Bryan McCaw

Borthwick Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Wairarapa, North Island

Joe, the LCBO product consultant at the Kingsway gave me a head's up on this ISD (In Store Discovery) as our critic's don't get to taste it ahead of time. David Lawrason gave it's less expensive sibling 90 points. I thought this was an excellent/classic NZ Pinot. Not Cali style.

Montes Alpha Carmenère 2008, Colchagua Valley

This is an amazing wine for under $20. Introduced me to a new varietal that reminds me of my other favourites like Syrah, Shiraz and Malbec. If you're looking for a heavy fruit nose, full mouth feel and rich wine this is an excellent introduction to Carmenere. Finish is too short but only because you enjoy the first part so much.

Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir 2009, Twenty Mile Bench

Bought 6 at the winery after a passionate pitch from Ed. Not disappointed. 2009 is an outstanding year for Ontario Pinots.

Loukatos Muscat Of Patras, Pdo, Peloponnese (375ml)

Yum.

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2013, Ac

Got to try this in the office. This an awesome wine for the price. Chapoutier is a bit of a rock star.

Spier Vintage Selection Chenin Blanc 2015, Wo Swartland

In the middle.

Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale

This is now an Essentials so it should almost always be available. Hence the (V) for the vintage instead of a year. The 2004 was excellent. 2005 was not as good as the 2004, but still good.
I bought a bottle of the 2006 to compare. (Un)fortunately, I drank the entire bottle at one sitting, so it must be excellent!!

Zenato Valpolicella Ripassa 2006, Veneto

Tawse Pinot Noir 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Best Ontario red wine I have ever had. Far more body than I would have expected from a Pinot let alone something from Ontario.

This wine changed my opinion on Ontario wine. I'm now a fan, after 10 years in the wilderness (Australia and South America) I am now back home!

Cusumano Nero D'avola 2010, Sicily

Perfect Friday afternoon office wine. Amazing $11 wine.