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)