Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of October 1, 2011 - Wine pairing for Thanksgivi​ng and Half size Bottle

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR) what grabbed my attention, both as a fan of Malbec and Luigi Bosca wines is the Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2008 (074922) at $21.95 it is worth buying a few, two low alcohol Riesling (more on that in the next paragraph), for any fans of Gran Reserva, consider Carlos Serres Gran Reserva 2001 (221945) at $27.95 and my splurge this week, Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (579094) at $39.95 a lighter and spicy style of Brunello. Well let's get started.

Wine pairing for Thanksgiving: If turkey is on your menu for Thanksgiving, trying to satisfy both red and white wine drinkers is often a challenge. Lets start with white wine; there is always a lot going on that plate, the turkey with all the stuffing and gravy, potatoes, vegetables and bread or biscuits. I say lighter wines with no or little oak like these;

* From Germany, Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett 2008 (189647) at $16.95 a medium dry wine with only 7.5% alcohol, with nice aromatics and mouth watering acidity (This is the third release of this vintage since December of 2010)

* A local wine from Ontario is Vineland St. Urban Riesling 2009 (038117) at $19.95 like Dr. Herman this wine is Medium Dry with only 8.4% alcohol;

* From Ontario as well, Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2009 (089037) at $19.95 a food friendly Chardonnay; and

* A Sauvignon Blanc from last NR is Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (247205) at $29.95. see my review here: http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/09/terravin-single-vineyard-sauvignon.html

Now for red wine drinkers: What you should be looking for is a lighter wine with low tannins, good acidity with more fruit than oak. During this holiday I usually recommend Pinot Noir, lighter Zinfandels, Beaujolais or a mature Rioja like these;

* From Spain, Carlos Serres Gran Reserva 2001 (221945) at $27.95 a mature 10 year old beauty;

* From France Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château 1er Cru (901199) at $36.95 a savoury and earthy style of Pinot Noir; and

* Another Pinot Noir but from last NR is Red Shot Lane Pinot Noir 2009 from Oregon (242560) at $18.95.

Half size Bottle: I wish there were more half size products at the LCBO. I find them very practical, when you are entertaining, i.e. if your guest(s) are bringing a dessert. I enjoy having different options available to me, like Moscato D'Asti, Ice Wine, Riesling Spätlese or Auslese, Tokaji Aszu, Sauterne and Port. Buying them in a half bottle size is ideal and can serve 4 to 6 people. Same thing for red or white wines, not all wines are available in 375ml, but when they are and it's a wine you enjoy, think about buying a few. Two of these half size bottle to consider in this NR;

* W. & J. Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2001 from Portugal (236836) 375ml at $25.95; and

* Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006 from Hungary (972836) 250ml at $19.95 to paired with pumpkin pie.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (579094) at $39.95

2-Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (074922) at $21.95

3-Domaine Gille Les Brûlées Nuits-Saint-Georges 2008 from France (240408) at $43.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Dr. Herman Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (189647) at $16.95

2-Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (074922) at $21.95

3-Domaine les Yeuses les Épices Syrah 2008 from France (177584) at $14.95

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

Red Wines;

1-E. Guigal Croze-Hermitage 2007 from France (704908) at $24.95

2-Domaine les Yeuses les Épices Syrah 2008 from France (177584) at $14.95

3-Pérez Cruz Limited Edition Syrah 2009 from Chile (589812) at $19.95

4-Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (246900) at $46.95

5-Stag's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (996405) at $49.95

6-Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor 2008 from Argentina (640938) at $16.95

7-Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château 1er Cru from France (901199) at $36.95

8-Domaine Gille Les Brûlées Nuits-Saint-Georges 2008 from France (240408) at $43.95

9-Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo 2005 from Italy (168179) at $34.95

White Wines;

1-Yalumba FDW Chardonnay 2008 from Australia (244384) at $23.95

2-Château de la Saule Montagny 1er Cru 2009 from France (241273) at $24.95

3-Domaine Hervé Azo Vau De Vey Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from France (240655) at $26.95

Dessert Wine;

1-Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006 from Hungary (972836) at $19.95 - 375m

My team and I will be back for the next New Release October 15, 2011. There are three NR this month, so................pace yourself.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand

The Terravin 2009 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc comes from a parcel of land in Marlborough’s Cowley Family Vineyard. This SB was partially fermented in seasoned French Oak (33% to be exact). Lovely aromas of passion fruit,  gooseberry, grapefruit and lemon notes, fresh grass, wet stone and some minerality as well. All of this leads to a grapefruit freshness on the mouthfeel, with still noticeable acidity, but tamed by partial oak fermentation which gave it a smooth texture. This wine finish is long, refreshing with a hint of sweetness. I usually prefer an on unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, but this one was so enjoyable. This wine was a little expensive for a SB, but factor in the cost of French oak barrels and its worth the added value to up the quality of this wine. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia

A wine from the always consistent and reliable Wynns Coonawarra, this deep colour Shiraz mix is power with elegance and smoothness. Very intense aromatics with cherry, ripe plums, crush raspberry, black pepper and licorice. Medium to full body, rich and concentrated flavours, balanced acidity and fully rounded tannins. Long, spicy, crushed berries and cedar on the finish. A very enjoyable wine to enjoy now, but will hold at lease five years. Strongly recommended.

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

Oliver's Taranga Vineyards HJ Reserve Shiraz 2006, McLaren Vale, South Australia

Still remembering how enjoyable Oliver Taranga Vineyard Shiraz 2006 was, I was tempted into purchasing this wine. Definitely a big and bold Aussie Shiraz. Gorgeous nose, smell like blackberry, stewed plums, fruitcake and mocha. The palate is rich, with dark chocolate, low acidity and silky tannins. The finish is medium lenght, sweet with chewy tannins. With about 1/4 left in the bottle, a lot of sediments is showing up. Decent wine, I wish I was drinking there Oliver Taranga Vineyard Shiraz 2006 instead. There is a lot of competition for Australian Shiraz at the $50 to $70 range. When you compare Oliver's Taranga Vineyards HJ Reserve Shiraz 2006 to D'Arenberg The Dead Arm, Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz, Charles Cimicky The Autograph Shiraz or Two Hands Garden Series, this Shiraz does not mesured up. May be better in a few years, was expecting much better, ovehall disappointing.

This wine was purchased throught LCBO February 2011 Classic Catalogue at $ 69.00 but now on sale at $ 45.95

Poggio Valente Morellino Di Scansano Riserva 2006, Tuscany, Italy

This Poggio Valente is a blend of Sangiovese and Alicante. A very aromatic wine here with red and black fruit, licorice, new leather, smoke, forest floor and hints of violet aromas. With alcohol coming in at 14.5%, this medium to full body mouthfeel with balanced acidity and woody tannins. The finish on this wine is long with persistent tannins, austere and a bit tart. Great potential with nice aromatics but clearly needs time before it reaches its full potential, best after 2013-14.

This wine was purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $34.95

Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California, USA

From the superb 2007 California vintage, this young Cabernet Sauvignon has complex aromatics that reveals dark plums, blackberry, currents, tobacco leaf, mint and smoke. It is medium to full body, the palate has loads of energy and length with bold fruit flavours and firm tannins. The finish is long, with persistent tannins, cedar and rich fruit that lingers. I had originally purchased six bottles last December, after having given a few away, this was my remaining bottle and is unfortunately no longer available in our jurisdiction.  I would love to revisit this wine in 3-4 years as all the elements are here for this Cabernet to age beautifully. Great wine, love the aromatics.    


This wine was purchased December 11, 2010 LCBO New Release at $ 27.95

San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenère 2008, Maule Valley, Chile

This wine has been made in a style which will have a wide appeal and should be enjoyed by many. It is a full bodied red with loads of flavour and smooth with a spicy finish. It is a very aromatic wine with black cherry, fresh dark plums, cassis, mint, rosemary, cedar and tobacco leaf. The mouthfeel has rich texture, lively acidity and ripe tannins. This Carmenère finish is long, fresh with black pepper and underbrush. Good balance between fruity and savoury elements, very good value here, strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95

Rivera II Falcone Riserva 2006, DOC Castel Del Monte, Puglia, Italy

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a bottle which was not on my shopping list, but is strongly recommended by my local LCBO Product Consultant, Mario, here in the Glebe, in the city of Ottawa. I trust his recommendations, he has a good palate and he is quite knowledgable of French and Italian wines.
This blend of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano and was aged 1 year in French oak barriques, opens up with aromas of cherry, blueberry, sweet balsamic, leather, earthy and spicy. The palate has great structure with firm and gritty tannins, lively acidity and good fruit concentration. An explosion of flavours on the finish with a trace of minerality and silky tannins. With Mario's help, I have discovered a new favourite, a full bodied red with a lot of personality, strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased on September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95
This wine is also available at the SAQ in Québec (10675466) at $24.00

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of September 17, 2011 - New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and My Splurges!

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR) what grabbed my attention was the strong showing of wines from New Zealand. There are also solid reds in the $20 price range, a red wine found off the beaten path in Portugal at $15.95 Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007 (made mostly with Port grapes), a dessert wine from Spain Torres Flaralis Moscatel Oro at $16.95 and 2 wines around $50-$60 to consider. So let’s get started.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: When I purchase a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (SB), I would say that 80% are from New Zealand (NZ) the rest from Canada, France or South Africa. Over the last 10-15 years NZ has gained a reputation for reliable SB. What I like about SB, above all, are it's aromatics. Two different styles of SB are made in NZ, one with a more herbaceous style with green pepper, tinned asparagus & green peas, plus fresh cut grass. I don’t dislike this style, enjoyed in moderation I suppose. I prefer a fruitier and more pungent style of SB with flavours of pine nettles, fresh cut grass, passion fruit, kiwi, citrus fruit, peach, melon and even more tropical fruit like pineapple with classic NZ acidity and generally unoaked. Not all NZ SB or excellent, some weaker wines try to cash in on the popularity of the grape. Which means you have to do your homework and find which wineries style you prefer. I have two recommendation from this week NR.

• The always reliable and great value Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Marlborough (981670) at $15.95; and
• Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough (247205) at $29.95 a new discovery to me but very well reviewed. What got my attention was the stony-mineral character of this wine, the grape are grown in a valley layered with gravel and seams of clay. A small portion of this SB is fermented in French oak for 4 months to add complexity. If this wine is as good as my all time favourite Springfield Estate “Life from Stone” Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, I will be a happy man. I will be posting a review of Terravin SB soon.

My Splurges! How do I rationalize spending $50.00 on a bottle of wine? Here goes, when you go to a restaurant, with the mark-up, you can easily spend $50.00 an a average bottle of wine or, you could have dinner at home and enjoy a great bottle of wine. On occasion, I choose dinner at home and a great bottle. That's how I rationalize this. I hope I made a strong case for these 2 wines:

• Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2008 from Australia (636407) at $63.95. From Two Hands very successful Garden Series, this range of wines showcase 6 different growing regions of South Australia. Bella’s Garden is from the Barossa Valley. This is definitely a big and concentrated Aussie Shiraz, the 2008 vintage was ranked #2 on the 2010 Wine Spectator Top 100. In the summer of 2009, while living in Victoria BC, a friend (thank you again Peter) brought back a bottle of Bella’s Garden 2001 from his family cellar in Australia. An absolutely delicious wine, which was rich, smooth and well integrated. I actually have a 2006 vintage in my cellar and intend to wait until 2014. Most review says drink now to 2018 or 2020, I say be patient and you will be rewarded.
• The biggest feature in this NR is 2008 Bordeaux, but from most accounts the best Bordeaux blend is from New Zealand, Te Mata Coleraine 2007 from Hawkes Bay (640656) at $59.95. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc mostly fermented in new French oak barrels for 20 months’ maturation and bottled in January 2009. From WineAlign David Lawrason “Approachable now, best 2013 to 2017.

You can see my review of Two Hands Harry & Edward’s Garden here;

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/04/2006-two-hands-harry-edwards-shiraz.html

My top three wines of this release;

1-Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz 2008 from Australia (636407) at $63.95

2-Te Mata Coleraine 2007 from New Zealand (640656) at $59.95

3-Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009, from New Zealand (247205) at $29.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (981670) at $15.95

2-Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007 from Portugal (986075) at $15.95

3-Emiliana Winemaker’s Selection Syrah/Mourvèdre 2007 from Chile at $18.95

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

Red Wines;

1-A By Acacia Pinot Noir 2008 from California (118927) at $16.95

2-First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (188110) at $19.95

3-Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2007 from California (020313) at $49.95

4-Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2009 from California (070391) at $49.95

5-Red Shot Lane Pinot Noir 2009 from Oregon (242560) at $18.95

6-Finca Flichman Paisaje De Barrancas 2007 from Argentina (017129) at $17.95

7-Penfold Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (414987) at $34.95

8-Churton Pinot Noir 2008 from New Zealand (237164) at $36.95

9-Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007 from Portugal (986075) at $15.95

10-Baron De Ley Reserva 2005 from Spain (958868) at $19.95 (previously released on 25 Jun 11)

see my review here: http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/06/baron-de-ley-reserva-2005-rioja-spain.html

White Wines;

1-Dog Point Chardonnay 2008 from New Zealand (238568) at $39.95

2-Milton Crazy By Nature Dry Flint Chenin Blanc 2009 from New Zealand (214429) at $18.95

3-Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009 from France (224626) at $16.95

My team and I will be back for next New Release of October 1, 2011.

Cheers
Paul YWG

Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Limari Valley, Chile

A compact, concentrated wine with blackberry, stewed plums, pepper, smoky and underbrush aromas. The palate is dense, sweet with balance acidity and rounded tannins. This Syrah’s finish is long, smokey, savoury and very rich. Drinking well right now, but I would like to revisit this wine in 1-2 years, as all the elements are here for this wine to gain some elegance. Maybe a bit sweet for some, but strongly recommended, especially at this price.
  
This wine was purchased July 23, 2011 LCBO New Release at $19.95.

Chateau les Ormes de Pez 1999, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Here is one cork that will not find it's way into my cork collection. Once removed from the bottle, it was slightly damp and broken in two. Of course, what is more important is the wine, right?  So how was this 11 year old wine?  On the nose not a whole lot of fruit, due to the age, more like vanilla, sweet spices, damp earth and earthy funk (yes like the farm). On the palate, medium body, silky smooth tannins, just enough to give this wine some structure, balanced acidity, cedar and mineral flavours on the mouthfeel. The finish is medium length with minerals and earthy funk; which I actually enjoy, as long as it’s not over the top. An enjoyable wine, but I must admit I was expecting a little more. I think it may have had a little more structure and flavour 2 or 3 years ago. It was not quite over the hill, but if you have one of these in your cellar, I say it's time to drink up. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

This wine was purchased this summer in Ajaccio on the Island of Corsica in France for 40 euros.

Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005, Tuscany, Italy

It is treat to find a mature vintage of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in our LCBO stores. A very elegant and sophisticated nose here with dark plums, ripe berries, currants, floral, soft leather, spices and earthy. This wine is medium bodied (13% Alc.) and nicely structered with silky smooth tannins, complex mouthfeel and fresh acidity. The finish is long, savoury and slightly tart. 30% of this Sangiovese based wine was aged in French Allier barriques while the remainder matured in Slavonian oak casks. An honest wine here with a real sense of place, great food companion and a superb value. Need I say, strongly recommended.

This wine was part of the LCBO New Release of August 6, 2011 and priced at $24.95.

Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga 2007, Rioja, Spain

This Rioja is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Grenache and 100% from Bush vines. Classic Rioja with nose of wild berries, dark plums, vanilla oak, clove and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is spicy, the tannins are ripe and well-integrated and bright acidity keeps this wine lively. The finish is long and savoury. This Rioja is very elegant, well made and perfectly balanced. It has the structure to evolve in 1 and up to 3 years but can be enjoyed now. I would have prefered to wait before opening this wine, but I remember tasting this wine at the wine shown in Vancouver last April, and could not resist the tempatation any longer. I paired this with a roasted vegetable lasagna and it worked beautifully. Real classy and an enjoyable wine.

This wine was purchased at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival  April, 2011 at $35.00.

Balthasar Ress Riesling Spätlese 1998, Rheingau, Germany

A wonderful example of a fully mature Riesling Spätlese, with a bright yellow gold colour and aromas of Peach, apricot, honey and petrol. This full body, medium sweet white, coats your mouth with ripe tree fruit and baked apple, noticeable minerality and fresh natural acidity to balance all that sweetness with low alcohol at 8.5%. The finish is long with honey and Asian spice. Pair with spicy food or with a dessert like fruit flan, crème brulée or crème caramel. A wonderful wine and a real treat.

This wine was purchased June 25, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 20.95.

Mullineux Syrah 2008, Swartland, South Africa

A gorgeous Syrah which should appeal to New and Old world wine lovers alike. Deep ruby, almost opaque in colour with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violet, bacon, clove and earthy. Full bodied mouthfeel with fresh acidity, firm tannins with great depth. The finish is long chewy with great power and rich concentrated flavours. Maturation took place in French oak, 15% of it new. This wine is unfiltered and unfined and alcohol is at 14.5%. Drinking well now with red meat or laying it down for 2-3 years to let all the components of this wine to come together will reward you with an even better experience.

This wine was purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $28.95.

Lammershoek Roulette 2006, Swartland, South Africa

Roulette is a Rhone style blend of 62% Shiraz, 20% Carignan, 13% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier. This blend has wonderful aromatics with bright red fruit, plums, sweet spices, cassis, licorice and a hint of floral tone. This medium to full bodied wine has it all  together with lively acidity quality tannins which are now well integrated and layers upon layers of flavours. This finish is long, spicy, toasty with  crushed berry fruit. A great deal of skill and effort went into making this wine and it shows. What I like about this wine is its easy drinking and aromatic, which has great complexity and flavour. A fantastic value. It should have wide appeal, strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 23.95. 

Beringer Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is mainly Merlot but some Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were added, I would suspect to add complexity and depth. This wine opens up earthy, with cherries, plums and vanilla. Full bodied with nicely layered structure, concentrated fruit, balance acidity and grainy tannins. Finally this Merlot has a long drying, smoky finish. Solid wine here.

This wine was purchased November 27, 2010 LCBO New Release at $29.95.

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of September 3, 2011 - Red blends and Emerging South Africa

Hello to all my wine friends,

Here we are in September already, summer seems to slip by way to fast. Although I will admit, September and October are my favourite months in the calendar. Looking at this New Release (NR), there is competition for your dollars with so many wines worth considering at the $20.00 to $40.00 value. It took me a while to finalize my shopping list, it was starting to get a little out of control. The last edit had me drop the Yalumba The Signature, a very good wine but at $51.95 there is a lot of better value in this release. So let’s get started.

Red Blends: The biggest featured category in this NR is blended wines. As more wine consumers pay more attention to wines aromatics and find it is a big part of there enjoyment of wine, wineries are spending a lot of money hiring wine consultants to help select the final blend that get's it right. The art of blending dates back centuries, helping winemakers achieve a more complex and balanced wine. Here are several blended wines from around the world;

• Château le Monteil D’Arsac 2006 (226142) from Bordeaux at $16.95 a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
• Domaine Chante Cigale Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 from France (194993) at $37.95 a blend of mostly Grenache at 65% plus Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault (13 grape varieties are allowed in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine).
• Majella The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 (142018) at $19.95 and Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2006 (528356) at $51.95 both from Australia. I have both of these wines in my cellar but different vintage.
• And finally from Ontario, the superb 2007 vintage of Henry of Pelham Reserve Cabernet/Merlot (395855) at $24.95. Give this wine 1-2 more years in bottle to fully appreciate the quality and greatness of that vintage.

Emerging South Africa: Some people still think that South Africa (SA) is a producer of cheap wine and I have, on many occasions, overheard people in wine shops say that paying $20 for a SA wine is way too much. But wait? This country is blessed with great soil and fantastic climate. No wonder that so many big winery names in France and Italy are investing in SA, the potential is huge. I have recently reviewed two Bordeaux blends from SA over the last six months, Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2006 and Vilafonté Series M 2006 which were terrific. In this release, four SA wines to be considered are (and yes three more blends in this section);

• De Toren Z 2008 (178194) at $32.95, using all five Bordeaux grapes with Merlot at 45%, drink now or better in a few years.
• Rust en Vrede Estate 2007 (997742) at $37.95 a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 9% Merlot.
• Lammershoek Roulette 2006 (058164) at $23.95 a blend of 62% Shiraz and in a supporting role, Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier, an aromatic wine ready to drink now.
• Mullineux Syrah 2008 (246553) at $28.95 a rich and meaty syrah, ready to drink now with a steak, or hold for a year or two.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Summers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (226597) at $45.95

2-Rust en Vrede Estate 2007 from South Africa (997742) at $37.95

3-Poggio Valente Morellino di Scansano from Italy (230680) at $34.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva 2009 from Chile (433912) at $14.95

2-Delta Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (236125) at $16.95

3-Lammershoek Roulette 2006 from South Africa (058164) at $23.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Château le Monteil D’Arsac 2006 from France (226142) at $16.95

2-Domaine Chante Cigale Tradition Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007 from France (194993) at $37.95

3-Brigaldara Case Vecie Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006 from Italy (247502) at $49.95

4-Majella The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 from Australia (142018) at $19.95

5-Yalumba The Signature Cabernet/Shiraz 2006 from Australia (528356) at $51.95

6-Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (054510) at $84.95 For serious collectors

7-Summers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 from California (226597) at $45.95

8-Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva 2009 from Chile (433912) at $14.95

9-Gotham Shiraz 2009 from Australia (243048) at $19.95 For fans of big fruity Shiraz

10-Fattoria le Pupille Saffredi 2007 from Italy (074435) at $99.95 For serious collectors

11-Corte Majoli Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007 from Italy (081943) at $33.95

White Wines;

1-Benziger Sangiocomo Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 from California (172205) at $28.95

2-Sebastiani Chardonnay 2008 from California (030791) at $17.95

3-McPherson Basilisk Chardonnay 2010 from Australia (244434) at $17.95

4-Delta Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (236125) at $16.95

5-Les Fosses D’Hareng Vouvray 2008 from France (224287) at $17.95

My team and I will be back for next New Release of September 17, 2011.

Cheers

Paul YWG

My top three enjoyed wines for August

A new addition to this blog will be a monthly feature highlighting the top three wines I have enjoyed each month. Some of these wines may have been reviewed on this blog and I will create a link to the review. The wine is ranked based on quality, enjoyment and price vs value. I have posted a review on two of three of my favourite wines for the month of August 2011. The third wine listed, Alvaro Palacio Les Terrasses was not reviewed but was enjoyed on the Celebrity Cruise Ship, Silhouette.

My top three enjoyed wines in August;

1-Villa Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino 2001, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/08/villa-poggio-salvi-brunello-di.html

2-Ross Estate, Single Vineyard Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/08/ross-estate-single-vineyard-shiraz-2006.html

3-Alvaro Palacio Les Terrasses 2008, Priorat, Spain