Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2009, Veneto, Italy

I have this love and hate thing with Soave, sometime its quite delicious and complex, then there are times where its just dull and bitter. I think it is a wine most enjoyed with food. What do I think about this Soave?  I think that it is a very well made wine, a blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano, complex aromatics of citrus fruit, pear, melon and almonds. A medium bodied wine, fresh, almost piquant acidity, refreshing citrus flavours and long finish. I think that this is a great value, a superb wine at $14.00 for sure. I had this wine with a Cajun Chicken Alfredo and it worked very well. I can see this wine served with a Grilled Chicken Salad or White Fish. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased on June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $13.95

Quinta Do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2007, Douro, Portugal

I was introduced to this wine when they captured the number three spot on Wine Spectator top 100 of 2008 (for there 2005 vintage).Which means that this is the third vintage of this wine that I have enjoyed. The Quinta Do Crasto Reserva 2007 was made from mixed varietal planting of 70 year old low yielding old vines from a single vineyard, then spent 16 months ageing in French and American oak barrels. This wine opens up with a solid core of ripe blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, spices and vanilla. This full bodied red has rich mouthfeel, balance acidity and integrated tannins. The finish is long, tasty and savoury. But this wine sure has gone up in price over the last three years since their top 100 moment, not the great value it use to be, but a very good wine none the less.

This wine was purchased September 18, 2010 LCBO New Release at $34.95.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2008, Bierzo, Spain

The fruit used to make this wine is the Mencia grape from three old vines parcels, aged between 60-100 years old. The nose opened up with fresh fruit; plums, raspberries, black cherries and licorice. The palate was sweet with balance acidity and soft tannins. The finish, medium length, with flavours of raisins, smoke and minerals. An easy drinking wine, doesn’t have great complexity, but it is delicious and fun to drink.

This wine was purchased September 18, 2010 LCBO New Release at $21.95

Baron De Ley Reserva 2005, Rioja, Spain

It was with great anticipation that I opened this bottle. First I still remember, how beautiful Baron De Ley Grand Reserva 2001 was last December 2010, then to compare this wine from another Tempranillo wine in the last LCBO New Release, Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2008. First how about this Baron De Ley Reserva 2005? Just by smelling this wine, I got excited. With complex aromas of cherry, black currant, dried figs, leather and tobacco leaf. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, fruity with good acidity and dusty tannins. The finish is smoky and smooth with ripe tannins. Now comparing Baron De Ley 2005 and Zuccardi Q 2008, both Tempranillo grape, both aged in American oak, same price but the difference is country of origin and vintage year 2005 vs 2008. Well it makes a difference in this case having a wine which is three years more mature. The Rioja flavours are better integrated and you get a smoother, more elegant wine for it. The Zuccardi Tempranillo is younger, the structure is a little tight and needs to shed some of its oak. In conclusion Baron De Ley 2005 has cellared the wine for you, this wine is more elegant, ready to enjoy and a much better value.

This wine was purchased on June 25, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95.

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of June 25, 2011 - Aromatics and Refreshing Whites and Zuccardi Q Tempranillo

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR), there is a good selection of red wine around $20.00 for summer entertaining. My top red pick for both quality and value is Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2008 at $19.95, it is definitely worth buying a few. Also, there are numerous aromatics and refreshing whites, most under $20.00 and three reds worth considering for your cellar.

Aromatics and Refreshing Whites: With summer now officially here, this is when people rediscover how refreshing and enjoyable white wines can be. The white wines I prefer during summer months, are thirst quenchers that are lower alcohol, good acidity, aromatic and with minimum use of oak. In this release there are three of these refreshing whites Albarino, Grüner Veltliner and Torrontés) which are unusual grape varieties, not often seen in our LCBO stores and can be a great way to excite your taste buds and expand your wine knowledge. Albarino is the most distinctive white grape in Spain, and is often match with tapas and fish. Good quality Albarino wines are intensely aromatic with peaches, apricots and almonds on the palate. An Albarino to consider in this NR is Salterio Albarino 2010 from Spain (002774) at $17.95. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most famous grape variety usually pale green in colour and display fruit notes of grapefruits, limes, pears and white pepper with strong acidity. This grape is better suited at the dinner table and one Grüner Veltliner to consider is Salomon-Undhof Wieden & Berg Grüner Veltliner 2009 from Austria (670513) at $19.95.Torrentés is the most distinctive white grape in Argentina, another very fresh and aromatic grape with aromas of citrus, peach, spices, straw and floral. A Torrentés to consider is Familia Zuccardi Organica Torrontés 2010 from Argentina (232694) at $13.95. Finally for my last two feature whites, the usual suspects are Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, here are my recommendation; Dr. H. Thanish Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (214635) at $18.95 and Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (662882) at $15.95, which I think is the best buy of this NR.

Zuccardi Q Tempranillo: The Tempranillo grape is grown all over Spain and is specially know as the main grape in the making of Rioja wines. Tempranillo based wines tend to produce complex and rich wines which have herbal, spicy, leather and tobacco like characteristics with fruit flavours of dark cherries, plums and wild strawberries. A few other countries are experimenting with this grape and a good fit seems to be Argentina. If you want to try a Tempranillo outside of Spain, I have a recommendation for you; Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2008 from Argentina (973503) at $19.95. I am enjoying this wine as I write this email and you can find my review here on my blog.

If you want to try another quality Tempranillo at the same price and from its home base of Spain, from a very good producer is Baron De Ley Reserva 2005 (958868) at $19.95.

My top three wines of this release: All Cellar Candidate

1-Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (071407) at $69.95

2-Château La Croix St. Georges 2007 from France (098681) at $77.00

3-Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione 2007 from Italy (719872) at $58.95

My top three wines for value:

1-Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (662882) at $15.95

2-Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2008 from Australia (433060) at $19.95

3-Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2008 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

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

Red Wines:

1-BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Argentina (232637) at $16.95

2-Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Argentina (140855) at $19.95

3-Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2008 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

4-Sebastiani Zinfandel 2008 from California (672667) at $17.95

5-Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (071407) at $69.95

6-Rupert & Rothschild Classique 2008 from South Africa (717991) at $19.95

7-Château La Croix St. Georges 2007 from France (098681) at $77.00

8-Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione 2007 from Italy (719872) at $58.95

9-Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (091694) at $19.95

White Wines:

1-Familia Zuccardi Organica Torrontés 2010 from Argentina (232694) at $13.95

2-Salterio Albarino 2010 from Spain (002774) at $17.95

3-Salomon-Undhof Wieden & Berg Grüner Veltliner 2009 from Austria (670513) at $19.95

4-Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 from California (330233) at $21.95

My team and I will be back for the next New Release of July 9, 2011.
Cheers
Paul YWG

Familia Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2008, Mendoza, Argentina

An interesting Tempranillo outside of its home base of Spain. This wine opened up with black cherry, plum, vanilla, Asian spices, tobacco and earthiness. The mouthfeel is rich and savoury, with dusty and chewy tannins and a good lift of acidity. This finish is long with cherry, cedar and grainy tannins. Drink or hold for 2-3 years. Quite enjoyable, a muscular wine with lots of character.

This wine is part of the LCBO New Release of June 25, 2011 at $19.95

  

Bindella Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, Tuscany, Italy

Wow! This is what I like about Italian wines and the Sangiovese grape. The nose is just incredible and complex; sour cherry, blackberry, plums, earthy and soft leather. The palate as, lively sweet and sour flavours, crisp acidity and dusty tannins. This is not a wine for everyone, as it is not very fruity with noticeable acidity, but served with food, especially a tomato based pasta dish. it is very enjoyable. I will lay my remaining bottle for a year, I feel the wine mouthfeel will be better for it. Fans of Italian wines should like this wine, it is well made.

This wine was purchased June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95

Perrin & Fils La Gille Gigondas 2007, Rhône, France

From the superb 2007 Rhône vintage, this Gigondas is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Complex nose of raspberry, black cherry, black currants, plums, cedar, sweet spices and Herbs de Provence. On the palate, this medium to full body wine has well integrated flavours, smooth texture, fresh acidity and drying tannins. This Gigondas finish is savoury with grainy tannins. I enjoyed this wine with BBQ Lamb, and it matched beautifully.

This wine was purchased January 22, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95

Painted Rock Merlot 2007, Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada

This young Estate Winery located in Penticton, BC is committed to the production of ultra premium Okanagan wines. I previously tasted their wines at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, last April in Vancouver, BC. For a more technical notes on this Merlot; 97% Merlot and 3% Malbec aged 18 months in 100% French Oak with Alcohol at 14.7%. This wine opened up with rich black plums and black cherries, mocha and cedar. The mouthfeel is complex with dark fruit, field berries, vanilla, cedar and savoury flavours, grainy tannins and fresh acidity. The finish on this Merlot is long with sweet tannins and savoury. Definitely a big muscular wine with an abundance of fruit, a great deal of complex flavours with tannins and acidity to match. There is aging potential here. As the evening progressed, each glass of this Merlot just got better and  better. Very comforting wine here, absolutely loved it.

This wine was purchased at Liberty Wine Merchants in Vancouver on March 30, 2011 at $44.99

Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand

A bright pale yellow with green tinge, this Sauvignon Blanc has fragrant aromas of lemon, lime, fresh cut grass and green pea. The palate is dry, medium bodied with bright and racy acidity. The finish is long, citrusy and refreshing. This wine is a venture of the Antinori house of Tuscany, Italy.

This wine was purchased on June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granit 2009, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France

It as been a couple of years, since I have bought a Beaujolais. The last two Beaujolais I purchased turned out to be a big disappointment. When I open a Beaujolais I am looking for a fruity, refreshing, light to medium body wine with light tannins. But the last two were an oaky tannic mess with sediments galore, Bordeaux wannabe. Poor Beaujolais like this are a disservice to the rest of Beaujolais producers.
What about this Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granit 2009 ?  What a charming wine here, full of character and flavour. The blueberry, raspberries and strawberry aromas are very inviting. This light to medium body wine is framed with concentrated fruit flavours, lively acidity and velvety tannins. Serve slightly chilled will make this a refreshing wine with excellent value for money.

This wine was purchased June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $17.95

Ant Moore Pinot Noir 2009, Central Otago, New Zealand

This Pinot Noir is youthful and fresh with bright red cherry, plum, vanilla and earthy on the nose. The mouthfeel is definitely fruitier than earthy, with lively acidity, silky tannins and cherry cola flavour in mid palate. A very enjoyable Pinot, with berries, sweet spices and light tannins on the finish. A little overpriced but a well made Pinot Noir with a very stylish label and ageing potential. 

This wine was purchased on April 16, 2011 LCBO New Release at $24.95

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Merlot 2006, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

I purchased this bottle at the SAQ in Québec thinking it was the same vintage I had enjoyed and reviewed for WineAlign last year. But it was not to be, the 2007 vintage was released at the LCBO on  June 26th of last year (2010), which I really enjoyed. From the start, I knew that this wasn’t the same wine, the aromatics were not close to being as nice as the '07 vintage, with little fruit and more secondary aromas of dark chocolate, smoky, earthy and oaky. This Merlot mouthfeel is disjointed with low acidity, tired fruit and well integrated tannins. The finish is short, and not what I expected from a good Merlot, which should be plumy and cherry fruit with fresh acidity and layered structure. A wine which should have been opened a couple years ago. Not recommended.

This wine was purchased on June 11, 2011 at the SAQ in Gatineau, Quebec at $28.75  .

Coto De Imaz Reserva 2004, Rioja, Spain

Fairly dense wine here, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, cedar and soft leather. This Rioja has a medium body, rich mouthfeel with balance acidity and silky tannins. A medium finish, a little rustic on the edge and very smooth. Good value.

This wine was purchased on 28 May 2011, LCBO New Release at $19.95.

Alvaro Palacios Camins Del Priorat 2008, Priorat, Spain

Beautiful deep ruby, almost a purple coloured wine, 60% Carignan, 30% Grenache, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah rounding out this blend. Very elegant aromatics of wild raspberries, cherries and blueberries fruit with savoury spices, cedar and Irises. The mouthfeel is soft, with flavours blending very well together followed with fresh acidity and silky tannins. The long finish is anything but soft, with spices and a bit of heat from the 14.5% alcohol. I like the label, it represents what is inside this bottle, not a blockbuster type of wine but a more elegant and well made wine. If I was the winemaker, this is the type of wine I would want to make, and at this price, its an outstanding value.

This wine was purchased on May 28, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95.

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of June 11, 2011 - Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett and Father's Day Gifts

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR) you will see a decent selection of wines from Veneto Italy, first class wines for Father's day with prices to match, Now that summer is here, five whites worth considering, three are on my shopping list and the other two are in the worth considering section. Finally, I will give you a list of previously released wines which are still available that represent great value.

Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett:  This wine was previously released in the big pre-Christmas NR of December 11, 2011. It was also on my top three wines for there value. I did purchase two bottles of this delicious Riesling and have recommended it to many friends, it sold quickly and by Christmas they were all gone. Now Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett 2008 (207266) at $16.95 is being released again this week. Could this be a quality wine after another six months?  It will most likely be even better as German Riesling has this remarkable ability to age well thanks to the balance between fruit and acidity. Aged Riesling looses some of its fruit and gains more complexity and elegance. I have drank my two bottles already and here are my tasting notes: A more expressive less elegant nose then classic Mosel Riesling, with peach, lime, honey and some minerality on the nose. Forward fruit, great purity, low alcohol (7.5%) and crisp acidity. Long refreshing finish. Riesling Kabinett are best suited to appetizers, including spicy appies and of course sipping on a patio on a hot summer day. I say give it a try.

Father's Day Gifts: Any one of these wines would make a great gift for anyone who enjoys good wine. Lets start with the most expensive one of them Antinori Solaia 2007 from Italy (987586) at $249.95 a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc, from all accounts one of the best Solaia in a long time and from a great 2007 vintage. Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2005 from South Australia (724625) at $79.95, Fruits from the Barosa Valley and one of the iconic wines from this region which I had the opportunity to taste at an industry tasting in the past. If you want to get your hands on the superb 2007 Rhône vintage; Domaine Du Haut des Terres Blanches Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 from France (177618) at $37.95, is one of the few remaining Rhône wines at a great price. This wine was previously released on September 4, 2010. If you are looking for an elegant and powerful old world wine San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (212431) at $48.95 is ready to drink or cellar short term. Finally three more wines, all from California; Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (234005) at $79.95, Stag' Leap Winery Petite Syrah 2007 (590356) at $39.95 , and from last NR Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (706275) at $24.95 a beautiful and aromatic wine ready to enjoy. I think that these are the hidden gems of this NR.

My Top three wines of this release:
1-Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2005 from Australia (724625) at $79.95
2-San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (212431) at $48.95
3-Stags' Leap Winery Petite Syrah 2007 from California (590356) at $39.95

My top three wines for value:
1-Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (207266) at $16.95
2-Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2008 from Chile (685792) at $14.95  -  Organic Product
3-Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2009 from Italy (134551) at $13.95

My top three from previous release still available: (Probably not for long)
1-Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008 from Chile (213520) at $16.95
2-Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (706275) at $24.95
3-Cline Sonama Zinfandel 2007 from California (213504) at $17.95

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

Red Wines:

1-Domaine Du Haut Des Terres Blanches Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2007 from France (177618) at $37.95
2-Giuseppe Campagnola Vigneti Vallata Di Marano Amarone 2006 from Italy (204750) at $41.95
3-San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino from Italy (212431) at $48.95
4-Alvento Elige 2007 from Ontario (226019) at $19.95
4-Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2005 from Australia (724625) at $79.95
5-Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (234005) at $79.95
6-Antinori Solaia 2007 from Italy (987586) at $249.95

White Wines:
1-Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile (510339) at $15.95
2-Jardin Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 from South Africa (663336) at $17.95
My team and I will be back for the next New Release of June 25, 2011 when an interesting patio / barbecue wine from Argentina, Zuccardi Q Tempranillo should be released.
Cheers
Paul YWG

Santa Carolina Dry Farming Carignan 2008, Cauquenes Valley, Chile

This full body gem opens up with cherry, blueberry, plums, vanilla, violet and cedar. The palate is rich with loads of concentrated fruit flavour, currant, balance acidity and muscular tannins. This Carignan finishes long, smooth, juicy and peppery. This is worth multiple purchases, price vs quality tips well in your favour. Robust wine yet approchable.

This wine was purchased May 14, 2011 LCBO New Release at $16.95

Castello Del Trebbio Lastricato Chianti Rufina Riserva 2006, Tuscany, Italy

A little thin for a Chianti Riserva, but none the less a traditional style of Chianti from Tuscany, with a real sense of place. This wine has complex aromas of sweet plums, cranberries, violet and savoury spices. It’s medium bodied with sweet and sour flavours, mouth watering acidity and silky tannins. The finish is long, smooth and savoury. I enjoyed this wine was paired with a pasta dish of tomatoes, Italian sausage, roasted eggplant , goat cheese and fresh basil and it worked beautifully. Life is good.

This wine was purchased on May 14, 2011 LCBO New Release at $27.95

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California

No wonder that sales of US wines are up by 21.5% over the last year in this province (Ontario). This Cabernet is a perfect example as to why those sales are up. An elegant wine, ready to drink or short term cellar with great flavour and texture  that over delivers at this sale price. The nose is sophisticated with dark fruits, cedar, currants, soft leather and dried herbs. Medium to full body, with every element of this wine in harmony, ripe fruit but not jammy, balanced acidity and noticeable, but well integrated tannins. This Cabernet Sauvignon finish is long savoury and complex. Great wine making at play here, lovely wine.

This wine was purchased May 28, 2011 LCBO New Release at $24.95.

Elderton Ode to Lorraine 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Elderton is a small family owned winery located in the Barossa Valley. The Elderton vineyard which was planted in 1894 by Samuel Elderton Tolley, was purchased by the Ashmead family in the late 1970's. All this to tell you that that Ode to Lorraine, was created to honour the co-founder Lorraine Ashmead and the 2006 vintage his a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Shiraz and 12% Merlot, maturation took place over a period of 18 months in new French and American oak and alcohol register at 14.5% . The nose is so nice, I could inhale this all day; ripe red fruits, sweet blackberry, cassis and savoury spices. I love the structure of this blend; concentrated fruit flavours, lively acidity and well integrated tannins buried under all that rich ripe fruit. the finish is long with sweet fruit, spicy and velvet texture. This wine truly honours it's co-founder and is a real treat, one which I have previously tasted last summer in Copenhagen, Denmark.  I have enjoyed their 2008 vintage and still have another in my cellar. My only negative comment; Why tame the pink on the label of the 2008 vintage? I like it, it makes the wine stand out from the multitude of wines in our stores. Enough said, I loved it.

This wine was purchased March 30, 2011 at Liberty Wine Merchants in Vancouver, BC at $54.99.

Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2008, Sonoma County, California

The fruit from this medium to full body Chardonnay is grown in the Chalk Hill appellation of Sonoma County. A refined style of California Chardonnay which went through new and old French oak barrel fermentation gives melon, pear, vanilla, clove and some toasty oak on the nose. The mouthfeel is creamy with fresh acidity and tree fruit, nutty and with some minerality. The finish is a bit hot (14.2% alc.) and spicy. A solid Chardonnay overall.

This wine was purchased April 30, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95

Anthill Farms 2008 Syrah, Windsor Oaks Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California

I have to say I was looking forward to a visit to my local wine bar. This wine came strongly recommended by our waiter, Ben, at Taylor's Food & Wine Bar here in Ottawa, Ontario. I was looking for a wine to match with our main course, which was a Rabbit Saddle (Rabbit wrapped in bacon with mushrooms served with Eggplant Caponata and chick peas).  The Anthill Farms Syrah 2008 arrived at the table a bit too warm, but after cooling down in an ice bucket. we were able to enjoy it. This wine's aromatics were very interesting with a meat counter smell, bacon, blackberries, plums, violet, dried mushrooms and smokey. On the palate, bright fruit, surprisingly lively acidity and silky tannins. The finish was long, smooth and elegant. The style of this Syrah is somewhere between an Australian Shiraz and a Northern Rhone Syrah. What was surprising about this wine was the explosion of flavour on the mouthfeel and the acidity which went beautifully with our main course (which was fantastic by the way). Thank you Ben for the great recommendation. This wine is best served around 16-17 Celsius. I had not heard of this winery before and I am sure this wine was purchased through consignment, which means it is not available at our Provincial Liquor Stores (LCBO), restaurant price for this wine $60.00.   NJoy!

http://www.taylorsgenuine.ca/

Domaine Roux Père & Fils Côte De Beaune Villages 2009, Burgundy, France

A beautifully aromatic wine, with strawberry, cherry, sweet spices and violet on the nose. Unfortunately this is where the good news ends; this Pinot Noir mouthfeel is thin with sour fruit, racy acidity and puckering tannins. This wine finish is long, tart and spicy. This is not a balanced wine in my book, not enough fruit to balance the high acidity and tannins. Over time the tannins will soften up, but it is hard for me to think that this wine will get any better.

This wine was purchased April 2, 2011, LCBO New Release at $17.95