Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Saturday July 10, 2010 - Vintages Release


I am now using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the 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 time out the LCBO is going with Customer Favourites and great summer reds from the Beaujolais region of France, lets’ take a look …

Beaujolais …
All I can say here is: Don’t think Nouveau, these are some serious wines that you could lay down for a few years or enjoy now with a little chill.  Collin-Bourisset Les Terres Bleues Cote de Brouilly 2009 ($15.95 - #0590521), blackberry and currants with some real stuffing, good tannins and a hint of spice (****).  There’s the George DuBoeuf 2008 Le Trinquee Julienas ($16.95 - #0177543) red fruit, cedar and a touch of sweet cherry thru the mouth to the finish (****).  Finally, splurge a little with the Jean-Paul Brun 2008 Moulin-a-Vent ($19.95 - #0178301) tasty with flavours of black cherry, a little cedary oak, sawdust-like tannins but with a nice smooth finish (****).

Customer Favourites …
Leading off the “Customer Favourites” is this sparkler from Burgundy: Louis Bouillot Perle D’Aurore Brut Rosé Cremant de Bourgogne (#0048793 - $18.95), lemony with a hint of strawberry and raspberry on the nose, palate is creamy smooth and easy to drink, great little bubbly (****).  Another Customer Favourite is this Malivoire 2008 Gamay ($17.95 - #0591313), a real stunner if you like Gamay (*****).  Here’s one for the whole family to enjoy, Alamos 2008 Malbec ($13.95 - #0467951) this is what Malbec is all about, big fruit, spice and some licorice notes; Malbec fans will jump on this, and those just thinking about liking Malbec should pick up a few bottles, the price is right for the sipping and savouring (****½).  One signature grape deserves another, Concha Y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 148 Carmenere 2007 ($16.95 - #0030957) is full of minty, blackberry, black cherry and nice spice (****).  Moving on to an Australian favourite: Barossa Valley Estate 2008 E-Minor Shiraz ($17.95 - #0071043) with it’s big, bold and full flavour, this one is a big on black fruit and spicy pepper driven Shiraz (****).  Slipping over to South Africa we find The Wolftrap 2009 Syrah/Mourvedre/Viognier ($13.95 - #0626333), there’s a touch of tar here but it’s mainly black fruit, herbs and a touch earthy, highly drinkable with a juicy mid-palate, bring on the BBQ (****½).  From France you (the customer) seems to like Chateau Hauchat ($15.00 - #0175562), mocha, coffee, and black fruit mingle together nicely with just a touch of tannins (****).  The Rhone is known for some nice wines and this is no exception, Chateau Pesquie 2008 Terrasses ($13.95 - #0652313) juicy and tasty well worth picking up for your next BBQ, another wine that won’t break the bank (****).  If you’re looking for an easy on the pocket book Chianti, then might I suggest the Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Riserva ($15.00 - #0111641), there’s a little bit of everything in here (****½).  Finally, Ripasso fans should be happy to see the return of Le Arche 2008 Ripasso Valpolicella ($14.95 - #0095828) nice red fruit and easy drinking at a good price (****).

Australia – Red …
Gemtree Vineyards 2008 Tadpole Shiraz ($16.95 - #0142034) – the Gemtree line is always something to write home about, and now I’ll write about it here.  It’s a little different from the norm but well worth it. (****)

Austria - White …
Domaene Gobelsburg 2009 Gruner Veltliner ($13.95 - #0965368) – if you are still one of the few who have not tried the summer refreshment of Gruner, here’s your chance: nice floral and lemony on the nose, sweet fruit on the palate with pear and peach flavours; and $13.95 is reasonable for a multiple try and buy. (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Nyarai Cellars 2007 Cabernet Merlot  – ($18.00 - #0179739)

Chile – Red …
Loma Larga 2007 Merlot ($15.95 - #0172551) – Chile and Merlot go together like a horse and carriage, lovely mint with black fruit on the nose; easy drinking with a touch of tannins, certainly not enough to give you that fuzzy feeling, it’s just right. (****)

Chile – Rosé …
Montes 2009 Cherub Rosé Syrah ($14.95 - #0037887) – this one’s electric pink, but it’s a cracklin’ rosie if I’ve ever tasted one, that’s probably due to the white pepper on the finish.  In the mouth it’s got tasty raspberry and cherry notes. (****)

France – Red …
(Midi)
Domaine des Terres Falmet Cinsault 2008 ($12.95 - #0172650) – not a customer favourite but at this price and with this taste it should be; lovely cherry all the way thru with a touch of mocha and the merest hints of tannin. (****½)
(Rhone)
Chateau mas Neuf Tradition Rouge Costieres de Nimes ($13.95 - #0177097) – really juicy with lots of black fruit. (****)
La Bastide Saint Vincent Pavane Vacqueyras ($21.95 - #0177709) – great mouthfeel and lovely aromatics combine to make this one something worth buying; violets, chocolate and blackberries, yum. (****)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Helfrich 2008 Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0169748) – orange flower blossom smells, flavour is slightly sweet with a spicy finish; and Helfrich followed with him.  This is quite the tasty ‘G’. (****)(Burgundy)
Michel Delhommeau Cuvee Harmonie Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine 2008 ($12.95 - #0164624) – nice dry white with lemon and green apple.  Good value. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Sicily)
Terre di Giumara 2007 Nero d’Avola ($11.95 - #0174722) – this is a steal with juicy black fruit, hints of vanilla and spice, absolutely delicious. (****½)

Italy – White …
(Piedmont)
Bava Cocconato 2009 Moscato d’Asti ($14.95 - #0712547) – exactly what Asti should be at a reasonable price: ginger ale, peach, with a lovely bit of fizz. (****)

Portugal – Red …
Monte da Cal Reserva 2006 ($15.95 - #0030452) – sweet juicy red fruit with lots of cherry and some tannin. (****)

United States – Red …
(California)
Rodney Strong 2007 Knotty Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #0363358) – lovely plum fruit, chocolate, cedar, vanilla; concentrated and delicious. (****)
(Oregon)
Phelps Creek 2007 Becky’s Cuvee Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #0181438) – dry with black cherry fruit, a little raspberry and a touch of sweet spice. (****) 

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on July 10, 2010:
Alamos 2008 Malbec ($13.95 - #0467951) – Argentina 
Domaine des Terres Falmet Cinsault 2008 ($12.95 - #0172650) – France
Terre di Giumara 2007 Nero d’Avola ($11.95 - #0174722) – Italy

Happy Shopping.


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