Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of May 14, 2011 - Value Reds for BBQ Season and Unoaked Chardonnay

Hello to all my wine friends,

This New Release opens with the superb 2009 vintage from the Rhône Valley in France (just the beginning, standby for more), a dozen rosé and 60 wines total under $20.00. So let me point you in the right direction for value and quality.

Value Reds for BBQ Season;  This is the season where we fire up the BBQ with our friends, co-workers and families. As many of you have told me, we are all looking for good value wines (from $15.00 to $20.00) that are easy drinking but still packing lots of flavour with good structure. Here are a few suggestions; from France Rhône region, Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan De Dieu 2009 (224592) at 13.95 and La Coterie Séguret 2009 (219428) at $ 15.95. From Chile, Mayu Reserva Estate Bottle Carmenere 2007 (090035) at $14.95 and Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008 (213520) at 16.95. I would not want to forget mentioning Zinfandel, a fantastic partner with the BBQ, try Cline Sonoma Zinfandel 2007 (213504) at $18.95.

Unoaked Chardonnay; The unoaked style of Chardonnay's was born by demands from consumers, tired of the big oaky Chardonnays's from the 80's and 90's and early 2000's, which I refer too as Château Home-Depot (tongue meet cheek). You probably tasted that style before, like sipping on a two by four. Chardonnay is not naturally a very aromatic grape, but its natural affinity with the flavour of oak,  it is easy to grow pretty much anywhere in the word and its capacity to to bear a lot fruit is good for wineries bottom line. When used in moderation, the use of oak barrels can make a very nice buttery, creamy, caramel, vanilla type Chardonnay. The problem is the use of oak got out of control, especially from Australia and California. Now to respond to demand from consumers, winemakers started making Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel tanks. The results is a lighter, more refreshing white wine with flavours of apple, lemon, pear and melon. Great for hot summer days. Now most of you are familiar with New Zealand Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc but how about Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2009 (991950) at $17.95 is being released this week. This wine should have a great appeal and is worth getting yourself a few. I am happy to say that this wine is also available for my friends in Québec SAQ (10669470) for a loonie more at $18.95.
 
My top three wines from this release;
1-Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 from Australia at $37.95
2-Avignonesi Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 from Italy at $29.95
3-La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 from France at $42.95

My top three wines for there value;
1-La Coterie Séguret 2009 from France at $15.95
2-Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008 from Chile at $16.95
3-Cline Sonoma Zinfandel from California at $18.95

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

Red Wines;
1-La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2009 from France at $42.95
2-Borrowing Owl Merlot 2008 from British Columbia at $39.95
3-Freeman Pinot Noir 2007 from California at $44.95
4-Mayu Reserva Estate Bottled Carmenere 2007 from Chile at $14.95
4-Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2007 from Australia at $37.95
5-Pallazzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2004 from Italy at $49.95

White Wines;
1-E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2009 from France at $15.95
2-Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008 from British Columbia at $19.95

My team and I will be back for the next New Release May 28, 2011, a brief article about Australia's First Families of Wine event should be posted in the next few days.

Cheers,

Paul YWG