MARK KOZAR

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... ;)

Philippe De Rothschild Pinot Noir 2017, Pays D’oc

@ Jan 2020 it is the 2018 release ... red cherry, cedar and black/white pepper on the nose; greenish, strawberry and raspberry, forest floor with dusty tannin, seems higher than the 12.5% declared; nothing wrong here, just underwhelming and inline with price, better slightly chilled

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Sonoma County

2020 Vintage - overripe, rich, sweet, jammy, plum and licorice, smoked meat and tobacco, lacks any acidity or tannin, little to no finesse. Modeled for a certain palate, definitely not mine.

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.

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!