Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling

LCBO#: 217679
Price: $15.95
Made in: Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
By: Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines
Year: 2017

5 years ago, we reviewed this sparkling under the name “Jackson-Triggs Méthode Cuve Close 2012”, and this is still a favourite for the price. As consistent as usual. Great bubbles, sparkling away, zapping in the mouth. A beautiful blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Loads of well-balanced green apples all over. Just a nice dryness that is not over the top, making this very easy to drink. Again, the yeast is very well taken care of – as in not too tarty.

Rating: 4.3/5

Beringer Founder’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

LCBO#: 534263
Price: $16.95
Made in: California, USA
By: Beringer Vineyards

Reviewed this Cabernet Sauvignon about three years ago, and was not super pleased – yet, loved Beringer wines I had tried before. Let’s give it another go. Nice blackberry nose with some cherries and more fruitiness, than sugar sweetness like the Jackson Triggs cheaper version (a go-to wine here). Wet mouthfeel with a little dryness in the finish. Not much stays on the tongue. Maybe a little tart, but missing the tannins. Listening to Run DMC’s Tougher than Leather right now… and that is what is missing as well – leather.

Rating: 3.4/5

Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Fizz

LCBO#: 645960
Price: $29.95
Made in: Marlborough, New Zealand
By: Kim Crawford Wines
Year: 2013

After having Kim Crawford a few times before, and really liking their products, thought this would be the same. Unfortunately, it was not. This sparkling had too much yeast in it. In the nose, in the taste. The rest is fine. Mild apple scent. Flavours are a little more on the sourness side of things. Still, apples and the yeast lingers. Because of this, some tartiness. Much preferred the other Fizz wine we tried from Kim Crawford. And this one was part of the Vintages. Disappointing for the price.

Rating: 3.6/5

Masi Levarie Soave Classico

LCBO#: 204288
Price: $14.00
Made in: Veneto, Italy
By: Masi Agricola Spa
Varietal: Garganega/Trebbiano
Year: 2016

Was part of a gift pack a Christmas ago with two other Masi wines. This white one gives out fresh sand pear apples in the aromas with the white grape sweetness under this. Citrus bright taste with the Trebbiano and Garganega grapes, but nothing that lasts too long. So, short finish, making this one an easy-drinking, sipping white wine that is fine for chatting it up. Very light all-around, but drinkable.

Rating: 3.8/5

Carolans Salted Caramel cream liquor

LCBO#: 11439
Price: $27.00
Made in: Ireland
By: TJ Carolan & Son Ltd
ABV: 17%

Carolans is the Irish Cream we get here that competes with Baileys. It is pretty close, and you save a few bucks. Some people even prefer it… and now they have a Salted Caramel version to compete even more. Lots of butterscotch and caramel sweetness in the nose. Creamy mouthfeel and slick. The caramel pulls out in the flavours with some light saltiness lingering on the tongue. Hints of coconut in the background. The cream feels better in this one and all-around, I think I prefer this one over the Baileys version.