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)