Seventeen Days - Day 5

On the fifth day of the Olympics, we raise a glass, in honour of our athletes, of Wayne Gretzky Estates 2007 Merlot. On the day that the Canadian Men’s Hockey team takes to the ice for the first time – against Norway – we feel it is completely appropriate that the wine we drink tonight is the wine from the last General Manager of our Men’s Hockey team who led them to winning the Gold. Now, it’s not just the first night of Men’s hockey – there is more skiing, snowboarding, luge, skating and biathlon but we also see the first round of action for both our Men’s and Women’s Curling. Just a quick note about this wine – it has a fruit-forward style highlighted by aromas of blackberry and cherry. Rich, rounded palate and moderate tannins frame ripe berry fruit, finishing with mocha and oak spice. Possible food pairings – mild curries, pork tenderloin, souvlaki, chili or stew – everything we would love to eat at this time of the year to keep us warm. To grab a bottle – or two – of this wine which retails at $15.95 a bottle, visit your local LCBO, the winery itself or order online at http://www.gretzky.com/wine/wines.php.