than that and succeeds as one the happiest summer wines you can get from the LCBO.

Strawberry and lime zest with a bit of mild green herbs on the nose, intense strawberry, white peach, more lime and a touch of herbaceousness on the finish and of course that vinho verde spritz!

I really can appreciate this low alcohol rose max-chilled in this 2019 heat. Wouldn't want to drink anything else right now.

And all this for UNDER $10! Saude!