White Wine

Ontario Pick

Located on page 30 is the 2011 2027 Falls Vineyard Riesling from Vinemount Ridge in Niagara. If you are looking for notes of lime, white grapefruit and lovely minerality then this is your wine. Very dry finish no residual sugar here! A great wine on it’s own or to pair with appitizers. Price is $18.95 and I give it 9.5 points.

Chablis/Chardonnay Pick

Check it out on page 41 which is the 2010 Domaine Séguinot-Bordet Chablis from France. To find a Chablis under $20 is tough and this one really delivers. Nice citrus notes along with some tree fruits but lead to a mineral rich driven finish. Only $19.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Sauvignon Blanc Selection

On page 42 is the 2011 Roland Tissier & Fils Sancerre. If you love a wine that is very herbaceous then this wine is for you. Loads of fresh dill and grass on the nose; fresh and clean on the palate. Very classic Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc and would be great with white fish. Great price at $20.95 and I give the wine 9.5 points

Sushi Night

Look no further then then the 2011 Pfaffenheim Cuvée Rabelais Pinot Gris on page 41. This lovely Alsatian wine is off dry in style with notes of ginger, pear and apple on the nose and finish. I really enjoyed the lingering, spicy finish. Price is $19.95 and the wine gets 9 points.

Red Wine

Burger Night Wine

On page 32 is the 2010 Featherstone Cabernet Franc from Niagara. I was really blown away this wine, it is just spectacular. Look for red cherry and black currents, spice and a hint of pepper on the nose. Tannins were well balanced with some grip. Amazing value at $16.95 and it gets 9 points.

Crowd Pleaser/Tuesday Night Special

I’m going out on limb here and picking something old world. It is on page 42 and it is the 2009 Château Haut Chatain from Bordeaux, France. This wine has a beautiful Bordeaux like nose complete with red currents, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. It is truly outstanding and would be delicious with steak. Decant tonight or age another 3 – 5 years. Amazing at $16.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Cellar Pick

This week I’m going with a Pinot Noir. On page 36 is the 2008 Cristom Sommers Reserve from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Having just gotten back from Oregon, perhaps I’m being slightly biased here but this wine really had the “wow” factor. Notes of black cherry and anise are intertwined with cedar and mushroom. Tannins are still nice and firm which tell you this wine can age at least another 10 years. Great structure. Price is $44.95 and it gets 9.5 points.

Big and Bold

This pick is on page 44 and it is the 2009 La Font Des Grières Gigondas from Southern Rhone. Look for red fruits, dark chocolate and pepper but it’s the big finish that will keep you coming back. Bring on the Bison Rib-Eye. I give this wine a solid 9 points and the price is $19.95.

Shiraz Pick

Is on Page 30 which is the 2009 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shriaz from South Australia. Look for red fruits, spice and some sun-dried tomato that leads to a dry lingering finish. It’s great to see this style of Shiraz from South Australia coming back. It is priced at $34.95 and I give the wine 9 points. Decant tonight or cellar for another 5 years.

Usual Suspects

This week’s usual suspect is on page 34 and it’s the 2009 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Yes, it’s load with black fruits, vanilla, mocha but the tannins are quite irresistible. Yes, it is that good! I think it’s only going to get better in 3 – 4 years time if you can hold on to it that long. I give the wine 9.2 points and the price is $79.95. Great news – half bottle price is $45.95!

Italian Pick

On page 47 is my Italian Pick which is the 2007 Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Reserva from Tuscany. This wine can be enjoyed tonight or cellared. Lots going on here – cedar, spice, anise, black cherry. Well integrated tannins that are starting to soften and a finish that really lingers on the palate. Yummy with game meats. Price is $43.95 and I score this wine 9.5 points!

For after dinner

If you’ve always wanted to try grappa, I highly recommend the Sibona Liquore Alla Camomilla in Grappa Finissima from Italy on page 28. The camomile really shines through in this liqueur as well some notes of dried peach and apricot, hazelnuts and spice. Serve chilled and enjoy on it’s own. A nice introduction to Grappa. $35.95 and I give this liqueur 9 points.

Till the next release on September 30…

Late Twenty-Something Budget – Wine fridge!  They come in various sizes and prices to match.  I started out with a Haier wine fridge that I bought at Costco some years back.  It hold about 70 bottles, is temperate-controlled and isn’t overly tall.  This baby will fit into any minivan or truck too so you can bring it home with you.  Home Depot even sells two wine fridges or coolers by Danby.  Sub-Zero also has a great selection as well but tend to be on the pricey side for what you are getting.

Thirty-Something Budget – Check out Rosehill Cellars  collection of 250 – 500+ wine fridges.  And yes, they will deliver it to you.  They are quite huge so if you live in a 800 sq. foot condo, it’s going to take up quite a bit of space.    Forty Plus – The Wine Establishment  and Rosehill Cellars in Toronto do custom wine cellars that are quite stunning.  If you’ve got the space this is definitely worth checking out.  If any of these choices are not suitable to you, just remember to keep the wine stored in a dark, cool room or basement with a consistent temperature.  If the wine is being stored in your basement, make sure it is far away from the washer and dryer, as wine does not like vibration or the heat that these machines will give off.   Think of it as a sleeping guest and when you wake it up 10 or 20 years from now, if given the proper rest in the most ideal conditions, it will end of being the guest of honour.