This release the LCBO focuses on Bordeaux and Premium Spirits – well I admit I am not much of a spirits guy … whether we’re talking about believing in them or drinking them … so I’ll look at Bordeaux and then at the rest of the world. As usual full reviews of Ontario wines are linked back to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com). And from there I’ll look at the rest of the world in alphabetical order.Bordeaux …Nothing really too interesting in the two Bordeaux whites so we’ll move immediately to the reds. Chateau de L’Estang 2004 ($21.95 - #0092809) which is pleasant on the nose and good on the palate – full of cranberry and currant with a bit of bell pepper on the finish. When it comes to the Chateau de Roques 2005 Merlot ($17.95 - #0087726) simple never tasted so good; red fruit with a touch of chocolate, oak and plum – this one is really juicy, look for the little dog on the label. Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2003 ($35.95 - #0086827), a beautiful inviting nose with a cherry-driven finish of some length. Chateau Tour Haut Vignoble 2005 ($25.95 - #0087742) is quite complex in both flavours and smells. Blackberry, black cherry, herbs, light spices, good tannins … the palate follows the nose. Christian Moueix 2005 Saint-Emilion ($22.95 - #0979955) is a bargain, cherry-cranberry cocktail with cherry-vanilla-tobacco on the finish. La Dame de Malescot 2005 ($51.95 - #0079269), this one’s juicy right now with lovely blackberries and other black fruit, but there is also a decade of holdability here.That wraps up my look at the wine spotlight for this release and here we go with the rest of the world:Ontario … Red …Cave Spring Cellars Estate 2005 Cabernet Franc ($29.95 - #0072751)Inniskillin 2004 Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0997353)Jackson-Triggs 2005 Delaine Vineyard Syrah ($29.95 - #0086553)Ontario … White …Fielding Estate 2007 Riesling ($16.00 - #0036202)Argentina … Red …Amancaya 2007 Gran Reserva Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0016097) – good fruit, long finish, easy drinking, and there’s also some holdability here.Australia … Red …Pirramimma 2005 Petit Verdot ($23.95 - #0986752) – chocolate, herbs, juicy blackberry, good mouthfeel.Torbreck 2005 The Steading ($48.95 - #0723890) – plums and sweet spice, cherry and chocolate liqueur, this is a tasty (though expensive) wine.Chile … Red …Casa Lapostolle 2006 Cuvee Alexandre Merlot ($34.95 - #0459206) – minty, dark chocolate, blackberry, cassis, big alcohol 15% and lots of tannins for holdability.France … Red …(Burgundy) – Antonin Rodet 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin ($42.95 - #0084558) – elegant and lingers on the finish, raspberries, herbs and lots of sweet red fruit.(Rhone) – Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 2006 ($30.95 - #0048884) – cherry and plum, ripe rich fruit, sweet palate with a bit of chocolate.Domaine Chante Cigale 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($41.95 - #0043026) – soft red and black fruit, white pepper and fine tannins.France … Sparkling …(Champagne) – Cattier Premier Cru Champagne Brut ($42.95 - #0919464) – creamy texture in the mouth with apples and citrus on the nose and apple-peach in the mouth.Taittinger 2002 Champagne Brut ($87.95 - #0989905) – this one’s bready with good citrus bite; a real fruit driven beauty … not just all fuzz and bubble.France … White …(Burgundy) – Antonin Rodet 2006 Pugligny-Montrachet (#53.95 - #0084541) – sweet tropical nuances, vanilla extract, almond and lemon on the finish.Greece … Red …Amethystos Red 2005 ($23.95 - #0724831) – blackberries and a big dose of cinnamon.Italy … Red …(Piedmont) – Terre da Vino Barolo Essenze 2003 ($44.95 - #0092460) – great nose full of sweet fruit, dried cherry, plum, nutty and orange flavours, even more fun is the cinnamon, nutmeg and baking spice you’ll find in this one.(Tuscany) – Marchesi de’Frescobaldi Mormoreto Castello di Nipozzano 2005 ($59.95 - #095210) – a nose of plums and candied cherries, the palate is loaded with plums, cherries and spiced-vanilla, soft and yummy.New Zealand … White …Astrolabe 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($20.95 - #0010421) – this one lacks the robust biting acidity of most New Zealand Savvy B but it has the grapefruit and gooseberry, soft citrus and a touch of sweetness – ends with a good long finish.Portugal … White …Quinta da Alorna 2006 Reserva Arinto/Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0081505) – tropical and crisp, pineapple core and apple blossom with a medium-short finish.Spain … Red …Prima 2006 ($24.95 - #0080762) – rich plums, floral, raspberry, juicy; shows little to no tannins, so drink now.USA … Red …(California) – 7 Deadly Zins 2006 ($24.95 - #0059311) – smoky notes with the taste of Montreal Smoked meat and a dash of pepper.Calera 2006 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #0933044) – sweet cherry, raspberry and a bit of smoke – and it all follows through on the palate.J. Lohr 2006 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #0027516) – cherries and herbs, repeats in the mouth with the addition of dark chocolate.Kenwood 2006 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #0983577) – sweet cherry, chocolate, rum and cola along with a nice plumyness.Ports and Sherries …Osborne Oloroso Medium Sherry 10RF ($16.95 - #0087536) – sherry fans should love this one, orange peel, nutty, toasted almonds, hazelnuts, lovely sipper with just a touch of sweetness.Take a Chance on Me …It’s in the spirits release, it’s from Scotland and it’s not whiskey … what it is is a really good dessert alternative, Moniack Mead ($21.95 - #0987263); it’s a honey wine that tastes awesome. Sweet honeyed taste, floral notes and a bit nutty. Surprisingly delicious. Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on November 8, 2008:Osborne Oloroso Medium Sherry 10RF ($16.95 - #0087536) – SpainMoniack Mead ($21.95 - #0987263) – ScotlandChateau Tour Haut Vignoble 2005 ($25.95 - #0087742) – France, BordeauxHappy Shopping.
Another two-fer release at the LCBO this Saturday (October 25). The annual “Party Wines” or “Entertaining” release, which gets you ready for the upcoming holiday season – and speaking of something to celebrate, there’s a bunch of Amarones and Ripassos (Italy – Veneto) coming in – and some of them are too darn tasty for wordsFollowing the spotlights I’ll look at the other parts of the globe starting with Ontario and then I’ll go alphabetically from there. As usual the full review of Ontario wines are linked back to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com). Entertaining …I don’t always agree with the wines that the LCBO call their “Party Wines”, because in this release alone I could pick you out at least 3 wines that aren’t part of the spotlight and yet I would definitely serve them at a party. But it’s the LCBO’s party so will let them pick what they want to.White wines for you party start in the USA (California) with the Ferrari-Carano 2005 Chardonnay ($38.95 - #0295055) with its peachy, appley, vanilla and some oak flavours; though nothing overpowering in the oak department, I found this one really very pleasant and mouth-filling … pretty big alcohol too at 14.4%. New Zealand is not just a nation of sheep, they too have their share of party animals, like this Dog Point Vineyard 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0677450), it’s lively, and what I’d call typical for a Kiwi Savvy B right down to the cat peeing in your mouth – and that’s a good thing when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc. Wrapping up the whites is the Michel Delorme 2006 Pouilly-Fuisse sur la Roche ($29.95 - #0087460), this one’s all minerally and dry with a touch of fruit, rounded and very balanced in the acidity department. You’ll also find it to be a little stony with a touch of apple core on the finish.I found less to be festive about in the LCBO’s selection of reds, the only two of interest were the following: Beaulieu Vineyard 2005 Zinfandel ($25.95 - #0080242) one of those textbook Zins with everything you expect, black and red fruit, plum and chocolate. Speaking of textbook, the Two Hands 2006 Lucky Country Shiraz ($17.95 - #0077883) is just what you’d expect from an Aussie Shiraz, minty/eucalyptus, chocolate, pepper, blackberry and a touch of black cherry.
Amarone and Ripasso … Amarone is expensive, but oh-so good, so if you wanna get a taste of what this Italian icon wine is all about here’s the one to get: Zenato 2004 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico ($52.95 - #0413179), great chocolate, blackberry, plum, black cherry and dried cranberries … fantastic, best of the lot.As for the Ripassos, they offer great taste and great value – the flavours and smells of Amarone without the hefty price tag. Starting with the Corte Majoli Valpolicella Superiore 2003 ($19.95 - #0084061) – cherries, plums and a touch of pepperiness. Ripe round mouthfeel that’s dry and delicious. Stefano Accordini 2005 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Acinatico Ripasso ($28.95 - #0085159) with its sweet red fruit, plum and cherry, smooth and enjoyable. Tedeschi Capitel Dei Nicalo Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2006 ($18.95 - #0984997) more cherries and black fruit, good mouthfeel and excellent finish. Tezza 2005 Ripasso Valpolicella la ma Roat ($17.95 - #0084053) another beauty with dried black cherries, dark chocolate and rough tannins that will smooth with some time. Finally, for my money the Zonin 2006 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($19.95 - #0084798) is the deal in this category; it brings everything above altogether in a delicious package: cherries, plum and chocolate, stunningly shippable, sweet mouthfeel, yet a pleasantly dry finish – this one’s got it all for under $20.That wraps up my look at the spotlights for this release and here we go with the rest of the world:Ontario … Dessert …Chateau des Charmes 2006 Vidal Icewine ($25.95 - #0565861 – 200ml)Coyote’s Run 2006 Riesling Icewine ($55.00 - #0012658 – 375ml)Wayne Gretzky Estate No.99 2006 Shiraz Icewine ($54.95 - #0086348 – 375ml)Ontario … Reds …Jackson-Triggs 2005 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve Meritage ($24.95 - #0594002)Mike Weir Estate 2005 Cabernet Shiraz ($25.20 - #0081638)Argentina … Red …Lurton 2006 Reserva Malbec ($13.95 - #0903153) – cheap as chips, easy drinking, chocolate notes … what more is there to say.Australia … Dessert …Lillypilly 2006 Noble Blend ($24.95 - #0015255 – 375ml) – I bought a few of the previous vintage, this is a beautiful sweetie with honeyed tropical fruit and sweet delicious apples – it will age 10 years or more.Australia … Red …Wakefield 2006 Shiraz ($18.95 - #0943787) – an easy going Shiraz with spice and pepper, good black fruit too.Chile … Red …Casa Silva 2006 Reserva Carmenere ($14.95 - #0024679) – spices, herbs and black fruit with a little mint and dark chocolate – best Carm of the release.Santa Ema 2005 Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon ($22.95 - #0076307) – robust with big black fruit, chocolate, spices, herbs and cinnamon.France … Red …(Beaujolais) – Colin-Bouriset 2006 Cote de Brouilly les Terres Bleues ($17.95 - #0590521) – very cherry, and very chillable.(Rhone) – Chateau la Nerthe 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($59.95 - #0735407) – a wine with a well deserved reputation, good fruit, robust and complex.(Southwest) – Chapelle 2003 Lenclos Madiran ($25.95 - #0076356) – sweet cherry, licorice, smoky, and blueberries with a dry tannic finish.Chateau Pineraie 2005 Cahors ($17.95 - #0078725) – dark, almost violet in colour rich fruit, plums, black cherry and medium tannins, a 5+ year cellar dweller.France … Sparkling …Louis Bouillot Perle Divoire Blanc de Blanc Brut ($19.95 - #0048801) – with a pleasant nose and taste this wine is an excellent deal for a bubbly; touch of tart, citrus and a creamy mouthfeel.France … White …(Alsace) – Domaine Fernand Engel 2005 Gewurztraminer Reserve ($22.95 - #0080481) – peachy and exotic with sweet taste and pleasantly smooth.Italy … Red …(Tuscany) – Le Serre Nuovo Dell’Ornellaia 2006 ($59.95 - #0606194) – chocolate, black cherry, tobacco and pepper.New Zealand … Red …Sileni 2006 The Triangle Merlot ($18.95 - #0586081) – this one’s very cherry: choke, dried, and sour, with a complement of vanilla-spice on the palate.Spain … Red …Capcanes 2005 Costers del Gravet ($25.95 - #0707059) – dusty, plum and cherries … nice smoothness through the mouth.USA … Red …(California) - Bonterra 2005 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #0530139) – this bio-dynamic wine is getting a lot of good press and I can taste why: cherry-cola, pepper, ripe plum, a bit jammy; succulent in the mouth, almost sweet-like.Edward Sellers 2005 Vertigo ($38.95 - #0077875) – this is a “wow” wine with big fruit and big alcohol and great flavours – looking for chocolate and black fruit, this is your wine.Red Truck 2006 ($16.95 - #0693903) – this is one of your for sure party wines with red and black fruit with chocolate notes on the finish.Seghesio 2006 Zinfandel ($24.95 - #0942151) – a big 15.4% alcohol, lots of plum, black cherry, licorice and raspberry jam, there’s even a little spice on the tongue.(Washington) – Hedges Cellars 2006 CMS ($17.95 - #0948992) – this Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah blend is a smooth easy going wine that has an aging potential of about 7 years. Black fruit, nice spice, lightly herbed, chocolate and berries. Lovely.Take a Chance on Me …Made from the Alicante grape this Portuguese wine – Grand’Arte 2005 Alicante Bousche ($14.95 - #0080614) – is worth its minimal price tag. Full and fruity with ballsy tannins that dry out the tongue … give it a go, you won’t be disappointed. Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 25, 2008:Edward Sellers 2005 Vertigo ($38.95 - #0077875) – USA, CaliforniaHedges Cellars 2006 CMS ($17.95 - #0948992) – USA, WashingtonZonin 2006 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($19.95 - #0084798) – Italy - VenetoHappy Shopping.
You hang around the LCBO long enough and you start seeing recurring themes emerge … one of the most popular seems to be the annual Australian release. It seems like just yesterday Australia suddenly popped onto the scene emerging as a powerhouse on the world wine stage, but in actuality they have been at this wine making game for over a century – it just took this little thing called marketing and a grape called Shiraz to make us all see the Aussie light. So now without further ado, let’s look at what the LCBO has assembled for us to buy from the Land Down Under.
Following the spotlight I’ll look at the other parts of the globe starting with Ontario and then alphabetically. As usual the full review of Ontario wines are linked back to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com). Also see the France (Rhone) section for my picks on the mini-Rhone release.
Australia …
I was mostly unimpressed with the four Australian whites in this release, they were either uninspiring or just plain over-priced; can’t blame the producer or agents though, I’m sure the LCBO took their healthy cut of these. The only white worth exploring is the Mornington Estate 2005 Chardonnay ($22.95 - #0072850). And for those who need a reminder of summer check out the Turkey Flat 2007 Rosé ($20.95 - #0068916), which is loaded with red fruit and a dry pleasant finish.
As for the reds, there were a few more inspired choices here, like the always interesting and never disappointing Elderton Estate 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #009175), fans of Elderton wines will be impressed by this one. There’s the Gemtree 2006 Uncut Shiraz ($27.95 - #0627844) with its big bold and peppery black fruit, herbs and nice use of oak for seasoning, there’s also some licorice and chocolate thrown in for good measure – and when I say big, I’m talking alcohol, 14.5%. Langmeil 2006 Hangin’ Snakes Shiraz / Viognier ($22.95 - #077685) might seem like a Freudianly name wine, and who knows, with the frivolity the Aussies are known for it could have been made by a naked winemaker, but that does not detract from the lovely black fruit and floral notes or the pepper and spice on the palate, another 14.5 wine. I was knocked over (bang bang) by the taste and price of the Maxwell 2006 Silver Hammer Shiraz ($19.95 - #0089599) good pepperiness which mixes well with the deep, rich black fruit. Those looking to spend a few more bucks on their Australian wine should look no further than the Syan 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($43.95 - #0072629) – I really liked this one and so will you, great nose, big taste.
A few years ago I bought the first offering of The Black Chook Shiraz / Viognier ($17.95 - #0066738), now this 2007 version follows in the footsteps of the ’06 – delicious and tasty with pepper and floral notes on the taste and smell. I’m a fan of the Thorn-Clarke wines I have tried over the years and this Thorn-Clarke 2005 Terra Barossa ($15.95 - #0684357) is no different; first it is an excellent buy for under $16, subtle flavours and lingering taste it’s the pepper and robust black fruit you’ve come to expect from Australia with a whole lot more.
Three other wines should make your Australian list. Both the sparklings: Skillogalee Sparkling Riesling ($23.95 - #0072868) and the Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Sparkling Shiraz ($18.95 - #0065391) are good value and interesting wines, the shiraz delivers an interesting spiciness and sweetness you don’t usually associate with Shiraz, while the Skillogalee has my review attached to it in the magazine, so you’ll know my thoughts. And while on the subject of sweetness, you have got to put your hands on a bottle of the Penny’s Hill Vintage 2004 Fortified Shiraz ($37.95 - #0068973 – 500ml), big, ripe, sweet cherry with the pepperiness of Shiraz, too cool.
That wraps up Australia, as for the wines from the rest of the world, here goes:
Ontario … Dessert ...
Henry of Pelham 2007 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($39.95 - #0672402 – 200ml)
Reif Estate 2005 Vidal Icewine ($24.95 - #0544791 – 200ml)
Ontario … Reds ...
Vineland Estate 2005 Elevation Cabernet Merlot ($24.95 - #0088880)
Ontario … Rosé …
Henry of Pelham 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé ($14.95 - #0685610)
Ontario … Whites ...
Fielding Estate 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay ($15.00 - #0078527)
Argentina … Red …
Norton 2005 Reserva Malbec ($17.95 - #0017061) – sweet black cherry, a little bit of blackberry and a touch of chocolate.
Austria … Dessert …
Lenz Moser Beerenauslese Prestige 2006 ($16.95 - #0930255 – 375ml) – succulently sweet wine with honeyed peaches and sweet pears.
Chile … Red …
Santa Ema Reserve Merlot 2005 ($14.95 - #0642538) – minty black fruit, cassis and pepper. Good value too.
Santa Rita Medalla Real Reserva Especial 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0275594) – black and red fruit galore, big and bold with a holding potential of 10 years – all for 20 bucks, that’s a no brainer.
Chile … White …
Cousino-Macul Antigas Reservas Chardonnay 2007 ($14.95 - #0730044) – peach, over-ripe apple, touches of vanilla, nice use of oak for flavouring. More good value here.
France … Red …
(Bordeaux) – Chateau Brehat 2001 ($22.95 - $0043828) – nicely aged with still a touch of tannins, dried fruit, leather. This is a good deal for a pre-aged Bordeaux.
Chateau D’Argadens 2004 ($18.95 - #0681643) – big tannic punch, cedar, oak and black fruit flavours.
(Rhone) – A mini Rhone release of six wines of which 4 offered bang for the buck …
Domaine Deforge Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2005 ($17.95 - #0079053) – black fruit, licorice and big tannins.
E. Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde 2004 ($69.95 - #0352534) – lighter than expected red fruit, cherries and berries, good tannin structure, dries out the tongue to desert status, but very palateable none the less.
La Ferme du Mont Cotes Capelan Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005 ($45.95 - #0078857) – chocolate, black cherry, lengthy finish and a cellaring potential of 10 years plus.
Montirius Vacqueyra Le Clos 2005 ($28.95 - #0076547) – beautifully smooth, black fruit, licorice, chocolate, bit of oak flavour. Just a delicious complex and enjoyable wine.
(Southwest) – Chateau du Cedre Cahors le Prestige 2005 ($25.95 - #0969212) – inky black colour, blackberry, sweet oak, cherry with a dark chocolate mid-palate.
France … White …
(Alsace) – Anne Boecklin 2005 Pinot Gris Furstentum ($25.95 - #0080507) – sweet peach, floral and perfume; there’s also a little bit of developing petrol notes.
Germany … White …
Lingenfelder 2007 Riesling Bird Label ($14.95 - #0568634) – great price, great taste, delicious smell; consistently good value in an everyday Riesling.
Domdechant Werner Riesling Spatlese 2003 ($25.95 - #0654830) – beautiful nose of tropical fruit, peach and a hint of petrol; sure it’s sweet but with good balancing acidity.
Italy … Red …
(Tuscany) – Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2004 ($39.95 - #0384552) – plums and chocolate, silky smooth, great mouthfeel.
Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2006 ($17.95 - #0508531) – cedar, dark fruit, leather, rich mouthfeel, good tannins.
Castello Vicchiomaggio Ripa Delle More 2004 ($38.95 - #0983775) – red berry, very fruit forward, soft dusty tannins.
(Veneto) – Cchia Amarone Della Valpolicella 2005 ($39.95 - #0084087) – well worth it’s $40 price tag – sweet vanilla and cherries and plenty more.
Italy … White …
(Piedmont) – Principessa Gavia Gavi 2007 ($21.95 - #0250696) – fresh with mineral-stoniness, dry apple, lemon and other citrus, very refreshing.
New Zealand … Red …
Allan Scott 2007 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0068437) – earthy, cranberry and sour cherry, good dry slightly leathery finish.
New Zealand … White …
Distant Land 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0677542) – great fruitiness that makes it taste sweet, good grapefruit smell and taste, nice even acidity.
South Africa … Red …
Graham Beck 2006 Gamekeeper Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0002519) – Spices, herbs, blackberry, smooth and lush in the mouth. A real winner.
Spain … Red …
Paso a Paso Tempranillo 2006 ($14.95 - #0082206) – big cherry, big plum, big colour, big taste – good price.
Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2004 ($47.95 - #0323345) – smooth yet robust, very ageable with lingering dry tannins on the tongue.
USA … Red …
Clos la Chance Ruby-Throated Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($17.95 - #0966069) – chocolate, blackberry, cherry, pepper and spice, with sweet herbs on the mid-palate. Very nice.
Ports and Sherries …
Spain – Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sweet Sherry ($17.95 - #0047944) – think raisin pie or pecan pie filling, tasty sweet and yummy, there’s a touch of brown sugar and caramel. Those with a sweet tooth will really dig it.
Take a Chance on Me …
This wine has that typical South Africa smell that I find a bit off-putting but then I tasted it; there are good earthy notes with lots and lots of dark fruit and something else that brings out the intensity of flavours in the wine and suppresses any kind of funk. I have learned that time will, sooner or later, dissipate that smell so buy a couple of these and wait 5 years before opening: Darling Cellars Onyx Kroon 2003 ($17.95 - #0900639).
Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 11, 2008
Thorn-Clarke 2005 Terra Barossa ($15.95 - #0684357)– Australia
Montirius Vacqueyra Le Clos 2005 ($28.95 - #0076547) – France
Lenz Moser Beerenauslese Prestige 2006 ($16.95 - #0930255 – 375ml) - Austria
Happy Shopping.
