It's only wine but I like it

La Tremenda Monastrell 2017, Do Alicante

A big, fairly powerful red with very ripe fruit and firm tannin. Nicely accented with some pepper and herbs. A lot of flavour and depth for only $18. Fine wine. Tasted Jul 2021.

Gabriel Meffre La Châsse Grande Réserve 2015, Ap Vacqueyras, Rhone

Re=tasted Nov 2020: Softer structure and more mature fruit flavours. Still very good but drink up.

Original note: Not the depth of the better Vacqueyras, but less expensive as well. A bit rough and ready, but a delicious, authentic expression of the Cotes du Rhone, with classic herb infused fruit, pepper and good tannic grip on the finish. I'd be happy sipping this any day of the week. Nice new addition to the LCBO general list. Tasted Aug 2018.

Villa Matilde Stregamora Piedirosso 2018, Igp Roccamonfina, Campania

Piedirosso. You don't see this variety coming through your local Vintages very often. I cannot recall having tried it before. Too bad, too, this is a lively red with lots of red cherry fruit, brisk acidity and fairly low tannin. Very delicious, not too heavy - a lovely summer red. Best to serve just a wee bit cool (30-40 minutes in the fridge ought to do the trick). Tasted July 2021.

Domaine La Rougeante 2016, Ac Corbières

Herbs, and spice and lots of other nice. Complex Corbieres, meaty, cassis, fine tannin and a solid dry finish. Warmed my heart on a dismal October eve, which I suppose is the whole point. Tasted oct 2021.

Villa Matilde Rocca Dei Leoni Aglianico 2016, Igt Campania

Solid aglianico, with very ripe fruit with good complexity. Seems ready to drink. Tasted Nov 2020.

Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Red 2018, VQA Beamsville Bench

A pleasant, well-made red with herbal-tinged fruit as one may expect from Niagara's cool climate. A fair does of oak is notable but not over the top. Solid red for consumption over the next few years. Tasted Aug 2021;

Potente 2018, Do Montsant

A big ripe mouth filling wine from Montsant. Mostly agree with David, John and Mchael's notes, just will add that this has a bit of a boozy finish, which (very) slightly detracts. Still, this is a delicious, big, soul-warming wine for sipping on a cold winter's night. Tasted Dec 2020.

Invicta Xinomavro 2019, Amyndaio, Macedonia

A young wine, with fresh red fruit but one that didn't really excite me. Nothing wrong with the wine, just not really that captivating. Maybe too young? Tasted Aug 2021.

Folklore Cabernet/Merlot 2018, Western Australia

A pleasant Cab-Merlot, with cherry ripe fruit, soft tannin, a hint of herbs and a touch of sweetness on the finish. Decent value (what with current inflation) for any everyday wine. Tasted May 2022.

La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2018, Ap

From well-known Chateauneuf produce Chateau des Nerthe, this CdR Villages is made from organically grown Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Very open, and approachable with all of the expected herb-infused ripe fruit flavours one would expect of the region. What strikes me is the impeccable balance here. Tannin, alcohol, acids , ripeness - nothing is out of balance. I don't get the impression that this wine is intended for ageing - delicious and irresistible right now. Tasted Oct 2021.