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