Mezzomondo Pinot Grigio Classico 2007 - $9.95
Style: W3
Sicilia
Here's another Sicilian treat! Medium lemon-straw colour. The nose presents subtle aromas of vanilla, lemon zest and musk. The palate is middle of the road, but crisp and tasty with ripe apple, vanilla and hints of citrus and pear, good body and very good length and development. A solid performance. My choice would be anything with mushrooms, soft cheeses or sushi. (LCBO 79301)
Danzanti Merlot 2006 - $11.95
Style: R3
Sicilia
I'm generally skeptical of Merlot from Italy but this off-shore offering is quite good. With a full black-cherry colour, it shows delicate aromas of rose, violet and green pepper with nuances of oak and cherry. Quite round and tangy with firm tannins, dark chocolate and cherry flavour; very good body and length. It's rather mainstream but very well made and would go nicely with any style of beef, baba ganough or mushroom sauces. (LCBO 73833)
Caliterra Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 - $10.95
Style: W1
Chile
While I'm generally hesitant about alternative packaging, it needn't be a bad thing for young style of wine. This PET bottle serves up subtle ripe apple and baked lemon with just a hint of butter. Somewhat understated on the palate but quite full and tasty, showing ripe apple and melon flavours and a firm acidity, with good body and length. You may find the sulfur a bit high so let it blow off and then pair it with seafoods or tempura. (LCBO 89540)
Cline Zinfandel 2006 - $13.10
Style: R2
USA: California
We haven’t seen many “big reds” in this price range for awhile. This one packs a lot of juicy fruit aromas on the nose, with dark plum, black berry, and traces of sweet oak and vanilla. Big, round and nippy, with sour cherry flavour, soft tannins and sweet oak at the close. Quite big with very good length: a fruit bomb -- at 14% alcohol. Try with beef stroganoff, pepper steak or old hard cheeses. (LCBO 489278
Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2007 - $8.95
Style: W3
USA: California
It’s nice to see Gallo putting more quality into their products, espcialoly in this price bracket. The nose shows vibrant aromas of baked lemon, ripe apple and just a hint of vanilla. Somewhat sweet on the palate, with ripe macintosh and lemon flavour, and a soft acidity, Quite full bodied and with very good length, it's done in a contemporary style, but the quality is evident throughout. Try with roast chicken, gnocchi or sushi. (LCBO 82594)
Sally Cat New Zealand Pinot Noir 2006 - $14.95
Style: R1
New Zealand
I pulled this one out at a client tasting last week and it was the hit of the evening. The robe is mid-ruby with just a hint of brick. The nose is very “pinot”, showing root veg, cedar and tobacco. Subtle on the palate, with mild tannins, a firm grip, a fine acidity spine, and spicy red berry flavour. Good body and very good length. Very convincing at this price point -- light enough to go with.lighter meats or full flavoured fish, yet meaty enough to handle tomato sauces. (LCBO 610667)
