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)