I am not an expert, just a discerning wine lover or amateur de vin (as the French say), but everyone has a different palate, likes and dislikes so it must be understood that any of my recommendations are personal. I just hope that you find them useful or at the very least - interesting. I also hope you enjoy my photos. It is more fun sharing then keeping them backed up on a hard drive.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

More from the vault...

Good value - nicely balanced medium+ bodied wine, fall-winter BBQ perhaps?

Ortas Tradition Rasteau (Cotes du Rhone) 2008 (D) $15.00
Spicy, wild herbs, blackberries, raspberries - warming @ 14%

http://www.rasteau.com/produits.asp?idproduit=25&couleur=5

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=998716


Excellent value - although this Bordeaux-style blend is not VQA it is very tasty and very well-priced.

Eastdell (Beamsville, On) 2007 Cabernet Merlot (0) $12.95
Dark berry fruits with subtle vanilla and oak spice

http://www.eastdell.com/wine_boutique



Thursday, October 21, 2010

From the vaults

Every once and a while I will add some wines I tasted pre-blogging, but these will be limited because they have to meet the QPR standard and still be available (or that would simply just be unfair). Here are the first few, one of each colour...

Great QPR Gewurtztraminer - you either love them or you don't. I do, so I wanted to share this fabulous value.

Jean Geiler - Gewurtztraminer 2007 (Alsace, France) - $16.95
off dry - nose of lychee, rosewater and hints of honeyed spice

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=106864

http://www.geiler.fr/index.php?sid=fjt9WKASLS3xr56&docid=282

Excellent value for Rioja blend (Tempranillo, Garnacha) and popular amongst my friends as an easy-drinking everyday wine.

Palacios Remondo - La Vendimia 2008 (Rioja, Spain) - $15.95
- toasty, strawberry, herbal, licorice nose - wonderfully balanced

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=674564

Very good value for money especially when comparing to a Rose Champagne but still holds up (QPR-wise) with other traditional method rose sparklers. If you live in Ontario the other bonus is that it is local.

Henry of Pelham - Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut VQA (1) (Niagara, Canada) - $29.95
- crisp wine with biscuity, floral and gentle cherry notes on the nose.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=4051

http://www.henryofpelham.com/wines.php?sub_id=23

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Local Value

Marketing people love acronyms and this one also loves wine… when a good acronym and a good wine come together I take note.

Warren Classic Pinot Noir VQA 2007 ($15.20) was written up in one my newsletters as a QPR, , I have sampled this wine and enjoyed it greatly.

Unfortunately the LCBO doesn't carry it but a drive to Stoney Ridge Winery on an autumn weekend is a lovely one...

Champagne quality Sparklers at a excellent price

Like (to drink) things that sparkle? Last weekend LCBO had a cremant release whether it is Cremant d'Alsace, Bourgogne, Bordeaux or Loire.... I just wanted to share that this is a very affordable solution to bubbly... using the traditional method so they are Yummy!

http://www.vintages.com/circular/101016/index.shtml?utm_source=eOct14&utm_medium=Vmail&utm_campaign=Oct16RelMain