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)