Wine of the Week for October 1, 2007

El Burro "Kickass" Garnacha 2005 - $12.15
Style: R2
Spain: Camp de Borja

When I first tasted this wine I wasn’t impressed, but it managed to improve wonderfully in the glass over time quite. Keep in mind that this is the grape that gives us Cotes du Rhone. The colour here is a deep garnet. The high alcohol is apparent on the nose, along with dark plum, dark chocolate, fruit leather and cigar box. Big, "steamy" and rich, with juicy, ripe mixed berries and smooth tannins. This mini-monster goes down easy today and yet would age very well over the next 2-4 years. Serve with hearty roasts or any red meat -- kangaroo and the like. (LCBO 18929)

Wine of the Week for September 17, 2007

Concha y Toro Chardonnay 2006 - $11.95
Style; W1
Chile

I love the slightly "skunky" aroma from French oak coupled with chardonnay. Add in lemon, oak, and mineral and you've got an appealing profile. The palate is creamy, round and tasty, with a soft acidity, and a toasty baked apple flavour. Somewhat on the light side, but overall a very good effort. Try with chicken Kiev or egg dishes. (LCBO 58420)


Grapes for Humanity teams up with Grant Burge

From September 17 to October 14, 2007, $1.50 from every purchase of Grant Burge Barossa Vines Cabernet-Merlot 2005 (LCBO # 619379) will be donated to Grapes for Humanity.
The mission of Grapes for Humanity (established in 2000 by Tony Aspler and Arlene Willis) is to raise funds to benefit humanitarian causes around the world with the assistance of the international wine community.

Wine of the Week for September 10, 2007

Torres de Casta Rosado - $11.15
Style: Rosé
Spain: Cataluna

Not quite prepared to give up on summer? How about something pink? There's a good amount of raspberry on the nose here, with a touch of apple. Good acidity supports blackberry, raspberry and spicy flavours. Medium bodied with good length, it would go well with warm weather and a relaxing afternoon on the deck. (LCBO 619916)

Wine of the Week for September 3, 2007

Terra d'Aliga Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004 - $11.95
Style: R3
Italy

I often shy away from montepulciano because of the forward acidity, but this one is a bit more tame in that category. The nose is quite subtle, showing dark plums, moss, damp wood, stewed raisins, and a bit of spice. The palate is pure elegance -- soft and smooth with prune/plum flavour, delicate tannins and a whiff if spice on the close. Seem to have caught this one at its perfect age. Enjoy with roast beef, ham or tomato sauces. (LCBO 28530)

Welnerberg Pinotage - $ 10.70
Style: R3 (Kosher)
South Africa

You don't need to be observing a Jewish holiday to enjoy this. If you're vegetarian, note that kosher wines must be made without any animal products. The robe is a deep black cherry/garnet. The nose is laid back, showing ripe berries, root veg and just a touch of sassafras along with a touch of classic Pinotage dust. Very good mouthfeel, with bumbleberry flavour, a firm acid core and moderate tannins. Quite yummy and a versatile choice for any sort of protein. (LCBO 28423)