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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of August 17, 2013


Hello to all my wine friends,


The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases; Fine wines from the "other" Italy, which means, other than the big three wine producing regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto. There is usually some very good wines to be found in some of these other regions like Campania, Friuli, Puglia and Umbria to name a few. Researching before buying is always recommended, but wines from these region can be very interesting, food friendly and a great value. As for the smaller feature of “Summer Whites – BBQ friendly Aussie wines”, only the Viognier from Yalumba made my cut. There are also some fine Bordeaux from the 2009 and 2010 in this NR. Finally worth noting, the release of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie rosé from there Provence estate Château Miraval; Miraval Rosé 2012 (342584) at $24.95. I am not a big fan of extra-dry French rosé and at $24.95, I often find it to be a bit expensive, but I am sure that with the hype and novelty alone it should sell quickly.
 
 
Now my favourite question;   If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? For me, this question is harder to answer in this release but I would have to go with; Torres Celeste Crianza 2010 from Spain (210872) at $22.95. This wine is from the very reputable producer Miguel Torres and their Celeste wine from the region of Ribero del Duero, that definitely has a great following in this country. This wine is made with 100% Tempranillo and the quality is very consistent from vintage to vintage. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;
 
 
Starting with white wines;
  • From the other Italy feature; Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco di Tufo 2011 from Italy (983197) at $17.95. Made with Greco di Tufo, sweetness level listed as extra-dry, alcohol comes in at 13.5%, pairing possibilities; Mediterranean or exotic food dishes.

  • In the style category of aromatic and flavourful whites, two recommendations for your consideration; Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (141499) at $19.95 and André Blanck et ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (626606) at $14.95. Both of these wines are extra-dry.
 
Now for the red wines;
  • My three picks from the other Italy feature are; Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Puglia (177527) at $14.95 a blend of mostly Negroamaro and a small portion of Malvasia Nera, Argiolas Perdera 2010 from the Island of Sardinia (297556) at $17.95, a medium-bodied wine made with Manica di Sardegna. Finally, Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 from Umbria (342394) at $19.95 a full bodied wine made with Sagrantino di Montefalco.

  • For fans of Spanish Gran Reserva wines, here is another mature wine from the 2001 vintages; Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95. The 2001 vintage was one of the best vintage in Spain over the last 20 years.

  • My number 1 pick for value of this release is this wine from Greece, which could have easily have been from Italy. I had the opportunity to experience Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95 this week. For me I say a lot of similarities to a Nebbiolo wine out of Piedmont and some characteristic to Aglianico. This is a medium bodied wine with firm dusty tannins.

  • And finally, here are two affordable BBQ picks for you; De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2010 from Chile (236059) at $15.95 and Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95.
 
 
 
My top three wines from this release;
 
1- Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (944843) at $39.95
 
2- Volpaia Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (953828) at $24.95
 
3- Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95
 
 
My top three wines for value;
 
1- Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95
 
2- Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95
 
3- Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Italy (177527) at $14.95
 
 
 
My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;
 
Red Wines;
 
1- Argiolas Perdera 2010 from Italy (297556) at $17.95
 
2- Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Italy (177527) at $14.95
 
3- Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 from Italy (342394) at $19.95
 
4- Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (133376) at $21.95
 
5- Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (944843) at $39.95
 
6- De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2010 from Chile (236059) at $15.95
 
7- Emiliana Winemaker’s Selection Syrah 2011 from Chile (212407) at $19.95
 
8- Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95
 
9- Tournon Mathilda Victorian Shiraz 2010 from Australia (336966) at $19.95
 
10- Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2011 from New Zealand (329805) at $24.95
 
11- Château Peyrabon 2010 from France (336925) at $28.95
 
12- Château Prieure Canteloup 2009 from France (194415) at $18.85
 
13- Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95
 
14- Volpaia Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (953828) at $24.95
 
15- Villa Annaberta Amarone Della Valpolicella 2009 from Italy (338921) at $35.95
 
16- Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95
 
17- Torres Celeste Crianza 2010 from Spain (210872) at $22.95
 
 
 
White Wines;
 
1- Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2011 from Italy (983197) at $17.95
 
2- Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2012 from Australia (624502) at $16.95
 
3- Truchard Chardonnay 2011 from California (060459) at $34.95
 
4- Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (141499) at $19.95
 
5- André Blanck et ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (626606) at $14.95
 
6- Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2010 from France (041780) at $19.95
 
 
That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week and we will be back for the next New Release of August 31, 2013, where the featured segments are “Keeping score; 90+ wines” and “Celebrated Champagnes”.
 
 
Cheers
Paul YWG

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