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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Taltarni Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia




This wine is crafted with 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot in a supporting grape at 6%, with maturation in a mix of new to 4 years old French and American oak. Alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened with an exotic maturing bouquet of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, Moroccan spices, smoke, and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, tasty, structure is entirely elegant and very smooth with soft seductive fruit and gentle wood spices, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, not very complex but the flavours are very nice and the texture is pure velvet. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot of charm and although it is ready to enjoy, I wouldn’t suggest you wait more then 2-3 years of additional cellar time. There are endless pairing possibilities, including sipping on its own. Well made and very enjoyable. Score 90 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (940692) at $24.95
 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of April 27, 2013 - Appassimen​to A Drying Art and My picks for...

Hello to all my wine friends,



Looking at this New Release (NR), if you are a fan of Italian reds, you are in luck. There is a respectable selection of wines from the featured Appassimento style of wines, from the region of Veneto, plus strong representation from Tuscany. If you are a fan of Barolo you have not been forgotten, there is a strong offering from the Fontanafredda Estate. As for the rest of the NR, a strong and interesting selection of white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Assyrtiko.

 
 
 
Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? My answer would be Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2009 from Italy (134775) at $27.95, a classy Tuscan blend of mostly Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with so many pairing possibilities.

Appassimento A Drying Art; The LCBO Vintages staff who put together this feature story deserve credit, both for the beautiful photos and the definition of what Appassimento style of wine making is. This link will take you directly to their well sourced info, so you can see for yourself and learn more about the difference between Ripasso or Amarone.
 
 
Here are my top three wines from the Appassimento style of wines from Veneto, Italy;
 
  • Remo Farina Montecorna Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superior 2010 (056267) at $19.95 Sometimes referred to as a baby Amarone or Amarone's little brother, this wine from the reliable producer Remo Farina is a blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara and 10% of other grapes, the alcohol comes in at 14%.
  • Masi Grandarella 2009 (606921) at $25.95 - Masi is another very good producer of Appassimento style of wines, I have been following Grandarella wines for many vintages now, a full bodied, rich and velvety wine made with Refosco and Carmenre grapes with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. Pairing suggestion BBQ or roast red meat, game and cheese platter.
  • Monte Del Fr Lena Di Mezzo Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 (047506) at $48.95In the wine world I don't know if there is a sexier wine than Amarone. This one is a blend of 80% Corvina & Corvinone and 20% Rondinella with maturation in 20 to 30 hectolitres oak barrels for at less 24 months, the alcohol comes in at a generous 15.5%.


My picks for...; I thought that I might give you my picks by these predominant grapes or blend or region;



  • My Organic white pick; Wittman Riesling Trocken 2011 from Germany (320366) at $20.95  - Here is my pick from the six products featured in the Green Power Organic Wines section, this is a organic & biodynamic Riesling from the region of Rheinhessen in Germany, sweetness level is extra-dry and alcohol comes in at 12%.
  • My best value white pick; Mount Riley Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (032318) at $17.95  - This wine is a blend of 100% Chardonnay fermented in stainless steel and French oak barrels and alcohol comes in at 13.5%. The same country which produces crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc can also produce great cool climate Chardonnay like this one.
  • My Chardonnay pick; Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuve Chardonnay 2009 from California (233981) at $23.95  - This is a cool-climate wine made with 100% Chardonnay grapes with maturation in a combination of French and Hungarian oak and alcohol comes in at 14.2%. Suggestive pairing; grilled or sauté fish or shellfish, chicken or pork dishes.
  • My off the beaten track red pick; Torrevento Vigna Pedale Riserva 2008 from Italy (208256) at $20.95  - This is one of my best value pick from this NR, from the region of Puglia, this wine is made with 100% Nero di Troia grape with maturation in steel for 8 months than a further 12 months in oak barrels with alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13%. Suggestive pairing; Italian pasta, pizza, red meat or mature cheese.

  • My Sangiovese blend pick; Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2009 from Italy (134775) at $27.95  - This wine is a classy blend of mostly Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role, with alcohol coming in at14%. Suggestive pairing; grilled or roast beef, lamb or earthy Italian pasta dish with sausage.
  • My Shiraz pick; Stalking Horse Shiraz 2010 from Australia (251215) at $18.95  - This wine is made with 100% Shiraz grapes, maturation in American oakwith alcohol coming in at 15.5%. For fans of big and rich Aussie, full bodied Shiraz, made to be enjoyed upon release with BBQ steak or BBQ back ribs or to cellar for a further 1-2 years.

My top three wines;
 
1- Monte Del Fr Lena Di Mezzo Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (047506) at $48.95
 
2- Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (169771) at $41.95
 
3- Il Marroneto Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (190108) at $46.95


 



My top three wines for value;
 
1- Mount Riley Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (032318) at $17.95
 
2- Torrevento Vigna Pedale Riserva 2008 from Italy (208256) at $20.95
 
3-Le Arche Atesio Appassimento 2010 from Italy (320747) at $16.95

 



My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;
 
Red Wines;

1-Le Arche Atesio Appassimento 2010 from Italy (320747) at $16.95
 
2- Masi Grandarella 2009 from Italy (606921) at $25.95
 
3- Monte Del Fr Lena Di Mezzo Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (047506) at $48.95
 
4- Remo Farina Montecorna Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superior 2010 from Italy (056267) at $19.95
 
5- Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (071407) at $74.95
 
6- Stalking HorseShiraz 2010 from Australia (251215) at $18.95
 
7- Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2010 from Australia (098392) at $21.95
 
8- Clos Du Roy 2010 from France (321307) at $22.95
 
9- Domaine de Saint Siffrein Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (169771) at $41.95
 
10-Fontanafredda Serralunga DAlba Barolo 2007 from Italy (943290) at $39.95
 
11-Torrevento Vigna Pedale Riserva 2008 from Italy (208256) at $20.95

 
12-Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (317529) at $23.95
 
13-Fattoria Di Basciano Il Corto 2009 from Italy (134775) at $27.95
 
14-Il Marroneto Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (190108) at $46.95
 
15-Marchesi De Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2010 from Italy (145920) at $21.95
 
16-Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Spain (129676) at $54.95
 

White Wines;
 
1- Huff Estates Pinot Gris 2011 from Ontario (134221) at $19.95
 
2- Frogs Leap Chardonnay 2011 from California (713552) at $36.95
 
3- Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuve Chardonnay 2009 from California (233981) at $23.95
 
4- Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (225557) at $17.00
 
5- Mount Riley Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (032318) at $17.95
 
6- Mud House The Woolshed Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (312744) at $20.95
 
7- Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (714295) at $17.95
 
8- Jean-Marc Brocard Mont De Lilieu Chablis 1er Cru 2010 from France (265348) at $27.95
 
9- Henri Bourgeois La Chapelle Des Augustins Sancerre 2010 from France (322628) at $29.95
 
10-Wittman Riesling Trocken 2011 from Germany (320366) at $20.95
 
11-Gaia Thalassitis Assyrtiko 2011 from Greece (315010) at $21.95


Champagne & Sparkling wine;

1- Lallier Grande Réserve Grand Cru Champagne from France (225284) $48.95

2- Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Vintage Rosé Champagne 2004 from France (588475) at $97.95

3- Prevedello Asolo Superiore Extra-Dry Prosecco 2011 from Italy (262881) at $17.95
 

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of May 11, 2013. Where the featured segments are Oz: Great powerful and diverse and Rosés for all seasons.
 
Cheers,
Paul YWG

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada




From the very good 2010 vintage in Ontario, this Pinot Noir maturation took place in French oak for over 10 months and alcohol comes in at 13%.

This wine opened up with an attractive bouquet of wild strawberry, plum, gentle wood spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, light-medium bodied with soft seductive fruit and spices flavours, fresh acidity and silky tannins. The ending is so smooth with those same soft berry fruit, sweet spices and fine tannins lingering. What you get from this Pinot Noir is a wine with great harmony, elegance and finesse, exactly the style of Pinot Noir that hits all the right notes for me. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased March 30, 2013 at the Wine Rack in Ottawa at $19.95

Pirramimma Shiraz 2009, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia




This wine is 100% Shiraz grapes from 30 years old vines with alcohol coming in at 15.5%. (No other info from the winery website)

Deep opaque violet in color, this Shiraz opened up with aromas of black fruit, chocolate, freshly roasted coffee beans, toasty, vanilla and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, robust, well structured by rich and concentrated flavours, low acidity and grainy tannins. Generous and intense flavour concentration on the finish. This is a big Shiraz in every way, big alcohol with equally big fruit concentration and oak treatment with still makes this wine balance. If opening this wine today, pair it with BBQ beef or lamb, but it certainly would improve with a further 4-5 years in your cellar. Score 88 points.

Purchased February 18, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (987784) at $26.95

Monday, April 22, 2013

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia




This wine is 100% Shiraz grapes with maturation in a mixture of French and American oak for 10 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

Opaque ruby in color, this Shiraz was a bit shy on the nose with aromas of red and black fruit, damp earth, smoke, spices and subtle eucalyptus. On the mouthfeel, medium-bodied, concentrated and robust but not overdone with mild acidity and silky tannins. This finish is pleasant, medium length and very smooth. This is an elegant, cool climate Shiraz and another excellent value red wine from Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased October 27, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (433060) at $22.95

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Domaine Cros De Romet Cairanne Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2010, Ac Rhône Valley, France




This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah with alcohol coming in at 16%. (No other info from the vineyard)

Deep opaque purple in color, this wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, dark plum, dried herbs, peppery and smoky and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, hot with flavours of black fruit, spices and charred wood, low acidity and firm tannins. This finish is medium length, hot with baked fruit and a stony minerality texture. After tasting a number of 2010 Rhône wines, I started to think that they were (for the most part) un-balanced, lacked finesse, with high alcohol and low acidity. For my palate, Domaine Cros De Romet Cairanne Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2010 has nice flavours but the whole package is over the top for me, the fruit feels baked, the alcohol is crazy high and the lack of acidity is not helping. Disappointing, score 86 points.

Purchased October 27, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (42986) at $21.95

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva 2009, DOC Douro, Portugal




This wine is a blend of the usual Port grapes of Touriga Nacional 60%, Tinta Roriz 20% and Touriga Franca 20%, maturation 12 months in oak and alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with a very aromatic bouquet of blackberry, cherry, stewed plum-rhubarb, dried herbs, vanilla and exotic spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, ripe crushed berry fruit with lots of spices, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Very good length and smooth, velvety texture on the finish with subtle fruit flavours, light minerals and spices. Here is a very youthful, well made and flavourful wine, ready to enjoy. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (021329) at $21.95

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Antolini Morópio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc Veneto, Italy


 
 
This wine is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and a small amount of Molinara. The vines are between 30-40 years old, grapes drying process took place over 100 days before pressing, maturation in small barrels and oak barriques and also a small part in cherry wood barrels for about 24 months, alcohol comes in at 16%.

This Amarone opened up with a ripe bouquet of field berries, raisins, mocha covered cherry, vanilla bean and sweet spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, luscious entry, juicy and slightly creamy with fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. This wine's finish is very long, silky smooth with rich fruit concentration and sweet and peppery spices. This wine, even with 16% alcohol is well balanced by good acidity (for an Amarone) and generous fruit concentration, lots of everything but no excess. Loved it at first sip, a real treat and awesome value for such a well made Amarone. Score 93 points.

Purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (247957) at $34.95 

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia




Made by the famous Rhône Valley winemaker Michel Chapoutier, this cool climate shiraz made with low yielding vines and opened up with aromas of black fruit, tar, saddle leather, black pepper, dried herb de Provence and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (alcohol comes in at 14%), dry, layered dark fruit and smoky flavours, balance acidity and fine structured tannins. A great length on the finish, with concentrated and robust flavours. This Shiraz is built for the long haul, I would say 4-5 years for the texture to soften up and all elements of this Shiraz to fully integrate. Excellent addition to any cellar, great potential, scores 92 points.

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (290874) at $51.95

Monday, April 15, 2013

Marqués De Cáceres Tinto Reserva 2005, DOCa Rioja, Spain




This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano with maturation in French oak for 20 months, plus a further 18 months in bottle before release and alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opened up with a sensuous bouquet of cherry, blackberry, black plum, incense, toast, sandalwood, cinnamon and vanilla spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dry, a nice blend of fruit, cedar and spices, mild acidity and grainy tannins. This wine’s finish is long, masculine with a savoury edge and persistent tannins lingering. This wine should acquire additional complexity with a further 2-3 years in bottle, if your impatient (like me) 1-2 hour in your decanter is strongly recommended. I will wait a further 1-2 years before opening my remaining bottle. What I like the most about this reserve 2005 is the aromatics, strongly recommended for fans of Spanish wines. Score 89 points.

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (702761) at $24.95

Sunday, April 14, 2013

California Wine Fair 2013 Canadian Tour – Ottawa, Ontario


I attended the trade portion of this show in the afternoon of April 5, 2013 here in Ottawa. A sure sign that spring has finally arrived, is the annual California Wine Fair travelling throughout Canada and bringing with it their sun drenched, ripe and fruity wines. Into its 33rd year, this travelling wine show will be visiting six Canadian cities, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Halifax from April 2 to May 2.  This year they will be skipping Vancouver, as California was featured at this year’s Vancouver International Wines Festival (VIWF), held February 25 to March 3, 2013.
 

At the VIWF, I had the opportunity to enjoy about 2 hours tasting some of California wines, my objectives at this wine fair was to visit wineries which I hadn’t visited in Vancouver. After studying the list of wineries and wines being poured at this Fair I tried to follow my list as close as possible starting with white wines, mostly Chardonnay’s with a few Sauvignon Blanc. As for the reds, everything from Bordeaux blends to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
 

White Wines;



Chardonnay; Chardonnay was the featured grape varietal at this year VIWF, after tasting a number of them at that show including many from California, this fair here in Ottawa gave me the opportunity to taste 10 more California Chardonnay. In general I enjoyed most of the Chardonnays’ I tasted, most of them from the cooler regions of Sonoma County and Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Carneros. My two favourites were the very elegant and smooth Benovia Chardonnay 2010 from Russian River Valley and the fuller bodied and creamier Davis Byrum River West Chardonnay 2011 from Russian River Valley.

 

Sauvignon Blanc; I tasted 5 of them and I didn’t enjoy any of them. My preferred style of SB is refreshing with crisp acidity and un-oaked. Almost all of them except one were partly barrel aged, with one of them tasting like an oaky Chardonnay.
 
Red Wines; 

Cabernet Sauvignon; Tasted 14 of them from a variety of ultra premium to a more entry level, $20 to $30 dollars range. I always enjoy the opportunity to taste ultra premium wines, priced out of my affordability range. I find that most of them are serious cellar candidates, big wines, deep color, very concentrated and tannic.

  • My favorite of these ultra premium Cabernets was Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Rutherford, Napa Valley.
  • I also quite enjoyed Hewitt Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Rutherford, Napa Valley, rich, well structured and beautifully balanced.
  • And finally for $35, Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Napa Valley, which represents a solid value for such a delicious and well made Cabernet.

 

Merlot; I thoroughly enjoy California Merlots, but few of them were poured at this fair, I tasted two of them. A merlot that did make it into my top 15 wines from this fair, Buccella Merlot 2010 from Napa Valley. This wine is a great example of the type of Merlot I enjoy, rich fruit, savoury herbs, well managed oak maturation with a soft and smooth texture. At $130 a bottle, it is a bit out of my price range but a real treat, small production of only 310 cases.

 

Zinfandel; I tasted seven of them including all four from Seghesio Family Vineyards, which was definitely one of the highlights of the Fair for me, with my favourite of those four being Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2009.  My favourite Zinfandel and my first experience with this winery, was Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel 2008. It was an absolute beauty, ripe fruit but not jammy, savoury, incredibly smooth and very elegant, great winemaking skills here.




Pinot Noir; I also tasted seven of them. What I am looking for in a Pinot Noir is descriptors like medium bodied, slightly spicy, earthy notes, wild berry fruit, floral, smooth, light tannins, pretty and feminine. But descriptions like deep color, high alcohol, jammy, oaky and tannic should never be associated with Pinot Noir in my view. These kinds of Pinot Noir are like a wine with a split personality, Bordeaux’s want to be. The only one I enjoyed was Benovia Pinot Noir 2010 from Russian River Valley.

 

Syrah; I only tasted one,  but what a surprise. I would be interested to include Dierberg Vineyard Syrah 2009 from Santa Ynez Valley as a pirate wine in a Rhône Valley Syrah blind tasting. It’s everything you expect in a great Syrah, black fruit, peppery, meaty and savoury notes, and a wine with real sophistication. A great example of a Syrah that could be the next big thing in California.

 
 
 
In conclusion, I did manage on that afternoon to gain better knowledge of California and its wines, by talking with some of the wineries reps and I want to highlight my favourite wineries visited;


- Benovia Winery

- Dieberg Vineyard

- Duckhorn Vineyards

- Flowers Vineyards

- Heitz Cellars

- Schug Carneros Estate

- Seghesio Family Vineyards  

 
 



Here is. in no particular order, my list of top wines from this Fair. You will notice that a majority of them are from the cooler regions of California.

Here are my top 15 wines tasted at this Fair;
1-Benovia Pinot Noir 2010 from Russian River Valley

2-Benovia Chardonnay 2010 from Russian River Valley

3-Buccella Merlot 2010 from Napa Valley

4-Davis Byrum River West Chardonnay 2011 from Russian River Valley

5-Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry 2009 from Napa Valley

6-Hewitt Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Rutherford, Napa Valley

7-Dierberg Vineyard Syrah 2009 from Santa Ynez Valley

8-Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 from Rutherford, Napa Valley

9-Flowers Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 from Sonoma Coast

10-Heitz Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Rutherford, Napa Valley

11-Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Chardonnay 2010 from Russian River Valley

12-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Napa Valley

13-Schug Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Sonoma County

14-Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2010 from Sonoma County

15-Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2009 Sonoma County