Pasqua Soave 2007

August 9th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Italy, Soave No Comments »

Here’s a lesson to everyone, when shopping for a wine, just because it has a classification written on the label, doesn’t mean it’s a ‘good’ wine. Click here to learn what makes a wine good. So VQA, DOC, VDQS, AOC, etc.. just means the wine passed regulations. Regulations that have no account for taste.
If you’re served this wine, use it to make a spritzer
Tip: serve ice cold, and possibly in some sprite.
At a Glance
Taste lemon, citrus
Smell lemon, pineapple, honeydew
Food mix green salad
Sweetness dry
Price $9.90
LCBO# 171074
Score 1.5




KWV Chenin Blanc

July 22nd, 2008 Sean Posted in Chenin Blanc, South Africa No Comments »

This wine gets it high score for two main reasons. 1. Value 2. It’s not Chardonnay! Whoa, hold your angry emails until you read the rest. As we’ve stated many times sometimes you want a white wine that doesn’t carry the typical big bad Chardonnay character, overwhelming your meal at every sip.
This dark horse out of Sourth Africa is a very pleasant, easy drinking white on a hot summer day. Excellent fruit and floral balance. Clean and crisp on the palate and amiable to most foods. So far this summer it has become the white house wine, and at under $10 a bottle, how can you go wrong?
Tip: Keep and eye out for value priced South African white wines - you’ll be pleasantly surprised (most of the time)
At a Glance
Taste green apple, pear, melon
Smell grass, straw, candied pineapple
Food light summer salad
Sweetness dry
Price $7.95
LCBO# 18689
Score 3.5
Chenin Blanc




Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio 2007

July 12th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Italy, Verdicchio No Comments »

Excellent as a chilled aperitif, Verdicchio is a grape not well know to many. It’s name is a derivative of the word “verde” (which means green in Italian) due to its slight green/yellow hue.
Warning: This bottle is so Italian you may be inclined to make your own tomato sauce.
Tip: moderate-high acidity
At a Glance
Taste mineral, light citrus, bitter almond
Smell pineapple, floral, mineral, spice, cassis
Food seafood salad or aperitif
Sweetness dry
Price $10.95
LCBO# 24422
Score 2.5




Kumala Chenin Blanc Chardonnay 2007

June 28th, 2008 Sean Posted in South Africa, White Blend No Comments »

Being deep in the summer heat means looking for something smooth and refreshing. Exploring whites under the $10 mark is always interesting. While I don’t usually gravitate to a chardonnay this blend offers something with a little more depth than the usual Chenin Blanc.
South Africa is really starting to show it’s potential in the table wine category as well as premium offerings. If your having a robust summer snack, grab a bottle with a little bit of body like this one.
Tip: chill really well
At a Glance
Taste honeydew, grass, citrus
Smell green apple, hint of citrus, straw
Food roasted garlic hummus
Sweetness dry
Price $8.70
LCBO# 572867
Score 2.5
Kumala logo




Fetzer Valley Oaks Pinot Grigio 2007

June 19th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Pinot Grigio, USA 2 Comments »

If you’re a die hard fan of the extra crisp and acidic Italian pinot grigios out there, be prepared when you try out this fruit-forward Californian.
This vintage was definitely fun to drink with much of our time spent noses in glass.
Tip: serve chilled
At a Glance
Taste pear, grapefruit, apple
Smell pear, apple, orange spice
Food ham, butternut squash
Sweetness off dry
Price $12.05
LCBO# 34041
Score 3.5




Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi White Zinfandel 2005

June 17th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, White Zinfandel 2 Comments »

White Zin always gets the cold shoulder from critics even though it’s one of the top selling varietals in North America. Why? because it’s a rose, it’s light and it’s sweet. Those three reasons are also my guess as to why it appeals to so many wine buyers out there, they make it easy and fun to drink.
Although the composition is 84% Zinfandel, an interesting spectrum of grapes are used for flavouring and balance: 8% Muscat, 4% Barbera, 3% Syrah and 1% Grenache
Note: given an extra half star because it’s not as syrupy as some other white zins
At a Glance
Taste strawberry, light berry
Smell strawberry, floral, cranberry
Food ham
Sweetness medium sweet
Price $9.95
LCBO# 249656
Score 2.5




Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 2006

June 1st, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chablis, France No Comments »

The fruit for this 2006 vintage was sourced from a single vineyard, which is key for picking up terroir characteristics.
We sampled this wine at the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show and found it very refreshing due to it’s crisp acidity and the fact that it’s never seen oak.
Tip: Released on April 12, 2008
At a Glance
Taste grapefruit, lemon, light floral
Smell mineral, floral, citrus
Food aperitif, white fish with lemon
Sweetness extra dry
Price $19.95
LCBO# 72363
Score 3




Hillebrand Trius Riesling Dry 2006

May 23rd, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, Riesling No Comments »

This gently pressed, cool fermented (14°C) juice was aged in stainless steel tanks to produce a very crisp, citrus and minerally riesling.
This vintage finishes crisp, tart and steely. At the time of writing, the 2007 vintage is available. It will be interesting to see how a warmer growing season will affect the end result.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste green apple, citrus (lime), mineral
Smell mineral, lemon, floral
Food light fish dishes
Sweetness dry
Price $13.95
LCBO# 303792
Score 3




Forrest Estate Riesling 2007

May 16th, 2008 Sean Posted in New Zealand, Riesling No Comments »

I got my hands on this after a press only tasting weeks ahead of it’s scheduled release. I was warned that it was an impressive bottle.
While this bottle just barely makes the under $20 cutoff for nosnob.com it is VERY worth it. This was one of the most impressive bottles of white wine I have had in a long time. This wine reminded me of a more mature and dry version of Conundrum (a white blend from California as the name suggests you can’t guess whats in it). The pineapple and tropical fruits explode on the tongue followed by a honey and floral finish that is clean and amazingly crisp. Let’s just say this bottle didn’t last very long. Now I have to break the bank and pick up a few of these guys. Hey, I was warned. Now you have been too.
Tip: Coming soon to a store near you.
At a Glance
Taste pineapple, honey, white flowers
Smell flowers, honey, ginger
Food tapas
Sweetness off dry
Price $18.95
LCBO# 60103
Score 4.5
Forrest Estate Riesling




Stonechurch Riesling VQA 2006

May 2nd, 2008 Sean Posted in Canada, Riesling No Comments »

Having been at one time a major Ontario wine collector I hate to admit that Ontario Rieslings have been struggling the last few years. During the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show we got to sample this pleasant and refreshing Riesling which was a bit of a surprise.
The first thing I asked the wine maker representative before tasting the wine was “What with the bottle?”. She didn’t look put off for one moment, she even seemed to anticipate the question. The bottle has a squared off shoulder instead of the usual sleek shape. My immediately fear was someone was pushing crappy wine in a fancy bottle hoping your eyes are doing the buying and not your other senses. That IS NOT the case at all! Thank you for reminding me that Ontario DOES make good Riesling!
Tip: Don’t let the sugar code fool you, it is well balanced.
At a Glance
Taste orange blossom, citrus, melon
Smell green apple, honey, peach
Food couscous salad
Sweetness off dry
Price $12.85
LCBO# 65714
Score 3.5
Stonechurch Vineyards




Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2006

April 29th, 2008 Sean Posted in France, Viognier No Comments »

It was Domaine des Aspes that first got me hooked on Viognier about 2.5 years ago. Viognier (like Riesling) can be produced in a range of styles from reserved and floral to bold and tropical. This particular version from France is well rounded, balanced sweetness against acid with clear citrus and peach.
I can’t encourage you enough to try the variety of grape. I turned to it when I just couldn’t drink another Chardonnay or Riesling. With its re-emergence in modern wine making this will be the come back kid for the next few years.
Tip: Enjoy on it’s own any day of the year.
At a Glance
Taste honeydew, white peach, green apple
Smell firm melon, pear, white flowers
Food Frittata
Sweetness dry
Price $14.95
LCBO# 712638
Score 4
Viognier Label




Morgenhof Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007

April 27th, 2008 Sean Posted in Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa No Comments »

nosnob.com blind tasted this wine and admittedly, it gave us a little trouble. We poked around Chardonnay, Viognier but couldn’t nail it at first. Once the wine had warmed up a few degrees it was instantly clear that it was Sauvignon Blanc. Just another reminder to take your whites out of the fridge a few minutes before drinking to get the full effect.
This was a really well balanced Sauvignon from South Africa. Would have liked to tasted a little bit more of an edge like some others, but overall, great smells and flavors.
Tip: pull it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving
At a Glance
Taste grapefruit, orange, grass
Smell grass, gooseberry, citrus
Food tapas
Sweetness dry
Price $12.95
LCBO# 18507
Score 3
Mogenhof Bottle




Rosehall Run Chardonnay 2006

April 22nd, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, Chardonnay No Comments »

Rosehall made a juice run from Prince Edward County to Niagara to source half of it’s juice for this nicely straw colored, dry, acidic chardonnay.
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste ripe apple, pear
Smell toasted oak, butterscotch
Food grilled tuna
Sweetness dry
Price $11.75
LCBO#
Score 2.5




Vina Carmen Chardonnay 2006

April 20th, 2008 Sean Posted in Chardonnay, Chile No Comments »

While many Chardonnays can be really overpowered by oak in the form of vanilla and butter this wine is well balanced and crisp. The finish has a great mild acidity that leaves behind a slight citrus note.
This certainly isn’t a fruit salad, but you will notice the apples and pears. A very easy drinking Chardonnay, and for the price a good deal. Very refreshing.
Tip: chill well
At a Glance
Taste green apple, pear, tropical fruit
Smell pear, honeysuckle
Food baked chicken with mushroom sauce
Sweetness
Price $9.90
LCBO#
Score 3
Carmen Chardonnay




Hillebrand Trius Unoaked Chardonnay 2006

April 10th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, Chardonnay No Comments »

Having been aged in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels gives this chard a crisp, clean, citrus edge that you won’t find in the oaked version
So what’s the hype about ‘un-oaked’ chardonnay? Well the difference is only in where the wine aged, but the result is leaps and bounds, especially in North America. Chardonnay (especially in North America) has a bad reputation for being over oaked, producing a strong vanilla flavour and a heavy mouth-feel. This style is obviously to many people’s likings but to others it’s just overkill. Choosing stainless steel vats over oak barrels for chardonnay could trick you into thinking your enjoying a crisp Riesling if your not careful :)
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste citrus, apricot
Smell apple, melon
Food tilapia
Sweetness off dry
Price $13.95
LCBO#
Score 2.5




Hernder Estates Fumé Blanc 2006

April 9th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, Sauvignon Blanc No Comments »

Little did I know that fumé Blanc is an accepted synonym for Sauvignon Blanc. This vintage could have fooled me because it tastes and smells nothing like a typical blanc, which may be good or bad depending on where your tastes lie.
For those who don’t (or can’t) drink red and need a toasty, smoky white to pair with a big dish, you could give this a try.
Tip: try this if you are a big fan of oaky whites
At a Glance
Taste melon, chalk
Smell smoky, lemon
Food grilled shrimp
Sweetness off dry
Price $13.95
LCBO#
Score 1.5




Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2006

March 28th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Australia, Chardonnay No Comments »

This is my second yellow tail review and I’ve noticed something similar, these wines don’t follow the typical varietal characteristics at all. Both the merlot and this chardonnay tasted too sweet and over manipulated.
It’s not a big surprise to me, they say it on the label ‘the nose leaps from the glass and displays a peachy, vanilla and coconut aroma’. The first two are fine, I can deal with them. But the coconut triggers something in me that says “don’t drink suntan lotion”
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste coconut, apple, vanilla
Smell coconut, butterscotch
Food seafood
Sweetness off dry
Price $11.20
LCBO# 627802
Score 1.5




Domaine des Salices Viognier 2006

March 23rd, 2008 Sean Posted in France, Viognier No Comments »

Sometimes you just don’t want another Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. You crave for something familiar but different enough that you’ll reawaken your taste buds and remember that there is something other than red wine. With Spring at our door step its important to bring back the white. Soon it will be hot and steamy and nothing hits the spot on a sunny afternoon better than a well chilled white.
Viognier is making a slow comeback. People are discovering a bold and complex white that is crisp and clean. Viognier can range from tropical fruit to very floral and dry. This particular bottle is full of floral and citrus notes and very dry, but very approachable.
Tip: March 15 Vintages Release
At a Glance
Taste citrus, white flowers, clove
Smell orange blossom, citrus, green apple
Food salmon with light cream sauce
Sweetness dry
Price $13.95
LCBO# 487272
Score 2.5
Salices Viognier




Mount Riley Chardonnay 2005

March 15th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chardonnay, New Zealand No Comments »

My second chardonnay review from Marlborough, New Zealand ( first was Oyster Bay ) and already I’ve found a common bond, a high price tag.
This wine was quite nice and had nothing at all wrong with it, but it certainly lost points in the value area. Chardonnay is not a tough wine to make and there is plenty of it, and the majority under $18.90. You have to dress to impress to charge that much in this category.
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste pineapple, passion fruit
Smell melon, vanilla, butterscotch
Food chicken with mushroom sauce
Sweetness off dry
Price $18.90
LCBO# 32318
Score 2.5




Chateau des Charmes Aligoté 2006

March 3rd, 2008 Chuck Posted in Aligoté, Canada No Comments »

This estate bottled aligoté is a French inspired, dry white wine with a medium body. It has a crisp fresh apple and floral taste with a similar bouquet. Very nice when served as an apertif due to it’s acidity and crispiness.
Tip: serve fridge chilled, also good on it’s own
At a Glance
Taste green apple, floral, citrus
Smell citrus, green apple
Food fish with lemon
Sweetness dry
Price $13.45
LCBO# 284950
Score 2.5




Chateau De Quincay Sauvignon Selection Tradition 2006

March 2nd, 2008 Sean Posted in France, Sauvignon Blanc 1 Comment »

Ignore the big fancy French name. What we got here folks is Sauvingnon Blanc. What is special about this wine is it comes from a part of France that is known for making outstanding wines (Loire region). It’s the next door neighbor of where the really expensive stuff comes from. This wine is zesty and has lots of character for what we sometimes think of as a boring white grape. Very crisp, very clean. Total bargain.
Tip: March 1, 2008 Vintages Release - hurry! Chill well.
At a Glance
Taste green apple, citrus, honeydew
Smell white flowers, fresh herbs, cedar
Food grilled salmon, goat cheese
Sweetness
Price $12.95
LCBO# 66183
Score 4
Quincay Sauvignon




Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2005

March 1st, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chardonnay, New Zealand No Comments »

Oyster Bay is a popular choice for the average buyer who feels like splurging a bit [yes, it’s a bit pricey], and this chardonnay from New Zealand’s Marlborough region is a nice change from the typical chard. If you’re used to drinking the chardonnays from North America you may find the majority are quite heavy on the oak, rich and buttery. Love it or hate it, it’s the number one selling white varietal in the world. Back to this wine, you find it much lighter because it’s only partially barrel fermented and not at all buttery but rather more fruity with a crispiness to it that is very enjoyable.
Another cool method the winemaker chose to preserve the fruitiness of this vintage was the decision to skip out on the cork and use a screw top. They’re not taking any chances down under :) If you like this wine, try their Sauvignon Blanc, it’s on my to-do list.
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste floral, melon, apple
Smell light floral, apple, pear
Food pork chops
Sweetness dry
Price $18.80
LCBO# 326728
Score 3.5




Hillebrand Trius White 2006

February 27th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, White Blend No Comments »

My table full of guests found this well rounded white to be amazing. Even more amazing is that the 2006 is the first release of this wine and received critical acclaim.
Trius White is a careful blend of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and unoaked Chardonnay, which offers bold fruit flavours that settle into a dry, clean, refreshing finish.
Trius proves to be a very dependable product line from Hillebrand. More reviews to follow. Many more… :)
Tip: lightly chilled in a tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste fruity, apricot, floral blossoms
Smell grapefruit, orange peel, floral
Food seafood, pasta with cream sauce
Sweetness off dry
Price $18.80
LCBO# 54957
Score 4




Sawmill Creek Sauvignon Blanc

February 27th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Canada, Sauvignon Blanc No Comments »

Here’s a nice medium-bodied white wine with a sticker price you can’t beat.
It exhibits a dry crisp citrus flavour with hints of green apple and oak.
I did notice that this wine is non-vintage, meaning that the juice is a blend of wine from more than one year. Should I care? well, for this class of white wine, nah.
This wine was also my first go at a Tetra-Pak® and I have to say, if I’m traveling with wine it can’t be beat, however I would never bring it to the table. And for me, yes, it does lose the romance factor of uncorking a bottle.
Tip: serve well chilled
At a Glance
Taste citrus, green apple, light oak
Smell citrus, light oak
Food shrimp
Sweetness dry
Price $9.95
LCBO#
Score 2




Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio Trentino Riserva 2005

February 24th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Italy, Pinot Grigio No Comments »

Thankfully, this golden straw, off dry grigio put me back into the pinot spirit after my last attempt at it.
Here is a wine that tastes just like it smells and it’s good in both areas. A white that proved to be a crowd pleaser and gives you the chance to explain to people that the nice but unfamiliar taste is Mineral! Have a semi-snobby moment on us ;)
Tip: a good choice over the Santa Margherita & use a balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste minerals, lemon, subtle oak
Smell minerals, lemon, subtle oak
Food pasta with cream sauce, pork ribs
Price $15.85
LCBO# 32714
Score 3.5




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