Ontario "Vintages" Releases

Saturday February 4, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

2012-01-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

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

This release looks at California Cabs (CABS), Greek wines (GREC) and wines for Valentine's Day (LOVE) ... I have to be honest, I don't know whay constitutes a valentine's day wine but that's what the board called them so we'll have to go with it. Plus there's a More for Less (MOL) offering on Ontario wines, previously released wines that the LCBO has put on sale, I'm sure the wineries are getting screwed somehow on this one. And there are a number of wines worth lining up for, so I expanded the What I'm Buying section. So let's see what's on the menu this release ...

Argentina ...

Decero Remolinos Vineyard 2008 Malbec ($22.95 - #247304) - touch of minty with blackberry and plum. (****)

Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 ($17.95 - #178657) - if colour equaled price this would be double or triple what it is selling for: dark fruit, plum, blackberry, cassis, mocha and black cherry ... good spice and really flavourful with plenty of complexity. (**** 1/2)

La Posta 2008 Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec ($15.95 - #75515) - raspberry and chocolate dominate, well integrated and easy to drink. (****+)

Vina Cobos 2010 Felino Merlot ($19.95 - #248492) - black fruit, herbal quality, smooth and lush in the mouth with a blueberry-chocolate finish. (****+)

Australia ...

Epsilon 2009 Shiraz ($24.95 - #39552) - big fruit, big flavour ... takes away the pepper but add lots of raspberry jam. (*** 1/2+)

Kilikanoon 2007 Testament Shiraz ($39.95 - #50047) - dark chocolate, plum, cherry and blackberry on the mid-palate with a licorice and cocoa finish. (****)

S D.O.V. Grenache 2008 ($22.95 - #267963) - sweet, sweet fruit, very seductive with plum and cherry all the way through. (****)

Tapestry BG & V Shiraz 2009 ($17.95 - #247155) - this is a real finesse-filled Shiraz, and ballsy to boot and that's saying something ... great spice on the palate along with raspberry and sour cherry, there's even a hint of violets. (**** 1/2)

Canada …

(British Columbia)

See Ya Later Ranch 2009 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #263699) - deep hue, almost peachy colour with good flavour and a nice weight in the mouth; a good winter white. (*** 1/2)

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review

Cattail Creek 2007 Reserve Cabernet Merlot ($24.95 - #271825)

G Marquis 2009 The Silver Line Vidal Icewine ($27.95 - #262477) - LOVE

Henry of Pelham 2010 Pinot Blanc ($12.95 - #618827) - MOL

Jackson-Triggs 2006 Entourage Silver Series Brut Methode Classique ($22.95 - #234161)

Kacaba 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($22.95 - #262436)

Reif Estate 2007 Reserve Merlot ($16.95 - #935676) - MOL

Ridgepoint 2009 Cabernet Franc ($14.95 - #245639) - MOL

Rosewood 2009 Pinot Noir ($18.00 - #112177) - MOL

Stratus 2008 Chardonnay ($42.20 - #267856) - LOVE

Chile …

Maycas del Limari 2007 Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - 256701) - finesse and elegance in the glass, a must purchase, and in quantity. (**** 1/2)

France …

(Alsace)

Vieil Armand 2009 Medaille Gewurztraminer ($16.95 - #260158) - check this one out for its spicy rose petal, creamy yet spicy in the mouth with a wonderful linger. (****)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Haut Canteloup 2009 ($13.95 - #264747) - great for the price, it's an easy drinking, easy-to-get-acquainted with red Bordeaux for novices. (*** 1/2)

(Loire)

Domaine Fouassier 2009 Les Grands Groux Sancerre ($24.95 - #267948) - lovely grapefruit nose which leads to the same flavour on the tongue; you'll also find a slight minerality here, delicious. (****)

(Midi)

Domaine Boudau 2009 Tradition Cotes du Rousillon-Villages ($17.95 - #264622) - juicy black fruit and spice. (*** 1/2)

Domaine J. Laurens 2009 Les Grainenous Brut Cremant de Limoux ($18.95 - #183608) - a lemon meringue nose with a creamy, biscuity, lemon pith palate. (*** 1/2)

(Rhone)

Lavau 2009 Vacqueyras ($18.95 - #104927) - tobacco and spice with dark berry backing ... quite nice on the palate. (****)

Olivier Ravoire 2009 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages ($15.95 - #252171) - I've had better from the region but this is a juicy red-fruited number with hints of chocolate on the finish, for the price worth picking up. (*** 1/2)

Xavier 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($39.95 - #244814) - bold yet pretty with lots of dark fruit and chocolate. (****) - LOVE

Germany ...

Dr Loosen 2010 Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #160846) - lovely minerality, nice fruit, hint of sweetness, pretty finish; what more could you want? (****+)

Greece ...

Kir-Yianni 2008 Ramnista Xinomavro ($19.95 - #178020) - rustic yet tasty, full of earthy, blambly notes and cassis with a spice licorice finish ... age 5+ years. (*** 1/2+) - GREC

Limnos Winery 2010 Muscat of Limnos ($13.95 - #268029) - this is muscat with bite, a real interesting sweetie. (*** 1/2) - GREC

Sigalas 2010 Assyrtiko Santorini ($21.95 - #74781) - powerful ballsy white, very interesting ... serve cold. (*** 1/2) - GREC

Tsantali 2007 Reserve Rapsani ($15.95 - #734855) - sour red fruit and spice; drinkable now. (****) - GREC

Italy …

(Abruzzo)

Cuore 2008 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo ($14.95 - #230631) - lots of dark fruit, mocha notes and smooth; very drinkable. (****)

(Piedmont)

Bricchi Astigiani 2008 Bricco del Perg Barbera D'Asti Superiore ($16.95 - #234922) - minerally raspberry and cherry, takes a few sips to get into. (*** 1/2)

(Tuscany)

Amantis 2006 Sangiovese Montecucco ($29.95 - #234930) - the ribbed label I am sure adds a few dollars but it's a nice wine none the less with lots of black fruited juiciness. (*** 1/2+)

Fontodi 2008 Chianti Classico ($29.95 - #933317) - decent Chianti that brings the rustic into the present with tannins, acidity and fruit. (*** 1/2)

(Veneto)

Albino Armani Egle Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008 ($15.95 - #247916) - vanilla, cocoa and cherry, drinks smooth with a mocha finish. (*** 1/2+)

Maculan 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #987701) - it's an Italian take on the classic cab, juicy yet rustic. (*** 1/2+)

Mexico ...

LA Cetto 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.95 - #114066) - it's quite simple but you just can't beat the price. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #590414) - nice earthy sour cherry and cranberry with a little green vegetation. (*** 1/2)

Thatched Hut 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #262782) - grassy, grapefruit and goosy on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Cortes de Cima 2010 Chamine ($15.95 - #650291) - juicy dark fruit: blackberry, blueberry and plum, nice blueberry and vanilla finish. (*** 1/2+)

Fita Preta Tinto 2008 ($19.95 - #244764) - cherry, coffee, vanilla, spice, and plum. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Barista 2010 Pinotage ($15.95 - #172585) - the South Africans are really playing up the coffee aspect in Pinotage, this one is more cafe mocha then espresso. (*** 1/2+)

Muratie 2007 Shiraz ($24.95 - #663278) - tobacco spice and dark fruit with hints of tar on the finish. (*** 1/2)

Spain ...

Codorniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava ($14.95 - #521773) - lovely lemony-apple nose with a bready-lemony palate, a real bargain. (*** 1/2+)

Finca Nueva Reserva 2004 ($19.95 - #268425) - good mix of new world fruit and rustic charm. (*** 1/2+)

Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos ($19.95 - #246660) - great nose which lures you in with black cherry, plum and cocoa; the palate is dark fruit driven and follows the nose. (****+)

United States …

(California)

Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #642207) - nice fruit, some complexity found mainly on the palate. (*** 1/2) - CABS

Duckhorn 2009 Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($32.95 - #186171) - juicy fruit and easy to drink. (*** 1/2+) - CABS

Francis Coppola 2008 Diamond Collection Blue Label Merlot ($12.95 - #250001) - sweet and fruity, a real quaffer. (*** 1/2)

Landmark 2008 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay ($45.95 - #356519) - quite a woodsy Chardonnay, but it does have nicely resolved fruit amongst all that vanilla and caramel in the mouth. (*** 1/2+)

MacMurray Ranch 2009 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #262063) - this is one surprisingly good Chardonnay, there is some seriously sweet fruit on the palate, which is in juxtapositions with the rich vanilla-caramel you find on the nose. (****)

Ravenswood 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel ($19.95 - #942599) - full of vanilla-cola, plum, cherry, chocolate and balancing acidity; here's one for ribs around the BBQ this summer ... surprisingly not too heavy considering the 14.5% alcohol. (****+)

(Oregon)

A to Z 2009 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #258145) - light, refreshing and easy to drink. (*** 1/2)

If You Can Afford It ...

Beaulieu Vineyard 2007 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.95 - #80218) - **** 1/2+ ... CABS

Caymus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #222877) - ****+ ... CABS

Dunn Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($87.95 - #193854) - **** ... CABS

Hall 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #273391) - **** ... CABS

Robert Mondavi 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.95 - #670463) - **** 1/2+ ... CABS

Warre's 1983 Vintage Port ($89.95 - #161877) - ****+ ... Portugal

Grape Guy Top 5 … what I’ll be lining up for on February 4, 2012:

Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 ($17.95 - #178657) - Argentina

Tapestry BG & V Shiraz 2009 ($17.95 - #247155) - Australia

Maycas del Limari 2007 Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - 256701) – Chile

Dr Loosen 2010 Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #160846) – Germany

Codorniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava ($14.95 - #521773) - 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.

Saturday January 21, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

2012-01-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

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

As we go into the second Vintages release of the year the focus is on Australia and all her glory (OZ) with a small look at "lesser known grapes" (LKG) ... so here we go …

Argentina …

Luigi Bosca 2008 Reserva Syrah ($17.95 - #143412) - nice syrah with white pepper, raspberry and vanilla notes ... finish is nicely spiced. (*** 1/2+)

Michel Torino 2010 Cuma Organic Torrontes ($12.95 - 262014) - spicy orange and limeade, nice example of Argentina's signature white. (*** 1/2)

Australia …

Hewitson 2009 Miss Henry ($23.95 - #107870) - raspberry dominant, silky tannins and good flavour. (*** 1/2+) - OZ

Jim Barry 2009 The Lodge Hill Shiraz ($24.95 - #998476) - nice elegant wine, not an over the top fruit bomb, delicate for an Aussie Shiraz. (****+) - OZ

Pirramimma 2008 Petit Verdot ($26.95 - #986752) - chocolate and cherry, blackberry and some pepper. (*** 1/2+) - LKG

Sister's Run 2009 Shiraz ($15.95 - #222018) - big fruit, big flavour, big fun; great buy in an Aussie Shiraz that hits all the marks. (****+) - OZ

Torbreck 2009 Cuvee Juveniles ($29.95 - #723940) - chocolate, blackberry, black fruit and plum. (****) - OZ

Wakefield 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #744235) - juicy blackberry, chocolate, cherry with a great finish; this is the wine that put Wakefield on the map and it still delivers. (****+) - OZ

Yabby Lake 2007 Pinot Noir ($49.95 - #262402) - earthy with sweet cranberry and hints of cherry; nice tannins and spice on the finish. (*** 1/2+) - OZ

Canada …

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review

13th Street 2010 Merlot ($17.95 - #270504)

Ridgepoint 2009 Merlot ($17.95 - #0270488)

Vineland 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #551168)

Chile …

Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #256693) - a real beauty of dark fruit, hint of mint, rich chocolate, cassis, blackberry and vanilla; great value. (**** 1/2)

Santa Carolina 2009 Barrica Selection Petit Verdot ($14.95 - #007484) - minty blackberry, smooth with a slight bit of white pepper and hint of chocolate. (****) - LKG

France …

(Alsace)

Jean Geiler 2009 Lieu Dit Vogelgarten Pinot Gris ($17.95 - #259739) - lovely sippable Pinot Gris with a dash of sweet pear mid-palate to the finish. (****)

Pierre Sparr 2010 Reserve Pinot Blanc ($14.95 - #134635) - dry, crisp green apple yet with a nice bit of juiciness. (*** 1/2+)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau de Treviac 2008 ($15.95 - #670505) - very dark fruited with nice spice and good tannin bite. (*** 1/2+)

(Loire)

Bougrier 2010 Vouvray ($13.95 - #1068880) - delicate sweetness with mac and delicious apple; lovely finish that has a good bit of acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Chateau Salmoniere 2010 Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine ($13.95 - #142380) - as the name of this Chateau might suggest it would be a nice pairing with seafood. (*** 1/2)

(Rhone)

Domaine Beau Mistral 2009 Saint Martin Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages ($22.95 - #251629) - red and black fruit, nice spice, big tannins and dark cocoa on the finish. (****)

Domaine de Cabasse Gigondas 2007 ($29.95 - #142075) - a silkness smoothness to the finish, and lovely red fruit on the mid-palate. (****)

Domaine de Cristia 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($42.95 - #067678) - plum, chocolate, fig, blackberry jam and red licorice on the finish. Beauty. (**** 1/2)

Perrin & Fils 2009 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise ($16.95 / 375ml - #004713) - floral and spice mingle on this one, sweet and tasty. (****)

Italy …

(Emilia-Romagna)

Umberto Cesari 2007 Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.95 - #225086) - there's and intereting sweetness in the core of this wine that is very appealing, also a dusting of cinnamon and clove. (****)

(Piedmont)

Marchesi di Barolo 2009 Langhe Rosso ($17.95 - #229773) - red and black fruit with touches of smoke and rugged tannins. (*** 1/2)

(Puglia)

Menhir 2007 Salento Primitivo di Manduria ($15.95 - #268086) - rich black cherry, some vanilla and plum; nice juicy plum finish. (*** 1/2+)

(Tuscany)

Cennatoio 2009 Chianti Classico ($15.95 - #232561) - smooth and ready to drink. (*** 1/2)

Ruffino 2008 Santedame Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #523076) - black currant, mineral with a touch of coffee. (*** 1/2)

Sassoregale 2009 Sangiovese ($15.95 - #251785) - red fruit dominant, a little rustic but easy drinking, great for pizza and pasta night. (*** 1/2)

(Umbria)

Castello della Sala 2010 Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay ($21.95 - #176792) - good quality, lively acidity with plenty of citrus on the mid-palate; nice linger with apple and peach on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

(Veneto)

I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2009 ($19.95 - #269969) - crisp, clean and flinty on the tongue with mouth cleansing acidity. (*** 1/2)

Zenato 2008 Valpolicella Superiore ($15.95 - 995704) - mocha, plum, and black cherry, decent little wine here. (*** 1/2+)

New Zealand …

Ostler 2010 Blue House Vines Pinot Gris ($24.95 - #269142) - a nice mixture of pear and peach on both the nose and taste. (****)

Portugal ...

Carla Ferreira Unipessoal Conceito Contraste 2008 ($17.95 - #268003) - very plum, black fruited and chocolate on the nose; pretty on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

Chocapalha 2008 Reserve Tinto ($24.95 - #266643) - nice dark fruit with a lovely juiciness and nice tannins on the finish ... hold 5+ years. (*** 1/2+)

Quinta de Ventozelo Reserva Ruby Port ($16.95 - #141 028) - a creamy smooth offering loaded with red berries, chocolate, plum and loads of acidic bite. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Edgebaston 2010 The Pepper Pot ($16.95 - #269092) - coffee, chocolate and a hint of tar, though nothing too off-putting. (*** 1/2)

Spain …

Descendientes de J. Palacios 2009 Petalos ($21.95 - #675207) - dark berries, vanilla and chocolate, some real bite to the finish. (*** 1/2+) - LKG

United States …

(California)

Blackbird 2008 Arise Red ($59.95 - #0261719) - really juicy, blackberry and black cherry, vanilla, sweet spice and chocolate. (****+)

Brazin 2008 (B)Old Vine Zinfandel ($18.95 - #256750) - big old Zin with typical Zin flavours, if you drink the stuff you'll know what I mean. (*** 1/2+)

Chateau St. Jean 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #038034) - juicy, chocolate and red berries. (****)

Edge Wines 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #034223) - blueberry, spice, vanilla, cassis and hints of oak. (****)

Loredona 2009 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #057620) - floral and cherry on the nose leads to raspberry, cranberry and cherry on the palate; a little earthy spice on the finish ... this is a nice one. (****+)

Ravenswood 2008 Single Vineyard Belloni Zinfandel ($44.95 - #672741) - lovely Zin with finesse: plum, blackberry, raspberry and caramel notes. (****+)

(Oregon)

Lia's Vineyard Longplay Pinot Noir 2008 ($23.95 - #267344) - super nose with concentrated earthy notes; black cherry on the palate with a whole whack of spice. (*** 1/2)

Best Buy(s) ...

Alamos 2010 Malbec ($13.95 - #467951) - Argentina ... ****

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 21, 2012:

Sister's Run 2009 Shiraz ($15.95 - #222018) - Australia

Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #256693) - Chile

Loredona 2009 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #057620) - United States

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 January 7, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

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

It's the first Vintages release of the year and that means the "value wines" are coming out, many well under the $15 mark - the board calls them Smart Buys (SM). In years past this has been a real dumping ground for the shite the LCBO can't sell the rest of the year, but it would seem we have some real gems this time out. I will forgo the Best Buy part of the release report because, in theory, all the wines in this release are a “Best Buy”. So let’s get right to it …

Argentina …

Trivento 2009 Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah ($15.00 - #0037036) - smooth, supple, full of red cherry with lots of juiciness, sweet spice, vanilla, raspberry and a delicious finish. (****)

Urban Uco 2010 Malbec/Tempranillo ($13.95 - #0166397) - interesting blend, it's the tempranilla that gives the wine its interesting character. (*** 1/2) – SM

Australia …

Chapel Hill 2008 Bush Vine Grenache ($24.95 - #0262105) - plum and mocha driven wine with a little spiciness on the back palate, great finish and length. (****+)

Jip Jip Rocks 2009 Shiraz ($16.95 - #0673897) - full on Shiraz with lots of pepper and blackberry notes. (*** 1/2+) - SM

Canada …

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review

Calamus 2009 Cosmic White ($14.95 - #0255893) - SM

Coyote's Run 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0053090) - SM

Hinterbrook 2010 Riesling ($17.95 - #0270512)

Rosewood 2009 Merlot ($21.95 - #0211896

Chile …

Koyle 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0256073) - this is a Chilean Cab with all the proper earmarks: juicy, minty and black fruited. (*** 1/2+) - SM

Loma Larga 2009 Chardonnay ($15.95 - #0257048) - butter, tropical fruit and vanilla, there's no doubt as to this being Chardonnay. (*** 1/2+)

Montes 2009 Limited Selection Pinot Noir ($14.95 - #0037937) - dark fruited, a touch leathery with some exotic spices. (*** 1/2)

France …

(Alsace)

Domaine Saint Remy 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0016410) - sweet and dry clash in the glass and on the palate: bosc pear, melon rind, this one is really tasty. (****+)

Jean Geiler Letzenberg 2009 Lieu Dit Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0259713) - this is what Alsace means to me, fab floral, slightly soapy that sings with exotic spice in the mouth, yet there is a sight dryness that is left behind. (****+)

(Beaujolais)

Domaine du Roche Guillon 2010 Fleurie ($17.95 - #0269514) - lovely cherry and spice, there's also some grip here and it goes a long way to the enjoyment of this wine ... also for chilling. (****)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau de Lamarque 2006 ($29.95 - #0194159) - mix of the rustic and new world here with tannins and acidity blending with dark fruit: dense and delicious. (****)

Chateau Faizeau 2008 ($24.00 - #0136887) - blueberry, smoke and spice along with gripping tannins. (****)

(Burgundy)

Cave de Lugny 2008 Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #0183764) - bread crust and lemonade aromas fill the nose a you'll find the same on the palate with a light touch of sweetness. (****)

Domaine du Chardonnay 2009 Chablis ($19.95 - #0183574) - crisp and well made, floral and mineral notes ... very nice. (*** 1/2) - SM

Jaffelin 2009 Bourgogne Passe Tout Grains ($14.95 - #0216648) - made with Pinot and Gamay, these two light grapes marry well for a light, spice and mineral concoction with sour fruit character. (*** 1/2)

(Loire)

Domaines Bonnard 2009 Sancerre ($21.95 - #0140525) - lovely citrus nose with a white grapefruit palate; crisp and lively. (****)

(Midi)

Hecht & Bannier 2009 Syrah/Grenache/Carignan ($15.95 - #0251587) - anise, leather, black cherry and cocoa nib. (****)

(Rhone)

La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($16.95 - #0251645) - loads of fruit and loads of flavour. (****)

Perrin & Fils 2009 Les Sinards Chateauneuf du Pape ($19.95 / 375ml - #0005975) - hefty with raspberry, strawberry liqueur. black currant and a raspberry cocoa finish; real ballsy. (****+)

Perrin & Fils 2009 Peyre Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($17.95 - #0650960) - black cherry, raspberry, sweet spice; a smooth, supple and succulent sipper. (****+)

Germany …

Anselmann 2009 Huxelrebe Auslese ($17.95 - #0681445) - lovely sweetness, interestingly exotic. (*** 1/2+)

Italy …

(Piedmont)

Bava Cocconato 2010 Moscato D'asti ($14.95 - #0712547) - I love asti any time of year so have a few on hand with its pineapple, lemon and hint of orange this is a delicious sipper - but don't hold forever, it's suppose to be drunk young and fruity. (*** 1/2+)

(Puglia)

Rivera 2005 Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico ($18.95 - #0984120) - well balanced with a sweet herbal note. (*** 1/2) - SM

(Sicily)

Giordano Eventus Nero D'Avola 2008 ($16.95 - #0231662) - good structure, blackberry, chocolate, hefty tannins and lingering finish. (*** 1/2+)

(Tuscany)

Fattoria La Ripa 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($24.95 - #0984401) - strong, dark and spicy. (*** 1/2+)

Vicchiomaggio Ripa delle Mandorle ($15.00 - #0677930) - I'd call this "rippa stuff" but wrong country for that label, as it is it's full of delicious cherry, vanilla and a little cocoa ... really tasty. (****+) - SM

(Veneto)

Corte 2006 Grande Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($17.95 - #0059246) - plum, coffee, cocoa, cassis, blackberry all with a nice finish. (****)

New Zealand …

Hunter's 2009 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0586115) - earthy, sour cherry and good spice. (*** 1/2+)

Kim Crawford 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0991950) - peachy and appley with hints of vanilla, but overpowering. (*** 1/2)

Portugal ...

Jose Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller 2003 Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0638924) - the price will make you look again, the smell will make you sniff again and the taste ... well you get the picture; this is a delicious value. (****) – SM

Spain …

Sabor Real 2008 ($15.95 - #0172932) - juicy blackberry, creamy dark chocolate, supple tannins, one to lie down till BBQ season ... or enjoy now with something hearty. (****+)

United States …

(California)

Beringer 2009 Founders' Estate Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0256628) - juicy black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, smoky tobacco with a nice finish. (****)

Brutocao 2007 Hopland Ranches Estate Zinfandel ($22.95 - #0259325) - this is finesse on the Zinfandel front: plum, chocolate, vanilla cola with spice and balancing acidity; a well made Zinfandel. (****+)

Diamond Ridge 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0913905) - a juicy black-fruited number with a melted dark chocolate finish with hints of anise seed. (****)

Murphy Goode 2009 The Fume Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #0721092) - there's no truth is advertising here, no smoky or "fume" notes, but there is lots of pleasant tropical fruit. (*** 1/2)

Raymond 2007 Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($35.95 - #0715979) - very juicy, very delicious; cherry, herbs and chocolate ... very tasty and lovely to sniff. (****+)

Vina Robles 2008 Huerhuero Red 4 ($17.95 - #0261628) - this is a cross of meaty and juicy with vanilla, spice and mocha; dark berries, and nice peppery finish. BBQ ready but also a good cold weather blend to warm the soul. (**** 1/2) - SM

(Washington)

Charles & Charles 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ($14.95 - #0258178) - playful label for a playful wine, nicely smooth and enjoyble; great value. (*** 1/2+) - SM

Fall Line 2007 Artz Vineyard Red ($36.95 - #0237735) - good to see more of these juicy, well made Washington offerings at Vintages. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on January 7, 2012:

Jose Maria da Fonseca & Van Zeller 2003 Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0638924) - Portugal

Vina Robles 2008 Huerhuero Red 4 ($17.95 - #0261628) - United States

Perrin & Fils 2009 Peyre Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($17.95 - #0650960) - 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.

Mid-Month Mini-Release December 17, 2011 Release

2011-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Special mid-month release for December ... Here are my favourites of the 9 wines tasted along with some notes for the higher scoring wines:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Valpantena 2009 Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella ($16.95 - #0642421) – Veneto, Italy

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Santa Margherita 2007 Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #0091694) – Tuscany, Italy
Tedeschi 2009 Capitel Nicalo Appassimento Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($15.95 - #0984997) – Veneto, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Irony 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0025106) – California, United States
Kim Crawford 2010 Merlot ($19.95 - #0680967) – New Zealand
Terra D’aligi 2007 Tatone Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0994616) – Abruzzo, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vine Zin Zinfandel ($16.95 - #0678698) – California, United States … best version of this wine in a few years, lots of chocolate, plum, vanilla, maraschino cherry, cola and raspberry liqueur.
J. Lohr 2008 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #0027516) – California, United States … juicy blackberry, blueberry and a little vanilla.
The Wolftrap Red 2009 ($13.95 - #0626333) – South Africa … a nice blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Viongnier; really lovely juicy, blackberry, black cherry, and roasted coffee beans, especially on the finish. Good value, drink over next 2-3 years.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com, while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday December 10, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-12-07T04:16:00.001-08:00

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

The last release of the year is full of Holiday Cheer (CHEER) ... what that means I am not sure because there never seems to be rhyme or reason to how these wines get selected so let's just go with that. Holiday wines also mean some expensive stuff is hitting the shelves but if you comb through you'll also find some really decent bargains - check out the what I am buying section and the Best Buy section for those. You'll also see some Bubbly on the menu in this release (FIZZ) - and why not, New Year's Eve is just around the corner. Next release (January 7, 2012) is the annual Bargain wines so they'll be plenty of deals to spend what's left of your holiday cash. As for this release, here are my recommendations ...

Argentina …

Cicchitti 2008 Edicion Limitada Malbec ($23.95 - #0260893) ... strawberry and chocolate, smooth, rich and lush in the mouth. ****

Trivento 2008 Golden Reserve Malbec ($19.95 - #0588731) ... a real fruity number wit hints of chocolate. *** 1/2

Vina Cobos 2009 Felino Malbec ($19.95 - #0118067) ... juicy black fruit, seductive and succulent, lots of raspberry and strawberry too. ****+ (CHEER)

Australia …

Bishop by Ben Glaetzer 2009 Shiraz ($39.95 - #0627869) ... oppulent, big black fruit, rich and meaty. ****+ (CHEER)

D'Arenberg 2009 The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0943456) ... blackberry and cassis with a dry cedary finish. *** 1/2

Dutschke 2008 God's Hill Road Neigbour Shiraz ($25.95 - #0247296) ... nice blackberry spice, black pepper, plum with chocolate sauce. ****

Canada …

(British Columbia)

Gray Monk 2009 Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0321588) ... rosy and lychee nose with sweet grapefruit and tropical notes. ****+

Mission Hill 2007 Oculus ($70.00 - #0009316) ... there's some real finesse to this wine, dark fruit and layers of flavour with lovely spice. ****+

Osoyoos Larose 2007 Le Grand Vin ($99.95 - #0662759) ... another piece of finesse from BC, raspberry, smoked vanilla, dark chocolate and good tannin structure. ****+ (CHEER)

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review

Inniskillin 2010 Sparkling Vidal Icewine ($69.95 - #0560367) - FIZZ

Jackson Triggs 2007 Proprietors' Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc Icewine ($24.95 / 200ml - #0264325) - CHEER

Stoney Ridge 2007 Vidal Icewine ($34.95 / 375ml - #0337402)

Chateau des Charmes 2008 Old Vines Riesling ($16.95 - #0277228) - CHEER

Reif Estate 2007 First Growth Cabernet /Merlot ($40.00 - #0043869)
Vineland 2009 Pinot Meunier ($14.965 - #0225508)

Chile …

Lapostolle 2009 Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0947929) ... deep, dark colour, blackberry, black cherry and spice with hints of coffee on the finish and lush mocha undertones. **** 1/2

Montes 2009 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0322586) ... minty raspberry and red cherry, very quaffable. ****+

Montes 2009 Alpha Carmenere ($19.95 - #0143230) ... minty with blackberry goodness and with enough tannins to keep it interesting. ****+ (CHEER)

France …

(Alsace)

Pierre Sparr Brut Reserve Crement D'Alsace ($16.95 - #0173401) ... nice and creamy mouthfeel, with nice lemon and vanilla notes. *** 1/2 (FIZZ)

Anne Boecklin 2008 Pinot Gris Reserve ($18.95 - #0106831) ... sweet peach and honeyed pear. *** 1/2 (CHEER)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau la Dauphine 2008 ($29.00 - #0173500) ... black fruit dominant with good tannin backbone; good for short term ageing. *** 1/2

Chateau Mondot 2008 ($45.00 - #0137463) ... chocolate, red cherry, supple and tasty; red licorice notes can be found amongst the tannins - this one will age nicely but is drinking well now. **** 1/2

(Burgundy)

Domaine Chanson 2008 Beaune Teurons 1er Cru ($43.95 - #0084426) ... cherry, mineral, strawberry and spice. *** 1/2+

(Champagne)

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne ($54.95 - #0036962) ... lovely biscuit with almond and honey notes, very elegant shows some real finesse. **** 1/2 (FIZZ)

(Rhone)

Clos du Calvaire 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($34.95 - #0728139) ... smooth rich and dark fruited; chocolate, cherry, smoke, and herbal notes with some cocoa. ****

Domaine Barville 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($43.95 - #0148841) ... rich dark fruit, plum, black cherry and chocolate. ****+ (CHEER)

Perrin & Fils 2009 L'Andeol Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau ($19.95 - #0976845) ... raspberry, chocolate, cherry, white pepper with a nice lengthy finish. ****+

Pierre Amadieu 2009 Domaine Grand Romane Cuvee Prestige Gigondas ($27.95 - #0968693) ... nice dark cherry, good chalkiness with some anise and blackberry. ****

Germany …

Markus Molitor 2008 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese ($24.95 - #0249706) ... this is a pretty tasty number, a sweet Riesling with lots of character. ****+

Italy …

(Alto Adige)

Peter Zemmer 2010 Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #0095802) ... nice flavour of apple with a touch of pineapple. *** 1/2 (CHEER)

(Piedmont)

Bava 2005 Barolo ($44.95 - #0232462) ... spiced cherry and dried raspberry. *** 1/2

(Tuscany)

San Felice 2007 Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva ($26.95 - #0716266) ... a fruit driven jobby with a nice mix of rustic and new world fruitiness on the finish. *** 1/2

San Guido 2009 Le Difese ($26.95 - #0147876) ... nose of mocha, chocolate, black cherry and sweet spice with rich fruit; palate that's has some subtlety but still with dark berries, mineral, spice and coffee bean. ****+ (CHEER)

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2008 Crognolo ($33.95 - #0727636) ... intense black currant with a slight woodsy note and drying tannins; good spice and a nice finish. ****

(Veneto)

Monte Zovo 2009 Sa'Solin Ripasso Valpolicella ($17.95 - #0650713) ... chocolate, blackberry, currant, sweet spice, black cherry, vanilla and plum; quite complex. ****+

Trabucchi D'illasi Terra del Galante Amarone della Valpolicella 2007 ($41.95 - #0248500) ... rich fruit, dark chocolate, black cherry, spiced plum. ****+

New Zealand …

Astrolabe 2010 Voyage Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0010421) ... lively grapefruit beginning leads to a mineral/slate style finish. *** 1/2 (CHEER)

Konrad 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0616243) ... typically New Zealand-style savvy B with pea pod, grapefruit pith and grassy notes. *** 1/2

Mt. Beautiful 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0250514) ... mixes the tropical with the grassy for a pleasant version of this popular variety. ****

Hawkshead 2008 Pinot Noir ($30.95 - #0140632) ... nice nose with black cherry and earthy notes and the palate follows suit with touches of cranberry and good acidity. **** (CHEER)

Portugal ...

Fonseca Bin No. 27 Reserve ($15.95 - #0156877) ... chocolate, mocha and spiced black cherry with a biting finish. ****

Noval Tawny ($16.95 - #0141119) ... spiced chocolate and plum with a nice finish of spiced cherry and cocoa. ****+

Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 Year Old Tawny ($35.95 - #0133751) ... dried red cherry with nice spice and a real kick to the finish. *** 1/2+

Spain …

Inurrieta Cuatrocientos 131 Crianza 2007 ($15.95 - #0246710) ... vanilla, black cherry, sweet licorice, cedar and herbs. *** 1/2

Juan Gil 2008 Monastrell ($21.95 - #0001677) ... smoky, spicy, raspberry-strawberry, cocoa, blueberry, vanilla and oak; comlex and really inviting. ****+

United States …

(California)

Quady 2010 Essensia Orange Muscat ($13.95 / 375ml - #0299552) ... aromas of orange blossom, vanilla, honeyed apricot follow thruough on the palate with a lovely spice to the finish. *** 1/2+

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine ($21.95 - #0192898) ... lovely biscuity notes on the noses with a light raspberry-ness to the flavour; good acidity and a pretty salmon colour just adds to the enjoyment. **** (FIZZ)

Roederer Estate Brut Sparkling ($28.95 - #0294181) ... hazelnut biscuits with lemon pith notes. *** 1/2 (FIZZ)

La Crema 2009 Chardonnay ($37.95 - #0067231) ... buttery caramel with peach and lime on the finish. *** 1/2+

Robert Young 2007 Chardonnay ($49.95 - #0670430) ... rich and succulent in the mouth: vanilla, butter oak with a spiced finish; lacks fruit but this one has all the lumber some Chard lovers like. *** 1/2+

Shafer 2009 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay ($59.95 - #0045583) ... big, rich, full and buttery with a nice spicy finish; it too lack a fruit component but if you like this style you'll dig this wine. *** 1/2

Belle Glos 2009 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0652883) ... ripe dark fruit, spicy blackberry, white pepper and some coffe notes. ****

Beringer 2006 Napa Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #0091058) ... nice spice, semi-sweet chocolate and ripe tannins. *** 1/2+ (CHEER)

Folie a Deux 2009 Menage a Trois Red ($17.95 - #0665158) ... succulent almost sweet, a real party pleaser - a party in its own name: don'tcha love it when they say "I love Menage a Trois"; makes my heart skip a beat. *** 1/2

Freemark Abbey 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #0238758) ... smoky, meaty, black currant and biting tannins. ****

Macrostie 2006 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir ($38.95 - #0012740) ... dark cherry, spice with good acidity and a nice dry finish. *** 1/2+

Raymond Family 2008 Classic Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0254268) ... chocolate and red cherry, a lovely easy drinking Cab that's juicy and supple with vanilla and spice backing. ****+ (CHEER)

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Laurent Perrier 2002 Brut Champagne ($74.95 - #0983874) - FIZZ

Roux Pere & Fils 2009 Meursault Blagny 1er Cru ($56.95 - #0241141)

Chateau Montelena 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($134.95 - #0709881) - CHEER

Duckhorn 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #0024190) - CHEER

Joseph Phelps 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #0189795)

Bodegas y Vinedos 2007 Alion ($78.95 - #0199331)

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Chateau Rochecolombe 2009 Cotes du Rhone ($14.95 - #0255034) - France ... ****+

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on December 10, 2011:

Raymond Family 2008 Classic Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0254268) - USA

Vina Cobos 2009 Felino Malbec ($19.95 - #0118067) - Argentina

Lapostolle 2009 Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0947929) - Chile

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 26, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-11-21T04:37:00.001-08:00

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

This release focuses on the LCBO's Finest (FINE). At this time of year the LCBO parades out the good wines for you to buy as gifts or for gatherings you may be having or attending. "Our Finest" also means "no cheap wines", this is the largest selection of over $100 wines you'll likely see all year, which means you'll have to expand your definition of Best Buys this release - instead of being under $15 (as is the norm) we'll have to bump it by five bucks this time round. The Other focus is spirits, and regular readers know that's just not my bag.

Argentina …

Benmarco 2009 Malbec ($16.95 - #0657601) – spiced coffee, black cherry with hints of sandlewood and bramble notes. (*** ½+)

Australia …

Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny ($30.95 - #0058388) – a really nice tawny with flavours of dried cherries and almonds. (****+)

Kaesler 2008 Stonehorse Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre ($22.95 - #0006551) – sweet fruit with a juicy palate: strawberry, raspberry and anise on the finish. (****)

Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2008 ($34.95 - #0243592) – nice elegant Shiraz, not over the top fruit and with good white pepper notes. (*** ½+)

Canada …

(British Columbia)

Burrowing Owl 2008 Meritage ($59.95 - #0695148) – smoked red berries on the nose, smoked blackberry, spice, and leather. Let it mellow another year or two. (*** ½+) - FINE

(Ontario) - Click on wine for full review

Equifera 2008 Vidal Icewine ($49.95 - #0258715)

Inniskillin 2008 Riesling Icewine ($69.95 - #0558288) – FINE

Stratus 2009 Gewurztraminer ($32.20 - #0251447)

13th Street 2010 Gamay Noir ($19.95 - #0177824)

Calamus 2008 Cosmic Red ($17.95 - #0258129)

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir ($75.00 - #0034553) – FINE

Stratus 2007 Merlot ($42.20 - #0131003) - FINE

Chile …

Concha y Toro 2008 Winemaker’s Lot 115 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0030965) – minty dark fruit and very juicy. (*** ½+)

Errazuriz 2010 Wild Ferment Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0510396) – light in the glass and light on the nose, but there’s good flavour here with sour cherry and loads of spice. (*** ½+)

France …

(Alsace)

Lucien Albrecht 2009 Albrecht Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0926931) – nice sweetness along with rose petal and pineapple. (*** ½)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau de Monturon 2009 ($23.95 - #0171017) – shows smoky dark fruit finesse. (*** ½)

(Burgundy)

Domaine Louis Jadot 2006 Beaune Theurons 1er Cru ($45.95 - #0042838) – spiced cranberry, sour cherry, juicy thru the mouth with nice earthy finish and some length of sour spiced cherry. (****+) – FINE

(Champagne)

Georges Garnet Brut Cuvee Saint Flavy Champagne ($39.95 - #0924654) – nice flavour: lemon, biscuit and wild flower honey with a nice mineral aspect. (****)

(Midi)

Cave de Roquebrun 2009 La Grange des Combes Saint-Chinian Roquebrun ($16.95 - #0155804) – a shy nose but with some lively dark fruit on the palate, nice spiced pepper finish. (*** ½)

Germany …

Kurt Darting 2008 Riesling Spatlese ($19.95 - #0963207) – great sweetness here with the right amount of mineral and acidity to balance it out: peachy, passion-fruit with quite the tang sensation. (*** ½)

Reichsrat Von Buhl 2008 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0249649) – not just a good German Pinot but a good Pinot alround: earthy, mushroomy, cranberry and sour cherry; it’s all there. (****+)

Italy …

(Abruzzo)

Ulisse Unico Pecorino 2010 ($17.95 - #0249128) – ripe pineapple, pear, golden plums and a nice little floral note. (*** ½)

(Calabria)

Du Cropio Don Giuva Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore 2005 ($17.95 - #0250829) – red berry and spice with good acidity on the finish. (*** ½+)

(Sicily)

Duca di Salaparuta Passo delle Mule Nero D’Avola ($19.95 - #0250928) – the cocoa raspberry finish makes this one, the rest is gravy. (*** ½+)

(Trentino)

Istituto Agrario San Michele All’Adige Pinot Grigio 2010 ($18.95 - #0249540) – nice texture, lemon lime pith with clean minerality and good herbal notes. (*** ½)

(Tuscany)

La Vite 2009 Lucente ($39.95 - #0747030) – floral, cassis and spice. (*** ½+)

Ruffino 2006 Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva ($43.95 - #0353201) – this one has all the goods to make it pleasureable, plus leather notes, dark fruit and smoke. (****+)

(Veneto)

Belcanto di Bellussi Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore ($17.95 - #0053215) – crisp, clean and fresh with hints of green apple and lemon. (*** ½)

Villa Girardi 2007 Amarone della Valipocella Classico ($39.95 - #0159913) – sweet fruit of plums and melting chocolate, good spiced-chocolate finish, (****)

New Zealand …

Ata Rangi 2009 Petrie Chardonnay ($33.95 - #0247270) - nice peach and pear notes but it is not over the top with fruit, there’s a mellowness that’s ultimately sippable. Nice spicy character mid-palate to finish. (****+)

Momo 2010 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0163535) – interesting grapefruit zest that mixes with hints of pear; quite the character. (*** ½+)

Kim Crawford 2008 Small Parcel Corner 50 Merlot ($29.95 - #0252320) – blackberry and leather follows on the palate with some smoked vanilla, this is not your mellow Merlot (****)

South Africa …

Amani 2009 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0687442) – nice palate, stone fruit, butter, spice, butterscotch and mineral; lots of flavour. (*** ½)

Mooiplaas 2010 The Bean Coffee Pinotage ($13.95 - #0251165) – this one is pure coffee bean, an acquired taste. (*** ½)

Viljoensdrift 2005 Serenity ($23.95 - #0037523) – older wine with some older characteristics, but with enough fruit and spice to hold up. (*** ½)

Spain …

Emilio Lustau East India Solera Sherry ($16.95 - #0713636) – nuts, spice and creamy caramel all blend together to make a sweet (beginning) spicy (finish) after dinner bevy. (****+)

Diego Zamora Licor 43 ($37.95 - #0263780) – I don’t usually do liqueur but this is too good to pass up. Vanilla, toasted marshmallow and burnt almond chocolate with a wow finish … if you can figure out how to make “little beers” (it’s a shot you can find the recipe for on the internet) you’ll have a bang up get-together. (**** ½)

Miguel Torres 2007 Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon ($46.95 – 0129676) – this is a delicious cellar dweller, a keeper for all its spice, dark fruit, mocha and oak notes. (****)

Prado Rey 2006 Crianza ($20.95 - #0725820) – starts off slow on the nose but seems to come alive on the palate. (*** ½+)

United States …

(California)

Chappellet 2009 Chardonnay ($39.95 - #0186577) – more fleshy than fruity with some vanilla notes that liven up the palate and a nice wood spice. (*** ½+)

Scott Family Estate 2010 Dijon Clone Chardonnay ($23.95 - #0099051) – good fruit, good flavour, nicely balanced with wood and fruit. Good finish. (*** ½+)

Acacia 2007 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #0235960) – sweet fruit, red and black cherry, some raspberry on the finish with a slight mocha note. (*** ½+)

Cuvaison 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #0944827) – sweet licorice, coffee liqueur and chocolate. (****)

J. Lohr 2006 Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #0246918) – sweet fruit, very Californian cab. (****+)

Kenwood 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #0990440) – has a lively juiciness with gentle spice. Drinks well now. (*** ½+)

Stags’ Leap Winery 2007 Merlot ($44.95 - #0655399) – dark fruit and spice on the finish with hints of coffee and cocoa; maybe a little too much oak, will time bring out the fruit? (*** ½)

(Oregon)

Erath Willamette Valley Estate 2008 Selection Pinot Noir ($41.95 - #0984625) – nice juicy core with cranberry, cherry and vanilla; good finesse here. (****+)

(Washington)

Bombing Range Red 2007 ($19.95 - #0233460) – and interesting blend of grapes; a delicious wine full of red fruit, herbal notes and spice with just the merest hint of oak and a finish that bombards the tongue with flavour again and again. (****+)

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port ($91.95 - #0745836) - Portugal … FINE

Dunn Vineyards 2007 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($96.95 - #0193763) - USA … FINE

Far Niente Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($132.95 - #0539098) - USA … FINE

Jonata 2007 El Alma de Jonata ($143.95 - #0218925) - USA … FINE

L’Aventure Estate 2009 Cuvee ($94.95 - #0249375) - USA … FINE

Pahlmeyer 2007 Proprietary Red ($132.95 - #0967992) - USA … FINE

Peter Michael 2006 L’Esprit des Pavots ($144.95 - #0154732) - USA … FINE

Catena Zapata 2007 Nicasia Vineyard Altamira Malbec ($79.95 - #0132357) - Argentina … FINE

Barossa Valley Estate 2005 E & E Black Pepper Shiraz ($89.95 - #0731620) – Australia … FINE

Henschke 2005 Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz ($99.95 - #0718601) - Australia … FINE

Chateau Pontet Canet 2008 ($129.00 - #0137323) - France … FINE

Chateau de Beaucastel 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($89.95 - #0711317) - France … FINE

Gaja 2005 Dagromis Barolo ($64.95 - #0092742) - Italy … FINE

Tenuta San Guido 2008 Sassicaia ($186.95 - # 0480533) - Italy … FINE

Masi 2004 Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #0548677) - Italy … FINE

Masi 2004 Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #0215764) - Italy … FINE

Quintarelli 2002 Rosso ca’del Merlo ($84.95 - #0958595) - Italy … FINE

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Bird in the Hand Two in the Bush Shiraz ($17.95 - #0243634) – Australia

Flagstone 2009 Writer’s Block Pinotage ($19.95 - #0243337) – South Africa

Reichsrat Von Buhl 2008 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0249649) – Germany

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on November 26, 2011:

Bombing Range Red 2007 ($19.95 - #0233460) – United States

Errazuriz 2010 Wild Ferment Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0510396) – Chile

Diego Zamora Licor 43 ($37.95 - #0263780) – 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.

Vintages Shop Online November 03, 2011 Release

2011-11-14T11:00:00.001-08:00

Here are my favourites of the 10 wines tasted – no notes just the star ratings; top rated wine has a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
John Duval 2007 Entity Shiraz ($49.00 - #0073056) – Australia

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Joffre E Hijas 2006 Premium Merlot ($25.00 - #0014084) – Argentina
Fitapreta 2007 Preta ($49.00 - #0111203) – Portugal

Four Star Wines (****) …
Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Champagne ($129.00 / 375ml - #0038588) – Champagne, France
Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2008 Heimbourg Riesling ($47.00 - #0218578) – Alsace, France
Domaine Grand Veneur 2009 La Fontaine Chateauneuf du Pape ($65.00 - #0241471) – Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Ruinart Brut Champagne ($74.00 - #0189878) – Champagne, France
Newton 2007 Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon ($65.00 - #0606533) – California, United States
Cloudy Bay 2007 Pinot Noir ($38.00 - #0598813) – New Zealand

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Banfi 2007 Excelsus ($79.00 - #0983916) – Tuscany, Italy … rich succulent and juicy, lots of dark fruit and spice, good acidity and a drying finish.

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 12, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-11-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

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

Today's release will be focusing on Premium Products (PREM), which basically translate into "not cheap" and Ports and Sweeties (SWEET), and there are some real lovelies in this batch. So without further ado we'll get right to them. As introduced a few releases ago I have made a few changes to the report: the addition of an “If You Can Afford It” section for expensive wines that are worth their price (this is where you'll find most of those "Premium" products); I have removed the “red” and “white” labels in favour of just using colour to indicate type; and the Best Buy bargain section will just have ratings, no notes, if you’re a bargain hunter you’ll love these wines.

Argentina …

Vina Cobos 2010 Felino Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0119099) – juicy and fruity without being over the top buttery, there is some nice spice on the finish. (*** ½+)

Maipe 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0246116) – crème de cassis, chocolate, espresso and much more, good delivery and acidity. (****)

Australia …

Cat Amongst the Pigeons 2009 Nine Lives Shiraz ($17.95 - #0093138) – red licorice and big cherry notes. (*** ½+)

Mollydooker 2008 The Boxer Shiraz ($34.95 - #0246595) – sweet blackberry, plum, chocolate, cherry with layers of fruit and big alcohol, 16%. (**** ½)

Stalking Horse 2008 Shiraz ($17.95 - #0251215) – cute label with a more than cutesy wine under it; this wine shows finesse and refinement full of fruit but with a mineral seam. (**** ½)

Austria …

Lenz Moser 2008 Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese ($19.95 / 375ml - #0729657) – the perfect dessert wine with apricot, honeyed pear notes and so much more; stunningly delicious. (**** ½+) – SWEET

Canada …

(British Columbia)

Burrowing Owl 2008 Syrah ($41.95 - #073072) – good mouthfeel, smoked meat, white pepper and plum. (****)

Mission Hill 2008 Quatrain ($41.95 - #0218636) – nice balance of fruit and spice with a dry tannic finish; should evolve over the next 3-4 years. (****) - PREM

(Ontario)

Jackson Triggs 2009 Niagara Estate Gold Series Merlot ($21.95 - #0255901)

Chile …

Montes 2009 Alpha Syrah ($19.95 - #0000612) – minty-fruity and tasty, look for plum and white pepper on the finish. (****+)

Vina Chocalan 2008 Syrah Reserva ($14.95 - #0038513) – minty dark fruit, pepper and spice with hints of chocolate and vanilla on the finish. (*** ½+)

France …

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Beau-Site 2004 ($37.95 - #0967844) – cedar, plum, spice, licorice with lots of grip. (*** ½+) - PREM

Chateau Seguin 2008 ($47.95 - #0245837) – nice black fruit, cassis, dark cocoa, woody and smoky; good ageability. (*** ½)

La Gravette de Certan ($49.00 - #0187278) – woody, smoky with backbone of wild sour raspberry/strawberry with grittiness. (*** ½+)

(Burgundy)

Rene Bouvier 2008 La Justice Gevrey-Chambertin ($44.95 - #0241075) – nice black cherry and blackberry, sour cherry and tart cranberry. (*** ½+)

Roche de Bellene 2008 Volnay les Pitures 1er Cru ($44.95 - #0241083) – subtle spice, sour fruit and good acidity. (****) - PREM

(Rhone)

Chusclan 2009 Les Genets Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($19.95 - #0245399) – black cherry, vanilla and plum. (*** ½+

E. Guigal 2007 Gigondas ($29.95 - #0331900) – dark sour fruit on the front end, smoother and juicier in the middle with a lovely mix of each with silky tannins on the finish. (****)

Italy …

(Campania)

Ponte Grecco di Tufo 2009 ($17.95 - #0250936) – light and lemony with a lemon pith finish that’s a touch bitter, very nice with good acidity. (*** ½)

(Tuscany)

Capanna 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ($47.95 - #0651588) – spice, herbs, sour cherry and a nice lengthy finish. (****) – PREM

Castello di Querceto 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($27.95 - #0650754) – plum, blackberry, cassis, licorice, spice, oak and smoke. (*** ½+)

Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ($21.95 - #0930966) – nice hint of spice, nice bite rustic yet modern at the same time. (*** ½)

Tenuta San Guido 2009 Guidalberto ($49.95 - #0072439) – has a softness of fruit and smoothness of palate, delightfully good. (****)

(Veneto)

Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009 ($17.95 - #0161844) – nice fruit, easy drinking, dark plum with semi-sweet chocolate. (****)

New Zealand ...

Spy Valley 2010 Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #0032870) – lots of spicy, rose petal notes with a lychee sweet palate. (****)

Thornbury 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0734798) – guava and gooseberry, grapefruit cocktail and grassy finish; quite intense. (*** ½+)

Wither Hills 2010 Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0919514) – a little more toned down with tropical, lemon, lime and green apple; a fresh grassy finish. (****)

Framingham 2009 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0699322) – very nice fruit with a tart sweet fruit mix, nice dry-sour cherry-oak finish. (****+)

Portugal …

Quinta do Noval Black Port ($24.95 - #0235689) – black cherry and spice with quite a lot of bite. (*** ½) – SWEET

Sivipa 2008 Moscatel de Setubal ($15.95 - #0246652) – not to be passed up, especially for the price, it’s a kick of spice and acid that really makes this sweetie amazing. (**** ½) – SWEET

Quinta de Cabriz 2008 Seleccionada Colheita ($14.95 - #0247973) – sweetness of plum, cherry, raspberry and spice. (****)

South Africa ...

Durbanville Hills 2010 Rhinofields Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0173864) – pretty Sauvignon Blanc with lots of lovely grapefruit and a puckering finish with great length. (*** ½+)

Vinum 2009 Africa Chenin Blanc ($14.95 - #0739995) – mineral, peach pit, apple core and lime. (*** ½)

Spain …

Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sweet Sherry ($17.95 - #0047944) – thick, sweet and delicious; pecan pie or raisin pie filling. (****+) – SWEET

Duque de Medina 2000 Gran Reserva ($18.95 - #0148494) – nicely aged, keeps fruit yet with dried character, spice and pepper all for under $20; good value. (****)

United States …

(California)

Patz & Hall 2009 Chardonnay ($38.95 - #0200808) – sweet butterscotch note that seems to linger in the mouth. (*** ½)

Rutherford Ranch 2009 Chardonnay ($18.95 - #0136382) – sweet fruit, pear / apple and vanilla, soft and supple; drink now. (****)

Belle Glos 2009 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #0130138) – this is Pinot for non-Pinot fans; this one has fruit up the ying-yang with chocolate notes, but there also seems to be a dry mineral-ish seam with vanilla and spice backing. (****)

(Oregon)

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2009 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0940528) – pleasant, white fruit driven, pear, mac apple with hints of lemon on the finish. (*** ½)

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Henry’s Drive 2008 Pillar Box Red ($14.95 - #0685941)

Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($15.95 - #0729962)

Agriverde Riseis Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008 ($14.95 - #0134478)

Sampietrana Vigna delle Monache Riserva Salice Salentino 2006 ($15.95 - #0247908)

Bodegas de los Rios Prieto Prios Maximus Roble 2009 ($14.95 - #0103432)

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Moet & Chandon 2002 Brut Grand Vintage Champagne ($81.95 - #0069773) – PREM

Beringer 2008 Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay ($54.95 - #0079178) – PREM

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2008 Beaune Clos Landry 1er Cru ($51.95 - #0124651) – PREM

Jonata 2007 Todos Red ($59.95 - #0218941) – PREM

L’Aventure 2009 Optimus Estate ($57.95 - #0683409) – PREM

Rubicon Estate 2007 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #0029553) – PREM

D’Arenberg 2008 The Dead Arm Shiraz ($54.95 - #0981183) – PREM

Two Hands 2008 Zippy’s Block Single Vineyard Shiraz ($59.00 - #0089516) – PREM

Chateau Malescot St. Exupery 2008 ($64.00 - #0136630) – PREM

Ornellaia 2009 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia ($59.95 - #0606194) – PREM

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2008 Oreno ($74.95 - #0735597) – PREM

Masi 2005 Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($69.95 - #0462812)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on November 12, 2011:

Lenz Moser 2008 Prestige Trockenbeerenauslese ($19.95 / 375ml - #0729657) – Austria

Sivipa 2008 Moscatel de Setubal ($15.95 - #0246652) – Portugal

Stalking Horse 2008 Shiraz ($17.95 - #0251215) – 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 20, 2011 Release

2011-11-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here are my favourites of the 11 wines tasted – no notes just the star ratings; top rated wine, has a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Archipel 2005 ($49.00 - #0710319) – California, United States
Stonestreet 2007 Bear Point Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.00 - #0252353) – California, United States
Quinta do Vallado 2008 Touriga Nacional ($32.00 - #0137018) – Portugal

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Muratie Ansela Van de Caab 2008 ($29.00 - #0588202) – South Africa

Four Star Wines (****) …
Besseret de Bellefon Cuvee des Moines Brut Rosé Champagne ($44.95 - #0227587) – Champagne, France
Silverado Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.00 - #01111880) – California, United States

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Edmeades 2007 Perli Vineyard Zinfandel ($39.00 - #0252338) – California, United States
Valdez 2007 Landy Vineyard Zinfandel ($47.00 - #0249359) – California, United States
Allegrini 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($89.00 - #0705780) – Veneto, Italy

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Emilio Lustau Emilin Solera Reserva Moscatel Sherry ($18.00 - #0248518) – Spain … caramel, orange peel, spiced almonds and pecans; it’s like a turtle with citrus notes. Creamy, elegant, and succulent. Real panty remover.
Fall Line 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.00 - #0249052) – Washington, United States … this is an elegant Cab with big fruit of both red and black origin and a lovely spicy finish. Drink now or age a few more years.

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 6, 2011 Release

2011-11-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here are my favourites of the 11 wines tasted – no notes just the star ratings; top rated wine, has a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Trimbach 2007 Reserve Pinot Gris ($24.00 - #0971762) – Alsace, France
Pelton House 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($48.00 - #0196055) – California, United States
Robert Mondavi 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.00 - #0238659) – California, United States

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Justino’s 10 Year Old Medum Dry Verdelho Madeira ($23.00 - #0248526) – Portugal

Four Star Wines (****) …
Nicolas Feuillatte 2004 Brut Champagne ($62.00 - #0240085) – Champagne, France
Chateau Coutet 2009 ($74.00 - #0248740) – Bordeaux, France
Domaine du Petit Metris Les Tetueres Chaume 2005 ($35.00 - #0246777) – Loire, France
Envoy 2008 Pinot Noir ($47.00 - #0238501) – New Zealand

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2008 Wintzenheim Gewurztraminer ($35.00 - #0918078) – Alsace, France … everything that is lovely about Gewurzt lives here: spicy, floral and just the right amount of balanced sweetness.

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Saturday October 15, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

Another three things have caught the eye of the LCBO for this weekend's release. ONe is Whiskey, which I have to admit I am no expect on. The other two: Argentina (ARG) and a Tuscan/Piedmont (T/P) split, takes up the rest of the releases features. As introduced a few releases ago I have made a few changes to the report: the addition of an “If You Can Afford It” section for expensive wines that are worth their price; I have removed the “red” and “white” labels in favour of just using colour to indicate type; and the Best Buy bargain section will just have ratings, no notes, if you’re a bargain hunter you’ll love these wines.

Argentina …

Catena 2009 Alta Chardonnay ($39.95 - #0959973) – almost Californian in style with lots of wood and with sweet fruit notes poking through all this rides on the tail of vanilla, caramel and spice. (*** ½) – ARG

Catena 2008 Alta Malbec ($49.95 - #0982355) – stunning Malbec, always loaded with flavour. (****+) – ARG

Luigi Bosca 2008 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0128629) – lovely nose and palate, full of dark fruit, blueberry, chocolate and spice. (*** ½+)

Riglos 2007 Gran Corte ($37.95 - #0243501) – mocha and chocolate wrapped around deep dark fruit. (****) – ARG

Viniterra 2005 Select Malbec ($21.95 - #0177964) – sweet fruit: cherry along with sweet spices, this really delivers on flavour. (****) – ARG

Australia …

Josef Chromy 2010 Pepik Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #0162990) – Pinot Noir from Australia is mostly a jammy affair, but the Chromy wines have true cool climate character; lovely strawberry with an earthy quality and just the right amount of spice and acidity on the finish. (****+)

Tait 2007 The Wild Ride Shiraz ($19.95 - #0243584) – lots of chocolaty flavour with hints of pepper mixed in. (*** ½)

Two Hands 2010 Brave Faces Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro ($33.95 - #0660035) – lot of big dark fruit with raspberry, cherry and chocolate. (****)

Two Hands 2008 Sophie’s Garden Shiraz ($46.00 - #0062380) – eucalyptus, chocolate and blackberry with a whopping 15.8% alcohol content, even the spice seems big. A little hot on the finish which downgrades the mark by half a point. (****)

Austria …

Glatzer 2008 Riedencuvee Zweigelt ($15.95 - #0221051) – laid back style with a goodly amount of fruit and spice. (*** ½)

Canada …

(Ontario)

Fielding 2010 Pinot Gris ($21.95 - #0251108)

Peller Estates 2010 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #0692631)

Inniskillin 2008 Winemaker’s Series Three Vineyards Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #0175174)

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45.00 - #0033902)

Reif 2009 The Magician Shiraz/Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0246413)

Southbrook 2007 Whimsy! Cabernet Sauvignon ($33.95 - #0260281)

The Foreign Affair 2008 The Conspiracy ($19.95 - #0149237)

Chile …

Morande 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0252346) – soft acidity with tropical fruit through the mid-palate and then kicks in with some grapefruit on the finish. (*** ½)

France …

(Alsace)

Pierre Sparr 2009 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0747600) – lovely rose petal nose which follows onto the palate, delicate and delicious, just what you want in a G-wine. (****+)

(Beaujolais)

Domaine J. Boulon 2009 Morgan ($19.95 - #0241166) – black cherry and spice with a hint of raspberry and toast. (*** ½+)

(Burgundy)

Michel Picard 2009 Clos Paradis Mercurey 1er Cru ($28.95 - #0086603) – my favourite region of Burgundy and this is a good representation: spiced-strawberry with good tannins. (*** ½+)

(Loire)

Andre & Edmond Figeat 2010 Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume ($21.95 - #0196659) – vanilla smokiness amongst a citrus backdrop with nice acidity on the finish. (****)

Greece …

Skouras 2008 Saint George Aghiorghitiko ($16.95 - #0162321) – good fruit, silky tannins, nice finish, very drinkable. (*** ½)

Italy …

(Piedmont)

Giacomo Fenocchio 2005 Bussia Barolo ($42.95 - #0232421) – between the fruit and spice and the dried nature of both this wine really delivers. (****) – T/P

(Puglia)

Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2008 ($16.95 - #0230573) – nice Zinfandel alternative with plum, ripe black cherry, and raspberry-cherry compote on the finish. (****)

(Sicily)

Case Ibidini 2010 Insolia ($13.95 - #0211839) – citrus aromas with grapefruit pith linger and some lime as it makes its way across the palate. (*** ½)

(Tuscany)

Cordella 2009 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #0251462) – a light, fruit-driven, easy drinking red. (*** ½) – T/P

Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 2009 Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia ($19.95 - #0239889) – hot damn, what a nose and palate this wine really delivers the goods, another winner from Frescobaldi. (****+) – T/P

Poggio Verrano Chance 2005 ($33.95 - #0239707) – at first this one was hard to get into, but then the wine grabs you on the palate with smoky-wood notes, dark fruit, licorice and mocha. (*** ½+) – T/P

Poliziano 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($25.95 - #0988055) – leathery, chocolate, blackberry, cassis and spice. (*** ½) – T/P

San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2005 ($44.95 - #0991075) – quite fruity but with a nice dry finish. (*** ½) – T/P

Volpaia 2008 Chianti Classico ($21.95 - #0953828) – straddles the line between rustic and fruity, seems to change right before your eyes … or should I say palate … drinks well now. (****) – T/P

Romania …

Livia Feteasca Neagra 2009 ($16.95 - #0244392) – sweet strawberries dominate, nice little wine here. (*** ½+)

South Africa ...

Graham Beck 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 - #0948620) – very goosy and grassy with a fresh grass linger. (*** ½)

United States …

(California)

Acacia 2009 Chardonnay ($27.95 - #0080556) – a woody, vanilla and caramelly treat, pure California here with a hint of oak spice on the finish. (*** ½)

Domaine Napa 2008 Chardonnay ($23.95 - #0244483) – lovely vanilla and peach fruit with a vanilla cream finish. (*** ½+)

Liberty School 2008 Zinfandel ($18.95 - #0041095) – this is pretty much standard issue Zinfandel, but good standard issue Zinfandel, with a nice raspberry finish. (*** ½)

Pazzo 2007 Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red ($31.95 - #0677708) – this is a Sangiovese from California, interesting wine with dark fruit and white pepper. (*** ½+)

Peju 2006 Merlot ($44.95 - #0147322) – a good drinking Merlot with blue and black berries and hints of vanilla. (*** ½+)

Ridge 2009 Geyserville ($42.95 - #0723072) – a wicked blend that’s Zinfandel based, far from the ordinary and worth tasting. (****)

(Oregon)

Kings Ridge 2009 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #023776) – quite fruit driven with blackberry, strawberry and cassis with touches of earthiness and spiced cinnamon. (****)

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Korta 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95 - #0236034) - *** ½

Montes 2010 Limited Edition Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/ Carmenere ($14.95 - #0016071) - ****

SXS 2008 Step Two Shiraz ($14.95 - #0246645) - ****

Girolamo 2008 Vendemmia Tardiva Primitivo ($14.95 - #0224667) - ****+

Vinea 2007 Corvina ($12.95 - #0230649) - *** ½

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Shafer 2007 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #0045476)

Finca Los Nobles 2005 Cabernet/Bouchet ($63.95 - #0175547) - ARG

Chateau Troplong Mondot 2007 ($115.00 - #0102715)

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe 2008 La Crau Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($72.95 - #0951475)

Antinori 2005 Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino ($59.95 - #0651141) – T/P

Luce Della Vite Luce 2008 ($99.95 - #0685263) – T/P

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 15, 2011:

Pierre Sparr 2009 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0747600) – France

Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 2009 Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia ($19.95 - #0239889) - Italy

Josef Chromy 2010 Pepik Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #0162990) – 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.

Saturday October 1, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-09-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at Thanksgiving wines (THKS), wines that’ll make good additions to your cellar (CELL) or to start one, and some Syrah/Shiraz (SYSZ) wines make the scene. As introduced last release I have made a few changes to the report: the addition of an “If You Can Afford It” section for expensive wines that are worth their price; I have removed the “red” and “white” labels in favour of just using colour to indicate type; and the Best Buy bargain section will just have ratings, no notes, if you’re a bargain hunter you’ll love these wines.

Argentina …

Luigi Bosca 2008 Single Vineyard Malbec ($21.95 - #0074922) – plenty of rich juicy fruit. (****) - CELL

Nieto Senetiner 2008 Don Nicanor ($16.95 - #0640938) – cedar, blackberry with spiced-vanilla backing. (*** ½+)

Australia …

D’Arenberg 2009 The Money Spider ($19.95 - #0656710) – quite a flavourful white with pear and lime zest notes. (*** ½)

Barossa Valley Estate 2008 Ebenezer Shiraz ($39.95 - #0971705) – chocolate-cherry smells and flavours with a lovely smooth mouthfeel. (**** ½) - SYSZ

Mitolo 2008 GAM Shiraz ($43.95 - #0596031) – rich flavours, a dark fruit dream on the nose with a red fruited raspberry-strawberry jam finish. (****+) - SYSZ

Mollydooker 2009 The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95 - #0246629) – a fun label with big fruit and lots of alcohol yet with some nice spiced notes on the finish. (****+) - CELL

Canada …

(British Columbia)

Lulu Island 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0254219) – smooth easy drinking Cab with a sweet blackberry middle. (*** ½+)

(Ontario)

Stoney Ridge 2009 Cranberry Wine ($16.95 - #0392191) – sweet and tart at the same time, they used to put a little apple juice in it to lighten it up a bit, I say they are still doing it. (*** ½)

Henry of Pelham 2009 Family Tree White ($17.95 - #0251116) - click for full review

(Quebec)

Pomme de Glace Original Ice Cider 2008 ($23.95/375ml - #0259275) – spiced apple with vanilla, this is what Quebec does best. (****)

Chile …

Perez Cruz 2009 Limited Edition Malbec ($19.95 - #0670547) – minty goodness with cream de cassis mixed in. (****+)

Perez Cruz 2009 Limited Edition Syrah ($19.95 - #0589812) – nice wine that’s easy on the palate. (*** ½) - SYSZ

Sol de Andes 2009 Reserva Chardonnay ($13.95 - #0254334) – fresh peaches coated in creamy vanilla. (*** ½)

France …

Chateau Doisy-Vedrines 2007 Sauternes ($29.00 / 375ml - #0098418) – there are three French dessert wines in this release and this is the one you should be picking up, there’s a little spice around the sweetness that makes this one the go to sweetie. (****+)

(Beaujolais)

Chateau de Bellevue 2009 Morgon ($19.95 - #0240564) – spicy blackberry and some old leather. (*** ½+)

(Burgundy)

Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils 2008 Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru ($36.95 - #0901199) – nice cherry fruit with good acid for balance. (*** ½+) – CELL

Chateau de la Saule 2009 Montagny 1er Cru ($24.95 - #0241273) – this is a good flavoured Chardonnay from the region that gets our gums a flappin’ about the grape. (*** ½)

(Loire)

Donatien Bahuaud 2008 Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray ($15.95 - #0140889) – there’s a touch of sweet honey amongst the sweet fruit flavours and hint of vanilla … but you have to like ‘em sweet cause this one is. (*** ½+)

Henri Bourgeois 2009 La Porte du Caillou Sancerre ($23.95 - #0244806) – I dug the flintyness amongst the citrus here, plus there is a nice weight to this wine. (****)

(Midi)

Lionel Osmin & Cie 2009 Malbec ($15.95 - #0247544) – the colour of this wine made me think of darkness on the edge of town and the flavours go on to match with lots of dark fruit and a rough leathery feeling on the tongue. (****)

(Rhone)

Domaine la Milliere 2008 Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($47.95 - #0063396) – big flavour, big fruit, big tannins; you see where I'm going. (****) - CELL

Germany …

Schloss Reinhartshausen 2002 Riesling Spatlese ($19.95 - #0129858) – floral, peach and mineral notes with a nice mix of sweetness and acidity that really grabs the tongue. (****) – CELL

Italy …

(Piedmont)

Marchesi di Barolo 2005 Barolo ($34.95 - #0168179) – lots to offer here with mocha, strawberry, dried raspberry and mucho tannins. (****) - CELL

(Veneto)

Pra 209 Soave Classico ($17.95 - #0074534) – decent citrus with hints of peach on the mid-palate. (*** ½)

New Zealand …

Babich 2010 Black Label Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0009142) – very New Zealand in style but it shows some restraint. (*** ½+)

Wild Rock 2008 Gravel Pit Red ($17.95 - #0163600) – meaty with dark berries. (*** ½+)

Portugal …

Quinta de Gomariz 2010 Grande Eschola Vinho Verde ($14.95 - #0245902) – pretty wine which is dominated by grapefruit cocktail flavours. (*** ½)

Quinta da Rigodeira 2005 Baga ($13.95 - #0219121) – nice little black fruited number yet with a cheery feel; I’ve had smoother wines made from the Baga grape but this is a nice introduction if you’ve never had any before. (*** ½)

South Africa ...

Fleur du Cap 2008 Noble Late Harvest ($20.95 / 375ml - #0173781) – this is just an outstanding wine that you must have around this holiday season for dessert; flavours reminiscent of honey smothered apricots and rum soaked pears – run to the LCBO and get some before your neighbour buys it all. (*****)

Goats do Roam 2009 The Goatfather ($14.95 - #0011072) – a fun-ly named wine with a little of that South African funk on the nose and palate: leather and gamy dark berries, there’s also a little bit of grit on the tongue. Give it a couple of years to mellow. (*** ½+)

Post House 2008 Penny Black ($19.95 - #0148619) – there’s a sweetness to this fruit along with mocha, coffee and leather. (****)

United States …

(California)

Fess Parker 2007 The Big Easy Syrah ($34.95 - #0083212) – this one should be called the Big and Easy Syrah, the highlight: chocolate. (****) – SYSZ

Francis Coppola 2009 Diamond Collection Ivory Label Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.95 - #0521021) – dark fruit, cassis and spiced strawberry; very easy to drink. (*** ½+)

Frank Family 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($46.95 - #02446900) – black fruited and spicy. (****+)

Hahn 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0057877) – succulent and smooth with lovely black fruit and a sweet licorice finish; all at a decent price. (****+)

JC Cellars 2006 Rockpile Vineyard Haley Syrah ($64.95 - #0236083) – I can hope for a good price on this one because at my tasting there were no prices marked on this wine; it’s really fruity, wrongly named as Syrah, but it’s rightly delicious; if $34 or under it’s a must buy, over $35 think on it. (****+) [ed note. - still delicious, just quite pricey] – SYSZ

Robert Mondavi 2008 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #04438697) – nice blueberry, blackberry and black cherry with some spiced notes, subsequent sips show off even more spice. (****)

Stags’ Leap Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #0996405) – quite a weighty Cab that grabs you by the tongue and won’t let go. (****+)

Iron Horse 2007 Wedding Cuvee ($21.95 - #0707836) – this is a pretty little something for your sweetie: strawberry, lime and kiwi greet the nose with a drier than expect mouth-feel doling out citrus and raspberry notes ... by the way, it's a bubbly. (****+)

Kendall-Jackson 2009 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0369686) – quite the easy drinking Chardonnay with things you want from your Cali-Chard mainly vanilla and apple puree at a decent price. (*** ½+)

Treana 2008 White Viognier/Marsanne ($29.95 - #0011247) – a tropical fruit nose with a lush big palate full of vanilla, spice and tropical fruit along with a hint of melon rind. (****+)

(Oregon)

Elk Cove Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($36.95 - #36.95) – black cherry with cinnamon spice. (*** ½+) - THX

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Elderton 2007 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz ($93.95 - #0716142) - **** ½ … SYSZ

Dow’s 1997 Vintage Port ($84.95 - #0546788) – CELL

Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 2008 Ornellaia ($184.95 - #0722470)

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Hickinbotham 2009 Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0159632) - *** ½

Thorn-Clarke 2009 Terra Barossa Shiraz ($16.95 - #0595306) - ****+

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on October 1, 2011:

Hahn 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0057877) – United States

Perez Cruz 2009 Limited Edition Malbec ($19.95 - #0670547) – Chile

Fleur du Cap 2008 Noble Late Harvest ($20.95 / 375ml - #0173781) - South Africa

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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Saturday September 17, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-09-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release has a Pinot Noir throw-down between Oregon and France (PNTD) and a small New Zealand (NZ) focus in honour of the world cup. The main focus is Bordeaux 2008 (BORD) … I have also made a few changes to the report: the addition of an “If You Can Afford It” section for expensive wines that are worth their price; I have removed the “red” and “white” labels in favour of just using colour to indicate type; and the Best Buy bargain section will just have ratings, no notes, if you’re a bargain hunter you’ll love these wines.

Argentina …

Santa Ana 2010 La Mascota Chardonnay ($14.95 - #0126870) – this is a decent Chardonnay that keeps its fruit along with some nice vanilla and caramel note. (*** ½)

Finca Flichman 2007 Paisaje de Barrancas ($17.95 - #0017129) – nice blend with chocolate, vanilla and spice notes, juicy dark fruit, the hint of tannins gives the finish some character. (****)

Australia …

D’Arenberg 2008 The Custodian ($19.95 - #0713040) – key to this one is the big raspberry finish. (*** ½+)

Jip Jip Rocks 2009 Shiraz ($16.95 - #0673897) – has the pepper, spice and dark fruit you’ve come to expect from this Down Under style of Shiraz. (*** ½+)

Magpie 2008 The Schnell Shiraz/ Grenache ($19.95 - #0047662) – juicy, vanilla and raspberry with a touch of white pepper. (*** ½+)

Two Hands 2008 Bella’s Garden Shiraz ($63.95 - #0636407) – so dark you’d swear you couild paint with it, big alcohol (15.8%) so keep away from open flames, yet so delicious. (****+)

Two Hands 2009 Yesterday’s Hero Grenache ($31.95 - #0009506) – super sweet raspberry with cherry strawberry and spice. (****)

Austria …

Rabl 2009 Reserve Vinum Optimum Gruner Veltliner ($19.95 - #0216473) – green bean, ped pod and grapefruit pith, I swear its yummy. (**** +)

Chile …

Cartagena 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #0246405) – more tropical but still manages to keep its grassiness. (*** ½)

France …

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Beauregard 2008 ($57.95 - #0249003) – smells of coffee and chocolate, call it mocha; taste brings out the mocha wrapped dark fruit … nice delivery. (****) - BORD

Chateau des Moines 2008 ($22.95 - #0206789) – wood and dark fruit mix with good flavour and tannins. (*** ½+) – BORD

Chateau Fayan 2008 ($18.95 - #0243295) – already starting to throw sediment with pomegranate, strawberry, wood smoke and tannins with an earthy finish. (*** ½+) - BORD

Chateau des Moines 2008 ($22.95 - #0206789) – wood and dark fruit mix with good flavour and tannins. (*** ½+) - BORD

Chateau Haut Bergey 2008 ($44.95 - #0234799) – has a real richness of flavour and spice. (****) - BORD

Chateau Meyney 2008 ($47.95 - #0245811) – big structure with hard tannins but with fruit beginning to emerge. (*** ½+) – BORD

Chateau Pontet Chappaz 2008 ($39.95 - #0243956) – smooth, supple and enjoyable, though there is some longevity here, say 5+ years. (*** ½+) - BORD

Chateau Semonlon 2008 ($17.95 - #0244475) – smooth and accessible. (*** ½) - BORD

Chateau St. Georges 2008 ($29.95 - #0960310) – sweet fruit nose with a palate that is quite juicy though grit from the tannins comes on subsequent sips. (****) - BORD

(Burgundy)

Domaine Besancenot 2008 Beaune-Bressandes 1er Cru ($32.95 - #0166181) – sour cherry and spice with a hint of earth. (*** ½) - PNTD

Maison Roche de Bellene 2009 Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin ($47.95 - #0240424) – at the high end of the Pinot world is where the French have all the finesse and goods; gritty, dark berries, spiced cedar and herbs; a Pinot worth its price. (**** +) – PNTD

Vincent de la Remondiere Cuvee Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #0226274) – crisp yet creamy, nice little bubbly here. (*** ½+)

(Champagne)

Marc Hebrart Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($41.95 - #0231217) – biscuity with almond biscotti notes and hazelnut cream to top it off. (*** ½)

(Rhone)

Domaine Grand Veneur 2009 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($23.95 - #0076349) – rich plum, black cherry, chocolate, and mocha; lovely and delicious. (****+)

Germany …

Schloss Schonborn Klaus Riesling Kabinett 2009 ($18.95 - #0239905) – mineral, peach and apple; hits all the right notes. (*** ½)

Italy …

(Tuscany)

Lamole di Lamole Riserva Chianti Classico 2007 ($36.95 - #0231241) – sweet fruit nose follows onto the palate, not your usual rustic Chianti, this one tastes modern and fresh. (****)

New Zealand …

Millton 2009 Crazy by Nature Dry Flint Chenin Blanc ($18.95 - #0214429) – well named wine with its flinty and tropical notes that play off each other leading to a slightly honeyed finish. (*** ½+)

Churton 2008 Pinot Noir ($36.95 - #0237164) – very pretty on both the nose and palate, lots of black and sour cherry notes with a touch of the herbal. (****) - NZ

Portugal …

Quinta de Santa Eufemia Fine White Port ($13.95 - #0223867) – toasted nuts and caramel with ust the right amount of spice and acidity. (*** ½+)

Spain …

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro ($16.95/500ml - #0642173) – absolutely stunning with spiced orange peel, cinnamon and bosc pear with a slight poaching, sweetness is perfectly balanced with acidity; a lovely after dinner sipper. (**** ½+)

Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868) – killer bottle for $17; vanilla, mocha, kirsch notes, juicy and delicious with hints of leather, licorice that keep things in balance. (**** ½)

Lan Gran Reserva 2003 ($26.95 - #0928622) – 8 years old and drinking well right now; smooth with spice and red berries, good long finish. (****+)

United States …

(California)

A By Acacia 2008 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #0118927) – sweet cherry with nice herbs, juicy but still with enough dryness; good beginners Pinot. (*** ½)

Grgich Hills Estate 2007 Merlot ($49.95 - #0020313) – plum, blueberry and chocolate, quite juicy in the mouth. (****)

Seghesio 2009 Home Ranch Zinfandel ($49.95 - #0070391) – plum, vanilla, strawberry, cherry and cola, this is always a well made yet playful Zin which finishes with spice and finesse. (**** ½)

(Oregon)

Clawson Creek 2008 Angela Pinot Noir ($49.95 - #0254177) – big fruit almost juicy, with dark cherry and a touch of grit. (*** ½) - PNTD

Red Shot Lane 2009 Pinot Noir ($18.95 - #0242560) – nice bite from the sour cherry, but there is also some sweet cherry and a nice hint of spice, easy to drink Pinot at a good price, chill and enjoy. (****) - PNTD

If You Can Afford It (they’re pricey but worth it) …

Kistler 2009 Les Noisetiers Chardonnay ($64.95 - #0251223) - ****

Best Buys (wine that over delivers for its price) …

Michel Torino 2009 Don David Reserve Malbec ($12.95 - #0064998) - *** ½+

Sister’s Run 2009 Gomersol Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0222026) - *** ½+

Thorn-Clarke 2008 Terra Barossa Shiraz/Cabernet/Petit Verdot ($14.95 - #0684357) - ****

Mount Riley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #0981670) - ****

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on September 17, 2011:

Finca Flichman 2007 Paisaje de Barrancas ($17.95 - #0017129) - Argentina

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro ($16.95/500ml - #0642173) - Spain

Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868) - Spain

Happy Shopping.

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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 September 8, 2011 Release

2011-09-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here are my favourites of the 20 wines tasted – no notes just the star ratings; top rated wine, has a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Poole’s Rock 2008 Chardonnay ($44.95 - #0238485) – Australia
Coniglio Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($67.95 - #0227546) – California, United States
Arenes Sauvages Cornas 2005 ($44.95 - #0244848) – Rhone, France
Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas 2006 ($26.95 - #0718221) – Rhone, France
Podere La Vigna Riserva Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($71.95 - #0244178) – Tuscany, Italy
San Felica 2006 Vigorello ($52.95 - #0726463) – Tuscany, Italy

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Dosnon & Lepage Recolte Noire Brut Champagne ($51.95 - #0243899) – Champagne, France
Peter Michael 2010 L’Apres-Midi Sauvignon Blanc ($72.95 - #0154658) – California, United States
Domaine Pavelot Savigny-Les Beaune 1er Cru-Aux Guettes ($42.95 - #0240465) – Burgundy, France
Terrabianca 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Croce ($28.95 - #0702142) – Tuscany, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Lafond 2007 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0227587) – California, United States
Wente 2006 Small Lot Merlot ($45.95 - #0235879) – California, United States

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Byron 2008 Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0719161) – California, United States
De Bortoli 2008 Reserve Release Syrah ($54.95 - #0238691) – Australia
Allegrini 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($89.00 - #0705780) – Veneto, Italy

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Chateau de Vaudieu Clos du Belvedere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 ($84.95 - #0234740) – Rhone, France
Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez Dulce Sherry ($15.95 - #0087577) – Spain … something this delicious should not be so cheap, but I’m not complaining; think pecan pie or raisin butter tart in liquid form … awesome.

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Vintages Shop Online August 25, 2011 Release

2011-09-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here are my favourites of the 9 wines tasted – no notes just the star ratings; top rated wine, has a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Perry Creek 2008 Cobrazin ($39.00 - #0227520) – California, USA
Chateau Haut-Badette 2006 ($29.00 - #0246934) – Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Domaine Servin Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2009 ($33.00 - #0250779) – Burgundy, France
Olivier Leflaive Meursault ($59.00 - #0250738) – Burgundy, France
Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras ($28.00 - #0076547) – Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
EOS Estate Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($27.00 - #0227553) – California, USA
Domaine Mouton Les Grands Pretans Givry 1er Cru ($29.00 - #0250787) – Burgundy, France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Domaine Pontifical 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($43.00 - #0245373) – Rhone, France … lovely richness of fruit with raspberry and strawberry, but with good tannins backing it up and acidity to keep it feeling fresh; this one will be long lived in the cellar.

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Saturday September 3, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-08-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the unification of Italy (IT), and looks at a number of Blends from Around the World (BAW) … there are also some excellent wines in the Best Buy section and in the wines I'll be lining up for…

Argentina …

White –

Zolo 2010 Torrontes ($12.95 - #0183913) – lighter than your usual Torrontes which usually screams Gewurztraminer to me, this one is on the mellower side and might have more mass-appeal; at a price that won’t scare people away from trying something new. (*** ½)

Red -

Lamadrid 2008 Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec ($15.00 - #0234492) – plumy dark fruit and nice cherry notes that follows all the way through to the finish. (*** ½+)

Vina Alicia 2008 Paso de Piedra Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #0177980) – sweet black fruit with a hint of mint. (****)

Australia …

Red –

Dark Side of the Moon 2009 Shiraz ($27.95 - #0072652) – juicy, juicy, juicy ... with lots of sweet fruit. (*** ½+)

Kaesler 2007 The Bogan Shiraz ($54.95 - #0004234) – rich jammy and juicy flavours with chocolate, spice; big 15.5% alcohol. (****+)

Yalumba 2006 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz ($51.95 - #0528356) – lots of lovely big flavour with a black cherry and chocolate finish. (*** ½+)

Canada …

Red -

(British Columbia)

Inniskillin 2007 Dark Horse Estate Vineyard Meritage ($23.95 - #0597039) – rich dark fruit throughout, it has texture across the tongue with smoked chocolate and blackberry fruit. (****) - BAW

(Ontario)

Henry of Pelham 2007 Reserve Cabernet/Merlot ($24.95 - #0395855) - BAW

White –

(British Columbia)

Road 13 Winery 2009 Honest John’s White ($25.95 - #0248559) – the nose is like a Del-Monte fruit cup, minus the cherries; palate is an intriguing mix of sweet exotic fruit and sour citrus. (*** ½+)

(Ontario)

Inniskillin 2009 Barrel Aged Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #0177766)

Jackson Triggs 2009 Silver Series Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #0247767)

Lailey 2009 Chardonnnay ($19.95 - #0193482)

Chile …

Red -

Luis Felipe Edwards 2009 Reserva Merlot ($14.95 - #0250340) – nice blueberry, blackberry notes with chocolate raspberry on the finish. (****)

White –

Ventisquero 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0211904) – sweet with grass with grapefruit cocktail; a pleasant summer sipper. (*** ½+)

France …

Red –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau la Maisonette 2008 ($14.95 - #0226191) – nicely grounded because of the earthy and dark fruit quality. (*** ½)

Chateau Valrose 2005 Cuvee Alienor ($38.95 - #0710517) – deep, dark, rich and at times juicy with dark fruit and tannins dominating, odd to say it’s juicy but it's there. (*** ½+) - BAW

(Burgundy)

Maison Roche de Bellene 2009 Cotes du Nuits-Villages ($19.95 - #0240473) – nice black plum and berry notes with spice and earth characteristics. (*** ½+)

(Rhone)

Domaine Chante Cigale 2007 Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($37.95 - #0194993) – coffee, mocha, plum and blackberry; dark and delicious on many levels. (****)

Sparkling –

Monmousseau Brut Rose Cremant de Loire ($16.95 - #0226233) – dusting of peach and apple with a hint of raspberry with a nice creamy finish. (****)

White –

(Alsace)

Domaines Schlumberger 2006 Grand Cru Kessler Pinot Gris ($25.95 - #0249623) – a sweet gris with lots of mouth feel. (*** ½+)

(Loire)

Domaine de Cray 2009 Montlouis White ($14.95 - #0226589) – sweet little Chenin that delivers mineral with apple and pear notes along with good acidity. (****)

(Rhone)

Domaine des Bernardins 2009 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise ($16.95 / 375ml - #0129999) – lovely spiced character with cinnamon and peaches, there’s also a nice floral note. (****+)

Germany …

White –

St. Urbans-Hof 2009 Riesling Kabinett ($21.95 - #0216622) – mineral, peach and apple, beautiful German classic style Riesling with its balance of acid and sweetness. (****+)

Italy …

Red –

(Basilicata)

Gricos 2008 Aglianico del Vulture ($14.95 - #0233833) – plum, black cherry, licorice with good stuffing; slightly leathery on the finish. (****)

(Puglia)

Girolamo 2008 Negroamaro ($18.95 - #0232736) – nicely dark fruited and enjoyably sippable. (*** ½+) - IT

Pepe Nero 2009 Primitivo Salento ($17.95 - #0230730) – think Zin with extra vanilla, plum and cherry. (****+) - IT

(Tuscany)

Fattoria le Pupille 2007 Saffredi ($99.95 - #0074435) – quite nice and very pricey. (****)

Lornano 2007 Le Bandite Chianti Classico Riserva ($19.95 - #0230672) – nice easy sipping Chianti, this should come wrapped in a wicker basket. (*** ½+) - IT

San Filippo Lo Scorno Rossi di Montalcino 2008 ($19.95 - #0232397) – lots of cherry and nice spice. (*** ½+)

(Veneto)

Brigaldara Case Vecie Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006 ($49.95 - #0247502) – oooo mama this one has some nice kick with spice and plum dominant. (****) – BAW

Corte Majoli 2007 Amarone Della Valpolicella ($33.95 - #0081943) – sweet fruit, very sippable and enjoyable now with a touch of oxidation that comes across as chocolate and cherry notes. (****+)

Tommasi 2009 Sestante Ripasso Valpolicella ($18.95 - #018719) – easy drinking with sweet plum and a backing of chocolate. (****)

White –

(Sicily)

Castello D’Albola Butara Insolia 2009 ($15.95 - #0229765) – mineral, citrus, pear and melon rind. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Red –

Coopers Creek 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0057802) – sweeter than the usual bone dry Pinots from New Zealand, think Kiwi meets Cali with juicy fruit, both red and black, with good cinnamon and clove spice. (****+)

White –

Coopers Creek 2009 Select Vineyards The Pointer Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #0236042) – apple and pear along with lemon/lime pith; pretty finish. (*** ½)

Delta 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #0236125) – big on gooseberry and grapefruit cocktail. (*** ½)

Giesen 2009 The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0247213) – grassy, yet with sweetness of fruit, think grapefruit with sugar on top, yet with really good acidity that cleans the palate which then helps to lengthen its finish. (****+)

Portugal …

Dessert –

Dow’s 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #0613927) – the spice, the black cherry, the chocolate, the acidity and the wow yum; great winter warmer. (****+)

South Africa …

Red –

Lammershoek 2006 Roulette ($25.95 - #0058164) – lush and plush with black raspberry, plum and a hint of mocha with sweet spice; nice bite back on the finish. (****+) - BAW

Rust en Vrede Estate 2007 ($37.95 - #0997742) – nice flavour which saves this wine, the nose has that earthy-tar South Africa note, but a real lovely palate. (*** ½+) - BAW

White –

Springfield Estate 2006 Wild Yeast Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0694646) – sweet vanilla on the great nose and it follows on the palate too; nice creamy finish. (****)

Spain …

Dessert –

Osbourne 10 RF Premium Oloroso Medium ($15.95 - #0087536) – orange blossom with cinnamon-spice and nutty as hell, also look for the dried cherries. (*** ½+)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Cline 2009 Ancient Vines Carignane ($19.95 - #0032177) – this is a kick ass wine full of plum, chocolate, blackberry, cherry and vanilla. (**** ½)

Quintessa 2006 ($99.95 - #0238279) – this one is not just big on price but big on flavour too. (****+) - BAW

Rutherford Ranch 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0073817) – nice Cali-Cab that’ll have people coming back for more. (*** ½+)

Saldo 2009 Zinfandel ($39.95 - #0235903) – this is a very flavourful Zin. (****+)

Stonehedge 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.95 - #0025122) – juicy black fruit with just the right hint of red. (*** ½+)

Summers 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($45.95 - #0226597) – super juicy and fruity with lots of black cherry and hit of spice. (****)

(Oregon)

A to Z Wineworks 2006 Chemin de Terre ($14.95 - #0234724) – I’ve had this one many times and have enjoyed it each and every time, don’t pass up this excellent 7 grape blend. (****+) - BAW

(Washington)

Coeur D’Alene 2006 Boushey Vineyard Syrah ($42.95 - #0227579) – nicely balanced meaty Syrah with lots of flavour. (****)

White –

(California)

L’Avion 2008 Rousanne ($46.95 - #0225391) – ballsy wine with a firm structure, almost Chardonnay-like. (*** ½)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Domaine de Cray 2009 Montlouis White ($14.95 - #0226589)

A to Z Wineworks 2006 Chemin de Terre ($14.95 - #0234724)

Ventisquero 2010 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0211904)

Gricos 2008 Aglianico del Vulture ($14.95 - #0233833)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on September 3, 2011:

Monmousseau Brut Rose Cremant de Loire ($16.95 - #0226233) - France

Cline 2009 Ancient Vines Carignane ($19.95 - #0032177) - USA

Lailey 2009 Chardonnnay ($19.95 - #0193482) - Canada

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.

Special Ontario Wine Release – September 10, 2011

2011-08-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

The LCBO is soft releasing (September 3, 2011) a batch of Ontario wines that are officially being released a week later on the tenth – here are my favourites all linked to their full review on my website (www.OntarioWineReview.com):

Sparkling Wine …
13th Street NV Premier Cuvee - $29.95 - #0142679 – (****)

Red Wine …
Coyote’s Run 2009 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir - $24.95 - #0079228 – (**** ½)
Henry of Pelham 2009 Family Tree Red - $18.95 - #0247882 – (****+)
Lailey 2009 Pinot Noir - $25.00 - #0591404 – (*** ½)
Rosewood 2009 Pinot Noir - $20.00 - #0112177 – (****)
Tawse 2009 Sketches of Niagara Cabernet/Merlot - $19.95 - #0130252 – (****)
Vintage Ink 2009 Mark of Passion Merlot/Cabernet - $17.95 - #0250209 – (*** ½)

White Wine …
Cave Spring 2009 Estate Chardonnay - $18.95 - #0256552 – (*** ½+)
Featherstone 2010 Black Sheep Riesling - $16.95 - #0080234 – (****+)
Featherstone 2010 Gewurztraminer - $19.95 - #0064592 – (*** ½+)

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Vintages Shop Online August 11, 2011 Release

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here are my favourites of the 9 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which there’ll be a note for:

Three-Plus Star Wines (***+) …
Bouchard Finlayson 2008 Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0977223) – South Africa

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Z 2008 Zinfandel ($34.95 - #0148809) – California, USA
Vasse Felix 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($36.95 - #0686543) – Australia
Domaine Henri Prudhon & Fils 2009 Sur Gamay St. Aubin 1er Cru ($36.95 - #0240648) – Burgundy, France

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Mesh 2008 Riesling ($27.95 - #0627877) – Australia

Four Star Wines (****) …
Domaine la Roquete Clos la Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc ($48.95 - #0236919) – Rhone, Franc
Dauvergne 2009 Ranvier Vin Rare Vacqueyras ($25.95 - #0244863) – Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Mas des Restanques 2009 Gigondas ($29.95 - #0245662) – Rhone, France
Atlas Peak 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($44.95 - #0479550) – California, USA … juicy with blackberry and black currant notes, not too much in the tannin department to get in the way of your enjoyment.

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 July 28, 2011 Release

2011-07-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

Here are my favourites of the 10 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which there’ll be a note for:

NB: Atalon Corestone Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon … not tasted

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Brooks 2008 Janus Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0238543) – Oregon, USA
Craggy Range 2005 Sophia ($56.95 - #0057711) – New Zealand

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Brotte 2009 Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.95 - #0184234) – Rhone, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Domaine Boisson 2009 Clos de la Brussiere Massif D’Uchaux ($24.95 - #0246017) – Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Keenan 2007 Mailbox Vineyard Reserve Merlot ($49.95 - #0104380) – California, USA

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Columbia Crest 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($48.95 - #0056515) – Washington, USA … this is one really good wine with lots of spice, dark fruit and vanilla oak, very old world in style yet with smooth, silky tannins and a cherry oriented finish; a touch of dried fruit gives this one added depth, while the 14.5% alcohol adds weight.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com, while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday August 6, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-07-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at wines from that long thin country that calls itself Chile (CH) but is actually quite hot, in every sense of the word; there is also a small British Columbia (BC) release as well; plus look for the Ontario savings in the More for Less focus … there are also some excellent wines in the Best Buy section: Best Buys, and there are plenty in this release …

Argentina …

Red -

Kaiken 2008 Corte Malbec / Bonarda / Petit Verdot ($16.95 - #0236463) – another good wine from Kaiken with lovely fruit and a touch of spice. (*** ½)

Zolo 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0054098) – a real black cherry-chocolate bomb of lusciousness across the tongue with good tannins on the finish. (****+)

Australia …

Red –

Mildara 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0919548) – nice fruit forward wine, smooth and easy. (****)

Henry’ Drive 2008 Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0199745) – big black fruit and very sippable. (***+)

Summerfield 2008 Merlot ($32.95 - #0228130) – real big fruit with lots of chocolate and some plum notes on the finish. (****+)

Canada …

Red -

(British Columbia)

Laughing Stock 2008 Blind Trust ($41.95 - #0230110) – mocha, tobacco and pepper with a touch of cocoa nib; this needs time and will reward your blind trust. (****+) - BC

See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #0230078) – quite a nice light Pinot Noir with raspberry-strawberry notes and a spiced cherry/hint of mocha finish. (****) - BC

(Ontario)

Mike Weir 2008 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0000075)

Ridgepoint 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir ($20.00) – savings: $5

Rosehall Run 2008 Cuvee County Pinot Noir ($16.45 - 225748) - savings: $3.50

Sparkling -

(Nova Scotia)

Benjamin Bridge 2010 Nova 7 ($25.00 - #0256289) – a nose of ginger ale which follows to the palate then adds a little minerality, pretty serious stuff from down east, interesting and tasty. (***½)

White –

(British Columbia)

Dirty Laundry 2010 Woo Woo Vines Gewurztraminer ($24.95 - #0246140) – one of my favourite places to visit in BC and tasting this G-wine will tell you why, there’s a hint of sweetness here but there is so much more going on. Taste a great Gewurzt from the winery that does it best in BC. (**** ½)

(Ontario)

13th Street 2010 White Palate ($14.95 - #0207340)

Cave Spring Estate 2009 Bottled Gewurztraminer ($13.95 - #0302059) savings: $3

Fielding 2010 Pinot Gris ($21.95 - #0251108)

Henry of Pelham 2010 Pinot Blanc ($14.95 - #0618827)

Lailey Vineyard 2009 Canadian Oak Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0225474) savings: $5

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2009 Estate Series Riesling ($18.95 - #0209841)

Chile …

Red -

Anakena 2009 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($13.95 - #0208439) – sweet with raspberry and cherry notes, a little bit earthy with sour cherry tannins and very quaffable. (****) - CH

Chateau Los Boldos 2007 Vieilles Vignes Merlot ($18.95 - #0016006) – smooth blackberry. (*** ½) - CH

Concha Y Toro 2007 Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere ($29.95 - #0562892) – nice chocolate, spice, mineral, plum and blackberry. (****) - CH

Montes 2007 Purple Angel ($49.95 - #0062364) – one hell of a wine at one hell of a price, note the vintage date and consider this a lost in the warehouse discovery; break open the piggy bank it’s worth buying. (*****) - CH

Santa Ema 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95 - #0175422) – full of blackberry, chocolate, violets and mocha. (****) - CH

White –

William Fevre Chile 2009 Gran Cuvee Chardonnay ($16.95 - #0045146) – French know-how making serious Chardonnay in Chile, and it works. (*** ½+) - CH

France …

Red –

(Beaujolais)

Domaine Piron-Lameloise 2009 Quartz Chenas ($22.95 - #0240481) – starting to see more serious Beaujolais and here’s another with lots of mineral and black cherry; tannins are more robust than expected. (****+)

Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorees Cote de Brouilly 2009 ($18.95 - #0235127) – red cherry and raspberry but not in a frou-frou kinda way, this is some serious stuff. (****)

(Bordeaux)

Grand Juan du Chateau Haut-Rieuflaget 2008 ($13.95 - #0226134) – this wine has something going for it, spiced cherry and vanilla with a creamy mouth-feel. (****)

Seigneurs D’Aiguilhe 2009 ($19.95 - #0195172) – mocha, coffee notes dominate along with some black fruit, vanilla, blueberry and even some plum. (****)

(Rhone)

Domaine Armand Soleiador Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($16.95 - #0237560) – spiced cherry and white pepper with a hint of spice and nice mouth-feel. (*** ½+)

Domaine La Roquete 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($39.95 - #0070862) – bruiser on the nose but a puppy on the palate; good and tasty. (****)

Sparkling –

La Maison du Cremant Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($16.95 - #0127811) – delightfully playful bubbles. (*** ½)

White –

(Alsace)

Julien Schaal 2008 Riesling ($15.95 - #0225151) – lemon and mineral notes ... lots of mineral notes. (*** ½)

(Burgundy)

William Fevre 2008 Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0169805) – mineral driven fruit, if you like Chablis this is for you. (*** ½+)

(Loire)

Domaine Bois-Malinge 2009 Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($13.95 - #0224226) – lemon and peach makes for a nice mouth combination. (*** ½)

Italy …

Red –

(Puglia)

Giordano Ricarico 2008 ($18.95 - #0230581) – delivers with dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate on the nose and carries it through to the palate with just the right amount of spice. (**** +)

(Sicily)

Nicosia Fondo Filara Nerello Mascalese 2008 ($14.95 - #0222653) – fruit forward with black cherry and spice leading to a rather spicy finish. (*** ½+)

(Tuscany)

Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Riserva ($15.95 - #0111641) – offers good value in a rustic style Chianti yet with enough new world flair to bring everyone on board; pairs well with food. (****)

(Veneto)

Michele Castellani I Castei Costamaran Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($16.95 - #0972406) – plum and licorice with a little chocolate and smoke. (*** ½+)

Sparkling –

Bottega Prosecco Superiore ($16.95 - #0235044) – very fruity and lively, almost sweet in nature but very tasty. (*** ½)

White –

Tramin 2009 Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0117028) – quite a pleasant Gewurzt from a country not known for producing this grape; floral, rosy and spicy … it holds its own. (*** ½)

New Zealand …

White –

Dog Point Vineyard 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0677450) – much restraint shown on this one, especially for a New Zealand Savvy B; it’s creamy on the palate yet still lively with acidity. (****)

Greywacke 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0164228) – pretty wine that doesn’t smash you over the head with gooseberry and grapefruit, instead it tickles both the nose and taste-buds with its delicacy. (****)

Portugal …

Red –

Marques de Marialva 2007 Reserva Baga ($15.95 - #0245605) – here’s a unique grape from Portugal and I hope to hear from Baga … mint, mineral, raspberry and vanilla on the nose, and it tastes as good as it smells with soft juicy fruit on the mid palate; you’re gonna wanna pick up a couple. (****)

White –

Aveleda 2010 Follies Alvarinho ($15.95 - #0059048) – lime, herbs and grapefruit with floral and mineral riding on their coattails with a citrus and herbal finish, pretty intense. (*** ½+)

South Africa …

Red –

Café Culture 2010 Pinotage ($13.95 - #0072710) – this never changes in flavour only my mood for this wine changes, it’s all coffee, coffee, coffee a true breakfast wine. (*** ½+)

White –

Glen Carlou 2008 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0915231) – mighty tasty little beast with buttered toast and caramel peach notes and a little spice to the finish. (*** ½+)

Spain …

Red –

Burgo Viejo Reserva 2004 ($18.95 - #0168823) – nice and smooth, the seven years have really softened this one and made it deliciously quaffable. (****+)

Otazu 2006 Crianza ($16.95 - #0245332) – lots of fruit here and nice tannins with a powerful finish. (*** ½)

Sparkling –

Mont-Marcal Brut Reserva Cava ($13.95 - #0229021) – bready and biscuity with a core of fruit and lemon curd. (*** ½)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Bogle Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0904565) – easy drinking Cali-Cab. (*** ½)

Rodney Strong 2008 Knotty Vines Zinfandel ($22.95 - #0363358) – a little restrained for a Zin but still with the flavours you’re looking for. (*** ½+)

Seghesio 2008 Old Vines Zinfandel ($39.95 - #0056879) – always a favourite, loaded with real Zin flavour: raspberry, cherry, plum and chocolate. (**** ½)

Signorello 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #0060152) – dense and full of fruit with a finish of chocolate and cherry.. (**** +)

Sonoma-Cutrer 2007 Grower Vintner Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #0140723) – has that Cali-fruit component that makes their Pinots juicy, there’s also a spiced-vanilla note in and amongst all that juiciness. (****)

White –

(California)

Talbott Logan 2008 Chardonnay ($26.95 - #0716290) – creamy vanilla with a little butter and toasted caramel apple, really delicious with a sweet fruit mid-palate. (**** ½)

(Washington)

Three Rivers 2008 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0233445) – quite fruity but with enough vanilla and spice to keep it very honest Chardonnay. (*** ½)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Anakena 2009 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($13.95 - #0208439)

Grand Juan du Chateau Haut-Rieuflaget 2008 ($13.95 - #0226134)

Zolo 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0054098)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on August 6, 2011:

Marques de Marialva 2007 Reserva Baga ($15.95 - #0245605) - Portugal

Domaine Armand Soleiador Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($16.95 - #0237560) - France

Giordano Ricarico 2008 ($18.95 - #0230581) – Italy

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 July 23, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

2011-07-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at Cool Climate Chardonnay (CCC) and Italian wines (IT) … I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers: Best Buys, and there are plenty in this release …

Argentina …

Red -

Masi 2008 Corbec Appassimento Corvina/Malbec ($24.95 - #0079095) – Amarone comes to Argentina, deep, dark and delicious. (****)

White –

Alamos 2010 Torrontes ($13.95 - #0081539) – it’s like Gewurztraminer on downers, nice and light and easy to drink but not in too much quantity. (*** ½)

Australia …

Red –

Small Gully 2006 The Formula Robert’s Shiraz ($18.95 - #0142935) – the nose lures and the palate sings and you should like this one very much especially because of the seam of chocolate and plum running through it – though drink soon. (*** ½)

St. Hallett 2008 GST Grenache/Shiraz/Touiga ($23.95 - #0660910) – surprised anybody had the balls to bring a GST to Canada, let alone Ontario, while not politically correct the wine is very tasty with lots of sweet black fruit on offer. (****+)

Stella Bella 2008 Shiraz ($24.95 - #0048553) – just what you’d expect in a Shiraz. (*** ½+)

Two Hands 2010 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #0219469) – always a consistent producer of good quality wines, this one is no exception; big 14.9% alcohol with loads of chocolate, blackberry, and white pepper – dark and delicious. (**** ½)

Wakefield 2009 Shiraz ($17.95 - #0943787) – juicy with blackberry along with white pepper and bacon notes. (*** ½+)

Austria …

White –

Loimer 2009 Trocken Gruner Veltliner ($18.95 - #0142240) – pea pod and grassy with lime/citrus and edamame notes; nice flavours and oh, pass the salt. (*** ½+)

Canada …

Red -

(British Columbia)

Quails’ Gate 2007 Merlot ($24.95 - #0169961) – red cherry and mocha with nice firm yet juicy flavour. (****+)

(Ontario)

Ridgepoint 2009 Cabernet Franc ($17.95 - #0245639)

Rosé -

(Ontario)

Fielding Estate 2010 Rosé ($15.95 - #0053421)

White –

(Ontario)

Hillebrand 2009 Trius White ($19.95 - #0054957)

Chile …

Red -

Concha Y Toro 2010 Trio Reserva Merlot/Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0433920) – new packaging same good delivery with minty-dark fruit and a long finish. (****)

France …

Red –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Brown 2005 ($46.95 - #0235465) – big rich flavour, gritty and black fruited with nice spice and vanilla notes. (****)

Chateau Diane de Belgrave 2006 ($24.95 - #0226050) – nice solid fruit core with a good mix of barrel influence; drinkable now or over the next 2-5 years. (*** ½+)

(Midi)

Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Saint-Drezery ($26.95 - #0237289) – big juicy black fruit flavour with a touch of vanilla and nice raspberry notes. (****)

Mas de la Deveze La 66 2007 ($19.95 - #0065797) – chocolate raspberries and blackberries, this one is fat, full and luscious. (****)

(Rhone)

Chateau de Nages JT Costieres de Nimes 2007 ($20.95 - #0736876) – black and spicy with a juicy core and licorice root finish. (****)

Domaine de la Presidente Nonciature Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 ($44.95 - #0237339) – sweet of fruit, sweet of flavour, very nice; long finish loaded with dark fruit and spice. (****+)

Domaine de la Vieille Ferme de L’eoune Rasteau 2009 ($17.95 - #0234658) – supple with lovely fruit and good tannins; raspberry is the most prevalent smell and flavor; the long finish is loaded with black raspberry and vanilla. (****)

White –

(Loire)

Clos du Porteau 2009 Le Courlis Sauvignon Touraine ($14.95 - #0246041) – mineral and gooseberry; strong palate with just a hint of grapefruit pith and a nice finish. (****)

Germany …

White –

Kurt Darting 2009 Gewurtraminer ($16.95 - #0944181) – really rose petalish and positively perfumed; nice Gewurzt with mouth-stay-ability. (****+)

Italy …

Red –

(Basilicata)

Cantina di Venosa 2007 Terre di Oazio ($17.95 - #0247494) – sweet black licorice, red plum, chocolate, this one really delivers on flavour and length. (****) – IT

(Campania)

Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2008 ($14.95 - #0120907) – nice juicy blackberry fruit with spice and toasted coffee beans. (****) – IT

(Piedmont)

Franco Molino 2006 Barolo ($29.95 - #0232967) – spices, herbs and dried raspberry. (*** ½+) – IT

(Puglia)

Feudi di San Marzano 2008 Sud Primitivo di Manduria ($14.95 - #0214692) – good plum and cherry notes and very, very juicy on the palate; it’s light with some elegance and real up front fruit. (*** ½+) – IT

(Tuscany)

La Castellina 2007 Chianti Classico ($18.95 - #0223313) – coffee/mocha, sour plum and nice finish. (*** ½) – IT

Mantellassi San Giuseppe Morellino do Scansano 2008 ($14.95 - #0226852) – fairly easy drinking red with a little rustic quality which keeps it honest. (*** ½) – IT

Prelius 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0224022) – lovely dark fruit with chocolate, juicy and plump; not at all what you expect from Italian Cab. (****+)

Rocca Delle Macie 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($24.95 - #0232488) – toasted plum, mocha and vanilla. (*** ½+) – IT

(Tuscany)

Novaia Corte Vaona Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006 ($39.95 - #0234898) – nice sweet fruit on the palate with a good tannin backbone holding it together. (****+) - IT

Sparkling –

Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco ($15.95 - #0169128) – great nose with brisk citrus notes, which continue onto the palate. (****+) - IT

White –

Vinea Garganega 2009 ($12.95 - #0230656) – palate has some funky flavours that some might find interesting and for 13 bucks it is worth experiencing this grape; also an interesting finish. (*** ½) – IT

Mexico …

LA Cetto 2008 Petite Sirah ($11.95 - #0983742) – my review appears in Vintages magazine, taken from February of 2010, I would now downgrade it to 3 ½ stars but this is still a good wine. (*** ½)

LA Cetto 2008 Zinfandel ($10.95 - #0405605) – this one is juicy as hell with plum and cherry notes with a raspberry finish, beautifully BBQ-ready. (****)

New Zealand …

Red –

Shingle Peak 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0032441) – fairly traditional style with sour cherry, cranberry and earthy flavours. (*** ½+)

Thatched Hut 2010 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0242933) – coffee bean and toasted notes with some earthy black and sour cherry notes. (*** ½+)

Portugal …

Dessert -

Quinta da Pedra Alta Fine Tawny Port ($14.95 - #0225144) – lovely nutty-cherry-orange peel nuances, a real touch of elegance. (****+)

South Africa …

Red –

Cathedral Cellars 2009 Shiraz ($14.95 - #0561142) – good black fruit and pepper notes with little to no South Africa stink, there’s a nice meatiness to this wine. (*** ½+)

White –

Atraxia 2009 Chardonnay ($23.95 - #0232967) – tropical aromas with butter and vanilla notes, fairly standard but tasty. (*** ½) - CCC

Spain …

White –

Bodegas Shaya 2009 Verdejo ($17.95 - #0241554) – nose is quiet but there’s a grassiness to the palate that’s quite nice. (*** ½)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95 - #0977173) – another juicy fruit loaded Cab, thoroughly enjoyable. (*** ½)

Irony 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0025106) – the best value in the tri-fecta of nice juicy Cabs from California in this release. (*** ½)

La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0058024) – earthy, black cherry with juicy flavours, this is just simply lovely … you’ll find beet root and sweet tannins to round it all out. (****)

Santa Barbara Winery 2009 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #0942946) – here’s you’re typical juicy Cali-Pinot with loads of black cherry. (*** ½+)

Starmount 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.95 - #0725150) – a juicy Cab … a really juicy Cab, the first of three I tried on this day; see above. (*** ½)

(Washington)

Columbia Winery 2007 Merlot ($16.95 - #0715870) – juicy red and black fruit with hints of sweet spice, decent value. (*** ½+)

White –

(California)

Artesa 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0657585) – pretty nose and good palate makes for a complete wine; fruit and oak mingle in the mouth with peach pit, tropicality and vanilla with a nice edge of spice on the finish. (****+)

Beringer 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($22.95 - #0394353) – full and thick in the mouth, almost creamy, oaked just right helping to keep the fruit flavour intact. (****)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2008 ($14.95 - #0120907)

Feudi di San Marzano 2008 Sud Primitivo di Manduria ($14.95 - #0214692)

Cathedral Cellars 2009 Shiraz ($14.95 - #0561142)

Clos du Porteau 2009 Le Courlis Sauvignon Touraine ($14.95 - #0246041)

LA Cetto 2008 Zinfandel ($10.95 - #0405605)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on July 23, 2011:

Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco ($15.95 - #0169128) – Italy

Prelius 2008 Cabernet Sauvigon ($17.95 - #0224022) - Italy

Artesa 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0657585) – United States

Bonus …

Domaine de la Vieille Ferme de L’eoune Rasteau 2009 ($17.95 - #0234658) - 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.

Saturday July 9, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-07-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at Sparkling Wine (SPARK), and wines that have scored over ninety points (90+); below are my selections of each and, of course, for the rest of the world … In addition to the "what I'll be lining up for" section at the bottom, I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers: Best Buys - this week you'll find four bargains under $17 that over deliver at that price point …

Australia …

Red –

Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018) – lovely raspberry finish, and that’s where this wine starts; nice elegant Shiraz with raspberry on the palate and that raspberry flavour just keeps coming back for more. (****+)

Saltram 2008 Mamre Brook Shiraz ($24.95 - #0032227) – wine is black as pitch but it’s tasty as anything you’ve ever tasted: mint, blackberry, spice and vanilla and it keeps on giving. (****)

Schild 2007 Shiraz ($27.95 - #0066555) – lots of chocolate and blackberry fruit, lush and lovely. (****) – 90+

Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #0018796) – always a fan of these elegant wines and the ’08 Shotfire is no different. (**** ½) – 90+

Valletta 2005 Grenache/Shiraz ($37.95 - #0225136) – this has got nice fruit and spice; smoke, plum and blackberry, it's very pretty. (**** ½) – 90+

Canada …

Red -

(Ontario)

Reif Estate 2007 Reserve Merlot ($19.95 - #0935676)

Rosé –

Wildass Rosé 2009 ($1995 - #0071712)

Sparkling –

(Ontario)

Mike Weir 2008 Sparkling Wine ($24.95 - #0187294) - SPARK

White –

(Ontario)

Megalomaniac 2009 Narcissist Riesling ($17.95 - #0067587)

Chile …

Red -

Concha Y Toro 2008 Marques de Casa Concha Syrah ($19.95 - #0019042) – juicy and peppery at the same time; blackberry and somewhat meaty. (****) – 90+

Morande 2009 Reserva Carmenere ($13.95 - #0059436) – lots of cocoa, black cherry, vanilla and plum. (*** ½)

White –

Agustinos 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0213595) – pure Savvy B nose with flavours of tangerine; fun and flavourful. (*** ½)

France …

Red –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Hourbanon 2003 ($21.95 - #0125922) – smooth, supple and ready to drink: tobacco, black cherry and aged nicely, notice it is already 8 years from vintage date … this is what I call a lost in the warehouse selection; well priced. (*** ½+)

Chateau Pipeau 2007 ($28.00 - #0102756) – smoke and coffee bean with an almost South African earthy taste. (*** ½+)

(Beaujolais)

Dominique Piron 2009 Cuvee Les Pierres Morgon ($22.95 - #0231969) – holy black cherry Batman this is not you mama’s Beaujolais with a mineral-earthy backbone that’s also got some smoky-vanilla and meatiness on the finish. (**** ½) – 90+

(Midi)

Domaine Boudau 2009 Le Clos ($16.95 - #0149989) – nice black fruit with chocolate cream and light spice on the finish. (****)

(Rhone)

Aubert Visan 2009 Cote du Rhone-Villages ($12.95 - #0224915) – this is a drink now kind of Cote du Rhone with lots of raspberry and hint of spice. (*** ½).

Domaine des Bosquets 2007 Gigondas ($31.95 - #0209718) – the lure of the nose is only outshone by the loveliness of the palate, great flavours. (**** ½) – 90+

Domaine Duseigneur 2007 Antares Lirac ($19.95 - #0213082) – this has got some real stuffing for an organic wine, nice spicy finish. (****) – 90+

Rosé –

Domaine des Carteresses 2010 Tavel Rosé ($15.95 - #0739474) – all the typical stylings of southern France: dry, pink and subtlety of flavour. (*** ½+)

White –

(Burgundy)

Domaine des Malandes 2008 Vieilles Vignes Montmains Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0016626) – mineral pops on the nose while on the palate mineral mixes with fruit in a delicious display of tastiness. (****+) – 90+

(Loire)

Chateau Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray ($18.95 - #0228924) – nice flavour and easy drinking, creamy texture with apple and pear puree. (*** ½+)

Germany …

Sparkling –

Josef Drathen 2009 Riesling Sekt ($13.95 - #0226258) – mineral and apple leads the charge, nice flavour and persistent linger on the finish. (****) - SPARK

White –

Dr Pauly-Bergweiler 2009 Riesling ($12.95 - #0596601) – subtle yet sweet with all kinds of white fruit and floral notes; simple yet supple, worth an afternoon of your time, or at least an hour. (****)

Italy …

Red –

(Piedmont)

Terre del Barolo 2004 Monvigliero Barolo ($33.95 - #0097535) – nice spice with sweet spiced fruit, ready to drink now. (*** ½)

(Puglia)

Paolo Leo 2006 Riserva Salice Salentino ($14.95 - #0214700) – rich and juicy with creamy vanilla and lovely red berry fruit, and there’s just a touch spice backing. (****)

(Tuscany)

Tenuta di Ghizzano 2007 Veneroso ($29.95 - #0103218) – big, rustic and leathery. (*** ½+) – 90+

Viticcio Bere 2007 ($17.95 - #0224311) – dark berries with a slight chalky sensation. (*** ½+) – 90+

(Veneto)

Cantine Riondo Palazzo dei Signori Amarone Valpolicella 2006 ($37.95 - #0218446) – fig, blackberry, cherry and chocolate; dry and well balanced. (****+)

Le Tobele 2008 Valpolicella ($15.95 - #0106914) – good fruit, red and black cherry with a touch of chocolate, very sippable, there are even some attractive spice notes. (*** ½+)

Zenato 2007 Cormi ($17.95 - #0108282) – smooth, luscious and easy drinking with chocolate-strawberry nuances. (****)

Zenato 2007 Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore ($14.95 / 375ml - #0043547) – nice compact flavour is a small bottle; ripe red fruit with lovely cherry and chocolate. (****+)

Sparkling –

Carrino Brich Menu Moscato D’Asti 2010 ($13.95 - #0159822) – a simple asti with all the sweetness and flavour, nice balance of acidity and bubble; great little summer sipper with a ginger ale finish. (****) - SPARK

Bellenda San Fermo Brut Prosecco Superiore 2010 ($17.95 - #0082347) – nice mousse and a creamy lemon curd mouthfeel. (*** ½+) - SPARK

White -

(Friuli)

Attems 2010 Pinot Grigio ($19.95 - #0707950) – nose of grapefruit rind and lemon peel, palate is also very citrus oriented. (*** ½)

New Zealand …

White -

Spinyback 2009 Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #0214569) – grapefruit cocktail with some peach, good length on the finish. (****)

Summerhouse 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0218305) – very New Zealand in style, nice acidity with a pleasant mouthfeel, good citrus, melon and gooseberry. (****)

Portugal …

Red –

Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Reserva 2007 ($21.95 - #0951301) – this is a pretty wine with plum and floral notes along with red cherry, vanilla, smoke and a touch of spice. (****+) – 90+

South Africa …

Red –

Lomond 2008 Syrah ($19.95 - #0146464) – has a slightly off-putting nose but the pepper, blackberry flavour keeps you sipping and sipping and sipping; a really nice wine indeed, especially for the taste-buds. (****) – 90+

Spain …

Red -

Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868) – a real beauty with black cherry, vanilla, plum … loads of cherry appear with each sip. (****+) – 90+

Pago de San Gabriel Zubiolo 2007 ($20.95 - #0242438) – coffee and mocha, perfect breakfast red all it needs is some cinnamon. (****)

Sparkling –

Ferre I Catasus Brut Reserva Cava ($16.95 - #0224717) – quite toasty with bruised apple and peach pit, sweet kinda toffee note to the finish. (*** ½) - SPARK

United States …

Red –

(California)

Bonny Doon 2009 Contra Red ($19.95 - #0247031) – nice and fruity, very consumer ready. (*** ½+)

Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vines Zinfandel ($16.95 - #0678698) – typically good, flavours are right down the Zinfandel line with plum, vanilla and strawberry; sweet, supple and sippable. (*** ½+)

Grove Street 2008 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0231613) – juicy and tasty with a very complex finish of spiced herbs and coffee-cocoa. (*** ½+)

Oakville Ranch 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.95 - #0674952) – full bodied with good fruit and nice spice. (****) – 90+

Rodney Strong 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0497933) – this is a mellow and juicy Merlot. (*** ½+)

Siduri 2009 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #0159293) – juicy upon entry then turns to sweet black fruit with cinnamon and spice. (*** ½)

Rosé –

Fleur de California 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé ($17.95 - #0229674) – retains its earthy and strawberry notes along with a little pepper … nice. (*** ½)

White –

(California)

Groth 2008 Chardonnay ($37.95 - #0225672) – vanilla and apple on the nose with a nice creamy mouthfeel and good acidity on the finish. (****) – 90+

(Oregon)

Firesteed 2009 Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #0568071) – dry pear with a touch of something nutty, a little mineral with acid bite on the finish. (*** ½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on July 9, 2011:

Dominique Piron 2009 Cuvee Les Pierres Morgon ($22.95 - #0231969) – France

Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018)

Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #0018796)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868)

Dr Pauly-Bergweiler 2009 Riesling ($12.95 - #0596601)

Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018)

Josef Drathen 2009 Riesling Sekt ($13.95 - #0226258)

Happy Shopping

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Vintages Shop Online June 16, 2011 Release

2011-07-05T02:21:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2011 … At the Vintages tasting for the July 9, 2011 release (report coming soon), I had the opportunity to sample some of the ‘Vintages Shop Online’ wines, which were released to the public on June 16, 2011.

Here are my favourites of the 12 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Antonin Rodet 2009 Puligny-Montrachet ($49.95 - #0084541) – Burgundy, France
Fuligni Ginestreto 2008 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #0957142) – Tuscany, Italy

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Pol Roger 2002 Brut Rose Champagne ($99.95 - #0209254) – Champagne, France
Henri Boillot 2009 Bourgogne ($32.95 - #0626879) – Burgundy, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Pol Roger 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($94.95 - #0096685) – Champagne, France
Barnett 2007 Cyrus Ryan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.95 - #0221937) – California, United States
Hazyblur 2006 Kangaroo Island Shiraz ($44.95 - #0144642) – Australia

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Valdez 2007 Quinn Vineyard Zinfandel ($44.95 - #0223321) – California, United States … really supple with dark fruit: plum, cherry, chocolate, spice, pepper and a nice backbone, lots of structure and nice acidity on the finish.

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Saturday June 25, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-06-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at wine from Argentina (ARG), a special Canada Day release (CAN) and looks at “pure expression” wines (PE) … In addition to the "what I'll be lining up for" section at the bottom, I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers: Best Buys - this week you'll find four bargains under $15 that over deliver at that price point …

Argentina …

Red -

Salentein 2009 Reserve Malbec ($19.95 - #0640854) – lovely rich black fruit, chocolate and spice with a nice mouthfeel. (****) - ARG

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec ($17.95 - #0029280) – dark floral notes with delicate dark fruit; delicious flavour and all for a decent price. (****) - ARG

Zuccardi 2007 Q Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0140855) – cinnamon, clove, lavender and black currant, rich and robust. (****) - ARG

White –

Alamos 2010 Chardonnay ($13.95 - #0801571) – a pretty standard Chardonnay but with a redeeming finish; a summer sipper at a more than an attractive price. (*** ½) – ARG

Alta Vista 2010 Premium Torrontes ($13.95 - #0037127) – a lovely version of this unheralded grape; think of it as a toned down Gewurztraminer (if you need a comparison) with nice acidity on the finish. (****)

Australia …

Red –

Marquis Philips 2008 Shiraz ($15.00 - #0017475) – forget fruit bomb, this is an alcoholic missle (16%), all the sweet red and black berry fruit which jumps out of the glass and lands smack dab on your palate. Finish is raspberry and chocolate … stay home and enjoy. (**** ½)

Peter Lehmann 2007 The Futures Shiraz ($29.95 - #0606780) – lots of fruit here, with a decent amount of spice that keeps you dipping back into the glass for more. (****)

Pikes 2008 Eastside Shiraz ($23.95 - #0077891) – jammy and juicy: blackberry, black cherry, chocolaty and toasty. (*** ½)

Austria …

White –

Salomon-Undhof Wieden & Berg Tradition Gruner Veltliner 2009 ($19.95 - #0670513) – peapod and citrus aromas with peach, white pepper and pear notes in the mouth … yum. (****+)

Canada …

Dessert –

(Ontario)

Inniskillin 2008 Canadian Oak Aged Riesling Icewine ($79.95 - #0230359) - CAN

Red -

(Ontario)

Featherstone Estate 2009 Cabernet Franc ($16.95 - #0064618) - CAN

Sparkling –

Jackson-Triggs 2006 Entourage Silver Series Brut Methode Classique ($22.95 - #0234161) - CAN

White –

(Ontario)

Casa-Dea 2009 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #0237883)

Closson Chase 2008 KJ Watson Vineyard Chardonnay ($39.95 - #0230912)

Flat Rock Cellars 2010 Riesling ($16.95 - #0043281) – PE

Wayne Gretzky Estates 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Series ($15.95 - #0230771) - CAN

(Quebec)

Ciderie St. Nicolas Pom’or Tradition Crackling Cider ($12.95 - #0179473) – refreshing and clean, low alcohol, pure apple enjoyment. (*** ½) - CAN

Chile …

Red -

Santa Carolina 2009 Barrica Selection Carmenere ($14.95 - #0640888) – lots of raspberry and brambly notes and lots of big sweet fruit on the palate. (****)

France …

Red –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Fonteneil 2006 ($49.95 - #0567404) – licorice and dark fruit intermingle with toasted chocolate and cinnamon. (****)

(Beaujolais)

Sublime 2009 Vieilles Vignes Julienas ($17.95 - #0208009) – black cherry galore, hints of violet and nice spice, not the light easy drinking patio sipper many Beaujolais can be, this one has some real stuffing. Not “sublime” but really darn good. (****+)

(Burgundy)

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2008 Cote de Beaune-Villages ($25.95 - #0714998) – cranberry-sour cherry, plum, vanilla and yeah, it’s good. (****)

(Rhone)

Louis Bernard 2008 Gigondas ($19.95 - #0222596) – nice chocolate, blackberry, smooth and silky with a peppered finish. (*** ½)

Perrin 2009 Les Cornuds Vinsobres ($15.00 - #0241604) – a raspberry cherry nose, very fruit driven palate with blueberry and raspberry notes … the flavours are delicious and don’t let go until the bottle is empty, small consolation is the lingering finish with chocolate and cherry. (**** ½)

White –

(Alsace)

Pfaffenheim 2009 Cuvee Bacchus Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #0996017) – rose petals on the nose with a touch of Thrills gum and drops of spiciness, a touch of sweetness helps to balance this wine nicely. (****+) - PE

(Bordeaux)

Charmes de Rieussec 2007 ($23.00 / 375ml - #0098202) – it’s a Sauternes, a delicious half-bottle of Sauternes, need I say more? (****+)

(Loire)

Domaine Tabordet 2009 Pouilly-Fume ($22.95 - #0907824) – nice melon and grass notes with a touch of grapefruit cocktail on the finish. (*** ½) - PE

Italy …

Red –

(Piedmont)

Abbona Rinaldi 2008 Barbera d’Alba ($19.95 - #0216416) – dark chocolate notes with coffee, leather and licorice, there’s also lots of black cherry to tie it all together. (****)

Michele Chiarlo 2008 Airone ($17.95 - #0726091) – a wine to chill and enjoy with plenty of ripe red fruit. (*** ½+)

(Puglia)

Gladiator 2008 Primitivo di Manduria ($15.95 - #0023119) – rich vanilla, juicy, plum, black cherry and raspberry … Zinfandel in taste without Zin in name. (****)

(Tuscany)

San Polo Rubio 2008 ($18.95 - #0216275) – red cherry with a hint of mint, slick and silky with chocolate notes on the finish. (****)

(Veneto)

Le Arche 2008 Ripasso Valpolicella ($14.95 - #0095828) – good fruit in this incredible sippable style of ripasso; also find dark berries and toasted cocoa bean … stylish wine for a BBQ. (****)

White -

(Campania)

Terredora 2009 Fiano di Avellino ($18.95 - #0120048) – crazy entry that’ll make you wanna spit, but give it a moment, let it linger and you’ll see it turns out alright … worth trying. (***+) - PE

Portugal …

Red –

Herdade dos Ourives 2006 Colheita Seleccionada ($18.95 - #0240663) – sweet plum and red currant with a touch of chocolate-strawberry and a bit smoky. (****)

Rose –

Sexy Rose 2010 ($15.95 - #0117077) – I thought this wine would run its coarse the last time it went thru the board, but it seems the LCBO is bringing sexy back – more a novelty type wine but fun to serve … chill, sip and enjoy. (***+)

South Africa …

Red –

Amani Pendana Shiraz 2007 ($18.95 - #0220079) – the usual gamy-tarryness gets lost (thankfully) amongst some nice fruit and floral notes, this is especially true on the palate … there is a little of that "funk" on the finish, but the journey is worth the destination. (****)

Spain …

Red -

Carlos Serres 2001 Gran Reserva ($27.95 - #0221945) – has a meaty, spicy and herbed quality; 10 years and still holding. (*** ½+)

Pago de San Gabriel Zubiolo 2007 ($n/a - #0242438) – coffee and mocha, perfect breakfast red. (****)

White –

Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2009 ($13.95 - #0218313) – very floral and peachy with a pineapple linger on the finish, this one’s really interesting and tasty. (*** ½)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Howling Moon 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel ($18.95 - #0057356) – this is a Zin worth having around, lots of vanilla, cherry and plum notes; lush, smooth and BBQ-ready, without the usual high alcohol in these wines. (****+)

(Oregon)

A to Z Wineworks 2008 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0229781) – raspberry-cherry, spice with nice hints of minerality and good acidity; a more than decent Pinot. (****)

Lachini Vineyards 2007 Lachini Family Estate Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0222331) – not your typical Pinot with mocha notes amongst the black cherry and spice; on the finish there’s a very lovely spiced-vanilla finish. (****+)

(Washington)

Boomtown 2007 Syrah ($19.95 - #0233452) – plum and blackberry along with a mellow finish that makes this worth sipping on. (*** ½+)

White –

(California)

De Loach 2008 OFS Chardonnay ($37.95 - #0729343) – a creamy vanilla finish rescues this one from being just a run of the mill Chardonnay. (*** ½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on June 25, 2011:

Howling Moon 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel ($18.95 - #0057356) – United States

Marquis Philips 2008 Shiraz ($15.00 - #0017475) – Australia

Sublime 2009 Vieilles Vignes Julienas ($17.95 - #0208009) – France

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Santa Carolina 2009 Barrica Selection Carmenere ($14.95 - #0640888)

Marquis Philips 2008 Shiraz ($15.00 - #0017475)

Perrin 2009 Les Cornuds Vinsobres ($15.00 - #0241604)

Le Arche 2008 Ripasso Valpolicella ($14.95 - #0095828)

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Update: June 11, 2011 Vintages Release

2011-06-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Over the course of a year I miss about 2 or 3 Vintages tastings due to reasons beyond my control, unfortunately the June 11, 2011 release was one of those tastings ... Next release report will be for the June 25, 2011 release, sorry for any inconvenience this might cause, but look on the bright side, maybe a I just saved you some money (that you can use on the 25th). Thanks for your understanding.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com, while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday May 28, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-05-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at wine from California (CALI) and some interesting stuff from the region of Alsace (AL) in France … I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers: Best Buys …

Argentina …

Red -

Kaiken 2007 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0135202) – year in year out I love this wine, and yet again it’s a must purchase. (****+)

Santa Julia 2009 Magna ($14.95 - #0218974) – smooth chocolate and blackberry; simple yet good. (*** ½)

Australia …

Red –

Henry’s Drive 2008 Pillar Box Red ($14.95 - #0685941) – always tasty and a good value red bruiser Aussie blend, not as good as in some years but still quite good. (*** ½)

Plunkett Fowles 2008 Stone Dwellers Merlot ($19.95 - #0221838) – smooth and supple, not blow-you-away fantastic but worth the money, spiced through mid-palate. (*** ½)

Rockbare 2008 Shiraz ($24.95 - #0661991) – good black fruit Shiraz with quite a hunk of chocolate in the middle. (****)

Zonte’s 2008 Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Shiraz ($15.95 - #0212936) – eucalyptus and black fruit, soft supple tannins and well priced. (*** ½+)

Sparkling –

The Black Chook Sparkling Shiraz ($17.95 - #0221986) – lots of dark berry flavour with a hint of spice and leather, interesting wine to pour, not what you expect in a bubbly. (***+)

Canada …

Rosé -

(Ontario)

Cattail Creek 2010 Serendipity Rosé ($14.95 - #0118059)

Featherstone Estate 2010 Rosé ($14.95 - #0117861)

Kacaba 2010 Summertime Series Rebecca Rosé ($14.95 - #0227025)

Southbrook 2010 Connect Organic Rosé ($18.95 - #0168492)

White –

(Ontario)

Mike Weir 2008 Riesling ($14.95 - #0229286)

Chile …

Red -

Emiliana 2009 Winemaker’s Selection Syrah ($18.95 - #0212407) – blackberry and mint with a touch of smoked mint on the finish; good price for this one. (****)

France …

Red –

(Alsace)

Joseph Cattin 2009 Pinot Noir ($14.95 - #0224618) – if you’ve never had the chance to try at Alsatian Pinot Noir now’s your chance, a decent price for a decent wine. (*** ½) - AL

(Beaujolais)

Domaine de Saint Ennemond Vieilles Vignes Moulin-a-Vent ($17.95 - #0207910) – black cherry, vanilla-cinnamon, anise, has real presence warm, but might I suggest chilling it down for summer. (****)

(Midi)

Domaine Lacroix-Vanel Cuvee Melanie 2005 ($24.95 - #0221978) – sweet blackberry nose with cassis, chocolate, blackberry palate. (****)

Sparkling –

(Burgundy)

Veuve Ambal Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($15.95 - #0209619) – apple, vanilla and really quite creamy but with a nice balance of acidity. (****)

White –

(Alsace)

Faller Geisberg 2007 Riesling ($20.95 - #0225169) – sweet apple juice nose though drier than expected on the palate with a nice apple finish. (***+) – AL

Heimberger 2009 Les Origines Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0223933) – nice restraint shown on the nose and palate, the flavours are there though the nose is shy, tasty with some spice on the finish. (****) – AL

Joseph Cattin 2009 Muscat ($14.95 - #0224634) – nice apple nose that leads you to believe it’ll be sweet but it shows nice restraint on the palate. (***+) - AL

(Burgundy)

Louis Robin 2009 Chablis ($19.95 - #0210831) – this one shows some real finesse in Chardonnay-ville with mineral notes that are the stand out here. (****)

(Loire)

Domaine Sylvain Bailly 2009 Terroirs Sancerre ($24.95 - #0223859) – very refreshing with fruit and citrus, but not too much, enough to make it interesting. (*** ½+)

Henri Bourgeois 2009 Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0672345) – only on the finish does it finally hit you that this is Sauvignon Blanc; light, easy and refreshing. (*** ½+)

Germany …

White –

C.H. Berres 2007 Riesling Kabinett ($18.95 - #0207274) – it starts off with pear delivers good acidity on the finish along with limeade and peach. (****)

Gunderloch 2009 Fritz’s Riesling ($13.95 - #0216366) – pleasant, lovely and inexpensive; a nice beginners Riesling. (*** ½)

Greece …

Red -

Domaine Mercouri 2008 Red ($18.95 - #0652874) – quite chunky but with nice fruit. (*** ½)

Italy …

Red –

(Emilia-Romagna)

Drei Dona-Tenuta la Palazza Notturno Sangiovese 2008 ($17.95 - #0039958) – rustic spice and fruit with grit and guile, nice mouth presence. (*** ½+)

(Tuscany)

Barone Ricasoli 2006 Casalferro ($39.95 - #0092973) – rich dark fruit nose with blackberry, cassis and cardamom; the palate is spiced- dark berry with lots of tannin grit. (****+)

La Castellina Squarcialupi Chianti Classico Riserva 2006 ($27.95 - #0214627) – coffee, dark chocolate with sour cherry; chalky yet elegant finish. (****+)

(Veneto)

Antiche Terre Ripasso Valpolicella ($14.95 - #0178459) – dark fruit and black cherry with lots of tannins to make this one good for the long haul. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Red –

Wild Rock 2008 Cupid’s Arrow Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0061242) – flavours of spiced fruit. (*** ½+)

White -

Lawson’s 2009 Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #0214460) – gooseberry and lime steal the show here. (*** ½)

Nobilo 2010 Icon Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 - #0912337) – this is everything you think of when you think of New Zealand Savvy B all kicked into overdrive. (*** ½)

Portugal …

Dessert -

Warre’s Otima 20-Year-Old Port ($39.95 / 500ml - #0682716) – dried apricot, orange zest, loads of spice, nutty notes and dried cherry; a new side of Otima Port. (****)

Red –

R de Romaneira 2007 ($19.95 - #0214288) – inky with charm, sweet red fruit entry, plum and chocolate; lovely, simply lovely with black cherry, boysenberry, it has a playful side yet its serious. (**** ½)

White –

Quinta de Linhares 2009 Azal Branco Vinho Verde ($14.95 - #0218222) – biting acidity is the first thing you’ll notice but there is also lovely pear and lemonade nuances; quite refreshing. (*** ½)

Spain …

Red -

Almira Los Dos Old Vines Grenache / Syrah ($12.95 - #0173120) – a pure pleasure sipper loaded with red berries, some spice and nice tannins. (****+)

Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2008 ($22.95 - #0216291) – violets, chocolate, and sweet cherry; pretty wine. (****+)

Ardal 2005 Crianza ($16.95 - #0167601) – black cherry, chocolate, firm yet fleshy, there’s some vanilla that adds depth. (****)

Etim 2005 Old Vines Seleccion Grenache ($19.95 - #0214304) – black cherry and licorice, lots of spice, herbs and cedar notes. (****+)

United States …

Red –

(California)

7 Deadly Zins 2008 Old Vines Zinfandel ($24.95 - #0059311) – lots of sweet plum, vanilla and a touch of cherry. (*** ½) - CALI

Bommarito 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #0213918) – sweet, smooth and easy drinking; a Cab without complication. (*** ½) - CALI

Duckhorn 2008 Merlot ($54.95 - #0992529) – loads of chocolate on this one. (****) - CALI

Freemark Abbey 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #0238758) – good fruit and good flavour, if just a little bit tired. (*** ½) - CALI

J. Lohr 2009 Syrah ($18.95 - #0948240) – blackberry and black cherry, supple and smooth almost jammy. (*** ½+) - CALI

Pahlmeyer 2008 Pinot Noir ($79.95 - #0148536) – lovely rich red berry nose but a leathery wrapped raspberry palate. (*** ½) - CALI

Predator 2008 Old Vines Zinfandel ($17.95 - #0219485) – this one had interesting Zin flavour (though it may have been a touch corked) this is something worth tasting and talking about. (*** ½) – CALI

Ridge 2008 Lytton Springs ($43.95 - #0982413) – plum, red cherry, blackberry with a nice sweetness of fruit with supple tannins. (****) – CALI

Stanza 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95 - #0232363) – not gonna blow you away but it won’t disappoint, easy wine to have around. (***+) – CALI

Westside Red Troublemaker Blend 1 ($19.95 - #0682831) – spiced black cherry and plum notes, nice ballsy finish. (****) – CALI

(Oregon)

Aubichon 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir ($47.95 - #0220442) – black cherry and floral aromas, good smooth black cherry flavours, touch of cigar box to spice things up; good finish. (****+)

Sparkling –

Mumm Napa Rosé ($29.95 - #0205641) – pretty colour, nice mousse and light raspberry flavour. (*** ½) - CALI

White –

(California)

Kenneth Volk 2007 Santa Maria Cuvee Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0233981) – good fruit to oak ratio here, a touch more oak than fruit but nicely so. (*** ½) - CALI

Sanford 2008 Chardonnay ($26.95 - #0956003) – this one is more fruit than wood, which is also nice, so in this release you have your pick. (*** ½) - CALI

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …

Almira Los Dos Old Vines Grenache / Syrah ($12.95 - #0173120)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on May 28, 2011:

Kaiken 2007 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0135202) – Argentina

R de Romaneira 2007 ($19.95 - #0214288) – Portugal

Etim 2005 Old Vines Seleccion Grenache ($19.95 - #0214304) – Spain

Happy Shopping.

To print this report 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 May 5, 2011 Release

2011-05-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2011 … At the Vintages tasting for the May 28, 2011 release (report coming soon), I had the opportunity to sample some of the ‘Vintages Shop Online’ wines, which were released to the public on May 5, 2011.

Here are my favourites of the 24 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Closson Chase 2007 S. Kocsis Vineyard Chardonnay ($44.95 - #0184291) – Ontario, Canada
Le Cadeau Vineyard 2007 Diversite Pinot Noir ($60.00 - #0199752) – Oregon, United States
Senorio de Cuzcurrita 2005 ($35.00 - #0208165) - Spain

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Francois Villard 2008 Les Terrasses du Palat Condrieu ($64.00 - #0209254) – Rhone, France
Chateau La Pointe 2005 ($65.00 - #0205997) – Bordeaux, France
Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi 2007 ($79.00 - #0730184) - Spain

Four Star Wines (****) …
Dutschke 2006 Oscar Semmler Shiraz ($65.00 - #0199760) – Australia
Chateau Leoville-Poyferre 2006 ($99.00 - #0565044) – Bordeaux, France
Domaine Taupenot-Merme La Riotte Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru 2007 ($85.00 - #0111377) – Burgundy, France
La Colombina 2004 Riserva Brunello di Montalcino ($79.00 - #0206417) – Tuscany – Italy
Torre Albeniz Reserva 2006 ($39.00 - #0209445) - Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Domaine Colin-Deleger en Remilly Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 2007 ($79.00 - #0110536) – Burgundy, France
Joseph Drouhin 2007 Puligny-Montrachet Folatieres 1er Cru ($89.00 - #0959254) – Burgundy, France
Chateau Croix de Labrie 2007 ($77.00 - #0098699) – Bordeaux, France
Ferraton Pere & Fils 2007 L’Eglantine Cote Rotie ($74.00 - #0206144) – Rhone, France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Stewart 2007 Pinot Noir ($65.00 - #0218198) – California, United States
Big alcohol of 15.8% which helps to make this one easy going down, supple, sexy and ultra fruity; you won’t notice that alcohol until the room starts to spin.
Domaine de la Solitude Cuvee Barberini Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 ($65.00 - #0083527) – Rhone, France

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Saturday May 14, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-05-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

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

Today’s release looks at the sun in two ways, first the Southern Rhone (SR) with its abundance of sunshine and then at wines that are great for sunny days, Rosés (ROSE):

Argentina …

Red -

Alamos 2009 Malbec ($13.95 - #0467951) – juicy flavour of dark berry fruit with a slightly toasted note … good beginners Malbec. (****)

Elementos 2008 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($12.95 - #0218974) – it’s Elementos my dear Watson, this wine is a real winner for BBQ season: dark fruit with a touch of spice. (*** ½+)

Australia …

Red –

Chapel Hill 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0965830) – this is your typical Aussie fruit bomb, really juicy entry with blackberry and pepper right through to the finish. (****)

Penfolds 207 Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz ($37.95 - #0309625) – dark and brooding, it’ll age nicely so leave it alone for now and drink in 3-4 years. (****)

Two Hands 2009 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz ($26.95 - #0660043) – rich in plum and blueberry; succulent and decadent with a generous amount of fruit and hints of spice. (****)

Canada …

Red –

(Ontario)

Inniskillin 2008 Winemaker’s Series Select Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet ($24.95 - #0225482)

Vineland 2009 Pinot Meunier ($17.95 - #0225508)

Rosé -

(Ontario)

Malivoire 2010 Ladybug Rosé ($15.95 - #0559088) – (ROSE)

White –

(Ontario)

Fielding 2009 White Conception ($18.95 - #0203737)

Konzelmann 2008 Winemaster’s Collection Late Harvest Gewurztraminer ($17.20 - #0392357)

Chile …

Red -

Mayu 2007 Reserva Estate Bottled Carmenere ($14.95 - #0090035) – black fruit with caresses of sweet tobacco and spice. (*** ½)

Santa Carolina 2008 Dry Farming Carignan ($16.95 - #0213520) – real kick of mint here, a nice palate of black fruit with hints of mint; shows a certain amount of finesse. (****+)

France …

Red –

(Beaujolais)

Domaine Regis Champier 2009 Extrait de Terroir Brouilly ($15.95 - #0207977) – big broad brush stroke of cherry all over this one with a slight earthy note on the finish … would also taste nice with a bit of a chill; very slight tannin grit on the finish. (****+)

(Rhone)

Alain Jaume 2009 Grande Garrigue Vacqueyras ($22.95 - #0233916) – lots of lovely dark fruit and dark berries and a nice hint of minerality on the finish. (****) – (SR)

Domaine de L’Arnesque 2009 Cotes du Rhone ($13.95 - #0223487) – baked cherry smell with nice fruit, toast and vanilla notes. (****) – (SR)

Domaine Le Grand Retour 2009 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #0224592) – this is a bargain full of dark berries, cherries, cocoa, cassis and rich tannins; can be held for 5+ years. (****+) – (SR)

Les Vigerons D’estezargues 2009 La Granacha Signargues ($17.95 - #0082560) – red licorice nose and a sweet red fruit finish. (****) – (SR)

Ogier 2009 Marquis de Valclair Gigondas ($23.95 - #0219345) – this one's got the goods, juicy red fruit with red licorice and black cherry. (****) – (SR)

Rosé -

Perrin 2010 Reserve Rosé ($15.95 - #0719062) – big hit of strawberry right off the bat on the nose; the palate goes very dry with a cherry-strawberry-raspberry blend. (****) – (ROSE)

White –

(Burgundy)

Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre 2008 Fourchaume 1er Cru ($31.95 - #0210856) – lacks strong aromas on the nose but its apple and citrus palate more than makes up for it. (*** ½)

Greece …

Dessert -

Kourtaki Muscat ($14.95 - #0938407) – sweet honey, beeswax, floral, apricot with a touch of some spice and biting acidity on the finish; this is a tasty and inexpensive dessert wine. (**** ½)

Italy …

Red –

(Abruzzo)

Tor Del Colle Riserva Brindisi 2009 ($12.95 - #0211847) – BBQ-ready wine with loads of fruit, hints of tannin but juicy, juicy, juicy with all that sweet fruit … very good price. (****)

(Piedmont)

Luca Ferraris Bric d’Bianc Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato 2009 ($16.95 - #0214536) – port-like plumminess on the nose; touch of light spice and red berry; good flavour. (*** ½)

Mauro Veglio 2009 Dolcetto D’alba ($16.95 - #0214486) – I’m still not a fan of Dolcetto but this one is ripe and relatively juicy with some grit herbal notes on the finish. (*** ½)

(Puglia)

Cignomoro 2007 Primitivo di Manduria ($19.95 - #0211078) – sweet plum with easy spice and chocolaty on the palate. (*** ½)

(Tuscany)

Avignonesi 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($29.95 - #0943670) – ripe and ready black cherry, plum and spice, especially on the finish. (****+)

Viticcio 2007 Chianti Classico ($23.95 - #0587030) – some real flavour here, bring pleasure to the palate: vanilla, cinnamon, dark fruit and cran-cherry. (*** 1/2)

(Veneto)

Luigi Righetti 2008 Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($16.95 - #0695890) – black pepper, black licorice, mocha, coffee bean, black cherry and nice length to the finish. (****)

Sparkling –

Massottina Extra Dry Conegliano Valbobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($19.95 - #0216317) – slightly sweet lemon drop, nice and refreshing for summer. (****)

New Zealand …

Red –

Pencarrow 2009 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0692301) – earthy black cherry with nice mouth-feel and tannin balance. (****)

Rosé -

Kim Crawford 2010 Pansy! Rosé ($16.95 - #0650325) – this pink brings a little sweetness to the party, especially on the initial entry then you’ll find pink grapefruit on the finish. (*** ½) – (ROSE)

White -

Craggy Range 2009 Te Muna Road Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 - #0225706) – vanilla-grapefruit, crisp and sweet tasting full of fruit. (*** ½)

Kim Crawford 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0991950) – peachy in the mouth, quite a lovely sip with its only drawback being a quick finish. (*** ½)

Portugal …

Dessert -

Calem 2004 LBV Port ($19.95 - #0912550) – blackberry, cocoa, spice and black cherry. (****+)

South Africa …

Red –

Post House 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($22.95 - #0231332) – raspberry, black currant and cigar notes; tangy and tasty – this is a traditionally made wine that used wild yeast, was basket pressed and bottled unfiltered. (****)

Spain …

Red -

Dehesa Gago 2009 ($14.95 - #0173120) – black fruited: berry, cherry, raspberry, cocoa, spice with a nice tannin backbone, good finish 2-5 years age potential. Nice wine. (****+)

Vega Escal 2006 ($18.95 - #0210997) – nice black cherry, chocolate and elegance. (****+)

Vega Moragona 2007 Vinas Viejas ($14.95 - #0211037) – lots of chocolate and a little white pepper with anise and spice. (*** ½+)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Cline 2009 Ancient Vines Mourvedre ($18.95 - #0066084) – always a lot of fun, juicy blackberry and sweet black cherry; chocolate, raspberry liqueur … I could drink this all night long, and surely wake up with a horrible, but worthwhile, hangover. (****+)

Cline 2007 Sonoma Zinfandel ($18.95 - #0213504) – not afraid to show its high alcohol (16%) this one has sweet plum, chocolate, and cherry liqueur. Jammy rich fruit, bbq ready. “Honey hand me the tongs and get me the ribs.” (****)

Freeman 207 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0215434) – blueberry and floral notes, juicy fruit with a nice bite of tannins on the finish. (*** ½)

Rutherford 2009 Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0213777) – hard to believe a Cab with only 12.5% alcohol, this one has juicy black fruit with a small does of chocolate. (*** ½)

(Oregon)

Erath 2008 Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #0932541) – tart with red berry fruit and a touch of cranberry. (*** ½)

(Washington)

Dusted Valley 2007 Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0220376) – welcome to the Boomtown: black cherry, licorice, a little spice and some sage notes … tasty. (****)

White –

(California)

Bonny Doon 2008 Beeswax Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc ($29.95 - #0095331) – honey and floral notes on the nose; honey, apple and floral on the tongue; pleasant with some added weight in the mouth and a long finish. (****)

Kenwood 2009 Chardonnay ($16.95 - #0158790) – very respectable Chardonnay with citrus, pear and a touch of peach, there are also vanilla notes with a touch of tropical. Well priced. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on May 14, 2011:

Dehesa Gago 2009 ($14.95 - #0173120) – Spain

Cline 2007 Sonoma Zinfandel ($18.95 - #0213504) – United States

Domaine Le Grand Retour 2009 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #0224592) – France

Happy Shopping.

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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Vintages Shop Online April 7, 2011 Release

2011-04-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2011 … there were some wines released through ‘Vintages Shop Online’ on April 7 ... Here are my favourites of the 19 wines tasted and released ... please note that there are no notes just star ratings.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Chateau Monbousquet Blanc 2006 ($105.00 - #0564781) – France, Bordeaux
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chenevottes 1er Cru 2006 ($125.00 - #0082909) – France, Burgundy
Chateau de Beaucastel 2008 Roussanne Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (159.00 - #0596098) - France, Rhone

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Clos du Mont-Olivet 2006 La Cuvee du Papet Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($109.00 - #0087411)

Four Star Wines (****) …
Maison Champy 2006 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru ($145.00 - #0046151) – France, Burgundy
Chateau Beausejour 2006 Duffau-Lagarrosse ($85.00 - #0565085) - France, Bordeaux
Chateau La Conseillante 2007 ($139.00 - #0098517) - France, Bordeaux
Maison Champy 2006 Chambertin-Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru ($199.00 - #0097451) - France, Burgundy
Remoissenet Pere et Fils 2006 Beaune-Toussaints 1er Cru ($44.00 - #0170548) - France, Burgundy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Clarendon Hills 2006 Bakers Gully Syrah ($74.00 - #0064147) – Australia
Clarendon Hills 2006 Hickinbotham Syrah ($99.00 - #0064535) – Australia
Chateau Clinet 2006 ($99.00 - #0564575) - France, Bordeaux
Maison Champy 2006 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru ($159.00 - #0673343) - France, Burgundy

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Chateau La Couspaude 2005 ($108.00 - #0504902) – France, Bordeaux

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Saturday April 30, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-04-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

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

Two focuses in this release: Australian Wines (OZ) and Southern Italy (Italia) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina …

Red -

Chakana Reserve 2009 Malbec ($14.95 - #0018671) – juicy blackberry, black raspberry and really very quaffable. (*** ½)

Finca Flichman 2008 Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0199711) – chocolate and spice with blackberry and cassis. (*** ½+)

La Posta 2008 Cocina Blend ($12.95 - #0199513) – lots of black fruit, very easy drinking wine, this is your Argentine blend for the Bar-b this summer, priced for purchase by the case. (****)

Australia …

Dessert –

Campbells Rutherglen Muscat ($19.95 - #0225423) – coffee, toffee, orange peel and a little bit of spice, sinfully delicious. (**** ½+) - OZ

Red –

De Bortoli 2008 DB Reserve Pinot Noir ($15.95 - #0221994) – raspberry, cherry, slight bite on the finish with a touch of sweetness. (*** ½) – OZ

Henschke 2007 Johann’s Garden ($54.95 - #0946061) – lots of chocolate and blackberry here, spicy kick on the finish. (****) – OZ

Henschke 2008 Keyneton Euphonium ($49.95 - #0720433) – this is dark fruited with a spicy character and delicious flavours. (****+) – OZ

Jim Barry 2008 The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.95 - #0677476) – eucalyptus, blackberry and spice with a nice peppered finish. (****+) – OZ

Jim Barry 2008 The Lodge Hill Shiraz ($23.95 - #0998476) – spiced and peppered raspberries on the nose, strawberry and chocolate-cherries, this has got a certain lush appeal. (****) – OZ

McWilliam’s 2008 Mount Pleasant Estate Premium Vineyard Shiraz ($19.95 - #0082396) – cherry, raspberry and chocolate … tasty. (****) – OZ

Wakefield 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0744235) – lots of cherry, easy drinking, sweet and juicy … this one’s quite the pleasing drink. (****) – OZ

White -

Madfish 2007 Gold Turtle Chardonnay ($27.95 - #0227686) – interesting for a Chardonnay, its more Sauvignon Blanc than Chardonnay, especially on the palate; decent acidity with a grassiness and citrus tone. This one is for those who want Chardonnay on the label but Savvy B in the bottle. (***+) - OZ

Wakefield 2009 Chardonnay ($15.95 - #0711556) – pear and peach, maybe a hint of orange if you look for it, clean and creamy finish. (*** ½) - OZ

Yalumba 2009 Viognier ($24.95 - #0954644) – not big in the fruit department as I like with my chosen Viogniers, instead there is a lot of mineral and some spice. (*** ½) - OZ

Brazil …

Red –

Agnus 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0223370) – very smoky and toasty, chocolate and coffee no but very little in the way of fruit, never tried Brazilian wine now’s your chance. (***)

Canada …

Red –

(Ontario)

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2008 Gold Series Red Meritage ($24.95 - #0224675)

Norman Hardie 2008 County Pinot Noir ($35.20 - #0125310)

Stratus 2007 Red ($44.20 - #0131037)

White –

(Ontario)

Charles Baker 2009 Picone Vineyard Riesling ($35.20 - #0126433)

Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Reserve Chardonnay ($35.20 - #0198812)

Chile …

Rosé -

Montes 2010 Cherub Rosé Syrah ($14.95 - #0037887) – electric pink in colour delivers raspberry on the palate with good acid balance ... enjoy well chilled. (*** ½)

White –

Cono Sur 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0213587) – lots and lots and lots of grass, good wine for the first mow of the season. (*** ½)

France …

Red –

(Burgundy)

Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin 2006 ($31.95 - #0210898) – the nose might need a little “fixin” but the palate is quite good. (*** ½)

(Midi)

Chateau de Fontenelles Cuvee Renaissance 2007 ($18.95 - #0148692) – licorice, blackberry and cassis on the nose, this follows suppley [ed. note: new word] in the mouth with good flavours worth experiencing. (****)

Sparkling –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Moncontour Tete de Cuvee Brut Vouvray ($15.95 – 0207936) – slight sweetness, lively and lemony with honey on the palate, good acidity; different but in a good way. (*** ½+)

White –

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Boyrein 2009 ($16.95 - #0205534) – I’m not one to crow about white Bordeaux but this had a lovely flavour profile worth coming back to again and again, all for a good price. (****)

(Burgundy)

Collovray & Terrier 2009 Tradition Saint-Veran ($17.95 - #0209593) – tropical, vanilla and a bit of butter, it’s a tasty little treat. (*** ½)

(Loire)

Domaine Tinel-Blondelet 2009 La Croix Canat Sancerre ($21.95 - #0196709) – hint of grass backed by lemonade and mineral notes. (****)

Germany …

White –

Domdechant Werner’sches 2008 Riesling Kabinett ($18.95 - #0722413) – lots of peach and apple nuances with slate notes across the palate, sweetness and acidity clash on the great flavoured finish. (****)

Italy …

Red –

(Campania)

Terredora 2008 Aglianico ($14.95 - #0602284) – rustic yet quaffable, nice spiced raspberry finish. (*** ½) – Italia

(Puglia)

Giordano Collection 2008 Primitivo di Manduria ($16.95 - #0051797) – sweet plum, cherry and vanilla with some fig notes, delicious, supple and juicy. (****) – Italia

Torrevento 2006 Vigna Pedale Riserva ($19.95 - #0208256) – plum and cherry fruit on the nose with lots of flavour with an elegant appeal. (****+) – Italia

(Veneto)

Duetorri 2008 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($16.95 - #0159400) – good fruit with a hint of spice and a little chocolate on the way to a cherry finish; good value for this wine. (****)

Rosé –

(Sicily)

Planeta 2010 Rosé ($16.95 - #0111856) – really nice nasal appeal, almost lemony and Sauvignon Blanc-like on the olfactories with killer acidity on the palate. (*** ½+) – Italia

Sparkling –

Tenuta S. Anna Millesimato Brut Prosecco 2009 ($16.95 - #0216432) – vintage Prosecco is rarely seen; crisp lemon, green apple, almond biscotti with a touch of mac apple, very pleasant. (****)

New Zealand …

Red –

Sileni 2009 The Plateau Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0179754) – earthy-cherry and strawberry on the nose which follows on the palate with enough spice and charm to make this worthwhile. Good price, good finish. (****)

White -

Durvillea 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0206284) – serious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, grass aromas scream out of the glass and onto the palate, before reining itself in leaving grapefruit cocktail behind. (****)

Portugal …

Dessert -

Warre’s Warrior Reserve Port ($17.95 - #0197202) – mint chocolate cherries and plum, amazingly delicious. (**** ½)

Red -

Barao de Vilar Reserva 2008 ($17.95 - #0684712) – juicy red fruit with hints of spice and chocolate. (*** ½)

Spain …

Red -

Artazuri 2009 Garnacha ($12.95 - #0080812) – nose is exciting with lots of fruit but the palate doesn’t quite live up to the lure of the palate, though it's close … not a wine for the cellar, instead it’s a wine for this summer. Take note of the excellent price (****+)

Capcanes 2009 Mas Donis Negre ($12.95 - #0208231) – lots of red licorice and raspberry kirsch, sweet juicy fruit, think Zinfandel here, light up the BBQ. (*** ½)

Vina Mayor 2007 Tinto Vendimia Seleccionada ($19.95 - #0208215) – lots of dark fruit with a juicy quality that quite appealing, plus there are firm tannins on the finish. (*** ½)

White –

Naia 2009 Verdejo ($18.95 - #0211045) – good ripe fruit, lemon-apple with a touch of mineral; finish departs rather quickly but it does manage a come back. (*** ½)

United States …

Red –

(California)

Atrea 2008 Old Soul Red ($27.95 - #0214825) – lots of alcohol here (14.8%), with chocolate and black cherry, quite enjoyable. (****)

Clos du Bois 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #0181685) – soft, juicy and cherry fruit; this is your BBQ red for the coming grilling season, plus the prestige of California on the label. (*** ½+)

Kenwood Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0943225) – lots of cherry and strawberry, this one is juicy and what another taster called “cuddly”, I agree. (****+)

Sebastiani 2006 Merlot ($18.95 - #0219162) – juicy cherry with a touch of cranberry, pretty standard fare here but decently priced for California. (***)

Sequana Sarmento Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0213884) – seriously dark fruited here with strawberry and some tannin bites, black cherry on the finish. (****)

White –

(California)

Rodney Strong 2008 Chalk Hill Chardonnay ($22.95 - #0275552) – mineral, pear, a little spice; pleasant and not over the top with oak, shows very good restraint. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on April 30, 2011:

Tenuta S. Anna Millesimato Brut Prosecco 2009 ($16.95 - #0216432) – Italy

Kenwood Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #0943225) – United States

La Posta 2008 Cocina Blend ($12.95 - #0199513) – Argentina

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 April 16, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-03-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

We got another two things to focus on in this release: Wines for Easter (Easter) and Wines from New Zealand (NZ) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina …

Red -

Passion 2008 Reserve Malbec ($14.95 - #0191775) – a crowd pleaser for sure, flavourful and at a good price; good wine to find out why people are talking about Malbec. (*** ½)

Urraca 2008 Malbec ($19.95 - #0214379) – this is a more serious Malbec than above with spice cocoa, plum, fig, vanilla and slightly smoky. (****)

Australia …

Red –

Josef Chromy 2009 Pinot Noir ($27.95 - #0163022) – I really enjoy Tasmanian Pinot Noir, this one has raspberry and cherry fruit with spice and slightly woody nuances; the fruit really lingers on. (****) – Easter

Kilikanoon 2007 Convenant Shiraz ($39.95 - #0674747) – always a winner, this fruit bomb keeps you coming back for more: plumy, jammy and flavourful. (****+)

Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Quartage ($21.95 - #0024091) – I continue to love TC wines, love the spice, chocolate, pepper, plum and the other multitude of flavours. (**** ½)

Wolf Blass 2008 Gold Label Shiraz ($27.95 - #0590273) – Wolf continues to deliver pleasure in the glass. (****+)

White -

Rolling 2009 Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon ($14.95 - #0678821) – great flavours of melon, grass and citrus … summer in a glass for a really good price. (****)

Canada …

Rosé – (Ontario)

Tawse 2010 Sketches of Niagara Rosé – ($14.95 - #0172643) - Easter

White – (Ontario)

Featherstone 2010 Black Sheep Riesling ($16.95 - #0080234)

Malivoire 2009 Gewurztraminer ($24.95 - #0542522) – Easter

Chile …

Red -

Casas del Bosque 2009 Reserva Carmenere ($13.95 - #0205872) – cherry and blueberry; this is Chile’s answer to the Passion Malbec: a chance to learn about Carmenere. (*** ½)

Caliterra 2009 Tributo Carmenere ($14.95 - #0056630) – a more serious Carmenere; fruit and smoky vanilla, blackberry, blueberry skin, lovely black cherry beginning with a spiced-peppered finish. (**** +)

France …

Red - (Bordeaux)

Chateau Chantemerle 2006 ($21.95 - #0198986) – this is good value for a wine you will be drinking next Easter; spicy, coffee and leathery, should develop nicely over the next couple of years. (*** ½+) - Easter

(Midi)

Domaine la Casenove 2006 Le Garrigue ($17.95 - #0956888) – smoky, plumy, black cherry; good value red that could sit in your cellar another couple of years plus. (****)

(Rhone)

Cave de Rasteau 2009 La Domeliere Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages ($15.00 - #0222927) – cherry and plum, simple yet supple. (*** ½)

Perrin & Fils 2008 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95 - #0976845) – floral and fruity, plum and fig, aromas lure you in, flavours keep you coming back. (**** ½)

White – (Alsace)

Pierre Sparr 2008 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #0747600) – this is the wine that I believe Alsatians do so well, but you have to like the sweeter side of Gewurzt. (*** ½+)

(Loire)

Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2009 ($21.95 - #0196659) – creamy grapefruit and grassy, not incredibly lively but worth checking out, acidity really carries the finish. (*** ½)

Domaine Cordaillat 2009 Reuilly ($17.95 - #0202432) – pink grapefruit and lots of it. (*** ½+)

(Midi)

Les Piliers 2009 Viognier ($15.95 - #0669531) – tropical fruit driven nose with a citrus driven palate. (*** ½)

Italy …

Red - (Piedmont)

Ca’del Baio Asili Barbaresco 2007 ($44.95 - #0213066) – smooth and elegant, fresh and sour cherry, spice, a little wood and with a touch of an herbal note. (****+)

(Umbria)

Falesco 2008 Vitiano ($15.95 - #0950204) – cherry fruit with vanilla, spiced plum and pepper; nicely spiced raspberry finish. (*** ½+) - Easter

(Veneto)

Allegrini 2006 La Grola ($27.95 - #0476598) – spiced plum, red currant, cinnamon on the nose; the palate is less elegant and more down to business but still carries an impact. (*** ½+)

White - (Veneto)

Dal Cero 2009 Pinot Grigio ($13.95 - #0161661) – lemony with good acidity; a really good patio sipper for sure. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Red –

Amisfield 2008 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0179754) – black cherry, earthy with some vanilla and plum flavours, full-bodied and enjoyable. (****+) – NZ

Ant Moore 2009 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0220657) – black and sour cherry mix with good tannins and a nice mineral note; this is one Ant you want at the picnic. (*** ½+) – NZ

Craggy Range 2009 Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard ($27.95 - #0163584) – nice Bordeaux style blend with sweet fruit, good acid backbone and some tannic bite. (*** ½+) - NZ

Kim Crawford 2009 Merlot ($19.95 - #0680967) – blackberry, black currant and mocha, good pleasant finish. (*** ½+) – NZ

Lone Kauri 2009 Reserve Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #0214858) – nice introductory New Zealand Pinot for those wanting to get acquainted with this country’s red of choice. (*** ½) - NZ

White -

Eradus 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0225557) – very New Zealand in style which hits the mark: grassy, gooseberry, grapefruit and passion-fruit on the palate; long finish, very summer ready. (****) - NZ

Momo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #0009167) – soft and supple with lots of tropical fruits, melon and pear along with gooseberry and flint; interesting, atypical, but nice. (*** ½+) - NZ

Portugal …

Dessert -

Messias 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #0140863) – I continue my love affair with Messias and combine it with my on-going love affair with LBV Port … raisin, dark chocolate and plum; good acidity here keeps the sweetness in check alongside the hints of spice keeps the fruit from overwhelming. Delightful. (****+)

Red -

Quinta da Ponte Pedrinha ($15.95 - #0219188) – this one is simple really: take cherries and plums, add raspberry and fig, kick in some vanilla and voila, you have really tasty wine. (*** ½+)

South Africa …

White –

Dornier Donatus White 2009 ($18.95 - #0597278) – there is some real pleasantness in the glass worth a sip or two. (*** ½) - Easter

Spain …

Red -

Vinas Elias Mora 2008 ($18.95 - #0209650) – palate delivers chocolate an black cherry with hints of spice and something nice. (*** ½) - Easter

United States …

Red – (California)

Cambria 2008 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #0980482) – fat and fruity Pinot Noir with plum and cherry with a touch of vanilla and smoke. (*** ½+) – Easter

Caymus 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #0222877) – chocolate, plum, blackberry and sweet licorice, finish is long and persistent; delicious and decadent. (**** ½)

Ironstone 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel ($16.95 - #0951889) – pour this one for your friends who think Zin is pink and watch their eyes bug out of their head. This should open a few minds about Zins other side. (*** ½+)

Kendall-Jackson 2008 Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #0331603) – smooth supple with almost sweet, fruit of cherry throughout with hints of cocoa. (*** ½+)

Napa Ridge 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0067934) – nose of sweet plum, vanilla and cherry, these move to the palate and replay on the tongue; summer BBQ red. (****)

Robert Mondavi 2006 Merlot ($29.95 - #0953562) – smooth supple and black cherry, plum and vanilla, very tasty. (****)

Rodney Strong 2008 Knotty Vines Zinfandel ($22.95 - #0363358) – cola, cherry nose with vanilla, plum, sweet flavours, nicely balanced and easy to enjoy. (****)

White - (California)

Blackstone 2007 Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay ($22.95 - #0128926) – this has the goods, but what are these goods? Buttery caramel, baked apple, caramel apple … yup that’s it, really mouth-filling … a real bruiser at 14.5%. (****)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on April 16, 2011:

Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Quartage ($21.95 - #0024091) – Australia

Perrin & Fils 2008 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95 - #0976845) – France

Messias 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #0140863) – Portugal

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 March 19, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-03-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

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

We got another two things to focus on in this release: Wines from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal (IB) and some Californian Icon wines (CALI) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina – Red …

Colome Estate 2008 Malbec ($34.95 - #0194308) – dark fruit and chocolate with black cherry; this is one tasty sucker. (*** ½+)

Weinert 2005 Malbec ($15.95 - #0556795) – juicy red fruit nose with a dark fruited palate, decent amount of acidity, drink over the next 2-3 years. (*** ½)

Australia – Red …

Giant Steps 2008 Harry’s Monster ($39.95 - #0221846) – lots of big black flavour, dark fruit and spice, real tasty and real boozy. (****+)

Penfolds 2007 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz ($34.95 - #0422782) – pure blackberry deliciousness with a touch of black licorice on the finish. (****)

The Watcher 2008 ($19.95 - #0219196) – big nose with plum and black cherry, nice palate with 14.5% alcohol, big fruit bomb, ready to drink flavours. (****)

Canada – Red …

(Ontario)

Calamus 2007 Reserve Red ($19.95 - #0223990)

Inniskillin 2007 Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0997353)

Chile – Red …

Altair 2005 Sideral ($24.95 - #0660837) – minty, blackberry and spice, good flavour profile. (*** ½)

France – Red …

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Castaing 2008 ($17.95 - #0206631) – nice solid black fruit core here with spice and vanilla notes to back it up. (****)

(Rhone)

Cave de Monterail 2009 Seguret ($13.95 - #0195065) – quite the value in a ready to drink Cote du Rhone red, lots of raspberry, plum and chocolate notes; a steal for the upcoming BBQ season. (****+)

La Crau de Ma Mere 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #0941740) – lots of fruit here, raspberry, strawberry and licorice, nice dry tannins with ageing potential to spare (****)

France – Sparkling …

Domaine Roger Luquet Blanc de Blancs Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #0957894) – crisp, moussy with green apple tartness. (****+)

France – White …

(Loire)

Caves de la Tourangelle 2009 Grande Reserve Touraine ($14.95 - #0196733) – nice little Sauvignon Blanc here, while the nose is a bit subdued the palate sings. (****)

Germany – White …

Studert-Prum 2009 Riesling Kabinett ($18.95 - #0970129) – subtle bit of mineral and apple on the nose, delicious apple, mineral and talc burst on the palate; nice finish. (****)

Lingenfelder 2009 Bird Label Riesling ($13.95 - #0568634) – simplicity is best here and the bird delivers with talc, peach and hints of pear puree. (*** ½+)

Italy – Red …

(Abruzzo)

Tre Saggi 2006 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0204016) – chocolate and dark fruit on the nose leads to chocolate and dark fruit on the palate. Ends with licorice, spice and cocoa (**** ½)

(Piedmont)

Brezza 2006 Barolo ($37.95 - #0711788) – spicy dried fruit with lovely seam of dried cherry and acidity on the finish. (****+)

Gaja 2008 Sito Moresco ($53.95 - #0976043) – meaty red with dark fruit, big wood and dryingly big tannins; with time should turn into something even more delicious. (****)

(Puglia)

Vinosia 2008 Primitivo ($14.95 - #0203950) – the nose is lackluster but the palate is lively with plum, cherry and chocolate, there's also a vanilla backing … one of the better Prims I have tasted in quite some time it doesn’t hide the jammy sweet quality of this variety or its relation to California Zin. (****+)

(Tuscany)

Spiaggiole Morellino di Scansano ($15.95 - #0203398) – pretty simple sipper with heaps of fruit. (***+)

Tenuta di Capraia 2007 Chianti Classico ($18.95 - #0135277) – flowery, plum, chocolate and cedar all hit the mouth, in that order. (****)

(Veneto)

Pasqua 2008 Black Label Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($18.95 - #0203968) – licorice and wood spice, chocolate, spiced cherry with a long persistent finish. (*** ½)

New Zealand – White …

Auntsfield 2009 Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0663286) – big nose with a more subtle palate, there’s herbs amongst the grapefruit/citrus, very nice. (****+)

Lone Kauri 2009 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #0138974) – very tropical, good gooseberry and grassy nose with a grassy palate and a nice finish. (*** ½)

Portugal – Dessert …

Quinta da Romaneira 2004 Unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0196758) – lovely nose of plum, cherry and chocolate; big bite of acidity with dark plum, chocolate, black cherry, clean quick finish keeps it from getting a higher mark, I want my port to linger a little longer. (****+) – (IB)

Portugal- Red …

Cistus 2007 Reserva ($18.95 - #0145052) – minty nose with red cherry and plum; nice and smooth. (*** ½) – (IB)

Herdade Penedo Gordo Vinho Tinto ($13.95 - #0218339) – plum, chocolate and red cherry. (*** ½) – (IB)

Quinta Nova Pomares 2008 ($16.95 - #0214007) – pretty floral nose, decent palate that shows mostly cherry fruit. (****) – (IB)

Portugal – White …

Adega Vila Real 2009 Reserva Branco ($14.95 - #0218289) – nice nose, palate is soft with vanilla cream and mac apple; good acidity with longevity on the finish. (*** ½) – (IB)

Varanda Do Conde 2009 Alvarinho/Trajadura Vinho Verde ($13.95 - #0966663) – grapefruit and lots of it, hint of lime, good finish. (*** ½) – (IB)

Spain – Red …

El Cotto 2006 Crianza ($14.95 - #0190504) – delicate nose and flavour profile, light yet easy drinking, oaky and spicy finish with mocha, vanilla and dried cherry through the palate. (****+) – (IB)

Eternum Viti 2008 ($18.95 - #0210963) – plum, mint, cherry, sweet coffee/mocha notes on the mid-palate; good acid balance on the finish. (****) – (IB)

Finca Sobreno Crianza 2007 ($17.95 - #0040360) – lots of dark fruit and tannins backed by mocha and violets. (*** ½+) – (IB)

Spain – White …

Leira 2009 Albarino ($16.95 - #0115816) – a little pear, a little citrus, nice taste. (*** ½) – (IB)

United States – Red …

(California)

Beringer 2005 Bancroft Ranch Single Vineyard Merlot ($69.95 - #0340497) – cassis, chocolate nose lovely and tasty, smooth and supple. (****+) – (CALI)

Caymus 2008 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.95 - #0711663) – lots of chocolate, blackberry and blueberry notes, big 15.4% alcohol, really delicious. (**** ½) – (CALI)

Jonata 2005 El Corazon de Jonata ($59.95 - #0218917) – sexy, supple and delicious. (****+)

Jonata 2006 Todos ($59.95 - #0218941) – lovely fruit, another version of supple and delicious from this winery, good tannins, very nice. (**** ½)

Pahlmeyer 2006 Proprietary Red ($119.95 - #0967992) – lots of yummy dark fruit, high alcohol (15.2%) but very tasty. (**** ½) – (CALI)

Santa Barbara Wine Company 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0194332) – cherry fruit, a touch of smoke and earth, but the fruit really lifts this one, good finish. (*** ½+)

United States – White …

(California)

Kendall-Jackson 2008 Jackson Hills Chardonnay ($34.95 - #0210146) – now there’s something here, something exotic: fruit wrapped in almond and hazelnut topped with caramel, yup I think that’s it, oh, plus the spice on the finish. (****+)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on March 19, 2011:

Vinosia 2008 Primitivo ($14.95 - #0203950) – Italy

Tre Saggi 2006 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0204016) – Italy

Cave de Monterail 2009 Seguret ($13.95 - #0195065) – 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.

Saturday March 5, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-02-22T06:33:00.001-08:00

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

We got another three things to focus on in this release: St. Patricks Day (Irish Whiskey – not reviewed), Italy (I) and Argentina / Chile (A/C) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina – Red …

Bodegas Callia Magna Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0218818) – best Argentine wine in the release with spicy, pepper, dark fruited and well priced, long dark cocoa finish. (****+) – (A/C)

Casa Montes 2006 Alzamora Syrah ($19.95 - #0220673) – smoky with big black fruit. (*** ½) – (A/C)

Colome 2008 Estate Malbec ($18.95 - #0223446) – very tasty, dark fruit, smoky finish. (*** ½) – (A/C)

Australia – Red …

HazyBlur 2006 Shiraz ($34.95 - #0076141) – the feeling I get after a day of these tastings is best described in the name of this wine, but seriously lots of black pepper and spice surrounded big black fruit and big alcohol. (****)

Rosedale 2008 Chook Shed ($13.95 - #0203935) – black and ballsy, fruity driven nose, blackberry, chocolate and plum … good price for a summer wine. (****)

Two Hands 2008 Lily’s Garden Shiraz ($54.95 - #0683086) – just saying chocolate and dark fruit don’t do this wine justice, it is such a great wine with a fabulous mouth-feel; if you buy a bottle call me, I’ll help you drink it, and you’ll need help, the big 15.8% will knock you on your … (**** 1/2+)

Canada – Dessert … (click on wine to see full review)

(Ontario)

Henry of Pelham 2009 Cabernet Franc Icewine ($39.95 / 200ml - #0672402)

Canada – Red … (click on wine to see full review)

(Ontario)

Nyarai Cellars 2007 Veritas ($24.95 - #0222794)

Ridgepoint 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir ($25.00 - #0089003)

Canada – White … (click on wine to see full review)

(Ontario)

Cave Spring Estate Bottled 2009 Gewurztraminer ($16.95 - #0302059)

Charles Baker 2008 Picone Vineyard Riesling ($35.20 – #0126433)

Twenty Twenty-Seven Cellars 2009 Featherstone Vineyard Riesling ($24.95 - #0092353)

Chile – Red …

Concha Y Toro 2009 Maycas de Limari Reserva Syrah ($14.95 - #0209916) – smoky black currant and a hint of pepper, nice smooth finish. (****+) – (A/C)

Santa Carolina 2008 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.00 - #0684597) – minty black cherry, juicy and tasty. (****+)

Chile – White …

Concha Y Toro 2007 Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0162040) – tropical nuances with butter cream palate, nice acid bite on the finish. (*** ½) – (A/C)

France – Red …

(Beaujolais)

Jean-Pierre Teissedre Chiroubles 2009 ($14.95 - #0183475) – big black cherry which follows on the palate, chill and enjoy. (****+)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Haut-Chaigneau 2006 ($27.95 - #0087650) – really nice upfront fruit in the nose, tannins are aggressive but need some time to come around. (*** ½+)

(Rhone)

Domaine de la Colline Saint-Jean Vieilles Vignes Vacqueyras 2007 ($22.95 - #0155499) – Aussie-Shiraz-like nose: jammy with big fruit, this follows on the palate with silky palate drying tannins. (****+)

Domaine des Mascarons 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages ($15.95 - #0142174) – black cherry, sweet plum, and spice reel you in; palate is tasty, tart and fruity, nice finish elevates this one a half mark to a score of … (****)

Mas des Bressades 2009 Cuvee Tradition ($14.95 - #0143099) – nice floral and blackberry, smoked, blackberry, smooth and good value. (****+)

Perrin & Fils 2007 Les Sinards Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($19.95 / 375ml - #0005975) – yummy … full of fruit and flavour, drink this sized bottle for drink now enjoyment or over the summer. (**** ½)

Saint Serge Reserve St.-Gervais Cotes Du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($13.95 - #0219741) – I recommended the last St. Gervais that came through the board and I recommend this one as well; red berries, almost juicy, smooth and easy. (****+)

(Southwest)

Chateau St-Didier Parnac Cahors 2006 ($16.95 - #0194977) – tannic and rustic style; a Malbec more along the lines of what you’d expect from a Cahors wine, give it 3-4 years to develop … good price for a cellar dweller. (****+)

France – White …

(Bordeaux)

Chateau de la Greffiere 2009 Macon-la Roche Vineuse ($14.95 - #0205898) – a slight oxidative note but with good flavour on the tongue, stony and minerally on the finish with nice length, drink now. (*** ½)

Domaine de la Tour 2008 Monts-Mains Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0159731) – slight tropical nose with mac apple and grassy notes on the palate, there was also some minerality on the finish. (*** ½+)

(Loire)

Chavet Fils 2009 Menetou-Salon Blanc ($18.95 - #0525048) – citrus and grass which follows into the mouth herbaceously; fun for spring. (*** ½)

Greece – Red …

Vaeni Naoussa Xinomavro Damaskinos 2004 ($13.95 - #0060731) – smoked cherry with hints of vanilla and spice, worth trying. (*** ½)

Italy – Red …

(Puglia)

Cantine due Palme 2006 Selvarossa Riserva Salice Salentino ($17.95 - #0203976) – lovely dark fruit and chocolate cherries, very sippable: kept waiting to take another sip to see what’s coming next. (**** ½)

(Tuscany)

The Sopranos 2007 Chianti ($14.95 - #0207183) – most rustic than many and quite the gimmick, but it makes for a great gift for fans of the show, quite drinkable. (***+)

(Veneto)

Masi 2006 Grandarella Appassimento ($28.95 - #0606921) – berries and currants, lovely fresh fruit with enough spice and a woody finish; give it a couple of years on the shelf to mellow. (****+)

Quintarelli 2006 Primofiore ($59.95 - #0020867) – hot mama, great sweetness with aged balsamic and cherry taste, interesting and fun. (*** ½+)

Italy – White …

(Lombardia)

S. Cristina Massoni Lugana 2009 ($17.95 - #0200097) – decent nose, nice flavours, chill this one down and sip with pleasure, good acidity with a finish that bites back. (*** ½ +) – (I)

(Piedmont)

Enrico Serafino 2010 Moscato D’Asti ($15.95 - #0134833) – I love these wines, they automatically get a three-and-a-half from me, but to get higher they have to really impress … this one does, it took peach to a new level with great balance to its sweetness. (****)

New Zealand – Red …

Spy Valley 2009 Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #0734681) – hits all the right notes for Pinot: sour cherry, raspberry and a touch of sweet earthiness. (****)

New Zealand – White …

Astrolabe 2009 Voyage Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0010421) – very New Zealand in style and hits all the right notes and lingers on the palate. (****)

Villa Maria 2010 Private Bin Riesling ($15.95 - #0062240) – alluring smells of pear and talc, strong flavour, quite dry, quite good. (****+)

Spain – Red …

Bodegas Lan 2006 Crianza ($15.00 - #0166538) – the Lan name should carry enough weight for you to buy it, but the nice cherry, spice and firm yet giving tannins should make this an easy decision for purchase, and so should the $15 price tag. (**** ½)

La Cova dels Barrica Ombra 2006 ($16.95 - #0132589) – nice rich blackberry fruit, vanilla and a touch of spice, juicy and tasty. (*** ½)

United States – Red …

(California)

Calera 2008 Pinot Noir ($32.95 - #0933044) – big on cherry and strawberry with a touch of berry sweetness, there is a hint of earthiness and a dry tannin rich finish. (****)

Corte Riva 2005 Merlot ($49.95 - #0054965) – rich jammy fruit with chocolate, blackberry and vanilla along with plum and a spicy finish … very nice. (****)

J. Lohr 2007 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #0027516) – rich and fruity, a wine to be enjoyed around the BBQ this summer. (****)Ridge 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Estate ($44.95 - #0089284) – very tasty with plum being the most noticeable of the flavours, great blend. (****)

Simi 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #0025221) – juicy black berry and cherry with a hint of chocolate. (*** ½+)

United States – White …

(California)

Fog Head 2009 Highlands Reserve Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0158568) – touch of buttery caramel on the mid-palate all the way to the finish; interesting and affordable. (*** ½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on March 5, 2011:

Two Hands 2008 Lily’s Garden Shiraz ($54.95 - #0683086) – Australia

Cantine due Palme 2006 Selvarossa Riserva Salice Salentino ($17.95 - #0203976) – Italy

Bodegas Lan 2006 Crianza ($15.00 - #0166538) – 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.

Saturday Febraury 19, 2011 - Vintages Release

2011-02-06T04:32:00.000-08:00

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

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

We got another three things to focus on in this release: Cabernets (C), Kosher Wines (K) and some stuff from Ontario (O) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina – Red …
Luigi Bosca 2008 Reserva Malbec ($17.95 - #0079293) – juicy black fruit with a touch of eucalyptus. (**** or B)

Australia – Red …
Jim Jim (The Down Underdog) 2008 Shiraz ($15.95 - #0682005) – a friendly, playful and tasty Shiraz, just like the dog it’s named after. (*** ½+ or B-)
Nashwauk 2007 Shiraz ($19.95 - #0221788) – chocolate and pepper up-front, blackberry and cherry backing, more than a decent Shiraz. (**** or B)
Tait 2006 Basket Pressed Shiraz ($44.95 - #0138339) – stunning nose, peppery and dark fruit palate, massive alcohol appeal (16.3%) very concentrated flavour and smells. (**** or B)

Canada – Dessert …
(Ontario)
Featherstone 2008 Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc ($18.95 / 375ml - #0210757) – (O)

Canada – Red …
(Ontario)
13th Street 2008 Gamay Noir ($17.95 - #0177824) – (O)
Rosehall Run 2008 Cuvee Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0225748) – (O)
Wayne Gretzky No. 99 Estate Series 2007 Cabernet / Merlot ($19.95 - #0128652) – (O)

Canada – White …
(Ontario)
Fielding 2009 Lot No. 17 Riesling ($25.95 - #0203521) – (O)
Lailey Vineyard 2009 Canadian Oak Chardonnay ($24.95 – 0225474)

Chile – Red …
Arboleda 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0606764) – lots of mint and blackberry with spicy tannins on the finish. (*** ½ or C+) – (C)
Terra Vega 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva ($16.95 - #0218057) – nice nose and although the flavours seem slightly striped there is enough cherry and milk chocolate to make this worthwhile. (*** ½+ or B-) – (K)
Veramonte 2008 Reserva Pinot Noir (#15.95 - #0134973) – drinks more like a Merlot than a Pinot Noir, spiced-mint-cherry with better acidity. (*** ½ - C+)

France – Red …
(Bordeaux)
Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2007 ($36.00 - #0100735) – this one is simply appealing on the nose, the blackberry, the tannins and the spice, very nice. (**** or B) – (C)
(Burgundy)
Nicolas Potel 2007 Les Greves Beaune 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0196899) – very flavourful, good spice, nice wood texture, enough fruit to drink now or wait a couple of years to enjoy. (**** or B)
Rene Bouvier 2008 Le Chapitre Bourgogne ($19.95 - #0209601) – deep cherry, rich nose, spiced wood and dark berries. (*** ½ or C+)
(Midi)
Chateau Saint-Roche 2008 Chimeres ($18.95 - #0119354) – nice and plum with dark fruits, just a hint of spice and supple tannins. (****+ or B+)
(Rhone)
Chateau Goudray 2009 Cuvee Excellence Rasteau ($15.95 - #0195032) – closed nose but the lovely sweet cherry fruit on the palate makes this one worth buying. (**** or B)
Vignobles David le Mourre de L’isle Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($15.95 - #0128124) – good spicy cherry with nice tannins. (**** or B)

France – Sparkling …
(Burgundy)
Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($17.95 - #0991562) – light, lively and lemony; nice minerality on the palate. (**** or B)

France – White …
(Alsace)
Domaine Saint-Remy 2008 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0061150) – floral, soapy, spicy, delicious; love this kind of Gewurzt, perfect for Thai food or sipping, spicy finish that really wakes up the mouth. (**** ½ or A-)
(Burgundy)
Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet 2007 Les Poruzots Meursault 1er Cru ($79.95 - #0021675) – soft mid-palate, delicate mineral on the finish. (*** ½ or B-)

Israel – Red …
Dalton 2009 Shiraz ($19.95 - #0217349) – nice blackberry liqueur notes, plums, pepper and a touch of spice. (**** or B) – (K)
Galil Mountain 2006 Yiron ($33.95 - #0095075) – best of the Israeli wine in this release, full flavoured, dark fruit, plum, chocolate with a lovely spiced finish … screw it being a kosher wine this one is just a good wine plain and simple. (****+ or B+) – (K)

Italy – Red …
(Piedmont)
Abbona Papa Celso 2008 ($19.95 - #0193730) – made from 100% Dolcetto with sweet cherry and raspberry notes with good tannins. (*** ½ or C+)
(Puglia)
Borgo Reale 2008 Primitivo ($19.95 - #0218081) – a little plum, some vanilla, very nice kosher wine. (*** ½ or C+) – (K)
(Tuscany)
Marchesi de’Fescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni ($21.95 - #0145920) – lots of fruit and tannins with good spice, a real favourite. (**** ½ or A-)
Pinino 2005 Brunello di Montalcino ($33.95 - #0032508) – juicy, sweet black fruit, touch of leather, and a little dried raspberry / strawberry. (**** or B)
(Veneto)
Zenato 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($47.95 - #0413179) – lots of plum, chocolate, spice and cherry … good Amarone. (****+ or B+)

New Zealand – Red …
Pond Paddock 2008 Te Muna Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0205435) – fruit forward attack on both the nose and palate with cherry all the way through, delicious. (**** + or B+)

New Zealand – White …
Spy Valley 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #0686675) – typical nose of grapefruit and grass, the grass comes through in the mouth with a taste of grapefruit cocktail on the long finish. (**** or B)

Portugal – Dessert …
Justino’s 5 Years Old Reserve Fine Rich Madeira ($18.95 - #0196840) – orange peel dipped in honey and vanilla crème brulee. (**** or B)
Delaforce 2005 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($15.95 - #0140897) – sweet plum, cherry chocolate with some typical spice appeal and a nicely spiced finish. (**** or B)
Hutcheson 1999 Colheita Port ($29.95 - #0196832) – nutty, cherry, plum, orange-spice and wood notes. (**** ½ or A-)

Spain – Red …
Bodegas Olarra Cerro Anon Gran Reserva 2002 ($22.95 - #0190827) – darkly spiced with dried fruit, silky mouthfeel. (**** or B)

United States – Red …
(California)
Ironstone 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0537597) – lots of raspberry and cherry, easy drinking. (*** ½ or C+) – (C)
Sonoma-Cutrer 2007 Pinot Noir ($32.95 - #0140723) – fruit forward with cherry and raspberry with decent spice on the finish. (**** or B)
(Washington)
Columbia Crest 2007 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0210047) – a very pleasant nose leads to a palate that is silky smooth with lovely blackberry and vanilla; quite nice. (****+ or B+) – (C)

United States – Sparkling …
(California)
Gloria Ferrer 2005 Blanc de Blancs ($24.95 - #0223792) – baked apple and some spice, toasted notes with nutty-vanilla flavours. (**** or B)

United States – White …
(California)
Liberty School 2008 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0960120) – buttery and vanilla notes on palate, basic and tasty with a long finish. (*** ½ or C+)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on February 19, 2011:
Marchesi de’Fescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni ($21.95 - #0145920) – Italy
Columbia Crest 2007 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0210047) – United States
13th Street 2008 Gamay Noir ($17.95 - #0177824) – Ontario Happy Shopping.

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