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Viña Casablanca El Bosque Carmenère 2010, Winemaker's Choice, Rapel Valley

A restrained, easy-drinking offering of Carmenere. A great blend of earthiness, stewed black fruit and spice. Savoury with mild dark chocolate and tannins and acids in check that lead to a smooth finish. I appreciated that there wasn't too much in the way of oak or espresso/coffee that can dominate, or ruin, Carmenere.

Drink now.

Tasted December 2013.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2013

Plenty of exotic tropical fruit and perfumey with mild acids. The finish is smooth and creamy.

Can't believe the price.

Tasted Nov. 2013.

Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Syrah/Mourvèdre 2012, Colchagua Valley

Another great value from Novas, so no surprise here. Chocolate and white pepper dominate the palate. Very nice, above average length and overall just a well balanced and delicous wine.

Tasted March 2015.

Château De Gourgazaud Cuvée Mathilde Minervois 2013, Ac

More rustic and earthy than their consistent value table wine, the cuvee doesn't provide too much more by way of depth and polish that I was hoping for. However, still a good every day wine.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava

A little over priced, but good for everyday drinking. A little too sweet, but nice finish. Yeast is not as predominate as the LCBO is saying.

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia

Nice dark fruit, menthol and oak. A well integrated wine with a smooth, medium finish. Moderate complexity.

Louis Bouillot Perle D'ivoire Brut Blanc De Blancs Crémant De Bourgogne, Traditional Method, Ac, Burgundy, France

Very elegant and enjoyable. Minerality, citrus and yeast notes are very well integrated.

Great value cremante.

Tasted April, 2012.

Château Verdignan 1998, Ac Haut Médoc

Cellared this for several years, well worth the wait. It might still sit for a few more years, but it's drinking very well at the moment. Great value.

Tasted August 2013.

Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico 2008, Tuscany

Nose is earthy and opens with leather, terroir and dried mushrooms. Flavours of dried cherries and leather on the palate. Very tannic with a dry, medium finish.