Edward Rasiulis

Château Des Charmes Equuleus Paul Bosc Estate Vineyards 2010, Niagara Peninsula

Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose.

One of my favourite from Des Charmes, but even better that it's at $30

Positives: This complex wine features cedar, blackcurrants, plums, dark cherry, raspberry, red & black peppers, turmeric, Allspice, mocha & leather. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with braised beef shank.

Tasted: 31 March 2014

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5/10 (Clearance Price: 9/10), Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Groth Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Oakville, Napa Valley

Deep dark venous red in colour with a medium+ nose.

The nose is to die for. I could just sniff this all day long.

Positives: A complex Cab, and it should be for the money. Featuring cedar, blackcurrants, blackberry, star anise, turmeric, leather, plum, black cherry, blueberry, dark chocolate, mocha, and Allspice. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A touch hot from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Notes: Thanks Carol Ann, from WineAlign, for the opportunity to taste this.

Drink now on or over the next 10 years on its own or pair it with grilled tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 17 May 13

Score: 9+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Borges Vintage Port 2007, Doc Douro, Btld. 2009

Description: Opaque ruby to purple in colour with medium intense nose.

Positives: I challenge anyone to bring me a vintage Port of good quality for under $30 let alone for under $50, but Borges succeeds. This Port is silky smooth and not like your typical vintage Ports that are heavy, sweet, and deep in the dates and nut flavour profile. This one has a lot of California Pinot qualities such as Pine, rhubarb, dark cherry, violets, cinnamon & raspberry. In addition, cloves, nutmeg, anise, plums and graphite. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: The presentation is second to none, as the bottle is clothed in white tissue paper and in cased in a beautiful box. Perfect to give as a gift

Drink now or over the next 15 years as an apéritif or digestif.
Tasted: 24 Jan 13

Score: 9.5/10, Value:10/10, Total: 19.5/10

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2014

Champagne without the bubbles

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features medium toasted oak, yeast, lemon, lime, kiwi, peach, pear, apricot, ginger, dill, smoked almonds and peat moss on the nose. Full body with light tannin, good acidity and a very long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Don't over chill, and use the larger Montrachet style stemware

Drink now or in the next 5-10 of years on its own or pair it with Oven Poached Pacific Sole with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce.

Tasted: 22 April 2017

Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance price: 9.5), Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

Norman Hardie Niagara Unfiltered Chardonnay 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

One of Ontario’s best Chards

Description: Bright gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features buttered toast, oak, lemon, green apple, pineapple, nectarine, peach, cashews, dill, ginger, butterscotch and peat smoke on the nose. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Priced on the higher end, but well worth it.

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with Sauteed Chilean Sea Bass with Ginger Poached Pears.

Tasted: 3 December 2016

Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9/10 (Sale price: 9+/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

You’re paying for what you’re getting, an excellent California Chard

Description: Bright yellow gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features medium toast, lemon, green and red apples, peach, pineapple, mango, nutmeg, butterscotch, coconut, pine, dill, ginger, vanilla, oak spice and smoked roasted walnuts on the nose. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Don’t over chill the wine as it will mute all its favours. Love the fact that the wine is plush & full body while being 13.5% alcohol.

Drink now or in 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Sea Bass with Sizzled Ginger, Chilli and Spring Onions.

Tasted: 22 October 2016

Top Pick

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18.9/20

Yalumba Viognier 2013, Eden Valley, South Australia

Smooth, rich, elegant & so beautiful

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium intense nose. This complex wine features orange blossom, honeydew melon, orange, apricot, guava and white pepper. Medium+ body and with good acidity and a very long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Best non Condrieu Viognier I’ve had. Far superior in every sense than Yalumba’s Y Series Viognier (see my previous review).

Drink now or in the next 10 of years on its own or pair it with Spicy Honey Glazed BBQ Chicken with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries.

Tasted: 31 Aug 2015

Top Pick & Best Buy

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9.5/10 Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

Baron Fuenté Grand Cépages Chardonnay Champagne, Ac

This Blanc de Blanc not for the faint at heart

Description: Bright gold in colour with an intense nose and fine mousse. This complex wine features toasted oak, brioche, yeast, lemon zest, green & yellow apples, pear, pink grapefruit, lime, ginger, cardamom, salted almonds and fresh cut carnations. Full body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Thanks to my wife for this Champagne for my birthday

Drink now or in the next 2-3 years on its own or pair it with Raspberry Point Oysters.

Tasted: 12 March 2017

Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Sale Price: 9/10), Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

Luis Felipe Edwards L F E 900 Single Vineyard Blend 2012

From the bottle to the wine, this wine feels & taste expensive, but isn’t!

Description: Deep purple to ruby in colour with a high intense nose. This complex wine features cedar, dark cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, eucalyptus, espresso, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, tobacco leaves, oregano, sage and violets on the nose. Full body with medium+ tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol

Interesting Note: The vineyards that yield this wine are located 900 meters above sea level thus the name.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Seared Rosemary Mint Lamb Chops.

Tasted: 15 April 2016

Best buy & Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10 Total: 18.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

La Crema Russian River Chardonnay 2014

Complex, balanced, juicy & delicious

Description: Bright light gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features medium toasted oak, lemon, orange rind, peach, green & yellow apples, pink grapefruit, coconut, hazelnut, honeydew melon, honeysuckle on the nose and a hint of butterscotch. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it wit Tuna Tartare served with Avocado Brunoise, Sweet & Sour Sauce, White Truffle Oil and Red Caviar

Tasted: 19 November 2016

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4