Stag's Leap 2005 The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

WOW! Every once in a while you should treat yourself to a nice wine and this was my treat. A full-bodied Cab that explodes with fruit flavour. Black cherry, blackberry, plum but extremely well balanced with notes of earthiness. A beautiful long finish with hints of vanilla.

Pairing: Share it with a friend as an aperitif

Recommendation: BUY

Dan Aykroyd 2008 Merlot

A little disappointing considering the celebrity name (I was hoping for a whole lot more.) Medium body, some earthy notes. Not bursting with fruit as i had hoped. Ok finish

Pairing: Lamb, pot roasts

Recommendation: OK

Chilensis 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

A nice inexpensive offering from Chile. Medium to full body. Some earthy and spicy notes (allspice and cloves) and ok black fruit (cassis.) Quite a long finish.

Pairing: Lamb, stews

Recommendation: Buy

Palatine Hills 2002 Meritage

A really decent wine from Niagara. Medium body with some earthiness. Hints of pepper and lots of black fruit, although leaning a little towards the acidic side. Generous finish.

Pairing: Roasts (Pork or beef)

Recommendation: Buy

Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon (non-vintage)

Another of the non-vintage catch-all wines. Medium body, no depth, poor fruit, very acidic with notes of sawdust. Bitter aftertaste which tends to tinger. Close to a "dumper"

Pairing: n/a

Recommendation: PASS

Cline 2010 Zinfandel

I was hoping for a winner and its not bad for the price point. Medium body, black fruits with just a hint of spicy and/or cedar notes and a decent finish.

Pairing: BBQ

Recommendation: Buy

Cono Sur 2010 Merlot

A new offering from Chile. Medium body, OK fruit but leaning towards the acidic and not particularly well balanced. Long finish.

Pairing: Lamb, sausage, chili

Recommendation: OK

Baron Philippe De Rothschild 2010 Merlot

A somewhat disappointing offering from a well known winery. Medium body, bright red fruits, short finish.

Pairing: Pork roast, turkey

Recommendation: OK

Masi 2008 Ripasso

A very nice full body Italian. Nicely balanced. Red berries. Nice long finish.

Pairing: Pasta, roast or grilled beef

Recommendation: Buy