Shawn McCormick
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Reviews (79)
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Passionate local wine/food supporter. Sommelier-in-training. Wine blogger. Tech guy and social media enthusiast. Chief Instigator of Uncork Ontario iPhone/iPod App (Ontario Winery Locator) in iTunes Store!
Reviews
14 Hands Hot To Trot White Blend 2011, Washington State
Washington, Usa$12.00
A little non descript but there is some stone fruit, melon & apple on both the nose and palate. Medium weight with some sweetness gives way to a cleansing slightly bitter lemon pith finish. Good patio sipper - serve well chilled!
3.0 Stars
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series 2bench Rosé 2012, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$22.99
Very pale orange-salmon colour. Fresh red fruit on the nose. The palate is strawberry, raspberry and a hint of tart fruit like cranberry rhubarb. it seems off dry at first and then finishes crisply with a hint of tannins (this is a Cab Franc/Syrah blend) Superb summer sipper or pairing with curried dishes.
3.0 Stars
Matua Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Marlborough, New Zealand$12.95
Delicate Pinot with light cherry & cranberry notes on the nose and palate. Oak is used sparingly but adds some sweet spice notes. Finish is tart cherry and cranberry.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
G. Marquis Ice Rosé The Silver Line, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$23.75
A light salmon hue to this wine hides the fairly strong fruit nose wrapped inside. On the nose, candied cherry and raspberry with a hint of kirsch liqueur and a slight mineral undertone. The palate surprises with fairly dry citrus & sour cherry notes and a touch of sweetness from the icewine dosage only momentarily at mid-palate. An easy drinking aperitif or accompaniment for appetizers or cheese.
3.0 Stars
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Fielding Red Conception 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$18.95
I’ve had several different vintages of this wine and I can’t tell which one the LCBO has but it is likely 2009 or 2010 by now. A blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv, and Syrah, this wine exhibits characteristics of all three varietals – damson plum, black cherries, cassis, and some nice spicy notes from the Syrah. With well integrated oak, the wine picks up some mocha, sweet spice, and cigar box notes. Great acidic core keeps it fresh and makes for great food pairings. We’ve had it with tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, burgers, and roast beef.
2.5 Stars
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Fielding Pinot Noir 2009, Niagara Escarpment & Twenty Valley
Ontario, Canada$20.00
Spicy nose that's earthy and leathery with some tobacco leaf nuances. On the palate, spicy, tart cherry, red currant and a hint of cranberries. Oak presence with some slight astringency from the tannins. Slightly hot on the dry finish.
2.5 Stars
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St. Francis Chardonnay 2009, Sonoma County
California, Usa$19.95
I only rate this 88 based on my wife's love of heavily-oaked Chardonnay. Nose is cheesy-caramel that hints at a sweet creamy texture. Yet on the palate, smooth apples and creamy smooth fruit & smoke is cleansed with a strong acidic backbone. Oak notes linger into along smoky caramel finish. Not really sure what to make of this one.
2.5 Stars
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Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$18.95
2011 Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir: This light, entry-level Pinot made from 100% County fruit (including 3% Zweigelt) sports a nose of sweet cherry, light spice, and minimal earthy notes. On the palate, candied cherries, vanilla coated cranberries, and a candy-spice that finishes with some pepper qualities keeps it unique. Light tannins make this great for pairing with lighter fare - I'd even suggest this one with Thanksgiving turkey. 12.5%.
2.5 Stars
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G. Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road 2011, Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Bright medium yellow-green colour. Nose of melon, lees, light tropical fruit, citrus and some sweet spices. On the palate, lots of fresh fruit with sweet red apples, pineapple, and light lemon. Cinnamon, light clove and a hint of white pepper contrast the butterscotch & vanilla notes from the 6 months in oak. It has nice acidity and the citrus provides a quite fresh finish, with a medium-long butterscotch finish.
2.5 Stars
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De Sousa Seasons Reserve Meritage 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$13.25
Lots of vanilla on top of dark berry fruit, but at the LTO price of $12.95 the value ratio went up one star. There's some finesse and elegance one would not expect at this price point. Decent value at regular price, great value at sale price.
2.5 Stars
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