Trevor Sabourin
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Reviews (191)
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Algonquin College Certified Sommelier, and WSET Level 3 through Fine Vintage Ltd., Calgary
Reviews
Time Estate Winery Meritage 2012, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$29.99
A very intriguing wine, and quite complex. Cassis, blackberry, red apple skins, forest floor, black licorice, dark roast coffee, eucalyptus, and green bell pepper on the nose. On the palate, the fruit shifts more toward blueberry and dark cherry, underscored by coffee, vanilla, and black pepper. Medium high acidity and tannins, but very supple and integrated. Very good length, finishing with blueberry, cocoa, and mint. Excellent.
3.0 Stars
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River Stone Estate Winery Malbec Rose 2014, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$19.90
An excellent, substantial rose. Quite deep color. Lots of strawberry, raspberry, and bright red cherry. Some minerality to it too. Almost medium-full bodied, with moderate tannin presence. Fruit repeats on the palate, with some melon and baking spice making things more interesting.
3.0 Stars
Almansa Laya 2014
Spain$15.95
A big, plush, smoky blend of Garnacha (Grenache) and Monastrell. The nose is dominated by smoke, cocoa, incense, and exotic cardamom and clove, but there is a good deal of ripe plum, blueberry and blackberry fruit too, along with touches of cedar, vanilla, tobacco, and black earth. The palate is a pleasingly balanced mix of juicy plum and blackberry, cocoa, tobacco, some gamey/leather notes and more cardamom and clove. The wine is full-bodied, round and mouthfilling, and has medium acidity and tannins to keep things balanced. The finish of black fruit, cocoa, and exotic spice is fairly long
3.0 Stars
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Santa Carolina Merlot Reserva 2014, Colchagua Valley
Colchagua Valley, Chile$13.95
While not complex, this value priced Chilean merlot offers excellent varietal character of pure dark cherry, raspberry, and plum fruit, with a touch of bell pepper, on the nose and palate. There are also gentle hints of vanilla and tobacco. The tannins are very soft, but there is enough acidity to hold this medium-bodied wine together.
3.0 Stars
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Time Cabernet Franc 2014, Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$22.99
This wine has great potential, and is a steal at $20. However, it is not too drinkable right now, as the high tannins are not integrated yet, and dominate the palate currently. However, the nose is already beautifully lifted, bright, and floral: Red plum, cassis, dark cherry, violet, roasted red pepper, cocoa, vanilla, mint, and licorice. Medium-high acidity, with some tart raspberry, and coffee on the palate. I wouldn't touch this for a couple years. Tasted Oct. 2015.
3.0 Stars
Konzelmann Shiraz 2014, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Sweet fruit (black plums, dark cherry, and raspberry), balances with oak vanilla and cocoa notes, along with strong black pepper and a touch of anise and meatiness on the nose. Repeats on the palate, with stronger dark chocolate notes. Medium-full bodied, with moderate acidity and tannins. It is not bone dry, and comes across as very plush and easy to drink, though it is somewhat simple and one-dimensional. A good value wine to pair with simple barbequed foods or perhaps pizza.
3.0 Stars
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Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2013
Burgundy, France$23.95
The aromas are fairly classic, though there is a substantial gamey/bacon fat/barnyard quality that takes a couple minutes in the glass to tone down and let out the other aromas: cherry, dried cranberry, forest floor, smoke, mushroom, white pepper, dried rose petals, and a touch of green bean. The medium-bodied palate is less generous, with sour red fruit, less well-defined earthiness, repeats of the meaty, mushroom, and white pepper notes, and some green, stemmy tinges. The acidity is medium-high (though a bit harsh), and the tannins are medium. Decent entry level Burgundy. Tasted Oct. 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Ara Pathway Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015, Marlborough
Marlborough, New Zealand$14.95
This is nicely balanced, uncomplicated, and very refreshing sauvignon blanc. The herbaceousness is not over-the-top, which lets the fruit shine. Aromas are of guava, pineapple, lime zest, green apple, tarragon, white pepper, and a light, flinty mineral note. On the medium-light palate, the fruit presents itself in the opposite order it does on the nose, with lemon/lime citrus being more prominent. There is a nice bite of white pepper spice too. The acidity is medium-high. On the medium finish, the citrus and mineral lingers, with just a touch of green bell pepper and guava.
3.0 Stars
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Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2015, South Australia
Australia$16.15
This is a very well balanced, and very good value Australian chardonnay. The oak is substantial, but not overdone, and the wine has ample fruit to keep it fresh and enjoyable. On the nose there is ripe red apple, melon, pear, lemon, smoke, toasted almond, biscuit, and moderate vanilla and butter character. The palate shows baked apple, more lemony citrus, similar oak notes, and some baking spices and cream. The wine is a bit over medium-bodied, with well-balanced acidity. Pretty basic overall, but it is the balance and fruit quality that make this worth drinking. Pair with roast chicken. Tasted Nov. 2016.
3.0 Stars
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Time Meritage White 2014, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$25.00
White grapefruit, honeydew melon, red apple, baking spices, and some amount of butterscotch and smoke from the oak on the nose. A light herbaceous quality as well. Peach/apricot, lemon zest, white pepper, and a bit of green grass come through on the palate, with just a touch of the oak notes. Medium bodied, fresh, and balanced overall.
3.0 Stars