It's only wine but I like it

Château Maucoil 2019, A.C. Côtes Du Rhône Villages

Superb CdR, testbook stuff, with more structure most from the region at this price point. Organic too. Tannin is still noted though I think drinking quite well at the moment. Will keep for a few years. Case in point for saving your $$ over buying far more expensive Chateauneuf. Tasted May 2023.

Bastide Miraflors Syrah/Vieilles Vignes Grenache 2019, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon

Delicious red from the deep south of France. Balanced, complex and pretty much ready to drink (though no rush). Very nice. Tasted Dec 2022.

Château La Croix De Queynac 2019, A.C. Bordeaux Supérieur

Solid everyday right bank Bordeaux at a fair price. A bit of herbal component in behind the red fruit. Light to medium bodied, oak in the background. Nice. For nearer term consumption, I see no benefit to ageing anything beyond end of 2023. Tasted Jul 2023.

Tenute Nicosia Vulkà Etna Rosso 2018, D.O.C.

Fairly light-bodied, but with plenty of fruit (cranberry, cherry), and herbs. Finishing with lively acidity and dusty tannin. Quite delicious. A fine Etna Rosso at a very reasonable tariff. tasted june 2022.

Xavier Vignon Côtes Du Rhône 2020, Ap

Bought a couple more while on sale.
nice stuff. the barber wouldnt let me drink though (apr'23)

Classic south Rhone red here by Xavier, Loads of red fruit, pepper and spice and everything nice, like local herbs and such. Some tannin on the finish, but this is not destined for anything but short term hold (just drink it now, while you get your hair done or whatever). Tasted Sep 2022.

São Miguel Escolha Dos Enologos 2020, Vinho Regional Alentejano

A big, ripe, ostentatious Portuguese red. Loaded with ripe, slightly raised fruit, with a hints of meatiness, chocolate and spice. A bit of rough tannin but nothing to complain about. The finishes lingers nicely. Worked perfectly with bbq port chops. A real mouthful (much like the '15)...I loved it. Tasted Sep 2023.

Chapoutier Belleruche White 2021, Cotes Du Rhone

Inflation has taken hold in many of the better value wines at LCBO. Case in point this Chapoutier white from the south Rhone, Used ot be $17, now $20 ( i got it on sale for $16ish?). Anyway, fine un-oaked white here, seems melon and lemon flavour dominate. Clean , crisp, with a very dry finish. I guess $20 is value these days? Maybe time to buy less wine, I can go for a walk instead. Tasted June 2023.

Pérez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2019

Decent, well-made every day cab. Leaner than many Chilean cabs, with brisk acidity, soft tannin and little interference from wood. Quite fairly priced at $15.95, a very good deal as it is now on sale at $13.95. Tasted Oct 2022.

13th Street Cabernet Merlot 2020, VQA Niagara Peninsula

A very good, and fully ripe Cab Frnc/merlot/Cab Sauv blend from 13th Street in this stellar Niagara vintage. Oak is well-judged and integrated and there is good complexity and length. I would have rate this higher, but like David, I found a hint of cork taint, which is odd, since this screwcap enclosure. There have been instances elsewhere with tca coming from the winery itself (Gallo i believe). Not a disaster, the wine is still drinkable. Tasted May 2024.

Saint Roch Chimères Grenache/Syrah/Carignan 2019, Ap Côtes Du Roussillon Villages

A bit soupy and hot (from the 15%
alcohol). Out of balance and a bit short-finishing. Again, the grapes are simply picked to late in my view. Probably best served to guests who have already had too much to drink - but make sure to call them a cab or have them sleep on the sofa or floor. tasted Oct 2022.