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)
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)
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)
