This Vintages release kicks off the month long California-fest that’s happening at the LCBO – from April 28 to May 25. Everything California is being displayed front and center at the provinces liquor monopoly – so if you drink, which obviously you do because you’re reading this report, you’ll be inundated by California; but heck, after the winter we’ve had to endure it’ll be nice to dream and see things that remind us of sun, sand and surf … so let’s kick Cali-month off right by looking at the wines from Napa and Sonoma. Ontario reviews can be found by clicking the link which will redirect you to my website, www.ontariowinereview.com. Many have also asked if I have a top 3 each release, (the answer is usually yes) and if I would mind highlighting those – you’ll find them at the end.Napa & Sonoma …Any California wine fan knows Chateau Montelena … they are the winery that won the white (Chardonnay) portion of the Judgment of Paris in 1976 where the Californians stunned the French. Therefore this winery is not only award winning, it can actually claim to be world changing, and the 2006 Chardonnay ($44.95 - #701748) is delicious. Switching gears from wines that changed the world to winery owners that changed the face of the wine world, Robert Mondavi, whose Fume Blanc is the granddaddy of New World oaked Sauvignon Blancs – the 2006 model ($24.95 - #221887) is full of citrus-grassy goodness with a little vanilla on the finish – lovely.Moving onto the reds, there’s the Beringer 2006 Pinot Noir ($27.95 - #718668). Now there is no way anybody could mix up the California version of Pinot Noir for a Burgundian Pinot Noir. The Californian version is all sweet red cherries with just the merest hint of earthiness and slight tannins, and of course there’s the red fruit finish … the Beringer is California Pinot without a doubt. For bizarre blends you can’t beat the 2006 Big House Red ($18.95 - #308999), 4 grapes you wouldn’t expect to come from that part of the planet: Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Touriga Nacional and Carignane … this wine is a long time favourite of mine – it has a mixture of red and black fruit, some spices and an incredibly interesting finish. More traditionally blended grapes (Sauv/Franc and Merlot) can be found in the Rosenblum Holbrook Mitchell Trio Meritage 2004 ($35.95 - #59279). This high alcohol (15.7%) bruiser has Port-like nuances in both taste and smell – lots of cherries and black fruits. Looking for single varietals? There’s the Rutherford Ranch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #73817) … but don’t be fooled by the label, this wine also contains traces of Merlot, Syrah and Cab Franc … but the whole mixture brings about herbs and red berry fruit that’s very enjoyable now. Merlot fans can get their fix with these two: Sebastiani 2004 Merlot ($20.95 - #219162) with its sweet red fruit nose and fruity-jammy taste – Miles would hate it; or you can break the bank for the Shafer 2005 Merlot ($54.95 - #346262) – sure it’s sweet and smooth, sure it’s got a great name behind it, and sure it’ll age a decade or more – but is straight Merlot worth $55 … factor in the 12% Cab Sauv and 8% Franc and then maybe (wink) – still a very tasty wine though.White Wine …Ontario …Flat Rock Cellars 2006 Unplugged Chardonnay ($15.95 - #68015)Henry of Pelham 2006 Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #268359)Henry of Pelham 2006 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($19.95 - #268342)France – Loire … it has just a touch of sweetness that helps carry it through to a delicious finish – this is the wine I would choose to sip on a hot summer’s day, well chilled in a bucket of ice on the patio: Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Demi-Sec 2006 ($17.95 - #16709).France – Rhone … Perrin Reserve 2006 Cotes du Rhone Blanc ($14.95 - #499509) is the kind of simple sipper that brings a smile to a wine-lover’s lips. Fruity nose and a grapefruit palate, very Sauvignon Blanc-like.Italy – Veneto … As the days get long you start thinking of cleaning off the patio of all that winter debris and making way for a few lawn chairs and the BBQ. As the days go from cold to crisp to warm you might want to make sure you have a chilled bottle of Tommasi Soave Classico Le Volpare 2007 ($17.95 - #70870) ready, it’ll set the mood and get you ready for those hotter days to come.Red Wines …Argentina … as we speak about hot days to come we must remember our old friend, the BBQ, not only does he make our meat good to eat, but he also reminds us how good those reds from hot climes can be when paired with seared flesh. And Argentina, home of the cattle, is the perfect place to find our first BBQ-match of the season: Kaiken 2005 Malbec ($14.95 - #58339) … plumy, jammy, black fruit and sweet chocolate – this is great value and grill ready.Australia … Paul Hogan talked about throwing a shrimp on the bar-bie when he was tourism Australia’s spokesperson – today you’d feel just as at home with a talking koala or kangaroo, even better if they were holding a bottle of one of these wines: James Haselgrove Futures Shiraz 2006 ($25.95 - #59857) – with its black cherry, pepper, spices, sweet mid-palate, eucalyptus and black fruit finish; or the Pennyfield 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Basket Pressed ($23.95 - #59907) – with its sweet juicy herbal nose and palate, that’s ready to drink now; or even the perennial favourite Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($19.95 - #606624) – with its friendly mouthfilling flavours … tasty.France – Southwest … noting beats a wine from Cahors, these incredible long aging reds have plenty of heft and tannins to last up to 10 years or more and cost peanuts to buy – or they used to. This Chateau de Haute-Serre 2004 ($21.95 - #693952) is one of the more expensive offerings I’ve seen come out of this regions in years, but considering in 10 years that price will seem like a steal you might consider it an investment. This one is rich and juicy with a very sexy and appealing nose and full-on black fruit tannins on the finish – it’s a yummer for years to come. Also from Southwest France comes Domaine du Crampilh Cuvee L’Original Madiran 2005 ($18.95 - #70037) – it has a slightly off-putting nose, but it certainly makes up for it in the flavour department … thick and chewy and very Port-like in flavour – it has a wonderful smoothness but it’ll also leave tannin skid marks on the tongue.Portugal … speaking of Port, the home of the ultimate sweet wine brings us two reds of note. First, there’s the Cortes de Cima Chamione Red 2006 ($14.95 - #650291) – a wine made by an Aussie in Portugal using Cab and Shiraz, and this one comes off with lots of new world smells and tastes – a plumy nose and sweet palate. Going old world for the second wine is Quinta da Cortezia Touriga Nacional 2005 ($18.95 - #70292) – great little sipper that’s enjoyably “sweet” through the mouth and ends dry, dry, dry. Opa! (Or the Portuguese equivalent).Spain … opa? Is that a Spanish term – Anyway, there’s no better way to transition to this Seleccion de Torres Celeste 2004 ($19.95 - #672691) you’ve seen this bottle before with its celestial bodies on the blue-black label – this is good value Spanish red with dark fruit, herbs and spice on both the nose and taste. On the other hand, if Opa is a Greek term, then as they say on Survivor – “I’ve got nothing for you this time.”Rosé …Ontario …Daniel Lenko 2006 White Cabernet ($20.15 - #75648)What’s for Dessert? …We head back to France for dessert and the Chateau Septy Monbazillac 2003 ($9.95 - #31625 – 375ml) – a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. This little palate teaser is fresh, fruity and grapey (that’s the Muscadelle influence), a good price fro something simple for dessert on its own or with simple fare.Take a Chance on Me …It’s chicken or the egg time – what came first the winery or the name of it’s owner – Willi Opitz (sounds too funny to be fake) makes a wine called Willi Opitz Cuvee Red 2005 ($18.95 - #71266) from Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and Cabernet Sauvignon. Willi’s winery is locate in Austria, not well known for their stellar reds – but this one is downright enjoyable – dry, fruity with intense black fruit … give it a try, heck it’s only 20 bucks – if you don’t like it bring it back.Grape Guy’s Top 3 for April 26, 2008 release …These are the one’s I would/will be lining up for at 9am:#1 – Chateau Moncontour Vouvray Demi-Sec 2006 (($17.95 - #16709)#2 – Kaiken Malbec 2005 ($14.95 - #58339)#3 – Chateau de Haute-Serre 2004 ($21.95 - #693952)Happy Shopping.
I’m writing this report on March 9, 2008 – the day after Toronto got dumped on with a foot of snow, or more, so there is nobody who needs a taste of the south like those of us who have been spending our February and March in the Great White North – no name seems more appropriate on a day like today. This LCBO release is all about Southern wine (Wines from a Southern Clime) so on this day of –3 degree weather – and snow banks that are a minimum 6 feet high, let’s go south for a little get away. In this report you’ll find 7 featured wines, 12 reds, 6 whites and my Take a Chance on Me wine selection. To see the Ontario wines of note click on the links and you will be directed to my website (www.ontariowinereview.com) for a full review. And now without further ado, Southern spotlight here we come.Southern Exposure …We’ll start the look at the south by staying in North America, California to be exact, Santa Barbara Winery 2006 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #989152) – this is a good price for a really decent Cali-Chard – the fruit flavours are upfront with ripe apples and pears. Turning our attention from our own continent to another, South Africa, Fairview 2006 Viognier ($19.95 - #906487) a grape variety that is starting to gain traction worldwide; prices always seem a little high for these wines, but once they become more widely accepted hopefully you’ll see them come down. For now you’ll have to pay 20 bucks for a nose of tropical fruit, floral, apricot and pear and a beautiful palate of wildflowers and citrus with an almost sweet finish. This one’s pretty exceptional and well worth it’s price tag. Speaking of exceptional, the Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz ($25.95 - #927533) is back – this 2006 version is spicy, peppery and juicy – a great wine as always, and one you can lie down for a few years. From the Rhone (South of France) comes the Chateau du Trignon Gigondas 2004 ($27.95 - #681817) – it’s smooth and lush with an intense sweet herb nose and the thrill of berries in the mouth. Zin-fans should turn their eyes towards Italy in this release, as the closest thing to a Zin-like wine is the A-Mano 2006 Primitivo ($15.95 - #972588) - the sweet cherry pie nose follows in the mouth; while there’s also some cola nuances making this one very pleasant indeed. Finally, in my look at the south, are two sweeties from Spain and Portugal; these are cold weather wines made in some very hot places – go figure. First, there’s the Quinta de Ventozelo 1998 LBV Port ($21.95 - #660159) – red cherries, mint, blackberries and chocolate with a hint of tannins that makes this a warming (21% alcohol) treat going down. Then there’s the Argueso Pedro Ximenez Sherry ($17.95 - #69559) – my sweet tooth of younger days seems to find its way back when it comes to a PX Sherry. Creamy, nutty and caramelly … very tasty; and here’s a tip – if you open it and put it in the fridge it’ll thicken over a few days and makes a delicious topping for ice cream, pie or any other dessert you want to liven up … also good, in small doses, in French Onion Soup.White Wines …Ontario …Megalomaniac 2007 Narcissist Riesling ($17.95 - #675587)Mike Weir 2006 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.95 - #686972)South Africa … not one, not two, but three South African whites were wonderful and tasty values this release. The first appeared above from Fairview, the next two appear below. Let’s start with the Stellenzicht 2004 Golden Triangle Chardonnay ($19.95 - #58008) – a nose mixed with citrus, tropical fruit and vanilla, the flavours are reminiscent of buttery, caramelized apples. Best value of the release might also prove the trickiest to find: KWV 2006 Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc ($9.95 - #662718) – a mixed shipment has left the LCBO with both the 2006 and 2007 vintages of this wine, but search out the ’06 with its great crisp Savvy B. nose and extra long finish – it’s the gooseberry, grapefruit and grassy you’re searching for … the ’07 just doesn’t stack up.France – Burgundy … yaba-daba-doo, this Chardonnay is for you – especially if you like ‘em unoaked - pineapple and peach on the nose with plenty of follow-up fruitiness in the mouth … delicious. Oh, and if you are wondering which one I’m referring to: Blason de Bourgogne Saint-Veran Chardonnay 2006 ($18.95 - #16725).Germany … if you love Riesling as much as my sweetie, then I’m going to suggest you beg, borrow or steal (maybe all three) twenty-bucks and get your hands on this Darting 2006 Riesling Spatlese ($19.95 – #963207) … this is pure Riesling heaven. The nose is apples, apricot, honey and pears (plus a whole lot more), while the palate is a touch sweet with great balancing acidity. The taste follows the nose – sweet and stunning, with an extra, extra, extra long mouthfilling finish. All at 9% alcohol … wow!Italy … People who read my column regularly know I am a fan of Moscato – this one (Bava Cocconato Moscto d’Asti 2007 - $15.95 - #712547) follows the same citrusy, sweet, grapeyness blueprint that others have followed, but it’s always a pleasant thrill on the tongue (and summer is coming – it’s a refresher you’ll want hanging around). My second Italian white is the Elio Filippino Langhe Arneis 2006 ($18.95 - #60848), made from the Arneis grape. I would have sworn this was an unoaked Chardonnay with its fresh apple-pear nose, and then came the real zing on the tongue with tart Granny Smith apple and a lemon squeeze. Ouch and yum all at the same time.Red Wines …Ontario …Megalomaniac 2006 Bravado Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #67595)Megalomaniac 2006 Vainglorious Cabernet/Merlot ($24.95 - #67637)Argentina … traditionally wines go with food, and most notably the foods that a country is noted for. In the case of Argentina that means beef, and the Viniterra 2005 Syrah ($13.95 - #57927) with its blackberry, vanilla and herbs, is a perfect BBQ candidate – with beef of course.Chile … I draw your attention briefly to the Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2005 ($99.95 - #723676) … is it worth the money? That’s for you to decide, but if you believe the hype it most certainly is – let me just say this is one hell of a delicious, beautiful and complex wine – one of the best I have tried from Chile. Now back to your regularly scheduled report. Back to reality pricing, Los Vascos 2006 Grande Reserve ($15.95 - #32078) is a beauty in its own right. Owned by Chateau Lafite Rothschild (France), you have to believe these folks know something about wine: rich red fruit are on both the palate and nose, there is also vanilla, mint and spicy characteristics – there’s also plenty of potential for the future here … you’re never gonna get a Lafite at that price, so get off the couch and use your feet to get you some.Australia … I’d be remiss in my duties as a wine-writer if I didn’t present at least one Aussie option each release – lucky for you I’ve got two. The first is the Penmara 2004 Reserve Shiraz ($17.95 - #912782) with its chocolate, juicy blackberries, vanilla, herbs and cola – this one’s a tasty little sucker at a very decent price point. Then there’s the Syan 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.95 - #62430) with its big alcohol (14.7%) eucalyptus and juicy black fruits … lovely and immensely enjoyable.New Zealand … Coopers Creek releases two at Vintages this week, but only one’s worth buying … the Coopers Creek 2006 Merlot ($17.95 - #672451) is smoky-blackberries … there’s also some tannin dryness and good holdability (for 5 years or so), which’ll make it better than it already is.France – Midi … you would expect a wine made from Syrah and Mourvedre to deliver a tannic punch, especially at this young age: Chateau de Gourgazaud Cuvee Mathilde 2006 ($13.95 - #958629), but instead there is plenty of red fruit in this bottle and it’s ready to go now … put a little chill on it for added enjoyment.Italy – Piedmont … there are some great Italian values I’ll point out to you in this report, I wouldn’t classify this $43.95 a value – but I do think it is very good: Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2004 (#60855). Earthy with stewed black fruit on the nose, while the mouth really has all the fun here: plums, red and black fruits, delicious and smooth.Italy – Puglia … I told you about the delicious A-Mano Primitivo (Zin) above; if you want to add to your Zinful ways also check out the Giordano Primitivo di Manduria 2005 ($17.95 - #51797) it truly proved to be smooth and luscious in the mouth with lots of Zin-like qualities.Italy – Tuscany … Not a huge fan of Chianti I am, but this one came from nowhere to surprise me with its cinnamon, black fruit nose – it followed that up with an initial smoothness in the mouth, then around mid-palate it developed a shot of tannins with a tasty yet drying cedary-oaky and black fruit character. For more flavours check out San Jacopo da Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico 2006 ($17.95 - #710194) Italy – Veneto … you can always guarantee that if there is a good Valpolicella Ripasso in a release I’ll definitely let you know about it. Well, the Luigi Righetti Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2005 ($18.95 - #575787) fits the bill nicely with its spicy, plumy and cherry nose (and flavours) with herbs to back it up – I love Ripasso and this gives me yet another reason to do so. On the other hand, it’s rarer to find an Amarone deal, but this one seems to be: Remo Farina Amarone della Valpolicella 2003 ($19.95 - #33365 – 375ml) – all the things you love Amarone for in a half bottle … if you think about it, that’s $40 for a full bottle – and for Amarone that’s a good deal … though not as cellarable as a 750ml.Portugal … big fruit, lots of alcohol (14.5%) from Portugal; good nose, plumy jammy red fruit, spices and herbs – real pizzazz for the mouth: Encostas de Estremoz Touriga Nacional 2004 ($19.95 - #684936).Take a Chance on Me …Here’s an interesting spin on a Bordeaux-blend: Casa Silva Quinta Generacion 2004 ($19.95 - #59451) from Chile – Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are the classic varieties, while Syrah and Carmenere put the new world, and in particular, a Chilean spin on things. Smooth and tasty … an interesting woodsy, forest floor nuance on the nose with sweet fruit in the mouth. This one you should really enjoy.Happy Shopping.
