Sogrape Vila Regia Reserve 2001 - $11.95
Style: R1
Portugal
Light reds can be the prefect summer weight wines, and the quality of this one belies its humble price. The nose shows lively aromas of cedar, tobacco and vanilla with just a touch of barnyard down deep. The palate is rich with juicy berry flavours, with a solid core of acidity and a suggestion of berry sweetness, giving way to soft tannins. Very good body and length. A good candidate for anything off the grill, but I'd hold out for ribs. (LCBO 613950)
Wine of the Week for July 17, 2006
Hungaria Grand Cuvee Brut NV - $10.85
Style: Sparkling
Hungary
Don't let the price throw you off -- this friendly sparkling wine is an amazing bargain. It's light straw in colour, with a hint of copper, and a mousse that is somewhat coarse. The nose has a nice yeasty note, with aromas of citrus and asparagus and just a touch of vanilla. Quite tasty, with citrus and vanilla notes and nice lees aromas at the tail end. Lightish, and with good length, it would be an ideal casual wine for an impromptu celebration. (LCBO 619288)
Style: Sparkling
Hungary
Don't let the price throw you off -- this friendly sparkling wine is an amazing bargain. It's light straw in colour, with a hint of copper, and a mousse that is somewhat coarse. The nose has a nice yeasty note, with aromas of citrus and asparagus and just a touch of vanilla. Quite tasty, with citrus and vanilla notes and nice lees aromas at the tail end. Lightish, and with good length, it would be an ideal casual wine for an impromptu celebration. (LCBO 619288)
Wine of the Week for July 10, 2006
Beringer Merlot Rosé 2005 $ 10.95
Style: Z (Rosé)
California
This bright candy-apple pink quaffer has a rich strawberry nose accompanied by red licorice and traces of lemon peel and spice. It's rather soft and gentle -- barely off-dry -- showing raspberry and apple in the mouth. The body and length are both good. Somewhat MOR, but a good candidate for a casual BBQ. (LCBO 622183)
Style: Z (Rosé)
California
This bright candy-apple pink quaffer has a rich strawberry nose accompanied by red licorice and traces of lemon peel and spice. It's rather soft and gentle -- barely off-dry -- showing raspberry and apple in the mouth. The body and length are both good. Somewhat MOR, but a good candidate for a casual BBQ. (LCBO 622183)
Wine of the Week for July 3, 2006
False Bay Shiraz 2004 - $11.95
Style: R2
South Africa
What I find amazing about these huge, jammy reds is that they can be ideal summer wines. This one has an inky black cherry colour. The nose is true shiraz, right down to a suspicion of pinotage at the hind end. Aromas include black raspberry, leather, earth and vanilla. Rich and juicy on the palate, silky smooth with mild tannins, crisp acidity and gobs of dark berry flavours. Quite big and with very good length, it's something of a fruit bomb that gets an attractive lift from what must be some added pinotage. Pour over ice cream? (LCBO 665307)
Style: R2
South Africa
What I find amazing about these huge, jammy reds is that they can be ideal summer wines. This one has an inky black cherry colour. The nose is true shiraz, right down to a suspicion of pinotage at the hind end. Aromas include black raspberry, leather, earth and vanilla. Rich and juicy on the palate, silky smooth with mild tannins, crisp acidity and gobs of dark berry flavours. Quite big and with very good length, it's something of a fruit bomb that gets an attractive lift from what must be some added pinotage. Pour over ice cream? (LCBO 665307)
Wine of the Week for June 26, 2006
Roberts Rock Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay 2005 - $9.95
Style: W1/W2
South Africa
Better check the price of this one. The LCBO database pegs it at $7.95 (current on special at $6.95) but I know I paid $9.95. The colour is a full honey-straw. The nose presents honey, peach, citrus and baked apple aromas. The palate is crisp yet full, round and creamy smooth, dominated by grapefruit and somewhat reminiscent of chablis. Body and length are both good. I'd suggest pairing it with full-flavoured fish or pork tenderloin. (LCBO 501304)
Style: W1/W2
South Africa
Better check the price of this one. The LCBO database pegs it at $7.95 (current on special at $6.95) but I know I paid $9.95. The colour is a full honey-straw. The nose presents honey, peach, citrus and baked apple aromas. The palate is crisp yet full, round and creamy smooth, dominated by grapefruit and somewhat reminiscent of chablis. Body and length are both good. I'd suggest pairing it with full-flavoured fish or pork tenderloin. (LCBO 501304)
Wine of the Week for June 19, 2006
Rene Barbier Tempranillo-Merlot 2004 - $8.95
Style: R3
Spain: Penedes
Tempranillo is the grape behind Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and other Spanish delights, and it lends itself well to a paring with Merlot. With a rich garnet colour, this one shows aromas of pepper, cardamom and cherry. Rich and juicy on the palate, very round and mellow yet character filled, showing dark berry flavours and soft tannins, and good body and length. This is a terrific value and would go well with lamb, portobellos or poultry straight off the grill. (LCBO 640193)
Style: R3
Spain: Penedes
Tempranillo is the grape behind Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and other Spanish delights, and it lends itself well to a paring with Merlot. With a rich garnet colour, this one shows aromas of pepper, cardamom and cherry. Rich and juicy on the palate, very round and mellow yet character filled, showing dark berry flavours and soft tannins, and good body and length. This is a terrific value and would go well with lamb, portobellos or poultry straight off the grill. (LCBO 640193)
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