Wine of the Week for February 26, 2007

Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 2005 - $12.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara

The nose here shows juicy black cherry, mint, and dark chocolate with traces of spice and vegetal. The palate is also juicy, with the merest trace of sweetness in the fruit, delicate tannins, and plum, cherry and dried raspberry flavours. Very good body and length. This one is a crowd pleaser and would work well with a wide variety of red meat dishes, pork or chocolate. (LCBO 594127)

Wine of the Week for February 19, 2007

Lazy Lizard Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays d'Oc 2005 - $12.95
Style: W2
France


Real in-your-face character here, with aromas of crushed leaves, grapefruit zest and a trace of vanilla. Rich and creamy on the palate with ripe grapefruit flavour and a searing acidity. Rather big with very good length and a slightly tart finish, just waiting to be tamed by the right foods. Grilled asparagus comes to mind or fish with dill or perhaps stuffed peppers. (LCBO 21170)


BTW, I changed the template for this blog to something a little more upbeat, and to be more consistent with my other stuff. I hope you approve.

Wine of the Week for February 12, 2007

Durbanville Hills Shiraz 2004 - $13.15
Style: R2
South Africa

If you’ve had your fill of syrupy shiraz for the time being, try this easy going rendition. With a deep blackcherry colour. It shows gobs of spice, fruit leather, milk chocolate, and a touch of deli meat on the nose. The palate is soft spoken, with cherry and spice flavours, light tannins and a firm acidic core. Medium body and length, quite friendly, and a good bet for vegetarian lasagna, chili, or BBQ chicken. (LCBO 22269)




I have recently finished my latest writing project, a "novel" approach to wine education. I have put the first chapter online as a blog, which you can read and comment on. I'd love to get some feedback on this approach so please take a minute to stop by: oenophilenextdoor.blogspot.com.

Wine of the Week for February 5, 2007

Bolla Soave Classico 2005 - $10.95
Style: W2
Italy

Delicate aromas of hazelnut lead off here, accompanied by apple and citrus. The palate is equally delicate -- but tasty -- with buckwheat honey and grapefruit, and not a trace of sweetness, with a delectable tartness. On the lighter side, with very good length, this is a flavourful lunchtime wine that would suit lighter fish or pasta dishes. (LCBO 17640)


This is the week that Ontario Beer Stores begin to take back LCBO bottles. If you have a number of non-deposit bottles lying around, go easy. The Beer Store won't ask any questions as long as you play fair. The deposit is 10 cents for smaller bottles and 20 cents for larger.