Friday, December 5, 2008

Three red wines...for a change (Nov 8th, 2008)

Good morning...

After the last few predominantly white wine choices, it is time for some red wine...All three have been taste tested and offer an interesting array of prices and grapes. Some of you may have seen these before in previous editions. For additional comments on each of the wines, please see the remarks under each label.
Canada's Wine Access Magazine has just released its Guide to the 'Best Wines under $25'...So over the next few months expect to see some suggestions from that remarkable exercise. The judges looked at 1050 different wines from around the world that are available in Canada. The winners are separated into various categories like 'the top 25 killer values, top reds and whites under $15, and then are categorized by varieties. All very interesting and more to come later...

Finca Flichman Malbec, Oak Aged 2007, Mendoza, Argentina

Price: $10

UPC: 7790470080222

Score: 86/100

Remarks: The best of recent vintages. A great tasting inexpensive red that you can serve liberally around the BBQ, and it goes well with pizza, chicken or spaghetti. Ellen, who unfortunately red wine does not agree with, likes this Malbec. If you are looking to give it an even more mature flavour try decanting or splashing (take a little out of the bottle, put the cork back in and shake vigorously) it prior to drinking.


Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile

Price: $11

UPC: 7804320753454

Score: 86/100

Remarks: A great value Pinot Noir at an affordable price. Look for a spicy earthy forest floor nose with bits of liquorice root and pepper. Expect a tart, black cherry fruit flavour mid-palate with more spice and mushroom in the finish. It is readily available in BC and I even saw a few bottles in the States. We tried this with BBQ chicken, and worked well.


Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2007, Coastal Region, South Africa

Price: $18

UPC: 746925000786

Score: 87/100

Remarks: Fresh, round, supple palate with smoked meat and cherry jam flavours. This is consistently a very good wine and is now under a screw cap, which will add to its reliability. A great wine to take to dinner invitation...


Nice buck outside of our carport at Thetis...

Thanks again to all of you who send me a note back...I really appreciate it.
Keith

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