Saturday Night – Inexpensive Wines – Part 1

Last week my wife, Kathy, received two different red wines from friends who appreciate finding good deals on wine. The first was a 2009 McGuigan Black Label Shiraz (LCBO $9.95) and the second was a 2008 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon (LBCO $15). She asked me to do a dish or two to pair with the wines so we could try them.

"Beef Carpaccio"

I did a Beef Carpaccio as the starter and Beef, Baby Potatoes, Tomato, Arugula mixed with fresh Corn as the main course.

"Scenic view"

We’ll take a look at the Shiraz to start.

The nose on the Shiraz was a mix of Crème Brûlée, dirt, vanilla and pepper. Tasting the wine you get an almost syrupy taste with lots of fruit but very little acidity or tannin. The structure on this wine is completely out of whack due to the afore mentioned lack of acidity and tannin. It was very awkward with the Carpaccio but an OK pairing with the main course.

"$10?"

Here is the group rating for the wine -Mick – 84, Mark – 80, Kathy – 86, Amy – 85, Overall – 83.75.

Here is the LCBO Information on the wine –

MCGUIGAN BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ

LCBO 325787
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 9.95
Wine, Red Wine
12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1
Made in: South Australia, Australia
By: Australian Vintage Ltd.

Tasting Note - Black cherry red colour; jammy berry fruit aroma, touch of mint; ripe sweet berry fruit hints of spice; light to medium bodied; dry with soft finish

Serving Suggestion -Grilled meats; roasts; stews

I wasn’t a huge fan of this wine but Mick and Amy had this wine earlier in the week and said it was a nice pairing with pizza. For the $10 price it was drinkable and if you were looking for a cheap middle of the week wine this might be what you are looking for.

Click here for Part 2