What We’re Drinking Now
Here’s a brief list of what we’ve tasted over the last few weeks, and plan to drink throughout June (and beyond)!
Kir Yianni Akakies Rosé, PDO Amyndeo, Greece, 2011, $11.95
Vintages 71050 (Arriving May 26)
A spectacular blush wine made from 100% Xinomavro grapes. Almost Gamay-like on the nose with Swedish berry, strawberry jam and ripe red berries, on the palate this is crisp and clean with fresh strawberry and tart rhubarb. Esy to drink and very food friendly, enjoy with anything from roast chicken to spicy grilled shrimp and yes, chicken souvlaki with Tzatziki.
Stratus Chardonnay, VQA Niagara on the Lake, 2009, $55
Available at the winery
We had this a few weeks ago at a dinner Stratus hosted to announce Paul Hobbs’ involvement with the winery. Hobbs has gained international acclaim for his oenology work in global vineyards including France, Argentina, and his home-base of Sonoma, California. This was one of the first wines Hobbs consulted on with Stratus winemaker JL Groux, whereby indigenous yeasts were used. This is an exceptional Chardonnay with a nose of pineapple, Golden Delicious apple, a hint of earthy minerality and butterscotch notes. Creamy and rich on the palate with flavours of mango, pear nectar, roast pineapple and butterscotch ripple ice cream.
Fontodi Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2009, $29.95
Vintages 9333317
Made of 100% Sangiovese, this bright red wine has aromas of red cherry, licorice and earthiness. On the palate, flavours of ripe red cherry, tart cranberry spice and black licorice notes, make this an elegant sipper to enjoy alongside chicken cacciatore with black olives.
Ridge Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California, 2009, $46.95
Vintages 984413 (Arriving May 26)
Mostly Zinfandel with 23% Petit Syrah and 6% Carignan, this is a deep purple, weighty wine with a nose of field berry, mint, sundried tomato and dark earth. On the palate the entry is sweet and smooth with flavours of spice and black pepper, licorice fig/raisin and blackberry. Big, grippy tannins mean this is one for the cellar, but if you plan to enjoy it tonight with BBQ ribs or grilled steak, make sure to decant for a while first.
Tsantali Rapsani Reserve, PDO Thessalia, Greece, 2007, $15.95
Vintages 724855
Mostly Xinomavro with a bit of indigenous Krassato & Stavroto to balance it out, this has a nose of dark fruit, dark chocolate, spice box and dried leaves. Big and chewy on the palate with cherry, plum and earthy notes. Elegant and poised decant and enjoy alongside grilled ribeye or braised venison. Unbelievable value.
Pascal Jolivet “Exception” Sancerre, AC Loire, France, $71.75
Halpern Enterprises
A beautifully expressive and focused wine made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This is the top tier for Jolivet, taking grapes from three vineyards and allowing them to ferment with their own wild yeasts. Long lees contact and bottling without filtration is all done in an effort to preserve terroir. Look for aromas of white flower, mandarin orange, slate/mineral and a touch of anise. The palate follows through with the same white flower, sweet citrus and anise/tarragon notes, with a bitter yellow grapefruit finish. A nice wine for sophisticated summer dinners.