Saturday January 23, 2010 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to those stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average
I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

Robbie Burns and Argentina share the spotlight in this release at the LCBO. Not being a Scotch drinker, or fan, I will leave those picks to ones who are more expert in that field than I … on the other hand, there are quite a few wines from Argentina you might want to put your paws on, as well as other wine from various parts of the globe.

Wines from Argentina of Note …
Argentina is most known these days for re-introducing us to Malbec (a red grape), but they are making good wines from all the grapes you know and some you might not. Take for example this Alamos 2008 Torrentes ($13.95 - #0081539) it is Argentina’s white calling card. This version is dry and rather tasty, if you haven’t tried Torrentes this might be a good inexpensive place to start (***½). On the other hand, Chardonnay, a very popular grape worldwide, does well in Argentina too. Santa Julia 2008 Reserva Chardonnay ($13.95 - #0932368) is toasty with vanilla notes, nice tropical fruit, some spice and a nice acidic bite on the palate (****½), it also offers up good value. Then there is Vina Cobos 2009 Felino Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0119099) from American winemaker Paul Hobbs. Lovely tropical vanilla smells, lots of lovely fresh fruit flavours like juicy kiwi, pineapple and pears. Turning our attention to the darker wines of this release, about half-a-dozen reds make the cut, like the Kaiken 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #01432448) with its rich blackberry, mocha tones and sweet coffee flavours, very juicy, very delicious (****). If you like that then you might like to try the Vintages Essential Kaiken 2008 Malbec ($14.95 - #0058339), a new and very welcome addition to the Essentials collection. This has blackberry, cassis and spice, juicy palate with a long tasty finish (****½). Finally, from Kaiken, is the Ultra Malbec 2007 ($19.95 - #0050849) this is the one that started my love affair with the Kaiken label (when it first showed up in Vintages), I just find the wines offer such value for their quality, this one is blackberry, cassis and mocha with a chocolate red fruit finish (****½). I also have a soft spot in my heart for the Vina Cobos line (as I showed above), there’s this Felino Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($19.95 - #0132365), with it’s nice red fruit, juicy palate and pepper on the finish (****½); if you like their Cab you’ll also enjoy their Malbec 2008 ($19.95 - #0118067) with its mocha and black fruit and spicy yet smooth finish, tasty (****). Finally, from the folks that brought you FuZion comes the Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2006 ($18.95 - #0973503), the nose is full of sweet fruit while the palate is loaded with dry black fruit, quite a delicious wine full of mouth filling flavour (****).

Australia – Red …
Gemtree Vineyards 2008 Tadpole Shiraz ($16.95 - #0142034) – raspberry fruit flavours and aromas, very juicy and easy drinking, put simply, this is a lovely Shiaz. (****)

Australia – White …
Yalumba 2008 Y Series Pinot Gris ($15.95 - #0138586) – you don’t see a lot of Gris from Oz, this one is lovely and fresh, peach and pear with a nice acid seam, very refreshing. (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Jackson-Triggs 2007 Delaine Vineyard Cabernet-Merlot ($22.95 - #0989269)
Le Clos Jordanne 2007 La Petite Colline Vineyard Pinot Noir ($40.00 - #0033944)

Chile – Red …
Santa Rita 2007 Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0275594) – minty nose which follows to the palate with juicy fruit and lovely flavours, there is a little heat on the palate from the alcohol, it should resolve itself with time. (****)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
The Bordeauxs from this release were unavailable for tasting.
(Midi)
Chateau Dona Baissas Cuvee per Dona Cotes du Roussillon-Villages 2007 ($15.95 - #0151365) – nice red and black fruit with fig, plums and spice; smooth and yummy. (****)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Pierre Sparr 2008 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0747600) – the first thing I noticed about this wine was the nice finish; then there was the nose and taste that I went back for. Rose petal and dry apple, it follows in the mouth with that aforementioned really long finish. (****)

Germany – White …
Balbach Estate 2008 Riesling Kabinett ($16.95 - #0148825) – peach, pear and apple with a little touch of sweetness and a good finish. (****)

Greece – White …
Nasiakos Mantinia 2008 ($15.95 - #0143032) – Mantinia is the region, Moschofilero is the grape, this white wine has a lovely pear aroma that mixes in with other white fruits; the palate is reminiscent of juicy pineapple and yet is quite dry. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Abruzzo)
Umani Ronchi Montipagano Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2007 ($11.95 - #01344585) – dark fruit, plum, spice and slightly woodsy, big in the mouth, excellent value. (****)
(Puglia)
Apollonio 2001 Valle Cupa ($19.95 - #0084046) – a blend of Negromaro and Primitivo that really delivers: mocha, vanilla, dried fruits like figs, cherries and plums, lovely big taste, nice wine for being 8+ years old. (****½)
Vigne & Vini Zinfandel Primitivo del Salento 2006 ($14.95 - #0136002) – if you love Zin this is the wine you should be buying, and it’s a great price to boot. Floral, blackberry, a bit grapy with cherry and plum there’s also a lovely chocolate cherry finish; this one tastes exactly like a Zinfandel from California. (****½)
(Veneto)
Masi Brolo di Campofiorin 2006 ($24.95 - #0976092) – sweet plum and cherry fruit, nose is closed yet spicy; palate is a little more open, but this one is going to need time to come around fully, Vintages says ‘drink now’ but I think it needs another 2 years for full expression. (****)

Italy – White …
(Piedmont)
Sergio Cerrano Brich Menu Moscato D’Asti 2008 ($13.95 - #0159822) – sweet pineapple, ginger ale, tropical and tasty; simple yet delicious.
(Puglia)
Surani 2008 Pietrariccia ($16.95 - #0159582) - nose of hay and apples; pineapple, pear flavours with nice acidity.

Portugal – Red …
Quinta do Infantado Red 2007 ($23.95 - #0095158) – lovers of Infantado’s Port this is your table wine. Deep red berry nose with milk chocolate woven in; the palate is mocha-chocolate cherry, similar to their Ruby Port, just drier; smooth, lovely and oh so tasty. (*****)
San Miguel das Missoes Reserva 2008 ($15.95 - #0155796) – nice blackberry and cherry with a touch of herbs, chocolate and black cherry round out the flavours. (****½)

Slovenia – White …
Ptujska Klet Pullus Yellow Muscat 2008 ($14.95 - #0108480) – not often we go to the Eastern Block for a wine but this one is rather tasty. Sweet fruit, ginger ale notes, pear and melon, drier than the nose lets on but still has an element of sweetness; worth trying at this price. (****)

Spain – Red …
Piedras de San Pedro Loculto Crianza 2005 ($18.95 - #0147926) – nicely black fruited, almost sweet, with lovely spice on the finish. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Blackstone 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0714816) – juicy blackberry, easy on the palate, ready to drink and quite tasty. (****)
Jeriko Estate 2006 San Francisco Wine Press Syrah ($17.95 - #0135467) – there’s some elegance and finesse in the glass with this one, hints of red fruit, white pepper, along with a juicy meaty quality. (****½)
Siduri 2008 Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0159293) – red fruit: cherry, raspberry and quite a bit of spice, really nice flavour. (****)
The Show 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0140715) – I have reviewed this wine for my “What I’m Drinking Tonight” blog, so check out the review here. (****½)

United States – White …
(California)
Fog Head Highlands 2008 Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0158568) – nice fruit and acid mix with a bit of spiciness, mac apple leads the way to a lemon-lime finish. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 23, 2010:
Vina Cobos 2009 Felino Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0119099) – Argentina
Vina Cobos 2008 Felino Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0132365) – Argentina
Apollonio 2001 Valle Cupa ($19.95 - #0084046) – Italy

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday January 9, 2010 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review;
here’s the key to those stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = AverageI’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

Vintages always likes to show their good will towards their customers in the first release of the year, with this Value Wines and Under $20 release.

Value Wines …
It’s after the holidays, the credit card bills are starting to come in and your wine collection is down a few bottles because of the dinners and gifts you’ve been dealing with. Good thing the LCBO Vintages branch feels your plight, time to stock up on those under 20-dollars wines. Starting off the “Smart Buy” wines is home of value priced wines, Chile: Anakena 2009 Single Vineyard Viognier ($12.95 - #0045138), if you have not tried Viognier this is a great place to start. This version tastes like a cross between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with nice citrusy-grapefruit and mac apple all with a touch of honey (****). If you’re looking for a delightful Chardonnay that won’t break the bank check out the D’Arenberg 2008 The Stump Jump Lightly Wooded Chardonnay ($14.95 - #0147520), pineapple, peach, pear, lovely fruit with just a tinge of vanilla, which comes from that light wooding - delicious (****½). Fans of New Zealand Sauv Blanc should look into a few bottles of Rapaura Springs 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #0142919) – this is the grape that made NZ famous and its here in all its classic glory: grassy and grapefruit with tropical notes, this one is not over the top, shows a lot of restraint and elegance (****). Moving onto the reds we’ll start in the good ol’ US of A with their signature grape: Zinfandel. Gnarly Head 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel ($15.00 - #0678698) – cherry-raspberry pie on the nose with soft spice. Easy drinking Zin in which taste follows nose, simple but lots of fun; this wine has finally come back into form as a good value and good example of a wine made from the Zinfandel grape (****½). From Argentina comes the Santa Julia 2008 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95 - #0093781), good blackberry on the nose with a juicy palate, and I’m going to go so far as to give an extra half mark for the price (****½) – a real must buy. Ending my “Smart Buy” picks is this Giordano 2005 Vespero ($16.95 - #0072421) from Italy, a nice mix of red and black fruit, slightly jammy along the mid-palate but ends with a long plumy-cinnamony taste (****).

Australia – Red …
Chapel Hill 2007 Shiraz ($22.95 - #0743989) – one of the few wines above $20 in this release, but it’s a good one. Blackberry, spice, vanilla and woodsy notes on the finish. (****)
Mitolo 2008 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0043224) – I like this better than the Shiraz that sits on the Essentials shelves. This Cab is incredibly juicy with big black fruit, a touch of herbs, some chocolate and a really nice spiced chocolate finish. (****½)
St. Hallett 2008 Shiraz/Grenache ($14.95 - #0024117) – the price is nice for this dark chocolate, strawberry, cherry wine with rich fruit flavours and a lovely juiciness on the palate, there’s also a little floral-spice thrown in for good measure; great value. (****½)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Malivoire 2008 Gamay ($17.95 - #0091140)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Fielding Estate 2008 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0078519)

Chile – Red …
Montgras 2007 Quatro ($15.95 - #0050641) – aromas of black fruit with lots of nice spices and herbs, there’s even a touch of cinnamon here, good fruit, spice and acid balance on the tongue. (****)

Chile – White …
Casa Silva 2008 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 - #0024216) – the nose is floral, tropical, and pineapple with bubblegum nuances, while the palate is floral, buckwheat honey, grapefruit with a grassy finish. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Puglia)
Doppio Passo 2007 Primitivo ($13.95 - #0134627) – it’s back, one of my favourites from a couple of years ago; different vintage, same great taste. Plumy and slightly sweet on the palate, this wine has great Zinfandel qualities, easy quaffing, fresh and very fruit driven. (****½)

Italy – White …
(Veneto)
Maculan 2009 Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #0734921) – refreshing and easy drinking, nice citrus and pineapple core notes with a touch of bite from the acidity on the back end. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Mimo 2005 ($17.95 - #0147918) – a typical 4 grape indigenous blend of Portuguese varietals, the fruit is red and tinged with vanilla and a touch of smoke on the nose; the palate is black fruit with lots of spices and herbs, all combine to make it very delicious. (****½)

Portugal – White …
Quinta de Azevedo 2008 Vinho Verde ($11.95 #0727115) – nice price on this lovely lemony aromaed wine with a hit of spritz on the zesty lime laden palate. (****)

Spain – White …
Baron de Ley 2008 Blanco ($12.95 - #0145995) – fresh citrus, green apple, up front fruit in a New World style, quite lovely and with a good finish, nice price too. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Liberty School 2007 Syrah ($18.95 - #0942383) – It’s back and as delicious as ever. A floral-raspberry nose that offers some delicacy to the palate, all bathed in raspberry with a delightfully fresh finish. (****)
Paso Creek 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0161141) – The fruit here has a “wow”-factor, with lots of it on the palate along with some spice and vanilla from the oak. (****)

United States – White …
(California)
Menage a Trois 2008 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #058592) – a very smooth and clean Chardonnay with fruity flavours of pear and pineapple, creamy vanilla, a touch of spice and really yummy fruit on the palate with a honeyed note on the finish; a little pricey in this market, but very nice. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 9, 2010:
Santa Julia 2008 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95 - #0093781) – Argentina
Mitolo 2008 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0043224) – Australia
Mimo 2005 ($17.95 - #0147918) – Portugal

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Vintages Essentials Collection: Fall 2008

They’re always available at a Vintages location near you. They represent some of the best products and the most popular year after year. Some are new to the list and some perennial favourites. Here I break down the best of the best based on two simple criteria, taste and price. (NB. I have put year in where I was able to note it, the Essentials catalogue does not specify year, vintages can change without notice, so if you like a wine make sure to buy a quantity that suits your needs because once it’s gone it’s gone).

Top 5 Best Value – Whites (Under $25) …

Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Twisted ($16.95 - #0001578 … Ontario)
Malivoire 2008 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0573147 … Ontario)
Toasted Head 2008 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0594341 … U.S.) – this Cali-Chard has plenty of big sweet fruit namely pineapple and peach with a nice hit of vanilla. (****)
Kim Crawford 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0035386 … New Zealand) – softer fruit than what you might be used to from New Zealand Sauv Blanc, but still plenty of fruit flavour, nice acidity and a long grassy finish. (****)
Henri Bourgeois 2008 Les Baronnes Sancerre ($24.95 - #0542548 … France) – this Sauvignon Blanc has the three ‘G’s’ in spades: gooseberry, grass and grapefruit; fresh and lively, more New Zealand in style than New Zealand Savvy B above. (****)

Top 5 Best Value – Reds (Under $20) ...

Ravenswood 2007 Vintners Blend Zinfandel ($17.95 - #0359257 … U.S.) – this is a much better version than the 2006 Zin that came through the market last year; this one has everything Zin fans crave: juicy plum, raspberry, vanilla, slight hints of spice and a great long finish. If your idea of Zinfandel is pink I suggest you pick this up and taste the real thing. (****½)
Catena 2007 Malbec ($19.95 - #0478727 … Argentina) – this is one serious Malbec: smoky, minty, blackberry and juicy; one sip and you too will say, “wow”. (****½)
Kaiken 2008 Malbec ($14.95 - #0058339 … Argentina) – a new and very welcome addition to the Essentials collection. This has blackberry, cassis and spice, juicy palate with a long tasty finish. Haven’t tried Malbec yet? This is a good introduction. (****½)
Louis Jadot 2008 Beaujolais-Villages ($16.95 - #0365924 … France) – get the thought out of your mind that Beaujolais is a sweet and simple wine, that’s nouveau you’re thinking about. This wine has great cherry and red berries, a touch of tannin and a little spice. Try chilling about 30 minutes before opening. (****½)
Torres 2005 Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva ($18.95 - #0036483 … Spain) – Spain is a great place for value and this is no exception. Already 4 years old this beauty has lots of herbs and spice, lots of black fruit, pencil lead aromas, tannin heft on the tongue and a real good bit of spice – this one will not disappoint. (****½)


In Short - Other Recommendable Essentials … (six words or less)

White:
Mission Hill 2007 Chardonnay Reserve ($19.95 – #0545004 … British Columbia) – caramel, butterscotch, big oak, long finish. (***½)
Sonoma-Cutrer 2007 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0608653) – full fruit, vanilla nuances, balanced. (****)

Red :
Hillebrand 2007 Trius Red ($21.95 - #0303800 … Ontario) – ’07 is fantastic (*****)
Mission Hill 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($22.95 - #0553321) – black fruit, sweet licorice, spicy. (****)
Cline 2007 Syrah ($14.95 - #0733758 … U.S.) – as always, good value Syrah (****)
J. Lohr 2007 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon ($20.95 - #0656561 … U.S.) – sweet juicy fruit, long finish. (****½)
Rodney Strong Estate 2007 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0954834 … U.S.) – big fruit, nice tannins and acidity. (****½)
Perez Cruz 2007 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95- #0694208 … Chile) – minty black fruit, decently priced. (****)
D’Arenberg 2006 D’Arry’s Original ($19.95 – 0942904 … Australia) – peppery, eucalyptus, juicy black fruit. (****)
Mitolo 2007 Jester Shiraz ($21.95 - #0659607 … Australia) – sweet black fruit, chocolate cherries. (****)
Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz ($19.95 - #0611210 … Australia) – good price, good mouth feel. (****)
Chateau Pey La Tour 2006 ($21.95 - #0925859 … France) – spice, blackberry, cassis and tannins. (****)
Perrin 2007 Reserve ($14.95 – #0363457 … France) – sweet black cherry and plumy. (****)
FontanaFredda 2008 Briccotondo Barbera ($15.95 - #0072348 … Italy) – spiced black fruit, Christmas cake aroma. (****)
Esporao 2006 Reserve Red ($24.95 – #0606590 … Spain) – red/black fruit, spiced plum and cinnamon. (****½)
Quinta dos Carvalhais Duque de Viseu Red 2006 ($13.95 - #0546309 … Portugal) – plumy red fruit, smooth mouth feel. (****)
Bodegas Castano 2006 Hecula Monastrell ($13.95 - #0718999 … Spain) – licorice, spice, and a little leather. (****)

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday December 5, 2009 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to those stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

It’s the last Vintages release of the year, which means the LCBO has partying on its mind – so today’s release has dinner wines and fizzy wines on the menu.

What’s for Dinner …
First up, we’ll start with dessert, no better way to begin a party on paper then with a wine that wraps the whole party up. Delaforce 2004 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #014087), red cherries and chocolate, a touch of cinnamon and some spiced plum; well priced (*****). From the Napa Valley comes the Clos Pegase 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($52.95 - #0268235), this wine has good black fruit and fine Corinthian leather on the nose, the palate is like going to the fruit market in a new Chrysler Cordoba, also nice finishing tannins here (****). Also from California is the Macrostie 2006 Pinot Noir ($25.95 - #0674911), loads of juicy cherry on the nose, earthy, mineral palate with a big finish (****). Argentinean wine fans will enjoy the Bodegas Santa Ana 2006 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0066720), minty blackberry, chocolate, smoky, spice and a nice tannin component (****). French vino fans will enjoy the Chateau Camensac 1995 ($54.95 - #0155564), yup a ’95, you’re heard of the In Store Discoveries at the LCBO, well this in a Lost In Warehouse Discovery, but it was a good time to find this one: smooth dried fruit and cedar notes; if you don’t have the inclination to age your wines the LCBO has done it for you (****). From Italy, Piccini 2005 Chianti Classico Reserva ($19.95 - #0134791), coffee, leather, black fruit, nice tannins and a dry finish (****). Portugal should also have a reservation at your holiday table, V. Leite de Faria Gloria Reserva 2004 ($17.95 - #0146522), juicy red and black fruit, herbs and spice, gentle tannins and a smoky finish (****). Finally, I can recommend a Spanish goody, Herencia Remondo La Montesa 2006 ($19.95 - #0674572), sweet plumy notes, juicy cherry, hints of raspberry and a floral sensation (****½).

Here Comes the Fizz …
I have three to recommend here: 13th Street 2004 Premier Cuvee Brut ($28.00 - #0142679), mac apple and lemon curd on the nose, green apple and nice acidity in the mouth (****½). Chandon Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine ($23.95 - #0100693), moussey character, apple and creamy with good acid and nice length. And then there’s this Burgundian beauty, Louis Bouillot Perle D’Aurore Brut Rosee Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #0048793), beautiful light pink in colour, creamy light strawberry in the mouth, gentle bubbly mousse at a really good price; very enjoyable (****½).

Argentina – Red …
Catena 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0057976) – My only 5-star table wine of the release, and this is a beauty. Lovely ripe red fruit nose with cherry and licorice. The palate is juicy and loaded with fruit and just the right amount of dustiness on the finish. (*****)
Los Clop 2008 Malbec ($10.95 - #0135244) – This is an amazing bargain of a wine. The nose is chocolate, cherry, plum and cassis while the palate is juicy as sin loaded with cherry, chocolate and vanilla.
Zolo 2006 Reserve Malbec ($16.95 - #0081091) – Another value wine from Argentina with huge blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and plum notes on the nose. Palate-wise its dusty with a dark fruit finish. It needs time to come around, but shows signs of being wonderful in the next few years.

Australia – Red …
Coriole Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($17.95 - #0141960) – mint, cherry, cassis, vanilla, cinnamon with a touch of dried plum. (****)
Fools Bay 2008 Dusty’s Desire Shiraz ($17.95 - #0141887) – big blackberry, cassis and mocha notes which follow on the palate with great juiciness, lots of sweet fruit and a dab of pepper … watch out for the high alcohol on this easy on the palate wine. (****)
Wolf Blass 2007 Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #0606939) – nice rich black fruit with spiced plum backing. (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Inniskillin 2007 Reserve Series Cabernet Franc ($16.95 - #0091140)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling (#0578625)

Chile – White …
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($15.95 - #0135426) – big, bright and lively: gooseberry, lemon-lime and grassy notes with a racy finish. (****½)
Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 ($18.95 - #0663005) – peachy vibrancy, easy sipper with not too much oak on the palate; there’s good balance here. (****)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Hauchat 2006 ($15.00 - #0123489) – Good value for a Bordeaux red; nice juicy black fruit, spices and big tannins, quite enjoyable. (****)
La Fleur Anne 2005 ($19.95 - #0139048) – vanilla, smoky, tobacco, big tannin bite that dries out the mouth, there is a nice juiciness through the mid-palate which turns a bit hollow near the end giving way to that dryness mentioned above. (****)
(Rhone)
Domaine des Mascarons Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2007 ($14.95 - #0142174) – spiced cherry and plum, the aromas follow smoothly across the tongue ending with a peppery lengthy finish with herbs and spice, and a little dustiness. Great value. (****½)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Helfrich 2008 Pinot Gris ($13.95 - #0141788) – sweet peach and pear notes, refreshing and tasty, it might have a short finish but it’s still very pleasant going down. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Tuscany)
Antinori 2006 Guado al Tasso ($89.95 - #0986380) – mineral, black fruit and pepper, with big tannins; this one is going places in years to come. (****½)

Italy – White …
(Piedmont)
L’Armangia Il Giai Moscato D’Asti 2008 ($14.95 - #0135632) – grapey ginger ale notes on the nose, tropical flavoured with bubble gum and melony tastes. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Catapereiro 2006 Vinho Tinto ($14.95 - #008358) – jammy and juicy is the best way to describe this one; raspberry pie, blackberry fruit and a touch of dried cherries with earthy tannins on the finish. (****½)

South Africa – Red …
The Goatfather 2008 ($13.95 - #0011072) – cherry and brambly notes with some earth and leather on the back palate; slightly tarry but that’s mixed with nice blackberry notes on the aftertaste. (****)

Spain – Red …
Puerta Bonita G5 Garnacha 2007 ($19.95 - #0132266) – sweet cherries all the way through, it’s a one dimensional wine but a dimension I’d go back to again and again – enjoy that long cherry finish. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Frei Brothers 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.95 - #0038075) – blackberry, tobacco and black cherry on the nose, smoky, sweet mid-palate with a little white pepper. (****)
J. Lohr 2007 Los Osos Merlot ($18.95 - #0027516) – juicy, almost sweet blackberry and cherry, this one’s quite tasty. (****)
Ridge 2007 Three Valleys ($31.95 - #0652875) – a blend with Zinfandel taking the lion’s share of the work (76%); sweet fruit, cherry, plum with dusty tannins. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on December 5, 2009:
Catena 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0057976) – Argentina
Los Clop 2008 Malbec ($10.95 - #0135244) – Argentina
Domaine des Mascarons Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2007 ($14.95 - #0142174) – France

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday November 21, 2009 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to those stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

Today’s release focuses on the high end wines you all know and love, wines from houses like Moet & Chandon, Chateau Montelena, Krug, Antinori, Opus One and plenty more. I figure you’re gonna buy the big names anyway so my recommendation isn’t gonna make or break the sales of those wines; but what I will be telling you about are those more obscure wine and ones under the $50 mark …

Premium Products for the Holiday …
I’ll start with this beauty of a Chardonnay from La Crema, 2007 Russian River ($38.95 - #0067231), great balance and wonderful mouth feel here, a mix of fruit and oak with a nice lengthy finish; it’s a Chardonnay that puts a smile on your face (****½). Another good Chardonnay is this one from New Zealand: Craggy Range 2007 Single Vineyard Chardonnay ($41.95 - #0132043), good balance, pretty yet ballsy, with butterscotch and oak notes that mingle with pear, kiwi and quince; on the finish, plus there’s some buttery-vanilla length (****1/2). That’s it for the whites, so we turn out attention to the reds. We start right here at home with the Tawse 2007 Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($29.95 - #0130997). Next up, it’s the Francis Ford Diamond Collection 2007 Blue Label Merlot ($25.95 - #0595686), a very fruit forward Merlot with firm black fruit and a nice tannin backbone (****). Off to Veneto, Italy for the Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella ($44.95 - #0134528), a nice wine with plum, black cherry and dark chocolate; rich, deep and delicious (****). The real bargain of this premium product release can be found in Spain: Atalaya 2007 Almansa ($21.95 - #0132605) the nose is cherry fruit and blackberry, the palate is very appealing with spice, plumy, juicy fruit and nice tannins, the price is incredibly appealing too (*****).

Argentina – Red …
Chakana Yaguarete Collection 2009 Malbec ($12.95 - #0003509) – juicy black fruit on both the nose and palate all at a great price, an extra half mark for value. (****½)
Kaiken 2006 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0135202) – what Kaiken did with their Ultra Malbec they’ve done with Cab Sauv, this wine is a real pleasure to drink with lots of chocolate and black fruit, big alcohol – 14.5%. (*****)

Canada – Red …
(British Columbia)
Mission Hill 2007 SLC Syrah ($36.95 - #0068379) – huge chocolate smells with plenty of tannin heartiness on the palate along with black pepper and blackberries. (****)
(Ontario)
Stonechurch 2007 Reserve Syrah ($19.95 - #0131300)

Chile – Red …
Santa Carolina 2007 Reserva de Familia Carmenere ($19.95 - #0034942) – minty black fruit, creamy in the mouth with nice spice on the finish. (****)

France – Red …
(Rhone)
Les Vignerons de Roquemaure Lirac 2007 ($16.95 - #0142737) – smooth blackberry with enough tannins to make them noticeable but not overpowering. (****)
Perrin & Fils 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95 - #0976845) – this wine will last 10 or so years so buying it now will seem like a bargain in years to come; raspberry, strawberry and cherry with chocolate and some nifty tannins. Half mark for its value to ageabiltiy ratio. (****½)
(Southwest)
Chateau de Gaudon Tradition Cahors 2006 ($13.95 - #0104935) – the nose is licorice and smoky; the flavours are smoky blackberry and cassis all quite juicy, which is surprising for a region known for big tannins; but the value is still there. (****½)

France – White …
(Loire)
Gilles Blanchet 2008 Fouilly-Fume ($21.95 - #0141747) – light and delicate with floral and orange blossom. (****)

Germany – White …
Kurt Darting 2007 Riesling Kabinett ($16.95 - #0950212) – peach and dried apricot with wild flower honey notes on the nose; honeyed apricots on the palate with pear nectar and a hint of sweetness that wraps it all together nicely – good length on the finish. (****½)

Italy – Red …
(Puglia)
Surani Costarossa 2007 Primitivo di Manduria ($19.95 - #0134593) – plumy, chocolaty, red fruit, vanilla, a touch of spice and good weight in the mouth, this one’s a treat for Zinfandel fans. (****)
(Tuscany)
Argiano NC Non Confunditur 2006 ($24.95 - #0072397) – fresh and fruity with nice heft from those tannins; it opens fruity, ends ballsy and the middle is where this wine shines with plum, cherry and smoke. The observant amongst you will notice this is a screwcap wine, from Tuscany; the world is a-changin’. (****½)
Santa Margherita 2006 Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #0091694) – good flavour, very commercial with herbs, sour cherry and cranberry notes, there’s a delicate use of oak here. (****)
Selvapiana 2006 Chianti Rufina ($24.95 - #0121202) – juicy red cranberries and sour cherries, herbs and spice all mingle with cocoa powder dryness. (****)
(Veneto)
Masi 2004 Grandarella ($28.95 – 0606921) – a unique blend of Refosco and Carmenere made in the Amarone style of drying the grapes. Big, black and spicy with vanilla and leathery flavours on the finish. (****)

Italy – White …
(Abruzzo)
Cantina Tollo Aldiano Trebbiano D’Abruzzo 2008 ($14.95 - #0134502) – this one starts with nice acidity and builds from there, pretty floral and apple notes with a touch of lemonade on the medium length finish. (****)

New Zealand – Red …
Torlesse 2008 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #0699330) – blackberry and black cherry nose; dark fruit palate with good acidity and oak. (****)

New Zealand – White …
Mount Riley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #0981670) – bright fruit aromas with gooseberry, grassy all over but not the usual slap in the olfactories that is typical New Zealand Sauv Blanc, this one shows delicious restraint, still with good acidity and all at a good price. (****½)

Portugal – Dessert …
Messias 2004 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #0140863) – this one takes a few sips to get into but once there it’s delicious. Cherry marmalade on the nose with a plethora of flavours including black cherry, chocolate, spice, raisins, dried cherries and much more. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Sogrape 2003 Reserva Douro ($10.75 - #0335208) – this wine tastes as fresh as any wine, and it’s already 6 years old. Plumy, strawberry, very fruity and very sippable; this one gets an extra value mark for sure, $10.75, this is one you should have on hand for the holidays. (****½)

Portugal – White …
Aveleda Follies Vinho Verde Alvarinho 2008 ($15.95 - #0059048) – lemon-lime on the nose, good citrus notes with tropical and tangerine and grapefruit cocktail in the mouth. (****)

Spain – Red …
Cuatro Pasos Mencia 2007 ($16.95 - #0039313) – every year I wanna like this wine (cause I love animals – there’s a big paw print on the label) and every year it falls short of expectations – this year it finally delivers: smoky, blackberry, cassis with a dusty fruit finale; finally this wine comes into the fold of the recommendable. (****)
Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2008 ($15.95 - #0674564) – plums, cherries, chocolate with a very attractive nose; the palate is sweet on fruit with vanilla and a mixture of red and black cherries. (****½)

United States – Red …
(California)
Hahn Estates 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0057877) – great value in a Cali-cab: black fruit, spice, plum, vanilla and cinnamon, nice complexity at a good price point. (****)
Kenwood 2007 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0943225) – a new world style Pinot with fresh dark frut, black cherry, cranberry and tannins on the palate; dry and quite hefty on the tongue. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on November 21, 2009:
Atalaya 2007 Almansa ($21.95 - #0132605) – Spain
Kaiken 2006 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0135202) – Argentina
Sogrape 2003 Reserva Douro ($10.75 - #0335208) – Portugal

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday November 7, 2009 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to those stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

I’m always looking for good value and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

This is the annual “Affordable Party Wines” edition of the LCBO’s Vintages release … I think some of the best values aren’t part of the focus. But let’s take a look …

Affordable Party Wines …
Well boys and girls, when I hear the word affordable I think of wines under $20 that taste far beyond their price point. I found four that deliver in that department, 2 whites and 2 reds: Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Chardonnay ($16.95 - #0681247) … Louis Hauller 2008 Gewurztraminer ($16.95 - #0141754) from Alsace with its light rose petal nose and palate with just a touch of sweetness and a mandarin orange finish (****). In reds, we look to one of the best value regions, Chile: the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($19.95 - #0322586) is smooth blackberry jam at its core; its mint, chocolate, juicy and jammy (****). The best value in the spotlight is from the Rhone (France), Les Vignerons du Castelas 2007 Cotes du Rhone ($13.95 - #0142125) red licorice, black cherry, juicy red and black fruits with easy tannins, give it two years in bottle to settle and it’ll be even better – and the best part is the price, buy a bunch (****½).

Argentina – Red …
Bodega Francois Lurton 2007 Reserva Malbec ($17.95 - #0903153) – here’s a well made Malbec, black fruit, smoky, touch of spice and white pepper. (****)
Vina Cobos Felino 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0132365) – blackberry, chocolate, lots of juiciness here, rich and supple, succulent in the mouth. (****½)

Australia – Red …
Gemtree Vineyards 2008 Bloodstone Shiraz-Viognier ($17.95 - #0022111) – nice minerality with vanilla, violet and spice. (****)
Grant Burge 2007 Filsell Old Vine Shiraz ($29.95 - #0987453) – sweet smells while the palate is black fruited with mineral notes. (****)
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Shotfire Quartage ($23.95 - #0024091) – black licorice, tootsie roll, sweet vanilla and black fruit, chocolate with big alcohol (14.5%), the palate is full of sweet fruit and quite juicy. (****½)
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Terra Barossa Cuvee ($14.95 - #0684357) – black fruit and white pepper nose, black fruit and pepper on the palate with a nice acid-tannin balance, easy drinking, delicious and great price, this is a multiple purchase wine. (****½)

Austria – White …
Loimer 2007 Gruner Veltliner ($16.95- 0142240) – full of fresh lime notes and some real finesse; if you have never tried a Gruner here’s a good one to get you going, without breaking the bank. (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Wildass 2006 Red ($19.95 - #0086363)
Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Malivoire 2008 Gewurztraminer ($24.95 - #0542522)

Chile – Red …
Concha Y Toro 2007 Winemaker’s Lot 115 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0030965) – minty blackfruit and juicy blackberries. (****)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Ailes de Paloumey 2005 ($26.95 - #0138826) – black fruit nose, nice flavours of black licorice, smoke and spice, good tannins. (****)
(Midi)
Chateau de Fontenelles 2007 Cuvee Notre Dame ($16.95 - #0106518) – sweet plum nose with a touch of raspberry, the palate is juicy with gritty bits of black raspberry and black cherry; a nice spice, herb and tannin blend on the finish. (****)
(Rhone)
Chateau Val Joanis Tradition Syrah 2006 ($15.95 - #0965616) – plum, violet and black cherry, tasty and pleasant wine at a very good price. (****)
Pierre Amadieu 2007 La Grangeliere Vacqueyras ($21.95 - #0076398) – a black and red fruit mix on the nose, graphite, red fruit, berries and a hint of chocolate; very juicy, a great sipper and lots of fun. (****½)

France – White …
(Loire)
Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy 2008 ($18.95 - #0608877) – lots of new world grapefruit, gooseberry and grassiness, totally delicious ... one to enjoy in your motor home outside the hospital where you work (****½)
(Midi)
Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier 2008 ($16.95 - #0673236) – a Viognier with subtle signs of Sauvignon Blanc. Grapefruit, vanilla, citrus, honey and floral – this wine is light and lively on the palate with a nice white fruit finish. (****½)

France – Sparkling …
(Champagne)
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne ($79.95 – 0384529) – toasted almond, crisp apple, yeasty and slightly sweet with a nice finish. (****½)

Italy – Red …
(Tuscany)
Antinori 2004 Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino ($67.95 - #0651141) – lots of black fruit, most notably black cherry, big tannins, big wine, big price, with plenty of time for a lie down; there’s a reason you’ll find this wine in the cellar of many collectors. (****)
La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 ($27.95 - #0566216) – dark fruit, graphite and herbs, tannins are bold, fruit is big and black – lots of heft for ageing. (****)
Renzo Masi Chianti 2007 ($13.95 - #0134767) – Nice soft red fruit notes; lots of juicy fruit here, easy drinking quaffer, great price, extra mark for value. (****½)

Portugal – Dessert …
Offley 2004 Late Bottled Vintage Port (18.95 - #0070086) – LBV is one of the great values in the Port world and a great way to introduce someone to Port. Black cherry, chocolate, nice acidity and tannins structure, delicious. LBV always offers great value especially for under $20 (****½)

Spain – Red …
Castell Del Remei Gotim Bru 2006 ($19.95 - #0982736) – there’s a sweetness to the fruit on the palate: cherry, milk chocolate with hints of caramel. This wine is delicious and easy drinking, muted nose but delicious in the mouth. The back palate is where this wine really shines with good acidity and tannin balance. (*****)
Escondido 2006 Tempranillo ($14.95 -#0132597) – lots of black fruit and subtle spice on both the nose and flavours. (****)
Marques de Valcarlos Reserva 2000 Tempranillo – Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 #0928853) – Nice black fruit/red fruit combo held together by tannins and herbs. (****)

United States – White …
(California)
Rutherford Ranch 2008 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0136382) – vibrant fruit nose, lemony, apple, pear, quite juicy with nice acidity, the only drawback in the medium finish, I wanted this one to last longer. (****½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on November 7, 2009:
Castell Del Remei Gotim Bru 2006 ($19.95 - #0982736) – Spain
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Shotfire Quartage ($23.95 - #0024091) – Australia
Les Vignerons du Castelas 2007 Cotes du Rhone ($13.95 - #0142125) – France

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday October 24, 2009 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s how those stars break down:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

I’m always looking for good values and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

This is the release that comes from a land down under (“where woman glow and men plunder”) … not much else to say after that except: here are my picks from this release …

Wines from the land Down Under …
Thorne-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($23.95 – #018796) - dark purple in colour with pepper on the nose, the palate really shines here: dark chocolate, plum, white pepper, a bit of grit on the tongue, but it’s mostly big fruit and bit pepper with finesse and a long finish. (*****)
Torbreck 2006 Old Vines Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre ($20.95 - #010223) – a nice mineral, coffee, woodsy, peppery, blackberry wine that delivers all that on the nose and as well as the palate. (****½)
Ben Glaetzer 2007 Wallace Shiraz/Grenache ($24.95 - #047605) plum and cherry fruit, easy going down. (****)
Gemtree Vineyards 2007 Uncut Shiraz ($24.95 - #627844) – this Shiraz is loaded with finesse and mineral; white pepper, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, with excellent mouth feel and length on the finish. Not your typical jammy Shiraz – over time this one evolves well. (****½)
Shaw & Smith 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 – #965335) – lemony-citrus with nice bracing acidity. (***½)
Tamar Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir, Kayena Vineyard ($26.95 - #962415) – What a gorgeous example of Pinot, from Tasmania no less. Soft fruit with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas; palate is fruit driven with a touch of earth and mineral – delicate and balanced, especially for a Pinot with such elevated alcohol (14%). (****½)
Tamar Ridge 2008 Devil’s Corner Riesling ($18.95) – from the same winery, this is a nice cool climate Riesling that has crisp acidity, petrol, apple, pear and peach; seems simple at first but develops nicely in the mouth. (****½)

Ports for All …
Croft Pink ($19.95 - #140871) – this one is for the youngsters who are not into Port wines, yet: sweet pink cherries (very Shirley Temple-esque) with a slight spice note; quite interesting. (****)
Quinta do Noval Tawny Port ($18.95 - #141119) – black cherry and chocolate with a light spice and delicious smoothness. (****)
Offley Barao de Forrester 10 Years Old Tawny Port ($24.95 - #260091) sweet marmalade, cherry and quite alcoholic; spiced cinnamon finish. (****)
Ferreira 2000 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #675751) – chocolaty rich, and smooth with lots of cherry and plum. (****½)
Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000 ($29.95 - #973768) – smooth dark fruit, plum, cherry, chocolate with a long finish; this is a great price for a vintage Port that’s easily a cellar candidate. (****½)

Argentina – Red …
Trivento 2007 Amado Sur ($16.95 - #037036) – spicy, toasty flavours with a mix of blackberry and pepper. (****)

Chile – White …
Casa Lapostelle 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 - #396994) – zesty and racy nose with a grapefruit, citrus palate, there’s good acidity backing this one up. (****)

Germany – White …
Dr. Loosen 2008 Dr. L Riesling ($13.95 - #599274) – this is always a good bargain of a wine: delicious apple, a touch of sweetness and some lemon lime on the finish. (****)
Max Ferd. Richter 1992 Riesling Spatlese ($23.95 - #140780) – this 17 year old wine still smells fresh, apple, peach and honeyed petrol notes with a long finish, yummy. (****½)

Italy – Red …
(Tuscany)
La Vite Lucente 2007 ($39.95 - #747030) – big acidity and tannins with lots of dark fruit and a long finish. (****)

South Africa – Red …
Café Culture 2009 Pinotage ($13.95 - #072710) – this is the coffee lovers wine, what it says on the label you get in the glass. (****)

Spain – Red …
Papa Luna 2007 ($16.95 - #039883) – last year’s was better but this one is still very good; black and red fruit, nice tannins, smoky and spicy with mocha notes on the finish; all at a great price. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Belle Glos 2007 Meiomi ($27.95 - #130138) – nice mix of flavours: earthy, black fruit, smoked-café with a smoky-earthy finish. (****)
Huntington 2007 California Series Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #994491) – smooth, juicy blackberry, nice tannins and easy drinking; there’s also a nice hint of chocolate on the finish. (****½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 24, 2009:
Thorne-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($23.95 – #018796) – Australia
Max Ferd. Richter 1992 Riesling Spatlese ($23.95 - #140780) – Germany
Papa Luna 2007 ($16.95 - #039883) – Spain
BONUS: Gemtree Vineyards 2007 Uncut Shiraz ($24.95 - #627844) - Australia

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.


For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday October 10, 2009 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

Have you missed me … I’d have to say I’ve missed you; and I’ve also missed tasting over 120 wines on a Friday morning and scrubbing my teeth with steel wool just to get them white again – but I’m not complaining, I like wine. And so do you or you would not be reading this.For this week’s release we’re going to Italy, to taste wines from that old world country, and we’ll also be making stops in France, New Zealand, Portugal and other countries around the world … but first let’s look in at what the LCBO Vintages buyer has brought back from It-aly.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s how those stars break down:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

I’m always looking for good values and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

You and me in Italy …
We’ll start our tour of Italy with one of my favourite styles of white, a nice fizzy Asti: Enrico Serafino 2008 Moscato D’asti ($16.95 - #0134833) with its pleasant grapy flavour, hints of grapefruit and a gentle fizz, delicious (****). Another popular Italian white is Soave, and there’s a nice one of those in this release too: Tedeschi Capitel Tenda 2008 Soave Classico ($15.95 - #0730903), this is not the light white your father grew up with – instead it’s tropical fruit flavours with real mouth presence. Moving on to the reds there’s a nice Terra D’Aligi Tatone 2005 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0994616), this one has some real fleshy fruit, but there’s this drawback of an alcohol smell on the nose, but all is forgiven once it hits the mouth, cause this one’s big on flavour with sweet fruit on the mid-palate and weighty tannins at the back end – nice price too (****½). I have reviewed the Cantine due Palme 2005 Primitivo ($15.95 - #0658351) before, it’s jammy and very Zin-like, I love the pluminess of this wine (****). The Volpaia 2007 Citto ($13.95 - #0134817) is a nice blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon; earthy, black pepper and blackberry on the nose, good mouth feel, nice acidity with good follow through from the nose – this one gets an extra half point for value (****). One of my favourite red styles of wine comes from Italy, it’s the Ripasso method that combines Amarone heft with Valpolicella fruitiness: Remo Farina 2005 Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($16.95 - #0999946), rich plumy fruit with nice chocolate-cherry notes; a nice long dried cherry finish polishes this one off nicely (****). Looking for a sweet treat, don’t pass up the Antolini 2006 Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico ($29.95 / 500ml - #0135533), grapy and raisiny with milk chocolate cherries on the back palate (****).

Argentina – Red …
Finca El Origen 2007 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0128991) – just might be one of the better wines of the release. Nice red fruit nose which follows in the mouth with licorice and chocolate flavours. Juicy with great acidity and a spicy long finish. (*****)
Trapiche Broquel 2007 Bonarda ($15.95 - #0055558) – this rarely seen grape variety offers great value for those who like a wine that’s spicy and plumy with black fruit and vanilla, oh, and there’s a nice long finish too. (****½)

Australia – Red …
Bishop By Ben Glaetzer 2007 Shiraz ($29.95 - #0627869) – as this wine hits the glass you’ll notice it’s almost black in colour; on the palate it has sweet chocolate, white pepper, black fruit, vanilla, licorice and mocha. (****½)
Tait 2005 Basked Pressed Shiraz ($49.95 - #0138339) – big fruit, chocolate, a touch of pepper with vanilla and caramel notes on the finish. (****)

Canada – White …
(British Columbia)
Burrowing Owl 2007 Pinot Gris ($30.95 - #0585745) – a tad pricey for a Pinot Gris but there’s good fruit, nice acidity and a long finish – look for lemon and nectarine here. (****)
(Ontario)
Henry of Pelham 2007 Gamay ($14.95 - #0291112)
Malivoire 2008 Ladybug Rosé ($15.95 - #0559088)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Thebot ($16.95 - #0138792) – this is a big wine: big black fruit, big plum, big tannins, big on the vanilla and black cherry notes, good ageability that could see this one go 5-10 years. (****½)

France – White …
(Loire)
Domaine Bonnard 2008 Sancerre ($22.95 - #0140525) – a wine that makes you stand up and take notice; grassy, citrus and mineral notes, it all hits the mouth with nice biting acidity – this would have been a great summer wine, to bad it’s the middle of autumn. (****½)

New Zealand – White …
Twin Islands 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #0903625) – this is exactly what you expect from a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it won’t surprise on either the nose or the taste; it’s the price that’s really surprising … good value. (****)

Portugal – Dessert …
Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port ($22.95 - #0208405) – chocolate entry, cocoa middle, raspberry-cherry finish with a touch of tannins and spice. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Aragones de Sao Miguel Dos Descobridores 2007 ($17.95 - #0131847) – spicy blackberry and herbs; there’s a dash of cocoa and vanilla-toast with a gritty mouth feel. (****)

Spain – Red …
Miguel Torres Mas La Plana 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.95 - #0129676) – coffee, cocoa, red fruit, blackberry, and cassis; tasty and still quite ageworthy. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Glass Mountain 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95 - #0727511) – smooth and simple, easy on the palate, hardly any sign of tannin just nice red fruit; add an extra half mark for the price. (****)
Leese-Fitch 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0135285) – nicely balanced wine with juicy fruit, vanilla and a nice weighted mouth feel. (****½)

United States – White …
(California)
Chateau St. Jean 2007 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0421644) – generous fruit with a nice delicate use of oak, look for peach and tropical notes. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 10, 2009:
Finca El Origen 2007 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0128991) – Argentina
Domaine Bonnard 2008 Sancerre ($22.95 - #0140525) – France
Bishop By Ben Glaetzer 2007 Shiraz ($29.95 - #0627869) – Australia

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday September 12, 2009 - Vintages Release

Once again summer got in the way of me tasting the Vintages release for this Saturday, but since the focus is Ontario I can definitely point you in the right direction on a few of these wines. Here is a list of the wines I tried which link back to their original review:

Malivoire 2007 Gamay ($17.95 - #591313)
13th Street Winery 2007 Gamay Noir ($18.00 - #130195)
Henry of Pelham 2007 Off-Dry Reserve Riesling ($15.95 - #557165)

And of course, there will be more to follow in Newsletter and on the website in the months to come.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,
while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday August 29, 2009 - Vintages Release

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I am back and rarin’ to go after a bit of a hiatus from the Vintages tastings; thanks to all who emailed in to say you missed me. So without too much of a preamble let’s get right to it – first up, a trip to the Rhone, then a sip on some Zinfandels, and finally the rest of the world from A-Z.

I have gone to a stars rating system which appears at the end of each review; here’s how those stars break down:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average
I’m always looking for good values and I’m not afraid to give or take away a half mark for it – I’ll let you know when I’ve done so.

Ranging out to the Rhone …
This release the LCBO has decided to take us all to France, the south of France, to check out the wines of the Rhone. Good news is that in some spots you’re going to find excellent value in age-worthy reds, in other spots you’ll pay for that age-ability. I’ll guide you through the landmine of the Rhone with my top 5 wines from this featured release. First up is the Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rouge 2007 ($14.95 - #0132548), here’s one of those values I talked about, nice red fruit with a tasty, almost minty, palate and hints of chocolate – it seems almost sweet (****). This next one, the Delas Haute Pierre 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($35.95 - #0074195), is one of those wines I told you that you were going to pay for its complexity. Lots of staying power in the mouth, big on blackberry, herbs, spice, pepper, licorice and with the merely hint of floral; very pretty and very tasty (****½). The next two wines on my list have good value in the bottle: Domaine Montmartel Visan 2007 ($16.95 - #0130062), with its red cherry, plum, black pepper and smoked meat goodness (****); and the Domaine Paul Henry Cotes du Rhone 2006 ($14.95 - #0130021), a smooth, easy going red berry dominated wine that gets an extra half-star for value, nothing complicated here, just very good (****). Finally, there’s the Domaine Saint-Pierre Vacqueyras 2005 ($25.95 - #0130013), lots of pepper, black fruit with coffee-like nuances on the tongue with a nice mocha finish (****).

Forgive me my Zins …
Those who read my On the Road with the Grape Guy blog know that although I love my Ontario wine, I have a soft spot for Zinfandel; and in this release it’s as if the LCBO has read my fondest wish, a Zinfandel spotlight. You’ll see 8 Zins are hitting the shelves this weekend, and here are my top 4, in no particular order: Candor Lot 1 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #0133389) is the only non-vintage Zin coming out this release, it’s brought to you by the Hope Family (makers of such wines as Liberty School and Treana), this is a fine example of Zinfandel with the cherry, vanilla, plum and chocolate fans of the grape have come to know and love (****). A perennial favourite is this Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2007 ($17.95 - #0678698), I like to think of it as a beginners Zin, lots of plum, cherry, vanilla, spice and excellent length on the tongue; the price makes it a worthy pick up (****½). Seghesio 2007 Zinfandel ($28.95 - #0942151) is a tasty little number with the black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, plum and red fruit with a kick, but if you’re going to spend this much you might as well make the jump to their even better single vineyard offerings (****). No, the real winner in the Zin department this time out is the Napa Cellars 2005 Zinfandel ($23.95 - #0126607), fully loaded with the hefty 15% alcohol Zin is known for plus lots of red berries, cherries, spiced-vanilla, cinnamon/nutmeg and a lingering finish … this wine is BBQ ready, but will age nicely for the next 5 years at least (*****).

Argentina – Red …
Pasion 4 2007 Merlot ($11.95 - #0059287) – I liked this wine as a blend, now I like it as a single varietal. It’s a light and easy Merlot with big blackberry, pepper, spice and lush tannins – and check out that price, I’m giving it an extra half-star based on the bargain. (****½)

Australia – Red …
Branson Coach House 2005 Greenock Block Single Vineyard Shiraz ($24.95 - #0127563) – I really liked this one with the eucalyptus, spice and lingering finish. (****½)

Chile – Red …
Apaltagua Envero 2007 Gran Reserva ($15.95 - #0129973) – a blend of 93% Carmenere and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of in your face flavour and tannins on the tongue, look for mint, black cherry and tobacco notes. (****)
Santa Alicia 205 Gran Reserva de Los Andes Merlot ($19.95 - #0663088) – it’s what you expect from Chile, lots of fruit, well integrated tannins, lots of fruit, a touch of mint, some chocolate and, oh yeah, lots of fruit. (****½)

France – Dessert …
Domaine Des Bernardins 2007 Muscat Beaumes de Venise ($17.95 / 375ml - #0129999) – simple never tasted so good: apricot and spice on the nose with lots of tropical flavours. A sweetie with substance. (****)

France – Red …
(Beaujolais)
Chateau Desvignes Chenas 2007 ($16.95 - #0130096) – fans of Beaujolais rejoice, this is one of those wines you have been waiting to try to restore your faith in the region’s ability to make great wines. Black cherry, white pepper with touches of tannin and herbs. Simply beautiful. (**** ½)
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Castegens 2005 ($18.95 - #0125856) – here’s a good value for you, a wine you can lie down for 5+ years from France’s Bordeaux region. A nice mix of red and black fruit on the nose, cinnamon, oak and black currant on the palate. There’s some tannin grip here but that’ll smooth with time. (****)
Chateau St. Georges 2005 ($34.95 - #0960310) – Another nice wine with earthy coffee notes that also have blackberry and currant notes – this is another one that needs time to come around. (****)

France – Sparkling …
(Burgundy)
La Maison du Cremant Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #0127811) – who says good bubbly has to be expensive, this one offers up real value along with lemony crispness, fruit sweetness and great balancing acidity; perfect anytime. (*****)

Israel – Red …
Golan 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0611152) – not often does a good kosher wine come to market for less than twenty buck, so this one should be snapped up pretty quickly by those looking for a wine to bring in the Jewish New Year. A blackberry, cherry nose leads to a palate that offers up sweet licorice, cherry, and earth-strawberry notes. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Piedmont)
Paolo Manzone 2007 Magna Dolcetto d’Alba ($16.95 - #0117176) – simple yet elegant with sweet red fruit, big in the cherry department. (****)
(Veneto)
Tommasi Vigneto Le Prunee Merlot 2007 ($16.95 - #0024505) – plum and chocolate on the nose which follows onto the tongue with a lovely easy drinkability. (****½).

New Zealand – White …
Coopers Creek 2007 Chardonnay/Viognier ($16.95 - #0127480) – not exactly typical for New Zealand but very tasty. Light pineapple and melon, a touch of apple, a bit of pear and loads of flavour. (****)
Seifried 2008 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0957670) – Summer is coming to a close yet the weather is heating up, time for some Sauv Blanc; this one has big acid bite from the grapefrut, there’s also gooseberry that goes along with it. The palate does what it’s supposed to do, it gives you fruit with apple lemon zest and a green apple/grapefruit cocktail finish. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Ramos Pinto Duas Quinta 2007 ($15.95 - #0359893) – plum, chocolate, cherry and vanilla with nice tannins. (****)

South Africa – Red …
Charles Back 2007 Fairview Shiraz ($16.95 - #0626358) – smoky notes with blackfruit and nice spice at a good price. (****)

Spain – Red …
Etim Seleccion 2006 ($15.00 - #0681346) – stop the presses I may have found you the best value of the release. Fifteen-bucks for this lovely smelling, delicious tasting wine that has, amongst other things: spiced plum, chocolate, cinnamon, spiced-vanilla and plenty more; be sure to pick up a bottle or six come release day. (*****)
Torres Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva 2004 ($15.95 - #315648) – this one ain’t a bad deal either, lots of spicy blackberry, hints of herbs and a dusting of pepper. (****)United States – White …(California)Cline 2007 Viognier ($15.95 - #0128421) – good value in this Viognier, it offers up spicy grapefruit, herbs and honeyed lemon, good mouth feel too. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on August 29, 2009:
La Maison du Cremant Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #0127811) – France
Napa Cellars 2005 Zinfandel ($23.95 - #0126607) – United States
Etim Seleccion 2006 ($15.00 - #0681346) – Spain

Happy Shopping.

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