Greetings fellow tipplers,
The “weather-tellers” predict a relatively dry and warm August – thank goodness – and once again Vintages rises to the occasion with great grilling wines to enhance your BBQ fare and general Epicurean enjoyment.
Here are our picks:
WHITE WINE
113696 Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008 (Spain) $12.95
A blend of Moscatel & Gewurtztraminer from an unlikely place made us have our doubts on this one. It is off-dry with strong peach & floral notes. 11.5% alcohol makes it a fine aperitif or evening starter.
618827 Henry of Pelham Pinot Blanc 2008 (VQA Ontario)$14.95
A lovely light, white sipper that will go nicely with a cool breeze, and a sunny afternoon on the dock or in the back yard. 12% alcohol makes it a safe bet …
626710 D’Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2007 (McLaren Vale, AUS)$19.95
This has some oomph and will go well with grilled chicken. Strong citrus notes and large flavours all round. It is big for an unoaked white, which speaks to the strong character of the roussanne grape. Give it a whirl. Bob Parker did and gave it a 91.
127696 Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Chardonnay 2007 (Okanagan Valley) $13.95
Lightly toasty, brimming with tropical fruit, crisp acidity and a generous finish. This is great value! so pick up a few!
57299 J. Lohr Bay Mist Riesling 2007 (Monterey County, California) $16.95
Deliciously fruit forward, good acidity and warm spice will pair nicely with spicey dishes.
RED WINE
726760 Aresti Reserva Merlot 2006 (Chile) $12.95
The nose is not that great, but get past that and the palate
bursts forward with an oak-berry sync with that smooth merlot feel.
65664 Finca El Origen Reserva Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $14.95
A pleasant blend of dark fruits, earthiness with slight spice hints. Good length.
427617 Chateau de Nages Reserve 2007 (Rhone, France) $14.95
My notes say “fantastic”. This is an interesting wine featuring plum, black cherry and tobacco notes. Great character!
970707 Castellani Chianti Riserva 2004 (Tuscany) $14.95
A fabulous entry-level chianti – a wine that can be quite pricey. Classic baked cherry and plum flavours balanced off with tobacco and leather notes.
32136 De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2006 (Chile) $16.95
Big berry flavor. This one is juicy and fresh with a lovely lingering finish.
130260 Egle Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (Veneto) $16.95
Nice and smooth ripe fruit, dried fig character, chocolate tones and some smoke with a finish to boot!
125526 Château de Paillet-Quancard 2005 (Bordeaux) $16.95
From the stellar ’05 vintage a bargain priced Bordeaux that won’t disappoint featuring dark plum, tar and smoke that is big with ample length. This won silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2008.
948240 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2006 (Paso Robles, California) $18.95
Silky and smooth with tons of fruit and spice reminiscent of plum pudding!
129072 Domaine de la Bastide Visan 2007 960542 (Côtes Du Rhône-Villages) $13.95
Big and juicy dark fruit persists to the end.
994616 Terra D’Aligi Tatone Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2005 (Abruzzo) $15.95
Big on flavour featuring dark fruit, coffee tones and a long dry finish.
999946 Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005 (Veneto) $16.95
Smokey and licorice aromas melding into flavours of raisin fruit cake and ginger spice with a long finish.
Don’t forget, you can always find the Vintages Value List on www.ceotblog.com.
ALP
Karen & Rose
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