Reported by Peter Collis
Director Robert White, in an entertaining manner, presented 13 moderately priced wines as the “Best Values of the General List”. The wines were selected by surveying Product Consultants at several LCBO stores. We were asked to identify the wines that we could recommend to our friends.
First Flight (4 whites):
- 2006 Lurton Pinot Gris, Argentina, $11.15, #556746. Recommended. Tropical fruit on the nose, pink grapefruit and lime on the finish.
- 2006 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, $16.15, #619452. Recommended. Grassy, asparagus nose, and lemon acidity in the mouth. Good body with some sweetness balancing the acidity.
- 2005 Beringer Stone Cellar Chardonnay, California, $14.15, #606806. Recommended. Toast, caramel, and oak on the nose. Ripe pear and pineapple on the palate, lime on the finish.
- Malamatinas Retsina, Greece, $4.65 (500ml), #315937. Not Recommended. Perfume, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and gingerale on the nose. Gingerale, peppermint, and eucalyptus in the mouth
Second Flight (3 reds):
- 2004 Jackson-Triggs Merlot, Okanagan, BC, $14.15, #543876. Recommended. Cherry nose, oak up front, red currant, pepper and spices. Nice tannins, earthy, balanced acid.
- 2005 Errazeriz Carmenere, Chile - $14.15, #16238. 40% Recommended. Green peppers, cedar, mustiness. Balanced tannins, cedar shavings, black current, and a long finish.
- 2005 Mad Dog & Englishmen Monastrell, Shiraz/Cabernet, Chile, $14.15, #669135. 70% Recommended. Prune and black licorice nose. Some cherry jello on the palate. Gold medal winner at the 2006 Ottawa Wine and Food Show for Best Value Red.
Third Flight (3 reds):
- 2004 Masi Campofiorin, Italy, $17.15, #1550512. 20% Recommended. Cherry nose, sour cherry flavours, light body, short finish, well balanced.
- 2002 Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva, Spain, $21.30, #32656. Recommended. Spicy cherry nose, complex fruity palate, balanced, but drink now.
- 2005 Errazuriz Max Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, $18.20, #335174. Highly Recommended. Driftwood, cherry, spices, and blueberry on the nose. Complex, well integrated tannins.
Fourth Flight (3 sweet wines):
- Petalo In Vino Del’ Amore Moscato Bottega, Italy, $12.90, #588780. Unanimously Recommended. Refreshing sweet apple and perfume nose. Low alcohol. Good with fruit desert.
- Southbrook Farms Framboise, Ontario, $15.95 (375ml), #341024. Recommended. Very sweet raspberry. Good with chocolate deserts.
- Graham’s LBV Port, Portugal, $17.15, #191239. 50% Recommended. Raisin and dates on nose, very sweet palate.
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The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.