LCBO General List August 2001
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Billabong Merlot 1999 - $9.95 |
Here's a pleasant little merlot from South East
Australian producer. Raisiny black cherry in the glass, it presents
seductive aromas of leather, cherries, plums and cedar. Silky
smooth on the palate with berry flavours, soft tannins and a
slight acidic edge. Medium body and length keep the experience
on the lighter side. All in all, an approachable every day wine.
(LCBO 576322) |
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Servus Blaufrankisch-Zweigelt
1999 - $7.95 |
It's nice to see good red wine coming out of
Austria, an area known more for its white wines. These two grapes
team up nicely to produce a light, fresh and flexible wine. Deep
cranberry in colour, with aromas of mint, cherries, and blackberries,
with just a touch of soft oak. There is a suggestion of sweetness
on the palate to bolster the fruitiness, supported by gentle
tannins. Light bodied and a tad short, it all adds up to a fresh
Beaujolais style experience - very nice and at an every day price.
(LCBO 439372) |
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Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon
Rosé 2000 - $9.05 |
There should be enough warm weather
left to squeeze in one more "summer" wine. This Cab
rosé shows a delightful peachy colour as a prelude to
aromas of classic cabernet fruits and a hint of oak. Very fresh
on the palate with a light sweetness and wee bit of sparkle.
Smooth yet lively, with good body and length. A delightful, cheery
backyard wine for a lazy afternoon. (LCBO 587899) |
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Pelee Island Trio Blanc VQA
1999 - $8.95 |
"Trio" is a nice VQA blend that matches
Riesling with Pinot Blanc and Riesling Italico (a Riesling clone).
Pale straw with a touch of green, and intriguing aromas of tar,
citrus, damp wood and orange pulp. Slightly off dry, it sings
on the tongue with fruity flavours, an invigorating acidity,
and good body and length. It's not an outstanding wine, just
a friendly, reliable gulper at a good price. (LCBO 591719) |
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Nero D'Avola Sicilia 1998
- $9.45 |
In Italy, the IGT category means "country
wine": typical of the specified region. Country wines are
a growing category of up-and-coming wines, often at terrific
prices. This brownish-ruby blend is such a wine. Lots of interest
on the nose, including cedar wood, strawberries and other berries,
with a light whiff of leather. The palate offers up smokey nuances
offset by a touch of acidity. Medium-full body and good length,
this one needs pairing with more demanding flavours such as lamb
or duck. (LCBO 565952) |
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Casa Donoso Merlot 1999 -
$8.95 |
Merlot is not normally known as a racy grape,
but this bright black-cherry hued offering certainly is. Soft
and subtle on the nose, with aromas of cherries and burnt wood.
The palate adds olives, lush berries, soft tannins and a light
acidity. Very good body and length. Nice and upbeat. (LCBO 572578) |
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Birchwood Gewürztraminer-Riesling
VQA 1999 - $9.95 |
By the time you read this, Birchwood will have
celebrated their first anniversary. They've done quite a good
job here with this lush, medium-gold blend. Both grapes make
their contribution to the aromas of apricot, honey and almonds.
Almost icewine-ish flavours on the palate, but with only a trace
of sweetness, and a pleasant, lively tartness. Body and length
are both good. (LCBO 572156) |
