By Gaby Israel United States 2007 Villa Mt. Eden Zinfandel Antique Vines Grand Reserve, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Amador County, Napa County, California -$19.95. I can’t skip any opportunity to buy a good hefty Zin. This wine is for you John M to try! Great supportive review, fair price. What’s not to like? Australia 2008 [...]

By Gaby Israel Australia Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2011 – $15.95 You cannot go Wrong with Yalumba, even with this entry level Viognier. I like serving it chilled and have it with any type of dish – from grilled fish, to seafood pasta. Chile Errazuriz Single Vineyard Carmenere 2009 2009 – $18.95 Errazuriz Don Maximiano Single [...]

By Gaby Israel 2006 Beronia Reserva, Rioja, Spain – $19.95 After an amazing 2005 vintage in this Spanish region, 2006 is  not as promising, nevertheless, my number one choice from this release based on quality and price. This is what traditional Rioja is all about – you get value for your money. This wine is [...]

By Gaby Israel 2009 Epsilon Shiraz, Barossa Valley, South Australia – $24.95 2009 was the third in a row series of ‘Good’ yet not amazing vintages in the Barossa region. Nevertheless, based on James Halliday’s review as well as Natalie’s, who gave it 90 and 92 respectively, it seems a successful effort for the vintage. [...]

By Gaby Israel 2009 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre – $19.95 For all of you out there that love a GSM blend. This one is by Turkey Flat – an excellent consistent wine producer. Obviously, for this price it’s their entry level wine. Nevertheless, got a very good review by JH (94) and [...]

By Gaby Israel The “Day After Tomorrow” is not only a name of a apocalyptic movie. It’s also a phenomena known at the LCBO as the month of January. After all the December hype with a huge variety of expensive wines a person can find in one single release, there isn’t any money left in [...]

Chile: 2009 Montes Carmenère Alpha, Colchagua Valley – $19.95 Love this Carmenere from Montes and buy it at every opportunity. From the Casa Lapostolle entry level, it’s a ‘high-end’ Carmenere for a fair price. Expect medium-full wine with beautiful mixed berries flavors. Drink it in the next 2-5 years. Chile: 2010 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon [...]

Yes, it’s this time of year in which all the good AND expensive stuff is offered at the LCBO – very seasonal. Here are a few exceptionally good “investments” to the cellar (in a decline price order) : 2009 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape – $89.95 If Chateauneuf-du-Pape  had a similar classification as Bordeaux, no doubt that [...]

    TRAPICHE FAUSTO ORELLANA DE ESCOBAR SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2007 – $39.95 On the edge of being GPCi worthy (a bit too expensive for the years it can be cellared). Trapiche is an outstanding and a consistent producer. Their single vineyard is especially good. If you want to treat yourself and see the difference [...]

Spain – 2009 Bodegas J.C. Conde el Arte de Vivir – $15.95 I had this wine last year (it cost $2 less last Oct). A good wine, still a good price. Look for a modern style Spanish wine. Black fruit flavors. Juicy. Excellent for BBQ. Try one, see if you like the style, and if [...]