WYKwinos Report No. 8

Date/Time: August 19, 2010 – 7 p.m. (roughly 3 hours)
Place: Maple Yip Seafood Restaurant 陆羽海鲜酒家

1^st Bottle	Henry of Pelham Reserve off-dry Reserve
Varietal: Riesling	Winery/Producer:
Type: White Wine	Year: 2008
Cost: $15.95	Region: Niagara, Ontario
Food to pair:韭菜花肚尖与雀巢海三鲜	LCBO #: 557165
Remarks: LCBO comment – letting the grapes hang on the wine adds to the sweetness of this beguiling Riesling. But there is a fine natural acidity to balance the sugars. Aromas and flavours show jasmine, ginger, apples and peaches elements. It’s a pretty stuff, by Gordon Stimmell, the Toronto Star, March 13, 2010. Pairing with – Riesling is very versatile when it comes to food pairing; any fish, seafood, pork or chicken; can be a little spicy, but not too spicy that it completely overpowers the wine.
2^nd Bottle	Mitolo Jester
Varietal: Shiraz	Winery/Producer:
Type: Red Wine	Year: 2007
Cost: $21.95	Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Food to pair: 黑椒焗牛柳	LCBO #: 659607
Remarks: LCBO comment – Mitolo continues to garner international accolades under the talented hands of winemaker Ben Glaetzer and owner Frank Mitolo. Every vintage from 2001 through 2007 has received a score of 90 or above from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Taste profile – this full-bodied, juicy Shiraz delivers upfront and approachable aromas of chocolate-covered dark cherries, anise, allspice, coffee and hints of oak. Pairing with – best with prime rib or grilled rare tuna steaks.
3^rd Bottle	Gran Coronas Reserva (V)
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon	Winery/Producer: Miguel Torres S.A
Type: Red Wine	Year: 2006 & 2005
Cost: $17.45	Region: Penedes, Spain
Food to pair: 八宝鸭	LCBO #: 36483
Remarks: A stunningly delicious and balanced red with full-bodied notes of black fruit, vanilla smoke, dark spices and rich mocha goodness. Crack it open beside the barbecue. This wine is part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. Pairing with – braised veal blade and root vegetables; roast pork tenderloin; and, of course, braised eight-treasured duck.