Wine of the Week for November 26, 2007

"Italia" Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2003 - $9.70
Style: R1
Italy

The nose presents attractive aromas of dried cherry, sassafras and vanilla pod. The plate is modest but tasty, with raspberry/cherry flavor and medium tannins. A somewhat "trendy" that would be ideal with pizza or pasta. (LCBO 35154)

Wine of the Week for November 19, 2007

Moselland Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling 2005 - $9.45
Style: W3
Germany

Here's another exceptional wine at a shockingly low price. Look for huge dried peach, cinnamon spice, and gooseberry with a hint of petrol. The palate is medium sweet -- ideal for the style -- with a soft acidity, tangy lemon and apricot flavours. Crisp and clean with very good body and length. The profile is classic, with bang-on typicity. Demands snitzel or roast pork. (LCBO 15875)

Wine of the Week for November 10, 2007

Drostdy-Hof Reserve Shiraz 2006 - $12.95
Style: R2
South Africa

Somebody obviously didn't get the memo about plonk and tetrapaks. Here we have a full litre of rather good wine, wrapped in cardboard, plastic and aluminum. The nose shows dark chocolate, blackberry and vanilla, with nuances of bell pepper and smoke. The palate is quite smooth, somewhat sweetish, with juicy blueberry, black berry and raspberry flavours, moderate tannins and a good acidic spine. Very good value for any night of the week and a good partner for antipasto, stuffed peppers or BBQ bird. (LCBO 669036)

Wine of the Week for November 5, 2007

Santa Carolina Chardonnay 2006 - $9.45
Style: W1
Chile


Here's a terrific bargain that would be good any night of the week. Rich caramel, tropical fruits, butter and a whiff of apple pie on the nose. Very good presence on the palate -- smooth and silky with citrus, apple and smoke flavours and a clean acidity. Amazingly dense and complex for this price range. Try with salmon/trout, pork roast or chicken burgers. (LCBO 259192)