Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of June 9, 2012 - Tasting Chilean Terroir and Celebratio​n for Dad

Hello to all my wine friends,


Looking at this New Release (NR), apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention. Starting with white wines, the not to be missed, for fans of Sauvignon Blanc, Hunter’s Jane Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (280271) at $19.95; a very well reviewed Chardonnay from South Africa, Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010 (277939) at $21.95; and if you are fan of aromatic wines and looking for something different, from Northwest Spain, Abanico Tempestad Godello 2010 (276071) at $17.95. Now for the reds, for fans of elegant Pinot Noir, the well priced Macrostie Pinot Noir 2007 from California (674911) at $24.95; looking for a traditional style of Chianti? Giocomo Mori Castelrotto Chianti Riserva 2008 from Italy (180026) at $25.95. Well let’s get started;


Tasting Chilean Terroir;  Most people know Chile as a good producer of value priced wines in the $10 to $15 range, dating back to the 1980s. Now those early generations have moved on to more balanced and complex wines. If Chile wants to kept that share of the market, the Chilean wineries have to adapt, which means moving up in the mountains where cooler climate will give the wines better acidity, lower yields for better concentration and good use of blending. Of course, this means extra investment and cost, but consumers don’t mind paying more for such premium wines. These four recommendations are all under $20.00 and represent a great value;

• Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Limari Valley (162040) at $19.95 – Limari Valley is a fairly new wine growing region where ocean breezes blow inland and cool this otherwise hot, dry area. Clear skies, abundant sunshine, rain-free summers contribute to produce crisp white wines like this Chardonnay.

• Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Elqui Valley (090035) at $17.95 – The Carmenère variety originally planted in Médoc region of Bordeaux in France but is now almost exclusively grown in Chile. Carmenère in Chile for 150 years was originally mistaken for Merlot until 1998 when DNA testing proved otherwise. The Carmenère grape is related to Cabernet Sauvignon and produce a deep colour wine with flavours red fruit, wild berries and savoury notes. The tannins are softer than Cabernet Sauvignon. Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 is my pick for the best value of this release, to enjoy now and over the next couple of years.

• Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Colchagua Valley (274159) at $17.95 -  There are some fine Syrah being made in Chile, in the Mediterranean climate. In the near future, we should see more Carignan, Syrah, Viognier which are more associated with the Rhône region in France. Looking forward to the summer BBQ season, Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 is a good choice, and best among affordable reds for summer entertaining. 

 

• Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2009 from Rapel Valley (939827) at $19.95 – I had the opportunity to taste this Merlot at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival this past February. I am a fan of Merlot but this one almost drinks like a Cabernet, a big wine with concentrated flavours and plenty of oak. This is a wine which would benefit from a few years in your cellar and should appeal to fans of bigger bolder wines.  

Celebration for Dad;  With Fathers Day fast approaching (June 17), if you are looking for a fine bottle of wine to show your appreciation to your father, here are a few recommendations. Most men that I know prefer a full bodied red wine, I have four of those wines for you to consider and I will try to cover all the bases with these four picks; a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile; two wines from Italy; a Barolo and a Brunello and finally, a Pinot Noir from the very good 2009 vintage in Burgundy. My suggestion, if your father prefers a white, how about Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 from (127498) at $24.95. 

• Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (562918) at $29.95 –  If like my father, your father prefers Cabernet Sauvignon, this full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will not disappoint. This is a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, rich, concentrated flavours and good acidity, thanks to their high elevation vineyard in  proximity to the Andes Mountain. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years.

• Poggiotondu Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (276576) at $34.95 – There are few wines which are as intriguing as Brunello Di Montalcino. The appellation rules require that only Sangiovese grapes be used in the making of Brunello, the wine should age a minimum of three years in barrel and one year in bottle before being released to the market. These wines often show best up to a decade after being bottled.

• Marziano Abbona Pressenda Barolo 2007 from Italy (276584) at $43.95 – If you have never had the opportunity to try a Barolo in the past, you should not let the color fool you. Made with 100% Nebbiolo grape, these wines are quit tannic in their youth. The flavours and aroma profiles include dark fruit, primarily blackberry with loads of complex flavours of smoke, tar, liquorice, roses and rustic notes. This wine is a candidate for your dad's cellar, to be enjoyed in 3-4 years. 

• Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003 from Australia (278572) at $45.95 -  We cellar our Bordeaux, Barolo, Brunello, why not Australian Shiraz like Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003. The best and most complex Australian Shiraz are much better after spending some time in your cellar. From one of my favourite regions of Australia, Clare Valley (cooler climate, better acidity and less jammy character), this Shiraz is now entering its optimum drinking period. This mature, complex Shiraz is ready to go and is sure to get the wine discussions going on Father’s Day.

  

My top three wines from this release;

1- Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003 from Australia (278572) at $45.95 

2- Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1er Cru 2009 from France (932855) at $52.95

3- Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (562918) at $29.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Chile (090035) at $17.95

2- Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (274159) at $17.95   

3- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Chile (162040) at $19.95 

These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;

Red Wines;

1- Shafer Merlot 2009 from California (346262) at $59.95

2- Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (111880) at $59.95 - Cellar Candidate   
3- Altos Las Hormigas Reserva Malbec 2008 from Argentina (678987) at $27.95
4- Altaïr Sideral 2007 from Chile (660837) at $26.95

5- Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2009 from Chile (933827) at $19.95 - Cellar Candidate

6- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (269423) at $19.95

7- Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (274159) at $17.95 

8- Engine Room Shiraz/Cabernet 2009 from Australia (280180) at $20.95

9- The Lackey Shiraz 2009 from Australia (005199) at $17.95 
10-Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (659581) at $54.95 - Cellar Candidate      

11-Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1er Cru 2009 from France (932855) at $52.95 - Cellar Candidate

12-Marziano Abbona Pressenda Barolo 2007 from Italy (276584) at $43.95 - Cellar Candidate     
13-Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico 2008 (942607) at $59.95 - Cellar Candidate   
13-Giacomo Mori Castelrotto Chianti Riserva 2008 from Italy (180026) at 25.95 – Cellar Candidate

White Wines;

1- Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (049775) at $21.95

2- Grich Hills Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from California (346296) at $29.95

3- McManis Chardonnay 2010 from California (265983) at $19.95
4- Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (678656) at $13.95

5- Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 from Chile (127498) at $24.95

6- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Chile (162040) at $19.95

7- Hunter’s Jane Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (280271) at $19.95
8- Jean Geiler Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer 2010 from France (106864) at $17.95
9- Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2010 from Germany (568634) at $13.95
10-Abanico Tempestad Godello 2010 from Spain (276071) at $17.95  

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of June 23, 2012, where the featured segments are Summers Sippers and what else? Our Canada Day celebrations, of course.

Cheers,

Paul YWG