Category Archives: RED

Malivoire, Gamay, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$17.95

Posted on December 19, 2014 by winellama

Prohibition. Prohibiting something rarely, if ever, accomplishes the original goal.  Whether it involves anti-drug campaigns, teenage abstinence programs or international trade embargoes, relying on fear, shaming and isolation tactics rarely produce the hoped for results. This extends to alcohol; the … Continue reading →

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder Winery, Napa Valley, 2011, 14% abv

Posted on December 18, 2014 by winellama

While at Trader Joe’s last summer on a cross-border run, I did a scan for the most expensive red wine I could buy and this was the one- a whopping $20.  “Go big or go home”, I thought. I went … Continue reading →

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Tantalus, Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley VQA, Kelowna, BC, 2010, 13.4% abv

Posted on December 15, 2014 by winellama

Christmas is fast approaching and I always love to have a Pinot alongside the turkey and cranberry sauce.  Gamay wines, Pinot Noirs and even Cab Francs go swell with holiday bird.  They’re light enough and the tannins are subtle to … Continue reading →

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Mastroberardino, Aglianico, Campania IGT, Italy, 2007, 13% abv

Posted on December 5, 2014 by winellama

Here is a fly-under-the-radar, smokin’ hot deal of a wine.  From southern Italy’s Campania region, it is an unoaked example of pristine fruit and complexity. With a medium ruby hue and deep legs, this wine has medium plus aromas of boysenberry, plum and … Continue reading →

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Langmeil, SMG, Three Gardens, Barossa, Australia, 2011, 14.5% abv, C$30

Posted on December 2, 2014 by winellama

Any excuse – yes, give me one and I’ll open up a GSM.  In this case, I can blame having to open that lovely blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre on my 17 year old’s birthday dinner. I noticed on … Continue reading →

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Pacific Breeze Urban Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, New Westminster, BC, 2009, 14.9% abv

Posted on November 29, 2014 by winellama

Ask most Canadian winemakers about CIC wines and they become rather tetchy; after all, it’s not as if there isn’t already a lot of product floating about here on the local market.  What, we have to import more?! Ask most … Continue reading →

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Wayne Gretzky Estates, No 99, Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula VQA, Ontario, Canada, 2013, 12.5% abv, $15.95

Posted on November 25, 2014 by winellama

I’d forgotten how cold Ottawa is in the winter time.  Chilly.  Icy.  Brrrr. But alcohol is warming, so the first thing I did after I made it to my hotel was make a beeline for the closest wine store.  Of course, … Continue reading →

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Canoe Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, 2010, 13.9% abv, US $20

Posted on November 17, 2014 by winellama

I’m sure you’ve either had Canoe Ridge before or seen it on a shelf or restaurant menu. Canoe Ridge is one of Washington State’s largest wineries and is located in Horse Heaven Hills AVA, just north of the moderating influence of the … Continue reading →

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Gillmore, Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Vines, Loncomilla Valley, Chile, 2009, 14.9% abv, C$16

Posted on November 13, 2014 by winellama

If all Cabernet Sauvignon tasted like this, I would drink it every day, all day long and twice a day on Thursdays. And here is a double whammy – if you visit the Gillmore website, they play my favourite piece of … Continue reading →

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Maysara, Pinot Noir, Delara, Momtazi Vineyard, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, US, 2006, 13.9% abv

Posted on November 12, 2014 by winellama

Small and family-owned? Check.  Belief in the importance of terroir? Check.  Biodynamic certified?  Check.  Humble, friendly and welcoming? Check, check, check. When we visited this winery in 2013 because we found it mentioned in a Jancis Robinson footnote, Hanna Momtazi and … Continue reading →

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