Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Saturday August 31, 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 … Toronto Film Fest Bubble (TIFF) and 90+ Wines (N+W)
The Skinny … Not all 90+ wines are worth your hard earned dollar, but there are a few, and there is also a Viognier from New Zealand you’ve just gotta try and a Zin that’s killer, both for under twenty bucks.

Argentina …
Los Clop 2009 Reserva Malbec ($16.95 - #186650) – boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry, with a touch of vanilla and spice. (****) – N+W

Australia …
Nugan Estate 2010 McLaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz ($24.95 - #072603) – shows more than the usual Shiraz: ripe dark fruit with hints of red licorice, cocoa powder, vanilla, cherry with a white and black pepper mix on the finish. (****+) – N+W

Canada (Ontario) … click wine name for full review
Calamus 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #158642) - *** 1/2
Cave Spring 2009 CSV Riesling ($29.95 - #566026) - ****+ (N+W)
Henry of Pelham 2009 Estate Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #268391) - ****
Henry of Pelham 2012 Cabernet Icewine ($39.95 / 200ml - #672402) - *** ½+

Chile …
Montes 2011 Alpha Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #143214) – firm with fruit, black cherry, white pepper and hints of violet. (****) – N+W

France (Bordeaux)
Chateau Haut Selve 2009 ($20.95 - #738120) – juicy and silky yet with dusty elements; this wine has good stuffing for mid-term aging. (****+) – N+W
Chateau Larrivaux 2009 ($22.85 - #192880) – nice dark fruit with vanilla, mocha along with good length. (****)
Chateau Roland la Garde 2009 ($17.85 - #193078) – dark berry, dark chocolate, smoke and spice. (****)
Chateau Tour St. Bonnet 2009 ($19.85 - #189910) – tobacco and spice wrapped red raspberries and strawberries with hints of oak, spice and firm tannins. (****)
France (Burgundy) …
Jean Marc Brocard 2011 Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis ($24.95 - #329995) – almost salty with lemon, floral and apple. (****)
France (Loire) …
Domaine du Bois Bruley Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2011 ($17.95 - #344911) – Sauvignon Blanc which is toned down from the New Zealand style; grassy with an orange peel finish. (*** ½+)
France (Rhone) …
Domaine Fontaine du Clos 2011 Reflets de l’Ame Vacqueyras ($20.95 - #343392) – liquid red licorice dipped in chocolate and covered in blueberries. (****)
Domaine le Grand Retour 2011 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #224592) – ripe, juicy and ready with cherry, blue and black berry. (****+)
Perrin 2011 Peyre Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($17.95 - #650960) – elegance of fruit, sweet cherry, vanilla and silky tannins. (****+) – N+W
Pierre Amadieu 2011 Romane Machotte Gigondas ($24.95 - #017400) – lush, plush and deliciously drinkable; plenty of black and red fruit along with chocolate, hints of spice and pleasant linger on the finish. (****+) – N+W

Germany …
Joh. Jos. Christoffel Erben Urzigen Wirzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2011 ($24.95 - #336396) – balanced sweetness with nice floral, mineral and fruit all coming together. (****) – N+W

Italy (Piedmont) …
Inalto 2007 Barolo ($39.95 - #344713) – licorice, cherry kirsch and spice. (****) – N+W
Michele Chiarlo 2012 Nivole Moscato D’Asti ($16.95 - #942888) – tropical fruit loaded with pretty, floral and melon; a true summer delight. (****)
Italy (Sicily) …
Mandrarossa Cartagho 2009 ($19.95 - #346593) – dark and spicy (*** ½+)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Falchini Vigna a Solatio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2012 ($16.95 - #994012) – baked fruit with a flinty apple core. (*** ½)
Fonterutoli 2010 Chianti Classico ($24.95 - #977629) – cherry, mocha, coffee, dried cherry and oak spice. (****) – N+W
Villa I Cipressi Zebras 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ($45.95 - #270595) – shows finesse in all its earthy-dried-fruit glory. (*** ½+) – N+W
Italy (Veneto) …
Farina 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella ($35.95 - #995910) – coffee and cigar box with nice elegant fruit and a meatiness on the finish. (****)
Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010 ($17.95 - #338913) – coffee, smoke, toast and cherry; but it’s the coffee that keeps coming back. (****)
Riondo Castelforte Corvina 2010 ($14.95 - #230649) – plenty of cherry and blueberry with the merest hint of white pepper. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …
Thornbury 2010 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #329706) – black cherry, rich smokiness with nice oak and spice. (****)
Two Rivers of Marlborough 2012 Convergence Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 - #277707) – herbaceous but with more umph, along with mucho citrus pith on the finish. (*** ½+)
Waimea 2010 Viognier ($19.95 - #325969) – almost too good for words, really shows what Viognier is capable of: floral, orange zest, spice and nice acidity replay on the finish. (****+)

Portugal …
Guadalupe 2010 Red ($13.95 - #336313) – good buy in an easy sipper with its easy silky palate that has some complexity on the finish. (*** ½+)

South Africa …
Excelsior 2012 Chardonnay ($12.95 - #339911) – fresh, clean and rather tasty along with apple and lemon pith; good value in an everyday quaffer. (*** ½+)

Spain …
Barco de Piedra 2011 Tinto ($17.00 - #336289) – nice cherry, raspberry and vanilla. (****)
Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha ($19.95 - #329086) – stunning and delicious: plum, cherry, cassis, blackberry, chocolate along with a mineral chalkiness, but mainly juicy, pure fruit and spice. (**** ½) – N+W
Diego Zamora Licor 43 ($38.95 - #263780) – hedonistically delicious, pair with a dollop of heavy cream and prepare for a party, and a headache the next morning. (**** ½)
Finca La Emperatriz Viura 2011 ($15.95 - #342766) – pleasant and tropically tinged all the way to the finish; apricot, pineapple and hints of vanilla on the mid-palate. (****)
Ramon Bibao 2006 Reserva ($19.95 - #281097) – dried fruit mixed with fresh fruit and balancing tannins. (*** ½+) – N+W

United States (California) …
Belle Glos 2011 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #652883) – deep, rich and fruit driven with plum, black cherry, vanilla and cinnamon; also with elements of spice and acidity waiting in the wings. (****)
Beringer 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #091058) – silkiness on the tongue, deliciously dark fruit driven. (****+) – N+W
Mer Soleil 2010 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($34.95 - #958975) – caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, but almost fruitless, and there is a market for this.  (*** ½+)
Michael David 2010 Petite Petit ($24.95 - #213017) – intense with chocolate and white pepper along with a smoky sweetness. (****)
Pine Ridge 2012 Chenin Blanc / Viognier ($21.95 - #673756) – playful with apple, peach pit, and some floral notes for good luck. (*** ½+)
Plume 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.95 - #287367) – chocolate, plum, currants, vanilla, clove, it’s all in there with silky tannins; pretty wine. (****+)
Simi 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #025221) – chocolate, blackberry and vanilla. (*** ½+)
Sivas-Sonoma 2011 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #339671) – subtle vanilla, green apple puree and hints of tropical with good acidity and a spiced finish. (*** ½+)
Villa Mt. Eden 2008 Antique Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256719) – cherry-cola, vanilla, licorice, sandalwood, with silky tannins; really intense, the way good Zin should be. (****+)


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Aldegheri 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($51.95 - #987305) - **** (N+W)
Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne ($91.95 - #724559) - **** (TIFF)
Kistler 2011 Les Noisetiers Chardonnay ($76.95 - #251223) - ****+ (N+W)
Louis Jadot 2010 Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru ($52.95 - #121319) - ****+ (N+W)
Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne ($62.95 - #814723) - ****+ (TIFF)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 31, 2013 …
Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha ($19.95 - #329086) – Spain
Domaine le Grand Retour 2011 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #224592) – France
Villa Mt. Eden 2008 Antique Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256719) – United States
Waimea 2010 Viognier ($19.95 - #325969) – New Zealand

Happy Shopping



In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves August 31, 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.

11 wines are being released, here are scores for 8 of them.

Three-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Chateau de Myrat 2009 ($27.85 / 375ml - #188995) ... Bordeaux, France
Chateau Siaurac 2009 ($28.85 - #192013) ... Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Domaine Vrignaud 2011 Les Vaupulans Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru ($34.95 - #346148) ... Burgundy, France
Morgan 2009 Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir ($65.95 - #327528) ... California, USA

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Varnier-Fanniere Grand Cru Brut Champagne ($56.95 - #340158) ... Champagne, France
Chateau Lusseau 2009 ($43.95 - #193987) ... Bordeaux, France
Chevalier de Lascombes 2009 ($44.85 - #195958) ... Bordeaux, France


Vintages Shop Online August 22, 2013 Release

Here are scores for all 5 of the wines being release on the 22nd of August thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, this is one of the few times that we have gotten to try all the wines being released.  No notes are given, just the star rating.

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler 2011 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ($53.00 - #040600) … Germany
Finca La Emperatriz Terruno 2008 ($37.00 - #343061) … Spain
Le Cadeau Vineyard 2010 Diversite Pinot Noir ($59.00 - #199752) … United States

Four Star Wines (****) …
Vinya Selva de Mar Mas Estela Red 2006 ($37.00 - #684613) … Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 Years Old Tawny Port ($74.00 - #642652) ... Portugal


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Saturday August 17, 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 … Aussie Whites (AW) and The Other Italy (OI)
The Skinny … A rather sparse and under-whelming Aussie White focus and a so-so Italy look makes this a prime candidate for the summertime blues … but there are three Chardonnays that save the day (Ontario / Burgundy / Oregon) and a Zin worthy of a backyard BBQ (California).

Argentina …
Dieter Meier Puro Corte 2010 ($16.95 - #305094) – chocolate, white pepper and black cherry. (*** ½+)
Fabre Montmayou 2010 Gran Reserva Malbec ($19.95 - #279802) – juicy raspberry, plum and spice. (*** ½+)
Sottano 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvingon ($24.95 - #324707) – nice herbal, chocolate, vanilla, plum with a nice spice-tannin finish. (****)

Australia …
Bird in the Hand 2011 Sparkling Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #327429) – just of touch of colour to this bubbly with a funny little melon note along with nice acidity and strawberry. (*** ½)
Bird in the Hand Two in the Bush 2011 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #327759) – cocoa-cherry with grippy tannins. (*** ½+)
D’Arenberg 2011 The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne ($18.95 - #662775) – pear skin, peach pit and spiced pineapple. (*** ½+) - AW
Paxton 2011 MV Shiraz ($17.95 - #327403) – peppery, blackberry, cassis with real presence on the palate. (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Quails’ Gate 2011 Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #585760) – lots of raspberry, mocha with spiced cranberry on the finish. (****)
Canada (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review
Coffin Ridge 2012 Bone Dry Riesling ($17.00 - #232744) - ****
Daniel Lenko 2010 Old Vines Chardonnay ($22.95 - #352328) - ****
Fielding 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #164491) - *** ½+
Good Earth 2012 Betty’s Blend ($17.95 - #327791) - ****
Henry of Pelham 2010 Family Tree Red ($18.95 - #247882) - ****
Palatine Hills 2012 Neufeld Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($18.00 - #352344) - *** ½+
Sunnybrook 2011 Cherry Blossom Wine ($18.95 - #331082) - ****

France (Beaujolais) …
Domaine des Houdieres 2011 Fleurie ($16.95 - #342725) – spiced cherry with a meaty middle. (*** ½+)
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Haut Colombier 2009 ($17.95 - #336891) – mocha and spice with cassis and some chalky notes. (*** ½+)
Chateau la Fleur Grands Landes Fleur Carrere 2010 ($17.95 - #336909) – smoky, meaty, leathery and mocha; quite interesting. (*** ½+)
Chateau Prieure Canteloup 2009 ($18.85 - #194415) – dark berries, coffee and spice; drinks well right now. (*** ½+)
Cheval Quancard 2011 Reserve Sauvignon/Semillon ($14.95 - #336842)- dry white with some smoky notes, grilled tropical fruit like guava and papaya with a chalky finish. (*** ½+)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine de la Croix Senaillet Saint-Veran ($22.95 - #337832) – pleasant palate with lemon-lime, and nice minerality also look for hints of melon on the finish; very fresh tasting. (****+)
France (Champagne) …
Jacquart Mosaique Brut Champagne ($44.95 - #664672) – biscuity, honeycomb, beeswax and lanolin with bits of lemon curd. (****)
France (Rhone) …
Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($23.95 - #076349) – lots of dark fruit with elements of spice and pepper to even it out. (****)
Domaine Lafond 2012 Roc-Epine Tavel Rose ($17.95 - #950709) – pretty in pink with raspberry and strawberry, hints of watermelon and mineral, nice dry finish with peppered notes. (*** ½+)
Domaine Marie Blanche Cotes du Rhone Villages Signargues 2010 ($16.95 - #328179) – lots of juicy red and black berries. (****)

Germany …
Schmitges Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese 2011 ($25.95 - #336180) – great mineral, citrus, and talc; dried apple and some spice also make an appearance, very pretty.  This will catch you off guard; it’s a Spatlese with a nice drying ability. (****)

Italy (Abruzzo) …
Talamonti 2008 Tre Saggi Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #204016) – vanilla, cherry and spice. (*** ½+) – OI
Italy (Alto Adige / Trentino) …
Mezzacorona 2009 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva ($15.95 - #732222) – lots of fruit, red and black, with licorice and clove notes. (****) – OI
Italy (Calabria) …
Ippolito 1845 Calabrise Rosso 2011 ($19.95 - #338970) – nice spiced cherry with dark cocoa. (*** ½+) - OI
Italy (Campania) …
Terredora Loggia della Serra Greco di Tufo 2011 ($17.95 - #983197) – has a real mouth presence with smoky vanilla and grilled pineapple. (****) - OI
Italy (Lazio) …
Cantine Volpetti 2011 Le Piantate ($15.95 - #344242) – think of liquid good and plentys with cherry syrup. (*** ½+) - OI
Italy (Sardinia) …
Argiolas Perdera 2010 ($17.95 - #297556) – sweet cherry with hints of licorice. (****) - OI
Italy (Tuscany) …
Caparzo 2010 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #333575) – nice red fruit based easy drinking red with a little spiced plum and some herbal notes on the finish. (*** ½+)
Volpaia 2010 Chianti Classico ($24.95 - #953828) – juicy beginning leads to some herbs and spice on the finish. (****)
Italy (Umbria) …
Villa Mora 2008 Montefalco Sagrantino ($19.95 - #342394) – dark fruit, anise and herbs. (*** ½+) – OI
Italy (Veneto) …
Pasqua 2010 Black Label Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($18.95 - #203968) – smooth, easy drinking, blackberry, plum and black cherry with hints of spiced mocha on finish. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …
HaHa 2011 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #331116) – juicy blackberry and cassis with vanilla and spice. (*** ½+)
Spinyback 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #694737) – the nose is grassy but the palate is grapefruit/passionfruit cocktail. (****)

Portugal …
Burro Velho Aragones/Syrah 2010 ($14.95 - #342774) – cherry and chocolate by the truck load. (****)

Spain …
Finca Nueva 2008 Crianza ($16.95 - #292763) – plenty of vanilla and spiced cherry. (*** ½+)
Jose Pariente Verdejo 2012 ($16.95 - #345058) – crisp with grapefruit pith, floral and mineral with a little smokiness. (*** ½)
Torres 2010 Celeste Crianza ($22.95 - #210872) – fruit forward with spice backing a nicely balanced finish. (****)
Totus Tuus Reserva Cava ($15.95 - #226282) – nice lemon and apple crispness. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …
Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) – it’s the usual vanilla, cola, cherry, and raspberry; in this case usual is a good thing. (****+)
First Press 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #188110) – nice blackberry and black cherry with lots of juicy fruit and a little spice; ready to drink. (*** ½+)
J. Lohr 2011 October Night Chardonnay ($26.95 - #225375) – vanilla cream seems to be the saving grace of this Chard. (*** ½+)
Truchard 2011 Chardonnay ($34.95 - #060459) – sweet fruited and tropical with pear and vanilla notes; there’s also a nice bite back on the lingering finish. (****)
United States (Oregon) …
Carabella 2009 Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay ($26.95 - #180133) – big and creamy with nice tropical notes, plenty of vanilla and creamy peach. (****+)
Elk Cove 2011 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #234534) – plenty of sweet, juicy cherry with herbs and spice … also available in 375ml size. (*** ½+)
United States (Washington) …
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($35.95 - #955617) – smooth with chocolate, pepper and cherry. (****)
Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #210047) – juicy with plum, vanilla and cherry cola. (*** ½+)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 17, 2013 …
Carabella 2009 Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay ($26.95 - #180133) – Oregon, USA
Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) – California, USA
Daniel Lenko 2010 Old Vines Chardonnay ($22.95 - #352328) – Ontario, Canada
Domaine de la Croix Senaillet Saint-Veran ($22.95 - #337832) – Burgundy, France


Happy Shopping



In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves August 17, 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.

10 wines are being released, here are scores for 11 of them.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red 2012 ($13.95 - #936765) ... Italy

Three-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Saddleback Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #192351) ... California, USA
Chateau Faizeau 2009 Vieilles Vignes ($25.00 - #269928) ... Bordeaux, France
Chateau Fougas Maldoror 2009 ($28.85 - #195941) ... Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne ($49.95 - #924670) ... Champagne, France
Evening Land 2011 Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir ($46.95 - #337147) ... California, USA
Chateau La Croix de Gay 2009 ($51.85 - #192955) ... Bordeaux, France
Chateau Paloumey 2009 ($28.95 - #189241) ... Bordeaux, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Bollig-Lehnert 2006 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Auslese ($15.95 - #336420) ... Germany

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Brochet-Hervieux 1997 Premier Cru Brut Champagne ($72.95 - #340141) ... Champagne, France – just look at the year, and it barely shows its age, maybe the slight beeswax and honey notes might give it away.


Vintages Shop Online July 25, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 3 of the 5 wines that were released on the 25th of July thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, two of the wines were just not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four Star Wines (****+) …
Lighthall 2011 Pinot Noir ($25.00 - #335794) … Ontario, Canada – click wine name for full review
Tilenus Pagos de Posado Mencia 2004 ($35.00 - #065037) ... Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Rafael Reverte Cistum 2009 ($52.00 - #342790) ... Spain


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Saturday August 3, 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 … Fresh French Whites (FFW) and a small look at Shiraz / Syrah (SHSY)
The Skinny … South African Syrah that’s pretty darn good, if you’re looking for fruit forward you might want to check out the Bonarda from Argentina, plus a wine that’s really great, especially if you have $105 burning a hole in your pocket.

Argentina …
Don David 2011 Finca La Maravilla #6 Malbec ($16.95 - #322826) – good chocolate and spice with intense blackberry, mocha and licorice. (****)
La Posta 2011 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) – sweet and supple fruit with lovely round mouthfeel and a touch of smokiness. (****)
Zuccardi 2009 Q Tempranillo ($19.95 - #973503) – rich and juicy with spicy blackberry, vanilla and plum. (****)

Australia …
Salena Estate 2010 Ink Series Petit Verdot ($18.95 - #327445) – intense in both colour and flavour with good acidity and nice pepper notes. (****)
St. Hallett 2009 Blackwell Shiraz ($34.95 - #535104) – hint of pepper and spice with backberry, plum and wood smoke. (****+)
Swings & Roundabouts 2011 Shiraz ($21.95 - #329839) – nice bit of pepper with some great blackberry notes. (*** ½+)

Canada (Ontario) … (click wine name for full review)
Calamus 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #210062) - *** ½
Featherstone 2011 Cabernet Franc ($16.95 - #64618) - ****
Kacabo 2012 Summer Series Rebecca Rosé ($14.95 - #227025) - *** ½
Megalomaniac 2010 BigMouth Merlot ($24.95 - #67645) - *** ½
Peninsula Ridge 2010 Reserve Syrah ($24.95 - #230896) - *** ½+ (SHSY)
Tawse 2010 Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($31.95 - #130997) - ****

Chile …
Korta 2010 Reserve Syrah ($15.95 - #327577) – smooth and lush, lots of gentle black fruit with elements of smoke and spice. (****) - SHSY
Montes 2010 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #322586) – chocolate, blackberry and mint; really very smooth. (*** ½+)
Quintay 2011 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve Q ($16.95 - #325449) – cherry, cranberry with dark notes of cocoa coated cherry undertones on the finish. (*** ½+)
Ritual 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #328401) – far from a big in your face type of Sauvignon Blanc but it has real charm. (*** ½+)
Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #684597) – minty black fruit with vanilla and spice all leading to a peppery finish. (*** ½+)
Ventisquero 2010 Grey Single Block Carmenere ($19.95 - #325415) – blueberry and black cherry with delicious herbal notes and lovely spice. (****+)

France (Alsace) …
Andre Blanck 2012 Altenburg Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #168906) – oily with spicy and ginger notes; it’s a really nice Gewurzt but you have to be a fan of the grape, it does have a sweet side though. (****) – FFW
Rolly Gassmann 2009 Riesling ($20.95 - #328898) – there’s a Mosel kind of quality to this wine. (*** ½+) – FFW
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Dalem 2009 ($33.85 - #191213) – blackberry, cassis, tobacco and wood, should age well as the fruit is starting to emerge. (*** ½+)
Chateau D’Aurilhac 2009 ($23.85 - #189035) – vanilla, blackberry with a spiced-cherry-vanilla finish; nice fight on the finish between acidity and tannins. (****)
France (Burgundy) …
Alain Geoffroy 2011 Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru ($27.95 - #733501) – shows some floral and mineral with a grapefruit cocktail finish. (****) – FFW
Chanson Pere & Fils 2010 Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru ($48.95 - #330001) – spicy dark berries and licorice with touches of salty-coffee on the finish. (*** ½+)
Domaine Chevallier 2010 Chablis ($19.95 - #112227) – peach and mineral freshness; there’s a big fruit component to this one. (*** ½+) – FFW
France (Champagne) …
Hiedsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne ($49.95 - #68288) – lovely biscuit notes with element of sweetness and come mac apple fruit. (*** ½) - FFW
France (Loire) …
Jerome Godon 2011 Sancerre ($23.95 - #327734) – grapefruit zest and pith with just enough grassiness to scream Sauvignon Blanc to your tastebuds. (*** ½+) – FFW
Marc Bredif 2011 Vouvray ($19.95 - #685362) – nice sweetness of fruit with lanolin and beeswax backing; this one is always fresh on the palate sip after sip. (****) – FFW
Michel Delhommeau 2011 Cuvee Harmonie Sur Lie Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($13.95 - #164624) – mainly white fruit driven with soft citrus notes backing. (*** ½+) – FFW 
France (Rhone) …
Vignerons de Caractere Seigneur de Fontimple Vacqueyras 2010 ($19.95 - #234013) – licorice, black cherry, spice and fresh ground pepper. (*** ½+)
Xavier 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape ($39.95 - #244814) – lots of sweet red and black fruit with elegant spice and floral notes. (****+)
France (Southwest) …
Lionel Osmin & Cie 2010 Villa la Reserve Malbec ($14.95 - #328641) – quite fruity with blackberry and cherry. (*** ½)

Germany …
Darting Durkheimer Nonnengarten Gewurztraminer Kabinett 2012 ($17.95 - #944181) – rose petal and lychee with gently spiced orange peel. (*** ½+)

Italy (Veneto) …
Trabucchi D’Illasi Terra del Galante Amarone della Valpolicella 2007 ($41.95 - #248500) – has a sexiness to it; quite port-like with cherry, chocolate and just enough spice to keep it honest. (****)

South Africa …
Delheim 2010 Shiraz ($17.95 - #959080) – oddly appealing yet typically South Africa, and here in the Syrah it works: peppery, smoky with coffee and tarry notes, shows good elegance. (****) - SHSY
Ken Forrester 2011 Reserve Chenin Blanc ($17.95 - #231282) – interesting intensity here with floral and honeycomb notes with a spiced finish. (*** ½+)
The Grinder 2012 Pinotage ($13.95 - #269076) – hello coffee, goodbye wine; this could substitute for your morning cup’o Joe. (*** ½)

Spain …
Bodegas Lan 2007 Reserva ($21.95 - #42929) –fresh roasted coffee, red licorice and cherry with a gentle spice and ripe red cherry finish. (****)
Ondarra 2006 Reserva ($17.95 - #723452) – spiced sweet cherry, blackberry and hints of vanilla. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …
Brandlin Estate 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #340513) – lots of delicious red and black fruit with vanilla, plum and chocolate.(****+)
Cameron Hughes 2009 Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #329854) – nice silky palate with generous fruit. (*** ½+)
Ghost Pines 2011 Winemaker’s Blend Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269373) – a jammy Zin for a decent price. (*** ½)
Irony 2011 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #27409) – nice fruit and decent oak for not a bad price. (*** ½)
J Lohr 2011 South Ridge Syrah ($19.95 - #948240) – smooth sipping with plum and black cherry, look for the raspberry jam finish. (*** ½) – SHSY
Macrostie 2009 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay ($45.95 - #59733) – big, ballsy and oh so California with all that oak; vanilla, butterscotch, and spice, not my cup of tea of a Chardonnay but there are those that dig the style. (*** ½+)


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Cade 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($105.00 - #325027) – California, USA - (**** ½)
Rodney Strong 2009 Symmetry ($59.95 - #641142) – California, USA – (****)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 3, 2013 …
Andre Blanck 2012 Altenburg Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #168906) – France
Delheim 2010 Shiraz ($17.95 - #959080) – South Africa
La Posta 2011 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) – Argentina
Ventisquero 2010 Grey Single Block Carmenere ($19.95 - #325415) – Chile


Happy Shopping