Wine of the Week for December 29, 2008

Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo 2007 - $14.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezie

Look for spicy aromas of plum, apricot, damp wood and perfume. Mild-mannered on the palate, with green apple and grapefruit flavours, a firm acidity, and a spicy close. Very good body and length -- mouthfilling with a bit of assertiveness. Try with ocean fish, cream sauces or creamy cheeses such as brie. (LCBO 620773)

An all-too-typical Canadian moment...

Reif Romance Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

According to the LCBO database, this wined is stock in a full 6 stores!!! It’s pity when a marvelous Canadian wine is featured but not supported by actual store stock. Leading off with a delicate floral note, the nose follows up with subtle apricot, apple and vanilla aromas. Some oak is evident on the palate, along with ripe apples and just a touch of butter. With good body and length, it might benefit from another six months to a year in the bottle, but is quite pleasing now, and would go well with pork roast or medium hard cheeses. (LCBO 87080; Winery)

Wine of the Week for December 15, 2008

Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2007 - $12.45
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara

Gamay is one of the grapes that excels in Ontario, and I would like to see more examples of this quality. Medium ruby in the glass, it shows lovely red berry aromas with hints of spice, barnyard and bell pepper. The palate is ultra smooth -- approaching delicate, but not a fly-weight -- showing ripe raspberry, a hint of vanilla, and soft tannins. This one is dripping with elegance and would be a perfect partner for grilled salmon or mushroom risotto. (LCBO 57349)

Wine of the Week for December 8, 2008

Cono Sur Viognier 2007 - $9.95
Style: W1
Chile

I may have said it before, but it's worth repeating: there is just not enough viognier to be had! This modestly priced rendition shows interesting perfumy aromas, with ripe apple, melon and a touch of orange zest. Loads of presence the palate, with a lively acidity and mainly lemon and green apple flavours. Very good body and length. Not overly viognier-like but nice, and would go nicely with quiche, pork roast or medium cheeses. (LCBO 64287)

Wine of the Week for December 1, 2008

Ogio Primitivo 2006 - $8.85
Style: R2
Italy

The Primitivo grape may be the source of California's Zinfandel. You'll find a rich nose on this one, with dried cherry, fruit lather, and traces Of cedar and cardamom. Very tasty with rich bumbleberry flavour and somewhat dusty tannins. Very good body and length. An impressive little wine and an astounding value. I intend to buy all I can find. Try with lamb, old gamey cheeses or anything off the barbie. (LCBO 86421)

A Canadian Moment...

Lifestyle labels? Give me a break! But Erie North Shore's Colio Wines have embraced the concept and delivered a very nice package that would be just the thing for giving or receiving. Girls' Night Out includes an excellent Chardonnay, a respectable Merlot and a pretty good "Merlot-Chardonnay", also known as rose. (LCBO 89706)

Wine of the Week for November 24, 2008

Gabianno Pinot Grigio IGT 2007 - $12.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezia

The aromas here suggest peach and lemon with whiffs of apple and caramel. The palate is quite soft, with light flavours of ripe macintosh, orange and lemon zest atop soft acidity. Light body with good length and a somewhat tart finish, this is definitely a food wine, and would pair well with soft cheeses, any sort of poultry or sushi. (LCBO 77990)

Wine of the Week for November 17, 2008

Flor de Crasto Douro 2006 - $9.95
Style: R2
Portugal

When they're not turning their grapes into Port, Douro vintners are offering up some splendid, flavourful table wines. The deep black cherry colour here suggests an ample wine. The nose regails with rich beetroot, crush berries and cherry, plus traces of tobacco and cedar. Rather tangy, with subtle cherry flavour and moderate tannins, it's quite juicy and has very good body and length. And it's a classed wine for under ten bucks! A good partner for lamb or beef, or a Tuesday night pizza. (LCBO 89870)

Wine of the Week for November 10, 2008

Mezzomondo Pinot Grigio Classico 2007 - $9.95
Style: W3
Sicilia

Here's another Sicilian treat! Medium lemon-straw colour. The nose presents subtle aromas of vanilla, lemon zest and musk. The palate is middle of the road, but crisp and tasty with ripe apple, vanilla and hints of citrus and pear, good body and very good length and development. A solid performance. My choice would be anything with mushrooms, soft cheeses or sushi. (LCBO 79301)

Wine of the Week for November 3, 2008

Danzanti Merlot 2006 - $11.95
Style: R3
Sicilia

I'm generally skeptical of Merlot from Italy but this off-shore offering is quite good. With a full black-cherry colour, it shows delicate aromas of rose, violet and green pepper with nuances of oak and cherry. Quite round and tangy with firm tannins, dark chocolate and cherry flavour; very good body and length. It's rather mainstream but very well made and would go nicely with any style of beef, baba ganough or mushroom sauces. (LCBO 73833)

Wine of the Week for October 20, 2008

Caliterra Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 - $10.95
Style: W1
Chile

While I'm generally hesitant about alternative packaging, it needn't be a bad thing for young style of wine. This PET bottle serves up subtle ripe apple and baked lemon with just a hint of butter. Somewhat understated on the palate but quite full and tasty, showing ripe apple and melon flavours and a firm acidity, with good body and length. You may find the sulfur a bit high so let it blow off and then pair it with seafoods or tempura. (LCBO 89540)

Wine of the Week for October 13, 2008

Cline Zinfandel 2006 - $13.10
Style: R2
USA: California

We haven’t seen many “big reds” in this price range for awhile. This one packs a lot of juicy fruit aromas on the nose, with dark plum, black berry, and traces of sweet oak and vanilla. Big, round and nippy, with sour cherry flavour, soft tannins and sweet oak at the close. Quite big with very good length: a fruit bomb -- at 14% alcohol. Try with beef stroganoff, pepper steak or old hard cheeses. (LCBO 489278

Wine of the Week for October 6, 2008

Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2007 - $8.95
Style: W3
USA: California

It’s nice to see Gallo putting more quality into their products, espcialoly in this price bracket. The nose shows vibrant aromas of baked lemon, ripe apple and just a hint of vanilla. Somewhat sweet on the palate, with ripe macintosh and lemon flavour, and a soft acidity, Quite full bodied and with very good length, it's done in a contemporary style, but the quality is evident throughout. Try with roast chicken, gnocchi or sushi. (LCBO 82594)

Wine of the Week for September 29, 2008

Sally Cat New Zealand Pinot Noir 2006 - $14.95
Style: R1
New Zealand

I pulled this one out at a client tasting last week and it was the hit of the evening. The robe is mid-ruby with just a hint of brick. The nose is very “pinot”, showing root veg, cedar and tobacco. Subtle on the palate, with mild tannins, a firm grip, a fine acidity spine, and spicy red berry flavour. Good body and very good length. Very convincing at this price point -- light enough to go with.lighter meats or full flavoured fish, yet meaty enough to handle tomato sauces. (LCBO 610667)

Wine of the Week for September 8, 2008

There's still a bit of warm weather coming our way, so a bit of rosé might be just the thing. Availability is sporadic on these seasonal wines, so here are four to choose from.

Reif Gamay Rose VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: Z
Canada, Niagara

Rich raspberry and strawberry with hints of citrus, pepper and ripe apple on the nose. Crisp, refreshing and flavourful with a suggestion of sugar, though dry, with citrus and apple on the close. Very good body and length. (LCBO 669366)

Santa Alicia Rose Reserve 2007 - $10.95
Style: Z
Chile

Mainly red berries on the nose, with a palate that shows lots of presence: juicy red berry flavours, crisp acidity and a fair amount of grip. Medium-plus body and length, it’s a 60/40 blend of cab and shiraz. A bit powerful for its class. (LCBO 73528)

Mont Gras Zinfandel Rose Estate 2007 - $10.95
Style: Z
Chile

Lovely pale peachy-salmon colour here. The nose shows some spice, and an earthy, almost oaky aroma, fleshed out by apple. Solid on the palate, with cherry/raspberry flavour and a very good spine of acidity. Good body and length and there's not a speck of sugar. (LCBO 73270)

Marques de Cacere Rosado 2007 - $12.55

Style: Z

Spain

Pale candy-apple pink. Nicely perfumed with floral, raspberry and bath soap aromas. Softish, with a nippy acidity, showing subtle lemon, raspberry and vanilla aromas. Very good body and length. (LCBO 622142)

Wine of the Week for September 1, 2008

Montalto Pinot Grigio 2006 - $9.95
Style: W3
Sicily

Here’s a top-notch choice for sipping on the deck. The nose presents light peach, apple and garrigue aromas. The palate is rather tangy, with just a hint of spritz, supporting ripe apple and grapefruit flavours. Very good body and length, and a "spirited" close. Try with lighter cheeses such as brie or chevre, or team it up with a plate of gnocchi. (LCBO 73148)

A Canadian Moment...

Colio Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: W2
Canada - Erie N. Shore

I've been keeping my eye on Ontario sauvignon and it looks like we’re having no trouble producing this kind of quality at this price point. Medium straw colour with a tweak of green, it leads off with a rubbery note that quickly yields to grass, melon and lime zest. Crisp and lively with lemon, lime and grapefruit on the palate. Good body and very good length with a tart close. A good match for asparagus or mushroom risotto, or fish will dill sauce. (LCBO 489872)

Wine of the Week for August 25, 2008

Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2005 - $11.95
Style: R2
Chile

Look for ripe red and dark berries, cherry, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is very smooth, with soft tannins, firm acidity and plum and dark chocolate flavours. Very good body and length, with a nippy acidity on the close. Quite elegant yet luscious and would age nicely for 3 or more years. A good partner for pot roast or hearty chili. (LCBO 309302)

Wine of the Week for August 18, 2008

Two from Ontario...

Hillebrand Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Here’s a super bargain from one of Ontario’s most reliable wineries. With a medium straw colour, it delivers ample aromas of citrus, apple and pear, with nuances of butterscotch and underbrush. Quite tasty, crisp and tangy with baked apple flavour, traces of lemon and a smoky close. Good body and length. Quite even-handed; solid with a good amount of character. Try a bottle with ocean fish, creamy pasta or pork dishes. (LCBO 88385)

Colio Girls' Night Out Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Erie N. Shore

It may be that critter labels have had their day in the sun. The new trend is “Lifestyle” labels. One of a trio under this new moniker, the chardonnay shows subtle aromas of apple, melon and grass. Very nicely made, with aromas of apple and citrus, and a hint of peach. Medium body and fairly long, with good evolution in the glass. The addition of 3% gewurz makes this an interesting brew with no loss of chardonnay character. Try with roast chicken or roasted vegetables. (LCBO 89821)

Wine of the Week for August 4, 2008

Gabianno Chianti DOCG 2006 - $13.95
Style: R3
Italy: Tuscany

The robe here shows a full black cherry colour with a ruby rim. The nose is rich, slightly gamey, with vanilla, dark berries, sassafras and a touch of sweaty saddle. Not quite as interesting on the palate, but solid with firm ripe tannins, blueberry and black currant flavour and a tangy acidic close. This is good every-day chianti that calls out for classic Tuscan foods. (LCBO 78006)

Wine of the Week for July 28, 2008

Miss me? We just returned from a couple of weeks off, visiting kinfolk in the "Mid-west" where I had my fill of shiraz. Time to get back to the interesting and refreshing...

Folinari Regata IGT 2006 - $10.95
Style: W3
Italy

This blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and garganega shows aromas of tree fruits, perfume, ripe apple and a touch of vanilla bean. My notes say "perky", round and nicely balanced, with apple, goose berry and a hint of citrus. Very good body with a long, nicely evolving and refreshing finish. Would go nicely with pork or flavourful seafoods. (LCBO 78014)

A Canadian Moment...

Stonechurch Riesling VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

This off-dry version presents petrol right off the top, with dried peach and a hint of tart apple. the palate is loaded with ripe apple followed by nuances of peach and grapefruit. Good body and length, and a crisp even finish, it's very nicely done, and don't worry about the sugar. Just pair it with spicy or salty foods. (LCBO 78022)

Wine of the Week for July 7, 2008

McWilliams Hanwood Estate Merlot 2006 - $14.45
Style: R3
Australia

Always a good performer, this deep black cherry coloured merlot shows rich dark berry aromas -- mainly blackberry and blueberry -- with traces of oak and a slight medicinal note. Soft and round on the palate, approaching sweetish, with rich blackberry and cherry flavours supported by soft tannins. Very good body and length with a hit of liquorice on the close. Done in the " modern" style with grace and elegance, it will age nicely over the next 3-5 years. Stick with rich meats of the grill, game birds or wild mushrooms. (LCBO 53702)

A Canadian Moment...

Pillitteri Cabernet-Merlot VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara

The nose here shows enormous spice, bell pepper, black currants, and a touch of animale. Laid back on the palate, but tasty, with ripe bumbleberry flavour, a cool acidity and just a touch of tannin. With medium body and length, it has a great nose for the price, but you may want to treat is as "R1". A worthy partner for burgers, meatloaf or pizza. (LCBO 349191)

Wine of the Week for June 30, 2008

Alianca Vinho Verde - $8.40
Style: W2
Portugal

Portugal's "green" wine may be the ideal summer sipper. This one shows pale platinum straw colour with aromas of baked lemon, floral and lime on the nose. The palate shows a characteristic fizziness, with lemon-lime candy flavour, medium body and medium length. Very well made and for most of July it's $1 off. Serve with lunch. (LCBO 75663)

Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde - $8.40
Style: W2
Portugal

The second candidate is a bit lighter, with a delicate nose showing aromas of peach, lime, floral and bath soap. Tangy with lemony-lime flavour on the palate, a bright acidity, and a light spritz. Light bodied and with good length, it requires a good bit of sun to show itself properly. (LCBO 141432)

Wine of the Week for June 23, 2008

Little Black Dress Merlot 2006 - $14.95
Style: R3
USA: California

Alhough somewhat closed at this stage, the nose suggests aromas of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. Quite soft and around on the palate, somewhat sweetish, with firm tannins and ripe red berry flavours. Medium in body and length, with a touch of prune on the close. A decent mid-range wine that might benefit from a bit more cellar time, and a good choice with something off the grill or perhaps a mushroom sauce. (LCBO 72769)

A Canadian Moment ...

Legends Estate Cabernet VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The grape here is apparently Cab Franc, although there may be some Cab Sauv as well. The colour is an intense ruby-garnet. On the nose look for elegant spices, beetroot, prune and dried cherry with a hint of tar. Crisply acidic on the palate, with medium tannins, mainly raspberry flavour and a tangy close. Very good body and length. Although a bit young at this stage, it opens up nicely in the glass. Cellar for 1-3 years or serve with chili or BBQ beef. (LCBO 390195)

Wine of the Week for June 16, 2008

Twin Fin Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon (PET) 2006 - $11.95
Style: W2
USA: California

The LCBO’s faith in non-Canadian wine is obvious if you look at the amount of Twin-Fin currently in stock. With a bright platinum-straw colour, the wine shows rich aromas of grass, gooseberry and passionfruit with a hint of pine needles. Quite tasty, with mainly grapefruit flavour and a soft acidity. Good body and very good length, with a tangy citrus close. A bit on the light side, but a sound choice for BBQ bird, seafoods or kebabs. (LCBO 70367)

A Canadian Moment ...

De Sousa Dois Amigos Vidal VQA 2006 - $12.05
Style: W2
Canada: Niagara

Looking for a lot of decent wine at a ridiculously low price? This Ontario-grown Vidal displays delicate aromas of grapefruit, lemon and apple with a hint of pine bough. The palate is barely off-dry, with a tangy acidity, orange, lemon and apple flavours, and a crisp, apply finish. OK body and with pretty good length, this an impressive little party wine -- and it’s VQA! (LCBO 74690)

Wine of the Week for June 9, 2008

Arniston Bay Shiraz-Merlot 2006 - $9.90
Style: R2
South Africa

The rich aromas here suggest plum, mixed spices and vanilla, with the expected hint of Pinotage. Mild-mannered, showing plum and raspberry on the palate, a firm acidity, solid tannins, a nicely balanced finish, and good body and length. A solid performer that should age nicely for at least a couple of years. Try with flavourful hard cheeses, burgers or tomato sauces. (LCBO 43927)

A Canadian Moment ...

Reif Gamay Rose VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: Z
Canada: Niagara

This solid candy-apple pink quaffer shows rich raspberry and strawberry aromas with traces of citrus, ripe apple and pepper at the tail end. Stops just short of off-dry, with raspberry, apple and lemony flavours and a crisp acidity. Very good body and length, refreshing and flavourful. (LCBO 669366)

Wine of the Week for June 2, 2008

Remy Pannier Sauvignon Blanc 2006 - $10.90
Style: W2
France: Loire

Normally a lacklustre source of wines, Remy Pannier has managed to make an impact with this one. I hope it signals a new direction for this maker. Aromas include rich grapefruit and lemon zest on the nose. The palate is welcoming -- slightly sweet on the uptake -- with pomello, baked lemon and a touch of spice. Good body and length. Not a stunner but solid and showing very good typicity. Try with dilled fish or roast pork. (LCBO 68676)

A Canadian Moment ...

Strewn Gewurztraminer 2006 - $12.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

Gewurz is one grape that can do extremely well in this region. Look for a deep honey-straw colour. The nose is very full on the nose, with apricot and a touch of spicy apple aromas. Round, soft, slightly tart, with white peach and apple flavours and a slightly oily texture. Very good body and length. A terrific nose, with an understated palate and very good value. Would work nicely with a creamy curry or duck paté. (LCBO 65359)

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)

Wine of the Week for March 24, 2008

Hillebrand Artist Series Gamay Noir VQA 2006 - $11.65
Style: R1
Ontario: Niagara

I’m a big fan of what Ontario’s vintners can accomplish with the Gamay grape. This one hints at its burgundian roots with aromas of underbrush, sweet strawberry and a touch of black pepper. The palate is light, with modest tannins, soft acidity, cherry and raspberry flavours, lightish bodied with very good length and a peppery close. Buy it for the nose and serve with flavourful fish. (LCBO 58610)

Wine of the Week for March 17, 2008

Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2007 - $11.95
Style: W1
Chile

We always see good value from this century-old winery. The nose shows sweet toasty oak, ripe apple, a subtle hint of butter, and a wee bit of melon. It's very palate friendly -- smooth and soft, with mainly apple flavour, a lemony tang, and medium body and length. It falls into the "MOR" category, so no big foods here. Stick with fish, veal or perhaps a vegetable quiche. (LCBO 58420)

Wine of the Week for March 10, 2008

Sella & Mosca Cannonau Reserva 2004 - $13.95
Style: R2
Italy

This one seems to have been overlooked on the Vintages shelves -- there's lots available. The grape is otherwise known as grenache, but this is a purely Sardinian rendering. Pale garnet-ruby colour. rich aromas of blackberry and saddle leather with a hint of spice. delicate on the palate, yet wonderfully flavourful, loaded with spice and dark berry flavours a top silky tannins. Quite delightful and would work well with stews, sausageor tomato dishes. (Vintages 425488)

Wine of the Week for March 3, 2008

Espiritu du Chile Sauvignon Blanc 2006 - $10.95
Style: W2
Chile

This spirited number plays like an every day Italian white. The very pleasant nose presents subtle pink grapefruit and grass aromas, with a hint of vanilla. Light on the palate, with mainly grapefruit flavour and a pleasantly tart finish. Good body and very good length, it will go well with lighter fare. Think 'lunch'. (LCBO 60640)

Worth looking for...

Four Emus Sauvignon-Semillon 2005 - $14.15
Style: W2
Australia

This product, unfortunately, has been discontinued at the LCBO, but there is still quite a bit of stock available. The nose shows loads of gooseberry and green pepper, with a hint of black pepper. Round yet crisp on the palate, spicy with gobs of grapefruit, apple and gooseberry. Very good body and length. A terrific example that's not overpowered by the semillon. (LCBO 615039)

Wine of the Week for February 25, 2008

Ironstone Vineyards Black Anvil Shiraz 2005 - $13.35
Style: R2
California

Very spicy on the nose, with fruit leather, blackberry and dark chocolate aromas. The palate starts of sweetish, with gobs of ripe cherry flavour, soft tannins and a cool acidity. Very good body and length. A bit jammy, but will pair very nicely with beef stew, hard cheeses or aprés snow. (LCBO 45567)

Wine of the Week for February 18, 2008

Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio 2007 - $11.95
Style: W3
South Africa

This is a "Wine of Origin", which means you’re getting a taste of the terroir. The nose shows delicate citrus and stonefruits aromas with nuances of floral and spice. Somewhat sweetish on the palate, with a refreshing acidity, lemon and grapefruit flavours, and a touch of apple at the close. Very good body and length -- and very good value. Try with cream sauces, pork or full flavoured fish. (LCBO 27128)

Wine of the Week for February 11, 2008

Espiritu du Chile Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $10.95
Style: R3
Chile

The full black cherry colour hints at the richness here. Aromas include wood, dried strawberry and traces of plum and black currant. Approaching juicy, with a ripe dark berry flavours; smooth, almost creamy with a firm mouthfeel and tart acidity. Fairly full bodied with good length, it’s very good performance for a low-priced cab. Try with beef tenderloin, lasagne or anything garlicky. (LCBO 60657)

Canadian Made…

Peller Estates Heritage Cabernet-Merlot VQA 2006 - $11.60
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara

Peller is one of Canada’s biggest vintners, and it’s good to see this kind of value coming from that quarter. Deep black cherry in colour, the wine shows delicate vanilla, black current and vanilla aromas with traces of roses and garrigue. Somewhat juicy with drying tannins, a solid backbone and dried berry flavours, and very good body and length. Not a stunner but solid character that would work well with grilled meats or robust cheeses. (LCBO 58628)

Wine of the Week for February 4, 2008

Herederos Marques de Riscal 2006 - $12.10
Style: W2
Spain


White wines from Rueda are a wonderful alternative to sauvignon blanc. Here you will find aromas of melon, grapefruit, lemon and a touch of passionfruit. There's loads of ripe grapefruit flavour on the palate, somewhat mouth-filling with a solid acid spine. Bright and cheery and an excellent value. Try with stuffed peppers, tangy cheeses or vegetarian. (LCBO 36822)

A New Frontier?

Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Wine "QC" 2006 - $13.05
Fruit Wine
Ontario


It's nice to see a real "fruit" wine on LCBO shelves. Lovely baked cranberry aroma combine with mulling spices and tea for a distinctive nose. Sweet and tart on the uptake with a nice citrusy/cranberry flavour and a crisp, dry finish. Light on the palate, with good length, and a unique choice that would go well with roasted poultry. (LCBO 609701)

Wine of the Week for January 28, 2008

Red Guitar Old Vine Tempranillo/Garnacha 2005 - $12.85
Style: R3
Spain: Navarra

Here’s two Old World grapes done in a New World style. The nose presents spice and oak off the top, followed by caramel, dark berries, sassafras, vanilla, and ginger aromas. The velvety smooth palate has just hint of sugar, with juicy raspberry flavours and light tannins. Fairly full bodied, and very good length, with a touch of bitterness on the close. An intriguing dance between traditional and modern tastes … and development in the glass is amazing. Try with any sort of roast, goulash or steak & kidney pie. (LCBO 54007)


Worth looking for...

Duque de Viscu 2004 - $12.85
Style: R3
Portugal Dao

I noticed a few bottles of this one at a couple of different Vintages stores. It shows intense garrigue out of the gate, settling down to rich ripe red berries and a hint of spice. Rich and juicy with "old boot" tannins, and tasting of blackberry, blueberry and raisin atop a firm acid core. Rustic but with loads of character and may even become more interesting over the next two years. (Vintages 546309)

Wine of the Week for January 14, 2008

Drostdy-hof Chardonnay 2006 - $9.60
Style: W1
South Africa

Can an under $9 wine actually be good? Until Feb 3, the LCBO is offering a full dollar off this little gem. The nose shows tropical fruits, spiced apple, almond, and butter. A racy acidity supports green apple, baked lemon and toast flavours. Very good body and length, it's a bit young and nervous right now, but quite enjoyable. Just for fun, tuck a couple away to see what happens. A nice companion for ocean fish, pork or sea foods. (LCBO 343202)

There's been a lot of press coverage lately about the LCBO pushing the average price point on their store shelves. This doesn't mean that bargains will disappear, but it may make my job a bit trickier. What really concerns me, though, is that their stated mandate for VQA wines (i.e. actually Canadian wines) is a narrow price band - $10.95 - $13.95. That suggests that there will be more VQA wines for me to recommend to you, but based on past experience, I expect that this policy will translate to less choice, not more. We'll see...

Wine of the Week for January 7, 2008

Caves de Papes Cotes de Ventoux 2006 - $10.85
Style: R2
France: Rhone

Deep black cherry colour in colour, this grenache-based wine shows rich and spicy with a slightly gamey note. Aromas include plum, black currants and earth with a touch of leather. Round and creamy with a cool acidity, firm, slightly-dusty tannins, and dried berry flavours. Very good body and length. A bit young, but very yummy with loads of character. A good match with red meats, moussaka or lamb.

---

Worth a Look..

I've spoken out regularly on the market's steady move toward a just a few popular grapes. Here are two very good arguments to make every effort to preserve diversity in the vineyard. (My thanks to Mountain Road for "volunteering" these wines or review.)

Mountain Road Marechal Foch 2003 - $12.95
Style: R1
Niagara

One of the best Hybrid grapes, Foch was instrumental in helping the Ontario wine industry get over its dependence on varieties such as Concord and Niagara. Deep black garnet colour, the wine shows rich spice, smoke, black currant, plum, and a bit of earth. There's a nippy spice on the palate, with firm tannins, cherry and blueberry flavours. Very good body and length. Light and fruity and very food friendly with just the right amount of "Foch funk".

Mountain Road Gamay 2003 - $12.95
Style: R1
Niagara

In the event you don't know this bit of trivia, Gamay is the only red grape grown in Beaujolais, and it shows great promise for Ontario as well. Deep ruby garnet colour. The somewhat gamey nose shows prune, leather and smokey aromas. Very smokey on the palate, with firm tannins, cherry-cinnamon flavour and a light profile. Medium bodied and with very good length, it's on a par with the some of the best Beaujolais. Will last another two years in the cellar and it's an incredible bargain. Try with turkey or mainstream chili