Saturday December 8, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci ... Fizz (FZ) and Holiday Gatherings (HG)

The Skinny ... Two amazing red wines from Chile, an aged Chenin from South Africa and a delightful German Riesling make the grade this time.

Argentina ...

Susana Balbo 2010 Signature Malbec ($23.95 - #79798) - big and purple with smoked coffee bean, blackberry, cassis and a smoky vanilla finish. (****)

Australia ...

Ben Glaetzer 2010 The Bishop Shiraz ($39.95 - #627869) - chocolate and coffee with rich black cherry and plum. (****)

De Bortoli 2008 Noble One Botrytis Semillon ($29.95 / 375ml - #917252) - sweet supple and honey dried white fruit with apricot mango and pineapple. (****) - HG

Kurtz Family 2008 Boundary Row Shiraz ($27.95 - #29371) - pretty smooth with plum, cinnamon and vanilla, especially on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Canada (Ontario) ... click on wine for full review

Cave Spring 2009 Chenin Blanc ($17.95 - #627315) -

Calamus 2010 Cosmic Red ($19.95 - #258129) -

Henry of Pelham 2007 Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc ($44.95 - #315200) - FZ

Henry of Pelham 2010 Estate Cabernet/Merlot ($24.95 - #395855) -

Inniskillin 2009 Legacy Pinot Gris ($35.00 - #229591) -

Inniskillin 2010 Winemaker's Series Select Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet ($24.95 - #225482) -

Jackson-Triggs 2010 Delaine Syrah ($32.95 - #86553) -

Lailey 2007 Cabernet Franc ($30.00 - #591388) -

Paul Ross 2007 Riesling ($35.00 - #206813) -

Rosehall Run 2007 Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #149062) -

Southbrook 2011 Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rose ($19.95 - #279117) -

Tawse 2009 Quary Road Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #307686) -

The Foreign Affair 2010 The Conspiracy ($19.95 - #149237) -

Chile ...

Concha y Toro 2011 Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #301424) - since my last tasting this wine has developed more coffee notes and more spice, it's drinking well and will drink over the next 2-3 years. (****+)

Natura 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #61895) - juicy peach and apple with citrus zestiness and nice acidity on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Ninquen Antu 2010 Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah ($16.95 - #675371) - great value, minty blackberry, plum and spice with hints of chocolate and a nice weight. (****+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Carmenere ($17.95 - #34942) - pleasant chocolate, brambly, blackberry and biting cherry. (*** 1/2+)

Hungary ...

Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2007 ($20.95 / 500ml - #980805) - apricot, dried peach and a little orange peel. (*** 1/2)

France (Alsace) ...

Charles Wantz 2010 Excellence Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #298539) - spicy, lychee with a nice sweet finish; almost cream in nature. (****)

France (Beaujolais) ...

Jacques Depagneux 2011 Cote de Py Morgon ($18.95 - #299925) - lots of easy to drink cherry fruit. (*** 1/2+) - HG

France (Burgundy) ...

Louis Jadot 2009 Pouilly-Fuisee ($29.95 - #732917) - nice green apple and lemon pith, hint of peach in the mid-palate with a minerality finish. (****)

Domaine Chanson 2009 Beaune Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru ($49.95 - #299792) - nice spiced blackberry and earth notes with plenty of tannins. (****)

France (Champagne) ...

Beaumont des Crayeres Grand Prestige Brut Champagne ($46.95 - #903443) - biscuity with lemon and hazelnuts. (****) - FZ

France (Loire) ...

Marc Bredif 2010 Vouvray ($19.95 - #685362) - touch of delicate sweetness with honeycomb, lemon peel and floral notes too. (*** 1/2+) - HG

France (Midi) ...

Domaine Clavel 2010 Bonne Pioche Pic Saint Loup ($19.95 - #297986) - yummy seductive in the glass, dark in colour with black cherry, chocolate and plum with white pepper and some mineral action. (**** 1/2)

France (Rhone) ...

Famille Perrin 2010 Les Christins Vacqueyras ($23.95 - #973453) - blackberry, cassis, cocoa, baking chocolate and nice hit of black pepper. (****)

Foncalieu 2010 Reserve du Crouzeau St. Gervais Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($15.95 - #142943) - raspberry, strawberry, plum and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Germany ...

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller 2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese ($24.95 - #727370) - nice bit of acidity keeps this from being over-the-top sweet. (*** 1/2+) - HG

St. Urbans-Hof 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #995746) - very pretty; there's much going on here with peach, mineral, citrus zest and even some exotic fruit like pineapple. (****+)

Italy (Campania) ...

Terredora 2009 Aglianico ($15.95 - #602284) - coffee, mocha and cranberry. (*** 1/2)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Balbi Soprani Brachetto D'Acqui ($16.95 - #298570) - sweet bubbly and delicious, lively red berries: raspberry / strawberry with touch of cherry and currants. (****)

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($22.95 - #642009) - mocha, cherry, plum and strawberry. (*** 1/2+)

Poggio il Castellare 2006 Brunello di Montacino ($47.95 - #293555) - leathery-cranberry, cedar spice and sandlewood, good acidity drives the finish. (****)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Maculan 2011 Pinot Grigio ($13.95 - #734921) - nice peachy citrus throughout. (*** 1/2)

Japan ...

Gekkeikan Horin Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake ($39.95 - #951509) - I'm no sake afficianado but this is one delicate and delightful sip. (*** 1/2+)

New Zealand ...

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2011 ($19.95 - #295592) - a cross between Burgundy and California; quite nice with good acidity and earthy notes and minerality; cherry, cranberry cocktail; quite pretty and worth the price. (****+)

Goldwater 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #295261) - peach, passionfruit with grassy and green apple. (*** 1/2+)

Oyster Bay Brut Sparkling Cuvee ($21.95 - #163634) - grassy with great acidity and a pleasant lemonyness. (*** 1/2) - FZ

Waipara 2009 West Ram Paddock Red ($19.95 - #295576) - juicier, fruitier than one would expect: strawberry and framboise note with a real sexy mouthfeel. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Burmester 10-Year-Old Tawny Port ($24.95 - #223958) - orange peel with spiced cherry nuances, a nice nutty finish. (****) - HG

Herdade do Arrepiado Velho Red ($19.95 - #295337) - a real raspberry-vanilla cherry laced gem from Portugal; almost jammy but real delicious. (****)

Offley 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #70086) - offley good, offley lovely, offley affordable: spicy with concentration of dark, dried fruit all with a dark spiced-chocolate covering. (**** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Kanu 2006 KCB Chenin Blanc ($14.95 - #907089) - a lot of interesting nuances: vanilla, honeycomb and a spiced finish. (****)

United States (California) ...

Belle Glos 2011 Meomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) - continues to be a favourite, juicy and delicious with blackberry, woodsmoke and dried cranberry sweetness with nice spiced-mocha finish and good tannins. (****+)

Darioush 2007 Duel ($48.95 - #291013) - blue and black berry duel it out while spice plays a prominent role between the two. (****)

Gloria Ferrer Va De Vi Ultra Cuvee ($26.95 - #20070) - nice hint of sweetness with delicate apple and lemonade notes. (*** 1/2+) - FZ

Irony 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #25106) - juicy Cali-cab, red fruit and layered with tobacco and currants. (*** 1/2+)

J. Lohr 2009 Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #686584) - chocolate, back cherry and vanilla. (*** 1/2+)

Morgan 2009 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir ($38.95 - #642249) - very cherry and strawberry with good acidity though quite juicy. (****)

Pedroncelli 2006 Four Grapes Vintage Port ($19.95 - #204487) - port grapes are used but they lack the port-like climate and port-know-how, it's sweet and has merit but will never overtake the real thing. (*** 1/2)

Stonestreet 2007 Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #285098) - nice spicy tannins and darkly-fruited. (****)

The Prisoner 2011 Proprietary Red ($49.95 - #104299) - big alcohol, big fruit, nice flavour all the way to its core. (****)

Trentadue 2010 La Storia Petite Sirah ($23.95 - #291047) - jammy Zinfandel-esque core; plummy-raisined with sweet fruit. (****)

United States (Washington) ...

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #269357) - mocha, black cherry; smooth and supple. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It - wines that are worth their high price ...

Chateau St. Jean 2008 Cinq Cepages ($75.95 - #710913) - United States (****)

Mitolo 2009 Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon ($57.95 - 659599) - Australia (****+)

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne ($59.95 - #814723) - France (****) - FZ

Ravine 2007 Reserve Red ($55.00 - #204966) - Canada (*** 1/2+)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - December 8, 2012 ...

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2011 ($19.95 - #295592) - New Zealand

Ninquen Antu 2010 Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah ($16.95 - #675371) - Chile

Offley 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #70086) - Portugal

St. Urbans-Hof 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #995746) - Germany

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 24, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci ... Premium Spirits (PS) and Our Finest (OF)

The Skinny ... "Our Finest" means "really pricey", but these wines can also be really good; so the If You Can Afford It section is larger than usual - but think about it.

Australia ...

Ballast Stone 2009 Shiraz ($18.95 - #167064) - chocolate, licorice stand out amongst the dried fruit nuances and white pepper, raspberry lingers on the finish with big 15% alcohol. (****+)

Dutschke 2009 Willow Bend Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot ($21.95 - #285445) - plenty of supple dark fruit, blueberry, jammy and sexy; nice bite on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Massena 2006 The Eleventh Hour Shiraz ($48.95 - #39073) - big, robust and flavourful; spicy mid shows amidst the fruit and chocolate. (****)

Mount Langi 2006 Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz ($28.95 - #287235) - chunky, chewy, dark fruited and spicy with black pepper and baking chocolate. (****+)

Peter Lehmann 2008 The Futures Shiraz ($24.95 - #606780) - quite a bit of plum, mocha and raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

Taltarni 2008 Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #940692) - fig and blackberry, chalky tannins with nice spice to the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Canada - Ontario ... (click on wine for full review)

Featherstone 2011 Rose ($14.95 - #117861) - ****

Henry of Pelham 2011 Cabernet Icewine ($39.95 - #672402) - ****+

Konzelmann 2009 Vidal Icewine ($24.95 - #167866) - *** 1/2

Malivoire 2009 Moira Chardonnay ($39.95 - #243113) - ****+

Stratus 2009 Red ($44.20 - #131037) - *** 1/2+ (OF)

Stratus 2009 White ($44.20 - #660704) - ****

Chile ...

Arboleda 2010 Carmenere ($19.95 - #46284) - big minty note, blackberry jam with an element of cassis and cocoa. (*** 1/2+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Specialties Dry Farming Carignan ($15.95 - #213520) - chocolate, raspberries, fine tannins and a mineral stoniness. (****)

France - Alsace ...

Pierre Sparr 2011 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #747600) - rose petal, spicy, lychee, nice sweet-ish finish. (*** 1/2+)

France - Beaujolais ...

Villa Ponciago 2011 La Reserve Fleurie ($21.95 - #299917) - cherry and spice with delicate herbal notes and nice tannins. (*** 1/2+)

France - Bordeaux ...

Chateau Haut-Bertinerie 2009 Elegance Merlot/Cabernet ($18.95 - #295857) - soft, supple with cassis, coffee and a nice tannin balance. (*** 1/2)

France - Burgundy ...

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne ($16.95 - #299859) - pretty nice ripe cherry fruit on the nose while the palate dials back the fruit and adds some spice and tannins to the mix. (****)

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Vieilles Vignes Volnay ($39.95 - #299875) - decent amount of spice to fruit ratio with the right oak/tannin/acid mix. (****)

France - Champagne ...

Charles de Cazanove 1er Cru Brut Champagne ($43.95 - #299750) - creamy, almond butter and lemon crisp; yum. (****+)

Charles Mignon Premier Cru Grande Reserve Brut Champagne ($47.95 - #173484) - biscotti, almond, tangerine and dried apple skin. (****)

France - Rhone ...

Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($22.95 - #76349) - plum, cherry, chocolate with hints of vanilla and floral notes, shows a nice dusty-minerality. (**** 1/2)

Domaine la Roquete 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #70862) - leaner than expect but with good raspberry / smoky notes and a good plum finish. (****+)

Germany ...

C.H. Berres 2009 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #207274) - sweet, talcy and laden with peach.  (*** 1/2)

Greece ...

Domaine Spiropoulos 2011 Mantinia ($14.95 - #710970) - nice citrus and apple tones but lacks complexity. (*** 1/2)

Italy - Friuli ...

Torre Rosazza Friulano 2010 ($19.95 - #289520) - nice apple with pear skin aromas, nice clean finish with hints of baked fruit. (*** 1/2+)

Italy - Piedmont ...

Filippino 2011 Moscato D'Asti ($17.95 - #729160) - it's Moscato, it's lovely and delicate and fun.  (*** 1/2)

Italy - Tuscany ...

Canonica a Cerreto 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($18.95 - #275867) - has nice stuffing of dark fruit and mocha notes.  (****)

Volpaia 2009 Chianti Classico ($23.95 - #953828) - has real charm and approachability, blackberry, cassis and spice. (****+)

Italy - Veneto ...

Musella 2009 Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore ($15.95 - #205757) - pleasant fruit, spice, herbs, good acidity and tannins; one of the better straight Valpol's I've had in awhile. (****)

New Zealand ...

Framingham 2010 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #981803) - nice balance, apple and pear with a tang of citrus zest. (*** 1/2)

Oyster Bay 2011 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #590414) - spiced cherry with raspberry and cigar smoke. (*** 1/2)

Thornbury 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #734798) - full on grapefruit aromas with a pith palate with hints of fresh grass; nice minerality, melon and pith on the finish. (****)

Wither Hills 2011 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #214999) - refreshing with citrus zing, hint of ginger-beer and delicate sweetness. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Cortes de Cima Red 2009 ($21.95 - #677971) - plum and dark cherry with impressive vanilla laced tannins. (*** 1/2+)

Messias 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #140863) - we're robbing the house of Messias at this price; spicy, cherry, cassis, blackberry which follow on the palate with a slight orange peel note. (****)

South Africa ...

Mulderbosch 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #933424) - light lemony-grapefruit with a grassy note; tasty. (*** 1/2+)

United States - California ...

First Press 2010 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #199810) - nice bright fruit freshness, quite tasty with a fine finish with good acidity. (****)

Fog Crest 2010 Laguna West Pinot Noir ($46.95 - #294835) - really ripe cherries, sweet spices-cinnamon and long spicey finish. (****)

Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine Zin Zinfandel ($17.95 - #678698) - cherry cola and vanilla, simple but tasty for Zin fans. (*** 1/2+)

Kenneth Volk 2008 Santa Maria Cuvee Pinot Noir ($36.95 - #291039) - sweet red fruit, a cherry, rose petal nose on a spiced-strawberry palate; nice white pepper finish. (****)

Paul Hobbs 2008 Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #118695) - cherry, currants, chocolate, vanilla; smooth on the mid-palate with a spiced-up finish. (****+)

Rodney Strong 2009 Reserve Chardonnay ($34.95 - #210039) - very vanilla with lots of lovely butter. (*** 1/2)

United States - Washington ...

Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Reserve Chardonnay ($14.95 - #366542) - gentler, kinder version of Chardonnay, showing a light hand with oak. (*** 1/2)

If You Can Afford It - wines worthy of their high price ...

Beringer 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.95 - #149955) - **** (OF)

Chateau de Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape ($89.95 - #711317) - **** 1/2 (OF)

Concha y Toro 2008 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #315176) - **** (OF)

Dom Perignon Brut Rose Champagne ($299.95 - #91777) - **** (OF)

Elderton 2008 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz ($89.95 - #716142) - ****+ (OF)

Far Niente Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.95 - #539098) - ****+ (OF)

Grand Marnier Cuvee du Cent Cinquantenaire ($239.95 - #94649) - **** (PS)

Joseph Phelps 2008 Insignia ($224.95 - #710400) - **** 1/2 (OF)

Kilikanoon 2009 Green's Vineyard Shiraz ($74.95 - #0006007) - **** (OF)

Kistler 2010 Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay ($85.95 - #183921) - **** (OF)

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 Le Grand Clos Chardonnay ($65.00 - #34561) - *** 1/2 (OF)

Ornellaia 2009 ($189.95 - #722470) - **** 1/2+ (OF)

Philippe Colin 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumees 1er Cru ($69.95 - #299933) - **** (OF)

Sassicaia 2009 ($179.95 - #480533) - *** 1/2+ (OF)

Shafer 2010 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay ($62.95 - #45583) - **** (OF)

Smith Woodhouse 2000 Vintage Port ($79.95 - #140277) - ****+ (OF)

Tommasi 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #297994) - ****+ (OF)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - November 24, 2012 ...

Ballast Stone 2009 Shiraz ($18.95 - #167064) - Australia

Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($22.95 - #76349) - France

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne ($16.95 - #299859) - 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.

Vintages Shop Online November 15, 2012 Release

The LCBO seemed a little stingy with their media output for this Shop On-Line release, 5 of the wines didn't even make the table ... as for the other 10 here are my thoughts.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Two Hands 2010 Brilliant Disguise Moscato ($N/A - #55772) ... Australia
Nicolas Joly 2009 Les Vieux Clos ($N/A - #62638) ... Loire, France

Three-and-a-Half-plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2007 Cuvee Exceptionnelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #957274) ... Rhone, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Domaine la Roquete 2011 Clos la Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc ($N/A - #236919) ... Rhone, France
Domaine Bosquet des Papes 2010 Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #734244) ... Rhone, France

Four-plus Star Wines (****+) ....
Balthasar Ress Hattenheim Nussbrunnen Riesling Spatlese 2007 ($N/A - #160762) ... Germany
Austin Hope 2010 Hope Family Vineyard Syrah ($N/A - #686121) ... California, USA
Tabali 2007 Payen ($N/A - #228296) ... Chile
Gladstone Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir ($N/A - #141903) ... New Zealand
La Roquete 2009 L'Accent de la Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #65565) ... Rhone, France - smoky dark fruit touched with cocoa powder and plum and a nice tannin grip, all with a whopping 15.9% alcohol.

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 10, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci ... Piedmont (PIE) and Festive Finds (FF)

The Skinny ... Festive Finds means 'expensive', this is the time of year when the LCBO want you to spend dough and some of these wines are dang worth it.  Also look for a great find from Piedmont with an unusual grape.

Argentina ...

Cicchitti 2007 Aniversario Merlot ($17.95 - #288167) - smooth, easy drinking, black cherry, raspberry and chocolate. (****)

Kaiken 2009 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #135202) - blackberry, chocolate, dark berries, nice tannins with vanilla, smoke and spearmint. (****)

Australia ...

Saltram 2010 Mamre Shiraz ($24.95 - #32227) - inky black, rich and spicy, packs a wallop of flavour. (**** 1/2)

Thorn-Clarke 2010 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #18796) - lovely as usual, chocolate, spice, raspberry with a big dose of pepper on the finish. (****+)

Wakefield 2010 Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon ($25.95 - #142398) - mocha, blackberry, tobacco, cassis, chocolate and blueberry. (****+)

Austria ...

Munzenrieder 2010 Classic Zweigelt ($12.95 - #298174) - nice red berry notes with nice spice and herbal appeal; well priced to give Zweigelt a try from its homeland. (*** 1/2+)

Chile ...

Montes 2010 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #322586) - typically good for Montes: mint, dark fruit, subtle spice and lots of fruit. (****)

Montgras 2011 Quatro ($14.95 - #50641) - minty-blackberry, cherry, blueberry and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Canada (Ontario) ...

13th Street 2010 Sandstone Old Vines Gamay Noir ($29.95 - #130195) - **** (FF)

Coyote's Run 2009 Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($35.95 - #116442) - ****+

Coyote's Run 2010 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #79228) - ****+

Henry of Pelham 2010 Family Tree Red ($18.95 - #247882) - ****

Henry of Pelham 2010 Family Tree White ($17.95 - #251116) - *** 1/2+

Jackson-Triggs 2010 Delaine Cabernet/Merlot ($29.95 - #989269) - ****+

Le Clos Jordanne 2010 Village Reserve Chardonnay ($30.00 - #33936) - **** (FF)

Rosewood 2008 Mead Royale ($14.95 / 500ml - #296178) - ****

France (Burgundy) ...

Cave de la Vigne 2010 Blanche Macon-Villages ($15.95 - #284034) - while the nose is dull the palate is alive with fruit and flowers. (*** 1/2)

Cave de Lugny Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne ($16.95 - #297846) - pretty in pink with good acidity and a hint of raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

La Chablisienne 2010 Fourchaume  Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #656835) - nice oak treatment here, the fruit will shine in 2-3 years. (*** 1/2+) - FF

France (Rhone) ...

Domaine de Longue 2010 Toque Gigondas ($29.95 - #121327) - a very Canadian name; lots of dark brooding fruit, smooth, supple with a sexy allure in the mouth, lots of pepper and spice on the finish. (****)

Domaine de Vieux Telegraphe 2010 Telegramme Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #292722) - absolutely delicious, a real winner with red berries, delicate spice and sweet fruit finish. (****+)

La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($15.95 - #251645) - rich red fruit, ultimately sippable with a good peppered finish. (*** 1/2+)

France (Southwest) ...

Clos la Coutale 2010 Cahors ($15.95 - #286385) - smoother than I would expect but still rich in fruit and chewy tannins. (****)

Germany ...

Markus Molitor 2003 Edition No. 3 Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Spatlese ($29.95 - #298000) - for an almost 10 year old Riesling it shows very well: apple and lemon skin with hints of petrol and honeyed macs. (****)

Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010 ($18.95 - #70946) - talcum powder minerality with lemonade notes and lime zest, hints of peach also seams their way through. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Abruzzo) ...

Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2008 ($15.95 - #204016) - plum, black cherry and cassis with cocoa powder backing; good for every day enjoyment. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Abbona Papa Celso 2010 ($21.95 - #193730) - a pleasant version of my nemesis - Dolchetto - with nice red fruit and good acidity. (*** 1/2) - PIE

Regali La Lus Albarosa 2008 ($24.95 - #291575) - fantastic version of the crossed grape Albarossa - Nebbiolo and Barbera - lovely raspberry and strawberry with a little cherry and tobacco spice. (****+) - PIE

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2007 ($49.95 - #713479) - a lovely example of Barolo, red cherry, spice, white pepper, balsamic notes and some dried plum. (****) - PIE

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Da Vinci 2010 Chianti ($16.95 - #171389) - a good price for this fruit and spice driven number though both fight for supremacy on the palate; a nice peppered-strawberry finish. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Belcanto di Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore ($17.95 - #53215) - lemony, apple with a nice dollop of sweetness. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Eradus 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #22557) - nice structure with mineral and grapefruit pith; subtle and delicious. (****)

Jackson Estate 2011 Stich Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #963124) - nice gooseberry and grapefruit zest with a touch of wild floral honey. (****)

Kim Crawford 2007 Small Parcel Rise-and-Shine Creek Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #35337) - shiny happy fruit, cranberry, black cherry, blueberry and spice. (****)

Portugal ...

Croft Pink Port ($19.95 - #140871) - red fruit driven with a sweet nose and palate, it's fun for those who have yet to migrate to serious port. (*** 1/2)

Pocas 1994 Colheita Port ($27.95 - #216424) - big on the spiced orange. (****+)

Quinta dos Quatros 2008 Ventos Colheita ($24.95 - #902742) - wood spice and dark fruit with a nice linger on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Julian Schaal 2011 Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay ($19.95 - #295402) - quite lovely with peach and wold flowers, nice vanilla and honey notes. (****)

Spain ...

Martinez Corta Cepas Antiguas Seleccion Privada 2010 ($15.95 - #305359) - good from its nose to its toes - as it will warm them. (*** 1/2+)

Nekeas el Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Grenacha 2010 ($18.95 - #291997) - lots of raspberry and plum makes this wine quite appealing with hints of chocolate on the finish. (****+)

Tosalet 2009 Old Vines ($19.95 - #292078) - great nose of blackberry and cocoa that follows on the palate with graphite, black raspberries and chocolate. (****)

United States (California) ...

J. Lohr 2010 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #27516) - plush and easy drinking, nice Cali-Merlot. (*** 1/2+)

La Crema 2009 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #72199) - sweet cherry, big spice and big alcohol, 14.5%. (*** 1/2+) - FF

United States (Washington) ...

Hogue 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #301358) - plum, herbal, vanilla and cedar. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It ... wines that deliver even for their high price

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 2010 Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz ($51.95 - #290874) ... ****+ (FF)

Fonseca 2005 Guimarens Vintage Port ($73.95 - #123695) ... **** (FF)

Inglenook 2009 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.95 - #29553) ... **** (FF)

Le Vieux Donjon 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($53.95 - #700922) ... **** (FF)

Masi 2005 Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($69.95 - #462812) ... ****+ (FF)

Moet & Chandon 2002 Grand Vintage Brut Rose Champagne ($87.95 - #69831) ... **** (FF)

Newton 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay ($65.95 - #0001537) ... ****+

Ornellaia 2010 La Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia ($59.95 - #606194) ... ****+ (FF)

Paul Hobbs 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #119065) ... ****+ (FF)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - November 10, 2012 ...

Regali La Lus Albarosa 2008 ($24.95 - #291575) - Italy

Saltram 2010 Mamre Shiraz ($24.95 - #32227) - Australia

Nekeas el Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Grenacha 2010 ($18.95 - #291997) - Spain

Happy Shopping

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while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Vintages Shop Online November 1, 2012 Release

7 of 14 wines reviewed, some were unavailable, some weren't worth your time ... here's my take on the wines being released in this Shop On-line offer ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Kanonkop 2009 Pinotage ($N/A - #259648) ... South Africa
Clos des Nines 'O' du Clos 2007 ($N/A - #297952) ... Midi, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Riesling Auslese 2005 ($N/A / 375ml - #914226) ... Germany
Montrius Le Domaine Garrigues Vacqueyras 2010 ($N/A - #108779) ... Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Howard Park 2008 Chardonnay ($N/A - #243063) ... Australia
Cenit 2008 Old Vines ($N/A - #296137) ... Spain
Two Hands 2008 Aerope Grenache ($N/A - #257204) ... Australia - port-like nose with lovely plum cherry fruit and nice acidity but with a wow fruit factor laden with raspberry and massive alcohol (15.8%).

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Saturday October 27, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci ... California (CAL) and Bordeaux (BOR), plus some large format gifting (GIFT) wines.

The Skinny ... sad to say that the Bordeaux wines offered better value than their US counterparts.

Argentina ...

Clos de los Siete 2009 ($21.95 - #622571) - delivers on fruit, spice and vanilla and there seems to be a juiciness developing. (****)

Lindaflor 2007 Malbec ($42.95 - #109322) - inky black in colur, violet aromas with black cherry, blackberry, cassis and spice.  (*** 1/2+)

Trapiche 2007 Fincas Las Palmas Malbec ($17.95 - #186668) - lovely cherry and spice, hints of chocolate and vanilla with a raspberry linger. (****+)

Australia ...

Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($24.95 - #644039) - chocolate, plum, black cherry with good spice, full in the mouth. (****+)

Canada (Ontario) ...

Coyote's Run 2011 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #116582) - ****+

Lailey 2010 Merlot ($25.00 - #591396) - *** 1/2+

Malivoire 2010 Albert's Honour Old Vines Foch ($24.95 - #551036) - *** 1/2

Mike Weir 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #686972) - *** 1/2+

Peninsula Ridge 2010 AJ Lepp Vineyards Reserve Merlot ($19.95 - #299222) - ****+

Stratus 2007 Red ($99.95 / 1500ml - #291088) - **** 1/2 - GIFT

Chile ...

Concha y Toro 2009 Terrunyo Block 27 Vineyard Selection Carmenere ($29.95 - #562892) - fruit and chocolate mix with sweet blackberry jam and cassis; real silky smoothness on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #684597) - minty dark fruit, chocolate, cassis, and framboise, but you can't get away from that minty character. (*** 1/2+)

France (Beaujolais) ...

Louis Jadot 2009 Chateau des Jacques Morgon ($23.95 - #653584) - good black cherry with nice acidity and mild tannins. (*** 1/2+)

France (Bordeaux) ...

Chateau de L'Estang 2009 ($18.95 - #0191551) - quite a lovely easy drinking Bordeaux with vanilla and cherry; smooth and satisfyingly simple. (****+) - BOR

Chateau la Croix Chaigneau 2009 ($23.95 - #173278) - nice flavour with decent tannins, dark cherry, spice and smoke with a wooden-cherry finish. (****) - BOR

Chateau la Gravette Lacombe 2009 ($19.95 - #295808) - smoky and licorice notes, more intense than others at this price point. (****) - BOR

Chateau Larose Trintaudon 2009 ($24.95 - #297945) - licorice, blackberry and cherry. (****) - BOR

Chateau Lestruelle 2009 ($18.95 - #295840) - vanilla, cinnamon, cherry, blackberry and really nice spice. (****+) - BOR

Chateau Toumilon Blanc 2009 ($16.95 - #314864) - fresh and clean with hints of lime and peach pit. (*** 1/2) - BOR

Chateau Teyssier 2009 ($39.95 - #303784) - nicely spiced, fruit, garigue, coffee, mocha and a spicy finish. (****) - BOR

France (Burgundy) ...

Jean-Marc Brocard 2008 Kimmeridgian Chardonnay ($17.95 - #290049) - mineral, apple core and lemon zest. (*** 1/2+)

Roger Belland 2009 Santenay-Commes 1er Cru ($33.95 - #725549) - smoky cigar, smoked meat, cinnamon and plenty of tannin. (*** 1/2+)

France (Midi) ...

Domaine Puig-Parahy 2010 Cuvee Georges ($15.95 - #171025) - funny aromas  of spice, but the palate is very satisfying with herbs and spice amongst plum and blackberry. (****)

Hecht & Bannier 2010 Minervois ($19.95 - #17764) - lots of dark fruit and chocolate, the 14.5% alcohol makes it smooth across the palate. (****)

France (Rhone) ...

Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Cotes du Rhone 2010 ($15.95 - #729962) - nicely layered with chocolate, plum, licorice and oak. (****)

Domaine Cros de Romet Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages 2010 ($21.95 - #42986) - there's a sweetness on the mid palate that's rather appealing. (****)

Mas des Bressades 2011 Cuvee Tradition Blanc ($14.95 - #701094) - you gotta like citrus to like this one, especially the rind. (*** 1/2)

Germany ...

Dr. Loosen 2011 Red Slate Riesling Dry ($19.95 - #295923) - and the good doctor means dry, very dry; mineral dominates here with spice and hints of green apple; not your usual German Riesling here. (****)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Demaria 2007 Barbera D'alba Superiore ($15.95 - #290098) - flavourful dark fruited Barbera with smoky-cigar box notes. (*** 1/2+)

Marchesi di Barolo 2011 Gavi di Gavi ($19.95 - #155382) - grapefruit rind with good acidity. (*** 1/2)

Poderi Colla Dardi 2007 Le Rose Bussia Barolo ($49.95 - #596890) - nice dried cherry and spice with white pepper backing. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Puglia) ...

Solantico 2009 Riserva Salice Salentino ($14.95 - #289694) - plum and dark berries, really nice fruit here. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Antinori 2008 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva ($29.95 - #512384) - pretty hefty and smoky wine with licorice, herbs, dark fruit and plenty of tannins. (****)

Fattoi 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($34.95 - #33498) - while it starts dry it does have a plump fruit finish. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore ($19.95 - #297242) - crisp and refreshing with a touch of sweetness; easy to drink. (*** 1/2)

Lena di Mezzo 2009 Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($17.00 - #165662) - juicy and fruit Ripasso with lots of flavour to spare; sitting and sipping will not be a problem with this cherry and plum number. (****)

Tedeschi 2011 Filadonna Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #295881) - pith-based flavours: lemon and grapefruit. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Jules Taylor 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #224428) - restraint New Zealand-style, has gooseberry and some tropical notes of pineapple and passion-fruit. (****+)

Seresin 2009 Chardonnay ($24.95 - #19190) - keeps its fruit with enough barrel notes to make it seem elegant on the palate, plus there's the long lasting vanilla / toffee finish. (****)

Portugal ...

Meandro do Vale Meao 2009 ($22.95 - #244731) - it'll be worth it after a few years of cellaring, the plum and black cherry will come around; needs decanting now. (****)

Vidigal 2007 Reserva Touriga Nacional ($16.95 - #293456) - plenty of blackberry and plum with a touch of herbal essence. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Melk's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #294306) - fruit drive with black cherry and plum leading the charge. (*** 1/2)

Spain ...

Senda 2008 66 Tempranillo ($13.95 - #296475) - dark and brooding fruit with nice coffee and chocolate notes. (*** 1/2+)

United States (California) ...

Beringer 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #91058) - blackberry, cassis and chocolate, a real mosaic of flavours. (****)

Brazin (B)old Vine Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256750) - nice plum, cherry, spice, vanilla and licorice. (****)

Conundrum 2010 Red ($23.95 - #294298) - plum, cherry, and other sweet fruits of the red persuasion, simplistic and over-priced but tasty. (*** 1/2)

Emmolo 2008 Merlot ($35.95 - #96024) - chocolate, blueberry and spice with hints of mocha on the finish. (****) - CAL

Fess Parker 2010 Viognier ($24.95 - #297523) - exotic and fleshy, floral, tropical with a touch of sweetness. (*** 1/2+)

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine ($26.95 - #192898) - has a nice peach skin taste with balancing acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Ironstone 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #537597) - raspberry, blackberry, vanilla and cherry; a real every day pleaser. (****) - CAL

Melville 2010 Verna's Estate Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #291021) - juicy raspberry, cherry, bright red fruit with good acidity on the finish; contagiously drinkable. (****) - CAL

United States (Oregon) ...

Chehalem 2009 3-Vineyard Pinot Noir ($31.95 - #949909) - juicy sour cherry, cranberry and raspberry. (****)

If You Can Afford It ... wines worthy their lofty price tag

Antinori 2009 Solaia ($251.95 - #987586) - **** 1/2+

Chateau Montelena Estate 20008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($144.95 - #709881) - ****+ - CAL

Far Niente 2010 Chardonnay ($74.95 - #539130) - *** 1/2+

Goldeneye 2009 Pinot Noir ($59.95 - #659854) - *** 1/2+ - CAL

Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2009 ($54.85 - #194548) - ****+ - BOR

Moet & Chandon 2002 Grand Vintage Brut Champagne ($81.95 - #69773) - ****+

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2008 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon ($51.95 - #708982) - **** - CAL

What I'll Be Lining Up For - October 27, 2012 ...

Dr. Loosen 2011 Red Slate Riesling Dry ($19.95 - #295923) – Germany

Chateau Lestruelle 2009 ($18.95 - #295840) – France

Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 ($24.95 - #644039) - 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.

Vintages Shop Online October 18, 2012 Release

8 of 12 products reviewed, the other 4 were either not available for tasting or tasted at all - no notes just scores, though the top scoring wine does have a note ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Inniskillin Okanagan 2007 Discovery Series Petit Verdot ($28.00 - #303768) ... British Columbia, Canada
Delas Freres Francois de Tournon Saint-Joseph 2009 ($33.00 - #17525) ... Rhone, France
Tedeschi 2007 La Fabriseria Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($29.00 0 #97600)  ... Veneto, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Edmond Briottet Creme de Cassis de Dijon ($N/A - #306522) ... France
Santa Carolina 2007 Herencia Carmenere ($99.95 - #228387) ... Chile
Jim Barry 1999 The McRae Wood Museum Release Shiraz ($65.00 - #237669) ... Australia
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne 2009 Chateauneuf-de-Pape ($73.00 - #303032) ... Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Pintas 2008 Character ($36.00 - #292599) ... Portugal - lovely dark fruit and good spice notes while a mineral character finds its way through all those rich and robust flavours.

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Vintages Shop Online October 4, 2012 Release

9 of 12 products tasted, the other 3 were not available for tasting - no notes just scores, though the top scoring wine has a note ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
D'Angelo 2006 Sette Coppa ($N/A - #0307728) ... British Columbia, Canada

Three-and-a Half Plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Gustave Lorentz Rotenberg Gewurztraminer 2008 ($N/A - #0296129) ... Alsace, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Wegler Rudesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Spatlese 2010 ($N/A - #918771) ... Germany
Shottesbrooke Estate Series 2010 Shiraz ($N/A - #297424) ... Australia
Avondale 2009 Cyclus ($N/A - #295220) ... South Africa
Tenuta Rocca 2007 Barolo San Pietro ($N/A - #103721) ... Piedmont, Italy
San Polo 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($N/A - #650812) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Alvaro Palacios 2010 Les Terrasses ($N/A - #977843) ... Spain
Mendel 2009 Unus ($N/A - #108233) ... Argentina - plush and lovely on the palate; very full-fruited with plum, black cherry and a whole lotta spice.

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Saturday October 13, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci ... Chile (CH) and Australia (AUS)

The Skinny ... some good stuff from Italy (again), and the closer we get to Christmas the more the expensive wines start to rear their necks and corks.

Australia ...

John Duval 2008 Entity Shiraz ($49.95 - #73056) - deep, dark and delicious with a chocolate seam that delights. (**** 1/2) - AUS

Kellermeister 2010 Boots Shiraz ($19.95 - #297093) - all jammy red fruit. (*** 1/2)

Oakridge 2010 Pinot Noir ($38.95 - #284059) - nicely balanced with good full-bodied pinot character, jammy with a touch of the lean red berries and spice. (*** 1/2+) - AUS

Paxton 2010 AAA Shiraz/Grenache ($19.95 - #149898) - good fruit with licorice, blackberry and a touch of mocha. (****) - AUS

Spinifex 2010 Bete Noir Shiraz ($49.95 - #284141) - good red fruit smokiness. (*** 1/2) - AUS

Spinifex 2010 Papillon Grenache/Cinsault/Carignan/Shiraz ($29.95 - #285205) - lovely blend full of rich dark fruit and boysenberry jam; dry finish. (****) - AUS

Canada (Ontario) ...

Henry of Pelham 2010 Gamay ($14.95 - #291112) - *** 1/2

Reif 2010 Vidal Icewine ($24.95 / 200ml - #544791) - *** 1/2+

Stratus 2009 Semillon ($32.20 - #306027) - *** 1/2+

Chile ...

Augustinos 2010 Gran Terroir Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #296616) - pretty nose of violets, raspberry and strawberry which follows onto the palate with touch of white pepper and wood spice. (****+) - CH

Korta 2010 Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot ($14.95 - #296608) - lots of peppery notes with brambly berry dark fruit. (*** 1/2) - CH

Leyda 2011 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #99309) - grass dominates here though it is fresh and lingering. (*** 1/2+) - CH

Miguel Torres 2011 Cordillera de los Andes Chardonnay ($18.95 - #296624) - vanilla, apple, pleasant fruitiness with a touch of wood notes, creamy and nicely textured, good acidity on the finish. (****) - CH

Tres Palacios 2008 Family Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #299743) - minty with sweet cran-raspberry; smooth and supple. (*** 1/2) - CH

France (Bordeaux) ...

Chateau Bonnin Pichon 2008 ($16.95 - #280008) - plum, cherry, smoke, mocha and licorice; a good combination. (*** 1/2+)

France (Burgundy) ...

Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($17.95 - #991562) - delicate fizz with lively bubbles on the tongue, juicy yet crisp, quaffable in that sparkling wine kinda way with a long biscuity finish. (****+)

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin ($44.95 - #240424) - red fruit and nicely spiced cranberry-cocktail. (*** 1/2)

France (Rhone) ...

Cave de Rasteau 2009 La Domeliere Rasteau ($15.95 - #222927) - red berry, touch of smoke, quite lush. (*** 1/2)

Cave de Rasteau 2007 Ortas Prestige Rasteau ($19.95 - #985929) - peppered-mocha. (*** 1/2)

Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2010 ($29.95 - #48884) - violets, plum, cherry, nicely spiced, easy drinking; the smells and flavours are top-notch. (****+)

Germany ...

H. Thanisch Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2010 ($24.95 - #295667) - very pretty Riesling: limestone, melon. poached pear sweetness with acid balance. (*** 1/2)

Italy (Abruzzo) ...

Terra D'Aligi 2007 Tolos Montepulciano D'Abruzzo ($29.95 - #19166) - dark as night, rich as good coffee. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Marchesi di Barolo 2006 Barolo ($34.95 - #168179) - lightly spiced tobacco with a nice cherry note. (*** 1/2)

Sobrero Ciabot Tanasio Barolo 2007 ($39.95 - #286070) - nice dried red berries, tree bark and cedar-vanilla. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Puglia) ...

Gladiator 2010 Primitivo di Manduria ($16.95 - #23119) - plummy, raspberry, sweet cherry and vanilla. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Frascole 2009 Chianti Rufina ($16.95 - #85167) - sweet red fruit and herbs. (*** 1/2)

Ornellaia 2010 Le Volte ($29.95 - #964221) - juicy and fruity, nice tannins, black cherry, coffee and cedar. (****)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Masi 2008 Grandarella ($24.95 - #606921) - very well spiced mocha/coffee; very tasty. (****)

Paladin Tondo Dry Prosecco ($17.95 - #299834) - pleasant, almost sweet fruited with apples, pears and lemonade notes. (*** 1/2)

Pra 2011 Soave Classico ($19.95 - #74534) - refreshing with nice citrus zest. (*** 1/2)

Tedeschi 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($20.95 / 375ml - #695395) - mocha, blackberry, tobacco and black currants. (****)

Zenato 2009 Sergio Zenato Lugana ($26.95 -- #928218) - rich in the mouth with nice texture, nice touch with the flint and apple. (****)

Japan ...

Green River Sparkling Star Sake ($16.95 / 500ml - #273359) - crisp entry with a creamy texture all with an underlying taste of sticky rice. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Giesen 2010 The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #247213) - nice and tangy with orange zest and grapefruit pith. (*** 1/2+)

Seresin 2008 Raupo Creek Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45.95 - #285379) - pretty wine with mocha, spice, cranberry, raspberry and strawberry all leading to a lovely smoky finish. (****)

Sileni 2009 The Triangle Merlot ($18.95 - #586081) - nice fruitness here, a subtle mix of red berries and herbs with a hint of chocolate for good measure. (****)

Wither Hills 2011 Single Vineyard Raranngi Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #288134) - toned back New Zealand-style, quite pleasant. (*** 1/2)

Portugal ...

Pocas Special Reserve Tawny Port ($15.95 - #286229) - nicely spice tawny that retains a lot of red fruit action while still doling out spiced caramel and orange peel notes. (****)

Quinta de Baixo 2008 Tinto ($14.95 - #293415) - coffee, plum, sour cherry, hint of mocha; nice wine for the price. (*** 1/2+)

Quinta dos Roques Vinho Tinto ($15.95 - #986075) - plum, black cherry, gentle cedar and some cocoa. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Goats do Roam 2011 The Goatfather ($14.95 - #0011072) - best Goatfather in a long while, smooth and supple, easy drinking with herbed dark and red fruit and only a touch of tar on the finish; well-priced. (****)

Spice Route 2009 Chakalaka ($24.95 - #160481) - not overly spicy just darn good; nice black currant, blackberry, licorice and mocha. (*** 1/2+)

Spain ...

Bula 2009 ($17.95 - #292094) - nice peppery-chocolate, plum, black cherry, with a moch/coffee finish. (****)

Cal Blanca 2009 ($18.95 - #292003) - mocha, licorice, pepper and spice, along with dark fruit and power on the palate. (****)

Lan 2004 Gran Reserva ($27.95 - #928622) - tobacco leaf, cherry and all-spice. (*** 1/2+)

Mania 2011 Verdejo ($13.95 - #297135) - tastes like a cross between the grapefruit pith of Sauvignon Blanc and the pea pod affect of Gruner, quite refreshing. (*** 1/2+)

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Premium Sweet Sherry ($17.95 - #47944) - I know it says "Sherry" on the label but this is not your Grandma's sipping Sherry, this is a sweet raisin pie inspired treat with amber honey note; creamy and delicious. (**** 1/2)

Palacios de Sada 2008 Crianza ($13.95 - #246736) - spiced plum and raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

Pedro Martinez 2006 Alexanco Reserva ($17.95 - #170092) - mocha, raspberry and vanilla-spice. (****)

United States (California) ...

Belle Glos 2010 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #652883) - with a richness of fruit, namely blackberry and raspberry, and some tautness on the palate this is one great Cab, I mean Pinot. (****+)

Cannonball 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #291666) - big, juicy number with good herbal notes. (*** 1/2)

Frank Family Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay ($33.95 - #289140) - buttery and soft with some toffee, apricot and peach notes; nice Cali-Chard here. (*** 1/2+)

Hess Collection 2008 19-Block Cuvee ($44.95 - #18879) - chocolate, cherry and white pepper. (*** 1/2+)

La Crema 2010 Pinot Noir ($31.95 - #719435) - a loveliness of fruit, red licorice, raspberry, cherry and strawberry with hints of pepper on the finish. Also available in half bottles. (****)

Ravenswood 2008 Teldeschi Single Vineyard Zinfandel ($44.95 - #684589) - plum, vanilla and cherry; big and juicy with good spice notes. (****+)

Terra Valentine 2009 Spring Mountain District Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon ($47.95 - #269431) - juicy wine bursting with blackberries, plum, chocolate and other ripe dark fruit. (*** 1/2+)

United States (Oregon) ...

Brandberg 2008 Bench Lands Pinot Noir ($28.95 - #295238) - gently spiced; nice sour black sour on both nose and palate. (*** 1/2+)

Sokol Blosser 2010 Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #748434) - 100-times better than the Blosser that was introduced to the General List; light strawberry and nicely herba. (*** 1/2)

United States (Washington) ...

Three Rivers 2009 River's Red ($19.95 - #287433) - juicy of fruit, gentle of spice, tasty all over. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It - wines that deliver, even for their high price ..

Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee ($69.95 - #384529) - ****

E. Guigal 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($51.95 - #727503) - ****+

Grgich Hills Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #0071407) - *** 1/2+

Michele Castellani 2007 Cinque Stelle Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($54.95 - #75127) - ****+

Silver Oak 2007 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($85-95 - #943472) - ****

What I'll Be Lining Up For - October 13, 2012 ...

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Premium Sweet Sherry ($17.95 - #47944) - Spain

Goats do Roam 2011 The Goatfather ($14.95 - #0011072) - South Africa

Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($17.95 - #991562) - France

Miguel Torres 2011 Cordillera de los Andes Chardonnay ($18.95 - #296624) - Chile

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Saturday September 29, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines, Yellow are whites, etc.

Foci:  Tuscany (TUS), The Pinot Family (PF), and Thanksgiving (THX) wines

The Skinny:  There are some really good Tuscan wines in this release

Argentina ...

Alamos 2011 Torrentes ($13.95 - #81539) - floral and tangerine, pleasant sipper for not a lot of dough. (*** 1/2)

Catena Zapata 2010 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #985002) - good value in a good Cab; dark fruit, spiced-vanilla and chocolate. (****)

Finca Flichman 2008 Paisaja de Barrancas ($17.95 - #17129) - nice cocoa, blackberry, vanilla, spice and cherry. (****)

Luca 2009 Malbec ($29.95 - #167312) - big, fruity, dark fruited, chocolate, black cherry, sweet spice, vanilla; smooth and sexy. (****+)

Australia ...

Blackjack 2008 Major's Line Shiraz ($24.95 - #280941) - dark fruit, white pepper, plum, cherry, hint of licorice, nice acidity, tannins and good balance. (****+)

Blue Pyrenees 2009 Shiraz ($19.95 - #935890) - nice intensity of fruit, quite fruit bombish: dark with cream de cacao. (*** 1/2+)

D'Arenberg 2009 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier ($29.95 - #936971) - violet, lavender, spiced black fruit, white pepper. (*** 1/2+)

Stonier 2010 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #25338) - floral and fragrant, gentle red berries like strawberry and raspberry. (****) - PF

Canada (Ontario) ...

Coyote's Run 2010 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #53090) - ****+

Peninsula Ridge 2010 Reserve Meritage ($22.95 - #299180) - *** 1/2 (THX)

Tawse 2010 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($34.95 - #306035) - ****+

Chile ...

Arboleda 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #510339) - melon, passionfruit and limeade. (*** 1/2+)

Polkura 2009 Syrah ($23.95 - #283978) - lovely spice, blueberry, blackberry, plum and a slight smokiness. (****+)

Santa Ema 2008 Amplus One ($23.95 - #169987) - juicy, plum, mocha, cocoa, with herbal character. (*** 1/2)

Tamari 2011 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #292367) - very Chilean with big mint, dark fruit, chocolate and a little leather. (*** 1/2)

France (Bordeaux) ...

Chateau Maison Blanche 2009 ($19.95 - #295824) - gritty beginning, dark fruit and spice, and a nice mid-palate to finish. (*** 1/2+)

France (Burgundy) ...

Domaine Chanson 2009 Beaune-Bastion 1er Cru ($39.95 - #279067) - very earthy, spicy with black cherry. (*** 1/2)

France (Loire) ...

La Giraudiere 2010 Clos des Meuniers Saumur-Champigny ($16.95 - #290122) - tobacco, smoke, plum, black cherry and a touch of mocha. (*** 1/2)

France (Midi) ...

Domaine de Bila-Haut 2009 Occultum Lapidem ($24.95 - #643239) - violet and smoky with a bright red fruit core. (****)

France (Rhone) ...

Domaine les Grands Bois 2010 Cuvee Maximilien Cairanne ($21.95 - #286336) - boysenberry, cigar box and dried tobacco leaf. (*** 1/2)

Germany ...

Hoffman-Simon 2011 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese ($21.95 - #216499) - nice sweetness, good acidity and minerality with floral, peach and delicious apple. (****) - THX

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Clemente Cossetti & Figli 2009 La Vigna Vecchia Barbera D'Asti ($16.95 - #106278) - sweet spiced dark fruit with some blackberry sweetness; vanilla shows up on finish. (****) - THX

Gianni Gagliardo 2006 Barolo ($44.95 - #713602) - lovely flavour and spice, dried cherries and floral notes with silky tannins. (****)

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Jacopo Biondi Santi 2008 Sassoalloro ($35.95 - #981407) - dark fruit wrapped around a juicy center. (****) - TUS

Le Pupille Poggio Valente Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2007 ($34.95 - #230680) - dark fruit, spice, and cedar; nice finish. (*** 1/2+) - TUS

Michele Satta 2009 Bolgheri Rosso ($19.95 - #39834) - loads of red and black fruit with the right amount of spice and toastiness. (****) - TUS

Moris 2010 Morellino di Scansano ($18.95 - #992560) - wild berries and dark fruit with cinnamon and cedar. (*** 1/2) - TUS

Poggio Al Tesoro 2008 Sondraia ($44.95 - #292391) - bright black fruit, chocolate cherry; a really intensity of flavour. (****+) - TUS

Rocca delle Macie 2008 Chianti Riserva ($15.95 - #111641) - a good value wine with a mocha-licorice mid and touch of cedar. (*** 1/2) - TUS

Triacca 2010 Spadino ($15.95 - #288001) - cherry and currants mixed with smoke and nice tannins. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Masi 2008 Brolo Campofiorin Oro Appaxximento ($24.95 - #976092) - bacon and black licorice with coffee and a nice toastiness. (*** 1/2+)

Zeni Marogne Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2009 ($16.95 - #220830) - licorice, all-spice, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla and spice. (****+)

New Zealand ...

Babich 2011 Black Label Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0009142) - soft, tropical and slightly herbaceous with a long finish of lemon and lime pith. (****)

Carrick 2009 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #919837) - intense and flavourful, darker fruit and floral spice. (****) - PF

Kim Crawford 2008 SP Moteo Vineyard Viognier ($24.95 - #191759) - fruity with peach, melon and a bit of stoniness. (*** 1/2)

Tarras 2008 The Canyon Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($46.95 - #287219) - sweet fruited, blackberry, boysenberry, cherry tartness, edgy with spice and acidity to spare. (****+) - PF

Thatched Hut 2011 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #242933) - gentle cran-cherry, earthy-strawberry, hint of wood spice. (*** 1/2+) - PF

Portugal ...

Quinta do Castelinho 2009 Douro Reserva ($15.95 - #704981) - lovely black fruited finish with vanilla and spice. (*** 1/2)

Quinta do Portal 2011 Trevo Vinho Verde ($13.95 - #292086) - refreshingly citrus. (*** 1/2)

South Africa ...

Ernie Els 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.95 - #278358) - lovely structure, good fruit, mocha, spice and black fruit. (****)

Simonsig 2009 Chenin Avec Chene Chenin Blanc ($28.95 - #282772) - unexpectedly flavourful and delicious, good spice on the finish; vanilla-spice linger with peach nuances. (****)

Spain ...

Casa Castillo 2010 Monastrell ($13.95 - #165621) - sweetness of spice, vanilla, violets and blackberry with smoky notes on the mid-palate. (****+)

Dinastia Vivanco Reserva 2005 ($24.95 - #293431) - nice spiced-cherry with graphite and cranberry. (*** 1/2+) - THX

United States (California) ...

Artezin 2010 Zinfandel ($21.95 - #302943) - best Artezin since my first bottle years ago, vanilla-cola, plum, chocolate, cherry; a delight to sip on and great with BBQ. (**** 1/2)

Cline 2010 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) - always a favourite and always well balanced, nice acidity, good tannins: plum, cherry, vanilla and cola notes. (****+)

First Press 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #188110) - search out the 2009 as the 2010 is also available this time out, it's fresher, fruitier with blackberry, cherry and chocolate ... the 2010 if bland and boring with no character. (2009 - ****+)

Francis Ford Coppola 2009 Director's Cut Zinfandel ($34.95 - #203208) - plum, cherry, vanilla, fairly basic stuff. (*** 1/2)

Freemark Abbey 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #904532) - very nice fruit, good tannins, biting finish. (*** 1/2+)

Macrotie 2009 Chardonnay ($30.95 - #244467) - nice balance of fruit and oak with mid-palate juiciness with a slightly spiced finish and nice linger. (*** 1/2+)

Santa Barbara Winery 2010 Chardonnay ($18.95 - #989152) - intense butterscotch, vanilla-caramel and baked peach and apricot; big finish. (*** 1/2)

United States (Oregon) ...

Elk Cove 2009 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #234534) - red fruit dominant with nice white pepper spice. (*** 1/2)

If You Can Afford It - wines that deliver even for their high price ...

Antinori 2006 Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino ($59.95 - #651141) - **** (TUS)

Catena Zapata 2008 Nicasia Vineyard la Consulta Malbec ($89.95 - #132357) - ****+

Duckhorn 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95  #24190) - elegant (****+)

Forman 2010 Chardonnay ($52.95 - #236117) - delicate and delicious (****)

Luce Della Vite Luce 2009 ($99.95 - #685263) - **** 1/2 (TUS)

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2009 Oreno ($71.95 - #735597) - ****+ (TUS)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - September 29, 2012 ...

Cline 2010 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) - USA

Casa Castillo 2010 Monastrell ($13.95 - #165621) -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.