GORD ON GRAPES
Solid Spinelli red is ridiculously well-priced
October 17, 2007
Gordon Stimmell
WINE CRITIC
I taste anywhere from 20 to 40 general list wines a week. Many are mediocre and I don't waste ink on these. Some are decent but brought down by small flaws in flavours and aromas, lack of balance, bitter or sour notes.
The Spinelli is often on my Top 10 Values of the Year list and the 2006 is a winner again. The Twin Fin line from California is fairly recent to shelves and the pinot grigio is especially winsome.
And for elegant fall dining with guests, the Errazuriz Max Merlot is a sure bet. I find the Max Shiraz at the same price too driven by eucalyptus/ spearmint/menthol notes that distract. The merlot by contrast is pure pleasure in a bottle. Bon appetit!
Spinelli 2006
Montepulciano
D'Abruzzo $7.15 (Italy)
This is a new vintage of a consistent best value red year after year The aromas show abundant blackberry, cedar, vanilla bean and earthy spice. The flavours deliver solid black cherry, cedar and blackberry depth. Overall the wine is mellow, with a long finish. And shockingly inexpensive.
LCBO# 454629
Food suggestion:
Spaghetti or manicotti
Rating: 88 out of 100
Twin Fin 2005 Pinot
Grigio $14.15 (California)
Sculpted by wine giant Gallo, this is a refreshingly nice pinot grigio. Green pear, pineaple and lime dominate the aromas, while the flavours carry forward the pineapple with a hint of papaya in a very friendly delivery. The finish hints of lime peel and pear. Overall, a crisp, clean, zesty white for getting the party started. LCBO# 38323
Food suggestion: Chicken wings
Rating: 89
Errazuriz Max Reserva 2005 Merlot $18.15 (Chile)
Our elegant dining red of the week is sourced from the Aconcagua Valley, and shows seductive aromas of cassis, blackberry, wood shavings and violets. Very rich flavours of black cherry, vanilla and chocolate seduce the palate. The finish is sustained and sumptuous. This tastes better than many $30 plus reds.
LCBO# 16170
Food suggestion: A crown lamb roast
Rating: 91
Toronto Star