Wine of the Week for May 19, 2008

Cypress Merlot 2005 - $11.50
Style: R3
USA

Look for some real depth here, with woody, dark chocolate, bell pepper, and ripe dark berry aromas. Quite big, with firm tannins, sweetish cherry/berry flavours and a solid acid core. Very good body and length. A lot of wine for the price, combining New World fruitiness with Old World structure. Serve with beef Wellington, lasagne or mature hard cheeses. (LCBO 56416)

A Canadian Moment

Magnotta Cabernet Sauvignon VQA 2006 - $9.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

This is a splendid showing for a cool climate Cab. The colour is a deep garnet ruby colour. The nose shows lush aromas of spice, dried herbs, with nuances of prune and sweet smokey oak. Nicely round, with ripe dark berry flavours dominated by cherry, a refreshing acidity and moderate tannins. Fairly big with very good length, and a nice shot of pepper at the close. Young and spirited with oodles of character, and an ideal partner for red sauces, mushrooms or beef tenderloin. (Magnotta stores only)

Wine of the Week for May 5, 2008

Dona Isadora Riesling 2006 - $11.95
Style: W3
Chile

Riesling from Chile? Why not, when it can show rich aromas of mango, apricot and lemon with just a touch of paraffin. The palate is totally dry, with a light apple flavour and a tart finish. Good body and very good length. The here is terrific although I'd like to see more reisling character on the palate. A good match for any kind of roasted bird or stir fry. (LCBO 57182)

A Canadian Moment

Strewn Gewurztraminer VQA - 2006 -$12.95
Style: W3
Ontario: Niagara

This is on limited offer for a dollar off, making it an even better value. Very full on the nose with rose, apricot and a touch of spiced apple. Round and soft on the palate, slightly tart, with white peach and apple flavour, and a slightly oily texture. I'd like to see a bit more on the palate, but otherwise it's a good offering and should work well with seafoods, or cured ham . (LCBO 65359)

Wine of the Week for April 28, 2008

Tarapaca Carmenere Reserva 2006 - $12.80
Style: R2
Chile

Carmenere is losing ground in its homeland but it’s becoming one of Chile’s most important as well as distinctive grapes. The colour here is Inky black-cherry. The nose is intriguing with aromas of dark cherry, tar, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The rich, juicy palate shows gobs of dark berry flavours, with a firm acidity and mellow tannins. Quite big and with very good length, it will please shiraz fans. Serve with bean dishes, grilled meats or old flavourful cheeses. (LCBO 64436)

Wine of the Week for April 21, 2008

Volto Pinot Grigio Venezie IGT 2006 - $13.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezie

There’s a big marketing boost on for this one at the LCBO. The nose is spicy, with melon, pear, ripe apple, and a touch of peach aromas. Finely textured on the palate, with ripe peach and pear flavours and a soft acidity, with very good body and length. A refreshing wine that totally suits this warm weather, and would work well with pork, sausages or smoked salmon . (LCBO 64089)

Wine of the Week for April 14, 2008

Vineland Cabernet Franc 2006 - $13.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The nose here is slightly gamey, showing wet grass, blueberry and tobacco. Tart on the palate, with ripe red current flavour and soft tannins supported by good body and length. A yummy wine that would work with chicken dishes, shepherd pie, and will also mature well. (LCBO 594127)

Wine of the Week for March 31, 2008

Montgras Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2006 - $11.15
Style: W2
Chile

This is a splendid wine for the price, and just right for welcoming some warmer weather. The nose shows loads of grass right up front, with ripe grapefruit and a touch of melon right behind. Smooth and creamy one the palate, with apple and grapefruit flavour, a hint of spritz and a tangy, somewhat tart close. Very good body and length and a good match for firm cheeses, seafoods or asparagus dishes. (LCBO 58362)