Saturday November 23, 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 … Our Finest (FINE) and Premium Spirits (not tasted)
The Skinny … Lots of expensive wines are part of the ‘Our Finest’ collection released this time out, bargain wines are few and far between this time of year.  If you’re looking for a few bargains take a look at the What I’m Lining Up For section.

Argentina …
Mendel 2010 Malbec ($24.95 - #108225) – soft and juicy with blackberry and a brambly consistency. (*** ½+)
Susana Balbo 2011 Signature Malbec ($19.95 - #79798) – milk chocolate and mint with hints of mineral and a nice smokiness; finish is black cherry with a strong mocha latte finish. (****)

Canada (Ontario) …
Bachelder 2011 Lowrey Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #361816) - **** ½
Creekside 2010 Broken Press Reserve Syrah ($39.95 - #202127) - *** ½+ (FINE)
Daniel Lenko 2010 Old Vines Merlot ($34.95 - #75622) - ****
Featherstone 2012 Black Sheep Riesling ($16.95 - #80234) - **** ½

Flat Rock 2011 Gravity Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #001560) - *** 1/2+
Hidden Bench 2011 Estate Pinot Noir ($32.95 - #274753) - *** ½+
Palatine Hills 2010 Neufeld Vineyard Meritage ($29.95 - #361378) - ****+
Rosewood 2011 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #112177) - *** ½+
Stratus 2010 Red ($44.20 - #131037) - **** (FINE)
Stratus 2010 White ($44.20 - #660704) - *** ½ (FINE)
Union 2007 Fortified “Forte” ($16.95 - #361758) - **** ½

Chile …
Koyle 2010 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #256073) – pure minty blackberry, cassis and sweet blueberry. (*** ½+)
Santa Carolina 2010 Gran Reserva Chardonnay ($14.95 - #928580) – nice spiciness with juicy grilled pineapple. (*** ½+)

France (Alsace) …
Hauller Muenchberg 2011 Riesling ($21.95 - #360370) – peach, mineral and citrus, hints of pear and floral nuances with pleasant linger on the finish. (****)
Ruhlmann 2011 Vieilles Vignes Gewurztraminer ($19.95 - #982082) – soft and mellow with rose petal and a juiciness rather than spiciness along, with a nice hit of orange blossom. (*** ½+)
France (Beaujolais) …
Chateau du Chatelard 2011 Cuvee Les Vieux Granits Fleurie ($20.95 - #207886) – black cherry and white pepper; this one has some edginess. (****)
France (Bordeaux) …
Chateau D’Escurac 2009 ($24.95 - #191197) – there’s a welcoming sweetness of dark fruit. (*** ½+)
Chateau Potensac 2009 ($41.85 - #197780) – blackberry, black currant, spice, cinnamon, smoky and dark cocoa; finesse with good ageability. (****+)
Chateau Puy Blanquet 2009 ($25.85 - #192989) – sour black cherry and spice. (*** ½+)
Domaine de Viaud 2001 ($28.95 - #282475) – great chance to buy a Bordeaux wine without waiting to drink it: in other words it is pre-aged. (*** ½+)
France (Burgundy) …
Domaine Deliance Ruban Vert Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($19.95 - #355917) – crisp with nice minerality and acid bite, a touch of floral with nice citrus notes. (*** ½+)
La Chablisienne 2010 Montmains Chablis 1er Cru ($28.95 - #265090) – lime meringue character with elements of spice and baked apple. (*** ½+)
France (Rhone) …
Domaine Cros de Romet 2011 Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($23.95 - #42986) – fruit is forefront with raspberry, cherry and plum with hints of chocolate, white pepper and delicately spiced; this one is real pretty. (****+)

Italy (Marche) …
Costa Farnal Prosecco ($19.95 - #358382) – cute little bulbous bubbles that come off creamy with nice acidity and a pleasant apple and lemon note. (****)
Italy (Sardinia) …
Jerzu Chuerra Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna 2008 ($16.95 - #270272) – juicy red berries with an herbal quality; this one grows on you with raspberry and nice acidity and coffee-like finish, (****)
Italy (Tuscany) …
Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2010 ($23.95 - #003962) – juicy and easy drinking with sweet cherry and ripe strawberry. (****)
Rocca di Castagnoli 2009 Poggio A’Frati Chianti Classico Riserva ($29.95 - #023358) – raspberry and herbal quality with nice acidity. (*** ½+)
Tenuta San Guido 2011 Guidalberto ($49.95 - #72439) – dark fruit and chocolate with a clash of white pepper and nice blackberry intensity; long and lingering finish. (****)
Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo ($31.95 - #727636) – interestingly spicy with an intensity of dark fruit, cherry and full flavoured. (****)

Portugal …
Offley 10 Year Old Tawny Port ($25.95 - #297788) – love the complexity and layers in this tawny: orange zest, caramel and plenty of spice with good acidity on the finish. (****)
Ramos Pinto Collection 2009 ($29.95 - #341875) – comes off thin at first but has nice fruit and good acidity. (*** ½+)

Spain …
Domini de la Cartoixa Formiga de Galena 2009 ($25.95 - #344671) – never mind the ants on the label this one is far from pesky: big red berry fruit of cherry, strawberry and plum. (*** ½+)
Vega Sauco Adoremus Tinta de Toro ($19.95 - #26881) – smoky, vanilla spice and chocolate with lots of plum to drive it. (*** ½+)

United States (California) …
Belle Glos 2011 Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #212076) – it’s a nice wine but it sure does not come across as Pinot with its plum, chocolate and black cherry. (****)
Beringer 2010 Merlot ($34.95 - #919647) – juicy, method and cherry with peppered-raspberry backing. (*** ½+)
J Lohr 2010 Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.95 - #686584) – juicy, almost sweet fruited with mocha, blackberry and black cherry; this has lots going for it. (****)
Peachy Canyon 2011 Westside Zinfandel ($26.95 - #930644) – plenty to be excited about here: vanilla, cherry, plum, Christmas spice on the nose, along with cherry, blackberry jam and mocha highlight the palate. (****+)
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé ($36.95 - #479758) – peach and raspberry palate with mineral, lemon and biscotti on the nose. (****)


If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …
Ambullneo Vineyards 2007 Fang Blanc ($62.95 - #357541) – California, USA (****) – FINE
Antinori 2010 Solaia ($251.95 - #987586) – Tuscany, Italy (****+) – FINE
Catena Zapata 2009 Nicolas Catena Zapata ($109.95 - #662072) – Argentina (****+) – FINE
Chateau de Beaucastel 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($89.95 - #711317) – Rhone, France (****+) – FINE
Dunn Vineyards 2009 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.95 - #193763) – California, USA (****) - FINE
Elderton 2009 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz ($89.95 - #716142) – Australia (****) – FINE
Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Champagne ($271.95 - #38562) – Champagne, France (****+) – FINE
Masi 2006 Campolongo di Torbe Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #548677) – Veneto, Italy (****+) – FINE
Masi 2006 Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #215764) – Veneto, Italy (*** ½+) – FINE
Mollydooker 2010 Carnival of Love ($99.95 - #242743) – Australia (****) – FINE
Ornellaia 2010 ($189.95 - #722470) – Tuscany, Italy (****+) – FINE
Pahlmeyer 2009 Proprietary Red ($159.95 - #329375) – California, USA (**** ½) – FINE
Paul Hobbs 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.95 - #119065) – California, USA (****) – FINE
Quinta do Portal 2003 Vintage Port ($58.95 - #345041) – Portugal (****+) - FINE
Rodney Strong 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #382325) – California, USA (*** ½+) – FINE
Silver Oak 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($134.95 - #936039) – California, USA (*** ½+) – FINE


What I’ll Be Lining Up For – November 23, 2013 …
Domaine Cros de Romet 2011 Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages ($23.95 - #42986) – France
Susana Balbo 2011 Signature Malbec ($19.95 - #79798) – Argentina

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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

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

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves November 23, 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.

22 wines are being released, here are scores for 16 of them.

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

Delaforce 2000 Vintage Port ($67.95 - #344861) – Portugal

Domaine Wachau 2011 Achleiten Smaragd Riesling ($N/A - #351379) ... Austria

Domaine Bachey-Legros 2010 Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1er Cru ($59.95 - #268508) ... Burgundy, France

Domaine du Petit Metris 2009 Clos de la Marche Savennieres ($N/A - #250571) ... Loire, France

Bollig-Lehnert 2011 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese ($23.95 - #284422) ... Germany

Duckhorn 2007 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #290791) ... California, USA

Gaja 2011 Sito Moresco ($58.95 - #976043) ... Piedmont, Italy

Alion 2009 ($84.95 - #199331) ... California, USA

Four Star Wines (****) …

Duckhorn 2009 The Discussion ($N/A - #297564) ... N/A

Louis Jadot 2010 Clos des Ursules Beaune 1er Cru ($N/A - #980938) ... Burgundy, France

Ca’Marcanda 2010 Promis ($47.95 - #745638) ... Tuscany, Italy

Fattoria le Pupille 2009 Saffredi ($94.95 - #74435) ... Tuscany, Italy

Quinta Vale D. Maria 2010 ($N/A - #341966) ... Portugal

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Domaine Louis Jadot 2010 Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne Duc de Magenta 1er Cru ($N/A - #124891) ... Burgundy, France

Coyote’s Run 2011 Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #116442) ... Ontario, Canada

Catena Zapata 2009 Adrianna Vineyard Malbec ($119.95 - #132340) ... Argentina

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

Saturday November 9, 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 … Dessert Wines (DST) and Star Quality (STAR)

The Skinny … Lots of pricy wines listed as Star Quality, and some of them are very good.  This time of year it’s hard to find good value wines but look into the Rhone Valley is France for some under $20 gems.

Argentina …

Kaiken 2010 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #135202) – full on mocha and black cherry. (****)

Zolo 2012 Reserve Chardonnay ($16.95 - #347765) – touches of vanilla along with some pear and lemon meringue. (*** ½+)

Australia …

Nashwauk 2010 Shiraz ($19.95 - #221788) – velvety and silky with meaty, smoky and raspberry notes. (*** ½+)

Penfolds 2009 Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz ($44.95 - #309625) – nice balance of fruit with acidity, spiced mocha and pepper on the finish; cassis and blackberry dominate. (*** ½+) – STAR

Wolf Blass 2008 Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #606939) – rich and flavourful with loads of mocha, chocolate and blackberry. (*** ½+)

Canada (British Columbia) …

Burrowing Owl 2010 Syrah ($41.95 - #73072) – there’s a coffee sensation at the beginning that leads to mocha on the finish with smoked meat and raspberry in the middle. (****) - STAR

Canada (Ontario) …

G Marquis 2010 The Silver Line Epic ($29.95 - #310367) - ****

Hinterbrook 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($16.95 - #359372) - *** ½+

Konzelmann 2011 Special Select Late Harvest Vidal ($19.95 / 375ml - #359216) - *** ½+ (DST)

Muskoka Lake Winery 2012 Red Maple ($23.95 / 375ml - #50039) - **** (DST)

Norman Hardie 2010 Unfiltered Niagara Pinot Noir ($39.00 - #208702) - *** ½+ (STAR)

Rosewood 2008 Mead Royale Honey Wine ($14.95 - #296178) - *** ½+ (DST)

Chile …

Maycas del Limari 2009 Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #256701) – silky and full of fruit: black cherry, plum, chocolate and spice. (****)

Ninquen 2011 Antu Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah ($17.95 - #675371) – minty, chocolatey with touches of leather, gentle spice and herbal notes. (*** ½+)

Undurraga 2012 Aliwen Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($13.95 - #347948) – good citrus flavours incorporating grapefruit pith and rind. (*** ½+)

France (Alsace) …

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2011 Calcaire Pinot Gris ($27.95 - #190413) – nice spicy sweetness; spiced apricot and pear. (****) – STAR

France (Beaujolais) …

Louis Jadot 2009 Chateau des Jacques Morgon ($24.95 - #653584) – cherry with just a touch of spice to keep it in check. (*** ½+) - STAR

France (Bordeaux) …

Chateau Plaisance Cuvee Alix 2005 ($24.95 - #348789) – mocha, black cherry, cassis and spiced licorice. (*** ½+)

France (Rhone) …

Famille Perrin 2011 Les Cornuds Vinsobres ($17.95 - #566844) – plum and chocolate with cherry and a lovely seem of white pepper. (****+)

Foncalieu St Gervais 2011 Reserve du Crouzau Cotes du Rhone Villages ($16.95 - #142943) – nice plum, cherry and chocolate; good value. (****)

Pierre Amadieu 2010 Le Pas de L’Aigle Grande Reserve Gigondas ($32.95 - #354217) – smooth, supple and silky, plus there’s plenty of nice dark fruit. (****)

Germany …

Prinz Von Hessen 2011 Royal Riesling Kabinett ($26.95 - #345769) – quite dry and citrusy with some apricot undertones. (*** ½+)

Villa Wolf 2011 Wachenheimer Riesling ($13.95 - #366047) – mineral chalkiness with apple skin and lemon pith. (*** ½+)

Italy (Abruzzo) …

Jasci & Marchesani Nerube Riserva Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ($16.95 - #353599) – mocha / toffee with blackberries, vanilla and tar; intriguing. (*** ½+)

Italy (Piedmont) …

La Luna E I Falo 2010 Barbera D’Asti Superiore ($19.95 - #627901) – strawberry and black cherry notes that keep you coming back for more. (*** ½+)

Travaglini 2011 Nebbiolo ($18.95 - #30353) - light cherry with brightness on the mid-palate and spice on the finish. (*** ½+)

Italy (Tuscany) …

Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($48.95 - #113357) – shows a softness in its structure and brings big cherry flavour to the forefront with sweet spice mid-to-finish; you’ll also find plum and Christmas spice. (****)

Tenuta Guado Al Tasso 2011 Il Bruciato ($29.95 - #354662) – rustically dark fruited with nice elements of spice. (****)

Italy (Veneto) …

San Cassiano 2010 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore ($17.95 - #354431) – cherry and coffee play off one another with a lovely tang on the palate. (*** ½+)

New Zealand …

Sileni 2012 The Plateau Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #132142) – nice earthy, spicy and strawberry quality. (*** ½+)

Portugal …

Pocas 1994 Colheita Port ($41.95 - #216424) – this is one delicious Port that brings the spice and the acidity to the fore with a cherry and cranberry cocktail mix in the background. (****+) - DST

South Africa …

Bellingham 2012 The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc ($22.95 - #12724) – tropically tinged with lime rind and pith. (*** ½+)

Spain …

Descendientes de J Palacios Petalos 2011 ($24.95 - #675207) – good fruit with mineral, plum and good acidity. (*** ½+)

Lustau Peninsula Solera Reserva Palo Cortado ($17.95 / 375ml - #677856) – there’s a nutty almost almond skin like note that makes this very interesting. (*** ½+)

Rotllan 2009 Torra Crianza ($19.95 - #267989) – juicy blackberry with plum and dark chocolate. (****)

United States (California) …

Adaptation 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($46.95 - #353102) – juicy, juicy, juicy with black cherry, vanilla and chocolate. (****) - STAR

Domaine Chandon Brut Etoile ($39.95 - #205658) – creamy with some pineapple and vanilla notes, there’s also a hint of meringue; this one is almost dessert-like. (*** ½+)

La Crema 2011 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #906404) – quite the juicy offering with loads of strawberry and cherry with gentle spice and some cinnamon and clove. (****) – STAR

MacMurray Ranch 2010 Pinot Noir ($21.95 - #48207) – black cherry dominant with touches of spice for balance. (*** ½+)

Morgan 2010 Highland Chardonnay ($31.95 - #953273) – deliciously mouthfilling, creamy in nature with butter, vanilla, and poached apple and pear. (****)

Rosenblum 2010 Zinfandel ($19.95 - #31781) – big on cherry, plum and vanilla cola notes, a really easy pleasing wine. (****)

Seghesio 2011 Zinfandel ($29.95 - #942151) – Seghesio knows Zin, this beauty delivers spice, acidity and plenty of fruit. (****+)

United States (Washington) …

Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Estates Amitage Red Blend ($16.95 - #336818) – nice bit of fruit to mocha ratio with sweet vanilla and oak backing. (*** ½+)

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

Antinori 2009 Guado Al Tasso ($99.95 - #986380) - **** (STAR)

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne ($59.95 - #36962) - ****+

Cliff Lede 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #14217) - ****+ (STAR)

D’Arenberg 2009 The Dead Arm Shiraz ($54.95 - #981183) - ****+ (STAR)

Jonata 2009 Todos Red ($59.95 - #218941) - ****+ (STAR)

Le Serre Nuove Dell’Ornellaia ($59.95 - #606194) - ****+ (STAR)

Moet & Chandon 2002 Grand Vintage Brut Rosé Champagne ($59.95 - #69831) - *** ½+ (STAR)

Two Hands 2011 Bella’s Garden Shiraz ($59.95 - #636407) - ****+ (STAR)

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – November 9, 2013 …

Famille Perrin 2011 Les Cornuds Vinsobres ($17.95 - #566844) – France

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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

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

In-Store Discoveries Appearing on Shelves November 9, 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.

23 wines are being released, here are scores for 17 of them.

Three-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Suavia Acinatium Recioto di Soave ($34.95 - #355990) – Veneto, Italy
Dom Perignon 2002 Dark Jewel Rosé Champagne ($307.95 - #345678) ... Champagne, France
Gloria Ferrer 2001 Carneros Cuvee ($109.95 - #918276) ... California, USA
Jim Barry 2008 The McRae Wood Shiraz ($59.95 - #737817) ... Australia
Ferraton Pere & Fils 2009 Les Grands Muriers Cornas ($N/A - #340026) ... Rhone, France
Castelgiocondo 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva ($119.95 - #724252) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Messias 1980 Colheita Port ($49.95 - #342642) ... Portugal
Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port ($180.95 - #540252) ... Portugal
Domaine Bernard Defaix et Fils 2010 Bougros Grand Cru Chablis ($N/A - #340265) ... Burgundy, France
Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rabource Rully 1er Cru 2011 ($32.95 - #200139) ... Burgundy, France
Quintessa 2009 ($129.95 - #238279) ... California, USA
Closa Batllet 2007 ($49.95 - #156398) ... Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Domaine Louis Michel & Fils 2010 Forets Chablis 1er Cru ($37.95 - #231936) ... Burgundy, France
F & L Pillot 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot 1er Cru ($N/A - #340257) ... Burgundy, France
Roger Belland 2010 Santenay-Commes 1er Cru ($48.95 - #725549) ... Burgundy, France
Quinta de Ventozelo 2008 Grande Reserva ($37.95 - #345991) ... Portugal

Four-and-a-Half Plus Star Wines (**** ½+) …
Domaine Bosquet des Papes 2011 Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf du Pape ($N/A - #734244) – Rhone, France

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

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

Saturday November 24, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

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

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

Foci ... Premium Spirits (PS) and Our Finest (OF)

The Skinny ... "Our Finest" means "really pricey", but these wines can also be really good; so the If You Can Afford It section is larger than usual - but think about it.

Australia ...

Ballast Stone 2009 Shiraz ($18.95 - #167064) - chocolate, licorice stand out amongst the dried fruit nuances and white pepper, raspberry lingers on the finish with big 15% alcohol. (****+)

Dutschke 2009 Willow Bend Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot ($21.95 - #285445) - plenty of supple dark fruit, blueberry, jammy and sexy; nice bite on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Massena 2006 The Eleventh Hour Shiraz ($48.95 - #39073) - big, robust and flavourful; spicy mid shows amidst the fruit and chocolate. (****)

Mount Langi 2006 Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz ($28.95 - #287235) - chunky, chewy, dark fruited and spicy with black pepper and baking chocolate. (****+)

Peter Lehmann 2008 The Futures Shiraz ($24.95 - #606780) - quite a bit of plum, mocha and raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

Taltarni 2008 Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #940692) - fig and blackberry, chalky tannins with nice spice to the finish. (*** 1/2+)

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

Featherstone 2011 Rose ($14.95 - #117861) - ****

Henry of Pelham 2011 Cabernet Icewine ($39.95 - #672402) - ****+

Konzelmann 2009 Vidal Icewine ($24.95 - #167866) - *** 1/2

Malivoire 2009 Moira Chardonnay ($39.95 - #243113) - ****+

Stratus 2009 Red ($44.20 - #131037) - *** 1/2+ (OF)

Stratus 2009 White ($44.20 - #660704) - ****

Chile ...

Arboleda 2010 Carmenere ($19.95 - #46284) - big minty note, blackberry jam with an element of cassis and cocoa. (*** 1/2+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Specialties Dry Farming Carignan ($15.95 - #213520) - chocolate, raspberries, fine tannins and a mineral stoniness. (****)

France - Alsace ...

Pierre Sparr 2011 Reserve Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #747600) - rose petal, spicy, lychee, nice sweet-ish finish. (*** 1/2+)

France - Beaujolais ...

Villa Ponciago 2011 La Reserve Fleurie ($21.95 - #299917) - cherry and spice with delicate herbal notes and nice tannins. (*** 1/2+)

France - Bordeaux ...

Chateau Haut-Bertinerie 2009 Elegance Merlot/Cabernet ($18.95 - #295857) - soft, supple with cassis, coffee and a nice tannin balance. (*** 1/2)

France - Burgundy ...

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne ($16.95 - #299859) - pretty nice ripe cherry fruit on the nose while the palate dials back the fruit and adds some spice and tannins to the mix. (****)

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Vieilles Vignes Volnay ($39.95 - #299875) - decent amount of spice to fruit ratio with the right oak/tannin/acid mix. (****)

France - Champagne ...

Charles de Cazanove 1er Cru Brut Champagne ($43.95 - #299750) - creamy, almond butter and lemon crisp; yum. (****+)

Charles Mignon Premier Cru Grande Reserve Brut Champagne ($47.95 - #173484) - biscotti, almond, tangerine and dried apple skin. (****)

France - Rhone ...

Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($22.95 - #76349) - plum, cherry, chocolate with hints of vanilla and floral notes, shows a nice dusty-minerality. (**** 1/2)

Domaine la Roquete 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #70862) - leaner than expect but with good raspberry / smoky notes and a good plum finish. (****+)

Germany ...

C.H. Berres 2009 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett ($19.95 - #207274) - sweet, talcy and laden with peach.  (*** 1/2)

Greece ...

Domaine Spiropoulos 2011 Mantinia ($14.95 - #710970) - nice citrus and apple tones but lacks complexity. (*** 1/2)

Italy - Friuli ...

Torre Rosazza Friulano 2010 ($19.95 - #289520) - nice apple with pear skin aromas, nice clean finish with hints of baked fruit. (*** 1/2+)

Italy - Piedmont ...

Filippino 2011 Moscato D'Asti ($17.95 - #729160) - it's Moscato, it's lovely and delicate and fun.  (*** 1/2)

Italy - Tuscany ...

Canonica a Cerreto 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($18.95 - #275867) - has nice stuffing of dark fruit and mocha notes.  (****)

Volpaia 2009 Chianti Classico ($23.95 - #953828) - has real charm and approachability, blackberry, cassis and spice. (****+)

Italy - Veneto ...

Musella 2009 Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore ($15.95 - #205757) - pleasant fruit, spice, herbs, good acidity and tannins; one of the better straight Valpol's I've had in awhile. (****)

New Zealand ...

Framingham 2010 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #981803) - nice balance, apple and pear with a tang of citrus zest. (*** 1/2)

Oyster Bay 2011 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #590414) - spiced cherry with raspberry and cigar smoke. (*** 1/2)

Thornbury 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #734798) - full on grapefruit aromas with a pith palate with hints of fresh grass; nice minerality, melon and pith on the finish. (****)

Wither Hills 2011 Pinot Gris ($19.95 - #214999) - refreshing with citrus zing, hint of ginger-beer and delicate sweetness. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Cortes de Cima Red 2009 ($21.95 - #677971) - plum and dark cherry with impressive vanilla laced tannins. (*** 1/2+)

Messias 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($16.95 - #140863) - we're robbing the house of Messias at this price; spicy, cherry, cassis, blackberry which follow on the palate with a slight orange peel note. (****)

South Africa ...

Mulderbosch 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($18.95 - #933424) - light lemony-grapefruit with a grassy note; tasty. (*** 1/2+)

United States - California ...

First Press 2010 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #199810) - nice bright fruit freshness, quite tasty with a fine finish with good acidity. (****)

Fog Crest 2010 Laguna West Pinot Noir ($46.95 - #294835) - really ripe cherries, sweet spices-cinnamon and long spicey finish. (****)

Gnarly Head 2010 Old Vine Zin Zinfandel ($17.95 - #678698) - cherry cola and vanilla, simple but tasty for Zin fans. (*** 1/2+)

Kenneth Volk 2008 Santa Maria Cuvee Pinot Noir ($36.95 - #291039) - sweet red fruit, a cherry, rose petal nose on a spiced-strawberry palate; nice white pepper finish. (****)

Paul Hobbs 2008 Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #118695) - cherry, currants, chocolate, vanilla; smooth on the mid-palate with a spiced-up finish. (****+)

Rodney Strong 2009 Reserve Chardonnay ($34.95 - #210039) - very vanilla with lots of lovely butter. (*** 1/2)

United States - Washington ...

Columbia Crest 2009 Grand Reserve Chardonnay ($14.95 - #366542) - gentler, kinder version of Chardonnay, showing a light hand with oak. (*** 1/2)

If You Can Afford It - wines worthy of their high price ...

Beringer 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.95 - #149955) - **** (OF)

Chateau de Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape ($89.95 - #711317) - **** 1/2 (OF)

Concha y Toro 2008 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #315176) - **** (OF)

Dom Perignon Brut Rose Champagne ($299.95 - #91777) - **** (OF)

Elderton 2008 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz ($89.95 - #716142) - ****+ (OF)

Far Niente Estate 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($139.95 - #539098) - ****+ (OF)

Grand Marnier Cuvee du Cent Cinquantenaire ($239.95 - #94649) - **** (PS)

Joseph Phelps 2008 Insignia ($224.95 - #710400) - **** 1/2 (OF)

Kilikanoon 2009 Green's Vineyard Shiraz ($74.95 - #0006007) - **** (OF)

Kistler 2010 Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay ($85.95 - #183921) - **** (OF)

Le Clos Jordanne 2009 Le Grand Clos Chardonnay ($65.00 - #34561) - *** 1/2 (OF)

Ornellaia 2009 ($189.95 - #722470) - **** 1/2+ (OF)

Philippe Colin 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumees 1er Cru ($69.95 - #299933) - **** (OF)

Sassicaia 2009 ($179.95 - #480533) - *** 1/2+ (OF)

Shafer 2010 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay ($62.95 - #45583) - **** (OF)

Smith Woodhouse 2000 Vintage Port ($79.95 - #140277) - ****+ (OF)

Tommasi 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($99.95 - #297994) - ****+ (OF)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - November 24, 2012 ...

Ballast Stone 2009 Shiraz ($18.95 - #167064) - Australia

Domaine Grand Veneur 2010 Clos de Sixte Lirac ($22.95 - #76349) - France

Maison Roche de Bellene 2010 Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne ($16.95 - #299859) - France

Happy Shopping

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Vintages Shop Online November 15, 2012 Release

The LCBO seemed a little stingy with their media output for this Shop On-Line release, 5 of the wines didn't even make the table ... as for the other 10 here are my thoughts.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Two Hands 2010 Brilliant Disguise Moscato ($N/A - #55772) ... Australia
Nicolas Joly 2009 Les Vieux Clos ($N/A - #62638) ... Loire, France

Three-and-a-Half-plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2007 Cuvee Exceptionnelle Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #957274) ... Rhone, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Domaine la Roquete 2011 Clos la Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc ($N/A - #236919) ... Rhone, France
Domaine Bosquet des Papes 2010 Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #734244) ... Rhone, France

Four-plus Star Wines (****+) ....
Balthasar Ress Hattenheim Nussbrunnen Riesling Spatlese 2007 ($N/A - #160762) ... Germany
Austin Hope 2010 Hope Family Vineyard Syrah ($N/A - #686121) ... California, USA
Tabali 2007 Payen ($N/A - #228296) ... Chile
Gladstone Vineyard 2009 Pinot Noir ($N/A - #141903) ... New Zealand
La Roquete 2009 L'Accent de la Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #65565) ... Rhone, France - smoky dark fruit touched with cocoa powder and plum and a nice tannin grip, all with a whopping 15.9% alcohol.

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Saturday November 10, 2012 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

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

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

Foci ... Piedmont (PIE) and Festive Finds (FF)

The Skinny ... Festive Finds means 'expensive', this is the time of year when the LCBO want you to spend dough and some of these wines are dang worth it.  Also look for a great find from Piedmont with an unusual grape.

Argentina ...

Cicchitti 2007 Aniversario Merlot ($17.95 - #288167) - smooth, easy drinking, black cherry, raspberry and chocolate. (****)

Kaiken 2009 Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #135202) - blackberry, chocolate, dark berries, nice tannins with vanilla, smoke and spearmint. (****)

Australia ...

Saltram 2010 Mamre Shiraz ($24.95 - #32227) - inky black, rich and spicy, packs a wallop of flavour. (**** 1/2)

Thorn-Clarke 2010 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #18796) - lovely as usual, chocolate, spice, raspberry with a big dose of pepper on the finish. (****+)

Wakefield 2010 Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon ($25.95 - #142398) - mocha, blackberry, tobacco, cassis, chocolate and blueberry. (****+)

Austria ...

Munzenrieder 2010 Classic Zweigelt ($12.95 - #298174) - nice red berry notes with nice spice and herbal appeal; well priced to give Zweigelt a try from its homeland. (*** 1/2+)

Chile ...

Montes 2010 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #322586) - typically good for Montes: mint, dark fruit, subtle spice and lots of fruit. (****)

Montgras 2011 Quatro ($14.95 - #50641) - minty-blackberry, cherry, blueberry and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Canada (Ontario) ...

13th Street 2010 Sandstone Old Vines Gamay Noir ($29.95 - #130195) - **** (FF)

Coyote's Run 2009 Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($35.95 - #116442) - ****+

Coyote's Run 2010 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #79228) - ****+

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

Henry of Pelham 2010 Family Tree White ($17.95 - #251116) - *** 1/2+

Jackson-Triggs 2010 Delaine Cabernet/Merlot ($29.95 - #989269) - ****+

Le Clos Jordanne 2010 Village Reserve Chardonnay ($30.00 - #33936) - **** (FF)

Rosewood 2008 Mead Royale ($14.95 / 500ml - #296178) - ****

France (Burgundy) ...

Cave de la Vigne 2010 Blanche Macon-Villages ($15.95 - #284034) - while the nose is dull the palate is alive with fruit and flowers. (*** 1/2)

Cave de Lugny Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne ($16.95 - #297846) - pretty in pink with good acidity and a hint of raspberry. (*** 1/2+)

La Chablisienne 2010 Fourchaume  Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #656835) - nice oak treatment here, the fruit will shine in 2-3 years. (*** 1/2+) - FF

France (Rhone) ...

Domaine de Longue 2010 Toque Gigondas ($29.95 - #121327) - a very Canadian name; lots of dark brooding fruit, smooth, supple with a sexy allure in the mouth, lots of pepper and spice on the finish. (****)

Domaine de Vieux Telegraphe 2010 Telegramme Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($46.95 - #292722) - absolutely delicious, a real winner with red berries, delicate spice and sweet fruit finish. (****+)

La Ferme du Mont Premiere Cote Cotes du Rhone 2009 ($15.95 - #251645) - rich red fruit, ultimately sippable with a good peppered finish. (*** 1/2+)

France (Southwest) ...

Clos la Coutale 2010 Cahors ($15.95 - #286385) - smoother than I would expect but still rich in fruit and chewy tannins. (****)

Germany ...

Markus Molitor 2003 Edition No. 3 Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Spatlese ($29.95 - #298000) - for an almost 10 year old Riesling it shows very well: apple and lemon skin with hints of petrol and honeyed macs. (****)

Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010 ($18.95 - #70946) - talcum powder minerality with lemonade notes and lime zest, hints of peach also seams their way through. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Abruzzo) ...

Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2008 ($15.95 - #204016) - plum, black cherry and cassis with cocoa powder backing; good for every day enjoyment. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Abbona Papa Celso 2010 ($21.95 - #193730) - a pleasant version of my nemesis - Dolchetto - with nice red fruit and good acidity. (*** 1/2) - PIE

Regali La Lus Albarosa 2008 ($24.95 - #291575) - fantastic version of the crossed grape Albarossa - Nebbiolo and Barbera - lovely raspberry and strawberry with a little cherry and tobacco spice. (****+) - PIE

Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2007 ($49.95 - #713479) - a lovely example of Barolo, red cherry, spice, white pepper, balsamic notes and some dried plum. (****) - PIE

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Da Vinci 2010 Chianti ($16.95 - #171389) - a good price for this fruit and spice driven number though both fight for supremacy on the palate; a nice peppered-strawberry finish. (*** 1/2+)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Belcanto di Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore ($17.95 - #53215) - lemony, apple with a nice dollop of sweetness. (*** 1/2)

New Zealand ...

Eradus 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.95 - #22557) - nice structure with mineral and grapefruit pith; subtle and delicious. (****)

Jackson Estate 2011 Stich Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #963124) - nice gooseberry and grapefruit zest with a touch of wild floral honey. (****)

Kim Crawford 2007 Small Parcel Rise-and-Shine Creek Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #35337) - shiny happy fruit, cranberry, black cherry, blueberry and spice. (****)

Portugal ...

Croft Pink Port ($19.95 - #140871) - red fruit driven with a sweet nose and palate, it's fun for those who have yet to migrate to serious port. (*** 1/2)

Pocas 1994 Colheita Port ($27.95 - #216424) - big on the spiced orange. (****+)

Quinta dos Quatros 2008 Ventos Colheita ($24.95 - #902742) - wood spice and dark fruit with a nice linger on the palate. (*** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Julian Schaal 2011 Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay ($19.95 - #295402) - quite lovely with peach and wold flowers, nice vanilla and honey notes. (****)

Spain ...

Martinez Corta Cepas Antiguas Seleccion Privada 2010 ($15.95 - #305359) - good from its nose to its toes - as it will warm them. (*** 1/2+)

Nekeas el Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Grenacha 2010 ($18.95 - #291997) - lots of raspberry and plum makes this wine quite appealing with hints of chocolate on the finish. (****+)

Tosalet 2009 Old Vines ($19.95 - #292078) - great nose of blackberry and cocoa that follows on the palate with graphite, black raspberries and chocolate. (****)

United States (California) ...

J. Lohr 2010 Los Osos Merlot ($19.95 - #27516) - plush and easy drinking, nice Cali-Merlot. (*** 1/2+)

La Crema 2009 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #72199) - sweet cherry, big spice and big alcohol, 14.5%. (*** 1/2+) - FF

United States (Washington) ...

Hogue 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.95 - #301358) - plum, herbal, vanilla and cedar. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It ... wines that deliver even for their high price

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 2010 Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz ($51.95 - #290874) ... ****+ (FF)

Fonseca 2005 Guimarens Vintage Port ($73.95 - #123695) ... **** (FF)

Inglenook 2009 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.95 - #29553) ... **** (FF)

Le Vieux Donjon 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($53.95 - #700922) ... **** (FF)

Masi 2005 Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone della Valpolicella Classico ($69.95 - #462812) ... ****+ (FF)

Moet & Chandon 2002 Grand Vintage Brut Rose Champagne ($87.95 - #69831) ... **** (FF)

Newton 2008 Unfiltered Chardonnay ($65.95 - #0001537) ... ****+

Ornellaia 2010 La Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia ($59.95 - #606194) ... ****+ (FF)

Paul Hobbs 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.95 - #119065) ... ****+ (FF)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - November 10, 2012 ...

Regali La Lus Albarosa 2008 ($24.95 - #291575) - Italy

Saltram 2010 Mamre Shiraz ($24.95 - #32227) - Australia

Nekeas el Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Grenacha 2010 ($18.95 - #291997) - Spain

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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

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

Vintages Shop Online November 1, 2012 Release

7 of 14 wines reviewed, some were unavailable, some weren't worth your time ... here's my take on the wines being released in this Shop On-line offer ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Kanonkop 2009 Pinotage ($N/A - #259648) ... South Africa
Clos des Nines 'O' du Clos 2007 ($N/A - #297952) ... Midi, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Riesling Auslese 2005 ($N/A / 375ml - #914226) ... Germany
Montrius Le Domaine Garrigues Vacqueyras 2010 ($N/A - #108779) ... Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Howard Park 2008 Chardonnay ($N/A - #243063) ... Australia
Cenit 2008 Old Vines ($N/A - #296137) ... Spain
Two Hands 2008 Aerope Grenache ($N/A - #257204) ... Australia - port-like nose with lovely plum cherry fruit and nice acidity but with a wow fruit factor laden with raspberry and massive alcohol (15.8%).

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Saturday November 26, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

To print this report click here for the PDF version.

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

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

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

Argentina …

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

Australia … 

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

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

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

Canada …

(British Columbia)

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

(Ontario) - Click on wine for full review

Equifera 2008 Vidal Icewine ($49.95 - #0258715)

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

Stratus 2009 Gewurztraminer ($32.20 - #0251447)

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

Calamus 2008 Cosmic Red ($17.95 - #0258129)

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

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

Chile …

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

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

France … 

(Alsace)

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

(Bordeaux)

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

(Burgundy)

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

(Champagne)

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

(Midi)

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

Germany …

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

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

Italy …

(Abruzzo)

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

(Calabria)

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

(Sicily)

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

(Trentino)

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

(Tuscany)

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

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

(Veneto)

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

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

New Zealand … 

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

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

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

South Africa …

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

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

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

Spain …

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

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

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

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

United States …

(California)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Oregon)

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

(Washington)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Shopping.

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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