The 6th Annual Churchill Cellars portfolio tasting, held at the National Ballet School of Canada building on Jarvis, seemed a little smaller then last year’s version. Sure there were plenty of cookies, sandwiches and cheeses, but it just seemed a little more cramped inside the venue. Of course, that didn’t stop people from enjoying themselves, or hoisting up glasses of general list and Vintages favourites – though again, I remember last year there being a Port table and more private order and consignment wines. This year’s offerings seem geared more towards what is at the LCBO, the good news about that is that the wines tasted were readily available.
Winery of the Tasting …
My vote in this category goes to Hardys. Most tables had one wine of note; Hardys had two and a few that were bubbling under. Best white of the day - a floral, perfumey and peach 2007 Stamp of Australia Riesling Gewurztraminer ($9.60 - #448548) is destined to be my summertime wine of choice – it had class and taste to spare.
The red wine of the tasting goes to the 2005 Bankside Shiraz ($16.65 – Vintages Essential), very impressive with its black pepper and spice – it’s only drawback was the medium-short finish, but still it’s a BBQ-ready red that everyone will love. After the tasting I went out and bought two bottles of each of the above wines, putting my money where my tastebuds are.
More from Australia …
D’Arenberg is a big name at the LCBO, seems like a D’ wine is being put on the shelf every Vintages release. Of the 6 on display today I think the 2005 Footbolt Shiraz ($21.75 – Vintages) is one you’ll remember for a good long while with its red fruit, pepper and black fruit finish.
South African Gem …
The South African co-op Robertson puts out a single vineyard varietal every year to reward one vineyard for an outstanding growing season … Robertson Winery Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.75 – Vintages) with its rich-jammy-spicy nature, chocolate notes and touch of tannin. Prospect Hill has been the singled-out vineyard before – they really know what they’re doing.
Robert Mondavi strikes gold with Merlot …
I expect very little from the Mondavi “Woodbridge” line – or at least I have over the years. The Sauvignon Blanc is an okay summer sipper (I have a better white recommendation below and above) but the wine that I thought was more than fine was the Woodbridge 2006 Merlot ($13.85 - #494492). On the Private Selection side, the 2005 Merlot ($19.80 - #524769) also reigns supreme … and the best news of all, it’s going down a dollar some time this month (April); I say it’s about time we started seeing some effects of a stronger dollar. Now if only the LCBO would follow suit with the big retailers and offer “US pricing”.
Another Summertime Wine …
Lastly, I’d like to point your attention to what I have always considered to be one of the best unoaked Chardonnays on the market – Banrock Station Unwooded Chardonnay ($10.85 - #455022) has been a perennial favourite of yours truly for years, delivering consistent fruit driven flavours and excellent quaffability.
Winery of the Tasting …
My vote in this category goes to Hardys. Most tables had one wine of note; Hardys had two and a few that were bubbling under. Best white of the day - a floral, perfumey and peach 2007 Stamp of Australia Riesling Gewurztraminer ($9.60 - #448548) is destined to be my summertime wine of choice – it had class and taste to spare.
The red wine of the tasting goes to the 2005 Bankside Shiraz ($16.65 – Vintages Essential), very impressive with its black pepper and spice – it’s only drawback was the medium-short finish, but still it’s a BBQ-ready red that everyone will love. After the tasting I went out and bought two bottles of each of the above wines, putting my money where my tastebuds are.
More from Australia …
D’Arenberg is a big name at the LCBO, seems like a D’ wine is being put on the shelf every Vintages release. Of the 6 on display today I think the 2005 Footbolt Shiraz ($21.75 – Vintages) is one you’ll remember for a good long while with its red fruit, pepper and black fruit finish.
South African Gem …
The South African co-op Robertson puts out a single vineyard varietal every year to reward one vineyard for an outstanding growing season … Robertson Winery Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.75 – Vintages) with its rich-jammy-spicy nature, chocolate notes and touch of tannin. Prospect Hill has been the singled-out vineyard before – they really know what they’re doing.
Robert Mondavi strikes gold with Merlot …
I expect very little from the Mondavi “Woodbridge” line – or at least I have over the years. The Sauvignon Blanc is an okay summer sipper (I have a better white recommendation below and above) but the wine that I thought was more than fine was the Woodbridge 2006 Merlot ($13.85 - #494492). On the Private Selection side, the 2005 Merlot ($19.80 - #524769) also reigns supreme … and the best news of all, it’s going down a dollar some time this month (April); I say it’s about time we started seeing some effects of a stronger dollar. Now if only the LCBO would follow suit with the big retailers and offer “US pricing”.
Another Summertime Wine …
Lastly, I’d like to point your attention to what I have always considered to be one of the best unoaked Chardonnays on the market – Banrock Station Unwooded Chardonnay ($10.85 - #455022) has been a perennial favourite of yours truly for years, delivering consistent fruit driven flavours and excellent quaffability.
No comments:
Post a Comment