Showing posts with label May. Show all posts
Showing posts with label May. Show all posts

Monday, May 19, 2014

Saturday May 24, 2014 - Vintages Release Report


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Happy Shopping



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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Saturday May 10, 2014 - Vintages Release Report



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

________________________________________

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

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

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

Happy Shopping


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Thursday, June 6, 2013

Vintages Shop Online May 30, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 6 of the 7 wines released on the 30th of May thru Vintages Shop-On-Line ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****) …
Paul Zinck Eichberg Riesling 2009 ($33.00 - #115279) ... Alsace, France
Boekenhoutskloof  2010 Syrah ($70.00 - #052076) ... South Africa
Boekenhoutskloof  2010 Semillon ($40.00 - #052100) ... South Africa


Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Billaud-Simon 2009 Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru ($44.00 - #325241) ... Burgundy, France
Domaine Les Aphillanthes 2010 – 1921 Rasteau ($34.00 - #332064) ... Rhone, France
Michele Satta 2008 Piastraia ($38.00 - #709980) ... Tuscany, Italy


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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Saturday May 25, 2013 - Vintages Release Report


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

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

The Foci:  Germany (GER) and Pinot Noir (PN)
The Skinny:  I find the LCBO spotlight wines are poorly chosen in this release the German wines are no exception; there are some good Pinots to offset the lackluster Rieslings … there is also a little decent selection of value wines.

Argentina …
Chakana Estate 2011 Selection Malbec ($19.95 - #219261) – mocha and dark berry, soft and juicy, easy to drink with a vanilla-chocolate finish and some good bite from the acidity; this one’s dark and delicious. (****+)

Australia …
Jip Jip Rocks 2010 Shiraz ($16.95 - #673897) – decent value priced sipper. (*** ½)
Wakefield 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #744235) – another good value wine with generous black cherry; you’ll also find some chocolate and blueberry on this one. (****)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Cassini Cellars 2011 Merlot ($21.95) – here’s a well-balanced Merlot from Western Canada, a pretty lavender note with dark berries, herbal tones and spiced vanilla; well balanced. (*** ½+)
Canada (Ontario) … click on wine for full review
Lailey Vineyard 2011 Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #591404) - **** (PN)
Reif 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve ($24.95 - #336149) - ****+
Vineland Estates 2011 Pinot Grigio ($16.95 - #330944) - ****

Chile …
Emiliana Novas 2011 Gran Reserva Chardonnay ($17.95 - #004515) – fat and mouthfilling with melon, apple, vanilla and toast.  (*** ½+)

France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Belair-Coubet 2010 ($16.95 - #321414) – approachable and drinkable now with a nice mocha mid-palate. (*** ½+)
Chateau de Bensse 2008 ($18.95 - #307348) – dark berries, cocoa and smoky toasty notes. (*** ½+)
Chateau la Grange de Bessan 2009 ($19.95 - #321331) – earthy, smoky, blue and black fruit with cinna-vanilla-smoky finish. (*** ½+)
Chateau Lyonnat 2006 ($19.95 - #243774) – nicely aged Bordeaux for under $20 the fruit is more dried than fresh. (*** ½)
Chateau Rozier 2010 ($28.95 - #024539) – darker more luxurious fruit with smooth, silky texture along with tobacco and dark berries. (****+)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine Chofflet-Valdenaire 2009 Givry 1er Cru ($26.95 - #330183) – approachable with licorice allsorts, cassis and earthy notes. (****) – PN
Michel Picard 2010 Volnay ($41.95 - #330134) – lovely dark fruit nose that follows on the palate with spice and herb character. (*** ½+) - PN
France (Loire) …
Domaine des Aubuisieres 2011 Cuvee de Silex Vouvray ($17.95 - #0577042) – fresh, white fruit driven with a lovely mineral component; it’s also under screwcap to keep it fresh and a good finish. (****)
Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2011 ($18.95 - #172528) – nice toned down Sauvignon Blanc with lots of good acidity. (*** ½+)
Marechal Brut Cremant de Loire ($15.95 - #141077) – a nice little bubbly made from Chenin Blanc; crisp with good acidity, fresh and clean with nice fruit from apple to citrus. (****+)
France (Midi) …
Bastide Miraflors 2011 Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache ($18.95 - #320499) – smooth and sexy, licorice, anise, chocolate and violets.  Good tannins. (****+)
France (Rhone) …
Cuvee du Vatican 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($38.95 - #719120) – good value for a legit Chateauneuf with lots of berry flavour and chocolate backing. (****+)
Jean-Marie Arnoux 2010 Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras ($23.95 - #172668) – sweet red berry fruit with juicy mid-palate. (****)
Le Gravillas 2010 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.95 - #264648) – steps away from Chateauneuf this Plan de Dieu offers amazing value: coffee liqueur, mocha, smoky and dark succulent berries. (****+)

Germany …
Dr. Hermann 2005 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ($21.95 - #324285) – balancing sweetness with nice acidity there’s also a pleasant salty finish. (*** ½+) – GER
Studert-Prum 2011 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #160853) – decent acidity while the fruit is pear, peach and apple; then mix it lots of mineral on the finish. (****) – GER

Greece …
Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2011 ($21.95 - #074781) – interesting herbal floral thing going on with grapefruit pith. (*** ½+)

Italy (Basilicata) …
Pipoli 2010 Aglianico del Vulture ($14.95 - #320507) – nice bit of juicy red fruit here. (****)
Italy (Sicily) …
Miopasso 2011 Fiano ($14.95 - #326793) – plump and juicy with canned pineapple notes and a long lanolin finish. (****)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Banfi 2010 Rosso di Montalcino ($22.95 - #681262) – woody and very smoky with big tannins and dried raspberries. (*** ½+)
Poggio Verrano 2005 Chance ($34.95 - #239707) – smoky, earthy and mocha-esque. (*** ½)

New Zealand …
Elephant Hill 2011 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #309583) – smoked cran-cherry, nicely spiced with good acid/fruit finish. (****) - PN
Matua Valley Estate 2012 Series Paretai Sauvignon Blanc ($24.95 - #144634) – lively and zippy very Sauvignon Blanc: goosy, grassy and grapefruit with a long finish. (****)

South Africa …
Clos Malverne 2011 Le Café Pinotage ($13.95 - #315960) – coffee notes but here’s it’s more café-mocha then espresso. (*** ½+)

Spain …
Duron 2009 Crianza ($16.95 - #323824) – sweet dark berries, plum and vanilla; quite juicy. (****)

United States (California) …
Belle Glos 2011 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) – still one of my favourite Pinots: silky red berries, mocha, red licorice with a nice little backbone of tannin and acidity on the finish. (****+) – PN
Bonaccorsi 2009 La Encantada Pinot Noir ($49.95 - #316034) – nice, juicy and delicious; vanilla, red and dark fruit with hints of white pepper. (****)
Cannonball 2010 Chardonnay ($20.95 - #311563) – nice, smooth, silky, supple, full flavoured without over oaking. (*** ½+)
Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Carignane ($20.95 - #032177) – smooth, silky and succulent palate with lots of dark smoky berries and vanilla extract. (****)
Cline 2011 Ancient Vines Mourvedre ($20.95 - #066084) – leans red berry and red licorice with vanilla; simple yet tasty. (*** ½+)
McManis 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #212126) – juicy and totally accessible, drink now and enjoy the rich sweet fruit. (*** ½+)
Ravenswood 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel ($19.95 - #942599) – good value for an old vines Lodi Zin: spiced-plum character, blackberry, vanilla, cherry; doesn’t’ whack you over the head with alcohol or sweetness, nicely balanced. (****+)
Scott Family 2010 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #317784) – juicy dark cherry and strawberry jam, very approachable with good complexity but that’s to be expected from these Dijon clone Pinots. (****+) - PN


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price…
Chimney Rock 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #731810) - ****+
Mastrojanni 2007 Vigna Loreto Brunello di Montalcino ($63.95 - #320010) - ****
Merry Edwards 2010 Pinot Noir ($65.95 - #656868) - **** (PN)
Zaca Mesa Z Three Syrah/Mourvedre/Grenache 2007 ($53.95- #318501) - ****


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – Saturday May 25, 2013 …
Bastide Miraflors 2011 Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache ($18.95 - #320499) – France
Belle Glos 2011 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) – United States
Le Gravillas 2010 Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages ($14.95 - #264648) – France
Marechal Brut Cremant de Loire ($15.95 - #141077) – France

Happy Shopping

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Monday, May 20, 2013

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves May 25, 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.

7 wines are being released, here are the reviews for 5 of them.

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Saltram 2011 Winemaker’s Selection Fiano ($32.95 - #305581) ... Australia
Tscharke 2010 Gnadenfrei Marananga Shiraz ($37.85 - #303370) ... Australia
Cave de Tain 2007 Hermitage ($49.95 - #317594) ... Rhone, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Scacciadiavoli 2007 Montefalco Sagrantino ($36.95 - #142414) ... Umbria, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Markus Molitor 2011 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett ($29.95 - #115634) ... Germany


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Vintages Shop Online May 16, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 6 of the 7 wines being release on the 16th; one was not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Rockway Vineyards 2010 The Outcast Small Lot Reserve ($18.95 - #331017) ... Ontario, Canada
De Loach 2009 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir ($55.00 - #327353) … California, USA

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Domaine des Martinelles 2009 Hermitage Blanc ($53.00 - #320135) ... Rhone, France
Volpaia Coltassala 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva ($57.00 - #932285) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (****+) …
Mauro Molino Gallinotto Barolo 2007 ($47.00 - #321737) ... Piedmont, Italy
Patz & Hall 2010 Pinot Noir ($60.00 - #038091) … California, USA

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Saturday May 11, 2013 - Vintages Release Report


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

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

The Foci … Australian (OZ) and Rosé (RO) Wines
The Skinny … A lackluster release with not a lot of oomph to the wines (bangs for the buck) must be a lull in purchasing at the LCBO because there’s usually one deal per release.

Argentina …
Catena 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #985002) – warm and spicy with chocolate and tobacco and deep cherry at its roots. (****+)

Australia …
Chateau Tanunda 2010 Grand Barossa Shiraz ($22.95 - #311365) – sweet and full of juicy blackberries, plum, dark cherry and white pepper. (****+) – OZ
Grant Burge 2010 The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre ($29.95 - #236257) – meaty and smoky with raspberries and other dark berries. (****) – OZ
Robert Oatley 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #323741) – juicy blackberry and raspberry. (*** ½) - OZ
Wonderwall 2011 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($17.95 - #313213) – nicely citrus with some waxy notes along with pea pod. (*** ½) – OZ

Austria …
Zantho 2010 Sankt Laurent ($15.95 - #315556) – black cherry and cranberry notes along with well-balanced spice and wood character. (*** ½+)

Canada (British Columbia) …
Blue Mountain 2011 Chardonnay ($23.95 - #350108) – rich barrel notes with lime, peach and citrus mixed in. (*** ½+)
Canada (Ontario) … click wine for full review
Greenlane Estate 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay ($17.95 - #329409) – *** ½
Henry of Pelham 2010 Reserve Baco Noir ($24.95 - #461699) - ****
Muscedere Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Franc ($18.20 - #334144) - ****+

France (Beaujolais) …
Mommessin 2010 Domaine de Champ de Cour Moulin-a-Vent ($17.95 - #430876) – rich cherry, licorice with a juicy middle. (*** ½+)
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau Saint- Nicolas 2009 ($17.95 - #138602) – wood driven with cherry and spice; big tannins on this one. (*** ½)
Chateau Viallet Nouhant 2009 ($21.95 - #321398) – fruit is dark with sweet cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa. (****)
Chateau Vieux Sarpe 2010 ($39.95 - #943662) – nice licorice and spice with smoky-chocolate notes. (****)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine du Chardonnay 2011 Chablis ($19.95 - #183574) – creamed green apple with lemon zest and good minerality. (*** ½+)
France (Loire) …
Domaine D’Orfeuilles Brut Vouvray ($18.95 - #319954) – sweet yet zippy bubbly with nice acidity with a finish that’s drier then the mid-palate let’s on. (*** ½+)
Domaine Thomas & Fils 2011 Cuvee Grand Chaille Sancerre ($28.95 - #320242) – hints of sweetness amongst the grapefruit cocktail and hints of grassiness; delicate with good acidity. (****)
France (Midi) …
Gerard Bertrand 2010 Terroir Minervois Syrah/Carignan ($15.95 - #952804) – very nice easy drinking BBQ ready sipper; minty dark fruit with currants and pepper. (****)
France (Rhone) …
Domaine Les Grand Bois 2010 Cuvee Philippin Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($19.95 - #286344) – juicy of fruit, black licorice, chocolate and black cherries, there’s also a floral undertone. (****+)
Domaine Maby la Forcadiere 2012 Tavel Rosé ($16.95 - #701318) – sweet and fruity entry with bubblegum, strawberry and raspberry notes, but the finish turns dry and the combination is a real winner. (*** ½+) - RO
France (Southwest) …
Chateau Croze de Pys 2009 Prestige Malbec Cahors ($16.95 - #681668) – smoky black currant, dark raspberries, cedar and spice. (****)

Greece …
Kratistos 2008 ($18.95 - #061473) – nice bitter strawberry and mocha with anise and herbal mixed in; you’ll also pick up some wood spice. (*** ½+)

Italy (Abruzzo) …
Costantini 2012 Trebbiano D’Abruzzo ($17.95 - #323865) – pineapple, melon and a touch of tangerine. (*** ½+)
Valle Reale 2008 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ($18.95 - #216408) – sweet and smoky with dark fruit, cassis and spice. (****)
Italy (Piedmont) …
Pelassa San Vito Roero Arneis 2011 ($19.95 - #317172) – decent mouthfilling wine with pear and peach mixed with baking spice and good acidity. (*** ½)
Italy (Puglia) …
Baroque 2011 Primitivo ($15.95 - #101410) – there’s a weird plummy element here with black cherry notes – weird but quite tasty once you give it a chance. (*** ½+)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Badia a Coltibuono 2009 Chianti Classico ($23.95 - #295964) – sweet fruit, a juicy modern style of Chianti. (*** ½+)
Canonica a Cerreto 2006 Sandiavolo ($24.95 - #270256) – blackberry and licorice with seet herbal notes along with mid-palate spice and a dark finish. (****)

New Zealand …
Alexia 2010 Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #312884) – juicy yet toasty with nice strawberry and herbal notes along with hints of earth and leather. (*** ½+)
Forrest Estate 2011 The Doctors’ Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #317842) – more tropical than citrus along with sweet grass and peach notes; very different than what you’re use to but in a delicious style. (*** ½)

South Africa …
Mulderbosch 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé ($12.95 - #999821) – fresh and pink with lovely strawberry and apple notes. (*** ½) – RO
Simonsvlei 2010 Ja-Mocha Pinotage ($15.95 - #317974) – definitely takes after its name with almond and fudge to boot. (****)

Spain …
Balbas 2001 Reserva ($20.95 - #085183) – chocolate raspberries with touches of spiced cedar. (****)
Bodegas Langa 2008 PI 3.1415 Concejon ($17.95 - #313841) – black cherry and raspberry with bits of chocolate and sweet vanilla thru the mid-palate; very fruity and friendly, this one is hard to pass up, despite the PI-gimmick label. (****+)
Muga 2012 Rosé ($12.95 - #603795) – strawberry-tangerine with an interesting dry finish. (*** ½) - RO

United States (California) …
Guenoc 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #104240) – pretty hefty and juicy for an under $20 Cali-Cab; the fruit and all is just right where you want it to be for right now enjoyment. (****+)
Kunde 2011 Chardonnay ($21.95 - #745406) – hints of tropicality with melon and good acidity with a sweet white fruit finish. (*** ½)
Saintsbury 2009 Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir ($49.95 - #261594) – sweet blackberry and black cherry with hints of licorice. (****)
Seven Sinners 2010 The Ransom Old Vines Petite Sirah ($24.95 - #319152) – deep, dark and quite delicious; an impressive wine from this minor grape. (****+)
Simi 2009 Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #067744) – nice balance of dark fruit, smoky notes along with cocoa and vanilla. (*** ½+)
Z 2010 Zinfandel ($38.95 - #148809) – nice complexity, good fruit and nice extras, you have to drink it to find out what I mean. (****)
United States (Washington) …
Columbia Crest 2008 Grand Estates Merlot ($15.95 - #263418) – not as rich as some that have come from here but juicy and tasty none the less with coffee, mocha and cherry. (*** ½+)


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Antinori 2007 Pian Delle Vigne ($59.95 - #651141) – Tuscany (****+)
Groth 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #606517) – California (****)
Manzone 2007 Gramolere Barolo ($51.95 - #318105) – Piedmont (*** ½)


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – Saturday May 11, 2013 …
Bodegas Langa 2008 PI 3.1415 Concejon ($17.95 - #313841) – Spain
Guenoc 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #104240) – United States


Happy Shopping



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Vintages Shop Online May 2, 2013 Release

Here are scores for all 4 wines being release on May 2nd ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Chateau des Erles Fitou 2004 ($N/A - #654590) ... Midi, France
Baigorri Reserva 2005 ($N/A - #319814) ... Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Burning Kiln Winery 2010 Kiln Hanger ($N/A - #323923) ... Ontario, Canada
Alain Voge 2010 Les Chailles Cornas ($N/A - #320127) ... Rhone, France
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Monday, June 4, 2012

Vintages Shop Online May 31, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 8 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 La Couspaude 2008 ($72.00 - #229245) - Bordeaux, France
Chateau La Gaffeliere 2008 ($84.00 - #136127) - Bordeaux, France
Chateau Malescot St. Exupery 2008 ($64.00 - #137109) - Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Fuligni Ginestreto Rosso di Montalcino 2009 ($24.00 - #245241)
Black Widow 2008 Single Vineyard Hourglass ($54.00 - #258822) - black cherry, toffee, and plum are most noticeable, then comes the big 14.9% alcohol which gives this one a port-like feel in the mouth.

 
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Friday, May 25, 2012

Saturday May 26, 2012 - Vintages Release



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 Skinny - a surprising amount of corked bottles during this tasting, upwards of a dozen bottles had this fault.
The Tasting - not sure who's doling out the 90's like water, but some of these 90+'s were far from it.  While some of the regular releases are way up there and should have been part of the promotion.  This release focuses on 90+ wines (90+) and Portugal (POR), so let's take a look ...

Argentina ...
La Posta 2009 Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec ($15.95 - #166298) - juicy with chocolate notes; some spice and some floral also make an appearance. (*** 1/2+) - BB
Trivento 2007 Coleccion Fincas No. 2 Syrah ($16.95 - #269217) - mint, chocolate, white pepper, blackberry and black cherry. (*** 1/2+)

Australia ...
Tait 2009 The Ball Buster Red ($24.95 - #269472) - at 15.3% alcohol you expect real power here, but it enters the mouth with kid gloves and delivers the goods. (*** 1/2+)
Two Hands 2010 Angels' Share Shiraz ($27.95 - #009480) - peppered-chocolate-black fruit. (****)
Vasse Felix 2010 Chardonnay ($20.95 - #903617) - a good Aussie Chardonnay, hits all the right notes and keeps some fairly bright acidity in the process. (****) - 90+
Wakefield 2010 Merlot ($17.95 - #683201) - juicy, juicy, juicy with lots of chocolate appeal ... this is what Merlot means to many. (*** 1/2+)
Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #084996) - this just rocks - powerful, juicy yet with so much finesse: blackberry and chocolate rule the roost here; drink or hold, it's your choice, but this one is made for the long haul. (**** 1/2)

Canada ...
(British Columbia)
Mission Hill 2009 SLC Syrah ($37.95 - #068379) - smoky, blackberry with lots of pepper on the tongue, there is a nice balance between the fruit and acidity here. (****)
(Ontario)
Cave Spring 2008 CSV Riesling ($29.95 - #566026) - 90+
Malivoire 2010 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #591305)

Chile ...
Gamma 2008 Reserva Privada Cabernet / Merlot ($16.95 - #$269191) - lots of minty goodness that Chile is known for, typical but tasty. (*** 1/2+) - BB
Lomas del Valle 2010 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #272625) - high alcohol, juicy and quite impressive: strawberry, spice, cinnamon, cherry - the acidity is spot on and so is the bite from the spice. (****)

France ...
(Alsace)
Pierre Sparr Brut Rose Cremand D'Alsace ($17.95 - #039016) - creamy strawberry and raspberry notes with good acidity on the finish making this one clean and tasty. (*** 1/2+)
(Beaujolais)
Mommessin 2010 Les Griottes Morgon ($17.95 - #276402) - a Gamay with class: mineral and a tad bitter but with good fruit. (*** 1/2) - 90+
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Tire Pe La Cote 2008 ($25.00 - #137364) - shows some power upfront, nice mid-palate and a robust finish. (*** 1/2+)
Chateau Vignot 2010 Blanc ($13.95 - #108522) - lots of grapefruit notes to be excited about. (*** 1/2)
(Burgundy)
Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Pommard 2009 ($43.95 - #091116) - violets and earthy with fine, firm tannins. (*** 1/2+)
Domaine Raphael Sallet 2009 Macon Uchizy ($15.95 - #130450) - fresh, crisp and minerally good mouthfeel with balancing acidity. (*** 1/2)
William Fevre 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris ($16.95 - #626523) - this one shows grapefruit but also some other interesting flavours, but mainly the whole grapefruit: skins, pith and pulp. (****)
(Midi)
Mas D'Auzieres Sympathie Pour les Stones 2009 ($19.95 - #277046) - floral, black cherry, plum, chocolate, juicy with fruit sweetness; shows good now and has potential for the future. (****+)
(Rhone)
Delas Freres Saint-Esprit Cotes du Rhone Rose 2011 ($12.95 - #224964) - hint of cherry-raspberry on the nose with cherry on the palate, cleansing amount of acidity on the finish. (*** 1/2)

Germany ...
CH Berres 2008 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #207274) - nice minerality, peach pit though a dense feeling in the mouth. (****) - 90+

Greece ...
Kir-Yianni 2011 Akakies Rose ($11.95 - #071050) - strawberry throughout, a real vibrant pink colour lures the eyes, this is a tasty little treat. (*** 1/2)

Italy ...
(Friuli)
Pighin 2011 Pinot Grigio ($15.95 - #987545) - there's a sweet note to this one, it bridges the gap between the Italian style and the new world ripe white fruit style, call it lemony-pears. (*** 1/2)
(Piedmont)
Marenco Strev 2011 Moscato D'Asti ($14.95 - #276600) - priced almost right for this province, all the typical signs of Moscato are here. (*** 1/2)
(Sicily)
Baglio di Pianetto 2009 Nero D'Avola ($14.95 - #207423) - sweet blackberry, plum, milk chocolate, supple and sexy with spice and tannins for a backbone. (*** 1/2+)
(Tuscany)
Castello di Ama 2007 Chianti Classico ($33.95 - #039768) - rustic leathery notes yet with fruit and earthy character, a real dichotomy of flavours that plays wonderful havoc in the mouth. (****) - 90+
Vicciomaggio Agostino Petri Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 ($19.95 - #993360) - supple dark fruit, a wine ready to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. (****) - 90+

New Zealand ...
Astrolabe 2009 Voyage Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #179200) - cigar, cherry, spice, shows finesse on the finish. (****)
Momo 2010 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #247247) - nice creaminess here, plenty of fruit and acid; vanilla, peach, pear, mac apple, lots to enjoy. (****)

Portugal ...
Azul Portugal Reserva 2007 ($15.95 - #276238) - sweet blackberry and black tea notes with hint of cigar and spice. (*** 1/2) - POR
Adega Deu la Deu 2010 Alvarinho Vinho Verde ($19.95 - #040642) - the sweetness of apple and some lemon notes, this one shows a depth and finesse with vibrant acidity that pulls in all together (****) - 90+
Cabriz 2008 Reserva ($15.95 - #021410) - rich of chocolate, dark fruited and spicy. (*** 1/2) - POR
Monte Vilar Reserva 2008 ($15.95 - #276105) - think red berries soaked in cocoa, smoke and spice. (****) - POR
Quinta de Ventozelo 2007 LBV Port ($18.95 - #274688) - good acid and big fruit, dark and delicious. (****) - POR
Quinta do Infantado 2009 Red ($21.95 - #095158) - lovely rich dark fruit, blackberry, cassis, plum, smoky chocolate and good length of finish. (****+)

South Africa ...
Sequillo Cellars 2009 Red ($29.95 - #277996) - pretty label, interesting wine with some elegance and depth; pepper and spice finsih 'er off; not your ordinary South African wine here. (*** 1/2+) - 90+

Spain ...
Lealtanza 2005 Reserva ($19.95 - #276097) - soft and juicy blackberry plus this one has a real backbone to it too, for future drinking. (*** 1/2+) - 90+

United States ...
(California)
Belle Glos 2010 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) - still one of my fav Cali-Pinots, juicy black cherry with some elegant spice, a real charmer. (****+)
La Crema 2010 Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #719435) - juice red berries, oak and spice with hints of strawberry throughout ... also available in 375ml. (****)
Liberty School 2001 Rose ($16.695 - #276667) - a rose made from Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache, and it shows the weight of those grapes in the mouth. (*** 1/2)
Louis M. Martini 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #232371) - supple, juicy with hints of pepper on the finish, black fruit dominates. (****) - 90+
Ridge 2009 Lytton Springs ($46.95 - #982413) - very good fruit with some real backbone, tasty and quaffable. (****+) - 90+
(Oregon)
Boedecker Athena Pinot Noir 2008 ($36.95 - #283986) - loveliness of fruit and spice. (****+) - 90+
(Washington)
Chateau Smith 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #280107) - cherries and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)


If You Can Afford It ... wines that deliver even for their price point
Atlas Peak 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($99.95 - #229856) - depth of fruit and flavour (****)
Kistler 2010 Les Noisetiers Chardonnay ($74.95 - #251223) - a Cali-Chard lovers Chard (*** 1/2+)
Rubicon Estate 2008 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon ($74.95 - #029553) - real depth of character (****) - 90+

What I'll Be Lining Up For ...
Belle Glos 2010 Meiomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) - USA
Lomas del Valle 2010 Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #272625) - Chile
Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #084996) - Australia
Mas D'Auzieres Sympathie Pour les Stones 2009 ($19.95 - #277046) - France


Happy Shopping


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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Vintages Shop Online May 17, 2012 Release

Here are my favourites of the 8 wines tasted for this release ... no notes are given, just the star rating; although the top rated wine will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Tyrrell's 2008 Rufus Stone Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec ($24.00 - #0237909) - Australia
Chateau Haut-Bergey 2008 ($45.00 - #0136648) - Bordeaux, France

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Chateau la Croix de Gay 2008 ($39.00 - #45.00) – Bordeaux, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Tyrrell's 2004 Vat 1 Hunter Semillon ($49.00 - #0930495) – Australia
David Bynum 2007 Bynum Vineyard Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #0202580) – California, USA
Chateau Latour a Pomerol 2008 ($89.00 - #0133876) – Bordeaux, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Tables Creek 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel ($NA - #NA) – California, USA

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Casanova di Neri Pietradonice 2007 ($79.00 - #0103085) – Tuscany, Italy ... rich chocolate, strawberry and smoky notes - very attractive on the palate, succulent and yet yet with Italian restraint; big 14.5% alcohol


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Monday, May 7, 2012

Saturday May 12, 2012 - Vintages Release Report


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

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

This time you will find wines from California (CALI) and Israel (ISR) on the Vintages menu, along with an assortment of Rosés (ROSE) ...

Argentina ...
2006 Los Andes
Cuvelier 2006 Los Andes Grand Vin ($39.95 - #149831) ... smooth with blueberry / blackberry, cigar, black cherry, chocolate; a simple label on a more than simple wine. (****)
Finca Flichman 2009 Expresiones Reserve Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #507707) ... decently dark fruited: blackberry, blueberry and cocoa. (*** 1/2)
Graffigna 2008 Grand Reserve Malbec ($16.95 - #162149) ... smooth, ripe black fruit with a hint of spiced plum. (*** 1/2)
Kaiken 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95  - #143248) ... always a good buy; lots of fruit; real easy drinking red. (*** 1/2+) - Best Buy

Australia ...
Yalumba Museum Reserve Muscat ($24.95 - #963488) ... raisin and pecan pie notes, lovely spice with great grip on the finish and spice that screams across the tongue. (**** 1/2)
Heartland 2009 Stickleback Red ($14.95 - #116574) ... good value wine that's BBQ ready; a fruit bomb party pleaser. (*** 1/2+) - Best Buy
Mitolo 2011 Jester Giacomo Sangiovese Rose ($18.95 - #278101) ... a rosee with spice and bite, surprising and well-balanced with a fruity finish. (*** 1/2) - ROSE
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Quartage ($22.95 - #0024091) ... can't argue with this dark fruited number along with white pepper, bittersweet cocoa; plum and spiced just right on the finish. (****+)
Wallace by Ben Glaetzer 2009 Shiraz/Grenache ($28.95 - #0047605) ... this bruiser is always a favourite with its berry, tobacco, chocolate, plum and pepper, plus many more surprises. (**** 1/2)
Wolf Blass 2008 Gold Label Shiraz ($28.95 - #590273) ... well balanced with enough black fruit, pepper and spice. (****+)

Austria ...
Johanneshof Reinisch Pinot Noir ($16.95 - #278929) ... quite the earthy, strawberry number. (*** 1/2+)

Canada ...
(Ontario)
Angels Gate 2010 Moutainview Chardonnay ($18.95 - #116384) ... *** 1/2
Featherstone 2011 Rose ($14.95 - #117861) ... *** 1/2+
Fielding Estate 2011 Rose ($15.95 - #0053421) ... *** 1/2
Megalomaniac 2011 Pink Slip Pinot Noir Rose ($17.95 - #0085126) ... *** 1/2+

Chile ...
Errazuriz 2010 Wild Ferment Chardonnay ($17.95 - #738393) ... dried white fruit: apple, pear lush on the palate with pineapple and mango with slight lime pith and vanilla notes. (*** 1/2+)
Montes Alpha Carmenere 2009 ($19.95 - #143230) ... burnt blueberries and blackberries with a mint and dark chocolate finish. (*** 1/2)

France ...
(Beaujolais)
Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Domaine Mont Chavy Morgon ($17.95 - #276477) ... black cherry goodness with a little earthy on the palate with a mineral seam and nice tannins. (****)
(Burgundy)
Domaine Herve Azo Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2010 ($27.95 - #276451) ... beauty nose and delightful palate; delicate and delicious (****)
Louis Bouillot Perle D'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne ($18.95 - #0048793) ... raspberry with crisp hints of lemon. (*** 1/2) - Best Buy
(Loire)
Monmousseau Vouvray
Monmousseau 2010 Vouvray ($14.95 - #271940) ... quite fruit driven with enough mineral to keep it from being just sweet to chalky and lovely. (****+)
Roger & Didier2010 Raimbault Sancerre ($22.95 - #0082255) ... light grass nose that follows on the palate with hints of grapefruit pith. (*** 1/2)
(Rhone)
Chateau D'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2011  ($18.95 - #319368) ... dry yet approachable, sour cherry and raspberry dominate. (*** 1/2) - ROSE
Mas des Bressades 2011 Cuvee Tradition Rose ($13.95 - #950576) ... candied strawberry medium dry finish. (*** 1/2) - ROSE

Germany ...
Geil Bechtheimer 2011 Rosengarten Riesling Kabinett ($14.95 - #994764) ... peach / apple with good minerality in the form of talc on the finish. (*** 1/2)

Israel ...
Clos de Gat 2007 Ayalon Valley ($47.95 - #280339) ... nice finesse and flavour, big on fruit and flavour. (*** 1/2+) - ISR
Clos de Gat 2009 Chardonnay ($47.95 - #280321) ... no doubt about this being Chardonnay; very much in the California style, right down to the price; nicely spiced on a finish that lingers. (*** 1/2+) - ISR
Gamla 2011 Moscato KPM ($15.95  - #280297) ... peach, pineapple, nicely sweet; tasty as hell. (****) - ISR
Gamla 2010 Reserve Merlot KPM ($24.95 - #280289) ... soft, fruity with raspberry notes dominating. (*** 1/2) - ISR
Shiloh Shor 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon KP ($32.95 - #282947) ... enough blackberry and chocolate to make it interesting; nice pepper and spice on the finish. (*** 1/2+) - ISR

Italy ...
(Puglia)
Poderi Angelini Primitivo di Manduria 2008 ($17.95 - #268136) ... if you like your Zinfandel well spiced this is your wine. (*** 1/2)
(Tuscany)
Bellaria Assunto Brunello di Montalcino 2006 ($36.95 - #206854) ... lots of dried cherry and strawberry; nice smoothness across the palate with good acid and spice. (*** 1/2)
San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2008 ($19.95 - #0023408) ... mixes the sweet with the rustic into a simple pleasure wine; watch for biting tannins on the finish. (*** 1/2)
Carpineto 2011 Rosato ($12.95 - #699934) ... red berries on the nose; quite a dry palate and food friendly. (*** 1/2) - ROSE
(Veneto)
Arduini 2009 Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($18.95 - #267898) ... one of the better Ripasso's that has come out thru Vintages in a while; great summer BBQ wine. (****)

Mount Riley Pinot
New Zealand ...
Mount Riley 2009 Seventeen Valley Pinot Noir ($33.95 - #0694703) ... earthy, black cherry, raspberry with a hint of mushroom and fine tannins. (****+)

Portugal ...
Quinta do Infantado Ruby Port ($15.95 - #979898) ... one of my favourite Ruby's year after year, lots of lovely sweet cherry notes. (****)

Spain ...
Chapillon 2007 Cuvee Remy ($18.95 - #271114) ... chocolate, black cherry, mineral and herbal on the finish. (*** 1/2+)
Heredad de Baroja 2001 Gran Reserva ($21.95 - #276113) ... keep in mind it's 11 years old and still retains some nice freshness on the palate along with some dried notes and big acidity. (*** 1/2+)
Juan Gil 2010 White Label de Cepas Viejas Monastrell ($12.95 - #0013656) ... fruit driven red with class. (****) - Best Buy
Pinyolet 2010 Garnacha ($16.95 - #271791) ... good fruit and mocha notes with just a touch of well-meaning spice. (*** 1/2)

United States ...
(California)
Arrowood 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.95 - #985408) ... juicy with lots of red fruit. (****) - CALI
Gallo Frei Ranch
Gallo Family 2008 Frei Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #555607) ... lovely mouthfeel with a great mocha sensation; this one is bloody good. (**** 1/2) - CALI
Hartley Ostini 2009 Hitching Post Cork Dancer Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #179812) ... all red fruit with a little herbal character; cinnamon and strawberry with a nice bite on the finish. (****) - CALI
Kendall-Jackson 2010 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay ($19.95 - #369686) ... easy drinking, sippable Chardonnay. (***+) - CALI
McManis Family Vineyards 2009 Syrah ($18.95 - #658104) ... big hit with its black cherry and plum, a touch of vanilla and smokiness. (*** 1/2+)
Mer Soleil 2010 Silver Unoaked Chardonnay ($29.95 - #220343)  ... jug ceramic style bottle; has a nice fruit and leesy finish. (*** 1/2) - CALI
Peachy Canyon 2008 Westside Zinfandel ($25.95 - #930644) ... cherry cola, mocha-chocolate; a good Zin, exactly what it should be. (****) - CALI
Seghesio 2010 Sonoma Zinfandel ($29.95 - #942151) ... a nice one for Zin fans. (*** 1/2+) - CALI
Stags' Leap Winery 2010 Chardonnay ($34.95 - #655381) - fruit driven white with apple, peach, some baked apple, vanilla and nice mouth-feel, touch of the exotically tropical in here too. (*** 1/2+) - CALI
Talbott 2009 Logan Estate Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay ($26.95 - #716290) ... brazenly Chardonnay with lots of barrel spice and vanilla but also with some amazingly rich fruit with real biting acidity. (****+) - CALI
(Oregon)
Stoller SV Estate Pinot Noir 2007 ($43.95 - #272633) ... sweet black cherry leads the charge; nice acidity and touch of coffee on the peppered finish. (****)

If You Can Afford It ... expensive but worth it
Far Niente Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($144.95 - #539098) ... creamy chocolate with black fruit. (****+) - CALI
Sequoia Grove 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.95 - #0060020) ... nicely balanced. (****+) - CALI
Shafer 2008 One Point Five Cabenet Sauvignon ($84.95 - #0045476) ... dark fruit, nice spice. (****) - CALI

What I'll Be Lining Up For ... May 12, 2012
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Quartage ($22.95 - #0024091) - Australia
Wallace By Ben Glaetzer 2009 Shiraz/Grenache ($28.95 - #0047605) - Australia
Gallo Family 2008 Frei Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #555607) - USA

Happy Shopping


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