Saturday June 12, 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.

This is the annual South Africa release, problem was during my tasting day the South African wines were not available, I think it had something to do with delivery and that erupting volcano in Europe.  Anyway for those fans of South African wines I’ve got nothing for you – for the rest of you this is what is on offer this month …

Australia – Red …
Evans and Tate 2008 Classic Shiraz/Cabernet ($14.95 - #0165928) – this is a nice fruity red with big alcohol and even bigger fruit: raspberry, cherry and strawberry all blended together with chocolate and a hit of spice at the end. (****)
Western Range Julimar Organic Shiraz 2007 ($24.95 - #0165951) – this one really pops out of the glass and onto the palate.  Fruit, spice and oak flavours of vanilla and chocolate, lovely and easy to drink and a lovely long finish – simple and seductive. (****½)
Hunter’s Jane 2008 Hunter Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0586115) – juicy on the palate with a nice smell of black and sour cherries.  There’s a touch of floral on the nose and a nice smokiness on the finish. (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir – ($24.95 - #0268391)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Rosewood Estates 2008 Semillon – ($18.00 - #0177758)

Chile – Red …
Concha Y Toro 2006 Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere ($29.95 - #0562892) – minty black fruit that’s smooth and silky, there’s also a little tobacco that you’ll find on the back palate. (****)

France – Red …
(Beaujolais)
Domaine du Riaz 2008 Cote-de-Brouilly ($16.95 - #0177493) – black cherry, black cherry and more black cherry with hints of mineral stoniness, dry through the mouth on the way to a long, almost juicy, finish. (****)
(Rhone)
Domaine de Saint Siffrein 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($34.95 - #0169771) – silky, chocolaty, blackberry and tasty with good acidity, big alcohol and a black raspberry finish. (****)
Domaine du Seminaire 2007 Prestige Valreas Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.95 - #0173237) tasty little red fruited wine at a good price, you might find the label a little off-putting but don’t be fooled, the wine inside is very good. (****)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Kuhlmann-Platz 2005 Muehlforst Gewurztraminer ($15.95 - #0168864) – almost thick upon entry into the mouth but then it gets smooth, almost creamy. Fruit is really nice with a touch of spice and a good long finish, this is a good price for something so intense. (****½)

Greece – Red …
Tsantali 2008 Moschomavro ($13.95 - #0106682) – cherry jam-like smell with a touch of rose petal and nicely flavoured. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Piedmont)
Marchesi di Barolo Ruvei Barbera D’Alba 2007 ($17.95 - #0168203) – licorice and dark chocolate cherries, robust and tasty. (****)
(Tuscany)
Castellare di Castellina 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ($26.95 - #0508507) – the nose is earthy, leathery with mint and floral notes, the flavours follow suit and mingle really nicely on the palate. (****)
Rocca Delle Macie 2006 Tenuta Sant’Alfonso Chianti Classico ($21.95 - #0942094) – leathery, herbal, cassis and oaky, a nice dry-spicy finish. (****)
(Veneto)
Godo 2008 ($13.95 - #0171595) – good price for this mainly Corvina blend that’s got big black fruit, licorice and some leather notes, plenty of dryness in the mouth. (****)

Italy – White …
(Piedmont)
Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscati D’Asti ($15.95 - #0168195) – sweet fruit, peach and mango, hints of ginger ale, great patio wine for hot summer day. (****)

New Zealand – White …
Dog Point Vineyard 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0677450) – quite nice and very typically New Zealand like: grapefruit flower, tropically tinged, good acidity, fresh and clean. (****)

Portugal – Dessert …
Messias Ruby Port ($13.95 - #0168880) – this one is so close to perfect it’s unbelievable, loads of vanilla, cherry, thick and creamy in the mouth; chocolate-cherry-spice on the palate with a long lingering spiced-cherry cinnamon-nutmeg finish. Price makes it a 5-star wine. (*****)

Portugal – Red …
Monte 2005 Alentejano Reserva ($12.95 - #164848) – what a great value here, blueberry, blackberry, smooth with a nice feeling across the tongue with a minor chocolate sensation. (****)

Portugal – White …
Muros Antigos Escolha 2009 Vinho Verde ($11.95 - #0166710) – nice lemon freshness on the nose with a hint of lemon peel and peach on the palate; a nice lemon-floral finish. (****)

Spain – Red …
Senorio de Ardura 2006 Crianza ($13.95 - #0171447) – Spiced plum and vanilla oak, good mouthfeel with black cherry and mocha notes, lovely clean acidity; great value and the score reflects it. (****½)
Torres 2005 Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva ($15.95 - #0315648) – juicy and spicy palate with cherry and strawberry notes, silky tannins; all very drinkable at a very good price. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Bogle Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0904565) – juicy and tasty with some raspberry, vanilla and herb notes. (****)
DeLoach 2008 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0025171) – this one has some sour cherry juice along with black cherry, nice mocha, toasty with a cassis finish. (****)
Joseph Phelps 2007 Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.95 - #0038125) – lovely blackberry and cherry on the nose, spice, vanilla and lots of fruit flavour. (****)
La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0906404) – juicy and floral tinged with a beautiful mix of black and red fruit; there’s also a touch of vanilla and spice. (****½)

United States – White …
(California)
Estancia 2008 Pinnacles Ranches Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0075614) – light and flavourful with tropical fruit, vanilla and a touch nutty, this one is quite tasty. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on June 12, 2010:
Messias Ruby Port ($13.95 - #0168880) – Portugal
Kuhlmann-Platz 2005 Muehlforst Gewurztraminer ($15.95 - #0168864) – France
Senorio de Ardura 2006 Crianza ($13.95 - #0171447) – Spain

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.