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.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Great deals - Portuguese Red and Ontario Rieslings

WINE VISION - BATUSSI 2007 (Trincadeira, Aragones/Tempranillo, Syrah) - Alentejano, Portugal (D) $10.85
Approachable, pretty wine - slightly smoky and earthy on nose with whiffs of cherry. Pleasant acid, low tannins and fresh red fruit on palate.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=147934

http://www.snooth.com/wine/wine-vision-vinho-regional-alentejano-batussi-2007/


13TH STREET - JUNE'S VINEYARD - RIESLING 2008 - (D) Ontario $16.95

Lovely lime, white flowers and stone fruit. Perfectly balanced but refreshing acidity.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=147512

http://www.13thstreetwinery.com/index.php?/wines/

STAFF WINERY- ROBERT'S BLOCK - RIESLING 2008 - (D) Jordan, Ontario $21.00

A tasty and very memorable wine from my "Wrapped up in the Valley" tour. Lime, peach and mineral nose that follows through on the palate with a refreshing streak of acid. This wine dances in your mouth.

http://www.staffwine.com/

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Super Syrah deal from Washington State and more Taste Ontario

Smokey, earthy, complex wine - black cherries with a hint of pepper - nice balance of tannins and acid. At this price a wonderful accompaniment with dinner, any day of the week - hard cheeses, lamb, pasta dishes.

WASHINGTON HILLS - 2006 SYRAH - WA - $15.00*



More From Taste Ontario - this week value for money - Chardonnay

A well integrated, nuanced wine - apple compote and lemon - lingering finish.

TAWSE - SKETCHES OF NIAGARA - CHARDONNAY 2008 (XD) $19.95

http://www.tawsewinery.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=57

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=89037


Beautiful wine - silky, toasty, earthy- ripe apple and a hint of tropical fruit. 

COYOTE'S RUN - BLACK PAW VINEYARD - CHARDONNAY 2008 (XD) $21.95

http://coyotesrunwinery.com/wines.html

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=49775


A big wine with a lovely balance - mineral touches and stone fruit, minimal oak with long, complex finish.

CLOSSON CHASE - SOUTH CLOS - CHARDONNAY (XD) $39.95

http://clossonchase.com/our-wine/2008-south-clos-vqa-prince-edward-county/

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Taste Ontario and more from the vaults...

A lovely blend, from Alsace, of Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat and Sylvaner. To be honest I have not tried the 2008 but have had both the 2004 & 2006 and find this to be fairly consistant vintage to vintage because it is a blend. 2008 had great reviews so once again it is likely really good value for money. 
Hugel et Fils - Hugel Gentil (MD) 2008 - $15.95

Links to the 2008 tasting notes:

http://www.hugel.com/en/desc.php?N=220

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=367284

I attended Taste Ontario again this year and here is the first in a series of recommendations for great values!

Beautiful Bordeaux style blend -  fine tannins, ripe blackcurrant, leather, hint of white pepper.

Coyote's Run Estate - Meritage 2007 (XD) - $24.95

http://coyotesrunwinery.com/wines.html

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=42820

Very pleasant  - aroma of rasperries, complex layers of flavour - sour cherries, (pink grapefruit?) Nice streak of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Cattail Creek - Late Harvest Meritage 2008 (MS) - $30.00

http://www.cattailcreek.ca/current.html

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Sonoma beauty

At the Sonoma tasting the other week I had one of the most enchantingly aromatic and beautifully balanced Sauv Blancs I have ever had! And so well priced too....

For us Ontarians, happily it is now available on LCBO release. For my American friends, I am certain it is readily available..

GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION RIVER RANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 (202036) $23.95

Gold - 94 Points, California State Fair Wine Competition

http://www.vintages.ca/vmail/sonoma_en.shtml?utm_source=eNov4&utm_medium=Vmail&utm_campaign=SonomaOffer

http://www.geyserpeakwinery.com/2009-river-ranches-block-sauvignon-blanc-russian-river

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Excellent Italian IGT

My Value pick from the Italian Trade Tasting this week. This wine is well-rounded with sound tannins, juicy and long-lasting -fabulous deal!

http://www.frescobaldi.it/or for Ontarians, recent Vintages release http://www.vintages.com/lcbo-ear/vintages/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=145920

MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008 - $21.95
VINTAGES | 145920 | 750 mL bottle

Wine, Red Wine
13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Marchesi De Frescobaldi

Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Tasting Note
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese; aged for two years in new oak) Medium red. Floral red berry aromas complicated by chestnut and graphite. Sweet and smooth on entry, with juicy red berry and dark plum flavors and a fresh, moderately long aftertaste. Delicious, easygoing wine. Score - 88. (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2010)