Wine of the Week for Oct 25, 2010

Weingut St.Urbans-Hof Urban Riesling 2008 - $ 14.95
Style: W3
Germany: Moselle

The brilliant lemon straw colour here alludes to the lush riesling nose showing dried apples, paraffin and perfume. Medium sweet (is this a late harvest wine?) with luscious ripe apple flavour with hints of lemon and ripe peach. Very good body and excellent length, it's a fabulous example at this price. My choice would be pork roast or schnitzel. (LCBO 184051)

Currently 103 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment...

Generations Wine*  Union White VQA 2009 - $ 13.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

The nose is a bit closed right now, but still shows nuances of citrus, apple and almond. Very smooth and soft, just off-dry, with citrus and apple flavours. A mild mannered sipper with good body and length, that would work well with full-flavoured fish or chicken salad. (LCBO 197145)

Currently 225 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

* Generations Wine is a startup winery owned by Vincor/Jackson-Triggs expats Allan Jackson and Andrew von Teichman.

Wine of the Week for October 18, 2010

Panascal Tempranillo 2006 - $ 9.85
Style: R3
Spain: Castilla y Leon

Look for aromas of dark chocolate, cedar and black raspberry. Lush on the palate, with firm tannins and a slightly racy acidity supporting plum, blackberry and dark cherry flavours. Quite big, with very good length, it's awesome for the price. A good partner for goulalsh, portobellos or salty cheeses. (LCBO 343434)

Currently 221 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

From The Frugal Oenophile's WinegrapePrimer Tempranillo (tem-pruh-NEE-yoh) Variety The workhorse and most important noble grape of Spain, Tempranillo is the main ingredient in the red wines of Rioja, Pened�s and Ribera del Duero. The grape covers roughly 1/4 of Spain�s vineyards, and thrives in that nation�s challenging climate. Outside Spain it can be found in Portugal, where it is called Tinta Roriz and goes into Dao, Douro and Port. There are plantings in Languedoc, California (called Valdepe�as there), Argentina, Mexico, and South Africa, but Spain is where Tempranillo rules. Usually blended with garnacha and carignan, it can also be found partnered with cabernet sauvignon or standing alone as a varietal. The wine is usually aged in oak, and in old world Spain may rest too long in American oak barrels.

Milcampos Tempranillo 2006 - $ 9.95
Style: R3
Spain: Ribera del Duero

This one is almost tar black in the glass, and shows an interesting sweet pickle aroma right off the top, followed by black cherry and plum flavours. Rather full, with good length, and a firm tannic close. Still young in the tannin area, but it shouild work well with heartier meats off the barbie. (LCBO 173625)

Currently 176 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database) 

 

Wine of the Week for Sept 28, 2010

Loron Bourgogne Chardonnay 2008 - $ 13.95
Style: W1
France

The rich lemon straw colour here hints at a complexity that is evident in the subtle ripe apple, vanilla, chalk and mineral aromas. Quite round and full, with lemon drops, more apple and a hint of butter on the palate. Very good body and length, with a tangy, citrusy close. Well done classic styling that would go nicely with roast chicken or alfredo sauce. (LCBO 167155)

Currently 110 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Malivoire Guilty Men white 2009 - $ 14.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

This blend of riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay gives off subtle pine needle, ripe apple and mineral aromas. Fully off-dry with a soft acidity, good body and length. and mainly reisling and mineral flavour. Well priced and very interesting. I'd try is with anything Thai or schnitzel. (LCBO 192666)

Currently 193 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for September 13, 2010

Bullsblood Merlot-Kekfrankos 2007 - $ 9.95
Style: R1
Hungary

So the truth comes out: bull's blood is just merlot plus some of Hungary’s signature red grape. The nose seems slightly oxidized and port-like but not objectionably so, with dark berries, black currant and blueberry aromas. Richer than expected, with sour cherry and raspberry flavour, soft tannins and a finely-tuned acidity. With medium body and length, it’s not for everyone but it's a decent Tuesday night wine or take a bottle to a party for the "hmm" factor. Oh, it's a 1-litre bottle. Try with meatballs in any sort of sauce or a hearty pizza. (LCBO 139980)

Currently 123 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Lake & River Series River Rock Red 2008 - $ 10.95
Style: R1
Canada: LENS 

It’s good to see “real” Ontario wine coming in at a moderate price point. The nose here is fairly rich, with rose petals, plum, dried cherry and pepper. More modest on the palate, yet flavourful enough, with plum, prune and black raspberry flavours atop moderate tannins. Good body and length, it's a great bargain in a summer weight. Try it with burgers, chilli or smoked salmon. (LCBO 183103)

Currently 152 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for August 30, 2010

Fuzion Torrontes-Pinot Grigio 2009 - $ 8.95
Style: W3
Argentina



Never did understand the “feeding frenzy” that drove the Fuzion red wines, especially given that the whites are much better. I get a Gewurz-like note right off the top, followed by musk, orange peel, suet and a hint of rose. Not as outspoken on the palate, with a soft acidity, lime and lychee flavour and a very smooth close. A bit on the soft side with good length, it’s an excellent value and a good use of Torrontes. Try with deep fried fish, avocado salad or chicken with grapes. (LCBO 168419)

Currently 224 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

Flourish Chardonnay-Viognier VQA 2009 - $ 10.95

Style: W2

Canada: Niagara


Look for delicate smokey wood, apricot and white grapefruit. Softer than expected, with evidence of oak and malo, green apple, vanilla, and a touch of grapefruit. Just shy of medium bodied with OK length. Very easy going. An OK deck with that would suit a good chill and BBQ chicken. (LCBO 192658)

C

Wine of the Week for August 23, 2010

Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - $ 14.95
Style: R3
USA: Washington

Here is something of a good time yet with good authenticity. Look for rich spice, vanilla, wood dust, and blackberry aromas. Round, smooth and juicy, with just a hint of sweetness, ripe plum and dark cherry flavours, and soft tannins, very good body and length. Try with burgers, grilled steak or lasagna. (LCBO 144022)

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

A Canadian Moment ...

Pelee Island Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2008 - $ 11.95
Style: R3
Ontario: Pelee Island

The colour here reminds of tobacco juice -- reddish-orange. The rich nose is reminiscent of saltwater toffee and candy floss. It seems off-dry at first, with subtle cherry and apple flavours and a round acidity. Nice medium body with good length and a soft finish making it a good ‘vin de porch’. Try with breaded fish or chicken salad. (LCBO 145441)

Currently 261 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)