Bouchard Aine & Fils 2007 Beaujolais

A very nice light Beaujolais very much in the Pinot Noir style. Light bodied. Decent fruit. Very easy to drink and/or to pair. Light enough to pair with chicken, yet almost full enough to pair with lamb and certainly salmon. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Hernder 2001 Chardonnay

My first true special find ($9.95/btl). Now past its prime, this wine still has a nice balance of oak and fruit ... as long as you prefer a VERY oaky Chardonnay. Slightly longer finish. Awesome Golden colour and a medium to full body. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it if you can find it.

Open 2009 Sociable Sparkling

A new offering from Vincor. Truly a throw-away sparkling wine. OK to mix in mimosas or sparkling wine cocktail where the mix will overwhelm the taste of the wine. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: PASS

Ravazzi 2006 Riserva Chianti

A mediocre Chianti. OK with pasta, etc. Almost nothing on the nose. Nice finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: You can do better

Peller 2007 Private Reserve Chardonnay

Beautiful golden colour. Nice balance of oak and citrus. Medium body. Slightly lingering finish. A bit pricey. Not abailable at LCBO. Recommendation: OK to buy

Rosedale 2007 Nine Lives Shiraz

Lovely full-bodied Shiraz. Very fruit forward. Nice lingering finish. Available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Fielding 2006 Chadonnay Unoaked

A fairly smooth Chardonnay. OK on the balance. Decent to pair with chicken. Not available at LCBO. ecommendation: You can do better

Le Clos Jordanne 2006 Village Reserve Pinot Noir

A very earthy Pinot Noir. Some fruit, but very Old World Style. Fairly light. Not available in LCBO. Recommendation: You can do better

Joke of the Day

Q. What do you call a dog with no legs?

A. It doesn't matter what you call him. He ain't gunna come.

Fielding 2007 Riesling

A well balanced Riesling. Green apple with a sweet melon note. Nice long finish. OK with fish or a even a decent blue cheese. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy.

Peller 2005 Private Reserve Dry Riesling

Bright green apple. Some citrus aftertaste. Pleasant finish. Pairs nicely with fish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy.

Two Hands 2006 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz

Luscious fruit although a bit on the dull side. Long finish with a bit of a gnarly aftertaste. Decent heat. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Kilikanoon 2006 Killerman's Run Shiraz

Excellent companion to the Shiraz/Grenache blend. Not as soft and velvety without the Grenache, but still very luscious. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Kilikanoon 2006 Killerman's Run Shiraz Grenache

A wonderful full bodied blend. Tremendous ripe black and red fruit taste. Big, but very soft almost velvety and round. Would stand up to steaks, but can be enjoyed by itself. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Fielding 2007 Reserve Gewurztraminer

Another pleasant offering from Fielding. Well balanced. Soft citrus with some melon. Very floral. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Chateau Ducla 2009 Entre Deux Mers

An okay blend 42% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Sauvignon Gris, 24% Semillon, 5% Muscadelle. Fairly easy drinking with notes of soft citrus and some melon. The Muscadelle cuts through on the finish. Available at LCBO. Recommendation: "meh"

Chateau des Proms 2008 Cuvee Bellevue Bordeaux

A pleasant bordeaux if somewhat forgettable. Medium bodied and nothing really distinctive. Nice to sip, but best paired with snacks or tapas. Available at LCBO. recommendation: Pass

Fielding 2008 Fawnsbrook Gewurztraminer

I was really pleasantly surprised by this wine. Fairly soft citrus with prominent floral notes. Very round and well balanced. Nice finish although just a distance touch of acid in the aftertaste, Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it

Le Vieux Donjon 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape

A wonderful wine I simply couldn't put down. It opened quickly. Exhibits soft tannins for such a young wine. Wonderfully soft and full of flavour, but with a long finish. Not available at the LCBO. Recommendation: Buy

Christian Moueix 2005 Bordeaux

A nice light Bordeaux. Easy to drink alone but does very well paired with beef (even hamburger.) Nice long finish. Not available at LCBO. Recommendation: Buy it