Badischer Winzerkeller Baden Gewurztraminer 2003 - $9.95
Style: W3
Germany
My initial impression of this one was a bit modest, but it grew on me. It shows upfront aromas of baked apple, white peach and traces of spice. The palate has a honey-like texture, with peach and blood orange flavours and solid acid core plus good body and length. A bit shy, but full and flavourful, and who can argue about the price? Would work well with smoked salmon, swiss-type cheeses or schnitzel. (LCBO 336735)
Wine of the Week for April 17, 2006
Two Oceans Pinotage 2005 - $9.55
Style: R2
South Africa
This one is for fans of this funky South African original. The aromas suggest salami, plums, dark berries and vanilla. There's lots of presence on the palate, with a crisp acidity, firm tannins and blackcurrant flavour, and just a hint of gaminess at the tail end. It's a bit tamer than some -- quite juicy and yummy -- but still with that touch of gaminess. Try it with chilli or cannelloni. (LCBO 592378)
Style: R2
South Africa
This one is for fans of this funky South African original. The aromas suggest salami, plums, dark berries and vanilla. There's lots of presence on the palate, with a crisp acidity, firm tannins and blackcurrant flavour, and just a hint of gaminess at the tail end. It's a bit tamer than some -- quite juicy and yummy -- but still with that touch of gaminess. Try it with chilli or cannelloni. (LCBO 592378)
Wine of the Week for April 10, 2006
Argento Pinot Grigio 2005 - $10.15
Style: W2
Argentina
The “grey pinot” has been enjoying centre stage lately, and it may very well be because of bargains like this. The full straw colour shows the merest hint of copper. Forward aromas include spice and melon, with nuances of stone fruits and floral. The crisp acidity leads to understated citrus, melon, more spice on the palate. Quite good body and length, with a pleasant bitterness on the close. A great way to usher in warmer weather. Try with flavourful fish, schnitzel or BBQ poultry. (LCBO 620492)
Style: W2
Argentina
The “grey pinot” has been enjoying centre stage lately, and it may very well be because of bargains like this. The full straw colour shows the merest hint of copper. Forward aromas include spice and melon, with nuances of stone fruits and floral. The crisp acidity leads to understated citrus, melon, more spice on the palate. Quite good body and length, with a pleasant bitterness on the close. A great way to usher in warmer weather. Try with flavourful fish, schnitzel or BBQ poultry. (LCBO 620492)
Wine of the Week for April 3, 2006
Hoya De Cadenas Reserva Vicente Gandi Tempranillo 2001 - $10.45
Style: R3
Spain
Style: R3
Spain
Here's a very nice example of this classic Spanish grape. With a medium black cherry colour, it offers up lush aromas of spice, dark berries, vanilla, ripe cherries and a hint of tobacco. More cherry shows up on the palate, followed by blueberry and blackberry, a solid acid core and rather rustic tannins. Try with roast beef, chilli or firm cheeses. (LCBO 620989)
(Note: There are some 1999 bottles floating around. Stick with the 2001 unless you want to experience "just over the hill".)
Wine of the Week for March 27, 2006
Goundrey Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2004 - $11.95
Style: W2
Australia
The nose on this standard blend is huge -- heavily laden with spice, grapefruit, lanolin and crushed leaves. Full, round and smooth on the palate, it completes the picture with gobs of grapefruit and a spicy, lemony close. Quite big and with very good length. If this were a radio station, it would be "Jack FM". Would be a good match for roast pork or big-flavoured fish. (LCBO 621631)
Style: W2
Australia
The nose on this standard blend is huge -- heavily laden with spice, grapefruit, lanolin and crushed leaves. Full, round and smooth on the palate, it completes the picture with gobs of grapefruit and a spicy, lemony close. Quite big and with very good length. If this were a radio station, it would be "Jack FM". Would be a good match for roast pork or big-flavoured fish. (LCBO 621631)
Wine of the Week for March 20, 2006
Stoney Ridge Bench Pinot Noir VQA 2004 - $12.95
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara
As we watch Pinot Noir prices disappearing into the ozone, it's nice to see one priced for the rest of us. The colour here is a pale ruby-garnet, while the nose suggests leather, currents and green tobacco, with a slight pickled impression. Quite light but flavourful, with currants and wood flavours supported by light tannins and firm acidity. Good body and length. A bit young at this stage so you may want to lay down a couple to see how it develops. Otherwise, pair it up with any white meats -- preferably roasted -- shepherd's pie or cold cuts. (LCBO 240903)
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara
As we watch Pinot Noir prices disappearing into the ozone, it's nice to see one priced for the rest of us. The colour here is a pale ruby-garnet, while the nose suggests leather, currents and green tobacco, with a slight pickled impression. Quite light but flavourful, with currants and wood flavours supported by light tannins and firm acidity. Good body and length. A bit young at this stage so you may want to lay down a couple to see how it develops. Otherwise, pair it up with any white meats -- preferably roasted -- shepherd's pie or cold cuts. (LCBO 240903)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
