Jason Solanki
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Wine lover since 2001! My interest in wine began while touring the factory where they printed the LCBO VINTAGES magazine.
Over time, my passion for wine grew. Now, I am highly regarded by friends and colleagues as a resource for when they need a wine for that special occasion, be it an anniversary, birthday, wedding, gatherings at home, or when they want to impress their special friend or the In-Laws.
Combining my interest in the Internet/web/computers, you can find me at https://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com where you will find more wine reviews, events and contests.
Reviews
Lafage Narassa 2022, Igp Côtes Catalanes
Roussillon, France$24.95
This 70/30 blend of Grenache and Syrah has a somewhat shy, medium+ intensity nose of ripe dark red fruits, raspberry, cherry, and herbs layered over schisty minerals. The dry, medium-bodied palate is well-balanced with raspberry, black cherry, and mineral flavours nuanced with smoky and spice notes. It has crisp, structured acidity alongside supple, smooth, and well-structured tannins. Earthy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Tasted July 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Rhonéa Les Confluences Vinsobres 2022, Ac
Rhône, France$24.95
This blend of 49% Syrah, 44% Grenache, and 7% Mourvèdre has a medium+ intensity nose that is fresh, enticing, and complex with black raspberry, cherry, savoury stony, peppery, spice, meaty, and red plum aromas. It's medium+ bodied and dry with chewy, supple, and well-structured tannins, along with very good, lively acidity. Lovely aroma replays are joined by currant and floral notes on the complex flavour profile. Savoury minerals on the long, well-structured finish. Tasted Nov. 2024.
3.0 Stars
(95)V
Castellani Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tuscany, Italy$21.95
Mainly Sangiovese, this has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose of ripe red cherry and clove aromas alongside some sweet spices, macerated cherry, and savoury earth tones in a slightly mature profile. The medium+ bodied palate is dry with lovely cherry and savoury earth flavours supported by smooth, well-integrated tannins. The mid-palate is a touch spicy with very good acidity. A touch warming, but still within balance, while earthy and savoury oak notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Tasted Aug. 2025.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$18.00
Fragrant and highly aromatic, this has a pungent, yet well-balanced aromas of grassy, gooseberry, and herbaceous notes alongside ripe tropical fruit, kiwi, and guava. The light-to-medium bodied palate is dry with zesty lime citrus, gooseberry, tropical fruit, apple, and leesy mineral flavours supported by fresh and lively acidity. Long, balanced, dry, and crisp finish. Tasted Aug. 2025.
3.0 Stars
(9)V
Arboleda Carmenère 2022, Aconcagua Valley
Aconcagua Valley, Chile$18.95
The fresh, medium to medium+ intensity nose leads with a perfumed vanilla note layered over ripe red & black currant, herbaceous, and sweet tobacco aromas. The dry, medium-bodied palate has pleasing aroma replays supported by supple, well-structured tannins with a plushy mouthfeel. Acids are nicely balanced. Earthy, tobacco, and fresh herbal notes linger on the lengthy finish. Tasted Nov. 2024.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Gabriel Meffre Laurus Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2023, Ap
Rhône, France$20.95
This blend of 30% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 18% Viognier, 17% Marsanne, 5% Bourboulenc, and 5% Clairette is ripe and fresh with a medium-high intensity nose of citrus, pear, yellow apple, grapefruit, and honeysuckle aromas. The medium-full bodied palate is dry with grapefruit and spice flavours layered over lemon citrus, orchard fruit, and honeysuckle notes. It has very good, juicy acidity, while spice and citrus notes carry through to the textured finish, with very good length. Tasted June 2025.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Quinta Das Setencostas Alenquer 2020, Doc
Portugal$13.95
This unique blend of 50% Castelão, 20% Camarate, and 15% Tinta Miuda has a fresh, medium to medium-high intensity nose of anise, herbs, dark berry, black cherry, and savoury earth aromas. The medium-full to full-bodied palate shows impressive concentration with well-structured tannins. It's dry with well-balanced aroma replays of dark berry-cherry flavours joined by some oak spice and plum notes. It has juicy acidity, while the lengthy finish is a touch grippy. Tasted May 2025.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Heirloom Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Coonawarra, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$22.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose is open with savoury, earthy mineral aromas surrounding a core of currant, cassis, plus accents of evergreen and leafy herbs. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has very nice aroma replays, with a touch of reductive character. Acids are well-balanced, while the supple tannins have a grippy texture and mouthfeel. Earthy mineral notes linger on long finish. Tasted May 2025. Score: 90+ pts
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Hugh Hamilton Jim Jim Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose delivers ripe currant, cassis, red fruit, green herbs, evergreen, and bell pepper aromas, plus accents of vanilla and oak. The dry, full-bodied palate has good structure and smooth, well-rounded tannins. Very nice, well-balanced aroma replays on the flavour profile. Touch grippy on the mid-palate, alongside very good acidity. Savoury earth and oak spice notes linger on the long finish. Tasted May 2025.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Laurenz V. Friendly Grüner Veltliner 2023, Kamptal D.A.C. Langenlois
Kamptal, Austria$22.95
The fresh, medium to medium-high intensity nose is ripe with green apple, white peach, pepper, and spice aromas accented with steely minerals and ripe tropical fruit. The dry, medium+ bodied palate has a creamy mouthfeel with citrusy, apple, and peach flavours. The gently textured mid-palate leads to a well-balanced and long-lasting finish with citrusy, peach, and savoury mineral notes. Tasted Oct. 2025.
3.0 Stars
(26)V