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Wine Appreciation Through Education |
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France |
For a modest price we get a bright, spirited and classy sparkler that would be great as a gift or as a New Year treat. With a long lasting mousse, its aromas suggest candy and over-ripe apples Lively, spirited flavours of apple and citrus, and wonderfully long. ((LCBO 890897)) |
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France |
Apricot-coral colour. Aromas of red berries, strawberries, and a touch of candy. Quite citrusy with more berries on the palate and very good mousse. Good body and length. Even-handed but a bit pricey for what it delivers. ((LCBO 623371)) |
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France |
This 4-pak of single-serving bottles is the latest trend amongst the club crowd. Clever packaging aside, we have here an excellent fizzy, replete with smoky toast aromas and loads of apple, citrus and spice on the palate. Carefully balanced between serious champers and fun wine, it almost guarantees a no-nonsense good time. ((LCBO 598788)) |
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France |
Almond-gold with a vigorous mousse. Subtle pear, apple and toast aromas with a hint of pine. Fine fruitiness on the palate with a slightly aggressive acidity and a solid mousse. Very good body and length. A bit tart in the finish, but expressive, elegant, and serious. ((LCBO 566638)) |
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Veneto, Italy |
Here is a nicely gift-boxed pair of Italian classics. The Soave shows subtle, easy-going regional character on the palate and makes a nice companion for the cedar, leather, tobacco, and black current aromas of the Valpolicella. Two solid wines that are terrific ambassadors for the region as well as very affordable. ((LCBO 589994)) |
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Australia |
This nicely matched pair offers excellent value in two top quality wines. The Sauvignon shows bang-on grapefruit, crushed leaves and gooseberry aromas - smooth and juicy on the palate with good body and length. The Shiraz delivers wonderful oak, raspberries and chocolate. Fat and juicy, with little in the way of tannin. A treat for anyone on your gift list. ((LCBO 623587)) |
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Italy |
Lovely, apply and grapefruit aromas form the pinot grigio, with lots of character, reminiscent of gooseberry, on the palate. The merlot is a bit rustic, but presents subtle aromas of cedar and fruit leather. Good body and length from both. A very nice package for the price ((LCBO 623265)) |
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Tuscany, Italy |
Subtle almond and lemony aromas lead to a subtle palate in the Orvieto. Full-tilt cherry, leather and barnyard in the Chianti, showing a soft, silky palate with fine tannins and juicy berry flavours. A well matched pair that exemplifies the regional styles, and a bargain. ((LCBO 623314)) |
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Germany: Baden |
Inside this leaf-green Christmas tree shaped bottle we find a top-notch Müller-Thurgau. Corny, yes, but the wine is no compromise. Rich lemony gold in colour, it delivers a forward vinous character with aromas of honey, hay and stone fruits. Delicate on the palate with nuances of apple and honey and just a whisper of sweetness bolstered by a firm acidity. Fairly light bodied, it will be a pleasant addition to lighter meals and a good introduction for those who are unfamiliar with this delightful grape. (LCBO 623355) |
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Germany |
Shimmering platinum gold. Expressive aromas of tart green apples and underbrush. Fairly light on the palate, but with firm acidity and convincing fruit. Light bodied and a bit on the short side, but a decent quaffer that would be good as an aperitif of with light lunches. My daughter would love the cat-shaped bottle. ((LCBO 62345-Gold; 623413-Silver)) |
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Argentina |
Bright, pale lemon-lime colour. Juicy grapefruit and sweet grass aromas. Quite full on the palate, though a bit hollow. Shows a touch of sugar and sprits. Good body and length. Lots of stuffing and very friendly. Try with full-bodied fish. ((LCBO 623595)) |
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Veneto, Italy |
Full garnet colour. Lots of cherry, cedar and leather aromas on the nose. Supple, smooth and even palate with lots of backbone, gentle tannins, and nice berry flavours. Medium body and length. A nice enough wine, though a tad pricey. (Includes a blown glass vinegar & oil pourer) ((LCBO 589986)) |
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Argentina |
Here's a slightly rustic vin de garde that comes with a box to "garde" it in. Almost black in the glass, it delivers aromas of spice, wood and subtle berries. Firm, up-front tannins follow, with loads of berry flavours and hints of coconut and chocolate on the back palate. Cellar for 1-2 years or make sure you pair it with full-bodied meats. ((LCBO 623603)) |
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This is a shoe-in for the distinctive packaging award: three triangular bottles that curl around each other to form a unique and stunning display. In the past, these wines have been unimpressive, but this vintage offers pretty decent value. Each has good body and varietal character. Still a bit young, but will be easy drinking soon enough. ((LCBO 892158)) |
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Ontario |
Brilliant black cherry with a crimson rim. Subtle raspberry, cassis with hints of tobacco and leather. Fairly fat for a nouveau, juicy with a racy acidity and a bit of tannin on the close. Medium body and length. Acid comes across as cold, something I find common in Niagara reds. Another excellent incarnation that will be terrific at lunch, simple bird dishes, or light fish. ((LCBO 891598)) |
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Italy |
Medium black cherry colour. Aromas of red licorice and maraschino cherries. Quite firm on the palate, with a gentle hint of tannin. A bit light in the body and length, but an easy going and agreeable quaffer. ((LCBO 704089)) |
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France |
Mid cranberry in colour. Aromatic grasses, very subtle, a touch vague, but evident berry aromas. Smooth with a firm acidity, just a hint of tannin, with berries showing on the back palate. Good body and length, yet quite gutsy. BBQ bird, lighter red meats. ((LCBO 703868)) |
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France |
Dark cranberry red. Slight apple off the top, followed by cherry, strawberry and a touch of spiced apple. Lightly tannin, smooth with good fruit throughout. A bit light, but with decent length. Comes across like a robust rose. A very good "vin du porch" but of course you'll likely stay inside. ((LCBO 899948)) |
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Ontario |
Medium garnet in colour, this one shows intriguing aromas of raw potato, leather, dried fruits, and cranberry, with a slight lift. Very fruit-forward on the palate. Energetic, with soft tannins and a firm acidity. Very good body and length for the style, with nice development through the close. A racy rendition that's shows plenty of fruit and should be very good at the table. ((LCBO 895243)) |
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Tasting Date: October 22, 2002 |
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