Robert Kischuk

Joseph Cattin Brut Crémant D'alsace, Ac, Alsace, France, Traditional Method

Great value again! I'm loving some of the sub-20 sparklings coming out.
Very up-front acidity, mouth-filling flavor, medium-bubbled fizz, fading to slightly dry and bitter at the very end (a nice thing).

Conundrum 2010, California

Had this as a 'guess what varietals made this' exercise in my group. Most people guessed pretty well, although nobody loved it. It did open up after 30 minutes or so.

I would take any of the myriad sub-20 Ontario white blends over this $25 stuff.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

One of those 'essentials' which every LCBO seems to carry. I like to grab one or two of these (from almost anywhere) when heading to the lake. Everybody likes it.

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008, Igt Veronese

Dense, purple, user-friendly.
No gripes.

Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace

DL and Edward R summarize the consensus of our group tasting ('lesser' known white varietals).

It certainly was as they describe, and was the high note of the evening for me.

Tenuta S. Anna Prosecco Superiore Di Valdobbiadene, Docg

'Approachable' meaning somewhat flavorless compared to the other sub-20 sparklings released recently. Inoffensive, light on fruit, easy off-dry finish ie 'approachable' but not very interesting.

Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Colchagua Valley

Guess I got a non-tainted bottle. Sensational rich liquid-jammy bliss with red meat.

Muted acidity (who cares) and soft tannins...if you like hugely jammy Syrah for sub 20 then here it is...if you get a non-tainted version!

Monte Antico 2008, Igt Toscana

SuperTuscan 'LITE'?
Tastes like a good table Chianti, with some extra body from the CS/M and quite a heft of acidity.
Flavorful, refreshing, and goes great with our simple pasta lunch.
Ten dollars cheaper than my favorite Chianti, hence great value

Louis Picamelot Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Ac, Burgundy, France

My mother-in-law LOVES this bubbs as a hot-afternoon sipper and was shocked at the price. She immediately asked where she could get a few (I obliged).

Supremely good value for people who love bubbles just because...

Rolet Père & Fils Blanc Naturé Savagnin Ouillé 2009, Ac Arbois

First try at a Savignin, so I have no context. Nose struck me as a dog dipped in fruit cocktail (terrier instead of terroir?), but the palate was nice..snappy acidic fruit finish, possible touch of RS coming through.
I will try a different Savignin if I can find one.