Wine of the Week for June 22, 2009

Pascual Toso Malbec Rosé 2008 - $11.95
Style: Rosé
Argentina

Well, summer has finally arrived, so let’s roll out the some seasonal refreshment. The colour on this one is a rich candy apple red -- rather dark by rosé standards. The nose is subtle, but yields up spice, apple skins and perfume. There's also an impression of hotness, which the label bears out: 13% alcohol. The palate is, therefore, substantial, with tree fruit flavours alongside berries and sour cherry. Very good body and a rich, zingy close. Powerful, with plenty of flavour, it would stand up to anything off the grill. (LCBO 122408)

Wine of the Week for June 8, 2009

Ramos Loios 2007 - $9.95
Style: W2
Portugal

This indigenous grape seems to cross categories, with alternating allusions to chard, sauv blanc, and pinot gris. Pale straw with a touch of platinum, it shows lush aromas of ripe green apple with subtle citrus and peach. Quite nice, slightly tart, on the palate, with a soft acidity, subtle apple, citrus and white plum, and good body. Try with flavourful, ham or chicken salad. (LCBO 92114)

Wine of the Week for June 1, 2009

Sibling Rivalry Red VQA - $13.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The colour here is deep black cherry. The nose suggests right off that this may be a meritage style, with black currant, dark plum, subtle spice, and vanilla all wrapped up in sweet oak. The palate is soft and smooth, with plum and blackberry flavour and firm, youngish tannins. Very good body and length it is, in fact, merlot plus the 2 Cabs. I found it a bit young and am sure it will show even better in 2-3 years, but go ahead and serve it with burgers or BBQ ribs. (LCBO 126151)