WYKwinos Report No. 18

Date/Time: 22nd July 2011, 7:00 p.m.

Place: Fantaxia Restaurant樂逍遙

1st Bottle D’ARENBERG D’ARRY’S ORIGINAL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE
Varietal: Shiraz Winery/Producer: D’Arenberg Wines
Type: Red Year: 2008
Cost: $19.95 Region: Australia
Food to pair: LCBO #: 942904
Remarks: A classic blend, showing the roots of its consistency, even in a challenging vintage; the bouquet straddles the line of fresh red fruits and savoury Provençal herbs beautifully; the palate is generous and soft, with an underlying structure providing freshness and contrast to the sweet fruit.
2nd Bottle PIKES TRADITIONALE RIESLING
Varietal: Riesling Winery/Producer: Pikes Vintners Wines
Type: White Year: 2009
Cost: $19.95 Region: Australia
Food to pair: pan-seared scallops and green beans LCBO #: 66894
Remarks: Pure, vibrant and very lively Riesling from Pikes Vintners, one of Australia’s Riesling specialists. This peach- and lime-scented number is equally enthralling on the palate. Dry, racy and fruity, with wonderful verve. Cellar it 3-5 years or enjoy it tonight with pan-seared scallops and green beans.
3th Bottle RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Varietal: CABERNET SAUVIGNON Winery/Producer: Negociants International
Type: Red Year: 2008
Cost: $19.95 Region: Australia
Food to pair: LCBO #: 606624
Remarks: Last year we advised that you should buy the best piece of lamb you can afford, roast it up and serve it with this little beauty – though of course we were talking of the 2007. Same advice applies here, though. It tastes chocolately, gravelly, curranty and pure. It’s got class and grunt, is beautifully balanced and the flavours persist long after you’ve swallowed. Quality wine – fit for a fine Saturday night.
4th Bottle PLUNKETT FOWLES STONE DWELLERS MERLOT
Varietal: Merlot Winery/Producer: Plunkett Fowles Wines
Type: Red wine Year: 2008
Cost: $19.95 Region: Australia
Food to pair: LCBO #: 221838
Remarks: Notably fragrant, with a savoury red fruit mix on the bouquet; there is a large volume of fruit on the palate with varietal cassis and black olive intersecting flavours; the alcohol works well.
5th Bottle WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ
Varietal: Shiraz Winery/Producer: Treasury Wine Estates
Type: Red wine Year: 2008
Cost: $19.95 Region: Australia
Food to pair: LCBO #: 208322
Remarks: Deep colour; a fragrant burst of cherry, plum and spice on the bouquet leads into a palate that moves into more powerful black fruits and licorice, the tannins round and soft.
菜單 舞影香車 霧影朝霞
龍抱仙姬 洋蔥扒大鴨 翠玉葡提

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WYKwinos Report No. 7

Date/Time: July 16, 2010, 7 p.m.(roughly 3 hours)

Place: Fantaxia Restaurant樂逍遙

1nd Bottle Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda      
Varietal: Winery/Producer: Miguel Torres S.A.
Type: White Wine Year: 2009
Cost: $12.95 Region: Penedes, Spain
Food to pair: 千島香芒帶子 LCBO #: 113696 
Remarks: A pretty blend of Moscatel de Alejandria and Gewurztraminer, Vina Esmeralda has a very seductive floral/perfumed nose. Aromas such as honeysuckle, ripe pear, custard apples, vanilla and spun sugar can all be found here. It’s a fine partner for lightly spiced seafood dishes, avocado salad or berbed chicken breast
2st Bottle Burgo Viejo Reserva 2001 Rioja          
Varietal: Winery/Producer: Bodegas De Familia Burgo Viejo  
Type: Red Wine Year: 2001  
Cost: $19.95 Region: Rioja, Spain  
Food to pair: 花彫美極牛柳粒 LCBO #: 168823  
Remarks: Deep garnet colour. This blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Carignan features a complex collection of aromas, including plum, olive, smoked meat, strawberry and oak (they use both French and American barrels). Dry with pleasingly mature flavours and still-moderate tannins to suggest further ageing potential (2-4+ years). Medium bodied with a substantial finish. Enjoy it with roast leg of lamb or roast beef.  
3rd Bottle Bodegas Lan Crianza 2005        
Varietal: Winery/Producer: Bodegas Lan, S.A.   
Type: Red Wine Year: 2005  
Cost: $15.95 Region: Rioja, Spain  
Food to pair: 紅燒黃琪班 LCBO #: 166538  
Remarks: Light scents of crushed rose petals and frisky cherry tomato flavors give this a bright, zesty tone. The tannins are also light, with a gravelly feel. This is a versatile red for olives and jamón Serrano or more substantial meat such as duck. One of the Best Buys of 2009. Score – 90. (Wine & Spirits Buying Guide, 2010)  
   
4th Bottle Torres Gran Coronas Reserva (V)        
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Winery/Producer: Miguel Torres S.A
Type: Red Wine Year: 2005
Cost: $17.45 Region: Penedes, Spain
Food to pair: 鹽焗走地雞 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. Food matches: braised veal blade and root vegetables, roast pork tenderloin.