Monday, May 19, 2014

Saturday May 24, 2014 - 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 Crisp Whites (FCW) and Rhone Roundup (RR)
The Skinny … The Rhone makes some beautiful wines and there are some in this release; there’s a couple from South America worth picking up and a new Henry of Pelham red that will knock your socks off at an unbelievable price.

Argentina …
Chakana 2011 Maipe Reserva Bonarda ($18.95 - #361212) – dark chocolate, black cherry with a nice juicy core.  (*** ½+)
Crios de Susana Balbo 2013 Torrontes ($13.95 - #001834) – fresh, lively and fruity with orange blossom and melon rind.  (*** ½+) – FCW
Fabre Montmayou 2012 Reserva Malbec ($15.95 - #261867) – rich and concentrated with violet and black cherry.  (*** ½+)
Leo 2011 Premium Malbec ($19.95 - #375121) – roasted coffee, blueberry, plum, cinnamon, black and red cherry, cassis; obviously quite complex and tasty.  (****+)
Raza Dolce 2013 Torrontes Sparkling Wine ($15.95 - #363481) – fake moscato, sweet and fizzy; perfect for those unpretentious days on the patio.  (*** ½)

Australia …
De Bortoli 2012 Gulf Station Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #015511) – for Aussie Pinot Noir this is good stuff, the earthy-strawberry sings and the acidity is balanced.  (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Mission Hill 2012 Family Reserve Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #537076) – a touch of peach mixed with plenty of acidity.  (*** ½+)
Canada (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review
Henry of Pelham 2012 Family Tree Red ($18.95 - #247882) - **** ½
Inniskillin 2013 Pinot Noir Rose ($14.95 - #336461) - *** ½
Riverview 2011 Fontana Dolce ($14.95 - #365825) - *** ½
Sunnybrook Estate 2012 Pear Blossom Wine ($18.95 - #372359) - ****

Chile …
Claro Magnolo 2011 Reserve Malbec ($13.95 - #365932) – hints of pepper with dark fruit, violets and cassis; smooth and silky.  (*** ½+)
Montes 2010 Alpha Syrah ($19.95 - #000612) – smoky, white pepper, blueberry, hints of vanilla and a meaty quality; the complexity is lovely.  (****+)

France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Camp de la Hire ($16.95 - #365866) – earthy-licorice notes with dark fruit and nice tannins grip.  (*** ½+)
Chateau Saransot-Dupre 2010 ($28.95 - #065870) – rich concentrated fruit, dark with cocoa, coffee and spice.  (****)
France (Burgundy) …
Bailly- Lapierre Brut Chardonnay Cremant de Bourgogne ($24.95 - #369066) – nice and frothy with lemon-lime and breadines with good acidity.  (****)
France (Midi) …
Beauvignac 2013 Picpoul de Pinet ($13.95 - #350124) – grassy, peach pit and green apple skin; crisp, light and refreshing.  (*** ½+) - FCW
France (Rhone) …
Chateau Grand Dignitaire 2012 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Gadagne ($18.95 - #376475) – such juicy fruit all red and all enjoyable.  (*** ½+) – RR
Clos Bellane 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Valreas ($19.95 - #374991) – juicy and drinkable, quite pleasant, nice cherry and pretty strawberry.  (****) – RR
Domaine la Guintrandy 2012 Cotes du Rhone ($15.95 - #374975) – good cherry, plum and raspberry, white pepper, touches of mocha and good balancing acidity.  (****) – RR
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine 2011 Lirac ($18.95 - #128660) – meaty, cola, dark fruit, anise and chocolate.  (****+) – RR
Domaine Martin 2011 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($19.95 - #370197) – nice fruit, leather and mocha, good spice and a long finish.  (****) – RR
Domaine Saint-Pierre 2011 Vacqueyras ($25.95 - #130013) – nicely spiced, rich plum and dark fruit.  (*** ½+) – RR
La Font du Vent 2010 Notre Passion Cotes du Rhone-Villages Signargues ($16.95 - #370221) – silky smooth and easy drinking but the acidity balances it.  (*** ½+) – RR
France (Southwest) …
Chateau Bellevue 2013 La Foret Rosé ($14.95 - #219840) – nice, dry, subtle lemon and strawberry pith.  (*** ½+)
Chateau Vincens 2011 Prestige ($17.95 - #272427) – melds the Argentine fruit to the smoky, tannic version of Cahors: nice plum, vanilla and black cherry.  (****)

Italy (Tuscany) …
Coltibuono 2011 RS Chianti Classico ($21.95 - #532002) – starts with a touch of sweet fruit with silky tannins and a floral characteristic also has cinnamon and a nice dry finish.  (*** ½+)

Luxembourg …
Bernard-Massard Cuvee de L’Ecusson Brut Rosé ($21.95 - #369074) – nice elevated acidity with lime zest and pith with hints of tart raspberry; pretty and playful.  (****)

New Zealand …
Stoneleigh 2012 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #324228) – melon, grassy, and grapefruit cocktail, pretty tempting for Sauvignon Blanc fans.  (****) - FCW

Portugal …
Dow’s 2008 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($17.95 - #613927) – silky, sweet and smooth:  layers of plum, black cherry  and chocolate with good acidity.  (*** ½+)
Meandro do Vale Meao 2011 ($24.95 - #244731) – complex and juicy with black cherry, blueberry, plum, smoked chocolate, nice acidity and minerality with a chalky substantive finish; this wine is almost chewy.  (****+)

Spain …
Cosme Palacio 2007 Reserva ($23.95 - #014662) – dried cherry and strawberry with good acidity.  (*** ½+)
Monte Pinadillo 2010 Crianza ($19.95 - #360768) – juicy blackberry and mocha and a nice spice on the finish.  (****+)

United States (California) …
Stonehedge 2012 Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95 - #311548) – sweet fruit like peaches and apricots along with vanilla and pineapple.  (*** ½+)
Summers 2010 Calistoga Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95 - #279380) – shows nice complexity with blackberry, cassis, mocha and good spice.  (****)
United States (Oregon) …
Alexana 2012 Red Label Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #372367) – balances some California sweet fruitedness with Oregon earthiness: rich yet refined; nice spice with good acid backbone (*** ½+)
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #366294) – mellow grapefruit pith with mac apple and lemon zest.  (*** ½+) - FCW
________________________________________

In-Store Discoveries – wines that just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet  …
JC Cellars 2008 Eagle Point Ranch Petite Sirah ($55.00 - #327551) – California, USA (*** ½+)
KEW Vineyards 2011 Blanc de Noir ($29.95 - #380030) – Ontario, Canada (****)
Raymond 2010 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon ($130 - #941492) – California, USA (****+)
Raymond 2010 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon ($75.00 - #369280) – California, USA (****)
Torres 2010 Perpetual ($49.95 - #265710) – Spain (****)


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Albert Morot 2011 Beaune Les Teurons 1er Cru ($59.95 - #902833) – Burgundy, France (****+)
Bosquet des Papes 2011 Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($50.95 - #726687) – Rhone, France (****+) – RR
Chalk Hill 2009 Estate Red ($79.95 - #330225) – California, USA (*** ½+)
E. Guigal 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($59.95 - #727503) – Rhone, France (****) – RR
Lamiable Brut Grand Cru Champagne ($53.95 - #374298) – Champagne, France (****+)
Mica 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($121.95 - #210658) – California, USA (*** ½+)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – May 24, 2014 …
Chateau Vincens 2011 Prestige ($17.95 - #272427) – France
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine 2011 Lirac ($18.95 - #128660) – France
Henry of Pelham 2012 Family Tree Red ($18.95 - #247882) – Canada
Leo 2011 Premium Malbec ($19.95 - #375121) – Argentina
Montes 2010 Alpha Syrah ($19.95 - #000612) – Chile

Happy Shopping



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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Saturday May 10, 2014 - 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 … Germany (GER); Rosé (ROS) and South America (SA)
The Skinny … It’s rosé season and there are plenty coming out, but not all are worth your hard earned dollar, but look for some of the bubblies and the one’s from France to impress.

Argentina …
Achaval Ferrer 2012 Malbec ($25.95 - #024737) – blackberry, smoky vanilla and tobacco.  (*** ½+) - SA
Hermanos de Domingo Molia 2012 Torrontes ($16.95 - #303685) – if you’ve never tried this torrential grape from Argentina this would be a decent place to start: floral and pineapple with hints of lime meringue.  (*** ½+) – SA
Maipe 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #246116) – vanilla, cedar, cassis and blackberry with beauty spice on the finish.  (****) – SA
Trapiche 2011 Broquel Bonarda ($14.95 - #055558) – juicy blackberry palate and a red berry nose; playful in the mouth.  (*** ½+) – SA

Australia …
Saltram 2011 Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.95 - #048579) – smoky vanilla and chocolate rule the roost here, fruit takes a backseat.  (*** ½+)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Quails’ Gate 2011 Merlot ($25.95 - #169961) – a little mocha amongst the blueberry, raspberry and spice.  (****)
Canada (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review
Chateau des Charmes 2011 Brut Rosé ($28.95 - #078055) - **** (ROS)
Featherstone 2012 Black Sheep Riesling ($16.95 - #080234) - **** ½
Flat Rock Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé ($16.95 - #039974) - ****+ (ROS)
Lailey Vineyard 2012 Select Late Harvest Vidal ($19.95 / 375ml - #072918) - ****

Chile …
Chilcas 2011 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #369454) – genuine Pinot Noir with raspberry and spiced vanilla with a juicy layer of white pepper.  (*** ½+) – SA
Tabali 2009 Reserva Especial ($22.95 - #107540) – nice peppery spice and juicy blackberry.  (*** ½+) - SA

France (Alsace) …
Joseph Cattin Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace ($17.95 - #264572) – touch of sweetness on the raspberry-lemon side of things.  (*** ½+)
France (Beaujolais) …
Vignerons de Bel-Air Ete Indien Brouilly 2012 ($17.95 - #159749) – very juicy with plenty of black cherry.  (*** ½+)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine Vincent Sauvestre 2012 Bourgogne Chardonnay ($18.95 - #365056) – mineral, citrus with a little vanilla punch and long finish.  (****)
Marchand-Tawse 2011 Pinot Noir Bourgogne ($27.95 – #285601) – cedary and tart cherry with big acidity, mouthfilling tannins and good minerality all with a pleasant finish.  (****)
France (Loire) …
Gratien & Meyer Brut Cremant de Loire ($18.95 - #369058) – crisp and refreshing with nice apple, lemon and bread crust and good acidity on the finish.  (****+)
Jean-Max Roger 2012 Cuvee GC Sancerre ($29.95 - #189126) – grassy and lemon with grapefruit rind on the finish.  (*** ½+)
France (Provence) …
Chateau La Tour de L’Eveque 2013 Rosé ($18.95 - #319392) – dry and delicate with the right amount of apricot and raspberry notes.  (*** ½+) - ROS
France (Rhone) …
Delas Freres 2011 Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage ($22.95 - #701359) – spicy with blackberry and black currant core, plum also sneaks its way in accompanied by a pleasant hit of spice.  (*** ½+)
Famille Perrin 2011 Les Sinards Chateauneuf du Pape ($19.95 / 375ml - #005975) – raspberry, cherry, sweet black licorice, vanilla and spice; all well balanced and truly enjoyable.  (****+)
Famille Perrin 2013 Tavel Rosé ($19.95 - #680801) – deliciously fruity with nice raspberry and strawberry with nice acidity.  (****) – ROS
Mas des Bressades 2013 Cuvee Traditon Rose ($15.95 - #950576) – apple core and strawberry with a nice rosy quality, great acidity on the finish.  (*** ½+)
France (Southwest) …
Chateau Ferran 2012 Classique ($16.95 - #370114) – blueberry core with black cherry backing, juicy, sweet middle with a dry tannin based finish.  (****+)

Germany …
Konigschaffhausen Vulkanfelsen Trocken Pinot Gris 2012 ($15.95 - #597500) – bright, juicy and refreshing with touches of sweetness at its core balanced with acidity.  (*** ½+) – GER
C.H. Berres Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2011 ($27.95 - #301952) – nicely balanced sweetness to acidity ratio with apple, peach, and mineral.  (****) – GER
Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2007 ($20.95 - #998120) – good talcy-mineral sweetness with apple, peach, pear and a lovely length to the finish.  (*** ½+) - GER

Italy …
Florio 2010 Vecchioflorio Dolce Marsala Superiore ($14.95 - #371732) – caramel nut, butterscotch and vanilla; very flavourful. (****)
Italy (Marche) …
Ripa Marchetti Capolino 2011 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico ($16.95 - #369363) – quince, pear and apricot.  (*** ½+)
Italy (Piedmont) …
Banfi 2009 Regali La Lus Albarossa ($24.95 - #291575) – I loved the ’08 and I’m a fan again with the ’09.  This is a sit and drink all day kinda wine with great black cherry, touch of spice and dark cocoa; smooth and lovely finish.  (**** ½)
FontannaFredda 2008 Serralunga D’Alba Barolo ($39.95 - #943290) – nicely spiced, good dried cherry and acidity on the finish.  (****)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Cantalici Messer Ridolfo Chianti Classico Riserva 2009 ($33.95 - #368431) – chocolate cherry and black licorice.  (*** ½+)
Rocca delle Macie 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.95 - #930966) – spicy cherry and strawberry with a touch of that old style Chianti earthiness.  (*** ½+)
Ruffino 2009 Modus ($28.95 - #912956) – robust dark fruit and spice, there’s a tang and juiciness to this one; juicy meets savoury and rustic on the finish.  (****)
Italy (Veneto) …
Remo Farina 2011 Le Pezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($37.95 - #171587) – a fun Amarone with cherry, chocolate, vanilla, anise and mocha; well-balanced yet juicy.  (*** ½+)

New Zealand …
Auntsfield 2011 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($32.95 - #361246) – black cherry meets cranberry cocktail with touches of anise, black raspberry and currants.  (****+)
Borthwick Vineyard 2012 Paddy Borthwick Sauvignon Blanc ($20.95 - #361220) – there’s something interesting that I can’t quite put my finger on, but it’s very appealing with gooseberry and punched up grapefruit.  (*** ½+)
The Ned 2013 Pinot Gris ($16.95 - #267138) – jazzy and refreshing with light peach colour and a good grapefruit cocktail finish.  (****)

Portugal …
Quinta do Noval Black Port ($24.95 - #235689) – spicy black cherry and black licorice along with plum and big acidity, but remember it is a port with sweetness.  (****)

South Africa …
Fairview 2011 Petite Sirah ($23.95 - #366252) – has a fun little chocolate note with plenty of plum and spice.  (*** ½+)

Spain …
Valdemar 2010 Inspiracion Seleccion ($17.00 - #166512) – red and black berries mingle with vanilla, licorice and toasty oak.  (*** ½+)

United States (California) …
Beaulieu Vineyard 2010 Beaurouge ($24.95 - #363531) – Beaulieu’s version of Apothic Red but with a few more grapes in the mix including Bonarda which help to make it juicy and enjoyably red fruited.  (*** ½+)
Chandon Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine ($27.95 - #100693) – lively acidity and bread crust notes with slight almandine and lemon finish.  (****)
Santa Barbara Winery 2012 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #989152) – nice vanilla butteryness with touches of tropical pineapple.  (*** ½+)
The Crusher 2012 Viognier ($16.95 - #361964) – white fruit and floral with peach and pineapple puree on the finish.  (*** ½+)
United States (Oregon) …
Kings Ridge 2012 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #237776) – dark cherry and cranberry with a touch of sweet and a touch of savoury, quite tasty.  (****)
United States (Washington) …
Hedges Cellars 2011 CMS ($19.95 - #948992) – juicy and tasty with cherry, blueberry and cassis notes.  (*** ½+)
Milbrandt 2012 Traditions Riesling ($21.95 - #366278) – pleasant talc and pear notes. (*** ½+)

________________________________________

In-Store Discoveries – wines that just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet …
Coyote’s Run 2010 Rare Vintage Meritage ($39.95 - #042820) – Ontario (**** ½+)
Legacy 2009 ($98.95 - #708024) – California (*** ½+)
Stags’ Leap Winery 2010 Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah ($89.95 - #589572) – California (****)
Torbreck 2009 The Steading ($53.95 - #097220) – Australia (****+)

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Cade 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #296509) – California (****+)
Masi Serego Alighieri 2006 Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($69.95 - #462812) – Italy (****+)
Montes 2011 Purple Angel ($56.95 - #062364) – Chile (**** ½) - SA
Opus One 2010 ($459.00 - #026310) – California (****)
Peju 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.95 - #147314) – California (****)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – May 10, 2014 …
Banfi 2009 Regali La Lus Albarossa ($24.95 - #291575) – Italy
Chateau Ferran 2012 Classique ($16.95 - #370114) – France
Gratien & Meyer Brut Cremant de Loire ($18.95 - #369058) – France
Kings Ridge 2012 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #237776) – United States
Maipe 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #246116) – Argentina

Happy Shopping


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