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Thursday, May 31, 2012

My top three enjoyed wines for May 2012



May turned out to be a very good month for my continued wine education, attending the New Zealand Wine Fair here in Ottawa certainly helped understand their wines and climate and was very enjoyable. An interesting list of wines to choose from this month, ten different countries mostly reds with two very good white wines. To narrow my list down to three is always difficult. Which wine left me with the most enjoyment? It could be a wine which offers great value. Four wines which did not make my list but turn out to be quit enjoyable which I would like to mention; two Spanish Rioja, Lealtanza Reserva 2005 and Finca Allende 2006, Best's Western Bin 1 Shiraz 2009 from Australia and finally from my own country of Canada, Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2007 from the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.


My top three enjoyed wine in May;

1-Mission Hill Compendium 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/05/mission-hill-compendium-2006-okanagan.html

An easy pick for the number 1 spot. Who knew I would enjoy this wine so much? When I last tasted this wine, 2 1/2 years ago, I found it to be imposing but with fine potential. But time in my cellar changed all that, a big wine with lots of details very seductive and delicious. This is a good example of  what Canada can make, some serious red wine.

2-Two Rivers of Marlborough Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/05/two-rivers-of-marlborough-convergence.html

I don't often purchase Sauvignon Blanc, bordering around the $30.00 price tag, but the reviews were very good and I decided to splurge a little. I am glad I did, this was a very complex, refreshing and truly enjoyable.

3-Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2007, IGT Tuscany, Italy

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/05/fattoria-di-basciano-il-corto-2007-igt.html

This is another wine which benefited from some time in my cellar. From the time of purchase to the day I opened this bottle, 20 months in my cellar sure made this wine very memorable in deed. A beautifully well made complex red blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Adega Deu La Deu Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2010, DOC Menção De Melgaço, Portugal


This wine is made with 100% Alvarinho grapes from Vinho Verde sub-region of Menção De Melgaço located on the northern border with Spain. Alvarinho grapes from this region are richer with more sugar which means higher alcohol than Vinho Verde from Minho region of Northern Portugal. In this case the alcohol comes in at 13%.
This wine opens up with aromas of lemon, peach, apricot, floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, very smooth and slightly sweet texture and crisp acidity. Medium length, very fresh and off-dry on the finish with ripe tropical fruit, tree fruit and mineral notes lingering. I paired this wine with grilled chicken salad and it work beautifully, it would also be lovely as a summer sipper on the patio. Score 89 points. 

Purchased May 26, 2012 LCBO New Release (040642) at $19.95

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Lealtanza Reserva 2005, Rioja, Spain


Lealtanza Reserva 2005 is 100% Tempranillo grapes, fermented using natural yeast, aged entirely in French oak for 18 months than a further 18 months in bottle before release. A nice exotic bouquet on this Rioja with aromas of ripe berry fruit, Asian spices, soft leather and old wood notes. On the palate, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5 %), spicy red and black fruit, good acidity and velvet tannins. This wine finish is long, very smooth and somewhat spicy. This is a nice bottle of Rioja for fans of the more traditional style with good value for money. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased May 26, 2012 LCBO New Release (276097) at $19.95

Monday, May 28, 2012

Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2009, Victoria, Australia



I love aromatic, elegant cool climate Shiraz and this one opens up with aromas of plum, black currants, dates, black pepper, spices and floral notes. On the monthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%), lighter fruit and sweet flavours in mid palate, lively acidity and well integrated tannins. This Shiraz finish is long with juicy red and black fruit and vanilla oak flavours lingering. Excellent balance, intensely flavourful and unlikely to disappoint. Score 92 points.  

Purchased May 26, 2012 LCBO New Release (222323) at $23.95 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County, California, USA



Of the larger producers of Zinfandel, Ravenswood and Ridger are my favourite, their wines are more complex and balanced and with good use of blending. This Old Vine from Ravenswood is a good alue for money, a blend of 84% Zinfandel, 8% Petit Sirah, 6% Carignane and 2% Mixed Blacks with generous, but still well balanced alcohol at 14.5%.
This wine opened up with aromas of ripe berries, plum, cherry, white pepper and wood smoke. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit, rhubarb, fresh acidity and fine grainy tannins. This Zin finish was long with a good depth of flavours, fine tannins on a nice acidity lift. I love this kind of Zinfandel with ripe and rich fruit but not over done or jammy or to alcoholic. This is the third bottle which I opened and they have all been consistent. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased May 12, 2012 LCBO New Release (673798) at $23.95    

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of May 26, 2012 - 90 Points Wine Parade, New Discovery and Old Favourites

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. Here are three white wines under $20.00; from the producer of Seresin wines, a very good value, Momo Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (247247) at $17.95; for fans of a lower alcohol Riesling Kabinet, C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (207274) at $19.95; also a great wine for patio sipping and for warmer summer days the Adega Deu La Deu Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2010 from Portugal (040642) at $19.95. Now for the reds, one of the best values of the release, Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2009 from Italy (973214) at $15.95 a blend of Montepulciano and Aglianico that should be tucked away until the fall; the very traditional Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (993360) at $19.95; and finally, here is a fine Burgundy Pinot Noir from the very good 2009 vintage Domaine des Tilleuls Clos Village Gevrey-Chambertin 2009 from France (264994) at $49.95, this Pinot Noir would benefit from 4-5 years in your cellar. Well let’s get started  

90 Points Wine Parade;  In this 90 plus wine feature of this NR, there are a total of 28 wines. I think that 90 point scores are all relative, meaning a wine I may score 90 points, someone else may appraise at a 92 or 87. What you should be looking for is consistency in the scoring, two to four reviews with similar scores. Reviewers are all looking for the same thing, varietal character, fruit/acid balance, quality of the tannins, aromatics, texture and finish. When the wine is deemed to be excellent it gets that 90 point score. Here are four of those wines for your consideration;

  • Lealtanza Reserva 2005 from Spain (276097) at $19.95 – I have enjoyed some terrific Rioja lately like Allende 2006, Rioja from Spain (954560) at $24.95 from the April 28, 2012 NR. These wines are so smooth, complex and ready to drink. Lealtanza Reserva 2005 is 100% Tempranillo grapes which spent 18 months in French oak than a further 18 months in bottle before release. Three reviews read about this wine all 91 points, very consistent.

  • Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2010 from Australia (903617) at $20.95 – I have met Vasse Felix, he is a very passionate winemaker, Virginia Willcock at a portfolio tasting of their wines at a private wine shop in Victoria, BC. I loved their Chardonnay, but don’t expect a big oaky, creamy, caramel type Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is more like a Sauvignon Blanc, from the cooler region of Margaret River in Western Australia, expect citrus fruit, crisp acidity and silky texture. Maturation took place in French oak for 10 months which only 34% new oak and low alcohol at 12.5%. For future reference their Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends are also very good.

  • Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (651141) at $59.95 - There is something so sensuous about a well aged Brunello. Italian wine rules regulate the production of Brunello Di Montalcino, this wine is made with 100% Sangiovese grape with a minimum of two years in oak plus a minimum of four months in bottle. This wine could have easily made it into the Father’s Day gifts next NR.

  • Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (039768) at $33.95 – This was one of the wines I had the opportunity to enjoy last summer in Europe. A concentrated and powerful style of Chianti Classico with lots of cherry, spices and cedar notes. Follow the link to read my review of Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico 2007

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/08/castello-di-ama-2007-chianti-classico.html

New Discovery and Old Favourites;  Here are four wines that I am going to highlight. The first two have been very well reviewed and are new to me, trying something new is always special, even better if they turn out to be fantastic. The other two highlighted wines are new vintages from a favourite of mine.

  • Sequillo Cellars Red 2009 from South Africa (277996) at $29.95 – While researching for this NR, I think this to be the most interesting wine of the release, a wine I am most curious to taste. From the region of Swartland in South Africa, this wine is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault grown in a variety of soil like granite, gravel, slate and clay. Maturation took place in French oak for 18 months, alcohol at 14.3%. As a fan of wines of great aromatics, I hear this blend is just terrific.

  • Mas D’Auzières Sympathie pour les Stones 2009 from France (277046) at $19.95 – Another wine which I had never seen before, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from the South of France. This region makes some very interesting, unique and slightly rustic wines at good value, great for the BBQ season and served slightly chiled. The only problem is, even if this wine is listed in the NR booklet, it may not be available as per the comment in the booklet “Product Currently Not Available” What does that mean? I suppose it will become available at some point, so keep your eyes open or check back in the LCBO database over the next few months.

  • Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2009 from Australia (222323) at $23.95 – I first discovered the wines from Best’s Western while living in British Columbia and really enjoyed the style of winemaking from this winery. Best’s Western is located in the cooler region of Victoria in Australia and produces Shiraz which are very attractive, elegant, not at all jammy, well balanced, with alcohol at 14.5%, good natural acidity and a flavour profile of plums peppery and spicy notes. Great wine for the BBQ season starting up.

  • Mission Hill SLC Syrah 2009 from British Columbia (068379) at $37.95 - While working at the Artisan Wine Shop in Victoria, Mission Hill SLC (Select Lot Collection) Syrah was easily my favourite wine to recommend for a special dinner. From the very good 2009 vintage in the Okanagan, grapes are from the south Okanagan region of Oliver and Osoyoos where the climate is very hot and dry, ideal for the production of Syrah. Maturation taking place in French oak for 16.5 months and the alcohol is a very reasonable 13.5%. I did try this 2009 vintage at the Vancouver Wine show this year and I liked it a lot. I bought a bottle and intend to lay in down for 1-2 years for the oak to integrate with the wine, the result should make it very smooth and savoury and would make it a very good partner paired with lamb.


My top three wines from this release;
1-Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (029553) at $74.95
2-Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (651141) at $59.95
3-Sequillo Cellars Red 2009 from South Africa (277996) at $29.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Lealtanza Reserva 2005 from Spain (276097) at $19.95
2-Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2009 from Italy (973214) at $15.95
3-Momo Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (247247) at $17.95

These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;

Red Wines;
1- Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (232371) at $29.95
2- Ridge Lytton Springs 2009 from California (982413) at $46.95
3- Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (029553) at $74.95
4- Di Majo Norante Ramitello 2009 from Italy (973214) at $15.95
5- Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (651141) at $59.95
6- Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (039768) at $33.95
7- Vicchiomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (993360) at $19.95 
8- Quinta Do Infantado Red 2009 from Portugal (095158) at $21.95
9- Mission Hill SLC Syrah 2009 from British Columbia (068379) at $37.95
10-La Crema Pinot Noir 2010 from California (719435) at $29.95
11-Stags’ Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (202630) at $23.95 – 375ml
12-Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2006 from Australia (971705) at $39.95
13-Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (084996) at $24.95
14-Château Pipeau 2008 from France (138131) at $29.00
15-Domaine des Tilleuls Clos Village Gevrey-Chambertin 2009 from France (264994) at $49.95

White Wines;
1- Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2008 from Ontario (566026) at $29.95
2- Domaine Chenevières Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from France (277921) at $29.95
3- C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (207274) at $19.95
4- Adega Deu La Deu Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2010 from Portugal (040642) at $19.95
5- Momo Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (247247) at $17.95

That is it for me and my team. We will be back for next New Release of June 9, 2012 where one of the featured segments is, Father’s Day gifts. Last year Father’s Day gifts segment of June 11, 2011 was pretty solid, hoping for the same this year.

Cheers,
Paul YWG

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Montes Purple Angel 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile


I had an interesting conversation with a sommelier at the SAQ in Gatineau where I shop and tasted the Montes Purple Angel 2009 from their tasting bar. His opinion was that this wine was better younger and not cellar too long, he believed the wine would be fruitier and more enjoyable. Which is contrary to what I was told when I purchased the 2007 vintage of Purple Angel. I was told that this wine would be better in 4-5 years. Who is right? I found the 2009 vintage to be tight with very aggressive tannins. I had a seed of doubt in my mind so I decided to open up the 2007 vintage and explore.

This iconic wine from Montes, Purple Angel is a blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in new French oak for 18 months . An impressive wine to be sure, very catchy label, big and heavy bottle, deep purple color with robust texture and flavours. This wine opens up with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, tobacco, spices and burnt wood notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 15%, low acidity and chewy tannins. This wine as medium length on the finish with concentrated dark fruit and toasty oak flavours. This wine got better as the evening continued, decanting would have been a good idea. My verdict, it needs another 2-3 years to shed some of its oak, to soften the texture and acquire more sophistication, finesse and complexity. An interesting and enjoyable wine but I am not sure it represents good value, score 91 points. 

Purchased November 13, 2010 LCBO New Release (062364) at $49.95 

Monday, May 21, 2012

NK'Mip Qwam Qwmt Pinot Noir 2008, Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada




NK'Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is North America's, first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. Qwam Qwmt (pronounced kw-em, kw-empt) as spoken by the Osoyoos Indian Band  translates to "achieving excellence" and is their premium tier of wines. The winery and vineyard are located in town of Osoyoos (160 kilometers from the US border and the state of Washington) in Southern Okanagan Valley, Canada's only dessert with 1450 Celsius degree days and 8 inches average annual rainfall. 

I have enjoyed many of NK'Mip wines in the past and still have their Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2008 and Mer'r'iym 2008 (Bordeaux blend) in my cellar. As you may know by now, I prefer cooler climate Pinot Noir (PN) which are lighter and more delicate. This wine opens up with aromas cherry jam, pepper, tobacco and dried earth notes. On the palate, the texture feels a little bit heavy with concentrated flavours, low acidity and firm tannins. I am not sure you could make a pure delicate Pinot Noir in Osoyoos, its just to warm. This PN is definitely a more muscular style which would appeal to fans of most California Pinots. In the future, I will stick with their delicious full bodied Merlots, Syrah and Bordeaux blends Score 88 points.

Purchased at the Wine Barrel in Victoria BC July 18, 2011 for $30.10

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA




I have enjoyed the last 3 or 4 vintages of Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir, I truly enjoy it's elegance and easy drinking quality. This 2009 vintage opens up with aromas of wild ripe strawberries, plums, rhubarb, cherry coke and cinnamon spice.  On the palate, medium bodied, cherry pie and baking spices flavours, fresh acidity with silky smooth tannins. This Pinot’s finish is rather short, the alcohol at 14.5% is slightly noticeable with sweet and sour fruit lingering. Certainly as good as previous vintages, it is enjoyable, very aromatic and smooth, which should appeal to many. Score 89 points.    

Purchased April 28, 2011 LCBO Vintage product (954834) at $24.95

Friday, May 18, 2012

Spice Route Shiraz 2009, Swartland, South Africa



Great aromatics on this Shiraz with aromas of black plum, wild strawberry, prune, black pepper, clove, smoky and vanilla notes. On the palate, full bodied with alcohol at 15%, rich and concentrated flavours. well structured by lively acidity and elegant tannin structure. Very good length on the finish, rich and creamy texture and flavours of spice plums and cedar flavours lingering. Maturation took place  in (approx) 30% new French oak for 18 months, the wine was bottled unfiltered. This wine has lots of everything but no excess and not likely to disappoint. Strongly recommended, score 91 points. 


Purchased March 17, 2012 LCBO New Release (263657) at $24.95

Finca Allende 2006, Rioja, Spain



Another beautiful Spanish Rioja made with 100% Tempranillo, where the wine is aged for you, and is ready to enjoy. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry, black fruit, dried flowers, spice box and smoky. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol at 13.5%, excellent depth of flavour,  low acidity and smooth and well integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish with savoury fruit, soft cedar notes and very smooth  texture. Strongly recommended and not to be missed for fans of Spanish Rioja, score 90 points.

Purchased April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (954560) at $24.95

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Two Rivers of Marlborough Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand


The grapes of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc are from two separate vineyards located on the banks of the Wairau and Awatere rivers.  A percentage of the wine was aged on natural yeast lees in French oak for 3 months to add complexity and texture, the rest of the aging process took place in stainless steel tanks.
This textbook New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc opens up with fresh bouquet of gooseberry, lime, passion fruit and fresh tarragon and mineral notes. On the palate, medium bodied with alcohol at 13.5%, lively acidity with that same freshness on the nose carrying through on the mouthfeel.  Very good length with mouth watering crisp finish and citrus flavours lingering. I paired this SB with roast chicken with lemons and it worked beautifully. An intense and refreshing wine here, strongly recommended. Score 91 points.

Purchased on April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (277707) at $29.95

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


This red blend is sometimes called the “super second” to Mission Hill's flagship premium Bordeaux blend, Oculus. Compendium is structured to be more approachable in its youth than Oculus. The last time I visited Compendium 2006 was about 2 years ago, and then, it was quit tannic. This wine is a blend of 52% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 % Cabernet  Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, maturation took place in small French oak barrels for 13.5 months with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

This wine opens up with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, ripe wild berries, savoury herbs and vanillin notes. On the monthfeel, full bodied, layered dark fruit and peppery, earthy and tobacco flavours, well integrated fine grained tannins and balanced acidity. Very good length on the finish with flavours of dark fruit, cassis, tobacco and sage notes lingering. Since I last tasted this wine, the time in the cellar has allowed this wine to acquire a softer texture, great finesse and a richer bouquet.  If you still hold a bottle of Compendium 2006 in the cellar, this wine is drinking well now or hold another 1-2 years. Very attractive and enjoyable wine, score 92 points.  

Purchased November 2009 at The Artisan Wine Shop in Victoria, BC at $40.00 

Monday, May 14, 2012

New Zealand Wine Fair, Ottawa May 8, 2012

 
What a pleasant and insightful wine event I attended, on 08 May 12, here in Ottawa, Ontario. We all know the quality of New Zealand (NZ) Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but I also tasted a variety of other aromatic whites and Syrahs from Hawke's Bay region. New Zealand is a nation of islands, strongly committed to the environment and sustainability, with a vast combination of soil and maritime climate temperature. The challenge in NZ is not high alcohol or jamyness but high acidity. When winemakers get the balance between fruit and acid right, their wines are simply delicious. Here are my highlights from this wine fair.   


Sauvignon Blanc; I would say that 80% of Sauvignon Blanc (SB) I purchase are from NZ. Which means, tasting my way through a line-up of SB at this wine fair, I was able to discover wines from producers which I have never tasted before. There seem to be two styles of Sauvignon Blanc (SB) produced in NZ. One style which made them highly popular, the more herbaceous style with green pepper, tinned asparagus, green peas and fresh cut grass; the other, a fruitier and more pungent style of SB with flavours of pine nettles, fresh cut grass, passion fruit, kiwi, citrus fruit, peach, melon and even more tropical fruit like pineapple with classic NZ acidity and generally unoaked. I personally prefer the latter style. I was actually quite impressed with most of the SB I tasted, I found them to be well balanced and well done in both styles. My favourite and a good value, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011, a crisp, refreshing, unoaked SB with flavours of pink grapefruit, gooseberry and pine nettle. Also very enjoyable and well done were, Astrolabe "Province" Sauvignon Blanc 2011 with nice fruit/acid balance and slight creaminess on the finish and Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc 2011 with and interesting flinty and minerals notes. An excellent example of the style of SB that I enjoy, Giesen Wines Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011 and Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011 both are intensely flavourful and refreshing wines. Finally, Giesen August 1888 Sauvignon Blanc 2010 an interesting and more complex SB with extended time on lees and barrel fermentation with luscious fruit and creamy finish best enjoyed with food.




Other Whites; I didn't tasted any Gewürztraminer, I must admit, this is not a grape I enjoy. I have on occasion tasted very nice Alsatian Gewürztraminer, but it has to be paired with the right food. I don't like smelling excessive floral notes in my wine and if I smell lychee, that's it, I am not going there. I did taste some very nice wine, my favourite was Churton Viognier 2010, wow great aromatics with white peach, apricots, orange peel and a creamy off-dry mouthfeel, fruity and honeyed flavours top off by lively acidity. I Quite enjoy the two Pinot Gris from the same producer, Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011 and Torea Pinot Gris 2011. Now for Rieslings, I much prefer off dry Germain Mosel Riesling, but in a blind tasting I would have been fooled by Giesen Wines Estate Riesling 2011, the aromatics brought me back to Germany with aromas of lime, peach, orange peel, honey and kerosene, on the palate, light bodied (9% Alc.), luscious fruit texture and crisp acidity. Well done guys, I really enjoyed that Riesling and at that price $15.95... are you kidding me.


Pinot Noir; What I like in a Pinot Noir (PN) is a lighter bodied wine with a good balance between soft berry fruit, sweet spices some earthy notes (I also enjoy some barnyard notes) and soft silky tannins. Of the dozen PN tasted, I found them to have good varietal character, the under $20.00 easy drinking and over $20.00 with a little more complexity and character. Funny thing almost all the PN tasted were at 14% alcohol. My favourite PN was from Giesen Wines, The Brothers Pinot Noir 2010, very attractive aromatics with cherry, plum, Asian spices, clove, tobacco leaf and damp earth. On the mouthfeel, light to medium bodied (13.5% alc.) with lots of detail and flavours, balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. Good length and very smooth on the finish, with seductive fruit, spices, vanilla and oak notes. Also very enjoyable the complex and nicely layered Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2010 and these three youthful, fresh and bright PN; Babich Wines Pinot Noir 2009, Giesen Estate Pinot Noir 2010 and Yealands Estate Pinot Noir 2010.



Syrah;  There was only one Syrah on the main tasting floor, a very nice, Coopers Creek SV Chalk Ridge Syrah 2009, delicious, well made and spicy example of Syrah. But I soon discovered that hidden behind the curtains, a seminar with four flight (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Syrah) was being held. Since I had already moved on to red wines, I decided to only try the Syrah. I tried seven wines in total, two of them I found to have a strong medicinal aromatic (like opening your medicine cabinet) but overall these Syrah were quite different and interesting. My favourite was John Forest Collection Syrah 2007, a more complex layered, almost Northern Rhône like Syrah. Followed up by Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2009, with velvety texture, reminding me of some of the best California Syrah or even Merlot, with luscious fruit, toasty oak and very smooth finish with a price tag to match at $97.00. Finally the only Syrah grown on fossilised limestone soil, Coopers Creek Reserve Syrah 2010, a elegant, medium body beauty, where 2.43% Viognier was co-fermented with the Syrah to produce a very aromatic wine with aromas of wild berries, plum, violet, white pepper and savoury notes. I was ask to revisit Man O’ War Dreadnought Syrah 2009, I was the first one to try a newly opened bottle without the benefit of decanting. I had found it to be too medicinal for me, on second try a bit better but still not a top three for me. There was no clear favourite, those tasting with me were split between John Forest Collection Syrah 2007, Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2009 and Man O’ War Dreadnought Syrah 2009. That’s the beauty of wine, no bag wines but wines which appeal to different palate. Very interesting and enjoyable line up of New Zealand Syrah.




Here are my top 15 wines tasted at this Fair
(In no particular order)
1- Astrolabe "Province" Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough  - $21.95
2- Babich Wines Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough - $19.95
3- Churton Viognier 2010, Marlborough - $36.95
4- Coopers Creek Reserve Syrah 2010, Hawke's Bay - $28.95
5- Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2011, Marlborough - $25.00
6- Giesen Wines Estate Pinot Noir 2010,  Marlborough - $19.95
7- Giesen Wines Estate Riesling 2011,  Marlborough - $15.95
8- Giesen Wines Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011,  Marlborough - $17.95
9- Giesen Wines The Brothers Pinot Noir 2010,  Marlborough - $29.95
10-John Forrest Collection Syrah 2007, Gimblett Gravel, Hawke's Bay - $59.95
11-Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2009, Gimblett Gravel, Hawke's Bay - $97.00
12-Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2009,  Marlborough - $35.95
13-Whitehaven Wine Company Sauvignon Blanc 2011,  Marlborough - $19.95
14-Yealands Estate Pinot Noir 2010, Ortogo - $19.95
15-Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough - $19.95

Who knew I would learn so much in 3 short hours. I appreciate that most booths had a winery principal, you can feel the passion, knowledge, and love for what they do. What was most memorable for me , the Syrah seminar and Giesen Wines. I tasted six of Giesen wines and in my book, all winners. Sometimes a winery will make wines that seems tailored to ones palate, and this is a good example of that. Most of their wines are available through private order only, I would certainly like them to be at the LCBO.  I would not want to miss the opportunity to thank the organizers who provided three delicious Canadian cheese from the province of Québec including Louis D’Or, the Grand Champion, 2011 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix as well as winner in the Firm, Farmhouse and Organic categories.

Cheers

 A Gisborne, New Zealand vineyard

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Tommasi Arele Appasimento 2009, Veneto, Italy



This wine is a blend  of  90% Corvina with the remaining 10%, of the lesser know Oseleta with maturation taking place in Slovonian and French oak for 12 months. In the making of a Appasimento style wine, fully ripe grapes are dried for about one month before pressing, usually producing a fuller, sweeter and richer wine.

This wine opens up with aromas of sour cherry, plums, leather and spices notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with alcohol coming in at 13%, an interesting tug of war between sweet and sour fruits, lively acidity and firm tannins. Slightly short on the finish with sweet flavours winning the war with sweet cherry pie, savoury notes and light tannins lingering. This wine is better served slightly chilled to tame the tartness and give more chance for the fruit to shine. Best enjoyed served with food, overall I enjoyed it. Too many wine these days are too sweet, this one had better complexity than most at $17.95, score 89 points.

Purchased on April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (224188) at $17.95  

Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada




Poplar Grove is one of my favourite wine makers of red wines in British Columbia. They make full bodied, rich and savoury wines, just like this Cabernet Franc. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, maturation took place in French oak for 21 months, with 9 months in bottles before release and alcohol coming in at 14.8%.

This wine opens up with aromas of  cherry, plum, tobacco leaves, bell pepper, sage and vanilla notes. On the monthfeel full bodied and spicy, lively acidity and silky tannins. Very good length and energy on the finish with flavours of red fruit and savoury herbs wrapped in fine tannins. Drinking well now or hold 2-3 more years, score 91 points.

Purchased at the 2011 Vancouver Playhouse Wine Show at $34.90

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of May 12, 2012 - My top Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandels and Chardonnay​s Picks from the California Legends Feature

Hello to all my wine friends,


Looking at this New Release (NR), apart from the wines featured in the California segment, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention. If you are a fan of Chablis, there is the not to be missed Domaine Hervé Azo Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2010 from Burgundy, France (276451) at $27.95. Another white wine I want to highlight is the Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (919514) at $17.95. Now for the reds, a trio of Tuscan wines; Campo Di Sasso Insoglio Del Cinghiale 2010 (277012) at $29.95 (an unusual blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot), Banfi Rosso Di Montalcino 2009 (681262) at $22.95 (100% Sangiovese, 50% French and 50% Slavonian oak for 1 year) and San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2008 (023408) at $19.95. Finally, for fans of mature Spanish Rioja, this is ready to drink and is on my shopping list, Heredad De Baroja Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (276113) at $21.95. Well let’s get started.  



My Top Picks from the California Legends Feature; The wines from California hardly need the many featured segment in our LCBO NR, to help there wine sales. The sales of California wines, are doing very well across the country. I have to say that the California Wine Institute with their 2012 Canadian Fair touring 7 cities from Vancouver to Halifax certainly helps spread the news about California wines. With the Cdn dollar at par with the US, it makes their wines a little more affordable. Have you been to California wine country? Truly enjoyable! Just a short drive from San Francisco, blessed with a warm climate, gorgeous vineyards, hundreds of wineries and an incredible landscape of palm trees, rolling hills, morning fog and charming Spanish architecture. Here are a few suggestions from this NR;

Cabernet Sauvignon;

  • Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Sonoma County (226944) at $21.95 – I love this winery, they make very good wines across all price points. Rodney Strong was the first carbon neutral winery in Sonoma, sustainable and fish friendly farming with use of solar power to produce its wines. This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, grapes are mostly from Alexander Valley in Sonoma County with maturation taking place in 85% American oak and 15% in French oak for 17 months.

  • Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley (045476) at $84.95 – A delicious but expensive wine for sure, this wine is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, and in a supporting role 1% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec all organically grown estate grape with maturation taking place in 100% French oak for 20 months. The only negatives, high in price and alcohol at 15.4%.


Zinfandel;

  • Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 from Sonoma County (673798) at $23.95 – Most of you have probably enjoy Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel in the past (around $18.00), for a few dollars more, consider their Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 from Sonoma County. This wine is a blend of 84% Zinfandel, 8% Petit Sirah, 6% Carignane and 2% Mixes Blacks, you will find a more interesting Zin with better acidity and more flavour and complexity.

  • Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 from Sonoma County (942151) at $29.95 – I tasted this Zin at the California Wine Fair in Ottawa a little over a month ago. A big and luscious Zinfandel with aromas of black cherries, wild berries, red currants, Asian spices and cedar notes. Full bodied mouthfeel with alcohol coming in at 14.8%, black fruit and spices flavours with balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. This wine is 100% Zinfandel grapes with maturation taking place in 75% American oak (10% new) and 25% French oak (neutral). My personal opinion, lay this down until the fall or next summer for optimum pleasure.


Chardonnay;

  • Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2010 (369686) at $19.95 – This is the #1 selling Chardonnay in America for the last 20 years and like so many others, I have been purchasing this wine for many years. This wine is 100% Jackson Estate grown Chardonnay grapes from these three county; Monterey, Santa Barbara and Sonoma, maturation in both American and French oak with alcohol at a reasonable 13.8%. A full bodied, slightly sweet Chardonnay with citrus and tropical fruit, creamy and buttery texture. During the last American Presidential campaign, during an interview with Barack Obama in his house in Chicago, you can see in the background a bottle of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. If it’s good enough for Barack Obama, it’s good enough for me.
  • Stag’s Leap Winery Chardonnay 2010 from Napa Valley (655381) at $34.95 – Another wine tasted at the California Wine Fair in Ottawa, a big and luscious Chardonnay with aromas of tree fruit, tropical fruit and citrus fruit and sweet oak notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, loads of flavours, creamy texture with decent enough acidity and well integrated oak. Very good length on the finish with flavours of toast, pineapple, orange peel, caramel-crème brulée flavours. To be enjoyed with lobster, BBQ pork chops, BBQ pork or chicken skewers with grilled pineapple or roast chicken.

My top three wines from this release;
1-Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (539098) at $144.95
2-Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Napa Estate Zinfandel 2009 from California (682989) at $46.95
3-Stag’s Leap Winery Chardonnay 2010 from California (655381) at $34.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Heredad De Baroja Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (276113) at $21.95
2-Pinyolet Garnacha 2010 from Spain (271791) at $16.95
3-Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (226944) at $21.95


These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;

Red Wines;
1- Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (539098) at $144.95 - Cellar Candidate 2- Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (060020) at $54.95 – Cellar Candidate
3- Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (045476) at $84.95
4- Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Napa Estate Zinfandel 2009 from California (682989) at $46.95 – Cellar Candidate
5- Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Crok Dancer Pinot Noir 2009 from California (179812) at $34.95
6- Regnati Reserve Single Vineyard Merlot KP 2007 from Israel (282590) at $28.95
7- Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage 2008 from Australia (024091) at $22.95
8- Wallace by Ben Glaetzer Shiraz/Grenache 2009 from Australia (047605) at $28.95
9- Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008 from Australia (590273) at $28.95
10-Château Ormes de Pez 2008 from France (133819) at $43.00 – Cellar Candidate
11-Pinyolet Garnacha 2010 from Spain (271791) at $16.95

White Wines;
1-Talbot Logan Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 from California (716290) at $26.95
2-Stag’s Leap Winery Chardonnay 2010 from California (655381) at $34.95
3-Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario, Canada (116384) at $18.95
4-Wither Hills Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (919514) at $17.95
5-Monmousseau Vouvray 2010 from France (271940) at $14.95

That is it for me and my team. We will be back for next New Release of May 26, 2012 where one of the featured segment is, Top Wines from Portugal’s top region. I have discovered some real nice Portuguese wines recently, especially Prats & Symington Chryseia 2008 from Douro Valley, tasted at the Vancouver wine show. Can’t wait to see what will be offered.

Cheers,
Paul YWG

Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2007, IGT Tuscany, Italy



This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, dark ruby in color,  intense and masculine aromatics of blackberry, blueberry, forest floor, minerals and toasty cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (14% Alcohol), concentrated black fruit flavours, black olives, pleasant acidity and firm tannins. Very good length on the finish with flavours of dark fruit, blueberry, cedar and savoury spices, fresh acidity gives it a nice lift with fine grained tannins lingering. Awesome wine, love Sangiovese / Cabernet Sauvignon blend, strongly recommended. Score 92 points   

Purchased September 18, 2010 LCBO New Release (134775) at $27.95

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2008, Languedoc Roussillon, France



This beautiful wine is a blend of Grenache,  Mourvèdre, Carignan and Syrah, maturation in oak barrels for 24 months and alcohol arrives at 15%. What incredible aromatics on this wine with aromas of sweet ripe berries, blackberry, prunes, savoury herbs, smoke, leather and some mineral component. On the palate, medium bodied, balance acidity, well integrated tannins. Very good length and smooth on the finish with flavours of ripe berries, vanilla and savoury spices. A very elegant, finely textured, fruit driven and fragrant wine, similar to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape but at half the price. Great value, score 92 points.  

Purchased March 31, 2012 LCBO New Release (142802) at $22.95

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

My top three enjoyed wines for April 2012



A good variety of wines this month, with 8 different countries, mostly reds with the exception of two whites. Unfortunately the most expensive turned out to be the most disappointing. It has been two to three months since I have had a cork taint or TCA bottle, than 3 in one week including 2 of the same wine on the same night. This particular wine Casa Emma Chianti Classico 2009. Their previous bottles were so good and then these two corked bottles. You wonder how many people would open one of these corked bottles, not knowing of the wine fault. Just on the smell alone, this wine is not likely to impress for sure and unlikely that these people would purchase this wine again. This would be a shame, since the wine in this bottle is not the final product that the winemaker made.

Sometimes when I open a bottle, like this months Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2010 from la Loire,  France and see that this winery used a very good quality cork, dark colour (older trees), longer than most and very hard, it shows me their attention to detail. A very good Sauvignon Blanc.


My top three enjoyed wine in April;

1-Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine left me with such a great impression, such elegance for a young Cabernet, yet well structured and flavourful. Great wine making at play here, there is a lot of attention to detail before achieving such a great wine. I had never tasted Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon before, since this was my first time, I only bought one bottle and tried to locate a few more, but unfortunately they were all sold out. I will be looking for the next vintage.


2-San Guido Le Difese 2009, Igt Toscany, Italy

I always like Italian wines for their ability to pair well at the table. And this wine is a great example of that. The Cabernet Sauvignon offers structure and style while the 30% Sangiovese adds a lot of complexity, acidity and earthiness.

3-Quinta de la Rosa Tinto 2008, Douro, Portugal

Another new discovery for me, what a delightful and very enjoyable wine here. This is the second month in a row that Portugal makes an appearance in my top three monthly wine. There is a reason I am venturing more and more in my local stores, to wines from Portugal. I am finding some fantastic wine and at great value.