Saturday March 29, 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 … Welcome to Vintages (WtV)

The Skinny … The highlight is “30 reasons to love Vintages” – a self-congratulatory nod to the “world’s best purveyor of liquor” … while I disagree with that last statement the release is not a bad one and there are six must gets aside from the usual good stuff to try.

Argentina …

Casarena Sinergy Reserva Red 2011 ($18.95 - #366104) – sweet red fruit with a coffee middle.  (*** ½+)

Colonia Las Liebres 2012 Bonarda ($14.95 - #219303) – Bonarda is Argentina’s answer to a juicy Cali-Merlot and this one delivers.  (*** ½+)

Las Moras 2010 Black Label Cabernet/Cabernet ($15.95 - #357921) – blackberry, tobacco and tea leaf.  (*** ½+) - WtF

Australia …

D’Arenberg 2012 The Hermit Crab Viogner / Marsanne ($19.95 - #662775) – Bosc pear, lemongrass and pineapple core. (*** ½+)

Evans & Tate 2010 Metricup Road Shiraz ($22.95 - #606905) – nice flavour with a raspberry-plum core.  (****)

The Black Chook 2012 Shiraz/Viognier ($17.95 - #66738) – best Chook I’ve tried since the very first one I’ve tried; nice balance of dark fruit, touches of floral and a nice whack of spice on the finish.  (****) – WtV

Yalumba 2011 The Strapper GSM ($19.95 - #295873) – nice blend with fruit that stays and plays with nice herbal and spice notes instead of going out on its own to overpower the wine with a nice finish.  (****+)

Canada (British Columbia) …

Gray Monk 2011 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #251835) – definitely earthy, smoky with smoked cherry and violets.  (*** ½+) - WtV

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

Coyote’s Run 2012 Red Paw Vineyard Chardonnay ($21.95 - #336115) – **** ½ (WtV)

Featherstone 2011 Four Feathers ($14.95 - #341586) - *** ½+

Featherstone 2011 Red Tail Merlot ($19.95 - #131540) - *** ½+

Fielding Estate 2013 Rosé ($15.95 - #53421) - *** ½+ (WtV)

Rockway Vineyards 2011 Small Lot Reserve Red Assemblage ($16.95 - #321893) - *** ½+

Tawse 2012 Gamay Noir ($18.95 - #322545) - ****

Chile …

Vina Tarapaca 2011 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #018721) – there’s the mint I’m looking for mixed with black fruit and spice; here’s a typical, good Chilean Cab.  (*** ½+)

France (Alsace) …

Joseph Cattin 2011 Hatschbourg Pinot Gris ($20.95 - #260240) – while not a fan of Alsatian Riesling their Pinot Gris and Gewurtraminers do float my boat; this shows a thickness and sweetness that only Alsace can do, and do it with balance.  (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Fleur de Jean Gue 2010 ($24.95 - #729137) – spiced-cocoa and anise with black cherry, blackberry and oak.  (*** ½+) – WtV

Clos Lunelles 2010 ($49.85 - #258053) – heavy smoke and coffee notes with anise and pumped up tannins.  (*** ½+)

France (Burgundy) …

Louis Michel & Fils 2012 Chablis ($25.95 - #356758) – pretty with apple, citrus and mineral, not as expressive on the palate, but plenty pleasing. (*** ½+)

Maison Roche de Bellene 2011 Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet ($49.95 - #241158) – has lots of character, good intensity and nice weight.  (*** ½+)

France (Loire) …

Cave du Haut-Poitou 2012 Vallee Loire Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #357293) – New Zealand like nose but with restraint shown on the palate with grapefruit pith and grassy notes and a long finish.  (****)

France (Rhone) …

Domaine la Guintrandy 2009 Vieilles Vignes Cairanne ($19.95 - #362624) – savoury and juicy with raspberry, black cherry and some fine herbal and spice notes.  (****+) - WtV

Italy (Marche) …

Casal di Serra 2011 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore ($17.95 - #268169) – fresh and lively with grapefruit pith and zest, a touch of floral, and there’s a pseudo thickness here that’s pleasantly welcome.  (****)

Italy (Piedmont) …

Gemma Giblin 2006 Riserva Barolo ($40.95 - #185025) – has an unexpected sweetness especially for a Barolo, there’s cran-raspberry elements with a beauty of a spice character. (****)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Assolati Montecucco Sangiovese 2008 ($26.95 - #369405) – sweet red fruit core backed by a nice spice and touch of floral.  (****)

Dievole 2010 La Vendemmia Chianti Classico ($19.95 - #283101) – nice hit of strawberry-plum jam at its core.  (*** ½+) – WtV

Giordano 2010 Chianti Riserva ($17.95 - #366971) – shows some elegance of cassis, plum and black raspberry.  (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Cloudy Bay 2012 Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #598813) – big flavour and juicy core, earthy, cranberry, hint of spiced plum and black cherry.  (*** ½+)

Coopers Creek 2012 Select Vineyards Dillons Point Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #066092) – typically tinged with the usual Sauv Blanc character plus grapefruit blossom; this is a lively one and pretty at that.  (*** ½+) – WtV

Invivo 2012 Pinot Gris ($18.95 - #367771) – shows some interesting Gewurztraminer character which is unexpected in Pinot Gris; pretty floral and spiced orange, weird yet wonderful. (****)

Kim Crawford 2013 Pansy! Rosé ($17.95 - #650325) – lots of strawberry and cherry with some bubblegummy notes to the nose, but finishes dried than expected.  (*** ½+)

Omaka Springs 2010 Falveys Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #367714) – much more toned down and elegant, shows depth with spice, gentile fruit and good acidity.  (****)

Portugal …

Dalva 1997 Colheita Port ($30.95 - #169045) – hazelnut, fig, dried cherry and spice; all make for a tasty treat.  (****)

Lua Nova Em Vinhas Velhas 2010 ($15.95 - #266882) – silky smooth with lots of plum; easy to drink.  (*** ½+)

South Africa …

Bayten 2012 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #269084) – plump white fruit with apple, pear and peach adding vanilla and hints of butterscotch for good measure all with a spicy finish; nice weight without the weighted price, this is good value Chard.  (****)

Spain …

Aljibes 2007 Red ($20.95 - #359976) – pleasant and silky smooth.  (*** ½+)

Barahonda 2011 Sin Madera Monastrell ($15.95 - #366823) – juicy, choco-blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and sweet tobacco; this one has great value in the bottle.  (****) - WtV

United States (California) …

Carol Shelton 2010 Monga Zin Old Vine Zinfandel ($25.95 - #282525) – surprisingly delicious: cola-spice-vanilla, oddly approachable.  (****+)

Chateau St. Jean 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #977173) – nice balance of fruit and spice along with vanilla, black cherry and spice.  (*** ½+)

Rutherford Ranch 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #73817) – black and blue fruit with a chocolate core.  (*** ½+) - WtV

________________________________________

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

Blindfold 2012 ($39.95 - #374207) – California, USA - ****+

Bonaccorsi 2010 Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir ($51.95 - #368225) – California, USA - ****+

Chateau Calon-Segur 2010 ($149.85 - #259010) – Bordeaux, France - ****

Chateau Giscours 2010 ($124.85 - #259093) – Bordeaux, France - *** ½+

Chateau Lafon-Rochet 2010 ($84.85 - #257295) – Bordeaux, France - *** ½+

Le Clos Jordanne 2011 LCJ Vineyard Pinot Noir ($45.00 - #33902) – Ontario, Canada - ****+

Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2010 ($62.85 - #258491) – Bordeaux, France (****+)

Tawse 2010 Robyn’s Block Chardonnay ($45.95 - #662841) – Ontario, Canada - ****+

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

Andretta 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($53.95 - #367367) – Tuscany, Italy ****

Chateau Batailley 2010 ($68.95 - #259218) – Bordeaux, France ****

Rodney Strong 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #382325) – California, USA ****+

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – March 29, 2014 …

Barahonda 2011 Sin Madera Monastrell ($15.95 - #366823) – Spain

Bayten 2012 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #269084) – South Africa

Carol Shelton 2010 Monga Zin Old Vine Zinfandel ($25.95 - #282525) – California

Domaine la Guintrandy 2009 Vieilles Vignes Cairanne ($19.95 - #362624) – France

The Black Chook 2012 Shiraz/Viognier ($17.95 - #66738) – Australia

Yalumba 2011 The Strapper GSM ($19.95 - #295873) – Australia

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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Vintages Release for February 15, March 1 and 15, 2014 - My Apologies

I must apologize ... I was unable to attend the Vintages pre-tasting for these upcoming release dates (February 15, March 1 and 15, 2014) because I was out of the country ... my release reports will return for the March 29, 2014 Vintages release.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

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

Saturday March 30, 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:  Easter (EAST) and Southern France (SF)

The Skinny:  Look for an easy drinking California Cab and some really nice Ontario reds.

Argentina …

Angulo Innocenti 2010 Malbec ($18.95 - #305813) – cherry, cola, black fruits; starts out juicy and ends with a spicy tang. (****)

La Puerta 2009 Reserva Bonarda ($18.95 - #067801) – nice juicy red fruit and slightly spiced Bonarda that’s very much worth trying; tasty and delicious. (****)

Trivento 2010 Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah ($16.95 - #037036) – another juicy wine from Argentina with lovely cherry, anise and chocolate character. (****)

Australia …

Hickinbotham 2009 Shiraz/Cabernet ($16.95 - #159632) – dark fruit, smoky, tobacco, white pepper, good pleasure in the glass. (*** ½+)

Kilikanoon 2008 The Medley GSM ($27.95 - #675256) – a bounty of flavour from dark fruit to chocolate and spice. (****+)

Mitolo 2010 Jester Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #043224) – juicy, juicy, juicy. (*** ½+)

Canada (Ontario) … click wine name for full review

13th Street 2008 Premier Cuvee ($34.95 - #142679) - ****+ (EAST)

Bachelder 2010 Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay ($44.95 - #324103) - **** (EAST)

Chateau des Charmes 2010 Old Vines Riesling ($16.95 - #277228) - *** ½+

Featherstone 2011 Cabernet Franc ($16.95 - #064618) - **** (EAST)

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 La Petite Colline Pinot Noir ($40.00 - #033944) - *** ½+ (EAST)

Peninsula Ridge 2010 McNally Vineyards Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #257543) - ****

The Good Earth 2010 Dry Riesling ($19.95 - #324244) - *** ½

Chile …

Erasmo 2006 ($21.95 - #311837) – lots of mintyness here, good acidity and spice, nice blackberry and black cherry. (*** ½+)

France (Alsace) …

Vieil Armand 2009 Grand Cru Ollwiller Riesling ($20.95 - #315135) – complexity of sweetness with balanced acidity; apricot, poached pear, and beeswax all with a dry finish. (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Senjac 2009 ($28.85 - #193037) – delightful, the nose and the palate is starting to follow: anise, cassis, spice and more. (****+)

France (Loire) …

Chavet & Fils 2011 La Dame de Jacques Coeur Menetou-Salon Blanc ($19.95 - #525048) – a light grassy version of Sauvignon Blanc where what you expect appears on the finish instead of up-front. (*** ½+)

France (Midi) …

Calmel + J Joseph 2009 Faugeres ($16.95 - #310193) – juicy blackberry, black currant, cherry and chocolate; well-priced. (****+) – SF

Chateau de Treviac 2010 ($15.95 - #670505) – nice easy drinking red. (*** ½+) – SF

Chateau Haut-Montplaisir 2006 Prestige Cahors Malbec ($21.95 - #936542) – a peppery, spicier, earthier version of Malbec. (*** ½+)

Chateau Saint-Roch 2010 Chimeres ($18.95 - #119354) – raspberry, plenty of plum and baking spice. (****) – SF

Chateau Tour Boisee a Marie-Claude Minervois 2007 ($21.95 - #309179) – lots of dark fruit and tannins, there’s also an herbal quality that some will like and others find off-putting. (*** ½+) – SF

Mont Tauch 2011 Les Garrigues Grande Reserve Marselan ($14.95 - #309146) – soft, velvety mouthfeel, dark fruit and plenty of spice. (*** ½+) – SF

France (Rhone) …

Domaine Barville 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($41.95 - #148841) – chocolate dark berries, hints of violet/floral and spice. (****)

Les Grandes Serres 2010 Rasteau ($16.95 - #313254) – good value with lots of fruit. (****)

Italy (Abruzzo) …

Rocca dei Bottari 2009 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($17.95 - #311605) – dark berries, coffee, mocha and anise. (*** ½+)

Italy (Sicily) …

Colosi 2010 Rosso ($14.95 - #316075) – juicy red berries; simple, supple and yummy. (*** ½+)

Italy (Veneto) …

Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco ($16.95 - #169128) – nice apple, lemon drop and a touch of vanilla. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Konrad 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #616243) – gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit pith and a pleasantly bitter note on the finish. (****)

Two Paddocks 2008 Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #301283) – black cherry, plum and spice; sweet red fruit entry, darker fruit middle with a nice acid/tannin punch on the finish. (****)

Portugal …

Herdade Penedo Gordo Vinho Tinto 2010 ($13.95 - #218339) – gentle easy drinking, lots of red berries and baking spice. (****)

Quinta do Penedo 2009 ($18.95 - #313676) – lovely rich dark fruit, hints of plum and cocoa. (****+)

Varanda do Conde 2011 Alvarinho/Trajadura Vinho Verde ($13.95 - #966663) – refreshing lime and pea pod notes. (*** ½+)

Spain …

Beronia 2005 Gran Reserva ($32.95 - #940965) – a ready to go Rioja, sure you can still age it but it’s quite lovely now. (*** ½+)

Gomez Cruzado 2007 Reserva ($26.95 - #315507) – nice dark fruit and spice, a little licorice, vanilla and cinnamon. (****)

Otazu 2007 Premium Cuvee ($16.95 - #313809) – a little lean in the mouth, nice nose though. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …

Calera 2011 Chardonnay ($24.95 - #713313) – nice refined use of cork, buttery, vanilla, caramel-apple, toasted pear with a nice spice on the finish. (****)

Candor Lot 3 Zinfandel ($21.95 - #133389) – cherry, blueberry, raspberry, cherry-cola, vanilla; the best Candor I’ve tried to date. (****)

Irony 2010 Small Lot Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #025106) – nice, easy drinking Cali-Cab with dark chocolate, blackberry and vanilla. (****)

La Crema 2011 Pinot Noir ($31.95 - #719435) – juicy raspberry with strawberry and the right amount of balancing bitterness. Also available in 375ml. (*** ½+)

Lander-Jenkins 2010 Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #161398) – lovely juicy red and black fruit, great palate appeal and drinkability; herbal with a touch of mineral; subtle, doesn’t hit you over the head. (****+)

The Seventy Five Wine Company 2010 The Sum ($27.95 - #293324) – nice intensity of fruit with back up flavours that enhance. (*** ½+)

If You Can Afford It … wines that are worth their high price:

Beaulieu Vineyard 2009 Tapestry Reserve ($59.95 - #050393) – United States ****

Chateau Grand Mayne 2009 ($67.85 - #197848) – France ****

Kistler 2009 Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay ($89.95 - #120311) – United States ****+

L’Aventure 2010 Optimus ($58.95 - #683409) – United States ****+

Quintarelli 2003 Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($97.95 - #986117) – Italy ****

Versado 2009 Reserva Malbec ($59.95 - #316984) – Argentina ****

What I’ll Be Lining Up For on March 30, 2013 …

Lander-Jenkins 2010 Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.95 - #161398) – United States

Happy Shopping

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In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves March 30, 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 of 4 of them.

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

Montemorli 2007 Vin Santo del Chianti ($32.95 / 500ml - #318972) ... Tuscany, Italy

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

Spottswoode 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($37.95 - #313593) ... California, USA

Four Star Wines (****) …

Malivoire 2009 Mottiar Vineyard Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #125252) ... Ontario, Canada

Lamy-Pillot 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1er Cru ($43.95 - #318998) ... Burgundy, France

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Vintages Shop Online March 21, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 4 of the 8 wines being release on the 21st, one was not available for tasting, one was corked and the other two did not make the cut ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Gatinois Grand Cru Brut Rosé Champagne ($N/A - #311845) ... Champagne, France

Perrin 2010 Clos des Tourelles Gigondas ($N/A - #309823) ... Rhone, France

Stonestreet 2009 Rockfall Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #249367) ... California, USA

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (****+) …

Perrin & Fils 2010 Vieilles Vignes Gigondas ($N/A - #309823) ... Rhone, France

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Vintages Shop Online March 7, 2013 Release

Only 3 wines were out for tasting for this release although there are 8 wines scheduled for release – here are my scores for two of wines that were out ...

Four Star Wines (****) …

Gianfranco Alessandria Barolo 2006 ($N/A - #239095) ... Piedmont, Italy

Four-and-a-Half  Star Wines (****1/2 ) …

Coyote’s Run 2010 Red Paw Merlot ($24.95 - #323931) ... Ontario, Canada

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Saturday March 2, 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: California Trends (CT) and South/Central Italy (SCI)

The Skinny: Check out Spain and Portugal for great value and a couple of red from Australia really impress.

Argentina …

Alamos 2010 Seleccion Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #143172) – juicy with lots of red fruit. (*** ½+)

Finca Agostino Inicio Torrontes 2011 ($14.95 - #303669) – nice with soapy, tangerine and floral notes. (*** ½)

Nieto Senetiner 2010 Gran Reserva Malbec/Petit Verdot ($17.95 - #295170) – there’s a kind of vanilla creaminess to this wine; an unexpected grape combination that proves to be very delicious indeed; also lots of dark fruit and some red licorice. (****)

Australia …

Coriole Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($19.95 - #141960) – juicy with hints of spiced-vanilla along with red and dark fruit. (*** ½+)

Devil’s Corner 2011 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #317966) – I have a weak spot for Taz Pinot and it continues here with this lovely spice and great acidity; power yet with restrained fruit.(****)

Mollydooker 2010 The Boxer Shiraz ($29.95 - #246595) – big Shiraz, 16%, with blackberry, white pepper and anise notes. (****)

Mountadam 2010 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95 - #641878) – pleasant on the palate with citrus, peach and nice acidity; clean easy sipper. (*** ½+)

Rolf Binder 2009 Ma I? Have This Evening Shiraz/Mataro ($19.95 - #295899) – this is a beauty, a real seductive wine; as the name suggests this wine has your back on a night out.  Shows real elegance and complexity in both aroma and flavour. (**** ½)

Yangarra 2008 Shiraz ($22.95 - #911974) – eucalyptus, dark berry, spice, chocolate along with juicy raspberry, strawberry and cassis. (****+)

Canada (Ontario) …

Konzelmann 2010 Heritage ($24.95 - #149179) - *** ½+

Southbrook Vineyards 2011 Triomphe Chardonnay ($21.95 - #172338) - *** ½+

Sue-Ann Staff 2011 Loved by Lu Riesling ($16.95 - #322636) - *** ½+

Tawse 2011 Gamay Noir ($18.95 - #322545) - ****

Vintage Ink 2010 Mark of Passion Merlot/Cabernet ($17.95 - #250209) - ****

Chile …

Tabali 2009 Reserva Especial ($22.95 - #107540) – good fruit, juicy, blackberry, black pepper, blueberry, black cherry and a touch of sandalwood. (****+)

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau La Tour de Mons 2009 ($39.95 - #307959) – juicy middle surrounded by spice, pepper and wood. (*** ½+)

Chateau Moulin de la Roquille 2010 Cuvee Speciale L’Esperance ($19.95 - #307249) – nice spice, dark fruit, cocoa and coffee. (*** ½+)

Chateau Segue Longue Monnier 2009 ($21.95 - #307355) – soft, easy drinking, red berries and cocoa. (*** ½+)

France (Burgundy) …

Pascal Renaud 2011 Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse ($26.95 - #303651) – well balanced with nice apple and lemon pith notes. (*** ½)

France (Rhone) …

Cave de Rasteau 2010 La Domeliere Rasteau ($15.95 - #222927) – well balanced between the fruit, smoky, tannins and earthiness. (*** ½+)

Chateau du Trignon 2007 Le Bossu Gigondas ($27.95 - #309328) – this wine just has some really yummy fruit: smoke, vanilla, plum; very good and the tannins don’t overwhelm. (****+)

Le Ferme du Mont 2010 Vendange Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($42.95 - #309245) – very juicy and jammy, well-balanced, sweet fruit takes over the mid. (****+)

France (Southwest) …

Chateau le Fage 2011 Bergerac Rouge ($14.95 - #309252) – good dark fruit, hint of spice and pepper but it’s always got a core of fruit. (****)

Italy (Abruzzo) …

Aldiano 2008 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva ($17.95 - #51706) – dark chocolate cherry and spice. (*** ½+) - SCI

Italy (Calabria) …

Statti Mantonico Bianco 2010 ($18.95 - #317644) – refreshing with peach, lime, canned pineapple and orange zest. (****) – SCI

Italy (Campania) …

Selvanova 2009 Vigna Antica Aglianico ($15.95 - #313494) – dark and smoky of fruit, plenty of spiced-tannin notes. (*** ½) – SCI

Italy (Emilia-Romagna) …

Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($29.95 - #225086) – lots of berries and vanilla, kinda jammy but balanced. (****)

Italy (Piedmont) …

Ca’Dei Mandorli dei Giari Moscato D’Asti 2011 ($15.95 - #179259) – it’s moscato, what’s not to like. (*** ½)

Italy (Puglia) …

Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2007 ($16.95 - #23226) – wonderful plum and blackberry with a touch of earthiness on the finish. (*** ½+)

Italy (Sardinia) …

Jerzu Chuerra 2008 Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna ($15.95 - #270272) – raspberry, wood spice and mocha. (*** ½) - SCI

Italy (Sicily) …

Caruso & Minini Sachia Perricone 2010 ($13.95 - #211854) – nice black licorice with cassis, coffee and cocoa; a good buy for BBQ season. (****) – SCI

Terreliade Nira Nero D’Avola 2010 ($18.95 - #120980) – red and black fruit, hints of spice with a juicy core; quite tasty. (****) – SCI

Italy (Tuscany) …

Casale Dello Sparviero 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva ($18.95 - #317313) – rustic leather nose with an indulgent cooked fruit and bacon palate. (*** ½+)

San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello di Montalcino 2006 ($47.95 - #212431) – baking spice and cherry fruit. (****)

Italy (Veneto) …

Giuseppe Campagnola 2010 Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($17.00 - #313486) – nice coffee-laden notes right down the seam with floral accents. (*** ½)

Portugal …

Castelo de Azurara 2010 Reserva ($14.95 - #314542) – has a little spearmint amongst the red fruit. (****)

Herdade do Sobroso 2010 Sobro Red ($14.95 - #306563) – clearly a drink and enjoy red, there’s a nice cedar quality knocking at the backdoor of the fruit. (****)

Quinta da Lixa Pouco Comum Alvarinho 2011 ($14.95 - #316968) – lots of lime on this one, both lime and pith. (*** ½+)

Spain …

Finca Nueva 2005 Reserva ($18.95 - #268425) – nice structure with raspberry, baker’s chocolate, cassis, plum and a nice finish seals the deal. (****)

Marques de Caceres 2004 Gran Reserva ($29.95 - #976670) – plum, tobacco and spice. (*** ½+)

Pinol Ludovicus 2010 Tinto ($13.95 - #313791) – plum, black cherry, hints of chocolate, smooth, vanilla, supple; great value in an easy drinking red. (****)

Tarima 2010 Monastrell ($12.95 - #310151) – very yummy, easy drinking, plum and cherry with a touch of spice to keep the fruit from getting away; great price. (****)

USA (California) …

Bonterra 2010 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #317685) – light mouthfeel with cherry and hints of oak, cinnamon, vanilla and a nice white pepper finish. (****) - CT

Chalone Estate 2010 Chardonnay ($29.95 - #80226) – full in the mouth with spice and exotic fruits. (*** ½+) – CT

Justin 2010 Syrah ($36.95 - #684290) – dark fruited and juicy, white pepper  and chocolate-raspberry also make an appearance. (****) - CT

Kendall-Jackson 2011 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95 - #369686) – buttery, melon with a nice use of oak; vanilla cream, peach cobbler and apple; also available in 375ml. (****)

Ridge 2010 Lytton Springs ($48.95 - #982413) – this wine has a beautiful chocolate core, but is so much more than that. (****+)

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

Beringer 2007 Steinhauer Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($69.95 - #313551) - **** (CT)

Chateau La Tour Carnet 2009 ($51.85 - #220178) - ****

Justin 2009 Isosceles ($78.95 - #684282) - ****+ (CT)

Giuseppe Quintarelli 2003 Rosso Ca’Del Merlo ($97.95 - #958595) - ****

La Jota 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($77.95 - #659755) - ****+ (CT)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For on March 2, 2013 …

Caruso & Minini Sachia Perricone 2010 ($13.95 - #211854) – Italy

Chateau du Trignon 2007 Le Bossu Gigondas ($27.95 - #309328) – France

Devil’s Corner 2011 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #317966) – Australia

Pinol Ludovicus 2010 Tinto ($13.95 - #313791) – Spain

Rolf Binder 2009 Ma I? Have This Evening Shiraz/Mataro ($19.95 - #295899) – Australia

Tarima 2010 Monastrell ($12.95 - #310151) – Spain

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

For more wine reviews and related articles go to www.ontariowinereview.com,

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

Saturday March 31, 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 focus for this week's release is Easter ... no sure what constitutes an Easter wine but so I guess we'll find out together ...

Argentina ...

Fabre Montmayou 2009 Reserva Malbec ($15.95 - #261867) - violets, dark fruit, plum with pencil shavings, strawberry and spice. (****)

La Posta 2009 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) - easy drinking wine with hints of earthy, violets, raspberry and black cherry. (****+) - EASTER

Vistalba 2008 Corte B ($19.95 - #0024919) - dark fruit, milk chocolate, blueberries, vanilla and cedar; big alcohol, big flavour. (****+)

Zuccardi 2010 Serie A Chardonnay/Viognier ($14.95 - #262097) - delicate and drinkable. (*** 1/2)

Australia ...

Barossa Valley Estate 2007 Moculta Shiraz ($24.95 - #263707) - white pepper and plum with slight meaty note and good acidity. (****)

Frogmore Creek 2007 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #182972) - smooth, creamy and slightly spicy with good red fruit flavour. (****)

Gotham 2008 Old Vine Salmagundi ($29.95 - #265942) - shows delicacy of flavour with lots of dark fruit, vanilla-smoke and dark chocolate and nice spice. (****+)

Peter Lehmann 2010 Layers White ($15.95 - #167171) - peaches and cream, yellow plum, lemon pith with a refreshingly long finish. (*** 1/2)

Canada ...

(British Columbia)

CedarCreek 2008 Pinot Noir ($31.95 - #0273482 ... pictured) -  sweet and smoky, vanilla, cinnamon with sweet cranberry, sour cherry and nicely spiced; ready to drink or lie down a couple of years. (****+)

(Ontario) - click on wine below for full review

Cave Spring 2010 Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #302059) - ****+

Featherstone 2011 Black Sheep Riesling ($16.95 - #80234) - ****

Vintage Ink 2010 Rite of Passage Chardonnay ($16.95 - #245712) - *** 1/2+

Chile ...

Amayna 2008 Chardonnay ($25.95 - #76265) - aromas of fig and goat cheese in the glass; vanilla, passionfruit with hints of floral and good acidity on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

Anakena Ona Pinot Noir 2010 ($19.95 - #269183) - this is Pinot for non-Pinot drinkers, full of fruit with just mere hints of earth and spice that don't distract from the fruit. (****) - EASTER

France ...

(Alsace)

Joseph Cattin Brut Rose Cremant D'Alsace ($17.95 - #264572) - creamy vanilla-raspbberry with hint of strawberry on the palate; deliciously affordable bubble. (****)

(Beaujolais)

Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorees Morgon 2010 ($19.95 - #264465) - smoky, strawberry, licorice with quite a bit of tannins. (*** 1/2+)

(Bordeaux)

Chateau La Bourree 2008 ($17.95 - #138800) - dark and brooding with big tannins. (*** 1/2)

Chateau La Fleur Terrien 2009 ($14.95 - #199059)  - soft fruit, dark berries and easy drinking. (*** 1/2) - EASTER

Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2004 ($48.95 - #264283) - lots of tobacco, blackberry and spice. (*** 1/2+)

Chateau Tour Haut Vignoble 2008 ($25.95 - #0087742) - funky aromas but the palate shows really nice flavours and complexity: raspberry, herbal-spice and sour blackberry. (*** 1/2+)

(Burgundy)

Domaine Besancenot Beaune Clos du Roi 1er Cru 2009 ($37.95 - #183772) - gentle spice, sour cherry, earthy, strawberry all with a nice mouth-feel. (*** 1/2+)

Vincent Marie-Antoinette Chardonnay Pouilly-Fuisse 2009 ($26.95 - #525113) - mineral and toasty notes with green apple on the finish; if you were to add bubbles this would be a great sparkler. (****)

(Midi)

Hecht & Bannier 2008 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages ($22.95 - #142802) - sweet blackberries, vanilla and cherry. (****+)

(Rhone)

Alain Jaume & Fils 2009 Terrases de Montmirail Gigondas ($27.95 - #264234) - lovely fruit, delicate spice, lovely wine. (****+)

Domaine de la Janasse 2009 Cotes du Rhone ($15.95 - #705228) - holy shit this is one lovely wine for the price: fruit is full on with raspberry, cherry and other red fruits dominating, then you have mocha, vanilla and balancing acidity finishing it off. (**** 1/2)

Italy ...

(Abruzzo)

Aldiano 2007 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva ($17.95 - #0051706 ... pictured) - a real vanilla-chocolate mouthful, delicious even with those ballsy tannins. Great finish. (****+)

(Friuli)

Cormons 2010 Pinot Grigio ($14.95 - #734038) - refreshing lime cordial with a touch of floral and dry honey notes. (*** 1/2)

(Marche)

Velenosi 2010 Villa Angela Pecorino ($13.95 - #173252) - gentle on the palate with some peach pit, bartlett pear and a dry finish. (*** 1/2)

(Sicily)

Tasca D'Almerita Lamuri Nero D'Avola 2009 ($17.95 - #568089) - a tasty black fruited number. (*** 1/2)

(Tuscany)

Corte Pavone 2005 Brunello di Montalcino ($49.95 - #0237263) - spicy, rustic nose with sweet dried fruit palate with nice herbal notes. (****)

(Veneto)

Albino Armani 2008 Egle Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($15.95 - #247916) - sweet fruit, cherry-vanilla, plum and hints of herbs. (****+)

Masi Serego Alighieri 650 Anniversario Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008 ($23.95 - #661306) - nice spice, plum, raspberry, strawberry with some licorice and anise backing. (****)

New Zealand ...

Auntsfield 2010 Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #663286) - full on grapefruit cocktail from nose to finish; hint of grass does appear in the mouth. (*** 1/2) - EASTER

Momo 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #0009167) - nice balance with not too much of anything: flinty pineapple and some melon notes, interestingly subtle. (****)

Tinpot Hut 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #267906) - lots of gooseberry with a hint of grapefruit skin. (*** 1/2)

Portugal ...

La Rosa 2008 Tinto ($19.95 - #0933101) - plum and chocolate, blackberry with plenty of acid and tannins. (****)

South Africa ...

Graham Beck 2007 Premier Cuvee Blanc de Blancs Brut ($24.95 - #907568) - bruised apple with a squeeze of lemon. (*** 1/2+) - EASTER

L'Avenir 2011 Chenin Blanc ($18.95 - #72645) - pea pod, pear and floral; dry on the palate. (*** 1/2)

United States ...

(California)

Cigarzin 2008 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269340 ... pictured) - plummy, chocolatey, vanilla, cherry, dark fruit and spice with a lovely finish; classic. (****+)

Corte Riva 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #0089318) - super concentrated fruit from nose to finish. (****+) - EASTER

First Press 2010 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #199810) - quite Californian, good sipping with nice fruit, hints of barrel tones with vanilla and butter sweetness. (*** 1/2) - EASTER

Quady 2010 Elysium Black Muscat ($14.95 / 375ml - #276840) - this is a pretty dessert wine with delicate floral perfume and some bubble gum notes; there's also really good acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Raymond R Collection 2009 Field Blend Lot No. 7 ($17.95 - #265959) - sweet, supple fruit, a lovely BBQ sipper. (*** 1/2)

The Pairing 2009 Pinot Noir ($32.95 - #218958) - cherry, raspberry with a hint of chocolate and tobacco. (****)

The Pairing 2007 Red ($33.95 - #218909) - full of fruit and full of flavour: cassis, pepper, cocoa and raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

(Oregon)

A to Z Wineworks 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #269258) - fresh and easy drinking with much white fruit flavour. (*** 1/2+)

(Washington)

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Indian Wells Merlot ($25.95 - #408864) - another winning wine from Washington, white pepper, blueberry, cocoa and spice. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It ...

Two Hands 2009 Bella's Garden Shiraz ($64.95 - #636407) - ****+ (EASTER)

What I'll be Buying (Grape Guys top value wines) ...

Domaine de la Janasse 2009 Cotes du Rhone ($15.95 - #705228 ... pictured) - France

Cigarzin 2008 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #269340) - USA

La Posta 2009 Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($14.95 - #261586) - Argentina

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 March 22, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 10 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) …
McWilliam's 2003 Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon ($59.00 - #237990) - Australia
Zuccardi Q 2004 Malbec ($24.95 - #0227884) - Argentina

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Chateau de Fieuzal 2008 Blanc ($82.00 - #581058) – Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Chateau Citran 2008 ($29.00 - #229344) – Bordeaux, France
Chateau La Tour de By 2008 ($33.00 - #229369) – Bordeaux, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Chateau Climens 2008 ($96.00 / 375ml - #236778) – Bordeaux (Sauternes), France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Chateau Rieussec 2005 ($135.00 - #524645) – Bordeaux (Sauternes), France ... luxurious with dried apricot, caramel, toffee and recurring spice. 

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

Saturday March 17, 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 focus of this week's releases are fizzy bubbly wines (FIZZ) and wines from Spain (SPAIN) ...

Argentina …

Manos Negras 2007 Malbec ($14.95 - #271205) - smooth and easy drinking, with a nice chocolate seam. (*** 1/2)

Australia …

Campbell's 2010 Shiraz/Durif ($19.95 - #271569) - tons of raspberry, black pepper and spice; there's something herbal that crosses the mid-palate to the finish. (****)

De Bortoli 2008 Nobel One Botrytis Semillon ($29.95 / 375ml - #917252) - intense and delicious: apricot and tropical fruit with a nice balance of acidity and  spice. (****+)

St. Hallett 2009 Blackwell Shiraz ($29.95 - #535104) - lots of blackberry and cherry, juicy on the palate with gobs of chocolate and white pepper. (****)

Wakefield 2009 Shiraz ($17.95 - #943787) - juicy, chocolatey, full of dark fruit, and hints of spice. (*** 1/2+)

Yalumba 2008 Shiraz/Viognier ($21.95 - #524926) - violets and black fruit, a pretty text book Shiraz-Vio blend with floral and spice. (*** 1/2+)

Austria ...

Brundlmayer 2010 Kamptaler Terrasse Gruner Veltliner ($19.95 - #979708) - touch of pea pod on the palate along with fresh hay; not overwhelming acidity but still clean and fresh. (*** 1/2)

Canada …

(British Columbia)

Aces Okanagan Seven Deuce Red 2009 ($27.95 - #273631) - playful label leads to a playful wine; this is a dark fruit forward gem from BC, great for the coming BBQ season. (****)

(Ontario) - visit OntarioWineReview.com for full review

Flat Rock 2010 The Rusty Shed Chardonnay ($24.95 - #0001552) - **** 1/2

Flat Rock 2010 Twisted White ($9.95 / 375ml - #273292) - ****+

Henry of Pelham 2010 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($19.95 - #268342) - *** 1/2+

Hidden Bench Estate 2009 Pinot Noir ($38.20 - #274753) - **** 1/2

Chile …

Intriga 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.95 - #0057901) - licorice and chocolate. (*** 1/2)

France … 

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Tour Baladoz 2006 ($28.95 - #244087) - nice fruit, balanced with wood and a dollop of spice. (*** 1/2)

(Burgundy)

Domaine Chanson 2009 Savigny-Les-Beaune Hauts Marconnets 1er Cru ($32.95 - #265033) - touch sulphury but with buttery notes intertwined to make it very palpable; nice lemon curd finish. (*** 1/2)

Domaine Joannet 2009 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes de Nuits ($21.95 - #265009) - earthy, minerally and stony with wild cherry notes. (*** 1/2+)

Domaine Rodet 2009 Chateau de Mercey Mecurey ($22.95 - #265058) - nice perfume with floral notes which follow on the palate an adds grapefruit pith and lemon meringue. (*** 1/2+)

Lefevre Remondet Brut Rosé Cremant de Bourgogne ($15.95 - #265306) - pretty colour, deeper than your usual rosee, let's call it cranberry, which matches the flavou with cran-cherry spread on a crusty bread. (****) - FIZZ

(Champagne)

Hiedsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Champagne ($49.95 - #68288) - othing beats the classics; delicate and toasty with great acidity and green apple on the finish. (****+) - FIZZ

(Midi)

Mas D'Auzieres Les Eclats 2009 ($16.95 - #271742) - lovely cherry wafts from the glass before depositing it in the mouth on a chocolate blanket. (****)

(Rhone)

Foncalieu La Reserve du Crouzau St. Gervais Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($14.95 - #142943) - plum, black currant, raspberry-strawberry and chocolate ... what a steal with nice spice and acidity. (*** 1/2+)

Jean-Marie Arnoux Vacqueyras 2009 ($21.95 - #172668) - licorice, spice and tobacco; smooth palate with vanilla-spiced-blackberries. (****+)

Italy …

(Abruzzo)

Valle Reale 2007 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo ($17.95 - #216408) - rustic cherry, raspberry and tobacco notes; quite pleasant. (*** 1/2+)

New Zealand … 

Lawson's 2010 Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #214460) - big on grassy nose nd palate, lemon pith, lime and grapefruit on the palate through the lasting finish. (****)

Pegasus Bay 2008 Pinot Noir ($47.95 - #0031294) - earthy and dirty but in a good way; black fruit clings to the nose ad palate with a touch of floral. (****)

Portugal ...

Delaforce His Eminence's Choice 10 Years Old Tawny Port ($24.95 - #0265504) - spiced cherry, raisin, wood, hint of cherry flavoured caramel and spice; good acidity giving a nice bite on the tongue. (*** 1/2+)

Medeiros 2009 ($16.95 - #268789) - lovely fruit, vanilla, dark cherry; nice drinking bauty beauty at a great price. (****+)

Quinta do Portal 2006 Grande Reserva ($28.95 - #0074666) - plum, blackberry and vanilla, sharp acidity and spice on the tongue, finishes well with blackberry, cassis and plum notes. (*** 1/2+)

Quinta Nova Pomares 2009 ($16.95 - #214007) - decent, well priced, smooth, easy drinking and black fruited. (*** 1/2)

South Africa ...

Graham Beck Brut Sparkling ($18.95 - #593483) - interesting and exotic bubble with almondine in the mouth leading to a lemon biscotti finish. (*** 1/2+) - FIZZ

Oak Valley 2009 Sauvigon Blanc ($15.95 - #263947) - plenty of grapefruit complete with pith and rind. (*** 1/2+)

Spice Route 2009 Shiraz ($24.95 - #263657) - a real gem from South Africa lots of fruit, lots of flavour without the tar, ripe and delicious, big alcohol of 15%. (****+)

Spain …

Atalaya Almansa 2008 ($19.95 - #132605) - sweet plum and black cherry with hints of chocolate. (*** 1/2+) - SPAIN

Cerro Anon Reserva 2005 ($18.95 - #114306) - nice wine with good flavours of spiced dried black fruits; shows some real finesse. (****) - SPAIN

Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2009 ($13.95 - #163154) - juicy, plummy and creme de cacao. (*** 1/2) - SPAIN

Pena Roble Crianza 2004 ($18.95 - #266932) - nice dark fruit with vanilla and baking spice. (*** 1/2) - SPAIN

Senorio Del Aguila Gran Reserva 2001 ($19.95 - #269530) - black cherry with a hint of age that shows through, ready to drink. (*** 1/2) - SPAIN

Vega Sauco Adoremus Tinta de Toro 2004 ($19.95 - #268813) - dark berries with a complex nose, aged nicely and it's ready to drink; nice bite on the finish from the acidity and spice. (****) - SPAIN

United States …

(California)

J. Lohr 2009 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #27516) - this is the value Merlot of this release: juicy, easy drinking with just the right amount of spice. (****)

Mumm Napa Sparkling Rosé ($29.95 - #205641) - lovely bubble with a touch of raspberry and grapefruit, especially on the nose with lemon-lime wrapped raspberry on the palate. (****+) - FIZZ

Rodney Strong 2009 Chardonnay ($20.95 - #226936) - exotic fruits on the palate, creamy mouthfeel with mac apple notes throughout. (****)

Saintsbury 2008 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #359265) - more Burgundy than California in style, which is good for Burg-fans but not for Cali-fans. (*** 1//2)

Simi 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #673806) - butter, spice and white fruits; vanilla-butter coats the mouth all the way to the caramel finish. (****)

Treana 2008 Red ($39.95 - #11221) - nice, juicy, big fruited blend, lush in the mouth with vanilla and black cherry; very seductive. (****+)

Truchard 2008 Zinfandel ($25.95 - #54858) - now this is Zin with sweet chocolate, cherry, and cola notes with sweet fruit on the palate with the right amount of spicy bite back. (****)

Vila Mt. Eden 2007 Antique Vines Grand Reserve Zinfandel ($19.95 - #256719) - great nose, decent palate: sweet with spice. (*** 1/2)

Vineyard Twenty-Nine 2008 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #212241) - big black cherry, hints of chocolate, along with raspberry and pepper notes. (*** 1/2+)

(Oregon)

Cloudline 2009 Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #159970) - mixes the eartiness of Burgundy with the juiciness of California, a nice bridge between the two with cran-cherry, mineral and earth. (****+)

(Washington)

Columbia Crest 2009 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #210047) - lovely texture, herbal, sweet spice, with hints of chocolate. (****+)

If You Can Afford It (they're pricey but worth it) ...

Chateau de Beaucastel 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape ($89.95 - #0711317) - lovely. (**** 1/2)

Chateau Montelena 2009 Chardonnay ($59.95 - #701748) - nice depth and finesse. (****)

Concha y Toro 2007 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #315176) - ballsy and minty. (****+)

Opus One 2008 ($364.95 - #158063) - big fruit, wood and spice. (****+)

Quintarelli 2002 Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($79.95 - #986117) - seductive and tasty. (****+)

Yalumba 2007 The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon ($53.95 - #473645) - full of fruit. (****+)

Best Buys (wines that over-deliver for their price) ...

Las Perdices 2010 Torrontes ($12.95 - #267823) - a toned down Gewurzt. (*** 1/2) - Argentina

The Ned 2011 Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #267138) - a real beauty (****+) - New Zealand

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines and Yellow are white wines.

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 March 8, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 13 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-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Chateau Beauregard 2008 ($49.00 - #580456) – Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Chateau Rabaud-Promis 2005 ($N/A / 375ml - #500157) – Bordeaux (Sauternes), France
Chateau Batailley 2008 ($55.00 - #229468) – Bordeaux, France
Chateau Dauzac 2008 ($62.00 - #229377) – Bordeaux, France
Chateau Durfort-Vivens 2008 ($49.00 - #580662) – Bordeaux, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Shafer 2007 Merlot ($59.00 - #247676) – California, USA
Chateau Brane-Cantenac 2005 ($N/A - #503532) – Bordeaux, France

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Malivoire 2008 Moira Chardonnay ($39.95 - #243113) – Ontario, Canada … click here to see full review from June 2011 at ontariowinereview.com

Key:  Wine colour indicators - Red are red wines and Yellow are white wines.

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

Saturday March 19, 2011 - Vintages Release

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

We got another two things to focus on in this release: Wines from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal (IB) and some Californian Icon wines (CALI) … The wines that are part of the spotlight are labeled as such:

Argentina – Red …

Colome Estate 2008 Malbec ($34.95 - #0194308) – dark fruit and chocolate with black cherry; this is one tasty sucker. (*** ½+)

Weinert 2005 Malbec ($15.95 - #0556795) – juicy red fruit nose with a dark fruited palate, decent amount of acidity, drink over the next 2-3 years. (*** ½)

Australia – Red …

Giant Steps 2008 Harry’s Monster ($39.95 - #0221846) – lots of big black flavour, dark fruit and spice, real tasty and real boozy. (****+)

Penfolds 2007 Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz ($34.95 - #0422782) – pure blackberry deliciousness with a touch of black licorice on the finish. (****)  

The Watcher 2008 ($19.95 - #0219196) – big nose with plum and black cherry, nice palate with 14.5% alcohol, big fruit bomb, ready to drink flavours. (****)

Canada – Red …

(Ontario)

Calamus 2007 Reserve Red ($19.95 - #0223990)

Inniskillin 2007 Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #0997353)

Chile – Red …

Altair 2005 Sideral ($24.95 - #0660837) – minty, blackberry and spice, good flavour profile. (*** ½)

France – Red …

(Bordeaux)

Chateau Castaing 2008 ($17.95 - #0206631) – nice solid black fruit core here with spice and vanilla notes to back it up. (****)

(Rhone)

Cave de Monterail 2009 Seguret ($13.95 - #0195065) – quite the value in a ready to drink Cote du Rhone red, lots of raspberry, plum and chocolate notes; a steal for the upcoming BBQ season. (****+)

La Crau de Ma Mere 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #0941740) – lots of fruit here, raspberry, strawberry and licorice, nice dry tannins with ageing potential to spare (****)

France – Sparkling …

Domaine Roger Luquet Blanc de Blancs Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #0957894) – crisp, moussy with green apple tartness. (****+)

France – White …

(Loire)

Caves de la Tourangelle 2009 Grande Reserve Touraine ($14.95 - #0196733) – nice little Sauvignon Blanc here, while the nose is a bit subdued the palate sings. (****)

Germany – White …

Studert-Prum 2009 Riesling Kabinett ($18.95 - #0970129) – subtle bit of mineral and apple on the nose, delicious apple, mineral and talc burst on the palate; nice finish. (****)

Lingenfelder 2009 Bird Label Riesling ($13.95 - #0568634) – simplicity is best here and the bird delivers with talc, peach and hints of pear puree. (*** ½+)

Italy – Red …

(Abruzzo)

Tre Saggi 2006 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0204016) – chocolate and dark fruit on the nose leads to chocolate and dark fruit on the palate.  Ends with licorice, spice and cocoa (**** ½)

(Piedmont)

Brezza 2006 Barolo ($37.95 - #0711788) – spicy dried fruit with lovely seam of dried cherry and acidity on the finish. (****+)

Gaja 2008 Sito Moresco ($53.95 - #0976043) – meaty red with dark fruit, big wood and dryingly big tannins; with time should turn into something even more delicious. (****)

(Puglia)

Vinosia 2008 Primitivo ($14.95 - #0203950) – the nose is lackluster but the palate is lively with plum, cherry and chocolate, there's also a vanilla backing … one of the better Prims I have tasted in quite some time it doesn’t hide the jammy sweet quality of this variety or its relation to California Zin. (****+)

(Tuscany)

Spiaggiole Morellino di Scansano ($15.95 - #0203398) – pretty simple sipper with heaps of fruit. (***+)

Tenuta di Capraia 2007 Chianti Classico ($18.95 - #0135277) – flowery, plum, chocolate and cedar all hit the mouth, in that order. (****)

(Veneto)

Pasqua 2008 Black Label Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($18.95 - #0203968) – licorice and wood spice, chocolate, spiced cherry with a long persistent finish. (*** ½)

New Zealand – White …

Auntsfield 2009 Long Cow Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0663286) – big nose with a more subtle palate, there’s herbs amongst the grapefruit/citrus, very nice. (****+)

Lone Kauri 2009 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($14.95 - #0138974) – very tropical, good gooseberry and grassy nose with a grassy palate and a nice finish. (*** ½)

Portugal – Dessert …

Quinta da Romaneira 2004 Unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #0196758) – lovely nose of plum, cherry and chocolate; big bite of acidity with dark plum, chocolate, black cherry, clean quick finish keeps it from getting a higher mark, I want my port to linger a little longer. (****+) – (IB)

Portugal- Red …

Cistus 2007 Reserva ($18.95 - #0145052) – minty nose with red cherry and plum; nice and smooth. (*** ½) – (IB)

Herdade Penedo Gordo Vinho Tinto ($13.95 - #0218339) – plum, chocolate and red cherry. (*** ½) – (IB)

Quinta Nova Pomares 2008 ($16.95 - #0214007) – pretty floral nose, decent palate that shows mostly cherry fruit. (****) – (IB)

Portugal – White …

Adega Vila Real 2009 Reserva Branco ($14.95 - #0218289) – nice nose, palate is soft with vanilla cream and mac apple; good acidity with longevity on the finish. (*** ½) – (IB)

Varanda Do Conde 2009 Alvarinho/Trajadura Vinho Verde ($13.95 - #0966663) – grapefruit and lots of it, hint of lime, good finish. (*** ½) – (IB)

Spain – Red …

El Cotto 2006 Crianza ($14.95 - #0190504) – delicate nose and flavour profile, light yet easy drinking, oaky and spicy finish with mocha, vanilla and dried cherry through the palate. (****+) – (IB)

Eternum Viti 2008 ($18.95 - #0210963) – plum, mint, cherry, sweet coffee/mocha notes on the mid-palate; good acid balance on the finish. (****) – (IB)

Finca Sobreno Crianza 2007 ($17.95 - #0040360) – lots of dark fruit and tannins backed by mocha and violets. (*** ½+) – (IB)

Spain – White …

Leira 2009 Albarino ($16.95 - #0115816) – a little pear, a little citrus, nice taste. (*** ½) – (IB)

United States – Red …

(California)

Beringer 2005 Bancroft Ranch Single Vineyard Merlot ($69.95 - #0340497) – cassis, chocolate nose lovely and tasty, smooth and supple. (****+) – (CALI)

Caymus 2008 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.95 - #0711663) – lots of chocolate, blackberry and blueberry notes, big 15.4% alcohol, really delicious. (**** ½) – (CALI)

Jonata 2005 El Corazon de Jonata ($59.95 - #0218917) – sexy, supple and delicious. (****+)

Jonata 2006 Todos ($59.95 - #0218941) – lovely fruit, another version of supple and delicious from this winery, good tannins, very nice. (**** ½)

Pahlmeyer 2006 Proprietary Red ($119.95 - #0967992) – lots of yummy dark fruit, high alcohol (15.2%) but very tasty. (**** ½) – (CALI)

Santa Barbara Wine Company 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0194332) – cherry fruit, a touch of smoke and earth, but the fruit really lifts this one, good finish. (*** ½+)

United States – White …

(California)

Kendall-Jackson 2008 Jackson Hills Chardonnay ($34.95 - #0210146) – now there’s something here, something exotic: fruit wrapped in almond and hazelnut topped with caramel, yup I think that’s it, oh, plus the spice on the finish. (****+)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on March 19, 2011:

Vinosia 2008 Primitivo ($14.95 - #0203950) – Italy

Tre Saggi 2006 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($15.95 - #0204016) – Italy 

Cave de Monterail 2009 Seguret ($13.95 - #0195065) – France 

Happy Shopping.

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