Wine of the Week for February 21, 2011

Two Vintages offerings this time, and both well worth searching out.

James Oatley “Tik Tok” Chardonnay 2008 - $ 14.95

Style: W1

Australia

Look for delicate aromas of tropical fruits, apple, pear, and melon with just a hint of mineral. Obvious oak on the palate, with more tropical fruits, a whiff of smoke and a crisp acidic close. Very good body and length. Juicy yet mellow and flavourful -- very approachable. Try with BBQ bird, ocean fish, or pork. (Vintages 187104)

Currently 188 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Calamus Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 - $ 13.95

Style: W1

Canada: Niagara

The nose presents lush citrus, tropical fruits, butter, and toast. Slightly racy, with gobs of fresh ripe fruits, pineapple, and ripe grapefruit. Quite big and long, with a tangy, spicy close. Top drawer stuff, and definitely under-priced. Try with roast pork or bird. (Vintages 210062)

Currently 52 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for February 7, 2011

Can you use Good, Bargain, and Pinot Noir in the same sentence? Sure!

Red Truck Pinot Noir 2008 - $ 13.95
Style: R1
USA: California

Medium-ruby coloured with a touch of  mahogany. Rather fruity on the nose, with plum, red currant, cola, and a hint of spice. Nippy on the tongue -- sweetish -- with negligible tannins, ripe dark cherry and red currant flavours and a zingy close. Good body and very good length. Quite a nice wine, decent value, with some cellar potential. Try with any sort of bird or antipasto.(LCBO 177931)

Currently  LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Stone Church Niagara Pinot Noir 2008 - $ 13.95
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara

Light Ruby with a hint of brick at the rim, showing delicate aromas of red berries with nuances of cedar, vanilla and spice. Somewhat bitter but pleasantly so, with flavours of prune, plum, cheery, some spice, and just a hint of tannic. Pretty good body and length, it's a decent offering though slightly on the bitter side. Packed in a "Eco" bottle (i.e. Lighter glass). A good match for charcuterie and soft cheeses. (LCBO 201707)

Currently  LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for January 31, 2011

35 South Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 - $ 12.95
Style: W2
Chile

Look for rich grassy aromas with hints of gooseberry and talc. Tasty enough, with ripe citrus, a hint of apple, soft acidity and just a touch of spritz. Good body and very good length. Gentle-mannered on the palate with a superb nose. Try with light fish or risotto. (LCBO 170001)

Currently 142 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Pelee Island Eco Trail Chardonnay-Auxerrois 2008 - $ 9.95
Style: W1
Ontario

Gobs of butter, ripe apple, and pear, with hints of tropical fruits and caramel. Off-dry with pineapple, grapefruit and more, bolstered by a racy acidity. Quite  full  with  very good length.  Sumptuous, verging on over the top -- chardonnay for shiraz lovers! Try it with burgers, schnitzel or pork roast. (LCBO 591719)

Currently 308 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for January 3, 2011

Pascual Toso Malbec Limited Edition 2007 - $ 14.95
Style: R2
Argentina


Aromas include delicate coffee, tea and dark chocolate with nuances of vegetal, cedar and vanilla. Quite delicate on the palate, with dark berry and coffee flavours. Good body and length, and suitable for mid week. Serve with pork or beef roast or game bird. (LCBO 162610)


Currently 182 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Malivoire Guilty Men Red 2008 - $ 14.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The first impression suggests shiraz but quickly leads to bell pepper, damp wood, cedar, pepper, and dark plum. Round, almost cheery, with soft tannins, plum and blackberry flavour, and a smooth acidic core. Good body and length. Quite a sophisticated wine that could cellar well for 2-5 years. Try with any sort of beef or pizza. (LCBO 192674)

Currently 180 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for Dec 27, 2010

Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2008 - $ 13.10
Style: W3
Austria

This is an up and coming yet classic grape that is often called "gru-vee" and for good reason. Look for light citrus notes with hints of pineapple, green apple and vanilla. The palate shows just a touch of spritz with lemon, grapefruit, pineapple flavours and a peppery close. Good body and very good length, it's crisp, clean, very approachable and a good prospect with cream sauces, stir fry or schnitzel. (LCBO 168625)

Currently 203 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for Dec 13, 2010

D'Arenberg Stump Jump "GSM" 2008 - $ 14.05
Style: R2
South Australia  

GSM is short for Grenache-Shiraz-Merlot. Rich and spicy, with dark chocolate, coffee, and cherry bon-bon aromas. Rather sweetish, thick and juicy, with gobs of spice, blackberry, and dark cherry flavours and subtle tannins. Big and long, it would go nicely with tandoori chicken or anything slathered in BBQ sauce or pour it on vanilla ice cream. (LCBO 173294)

 

Currently 244 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)