Giacomo Borgogno Barbera D’Alba Superiore 2010, Doc, Piedmont, Italy

This is the style of Barbera which strongly appeals to my palette. This wine opened up with aromas of sour cherry, plum, pomegranate, dried violet and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, smooth texture, firm acidity and fine dusty tannins. Good length and very pleasant on the finish with flavours of sweet and sour fruit and savoury spices. This wine is 100% Barbara, maturation for 12 months in oak barrels and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. This 2010 vintage is a much stronger effort, better balance than the 2009 vintage. The 1% reduction in alcohol makes for a much fresher and more enjoyable, prettier Barbera. Great value and strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO New Release (285486) at $19.95

Artemis Karamolegos Santorini 2010, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Grece

Bright yellow in color, this un-oaked wine is made with 100% Assyrtico grape from the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini, with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

 

This wine opened up with aromas of ripe peach, pear, citrus fruit, spices, light honey and minerals notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, low acidity with flavours of ripe tropical and citrus fruit and a touch of honey. This finish is long, slightly creamy with luscious tropical fruit lingering. Interesting wine and a great value, I would like to try this wine with a BBQ pork tenderloin with a spicy tropical fruit salsa. Score 88 points.

Purchased October 13, 2012 LCBO New Release (295642) at $15.95

Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

 

Here something you don’t see often, a full bodied, well balanced, delicious Shiraz under $20.00. This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, stewed plums, black licorice, chocolate, mint, eucalyptus and smoky cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (with alcohol coming in at a generous 15%), and with alcohol this high, this wine is still well balanced by its richness of fruit, flavours,  texture, balanced acidity and fined grained tannins. Great length on the finish, with a rich creamy texture and ripe fruit lingering. Quit delicious and easily enjoyed. Drinking well now or over the next 4-5 years, score 89 points

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO New Release (167064) at $18.95

Vigne Nuove Di Musella Valpolicella Superiore 2009, Docg, Veneto, Italy

I seldom purchase Valpolicella, I find them light and a bit pedestrian with little flavour or structure, but this little over-achiever blew me away. On the nose such exquisite aromatics with flavours of red cherry, plum, rhubarb, vanilla, slightly spicy with light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, fresh ripe fruit, spicy with crisp acidity and fine silky tannins. The finish is very refreshing with a good mixture of sweet and sour fruit, ending with fine silky tannins, adding weight and structure to the whole package.

 

This wine is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Barbera with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. I served this wine around 16-17 °C because my experience is that lighter wines are better enjoyed slightly chilled. This is an easy drinking wine, unpretentious, of great value and delicious. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO New Release (205757) at $15.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of November 24, 2012 - Smart Buys for Holiday Entertaini​ng and Wine Gifts, La crème de la crème

Hello to all my wine friends,

     

Looking at this New Release (NR), this is the second of three massive Holiday Vintage LCBO NR. I have been waiting for the high priced trophy wines to appear, well, here they are. With 18 wines and spirits between $50 to $100 and 14 over $100, there are many options for the collectors and big spenders among us. Your spending can quickly get out of control from temptations like those in this NR. This is why I have a budget, and a plan to stick to it. What I’m looking for in this NR is wines which represent good value for your hard earn dollars. Meaning, no matter how much you spend on a bottle of wine, the enjoyment factor of that wine should justify the amount that you have spent on it. I have reviewed the entire NR book and wrote down every wine which appeals to me, regardless of the price. From this NR, 49 of them made it into my list. Now apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention.

First the white wines; 

• Here is a good value Chardonnay from California, First Press Chardonnay 2010 from California (199810) at $19.95. 

• Looking to splurge on a California Chardonnay, here are two options for you, Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 from California (210039) at $34.95; and Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2010 from California (045583) at $62.95. 

• For fans of Australian dry Riesling, here is a Riesling which is highly recommended, Pewsey Vale Riesling 2011 from Australia (686600) at $19.95. 

• A perennial favourite and always enjoyable Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa will be released this weekend, Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa (933424) at $18.95.

 

Now for the red wines; 

• From this very good South Okanagan winery, Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from British Columbia (303719) at $28.95. 

• Here is a wine which over delivered at the $20.00 dollar price point, Arboleda Carmenère 2010 from Chile (046284) at $19.95. 

• For fans of Rhône Valley wines, from the 2010 vintages, two highly recommended wines, the first, from one of my favourite producers; Alain Jaume & Fils, Domaine Grand Veneur Clos de Sixte Lirac 2010 of France (076349) at $22.95 and one of the best values of this release, Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas 2010 from France (017400) at $23.95 and finally. 

• A full bodied wine from Chile at a ridiculously low price of $15.95, worth multiple purchases, Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 2009 from Chile (213520) at $15.95. Well let’s get started. 

Smart Buys for Holiday Entertaining;   With all those Holiday entertaining, parties and gatherings, here are three wines which are meant to be enjoyed with appetizers, finger foods and won't break the bank;

 

 

• Musella Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (205757) at $15.95 – This light to medium red would pair well with appetizers, finger foods and cheese platter, a blend of  70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Barbera with alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.5%. 

 

• Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009 from Australia (167064) at $18.95 – This wine is made with 100% Shiraz grape, maturation in a combination of French and American oak with alcohol coming in at 15%. This Shiraz is made to be enjoyed upon release but could cellar for 4-5 years. 

 

• Canonica A Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (275867) at $18.95 - This wine was previously released at the LCBO on April 28 for $17.95. Even with a few extra dollars in price, this wine still qualifies as a wine of great value. There is a lot of complexity and texture for a under $20.00 wine. I have review this wine on this blog and you can read it here.

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/12/canonica-cerreto-chianti-classico.html

 

Wine Gifts, La crème de la crème;   So many good if not great wines will be released this weekend, I thought I would highlight wines (from different price point) which would be either a fantastic gifts for someone special or for yourself. Splurging on ourselves once in a while is good for the morale. Here are my splurge wine gift suggestions;

 

• Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006 from Italy (685180) at $24.95 – Always nice to see an aged Vino Nobile in our stores, last years 2005 was absolutely gorgeous and this vintage is equally delicious. I just posted the review today, here are my thoughts;

 

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/salcheto-vino-nobile-di-montepulciano.html

 

• Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (186171) at $29.95 – Blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, maturation taking place in 100% French oak (5% new oak) for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 13.9%. The 2010 vintage of Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon is not as approachable in its youth than the 2009 vintage, cellar for 1-2 years. A California Cabernet Sauvignon lovers Cab.

 

• Domaine La Roquète Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 from France (070862) at $46.95 – When you consider price vs. quality, this Châteauneuf-Du-Pape offers the best bang for your buck. Domaine La Roquète is a producer of a more elegant styles of Châteauneuf, this is a blend of mostly Grenache with 80% and the remaining 20% Syrah with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

 

• Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (014217) at $74.95 – I had the great joy of tasting this Cab at the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa in March. It was my favourite Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a rich combination of fruit, great texture, robust wine, and very approachable. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% each of merlot and Cabernet Franc with alcohol coming in at 14.9%.

 

• Yalumba The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz 2006 from Australia (449017) at $110.95 – If Santa believes that I have been good this year, this wine would be a great gift in my Christmas stocking. From a family owned winery, made with 100% old vines Shiraz, maturation in a combination of French, American and Hungarian oak for 20 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. I can still taste the 2001 vintage of Yalumba The Octavius, which I enjoyed at the Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria BC a few years back.

 

My top three wines from this release;

 

1- Yalumba The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz 2006 from Australia (449017) at $110.95 

 

2- Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (014217) at $74.95 

 

3- Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (315176) at $79.95

 

 

My top three wines for Holiday Gift (around $30.00)

 

1- Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas 2010 from France (017400) at $23.95

 

2- Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006 from Italy (685180) at $24.95

 

3- Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (186171) at $29.95

 

 

My top three wines for value;

 

1- Musella Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (205757) at $15.95

 

2- Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 2009 from Chile (213520) at $15.95

 

3- Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009 from Australia (167064) at $18.95

 

 

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

 

Red Wines;

 

1- Nk’Mip Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from British Columbia (303719) at $28.95

 

2- Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (014217) at $74.95

 

3- Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (186171) at $29.95

 

4- Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (193763) at $99.95

 

5- Joseph Phelps Insignia 2008 from California (710400) at $224.95

 

6- Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (118695) at $38.95

 

7- Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2008 from Argentina (662072) at $109.95

 

8- Arboleda Carmenère 2010 from Chile (046284) at $19.95

 

9- Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 2009 from Chile (213520) at $15.95

 

10-Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (315176) at $79.95

 

11-Ballast Stone Shiraz 2009 from Australia (167064) at $18.95

 

12-Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008 from Australia (716142) at $89.95

 

13-Hardys HRB D641 Heritage Reserve Bin Shiraz 2007 from Australia (289934) at $35.95

 

14-Kilikanoon Green’s Vineyard Shiraz 2009 from Australia (006007) at $74.95

 

15-Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2006 from Australia (039073) at $48.95

 

16-Penfold Bin 128 Shiraz 2010 from Australia (509919) at $36.95

 

17-Peter Lehmann The Futures Shiraz 2008 from Australia (606780) at $24.95

 

18-Yalumba The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz 2006 from Australia (449017) at $110.95

 

19-Villa Ponciago La Réserve Fleurie 2011 from France (299917) at $21.95

 

20-Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne 2010 from France (299859) at $16.95

 

21-Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (711317) at $89.95

 

22-Domaine Grand Veneur Clos de Sixte Lirac 2010 from France (076349) at $22.95

 

23-Domaine La Roquète Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 from France (070862) at $46.95

 

24-Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas 2010 from France (017400) at $23.95

 

25-Canonica A Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (275867) at $18.95

 

26-Cennatoio Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (232561) at $15.95

 

27-Ornellaia 2009 from Italy (722470) at $189.95

 

28-Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006 from Italy (685180) at $24.95

 

29-Sassicaia 2009 from Italy (480533) at $179.95

 

30-Volpaia Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (953828) at $23.95

 

31-Brigaldara Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (300012) at $49.95

 

32-Musella Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (205757) at $15.95

 

 

 

White Wines;

 

1- Malivoire Moira Chardonnay 2009 from Ontario (243113) at $39.95

 

2- First Press Chardonnay 2010 from California (199810) at $19.95

 

3- Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 from California (210039) at $34.95

 

4- Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2010 from California (045583) at $62.95

 

5- Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay 2009 from Washington State (366542) at $14.95

 

6- Pewsey Vale Riesling 2011 from Australia (686600) at $19.95

 

7- Wither Hills Pinot Gris 2011 from New Zealand (214999) at $19.95

 

8- Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa (933424) at $18.95

 

9- Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumées 1^er Cru 2008 from France (299933) at $69.95

 

10-C. H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2009 from Germany (207274) at $19.95

 

 

Champagne;

 

1-Charles de Cazanove 1er Cru Brut Champagne from France (299750) at $43.95

 

2-Charles Mignon Premier Cru Grande Réserve Brut Champagne from France (173484) at $47.95

 

3-Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé Champagne 2000 from France (091777) at $299.95

 

4-Krug Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne from France (038562) at $271.95

 

 

Dessert Wines;

1-Henry of Pelham Cabernet Icewine from Ontario (672402) at $39.95

 

2-Konzelmann Vidal Icewine 2009 from Ontario (167866) at $24.95

 

3-Stratus Riesling Icewine from Ontario (056671) at $39.95

 

 

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the last New Release before the Holidays on December 8, 2012 where the feature segment is “Fine Wines for Holiday get-togethers” and “Fabulous Fizz”.

 

Cheers
Paul YWG

Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is made with 100% Prugnolo gentile (Sangiovese) with maturation taking place in large Slavonian oak casks and a portion in small French Allier oak barrels, with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

There is no denying the fact that this wine was made with Sangiovese, it starts with the nose, aromas of sour cherry, plum, currants, savoury spices, old church wood and a touch of earthy funk which blows off after a few minutes out of the bottle. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, soft seductive fruit, smooth texture, balanced acidity and gritty tannins. Medium length on the finish, smooth, savoury, great flavours with a mild dryness. Lots of finesse and charm in this old school Sangiovese, I truly enjoyed the aromatics and its savoury personality. Nice to see a mature Vino Nobile in our store, perfectly ready to enjoy now or over the next 2-3 years. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased November 21, 2012 LCBO New Release (685180) at $24.95 (Part of November 24 NR)

Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2008, Kumeu, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Beautiful golden yellow in color, this Chardonnay opens up with aromas of grapefruit, peach, lime peel, nutty, honey and light pineapple notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (alcohol coming in at 13.5%), dry, good weight with a great mix of citrus, tropical fruit and lively acidity. The finish on this wine is very refreshing with plenty of citrus fruit and as a result of 11 months barrel fermentation (of which 20% was new French oak), a touch of honey and light caramel. Fans of cool climate and moderate use of oak Chardonnay will find plenty to like in this wine, very enjoyable. Score 91 points.

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (640383) at $28.95

Nk’Mip Cellars Mer’r’iym 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

 

Nk’Mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep) is North America’s first aboriginal owned and operated winery. This wine name, Mer’r’iym, pronounced mur-eem, it is a word from the dialect spoken by the Osoyoos Indian Band. This word represents marriage, in this case, the marriage of all five Bordeaux varietals; 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in French and American oak barrels for 18 months and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

I have fond memories of tasting this inaugural vintage of Nk’Mpi Meritage at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival in March of 2011 where I was able to purchase a bottle. I remember thinking that this wine had a lot of potential but needed time to allow the tannins to soften up. I easily fell for the aromatics. Now a little more than 1 1/2 year later, this wine opened up with exquisite aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, cassis, black pepper, smoky and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, layered dark fruit and gentle wood spices flavours, well structured by balanced acidity and slightly chewy tannins. This blends finish is long with fine textured, excellent depth of flavours and fine tannins lingering. This wine managed to achieve both power and elegance and was absolutely delicious. Nk’Mpi Cellars Mer’r’iym is a great addition to their portfolio of wines and strongly recommended, score 92 points.

Purchased at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival on March 31, 2011 at $50.00

 

 

View of part of Nk'Mip vineyards and the Osoyoos Lake

Marqué de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 2004, Rioja, Spain



This mature beauty is a blend of 93% Tempranillo and 7% Mazuelo (Spanish for Carignan) with maturation taking place in American oak (with at least 10% new oak) for 29 months with 3 years bottle aging before being released to the market, alcohol coming in at 14%.

Wow, the nose is so invigorating with aromas of cherry, black plum, dried strawberries, exotic spices and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, ripe seductive fruit and gentle wood spices flavours and fine grained tannins. This Gran Reserva finish is so smooth, with great flavours lingering. What you get from this wine is that all elements are impeccably well integrated, lots of finesse and fine texture. Drinking well right now, but should keep improving over the next 3-5 years. Gorgeous wine, strongly recommended. Score 93 points.

Purchased at the SAQ in Montréal (11166647) at $49.00

Marqué de Murrieta Ygay Estate

Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos Colheita 2008, Doc Douro, Portugal

This wine is a blend of traditional Port grapes (Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca and Touriga Nacional) with maturation taking place in French and Russian oak for 1 year and alcohol coming in at 14%.

On the nose, this blend opened up with aromas of cherry, black fruit, sandalwood and, Moroccan spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, very youthful with ripe black fruit, balanced acidity and grainy tannins. Medium length on the finish, soft texture, almost sweet with light tannins lingering. This wine’s style is almost new world, very ripe, feels sweet even if the wine is listed as extra-dry, quite charming and easy drinking. I would buy this again, score 89 points.  

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO New Release (902742) at $24.95

Mission Hill Quatrain 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Since its inaugural release with the 2005 vintage, Quatrain has become my favourite wine from Mission Hill, taking into consideration the quality and price. This is a blend of 34% Merlot, 29% Syrah, 22% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with maturation taking place in French and American oak for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 14.0%.

This blend opened up with aromas of dark cherry and plum, blackcurrants, pepper, clove, vanilla, tobacco and light smoke. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, intensely flavourful, slightly chewy, balanced acidity and puckering tannins. Good length on the finish with loads of dark fruit, spices and persistent tannins lingering. I usually like Quatrain for its elegance, this 2008 vintage is a little more muscular. My favourite vintage still remains the 2006, where the Syrah was the dominant grape with 41% and where maturation took place in French oak only. Quatrain 2008 is still a nice bottle of wine but as it sheds some of its oak; it should gain more complexity and elegance. Score 90 points.

Purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release (218636) at $41.95

Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

 

Beautiful and fresh aromatics in this unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of lemon, grapefruit and pineapple. On the mouthfeel it is medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13%) with flavours of sweet and sour fruit, excellent fruit and acid balance. This Sauvignon Blanc finish is long, a bit edgy and slightly tart like citrus pit. Definitely better with food, score 87 points.

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO New Release (963124) at $19.95