Selections for August 20, 2011

- from the August 6^th LCBO Vintages release

In this edition of North of 9 Selections, I feature the return of a very reliable Spanish producer with their seamless full-bodied Rioja red plus a lighter-bodied but equally tasty red from Niagara.  To follow last week’s Sauvignon Blanc tasting, I have a fantastic South African example of the same variety.  And from the Languedoc region in France, a light and very refreshing white wine.  Rather than bubbly this weekend, let’s try a bottle Canada`s forte and ultra sweet speciality. For your cellar, I have another really nice label from the folks at Piramimma.

Enjoy!
Tyler

Red

2009 Beronia, Elaboración Especial – Rioja, Spain

This was stunningly smooth with aromas of smoke and earth followed by dark fruit and the slightest amount of chalk on the finish.  Very Spanish - Olé! LCBO #723643 / $17.95 (XD)

2009 Malivoire, Old Vines Foch (Albert’s Honour) – Niagara, Canada

Lip-smacking good is what I call this Niagara number.  It starts off a bit tart, but with some air, the Foch opens beautifully to reveal raspberry and cherry and just the right amount of sweetness that will make this the perfect wine for a casual gathering.  Not a fancy wine for snobbish discussion, but rather one to pour or decant an hour before for maximum pleasure!  LCBO #551036 / $16.45 (D)

White

2010 Elgin Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc – South Africa

Wonderful clean nose of zesty grapefruit and lychee followed by some characteristic grass/herbal spice on the palate all wrapped up in Sauvignon’s pungent finish.  This one is really good!  LCBO #207167 / $14.95 (XD)

2010 JeanJean Ormarine, Picpoul de Pinet – Languedoc, France

A crisp, light wine made from a very old variety known as Picpoul.  Loads of lemon-lime zest from this south of France thirst quencher as it rolls across your palate, plus some green apple too.  Chill well and serve on the patio with a seafood appetizer.   LCBO #525287 / $12.95 (XD)

Dessert

2007 Lakeview Cellars, Cabernet Franc Icewine – Niagara, Canada

I have issues with the asking price of this tiny flask of liquid sapphire; but then the effort and skill required produce 200ml of Icewine is equally overwhelming.  You need only a thimble full to get the full effect of this ultra sweet nectar and Lakeview adds another twist and colour to the equation by using Cab Franc grape for the production of this wine.  It’s dessert in a bottle and arguably contains less calories too.  LCBO #242446 / $29.95 (S)

One for the Cellar

2008 Pirramimma, Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, Australia

Pirramimma’s Cab is almost black in colour and shows rich layers of chocolate, plum, cassis and a hint of smoke.  Though it is good now with some breathing time, I’d give this one a year or two in the cellar to pull itself together.  Decant now or hold until 2015.  LCBO #730374 / $24.95 (D)