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)

Wine of the Week for May 25, 2009

Sauvion Cart d'Or Muscadet 2007 - $11.50 (12/25/2008)
Style: W2
France: Loire

Maybe if we turn to lighter wines the weather will warm up. This medium golden straw rendering shows light apple, pear, honey and lemon aromas and just a hint of toast. The palate is lean and crisp, with tart apple and lemon flavours. Good body and length; nicely done, and would work with rich fish or surf & turf. (LCBO 143016)

Wine of the Week for May 18, 2009

Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2007 - $11.95
Australia
Style: R2

Deep red currant colour. Aromas of raspberry, leather, with traces of spice, vanilla and dark chocolate. Rich and juicy with firm tannins, good acid spine, dried berry flavours and a nicely tart finish. Very good body and length, it's a bit young yet, but sprightly and would suit chili, pizza or cheese fondue. (LCBO 145367)

Wine of the Week for May 11, 2009

Strewn Two Vines Gewurztraminer/Riesling 2007 - $11.95
Canada: Niagara
Style: W3

This terrific blend shows subtle green apple, rose, pear, apricot, dried pineapple, and just a trace of petrol on the nose. Very flavourful, barely off-dry, crisp and full with peach and pear flavours, a touch of honey on the back palate and a viscous texture. Very good body with a tart finish. Quite gullpable with a perfect sugar level. Great for sandwiches on the deck or just sipping. (LCBO 467662)

Wine of the Week for May 4, 2009

Castilli de Monseran Garnacha 2005 - $8.95
Style: R1
Spain

There seems to be lots of this around. Garnacha, by the way, is the same grape as Grenache, which is important in the Rhone. Look for subtle aromas of blackberry, vanilla and garrigue. Quite soft and smooth on the tongue with the merest hint of tannin, dried cherry flavour and a firm spine. Medium bodied with quite good length, it's a good-time wine that delivers a lot for the price. Try with pork roast, tomato dishes. (LCBO 73395)

If you've not yet read my online Chapter, better hustle. I'm replacing it with Chapter 3 this week: oenophilenextdoor.blogspot.com As always, comments are welcomed.

(Sorry about the dates. Looks like I got them mixed up a bit. I know I haven't missed an entire month!)

Wine of the Week for April 4, 2009

Peller Estates Family Series Chardonnay VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Pretty straight-forward stuff here, but the price makes it very attractive. The nose shows Rich caramel, butter, ripe apple, and pear aromas. Quite tasty on the palate, wtih a firm acid spine, apple and pear flavours. Very good body and lenght. Very well made and excellent for the price. Try with wh ite fish, pork roast or medium cneeses. (LCBO 582825)