WOODBRIDGE SYRAH 1999 (ROBERT MONDAVI), Lodi, California, 13.5% D, #594176 $13.95
The LCBO says: "Deep ruby; spicy sweet plum, blueberry and cassis nose with light gamey notes; dry, with sweet fruit, soft tannins; good length, easy drinking style. Burritos, tacos or other spicy meat dishes." The Woodbridge website says: "Blend of 91% Syrah, 6% Barbera, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon - the wine explodes with jammy layers of black cherry, blueberry and plum. Nuances of dark chocolate and crushed spices... rich, inky color, seductive aromas, and intense, velvety flavors come from Syrah grapes that are primarily grown in Lodi’s deep alluvial soils. .... compatible with boldly flavored foods.... barbecued ribs with blackberry glaze, pepper-crusted steak or grilled lamb kebabs with onions and peppers." My notes: Cellared February, 2002 and has thrown some sediment. A warm plummy nose with a light oakiness and cassis note. Almost opaque red. Flavours are a soft plummy velvet with a metallic edge - not unpleasant rather full and complex. The finish lastsss.... A steak or grilled rib wine rather than a sipper although it would be great with full flavoured cheeses, smoked oysters or italian sausage pieces. This is a General listing.
HAWTHORNE MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS MERITAGE 1998, Okanagan, BC, 13.0% XD, #440628* $17.90
The label says: "Classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Full rich flavours of blackberry, cherries and plum are followed by lots of tannin and full-bodied finish. Serve with barbequed meats, roasts, stews, pasta dishes, flavourful cheeses, great with game. Unfiltered and decanting is suggested." My notes: Cellared February, 2002 A full warm cedar and berry nose with a spicy edge. Colour is a deep almost opaque ruby and flavours of cherries and blackberry integrated with a tannic acidity. Slightly drying on the tongue but a long warm berry finish. A full-bodied sipper that slows you down to savour its depth. Have with any grilled or bbq'd red meat, game or hamburgers. *No longer listed.
TORTOISE CREEK SYRAH/MOURVEDRE 2001, Pays d'Oc, France, 12.5% XD, CP144-2259 $10.75
Opimian says: "..complexity and finesse take a front seat with masses of .. damson, blackcurrant and ripe black cherries. Acerbic spice flavours .... ripe tannin .. fading to soft, ripe generous tone. Length is good etc. Lay down six months to two years." My notes: Cellared November, 2002 and initially quite boring until now. The colour is a deep ruby and nose is of soft berries and light oak. Flavour is medium- to full- with a good balance of berries, plums and tannin. The acid goes well with a full flavoured meat dish: spicy tacos, hamburgers, grilled ribs, steaks. A medium, soft finish. A good value food wine worth the wait. Available from Opimian.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
5 Rosés: Spain Tempranillo, Bordeaux Merlot, Rhone Grenache, Tavel Grenache(?), Canada Pinot Noir
PENASCAL TEMPRANILLO ROSÉ 2004, Spain, 12.5% D, #621276 $9.95
Tony Aspler says: "Deep pink colour; earthy, candied raspberry with orange peel; medium-bodied, touch of sweetness, well-extracted fruit; hot finish. A hefty summer rosé. ***1/2. Have with chicken salad; pork ribs." The label says: "Crispy dry, with a light cherry colour ... fresh floral aromas of cherry and strawberry notes. Have with fresh salads, pasta seafoods and rice." My notes: Glistening red cherry in the glass and a full nose as described on the label with an emphasis on 'strawberry'. Dry strawberry on the palate and the finish slightly spicy. Super value for a summer patio refresher. Have with broccoli dip, cream cheese on foccacia, humus or a variety of tapas. This is a General listing.
CHATEAU DE SOURS MERLOT ROSÉ 2002, Bordeaux, France, 13.0% XD, SO38-2293 $21.95
Opimian describes this as: "... from prime quality free run juice from premium merlot grapes. Ripeness.. is combined wtih masses of juicy acidity. A 'drink-now'. " My notes: Cellared August, 2003. A light ruby colour very clean and crisp in the glass. Now a soft black cherry nose, smooth and dry on the palate with a long light cherry finish. Pair with chicken breast slices on greens, ham steak or just sip. Past peak but still a pleasant sipper. Available from the Opimian.
DOMAINE PEIRIERE GRENACHE ROSÉ 2002, Pays d'Oc, France, 13.0% XD, CP149-2524 $11.67
Opimian says: "This is a stunner, fragrant with perfume of strawberry jam, light in flavour with just the right amount of fruit etc. A 'drink-now'." My notes: Colour is bordering on peach and nose is not now apparent Light flavours of spice, orange and strawberry, nice light acid balance, light-bodied. Cellared December, 2003 and likely this last bottle has been neglected. Still an OK sipper with a warm moderate finish. Better with salty crackers and cream cheese dip, or pan-fried telapia. Available from Opimian.
CHATEAU D'AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2004, Tavel, France, 13.5% XD, #319368 $18.95
Vintages says: "For years, Robert Parker Jr. has found this rosé to be one of the finest produced in Tavel. With such power and rich display of fruit, there is personality to burn here. Enjoy with a variety of foods, including red meat dishes." My notes: A light cherry colour and an imperceptible nose. Well-balanced acid with a very light strawberry, cherry, raspberry blend - this vintage is definitely not 'rich'. A dry uninteresting but OK sipper with a warm spicy finish. Have with any nibbles or pair with fowl dishes or grilled pork. Vintages release May 28, 2005.
MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2002 (PINOT NOIR), Niagara, Canada, 12.5% XD, #559088 $15.00
My notes: Cellared February 2003 and last tasted December, 2004. Has lost a bit but is still slightly herbal with a light strawberry nose although now almost imperceptible. A pretty, deep pink colour - and a medium-bodied rose with slight acid balancing the light strawberry fruit making it a pleasant, dry but not tart sipper with a short finish. Should go well with mushroom tarts, vegetarian pizza, hummus, grilled vegetables, tapenades, sushi or as a summer sipper. Went well with roasted scallop pieces wrapped in bacon. This is a General listing.
Tony Aspler says: "Deep pink colour; earthy, candied raspberry with orange peel; medium-bodied, touch of sweetness, well-extracted fruit; hot finish. A hefty summer rosé. ***1/2. Have with chicken salad; pork ribs." The label says: "Crispy dry, with a light cherry colour ... fresh floral aromas of cherry and strawberry notes. Have with fresh salads, pasta seafoods and rice." My notes: Glistening red cherry in the glass and a full nose as described on the label with an emphasis on 'strawberry'. Dry strawberry on the palate and the finish slightly spicy. Super value for a summer patio refresher. Have with broccoli dip, cream cheese on foccacia, humus or a variety of tapas. This is a General listing.
CHATEAU DE SOURS MERLOT ROSÉ 2002, Bordeaux, France, 13.0% XD, SO38-2293 $21.95
Opimian describes this as: "... from prime quality free run juice from premium merlot grapes. Ripeness.. is combined wtih masses of juicy acidity. A 'drink-now'. " My notes: Cellared August, 2003. A light ruby colour very clean and crisp in the glass. Now a soft black cherry nose, smooth and dry on the palate with a long light cherry finish. Pair with chicken breast slices on greens, ham steak or just sip. Past peak but still a pleasant sipper. Available from the Opimian.
DOMAINE PEIRIERE GRENACHE ROSÉ 2002, Pays d'Oc, France, 13.0% XD, CP149-2524 $11.67
Opimian says: "This is a stunner, fragrant with perfume of strawberry jam, light in flavour with just the right amount of fruit etc. A 'drink-now'." My notes: Colour is bordering on peach and nose is not now apparent Light flavours of spice, orange and strawberry, nice light acid balance, light-bodied. Cellared December, 2003 and likely this last bottle has been neglected. Still an OK sipper with a warm moderate finish. Better with salty crackers and cream cheese dip, or pan-fried telapia. Available from Opimian.
CHATEAU D'AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2004, Tavel, France, 13.5% XD, #319368 $18.95
Vintages says: "For years, Robert Parker Jr. has found this rosé to be one of the finest produced in Tavel. With such power and rich display of fruit, there is personality to burn here. Enjoy with a variety of foods, including red meat dishes." My notes: A light cherry colour and an imperceptible nose. Well-balanced acid with a very light strawberry, cherry, raspberry blend - this vintage is definitely not 'rich'. A dry uninteresting but OK sipper with a warm spicy finish. Have with any nibbles or pair with fowl dishes or grilled pork. Vintages release May 28, 2005.
MALIVOIRE LADYBUG ROSÉ 2002 (PINOT NOIR), Niagara, Canada, 12.5% XD, #559088 $15.00
My notes: Cellared February 2003 and last tasted December, 2004. Has lost a bit but is still slightly herbal with a light strawberry nose although now almost imperceptible. A pretty, deep pink colour - and a medium-bodied rose with slight acid balancing the light strawberry fruit making it a pleasant, dry but not tart sipper with a short finish. Should go well with mushroom tarts, vegetarian pizza, hummus, grilled vegetables, tapenades, sushi or as a summer sipper. Went well with roasted scallop pieces wrapped in bacon. This is a General listing.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
2 White Sparkles: Australia, Italy
YELLOWGLEN 'YELLOW', Australia, 11.2% D, #592980 $11.95
Vintages says: "Yellowglen is all about bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. The non-vintage 'Yellow' was first launched in 1996 with much success. More than just a fun fizz, this zesty and fruity sparkler is quite refined and appropriate for momentous occasions as well as casual fêtes." The Website says: "Yellow is a vibrant, rich, fruity style of sparkling with lifted melon, pineapple and citrus flavours and a wonderfully refreshing crisp, dry finish." George Stimmell comments: "a real steal... with toasty, lemony, apple spice flavours - an 89." My notes: One of 'Yellow, Pink and Red' from Yellowglen the colour is very pale blond with a soft yeasty citrus nose. Lots of fine but not moussy bubbles that sparkle on the palate. Flavour is a light lemony honeydew, extra dry without the bite of a 'brut'. The finish accumulates pleasantly on the tongue and is still spritzy after several minutes. Have on any social occasion or liberally in the summer with strong/mild cheeses, smoked oysters, salty nibbles or between seafood courses. A 'drink now' value. Vintages release June 25, 2005.
PETALO IL VINO DELL'AMORE MOSCATO BOTTEGA, Veneto, Italy, 6.5% SC9, #588780 $12.20
The LCBO says: "Pale straw colour; fresh and fragrant floral aromas with notes of orange and honey; sweet, delicate and well balanced with refreshing bubbles and a pleasant finish. Serve with biscotti, white chocolate or fruit desserts." The website says: "This wine is a Moscato Spumante made with juicy grapes grown in the Euganean Hills area in the district of Padua. A thriving rose-growing area, when the roses are flowering bees carry their subtle perfume to the nearby vineyards. A characteristic of the wine is then the unmistakable hint of roses, evoking images of the petals that are depicted on the label. Cellar up to five years." My notes: Pale yellow, fine bubbles and a soft nose. I believe the 'roses' part but can't detect them, just a subtle floral aspect. The sweetness is covered by the moussy texture of yummy apple and pear. A great celibratory toast, even the bottle looks festive. Great with belgium chocolate or, for dessert, pour over frozen melon balls (LCBO recipe). The finish is long and yummy. This is a General listing.
Vintages says: "Yellowglen is all about bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. The non-vintage 'Yellow' was first launched in 1996 with much success. More than just a fun fizz, this zesty and fruity sparkler is quite refined and appropriate for momentous occasions as well as casual fêtes." The Website says: "Yellow is a vibrant, rich, fruity style of sparkling with lifted melon, pineapple and citrus flavours and a wonderfully refreshing crisp, dry finish." George Stimmell comments: "a real steal... with toasty, lemony, apple spice flavours - an 89." My notes: One of 'Yellow, Pink and Red' from Yellowglen the colour is very pale blond with a soft yeasty citrus nose. Lots of fine but not moussy bubbles that sparkle on the palate. Flavour is a light lemony honeydew, extra dry without the bite of a 'brut'. The finish accumulates pleasantly on the tongue and is still spritzy after several minutes. Have on any social occasion or liberally in the summer with strong/mild cheeses, smoked oysters, salty nibbles or between seafood courses. A 'drink now' value. Vintages release June 25, 2005.PETALO IL VINO DELL'AMORE MOSCATO BOTTEGA, Veneto, Italy, 6.5% SC9, #588780 $12.20
The LCBO says: "Pale straw colour; fresh and fragrant floral aromas with notes of orange and honey; sweet, delicate and well balanced with refreshing bubbles and a pleasant finish. Serve with biscotti, white chocolate or fruit desserts." The website says: "This wine is a Moscato Spumante made with juicy grapes grown in the Euganean Hills area in the district of Padua. A thriving rose-growing area, when the roses are flowering bees carry their subtle perfume to the nearby vineyards. A characteristic of the wine is then the unmistakable hint of roses, evoking images of the petals that are depicted on the label. Cellar up to five years." My notes: Pale yellow, fine bubbles and a soft nose. I believe the 'roses' part but can't detect them, just a subtle floral aspect. The sweetness is covered by the moussy texture of yummy apple and pear. A great celibratory toast, even the bottle looks festive. Great with belgium chocolate or, for dessert, pour over frozen melon balls (LCBO recipe). The finish is long and yummy. This is a General listing.
2 Whites: Canada Meritage, Chardonnay
SUMAC RIDGE WHITE MERITAGE 2002, Summerland, BC, Canada, 13.8% XD, #434977 $14.95
Vintages says: "Sumac Ridge's Meritage White is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (80%) and Semillon (20%). Jurgen Gothe, writing in The Georgia State in 2002, said generally about this wine: 'If there is a better white wine made in BC, or in Canada, I haven't tasted it.' " The label says: "... typical of the great white wines of Bordeaux. A crisp, clean wine imparting hints of gooseberry balanced with light vanilla oak finish. Excellent with salmon, etc. A big wine to say the least! " My notes: Not the 'Private Reserve 2003' (rated 90 by Gord Stimmell) but five dollars less and perhaps worth a taste. The nose is soft yeast and melon. A light blonde colour leaving legs on the glass. Medium-bodied and light flavours of melon, citrus, oak and some honey. A dry sipper better with mild cheeses or broiled or creamed mild seafood dishes. A persistent smooth finish. Must have peaked in 2003, now, not value. Vintages released on August 7, 2004.
UNITY CHARDONNAY 2001, Niagara, Canada, 13.5% XD, #606608 $19.95
Vintages says: "The motto of Vincor's new venture - 'Two regions. One wine.' - is quite apt, as it represents the first deliberate attempt to meld the best fruit of Niagara in Ontario with the best of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Before a final blend took place, the Niagara wines were fermented and aged for 12 months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. The BC wines were partially whole cluster pressed while the remainder was crushed and destemmed. Fermented in stainless steel, the wines were then aged on their lees for 13 months in new American oak. The wines were also allowed to go through full acid-softening malolactic fermentation." Gord Stimmell rates it 90. My notes: The same blond colour as above with an atypical soft spicy nose as the glass is warmed slightly in the hand. A light oak note to firm creamy melon flavours well past peak (IMHO). A smooth finish with warmth. . A reasonable social sipper or pair with light bouillibaise, cold soups, white fish dishes with a sliced fruit side dish. Vintages release June 12, 2004.
Vintages says: "Sumac Ridge's Meritage White is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (80%) and Semillon (20%). Jurgen Gothe, writing in The Georgia State in 2002, said generally about this wine: 'If there is a better white wine made in BC, or in Canada, I haven't tasted it.' " The label says: "... typical of the great white wines of Bordeaux. A crisp, clean wine imparting hints of gooseberry balanced with light vanilla oak finish. Excellent with salmon, etc. A big wine to say the least! " My notes: Not the 'Private Reserve 2003' (rated 90 by Gord Stimmell) but five dollars less and perhaps worth a taste. The nose is soft yeast and melon. A light blonde colour leaving legs on the glass. Medium-bodied and light flavours of melon, citrus, oak and some honey. A dry sipper better with mild cheeses or broiled or creamed mild seafood dishes. A persistent smooth finish. Must have peaked in 2003, now, not value. Vintages released on August 7, 2004.
UNITY CHARDONNAY 2001, Niagara, Canada, 13.5% XD, #606608 $19.95
Vintages says: "The motto of Vincor's new venture - 'Two regions. One wine.' - is quite apt, as it represents the first deliberate attempt to meld the best fruit of Niagara in Ontario with the best of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Before a final blend took place, the Niagara wines were fermented and aged for 12 months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. The BC wines were partially whole cluster pressed while the remainder was crushed and destemmed. Fermented in stainless steel, the wines were then aged on their lees for 13 months in new American oak. The wines were also allowed to go through full acid-softening malolactic fermentation." Gord Stimmell rates it 90. My notes: The same blond colour as above with an atypical soft spicy nose as the glass is warmed slightly in the hand. A light oak note to firm creamy melon flavours well past peak (IMHO). A smooth finish with warmth. . A reasonable social sipper or pair with light bouillibaise, cold soups, white fish dishes with a sliced fruit side dish. Vintages release June 12, 2004.
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