Warm-weather friends
April 25, 2007
Gord on Grapes
It's time to get optimistic after our lingering grey winter and look forward to patio friendly wines. My fave Spanish rave now is Bodegas Montecillo 2001 Reserva (#621003) with its mellow, rich plummy depth, but it is pricey ($19.15, rating 90) and best reserved for special occasions.
So we start instead with a very affordable Spanish red, the 2004 Solaz Tempranillo /Cabernet which I prefer to the 2005 Solaz Shiraz/T empranillo on shelves alongside it. This is a terrific burger wine, but you might go for smoked sausages with it as well. Highly gulpable stuff for just sitting around and chewing the fat with friends.
And what would spring be without whites to toast warmer weather? The Rosemount Sauvignon Blanc is always reliable as a starter for salads or hors d'oeuvres, or for just breaking the ice with party guests. The 2005 version is a bit zingier, with gooseberry and grapefruit elements, but the 2006 shows tropicality and is mellow enough to quaff on its own, even without nibblies.
The Stone Cellars Chardonnay is a staple in the Beringer starting lineup, which ascends to monster reds at its premium levels. This chard saw some French and American oak, and some malolactic fermentation, which gives it a slightly creamy texture. But the citrus elements keep it crisp despite the buttery mouth feel. A nice balance.
Now if only we could uncork some lasting sunshine.
Osborne 2004 Solaz Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon $10.25
(Spain)
Everyone wants a friendly red priced at $10 or less and this Spanish entry nicely fills the niche. On the nose, mace, blackberry, and cedar lead into flavours showing vanilla-laced black cherry fruit, with a hint of raspberry in the background. The finish shows violets and a bit of tart raspberry which mellows as it breathes.
LCBO # 610188
FOOD SUGGESTION: Grilled burgers
RATING: 88
Rosemount Diamond Label 2006 Sauvignon Blanc $13.95 (Australia)
A refreshing sauvignon blanc, with tropical notes in the 2006 mellowing out any natural grassy tendencies. Aromas of lime and spicy apple, with an undertone of roasted nuts. On the palate, spicy apple, zingy gooseberry and crushed pineapple. The finish is long and spicy showing just a hint of grapefruit lingering.
LCBO# 329573
FOOD SUGGESTION: Shrimp! kebabs
RATING: 88
Beringer Stone Cellars 2005 Chardonnay $14.15 (California)
This chardonnay is a perfect summer sipper with lots going on. The aromas hint of floral acacia, with buttery apple, lemon oil and lime nuances playing along. The flavours show judicious oak, with golden apple and butter licks and a touch of citrus. The finish is mellow and round and mouth filling.
LCBO # 606806
FOOD SUGGESTION: Roast grilled chicken
RATING: 89