Tour de Sarrail Bordeaux 2010
Tour de Sarrail Bordeaux 2010 Tour de Sarrail Bordeaux 2010
Tour de Sarrail Bordeaux 2010
Price: $19.95
Tastes Like:
Cherry, Raspberry, Violet
Serve With:
Stuffed Mushrooms, Beef Stew, Peppercorn Steak
Sean’s Take
I was instantly transported back to my last trip to Paris. Sampling tasty small perfectly executed dishes and sipping wine while people watching along crowded cobblestone streets. You won’t find 12-year-old bottles of wine for under $20 very often. Very french. Very much old world. The primary grape is Merlot (80%), followed up with Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. A shining example of the possibilities of Merlot. I know many people who are simultaneously curious and unsure about French wine. This is a great introduction to the world of GOOD French table wine.
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Calvet Brut Celebration Rosé
Calvet Brut Celebration Rosé Calvet Brut Celebration Rosé
Calvet Brut Celebration Rosé
Price: $16.95
Tastes Like:
Peach, Floral, Cracker
Serve With:
Fresh Fruit, Cured Meat, Soft Cheese
Sean’s Take
I need to clarify something, in Episode 4 “Champagne Alternatives – Boujie on a Budget” of The Wine Podcast for Everyone, I said I don’t like Champagne. What I primarily do not like about Champagne is the price. Yes, I do find it overly dry and austere, but that IS what Champagne is and this $16.95 sparkling wine might as well be a Champagne.
While it’s missing some of the complexity of higher-end Champers this is basically Champagne, I was shocked. It’s made in France and therefore I suspect the winemaker knows a thing or two about blending Champagne (spoiler alert, most champagne is blended wine).
Peach aroma, vaguely floral flavour, fine polite bubbles, clean finish. What’s not to like? Perfect for when you don’t want the sparkling wine to be star of the show, but rather a strong supporting character.
Bonus points for the gorgeous bottle, looks like etched crystal. Really knocked it out of the park. Great hostess gift.
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Château de Ribebon 2017
Château de Ribebon 2017 Château de Ribebon 2017
Château de Ribebon 2017
Price: $15.95
Tastes Like:
Cherry, Oak, Plum, Violet, Earthy
Serve With:
Charcuterie
Chuck’s Take
Light to medium body that’s extra dry on the palate with medium firm tannins. The wine review on the LCBO (wine store page) by James Suckling was written Jan-2020 (almost 2 years ago). I’d consider it out of date, so disregard it and (only) listen to what I say.
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Paul Mas Réserve Marsanne 2019
Paul Mas Réserve Marsanne 2019 Paul Mas Réserve Marsanne 2019
Paul Mas Réserve Marsanne 2019
Price: $13.95
Tastes Like:
Peach, Apricot, Honey
Serve With:
Halibut, Alfredo Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes
Sean’s Take
If you’re interested in trying something besides your usual Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc this is well worth the price of admission. Really obvious stone fruit flavours, and a sort of raisin flavour. It vaguely tasted like Welch’s White Grape Juice for a moment. Lingers in your mouth for a while, really nice sweet/acid balance. There’s a lot happening in the glass at this price point.
Ontario readers: This is a limited release.
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Bouchard AF Heritage Du Conseiller Pinot Noir 2020
Bouchard AF Heritage Du Conseiller Pinot Noir 2020 Bouchard AF Heritage Du Conseiller Pinot Noir 2020
Bouchard AF Heritage Du Conseiller Pinot Noir 2020
Price: $13.80
Tastes Like:
Cherry, Rhubarb, Floral
Serve With:
Turkey, Grilled Vegetables, Couscous
Sean’s Take
If you love Cherry Pie you’re going to love this wine. It’s interesting when an old school wine region (France) makes a new world style wine. You often end up with a one note wonder, like this cherry blaster. It did earn 3 stars because it’s a very well made wine that is fresh and juicy.
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Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé Chardonnay 2019
Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé Chardonnay 2019 Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé Chardonnay 2019
Domaine de Rochebin Mâcon-Azé Chardonnay 2019
Price: $18.95
Tastes Like:
Pear, Honey, Melon
Serve With:
Buckwheat Salad, Vegetable Soup, Pasta with Cream Sauce
Sean’s Take
Great with or without food. I was sipping this on a rainy lazy Sunday afternoon. The winemaker did a really good job balancing the acid. A bit on the pricey side for what you get, but a good wine overall.
One of our top Chardonnays from France set s a very high bar for quality and value.
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Chapoutier Belleruche 2019
Chapoutier Belleruche 2019 Chapoutier Belleruche 2019
Chapoutier Belleruche 2019
Price: $16.80
Tastes Like:
Lemon, Mineral, Melon, White Grapefruit
Serve With:
Appetizers, Sipping
Chuck’s Take
This is a crisp & refreshing white wine that leans old world in style. Quite dry and medium body. Took a sip and said, ‘ahhh, nicely French!’
Sean’s Take
When I reach for a bottle of white I have some expectations. I want refreshing, easy to drink, and “implied sweetness“. This guy checks all the boxes.
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LCBO | Wine Searcher
Laroche Viognier 2019
Laroche Viognier 2019 Laroche Viognier 2019
Laroche Viognier 2019
Price: $13.00
Tastes Like:
Apple, Apricot, Floral
Serve With:
Grilled Chicken, Salmon, Roasted Vegetables
Sean’s Take
Viognier comes in many shapes and sizes…floral or tropical and even sometimes citrusy. This is basic white table wine and doesn’t live up to the grapes potential.
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Laurent Miquel Pere Et Fils Chardonnay 2019
Laurent Miquel Pere Et Fils Chardonnay 2019 Laurent Miquel Pere Et Fils Chardonnay 2019
Laurent Miquel Pere Et Fils Chardonnay 2019
Price: $13.05
Serve With:
Chicken Stew, Lamb Burgers, BBQ
Tastes Like:
Pomello, Pineapple, Lemon
Chuck’s Take
On aroma alone you’d never guess chardonnay, but it does reveal itself in the finish. Unoaked is the only chardonnay that makes it in the cart for me. Overall a great mix-up from my usual riesling and sauvignon blanc whites.
Sean’s Take
Confession: This is my house white wine and I love it. A terrific example of how skipping the oak allows the Chardonnay to shine. I know it’s French but I promise it is not fussy.