Swampy Pete

Santa Rosa Malbec 2014 (1500ml)

A nice smooth Malbec, hard to imagine how they make it so cheap, maybe best not to know... I really don't like buying 1.5L bottles, seems so wrong, lol. This is a great value and tastes good, will try again.

La Castellina Tommaso Bojola Chianti Classico 2007, Docg

2007 was a good year for Chianti, and this bottle is a great example!
Smooth for a Chianti, yet flavorful and elegant. I had it with a rich red sauce lasagna and It held up very nicely, although it would be fine on it s own, well worth checking out !!

Santa Margherita Impronta Del Fondatore Pinot Grigio 2010, Doc Alto Adige

This is hard to find so when you do stock up if you a a fan of Italian Pinots!
This is like an "elite" version of the regular Santa Margherita, a little more pricey but well worth it.

It is similar to the regular S.M. But just a little nicer on every front.

If you cannot find this one and are interested in something similar, try the Santa Magdalena Pinot Grigio, which is a great value and interesting to compare to the "gold standard" of the regular Santa Margherita, enjoy !

Elderton Friends Shiraz 2011, Vineyard Series, Barossa

Just OK, interesting to try but for $2 more you get I to the twenty dollar range and the. there are so many superior Shiraz or Malbec wines to choose from. A bit stringent at first, opened up a bit, good aroma, but really just so-so, would,buy again at $9 price point

Trapiche Malbec Reserve 2013

Very smooth for a Malbec, almost too smooth and slightly sweet, was hoping for a bit more of an earthy element. Nonetheless easy drinking, good for crowds and currently on sale so a great bargin.

Maculan Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Igt Veneto

I liked the 2007, the 2008 never made it to the LCBO, so when I saw the '09, I was eager to re visit an old friend.

This is a great example of how different harvest years come into play. This wine is just not drinkable. The "nail polish" comment from above says it all. Too tight, not balanced, too hot with alcohol and any berry flavours are well hidden.

In short no redeeming features whatsoever.

For the same price there are endless better choices from South America.

Mirassou Pinot Noir 2009, California

This P. Noir is a great wine at a great price. It easily stands up to P. Noir's at twice the price. It is very easy drinking, chill it a little and enjoy with fungi pizza, hearty chicken with root veggies or salmon.
It is hard to find a better value, it is often one of my "go to" reds for weekday meals, or enjoying on its own.

Predator Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi Appellation

First taste was on an outdoor patio eating home made pizza gazing at the Sedona red rock mountains as a hot July day was just starting to cool down. Thought it was the best wine on the planet.

Many of these reviews are on the money with how lush (overly lush) this wine is.

Back home it was still lush and delicious like having a nice red with syrup and a cigar all at once!! Have with a meal and it is very intriguing....

Also of note is the reasoning behind the name, the vinyard uses "predator" aphids to keep the grape vines healthy vs. pesticides.

Valle Las Acequias Oak Malbec 2011

Thought it would be interesting to try two Argentina Malbecs during a steak dinner. The Catena is very popular and I thought it would be interesting to compare it vs. this lesser known bottle blinded. This bottle was in a glass with a blue sticker, and boy did it give us the blues. The first microsecond I tatsted something of interest, but it was immediately overwhelmed by a sickly sweet fruitiness, quite unexpected for an Argentina Malbec. Catena won hands down. Can not recommend this wine...too bad as it was well aged (2011) for the price vs many other Malbecs available (2013,2014)

Skn Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley

After reading most of the reviews I approached this wine with some hesitation even though it was featured in the 2012 "Casual California" booklet from the LCBO. But that is exactly what this is: casual. It is a mild, smooth and easy drinking wine, fine on its own.
It does seem a little weak on flavor, so don't pair it with extreme red meats.
The name is clever, but this really is a wine for the masses and should be priced at $11.95 not $16.95. There are many more favorable Cabs from Chile for the same money. Still for a quiet Sunday afternoon this was enjoyable. Cheers.