Saturday April 26, 2014 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

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

The Foci … Sparkling Wine (SpWi) and Bordeaux (BOR)

The Skinny … This is the release for bubbly and there are quite a few sparklers coming out this week you’ll want to line your cellar walls with for a celebratory occasion, heck that could be on any given Wednesday.

Argentina …

Alta Vista 2011 Atemporal ($19.95 - #144352) – dark fruited and juicy with enough acid and spice to keep it honest.  (*** ½+)

Catena 2012 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #918805) – pleasant vanilla with hints of butterscotch and touches of grilled peach.  (*** ½+)

Australia …

Yalumba 2012 Viognier ($24.95 - #954644) – lovely tropical notes with pineapple and melon.  (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …

Gray Monk 2012 Unwooded Chardonnay ($19.95 - #303743) – light and refreshing apple/pear combo.  (*** ½+)

Canada (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review

Keint-he 2012 Voyageur Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #373407) - *** ½

Malivoire 2013 Musque Spritz ($19.95 - #189670) - ****

Malivoire 2012 Riesling ($15.95 - #277483) - *** ½

Tawse 2012 Spark Limestone Ridge Sparkling Wine ($19.95 - #370361) - **** ½+ (SpWi)

Croatia …

Ilocki Podrumi Premium Grasevina 2011 ($23.95 - #369421) – honey, tropical, melon, mineral and hay; this one seems to be better at room temperature.  (*** ½)

France (Beaujolais) …

Manoir du Carra 2010 Fleurie ($24.95 - #364992) – hello sweet fruit, black cherry Beaujolais; something to sit and lovingly enjoy with a chill.  (****)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau de Monbadon 2010 ($18.95 - #365882) – good smoky vanilla, blackberry, black cherry, fruit forward with gentle spices; approachable with good tannin structure.  (****) – BOR

Chateau Haut Selve 2010 ($21.95 - #738120) – lots of dark berry fruit with anise, nice tannins along with chocolate blackberries.  (****) – BOR

Chateau La Croix Chantecaille 2009 ($29.95 - #349936) – there’s a pleasant smoothness and approachability here with plenty of dark fruit and herbal notes.  (*** ½+) – BOR

Chateau Lamartine 2010 ($16.95 - #368159) – mocha, herbal, touch of cherry, new leather and nice finish.  (****) – BOR

Chateau L’Argenteyre 2010 ($21.95 - #226217) – cocoa, cassis, roasted lamb and currants.  (*** ½+) – BOR

Chateau Le Bourdieu 2010 ($20.95 - #085084) – anise and red currant, cassis and some pleasant spice.  (*** ½+) - BOR

France (Burgundy) …

Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #991562) – apple, pear and lemon; pretty, pleasant just enough dryness versus sweetness to keep you coming back.  (****+)

- SpWi

Domaine Jean Collet & Fils 2011 Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru ($31.95 - #650804) – pleasant, easy drinking with nice weight and not overloaded with oak, good apple-peach finish.  (****)

France (Loire) …

Domaine de Riaux 2012 Pouilly Fume ($25.95 - #200063) – lovely summery juicy grapefruit along with hay and grass; a pure sipping summer pleasure.  (****)

Domaine du Tremblay 2012 Cuvee Vin Noble Quincy ($20.95 - #375659) – soft citrus with lively yet juicy qualities all with a grapefruit cocktail finish.  (*** ½+)

France (Midi) …

Chateau Puech-Haut 2011 Prestige Saint-Drezery ($29.95 - #237289) – really full of fruit, touch of spice, plum, chocolate, black cherry and white pepper.  (****+)

Italy (Piedmont) …

Poderi Elia 2012 Moscato D’Asti ($15.95 - #211664) – love a good Asti with its sweet peachy pleasantries.  (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Mocali 2008 Brunello di Montalcino ($47.95 - #064956) – sweet dried cherries, herbal, smoke and spice with a full mouth feel.  (****+)

Rocca Delle Macie 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($24.95 - #232488) – dried dark fruit and lots of spice, tannins still pack a punch.  (****)

Italy (Veneto) …

La Marca NV Prosecco ($17.95 - #287987) – nice hint of summery sweetness for the patio.  (*** ½) - SpWi

Valpantena 2011 Torre del Falasco Ripasso Valpolicella ($17.95 - #642421) – sweet cherry and chocolate with hints of strawberry.  (*** ½+)

Portugal …

Delaforce 2011 Touriga Nacional ($20.95 - #324517) – dark, inky and very drinkable: vanilla, strawberry with peppery spice.  (*** ½+)

Spain …

Conde de Haro 2010 Brut Cava ($19.95 - #168559) – man is this ever tasty with its apple, yeasty bits folded in with good acidity.  (****+) – SpWi

Elias Mora 2009 Crianza ($22.95 - #366815) – blackberry, black cherry and cocoa; plenty of sweet flavourful fruit with a cocoa core.  (****+)

United States (California) …

Atrea 2009 Old Soul Red ($33.95 - #214825) – pretty nose offering up plum, vanilla and cherry with sweet fruit on the palate.  (*** ½+)

J. Lohr 2011 Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #361717) – it’s wine but it’s not very Pinot-esque; fruit is sweetly spiced with raspberry and cherry fruit, hints of white pepper and plum on the finish.  (*** ½+)

McManis 2012 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #265983) – plenty of vanilla, peach and pear, definitely a Chardonnay with nice acidity on the finish.  (****)

United States (Oregon) …

Argyle 2012 Pinot Noir ($31.95 – 909499) – cherry and herbal notes taking center stage, good acidity on the long spiced finish.  (****)

________________________________________

In-Store Discoveries – wines that just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet …

Giacomo Fenocchio 2009 Cannubi Barolo ($54.95 - #373399) – Piedmont - ****+

Jean-Claude Bessin 2011 La Foret Chablis 1er Cru ($37.95 - #373431) – Burgundy - ****

Merum Priorati Osmin 2006 ($74.95 - #357202) – Spain - ****+

Oldenburg 2011 Chardonnay ($22.95 - #374645) – South Africa - ****

Pascal Bouchard 2011 Montmains Vieilles Vignes Chablis 1er Cru ($37.95 - #374181) – Burgundy - ****

Spottswoode 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($40.95 - #313593) – California - *** ½+

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …

Caymus 2011 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($138.95 - #711663) – California - ****

Charles de Cazanove Brut Rosé Champagne ($54.95 - #369108) – France - ****+ (SpWi)

Fleury Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne ($54.95 - #368761) – France - *** ½+ (SpWi)

Kopke 20 Years Old Tawny Port ($56.95 - #368340) – Portugal - ****+

Mitolo 2009 Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon ($52.95 - #656599) – Spain - (****)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – April 26, 2014 …

Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #991562) – France

Conde de Haro 2010 Brut Cava ($19.95 - #168559) – Spain 

Elias Mora 2009 Crianza ($22.95 - #366815) – Spain

Tawse 2012 Spark Limestone Ridge Sparkling Wine ($19.95 - #370361) – Ontario

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 12, 2014 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

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

The Foci … Easter (ETR) and Italian Appassimento (APP)

The Skinny … Light load in the great wines to buy department, but the ones really worth buying are quite worth it.

Argentina …

Alamos 2013 Viognier ($13.95 - #507830) – rich and lively with pear and pineapple puree.  (*** ½+)

Catena 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #985002) – rich dark fruit, black and blue berries, vanilla, cocoa; just really delicious fruit.  (****+)

Trivento 2012 Amado Sur Malbec / Bonarda / Syrah ($16.95 - #037036) – juicy black cherry and cassis with hints of white pepper.  (*** ½+)

Australia …

Grant Burge 2012 5th Generation Shiraz ($18.95 - #361295) – I like the price while the wine is tasty with subtle black berry fruit.  (*** ½+)

Jim Barry 2010 The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.95 - #677476) – great dark fruit with an element of spice to keep it truly honest.  (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …

Dirty Laundry 2011 Merlot ($31.95 - #366179) – soft and fruity with mainly blueberry and mocha keeping it together.  (*** ½+)

Canada (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review

Featherstone 2013 Rosé ($14.95 - #117861) - *** ½+ (ETR)

Fielding Estate 2013 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #131235) – *** ½+

Lailey 2012 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #193482) - ****+ (ETR)

Rosewood Estates 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #318345) - ****+ (ETR)

Tawse 2011 Sketches Cabernet Merlot ($20.95 - #130252) - *** ½+

Chile …

Conchy y Toro 2008 Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere ($19.95 - #169862) – nicely spiced black and blue berries.  (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau La Croix de Gay 2010 ($49.85 - #259150) – smoky black fruit and cedar.  (****)

France (Burgundy) …

Georges DuBoeuf 2011 Clef du Bief Moulin A Vent ($24.95 - #371807) - gentle and easy with good fruit.  (*** ½+)

Italy (Abruzzo) …

Ulisse 2012 Unico Pecorino ($19.95 - #249128) – grilled pineapple rind, pineapple core and banana skin; light, crisp and delightful.  (****)

Italy (Piedmont) …

FontanaFredda 2012 Gavi di Gavi ($18.95 - #366948) – lemon and peach fight it out and the winner just happens to be you.  (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Caparzo 2011 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #333575) – pleasant and fruit driven; a classy little wine.  (****)

Podere Dell’Anselmo 2010 Chianti Montespertoli ($19.95 - #371690) – nicely spiced with cherry and blackberry, good herb and smoky notes too.  (****)

Italy (Veneto) …

Astoria 2012 Millesimato Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($21.95 - #369504) – nice sweetness, pleasant and summery.  (*** ½+)

Monte Zovo 2011 Sa’Solin Ripasso Valpolicella ($17.95 - #650713) – mocha, coffee and smoke rules the roost here.  (*** ½+) – APP

Speri 2011 Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($21.95 - #370353) – nice cherry core, which makes the wine clean and incredibly chuggable, but the acidity makes it food friendly.  (****) – APP

Tedeschi 2012 Capitel Nicalo Appassimento Valpolicella Superiore ($16.95 - #984997) – simplistic label does not mean simplistic wine; this one is loaded with flavour and good value.  (****+) – APP

Tenuta Sant’Antonio 2010 Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone del Valpolicella Classico ($43.95 - #685107) – rich, robust, dark fruited and chocolaty.  (****+) – APP

Zenato 2010 Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore ($25.95 - #479766) – lots of juicy aspects here with black cherry, hints of chocolate with a touch of floral and fig.  (****) - APP

New Zealand …

Julicher 2010 99 Rows Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #367979) – spiced-black cherry, anise, and white smoke with good length.  (****)

Momo 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #009167) – bright and lively with grapefruit and lime zest.  (*** ½+)

Spain …

Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Oloroso ($13.95 - #437467) – hazelnut and almond with caramel, spice, fig, great spicy and acid finish.  (****)

United States (California) …

Aquinas 2009 Philosopher’s Blend ($32.95 - #361899) – rich and succulent with a mix of red and black fruit, vanilla and cherry take charge on the finish.  (****)

Bridlewood 2012 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #361824) – lots of vanilla and juicy cherry, maybe too much for a Pinot, then spiced plum swings in to rescue the finish.  (*** ½+)

Handcraft 2011 Petite Sirah ($17.95 - #361907) – blueberry, white pepper, coffee, violets and spice notes with chocolaty elements amongst the peppery finish.  (****) 

La Crema 2012 Chardonnay ($37.95 - #067231) – creamy texture with subtle pith notes, firm mouthfeel with peach and some tropical fruit along with vanilla and spice.  (****)

Lander-Jenkins 2011 Spirit Hawk Chardonnay ($19.95 - #162651) – pretty mango / pineapple and vanilla with depth, nice character and quite mouth filling; quite tasty with good acid backbone for freshness.  (****+)

St. Francis 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #671164) – juicy blueberry and blackberry with hints of vanilla.  (****)

United States (Oregon) …

Bachelder 2011 Oregon Chardonnay ($29.95 - #273334) - a mixed bag of aromas and flavours, from smoke, mineral and baked peach on the nose to white butter and mineral stoniness on the palate … it’s a touch fat in the mouth, but with lovely flavour (*** ½).

Domaine Drouhin 2011 Pinot Noir ($45.95 - #961284) – flavourful black cherry and spiced-cranberry notes.  (*** ½+)

United States (Washington) …

L’Ecole No.41 2011 Red ($29.95 - #366237) – juicy, spicy and woodsy.  (*** ½+)

________________________________________

In-Store Discoveries – wines that just appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet …

Bollig-Lenhert 2005 Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese ($22.95 - #368787) – Germany - ****

Georges DuBoeuf 2011 Clef du Bief Moulin A Vent ($24.95 - #371807) -  Burgundy, France - *** ½+

JCB No. 21 Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($27.95 - #371831) – Burgundy, France - ****

Luce 2008 Brunello di Montalcino ($109.95 - #120881) – Tuscany, Italy - ****

Pali Alphabets 2011 Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #369835) – Washington, USA - *** ½+

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …

Speri 2010 La Roggia Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico ($55.95 / 500ml - #366997) – Veneto, Italy - ****+

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – April 12, 2014 …

Catena 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #985002) – Argentina

Handcraft 2011 Petite Sirah ($17.95 - #361907) – California, USA

Lander-Jenkins 2011 Spirit Hawk Chardonnay ($19.95 - #162651) – California, USA

Tedeschi 2012 Capitel Nicalo Appassimento Valpolicella Superiore ($16.95 - #984997) – Veneto, 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 April 27, 2013 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

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

The Foci – Appassimento (APS) and Organic (ORG)

The Skinny – there are some real value wines from almost every country this release: France, Chile, and Spain lead the charge.

Argentina …

Susana Balbo 2011 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #260919) – finally a Balbo worth crowing about; luscious dark fruit, chocolate, dark raspberry and really juicy throughout. (****)

Austria …

Durnberg 2011 Gruner Veltliner ($15.95 - #320374) – grapefruit and pea pod. (*** ½)

Australia …

Gotham 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #311464) – smoked-eucalyptus and plummy-vanilla. (****)

Stalking Horse 2010 Shiraz ($18.95 - #251215) – once again the horse delivers. (*** ½+)

Wakefield 2011 Chardonnay ($14.95 - #711556) – hint of melon along with apple, peach pit and lemon rind. (*** ½+)

Canada (Ontario) …

Angels Gate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 - #277590) - *** ½+

Burning Kiln 2011 Strip Room Merlot/Cabernet Franc ($24.95 - #327700) - **** (APS)

Featherstone 2012 Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #064592) - ****

Smoke & Gamble 2010 Reserve Cabernet/Merlot ($18.95 - #332825) - *** ½

Stoney Ridge 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95 - #327809) - *** ½

WildAss 2011 Red ($19.95 - #086363) - ****+

Chile …

Chilcas 2009 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #309757) – sprig of mint, herbs and blackberry with spice. (****)

Maycas del Limari 2009 Reserva Especial Syrah ($19.95 - #269423) – nuances of wood and spice along with mocha, smoky and black fruit; violets and sweet bacon jam also appear with a nice chocolate finish. (**** ½)

Miguel Torres 2011 Santa Digna Estelado Sparkling Brut Rose ($19.95 - #317669) – pretty bity with lots of acidity, touches of raspberry and blood orange fruit. (****)

France (Alsace) …

Domaine Saint-Remy 2011 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #061150) – does just what you want in an Alsatian Gewurzt: honey, peachy, lychee, spicy; tasty. (****+) – ORG

J. Geiler 2011 Medaille Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #315119) – nice sweet peach mid along with good floral notes. (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Bellevue 2010 ($15.95 - #206649) – a decent Bordeaux with plenty of smoky notes, cassis and blackberry. (*** ½+)

Chateau Haut-Plaisance 2010 ($17.00 - #326587) – very approachable with fruit, smoke, coffee and tannins; there’s also dark plum and leather also appears. (****)

Clos du Roy 2010 ($22.95 - #321307) – very fruit forward: dark, smoky and licorice but always with heavy dark black fruit. (****+)

France (Burgundy) …

Jean-Marc Brocard 2010 Mont de Millieu Chablis 1er Cru ($27.95 - #265348) – nice minerality with a lemon quality and lots of intense flavours. (****)

France (Loire) …

Henri Bourgeois 2010 La Chapelle des Augustins Sancerre ($29.95 - #322628) – great aromatics which leads to a tropical, citrus blended palate. (****+)

France (Midi) …

Mas Janeil 2008 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages ($19.95 - #992800) – spiced cherry and red licorice with a plum finish. (****)

Domaine La Florane 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Visan ($18.95 - #320176) – thick red fruit, figs and chocolate. (****)

France (Southwest) …

Lionel Osmin Mon Adour Madiran 2009 ($17.95 - #246850) – another fruit forward French wine with great spice on the mid-to-back palate. (****)

Italy (Calabria) …

Du Cropio Serra Sanguigna 2008 ($19.95 – 320457) – mocha, coffee, tea leaves, minty-cherry and a touch of new leather. (****)

Italy (Piedmont) …

Fontanafredda 2007 Serralunga D’Alba Barolo ($39.95 - #943290) – label bringsme back to watching prison movies; nicely spiced, good sour cherry and herbal notes. (*** ½+)

Italy (Puglia) …

Apollonio Terragnolo Negroamaro 2007 ($18.95 - #211821) – chocolate, mocha, blackberry and vanilla; nice lingering sweet vanilla-cassis finish. (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 2010 Tenuta di Castiglioni ($21.95 - #145920) – dark and smoky, nicely spiced with good tannins. (****+)

Vicchiomaggio San Jacopo Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #710194) – straddles the line between old world rustic and new world fruity. (****)

Italy (Veneto) …

Antolini 2009 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico ($28.95/500ml - #135533) – sweet raisins, plums and chocolate, a delicious dessert wine. (****) - APS

Casa Vinironia 2011 Appassionato Edizione Oro ($16.95 - #320713) – too much coffee at the beginning but it soon mellows out with sweet cherry and plum, when finally it becomes deliciously smooth on the palate.  Good intro wine to the style. (****) - APS

Masi 2009 Grandarella ($25.95 - #606921) – dark fruited, herbal and smoky. (****) – APS 

Prevedello Asolo Superiore Extra Dry Prosecco 2011 ($17.95 - #262881) – sweet delicious apple mixed with lemon for kick. (*** ½)

Remo Farina 2010 Montecorna Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($19.95 - #056267) – licorice notes with mocha and cherry. (*** ½+) – APS

New Zealand …

Clifford Bay 2010 Pinot Noir ($19.95 – #309500) – earthy and spicy with black cherry notes. (*** ½+)

Mud House 2010 The Woodshed Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($20.95 - #312744) – grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry; just what you expect from a Marlborough Savvy B. (*** ½)

Waimea 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #714295) – a softer, gentler version of Sauvignon Blanc, a lovely grapefruit cocktail with a nice long finish. (*** ½+)

South Africa …

Lammershoek 2010 Roulette Blanc ($21.95 - #225458) – exotically spiced, lanolin, pineapple skin, herbal and very interesting.  (*** ½+)

Spain …

Langa 2008 Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2008 ($14.95 - #194795) – sweet cherry fruit, red berries, plum, chocolate, vanilla, pretty nose, great sipper, great price. (****+)

United States (California) …

Champ de Reves 2010 Pinot Noir ($46.95 - #317883) – lots of big black cherry and licorice flavours with a spiced / herbal finish. (*** ½+)

Cosentino 2009 Cigarzin Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269340) – vanilla, plum, sweet cherry, chocolate; this one’s sweet fruited and smooth. (*** ½+)

EOS Estate 2009 Petite Sirah ($19.95 - #317677) – nice sweet spice with a raspberry finish. (*** ½+)

Frei Brothers 2010 Reserve Chardonnay ($23.95 - #317891) – more balanced and approachable than other Cali-Chards in this release; good fruit like lemon pith and rind, peach skin and delicious apple to go along with the spicy finish and good acid finish. (****+)

Hartley-Ostini 2009 Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #256644) – well balanced between the fruit and the peppery with hints of vanilla and black cherry; this one shows good finesse.(****+)

J. Lohr 2010 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #027516) – juicy with blueberries and chocolate. (*** ½+)

Napa Cellars 2010 Zinfandel ($24.95 - #126607) – one of the better Napa Cellars Zins I have tried, sweet smooth and plummy. (*** ½)

St. Francis 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #671164) – chocolate, strawberry and blackberry, smooth and easy drinking. (*** ½+)

Talbott 2010 Kali Hart Pinot Noir ($25.95 - #317693) – juicy black cherry with hints of spiced plum and a gentle spiciness; this one is very pretty. (****)

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price point …

Miguel Torres 2008 Mas la Plana Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.95 - #129676) – Spain (****)

Vaona Pegrandi 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($53.95 - #325191) – Italy (****+) - APS

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – Saturday April 27, 2013 …

Casa Vinironia 2011 Appassionato Edizione Oro ($16.95 - #320713) - Italy

Domaine Saint-Remy 2011 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #061150) – France

Langa 2008 Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2008 ($14.95 - #194795) - Spain

Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 2010 Tenuta di Castiglioni ($21.95 - #145920) – Italy

Maycas del Limari 2009 Reserva Especial Syrah ($19.95 - #269423) – 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.

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves April 27, 2013

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

8 wines are being released, here are scores for 5 of them.

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Rainoldi Crespino Valtellina Superiore 2006 ($33.95 - #316331) ... Lombardy, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Teusner Avatar Grenache/Mataro/Shiraz ($42.00 - #305433) ... Australia
Delas Domaine des Grands Chemins Crozes-Hermitage ($31.95 - #101105) ... Rhone, France
Schola Sarmenti Cubardi Primitivo 2004 ($26.95 - #316083) ... Puglia, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Thorn-Clarke 2010 William Randell Shiraz ($44.00 - #922773) ... Australia

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 April 18, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 3 of the 5 wines being release on the 18th of April thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, two of the wines were just not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …

Elena Fucci Titolo Aglianico del Vulture 2008 ($49.00 - #314971) … Basilicata, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Chateau Pesquie Artemia 2007 ($42.00 - #017756) ... Rhone, France

Alma de Luzon 2005 ($N/A - #314476) ... Spain

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 13, 2013 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

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

The Foci:  Portugal (Port) and New Zealand (NZ)

The Skinny:  Make sure you go to the Circus, or better yet make sure the Circus comes to you, plus there's a fantastic Chilean Chardonnay`

Argentina …

Dona Silvina 2009 Malbec ($19.95 - #303024) – cedar, tobacco, blackberry and spice. (*** ½+)

Australia …

Pirathon 2010 Shiraz ($28.95 - #130278) – blackberry, black cherry, cassis, white pepper and juicy plum. (****+)

Two Hands 2011 Angels’ Share Shiraz ($30.95 - #009480) – typically delicious wine from Two Hands. (****)

Canada (Ontario) …

Featherstone 2012 Rosé ($14.95 - #117861) - *** ½+

Fielding Estate 2011 Cabernet Franc ($21.95 - #36194) - ****+

Hinterland 2012 Whitecap ($22.00 - #332809) - *** ½+

Huff Estates 2008 South Bay Chardonnay ($29.95 - #88955) - **** ½

Norman Hardie 2011 County Unfiltered Pinot Noir ($35.00 - #125310) - **** ½

Reif 2011 The Magician Pinot Noir/Shiraz ($19.95 - #246413) - *** ½+

Rosehall Run 2010 Cuvee County Chardonnay ($21.95 - #132928) - *** ½+

Viewpointe Estate 2011 Auxerrois ($14.95 - #327239) - *** ½+

Chile …

Maycas del Limari 2009 Reserve Especial Chardonnay ($19.95 - #162040) – nice fruit on the palate: peach, pear and apple sauce, good minerality, hints of vanilla and spice all finishing with nice seam of acidity. (****+)

France (Alsace) …

Hugel 2011 Gentil ($14.95 - #367284) – flinty, minerally and dry with a touch of pineapple. (*** ½+)

France (Beaujolais) …

Domaine des Marrans 2011 Fleurie ($19.95 - #324897) – juicy cherry, very appealing and robust has a good finish and nice mouth presence. (****)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau du Seuil 2009 ($24.95 - #326785) – anise, leather, black cherry skin and followed up with earthy tannins. (****)

Chateau Villars 2009 ($27.95 - #191270) – robust and earthy with plenty of dark fruit. (****)

France (Burgundy) …

Bachelder 2010 Bourgogne Chardonnay ($29.95 - #272005) – mineral chalkiness, thick white fruit: apple/peach puree; touches of flint on both the palate and finish. (****)

France (Loire) …

Chateau Favray 2011 Pouilly-Fume ($21.95 - #323642) – pure Sauvignon Blanc here with a grassy palate and nose. (*** ½+)

Langlois-Chateau Brut Cremant de Loire ($18.95 - #996272) – crisp lemon-lime that`s zippy and zingy, dry with a green apple and lemon finish. (****+)

France (Midi) …

Le Cirque 2011 Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah ($15.95 - #277079) – stunning value for this wonderfully robust, red licorice, raspberry, chocolate, plum and peppery wine; buy lots. (**** ½)

France (Rhone) …

Balma Venitia Terrasse Pavee Segruet Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2010 ($16.95 - #320192) – nice and juicy; this is simple bbq fare. (*** ½+)

Domaine de la Tete Noire Tradition Vacqueyras 2010 ($25.95 - #323667) – this one will take some sips to get used to but it’s well worth it. (****)

Germany …

Dr. Hermann 2007 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese ($16.95 - #313528) – sweet yet balanced by the acidity; nice peach, hint of petrol; good value in an aged Riesling. (*** ½+)

Greece …

Alpha Estate 2008 Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro ($19.95 - #259762) – anise and caraway spice on the nose, dark berries, blueberry skin and black pepper on the palate. (*** ½+)

Italy (Marche) …

De Angelis 2009 Rosso Piceno Superiore ($14.95 - #324756) – earthy, leathery and herbal, but also with plum, blackberry that adds depth of flavour. (*** ½+)

Italy (Piedmont) …

Bera 2011 Moscato D’Asti ($16.95 - #317156) – it’s Mocato and that’s a good thing. (*** ½+)

Ferinando Principiano 2007 Serralunga Barolo ($42.95 - #210955) – elegance of spice, anise, herbs and dried red fruit. (****)

Principessa 2011 Gavia Gavi ($19.95 - #250696) – light and cheerful, green apple, floral and citrus. (*** ½)

Italy (Sicily) …

Cusumano Noa 2008 ($18.95 - #109512) – blackberry, cinnamon and a touch earthy. (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Castello di Monterinaldi 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($23.95 - #317370) – dark chocolate coated cherry and cranberry with peppery seasoning. (*** ½+)

Rocca delle Macie 2008 Ser Gioveto ($39.95 - #974964) – hint of oxidization adds to the enjoyment of the wine; dried cherry and freeze dried raspberry. (*** ½+)

Villa Cafaggio 2009 Chianti Classico ($20.95 - #176776) – juicy version of Chianti, mixing old world rusticity with new world drinkability. (*** ½+)

Italy (Veneto) …

Borin 2009 Vigna Costa Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #317610) – this wine is really very juicy, which is the best thing about it. (*** ½+)

Santi Vigneti di Monteforte Soave Classico 2011 ($14.95 - #316067) – lemon pith, grapefruit and a little pea pod. (*** ½)

New Zealand …

Cloudy Bay 2010 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #598813) – pretty hefty red berries, especially black cherry and nicely seasoned. (****) - NZ

Cloudy Bay 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($29.95 - #304469) – gentle and easy drinking if not a little straight forward for a New Zealand Savvy B. (*** ½) – NZ

Dog Point Vineyard 2011 Chardonnay ($39.95 - #238568) – a nice buttery-toastiness that has heavy wood notes and a good long finish. (*** ½) – NZ

Dog Point Vineyard 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($23.95 - #677450) – toned down Sauv Blanc with soft grassy, gooseberry, flinty with grapefruit zest. (****) – NZ

Kim Crawford 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #680983) – light citrus, apple pulp and lime pith. (*** ½) - NZ

Oyster Bay 2012 Sparkling Cuvee Rosé ($21.95 - #280172) – still delicate and delightful with hints of raspberry and strawberry on the nose; palate shows hints of raspberry-peach and good acidity. (****) - NZ

Portugal …

Delaforce 2009 Touriga Nacional ($18.95 - #324517) – black cherry, raspberry, chocolate with a touch of smoke and spice; there’s a nice juiciness and drinkability, good bbq wine. (****) – PORT

Monte Vilar 2011 Reserva ($14.95 - #276105) – full on cherry assault of the sense. (*** ½+) – PORT

Quinta de Ventozelo 2009 Reserva ($21.95 - #21329) – lusciously smooth and easy drinking. (*** ½+) - PORT

Vinhos Barbeito 5-Year-Old Boal Madeira ($15.95 - #325183) – caramel, toffee, lemon zest and vanilla cream; a lovely dessert wine. (****) – PORT

Spain …

Marques de Caceres 2005 Tinto Reserva ($24.95 - #702761) – plum, blackberry, chocolate and cinnamon. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …

Adelaida Cellars Estate 2009 Zinfandel ($33.95 - #312652) – rich, complex, a beauty of a bbq wine with nice pepper notes along with sweet raspberry and vanilla. (****+)

Beaulieu Vineyard 2010 BV Cabernet Sauvignon ($25.95 - #987420) – nice drinkable Cab with good dark and red fruit mix. (*** ½)

Brewer-Clifton 2009 Mount Carmel Pinot Noir ($64.95 - #311647) – succulent and juicy style of Pinot: berries, cherries and spice. (****+)

Estancia 2011 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #421586) – lots and lots of red fruit, juicy and easy drinking. (****)

Kendal-Jackson 2010 Grand Reserve Chardonnay ($27.95 - #59576) – has an easy elegance, lovely peach and apple with enough balancing creaminess to make it exciting. (****)

Uvaggio 2009 Barbara ($22.95 - #317750) – another Italian migrates to California and becomes a juicy fruity wine with touches of spice. (****)

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their lofty price tag …

Chalk Hill 2010 Chardonnay ($57.95 - #706580) - ****

Merry Edwards 2009 Pinot Noir ($54.95 - #656850) - ****+

Opus One 2009 ($385.00 - #26310) - ****

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – Saturday April 13, 2013 …

Maycas del Limari 2009 Reserve Especial Chardonnay ($19.95 - #162040) – Chile

Norman Hardie 2011 County Unfiltered Pinot Noir ($35.00 - #125310) - Ontario

Domaine des Marrans 2011 Fleurie ($19.95 - #324897) – France

Le Cirque 2011 Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah ($15.95 - #277079) – France

Happy Shopping

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Vintages Shop Online April 4, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 3 of the 5 wines being release on the 4th of April thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, one was not available for tasting, and the other was corked ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Jean Fanniere Origine Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne ($62.00 - #314989) ... Champagne, France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Sigalas 2004 Vinsanto ($45.00 - #310425) ... Greece
Raventos I Blanc de Nit Rose Cava ($26.00 - #309948) ... Spain

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In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves April 13, 2013

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

15 wines are being released, here are the reviews for 10 of them.

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Bethany 2006 Le Reserve Shiraz ($52.00 - #305441) ... Australia
Chateau Latour Martillac 2009 ($53.85 - #197467) ... Bordeaux, France
Monte Vilar 2007 Grande Reserva ($25.95 - #317594) ... Portugal

Four Star Wines (****) …
Chateau Haut-Bergey Blanc 2009 ($57.85 - #194613) ... Bordeaux, France
Chateau La Louviere Blanc 2009 ($54.85 - #581074) ... Bordeaux, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
L’Aventure 2010 Cote a Cote ($95.95 - #253286) ... California, USA
Glen Eldon 2004 Dry Bone Shiraz ($46.00 - #054197) ... Australia
Chateau Gloria 2009 ($69.85 - #197509) ... Bordeaux, France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Chateau des Charmes 2010 Equuleus ($40.00 - #319525) ... Ontario, Canada
L’Aventure 2010 Estate Cuvee ($95.95 - #249375) ... California, USA

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Vintages Release for March 16, 2013 - My Apologies

I must apologize that I was unable to attend the Vintages pre-tasting for the March 16, 2013 release because of weather reasons ... my release reports will return for the March 30, 2013 Vintages release.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

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Saturday April 28, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

The skinny: lots of good values, but very few outstanding wines.

This week's two releases focus is New Zealand whites (NZW), mostly Sauvignon Blanc, and Veneto (VEN) ... I have - and always have had - a special place in my heart for the wines of the region.

Argentina ...

Mendel 2009 Malbec ($24.95 - #108225) - cocoa, black cherry and spice;  shows some elegance in the mouth and on the finish. (****)

Australia ...

Gnarly Dudes 2010

Majella 2008 Shiraz ($29.95 - #269308) - chocolatey, blackberry and a shot of mocha-espresso; nice finish of spice and good acidity. (****)

Saltram 2008 Mamre Brook Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0048579) - lots of blackberry along with some red berries and chocolate. (*** 1/2)

Sister's Run 2008 Epiphany Shiraz ($15.95 - #269464) - good value in a juicy jammy Aussie Shiraz, full of fruit and flavour, nicely spiced-pepper finish. (*** 1/2+)

St. Hallett 2009 Gamekeeper's Shiraz ($15.95 - #166991) - another good value in what is basically raspberry jam boozey juice. (*** 1/2)

Two Hands 2010 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz ($29.95 - #660043) - the quintessential Aussie Shiraz. (**** 1/2)

Canada ...

(Ontario)

Colchester Ridge 2007 CREW Meritage ($19.95 - #280990) - *** 1/2

Equifera 2009 Riesling Icewine  ($59.95 / 375ml - #274472) - *** 1/2

Flat Rock Cellars 2010 Riesling ($16.95 - #0043281) - ****

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Chardonnay ($40.00 - #0033910) - ****

Malivoire 2010 Riesling ($15.95 - #277483) - ****

Pondview 2010 Chardonnay ($16.95 - #271155)

Chile ...

Calina 2010 Chardonnay ($14.95 - #640912) - tropically tinged, very vanilla with hints of pineapple core and peach pit. (*** 1/2+)

Ninquen Antu 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon / Carmenere ($16.95 - #0059329) - mint, cassis, black fruit with nice sweet fruit and a little spice; great BBQ red. (****)

France ...

(Bordeaux)

2008 Esprit de Pavie

Chateau Bertin 2006 ($17.95 - #244046) - ready to drink; soft cassis, blackberry, touch of bittersweet chocolate and spice on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Chateau Fonreaud 2005 ($29.95 - #243311) - licorice, earth, strawberry, blackberry and cassis. (*** 1/2+)

Chateau Sainte Barbe 2008 Les Arglies ($14.95 - #244681) - a well-priced basic Bordeaux. (*** 1/2)

Esprit de Pavie ($32.95 - #244020) - pretty cherry and violet notes on the nose; with coffee, vanilla and cocoa powder through the palate. (****+)

(Loire)

Chavet & Fils 2010 La Dame de Jacques Coeur Menetou Salon Blanc ($19.95 - #525048) - citrus, gooseberry, melon and a touch of tangerine. (*** 1/2+)

Henri Bourgeois 2010 Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #672345) - grassy and fresh with nice acidity and a hint of asparagus. (*** 1/2)

(Midi)

Chateau des Aladeres 2008 Corbieres ($16.95 - #276063) - black fruit, black spice along with licorice notes. (*** 1/2)

(Rhone)

Arnoux & Fils Vacqueyras

Arnoux & Fils 2009 Vacqueyras ($19.95 - #264663) - ripe fruit jumps out of the glass, juicy red fruits with the right amount of peppery spice and acidity ... a lovely BBQ wine. (****+)

Chateau Signac 2009 Cuvee Tradition Chusclan Cotes du Rhone Villages ($16.95 - #252288) - lots of lifted red and black fruit, quite fruit-driven. (*** 1/2+)

Le Gravillas 2009 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.95 - #264648)  - good dark fruit in this drink now style wine. (*** 1/2)

Perrin 2011 Reserve Rosee ($15.95 - #719062) - a dry rosee with strawberry pith and raspberry nuances; perfect for those patio lunches. (*** 1/2)

Germany ...

Winzergenossenschaft Konigschaffhausen 2011 Pinot Noir Rosee Trocken ($11.95 - #168237) - big strawberry, hint of cherry on both the nose and flavour; this is a berry bowl turned liquid form with an almost sweet finish. (*** 1/2+)

Greece ...

Tselepos Driopi Agiorgitiko 2008 ($18.95 - #269043) - soft red and black fruit, smooth with good spice on the lingering finish; drink now. (*** 1/2)

Italy ...

(Piedmont)

Marziano Abbona Terlo Ravera Barolo 2006 ($42.95 - #0067918) - the spices aren't overpowering, it's smooth and elegant with a great mouthfeel. (****+)

(Tuscany)

Canonica a Cerreto 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($17.00 - #275867) - chocolate, strawberry, hints of herbs and spice, approachable and elegant. (****+)

Isole e Olena 2008 Chianti Classico ($26.95 - #704346) - nice sweet fruit, cherry liqueur, spices, violets and cinnamon; nice balance between the rustic and modern. (****)

(Veneto)

Brigaldara 2010 Valpolicella ($14.95 - #917864) - best described as wood smoked cherries. (*** 1/2+) - VEN

Farina 2008 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico ($34.95 - #995910) - cherry, plum, chocolate and spice; sweet fruit on the palate. (*** 1/2+) - VEN

Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($17.95 - #277574) - deliciously fresh-fruited with apple and a hint of lemon, a nice hot day sipper. (*** 1/2+) - VEN

San Cassiano 2009 Valpolicella ($14.95 - #277509) - sweet and tart cherry liqueur with good acidity. (*** 1/2) - VEN

Tommasi 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($49.95 - #356220) - sweet fruit, delicate spice: plum, cherry, blackberry with hints of blueberry and spice cake. (****) - VEN

Vinea 2010 Garganega ($13.95 - #230656) - nice peach linger to this wine and that makes it quite approachable. (*** 1/2) - VEN

New Zealand ...

Dog Point 2009 Chardonnay ($39.95 - #238568) - Chardonnay-esque nose with a creamy mouthfeel and big acidity on the finish,  creamed grapefruit rind. (*** 1/2+) - NZW

Eradus 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #225557) - full on grapefruit in all its glory. (*** 1/2) - NZW

Two Rivers Savvy B

Momo 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #163972) - delicate baking spice with nutmeg and cinnamon with the right amount of dirty strawberry and acidity. (****+)

Spy Valley 2011 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #277723) - here's a grape variety that New Zealand is doing well with, there's a little sweetness and good fruit with a hint of ginger spice to round it out. (****) - NZW

Two Rivers of Marlborough 2011 Convergence Sauvignon Blanc ($29.95 - #277707) - this high-end Sauv Blanc shows that its not all about grapefruit and over the top grass, sure it's here but it's delicate and delicious with a hint of mineral and spice. (****+) - NZW

Portugal ...

Quinta do Ataide 2008 Altano Reserva ($28.95 - #273573) - plummy dark fruit, back cherry and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Spain ...

Awesome: Tres Picos

Allende 2006 ($24.95 - #954560) - it has some age and yet shows lots of life; lifted raspberry and cherry rise to the surface with hints of smoke and milk chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Bodegas Olarra Anares Reserva 2005 ($17.95 - #244723) - licorice, dried leaves, cassis and some spice (*** 1/2)

Borsao 2009 Tres Picos Garnacha ($19.95 - #273748) - lovely fruit here, black cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, spice with hints of mineral; has memories of Australia in the glass. (**** 1/2)

Torres 2010 Vina Esmeralda ($13.95 - #113696) - fresher, more vibrant fruit than expected from a Spanish white; refreshing, clean with a little sweetness, very sippable. (*** 1/2)

United States ...

(California)

Beringer 2009 Merlot ($29.95 - #919647) - black fruit with chocolate and cherry. (*** 1/2)

Cuvaison 2009 Chardonnay ($29.95 - #988261) - this almost bland wine, upon entry, pulled off a nice lingering mouthfeel in the late stages, adding vanilla cream, caramel and good acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Oregon`s Andrew Rich Pinot

Folie a Deux 2010 Menage a Trois Red ($17.95 - #665158) - still lots of fun, still over-priced here in Ontario. (***+)

Ghost Pines 2008 Winemaker's Blend Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269373) - jammy with cherry and vanilla notes. (*** 1/2)

Irony 2009 Merlot ($17.00 -  #183186) - blueberry and chocolate, very fruit driven; a Cali-Merlot that is right on target. (*** 1/2+)

(Oregon)

Andrew Rich 2008 Cuvee B Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #127043) - deeply coloured and rich flavour: black cherry, nice spice with a hint of earth, needs a little chill. (****+)

(Washington)

Hogue 2009 Genesis Syrah ($19.95 - #687822) - chocolate, plum, white pepper, black cherry, with creamy dark chocolate on the finish. (****+)

Best Buys ... over deliver for the price

Casa Montes 2008 Don Baltazar Cabernet Franc ($12.95 - #261909) - interesting offering from Argentina ... Argentina - (*** 1/2)

Finca el Origrn 2010 Reserva Torrontes ($14.95 - #262089) - floral, sweet grapefruit and orange peel ... Argentina - (*** 1/2)

Monte del Fra 2008 Tenute Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($15.95 - #272500) - smoky, fruity and delicious ... Veneto, Italy. (****)

Momo Pinot from NZ

What I'll Be Lining Up For ... April 28, 2012

Momo 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #163972) - New Zealand

Arnoux & Fils 2009 Vacqueyras ($19.95 - #264663) - Rhone, France

Borsao 2009 Tres Picos Garnacha ($19.95 - #273748) - Spain

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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

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 April 19, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 17 wines tasted for this release ... no notes are given, just the star rating; although the top rated wine will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Tyrrell's 2008 Vat 47 Hunter Chardonnay ($NA - #912287) - Australia
Chateau du Tertre 2008 ($49.00 - #580654) - Bordeaux, France
Chateau La Cabanne 2006 ($59.00 - #229294) - Bordeaux, France

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Arrowood 2006 Cote de Lune Rouge ($39.95 - #204495) – California, USA

Four Star Wines (****) …
Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere 2008 ($69.00 - #138180) – Bordeaux, France
La Chablisienne 2009 Pas Si Petit Petit Chablis ($19.00 - #227959) – Burgundy, France
Hamacher 2009 Cuvee Forets Diverses Chardonnay ($39.95 - #204495) – Oregon, USA

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Wakefield 2006 St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.00 - #0058198) – Australia
Chateau Haut Bailly 2008 ($99.00 - #136960) – Bordeaux, France
Croft 2009 Vintage Port ($NA - #256974) – Portugal - also available in 375ml
Fonseca 2009 Fonseca Vintage Port ($NA - #256883) – Portugal - also available in 375ml
Taylor Fladgate 2008 Vintage Port ($NA - #256925) – Portugal - also available in 375ml
Closson Chase 2008 South Clos Chardonnay ($39.95 - #237107) – Ontario, Canada
Pondview 2009 Bella Terra Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($24.00 - #267849) – Ontario, Canada

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Chateau Suduiraut 2007 ($59.00 - #0098178) – Bordeaux (Sauternes), France... mineral shines through with dried peach and hints of candied lemon peel.

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Saturday April 14, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:

5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

There are some Eco-wines in this week's release, but I was not impressed, so don't go looking for my recommendations there ... on the other hand there is a plethora of Argentinean wines hitting the shelves (ARG) and there are some wonderful and very affordable wines there. Let's take a look ...

Argentina ...

Catena 2010 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #918805) - vanilla, butter, peach, caramel apple with some amount of finesse. (****) - ARG

Crios 2011 Torrontes ($12.95 - #0001834) - this is a beginners Torrontes, less fragrant, less floral with only a little spice. (*** 1/2) - ARG

Kaiken Ultra

Decero 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #195677) - red fruit, supple with sweetness of fruit and cocoa-like tannins on the finish. (*** 1/2) - ARG

Fabre Montmayou 2009 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #261891) - black raspberry, tobacco and violets. (*** 1/2+) - ARG

Kaiken 2009 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #135202) - a favourite for good reason: dark fruit, cocoa, cassis with lovely vanilla toast notes. (****+) - ARG

Norton 2008 Privada ($24.95 - #148155) - rich and dark fruit forward, spice and currants/anise notes on the finish; dark and brooding, a wine to lie down 3-5 years. (****+) - ARG

Australia ...

Grant Burge 2008 The Holy Trinity Grenach/Shiraz/Mourvedre ($33.95 - #236257) - deep, rich and complex; dried and fresh fruit fight for dominance. (****)

Katnook Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #590471) - mocha, black currant, nice full weight in the mouth. (*** 1/2+)

Canada ...

(British Columbia)

Mission Hill 2009 Reserve Shiraz ($23.95 - #126763) - chocolate, black cherry, white pepper, hint of spice and plum with a nicely spiced finish. (****)

(Ontario)

Cattail Creek 2008 Select Late Harvest Merlot ($26.95 / 375ml - #275370) - ****

Cave Spring 2008 Merlot ($17.95 - #235051) - *** 1/2+

Inniskillin 2010 Winemaker's Series Two Vineyards Riesling ($17.95 - #105387) - ***+

Mastronardi 2008 Merlot/Cabernet ($19.95 - #273730) - *** 1/2+

Chile ...

Quintay Q 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #276493) - this is a totally grassy number, perfect for the first day you grab out the mower. (*** 1/2)

Tamaya 2009 Reserva Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah ($15.95 - #0062497) - sweet fruit, raspberry/strawberry jam, juicy and easy drinking. (*** 1/2+)

France ...

(Alsace)

Pierre Sparr 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #983395) - hints of sweetness on the mid-palate are a pre-cursor to a dry finish; nice floral and dry pear notes. (*** 1/2)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Beausejour 2009 ($14.95 - #264267) - approachable wine that is blackberry dominated. (*** 1/2+)

(Burgundy)

Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure 2009 Volnay ($39.95 - #264218) - nice strawberry and sour cherry notes with a decent amount of acidity and spice on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Sparkling Vouvray: Predilection

Michel Picard 2009 Chardonnay Bourgogne ($17.95 - #264440) - no doubt this is Chardonnay, a little fruit,  whack of oak and a nice caramel peach note. (*** 1/2)

(Loire)

Chateau Moncontour 2009 Cuvee Predilection Brut Vouvray ($18.95 - #168963) - hint of sweet fruit with good acidity on the finish. (****+)

Saget la Perriere Marie de Beauregard Vouvray 2009 ($17.95 - #276691) - slightly honeyed with a pear and mineral note, good example of Vouvray. (****)

(Rhone)

Brotte Chateau de Bord la Croix de Fregere Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun 2009 ($16.95 - #264218) - juicy and fruity, nice depth of flavour, sweet dark fruit with a slight anise note. (****+)

Italy ...

(Abruzzo)

Jorio 2009 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo ($13.95 - #134577) - delicate and delicious with red berries and a touch of spice; supple and easy on the palate. (*** 1/2)

(Puglia)

La Corte 2010 Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria ($15.95 - #269019) - rich dark plum and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

(Tuscany)

Antinori 2007 Badia a Passignano Chianti Riserva ($43.95 - #384552) - rich dark fruit, dark chocolate, kirsch, cassis with just lovely fruit and spice mix, good acidity on the replaying finish. (****+)

Mastrojanni 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ($25.95 - #0033381) - full flavoured, full bodied with the dichotomy of dried yet jammy fruit. (*** 1/2+)

Rocca di Castagnoli 2009 Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #222810) - sour fruit, pepper, rustic, raspberry, strawberry with good acidity. (*** 1/2+)

(Veneto)

Luigi Righetti 2009 Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($15.95 - #695890) - good spiced fruit, more red than black, and a nice mix of each with spiced plum and Christmas cake. (*** 1/2+)

Monte del Fra 2010 Bardolino ($12.95 - #134544) - light raspberry jam with slight mocha notes. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Babich Fernhill 2010 Individual Vineyard Viognier ($16.95 - #269282) - unripened peach and pear nose with a fresh fruity palate and lovely finish. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Astrolabrium 2008 Reserva Tinto ($15.95 - #276121) - lively red fruit, nice spice and herbal notes, a touch earthy with good acidity. (****)

Calem 1998 Colheita Single Vintage Tawny Port ($25.95 - #264259) - orange peel, prune, raisins and spice on the nose; dried cherries, raisin pie, big spice and whopping acidity on the palate; a finish of spiced-apricot, cherry, burnt orange peel and caramel. (****)

Passadouro 2008 Vinho Tinto ($21.95 - #267997) - dark fruit, dark chocolate, gentle spice, plum and blackberry. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Blue Crane 2008

Blue Crane 2008 Full Flight Red ($16.95 - #267831) - fruit forward and very approachable without the South African stink character, this one really screams fruit. (****)

Hamilton Russell 2010 Chardonnay ($31.95 - #931006) - lots of oak but with lots of Chardonnay character; really long finish. (*** 1/2+)

Spier 2008 Creative Block 3 ($19.95 - #263632) - has that South African tarry note on the nose but it comes out as coffee and spice on the palate with a good finish. (****)

Spain ...

Rotllan Torra 2007 Crianza ($17.95 - #267989) - menthol on the nose and palate, red plum, juicy dark fruit with a nice spice finish. (*** 1/2)

United States ...

(California)

Belle Glos 2009

Belle Glos 2009 Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #212076) - blackberry, sour black cherry, hint of floral and spice, bold and full bodied; Pinot for those who like their Aussie alcohol, 14.7%. (****+)

Candor Lot 3 Zinfandel ($21.95 - #133389 - fruit forward, raspberry, vanilla, cherry cola, vanilla, touch of herbal, vanilla and milk chocolate; you can tell what dominates here. (*** 1/2+)

St Francis 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #317131) - easy drinking, ready to go Chardonnay in a Cali-style. (*** 1/2)

(Oregon)

Maysara 3o Pinot Noir 2008 ($24.95 - #269167) - dark fruit, nice tannins, good acidity. (*** 1/2)

Best Buys ... over delivers for the price

Famiglia Bianchi 2011 Chardonnay ($14.95 - #0001461) - lime cordial and vanilla caramel with a touch of spice. (*** 1/2+) ... Argentina (ARG)

Chateau de Bord 2009

If You Can Afford It ... expensive but worth it

Chimney Rock 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($57.95 - #731810) - nicley complex (****+)

Antinori 2008 Solaia ($249.95 - #987586) - lovely dark fruit with great silky tannnins, (**** 1/2)

What I'll be Lining Up For ... April 14, 2012

Brotte Chateau de Bord la Croix de Fregere Cotes du Rhone Villages Laudun 2009 ($16.95 - #264218) - France

Blue Crane 2008 Full Flight Red ($16.95 - #267831) - South Africa

Happy Shopping

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

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