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.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
LCBO's February 8, New Release
Hello to all my wine friends,
Looking at this new release, the main feature is Tuscany's 2007 vintage. It includes a good selection of 17 new products, all of them red. After that, a mixed selection, a bit of everything including sweet wines for Valentine? A treasure from Northern Rhône and two of my favourite Zinfandel's (Ridge and Seghesio) which unfortunately came with disappointing reviews.
Tuscany 2007 vintage; I won't go into much detail and bore you to death but here is the 101 on Tuscan wines. It is important to remember that Italian wines in general, have good acidity,moderate alcohol and are made to be drank with food. Tuscany is Italy's most ancient wine region dating back to 8th century BC and produces two of Italy's most famous wines; Chianti and Brunello Di Montalcino. It is home to four wine regions, Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Bolgheri. Chianti's are from the Chianti Classico region and are; crafted using at least 80% Sangiovese grapes; the flavour profile of Sangiovese are sour cherries, plums, blackberries, pepper and earthy. Montalcino region wines are Brunello and Rosso Di Montalcino; crafted exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso (a clone of Sangiovese grapes). Brunellos are aged 4 plus years and Rosso (sometimes refer to as baby Brunello) are aged a minimum of 1 year before release. Rosso are great value as they are half the price of a Brunello and are usually ready to drink on release.
Wines from Montepulciano region are crafted using 70% Sangiovese. Most wines from Bolgheri (home of some of the must expansive wine in Italy) are blended wines using Italian grape and French grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah). For my top three Tuscan wines from this release, including a Rosso Di Montalcino, see below.
Moscato D'Asti; Moscato is the grape and Asti is the town in Piedmont, Italy, were this delicious wine is made. Moscato D'Asti is one of the best keep secrets of sommelier's. This wine is made in an off-dry or sweet style, slightly spritzy and usually low in alcohol (4.5% to 5.5%) with crazy (in a good way) aromatics; tree and tropical fruits profile. Very versatile either as an aperitif, with brunch or paired with dessert (crème brûlé, crème caramel, cheese cake and any whip cream type dessert like truffle cake) or to sip after dinner. In two words, sweet and refreshing. One such wine will be released this week, Dezzani Morelli Moscato D'Asti 2009 (187997) at $15.95.
French Treasure from Northern Rhône; Say What...Crozes-Hermitage at $22.95 ? Yes Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes-Hermitage (041921) at $22.95. I tried to research, and read as many wine reviews as possible before finalizing my shopping list. One great tool is WineAlign. John Szabo from WineAlign, one of only two of this countries Master of Wine attends the LCBO pre-release industry tasting. His review of this wine reads "Les Pierre Croze-Hermitage is made from vines in the vineyard of the same name. It has classic spicy, peppery leathery, unmistakable northern Rhône-styling, with character and class well above the asking price, and the depth and complexity of many Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. It also has the potential to improve with age over the next 2-3 years. In the US this sell regularly for about $30/bottle, so at $22.95, I'd consider it top value." It is also reviewed in the Australian Gourmet Magazine and priced in Australia at $39.00 Australian Dollars. This is an example of the purchasing power of the LCBO (the biggest buyer of wine in the world). They can negotiate a great price, like this, for us. Now, I expect this wine to be in short supply and not available in all stores. To help you locate this wine, or any other wine for that matter, here is the Vintages web address, which allows you to search for stock of any of there wines. Enter the LCBO six digit code number, when the wine name appears you have the option of searching "All Cities" or region of your city.
http://www.vintages.com/index.shtml
My top three Tuscan wines from this release: (value and quality)
1-Testamatta Grilli Di Testamatta 2007 (115659) at $32.95
2-Abbadia Ardenga Rosso Di Montalcino 2007 (184945) at $19.95
3-Tenuta Moraia Pietracupa Bolgheri 2007 (115659) at $18.95
These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;
Red Wines:
1-Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (207795) at $19.95
2-Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona Ateo 2007 from Italy (211623) at 24.95
3-Brancaia Tre 2007 from Italy (164715) at $24.95
4-George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2007 from Australia (107904) at $19.95
5-Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (606624) at $19.95
6-Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz 2009 from Australia (009480) at 27.95
7-Abbona La Pieve Baralo 2005 from Italy (213132) at 26.95
White Wines:
1-Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2008 from France (196956) at $18.95
2-Jean-Max Roger Cuvée C.M. Sancerre Blanc 2008 from France (196667) at $24.95
My team and I will be back for next New Release February 19, 2011.
Cheers,
Looking at this new release, the main feature is Tuscany's 2007 vintage. It includes a good selection of 17 new products, all of them red. After that, a mixed selection, a bit of everything including sweet wines for Valentine? A treasure from Northern Rhône and two of my favourite Zinfandel's (Ridge and Seghesio) which unfortunately came with disappointing reviews.
Tuscany 2007 vintage; I won't go into much detail and bore you to death but here is the 101 on Tuscan wines. It is important to remember that Italian wines in general, have good acidity,moderate alcohol and are made to be drank with food. Tuscany is Italy's most ancient wine region dating back to 8th century BC and produces two of Italy's most famous wines; Chianti and Brunello Di Montalcino. It is home to four wine regions, Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Bolgheri. Chianti's are from the Chianti Classico region and are; crafted using at least 80% Sangiovese grapes; the flavour profile of Sangiovese are sour cherries, plums, blackberries, pepper and earthy. Montalcino region wines are Brunello and Rosso Di Montalcino; crafted exclusively from Sangiovese Grosso (a clone of Sangiovese grapes). Brunellos are aged 4 plus years and Rosso (sometimes refer to as baby Brunello) are aged a minimum of 1 year before release. Rosso are great value as they are half the price of a Brunello and are usually ready to drink on release.
Wines from Montepulciano region are crafted using 70% Sangiovese. Most wines from Bolgheri (home of some of the must expansive wine in Italy) are blended wines using Italian grape and French grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah). For my top three Tuscan wines from this release, including a Rosso Di Montalcino, see below.
Moscato D'Asti; Moscato is the grape and Asti is the town in Piedmont, Italy, were this delicious wine is made. Moscato D'Asti is one of the best keep secrets of sommelier's. This wine is made in an off-dry or sweet style, slightly spritzy and usually low in alcohol (4.5% to 5.5%) with crazy (in a good way) aromatics; tree and tropical fruits profile. Very versatile either as an aperitif, with brunch or paired with dessert (crème brûlé, crème caramel, cheese cake and any whip cream type dessert like truffle cake) or to sip after dinner. In two words, sweet and refreshing. One such wine will be released this week, Dezzani Morelli Moscato D'Asti 2009 (187997) at $15.95.
French Treasure from Northern Rhône; Say What...Crozes-Hermitage at $22.95 ? Yes Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes-Hermitage (041921) at $22.95. I tried to research, and read as many wine reviews as possible before finalizing my shopping list. One great tool is WineAlign. John Szabo from WineAlign, one of only two of this countries Master of Wine attends the LCBO pre-release industry tasting. His review of this wine reads "Les Pierre Croze-Hermitage is made from vines in the vineyard of the same name. It has classic spicy, peppery leathery, unmistakable northern Rhône-styling, with character and class well above the asking price, and the depth and complexity of many Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. It also has the potential to improve with age over the next 2-3 years. In the US this sell regularly for about $30/bottle, so at $22.95, I'd consider it top value." It is also reviewed in the Australian Gourmet Magazine and priced in Australia at $39.00 Australian Dollars. This is an example of the purchasing power of the LCBO (the biggest buyer of wine in the world). They can negotiate a great price, like this, for us. Now, I expect this wine to be in short supply and not available in all stores. To help you locate this wine, or any other wine for that matter, here is the Vintages web address, which allows you to search for stock of any of there wines. Enter the LCBO six digit code number, when the wine name appears you have the option of searching "All Cities" or region of your city.
http://www.vintages.com/index.shtml
My top three Tuscan wines from this release: (value and quality)
1-Testamatta Grilli Di Testamatta 2007 (115659) at $32.95
2-Abbadia Ardenga Rosso Di Montalcino 2007 (184945) at $19.95
3-Tenuta Moraia Pietracupa Bolgheri 2007 (115659) at $18.95
These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;
Red Wines:
1-Le Cinciole Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (207795) at $19.95
2-Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona Ateo 2007 from Italy (211623) at 24.95
3-Brancaia Tre 2007 from Italy (164715) at $24.95
4-George Wyndham Founder's Reserve Shiraz 2007 from Australia (107904) at $19.95
5-Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (606624) at $19.95
6-Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz 2009 from Australia (009480) at 27.95
7-Abbona La Pieve Baralo 2005 from Italy (213132) at 26.95
White Wines:
1-Joseph Cattin Pinot Gris 2008 from France (196956) at $18.95
2-Jean-Max Roger Cuvée C.M. Sancerre Blanc 2008 from France (196667) at $24.95
My team and I will be back for next New Release February 19, 2011.
Cheers,
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