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)