Visitors

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Napa Estate Zinfandel 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA



Beautiful colour in this Zin, on the nose, this wine opens up with aromas of ripe berries, plum, red currants, figs, fruitcake, black pepper and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, even at 14.9% alcohol, this wine is well balanced by classic Zin ripe fruit, fresh acidity and smooth tannins. This is definitely a more restrained, less extracted, elegant style of Zinfandel. Is this a great wine? Yes, does it represent a good value? No, not in this market. I don’t feel like I am enjoying a $47.00 wine, it sells for $36.00 in the US which I feel is the appropriate price. Score 91 points. 
Purchased May 12, 2012 LCBO New Release (682989) at $46.95

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Summers Ranch Reserve Merlot 2008, Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA


 

This Merlot opened up with aromas of black cherry, black currants, prune, roasted coffee, chocolate and smoky cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol at 14.2%, juicy, ripe and rich flavours, low acidity and rounded tannins. Not especially complex but the flavours and texture are very nice. You definitely get the California sunshine in this bottle. This is a flavourful Merlot that goes down, almost too easy. Strongly recommended for people who like this rich style of Merlot, score 90 points.

Purchased September 15, 2012 LCBO New Release (279372) at $34.95

Friday, September 28, 2012

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of September 29, 2012 - A Solid Selection from Tuscany and My picks for...



Hello to all my wine friends,
 
Looking at this New Release (NR) the main feature is “Tuscan Tradition”, with a very good selection, 16 new products in all, but with few bargains and a whole lot of pricey options, an interesting Australia vs. New Zealand Pinot Noir with three from each country. Apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention.
 
Starting with a few whites;



·        highly rated (but not cheep) Malvasia wine, and not from Italy but from California, Palmina Larner Vineyard Malvasia Bianca 2010 (289157) at $35.95; and

·        for fans of Riesling, two of them to consider, Hoffman-Simon Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Germany (216499) at $21.95 and from Alsace France, Trimbach Réserve Riesling 2009 (995316) at $24.95.

Now for the reds;

·       an affordable and delicious Zin and feature has "Arrive in Style" in this NR, Artezin Zinfandel 2010 from California (302943) at $21.95;

·       for fans of Barolo, here is one for your consideration Gianni Galiardo Barolo 2006 from Italy (713602) at $44.95;

·         how about a premium Malbec? Luca Malbec 2009 from Argentina (167312) at $29.95;

·         a mid-price St-Emilion from the 09 vintage, Château St. Georges 2009 from France (960310) at $34.95;and

·         a Pinot Noir from that battle between Australia and New Zealand, Carrick Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (919837) at $37.95. Well now let's get started;
 

Tuscan Tradition;  I love the wines from Tuscany, one of my favourite wine regions by far. Now I can never emphasize this point enough, Italian wines and definitely wines made with Sangiovese are meant to be enjoyed with food. It’s hard to showcase just 4 wines since there are 8 wines I would recommend (4 of them on my shopping list) but here it goes;

·       Moris Morellino Di Scansano 2010 from the Toscan Coast (992560) at $18.95 – This wine is made with 100 % estate grown Morellino (local name for Sangiovese) grown in the maritime influenced region of Scansano and is my pick for the best value wine in this release.


·       Le Pupille Poggio Valente Morellino Di Scansano Riserva 2007 from the Toscan Coast (230680) at $29.95 – This wine is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with 97% and with a supporting role, Alicante at 3%. Maturation took place in French oak barrel (40% new) and 60% second use and a further 7 months in bottle before release.


·        Jacopo Biondi Santi Sassoalloro 2008 from Maremma (981407) at $35.95 –I had the opportunity to enjoy this wine a few weeks ago at a local restaurant (Bekta Fine Dining), a beautiful, well made, elegant style of Sangiovese with great aromatics. Maturation took place in French oak (Troncais) for 14 months. Could be enjoyed now (they did decant the wine for us) or cellar up to ten years. Strongly recommended.


·        Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (651141) at $59.95 - Brunello is the premium Sangiovese wine from Tuscany with rigorous production rules, the wine must be 100% Sangiovese, with maximum yield of seven tons per hectare, minimum of two years in oak plus an additional four months in bottle before release, an a minimum alcohol strength of 12.5% which usually explains the high price.
 

My picks for...;  I thought that I might give you my picks by these predominant grapes or blend;

·       My Sauvignon Blanc pick:  Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (677450) at $21.95 - This is the style of Sauvignon Blanc which I prefer with tropical fruit and citrus flavours with few herbaceous notes and unoak. Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc sells out quickly every year.


·       My Pinot Noir pick:  Stonier Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (025338) at $24.95 - Highly rated Pinot Noir from the cooler region of Victoria, this winery only makes 3 styles of wine; a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wine. Maturation took place in French oak (approximately 10% new) for 10 months with alcohol coming in at 13.9%.


·        My Merlot pick:  Hogue Genesis Merlot 2008 from Washington State (349415) at $18.95 - Washington State has a great reputation for Merlot and Hogue Genesis Merlot 2008 is a good example of that. Don't expect a California style of Merlot here, more like a mid weight, savoury and of great value.


·         My Rhône blend pick:  La Crau De Ma Mère Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 from France (941740) at $44.95 - From the highly rated 2010 Rhône vintage, La Crau De Ma Mère makes a more modern style of Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, mostly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in a supporting role.
 

My top three wines from this release;

1- La Crau De Ma Mère Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 from France (941740) at $44.95

2- Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2009 from Italy (735597) at $71.95

3- Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia 2008 from Italy (292391) at $44.95
 

My top three wines for value;

1- Finca Nueva Fermentado En Barrica Blanco 2010 from Spain (280560) at $15.95

2- Artezin Zinfandel 2010 from California (302943) at $21.95

3- Moris Morellino Di Scansano 2010 from Italy (992560) at $18.95
 

My wines picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Reds Wines;

1- Dei Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2008 from Italy (285510) at $28.95

2- Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (651141) at $59.95

3- Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia 2008 from Italy (292391) at $44.95

4- Moris Morellino Di Scansano 2010 from Italy (992560) at $18.95

5- Le Pupille Poggio Valente Morellino Di Scansano Riserva 2007 from Italy (230680) at $29.95

6- Jacopo Biondi Santi Sassoalloro 2008 from Italy (981407) at $35.95

7- Ruffino Modus 2008 from Italy (912956) at $28.95

8- Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2009 from Italy (735597) at $71.95

9- Stonier Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (025338) at $24.95

10-Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (282673) at $49.95

11-Carrick Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (919837) at $37.95

12-Artezin Zinfandel 2010 from California (302943) at $21.95

13-Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (987420) at $25.95

14-Elk Cove Pinot Noir 2009 from Oregon (234534) at $37.95

15-Hogue Genesis Merlot 2008 from Washington State (349415) at $18.95

16-Luca Malbec 2009 from Argentina (167312) at $29.95

17-Polkura Syrah 2009 from Chile (283978) at $23.95

18-Santa Ema Amplus One 2008 from Chile (169987) at $23.95

19-D’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier 2008 from Australia (936971) at $29.95

20-Shaw & Smith Shiraz 2009 from Australia (686659) at $44.95

21-Château St. Georges 2009 from France (960310) at $34.95

22-Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvée Maximilien Cairanne 2010 from France (286336) at $21.95

23-La Crau De Ma Mère Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 from France (941740) at $44.95

24-Pharus Castellano Rosso Piceno Superior 2007 from Italy (174086) at $16.95

25-Gianni Galiardo Barolo 2006 from Italy (713602) at $44.95

26-Remo Farina Le Pezze Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (171587) at $33.95
 

White Wines;

1-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (256552) at $18.95

2-Forman Chardonnay 2010 from California (236117) at $52.95

3-Macrostie Chardonnay 2009 from California (244467) at $30.95

4-Palmina Larner Vineyard Malvasia Bianca 2010 (289157) at $35.95

5-Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (677450) at $21.95

6-Trimbach Réserve Riesling 2009 from France (995316) at $24.95

7-Gilles Blanchet Pouilly-Fumé 2011 from France (141747) at $19.95

8-Hoffman-Simon Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Germany (216499) at $21.95

9-Markus Molitor Riesling 2011 from Germany (295956) at $18.95

10-Vesevo Beneventano Falanghina 2010 from Italy (289538) at $15.95

11-Finca Nueva Fermentado En Barrica Blanco 2010 from Spain (280560) at $15.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of October 13, 2012, where the featured segments are; Australia: The scoop on 5 wineries to watch and Chile: Premium wines from perfect sites.

Cheers
Paul YWG

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Domaine de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2007, Rhône, France


 
When travelling, I love to shop and browse in local wine shops. It’s always nice to see which wines are available, that we don’t often find in our local shops. I always try to bring a few bottles home, it makes for a nice souvenir. This wine was purchased in Stockholm, Sweden, part of one of the cities visited during a Baltic cruise in August 2010.

I don’t think that I have ever tasted a Châteauneuf-du-Pape which such a high percentage of Syrah in the blend, it really shows on the nose. This wine opened up with aromas of plum, blueberry, violet, mushroom, Asian spices, damp earth and barnyard-like animal notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with alcohol at 14%, well integrated flavours, very smooth texture with fine, soft tannins and good length on the finish. I think its drinking pretty much at its peak right now, you could possibly cellar it for another 2-3 years. This is definitely an interesting, savoury and earthy style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, very enjoyable. Domaine de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2007 is a blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. Score 91 points.

Purchased in Stockholm, Sweden in August of 2010

Monday, September 24, 2012

Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007, Doc Castel Del Monte, Puglia, Italy



This wine is a blend of 70%  Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano grapes, maturation took place in French oak barriques for 12 months with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of dark plum, cherry, prune, woodsmoke, chocolate, leather and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, very rustic with low acidity and dusty tannins. Interesting farmy, leathery character with mild dryness on the finish. For me, Rivera Il Falcone Riserva 2007 did not quit achieve the elegance of their 2006 vintage but it still an enjoyable and recommended wine. Score 89 points.

Purchased September 1, 2012 LCBO New Release (177295) at $22.95

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA




I don’t usually enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc that t is blended with Sémillon, but I had tasted this wine at the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa last March. I liked it and thought that; paired with the right food it would be very enjoyable. This wine is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon. Portions of this SB were fermented in 100% French oak Château-Style barrels (60 gallons), 15% fermented in new oak, with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.
 
This wine opens up with aromas of lemon-lime, pear, pineapple and fresh herbs. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with fresh acidity and rich flavours of lemon meringue and pineapple with a touch of honey.  Good length on the finish, almost creamy with great flavours and refreshing. I paired this wine with Chicken lasagna with artichoke and a béchamel sauce and it worked quite well. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.
Purchased April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (094375) at $28.95

Friday, September 21, 2012

Deumayen Tres Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina




This wine is 100% estate grown Malbec, aging took place in new French oak for 14 months, than 12 months in bottle before release, alcohol comes in at 14%.

Wow, great nose on this Malbec with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, dark plum, vanilla, smoky and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious forward fruit, savoury spices, smooth and very tasty, balance acidity with fine grained tannins. This wine's finish is long, very smooth with excellent depth of flavours that makes you look forward to the next sip. In the depth of Malbec choices available in our stores, while slightly more expensive than most, Deumayen Tres Reserva Malbec 2007 is definitely worth the extra dollars. Needs BBQ red meat too really shine, drinking really well right now. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased August 18, 2012 LCBO New Release (284000) at $27.95

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Mission Hill Oculus 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada



Oculus is Mission Hill Family Estate’s flagship wine, a Bordeaux inspired blend of 51% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. The grapes are from South Okanagan (Oliver and Osoyoos), hand harvested and hand sorted, fermentation & extended maceration in small French oak fermenters than each component is aged separately in 100% French oak barrels for 14.5 months with alcohol coming in at 14%.
This wine opens up with aromas of black cherry/blackberry fruit, black olive, bitter chocolate, clove, cedar, smoky and a strong nose of tobacco leaf/cigar box. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with layers of rich flavours, well structured, fresh acidity and fine chewy tannins. This blend's finish is very long with flavours of black fruit, tobacco, black pepper and smoky cedar wrap in fine tannins. I am delighted in knowing that I have one bottle remaining in my cellar; Oculus 2006 is enjoyable now but still needs to shed some of its oak and in the process acquiring some further elegance. My plan is for patience, until the winter of 2014, then open my remaining bottle. There is no doubt that a great amount of detail and attention went into crafting this wine, very enjoyable. My only negative, the heft and weight of the bottle, strong and masculine, but not very good for the environment, not to mention that it will only fit on the top or bottom row of my wine cellar. Score 93 points.
Purchased at the Artisan Wine Shop in Victoria, BC. September 25, 2009 at $60.00

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand



This Sauvignon Blanc is the style of SB that is tailor-made for my palate, citrus and tropical fruit, clean, crisp, refreshing and un-oaked. This wine opens up with aromas of pink grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, pineapple and pine nettle. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13%), a bit edgy, intensely flavourful, with zesty acidity. Clean and refreshing finish with flavours of citrus-passion fruit and a bit of residual sugar coating your mouth. Just as beautiful as when I tasted this SB at the New Zealand Wine Fair here in Ottawa last May. Glad I bought more than one bottle, strongly recommended. Score 91 points.
 
Purchased July 21, 2012 LCBO New Release (278556) at $19.95

Monday, September 17, 2012

Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008, Napa Valley, California, USA



This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in both French and American oak (50% new) and alcohol coming in at 14.6%.
The benefit of blending and great winemaking is in full display here, starting with great aromatics, this wine opened up with aromas of plumy-black cherry fruit, cassis, cedar, pepper and light liquorice. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, rich ripe California fruit flavours with gentle oak spices, vanilla, fine acidity and silky smooth tannins. Great length, energy and flavours on the finish. What you get from Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 is a very elegant wine, finely textured and very fragrant. Drinking well right now or hold 2-3 years, gorgeous wine. Score 91 points.  
Purchased August 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (050393) at $34.95

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, Canada



From the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist, Le Clos Jordanne, this is a very masculine and slightly rustic style of PN. Maturation took place in French oak, 35% new oak and the remaining barrel percentage was a mix of used oak (from one to four years old barrels) with alcohol coming in at 12.5%.
A very exotic bouquet on this PN with aromas of sour cherry, pomegranate, forest floor, smoky, gentle wood spices with a strong stony minerality. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, flavours of blueberry, vanilla and wood smoke with a silky smooth texture, fresh acidity and fine tannins. This wine finish is long, smooth with complex flavours lingering. Again, this is another wine where the cork wasn’t exactly up to par, with dry wine on the foil and a soft, slightly wet cork. This PN is definitely not fruity or elegant, this is a more masculine, slightly edgy, mineral driven kind of PN. I would have preferred a little more fruit, but Le Clos Jordanne still managed to make a very interesting and enjoyable wine in a challenging vintage. Score 88 points.
Purchased August 6, 2012 at the Wine Rack in Ottawa for $35.00

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of September 15, 2012 - Local talent, Ontario Wines and Interestin​g off the Beaten Track Choices


Hello to all my wine friends,

 
Looking at this New Release (NR), apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention.
Starting with white wines;

  • a very good value wine from Veneto, Adalia Singat Soave 2011 from Italy (289603) at $13.95;
  • a perennial favourite Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (974527) at $21.95; and
  • for fans of Chardonnay, a wine from a "virtual winery", (more on that later) here in Ontario Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (302083) at $29.95.

Now for the reds;

  • another outstanding Brunello from the 2006 vintage, Collosorbo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (285742) at $49.95,
  • staying with Italian wines, for fans of Amarone, the always delicious Michelle Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (221109) at $44.95;
  • a couple of Malbecs to consider, Maipe Reserve Malbec 2010 from Argentina (247320) at $17.95 and Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2009 from Argentina (074922) at $21.95;
  • how about an Australian Grenache from Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2008 from Australia (108068) at $24.95;
  • and finally a full bodied red from California, Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2008 from California (590356) at $44.95, which would benefit from 2-3 years in your cellar.

Well let’s get started.

Local Talent, Ontario Wines; Ontario wines seem to be a difficult sell in its own province, compared to it's more respected cousin, the wines of British Columbia. Residents of BC seems to embrace their wine industry, through BC VQA wine outlets and restaurant wine lists, much more than Ontarians (having recently lived 4 years in BC, I can attest to that). The weather is a great deal warmer in the Okanagan Valley, which allows them to make bigger and bolder reds. Case in point, the LCBO, by giving the spotlight to wines of Ontario in this NR are releasing wines better suited for cooler climate. There is no Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or even Merlot being released this weekend, only cooler climate grapes like Riesling (4 been release), Chardonnay (5), Cabernet Franc (3), Pinot Noir (5) and 1 Baco Noir (the only full bodied Ontario red in this NR). At this moment, I am with those who believe that Ontario and Burgundy climates are similar, which means that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are best suited for the Ontario climate, Riesling is also a good fit here. But with climate change, who knows what's in store for Ontario's winemakers, we may very well be moving closer to a climate similar to that of Bordeaux. Here are four Ontario wines to consider in this NR;

  • 2027 Falls Vineyard Riesling 2011 VQA, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula (294041) at $18.95 - Don't go looking on Google Map to locate this winery, this is one of those "virtual wineries". All you need is the skill and passion for wine and winemaking, without having to invest an enormous amount of money to start a winery. You buy fruit from local farmers and lease space in a winery, to produce your own wine. This is one of those products, made in small quantities.
  • Le Clos de Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench (033951) at $45.00 - Le Clos Jordanne specialize in, and produce only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. I just opened up their 2008 vintage the other night, a more masculine Pinot Noir with flavours of dark berry fruit, crush stone and strong minerality.

  • Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Prince Edward County (125310) at $35.00 - Prince Edward County is one of the youngest wine producing regions of Ontario and one of the coolest. This Pinot Noir is from the warmer 2010 vintage, maturation took place in 40% new oak for 10 months and alcohol coming in at a low of 12.2%.
  • Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 VQA Ontario (461699) at $24.95 – By far the most full bodied red wine from Ontario in this release. Henry of Pelham had a very good hand in making this Baco Noir. Maturation took place in a combination of new and one/two year old American oak for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 13.4%. This is a big, rich and jammy autumn or winter red which calls for a BBQ steak.

Interesting off the Beaten Track Choices; Time to veer off course, and to try something different. Here is my selection of either unusual grape varietals, a blend of favourite grapes from the lesser known regions, which are worth a serious consideration;

  • Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2011, WO Western Cape, South Africa (282814) at $17.95 - Here is a Sauvignon Blanc from Western Cape, which is a cooler region of South Africa. Ataraxia specialize in, and only makes 3 wines, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a red blend called Serenity. From this SB expect, strong minerality and citrus fruit with alcohol coming in at 13%.
  • Pio Cesare Gavi 2011 from Italy (952523) at $19.95 – This wine is made with 100% Cortese grape, sourced exclusively on hillside vineyards. As for vinification; slow fermentation at low temperatures in stainless tanks on lees for four months, as for aging; the wine is kept on stainless steel tanks at low temperatures until March, after the harvest, when its bottled. Best served with fish or shellfish.
  • Argiolas Perdera 2009 from Italy (297556) at $17.95 – This wine is from the island of Sardinia and is a blend of the local grape Monica at 90% with Carignano at 5% and Borale also at 5%, with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. This wine is medium bodied and would fall under the style of earthy and spicy. This wine would pair well with a traditional pasta dish with tomato sauce, stewed lamb or fish.
  • Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2010 from Australia (511600) at $19.95 – I love the wines of Wynns from the Coonawarra region of Australia, a rich and full bodied blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz and 6% Merlot, alcohol coming in at 14%, maturation taking place in French and American oak for 12 months. Ready to enjoy now with BBQ steak or lamb chops, cellar 3-4 years.

My top three wines from this release;
1- Collosorbo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (285742) at $49.95
2- Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (060152) at $62.95
3- Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2008 from California (590356) at $44.95

My top three wines for value;
1- Adalia Singat Soave 2011 from Italy (289603) at $13.95
2- Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa (282814) at $17.95
3- Maipe Reserve Malbec 2010 from Argentina (247320) at $17.95

My wines picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;
1- Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 from Ontario (461699) at $24.95
2- Le Clos de Jordanne Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (033951) at $45.00
3- Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010 from Ontario (125310) at $35.00
4- Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (189795) at $79.95
5- Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (060152) at $62.95
6- Stags’ Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2008 from California (590356) at $44.95
7- Summers Ranch Reserve Merlot 2008 from California (273372) at $34.95
8- Cristom Summers Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 from Washington State (942490) at $44.95
9- Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2009 from Argentina (074922) at $21.95
10-Maipe Reserve Malbec 2010 from Argentina (247320) at $17.95
11-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (094128) at $26.95
12-Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz 2008 from Australia (027326) at $34.95
13-Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2009 from Australia (422782) at $34.95
14-Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2008 from Australia (108068) at $24.95
15-Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2010 from Australia (683086) at $62.95
16-Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2010 from Australia (511600) at 19.95
17-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (285361) at $35.95
18-Château Philippe-Le-Hardi Mercurey Les Puillets 1er Cru 2009 from France (295071) at $29.95
19-Domaine de la Côte de L’Ange Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 from France (074856) at $37.95
20-Famille Perrin Peyre Blanche Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2010 from France (650960) at $17.95
21-Argiolas Perdera 2009 from Italy (297556) at $17.95
22-Collosorbo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (285742) at $49.95
23-Le Fonti Chianti Classico 2009 (295162) at $19.95
24-Michelle Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (221109) at $44.95
25-Tommasi Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (356220) at $49.95
26-Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007 from Spain (042929) at $21.95

White Wines;
1- 2027 Falls Vineyard Riesling 2011 from Ontario (294041) at $18.95
2- Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (302083) at $29.95
3- Lailey Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (193482) at $19.95
4- Dierberg Chardonnay 2008 from California (289918) at $31.95
5- Benton-Lane Pinot Gris 2010 from Oregon State (064253) at $24.95
6- Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2009 from Chile (254326) at $17.95
7- Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (974527) at $21.95
8- Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa (282814) at $17.95
9- Rolly Gassmann Stegreben De Rorschwihr Gewurztraminer 2009 from France (289439) at $27.95
10-Domaine La Soufrandise Clos Marie Pouilly-Fuissé 2010 from France (042622) at $27.95
11-Pio Cesare Gavi 2011 from Italy (952523) at $19.95
12-Adalia Singat Soave 2011 from Italy (289603) at $13.95

Dessert Wines;
1-Château des Charmes Estate Bottled Vidal Icewine 2009 from Ontario (565861) at $25.95
2-Inniskillin Riesling Icewine 2008 from Ontario (558288) at $69.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of September 29, 2012, where the featured segments are; “The Pillars of Tuscany”, “Pinot Noir; New Zealand vs. Australia” and “Perfect Thanksgiving pairings”.

Cheers
Paul YWG