Edward Rasiulis

Laura Hartwig Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Colchagua Valley

One needs food to enjoy this tart, tannic & high alcohol feeling wine

Description: Medium dark ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, blackcurrants, blackberry, pomegranate, unripe tamarinds, eucalyptus, pepper, graphite, tomato leaves, spinach & leather. Medium body with green tannin, good acidity, an average length.

Negatives: Too tart for me and a little too much heat from the 14% listed alcohol. Needs decanting.

Drink now or in the next 3 years and pair it with Pan Seared NY Strip Steak with Garlic Butter Sauce.

Tasted: 22 March 2016

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5+/10 (Clearance price: 9/10) Total: 17+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

G. Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay 2013, Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road, VQA Niagara On The Lake

A simple elegant Chardonnay.

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features lemon, green apples, pink grapefruit and limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: More Chablis style than Meursault

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Poached Halibut.

Tasted: 5 Nov 2015

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

Beronia Elaboracion Especial Tempranillo 2012

Classic Rioja style that's smooth and delicious at a great price

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium to medium+ nose. This wine features sandalwood, strawberry, dark cherry, pomegranate, grilled red peppers, cloves, cinnamon, cigar box, oregano, vanilla and leather on the finish. Medium+ body with medium tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: A touch hot on the finish from the 14% alcohol.

Interesting Note: My first experience with this wine was in the Cayman Islands. Sadly, until now it wasn’t available at the LCBO. Today it’s on their general list.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with BBQ Lamb Chops in Rosemary Garlic Marinade.

Tasted: 2 January 2016

Best Buy (Amazing Buy at the sale price)

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Raymond Classic Chardonnay 2014, California

Macon style California Chard at a great price

Description: Gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features light oak, lots of apple (Granny & Spartan), peach, vanilla, nutmeg and clove. Medium+ body with, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Boisset of Burgundy purchased Raymond vineyards in 2009 and began converting to biodynamic viniculture.

Drink now or in the next 4 years on its own or in the next year on its own or pair it with Shrimp Fettuccine in Cajun Alfredo Sauce.

Tasted: 18 Oct 2015

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

Inniskillin Reserve Chardonnay 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

A truly enjoyable well balanced Chard with lots of finesse.

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ nose. This wine features lightly toasted oak, lemon, green & red apples, pineapple, oak spice, dill, some ginger and lightly buttered. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: One of the more enjoyable and better priced Ontario Chards.

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Lobster Thermidor.

Tasted: 28 Dec 2015

Best Buy

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

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

D'arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne 2014, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

Clean & neat with some expression

Description: Bright hay in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features pine, kiwi, peach pit, basil, nectarine, apricot, limestone with light jasmine on the nose. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 3 years on its own or pair it with Seafood Salad with Lemon and Garlic.

Tasted: 2 April 2016

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

Zenato San Benedetto Lugana 2014, Doc

Crisp, clean, refreshing with layers of flavours

Description: Light gold in colour with a medium to medium+ intense nose. This wine features honeysuckle, apricot, Asian pear, grapefruit, green apple, peach pit, limestone and a touch almond. Medium body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: This could easily pass for a Viognier. Don’t over chill as it will loose it’s underneath layers.

Thanks to Maria from LCBO for recommending this wine to me.

Drink now or in the next 3-5 years on its own or pair it with Trout with Garlic Lemon Butter Herb Sauce.

Tasted: 21 February 2016

Best Buy

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

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

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Maipo Valley

A nice Cab for a great price

Description: Dark ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features cedar, blackcurrant, dark cherry, blackberry, tamarind, mint, tobacco, cassis, star anise, turmeric, cocoa and leather. Full body with green tannins, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: none

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or pair it with Braised Jerk Oxtail, served on Butterbean Puree with Tomato Pepper Jam.

Tasted: 22 January 2016

Best Buy

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso 2014, Igt Toscana

Smooth, versatile & delicious

Description: Medium ruby to purple in colour with an intense nose. This wine features cedar, sour cheery, strawberry, red currants, leather, Unagi and purple lilacs on the nose. Medium body with dusty tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Drink now or in the next 5 years on its own or pair it with Penne Arrabbiata with Pancetta.

Tasted: 17 March 2017

Best buy

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

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

Dominio Basconcillos Roble 2013, Do Ribera Del Duero

If the taste were as good as the nose, this would be awesome

Description: Dark to opaque ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features sandalwood, raspberry, mulberry, dark cherry, Spy apples, white pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, coconut and fresh cut roses on the nose. Medium+ body with medium+ tannin, good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Needs at least 30 min to decant to bring out the fruit.

Drink now or in the next 5-7 of years on its own or pair it with Chilli Coconut Braised Beef.

Tasted: 6 June 2016

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+