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)