Monday, January 24, 2011

Saturday February 5, 2011 - Vintages Release


I am 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 am working on a new scoring system based on school grading system of A+ thru D- ... would love to hear your feedback on the new system as you folks who read my Vintages blog are my Guinea Pigs.
please send your feedback to me at michael@ontariowinereview.com - thanks.

We got a three focus release again this week at Vintages: Tuscany (T), Valentine’s Day (V) and Washington State (WS) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina – Red …
Pasion 4 2008 Merlot ($12.95 - #0059287) – a little blueberry, a little spice, a little blackberry and a little of enough to make it interesting. (*** ½ or C+)
Trapiche Vina Domingo F. Sarmiento 2007 Single Vineyard Malbec ($39.95 - #0191841) – concentrated dark fruit and chocolate with hints of licorice and smoked meat. (**** or B) 

Australia – Red …
George Wyndham 2007 Founder’s Reserve Shiraz ($19.95 - #0107904) – dark fruit and spice with black pepper backing, there’s no reason not to like this one. (*** ½+ or B-)
Heartland 2008 Stickleback Red ($14.95 - #0116574) – Sweet succulent fruit, chocolate and subtle spice, quite nice; this is a guilty pleasure type of wine. (**** or B)  
Psyche Bend 2009 Shiraz ($14.95 - #0209338) – supple, smooth, sippable and with an Ontario connection, so it’s patriotic as well.  (*** ½+ or C+)
Two Hands 2009 Angels’ Share Shiraz ($27.95 - #0009480) – I always love the fruit and spice that comes out of this wine, there’s also some really nice chocolate notes; lovely. (**** ½ or A-)

Australia – Sparkling …
Jansz Premium Sparkling Ros̩ ($24.95 - #0037499) Рnice nose lead to a nut-citrus bruised apple palate, touch of sweetness on the finish brings it all together. (**** or B) Р(V)

Canada – Dessert …
(Ontario)
Flourish 2007 Vidal Icewine ($18.95 / 200ml - #0222356) – (V)

Canada – Sparkling …
(Ontario)

Chile – White …
Cono Sur 2010 Vision Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer ($14.95 - #0912949) – a lovely G-wine for a fraction of what you would expect to pay for it, delicious. (**** or B)
Cono Sur 2010 Vision Single Vineyard Riesling ($14.95 - #0590711) – nice peach, pear with slate on the nose, drier than expected palate, pretty zippy for a Chilean Riesling. (**** or B)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Le Grand Moulin 2008 ($15.95 - #0198994) – nice bit of brambly spice with a new leather feeling on the tongue, tasty dark fruit finish. (*** ½ or C+)

(Beaujolais)
Vigneronnement Votre Fleurie 2009 ($14.95 - #0185652) – all red fruit nose, blacker fruit palate, demands a chill for even added enjoyment. (****+ or B+)

(Loire)
Domaine de Peyanne 2009 ($13.95 - #0197038) – Sweet cherry nose, sweet cherry-tobacco palate, almost Beaujolais-like (*** ½ or C+) 

(Midi)
Domaine Gardies 2009 Mas Las Cabes Rouge ($15.95 - #0194894) – blackberry and sweet plum, smooth and easy on the palate with silky tannins, well balanced. (**** ½ or A-) 

(Rhone)
Domaine Le Grand Retour 2009 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($13.95 - #0127167) – giant raspberry nose, great sweetness of fruit on the palate with delicious cherry finish. (**** or B)

France – White …
(Burgundy)
Maison Kerlann 2008 Chablis ($21.95 - #0158964) – pretty basic Chardonnay with crisp clean fruit, nice minerality and a stony finish.  (*** ½ or C+)

(Loire)
Jean-Max Roger 2008 Cuvee C.M. Sancerre Blanc ($24.95 - #0196667) – nice grapefruit kick, pleasant and easy drinking, surprising taste and good acidity. (**** or B)

Germany – White …
Konigschaffhauser 2009 Pinot Gris Trocken ($13.95 - #0597500) – not what you expect when you think of a German white wine, quite interesting and tasty. (*** or C)
Pfeffingen 2008 Scheurebe Spatlese ($19.95 - #0014837) – sweet and tasty, Scheurebe is not your usual grape, and you should love the sweetness of pear here, give it a try. (*** ½+ or B-)

Italy – Red …
(Piedmont)
La Gironda 2009 Brachetto D’Acqui ($17.95 - #0188045) – this makes for a very romantic pairing with the moscato d’asti (also available this release), this one is a sweet red fizz that livens the party. (*** ½ or C+) – (V)

(Tuscany)
Abbadia Ardenga Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #0184945) – sweet spice and black fruit. (*** ½ or C+) – (T)
Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.95 - #0930966) – ballsy black fruit, lots of spice with cellar worthy tannins. (**** or B)
Cecchi 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($24.95 - #0123588) – dark fruit with leather and spice. (*** ½+ or B-) – (T)
Isole e Olena 2007 Chinati Classico ($26.95 - #0704346) – cherry and strawberry notes, nice spice mid-palate, sweet fruit throughout with a nice finish. (**** or B) – (T) 
Le Cinciole 2007 Chianti Classico ($31.95 - #0207795) – nice fruit, mix of spice and herbs a little tree bark grit, in a good way. (*** ½ or C+) – (T) 
Le Sughere di Frassinello 2007 ($31.95 - #0025700) – very interesting mix of fruits with lovely leather notes on the finish, hints of licorice and a long persistent finish. (**** + or B+) – (T) 
Mastrojanni 2007 San Pio ($29.95 - #0944603) – raspberry, black licorice, blueberry, fine Corinthian leather, smooth and supple, nice spicy bite on the finish. (**** or B) – (T) 
Ravazzi 2007 Chianti Riserva ($15.95 - #0135657) – chocolate, strawberry, spice and a nice peppery finish. (*** ½ or C+) – (T) 

(Veneto)
Masi 2006 Brolo di Campofiorin ($24.95 - #0978092) – lovely cherry nose, cherry comes racing through with acidity and good tannin backbone. (**** or B)

Mexico – Red …
L.A. Cetto 2008 Petite Sirah ($11.95 - #0983742) – good value red with sweet strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and touch of mocha on the finish. (**** or B)

New Zealand – Red …
The Crossing 2009 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0694471) – touch of sweet mocha on the front palate, turns earthy mid-to-finish with a nice sour cherry finish that lingers. (**** or B)

Portugal – Dessert …
Quinta da Romaneira Fine Tawny Port ($16.95 - #0197020) – this is a basic but tasty tawny with nutty spiced cherry and nice acid balance. (*** ½ or C+)

South Africa – Red …
Fairview 2009 Pinotage ($14.95 - #0205203) – smoked coffee, hints of mocha, nice and clean and doesn’t smell of dirt, which I find typical on the ‘tage, it’s pretty lush for a Pinotage. (*** ½+ or B-)

South Africa – White …
Kleine Zalze 2009 Barrel Fermented Vineyard Selection Chardonnay ($15.95 - #0096495) – vanilla cream nose with a caramel apple vanilla palate. (**** or B)

Spain – Red …
Bodegas Lan 2004 Vina Lanciano Reserva ($28.95 - #0955096) – spiced black fruit, touch of leather with licorice mint and a spiced finish. (**** or B)
Langa Centenaria Garnacha 2006 ($13.95 - #0194795) – powerful red fruit on both the nose and palate and cherries galore. (*** ½+ or B-)
Vina Vilano 2004 Reserva ($22.95 - #0190736) – black cherry, sweet spices and mineral, nice finish. (**** or B)

United States – Red …
(California)
Diamond Ridge 2007 Zinfandel ($17.95 - #0205781) – a down to earth priced Zin with really good flavours like cherry cola, cherry, vanilla and plum with a nice spiced finish. (****+ or B+)
McManis 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0212126) – sweet fruit nose with good follow through on the palate. (*** ½ or C+)
Newman’s Own 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0104182) – lush blackberry, plum, black cherry, juicy and smooth. (**** or B)
Ridge 2008 Three Valleys ($29.95 - #0652875) – a cool blend of 6 grapes that includes Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, nice fruit, good flavour. (**** or B)
Robert Mondavi 2006 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.95 - #0029207) – full bodied and quite lovely, a real pleasure to sip on. (**** + or B+)
Seghesio 2009 Sonoma Zinfandel ($29.95 - #0942151) – hard to beat Seghesio for Zins, lovely structure, out of this world taste, I can’t wait to BBQ with a bottle of this wine by my side. (**** ½ or A-)

(Washington)
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #0209866) – lots of spice and black fruit, mocha and spice on the palate and a spiced pepper finish. (**** or B) – (WS)
Columbia Crest 2007 H3 Merlot ($19.95 - #0209874) – spiced red cherries and chocolate, what more could you ask for. (**** + or B+) – (WS)

United States – White …
(California)
Beringer 2009 Founder’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0031815) – tropical with kiwi-pineapple notes, soft and easy drinking. (*** ½ or C+)
Kali-Hart 2008 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #0046417) – sweet vanilla cream and citrus grab the nose, while pear and guava cross the tongue along with their friends above, ending with something pleasantly spicy on the finish. (****+ or B+)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on February 5, 2011:
Vigneronnement Votre Fleurie 2009 ($14.95 - #0185652) - France
Domaine Gardies 2009 Mas Las Cabes Rouge ($15.95 - #0194894) – France
Columbia Crest 2007 H3 Merlot ($19.95 - #0209874) – United States

Happy Shopping


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Vintages Shop Online January 13, 2011 Release

January 13, 2011 … At the Vintages tasting for the February 5, 2011 release (report coming soon), I had the opportunity to sample some of the ‘Vintages Shop Online’ wines, which were released to the public on January 13, 2011.

Here are my favourites of the 21 wines tasted, no notes just star ratings:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Kay Brothers 2006 Amery Vineyards Block 6 Shiraz ($97.00 - #0046326) – Australia, McLaren Vale
Chateau Prieure-Lichine 2004 ($79.00 – 0120550) – France, Bordeaux
Domaine Blain-Gagnard Les Pitures Volnay 1er Cru 2007 ($65.00 - #0182618) – France, Burgundy
Domaine Pierre Amiot & Fils 2006 Les Ruchots Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru ($75.00 - #0103135) – France, Burgundy
Benjamin Romeo La Cueva del Contador 2002 ($99.00 - #0118430) – Spain, Rioja

Four Star Wines (****) …
Inniskillin 2007 Legacy Riesling ($30.00 - #0189621) – Canada, Ontario
Inniskillin 2007 Legacy Cabernet Franc ($30.00 - #0189639) – Canada, Ontario
Penley Estate 2005 Chertsey ($54.00 - #0148148) – Australia, Coonawarra
La Fleur de Gay 2007 ($98.00 - #0102590) – France, Bordeaux
Mas Martinet 2005 Clos Martinet ($99.00 - #0109405) – Spain, Priorat

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Chateau Bellevue 2006 ($75.00 - #0564435) – France,  Bordeaux
Domaine Jean Tardy & Fils 2006 Les Boudots Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru ($99.00 - #0103135) – France, Burgundy
Marius 2005 ($79.00 - #0100586) – France, Midi

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Glaetzer 2007 Anaperenna Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon ($55.00 - #0072926) – Australia, Barossa Valley

Four-and-a-Half Star Plus Wines (**** ½+) …
Domaine Les Grandes Vignes Bonnezeaux Le Malabe 2005 ($65.00 - #0083519) – France, Loire
sweet flavours of pineapple and peach with a lovely balance of acidity, this one is delicate and very delicious.

 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Saturday January 22, 2011 - Vintages Release


I am 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

Today’s foci (plural of focus) are Chile, the South of France and Robbie Burns … I'll skip the scotch and take you right to the wines.  Those wines that can be found in the spotlight this month are labeled with a “C” for Chile and an “SF” for Southern France:

Argentina – Red …
Sur de Los Andes 2007 Reserva Malbec ($13.95 - #0208322) – spiced wood, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa, plenty of black fruit and well priced, should age nicely, a bit of bite back on the finish. (**** ½)
Viejo Isaias Clasico Malbec 2008 ($14.95 - #0209320) – pretty long stem red rose label, which mirrors the delicacy of this pretty Malbec.  Dark fruit and red licorice and slightly vanillin; juicy almost to the point of being sweet. (****)

Australia – Red …
Gemtree Vineyards 2008 Tadpole Shiraz ($17.95 - #0142034) – sweet fruit, milk chocolate, blackberry, vanilla and plum; best Tadpole I’ve tried to date. (**** ½)
Glaymond 2007 The Distance Shiraz ($29.95 - #0658484) – chocolate with white pepper and plum. (****)
Pirramimma 2006 Katunga Grenache/Tannat/Shiraz ($23.95 - #0203174) – wow … now that’s a wine worth it’s price, juicy, jammy and lots of flavour; interesting blend that will make your mouth jump for joy.  (**** ½+)
Westend Estate 2009 Cool Climate Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0203141) – nice red fruit aromas and flavours, cherry, cranberry acid and just the right amount of spice. (****)

Canada – Red …
(British Columbia)
Mission Hill 2005 SLC Merlot ($34.95 - #0068353) – smoky, licorice and blueberry with hints of vanilla, quite tasty. (****)
(Ontario)
Rosewood Estates 2008 Merlot ($20.00 - #0211896)
Strewn 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #0529693)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)

Chile – Red …
Caliterra 2008 Tributo Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0205567) – nice blend of fruit and spice, juicy blackberry, very tasty and easy to drink. (****) – (C)
Errazuriz 2008 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #203364) – minty dark fruit, juicy and jammy. (*** ½) – (C)
Montes 2008 Alpha Carmenere ($19.95 - #0143230) – inky black in colour, minty chocolate, blackberry and cherry notes, good acid balance, juicy fruit, silky tannins … best of the Carmeneres in this release. (****) – (C)
Morande 2008 Reserva Pinot Noir ($14.95 - #0059428) – sweet cherry fruit, interesting for a Pinot Noir. (*** ½) – (C)
Ninquen Antu Syrah 2008 ($17.95 - #0675371) – more earth, more grippy and more Aussie-like than many Oz Shiraz in this release.  Black fruited, balanced and lovely.  Definitely worth picking up for those summer BBQ's to come. (**** ½) – (C)

Chile – White …
Emiliana Novas 2009 Limited Selection Chardonnay ($14.95 - #0004515) – this one has some real spring in its step, some jazz in its band, nice acidity with tropical and citrus notes. (****) – (C)

France – Red …
(Rhone)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albions Cotes du Rhone 2008 ($19.95 - #0194985) – great red and black fruit blend with quite a bit of grit, this is another to save for next summer’s BBQ season. (****)
Domaine de la Bastide Cuvee Les Figues Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($13.95 - #0194852) – a little heavy with tannins at this time; plum, fig, and black cherry; well priced and ageable 5+ years. (****)
(Southwest)
Le Chai au Quai Volupte de Malbec Cahors 2007 ($17.95 - #0194936) – ripe black fruit with soft tannins, simple and enjoyable ... no hint of "chai" anywhere. (***) – (SF)

France – White …
(Midi)
Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2009 ($11.95 - #0350124) – light bodied, sexy and friendly, this one’s like a prostitute that lingers long after the deed is done.  A steal for the price.  (*** ½)
Terres Blanches Sec Muscat 2009 ($13.95 - #0653188) – almost sweet flavours on the palate with a nice mix of pear and tangerine, the floral finish wraps it up nicely. (*** ½)

France – Sparkling …
(Champagne)
Delouvin Nowack Vandieres Brut Carte D’or Champagne ($39.95 - #0185660) – the words value and champagne are rarely seen together but this one offers up just that, delicate with nutty citrus notes, would have been great to see this one in the pre-Christmas release. (****)

Germany – White …
Kruger-Rumpf 2006 Riesling Spatlese ($16.95 - #0189662) – sweet yet restrained with good mineral notes and honeyed pears on the finish. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Sicily)
Fondo Filara Nero D’Avola 2008 ($15.95 - #0207811) – black and bitter no more (definition of Nero D'Avola: black and bitter), floral, black fruit, nice and basic. (*** ½)
(Tuscany)
Luciani 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($41.95 - #0182220) – sweet fruit flavour and on the nose, delightfully playful in the mouth. (****)
Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.95 - #0930966) – ballsy black fruit, lots of spice and cellar worthy tannins. (****)
(Umbria)
Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2008 ($16.95 - #0926857) – decent tannins, dried black fruit and cocoa mix with good spice. (****)
(Veneto)
Sartori L’Appassito Rosso 2008 ($18.95 - #0193607) – plush and flavourful, plum and raspberry, hint of spice, nice fruit, good tannins and good value. (****+)

New Zealand – White …
Rapaura Springs 2009 Red Gate Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #0142919) – heck of a Savvy-B for the price, very New Zealand with a long lingering finish. (****)

Portugal – Dessert …
Croft 2004 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($17.95 - #0087601) – this is a true thing of beauty, spice chocolate, cherry, plum, succulent and luscious, I could go on but just go buy it and find out for yourself. (*****)

Portugal – Red …
Cardeal 2007 Reserva Touriga Nacional 2007 ($13.95 - #0191346) – lots of red fruit aromas and flavours. (****)
Messias 2007 Grande Escolha ($17.95 - #0064691) – good port house makes a fine table wine: delicate balance, nice silky tannins, dark fruit and plum, smooth and easy going. (****)

Spain – Red …
Casa de la Ermita 2008 Roble ($13.95 - #0190785) – a mix of fresh and dried fruit with spice. (****)
La Multa 2008 Old Vine Garnacha ($13.95 - #0190793) – coffee and mocha, nice balance, good flavour. (*** ½)
Vinyes d’en Gabriel L’Heravi ($15.95 - #0194761) – big on blackberry, plum, cassis, blueberry, you name the fruit it’s in there.  Lots of flavour and nice tannins. (**** ½)

United States – Red …
(California)
Earthquake 2007 Zinfandel ($39.95 - #0059717) – a big 16% alcohol Zin, serious with herbs, chocolate and plum. (****+)
Napa Cellars 2007 Merlot ($23.95 - #0161299) – this wine gets an honourable mention with no rating.  The bottle I tasted was slightly corked but you could tell that that the fruit was once lovely and a non-corked bottle might be worth checking out. (no rating)
Trentadue 2006 Old Patch Red ($15.95 - #0686709) – grab a spatula and BBQ mitts this one is perfect for grilling season, we have a little time but that means you can stock up on this mainly Zinfandel blend. (****)

United States – White …
(California)
Clos du Bois 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0146258) – more tropical than grassy and quite lovely. (*** ½)
Mer Soleil 2008 Silver Unoaked Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0220343) – no oaked used so the fruit shines, tropical nose with melon and pineapple mingle for a real pleasing palate. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 22, 2011:
Croft 2004 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($17.95 - #0087601) - Portugal
Mer Soleil 2008 Silver Unoaked Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0220343) – United States
Ninquen Antu Syrah 2008 ($17.95 - #0675371) – Chile
Bonus:
Pirramimma 2006 Katunga Grenache/Tannat/Shiraz ($23.95 - #0203174)- Australia
Trentadue 2006 Old Patch Red ($15.95 - #0686709) – United States

Happy Shopping.




Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Saturday January 8, 2011 - Vintages Release


I am 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

Today’s release is all about “Smart Buys”, wines that offer good value for under $20 … the wines that are spotlighted are marked with as ‘SB’:

Argentina – Red …
Altocedro La Consulta Reserva Malbec 2007 ($23.95 - #0187880) – powerful and delicious: black fruit, licorice, cassis, raspberry, black cherry and chocolate … sweet and juicy.  (**** ½)
La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard 2008 Malbec ($15.00 - #0166298) – now this is really lovely, full of fruit and lots of enjoyment; a real winner. (**** ½) – (SB)

Australia – Red …
Majella 2008 The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz ($19.95 - #0142018) – lovely chocolate notes in the mouth with really nice black cherry; juicy palate with just a bit of tannins. (****)
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0203158) – as a liker of Thorn-Clarke wines I try not to be bias when I taste them, this one is juicy and flavourful, cherry jam nose followed by a wonderful red berry palate, the price is respectable and worthy of a multiple purchase. (**** ½)
Torbreck 2008 Woodcutter’s Shiraz ($27.95 - #0927533) – when this wine first hit the market it was under twenty-bucks, and it’s been creeping up ever since:  blueberry, blackberry, pepper and chocolate … still very good.  (****)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
Chateau des Charmes 2007 Old Vines Estate Bottled Pinot Noir ($18.95 - #0256834)
Henry of Pelham 2007 Merlot ($17.95 - #0091165)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2009 Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0209577) – (SB)
Thirteenth Street 2009 White Palette ($14.95 - #0207340) – (SB)

Chile – Red …
Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2008 ($14.95 - #0016071) – I have bought a bottle of this every year since the 2004 vintage … and I’ll do it again: mint, black fruit and raspberry, can be aged 5 years easy. (****) – (SB)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Chateau La Fleur Terrien 2008 ($15.00 - #0199059) – smooth easy drinking Bordeaux red, with lots of pepper within. (****) – (SB)
(Beaujolais)
Domaine Andre Cologne & Fils 2009 Beaujolais-Villages ($13.95 - #0187591) – strawberry and cherry take up residence on the nose, there’s a little bit of grip on the palate, just give it a year to mellow out and drink to your heart’s content, nice acidity on the finish. (****)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Jean Geiler 2009 Chasselas ($12.95 - #0141150) – this is not a grape you see very often so here is a cheap and cheerful way to give it a try, there’s a sweetness of fruit here that is worth checking out.  (*** ½)
(Burgundy)
Roux Pere & Fils 2009 Les Murelles Chardonnay Bourgogne ($14.95 - #0156455) – fruit, finesse and nice mineral notes; crisp, clean and delicious.  Nice intensity for the price point. (*** ½+)
(Loire)
Domaine Bellevue 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Touraine ($12.95 - #0082305) – this is the anti-New Zealand Savvy-B, peach and pear with a hint of lime cordial. (****)

Germany – White …
Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt 2007 Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #0189654) – intense minerality here along with apple, peach, pear and citrus notes, good acidity on the palate prickles at the tongue … balanced with some nice sweetness. (**** ½)
Geil 2009 Riesling Kabinett ($15.95 - #0994764) – minerally yet with good sweetness, there is also some floral and pear notes; good value. (****)

Italy – Red …
(Puglia)
Cantele 2007 Riserva Salice Salentino ($13.95 - #0724328) – lots of fruit on the nose, the palate delivers lots of fruit, strawberry dominates with a hint of cassis; very tasty. (****)
(Sicily)
Baglio di Pianetto Y Nero D’Avola ($14.95 - #0207423) – black raspberry and strawberry take the nose for a ride, while lovely strawberry fruit finds its way to the palate, ends with a linger-long-time finish. (****½)
(Tuscany)
Compagnia di Volpaia Citto 2008 ($14.95 - #0134817) – nice raspberry with a touch of cherry on the nose, black cherry toasted with cinnamon on the palate, quite enjoyable. (*** ½+)
Piccini Villa Al Cortile Riserva Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($42.95 - #0205724) – nice black fruit, licorice root and a touch of earth and some dried fruit sweetness. (****)

New Zealand – White …
Sileni Cellar Selection 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #0662882) – this one hits all the sweets spots of a Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc without going overboard or breaking the bank. (****½)

Portugal – Dessert …
Portal Fine Ruby Port ($15.95 - #0087254) – for a simple ruby this has some punch, lots of cherry and chocolate with a spiced kick. (****) – (SB)

Portugal – White …
Passaros 2009 Vinho Verde ($12.95 - #0190546) – tropical, citrus and mineral all come through in this tasty crisp white. (****)

South Africa – Red …
Flagstone 2007 The Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0205245) – plenty of spice with a touch of earth and dark berries; sit for a couple of years to let that earthiness mellow and then this one should be music to your palate.  (****)
Guardian Peak 2008 Shiraz ($11.95 - #0652602) – smooth, clean and easy drinking, this wine will take away those winter blues with its tasty playfulness. (*** ½)

Spain – Red …
Bodegas Palacio Glorioso Crianza 2006 ($15.95 - #0340844) – toasted raspberry coffee bean nose leads to a very fruit driven palate. (****) – (SB)

United States – Red …
(California)
A By Acacia 2009 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0118927) – black cherry, cranberry and dirty strawberries take charge of this wine, full of tannins on the palate, but not so many as to make them intrusive. (****)
Folie a Deux 2009 Menage a Trois Red ($17.95 - #0665158) – I still like this sweet fruited, juicy and friendly blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, though I think it overpriced here in Ontario. (*** ½)
Sumptuary 2007 Zinfandel ($15.95 - #0203869) – a decent Zin that hits all the high notes of spice, plum, vanilla with a touch of chocolate covered cherries; ready to drink now. (****)

United States – White …
(California)
Cline 2008 Viognier ($14.95 - #0128421) – peaches and clove on the nose, tasty on the tongue with topical fruit, great value. (****+)
(Oregon)
King Estate Signature Collection 2009 Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #0983627) – flavourful and fun, nice to see something other than Pinot Noir from Oregon, this wine shows that they make good Gris too. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 8, 2011:
Cline 2008 Viognier ($14.95 - #0128421) – United States
La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard 2008 Malbec ($15.00 - #0166298) - Argentina
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0203158) - Australia

Happy Shopping