Wine of the Week for Dec 27, 2010

Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2008 - $ 13.10
Style: W3
Austria

This is an up and coming yet classic grape that is often called "gru-vee" and for good reason. Look for light citrus notes with hints of pineapple, green apple and vanilla. The palate shows just a touch of spritz with lemon, grapefruit, pineapple flavours and a peppery close. Good body and very good length, it's crisp, clean, very approachable and a good prospect with cream sauces, stir fry or schnitzel. (LCBO 168625)

Currently 203 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for Dec 13, 2010

D'Arenberg Stump Jump "GSM" 2008 - $ 14.05
Style: R2
South Australia  

GSM is short for Grenache-Shiraz-Merlot. Rich and spicy, with dark chocolate, coffee, and cherry bon-bon aromas. Rather sweetish, thick and juicy, with gobs of spice, blackberry, and dark cherry flavours and subtle tannins. Big and long, it would go nicely with tandoori chicken or anything slathered in BBQ sauce or pour it on vanilla ice cream. (LCBO 173294)

 

Currently 244 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for Nov 22, 2010

Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $ 12.95
Style: W2
Chile

There are rich grapefruit, passionfruit aromas here, along with hints of perfume and grass with evident lees. Crisp at the outset, with apple and grapefruit flavours and a slight sour note. Good body and length. Nicely done but the sour aspect may not be for everyone. Try with stuffed peppers or  herbed pork. (LCBO 159954)

Currently 187 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for November 15, 2010

Montgras Carmenere Reserva 2009 - $ 11.95
Style: R2
Chile

Very inviting nose showing sassafras, chocolate, fruit leather and sweet oak. A cool acidity, soft and sweetish with a hint of tannin, ripe blackberry and blackcurrant, finish with a hint of vanilla. Quite full, with very good length. Dangerously gulpable. A good match for anything of the Q or spicy meats. (LCBO 178624)

Currently 151 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere 2009 - $ 13.95
Style: R2
Chile

Rich dark chocolate, dark berries, traces of plum, cardamom and sweet oak. Fat, rich and juicy with firm tannins, red berries, cherry, smokey oak and dark chocolate on the close. Big, with excellent length. A knife and for with tons of character. Try with game, beef stew or venison. (LCBO 177774)

Currently 160 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week November 1, 2010

Skuttlebutt Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2008 - $ 14.95
Style: W2
Australia

Look for loads of crushed leaves, ripe grapefruit, chalk, and pyrazine. The palate is rich and full, with racy grapefruit and lemon flavours, hints of gooseberry and grass, and a zesty finish. Very good body and length., sumptuous and well priced and a wonderful partner for full flavoured fish. (LCBO 157867)

Currently 113 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for Oct 25, 2010

Weingut St.Urbans-Hof Urban Riesling 2008 - $ 14.95
Style: W3
Germany: Moselle

The brilliant lemon straw colour here alludes to the lush riesling nose showing dried apples, paraffin and perfume. Medium sweet (is this a late harvest wine?) with luscious ripe apple flavour with hints of lemon and ripe peach. Very good body and excellent length, it's a fabulous example at this price. My choice would be pork roast or schnitzel. (LCBO 184051)

Currently 103 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment...

Generations Wine*  Union White VQA 2009 - $ 13.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

The nose is a bit closed right now, but still shows nuances of citrus, apple and almond. Very smooth and soft, just off-dry, with citrus and apple flavours. A mild mannered sipper with good body and length, that would work well with full-flavoured fish or chicken salad. (LCBO 197145)

Currently 225 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

* Generations Wine is a startup winery owned by Vincor/Jackson-Triggs expats Allan Jackson and Andrew von Teichman.

Wine of the Week for October 18, 2010

Panascal Tempranillo 2006 - $ 9.85
Style: R3
Spain: Castilla y Leon

Look for aromas of dark chocolate, cedar and black raspberry. Lush on the palate, with firm tannins and a slightly racy acidity supporting plum, blackberry and dark cherry flavours. Quite big, with very good length, it's awesome for the price. A good partner for goulalsh, portobellos or salty cheeses. (LCBO 343434)

Currently 221 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

From The Frugal Oenophile's WinegrapePrimer Tempranillo (tem-pruh-NEE-yoh) Variety The workhorse and most important noble grape of Spain, Tempranillo is the main ingredient in the red wines of Rioja, Pened�s and Ribera del Duero. The grape covers roughly 1/4 of Spain�s vineyards, and thrives in that nation�s challenging climate. Outside Spain it can be found in Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz and goes into Dao, Douro and Port. There are plantings in Languedoc, California (called Valdepe�as there), Argentina, Mexico, and South Africa, but Spain is where Tempranillo rules. Usually blended with garnacha and carignan, it can also be found partnered with cabernet sauvignon or standing alone as a varietal. The wine is usually aged in oak, and in old world Spain may rest too long in American oak barrels.

Milcampos Tempranillo 2006 - $ 9.95
Style: R3
Spain: Ribera del Duero

This one is almost tar black in the glass, and shows an interesting sweet pickle aroma right off the top, followed by black cherry and plum flavours. Rather full, with good length, and a firm tannic close. Still young in the tannin area, but it shouild work well with heartier meats off the barbie. (LCBO 173625)

Currently 176 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database) 

 

Wine of the Week for Sept 28, 2010

Loron Bourgogne Chardonnay 2008 - $ 13.95
Style: W1
France

The rich lemon straw colour here hints at a complexity that is evident in the subtle ripe apple, vanilla, chalk and mineral aromas. Quite round and full, with lemon drops, more apple and a hint of butter on the palate. Very good body and length, with a tangy, citrusy close. Well done classic styling that would go nicely with roast chicken or alfredo sauce. (LCBO 167155)

Currently 110 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Malivoire Guilty Men white 2009 - $ 14.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

This blend of riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay gives off subtle pine needle, ripe apple and mineral aromas. Fully off-dry with a soft acidity, good body and length. and mainly reisling and mineral flavour. Well priced and very interesting. I'd try is with anything Thai or schnitzel. (LCBO 192666)

Currently 193 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for September 13, 2010

Bullsblood Merlot-Kekfrankos 2007 - $ 9.95
Style: R1
Hungary

So the truth comes out: bull's blood is just merlot plus some of Hungary’s signature red grape. The nose seems slightly oxidized and port-like but not objectionably so, with dark berries, black currant and blueberry aromas. Richer than expected, with sour cherry and raspberry flavour, soft tannins and a finely-tuned acidity. With medium body and length, it’s not for everyone but it's a decent Tuesday night wine or take a bottle to a party for the "hmm" factor. Oh, it's a 1-litre bottle. Try with meatballs in any sort of sauce or a hearty pizza. (LCBO 139980)

Currently 123 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Lake & River Series River Rock Red 2008 - $ 10.95
Style: R1
Canada: LENS 

It’s good to see “real” Ontario wine coming in at a moderate price point. The nose here is fairly rich, with rose petals, plum, dried cherry and pepper. More modest on the palate, yet flavourful enough, with plum, prune and black raspberry flavours atop moderate tannins. Good body and length, it's a great bargain in a summer weight. Try it with burgers, chilli or smoked salmon. (LCBO 183103)

Currently 152 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for August 30, 2010

Fuzion Torrontes-Pinot Grigio 2009 - $ 8.95
Style: W3
Argentina



Never did understand the “feeding frenzy” that drove the Fuzion red wines, especially given that the whites are much better. I get a Gewurz-like note right off the top, followed by musk, orange peel, suet and a hint of rose. Not as outspoken on the palate, with a soft acidity, lime and lychee flavour and a very smooth close. A bit on the soft side with good length, it’s an excellent value and a good use of Torrontes. Try with deep fried fish, avocado salad or chicken with grapes. (LCBO 168419)

Currently 224 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Flourish Chardonnay-Viognier VQA 2009 - $ 10.95

Style: W2

Canada: Niagara


Look for delicate smokey wood, apricot and white grapefruit. Softer than expected, with evidence of oak and malo, green apple, vanilla, and a touch of grapefruit. Just shy of medium bodied with OK length. Very easy going. An OK deck with that would suit a good chill and BBQ chicken. (LCBO 192658)

C

Wine of the Week for August 23, 2010

Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $ 14.95
Style: R3
USA: Washington

Here is something of a good time yet with good authenticity. Look for rich spice, vanilla, wood dust, and blackberry aromas. Round, smooth and juicy, with just a hint of sweetness, ripe plum and dark cherry flavours, and soft tannins, very good body and length. Try with burgers, grilled steak or lasagna. (LCBO 144022)

Currently 182 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Pelee Island Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2008 - $ 11.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Pelee Island

The colour here reminds of tobacco juice -- reddish-orange. The rich nose is reminiscent of saltwater toffee and candy floss. It seems off-dry at first, with subtle cherry and apple flavours and a round acidity. Nice medium body with good length and a soft finish making it a good ‘vin de porch’. Try with breaded fish or chicken salad. (LCBO 145441)

Currently 261 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for August 16, 2010

Big  House White 2009 - $ 9.95
Style: W3
USA: California

There maybe some gewurz in here, giving rise to lychee, ripe apple and muscat aromas. I found mainly ripe apple flavour, a slight sour note and a crisp acidity. Made from five different aromatic grapes, it is ideal for warm weather and a partner for seafood off the grill. (LCBO 173286)

Currently 340 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

 

A Canadian Moment ...

Megalomaniac Homegrown Vinyard 4379 VQA 2006 - $ 12.95
Style: W3

Ontario: Niagara

Another example of creative blending, with obvious reisling and gewurz on the nose, plus hints of paraffin and lemon. Soft and silky, off-dry, with apple and oragne flavours, medium body and length. A luscious sipper that would work well with schnitzel. (LCBO 179143)

Currently 124 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for August 9, 2010

Graffigna Centenario Shiraz Reserve 2007 - $ 12.95
Style: R2
Argentina

Rich, sweet oak up front, with dark cherry, wet cement and a touch of dark plum. Creamy smooth with mid-weight tannins, rich, dark berry flavours and a firm acid core. Good body and length. Very mainstream with a satisfying palate, and a good match for BBQ ribs. (LCBO 164731)

Currently 284 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for August 2, 2010

Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $ 14.05
Style: W2
USA: California

The aromas are mainly grass, passionfruit and ripe grapefruit. There’s more white grapefruit on the palate, with a hint of vanilla and a perky acidity. Very good body and length with a prolonged, spicy close. Very good typicity here, that would go with flavourful fish or Thai dishes. (LCBO 173575)

Currently 204 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Colio Lake & River Series Moonlight White 2008 - $ 10.95
Style: W2
Ontario: LENS

I’m pleased to see Ontario VQA wines coming in at under $12. Maybe we can compete with cheap imports after all. Look for lush spice, grapefruit zest with a hint of vanilla on the nose. Delicate on the palate, with grassy grapefruit flavour and a lively close. Medium body and length. Terrific candidate for relaxing on the deck, and ideal with grilled bird or pork skewers. (LCBO 183095)

Currently 142 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for July 26, 2010

Bouchard Pere & Fils Macon Gamay 2008 - $ 13.95
Style: R1
France: Burgundy

You'll be seeing a lot more French wines with "varietal" names on the labels. The ideas is to give us a bit more insight into the wines. In this case, it's let you know that the Beaujolais (or Macon) grape is Gamay. Light ruby with a hint of garnet, it suggests a rather yummy wine with aromas of sweet berries, raspberry, pepper and spice. Very light on the palate, with raspberry cherry flavour and just a trace of tannin. Very good length with a slightly tart finish. A good wine for this weather, and  would go well with grilled steak or chicken. (LCBO 164582)

Currently 96 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Pelee Island Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2008 - $ 11.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Pelee Island

Cab Franc is a nice summer substitute for the other Cab. The colour her is like  tobacco juice -- reddish-orange. The rich nose is reminiscent of saltwater toffee and candy floss. Seems off-dry at first, with subtle cherry and apple flavours and a round acidity. Nice medium body with good length and a soft finish. Very good vin de porch to try with fish sticks or chicken salad. (LCBO 145441)

Currently 245 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for July 5, 2010

Grand Gaillard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $12.95
Style: W2
France

Here’s a good mid-week, racy white. The nose shows subtle grass, white grapefruit and tom cat aromas. Rather tingly on the palate, with white grapefruit, a trace of green apple and a zesty close. Good body and length, it’s a bit shy on character but good overall and decent value. Would suit saté chicken off the grill or perhaps fish with dill. (LCBO 168500)

Currently 135 LCBO stores have 6 or morebottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for June 28, 2010

Malbec (black wine) seems to be the grape of the moment, and store shelves have lots to choose from. Here are a  few of the more table-worthy offerings: 

Tilia Malbec 2008 - $12.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Catena

Somewhat light on the nose, with chocolate aroma layered over rosebud, mint and blackcurrant. Equally light side on the palate, with leather and red berry flavour and firm tannins. Very good body and length. There’s wonderful typicity here and potenrial for further cellaring, 3-5 years. (LCBO 160945) Currently 169 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Trivento Fair Trade Malbec 2008 - $9.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Mendoza

Subtle on the nose, with mainly plum and chocolate aromas. Quite yummy, somewhat sweetish, with cherry and strawberry flavour, cool acidity and negligible tannins. Medium body and length, it's an easy-going crowd pleaser with ample character. (LCBO 160994) Currently 160 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Trivento Tribu Malbec 2008 - $8.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Mendoza

Aromas include plum, dark chocolate and some blackberry. Reminds me more of merlot, with soft tannins, cherry flavour and a tangy acidity at the close.  Good body and length. A crowd pleaser, somewhat on the light side, but excellent for the price. (LCBO 145284) Currently 168 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Passion of Argentina Malbec 2008 - $8.95
Style: R2
Argentina

Inky black cherry colour. A riot of dark fruits on the nose, with hints of liquorice and even ripe apple. Almost sweet at first, with ripe black cherry, black raspberry, soft tannins, and a firm backbone. With very good body and length, it delivers a lot for the price. (LCBO 163188) Currently 195 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Domaine Jean Bousquet Malbec 2007 - $11.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Tupungato Valley 

Subtle dark berry aromas with hints of vanilla, chocolate, game, and garrigue. Sweetish at the beginning, with concentrated berry flavours and traces of vanilla and chocolate atop silky tannins. Quite big and very long, it is sumptuous and worth at least 5-bucks more. (LCBO 160952) Currently 149 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Try any of the above with steak and kidney pie, lamb shanks, beef en croute, beef wellington, game, mature hard cheeses, cabbage rolls, duck a l'orange, truffles, steak tartar (From The Frugal Oenophile’s Winegrape Primer)

Wine of the Week for June 21, 2010

Graffigna Centernario Pinot Grigio Reserve 2009  - 12.95
Style: W3
Argentina

Look for subtle aromas of apple and celery, with a touch of dried leaves. Shows good presence on the palate, smooth and creamy with apple/citrus flavour and good acidity. Good body and length and lots of character here. My choices would be mushroom risotto, quiche or roast chicken. (LCBO 164756) There are 210 LCBO stores with 6 or more bottles in stock (LCBO online database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Prospect Winery Larch Tree Hill Chardonnay 2007  - 13.95
Style: W1
Canada: BC, Okanagan

The rich lemon-straw colour suggests richness here. Loads of lemon on the nose, with nuances of green apple and paraffin. Very soft and smooth, not quite off-dry, with ripe apple flavour and a touch of lime. Medium body and length, with a pleasant bitterness on the close. Quite elegant, though light in the typicity department. A good 'vin du porch' that will partner nicely with light fish. (LCBO 145136) There are 145 LCBO stores with 6 or more bottles in stock (LCBO online database)

Wine of the Week for June 7, 2010

Coronas Tempranillo 2006 - $13.45
Style: R2
Spain: Catalunya

The workhorse and most important noble grape of Spain, Tempranillo is the main ingredient in the red wines of Rioja, Penedés and Ribera del Duero*. Lovely aromas of coffee, tobacco, with hints of dark berries. Quite dense and with a lot of impact on the palate, showing dark chocolate, dark plum, cherry, sandalwood, and more. Solid tannins and a fine acidity supported by aery good body and length. Large and yummy and one to pour with burgers, game, ribs or to cap off the evening. (LCBO 29728) Currently 102 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

* From The Frugal Oenophile’s Winegrape Primer

Wine of the Week for May 31, 2010

Si Soave DOC 2008 - $11.95
Style: W2
Italy: 

Brilliant straw with a hint of green. Pleasant spice  up front, with ripe apple and a trace of pine bough. Less exciting on the palate, but sound, showing understated apple, citrus and spice. Good body and a spicy close, it's a good lunch time wine, weird horn-shaped bottle, though.Currently 204 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles, according to on-line database. (LCBO 134999)

From My Mailbox

Stoney Ridge Pinot Grigio VQA 2009 - $14
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

Another Ontario star is born! Yes, this is a terrific bottle, and certaily worth the price of admission, but it also effectively demonstrates that Niagara is good for more than just Riesling. Earlier this year Canadian vintners sent a bevy of premium Chardonnay s to InterVin in London England. The goal was to show the quality and range of wines that our climate/terroir can produce. And the target audience was impressed. Now it looks like Pinot Gris/Grigio is positioned to do the same.

The nose here is delicate and elegant, showing stone fruits, spice and hints of citrus. By contrast, the palate is fruit forward with loads of grapefruit, citrus, a zesty acidity, and a hint of orange on the finish. Very good body and length. This wine is the equal to any “PG” I’ve ever had, and a great deal better than most in this price range, and a suitable partner for salmon, pork tenderloin or seafood salad. (Winery: www.stoneyridge.com)

Wine of the Week for May 17, 2010

Bouchard Beaujolais "La Vigneron" 2007 - $12.95
Style: R1
France: Burgundy

Look for lush aromas of root veg, fruit leather and a hint of perfume. Lean on the palate, with a soft acidity, raspberry and dried cherry and just a hint of tannin. Very good body and length. A bit raucous right now and would cellar nicely for another year or so, but would go nicely with BBQ pork tenderloin or duck. (LCBO 143727) Currently 125 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Rose Hill Cabernet Merlot 2007 - $12.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

Subtle aromas of blueberry, cherry lead off, slowly revealing a hint of dark chocolate. Gentle on the palate, with plum and cherry flavour, soft acidity and mild tannins. Decent body and length. Soft spoken but good for the price and a good party wine that will compliment burgers and nachos. (LCBO 146779) Currently 63 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for May 3, 2010

JP Chenet Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $ 9.95
Style: W2
France: Gascogne

Look for rich and spicy aromas of white plums, passionfruit and just a hint of grass.  Quiet smooth on the palate, with grapefruit and apple flavours and a racy acidity. Very good body and length and a zesty close. Comes in a hard-to-hold bottle, but great stuff for the price. A good match for asparagus salad, crab or grilled veg. (LCBO 161224)

A Canadian Moment ...

Creekside Estate Life is Good Chardonnay 2008 - $ 12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

A lovely example under this new “lifestyle” label. Subtle aromas include apple, tar, citrus, and a hint of caramel. Mainly ripe apple on the palate, with a soft acidity. Rather elegant with good body and length, it's asy drinking and very food friendly. My choice would be BBQ or roast chicken. (LCBO 146852)

Wine of the Week for April 26, 2010

Pasqua Passimento Rosso IGT Veneto 2007 - $12.95
Style: R3
Italy: Veneto

Passimento refers to a technique of drying some or all of the grapes before starting fermentaitn. The result is usually a richer and more expensive wine. Look for subtle  aromas of wood, wet cement, dark berries, mineral, and red current. The palate is rich and juicy with ripe raspberry, cherry and a touch of pepper with light tannins. Very good body and length. A splendid intro to this style of Valpolicella and an ideal partner for sausages, pasta carbonnera or hunter’s stew. (LCBO 141952)

Wine of the Week for April 19, 2010

Niagara Cellars (20 Bees) Sundance Riesling 2008 - $8.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

I’m a little confused by this one. Not by the wine, but by its origin and positioning. This is an all-Ontario wine, but it’s not VQA. And it’s being stocked by the LCBO. If you’ve been following the VQA vs. CIC story, then you have to wonder how this “second tier” oddity got into the store. That said, it’s quite a good wine. Look for subtle paraffin, lime peel and rose aromas. Quite nice on the palate, with under-ripe lemon, green apple and a hint of grapefruit. Good body and very good length with a nippy close. Excellent for the price. Serve with curry or taco salad, or just take it out on the deck. (LCBO 158667)

Wine of the Week for April 12, 2010

Cusumano Syrah 2008 - $9.95
Style: R2
Italy: Sicily

Not A native grape, but an excellent result. The nose offers up subtle dark berries, with nuances of caramel and smoke. Quite juicy with soft tannins, showing a hint of dark chocolate atop black raspberry. Very good body and length and great for the price. Try with Tandoori chicken, BBQ wings, or beef teriyaki. (LCBO 145490)

Rutini Trumpeter Malbec 2007 -$12.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Mendoza

The LCBO  has rolled out a number of yummy Malbec-based wines in the past few weeks. Here’s one to get started. Look for aromas of dried cherry, prune, barnyard and dark chocolate. Rich and juicy, with a cool acidity, soft tannins, blueberry, black berry and dried fruit flavours. Very good body and length. Awesome and age worthy 2-4 years or open now to serve with steak and kidney pie, cabbage rolls or hard cheeses.. (LCBO 139063)

Wine of the Week for March 30, 2010

Domaine De Vedilhan Viognier 2008 - $12.95
Style: W1
France: Languedoc

Look for light floral aromas with traces of pine bough and rubber and just a touch of perfume down deep. Understated on the palate, with baked lemon flavour and a pleasing tartness. Very good body, good length. Pleasant though lacking in typicity, it should be food friendly.  Try with alfredo sauce, egg dishes or cold cuts. (LCBO 162081)

Wine of the Week for March 22, 2010

Casa Santo Lima Passion of Portugal Red 2008 - $7.75
Style: R1
Portugal

With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to start loading up on lighter reds. This bargain wine shows yummy ripe plum, black currant, dried cherry, and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Light and cheery on the palate, with just a hint of tannin, sweetish dark berry flavours and more vanilla on the close. Good body and length. Cheap and cheerful, with the accent on the cheerful, although it clocks in at 13% ABV. A good partner for grilled steak, chili or meat-lover’s pizza. (LCBO 146449)

Wine of the Week for March 15, 2010

Errazuriz Vallee do Casablanca Chardonnay 2008 - $10.95
Style: W1
Chile

Lush butter, sweet oak, ripe mackintoshlead off, followed by hints of spice and pine bough. Silky smooth -- almost honey-like in texture -- with baked apple, butter and spiced pear flavours; good body and very good length. Somewhat sweetish, but smooth and cheery. Try with risotto, rich fish or bbq bird. (LCBO 318741)

A Canadian Moment...

Stone Church Chardonnay 2008 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: NOTL

Look for ubtle aromas of pear and quince with a light toastiness. Awesome on the palate, it smacks of even-handed French oak and rich apple and citrus flavours. Very good body and length. I would have guessed a much higher price for this one. (LCBO 145037)

Wine of the Week for March 8, 2010

Santa Rita Cabernet 2008 - $10.45
Style: R3
Chile

Ample aromas of blueberry, tobacco and dark chocolate, with nuances of mushroom, wood and green pepper. Quite tangy, with dense blackberry and raspberry followed by a hint of dark chocolate. Quite big with very good length and a slightly tart finish. Rock solid and worth cellaring a few bottles for a year or two. Try with any beef dish, meat loaf or sausage. (LCBO 218644)

A Canadian Moment...

Angel's Gate Cabernet-Shiraz VQA 2007 - $14.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

Aromas include sweet oak, dark cherry, fruit leather and a hint of prune. Rather sweet with a soft acidity, light tannins, cherry, strawberry and green pepper flavour. Good body and length. Cheep and cheerful with good cab character and a hint of juiciness. Best bets are BBQ meats, chicken wings or chili. (LCBO 146365)

Wine of the Week for March 1, 2010

Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008 - $7.45
Style: W2
Italy 

Look for delicate aromas of peach, ripe apple and a hint of grass. Thepalate is very fruity with a suggestion of ripe berries, apple, citrus and tangerine atop a crisp acidity. Very good body and length, it has more guts than expected and would be a good candidate for cream sauces or parmesan. (LCBO 522144) Also comes in 1.5L (79046) for $ 12.95.

A Canadian Moment...

Pillitteri Pinot Grigio VQA 2007 - $12.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

The colour here is a pale copper-peach. Rich, lively aromas of spiced apples, pear lead off, with a touch of citrus to follow. Somewhat racy with plenty of apple and peach flavour; silky smooth, and mellow. An excellent nose and more body than is typical for this grape, it’s a good candidate for gnocchi, mushroom dishes or smoked salmon. (LCBO 146787)

Wine of the Week for February 15, 2010

Spinelli Malbec 2007 - $7.95
Style: R2
Italy: Puglia

Malbec from Italy? Why not! Look for reserved aromas of raisin, black raspberry, dark chocolate, and sweet oak. The palate is quite rich and tangy, with cherry, strawberry and blueberry flavours, light tannins and a whisper of sweetness. Fairly good body and good length with a bit of sourness in the finish. Quite the deal, and suitable for steak and kidney pie or cabbage rolls. (LCBO 143750)

Wine of the Week for February 1, 2010

Creekside Pinot Gris 2008 - $ 14.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara
 

Niagara could very well be the next great Sauvignon region. Look for tangy aromas of pear, melon and grapefruit. Equally tangy on the palate, with loads of citrus and just a touch of mineral. Very good body and length, with a touch of spice on the close. Bright, elegant and totally terrific! Try with gnocchi, smoked salmon or quiche. (LCBO 83196)

Wine of the Week for January 25, 2010

Farnese Sangiovese Daunia IGT 2008 - $7.55
Style: R3
Italy: Ortona   $7.55

I often think that sangiovese doesn't get the respect it deserves. Here it produces a delightful week-day wine at an incredible price. With a deep ruby-garnet robe, it shows heady aromas of blackberry, charcoal, plum, and hints of cedar and fruit leather. Less distinctive on the tongue, it still offers up dried cherry, plum and flint, atop mild tannins and soft acidity. Medium bodied with medium length, it's nicely balanced and ideal for pizza or chili night. (LCBO 512327)

Wine of the Week for January 11, 2010

Cesari Chardonnay IGT 2008 - $7.45
Style: W1
Italy: Venezia

Subtle tropical fruits, with traces of butter and sweet oak. Soft on the tongue, with mild acidity, apple, butter and spice flavours and a tart close. Medium bodied with good length, it's quite a nice little package that will go nicely with roast chicken or cream sauces. (LCBO 57246; Also comes in 1.5l - LCBO 134940 - for $12.85!)