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.

Monday, February 27, 2012

California Dreaming on a cold winter's day...

Okay, it is not actually that cold. In fact this winter has been very mild but winter blahs are upon me and so is winter eating; heavier foods and that means full-bodied reds and luscious whites are what I am craving. Since I covered  whites last post, this one is dedicated to great-value (under $20) reds from sunny California and the treasures heat brings.


RAVENSWOOD - VINTNERS BLEND - OLD VINES - ZINFANDEL - California - $17.95
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=359257
http://www.ravenswoodwinery.com/#wines/vintners_blend

BONTERRA - CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Mendicino/Lake County (Organic)- $19.95
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=342428
http://www.bonterra.com/our-wines/reds/default.aspx

LIBERTY SCHOOL - CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Paso Robles - $19.95
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=738823 
http://www.hopefamilywines.com/wines/liberty-school.php






Friday, February 24, 2012

Winter Whites

I had been struggling with Bloggers-Block. Sure I had tasted some great wines, but struggled with how to group them so it was not just divergent good-value-for-money lists - but then a colleague came to my aid. He said that he liked whites and whites with a little sweetness. This seems so taboo nowadays but I know many of these closet-fans and although I am loud and proud about any wine I like, I know that others may feel out-of-fashion if they articulate such things. So lovers of non-dry, white wines - sing out - loud & proud!

This time of year with the colder weather and heartier foods; slightly richer, sweeter whites make a perfect chice. How about some comforting spicy-Thai with some voluptuous Alsacian Gewurztraminer?

Here are some favs from various parts of the globe:

ANGELS GATE SUSSRESERVE RIESLING - Niagara, Canada - $13.95
Peach, spice and lime blossom on the nose which follows through to the palate, off-dry & nicely-balanced.

http://www.angelsgatewinery.com/our_wines.html
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=620104


PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2009 - Alsace, France - $17.95
Tricked you - this wine is actually dry or arguably off-dry but it is its luxurious body and many perfumy scents and flavours or lychee, pineapple and grapefuit that give people a strong sense of sweet.



DR. HERMANN ERDNER TREPPCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2006 - Mosel, Germany - $21.95
Medium dry/sweet - this beautifully balanced wine with honey, lime and peach notes is creamy in the mouth and has just enough acid to keep it fresh with a lasting finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=181917
http://www.snooth.com/winery/dr-hermann/