Saturday August 31, 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 … Toronto Film Fest Bubble (TIFF) and 90+ Wines (N+W)

The Skinny … Not all 90+ wines are worth your hard earned dollar, but there are a few, and there is also a Viognier from New Zealand you’ve just gotta try and a Zin that’s killer, both for under twenty bucks.

Argentina …

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

Australia …

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

Canada (Ontario) … click wine name for full review

Calamus 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #158642) - *** 1/2

Cave Spring 2009 CSV Riesling ($29.95 - #566026) - ****+ (N+W)

Henry of Pelham 2009 Estate Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #268391) - ****

Henry of Pelham 2012 Cabernet Icewine ($39.95 / 200ml - #672402) - *** ½+

Chile …

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

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Haut Selve 2009 ($20.95 - #738120) – juicy and silky yet with dusty elements; this wine has good stuffing for mid-term aging. (****+) – N+W

Chateau Larrivaux 2009 ($22.85 - #192880) – nice dark fruit with vanilla, mocha along with good length. (****)

Chateau Roland la Garde 2009 ($17.85 - #193078) – dark berry, dark chocolate, smoke and spice. (****)

Chateau Tour St. Bonnet 2009 ($19.85 - #189910) – tobacco and spice wrapped red raspberries and strawberries with hints of oak, spice and firm tannins. (****)

France (Burgundy) …

Jean Marc Brocard 2011 Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis ($24.95 - #329995) – almost salty with lemon, floral and apple. (****)

France (Loire) …

Domaine du Bois Bruley Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2011 ($17.95 - #344911) – Sauvignon Blanc which is toned down from the New Zealand style; grassy with an orange peel finish. (*** ½+)

France (Rhone) …

Domaine Fontaine du Clos 2011 Reflets de l’Ame Vacqueyras ($20.95 - #343392) – liquid red licorice dipped in chocolate and covered in blueberries. (****)

Domaine le Grand Retour 2011 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #224592) – ripe, juicy and ready with cherry, blue and black berry. (****+)

Perrin 2011 Peyre Blanche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($17.95 - #650960) – elegance of fruit, sweet cherry, vanilla and silky tannins. (****+) – N+W

Pierre Amadieu 2011 Romane Machotte Gigondas ($24.95 - #017400) – lush, plush and deliciously drinkable; plenty of black and red fruit along with chocolate, hints of spice and pleasant linger on the finish. (****+) – N+W

Germany …

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

Italy (Piedmont) …

Inalto 2007 Barolo ($39.95 - #344713) – licorice, cherry kirsch and spice. (****) – N+W

Michele Chiarlo 2012 Nivole Moscato D’Asti ($16.95 - #942888) – tropical fruit loaded with pretty, floral and melon; a true summer delight. (****)

Italy (Sicily) …

Mandrarossa Cartagho 2009 ($19.95 - #346593) – dark and spicy (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Falchini Vigna a Solatio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2012 ($16.95 - #994012) – baked fruit with a flinty apple core. (*** ½)

Fonterutoli 2010 Chianti Classico ($24.95 - #977629) – cherry, mocha, coffee, dried cherry and oak spice. (****) – N+W

Villa I Cipressi Zebras 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ($45.95 - #270595) – shows finesse in all its earthy-dried-fruit glory. (*** ½+) – N+W

Italy (Veneto) …

Farina 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella ($35.95 - #995910) – coffee and cigar box with nice elegant fruit and a meatiness on the finish. (****)

Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2010 ($17.95 - #338913) – coffee, smoke, toast and cherry; but it’s the coffee that keeps coming back. (****)

Riondo Castelforte Corvina 2010 ($14.95 - #230649) – plenty of cherry and blueberry with the merest hint of white pepper. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Thornbury 2010 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #329706) – black cherry, rich smokiness with nice oak and spice. (****)

Two Rivers of Marlborough 2012 Convergence Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 - #277707) – herbaceous but with more umph, along with mucho citrus pith on the finish. (*** ½+)

Waimea 2010 Viognier ($19.95 - #325969) – almost too good for words, really shows what Viognier is capable of: floral, orange zest, spice and nice acidity replay on the finish. (****+)

Portugal …

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

South Africa …

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

Spain …

Barco de Piedra 2011 Tinto ($17.00 - #336289) – nice cherry, raspberry and vanilla. (****)

Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha ($19.95 - #329086) – stunning and delicious: plum, cherry, cassis, blackberry, chocolate along with a mineral chalkiness, but mainly juicy, pure fruit and spice. (**** ½) – N+W

Diego Zamora Licor 43 ($38.95 - #263780) – hedonistically delicious, pair with a dollop of heavy cream and prepare for a party, and a headache the next morning. (**** ½)

Finca La Emperatriz Viura 2011 ($15.95 - #342766) – pleasant and tropically tinged all the way to the finish; apricot, pineapple and hints of vanilla on the mid-palate. (****)

Ramon Bibao 2006 Reserva ($19.95 - #281097) – dried fruit mixed with fresh fruit and balancing tannins. (*** ½+) – N+W

United States (California) …

Belle Glos 2011 Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #652883) – deep, rich and fruit driven with plum, black cherry, vanilla and cinnamon; also with elements of spice and acidity waiting in the wings. (****)

Beringer 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #091058) – silkiness on the tongue, deliciously dark fruit driven. (****+) – N+W

Mer Soleil 2010 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($34.95 - #958975) – caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, but almost fruitless, and there is a market for this.  (*** ½+)

Michael David 2010 Petite Petit ($24.95 - #213017) – intense with chocolate and white pepper along with a smoky sweetness. (****)

Pine Ridge 2012 Chenin Blanc / Viognier ($21.95 - #673756) – playful with apple, peach pit, and some floral notes for good luck. (*** ½+)

Plume 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.95 - #287367) – chocolate, plum, currants, vanilla, clove, it’s all in there with silky tannins; pretty wine. (****+)

Simi 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #025221) – chocolate, blackberry and vanilla. (*** ½+)

Sivas-Sonoma 2011 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #339671) – subtle vanilla, green apple puree and hints of tropical with good acidity and a spiced finish. (*** ½+)

Villa Mt. Eden 2008 Antique Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256719) – cherry-cola, vanilla, licorice, sandalwood, with silky tannins; really intense, the way good Zin should be. (****+)

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

Aldegheri 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($51.95 - #987305) - **** (N+W)

Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne ($91.95 - #724559) - **** (TIFF)

Kistler 2011 Les Noisetiers Chardonnay ($76.95 - #251223) - ****+ (N+W)

Louis Jadot 2010 Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru ($52.95 - #121319) - ****+ (N+W)

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne ($62.95 - #814723) - ****+ (TIFF)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 31, 2013 …

Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha ($19.95 - #329086) – Spain

Domaine le Grand Retour 2011 Plan de Dieu ($13.95 - #224592) – France

Villa Mt. Eden 2008 Antique Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256719) – United States

Waimea 2010 Viognier ($19.95 - #325969) – New Zealand

Happy Shopping

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 August 31, 2013

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

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

Three-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …

Chateau de Myrat 2009 ($27.85 / 375ml - #188995) ... Bordeaux, France

Chateau Siaurac 2009 ($28.85 - #192013) ... Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …

Domaine Vrignaud 2011 Les Vaupulans Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru ($34.95 - #346148) ... Burgundy, France

Morgan 2009 Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir ($65.95 - #327528) ... California, USA

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Varnier-Fanniere Grand Cru Brut Champagne ($56.95 - #340158) ... Champagne, France

Chateau Lusseau 2009 ($43.95 - #193987) ... Bordeaux, France

Chevalier de Lascombes 2009 ($44.85 - #195958) ... Bordeaux, France

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 August 22, 2013 Release

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

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler 2011 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ($53.00 - #040600) … Germany

Finca La Emperatriz Terruno 2008 ($37.00 - #343061) … Spain

Le Cadeau Vineyard 2010 Diversite Pinot Noir ($59.00 - #199752) … United States

Four Star Wines (****) …

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

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Ramos Pinto Quinta do Bom Retiro 20 Years Old Tawny Port ($74.00 - #642652) ... Portugal

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 17, 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 … Aussie Whites (AW) and The Other Italy (OI)

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

Argentina …

Dieter Meier Puro Corte 2010 ($16.95 - #305094) – chocolate, white pepper and black cherry. (*** ½+)

Fabre Montmayou 2010 Gran Reserva Malbec ($19.95 - #279802) – juicy raspberry, plum and spice. (*** ½+)

Sottano 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvingon ($24.95 - #324707) – nice herbal, chocolate, vanilla, plum with a nice spice-tannin finish. (****)

Australia …

Bird in the Hand 2011 Sparkling Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #327429) – just of touch of colour to this bubbly with a funny little melon note along with nice acidity and strawberry. (*** ½)

Bird in the Hand Two in the Bush 2011 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #327759) – cocoa-cherry with grippy tannins. (*** ½+)

D’Arenberg 2011 The Hermit Crab Viognier/Marsanne ($18.95 - #662775) – pear skin, peach pit and spiced pineapple. (*** ½+) - AW

Paxton 2011 MV Shiraz ($17.95 - #327403) – peppery, blackberry, cassis with real presence on the palate. (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …

Quails’ Gate 2011 Pinot Noir ($26.95 - #585760) – lots of raspberry, mocha with spiced cranberry on the finish. (****)

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

Coffin Ridge 2012 Bone Dry Riesling ($17.00 - #232744) - ****

Daniel Lenko 2010 Old Vines Chardonnay ($22.95 - #352328) - ****

Fielding 2012 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #164491) - *** ½+

Good Earth 2012 Betty’s Blend ($17.95 - #327791) - ****

Henry of Pelham 2010 Family Tree Red ($18.95 - #247882) - ****

Palatine Hills 2012 Neufeld Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ($18.00 - #352344) - *** ½+

Sunnybrook 2011 Cherry Blossom Wine ($18.95 - #331082) - ****

France (Beaujolais) …

Domaine des Houdieres 2011 Fleurie ($16.95 - #342725) – spiced cherry with a meaty middle. (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Haut Colombier 2009 ($17.95 - #336891) – mocha and spice with cassis and some chalky notes. (*** ½+)

Chateau la Fleur Grands Landes Fleur Carrere 2010 ($17.95 - #336909) – smoky, meaty, leathery and mocha; quite interesting. (*** ½+)

Chateau Prieure Canteloup 2009 ($18.85 - #194415) – dark berries, coffee and spice; drinks well right now. (*** ½+)

Cheval Quancard 2011 Reserve Sauvignon/Semillon ($14.95 - #336842)- dry white with some smoky notes, grilled tropical fruit like guava and papaya with a chalky finish. (*** ½+)

France (Burgundy) …

Domaine de la Croix Senaillet Saint-Veran ($22.95 - #337832) – pleasant palate with lemon-lime, and nice minerality also look for hints of melon on the finish; very fresh tasting. (****+)

France (Champagne) …

Jacquart Mosaique Brut Champagne ($44.95 - #664672) – biscuity, honeycomb, beeswax and lanolin with bits of lemon curd. (****)

France (Rhone) …

Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($23.95 - #076349) – lots of dark fruit with elements of spice and pepper to even it out. (****)

Domaine Lafond 2012 Roc-Epine Tavel Rose ($17.95 - #950709) – pretty in pink with raspberry and strawberry, hints of watermelon and mineral, nice dry finish with peppered notes. (*** ½+)

Domaine Marie Blanche Cotes du Rhone Villages Signargues 2010 ($16.95 - #328179) – lots of juicy red and black berries. (****)

Germany …

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

Italy (Abruzzo) …

Talamonti 2008 Tre Saggi Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #204016) – vanilla, cherry and spice. (*** ½+) – OI

Italy (Alto Adige / Trentino) …

Mezzacorona 2009 Teroldego Rotaliano Riserva ($15.95 - #732222) – lots of fruit, red and black, with licorice and clove notes. (****) – OI

Italy (Calabria) …

Ippolito 1845 Calabrise Rosso 2011 ($19.95 - #338970) – nice spiced cherry with dark cocoa. (*** ½+) - OI

Italy (Campania) …

Terredora Loggia della Serra Greco di Tufo 2011 ($17.95 - #983197) – has a real mouth presence with smoky vanilla and grilled pineapple. (****) - OI

Italy (Lazio) …

Cantine Volpetti 2011 Le Piantate ($15.95 - #344242) – think of liquid good and plentys with cherry syrup. (*** ½+) - OI

Italy (Sardinia) …

Argiolas Perdera 2010 ($17.95 - #297556) – sweet cherry with hints of licorice. (****) - OI

Italy (Tuscany) …

Caparzo 2010 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #333575) – nice red fruit based easy drinking red with a little spiced plum and some herbal notes on the finish. (*** ½+)

Volpaia 2010 Chianti Classico ($24.95 - #953828) – juicy beginning leads to some herbs and spice on the finish. (****)

Italy (Umbria) …

Villa Mora 2008 Montefalco Sagrantino ($19.95 - #342394) – dark fruit, anise and herbs. (*** ½+) – OI

Italy (Veneto) …

Pasqua 2010 Black Label Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($18.95 - #203968) – smooth, easy drinking, blackberry, plum and black cherry with hints of spiced mocha on finish. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

HaHa 2011 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #331116) – juicy blackberry and cassis with vanilla and spice. (*** ½+)

Spinyback 2012 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #694737) – the nose is grassy but the palate is grapefruit/passionfruit cocktail. (****)

Portugal …

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

Spain …

Finca Nueva 2008 Crianza ($16.95 - #292763) – plenty of vanilla and spiced cherry. (*** ½+)

Jose Pariente Verdejo 2012 ($16.95 - #345058) – crisp with grapefruit pith, floral and mineral with a little smokiness. (*** ½)

Torres 2010 Celeste Crianza ($22.95 - #210872) – fruit forward with spice backing a nicely balanced finish. (****)

Totus Tuus Reserva Cava ($15.95 - #226282) – nice lemon and apple crispness. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …

Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) – it’s the usual vanilla, cola, cherry, and raspberry; in this case usual is a good thing. (****+)

First Press 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #188110) – nice blackberry and black cherry with lots of juicy fruit and a little spice; ready to drink. (*** ½+)

J. Lohr 2011 October Night Chardonnay ($26.95 - #225375) – vanilla cream seems to be the saving grace of this Chard. (*** ½+)

Truchard 2011 Chardonnay ($34.95 - #060459) – sweet fruited and tropical with pear and vanilla notes; there’s also a nice bite back on the lingering finish. (****)

United States (Oregon) …

Carabella 2009 Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay ($26.95 - #180133) – big and creamy with nice tropical notes, plenty of vanilla and creamy peach. (****+)

Elk Cove 2011 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #234534) – plenty of sweet, juicy cherry with herbs and spice … also available in 375ml size. (*** ½+)

United States (Washington) …

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($35.95 - #955617) – smooth with chocolate, pepper and cherry. (****)

Columbia Crest 2010 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #210047) – juicy with plum, vanilla and cherry cola. (*** ½+)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 17, 2013 …

Carabella 2009 Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay ($26.95 - #180133) – Oregon, USA

Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($19.95 - #719211) – California, USA

Daniel Lenko 2010 Old Vines Chardonnay ($22.95 - #352328) – Ontario, Canada

Domaine de la Croix Senaillet Saint-Veran ($22.95 - #337832) – Burgundy, France

Happy Shopping

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 August 17, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 3, 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 … Fresh French Whites (FFW) and a small look at Shiraz / Syrah (SHSY)

The Skinny … South African Syrah that’s pretty darn good, if you’re looking for fruit forward you might want to check out the Bonarda from Argentina, plus a wine that’s really great, especially if you have $105 burning a hole in your pocket.

Argentina …

Don David 2011 Finca La Maravilla #6 Malbec ($16.95 - #322826) – good chocolate and spice with intense blackberry, mocha and licorice. (****)

La Posta 2011 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) – sweet and supple fruit with lovely round mouthfeel and a touch of smokiness. (****)

Zuccardi 2009 Q Tempranillo ($19.95 - #973503) – rich and juicy with spicy blackberry, vanilla and plum. (****)

Australia …

Salena Estate 2010 Ink Series Petit Verdot ($18.95 - #327445) – intense in both colour and flavour with good acidity and nice pepper notes. (****)

St. Hallett 2009 Blackwell Shiraz ($34.95 - #535104) – hint of pepper and spice with backberry, plum and wood smoke. (****+)

Swings & Roundabouts 2011 Shiraz ($21.95 - #329839) – nice bit of pepper with some great blackberry notes. (*** ½+)

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

Calamus 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #210062) - *** ½

Featherstone 2011 Cabernet Franc ($16.95 - #64618) - ****

Hinterbrook 2011 Deeply Red Cabernet Merlot ($15.95 - #346759) - *** ½+

Kacabo 2012 Summer Series Rebecca Rosé ($14.95 - #227025) - *** ½

Megalomaniac 2010 BigMouth Merlot ($24.95 - #67645) - *** ½

Peninsula Ridge 2010 Reserve Syrah ($24.95 - #230896) - *** ½+ (SHSY)

Tawse 2010 Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($31.95 - #130997) - ****

Chile …

Korta 2010 Reserve Syrah ($15.95 - #327577) – smooth and lush, lots of gentle black fruit with elements of smoke and spice. (****) - SHSY

Montes 2010 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #322586) – chocolate, blackberry and mint; really very smooth. (*** ½+)

Quintay 2011 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve Q ($16.95 - #325449) – cherry, cranberry with dark notes of cocoa coated cherry undertones on the finish. (*** ½+)

Ritual 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #328401) – far from a big in your face type of Sauvignon Blanc but it has real charm. (*** ½+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #684597) – minty black fruit with vanilla and spice all leading to a peppery finish. (*** ½+)

Ventisquero 2010 Grey Single Block Carmenere ($19.95 - #325415) – blueberry and black cherry with delicious herbal notes and lovely spice. (****+)

France (Alsace) …

Andre Blanck 2012 Altenburg Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #168906) – oily with spicy and ginger notes; it’s a really nice Gewurzt but you have to be a fan of the grape, it does have a sweet side though. (****) – FFW

Rolly Gassmann 2009 Riesling ($20.95 - #328898) – there’s a Mosel kind of quality to this wine. (*** ½+) – FFW

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Dalem 2009 ($33.85 - #191213) – blackberry, cassis, tobacco and wood, should age well as the fruit is starting to emerge. (*** ½+)

Chateau D’Aurilhac 2009 ($23.85 - #189035) – vanilla, blackberry with a spiced-cherry-vanilla finish; nice fight on the finish between acidity and tannins. (****)

France (Burgundy) …

Alain Geoffroy 2011 Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru ($27.95 - #733501) – shows some floral and mineral with a grapefruit cocktail finish. (****) – FFW

Chanson Pere & Fils 2010 Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru ($48.95 - #330001) – spicy dark berries and licorice with touches of salty-coffee on the finish. (*** ½+)

Domaine Chevallier 2010 Chablis ($19.95 - #112227) – peach and mineral freshness; there’s a big fruit component to this one. (*** ½+) – FFW

France (Champagne) …

Hiedsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Brut Champagne ($49.95 - #68288) – lovely biscuit notes with element of sweetness and come mac apple fruit. (*** ½) - FFW

France (Loire) …

Jerome Godon 2011 Sancerre ($23.95 - #327734) – grapefruit zest and pith with just enough grassiness to scream Sauvignon Blanc to your tastebuds. (*** ½+) – FFW

Marc Bredif 2011 Vouvray ($19.95 - #685362) – nice sweetness of fruit with lanolin and beeswax backing; this one is always fresh on the palate sip after sip. (****) – FFW

Michel Delhommeau 2011 Cuvee Harmonie Sur Lie Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($13.95 - #164624) – mainly white fruit driven with soft citrus notes backing. (*** ½+) – FFW 

France (Rhone) …

Vignerons de Caractere Seigneur de Fontimple Vacqueyras 2010 ($19.95 - #234013) – licorice, black cherry, spice and fresh ground pepper. (*** ½+)

Xavier 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape ($39.95 - #244814) – lots of sweet red and black fruit with elegant spice and floral notes. (****+)

France (Southwest) …

Lionel Osmin & Cie 2010 Villa la Reserve Malbec ($14.95 - #328641) – quite fruity with blackberry and cherry. (*** ½)

Germany …

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

Italy (Veneto) …

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

South Africa …

Delheim 2010 Shiraz ($17.95 - #959080) – oddly appealing yet typically South Africa, and here in the Syrah it works: peppery, smoky with coffee and tarry notes, shows good elegance. (****) - SHSY

Ken Forrester 2011 Reserve Chenin Blanc ($17.95 - #231282) – interesting intensity here with floral and honeycomb notes with a spiced finish. (*** ½+)

The Grinder 2012 Pinotage ($13.95 - #269076) – hello coffee, goodbye wine; this could substitute for your morning cup’o Joe. (*** ½)

Spain …

Bodegas Lan 2007 Reserva ($21.95 - #42929) –fresh roasted coffee, red licorice and cherry with a gentle spice and ripe red cherry finish. (****)

Ondarra 2006 Reserva ($17.95 - #723452) – spiced sweet cherry, blackberry and hints of vanilla. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …

Brandlin Estate 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #340513) – lots of delicious red and black fruit with vanilla, plum and chocolate.(****+)

Cameron Hughes 2009 Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #329854) – nice silky palate with generous fruit. (*** ½+)

Ghost Pines 2011 Winemaker’s Blend Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269373) – a jammy Zin for a decent price. (*** ½)

Irony 2011 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #27409) – nice fruit and decent oak for not a bad price. (*** ½)

J Lohr 2011 South Ridge Syrah ($19.95 - #948240) – smooth sipping with plum and black cherry, look for the raspberry jam finish. (*** ½) – SHSY

Macrostie 2009 Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Chardonnay ($45.95 - #59733) – big, ballsy and oh so California with all that oak; vanilla, butterscotch, and spice, not my cup of tea of a Chardonnay but there are those that dig the style. (*** ½+)

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

Cade 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($105.00 - #325027) – California, USA - (**** ½)

Rodney Strong 2009 Symmetry ($59.95 - #641142) – California, USA – (****)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – August 3, 2013 …

Andre Blanck 2012 Altenburg Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #168906) – France

Delheim 2010 Shiraz ($17.95 - #959080) – South Africa

La Posta 2011 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) – Argentina

Ventisquero 2010 Grey Single Block Carmenere ($19.95 - #325415) – Chile

Happy Shopping

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while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves August 3, 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.

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

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Biohof Pratsch Steinberg Gruner Veltliner 2010 ($35.95 - #318386) ... Austria

Three-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Pierre Gimonnet & Fils 2008 Gastronome Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne ($58.95 - #182394) ... Champagne, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Spatlese ($29.95 - #331223) ... Germany
Baracchi Smeriglio Syrah 2010 ($26.95 - #242073) ... Tuscany, Italy
Belle Glos 2012 Oeil de Pendrix Rosé ($26.95 - #343020) ... California, USA

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Vintages Shop Online August 23, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 10 wines tasted for this release ... no notes are given, just the star rating:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Ferngrove 2008 The Sterlings Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.95 - #249276) ... Australia
Proprieta Sperino Uvaggio 2008 ($31.95 - #292409) ... Piedmont, Italy
Prunotto 2008 Pian Romualdo Barbera D'Alba ($34.95 - #291567) ... Piedmont, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Fornacina 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($43.95 - #295725) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Two Hands 2008 For Love of Money Cane Cut Semillon ($39.00 / 500ml - #257071) ... Australia
Blue Mountain 2010 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #297432) ... British Columbia, Canada
D'Arenberg 2003 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz / Viognier ($33.00 - #237495) - Australia

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Saturday August 18, 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

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

Foci (plural of focus): Pacific North West (PNW) and Rhone Valley (RHO)

Highlights: a Rhone white of some note plus real winners from Washington, Spain and Australia.

Argentina ...

Chakana 2010 Reserve Malbec ($15.95 - #18671) - nice, juicy blackberry, black cherry, plum, vanilla and spice. (****)

Australia ...

Evans & Tate 2009 Metricup Road Shiraz ($19.95 - #606905) - there's a juicy complexity to this wine that's quite appealing which is enhanced by the peppery finish. (****+)

Small Gully 2008 Mr. Black's Concoction Shiraz ($24.95 - #222059) - menthol, smoke and black cherry sweetness. (*** 1/2+)

Three Pond 2011 Semillon ($19.95 - #285049) - lemongrass, citrus, earthy with a refreshingly long finish. (*** 1/2+)

Torbreck 2010 Woodcutter's Shiraz ($27.95 - #927533) - dark fruit, cassis, black pepper, cocoa, with licorice on the finish. (****)

Wakefield 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #744235) - a beauty: tasty dark fruit, juicy with eucalyptus notes. (****+)

Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2009 ($16.95 - #72975) - cherry, raspberry and plum; a real fruit bomb. (*** 1/2+)

Canada - (British Columbia) ...

Mission Hill 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #545012) - black cherry, anise seed, raspberry-cherry with a little earthiness. (*** 1/2) - PNW

Quails' Gate 2010 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #377770) - soft and subtle, with buttery, vanilla, lemon and peach. (** 1/2+) - PNW

Canada - (Ontario) ... for full review click on wine name

Calmus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #285809) - ****

Calamus 2010 Riesling ($16.95 - #158642) - *** 1/2

Fielding 2011 Pinot Gris ($21.95 - #251108) - ****

Southbrook 2010 Triomphe Cabernet Franc ($21.95 - #275958) - *** 1/2+

Union 2010 Squared Red ($17.95 - #292359) - *** 1/2+

Chile ...

Anakena 2011 Lilen Single Vineyard Viognier ($14.95 - #45138) - spiced finish, hints of tropical on the mid with a intense citrus start. (*** 1/2)

San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($19.95 - #37911) - minty-black fruit, typical and tasty. (****)

France - (Beaujolais) ...

Domaine Ruet 2010 La Fontenelle Chiroubles ($16.95 - #282095) - very cherry and mineral. (*** 1/2)

France - (Burgundy) ...

Cave de Lugny 2009 Cuvee Millesime Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #183764) - creamy yet with nice acidity and good citrus. (*** 1/2+)

Domaine Chevallier 2009 Chablis ($19.95 - #112227) - nice mineral note and mixes well with the fruit. (*** 1/2)

France - (Loire) ...

Domaine du haut Bourg 2010 Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu ($15.95 - #289363) - tangy grapefruit with good acidity. (*** 1/2)

Guy Saget 2010 Sancerre Blanc ($19.95 - #287078) - grassy, hay and pink grapefruit cocktail. (*** 1/2)

France - (Midi) ...

Chateau Paul Mas 2010 Clos des Mures ($18.95 - #286393) - sweet and spicy, nice dark fruit with toasty-oaky-spice. (*** 1/2+)

France - (Rhone) ...

Bosquet des Papes 2010 Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($42.95 - #726687) - full on flavour of plum, cherry, licorice, chocolate, raspberry and cassis. (****+) - RHO

Domaine Grandy 2010 Vacqueyras ($18.95 - #287532) - thick and dark with flavourful fruit, hint of spice and chocolate add to the enjoyment. (****) - RHO

Domaine les Grands Bois 2010 Cuvee les Trois Soeurs Cotes du Rhone ($16.95 - #281147) - plum, stawberry, sweet cherry ... big fruited. (****+) - RHO

E. Guigal 2011 Cotes du Rhone Blanc ($15.95 - #290296) - honeysuckle, floral, pineapple, apricot; good value for a nice wine. (****)

Famille Perrin 2010 Les Cornuds Vinsobres ($17.95 - #566844) - delicate cherry, spice, licorice with a hint of floral undertones. (*** 1/2) - RHO

Gonnet 2010 Selection L'Olivia Gigondas ($23.95 - #289306) - nicely spiced, licorice with herbal notes. (*** 1/2) - RHO

Les Halos de Jupiter 2010 Cotes du Rhone ($17.95 - #276956) - leaner than one would expect from a Rhone wine, but still very flavourful. (*** 1/2) - RHO

Italy - (Calabria) ...

Ippolito 1845 Liber Pater Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore 2009 ($13.95 - #121061) - simple yet fruity; fresh and dried cherries, plum, cocoa and herbs. (****)

Italy - (Friuli) ...

Stocco 2009 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso ($14.95 - #289561) - lovely floral and red fruit, hints of leather on the smoky finish. (*** 1/2)

Italy - (Molise) ...

Di Majo Norante Contado Riserva Aglianico del Molise 2009 ($15.95 - #967208) - smoky black fruit, tobacco and raspberry, especially on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Italy - (Piedmont) ...

La Casa in Collina Barbaresco 2008 ($29.95 - #968974) - gentle spice with sweet and sour cranberry and red cherry. (****)

Italy - (Puglia) ...

Cantine due Palme 2009 Primitivo ($15.95 - #658351) - primer for those who want to get into Zinfandel. (*** 1/2)

Italy - (Sicily) ...

Villa Tonino 2010 Grillo ($13.95 - #289579) - apple, citrus peel with a pith finish. (*** 1/2)

Italy - (Tuscany) ...

Altesino 2009 Rosso di Altesino ($18.95 - #658369) - dried cherry, plum, raspberry with a long spiced finish including white pepper. (****)

Italy - (Veneto) ...

Angelo Bortolin 2010 Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore ($17.95 - #282616) - lively and lemony, a real mouth-wakener; this even shows a little minerality. (****)

Verbena 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($37.95 - #165126) - sweet spice, nice fruit, sweet mid-palate, vanilla-tobacco with a dry finish. (****+)

Lebanon ...

Elias Tanios Touma 2008 Le Fleuron Heritage ($N/A - #307793) - sweet cherries and spice with hints of pepper and sweet tobacco. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Delta 2010 Pinot Noir ($23.95 - 675231) - cran-raspberry with a nice earthy component. (*** 1/2)

Southbank 2010 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #278523) - melon, tangerine with a nice toasty-buttery finish. (*** 1/2)

Portugal ...

Messias 10 Anos Tawny Port ($23.95 - #87205) - orange peel, cinnamon, creme-brulee, caramel, marmalade, nutty, fig jam and with a bit of a salt lick note on the finish; nice long finish. (****)

South Africa ...

Bellingham 2009 Shiraz with a Dash of Viognier ($14.95 - #278739) - very smoky and mocha oriented, good dark fruit and big tannins. (****)

Flagstone 2005 The Treaty Tree Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot ($14.95 - #278382) - smoky and tarry with an interesting fruit-spice; interesting smoky tobacco finish ... wait 2-3 years. (*** 1/2+)

Spain ...

Buil & Gine Gine Gine 2009 ($17.95 - #67843) - good fruit to spice ratio, fresh and lively fruit, quite juicy; now under screwcap. (****)

Cellar Besllum Besllum 2008 ($15.95 - #283515) - vanilla, plum, black cherry with sweet herbs and silky tannins. (*** 1/2+)

Ribota 2009 ($15.95 - #280628) - juicy dark fruit, mocha, vanilla, milk chocolate and black licorice. (*** 1/2+)

United States - (California) ...

Bommarito 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #213918) - simple, approachable and chocolatey. (*** 1/2)

Calera 2009 Pinot Noir ($31.95 - #933044) - lots of fruit, juicy cherry, strawberry and sweet spices. (****+)

Chamisal 2011 Unoaked Stainless Chardonnay ($25.95 - #289223) - tropically tinged with nice acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Geyser Peak 2007 Block Collection Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.95 - #161323) - juicy and spicy, black fruited with nice spice on the finish. (****)

Kenwood 2010 Chardonnay ($17.95 -- #158790) - delicate pineapple, vanilla, lightly buttered toast; a nice balance of fruit and oak. (*** 1/2+)

Mer Soleil 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($34.95 - #958975) - sweet oak, sweet fruit with a nice mouthfeel, heavy weight oak. (****)

Paso Creek 2009 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #279810) - simple and juicy, plum, cherry, cola, vanilla and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Seghesio 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel ($49.95 - #56879) - if this were cheaper I'd buy it by the barrel; pure Zin for Zin-fans ... bring on the BBQ ribs. (****+)

St. Supery 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #339663) - hits you over the head with tropical, limeade and melon. (*** 1/2+)

Summers 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #279398) - raspberry, cherry with hints of white pepper. (*** 1/2+)

United States - (Washington) ...

Columbia Crest 2009 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #210047) - currants, plum, black cherry, and mocha; a lovely wine. (****+) - PNW

What I'll Be Lining Up For - August 18, 2012 ...

Wakefield 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #744235) - Australia

E. Guigal 2011 Cotes du Rhone Blanc ($15.95 - #290296) - France

Buil & Gine Gine Gine 2009 ($17.95 - #67843) - Spain

Columbia Crest 2009 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #210047) - United States

Happy Shopping

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while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Saturday August 4, 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

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

The foci (plural of focus): Germany (GER) and Customer Favourites (CF)

Highlights: 2 of the Best Buy wines come from Spain and a Chilean Malbec with real elegance and charm

Argentina ...

Pacual Toso Reserve Malbec 2009 ($19.95 - #183897) - spiced-cherry, vanilla and chocolate and sweet spice. (****)

Australia ...

Bleasdale 2011 Potts' Catch Verdelho ($15.95 - #280933) - light, refreshing lemon and lime notes with nice acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Coriole Vineyards Estate Grown Shiraz 2009 ($26.95 - #931600) - nice wine with gentle spice and white pepper, fruit is plum and black cherry with nice bite on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Peter Lehmann 2010 Layers Shiraz/Tempranillo/Mourvedre/Grenache ($17.95 - #138883) - layers of interesting fruit and spice, pepper and smoky red fruit. (*** 1/2)

Pirramimma 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95  - #730374) - rich, juicy, plummy, black cherry; a real full flavoured Cab. (****) - CS

Schild Estate 2010 Old Bush Vine GMS Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz ($21.95 - #108183) - starts off slow and builds to an interesting, smooth, supple finish. (*** 1/2+

Thorn-Clarke Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine ($19.95 - #280925) - slightly pinky-salmon colour with strawberry, lemon and biscotti finish; quite decent. (*** 1/2+)

Thorn-Clarke 2008 St. Kitts Vineyard Malbec ($29.95 - #280891) - full-fruited, lots of spiced chocolate and black fruit, vanilla, sweetly alcoholic with big 15.5%. (****)

Wits End 2010 Luna Chardonnay ($16.95 - #285882) - shows a deft hand with nice full fruit and touch of oak. (****)

Austria ...

Steininger 2010 Gruner Veltliner ($14.95 - #280842) - pea pod, asparagus and lemonade. (*** 1/2)

Canada - (British Columbia) ...

Sandhill 2008 Small Lots One ($36.95 - #186536) - rich fruit core with lots going on like black cherry and cafe mocha on the finish. (****+)

Canada - (Nova Scotia) ...

Benjamin Bridge 2011 Nova 2011 ($25.95 - #256289) - aromatic with good acidic bite and some exotic fruit and floral notes; asti-esque. (*** 1/2)

Canada - (Ontario) ...

Fielding Estate 2010 Cabernet Franc ($21.95 - #36194) - *** 1/2

Inniskillin 2010 Winemaker's Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay ($18.95 - #586347) - ****

Pillitteri 2010 Antagonist ($15.95 - #291948) - *** 1/2

Chile ...

Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenere ($16.95 - #274043) - lovely spiced black fruit, hint of leather, plum, black cherry, vanilla and mint. (****+)

Valdivieso 2009 Single Vineyard Old Vines Malbec ($19.95 - #273987) - minty, cedar with ballsy black fruit, coffee on the mid-palate with elegance and finesse on the finish. (**** 1/2)

France - (Burgundy) ...

Domaine des Malandes 2010 Chablis ($18.95 - #111658) - mineral, mac apple and floral with some weightiness on the palate, but not too much with a nice pear-mineral finish. (*** 1/2+)

France - (Rhone) ...

Domaine du Grapillon 2010 D'or Gigondas ($28.95 - #981787) - rich plum and dark cherries, lovely dark fruit with the right amount of spice and a delicious strawberry-cocoa finish. (****+) - CS

Germany ...

Konigschaffhausen 2011 Trocken Pinot Gris ($13.95 - #597500) - good if a little sweet with a lengthy pleasant finish. (*** 1/2) - GER

Reinhold Haart 2009 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #282335) - exotic with fleshy peach. (*** 1/2+) - GER

Darting 2011 Durkheimer Nonnengerten Gewurztraminer Kabinett ($16.95 - #944181) - real nice hint of spice right from the start and it continues tobe lovely through to the end. (****) - GER

Schloss Reinhartshausen 2009 Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling Kabinett ($17.95 - #114801) - nice hit of acidity with tart lemon and hint of sweet peach and lemon candy. (****+) - GER

Greece ...

Lyrarakis 2009 Okto ($15.95 - #279737) - surprisingly delicious with tart blackberries and hints of spiced chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Italy - (Piedmont) ...

Dezzani Morelli 2010 Moscato D'Asti ($14.95 - #187997) - fun and fruit, a perfect summer sipper at ony 5% alcohol: pear, peach, pineapple, floral; this one is full of yummy. (*** 1/2+)

Italy - (Puglia) ...

Cantele 2008 Riserva Salice Salentino ($13.95 - #724328) - lot of spiced-raspberry and oak notes; there's also some black pepper on the finish. (*** 1/2)

Italy - (Tuscany) ...

La Velona 2009 Rosso di Montalcino ($17.95 - #285429) - white pepper, strawberry which is carried on oak-spice. (*** 1/2)

Italy - (Veneto) ...

Bertani 2008 Villa Arvedi Amarone della Valpolicella ($38.95 - #13417) - an Amarone to drink now with lovely plum and cherry with a hint of chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Carpene Malvolti Cuvee Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore ($14.95 - #727438) - fresh, fruity and enjoyable at a good price. (*** 1/2)

Due Torri 2009 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($17.95 - #159400) - stylish and supple with good fruit and chocolate notes and a cherry-chocolate finish. (*** 1/2+) - CS

Zenato 2011 Pinot Grigio (13.95 - #37648) - refreshingly crisp with a lemon pith finish. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Clos Marguerite 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #281014) - really has the 3 G's of Sauv Blanc: grapefruit, grass and gooseberry, heavy on the grass and herbaceousness. (*** 1/2)

Little Beauty 2010 Limited Edition Pinot Noir ($27.95 - #290346) - nice earthy, cherry with hints of bacon, quite pleasant with a spicy herb to the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Spinyback 2010 Pinot Gris ($16.95 - #214569) - interesting full flavored wine with mineral intensity, more fruit skin than fresh fruit, mostly apple and pear. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Quinta de Ventozelo 2008 Touriga Nacional ($18.95 - #657452) - rich of fruit with lovely hints of sweet spice and vanilla undertones. (*** 1/2+) - CS

Spain ...

Escondido 2009 Tempranillo ($14.95 - #132597) - mineral and blackberry (*** 1/2)

Filon 2010 Garnacha ($14.95 - #280602) - label might look like bathroom wallpaper from the 70's but this is another amazing value from Spain: ripe cherry, plum and sweet spice; exceptional value. (**** 1/2)

Vina Aljibes 2009 Petit Verdot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Tempranillo ($13.95 - #276212) - rich in plum with violet notes, gentle spice and sweet fruit; lush and plush ... drink now. (****+)

USA - (California) ...

Beaulieu Vineyard 2008 Tapestry Reserve ($34.95 - #50393) - smooth, serious and intense with lovely fruit. (*** 1/2+)

DeLoach 2010 Pinot Noir ($28.95 - #119024) - fruit driven Cali-Pinot with strawberry and white pepper. (*** 1/2+)

Frank Family 2009 Zinfandel ($33.95 - #278283) - plum, chocolate, cherry and vanilla with sweet oak. (****)

Ironstone 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #537597) - all cherry and strawberry all the time. (*** 1/2) - CS

La Crema 2010 Chardonnay ($28.95 - #962886) - supple with bright lemon zest, tropical, pineapple and vanilla. (****) - CS

McManis Family Vineyards 2011 Viognier ($18.95 - #658112) - nice Chardonnay alternative that's citrus fruit driven with hints of floral. (*** 1/2) - CS

Pedroncelli 2009 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel ($22.95 - #463026) - no razzle-dazzle here just straight forward spiced red fruit and plum with a slight spiced-mocha note on the finish. (****)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - August 4, 2012 ...
Concha y Toro 2009 Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenere ($16.95 - #274043) - Chile
Valdivieso 2009 Single Vineyard Old Vines Malbec ($19.95 - #273987) - Chile
Filon 2010 Garnacha ($14.95 - #280602) - Spain


Happy Shopping

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while there sign up for Michael's free bi-weekly newsletter.

Vintages Shop Online August 25, 2011 Release

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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Vintages Shop Online August 11, 2011 Release

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.

 

Saturday August 6, 2011 - 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

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.

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