Carolyn scored this wine: 88/100

I wasn't sure what to expect from this de-alcoholized wine but I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised. 100% Muscat, it is highly aromatic, reminiscent of a Gewurztraminer. Lots of peach and white flowers on the nose and prominent stone fruit on the palate. Hints of fennel also emerged. The body is slightly lighter than an alcoholized wine, not surprisingly, and the acidic tension is reduced but overall -this is more wine than juice. I am a fan. Very refreshing with seafood, poultry or on its own. Tasted September 2020. www.thewineloverskitchen.com

Carolyn scored this wine: 91/100

The 2018 vintage of The Prisoner continues the big, bold fruit driven style. Tons of brambleberry, raspberry and spice on the nose and palate. It opens eventually to offer up hints of mint as well. Rich and silky smooth with oak nicely integrated. Logging in at 15.5% declared ABV however it is a bit hot on the nose and palate, risking overpowering the more subtle notes. Fabulous companion for Beef Bourguignon or grilled steak. Tasted September 2020. www.thewineloverskitchen.com

Carolyn scored this wine: 88/100

Bodega Toro is celebrating 124 years of wine making with the motto 'wine made by the workers for the workers.' The Toro Centenario , which is now available in Ontario's LCBO stores, fits the bill perfectly. It is highly approachable and highly quaffable! It has inviting, rich red fruits on the nose with hints of clove and mushroom. The fruit carries over to the palate and extends through the finish as well. Medium to full bodied with fine, sandy tannins. Centenario has enough body to enjoy with beef BBQ but is supple and easy enough to sip on its own. This versatility may account for Bodega Toro enjoying the largest market share in Argentina with one in five glasses of wine consumed coming from them! Now that this value wine has hit our shelves you may want to consider it for your house red! Enjoy with grilled beef kebabs, grilled vegetable pizza or charcuterie. Tasted September 2020. www.thewineloverskitchen.com

Carolyn scored this wine: 90/100

This Cabernet Sauvignon from China's Ningxia region is said to fall halfway between Old world Bordeaux and New World Style. I thought the fruity traits and distinct plummy notes put it a bit more on the New World end of the scale. Rich yet fresh on the palate, it is well balanced and smooth drinking with a long finish. Pair with steak or rich cheeses. Tasted August 2020. www.thewineloverskitchen.com

Carolyn scored this wine: 92/100

The collaboration between Chinese producer Changyu and Lenz Moser of Austrian fame, in Ningxia, widely recognized as China's best wine growing region, has resulted in a most interesting complex wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon it is medium bodied and silky in the mouth. What makes is so captivating is -it changed from minute to minute in the glass. It started with minty notes and then opened to more herbal tones. Restrained dark fruit came next and ultimately it took on a rich chocolate-y profile. Nicely balanced and very approachable this was a delight from start through the long finish. Pairing suggestions include steak and chocolate tart.. and I can see why! Tasted August 2020. www.thewineloverskitchen.com