By Timothy Sulisz
The Wine Tasting Club met on July 3, 2025 at the home of Tim and Maggie. This Get Together featured samples of four house wines from Tim’s wine rack. Three of the four wines were well liked by the members of the Club. The other wine, a Chardonnay from California, was appreciated only by the host. The three wines approved by the Wine Tasting Club are reviewed below
France, La Vieille Ferme – Blanc, Recolte 2024
The white wine that people liked the most is La Vieille Ferme Blanc, harvested in 2024 by the Perrin family, who come from the Luberon region in France, north of Avignon. 9 of the 13 members attending said that they would buy it, with only one saying that they would not buy it. Alcohol content is 13.0%. It was the least expensive of the four wines sampled with a price of $13.90.
The Perrin family has been making wine for over 40 years and their wines are considered one of the best values for money. The wines are authentic, tasty and well balanced. Tim agrees and adds that they are light and refreshing and go well with virtually any food or can be enjoyed on its own.
This wine from the south of France is a regional blend of Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino. Carolyn Hammond has described it in the past as instantly charming; it refreshes with barely-there flavours of yellow plum, white flowers, nectarine and mixed citrus that taper to a long finish of cool minerals and sea spray.
The LCBO states that you should expect aromas of fresh pastry, pear, peach, and honey mirrored on the palate, which reveals moderate acidity and a fresh, dry finish. Enjoy with roast chicken and soft cheeses.
California, Bar Dog – Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
This Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Bar Dog was purchased before the embargo against U.S. wines was in force. Hopefully it will become available again after trade disputes with the United States are resolved.
The LCBO states that this approachable California cabernet sauvignon is a wonderful companion to a variety of foods. Deep ruby in colour with inviting notes of coffee, cedar, berry mix, spice and honey. Medium-bodied and fruity with a long-lasting, silky finish, it is a perfect pairing for a charcuterie board shared among friends.
The Bar Dog website states that this wine proves that once again that opposites do attract, Bar Dog Cabernet Sauvignon is polished and silky in texture. Beautiful blueberry aromas combine with ripe plum and cocoa flavors, mingling throughout the long, expressive finish. The makeup of the wine is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot, 2% Petite Sirah, and 1% Merlot.
Bar Dog was created for those who love award winning wines, dogs, and want to give back to the four-legged friends that gives us infinite joy. Bar Dog believes that every dog deserves a life of unconditional love. That’s why they have teamed up with Petfinder Foundation to establish the Bar Dog Operations Grant. Money from this grant goes to rescue shelters across North America and helps save animals awaiting their forever homes.
10 of the 13 members said that they would buy it, with no one saying that they would not buy it. Alcohol content is 13.5%. It is good value for a California wine with a price of $18.95.
California, Raymond Family – Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
This Cabernet Sauvignon wine primarily from the Napa Valley was also purchased before there was an embargo against U.S. wines. Hopefully it will become available again after trade disputes with the United States are resolved.
The LCBO website states that the Raymond Classic Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, full-bodied red with ripe, supportive tannins. An alluring nose of floral notes, dark berries, herbs, and vanilla foreshadows a plush palate of cassis, vanilla and spice flavours. This robust red is the perfect wine for a date night steak dinner: classic California Cabernet! It would also pair well with beef, lamb, veal, pork, and Game meats such as venison.
The Vivino website states that the Family Classic Cabernet combines three appellations Napa, Sonoma and Lake County, to create a distinct flavor profile that reflects the characteristics of the separate terroirs and a complex, layered wine. 70% of the grapes come from estate vineyards or our long-time vineyard partners in Napa, 24% from Sonoma County vineyards, and 6% from Lake County. The wine is typical of its predominantly Napa origins, full-bodied and well-structured with bold tannins.
The Wine Tasters stated it was medium bodied and mellow. They commented how differently it tasted to Bar Dog since they are both Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
11 of the 13 members said that they would buy it, with no one saying that they would not buy it. Alcohol content is 13.5%. It too is good value for a California wine with a price of $18.05.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 