Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Limited Time Offer at the LCBO Vintages

2008 Kir Yianni Ramnista (178020) was $18.95 now $16.95!

This 100% Xinomavro wine has a ripe, rich, complex and intense flavour. This vintage has found its balance at elevated acidity and alcohol levels with robust tannins that create a long finish. Its concentrated bouquet of red fruit and pralines when young evolves into hints of sun-dried tomato, black olive, truffle and sandalwood. Under proper storage conditions this wine can be enjoyed for up to 10-12 years. Unique aromatic complexity, discrete acidity and rich tannins, which make it an excellent pair for red meat and game, roasted or cooked with spicy red sauces. (4 Starts Rod Phillips)


2010 Muscat of Limnos (268029)was $13.95 now $12.95!

A vin de liqueur (fresh grape must fortified with grape spirit). Clean, fresh, ultra-fragrant pure muscat driven aromas, like orange blossom and candied lemon. The palate is sweet and rich, yet manages to retain freshness despite considerable residual sugar. A serious mouthful all in all, especially considering the price. Tasted January 2012. Value Rating: *** John Szabo 88 PTS


2007 Estate Papaioannou Nemea (47977) was $19.95 now $17.95!

Intriguingly open and aromatic, more fruit-driven and better balanced than the 2006 Estate Nemea from Papaioannou, delivering fresh strawberry and raspberry notes reminiscent of pinot noir or lighter style grenache. The palate is lovely, juicy balanced and fresh, with integrated oak, light but dusty tannins and lingering finish. One of the best vintages from the estate to date. Tasted January 2012. Value Rating: **1/2
(Gold Medal AWC Vienna 2010) 89 PTS John Szabo


2010 Sigalas Santorini (74781) was $21.95 now $19.95!

This 100% Assyrtiko wine is the colour of straw blonde with light shades of green, with a subtle nose of citrus fruit. Excellent structure with a depth of flavour and an acidity which brings the flavours to the fore and adds freshness, with a lasting after-taste. It hsas the characteristic mineral taste -typical of the variety and the soil of Santorini- at its very best.(92 points Wine

Monday, February 20, 2012

Sicilian Pleaser

From Tony Aspler in On The Go:
Cusumano Ner d'Avola
LCBO #143164 | $9.95

"A true Sicilian pleaser and an incredible value!"

Hefty Pinot Noir

Hahn Pinot Noir Monterey 2008
LCBO 226555 | 750 mL | $ 19.05

2 wines, 1 tip for your dinner this evening ...

Natalie Maclean

2010 Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Morning Fog, Livermore, California

A luscious, full-bodied Chardonnay with generous aromas of white peach, toasty oak and almonds. A lovely long finish makes you long for more. Perfect for dinner parties and more casual get-togethers. Pair with: grilled maple glazed salmon, chicken picatta, roast chicken, seafood pasta with saffron cream sauce, roasted pork tenderlion with apple chutney. Drink: 2012-2015. LCBO Product Number: 175430 13.50% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100.

2009 Blackstone Winery Zinfandel Winemaker's Select, California

Oh yum! Tasty layers of fleshy blackberries roll across your mouth... This wine makes me smile. Smooth, full-bodied, generous - like a terrific boyfriend. Pair with: grilled gourmet hamburgers, sausages, meat lovers' pizza and roast beef. Drink: 2012-2015. LCBO Product Number: 26427 13.5% Dry $16.95 Score: 90/100.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Top 50 Value Wines at the LCBO - Feb 2012

Caldora Sangiovese 2010, Terre Di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy $9.95
LCBO 251017 | 750 mL | $ 9.95
A fruity, very pleasant sangiovese from the south of Italy. It shows correct aromas of raspberry fruit, with some spice and earthy tones. It is midweight juicy and very fresh with good to very good length. Best 2012 to 2015. Will work with a wide range of meats and cheeses.

Curious Fruit Carignan Grenache 2009, Vin De France $9.95
LCBO 260885 | 750 mL bottle | Price: $ 9.95
A nice well balanced red made from Carignan and Grenache, grapes that are the basis for many wines from the south of France. Expect mild aromas of blackcurrant jello with some oak spice tones. It is midweight with good depth of flavour. Well balanced with fine tannin and nice vibrant acidity. Very good length. Try with grilled lamb cutlets. Best 2012 to 2016.

Pasqua Sangiovese 2010, Puglia, Italy (1500ml) $12.85
LCBO 441428 | 1500 mL bottle | Price: $ 12.85
For less than $6.45 for a bottle (750ml) this is a fine Italian red that will work well with tomato based sauces. The nose shows cherry fruit with some herbal and spice tones. It is very juicy with a lot of flavour for such an inexpensive wine. It is fairly simple but is well balanced with good length. Best 2011 to 2014.

Finca Flichman Misterio Malbec 2011, Mendoza, Argentina $8.25
LCBO 28803 | 750 mL | $ 8.25
This is a simple, fruity wine which with a slight chill is quite drinkable. Expect prune and blackberry fruit with spicy and jammy nuances, there is not much tannin and its a bit flabby so that is why it will benefit from modest chilling before serving. It is clean pure and quite quaffable with decent length considering the price. Best 2012. Try with pizza or a ham and cheese sandwich.

The Grid T.O. Food and Drink

The Wine Ponce: Valentine’s Day wines
Whether you’re planning a candle-lit dinner for two or a dark drinking session for one…here is a wine that will go down easy on Valentine’s Day.

Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2010, $11.95
Made with Garnacha grapes from Spain’s Navarra region, this fruity rosé is a natural with seafood paella. Ponce notes: “Pretty and pink in the glass, its colour coordinates nicely with Feb. 14. Tempting the nose with a perfume of red berries, it’s surprisingly full-bodied for a rosado.”

Vines Magazine Buyers Guide Best Buys

Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Colchagua, Chile
257329 $8.95
"Looking for an affordable wine to pair with grilled meats, hearty pastas or smoky, savoury stews? This is a solid option, which offers succulent, meaty aromas of chocolate-covered espresso beans, toasted spice and bell pepper notes. The palate follows suit, layering plummy and smoked flavours with blackcurrants, toasted spice, dark roasted espresso and dark chocolate notes that are lifted with bright acidity".


Chivite Gran Feudo Edicion Tempranillo 2009
Navarra, Spain
255877 $11.95
"This is a modern packaging of Spain's beloved grape from one of the oldest producers in the country. It's an excellent weekday selection, with punchy red fruit and hints of black pepper wrapped in a juicy, fresh style. Perfect for tapas or grilled meats"