GORD ON GRAPES
These wines exceed expectations
June 9, 2007
Gordon Stimmell
WINE CRITIC
Of the more than 100 wines hitting Vintages shelves today, we've narrowed the field down to the five top values. These are wines from all over the world that deliver more in the taste department than would be expected at the price. In other words, they exceeded my critical expectations, and then some.
Concha Y Toro 2005 Winemaker's Lot Carmenere, $18.95
The Winemaker's Lot series from Chile's Maipo Valley is extremely well-sculpted. This carmenere (originally a red grape from Bordeaux) dishes up smoky pencil-lead, rich coconut, plum and chocolate aromas and flavours. It's a wow wine, the kind you might expect to pay $30 and up for, from a different producer.
LCBO # 030957
Food Suggestion: Roast leg of lamb.
Rating: 91
Flat Rock Cellars 2006 Twisted, $16.95A relative newcomer from Niagara, this winery already has a devoted following. This white blends gewurtraminer, chardonnay and riesling with a new "twist." Aromas show grapefruit, lime peel and lemon, and the flavours have a candied lime, apple and lemongrass raciness. Very refreshing.
LCBO # 001578
Food suggestion: Thai shrimp or scampi dishes.
Rating: 89
Willm 2005 Pinot Gris/Riesling, $15.95Famed Alsatian producer Willm has more than a century of fine winemaking under its belt. This perfect summer patio white dishes up aromas of nectarine, peach and lime, with flavours of lemongrass and lime peel in a very racy, spicy style, with that typical Alsatian dry finish.
LCBO # 030627
Food suggestion: Perfect with breaded pickerel or bass.
Rating: 89
Rodney Strong 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.95A solid Sonoma, Calif., producer for years, whose reds often deliver more power than expected. This has aromas showing pencil shavings, black cherry, cedar and vanilla, all of which carry through powerfully on the palate, with a hint of chocolate and kirsch lingering on a sumptuous finish.
LCBO # 226944
Food suggestion: Char grilled T-Bones.
Rating: 91
Trumpeter 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $13.95A fine winery dishing up consistent values from Mendoza, the stellar growing region of Argentina. The nose shows blackberry with hints of cola and cedar. On the palate, lush chocolate, blackberry and refined oak stylings dish up sex appeal. The finish is slightly sweet-toned.
LCBO # 723288
Food suggestion: Burgers stuffed with chèvre.
Rating: 89
Ratings out of 100
Toronto Star