Ryan scored this wine: 93/100

Modus is a super seductive blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. Like a greasy breakfast sandwich in the hands of an unshaven, hat wearing gangster. It smells like smokey jacket, dirty money and overcooked bacon. But it disappears in your mouth like “you’ve been hit by Smooth Criminal“. My Modus Operandi is steal as many of these off the shelf before you do.

Ryan scored this wine: 91/100

The name and label of this wine honors a classic french story. In 1954 some wine producers were quite nervous about extraterrestrials. So, the council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape passed an ordinance prohibiting flying saucers or “Flying Cigars” as they called them from landing in their vineyards and damaging the vines. The law allowed for immediate impounding of any Flying Cigars (Le Cigare Volant) that dare to land on their grapes. Le Cigare is a blend of traditional Rhone grapes and it is out of this world. (cmon, I had too).

Ryan scored this wine: 91/100

Gigondas is quickly becoming one of my favorite red wine regions. It’s not cheap, but the bang for your buck quotient is very high. It’s a great wine to drink up at the cottage because its rustic and pairs well with grilled meat. Like Beyoncé this wine is rich, robust and has legs that don’t stop. Serve with mustard crusted rack of lamb off the grill and a couple of single ladies.

Ryan scored this wine: 91/100

This wine is named after the winemakers great grandfathers initials, JT. It smells like bacon and espresso and pours thick in your glass like maple syrup. If I had 4 minutes to save the world, I would have Madonna over for a bottle of this and a stack of blueberry pancakes. If wine for breakfast isn’t your thing, grab some takeout burgers for you and your material girl.

Ryan scored this wine: 91/100

2009 in Ontario was the prime year for Pinot production. This is one of the first released and it is worth every penny and more. The Red Paw Pinot Noir is like seeing Pearl Jam in concert. There is an anxious anticipation when you see it in the glass, a familiar sweet smell in the air, and a homey realization that its gonna hit every note. Take a bottle drink it down, and pass it around. Invite wild eyed crazy Mary over and pair this with Ontario prosciutto and some Upper Canada Niagara Gold Cheese.