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
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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Königschaffhausen Steingrüble Pinot Noir 2011, Qba Baden
Baden, Germany$17.95
A light,very drinkable Pinot that is simple but good value. Strawberry and cherry notes with a hint of sweet spice and vanilla. Very smooth and palate follows nose closely. Not very complex but decent food pairing wine.
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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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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Château Des Charmes Cabernet Merlot 2006, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$12.95
A tough vintage for sure in Ontario. With cherry, sour plum, and some menthol/herbaceous notes, the nose is fairly true to the palate. The wine opens up with some time (or decanting). There's lots of acidity and decent tannins through the short, tart-cherry finish.
2.5 Stars
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Hubbs Creek Gamay Rose Sussreserve 2012, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$17.95
A delectable bowl full of fresh strawberries and raspberries greets your nose. It just screams fresh fruit. The palate is a little more reserved but there is a great yin and yang interplay between the sussreserve sweetness and a decent helping of acidity. The palate adds some light cherry notes and just a hint of earthiness, and the great County minerality is evident. A superb, food-friendly wine!
2.5 Stars
Trumpour's Mill Pinot Noir 2008, VQA Prince Edward County, Estate Btld.
Ontario, Canada$18.95
2008 Trumpours Mill Estate Bottled Pinot Noir: The nose belies the price point on this value Pinot Noir. Lots of earthiness and a touch of barnyard funk cover notes of cassis, strawberry and dark cherries. On the palate, ripe cherries & dark fruit and an unexpected medium-bodied mouthfeel. Sweet spice and vanilla from the oak round out the acidity but it remains crisp and refreshing with a tart cherry finish and a slight mineral chalkiness. Drink with a mushroom lasagna or anything duck-based. Fantastic value impressed me.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine Du Rey Colombard Sauvignon 2011, Cotes Du Gascogne
Southwest, France$11.00
I found this a strange wine. Nose at first gives off NZ style Sauv Blanc notes - grass, gooseberry, some light fruit. Then the straw hits. The palate is all straw with slightly nutty component & some astringent acidity.
2.5 Stars
Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008, Barossa, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$17.95
Lovely layers of cigar box, smoke, luscious red and black fruits, & baking spices. Tannins present but in check, lovely balance and doing well for an '08. Nice spice on finish. Tasted March 2015.
0.5 Stars
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Almaden California Classic White (1500ml)
California, Usa$10.00
Wife brought this home because it was $7 for 1.5L. You get what you pay for! Not much different than others tasted tonight at 2X price. Bland, non-descript white fruit. Light peach notes. Slightly tart finish.
0.5 Stars