Hello to all my wine friends,
Looking at this new release, if Cabernet Sauvignon is your favourite varietals, you are in luck, this grape occupies the most significant portion of this release. Heads up, there is another 2007 Châteauneuf-du Pape worth picking up.
Cabernet Sauvignon; I counted 22 new products, from $12 to $80, ready to drink now or to cellar from five to ten years. And I would say that about half of those are very good to excellent, and are worth picking up depending how deep your pockets are. Starting with they very good California 2007 vintage. I have read both the Decanter Magazine (February 2011) and the Wine Spectator (November 15, 2010) special report on the California Cabernet 2007 vintage. Long growing season, moderate temperature with no infamous California heat spikes. Results are more elegant wines with lower alcohol and high quality across all price level. Looking at the two most expensive offering Duckhorn at $69.95 and Shafer One Point Five at $79.95. If I could afford these wines would I buy them? Absolutely they are some of the best from Napa. But do they represent value? Am I going to enjoy Shafer two and half times more then St-Francis at $28.95. I not sure. I think that the price is a little outrageous. A good option is Napanook 2007 at $53.95 a more Bordeaux type wine, blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. From Chile is iconic Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 at $69.95, a big wine for your cellar. Do not open for at least five years. A great Cabernet region is Coonawarra in Australia with is red clay over limestone soil and flavour of mint and eucalyptus like Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 at $29.95. I have also included a few more Cabernet in my recommended wines below.
Yalumba "The Signature"; Attention to all fans of big Australian Shiraz like The Dead Arm Shiraz from D'Arenberg and McRae Wood from Jim Barry. I have a wine to recommend to you; Yalumba "The Signature" Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005 from Barossa (528356) at $51.95. I have enjoyed the last three vintages of this wine and what a treat. The Yalumba Signature is a perfect expression of an "Australian blend" using two classic grape varieties, Cabernet and Shiraz; medium to full body, complex aromatics, rich flavours of dark fruit, spices, toasty oak, leather and chewy tannins. It is ready to drink or you could cellar for up to 5 years. It is the exception that some wineries release their wine only when the wine is more elegant and ready to enjoy, like this Signature 2005 vintage. I searched all over, including Yalumba's own website for information about the exact percentage of this blend, but had no luck., What I can tell you is that Cabernet Sauvignon is listed first on the label, which means there is more Cabernet then Shiraz. This is indeed a delicious and comforting wine.
My "Go to Wine"; We all have wines that are not expensive, a great value and we rely on them to pair with a variety of dishes or to enjoy on their own. The Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2008 from Argentina (079293) at $17.95 is such a wine. Well balanced, fruity, lively acidity and well integrated tannins. This wine is a perfect match for anything on the BBQ (steaks, burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, ribs), including ( my favourite from Ricardo's) pizza. It is a lovely bottle of wine which won't break the bank. I also expect that the Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (606764) at $17.95 may work it's way into my go to wine list.
Speaking of value, here is my review from a purchased new release from two weeks ago; The Stonehedge Diamond Ridge Reserve Zinfandel 2007 from Napa Valley (205781) at $17.95. Nice aromatics, medium body, cherries, red plums, rhubarb, ripe berries, white pepper, savoury and smoky. Mouth feel is well balanced with crisp acidity, well integrated tannins and moderate use of oak. The alcohol at 14.3%, is very reasonable for a Zin considering it's origin is Napa. A very nice Zinfandel, and at great value. It is ready to drink now and can be enjoyed with or without food. This wine is still available in certain locations, it is best to check Vintages website for availability or ask your favourite LCBO consultant (hello Brian).
My top three wines from this release:
1-Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005 (528356) at $51.95
2-Napanook 2007 (212357) at $53.95
3-Château Fortia Cuvé Du Baron Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2007 (959999) at $34.95
My top three for there value:
1-Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2008 (079293) at $17.95
2-La Chamiza Polo Profesional Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (128595) at $12.95
3-Vignobles David Le Mourre de L'Isle Côte du Rhôte KP 2009 (128124) at $15.95
These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;
Red Wines;
1-Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (045476) at $79.95
2-St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (671164) at $28.95
3-Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from Chile (606764) at $69.95
4-La Chamiza Polo Profesional Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Argentina (128595) at $12.95
5-Château Fortia Cuvé Du Baron Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2007 from France (959999) at $34.95
6-Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006 from Italy (225961) at $47.95
Sparkling Wines:
1-Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2005 from California (223792) at $24.95
White Wine:
1-Domaine des Ballandors Quincy 2008 from France (202390) at $18.95
My team and I will be back for next New Release March 5, 2011 and will try to send a newsletter on the SAQ Cellier March release for my family and friends living in "la belle province" Quebec.
Cheers
Paul Forget, YWG.
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