Saturday December 8, 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 ... Fizz (FZ) and Holiday Gatherings (HG)

The Skinny ... Two amazing red wines from Chile, an aged Chenin from South Africa and a delightful German Riesling make the grade this time.

Argentina ...

Susana Balbo 2010 Signature Malbec ($23.95 - #79798) - big and purple with smoked coffee bean, blackberry, cassis and a smoky vanilla finish. (****)

Australia ...

Ben Glaetzer 2010 The Bishop Shiraz ($39.95 - #627869) - chocolate and coffee with rich black cherry and plum. (****)

De Bortoli 2008 Noble One Botrytis Semillon ($29.95 / 375ml - #917252) - sweet supple and honey dried white fruit with apricot mango and pineapple. (****) - HG

Kurtz Family 2008 Boundary Row Shiraz ($27.95 - #29371) - pretty smooth with plum, cinnamon and vanilla, especially on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

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

Cave Spring 2009 Chenin Blanc ($17.95 - #627315) -

Calamus 2010 Cosmic Red ($19.95 - #258129) -

Henry of Pelham 2007 Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc ($44.95 - #315200) - FZ

Henry of Pelham 2010 Estate Cabernet/Merlot ($24.95 - #395855) -

Inniskillin 2009 Legacy Pinot Gris ($35.00 - #229591) -

Inniskillin 2010 Winemaker's Series Select Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet ($24.95 - #225482) -

Jackson-Triggs 2010 Delaine Syrah ($32.95 - #86553) -

Lailey 2007 Cabernet Franc ($30.00 - #591388) -

Paul Ross 2007 Riesling ($35.00 - #206813) -

Rosehall Run 2007 Rosehall Vineyard Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #149062) -

Southbrook 2011 Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rose ($19.95 - #279117) -

Tawse 2009 Quary Road Pinot Noir ($34.95 - #307686) -

The Foreign Affair 2010 The Conspiracy ($19.95 - #149237) -

Chile ...

Concha y Toro 2011 Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #301424) - since my last tasting this wine has developed more coffee notes and more spice, it's drinking well and will drink over the next 2-3 years. (****+)

Natura 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay ($14.95 - #61895) - juicy peach and apple with citrus zestiness and nice acidity on the finish. (*** 1/2+)

Ninquen Antu 2010 Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah ($16.95 - #675371) - great value, minty blackberry, plum and spice with hints of chocolate and a nice weight. (****+)

Santa Carolina 2009 Reserva de Familia Carmenere ($17.95 - #34942) - pleasant chocolate, brambly, blackberry and biting cherry. (*** 1/2+)

Hungary ...

Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2007 ($20.95 / 500ml - #980805) - apricot, dried peach and a little orange peel. (*** 1/2)

France (Alsace) ...

Charles Wantz 2010 Excellence Gewurztraminer ($17.95 - #298539) - spicy, lychee with a nice sweet finish; almost cream in nature. (****)

France (Beaujolais) ...

Jacques Depagneux 2011 Cote de Py Morgon ($18.95 - #299925) - lots of easy to drink cherry fruit. (*** 1/2+) - HG

France (Burgundy) ...

Louis Jadot 2009 Pouilly-Fuisee ($29.95 - #732917) - nice green apple and lemon pith, hint of peach in the mid-palate with a minerality finish. (****)

Domaine Chanson 2009 Beaune Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru ($49.95 - #299792) - nice spiced blackberry and earth notes with plenty of tannins. (****)

France (Champagne) ...

Beaumont des Crayeres Grand Prestige Brut Champagne ($46.95 - #903443) - biscuity with lemon and hazelnuts. (****) - FZ

France (Loire) ...

Marc Bredif 2010 Vouvray ($19.95 - #685362) - touch of delicate sweetness with honeycomb, lemon peel and floral notes too. (*** 1/2+) - HG

France (Midi) ...

Domaine Clavel 2010 Bonne Pioche Pic Saint Loup ($19.95 - #297986) - yummy seductive in the glass, dark in colour with black cherry, chocolate and plum with white pepper and some mineral action. (**** 1/2)

France (Rhone) ...

Famille Perrin 2010 Les Christins Vacqueyras ($23.95 - #973453) - blackberry, cassis, cocoa, baking chocolate and nice hit of black pepper. (****)

Foncalieu 2010 Reserve du Crouzeau St. Gervais Cotes du Rhone-Villages ($15.95 - #142943) - raspberry, strawberry, plum and chocolate. (*** 1/2+)

Germany ...

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller 2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese ($24.95 - #727370) - nice bit of acidity keeps this from being over-the-top sweet. (*** 1/2+) - HG

St. Urbans-Hof 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #995746) - very pretty; there's much going on here with peach, mineral, citrus zest and even some exotic fruit like pineapple. (****+)

Italy (Campania) ...

Terredora 2009 Aglianico ($15.95 - #602284) - coffee, mocha and cranberry. (*** 1/2)

Italy (Piedmont) ...

Balbi Soprani Brachetto D'Acqui ($16.95 - #298570) - sweet bubbly and delicious, lively red berries: raspberry / strawberry with touch of cherry and currants. (****)

Italy (Tuscany) ...

Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($22.95 - #642009) - mocha, cherry, plum and strawberry. (*** 1/2+)

Poggio il Castellare 2006 Brunello di Montacino ($47.95 - #293555) - leathery-cranberry, cedar spice and sandlewood, good acidity drives the finish. (****)

Italy (Veneto) ...

Maculan 2011 Pinot Grigio ($13.95 - #734921) - nice peachy citrus throughout. (*** 1/2)

Japan ...

Gekkeikan Horin Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo Sake ($39.95 - #951509) - I'm no sake afficianado but this is one delicate and delightful sip. (*** 1/2+)

New Zealand ...

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2011 ($19.95 - #295592) - a cross between Burgundy and California; quite nice with good acidity and earthy notes and minerality; cherry, cranberry cocktail; quite pretty and worth the price. (****+)

Goldwater 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #295261) - peach, passionfruit with grassy and green apple. (*** 1/2+)

Oyster Bay Brut Sparkling Cuvee ($21.95 - #163634) - grassy with great acidity and a pleasant lemonyness. (*** 1/2) - FZ

Waipara 2009 West Ram Paddock Red ($19.95 - #295576) - juicier, fruitier than one would expect: strawberry and framboise note with a real sexy mouthfeel. (*** 1/2+)

Portugal ...

Burmester 10-Year-Old Tawny Port ($24.95 - #223958) - orange peel with spiced cherry nuances, a nice nutty finish. (****) - HG

Herdade do Arrepiado Velho Red ($19.95 - #295337) - a real raspberry-vanilla cherry laced gem from Portugal; almost jammy but real delicious. (****)

Offley 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #70086) - offley good, offley lovely, offley affordable: spicy with concentration of dark, dried fruit all with a dark spiced-chocolate covering. (**** 1/2+)

South Africa ...

Kanu 2006 KCB Chenin Blanc ($14.95 - #907089) - a lot of interesting nuances: vanilla, honeycomb and a spiced finish. (****)

United States (California) ...

Belle Glos 2011 Meomi Pinot Noir ($24.95 - #130138) - continues to be a favourite, juicy and delicious with blackberry, woodsmoke and dried cranberry sweetness with nice spiced-mocha finish and good tannins. (****+)

Darioush 2007 Duel ($48.95 - #291013) - blue and black berry duel it out while spice plays a prominent role between the two. (****)

Gloria Ferrer Va De Vi Ultra Cuvee ($26.95 - #20070) - nice hint of sweetness with delicate apple and lemonade notes. (*** 1/2+) - FZ

Irony 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #25106) - juicy Cali-cab, red fruit and layered with tobacco and currants. (*** 1/2+)

J. Lohr 2009 Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($38.95 - #686584) - chocolate, back cherry and vanilla. (*** 1/2+)

Morgan 2009 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir ($38.95 - #642249) - very cherry and strawberry with good acidity though quite juicy. (****)

Pedroncelli 2006 Four Grapes Vintage Port ($19.95 - #204487) - port grapes are used but they lack the port-like climate and port-know-how, it's sweet and has merit but will never overtake the real thing. (*** 1/2)

Stonestreet 2007 Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($49.95 - #285098) - nice spicy tannins and darkly-fruited. (****)

The Prisoner 2011 Proprietary Red ($49.95 - #104299) - big alcohol, big fruit, nice flavour all the way to its core. (****)

Trentadue 2010 La Storia Petite Sirah ($23.95 - #291047) - jammy Zinfandel-esque core; plummy-raisined with sweet fruit. (****)

United States (Washington) ...

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #269357) - mocha, black cherry; smooth and supple. (*** 1/2+)

If You Can Afford It - wines that are worth their high price ...

Chateau St. Jean 2008 Cinq Cepages ($75.95 - #710913) - United States (****)

Mitolo 2009 Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon ($57.95 - 659599) - Australia (****+)

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne ($59.95 - #814723) - France (****) - FZ

Ravine 2007 Reserve Red ($55.00 - #204966) - Canada (*** 1/2+)

What I'll Be Lining Up For - December 8, 2012 ...

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2011 ($19.95 - #295592) - New Zealand

Ninquen Antu 2010 Chilean Mountain Vineyard Syrah ($16.95 - #675371) - Chile

Offley 2007 Late Bottled Vintage Port ($19.95 - #70086) - Portugal

St. Urbans-Hof 2011 Riesling ($16.95 - #995746) - Germany

Happy Shopping

To print this article click here for the PDF version.

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

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

Saturday 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

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.