Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Merlot 2010, Napa & Sonoma Counties, California, USA

Made with 100% Merlot grapes, 71% of the fruit coming from Sonoma Valley and the remaining 29% from Napa Valley with maturation in a combination of American and French oak, alcohol comes in at 13.9%.

This wine opened up with aromas of bing cherries, blackcurrants, fruitcake, mocha, spices, toast and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, sweet, almost jammy on the palate lacking both acidity and tannins to give this wine any structure. The length on the finish was very good, smooth with chocolate and ripe fruit lingering. I couldn't drink more than a glass; this wine was way too sweet for me. The sweetness level is listed as extra-dry, I just don't see how. Tailor made for meat or sausage on the BBQ but may also work with cheese and desserts. Will appeal to many, but for me it felt way too confected, score 85 points.

Purchased July 6, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (135384) at $19.95   

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of September 28, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

In this week New Release (NR), the main features are the wines from Tuscany (more on Tuscany later), with 11 wines to showcase as part of Thanksgiving pairing suggestions and finally, a small story on top-notch wines from Chile with 4 wines of interest. Overall the selection and quality in this NR is a big improvement over this past summer’s selection and it should keep improving as we slowly move closer to Christmas shopping season. My recommended whites are quite interesting and my featured three whites would work wonders with your Thanksgiving dinner.   

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be?  Finca Villacreces Pruno 2011 from Ribero del Duero in Spain (312140) at $19.95. An age worthy robust blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that could be paired with red meat or possibly cellared up to 5 years. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

Starting with white wines;

• If you are looking for a quality, great value white wine to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner look no further than Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Chile (347740) at $13.95

• If you have never tried a wine from Austria before, now is the time; Nikolaihof Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner 2010 from Austria (328948) at $24.95. Fans of cool climate and aromatic whites will not be disappointed.

• Another great pairing with turkey and a perennial favourite of mine,  Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (282343) at $20.95

Now for the red wines;

• Here are three good value French reds under $20.00; Château Haut-Bertinerie Elegance Merlot/Cabernet from France (295857) at $18.95 (blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc), Domaine des Lauribert Tradition Côtes du Rhône 2011 from France (343442) at $15.95 (blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) and Tessellae Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2011 from France (343509) at $16.95 (100% Carignan from 70 years old vines)

• Looking for a mid-price California Cabernet Sauvignon, I have always enjoyed the elegance of this wine; Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (504427) at $29.95. I have reviewed two of the last three vintage on this blog.

• Classic pairing, Thanksgiving Turkey and mature earthy Pinot Noir (PN). Your host has gone through a lot of work to prepare the meal and this PN is worth the splurge; Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (655167) at $39.95

Tuscan Treasures; There is a good reason why Tuscany is the region that I have reviewed the most, with 59 reviews, because if I had to pick my top red grape, Sangiovese would definitely be one of them (together with Tempranillo). I just love the intricacies, complexity and food pairing possibilities of this grape. They produce wines in a style I enjoy; are food friendly and extra-dry. Here are my top three treasures from Tuscany; 

• Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2010 from Italy (508531) at $16.95 – This is a great value wine to be paired with Italian pasta, pizza or grilled red meat.  A blend of mostly Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo in a supporting role, alcohol comes in at 13.5%

• Rocca Di Frassinello Le Sughere Di Frassinello 2010 from Italy (025700) at $29.95 – This wine would benefit from 2-4 years in your cellar, it is a blend of 50% Sangioveto, 25% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and alcohol comes in at 14%.

• Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Italy (996956) at $29.95 – This wine would be interesting in a line up of Cabernet Sauvignon blind tasting. This maturing wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with maturation in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 12 months and alcohol comes in at a low of 12.5%. Pairing possibilities; lamb, venison, Moroccan cuisine or even on its own after a meal. 

My top three wines from this release;

1- Catena Alta Malbec 2010 from Argentina (982355) at $49.95

2- Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (655167) at $39.95

3- Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Italy (996956) at $29.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Chile (347740) at $13.95

2- Domaine des Lauribert Tradition Côtes du Rhône 2011 from France (343442) at $15.95

3- Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2010 from Italy (508531) at $16.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- San Felice ILGrigio Chianti Classico Riserva 2009 from Italy (716266) at $26.95 

2- Tenuta Friggiali Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (211631) at $42.95

3- Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2010 from Italy (508531) at $16.95

4- Rocca Di Frassinello Le Sughere Di Frassinello 2010 from Italy (025700) at $29.95

5- Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Italy (996956) at $29.95

6- Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Chile (947929) at $24.95

7- Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 from California (709881) at $147.95

8- Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2010 from California (574491) at $21.95

9- Ridge Three Valleys 2011 from California (652875) at $35.95

10- Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (504427) at $29.95

11- Catena Alta Malbec 2010 from Argentina (982355) at $49.95

12- Two Hands Lily’s Garden Shiraz 2011 from Australia (683086) at $59.95

13- Seresin Leah Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (655167) at $39.95

14- Château Grand Village 2009 from France (192997) at $20.85

15- Château Haut-Bertinerie Elegance Merlot/Cabernet from France (295857) at $18.95

16- Domaine des Lauribert Tradition Côtes du Rhône 2011 from France (343442) at $15.95

17- Sélection Laurence Féraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (211474) at $47.95

18- Tessellae Vieilles Vignes Carignan 2011 from France (343509) at $16.95

19- Finca Villacreces Pruno 2011 from Spain (312140) at $19.95

White Wines;

1- Henry of Pelham Barrel Fermented Estate Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (268342) at $19.95

2- Lafond SRH Chardonnay 2011 from California (998641) at $25.95

3- Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Chile (347740) at $13.95

4- Churton Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (159244) at $23.95

5- Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay from New Zealand (167072) at $41.95

6- Nikolaihof Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner 2010 from Austria (328948) at $24.95

7- Domaine le Verger Chablis 2011 from France (181289) at $19.95

8- Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (282343) at $20.95

9- Fantinel Vigneti Sant’ Helena Ribolla Gialla 2011 from Italy (339028) at $20.95

10- Paco & Lola Albariño 2011 from Spain (350041) at $17.95

Well, this is my last LCBO Vintages New Release newsletter as I am moving to Alberta in a couple of weeks. I will continue to blog about wine, but from a different perspective.

In the province of Alberta there are no government run stores, all are privately owned businesses. This should be interesting, personally I prefer the British Columbia model where there are 50% government stores and 50% privately own stores. It’s with mixed feelings that I am ending these newsletters, on one hand they occupied a lot of my time researching and writing my wine picks but on the other hand it keeps my wine knowledge sharp. If you have read my Vintages NR picks, it’s because you also desire to buy the best wine possible for your hard earn dollars through your own research.

There are few bloggers that I read and who share their Vintages NR wine picks. I would like to recommend that you visit Jason Solanki’s wine Blog, “Vintages Wine Picks & Reviews”. I always enjoy reading his wine picks, there are well thought out, interesting wine choices with an attractive blog layout. 

  http://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.ca 

Cheers

Paul YWG   

Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley, Chile

I found it interesting to taste a Petit Verdot when its flying solo. Petit Verdot is one of the five Bordeaux grapes that most often plays a supporting role, usually contributing 3% or less of the final blend. 

Dark violet in color, this Petit Verdot opened up with aromas of blackberry/ black plum fruit, exotic spices, smoky, peppery, cedar and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied (14.5% Alc.), powerful, robust with concentrated flavors, lively acidity and a well structured tannins frame. On the finish, the length is very good, the flavors exotic, rich and tasty with persistent tannins lingering. This beast should settle down after a few years in your cellar but there is no doubt that there is a lot that will appeal to those who like them big. If Emiliana Petit Verdot was used for blending what would it bring?  In color, complexity and structure? Lots of wine here for $15.95, awesome value and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased September 14, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (325662) at $15.95

Domeco De Jarauta Lar De Sotomayor Vendimia Seleccionada 2010, Doc Rioja, Spain

This wine is made with mostly Tempranillo at 90% of the blend, with Mazuelo and Graciano in a supporting role at 5% each, aged in new and second year old French oak for 16 months and alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of field berries, pomegranate, plum, baking spices and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with a soft, smooth texture, lively acidity and fine grained tannins. Medium length on the finish with a sweet and tart "tug of war" lingering. This is a youthful Tempranillo blend, not especially concentrated but the flavors are nice. Best served with food, score 88 points.

Purchased September 14, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (336099) at $17.95

Porca de Murça Reserva Tinto 2010, Doc Douro, Portugal

We all love a bargain and this is the real deal, made with native Portuguese grapes (Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) with alcohol coming in at 13%.

This wine opened up with a fragrant bouquet of ripe cherries/blackberry fruit, vanilla, smoky and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied and nicely layered by a rich combination of fruit, gentle wood spices, lively acidity and wonderful structured, slightly chewy tannins. This Portuguese blend has a long, generous and flavorful finish with a nice tannic grip lingering. This is a really enjoyable, robust and great value wine, that is well structured and age worthy. Drinking beautifully now but would be an excellent addition to your cellar to be enjoyed over the next 2-4 years. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 20, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (684753) at $17.95  

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of September 14, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

This New Release (NR) is a big moment for our local wine producers as the wines from our province of Ontario take center stage. There is no secondary feature in this NR as Ontario is the sole focus, with 23 wines being released. As for the remainder of this week’s offering, the stand out country is France; from a solid selection of 2009 Bordeaux’s, a couple of recommended 2010 Rhône blends, a red blend from the Midi and a great value Chardonnay from Burgundy. Also added for fans of full bodied Aussie Shiraz, two of them from very good producers are being released. As for the disappointment, the Italian offering leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? As much as I would like to pick an Ontario wine, it’s hard for me not to ignore the very good value and quality of this Spanish beauty; Lan Gran Reserva 2005 from Spain (928622) at $27.95. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

Starting with white wines;

• I like cool climate, refreshing and mineral rich wines like this one; Momo Pinot Gris 2012 from New Zealand (163535) at $17.95
  
  
• Here are three recommended Chardonnays; from the mother land of Burgundy, Domaine Raphaël Sallet Mâcon Uchizy 2011 from France (130450) at $15.95, from the cooler region of Orange in New South Wales, Printhie Mountain Range Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (336701) at $19.95 and a premium full-bodied and rich Chardonnay from Sonoma County, Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2010 from California (288035) at $41.95.

Now for the red wines;

• This is my favourite premium Shiraz, - Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2008 from Australia (737817) at $59.95. Not technically part of this NR but the LCBO In-Store-Discovery program (ISD). These products are available in limited quantities and not available in all stores. If you are interested in this Shiraz you better put on your running shoes and elbow pads as there are only 228 bottles for the entire province (38 cases of 6 bottles).

• Another full bodied Shiraz, which is strongly recommended, Penfold Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2010 from Australia (422782) at $34.95

• Now, for the recommended 2009 Bordeaux’s, here are three option to be considered, these three wines would be strong cellar candidates; Château D’Aiguilhe 2009 AC Côtes de Castillon (194092) at $44.85, Château Fleur Cardinale 2009 AC Saint-Émilion (197541) at $64.85 and the second wine from Château Grand-Puy-Lacaste, Lacoste Borie 2009 AC Pauillac (196493) at $38.85.

• And finally, for fans of Spanish wines, apart from Lan Gran Reserva 2005 here are two very good values to considerer; Domeco De Jarauta Lar De Sotomayor Vendimia Seleccionada 2010 from Spain (336099) at $17.95, this is a blend of mostly Tempranillo with 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano and Ônra Negre 2009 from Spain (343079) at $16.95 a blend of Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

Ontario Wines; Much attention has been given to Canadian and local wines lately, from the National Wine Awards of Canada, organized by WineAlign, recently released results; to the month long promotion starting on September 15 of Ontario wines in over 130 Ontario restaurants plus LCBO stores; to the Free My Grapes movement. For fans of full bodied reds, Ontario wines can be a hard sell. As a cool climate growing region, early ripening grapes work best. Therefore when it comes to Ontario wines, competing on the world stage, focus should be given to these grapes, for whites; Riesling and Chardonnay; and reds, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, as they perform consistently well. When it comes to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, they need an outstanding vintage like 2010 and 2012 to fully ripen. I simply could not forgive myself if I failed to mention the excellent Icewine made in Ontario. This is one of the few wine growing regions where the grapes can naturally freeze on the vine. 

My opinion is that if you are looking for quality wines, buying local is not cheap. That being said, you may well feel better knowing that you are helping the local wine industry establish itself on the world stage. An industry that helps to employ hundreds of people who are passionate about  our local wine industry and the work they do. Here are three Ontario wines for your considerations;

• Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 from Niagara Peninsula (080234) at $16.95 – From the warm 2012 vintages, these grapes where picked three weeks early in order to retain the vibrant acidity, this Riesling is off-dry and alcohol comes in at 11%.

 

• Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay 2010 from Prince Edward County (184432) at $35.00 – The winemaking style from Norman Hardie is in making elegant wines, which allow the grapes to express their terroir. Very little new wood is used in the making of this Chardonnay and alcohol comes in at a reasonable 11.9%.

• Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 from Niagara Peninsula (079228) at $22.95 – One of the best Ontario Pinot Noir I have ever tasted came from this vineyard. Their 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir, was a real “barnyardy” little number, just how I like them. This Pinot Noir is medium-bodied, fruity with alcohol coming in at 13%.

               

My top three wines from this release;

1- Château Fleur Cardinale 2009 from France (197541) at $64.85

2- Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2008 from Australia (737817) at $59.95

 

3- Lan Gran Reserva 2005 from Spain (928622) at $27.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 from Ontario (080234) at $16.95

2- Domeco De Jarauta Lar De Sotomayor Vendimia Seleccionada 2010 from Spain (336099) at $17.95

3- Domaine Raphaël Sallet Mâcon Uchizy 2011 from France (130450) at $15.95

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2010 from Ontario (130989) at $26.95

2- Coyote’s Run Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 from Ontario (079228) at $22.95

3- Cooper’s Hawk Cabernet Franc Reserve 2010 from Ontario (335729) at $39.95

4- Beaulieu Vineyard George de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (080218) at $109.95

5- Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2011 from California (363358) at $24.95

6- Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (045476) at $89.95

7- Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2008 from Australia (737817) at $59.95 (ISD)

8- Penfold Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2010 from Australia (422782) at $34.95

9- Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Australia (333229) at $22.95

10- Château D’Aiguilhe 2009 from France (194092) at $44.85

11- Château Fleur Cardinale 2009 from France (197541) at $64.85

12- Lacoste Borie 2009 from France (196493) at $38.85

13- Alain Jaume & Fils Grande Garrigue Vacqueyras 2010 from France (233916) at $24.95

14- M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (972331) at $49.95

15- Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (237263) at $49.95

16-Àlvaro Palacios Camins Del Priorat 2011 from Spain (216291) at $22.95

17-Domeco De Jarauta Lar De Sotomayor Vendimia Seleccionada 2010 from Spain (336099) at $17.95

18-Lan Gran Reserva 2005 from Spain (928622) at $27.95

19-Ônra Negre 2009 from Spain (343079) at $16.95

White Wines;

1- Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 from Ontario (080234) at $16.95

2- Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2012 from Ontario (043281) at $16.95

3- Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (302083) at $29.95

4- Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (184432) at $35.00

5- Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2010 from California (288035) at $41.95

6- Printhie Mountain Range Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (336701) at $19.95

7- Momo Pinot Gris 2012 from New Zealand (163535) at $17.95

8- Domaine Raphaël Sallet Mâcon Uchizy 2011 from France (130450) at $15.95

That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week. My team and I will be back for the next New Release of September 28, 2013 where the featured segment will be “Tuscany’s innovative IGT wines”, “Premium Chilean wines” and “Easy Thanksgiving”. Sad to say, and with some relief, my next NR newsletter will be my last. I will be moving west, to Alberta, in the next few weeks.

Cheers

Paul YWG  

Domaine De Billa-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2010, Ac Côte Du Rousillon-Villages Latour De France, France

Another great wine from Michel Chapoutier, that is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. This wine opened up with complex aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, underbrush, dried sage, saddle leather, smoky and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (alcohol comes in at 14.5%), the texture is slightly rustic with flavors of black fruit, meaty and peppery notes and fine grainy tannins. The finish is medium length with excellent depth of flavors. These days so many wines seem to all taste the same, for me this red blend has a real sense of place, very interesting and strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

Purchased July 20, 2013 LCBO Vinatges New Release (643239) at $24.95 

Paxton MV Shiraz 2011, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

This organic and biodynamic product is made with 100% Shiraz from four different vineyards, aging took place in a combination of new and old French and American oak, alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry/plum fruit, bittersweet chocolate, cedar, black currants and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with a rich and creamy texture, ripe fruit concentration, low acidity and grainy tannins. This finish is long with flavors of black fruit, exotic spices and espresso notes lingering. At this stage, this Shiraz needs grilled steak on the barbie to really shine but there is enough 'stuffing" here (fruit concentration, structure and tannins) that it should acquire some elegance over the next 3-4 years. Very good value, score 89 points.

Purchased August 17, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (327403) at $17.95  

San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère 2010, Maule Valley, Chile

 

 

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, cassis, stewed plum, smoky and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%), with a nice robust, creamy texture, fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Good weight and length on the finish with flavours of dark fruit, dark chocolate and savoury notes lingering. This is a very flavourful and concentrated Carmenère made in a crowd-pleasing style. Could be enjoyed now with any BBQ meat or cellar for 2-4 years for better integration. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 6, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (249201) at $19.95



Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Single Vineyard Carmenère 2009, Colchagua Valley, Chile

A pretty nose on this Carmenère with aromas of wild berries, plum, violet, tobacco leaf and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%) with a smooth texture, vibrant acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish with flavours of red and dark fruit, herbal notes with a slightly tart ending. Not overly complex but still enjoyable, definitely not a sipping wine, it is much better paired with food. Score 88 points.

Purchased July 20, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (325365) at $17.95