St. Urbans Hof Riesling Kabinett 2009, Qmp, Ockfener Bockstein, Mosel, Germany

From the very good 2009 Mosel vintage, this medium-dry Riesling Kabinett offers suttle aromas of peach, lime, green apple, wet stone and intense minerality. Slightly sweet and creamy on the mouthfeel but well balanced by racy acidity and low alcohol at 8%. Long creamy finish with interesting tension between tree fruit and minerals. Another elegant and very classy German Kabinett and definitely worthy of its place at number 57 on Wine Spectator top 100 Wines of 2010.

This wine was purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 21.95.

Delas Frères Saint-Esprit Côtes du Rhône 2009, Rhône, France

This 2009 Côtes du Rhône from Delas Frères is a blend of mostly Syrah at 70% with 20% Grenache with Carignan and Mourvedre providing a supporting role. A beautiful deep violet colour and a nose that definitely tells me that this wine is from the Rhône region with raspberry, black fruit, licorice, black pepper and meaty aromas. Medium to full bodied with 13.5% alcohol, rich and concentrated flavours on the mouthfeel with balanced acidity and aggressive tannins. Lots of power on the finish with licorice, blackberry, spicy flavours and loads of tannins. This is one of those wines which would benefit from 1-2 years in your cellar. There is a lot of depth in this wine; you just need to be patient before fully enjoying this wine.

This wine was purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release at $15.95.

Domaine De La Tour Monts-Mains Chablis 1er Cru 2008, Burgundy, France

This wine's elegance and sophistication is a perfect example why Chablis is one of my favourite white wines.  This Chardonnay opens with aromas of pear, citrus, dried apple, hazelnut and fresh baked bread. The mouthfeel is smooth, creamy and buttery with fine acidity. This Chablis medium length finish is clean with ripe pears and hazelnut flavours lingering. I prefer my Chablis with a little more minerality, but that being said, this was a superb wine.     

This wine was purchased March 5, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95.

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of November 26, 2011 - Smart Buys for Holiday Entertainm​ent and La crème de la crème

Hello to all my wine friends,

While going through this massive Holiday New Release (NR) with its 133 new products and 38 of them over $50.00, I saw a great deal of choice in good to very good wines at the high end and many good value wines between $15 to $20. Unfortunately a category which you would think would be well represented at this time of the year, the $25 to $35 range is lacking excitement and choice compared with the last NR. A NR where wines like Ruffino Modus 2007 and E. Guigal Gigondas 2007 (to name a few) were available, for a short time, and have since sold out. In addition to my two feature segment, here are a few other wines that caught my attention. I keep hearing about the quality of Port made in Australia , Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny (058388) at $30.95 would make an interesting choice in a Port Tasting. As a Merlot fan, Stag's Leap Merlot 2007 (655399) at $44.95 a full body Merlot from Napa Valley. From Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards, this silver medal winner Burrowing Owl Meritage 2008 from British Columbia (695148) at $59.95 (which is $15.00 more than the BC price). Looking for a good Brunello? How about Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (922054) at $41.95 from a very good producer and ready now or cellar mid-term and finally two German Riesling Spätlese; one from Dr. Herman (181917) at $21.95 and the other from Kurt Darting (963207) at $19.95 are worth considering. Well let's get started.

Smart Buys for Holiday Entertainment; With all the Holiday entertaining, parties and get together, here are four wines which are meant to be enjoyed with appetizers, finger foods and won't break the bank. With one added note of caution, a wine which I would have added to this list but has received poor reviews compared to the last two good vintages, Ben Marco Malbec 2009, which is unfortunate. Now here are four wines to consider;

• Palacio De Sada Crianza 2006 from Spain (246736) at $14.95 From the lesser know Spanish region of Navarra and a blend of 90% Grenache with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Not a wine for sipping, needs food.
• Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006 from Italy (250563) at $17.95 Chianti Classico's are often a great wine with cheese and appetizers.
• La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant Côte du Rhône-Villages 2009 from France (171371) at $17.95 Here is one of the first Côte du Rhône and Côte du Rhône-Village from the highly rated 2009 Rhône vintage to appear in our stores. These are youthful, spicy wines, usually blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.
• Lungarotti Rubesco Sangiovese & Canaiolo 2007 from Italy (247817) at $17.95 From the central Italian region of Umbria, a blend of native grapes Sangiovese & Canaiolo.

La crème de la crème; With twenty-one products over $90.00, there are plenty of options for people looking to splurge or looking for a special Holiday gift. Some might be thinking, who buys these wines? About the same time last year, I went to LCBO Ottawa flagship store at King Edward and Rideau on Saturday NR morning. Many customers where filing there carts with Sassicaia and expensive California Cabernet Sauvignon, some buying them by the case. If I had a unlimited budget, here are five wines which would end up in my cart (and no not necessarily the most expensive);

• Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193763) at $96.95 from the very good 2007 Napa Valley vintage.
• Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (711317) at $89.95. From the highly rated 2009 Rhône vintage, its should age nicely over the next 10-15 years.
• Château Pontet-Canet 2008 from France (137323) at $129.00. This is a Château with an excellent track record over the 5-6 years of making wines much better than there 5e Cru Status. From all account, one of the better wines from the challenging 2008 Bordeaux vintage.
• Henschke Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz 2005 from Australia (718601) at $99.95. A big Aussie Shiraz from Keyneston, a sub-district of Eden Valley.
• Sassicaia 2008 from Italy (480533) at $186.95. This iconic wine from Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, Tuscany, blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged 24 months in French Oak. Fans of this wine will have to spend $37.00 more this year compared to last November 27 Release of the 2007 which was $149.95.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193763) at $96.95

2-Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (711317) at $89.95

3-Sassicaia 2008 from Italy (480533) at $186.95

My top three wines for value;

1-La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant Côte du Rhône-Villages 2009 from France (171371) at $17.95

2-Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006 from Italy (250563) at $17.95

3-Palacio De Sada Crianza 2006 from Spain (246736) at $14.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Burrowing Owl Meritage 2008 from British Columbia (695148) at $59.95

2-Dunn Vineyards Howell Moutain Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (193763) at $96.95

3-Jonata El Alma De Jonata 2007 from California (218925) at $143.95

4-Peter Michael L'Esprit Des Pavots 2006 from California (154732) at $144.95

5-Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (031351) at $123.95

6-Stags' Leap Winery Merlot 2007 from California (655399) at $44.95

7-Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2005 from Australia (731620) at $89.95

8-Henschke Mount Edelstone Vineyard Shiraz 2005 from Australia (718601) at $99.95

9-Château Pontet-Canet 2008 from France (137323) at $129.00

10-Château Tour Saint Fort 2003 from France (244061) at $32.95

11-Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (711317) at $89.95

12-Geografico Montegiachi Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 (962142) at $23.95

13-Sassicaia 2008 from Italy (480533) at $186.95

14-Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (922054) at $41.95

15-Lungarotti Rubesco Sangiovese & Canaiolo 2007 from Italy (247817) at $17.95

16-Miguel Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Spain (129676) at $46.95

17-Pesquera Tinto Reserva 2007 from Spain (323345) at $41.95

White Wines;

1-Momo Pinot Gris 2010 from New Zealand (163535) at $18.95

2-Amani Chardonnay 2009 from South Africa (687442) at $17.95

3-Dr. Herman Erdner Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2006 from Germany (181917) at $21.95

4-Kurt Darting Riesling Spätlese 2008 from Germany (963207) at $19.95

My team and I will be back for the last New Release before Christmas on December 10, 2011, where the main Features are "Fine wines for relaxed holiday gathering" and "Fabulous, festive fizz" see you then.

Cheers

Paul YWG

E. Guigal Gigondas 2007, Rhône, France

From the superb 2007 Rhône vintage, this Gigondas from the very reliable E. Guigal is a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Very intense aromatics with sour cherry, blackberry, dark plums, smoke meat, clove and licorice aromas. Full bodied and generous mouthfeel with loads of flavours and concentrated fruit, balance acidity and ripe silky tannins. This Gigondas finish is long, smooth, rich with ripe berry fruit and garrigue flavours. This wine could be cellared for 10-15 years but has great structure and a very rich mouthfeel, drinking beautifully right now, so why wait?   Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95.

La Rioja Alta S.A. Grand Reserva 904 Cosecha 1998, Rioja, Spain

 

There is something sensuous about the aromas of this mature Grand Reserva, with its sour-edge berries and plums nose, prune, dried fig, vanilla, church wood, a bit of earthy funk and baking spices. On the mouthfeel a light to medium body (12.5% alcohol), light tannins, smooth texture and fresh acidity. It is medium length on the finish with flavours of plums and baking spices all wrapped up with dusty tannins. The exact blend of this Rioja is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. This is a very good example of a traditional style Grand Reserva with its great aromatics, it is elegance where all elements of this wine are well integrated. This wine is ready for center stage and is drinking at its peak right now, no need to wait any longer.  Strongly recommended for fans of this style.

This wine was purchased August 2011 in Barcelona, Spain

Shafer Merlot 2007, Napa Valley, California, USA

If you want to experience the best of California, without paying $100 for a Cabernet Sauvignon, try Merlot for half the price. Shafer certainly knows how the make a nice Merlot. Shafer included 15% Cabernet Sauvignon to this Merlot which makes this wine a very elegant, finely textured, fruit driven and very aromatic with aromas of ripe dark plum, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla and cedar forest. On the palate this full body Merlot (with alcohol coming in at 14.9%) achieves an  excellent balance with surprisingly fresh acidity for a Napa wine, loads of flavours and fined grained tannins which makes the alcohol only slightly noticeable. The finish is long with rich and savoury flavours and all wrapped up in fine ripe tannins. A robust Merlot, yet approachable, an awesome wine.

This wine was purchased October 2, 2010 LCBO   New Release at $54.95.

Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Maipo Valley, Chile

I have enjoyed the last several vintage of this Santa Carolina Cabernet and the 2009 vintage is the best I have had so far. Although not a very deep colour for a Cabernet, it is more like a medium ruby with aromas of dark plum, black cherry blueberry, spice oak and vanilla. The palate has loads of flavours, spiciness, with lively acidity, grippy tannins and noticeable heat from the 14.5% alcohol. Good length on the finish with robust texture and mild tannins. This year the bottle is 35% lighter than the past, a commendation to be awarded for sure. Awesome Cabernet Sauvignon for $18, great value and strongly recommended. 

This wine was purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release at $17.95.

Tawse Sketches Riesling 2010, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

This wine opens up with very lively aromas of pear, green apple, grapefruit and minerals. On the palate this off-dry Riesling is medium body with alcohol coming in at 10% and where the crisp acidity and sweetness are perfectly match. The finish is long with lemon zest and mineral note lingering. A terrific and well balanced refreshing Riesling. I paired this wine chicken curry and roasted cashews, it work beautifully.

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

Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

A more cool climate Cabernet than a warmer one, with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, tobacco leaf and vanilla. On the mouthfeel, even with alcohol at 14.2%, it feels more like medium body to me with gentle tannins and balance acidity. Medium length on the finish with flavours of red fruit, earthy notes and mild tannins. A youthful and uncomplicated Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is actually a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and remaining Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $23.95

Pazzo Call Me Crazy Proprietary Red 2007, Napa Valley, California, USA

A funky blend of 74% Sangiovese, 8% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Syrah and 6% Viognier with a funky orange label and synthetic cork to match. All wines were aged in new and older French Oak barrels for 21 months, alcohol comes in at 16%. I have really enjoyed this wine the last three or four vintages, but had a hard time to warm up to this 2007 vintage. Call me crazy, but I did find it much sweeter than usual, unless my palate is moving on to dryer wines. This blend aromatics was pretty complex with aromas of dark plums, stewed rhubarb, savoury herbs, blackberry jam and violets. Full bodied mouthfeel, jammy characteristics, low acidity and smooth tannins. The finish is long, savoury with luscious fruit, much better on the nose then mouthfeel. I would have prefered a little more structure, tannins and acidity and a little less fruity characteristic and alcohol.

This wine was purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release at $31.95.

Benziger Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Sonoma County, California, USA

Deep violet in colour with aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, cassis, leather and smoky. This Cabernet is very dry, full body with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, concentrated flavours, fine acidity and firm tannins.  The finish is long with flavours of black cherry, cassis and puckering tannins. Enjoyable now if you don’t mind the tannins but, lacking finesse right now. It should be much better after shedding some of its oak, demands two to three years in the cellar.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95.

Paul Picks from the LCBO New Release of November 12, 2011 - Exciting French Reds and a Solid Italian Selection

Hello to all my wine friends,

This is the first of three massive Holiday LCBO New Release (NR) with 140 new products and 29 of them over $50.00. This is the time of the year where premium wines are sold, either as gift giving, for Holiday entertainment or simply to stock up your cellar. Apart from many great French and Italian wines here, there are a few other wines that catch my attention; From Australia, Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz 2007 (059824) at $39.95 I have never tried this wine before but love this winery and their Shiraz came highly recommended. For Napa Valley Cabernet fans, the Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (029553) availabe at $74.95, 750ml or in a half bottle at $39.95. If you are looking for a smart buy for entertaining, try the Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (000612) at $17.95 I have been enjoying this wine for the last 4-5 vintage, always a fantastic value and this year 35% lighter bottle than the past. They need to be commended for this. Finally from BC, Mission Hill Quatrain 2008 (218636) at $41.95, a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Last winter the LCBO released the 2006 vintage, now the 2008 vintage is being released, although not yet offered in BC, not even at there flagship stores (Artisan Wine Shop) where the price in BC will be $45.00. Well let’s get started.

Exciting French Reds; When I prepare to write this newsletter for you, I go through the entire NR book and write down every wine which appeals to me, regardless of the price. From this NR, 31 wines made it into my list and of those 11 from France. Now here are my top four;

• Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 (700922) at $57.95 From Wine Spectator November 30, 2011 France’s Rhône Valley issue, le Vieux Donjon is one of there Top wines at 93 points and listed price in US dollars is $66.00 but in this market at $57.95 it is a great value for a wine of this quality.
• Château le Caillou 1998 from Pomerol in Bordeaux (045685) at $49.95 this is a great opportunity to experience a mature wine, not a great deal of fruit left at this point, more secondary aromas like earthy, leather etc, and ready to drink.
• E. Guigal Gigondas 2007 (331900) at $29.95 from the very good 2007 Rhône vintage and a top notch producer, this is a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah.
• Château Malescot St. Exupery 2008 from Margaux in Bordeaux (136630) at $64.00 not from one of those “vintage of the century”, which means that the price is more reasonable compared to the 2009 and 2010 vintages in Bordeaux. This wine is from a Third Growth Château, to fully experience a great wine like this, 2-4 years in the cellar is strongly recommended.

Solid Italian Selection; Many people enjoy the wines of Italy, like yours truly and my Italian friend Tony who enjoys Barolo and Chianti. Well here is my top four;

• Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi le Rose Barolo 2006 from Piedmont (596890) at $49.95 This Nebbiolo based wine is considered one of the best from the 2006 vintage and needs at less 3-4 years in the cellar. A Barolo for the collectors but if you are looking for a Barolo to enjoy right now consider Gemma Colarej Barolo 2006 (232447) at $34.95.
• Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Tuscany (650754) at $27.95 From the very good 2007 Tuscany vintage, a complex Chianti ready to enjoy now or cellar short term 2-3 years.
• Ruffino Modus 2007 from Tuscany (912956) at $28.95 At this time last year (November 13, 2010) the 2006 vintage of this wine was released at the same price as this year. It was my first experience with Ruffino Modus but will not be the last, it is delicious rich and complex. I will definitely buy this vintage, which, I hear needs 1-2 year in your cellar.
• Villa Girardi Bure Alto Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009 from Veneto (161844) at $17.95 Folks who enjoy there wine slightly sweet (as this wine is dry, compare to most wine which are extra dry) are likely to enjoy with a cheese platter or to sip after a meal instead of Port.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (700922) at $57.95

2-Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz from Australia (059824) at $39.95

3-Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon from California (029553) at $74.95 or (029553) for a 350ml bottle at $39.95

My top three wines for Holiday Gift (Around $30.00)

1-Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (650754) at $27.95

2-E. Guigal Gigondas 2007 from France (331900) at $29.95

3-Ruffino Modus 2007 from Italy (912956) at $28.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Delas Frères Saint-Esprit Côtes du Rhône 2009 from France (729962) at $14.95

2-Santa Carolina Reserva De Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (684597) at $17.95

3-Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2009 from South Africa (739995) at $14.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Flat Rock Cellars Gravity Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (001560) at $29.95

2-Stratus Red 2008 from Ontario (131037) at $44.20

3-Borrowing Owl Syrah 2008 from British Columbia (073072) at $41.95

4-Four Vines Maverick Zinfandel 2008 from California (249300) at $27.95

5-Jonata Todos Red 2007 from California (218941) at $59.95 – Cellar Candidate

6-Rubicon Estate Cask Cabernet Sauvignon from California (029553) at $74.95

7-Montes Alpha Syrah 2009 from Chile (000612) at $19.95

8-Château le Caillou 1998 from France (045685) at $49.95

9-Château Malescot St. Exupery 2008 from France (136630) at $64.00 – Cellar Candidate

10-Château Rozier 2008 from France (024539) at $28.95

11-Maison Roche de Bellene Volnay Pitures 1er Cru 2008 from France (241083) at $44.95

12-Château de Haute-Serre Malbec 2008 from France (693952) at $23.95 – Cellar Candidate

13-Gemma Colarej Barolo 2006 from Italy (232447) at $34.95

14-Poderi Colla Bussia Dardi le Rose Barolo 2006 from Italy (596890) at $49.95 – Cellar Candidate

15-Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2009 from Italy (072439) at $49.95

White Wines;

1-Tawse Estate Chardonnay 2009 from Ontario (253518) 375ml at $16.95

2-Kumeu River Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 from New Zealand (204032) at $44.95

3-Winery of Good Hope Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2009 from South Africa (739995) at $14.95

Dessert Wines;
1-Markus Molitor Riesling Auslese 2007 from Germany (249714) at $24.95
2-Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sweet Sherry from Spain (047944) at $17.95

My team and I will be back for the next New Release of November 26, 2011 where the main Feature is “Our Finest wines and premium spirits for holiday giving”, now this sounds expensive. Also my friend Roger will be happy to know that one of his favourite wines is back, the next vintage of BenMarco Malbec 2009 from Argentina.

Cheers
Paul YWG

Varramista Ottopioppi 2007, Tuscany, Italy

I purchased this wine in Voltera, Italy this summer after a tasting in a small wine shop. An unusual blend from Italy, Sangiovese and Grenache. A youthful, fresh and fruity blend which opens up with aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and red licorice. The alcohol coming in at 13%, this light to medium body mouthfeel is spicy with crisp acidity and well integrated tannins. The finish is long, spicy with ripe berry fruit aromas and silky tannins. Every part of this wine was very enjoyable, specially the aromatics. Well made wine with no excess.

This wine was purchased in Voltera, Italy August 2011 at €12.

Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico 2006, Tuscany, Italy

The last time I opened this wine was last winter (February 2010).  It is slowly coming around and is much better than it was the first time, but I suppose it is at it's best two or three years after the oak has integrated into the wine and the tannins have softened up a bit. A deep red color with great aromatics of blackberry, sour cherry, leather, tobacco and toasty oak. On the palate, big and concentrated flavours, enough acidity and persistent tannins.  The finish is long with black currant, blackberry and toasty oak flavours lingering. A much better nose than mouthfeel at the moment, but it is still a young wine. This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. I should have waited a couple more years, very enjoyable none the less.

This wine was purchase September 4, 2010 LCBO New Release at $54.95.

Marc Brédif Vouvray 2009, Loire, France

Looking for a wine to pair with a chicken dish with a rosemary cream sauce, I decided on Marc Brédif Vouvray, made with Chenin Blanc grape. This wine is medium sweet and opens up with citrus fruit, pear, apple, honey and mineral notes. On the palate, medium body (13.5% alcohol), with crisp acidity and creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long with honey flavours and citrus fruit lingering. A very refreshing wine which worked beautifully with this dish, cutting through the fat from the sauce and coating your mouth with refreshing flavours. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $20.95.

Baron De Ley Grand Reserva 2001, Rioja, Spain

Having previousley reviewed two of Baron De Ley wines on my blog, their Grand Reserva 1998 and Reserva 2005, I was happy to see Baron De Ley Grand Reserva 2001 at the SAQ in Gatineau, Québec. I am always surprised how many people from all over the world (Asia, Australia, Africa, Northern and Eastern Europe, North and South America) are searching the web for reviews of Baron De Ley wines and landing on my site. Baron De Ley must have a large production and even better distribution network.

Now, how about this Baron De Ley Grand Reserva 2001?  Right off the bat, pulling the cork releases a bounty of aromas. As the wines begins to breath a bit, it evolves into an aromatic wine indeed,with aromas of cherry, dark plum, Asian spices, tobacco, smoke, church wood and light barnyard notes. The mouthfeel is so smooth, and well balanced by fresh acidity, silky tannins and long spicy mid palate. The finish is long with complex flavours wrapped up in a thin layer of tannins. This wine has been aged for 24 months in American and French oak casks and for a further 36 months in bottles before release, alcohol comes in at 13.5%.  I love Grand Reserva when its beautifully done like this one, a great way to experience a mature and elegant wine without breaking the bank. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchase on October 23, 2011at the SAQ at $28.25.

Umberto Cesari Liano 2008, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

I have long enjoyed the wines from Umberto Cesari, especially their Cesari Mara, which for many years (about ten years ago) was my house wine. Now Umberto Cesari Liano 2008 came strongly recommended at a wine tasting event I had put together.I promised to review it, so here goes. A wine only available in Québec, I went shopping in La Belle Province and bought a bottle. Liano 2008 is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for six months in 50/60hl barrels and one year in French Allier tonneaux. A very appealing nose here, with aromas of wild berry fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, burnt sugar, cedar and smoke. On the palate, medium to full body, alcohol at 13.5% with fresh acidity and persistent tannins. Good length on the finish with rich and concentrated flavours. It would be difficult for me, in a blind tasting, to know that this wine originated in Italy. A very enjoyable wine with a great deal of flavour and sweetness, a lot of oak for sure, and just enough tannins to give it a nice structure. I will definitely buy this again.

This wine was purchased October 23, 2011 at the SAQ for $27.50.

Domaine Grand Veneur Clos de Sixte Lirac 2009, Rhône, France

What a beautiful wine here, a real Southern Rhône charmer. The Lirac 2009 Clos de Sixte is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, its smell like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape yet very approachable right now. On the nose, I definitely get the Grenache aromas, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, violets, savoury spices and loads of licorice. Medium to full body with alcohol coming in at 15%, but this wine is so well balanced the alcohol is barely noticeable, the acidity is crisp with silky tannins. The wine finish is long, spicy with strawberry jam flavours and lots of licorice. This wine just blew me away, so well balanced with great aromatics and how spicy, fresh and lively the mouthfeel was. Great value and strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release at $23.95.

My top three enjoyed wines for October 2011

When going over the list of wine reviewed for this month, the price category of $35 to $50 delivered the most bang for the money and left me with the most memorable impression.  I first narrowed the list down to six; two from Australia, one each from Argentina, France, Italy and the US. And here his the three wines that made the final cut.

My top three enjoyed wines in October;

1-Chateau Haut-Marbuzet 2002, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/10/chateau-haut-marbuzet-2002-saint.html

Three elements came together which make this wine enjoyment a real memorable one. A mature wine which I think is drinking at its peek right now. Having my brothers family over for dinner and sharing this great bottle with them and finally pairing this wine with a great dish, Coq au Vin.

2-Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz / Merlot 2008, Barossa Valley, Australia
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/10/elderton-ode-to-lorraine-2008-barossa.html

A seriously good wine here with a lots of detail in both aromas and mouthfeel. Above all excellent balance and drink ability.

3-Caymus Vineyards Zinfandel 2007, Napa Valley, California, USA
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/10/caymus-vineyards-zinfandel-2007-napa.html

This beautiful full body Zinfandel sure warm up my soul. A big, bold and beautiful wine.