Spring Sparkler to Toast the Season

I didn't know about these wonderful wines until I found myself in Limoux, France and found out that this sparkler - Blanquette de Limoux - (arguably) predates Champagne. The Delmas is not only tasty, it is organic and affordable... so really quite guilt free. As I have said in previous posts, there are really some wonderful sparkling wines done in the Traditional Method that are much more appealing than Champagne simply because of the price...


DELMAS CUVÉE - TRADITION BRUT - BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, FRANCE - $ 18.95
Nose of green apple and brioche with a creamy palate of apple with a lime finish. Elegant.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=179978

http://www.blanquette-delmas-bio.com/la-gamme-delmas

Big Full-Bodied Reds to Keep a Body Warm This Cool Spring

This weather had me back to reds this week. Luckily they were pleasing and good value as it allows me something to write about in compensation for the unseasonable cold. I had the LAN at a friend's birthday party last year so I picked it up and was happily not disappointed on my second try. The Gretzky Estates is one I have had numersous times since '09 and it is developing beautifully. I just went on the LCBO product search to make sure I could get more from the spectacular 2007 Niagara Cabernet Vintage.


WAYNE GRETZKY NO. 99 ESTATE SERIES - CABERNET/MERLOT - 2007 - $ 18.95

Chocolate, cassis, tobacco, slightly savoury. Rich and silky, nicely balanced. Developed deliciously as it decanted and opened up.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=128652

http://www.gretzkyestateswines.com/


LAN RESERVA - RIOJA 2004 - SPAIN- $ 19.95

Strawberry, red plum toasty and slight vanilla and spiciness on the nose. Follows through...

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=42929

http://www.bodegaslan.com/en/los_vinos_LAN.htm

Accessibly priced, quality Pinot Noirs from Ontario

3 Ontario Pinot Noirs, affordably priced for the weekday budget:

EASTDELL ESTATES - PINOT NOIR - 2008 - $ 12.95

The nose shows aromas of red currant with a slight mushroom; light-bodied, juicy red-fruit, spices with a medium finish.
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=613059

https://www.diamondestates.ca/shop/search?brand=8

STONEY RIDGE ESTATE WINERY -  PINOT NOIR - 2009  - $ 16.00
A real favourite, for the price. The 2009 is different in style from the previously reviewed 2007. It has less of the earthiness and is more fruit forward and medium-bodied, but is also a lovely expression of the grape.

http://www.stoneyridge.com/

http://www.wineonline.ca/shop/products/?pid=2714&shop_province=9


CAVE SPRING CELLARS - PINOT NOIR - 2007  - $ 17.95

I have had both the 2007 & the 2008 and they are both lovely, delicate, complex wines.

 http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=246561

http://www.cavespringcellars.com/wines

Quality Full-bodied Reds at Slim Prices

COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES - MERLOT 2006 - WASHINGTON  
- $ 15.95
Deep & luxurious wine with lots of pure cassis and chocolate notes.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=263418

http://store.columbiacrest.com/storefront.aspx

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA - CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE  
- $ 15.00
Complex nose of dark chocolate, pepper, black fruit with a slight herbeacousness. Palate has juicy black plum with a nice, balancing, tannic grip.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=684597

http://www.santacarolina.cl/eng/index.php?option=com_productbook&func=viewcategory&Itemid=68&catid=9005