Ruffino Il Ducale 2005

June 21st, 2009 Chuck Posted in Italy, Sangiovese | No Comments »

Here’s a great example of a Super Tuscan done right. This IGT wine is only IGT because it bent the rules slightly but it was worth it. A very close cousin to chianti, this bottle will pair well with any Italian food or bbq’d red meat. Overall it’s nice and round, medium to full bodied with smooth tannins.
Blend is: 60% sangiovese, 25% merlot and 15% syrah
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste dark cherry, chocolate, cigar box
Smell plum, cherry, warm spice
Food grilled red meat, ravioli
Sweetness dry
Price $19.80
LCBO# 27797
Score
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Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Cabernet 2006

June 14th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz | No Comments »

Overall a fairly well rounded blend, although the two varietals together made me lean towards a merlot; since the shiraz’s pepper notes weren’t announcing themselves loudly. Medium oak and rich plum were the center of attention in this bottle.
The bottle says this wine has won a few Asian awards…maybe my food pairing was wrong…lemme know!
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste dark fruit, oak, plum
Smell plum, dark berry, black cherry
Food grilled lamb chops
Sweetness dry
Price $12.45
LCBO# 106377
Score
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$1.99 - are you frigging kidding me!?!

May 25th, 2009 Sean Posted in Special Features | 1 Comment »

I’m in sunny California this week and of course had to check out Trader Jo’s to see what the wine situation is out here. California Merlot for $1.99 – nope that isn’t a typo – one dollar and ninety-nine cents. Of course I purchased a bottle and
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Candidato Oro 2005

May 24th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Spain, Tempranillo | No Comments »

The aromas were much easier to identify than the flavours in this particular wine. To add to the tasting notes below, there was something sweet and sour about this wine that stood out especially when mixed with herbaceous notes.
Although mostly tempranillo, this vintage was also blended with some grenache.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste sour berry, tomato leaf, bitters
Smell sweet smoke, spice, blueberry
Food cold cuts
Sweetness dry
Price $7.95
LCBO# 523811
Score
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Southbrook Cabernet Merlot Shiraz 2006

May 11th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Canada, Red Blend | No Comments »

I think this should be the typical three grapes for a meritage. An excellent blend for the price.
The shiraz shines well in this dry, mid-full bodied vintage.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste raspberry, black pepper, mocha
Smell red berry, earth, pepper
Food bbq ribs
Sweetness extra dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 45609
Score
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Voga Quattro 2006

May 3rd, 2009 Chuck Posted in Italy, Red Blend | No Comments »

At first glance this bottle looks like something shampoo would come it, but once on the table with the cap off, it feels kind of futuristic. Overall this is a pretty good wine, a little bit more than the lower end reds but it’s worth the extra 3.50. Overall it’s a dry, medium bodied wine with soft acidity and ripe tannins.
4-Way Blend (quatto means four in Italian): Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet. Surprisingly, the pinot really does shine through.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste strawberry, spice, light oak
Smell red berry, raspberry, white pepper
Food veal marsala
Sweetness dry
Price $13.95
LCBO# 78048
Score
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Fuzion Shiraz Malbec 2008

April 19th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Argentina, Malbec, Shiraz | No Comments »

Not too distinctive but very Argentine, this blend of shiraz and malbec makes a fine wine to drink with anything bbq’d.
The malbec seems as if it’s muting some of the shiraz’s best qualities and thus giving this vintage a slightly unsophisticated palate; however, for the asking price I can look the other way.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste plum, prune, violet
Smell prune, black cherry, earth
Food barbecue
Sweetness dry
Price $7.45
LCBO# 83188
Score
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Strewn Riesling Gewürztraminer 2007

April 9th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Canada, Gewürztraminer, Riesling | No Comments »

This fusion of whites provides a deep bouquet and crisp palette. It’s an ok buy, but I would recommend the Pillitteri over it and even Strewn’s regular riesling.
Best as an aperitif
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste pineapple, apple, cinnamon
Smell tropical fruit, pineapple, pear
Food aperitif
Sweetness off dry
Price $11.95
LCBO# 467662
Score
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Tangley Oaks Merlot Returns!…however…

April 7th, 2009 Sean Posted in Events | No Comments »

I’ve just been informed that On April 11, 2009 our Ontario readers are in for a big treat. The Tangley Oaks Merlot (2005 Vintage) returns to the LCBO. You might remember the rave reviews we gave the 2003, if not click here. We haven’t tasted it (yet) but I’m being told that it’s equally as good as the last batch. However, one thing has changed. Read the rest of this entry »

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Liberty School Zinfandel 2006

April 2nd, 2009 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel | No Comments »

When I tried their 2005 Cabernet I made a mental note to remember the name Liberty School. I’m glad I did.
Their label sums it up nicely: “fruit-driven, soft and approachable”. The tannins are present but not overpowering which lets the drinker enjoy it on it’s own or paired with food.
Tip: Released on Jan 17, 2009
At a Glance
Taste dark ripe berry, warm spice, vanilla
Smell dark ripe berry, warm spice, cherry
Food beef, steak, sausage
Sweetness dry
Price $17.95
LCBO# 41095
Score
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Hillebrand Artist Series Meritage 2007

March 22nd, 2009 Chuck Posted in Canada, Red Blend | No Comments »

After seeing this bottle time and time again in the LCBO magazine I decided to give it a taste. It’s a fairly typical blend, nothing stands out too much. You’ll find it Medium-bodied with soft, drying tannins and moderate acidity.
A blend of three classic grape varieties: 52% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, which undergo traditional red wine making.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste ripe berry, leather, spice
Smell black cherry, strawberry, vanilla
Food pasta, bbq
Sweetness dry
Price $12.95
LCBO# 56390
Score
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D’arenberg The Stump Jump White 2007

March 16th, 2009 Sean Posted in Australia, White Blend | No Comments »

The thermometer broke the 0 mark this weekend, which means its time to get ready for summer by chilling some white wine. Wanting to ease in to the white wine season I picked a blend hoping for something easy going and well rounded. This wine certainly achieved this. Like it’s name, it did jump out of the glass, but in a good way.
Comprised of 62% Riesling, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Marsanne, 6% Viognier and 6% Chardonnay
Tip: Chill Well
At a Glance
Taste mixed citrus, lemon, light oak
Smell gooseberry, pear
Food cashews, tart fruit
Sweetness dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 922203
Score
Bottle Image
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Two Oceans Pinot Noir 2007

March 8th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Pinot Noir, South Africa | No Comments »

This value pinot from Two Oceans from South Africa is a pretty good find as far as value pinots go. The medium to light body is a nice change from the typical big reds we often find ourselves drinking by default.
You may taste some subtle spice such as cinnamon/clove.
Tip: tulip glass, chilled
At a Glance
Taste smoky, cedar, ripe red berry
Smell strawberry, smoky, cherry
Food pasta primavera, hamburgers
Sweetness dry
Price $9.95
LCBO# 61598
Score
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Remo Farina Valpolicella Ripasso 2005

March 1st, 2009 Chuck Posted in Italy, Valpolicella | 1 Comment »

This DOC Italian ripasso was received very well by everyone at the table. The re-passing (ripasso) technique involves a second fermentaion on the leftover grape skins of Amarone giving it a deeper colour, fuller body, aroma and flavour. Also watch for hints of perrer and ginger.
Grapes used: Corvina 65%, Rondinella 20%, Molinara 5%, altri vitigni (others) 10%
Tip: Release Date - Nov 8, 2008
At a Glance
Taste black cherry, anise, light oak
Smell black cherry, plum, tar
Food red meat, cheese, portobello mushrooms
Sweetness dry
Price $16.95
LCBO# 999946
Score
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B&G Partager Rouge

February 26th, 2009 Chuck Posted in France, Red Blend | No Comments »

Here is a nice example of an easy drinking French ‘Vin de Table’. It’s: non-vintage, very smooth, mild tannin, not complex, very drinkable and very affordable.

Blend consists of: Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah

Tip: comes in a 1L bottle
At a Glance
Taste soft berry, tart raspberry, light toasted oak
Smell soft berry, strawberry
Food red meat, medium cheese
Sweetness dry
Price $9.95
LCBO# 130674
Score
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Penascal Tempranillo 2005

February 19th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Spain, Tempranillo | No Comments »

This Spanish tempranillo is what I’d imagine you’d find on most people’s table in Spain, it’s good table wine and the price is just right.
Although the wine is not very complex, I do like the firm tannins in play.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste blackberry, oak, tea
Smell blackberry, vanilla, spice
Food lamb, stew, sausages
Sweetness dry
Price $8.95
LCBO# 343434
Score
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Rosehall Run Pinot Noir Cuvée County 2007

February 14th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Canada, Pinot Noir | No Comments »

Making pinot noir is tough (it’s not called the heartbreak grape for nothing). Making a GOOD pinot noir is tougher. Making a GREAT pinot noir for under $20 is what Rosehall Run has done with their 2007 VQA vintage.
While drinking you’ll notice that for a medium-light red, this pinot has a long finish. Coupled with the balanced acidity it also acts as a palate cleanser making this vintage easy to drink for wine aficionados and to be aficionados alike. Enjoy this wine slightly chilled and on the first day you open it. While drinking now, the winemaker assures it will developer further over the next five years.
Tip: Release Date - March 1, 2009
At a Glance
Taste raspberry, vanilla, mild oak
Smell raspberry, strawberry, lees
Food duck, game
Sweetness dry
Price $18.95
LCBO# 0
Score
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Carmen Merlot 2007

February 6th, 2009 Chuck Posted in Chile, Merlot | No Comments »

So far in 2009, Chile has not been able to hold a torch to it’s previous growth years which showed excellent wines at even better values. Hopefully this will turn around soon.
After reading the label that the people at Vina Carmen decided best represented this vintage, I was expecting a hit. I was wrong…actually their label mislead me. Specifically when they prepared you for a finish showing “soft tannins and a lingering fruit finish” I didn’t taste either and the finish was far too hot.
Tip: chill more than usual
At a Glance
Taste dark berry, vanilla, oak
Smell black cherry, cola, spice
Food burger
Sweetness dry
Price $10.90
LCBO# 248625
Score
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Domaine des Aspes Merlot 2005

January 31st, 2009 Sean Posted in France, Merlot | No Comments »

I don’t drink a lot of French wine. There I said it. I’m also willing to bet you don’t either. Probably because the France section of the liquor store is a scary place. But in my quest for great wines under $20 I came across Domaine des Aspes a few years ago.
This is the first red from them that I have tried (the whites are terrific). This is an easy going Merlot with lots of character, nice even black fruit. Does not need food to shine, also a crowd pleaser. I picked up a case and stashed it in my collection for everyday wine.
Tip: Released on Jan 10, 2009
At a Glance
Taste black berry, cedar, plum
Smell dark berries, black cherry, wild raspberry
Food beef stew, grilled vegetables, light pasta
Sweetness dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 951665
Score
ddamerlot2.jpg
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Gourmet Food and Wine Expo 2008 Picture Tour

January 28th, 2009 Sean Posted in Events | 1 Comment »

nosnob.com attended the Toronto Gourmet Food and Wine Expo in November 2008. We had a great time trying new wines and talking to wine makers. This event attracts thousands of visitors over 4 days and is held in downtown Toronto. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the drinks flow freely. The food component of the show is somewhat limited considering it’s the “Food and Wine Expo”. But who cares, if your like us you didn’t go for the food.

As usual the show was packed. Seems that any wine show in Toronto is usually overflowing with visitors…what does that say about Torontonians? (We’ll ponder that for a while and get back to you). In the mean time have a look at some pictures from the expo…do you see yourself in any of them? If you attended let us know what you thought about this event.

www.foodandwineexpo.ca

Wine Expo 2008 Wine Expo 2008 Wine Expo 2008 Read the rest of this entry »

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