Thursday, June 20, 2013

Saturday June 22, 2013 - Vintages Release Report



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.

The Foci … Canada Day (CD), Southern Rhone (SR), South Africa (SAF)
The Skinny … For a multi-focus release like this one it’s funny that the wines that offer the best value are from Spain and Portugal.

Argentina …
Famiglia Bianchi 2012 Chardonnay ($14.95 - #001461) … nice creamed vanilla and toffee apple. (*** ½+)
Finca El Origen 2010 Gran Reserva Malbec ($21.95 - #065425) … chocolate, mocha and toasty with plum and black cherry fruit. (****)

Australia …
3 Rings 2008 Shiraz ($19.95 - #015495) … it’s all raspberry and cherry, succulent and juicy on both the palate and the nose.  (*** ½+)
The Hedonist 2009 Shiraz ($23.95 - #090191) … big fruit with chocolaty and chalky notes with smoky vanilla and deep rich red berries. (****)
Wakefield 2012 Merlot ($17.95 - #683201) … soft, supple blackberry and blueberry with hits of mocha – drink or hold for up to 5 years. (*** ½+)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Calliope 2010 Figure Eight Red ($22.95 - #324582) … mocha, white pepper and blueberry; interesting and tasty bevvy. (*** ½) - CD
Canada (Nova Scotia) …
Benjamin Bridge 2012 Nova 7 ($25.95 - #256289) … a nice bit of spritz here with some orange and floral notes – a fun little drink. (*** ½) – CD
Canada (Ontario) … click wine name for full review
Featherstone 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #089011) - *** ½+
Reif 2011 Vidal Icewine ($24.95 / 200ml - #544791) - **** ½ (CD)
Rosewood 2011 Semillon ($17.95 – 177758) - *** ½+
Tollgate 2010 Merlot ($24.95 - #344101) - *** ½ (CD)
Vineland 2011 Pinot Meunier ($17.95 - #225508) - *** ½+

Chile …
Concha y Toro 2009 Marques de Casa Concha Syrah ($19.95 - #019042) … smoky, cassis and vanilla tones; also look for anise and violets; pretty wine, good price. (****)

France (Alsace) …
Domaines Schlumberger Kessler 2008 Pinot Gris ($25.95 - #249623) … a little sweetness and good minerality withpretty floral tones and good finish. (****+)
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau La Commanderie 2009 ($29.95 - #035774) … oak, spice with intense dark fruit. (*** ½+)
Chateau Saint Christoly 2009 ($19.95 - #321265) … mocha and meaty with black currant and vanilla. (*** ½+)
France (Burgundy) …
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard 2011 Macon-Uchizy ($14.95 - #733956) … nice apple, lemon combo, supple, sexy and smooth with hints of mineral, good finish; a great value Chardonnay. (****+)
France (Loire) …
Bougrier Touraine 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #322644) … nice Sauv Blanc character with grassy and grapefruit pith; not hit you in the face, well-balanced. (*** ½+)
Domaine Seguin 2011Pouilly Fume ($23.95 - #081414) … grapefruit zest and pith with hints of lanolin. (*** ½)
France (Midi) …
Domaine la Borie Blanche Terroirs D’Altitude 2008 ($18.95 - #328542) … smoky dark chocolate and vanilla with some dusty and herbal notes. (*** ½+)
France (Provence) …
Caves D’Esclans 2012 Whispering Angel Rosé ($19.95 - #325076) … seriously good rosé, dry and fruity without going over the top – this one shows some real elegance. (****)
France (Rhone) …
Chateau la Nerthe 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($43.95 - #735407) … blueberry, raspberry with some minerality. (****) – SR
Chateau Mont Redon 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($39.95 - #959627) … nice roasted fruit with big floral and woody component. (*** ½) – SR
Chateau Signac 2009 Cuvee Terra Amata ($22.95 - #140079) … chocolate and red licorice abound, there’s also some white pepper that appears on the finish, nice juicy mouthfeel. (****) – SR
Domaine de la Charbonniere 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($39.95 - #062711) … big, rich fruit driven red with smoky undertones. (****+) – SR
Famille Perrin 2012 Tavel Rosé  ($19.95 - #680801) … lots of berries in the bottle that ends very dry. (*** ½+)
La Ferme du Mont 2011 Le Ponnant Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($17.00 - #171371) … lots of rich red fruit along with cassis, red licorice and blueberry. (*** ½+) – SR
Le Gravilla 2011 Sablet Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($15.95 - #078790) … juicy style of wine that’s nicely balanced and easy drinking. (***½+) – SR
Ortas L’Estellan Gigondas 2011 ($19.95 - #328435) … smoked cedar, vanilla and blackberry. (*** ½+) - SR

Italy (Alto Adige) …
Tramin 2011 Pinot Grigio ($16.95 - #627059) … fresh and crisp with more white fruit than citrus, say a 70-30 mix. (*** ½+)
Italy (Campania) …
Neromora 2009 ($18.95 - #320739) … sweet black fruit with tobacco and plum along with hints of chocolate-cherry; rich, juicy and succulent. (****)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Castello di Meleto 2009 Chianti Classico ($20.95 - #332114) … a fruit driven Chianti with smoke and sour cherry notes. (*** ½)
Poggio Il Castellare 2010 Rosso di Montalcino ($20.95 - #330662) … big red and black cherry with firm tannins but with a lively juiciness to it. (****)

New Zealand …
Pegasus Bay 2009 Pinot Noir ($48.95 - #031294) … rich black fruit with coffee and red cherry but also shows a nice seam of earthiness. (****)
Stoneleigh 2011 Latitude Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #325654) … nice mix of earth, cranberry and raspberry with seasoning spice. (*** ½+)
Stoneleigh 2012 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #324228) … round and clean, well-balanced and flavourful. (****)

Portugal …
Calem 2006 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #912550) … smooth yet spicy with chocolate, raspberry and cherry with a good acid balance. (****+)
Quinta do Roncao 2011 Reserva ($14.95 - #147942) … supple red and black fruit with the most noticeable being plum and raspberry. (****)

South Africa …
Avondale 2010 Cyclus ($29.95 - #295220) … has nice structure, some real intensity and good mouthfeel. (*** ½) - SAF

Spain …
Burgans 2011 Albarino ($18.95 - #945063) … a little baked fruit mixed with mac apple and lemon pith. (*** ½)
Marques de Murrieta 2006 Finca Ygay Reserva ($24.95 - #209148) … dusty with a sweet fruit middle and nice berry finish. (*** ½+)
Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro ($16.95 - #642173) … the depth of caramelized spiced orange peel is incredible; it’s the cat’s ass of yumminess. (**** ½)
Vina Eguia 2007 Reserva ($17.95 - #325845) … lots of black fruit mixed with vanilla; comes across sweet but it ends nice and dry – nicely aged. (****+)

United States (California) …
Bonterra 2010 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #530139) … seems they’re getting their act together with Zin as it has what I like in one. (*** ½+)
Decoy 2011 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #191833) … juicy raspberry, some strawberry, good acidity with a long, lingering finish. (****)
Kunde 2008 Zinfandel ($21.95 - #965921) … a BBQ ready Zin; smooth and sexy with cola, vanilla, red raspberry, nice acidity and sweetness of fruit. (****)
McManis Family Vineyards 2011 Zinfandel ($17.00 - #256735) … a simple, easy to drink Zin for those not up-to-date with the grape. (*** ½)
Napa Cellars 2011 Chardonnay ($23.95 - #225342) … buttery, rich oak, the fruit is so-so but if you like and think Cali-Chard this is what you’re looking for. (*** ½+)
Rock Wall 2011 Obsidian ($24.95 - #287144) … very nice and flavourful with licorice, cola and raspberry there’s also a nice bit of tannins that bite back. (****)
Vina Robles 2009 Red 4 ($19.95 - #261628) … sweet, juicy fruit with some elegance and nice dark fruit at its base. (****)
United States (Washington) …
Columbia Crest 2010 Grand Estates Chardonnay ($16.95 - #366542) … pretty peach pit, floral with a touch of apple, nice acidic balance and delicious flavour, pleasant linger. (****)


If You Can Afford It – wines worthy of their high price …
Caymus 2010 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.95) - ****


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – June 22, 2013 …
Caves D’Esclans 2012 Whispering Angel Rosé ($19.95 - #325076) … Provence
Columbia Crest 2010 Grand Estates Chardonnay ($16.95 - #366542) … Washington
Mallory & Benjamin Talmard 2011 Macon-Uchizy ($14.95 - #733956) … Burgundy
Quinta do Roncao 2011 Reserva ($14.95 - #147942) … Portugal
Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro ($16.95 - #642173) …Spain
Vina Eguia 2007 Reserva ($17.95 - #325845) … Spain

Happy Shopping


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In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves June 22, 2013

“ISD”s are In-Store Discoveries, these are wines that seem to just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet.  Finally the LCBO has allowed the media the opportunity to taste and review these wines.

6 wines are being released, here are the reviews for 5 of them.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Coeur de Grain Rose 2012 ($46.95 - #074617) ... Provence, France

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Giacosa Basarin 2006 Vigna Gianmate Barbaresco ($39.95 - #291401) ... Piedmont, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Spy Valley 2011 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #277723) ... New Zealand
Dancing Hares Mad Hatter ($82.95 - #333880) ... California, USA

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Bishop’s Peak 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25.95 - #327254) ... California, USA


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Monday, June 10, 2013

Vintages Shop Online June 13, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 4 of the 6 wines released on the 13th of May thru Vintages Shop-On-Line ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****) …
Rosewood 2012 Mead Noir ($25.00 - #346213) ... Ontario, Canada
Adelaida Cellars 2007 Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #327593) ... California, USA
Canneto 2007 Vino Nobile di Montalpulciano Riserva ($N/A - #065854) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Gott 9 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #327627) ... California, USA


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Friday, June 7, 2013

Saturday June 8, 2013 - Vintages Release Report


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.

The Foci:  Father’s Day (FD) and Argentina (ARG)
The Skinny:  Sadly not a fantastic release for dad, and I never understand what constitutes a “father’s day” wine selection. 

Argentina …
Alamos 2010 Seleccion Malbec ($16.95 - #322800) – serious Malbec with a touch of elegance: dark fruit/berries with hints of violet and smoke. (****) – ARG
Algodon 2010 Private Collection Estate Bonarda ($19.95 - #327932) – soft, juicy and easy drinking: lots of cherry with hints of spice. (*** ½) – ARG
Altamira de Los Andes Navigato Family Selection Grand Reserve 2008 ($46.95 - #314872) – impressive dark fruit and chocolate with a spiced-peppered finish. (*** ½+) – ARG
Graffigna 2010 Grand Reserve Malbec ($17.95 - #162149) – blackberry and violets with just the right touch of spice to keep it interesting. (*** ½+) – ARG
Urraca 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #271080) – spicy chocolate, plum, black cherry all layered between fruit and spice. (****+) - ARG

Canada (Ontario) … click wine for full review
Fielding 2010 Gewurztraminer ($15.95 - #146753) - *** ½+
Flat Rock Cellars 2012 Riesling ($16.95 - #043281) - ____
Inniskillin 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé ($14.95 - #336461) - *** 1/2_+
The Foreign Affair 2011 The Conspiracy ($19.95 - #149237) - **** (FD)

Chile …
Concha y Toro 2012 Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #678656) – refreshingly grassy and citrus pith driven. (*** ½+)
Santa Carolina 2011 Barrica Selection Petit Verdot ($14.95 - #007484) – silky smooth with plum and pepper. (*** ½+)

France (Alsace)…
Louis Hauller 2011 Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #141754) – off-dry style with oily, rosy and apricot notes, look for the spicy replaying finish. (****)
France (Beaujolais) …
Chateau de la Pierre 2011 Brouilly ($17.95 - #320879) – pleasantly dark cherry with spice and acidity all fighting it out on your tongue. (*** ½+)
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Coucy 2009 ($21.95 - #321406) – mocha, blackberry, cassis and chocolate with nice spice and hearty tannins; all for the mid-term haul. (****)
Chateau La Clare 2009 ($29.95 - #331751) – smoky, spicy with a really dark core. (*** ½+)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils 2010 Les Clous Meursault ($44.95 - #661322) – nicely robust and minerally with white peach, apple and a hint of creamed butter and grapefruit. (****)
Roland Lavantureux 2010 Chablis ($19.95) – light mineral with apple and white fruit; delicate with hints of light lime. (*** ½+)
France (Loire) …
Chateau la Gravelle 2006 Muscadet Sevre & Maine Gorges ($15.95 - #656736) – light, crisp and flinty with a citrus wind finish. (*** 1/2+)
Donatien Bahuaud 2012 Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray ($15.95 - #140889) – nice bit of sweetness; a perfect patio sipper. (***1/2)
France (Midi) …
Les Vignes Bila-Haut du Roussillon-Villages 2011 ($14.95 - #168716) – lush and luscious with good dark fruit, good tannin structure along with enough spice and acidity; there’s also some chocolate on the front and mid-palate.  Good value. (****+)
France (Provence) …
Gassier Sables D’Azur Rosé 2012 ($13.95 - #033621) – entry is raspberry and strawberry;dry and summer food ready. (****)
France (Rhone) …
Gigonda 2012 La Cave Signature Rosé ($19.95 - #323493) – electric pink in colour with a ripe red berry notes and a dry finish; this screams salad or fish. (****)
Les Halos de Jupiter Cotes du Rhone 2010 ($17.95 - #276956) – lovely mocha, blackberries and cassis along with black cherry; nice juiciness. (****+)

Greece …
Estate Papaioannou 2007 Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko ($19.95 - #047977) – easy drinking, light style, already has six years on it and it’s ready to drink now. (*** ½+)

Italy (Piedmont) …
Paitin Sori’ Paitin Barbaresco 2008 ($32.95 - #106591) – nice fruit with cinnamon and dried strawberries, good spiced finish. (*** ½+)
Italy (Umbria) …
Villa Mora 2006 Montefalco Rosso ($15.95 - #331785) – lovely dried, smoked fruit and occasionally it shows some fresh fruit: cinnamon, baking spice and mocha also appear. (****)
Italy (Veneto) …
Due Torri 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($38.95 - #724740) – spiced plum and lots of dark berries. (****)
Lena di Mezzo 2009 Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($17.95 - #165662) – lots of plum, strawberry fruit and white pepper. (****)
Masi 2009 Brolo Campofiorin Oro Appaxximento ($24.95 - #976092) - mocha, spice and ballsy black fruit. (****)

New Zealand …
Astrolabe 2012 Province Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #010421) – typically New Zealand with lots of white grapefruit and hints of sweet gooseberry; good intensity. (****)
Gibbston 2011 Highgate Estate Soultaker Pinot Noir ($28.95 - #055814) – black cherry, earthy and smoky with spicy finish and good acidity. (****)
Sileni 2010 The Triangle Merlot ($16.95 - #585081) – nice structure with some good complexity, not your juicy American style but one that’s quite enjoyable with meats. (****)
Waipara 2011 West Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #309518) – soft and tropical with the intensity we’ve come to expect from New Zealand Sauv Blanc. (****)

Portugal …
Quinta de Santa Eufemia 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($18.95 - #332346) – very pleasant; full of spiced red fruit along with supple and sexy plum and cherry with a chocolate backing. (*** ½+)

Spain …
Herencia Altes Garnatxa Negra ($25.95 - #332353) – very dark fruit driven. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …
Decoy 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #186171) – one word best describes this wine: juicy; quite enjoyable. (****)
Deloach 2010 Zinfandel ($29.95 - #980573) – plum and vanilla with a sweet cherry syrup and chocolate note, you’ll also find sweet fruit and cola notes with a butterscotch finale; make sure you have plenty of sauce soaked ribs on hand. (****) – FD
Gallo Family 2010 Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel ($19.95 - #555599) – juicy and generous fruit with vanilla, plum, cola and cherry; it’s a monster at 16%, but quite delicious. (****)
Girard 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95 - #231712) – chocolate, dark berries and spice; there’s a complexity here that’s quite appealing. (****)
Ironstone 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #537597) – pleasant and easy sipping Cali-Cab. (*** ½)
Macrostie 2010 Chardonnay ($30.95 - #244467) – good fruit with touches of vanilla. (*** ½+)
United States (Oregon) …
Blue Pirate 2009 Pinot Noir ($21.95- #333294) – lots of earthy character with juicy raspberry and strawberry backing it up. (****)
Cooper Mountain 2011 Reserve Pinot Gris ($20.95 - #324491) – crisp mac apple with lemonade and a pear finish. (*** ½+)


If You Can Afford It – (wine worth their high price tag) …
Lail Vineyards 2010 Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #060251) - ****
Ridge Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($52.95 - #089284) - ****+ (FD)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – June 8, 2013 …
Les Halos de Jupiter Cotes du Rhone 2010 ($17.95 - #276956) – France
Les Vignes Bila-Haut du Roussillon-Villages 2011 ($14.95 - #168716) – France
Urraca 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #271080) – Argentina

Happy Shopping


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Thursday, June 6, 2013

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves June 8, 2013

“ISD”s are In-Store Discoveries, these are wines that seem to just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet.  Finally the LCBO has allowed the media the opportunity to taste and review these wines.

7 wines are being released, here are scores for 3 of them.

Four Star Wines (****) …
Biohof Pratsch Steinberg 2010 Gruner Veltliner ($35.95 - #318386) ... Austria
Planeta 2008 Sito Dell’Ulmo Merlot ($39.95 - #978460) ... Sicily, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Chateau de la Font du Loup 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($33.95 - #227033) ... Rhone, France


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Vintages Shop Online May 30, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 6 of the 7 wines released on the 30th of May thru Vintages Shop-On-Line ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****) …
Paul Zinck Eichberg Riesling 2009 ($33.00 - #115279) ... Alsace, France
Boekenhoutskloof  2010 Syrah ($70.00 - #052076) ... South Africa
Boekenhoutskloof  2010 Semillon ($40.00 - #052100) ... South Africa


Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Billaud-Simon 2009 Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru ($44.00 - #325241) ... Burgundy, France
Domaine Les Aphillanthes 2010 – 1921 Rasteau ($34.00 - #332064) ... Rhone, France
Michele Satta 2008 Piastraia ($38.00 - #709980) ... Tuscany, Italy


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