Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2008, Coonawarra, Australia

I love the sophisticated nose here; with aromas of blackberry, dark plums, cassis, black olives tapenade, smoky and savoury notes. The palate reveals a Shiraz with fresh acidity, silky tannins with savoury, rich and concentrated flavours. Very good length on the finish, with savoury,  smoky notes, white pepper and a solid core of ripe dark fruit lingering. The 2008 Bin 128 Shiraz was aged 12 months in French oak hogsheads, with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. A lovely wine to smell with a robust structure yet very approachable right now. Strongly recommended.    

This wine was purchased August 20, 2011 LCBO New Release at $34.95.

Salcheto Rosso Di Montepulciano 2008, Tuscany, Italy

This 2008 Rosso di Montepulciano is a very fruity and uncomplicated blend of 84% Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Merlot rounding out this blend. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel only, no oak aging here. Very aromatic on the nose, with aromas of fresh raspberry, plums, cranberry and floral notes. This wine is medium bodied, framed by dusty tannins, lively acidity and fresh berry fruit flavours. The finish is medium length and fruity. Without the oak aging, it doesn’t have the complexity of their Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano of course but an enjoyable and easy drinking wine at a very good price.  Now what is with the synthetic cork? I am not a fan of synthetic corks, but the strange thing here is the French inscription of “Mis en bouteille au Château Salcheto”  I am sure that my bottle was meant for the foreign market and not the domestic Italian market. Sold like this in the home market, there would be riots in the streets of Tuscany.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $17.95

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of October 29, 2011 - Wines of Sonoma and German or Ontario Riesling ?

Hello to all my wine friends,

Following this New Release (NR), there will only be three more NR before Christmas. At first glance, not as an exciting NR as I would have liked, definitely nothing to go crazy and fill your cellar with here. Simply a few everyday value wines like Salcheto Rosso Di Montepulciano 2008 from Italy (165357) at $17.95 – a mostly Sangiovese blend. I was so impressed with there Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2005 from August 6, 2011 NR. I wanted to experience more of their wines. Also for your consideration, fans of Chenin Blanc, a very well reviewed, Marc Brédif Vouvray 2009 from Loire, France (685362) at $20.95, and a great value Amarone from Pasqua Italy (247890) at $36.95. Well let’s get started.

Wines of Sonoma; Hard to compete for attention when your big brother is Napa Valley. I personally prefer Sonoma over Napa, here is why; Sonoma makes more balanced wines with it's cooler region, Sonoma wines have better acidity, less alcohol, dryer wines and are a better value. As a big fan of Zinfandel, with sub-appellations such as Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma has a lot going for it. A Zin which I have had my eye on in this NR, Gallo Family Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel 2009 has received mix reviews, like this review from David Lawrason of Wine Align “Two bottles were tasted – one was quite cooked and raisiny. The other was much better..... I have encountered this bottle variability before with Gallo’s Sonoma wines. I would buy one bottle at a time." This review does not inspire confidence, David Lawreson is a wine expert, tasting hundreds of wines a year, most people who would open that first bottle, would say this is not a very good wine for their taste and never buy it again, or return it. Never realizing there could be variations or inconsistent wine by bottle. Here are 3 Reds and 1 White Sonoma wines worth considering;

• Benziger Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Sonoma County (597237) at $29.95
• Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Alexander Valley (038075) at $23.95
• Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from Russian River Valley (954834) at $24.95
• CrossBarn Chardonnay 2008 from Sonoma Mountain (235945) at $21.95

German or Ontario Riesling? You all know by now, my love for Riesling. With a few exceptions (Washington State Château St-Michelle) all my other Riesling purchases originate from these two colder climate countries; Germany and Canada (British Columbia and Ontario). First, Germany is a no brainer, off-dry, light-bodied Riesling's are there specialty; somewhat sweet, but well balanced by strong minerality, zesty and refreshing acidity with many designations such as Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese. As for Canada, both British Columbia and Ontario producers can produce equally brilliant Riesling; fuller body than Riesling from German but with great aromatics, mineral notes and fresh acidity. In my view, no other white wine is more food friendly than a Riesling, and here are two recommendations from this NR, one from Germany and one from Ontario and under $18.00

• Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2009 from Pfalz, Germany (568634) at $13.95
• Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 from Niagara Peninsula, Ontario (089029) at $17.95 

My top three wines of this release;

1-Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2008 from Australia (422782) at $34.95

2-Benziger Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (597237) at $29.95

3-Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007 from Italy (247890) at $36.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2009 from Germany (568634) at $13.95

2-Salcheto Rosso Di Montepulciano 2008 from Italy (165357) at $17.95

3-Meandro Do Vale Meao 2008 from Portugal (244731) at $23.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (038075) at $23.95

2-Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from California (954834) at $24.95

3-NK’MIP Qwam Qwmt Meritage 2008 from British Columbia (252080) at $26.95

4-Chehalem Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 from Oregon (233577) at $44.95

5-Concha Y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 54 Syrah 2008 from Chile (227496) at $16.95

6-Jim Barry Clare Red Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (243543) at $24.95

7-Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2009 from France (048884) at $29.95

8-Lento Lamezia Riserva 2006 from Italy (972208) at $19.95

9-Barone Ricasoli Rocca Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (943613) at $24.95

10-Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007 from Italy (247890) at $36.95

White Wines;

1-Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay 2007 from South Africa (174672) at $21.95

2-Loosen Bros Dr. L. Riesling 2010 from Germany (599274) at $14.95

3-Inama Vin Soave Classico 2009 from Italy (949768) at $17.95

My team and I will be back for next New Release of November 12, 2011 where the main Feature is Premium products for Holiday fêtes, so save your toonies and get ready to pace yourself over the next six weeks on your wine purchases.

Cheers
Paul YWG

Navarro Correas Structura Ultra 2006, Mendoza, Argentina

On LCBO New Release day I go to the store with my shopping list in hand, but every once in a while I will stray from the list because of a wine that is strongly recommended by the in-store Product Consultant. In this case the Product Consultant is Niki Deol at the World Exchange in Ottawa. She was highly enthusiastic of the Structura Ultra 2006, a blend of Malbec 52%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, and Merlot 18% aged for 18 months in French Oak, of which 80% is new.  If Structure Ultra was a boxer, it would be competing in the Heavy Weight division; a big wine on all fronts. Big fruit, big alcohol 14.9%, big flavours, big and heavyweight bottle ( not a positive here), big… well you get the picture. The reaction of pulling the cork was an upper cut of flavours, with ripe black fruit (cherry and blackberry), plums, black currant, cedar and floral notes. This full bodied mouthfeel has rich and velvet texture, concentrated fruit flavours, toasty oak, fresh acidity and grainy tannins. This blends finish is long, rich and sensuous. An awesome wine, a great recommendation Niki, strongly recommended for people who enjoy this style.   

This wine was purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release at $34.95.

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Lake County, California, USA

This young Cabernet Sauvignon is a little awkward at the moment. A little shy on the nose with aromas of dark fruit, dark chocolate, cedar, smoke and dust. On the mouthfeel this medium to full bodied Cabernet has loads of dark fruit, enough acidity and hard tannins. The back label says smooth and velvet finish, it is nothing but. I get a great deal of oak and aggressive tannins. Don't get me wrong, a good wine, at a great value, but it needs time in the cellar. This wine lacks finesse, right now.  

This wine was purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release at $17.95.

Saltram Mamre Brook Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, Australia

From a hot 2008 vintage of the Barossa Valley, comes this big (15% Alcohol), dark almost inky black and very fragrant Aussie Shiraz. The fruit is from low yielding vines that was matured in new and used French and American oak barrels for twenty-two months. On the nose, this wine opens up with ripe blackberry, plums, savoury, coffee and cedar aromas. Big and rich flavours on the mouthfeel, cherry pie, chocolate, clove with sufficient acidity and ripe tannins. The finish is long, velvety, savoury with sweet flavours lingering. A classic example of the “Barossa Style”, big fruit and big alcohol but well balanced and well made. Very enjoyable.

This wine was purchased July 9, 2011 LCBO New Release at $24.95

Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepluciano 2007, Tuscany, Italy

From the very successful 2007 Tuscan vintage, classic Sangiovese aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, forest floor, mushroom, damp earth and savoury. On the palate, this wine is medium to full body (14.5% alcohol) and offers a good contrast between rich and concentrated fruit and earthy notes, with balanced acidity and firm tannins. The opening aromas continue through, with a smokey, earthy and dark fruit  through a long and dry finish.  If you drink now, this wine should be decanted for about one hour, or keep it in the bottle for one or two years, this will allow for greater integration of the flavours. Great Value and strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release at $25.95.

Carlos Serres Gran Reserva 2001, Rioja, Spain

This Gran Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo which spent 36 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, then a further 36 months ageing in the bottle. This Rioja is very aromatic with plums, vanilla, cinnamon and minerals on the nose. The palate is smooth, elegant with well integrated tannins. The finish as medium length with light berries, vanilla and sweet spices. Definitely a mature wine which has started to lose some of its fruit and structure and should be drank over the next year. Enjoyable when paired with the right food. 

This wine was purchased October 1, 2011 LCBO New Release at $27.95.

Caymus Vineyards Zinfandel 2007, Napa Valley, California, USA

My first experience with Caymus Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 was at the Keg Restaurant in Toronto, Ontario, last May 2011. This is one of those fantastic pairings, great steak and juicy full bodied Zin. Now,  This wine was not available in Ontario from the LCBO, but living close to the Quebec border gives more choice and another market to shop in. I was lucky to find this wine in a special release in that province (Quebec).

The aromas are classic Zin,  blackberry jam, crush raspberries, peppery, fruit cake and cedar. A rich, sensuous and full bodied mouthfeel, generous alcohol at 15.5% but well balanced by sweet ripe fruit, surprisingly good acidity for a Napa Valley wine with chewy tannins. The finish is long, peppery and slightly drying tannins. The sign of a great wine is that each glass gets better and better. Gorgeous wine amd I will keep my last bottle of this vintage for next fall. I couldn't afford the more pricey, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, but for $40.00 I got to enjoy there great Zinfandel. Life is good.

This wine was purchased July 5, 2011 at the SAQ in Gatineau, Quebec.

Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005, Veneto, Italy

The suggested pairing for our pasta dinner was a Ripasso or an Amarone. Since I didn’t have a Ripossa I opened one of only two Amarone in my cellar. Isn't this a good excuse for opening an Amarone? I think so!  A classic version of Amarone with aromas of prune, fig, dates, dried raisins, stewed fruits, chocolate and leather. This full body mouthfeel of 15.5% alcohol has rich and sweet texture, low acidity and well integrated tannins. Great length and velvet on the finish. The exact blend for this Amarone is 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara. Strongly recommended for fans Amarone and full bodied red. 

This wine was purchased November 27, 2010 LCBO New Release at $54.95.

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of October 15, 2011 - Tuscan vs. Piedmont and Pazzo Call Me Crazy

Hello to all my wine friends,

As a big fan of Italian wines, what grabbed my attention while looking at this New Release (NR) is the solid selection from Tuscany. I was also excited about a trio of wines from California; Peju Merlot 2006, Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Pazzo, Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red 2007 (more on this one latter). Fans of Luigi Bosca should look for their good valued Reserva 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Next up an Australian blend; Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2008 from Barossa Valley (976423). This wine was originally released last December 11, 2011 and is being released again this week. A wine I happened to have enjoyed this past week, you can see my review here; http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/10/elderton-ode-to-lorraine-2008-barossa.html     So let’s get started.

Tuscan vs. Piedmont; The main feature of this NR are these two regions of Italy. Incidentally, there are only 5 wines from Piedmont and 11 from Tuscany. With the exception of Giacomo Fenocchio Bussia Barolo 2005 (232421) at $42.95, which should be strongly considered by fans of Barolo, the selection from Tuscany is far superior. Here are my top three Tuscan wines from the NR, now if you only buy one wine from this NR it should be this first one;

• Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 (988055) at $25.95. From the superb 2007 Tuscan vintage and a very good producer (never had a bottle from them which I did not enjoy) Poliziano wines have lots of class, elegance, well balance and a good value, drink now or over the next 5-6 years.
• Tenuta di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 (177279) at $29.95 A classic Italian table wine with Sangiovese grape aged in French oak and unfiltered. Drink now or over the next 10 years.
• Poggio Verrano Chance 2005 (239707) at $33.95 a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from warmer region of Tuscany call Maremma. You should expect a wine style between Italy and California. This wine is already 6 years old, drink now or over the next little while.

Pazzo Call Me Crazy; I have enjoyed the last two or three vintages of this California – Italian inspired blend, Pazzo Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red. Pazzo means crazy in Italian, and this blend is definitely a bit crazy. A blend of 74% Sangiovese, 8% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Syrah and 6% Viognier. All wines were aged in new and older French Oak barrels for 21 months. This wine is meant to be consumed sooner rather then later, in the first 2 or three years after it is released, this will emphasize the fruity characteristic of this blend. I have to be honest here, this is not a wine that will appeal to everyone, not everyone likes big fruity wine with high alcohol (16%), what it lacks for in elegance it more then makes up for in great aromatics, loads of flavour and a great mouthfeel. Pair with strong flavoured dishes like slow cooked stew, lamb shank and some pasta dishes. If you enjoy big, fruity new world wines but with an Italian twist try Pazzo Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red 2007 from Bacio Divino Cellars (677708) at $31.95.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 from Italy (988055) at $25.95

2-Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2008 from Australia (976423) at $39.95

3-Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2006 from Italy (075127) at $52.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2010 from Chile (016071) at $14.95

2-Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (104240) at $17.95

3-Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia 2009 from Italy (239889) at $19.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Giacomo Fenecchio Bussia Barolo 2005 from Italy (232421) at $42.95

2-Volpaia Chianti Classico 2008 from Italy (953828) at $21.95

3-Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Terre More Dell’ Ammiraglia 2009 from Italy (239889) at $19.95

4-Catena Alta Malbec 2008 from Argentina (982355) at $49.95

5-Peju Merlot 2006 from California (147322) at $44.95

6-Luigi Bosca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Argentina (128629) at $17.95

7-Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2010 from Chile (016071) at $14.95

8-Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2008 from Australia (976423) at $39.95

White Wines;

1-Santa Barbara Wine Company Chardonnay 2009 from California (235937) at $19.95

2-Penfolds Thomas Hyland Riesling 2008 from Australia (146746) at $19.95

3-Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2008 from New Zealand (247171) at $18.95

4-Iona Vineyards Chardonnay 2009 from South Africa (236026) at $24.95

5-Maculan Pinot Grigio 2010 from Italy (734921) at $13.95

My team and I will be back for next New Release October 29, 2011 that will feature the wines of Sonama, California and highlight great value party wines.
 
Cheers
Paul YWG

Elderton Ode To Lorraine 2008, Barossa Valley, Australia

I loved this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz and 8% Merlot, with maturation taking place in 80% French oak and 20% American Oak.. On the nose this wine opened up with ripe plums, black fruit, cassis, mint, vanilla and toasty oak. The palate was rich, smooth and well structured with good acidity and silky tannins. Medium to full body and great length. This blend finished long smooth, savoury and comforting. I first tasted this 2008 Ode to Lorraine last January, it was very enjoyable then, drinking beautifully right now and will only get better over the next 4-5 years. When done right, this is the kind of wine you expect from Barossa Valley. A big juice red (but not jammy), with high alcohol (14.5%) with rich and complex structure. My only negative comment, what is with the heavy bottle?  This wine is very good and can stand on its own without a hefty bottle. In this age of concern for the environment and our expanding carbon foot print, and the cost of moving heavy bottles around the world we should use regular bottles and pass on the savings to the customer, which may help sell more wine.
I have been purchasing Ode To Lorraine for 3 or 4 years now and reviewed their 2006 vintage on my blog on June 5, 2011. This wine was originally released December 11, 2010, it will be re-released, Saturday October 15, 2011. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased December 11, 2010 LCBO New Release at $39.95.

Chateau Haut-Marbuzet 2002, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Having my brothers family over for dinner this Thanksgiving I thought I would open something special and that special something was a Bordeaux that I purchased in France this summer. Once I pulled the cork I knew that this was going to be a memorable evening. An explosion of aromas from this nine year old wine; cherry, dark fruit, red currants, soft leather and tobacco leaf aromas. Incredible smooth mouthfeel with soft seductive fruit, fine ripe tannins and fresh acidity. More of the same on the finish, smooth, fresh with all elements of this wine well integrated. A little research on the web was not helpful, I coud not find the exact blend of this Saint-Estèphe wine. Finding the blend of a Bordeaux is sometimes as impossible as finding the most secret recipes (aka the Colonel's blend), my guess is mostly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc rounding out this blend. Lovely wine to smell, well balanced, elegant and drinking beautifully, right now.

This wine was purchased in Ajaccio on the Island of Corsica in France.

Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

This lovely medium ruby in color Pinot Noir opens up with sweet and sour cherry, plums, strawberry, cola, cinnamon and sweet oak. The mouthfeel is lively with fresh acidity, generous alcohol at 14.5% and silky smooth tannins. The finish is medium length with flavours of vanilla, sweet oak and crush strawberry. A Pinot Noir that is lacking finesse and complexity at this price, but the aromatics and mouthfeel are very pleasant. Enjoyable but not memorable.

This wine was purchased April 16, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 29.95.

Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2010, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

I wish we could find BC Pinot Blanc in our store here in Ontario. While living in BC, I had the opportunity to discover BC Pinot Blanc (PB) and I truly enjoyed the flavours of this grape; I would describe it as a fruit salad with refreshing acidity. My favourite were from the Wild Goose Vineyards, Blue Mountain Vineyards and this wine from Lake Breeze. I have been a regular buyer of this Pinot Blanc, having purchased the last four or five vintage of there PB. All except one vintage were outstanding, now how about this 2010 vintage.

This wine opens with  aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and hints of minerality. The mouthfeel was good weight but racy acidity. The finish is long and acidic. It is hard to enjoy a glass of wine when the acidity is this sharp. An unbalanced wine in my book, not enough fruit to balance all that acidity. I am not afraid of acidity, I enjoy drinking grapefruit juice, so I know acidity and this PB is undrinkable. Very disappointing.

This wine was purchased at Spinnakers Spirit Merchants in Victoria BC July 18, 2011 at $17.72.

Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Tuscany, Italy

My first observation I had while pouring this Brunello was the colour, a pale ruby, much lighter than most Brunello. What it lacked in colour it more than made up in aromas. This had a pure Sangiovese nose of  wild ripe berries, sour cherries, baking spices, soft leather and tobacco leaf. The entry is fresh with lively acidity, chalky tannins with sweet and sour notes. This medium bodied wine finish is long, fresh, spicy with sweet and sour notes lingering. Very elegant style, ready to enjoy now or over the next two or three years. This Brunello was paired with slow-cooked, spiced lamb shanks and it worked beautifully. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased October 1, 2011 LCBO New Release at $39.95.

Chalone Vineyard Monterey County Chardonnay 2009, Monterey County, California, USA

It has been a while since I have enjoyed a Chardonnay this much. For my palate, this Chardonnay was able to strike the right balance of oak, to give it a nice creamy buttery texture, good fruit and acidity. This flavourful Chardonnay opens up with citrus fruit, pear, butter and roasted nuts. The mouthfeel is rich, creamy/buttery with citrus and apple flavours and crisp acidity with a finish that is long, buttery texture with smoke and pears lingering. Well made, elegant and well priced. Highly recommended.


This wine was purchased August 20. 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 16.95.

My top three enjoyed wines for September 2011

This is a month which some of the more expensive choices did not deliver the enjoyment they should have. A total of 16 wines :)) to consider, number 3 spot was very hard to nail down. An honorable mention to Telmo Rodriguez Lanzaga 2007, Rioja, Spain who could have been in that #3 spot. All 3 wines are under $25.00.

My top three enjoyed wines in September;

1-Lammershoek Roulette 2006, Swartland, South Africa
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/09/lammershoek-roulette-2006-swartland.html

   An easy pick here, this red blend has it all going on; great aromatics and mouthfeel. This wine was a  great surprise and very high on the enjoyment factor. Still have one left in my cellar and looking forward to it.


2-Balthasar Ress Riesling Spätlese 1998, Rheingau, Germany
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/09/balthasar-ress-riesling-spatlese-1998.html

A seriously under valued ten year old beauty here. Very versatile wine, to enjoy with spicy food, dessert or on its own.

3-Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/09/salcheto-vino-nobile-di-montepulciano.html

Securing the # 3 spot because of high quality, well integrated and mature, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a wine that over delivers at a great price.

Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina

This wine is officially released here in Ontario tomorrow (01OCT11) , but some smaller stores have a practice of stocking the shelves a day early, so I thought I would give it a try and write up a review for people who may be thinking of purchasing it. Now I have to say that Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec has been a favourite of mine for some time, very consistent from year to year. I have never tried this Single Vineyard ( in Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza) Malbec, but I had read only good reviews that got me excited to try this wine.

This wine opens up with ripe plums, fresh cherries, spices, red currants, light cedar and slight floral tones. Rich and vibrant mouthfeel with fresh acidity, velvet tannins and noticeable alcohol. It states 14.4% on the label but to me, it does feel higher. This Malbec finish is long with Cherry, sweet spices and mocha, leaving a good impression. This wine has so much potential, each glass was getting better and better. Overall great aromatics, very good value, this is a lot of wine for $22, drink now or hold for 4-5 years.

This wine is part of the LCBO New Release of October 1, 2011 at $21.95.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah Mourvedre 2007, Colchagua Valley, Chile

 My first observation was the appearance of this wine, a deep purple colour. The nose is a little funky with sweaty feet, earthy, sage, stewed plums and blueberry. On the palate, the elements are well balanced, acidity, tannins, alcohol with good weight as well. Concentrated fruit flavours, fresh acidity and roasted spices on the finish. I am not usually a fan of Mourvedre except when it is  a minor player  as part of a blend, such as a Châteauneuf-Du-Pape. There is nothing wrong with this wine, no wine faults for sure. But an important part of enjoying wine is the aromatics and this one is not doing it for me, not enough fruit and to much funk. Not a wine which I would buy again.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $18.95