Susan 'Charles' Grant
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Reviews (14)
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It's been my experience that wine is a passionate subject and a lot of people out there writing about wine and food write as though they are passionless. There is no excitement in their words and frankly, I don't want to read about wine from a person who doesn't sound excited. Which is why I started my food and wine blog and if you spoke with anyone who knows me, they would tell you that my passion for wine is a bit out of control (in a good way).
I'm not a writer by trade, I'm a marketing manager and social media specialist. You may be curious how I'm qualified to give opinions on wine? In this arena, my degrees and work experience really don't matter, but what is important is that I've studied wine in a proper school (George Brown College Culinary Arts Program). I'm not a sommelier nor do I have any desires to be one, but I have spent a lot of time studying wine itself and food pairings. I'm seriously committed to wine, and to growing the population who drinks wine. It's my opinion that the more people who drink wine, the better it is for the industry and ultimately, all wine lovers.
Reviews
Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2006, South Australia
Australia$19.95
Dark fruit, spice and a little smokiness make for a great wine experience in my opinion.
As others mention, it really is a great value. We had this with prime rib, garlic mash potatoes and mixed veg. Solid food/wine combination.
3.5 Stars
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Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne
Champagne, France$41.50
As the critic review said, this bubbly did rise in price, which is unfortunate because at its previous price, it was, in my humble opinion, the best value for dollar champagne in the LCBO. I'm a fan of the toastiness and the green apple.
This is worth the extra fiver if you're going for the name champagne.
3.5 Stars
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Hidden Bench Terroir Caché Meritage 2006, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$38.20
The first time I tasted this, I could not believe it had come out of Niagara. I would even go so far as to say it is the best Bordeaux style to come out of this area.
We had it with juicy steaks that had been marinating in garlic, worcestershire, salt, pepper and olive oil for about 12 hours, roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad. Simply amazing.
The experience at Hidden Bench Winery was equally amazing and I highly recommend a visit.
3.5 Stars
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Trius Brut, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$29.95
One of the best value for dollar sparklings in the LCBO. Lip smacking delicious and the mousse (bubbles) stays for quite a while unlike others in this price range.
A consistent and solid player like this makes sparkling wine an everyday fun drink, not just a celebration tipple.
3.5 Stars
(1000+)W+(10)O
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2006, Tuscany
Italy$24.95
Cherryish, cinnamon, full bodied, slightly earthy and delicious. There is an amazing rack of lamb in my fridge that would go very well but this wine would also hold up nicely to a juicy steak.
3.0 Stars
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Tedeschi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004, Doc, Veneto
Veneto, Italy$42.95
This wine is like wine-romance comfort food. The fruit, spice and chocolate combined are really delightful. We served with a tomato, mushroom and sausage pasta. All that was missing was a fireplace...
3.0 Stars
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Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Campo Ai Sassi Rosso Di Montalcino 2005, Doc
Tuscany, Italy$9.94
I was really impressed with this "Baby Brunello." Offers great value and is the medium weight is really refreshing for a red. Felt velvety on the mouth with the vanilla and cherry fruit. We had it with Veal Parmesan... really lovely compliment.
3.0 Stars
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Folie à Deux Ménage à Trois Red 2007, California
California, Usa$17.95
Most of the reviews say jammy, dark fruit, a tidge of spice and a short, slightly oak finish... and they would be correct. It is a fruit bomb, and that's alright. Sometimes, on occasions, one desires a fruit bomb and this is a pretty delicious one.
It goes well with close friends who want an easy drinking wine that doesn't need to be analyzed. It also goes well with the BBQ, my suggestion is homemade spicy lamb burgers and some roasted vegetables.
2.5 Stars
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Blackstone Merlot 2005, California
California, Usa$15.95
Loved the berries, chocolate, smokiness and spice in this wine. Especially the smokiness... it just felt luxurious which was great given that this wine is less than $20.
We served it with homemade beef burgers flavored with garlic and horseradish and a homemade pasta salad with red chilies and goat cheese. Really lovely.
2.5 Stars
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Tapena Tempranillo 2007, La Tierra De Castilla
Spain$9.95
I agree with the critic, the red berries and the spice but I also picked up a little dill on the palate which I was pleasantly surprised with.
This wine is a staple in the cellar, it's an every day, easy drinker. We've served it which pulled chicken tacos and chicken enchiladas, it was fabulous with both.
2.5 Stars
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