Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2005 - $11.95
Style: R2
Chile
Look for ripe red and dark berries, cherry, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is very smooth, with soft tannins, firm acidity and plum and dark chocolate flavours. Very good body and length, with a nippy acidity on the close. Quite elegant yet luscious and would age nicely for 3 or more years. A good partner for pot roast or hearty chili. (LCBO 309302)
Two from Ontario...
Hillebrand Artist Series Unoaked Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara
Here’s a super bargain from one of Ontario’s most reliable wineries. With a medium straw colour, it delivers ample aromas of citrus, apple and pear, with nuances of butterscotch and underbrush. Quite tasty, crisp and tangy with baked apple flavour, traces of lemon and a smoky close. Good body and length. Quite even-handed; solid with a good amount of character. Try a bottle with ocean fish, creamy pasta or pork dishes. (LCBO 88385)
Colio Girls' Night Out Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Erie N. Shore
It may be that critter labels have had their day in the sun. The new trend is “Lifestyle” labels. One of a trio under this new moniker, the chardonnay shows subtle aromas of apple, melon and grass. Very nicely made, with aromas of apple and citrus, and a hint of peach. Medium body and fairly long, with good evolution in the glass. The addition of 3% gewurz makes this an interesting brew with no loss of chardonnay character. Try with roast chicken or roasted vegetables. (LCBO 89821)
Gabianno Chianti DOCG 2006 - $13.95
Style: R3
Italy: Tuscany
The robe here shows a full black cherry colour with a ruby rim. The nose is rich, slightly gamey, with vanilla, dark berries, sassafras and a touch of sweaty saddle. Not quite as interesting on the palate, but solid with firm ripe tannins, blueberry and black currant flavour and a tangy acidic close. This is good every-day chianti that calls out for classic Tuscan foods. (LCBO 78006)
Folinari Regata IGT 2006 - $10.95
Style: W3
Italy
This blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and garganega shows aromas of tree fruits, perfume, ripe apple and a touch of vanilla bean. My notes say "perky", round and nicely balanced, with apple, goose berry and a hint of citrus. Very good body with a long, nicely evolving and refreshing finish. Would go nicely with pork or flavourful seafoods. (LCBO 78014)
A Canadian Moment...
Stonechurch Riesling VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara
This off-dry version presents petrol right off the top, with dried peach and a hint of tart apple. the palate is loaded with ripe apple followed by nuances of peach and grapefruit. Good body and length, and a crisp even finish, it's very nicely done, and don't worry about the sugar. Just pair it with spicy or salty foods. (LCBO 78022)
McWilliams Hanwood Estate Merlot 2006 - $14.45
Style: R3
Australia
Always a good performer, this deep black cherry coloured merlot shows rich dark berry aromas -- mainly blackberry and blueberry -- with traces of oak and a slight medicinal note. Soft and round on the palate, approaching sweetish, with rich blackberry and cherry flavours supported by soft tannins. Very good body and length with a hit of liquorice on the close. Done in the " modern" style with grace and elegance, it will age nicely over the next 3-5 years. Stick with rich meats of the grill, game birds or wild mushrooms. (LCBO 53702)
A Canadian Moment...
Pillitteri Cabernet-Merlot VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara
The nose here shows enormous spice, bell pepper, black currants, and a touch of animale. Laid back on the palate, but tasty, with ripe bumbleberry flavour, a cool acidity and just a touch of tannin. With medium body and length, it has a great nose for the price, but you may want to treat is as "R1". A worthy partner for burgers, meatloaf or pizza. (LCBO 349191)
Alianca Vinho Verde - $8.40
Style: W2
Portugal
Portugal's "green" wine may be the ideal summer sipper. This one shows pale platinum straw colour with aromas of baked lemon, floral and lime on the nose. The palate shows a characteristic fizziness, with lemon-lime candy flavour, medium body and medium length. Very well made and for most of July it's $1 off. Serve with lunch. (LCBO 75663)
Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde - $8.40
Style: W2
Portugal
The second candidate is a bit lighter, with a delicate nose showing aromas of peach, lime, floral and bath soap. Tangy with lemony-lime flavour on the palate, a bright acidity, and a light spritz. Light bodied and with good length, it requires a good bit of sun to show itself properly. (LCBO 141432)
