Quaquarini Francesco

Starting with the very refreshing Pinot Nero Brut, I then tasted the 2010 Blau Pinot Nero which is aged one year in barrel and one year in bottle before being released. Next up was the tart and tasty Poggio Anna Barbera (90% Barbera, 10% Croatina), Finally, my favorite which was the Buttafuoco La Guasca (60% Croatina, 30% Barbera, 10% Ughetta di Canneto), just lovely tannins here reminding me very much of a Barbaresco!

Calatroni

A fun producer from Provincia di Pavia, this Pinot Grigio Rose was truly pretty in pink. I just adored the packaging too.

Gravanago

Standouts here was the Moscato (blue bottle), the Pinot Nero and the very earthy Bonarda! Curious why their winery used the blue bottle for Moscato and I was told that it had to do with the tradition of enjoying Moscato for New Years in a special bottle and eventually they just continued to bottle in that colour for everyday.

Bruno Verdi

Here I tasted the 2009 Oltrepo Pavese Classico Vergomberra DOCG (70% Pinot Nero, 30% Chardonnay), made in the traditional method with absolutely no dosage! 40 months on the lees. Lots of acidity here!

On to red, the 2013 Buttafuoco was simply delightful, great fruit and nice oak integration.

Tenuta Montelio

I met 2 beautiful cousins who are the 8th generation in this winery!

Note the family crest on the Solarolo bottle! This was a blend of 40% Barbera, 40% Croatina and 20% Pinot Nero and had me craving red meat!


Ca’Di Frara

This Moscato had the just perfect balance of sweet and acid and I love the label; the simplicity of it would sell well in the Ontario market.

Wow! The Pinot Grigio was truly spectacular. One of the best Pinot Grigios I’ve tasted in a long time. Great balance and a finish that is quite persistent. Also really enjoyed their Pinot Nero as well.

Tenuta Forance

The Rossi family has been producing wine since 1820 and the wines show it.

This brilliant 08 Sparkling was aged 66 months on lees!

The Il Torchio wines are single vineyard owned and produced by Rossi family.

Sadly, none of these wines are available in the LCBO or Vintages but hopefully with more tastings and posts like this will awaken consumer interest in having some of these great wines in our market.

For the Wine Geek: 2010 Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany $18.95
Wine geeks love Riesling and this one from the Rheingau is exceptional.

For the Flirty Gal: Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Italy $17.95
A dry Prosecco that pairs well with oysters or stone crab or just as delicious on its own.

For the Young Professional: 2009 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State $19.95
This easy to drink now Cabernet will impress your friends and introduce them to the great wines of Washington State!

For your lover/significant other:
Guy – 1792 Ridgemount Reserve Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon, USA $49.95
What guy wouldn’t love a bottle of yummy Bourbon!

Girl – Tarlant Rose Brut Champagne $49.95
Most women love Rose and this one has the right amount of fruit and spice.

To pair with the Turkey: 2011 Jacques Depagneux Cote du Py Morgon, Beaujolais, France $18.95
This is no ordinary Beaujolais and would pair delightfully with your holiday dinner…bring on the cranberries!

To pair with the Roast Beef: 2009 Domaine De Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, France – $34.95.
Decant this amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape an hour before dinner and the black fruit and spice will be jumping out of your glass

To pair with the cheese: 2007 Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port, Portugal $19.95
Port and cheese is a match made in heaven!

Fireside Drinking/Party pleasers: – 2010 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95
This crowd pleasing Malbec will be a hit at the ski chalet or just sitting back and watching the snow fall this winter.

Happy Holidays!

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…

White Wine

Chardonnay Pick

Located on page 7 is the 2008 Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrel Chardonnay from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. This wine showed amazing notes of melon, apple and vanilla on the nose with a very lingering finish. Extremely balanced wine that has the right balance of oak and fruit. Would be great with chicken or fish. Price is $24.95 and I give it 9 points.

Rose

My Rose pick is on page 19. It is the 2011 Carte Noire Rose from Provence. Look for watermelon and strawberry on the nose that leads to a very dry finish. Great with food or on it’s own. Price is $14.95 and I give the wine 8.5 points.

Red Wine

Father’s Day Pick

On page 41 is the 2007 J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. This is a great wine to give your dad that won’t break the bank. Lots of black fruits on this wine that is balanced well with new oak and solid tannins. A great wine to pair with grilled meats and I guarantee your dad will love it! Price is $38.95 and it gets 9 points.

Tuesday Night Special

Head to page 20 for the 2009 Domaine Piquemal Tradition from the Roussillon region in France. This full bodied red would pair well with grilled meats to kabobs. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carrignan that packs a big punch of red fruits balanced with a vibrant acidity and mellow tannins. Great value at $15.95 and I give the wine 9 points.

Steak Night Wine

Head to page 45 for the 2008 Porto De Piedra Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc from Curico Valley in Chile. A very well balanced wine that has a lot of depth. Look for anise, dark chocolate and dark berries on the nose and finish. Very firm tannins on the finish. The price is $24.95 price point and I give the wine 9 points.

Burger Night Wine

Tis the season for burgers and I have a great match on for you on Page 21. It is the 2009 Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir from Coteaux de Languedoc, France. This savoury wine has notes of black cherry, spice and cedar on the nose that leads to a well balanced finish. Price is $18.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Sommelier Pick

On Page 39 is the 2009 Mont Tauch Le Tauch Fitou from the South of France. This is a very different wine but if you love notes of black raspberry, blueberry and a hint of spice with well balanced tannins then this gem is for you. I think this wine would go great with take out Neopolitan pizza. I give this wine a solid 9 points and the price is only $19.95.

Cellar Pick

Head to page 52 and your local LCBO store early to get a few bottles of the 2007 Fontanafredda Serralungna D’Alba Barolo. This wine needs time and won’t be ready to drink for at least another 7 years but it will reward you plenty. Very typical Barolo nose of floral (rose and violets), earl grey tea intertwined in black cherry, coffee beans and a subtle earthiness. Wow….the price is too good to be true at $29.95 and I give it 9.5 points.

Till the next release on June 23…

Unfortunately this month I did not have the opportunity to taste all the wines I’m going to recommend to you today, however, some of the wines I have tasted in the restaurants where I work and with others I have had previous vintages and can give you my sommelier guarantee that this vintage will be equally as delicious. So, get your Vintages Catalogue and let’s start shopping!

White Wine

Chardonnay Pick

Located on page 5 is the 2010 Catena Chardonnay from Mendoza, Argentina. Yes, they can make great Chardonnay in Argentina, this wine has notes of tropical fruits and spice that leads to a creamy finish. Nice use of oak here. Serve with chicken in an Alfredo creme sauce/ Price is $19.95 and I give it 9 points.

“Must Try” White

Check it out on page 29 which is the 2009 L’Uvaggio di Giacomo Vermentino from Lodi, California. Vermentino is a late ripening variety which is native to southern Italy and this is first for California. Look for beautiful aromatics on this wine with nice green fruits and spice on the finish. This is a very dry wine that drinks well on it’s own or with any type of food. Great value at $15.95 and it gets 9 points.

Sommelier Pick

Head to page 34 for my sommelier pick. It is the 2009 Saget La Perriere Marie De Beauregard Vouvray from Loire Valley, France. The grape variety here is Chenin Blanc and of lately has been a good to wine for me. It pairs nicely with fish, seafood, chicken, salads, sushi. It’s a very dry white wine with lots of acidity on the finish. It’s priced at only $17.95 and it gets a solid 9.5 points with me.

Red Wine

Crowd Pleaser

Is on page 18 and it is the 2009 Bonterra Zinfandel from California. Look for rich black plum. brambleberry and black peper on the nose, that leads to a smooth finish. Would be delicious with pulled pork or BBQ ribs. This is a drink now wine. I give this wine 8.5 points and the price is $19.95.

Pinot Pick

I can’t say enough good things about the 2008 vintage in Oregon and this wine is no exception. On page 30 is the 2008 Maysara 3° Pinot Noir from McMinnville, Oregon. Very nice notes of strawberry, cherry and cranberry with soft tannins on the finish. This wine will get better with time but can be drank now with an hour of decanting. Pair with salmon, duck or even a juicy burger! Price is $24.95 and it gets 8.5 points.
Steak Night / Canadian Pick

On page 28 is the 2009 Mission Hill Reserve Shiraz from the Okanagan Valley, BC. The dessert like climate here does well for Shiraz in Okanagan Valley. Look for red and black fruits, cedar, spice and dark chocolate on the nose and finish. Tannins are big and still a bit tight so I would suggest decanting an hour before dinner. Enjoy tonight or cellar for another 4 years. Price is $23.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Tuesday Night Special

Page 7 is the 2010 Chakana Yaguarete Collection Bonarda from Mendoza, Argentina. Yes, I have another Bonarda pick for you but honestly at $12.95, how can you go wrong? Look for ripe black fruits and baking spices on the nose and finish. This is a medium bodied drink now wine. Would be great with take out pizza as well as hamburgers or sausage on a bun. Outstanding value and it gets 8 points.

Wine and Cheese Pick

Is on page 27 and it is the 1998 Calem Colheita Single Vintage Tawny Port. This is the perfect wine to pair with those strong blue cheeses! Look for figs, raisins, prunes and caramel flavours on this lovely Port. It was aged 13 years in barrel so it is ready to drink now. Amazing value at $25.95 and I give it 9.5 points.

Cellar Pick

On page 38 is the 2007 Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany, Italy. I absolutely love this Chianti from the Antinori family. Look for sour cherry, spice, and smoke on the nose and finsh. Very elegant acid and tannin structure. If you opened this wine tonight, I would decant for about an hour or two but see if you can age for another 5 years. Price is $43.95 and it gets 9.0 points.

Finally, some thoughts on the 2008 Antinori Solaia. Since I did not have the opportunity to taste this wine, I can’t give it a proper score but I can tell you it is a great wine that really needs time to age however, I’m not completely sold on the $249.95 price tag. Personally I’d buy a few bottles of the 2007 Chimney Rock Cab on page 30 as I’m a huge fan of wines from the Stag’s Leap District and the 2007 vintage was absolutely stellar.

Till the next release on April 28…

White Wine Picks

Swiss Chalet or Rotisserie Chicken Night Wine

On page 33 is the 2009 Gray Monk Riesling from the Okanagan Valley, BC. Look for white peach, mineral and petrol on the nose and finish. Slightly off dry with a very well balanced finish. I give the wine 9 points and the price is $18.95.

Ontario Pick

Also on page 33 is the 2009 Organized Crime Gewurztraminer from the Niagara Peninsula. A beautiful nose showing notes of lychee, orange blossoms, honeysuckle and rose petals that leads to a spicy, savoury finish. This would be a great wine with Thai food. Amazing – 9 points. Price is $22.20.

Chardonnay Pick

Located on page 34 is the 2007 Marimar Estate La Masia Don Miguel Vineyard Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, CA. Hard to find a Russian River Chardonnay under $20 that is absolutely spectacular. The nose and palate show hints of apple, smoke, vanilla and vibrant minerality. Oak is very well integrated without being over the top. Pair with seafood or poultry dishes. Price is $19.95 and I give it a solid 9 points.

Great Value Whites

First up on page 39 is the 2010 Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. A very herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc on the nose that delivers a lime citrus finish that is bone dry matched with great acidity. This wine would be great with light seafood dishes or a goat cheese and spinach salad. Price is $17.95 and I give it 9 points.

Next on page 38 is the 2011 Yalumba Y Series Viognier from South Australia. Look for notes of floral and stone fruits on the nose such as peach or apricot that finishes with a smooth, silky finish. Match with black cod (sablefish) or pineapple chicken. Well priced at $15.95 and I give it 9 points. These are drink now whites that do not require any additional aging.

Red Wine Picks

Canadian Pick

On page 33 is the 2010 Featherstone Red Tail Merlot from the Niagara Peninsula. Look for plum, cherry and spice on the nose leading to a dark chocolate and mocha on the finish. Very elegant tannins on this wine make for a very balanced finish. Match with BBQ Baby Back ribs or grilled meats. Drink now or age another 5 years to see where this wine might go. Great price point from such a great vintage, only $19.95 and it gets 8.5 points.

Crowd Pleaser

Head to page 36 for the 2008 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon from California. This wine is loaded with black currents, dark plums and vanilla on the nose. Finish is well balanced with nice integrated tannins and oak treatment. This is a drink now wine. I give it 8.5 points and the price is 24.95. Great with any grilled red meats.

Tuesday Night Special

Page 37 is the 2010 Don Cristobal 1492 Bonarda from Mendoza, Argentina. What is Bonarda you ask? It is a widely planted grape in Argentina and was the most planted varietal until Malbec came along and stole the show. It is lighter than Malbec but equally as delicious. Look for blueberry, ripe strawberry and mocha on the nose with well balanced tannins and acid on the finish. A drink now wine. Would pair great with Burritos or Fajitas. Outstanding value at $12.95 and it gets 9 points.

Aussie Pick

Look on page 38 for the 2010 Wits End The Procastinator from McLaren Vale, Australia. This is a fantastic Meritage blend of 63% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very elegant wine that has well balanced dark fruits with solid tannic structure. Perfect with steak or venison. Could age nicely in cellar for another 5 – 7 years. Only $19.95 and it gets 9 points.

Steak Night Wine

On page 24 is the 2008 Concha y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere from Chile. This is a yummy Carmenere that has notes of black plums, coffee and cocoa on the nose and finish. Can be drank now with an hour of decanting or can age for a few more years in bottle. A solid wine for $29.95 and it gets 9 points.

Adventurous Pick

Located on page 15 is the 2008 Cuvee Constance from the Roussillon, France. This Grenache/Carignan blend has notes of black fruit and cocoa that leads to a dry, earthy finish. This is a needs food wine and would be great with lamb or venison. Decant tonight or cellar for a few more years. Price is $18.95 and I give it 9 points.

Sunday Night Spaghetti and Meatballs

Head to page 42 for the 2007 Angelini San Leonino Chianti Classico Riserva from Tuscany, Italy. A yummy Chianti that shows sour cherry, cured meats and cheeses on the nose that leads to a well balanced finish. Great acidity lives here! Drink now or age another 1 – 3 years. Price is $25.95 and it gets 9 points.

Wine and Cheese Pick

Your port alternative is on page 43, the 2004 Sartori Corte Bra Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico. Look for figs, dates and raisins on the nose that leads to a big, powerful finish. Great on its own after a big meal or pair with hard or blue cheeses. This is a drink now Amarone or cellar for a few more years. This wine gets 9 points and the price is $49.95.

Cellar Picks

On page 42 is the 2008 Antinori Guado Al Tasso from Tuscany, Italy. This wine shows black fruits, tobacco leaf and coffee on the nose to a long, well balanced finish. Can age for another 15 – 20 years. Don’t open now if you can! Price is $89.95 and it is a solid 9.5 points.

On page 43 is the 2007 Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Vigneto Montesodi Chianti Rufina Reseva from Tuscany, Italy. This wine had the wow factor for me with ripe cherry, dark chocolate and smoked meat on the nose. The finish was very well balanced. To be aged for another 10 – 15 years. Great price point at $49.95 and it also gets 9.5 points.

Usual Suspects

Just one this week and it’s on page 35, the 2009 Caymus Special Selection from Napa Valley, California. This wine is HOT, HOT, HOT! Line up early for this wine because guaranteed it will be sold out early. If you manage to get a bottle, you will find loads of juicy ripe blackberries, black currents and vanilla on the nose and finish. Caymus makes their wine to drink now so indulge yourself this weekend or it can age in a cellar for another 5 years. Price has come down in recent years and it sells for $119.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

Until the next LCBO Vintages release on March 17, enjoy good wine, good food and good health!

My Sparking Pick

On page 13 is the Louis Bouillot Perle D’Ivoire Brut Blanc de Blancs from Burgundy. This well made Cremant has notes of green apple and toast. It is dry and very well balanced on the finish. I give it 9 points and the price of this delicious sparkling wine is only $18.95.

White Wine Picks

On page 42 is the 2009 Bachelder Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. A very interesting wine with notes of apple and melon but some notes of buttered toast and fine minerality round out the finish. The price is $34.95 and I give this wine 8.5 points. Try it tonight with chicken alfredo or butter poached lobster. Can age for another 5 years.

Also on page 9 is the 2011 Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. This is a must try for all Sauvignon Blanc fans. Look for dill, tomato vine, some citrus notes such as lime on the nose and palate. A great wine for the price. Only $16.95 and I give it 9 points. This is a drink now wine and will not improve with age.

On page 47 is the 2010 Domane Wachau Terrassen Federspeil Gruner Veltliner from Wachau, Austria. If you’ve never tasted a Gruner Veltiner before here is your chance. This is a bone dry wine that is gives notes of white pepper and citrus that leads to a lingering finish. This wine would be delicious with a bitter green salad or just on its own. Very good value at $17.95 and I give it a 9.

Red Wine Picks

First off is the Crowd Pleaser wine. You buy this wine and everyone will love it. And I’m excited to say that it’s a Cabernet this week. So turn to page 5. It is the 2009 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for $22.95. It also come in a half bottle for $12.95. Look for black cherry, vanilla, baking spices and cocoa on the nose and on the palate. Very smooth finish. I give it 9 points. Great on its own or with any grilled red meats.

My drink now or cellar a few more years pick for this month is on page 6, the 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre from the Veneto region in Italy. This wine is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Look for black fruits and well balanced acidity. Great price at $24.95 and I give it 9 points. Would pair well with meat dishes or with cheese. Decant for about an hour or let it age for another 5 – 8 years and see how it develops.

My Tuesday night special is on page 14, the 2007 Bodegas Lan Crianza from Rioja, Spain. This 100% tempranillo has notes of sweet, ripe fruit on the nose with lots of new oak here but finishes dry with notes of cherry and raspberry. It’s only 15.95 and it gets an 8.

My interesting pick this week is on page 50 it is a blend of Nero d’Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the 2007 Donnafugata Tancredi Contessa Entellina from Sicily, Italy. Lots of big chewy tannins with this wine and ripe fruit. Excellent finish. I recommend this wine with hearty rich foods like lamb stew. The price is $25.95 and I give it 9 points.

My Brunello pick is on page 51, and this month it’s a half bottle. Look for the 2006 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino. This is a very well balanced Brunello that delivers with a nice, lingering finish. I recommend decanting this wine for about an hour or it can age for another 10 years. Great way to try a Brunello and not break the bank. Price is $26.95 and it gets an 8.5.

My steak night wine this week is on page 13, the 2009 Clos du Val Zinfandel from Napa Valley. Look for blueberry cheesecake, ripe blackberries on the nose leading to well integrated tannins and acid on the finish. This wine is delicious and the price is $23.95 and I give it 8.5 points.

My Canadian pick this week is on page 41, the 2007 Township 7 Syrah from the Okanagan Valley, BC. First off, if you are a fan of big, bold Shiraz from Australia, then this wine is not for you. But if you want to try a great food wine that has nice notes of pepper, spice plum and earthiness then this wine is for you. Very well balanced finish. Price is $25.95 and I give it 8 points. Would be delicious with peppercorn steak.

The “usual suspects” this week are the 2008 Dominus at $149.95 and the 2009 Duckhorn Merlot at $56.95, both Napa Valley wines. The Dominus is also my Cellar wine pick as this wine has the potential to age for another 25+ years. The structure is there but it’s young so I say “Do not touch…if you can!” I give it a 9.5. The Duckhorn Merlot is a much more approachable but could be cellared for another 3 – 4 years. It gets a solid 9 points. Both wines should be enjoyed with any red meat, especially steak!

Until the next LCBO Vintages release on March 3, enjoy good wine, good food and good health!

Here are the top 5 reasons to drink wines from Washington state and the proof to back it up:

1.  Cabernet Sauvignon is King!  The most widely planted variety across the state that is full of fruit, tannins and very full bodied.  Great choice is the 2007 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon at only $25.00 a bottle.

2.  If you are looking for more Old World Style there are lots of Clarets to choose from.  Claret is blend of mostly Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  My choice is the 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Claret from Robert Karl Cellars. This wine is great value at $20.00 and it was given 91 points by Wine Enthusiast.

3.   The 2008 Eroica Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle.  The cool nights give this Riesling great acidity and the potential to age for a number of years in a cellar.

4.  Syrah, Syrah…enough said!  Try the 2007 L’Ecole 41 Syrah from the Columbia Valley and see if you can pick up the hint of Grenache in the blend.

5.   Blinded by the White…my choice for an interesting white wine is the 2008 CMS Sauvignon Blanc from Hedges Winery.  This wine is unlike any Sauvignon Blanc you’ve ever tasted with Chardonnay and Marsanne in the blend giving the wine both a creamy mouthfeel with some nice herbal and spice notes!

Now it’s up to you to taste one of these great wines today and put your palate to the test!

For the Strong, Silent Dad:  I think a great Malbec would be perfect.  The 2007 Domino Del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec ($27.95) is no exception.  Think baking spices and mocha here with a long, generous finish.

For the Dad who drinks white wine:  2007 Stags Leap Chardonnay is a great choice.   It’s a classic Burgundian style Chardonnay but from Napa Valley with pear and green apple notes, great acidity with a fantastic finish.  Yes, I know it’s $29.95 but hey, your Dad is worth it! 

For the cheap and cheerful Dad:  I have the perfect Portuguese wine, it’s the 2006 Duque De Viseau Red from the Dao region.  Very approachable with red berry fruit characteristics this little gem pairs well from any on the BBQ to just drinking on it’s own and it’s only $13.95. 

For the Sports Dad:  I know beer is perhaps an obvious choice, but I think the 2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec would make an excellent selection.   Lots of ripe black fruit and it’s a great price at $19.95. 

For the wine aficionado Dad:  What dad would not be totally blown away getting a bottle of the 2004 Ségla from Bordeaux?   This is the second wine from Château Rauzan-Ségla located in Margaux.  This wine. when I tasted it, is coming along nicely. but it is highly complex and needs time.  Why not pick up a bottle for your own cellar, too!   Definitely not for the drink-it-now type.  

And saving the best for last, for the Dad who appreciates a good wine: Try the 2006 Fattoria dei Barbi Morellino Di Scansano.  It is mostly Sangiovese (85%) and really reminds me of a lighter Brunello and it won’t break the bank at $17.95 a bottle.  Very approachable and great with steak or lamb kebobs.   This is the hit of the Father’s Day release at LCBO Vintages this month. 

Happy Father’s Day!