Gemma Colarej Barolo 2006

Warm brown red color, smoky aroma, cinnamon? cantaloupe?  Immediately sweet on the tongue, bitter aftertaste. Complex, a nice bite.  Full bodied.   More spicy than fruity.  Would go well with grilled meats, bbq, smoked cheese or fish.

Gift from a friend.  14% alcohol

Valpolicella Ripasso Le Tobele 2009

Ripasso means "repassed."  The wines undergo a secondary maceration with leftover skins from a previous maceration.

This is a dark, smoky brown red.  The wine itself is surprisingly light and mellow.  Not very much bitter or spice, even slightly sweet.


Price: ~15
13.5 % alcohol

Burrito Banditos

Grosvenor and Maitland

This place makes a burrito that I, coming from LA, would say was excellent.  They have the standard chicken, steak, and shrimp, as well as pulled pork and a vegetarian option.  Free guac, and a chipotle sauce that I would drink.   Prices are a little high, but you get a lot of food (a small fills me up) and it's super tasty.

Vintage Ink Mark of Passion Merlot Cab Niagara Peninsula 2009 (Canada)

~$15 LCBO.  13.5% alcohol.  Almost floral bouquet.  Fruity, hint of spice, nice woody, dry finish.  A brighter tasting red.  Good drinking wine.  4-4.5 stars.

Muskoka Lakes Winery Cranberry Wine 2010

11% alcohol.  Clear red colour, strong cranberry aroma.  Very sweet and juicy/jammy.  Nice tangy aftertaste.  Think mellow, more complex Cape Cod.  This is a low alcohol wine.

Les Jamelles Merlot 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc France

Immediate fruity bouquet.  Sweet.  13.5% alcohol.  Strong tannin aftertaste.  Could pass for a good house wine.

Price at LCBO: 12.95

Mitolo Jester 2009 Shiraz McLaren Vale

A decent shiraz, not too spicy.  14.1 % alcohol.

Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa Valley

Delicious, complex, but not too dry.  5/5.  13.7% alcohol. ~$35