Selections for April 30th

With all the royal wedding excitement this weekend, we should take a moment to raise a glass to the new couple and I have a perfect wine for toasting from Loire, France.

Otherwise, Australia and southern Italy are the focus of this weekend’s LCBO Vintages release and as usual, there are some very impressive labels to choose from in the catalogue.  I’ve found two exciting white wines: the first, an Aussie Chardonnay while the second is a Riesling from the Mosel.  For the reds, an Argenitian Malbec blend and a showstopper Italian Primitivo; you’ll recognize it under another name. Of course we’ll also add another label to your cellar for future enjoyment as well.

Whites:

2009 Wakefield, Chardonnay - Australia

What struck me about this wine was the pronounced aroma of green apples, but as sharp as it was, the apples disappeared just as quickly and were replaced by spice and hint of black pepper.  A soft oakiness on the palate with notes of peach and toast on the finish.  An easy drinking wine on its own or with food.  LCBO # 711556 / $15.95 (D)

2008 Selbach-Oster, Riesling Kabinett - Germany

I’ve got to share this one with you.  On the nose, a bizarre combination of campfire smoke and axle grease – seriously, I can’t make this stuff up!  I sat for a good five minutes absolutely fascinated with the aromas before I even tasted the wine; full on the palate; rich, almost nectar-like with apricot, peach, and lemon. This off dry Riesling will cellar for years to come but why bother, drink it now!  LCBO # 728543 / $19.95 (MD)

Reds:

2008 La Posta, Cocina Blend - Argentina

A blend of 60% Malbec with 20% Bonarda and 20% Syrah(shiraz).  The colour is purple, not red.  Aromas of dark fruit; blackberry and black cherry.  Very dry in the mouth with pronounced cherry and currant.  The Syrah provides a touch of spice on the finish as well which is nice.  Perhaps too dry and tannic straight out of the bottle for some people, I suggest that you decant this an hour or two before serving; it softens nicely with some air.  LCBO# 199513 / $12.95 (XD)

2008 Giordano Collection, Primitivo di Manduria

Undoubtedly the wine of the weekend though the name is a bit of a mouthful.  So why not just call it Zinfandel (Primitivo and Zin are the same grape).  A ‘jammy new-world style wine’; full-bodied with lots of stewed dark fruit and just the right amount of acidity to cut the richness.  A touch of sweetness goes nicely with the hit of spice on the finish.  A well balanced wine.  Highly recommended.  LCBO # 051797 / $16.95 (D)

Sparkling:

Château Moncontour, Tête de cuvee, Brut Vouvray

The timing of this Loire valley bubbly is impeccable; I’ve just popped the last one in my cellar from last year’s stock. In terms of sparkling wine, this Vouvray is one of the best values on the market. Tête de cuvee literally means ‘head blend’, which in this case can be a touch misleading since the wine is purely Chenin Blanc.  The ‘blend’ refers to multiple vintages which creates a consistent tasting product from one year to the next (that’s the secret of Champagne as well).  They’ve labelled it Brut (dry) but there is a touch of sweetness which is lovely. Nicely balanced and a great finish.  At $16, I’d buy several bottles of this to have on hand for drop-in guests.  Try it with or without food.  Great stuff!  LCBO# 207936 (D)       

One for the Cellar:

2009 Norman Hardie, County Pinot Noir - Canada

A Canadian cellar candidate, I love it.  There is a tremendous amount of experience inside a bottle of Norman Hardie wine and it shows through a complexity that invites one to think they are sipping from an older-world bottle.  At the moment, this Prince Edward County Pinot is showing a pronounced mix of earth and red fruit in addition to that typical Pinot cherry acidity but give it a few years in the cellar and let it all come together.  Enjoy with baked ham anytime after 2013.  LCBO# 125310 / $35.20 (XD)

Cheers!