Vintages Shop Online August 22, 2013 Release

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

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

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

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

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

Four Star Wines (****) …

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

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

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

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

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

Vintages Shop Online July 25, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 3 of the 5 wines that were released on the 25th of July thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, two of the wines were just not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four Star Wines (****+) …
Lighthall 2011 Pinot Noir ($25.00 - #335794) … Ontario, Canada – click wine name for full review
Tilenus Pagos de Posado Mencia 2004 ($35.00 - #065037) ... Spain

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Rafael Reverte Cistum 2009 ($52.00 - #342790) ... Spain

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 July 11, 2013 Release

Here are scores for all 7 of the wines being release on the 11th of July thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, three of the wines were just not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Montirius 2011 Le Clos Vacqueyras ($32.00 - #76547) … Rhone, France

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Gustave Lorentz Sschofweg Pinot Gris ($30.00 - #073551) … Alsace, France
Seghesio 2006 La Villa Barolo ($50.00 - #341990) ... Piedmont, Italy
Tilenus 2005 Pieros ($35.00 - #334292) ... Spain

Four Star Wines (****+) …
Hiedler 2010 November Gruner Veltliner ($37.00 - #331827) … Austria
Colio 2010 CEV Small Lot Syrah ($19.95 - #347088) ... Ontario, Canada (click wine name for full review)
Domaine du Grand Tinel 2010 Cuvee Alexis Establet Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($54.00 - #982017) ... 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.

Vintages Shop Online June 27, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 4 of the 7 wines being release on the 27th of June thru Vintages Shop-On-Line, three of the wines were just not available for tasting ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four Star Wines (****+) …

Domaine Chante Cigale 2010 Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($N/A - #073551) … Rhone, France

Dr. Burklin-Wolf 2007 Hohenmorgen Riesling G.C. ($70.00 - #331991) ... Germany

Gabriel Meffre Laurus Gigondas 2010 ($30.00 - #163113) ... Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Domaine La Garrigue 2010 La Cantarelle Vacqueryas ($31.00 - #340760) ... 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.

Vintages Shop Online June 13, 2013 Release

Here are scores for 4 of the 6 wines released on the 13th of May thru Vintages Shop-On-Line ... no notes are given, just the star rating.

Four-Plus Star Wines (****) …

Rosewood 2012 Mead Noir ($25.00 - #346213) ... Ontario, Canada

Adelaida Cellars 2007 Viking Estate Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #327593) ... California, USA

Canneto 2007 Vino Nobile di Montalpulciano Riserva ($N/A - #065854) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

Gott 9 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #327627) ... California, USA

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

Vintages Shop Online April 18, 2013 Release

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

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …

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

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

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

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

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

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

Vintages Shop Online April 4, 2013 Release

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

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

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

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

Vintages Shop Online March 21, 2013 Release

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

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …

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

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

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

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (****+) …

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

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

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

Vintages Shop Online March 7, 2013 Release

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

Four Star Wines (****) …

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

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

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

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 Febraury 7, 2013 Release

Here are the 8 wines being released for the February 7, 2013 Vintages Shop On-Line  ... no notes are given, just the star rating; although the top rated wine will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Ca'Viola Barturot Dolcetto D'Alba 2010 ($N/A - #0310235) - Piedmont, Italy

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½+) …
Negretti 2004 Barolo ($N/A - #0310227) - Piedmont, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) …
Poggio Bonelli Tramonto D'Oca 2007 ($N/A - #0180786) - Tuscany, Italy

Castello di Volpaia 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva ($N/A - #0705335) - Tuscany, Italy

Canalicchio di Sopra 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($N/A - #0125070) - Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Flat Rock Cellars 2007 Brut Reserve Sparkling ($35.00 - #0238311) - Ontario, Canada ... originally gave this wine a 3.5+ star rating, but with more age on it it has developed rather nicely for a full half-star upgrade.

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) ...

First Drop Wines 2009 Two Percent Shiraz ($N/A - #0107599) - Australia ... blackberry, cassis, white pepper with hints of chocolate and licorice; smooth and sexy.

Meyer Family Vineyards 2010 Reimer Vineyard Pinot Noir ($N/A - #0312645) - British Columbia, Canada ... nice oak nuances, sweet cranberry, sour cherry and really good balance.

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 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.

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%).

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 October 18, 2012 Release

8 of 12 products reviewed, the other 4 were either not available for tasting or tasted at all - no notes just scores, though the top scoring wine does have a note ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Inniskillin Okanagan 2007 Discovery Series Petit Verdot ($28.00 - #303768) ... British Columbia, Canada
Delas Freres Francois de Tournon Saint-Joseph 2009 ($33.00 - #17525) ... Rhone, France
Tedeschi 2007 La Fabriseria Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($29.00 0 #97600)  ... Veneto, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Edmond Briottet Creme de Cassis de Dijon ($N/A - #306522) ... France
Santa Carolina 2007 Herencia Carmenere ($99.95 - #228387) ... Chile
Jim Barry 1999 The McRae Wood Museum Release Shiraz ($65.00 - #237669) ... Australia
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne 2009 Chateauneuf-de-Pape ($73.00 - #303032) ... Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Pintas 2008 Character ($36.00 - #292599) ... Portugal - lovely dark fruit and good spice notes while a mineral character finds its way through all those rich and robust flavours.

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 October 4, 2012 Release

9 of 12 products tasted, the other 3 were not available for tasting - no notes just scores, though the top scoring wine has a note ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
D'Angelo 2006 Sette Coppa ($N/A - #0307728) ... British Columbia, Canada

Three-and-a Half Plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Gustave Lorentz Rotenberg Gewurztraminer 2008 ($N/A - #0296129) ... Alsace, France

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Wegler Rudesheimer Berg Rottland Riesling Spatlese 2010 ($N/A - #918771) ... Germany
Shottesbrooke Estate Series 2010 Shiraz ($N/A - #297424) ... Australia
Avondale 2009 Cyclus ($N/A - #295220) ... South Africa
Tenuta Rocca 2007 Barolo San Pietro ($N/A - #103721) ... Piedmont, Italy
San Polo 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ($N/A - #650812) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Alvaro Palacios 2010 Les Terrasses ($N/A - #977843) ... Spain
Mendel 2009 Unus ($N/A - #108233) ... Argentina - plush and lovely on the palate; very full-fruited with plum, black cherry and a whole lotta spice.

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 September 20, 2012 Release

10 wines, 10 marks - it's a miracle - here's my take on the wines being released in this Shop On-line offer ...

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** 1/2) ...
Cassini Cellars 2009 Maximus Collector's Series Red ($47.95 - #303016) ... British Columbia, Canada
Viberti Buon Padre Barolo ($49.00 - #106542) ... Piedmont, Italy
Petrolo Torrione 2009 ($38.00 - #21980) ... Tuscany, Italy

Three-and-a Half Plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Thompson Estate 2009 Chardonnay ($34.00 - #289298) ... Australia

Four Star Wines (****) ...
Le Vieux Pin 2008 Petit Rouge ($29.95 - #297416) ... British Columbia, Canada
Corison 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($94.95 - #289462) ... California, USA
Corino 2007 Vigna Giachini Barolo ($55.00 - #297259) ... Piedmont, Italy
Badia a Coltibuono 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ($43.00 - #683474) ... Tuscany, Italy
Citille di Sopra 2007 Vigna Poggio Ronconi Brunello di Montalcino ($49.00 - #187955) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Yalumba 2005 Hand Picked Single Site Habermann Vineyard Grenache ($76.00 - #237537) ... Australia - hints of tobacco couch dark fruit and plum notes; you'll also find floral and leather here - which gives the hand in a velvet glove effect.

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 September 6, 2012 Release

11 products being released, including a Brandy, here's my take on 6 of those  products ...

Three-and-a Half Plus Star Wines (*** 1/2+) ...
Domaine Jean-Claude Bessin 2009 La Piece au Comte la Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru ($N/A - #167452) ... Burgundy, France
San Felice 2007 Vigorello ($N/A - #726463) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four Star Wines (****) ...
San Felice 2007 Pugnitello ($N/A - #291419) ... Tuscany, Italy

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) ...
Outpost 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($N/A - #278044) ... California, USA
Sacred Hill 2009 Prospector Pinot Noir ($N/A - #295741) ... New Zealand

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** 1/2) ...
Domaine de Rancy 1996 Riversaltes Ambre ($N/A - #165647) ... Midi, France - a delicious little dessert wine with orange peel, toasted nuts and spice along with dried berries and marmalade notes all wrapped up with great acidity; it's very Sherry-like, but it's from France, not Spain.  The spicy finish is absolutely killer - in a good way.

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

Vintages Shop Online August 23, 2012 Release

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

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

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

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

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