Seems like hockey and wine might be the new match made in heaven. Last month I wrote about the official wine of the Buffalo Sabres and today I'm writing about the new Wayne Gretzky wines. Last June he announced the launch of his own brand of wines and they are just now hitting Canadian shelves.

From The Toronto Sun:

The Wayne Gretzky Estates Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 ($14 LCBO) just didn't taste the same as the one I previously tried. I described it as fruit driven and full of ripe, tropical fruit. When it was retasted it lacked the fruity intensity that I adored. Still a decent wine, but not up to the standards of the first release.

And the Wayne Gretzky Estates Merlot 2006 ($17 LCBO) also lacked the ripe fruit you'd expect at this price point. There was far too much earthy/leafy/tar/licorice notes and not enough of the voluptuous fruit I remember. Again, an OK wine but not up to the quality it should be.

A portion of the proceeds from Gretzky's wine sales will benefit youth hockey programs. Gretzky is also working on a Wayne Gretzy Estate Winery.