W & J. Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2001, Douro, Portugal

I love Port, especially in the winter, but I do have a hard time finding Ports I like. When I do, I tend to stay with them and repurchase often. In the past I have enjoyed the Smith Woodhouse Late bottled 2001 and the always reliable Taylor Fladgate 10 year old Tawny Port, and on rare occasion the much better 20 year old. This is the third time I have opened this Port in the last couple months and this is the first opportunity I had to take a picture of the moment. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the sensuous and warm aromatics of this port with flavours of dark plums, currants, raisins, dates, fruitcake and baking spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with the 20% alc. It is well balanced by fresh acidity, well integrated tannins and complex flavours. This Port has great energy on the finish with fruitcake, spiced dark plums and raisin flavours followed with some alcoholic heat. This is my kind of Port, awesome stuff, score 91 points.

This Port was purchased October 1, 2011 LCBO (New Release) at $25.95 for a 375 ml bottle.     

Cedar Creek Estate Winery Platinum Merlot 2007, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This is Cedar Creek's premium Merlot, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in French oak with the alcohol at 14.6% , slightly high for a BC Merlot.  On the nose it is what you would expect from a good quality Merlot with complex aromas of red cherry, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla and spice notes. On the mouthfeel, dry, medium bodied, racy acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish with red cherry, plums and vanilla flavours lingering. This wine has great aromatics, but at this price, I would have preferred a little more toasty oak to add more structure and beef up flavours which would have elevated the score into the 90’s. Overall very enjoyable, score 89 points. 

 

This wine was purchased July 18, 2011 at the Wine Barrel in Victoria, BC for $35.00    

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia

I opened this bottle last February, it was nice then, but I thought to wait another year before opening my last bottle. Patience certainly provides its rewards. This wine is rich, concentrated and robust, yet approachable. On the nose this wine opens up with aromas of black fruit, plums, menthol, leather, chocolate, earthy and savoury notes. This blend has a full bodied mouthfeel (14.5% alc.) is rich with creamy but well integrated flavours, balanced acidity and velvet tannins. Great energy and length on the finish with chocolate, black fruit and wood spice flavours. This wine is drinking well now, but there is still a lot of life left in this bottle with its best days still years away. The wine maturation took place in a combination of old and new American, French and Hungarian oak barrels. Strongly recommended, score 92 points. 

This wine was purchased February 19, 2011 LCBO New Release at $ 51.95

Tenuta Di Ghizzano Veneroso 2007, Tuscany, Italy

This Super Tuscan is a blend of 80% Sangiovese with the remaining 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, all grapes are organically grown. The nose on this wine was a little funky at first, which cleared away  after 10 minutes or so.  On the nose, strongly varietal Sangiovese aromas of black plum, cherry, stewed rhubarb, cedar, leather, dusty and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full body (with alcohol at 13.5%), fresh acidity, muscular tannins and excellent dept of flavours. This blend's finish is medium length with soft fruit and fine dusty tannins. Should be served slightly chilled around 16-17°C. A very nice wine here, where each glass improved as the evening provgressed, great structure on the palate and lovely finish. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.  

This wine was purchased July 9, 2011 LCBO New Release at $29.95

Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2009, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

The grapes which went into this bottle were 100% estate grown Shiraz from low-yielding vines, aged for 15 months in 20% American and 80% French oak. A beautiful deep violet-purple colour with aromas of red and black berries, chocolate, mint, vanilla, savoury and smoky notes. On the palate, rich and generous fruit flavours, medium to full bodied with alcohol feeling higher than the 14.5% described on the label, with lively acidity and fine grainy tannins. This Shiraz has great length on the finish with a creamy texture and flavours of ripe fruit, chocolate and savoury notes. Definitely enjoyable for those who enjoy a big and rich style of Shiraz. Score 90 points.

This wine was purchased January 21, 2012 LCBO New Release at $24.95

Torres Salmos 2007, Priorat Spain

Full disclosure here, I have always enjoyed the wines from Torres and this one is no exception. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Carinana and Syrah with a fantastic and very inviting bouquet of strawberry, cherry pie flavour, vanilla bean and toasty notes. Medium to full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 15%), flavours of strawberry jam and minerals notes on the mouthfeel, balanced acidity and silky tannins. Medium length on the finish, fruit driven, well integrated oak flavours and drinking at its best. You can add me as one of those who give this wine a score of 90 points. 

This wine was purchased October 16, 2010 LCBO New Release at $33.95

Morgenhof Chenin Blanc 2010 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa

This wine is a product of 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from old vines, maturation took place for 10 months in French oak with alcohol coming in at 14%. Attractive and complex bouquet of apple, grapefruit, lemon zest, honey, floral and herbaceous notes. On the palate, medium body, more citrus flavour than sweet fruit flavour and lively acidity. The finish is long, refreshing with citrus fruit and a touch of honey which makes it almost creamy. Very enjoyable and good value, score 88 points.

This wine was purchased January 21, 2012 LCBO New Release at $16.95

I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2009, Veneto, Italy

This wine is a blend of 85% Garganega and 15% Trebiano and opens up with aromas of citrus fruit, almond, floral and mineral notes. On the palate, very fresh, light bodied (with 12.5% alc.), bright acidity which is well balanced by good fruit concentration. The finish is clean, refreshing with flavours of pears and citrus fruit, with a bit of honey, which makes it slightly creamy. A very nice wine here, score 90 points.

This wine was purchased January 21, 2012 LCBO New Release at $19.95.

Hewitson Miss Harry 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

This is a much lighter style of wine from the Barossa Valley, a Rhône blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, 5% Mourvèdre with the balance 2.5% equal portion of Cinsault and Carignan. This wine opens up with aromas of strawberry, blueberry, stewed rhubarb, herb de Provence, white pepper and medicinal notes. The palate has loads of energy and length, light-medium bodied (14% alc.), bright acidity and soft tannins. Medium length with lively red berry flavours on the finish. Enjoyable but not what I was expecting from Barossa, score 89 points.

This wine was purchased January 21, 2012 LCBO New Release at $23.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of January 21, 2012 - Red and White Smart Buys and Who's Zoomin Who? (Caution, Red Flags Ahead)

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR) a few wines grabbed my attention and most of these came from Australia, where the main feature of this NR is "Australia's got Style". Two other wines in this release certainly caught my eye, they were a Chenin Blanc from South Africa and an affordable Spanish red rated at #26 on the Top 100 of 2011 in Wine Spectator Magazine. Caution, don't pass up on some added words of advice from your personal Sommelier below in the Who's Zoomin Who section. Well lets get started.

Smart Buys, Red;

• Cooralook Shiraz 2008 from Australia (262451) at $18.95. My favourite Shiraz are usually from the cooler region of South Australia like this Shiraz from the region of Heathcote. Alcohol is a bit high for this region at 14.5%, but with rich ripe fruit and natural acidity make this wine well balanced.
• Hewitson Miss Harry 2009 from Australia (107870) at $23.95 This Rhône blend (50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz, 5% Mourvèdre with the balance equal portion of Cinsault and Carignan) is from the warmer region of Barossa Valley. This wine is a smart buy for people looking for a big rich Aussie Red.
• Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2009 from Spain (675207) at $22.95 This is a rich and elegant wine from the region of Bierzo in Northwest Spain, made by star Spanish wine maker Alvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Perez. This wine is made with 100% Mencia old vines grapes and scored at #26 on Wine Spectator top 100 of 2011.
• Hech & Bannier St-Chinian 2009 from France (184184) at $23.95 This wine is from the south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon region, I would guess a blend of mostly Syrah with a few other grapes (hard to find any info on this wine). In November of 2010 the LCBO released the 2007 vintage which was really superb. This is always a big wine, which needs a few years in your cellar if it is to be enjoyed at its best.

Smart Buys, White;

• La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from France (641753) at $13.95 This is a rare Sauvignon Blanc (SB) from the small appellation of Saint-Bris in Burgundy. What to expect from this SB? Chalky flavours and food friendly acidity to pair with oysters, shelf fish or grilled white fish. At this price, how can you go wrong?
• Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc 2010 from South Africa (978544) at $16.95 Looking for something different? Try this 100% Chenin Blanc from 41 year old vines in South Africa. Maturation took place for 10 months in French oak Suggested pairing, try this wine with pork tenderloin in cream sauce, grilled chicken or white fish.
• Foxglove Chardonnay 2009 from California (262022) at $19.95. Very few unoaked California Chardonnay finds it's way into the Ontario market. This wine is a great way to try the natural taste of a warmer climate Chardonnay without the influence of oak aging. An interesting side by side tasting would be to try Foxglove Chardonnay 2009 and from the last NR the Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2009. Both wines are from the same vintage (2009), both unoaked, both same price, one from warmer climate California and the other cooler region of Burgundy. To see my review of Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2009 follow this link;  http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/domaine-du-chardonnay-chablis-2009.html
• I Campi Campo Vulcano Soave Classico 2009 from Italy (269969) at $19.95 This wine is on many peoples best Italian white of the year and received a rating of 3 glasses out of 3, from the very good Italian wine magazine Gambero Rosso Italian Wines. This white wine is a blend of Garganega and Trebbiabo grapes and is grown in volcanic soil. Expect bright flavours, mineral notes and vibrant acidity, I can't wait to get my hands on a few of these.

Who's Zoomin Who? (Caution, Red Flags Ahead); When going through a NR booklet, I often see comments or quotes that raise a red flag for me. Some wine reviews can raise doubts and cause me to question the true value of the wine as it is being portrayed. Lets face it, our monopoly wine store, the LCBO, is in the business of selling wine. When putting a catalogue like this together, they will search for the highest rating they can find to promote a wine (the hook). One thing to look for, is how long ago the review was written? Who wrote the review? And knowing which grapes age well and which wine is meet to be drank sooner (the rub). Here are a few examples that I want to highlight (red flags) and caution you about, all are from this issue, with the exception of one wine from a previous NR, to make my point.

• Pillitteri Merlot 2007, Ontario, Canada at $17.95 As a fan of Merlot I was looking forward to the three release Merlots in this NR. Now this Pillitteri Merlot came from the very warm 2007 vintage.

The Hook. The review in the Vintages booklet came from the respected wine writer Natalie MacLean "Plum-lovely with a satin smooth texture! Unfurled ripe, fleshy blackberries on the palate. Medium-to full-bodied. Ages 14 months in American and French oak. Drink 2010-2013 Score 89 points" . This review sure get your attention, $17.95 and 89 points but the review was dated July 20, 2010, a full year and a half ago. Is it still drinking well, right now?

The Rub. Here is a review from Master Sommelier John Szabo of WineAlign dated December 2011 (the rub) "Astonishingly bad wine, volatile oak essence, green, no fruit left to speak of. Bitter, woody finish. Score 79 points". Now this is not Nathalie MacLean's fault, she reviewed the wine as she tasted it in July of 2010. The LCBO at the very least is somewhat disingenuous with the consumers for not providing a more recent review. John Szabo is a very good taster, I agree with 99% of his reviews, his tasting and review was done last month and it reflects how this wine is drinking now. From David Lawrason also from WineAlign “Three bottles showed a level of acetone/nail polish that I find unacceptable…” Tasted January 2012, his score also 79 points. There is no way that this Merlot is getting into my cellar, no matter how much I truly enjoy Merlots.

• Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2011, Australia at $19.95.

The Hook. The review in this booklet is written by Australian wine reviewer James Halliday and gave this wine a score of 95 points. It is well know in the industry the he is a very generous with wines from his country of Australia giving them higher score.

The Rub. The general consensus is you take his review and subtract 5 points, it will then reflect what most wine writers would have given it. I had a friend recently ask me " Paul, there is a Shiraz from Australia on the NR book rated 93 points and selling for $16.95. It seems like a great bargain, what you think of it?" Well you take 93 points minus 5 and you get 88 points. Which was the average from 4 wine reviews in WineAlign. Not one over 89 points, a good wine but not the bargain it seems. Who writes the review is important.

•  Pelton House Merlot 2005 from Napa County, California at $29.95.

The Hook. There is no recent reviews for this wine yet, but the review in the NR booklet dated May/June 2008 from International Wine Cellar gave it 89 points. Here is one comment in the review which caught my attention "No rough edges here".

The Rub. What does this mean? Smooth wine ready to drink? He did not say hard or aggressive tannins, which would have meant better after a few years in your cellar. The review was written more than 3 ½ years ago and the wine is more than six years old. Before purchasing this wine ask around, maybe your LCBO Product Consultant tried this wine at the pre-release tasting and is able to give you their honest opinion.

• Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 from California. This wine was first released at the LCBO December 15, 2008 for $39.95, than oddly enough re-release 2 ½ years latter on May 28, 2011 for $10.00 less at $29.95.

The Hook. To promote this wine both in the LCBO NR booklet and in store with a review printed on small cardboard notes, the LCBO use a review from Ottawa Citizen wine writer Rod Phillips, dated December 15, 2008, giving it a rating of 4 ½ stars of a possible 5.

The Rub. In the 2 ½ years since Rod Phillips review of 2008 to the re-release in May of 2011, this older Cabernet would have been tasting very differently for sure. In his review of 2008 Rod Phillips said "Already six years old, its components are nicely integrated and it's great drinking now". Other reviews around the same time were giving it a good score. There is a reason why this wine was $10.00 cheaper, 2 ½ years later. This Cabernet was over the hill, with no fruit to speak of, no life, dead fruit and earthy notes. I learned something when I opened that wine in June of 2011. I told myself that I needed to do better research before buying, look at the vintage of the wine, and the year of the review. Yes, I did a review of this wine on my blog.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Penfold Bin 138 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2009 from Australia (468637) at $34.95

2-Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2009 from Spain (675207) at $22.95

3-Château Le Castelot 2006 from France (245472) at $34.95

My top three wines for value;

1-La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from France (641753) at $13.95

2-Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc 2010 from South Africa (978544) at $16.95

3-Cooralook Shiraz 2008 from Australia (262451) at $18.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2008 from Australia (986752) at $26.95

2-Cooralook Shiraz 2008 from Australia (262451) at $18.95

3-Penfold Bin 138 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2009 from Australia (468637) at $34.95

4-Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2009 from Australia (723940) at $29.95

5-Ross Estate Lynedoch 2006 from Australia (256156) at $28.95

6-Hech & Bannier St-Chinian 2009 from France (184184) at $23.95

7-Umberto Cesari Liano Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Italy (225086) at $26.95

8-La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (191361) at $24.95

9-Vina Herminia Reserva Tinto 2004 from Spain (236927) at $24.95

White Wines;

1-Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 from California (958975) at $34.95

2-Wakefield Chardonnay 2009 from Australia (711556) at $14.95

3-Ostler Blue House Vines Pinot Gris 2010 from New Zealand (269142) at $24.95

4-La Chablisienne Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from France (641753) at $13.95

My team and I will be back for the next New Release of February 4, 2012 where the main features will be Inspired Valentine's Day Gifts (expect some expensive red and white here) plus California Cabernet Sauvignon including for fans of Caymus Vineyard, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Napa Valley.

Cheers
Paul, YWG

Domaine Saint Andéol Séduction Cairanne Côtes du Rhône Villages 2007, Rhône, France

What a charming southern Rhône blend here (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan), with attractive aromas of cherry, plums, baking spices, licorice and black pepper. This blend is medium bodied (with 14,1% alc.), very ripe fruit and rich mouthfeel, balance acidity, oak well integrated with dusty tannins.  This wine  is sweet, spicy with excellent depth of flavours and mild tannins on the finish. This Côtes du Rhône Villages is uncomplicated, youthful, fresh with bright flavours and a great value. Strongly recommended, score 89 points.

This wine was purchased January 7, 2012 LCBO New Release at $17.95  

Peju Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, USA

A very intriguing Merlot here, pale ruby in colour with watery rim. On the nose, very subtle aromas with ripe plum, vanilla and herbal notes. I have to say the mouthfeel really wakes you up here, with very ripe, rich red and black fruit, raspberry jam flavours, balanced acidity, noticeable alcohol and powdery tannins. Great length on the finish with spicy dark fruit, cedar flavours and persistent tannins. A solid wine, all and all, score 89 points.

This wine was a gift from our friends, thank you, Roger and Michel.

Casanova Di Neri Sant'antimo Rosso 2008, Tuscany, Italy

This bottle was opened the same night as the Two Hands Max's Garden Shiraz 2006 (Friday) and then it was completely enjoyed the next day. It is always interesting to compare aromas and mouthfeel, when both wines were open too really taste their difference. This evening the much less expensive wine outperforming the more expensive one.

The Casanova Di Neri Sant'antimo Rosso 2008 is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino with the alcohol coming in at 14.5%. The first impression is a great one, the nose is awesome, very vibrant, it really draws you in with aromas of blackberry, sour cherry, plum, cedar, violet and spicy notes. The palate has loads of energy, spicy fruit flavours, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Long sweet and sour edged flavours of berries, cherry and plums with dusty tannins on the finish. A gorgeous wine, really enjoyable and at a great value. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

This wine was purchased November 27, 2010 LCBO New Release at $23.95

Two Hands Max's Garden Shiraz 2006, Heathcote, South Australia, Australia

I have long been a big fan of Two Hands wines, especially the Garden Series. First enjoyed at a tasting at the Vancouver Wine Show about three years ago. I have two vintages of Bella's Garden and 2 bottles of Sophie's Garden 2008 in my cellar. An earlier wine review was Two Hands Harry and Edward's 2006 on this blog . You can read that review here;

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

Well, this is my first experience with Max's Garden and here are my thoughts. This wine opens up with blackberry, black cherry, prune, espresso, leather, shoe box, cedar, earthy and toasty aromas. On the mouthfeel, big and beefy, not much fruit here but lots of oak, light acidity and silky tannins. Medium length on this Shiraz finish, slightly tart with flavours of bitter chocolate, dark fruit, stewed fruit and baking spices. This wine was aged 14 months in new and seasoned French oak hoghseads with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. My expectation was that a Shiraz from Heathcote would be more aromatic, more elegant with less alcohol but this Max's Garden Shiraz went through way to much toasty oak, killing the poor fruit in the process. Not all Super Premium Garden Shiraz needs to compete in the Heavyweight division, some could be in the Light Heavyweight instead. I am sure you get my drift, let the different regions express themselves to there fullest instead of tasting and feeling the same. This wine felt to extracted and over manipulated, at this price not a great value. Disappointing, score 86 points.  

 

This wine was purchased on June 19, 2011 at the SAQ for $63.50

Lammershoek Roulette 2007, Swartland, South Africa

One of the great wine surprises last year for me was the Lammershoek Roulette 2006. A product which I had never tried before and it blew me away, how beautiful this Rhône blend was. The 2007 vintage of Lammershoek Roulette is just as enjoyable, although the blend is very different, less Syrah and more Carignan and Grenache. The 2007 vintage is a blend of 48% Syrah, 25% Carignan, 20% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre and 2% Viognier, with grapes that are all organically grown.  On the nose this wine opens up with ripe red fruit, plums, spices, cedar and floral notes. On the palate, medium bodied (14.5% alc,), youthful with bright flavours, spicy, fresh acidity and silky well integrated tannins. This wine has excellent balance, with great aromatics, very tasty and a savoury style red blend. Great winemaking at play here, strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

This wine was purchased December 10, 2011 LCBO In-store Discoveries at $23.95

Domaine Du Chardonnay Chablis 2009, Burgundy, France

A beautiful greeny straw colour with aromas of lemon-lime citrus fruit, green apple, honeydew melon and hints of minerals. The palate has loads of energy and length, steely and minerals notes with good balance between fruit and racy acidity. On the finish this Chardonnay is long, pure and refreshing like a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a clean citrusy taste. I paired this wine with roasted chicken and it work beautifully. Score 89 points.  

This wine was purchased January 7, 2012 LCBO New Release at $19.95

Pasqua Vigneti Black Label Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, Veneto, Italy

 

Wow, I love the elegance of this Amarone. I know, usually elegance and Amarone rarely go together, but in this case, the wine is not to sweet and concentrated or extracted. A wonderful aroma of sensous juicy black cherry, blackberry jam, dates, leather, clove and savoury notes. On the palate, even at 15%,  the alcohol is nicely integrated by balanced acidity, refined tannins, rich and creamy texture. This Amarone finish is long, intense, luscious with ripe fruit, black currant and toasty notes lingering. Surprisingly, there are about 450 bottles of this Amarone still available in our Province to be enjoyed. I love (yes, love) this style of Amarone. This is a good example of a smart buy, strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

This wine was purchased October 29, 2011 LCBO New Release at $36.95

Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2008, Tuscany, Italy

This wine was released as part of there January 7 smart buys feature, and is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Canaiolo. I really liked the finesse of the aromatics with aromas of red cherry, plum, soft leather, savoury spices and cedar. On the palate, medium bodied (13.5% Alc.) balanced acidity, but unfortunately the great aromatics did not carry over into great flavour as the firm chalky tannins overpower the little fruit and flavours. The finish is thankfully short, thin and tannic. Sharing a bottle of wine, just the two of us should be enjoyable, savour the remaining few drops left, but this one was hard to finish. What to expect from a $15.95 bottle of wine? It's not a bad bottle, smart buy is all relative. I would rather spend $5.00 more and get a wine with better structure, balance and flavour. If you have purchased this wine, cellar for about a year, by then the tannins may soften a bit and open on a night when you want to open a lighter wine. As you may know, I am a big fan of Italian wines, but not this one. Score 85 points.  

This wine was purchased January 7, 2012 LCBO New Release at $15.95

Finally, a lesson in pronounciation of all those great German wines.

I thought we could all learn something here.  Prost!   Paul.

Dr. Herman Erdner Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2006, Mosel, Germany

This complex moderately sweet Riesling opens up with aromas of ripe white peach and apricot, citrus fruit and mineral notes. Medium bodied with alcohol coming in at 9%, on the palate, layers of creamy richness with exquisite balance between sweetness and acidity. This Riesling finish is long, creamy with ripe tree fruit and honeyed notes lingering. Very enjoyable, score 91 points.

This wine was purchased November 26, 2011 LCBO New Release at $21.95

Summers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, USA

I first tasted this wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon last Friday with friends visiting for dinner. Time did not allow for photos, so there we were the following night opening Summers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 again, two in as many days, life is good indeed. This wine opens up with a very sensuous aromas of rich ripe fruit, stewed blackberry, black currants, vanilla and attractive oak notes. Medium to full bodied (with alcohol at 14.1%) with luscious flavours, balanced acidity, silky tannins with all elements well integrated. Medium length on the finish with fine grained tannins, savoury flavours and very smooth. Well liked by all on Friday and just as delicious on Saturday. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

This wine was purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release at $45.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of January 7, 2012 - Smart Buys / "The Frugal Shoppers New Release

                                                                

Hello and Happy New Year to all my wine friends,

This certainly is a very different New Release (NR) then the last four of 2011. The LCBO is introducing 110 new products with only one wine over $50.00 (except for the five Scotch Whisky between $60.00 to $100.00) and 76 of them under $20.00. As you know the holidays have come and gone, our bills will arrive any day and our stock of wine has taken a hit, you may very well be in need of some frugal re-supply. Well, this and the next NR is meant to inspire good value and smart buys. I will do my best to point you in the right direction, so lets get started.

Smart Buys; My definition of smart buy is not a cheap wine. It means a wine of quality, which should appeal to many people and over delivers for the price. A $50.00 wine could be a smart buy if I feel that it is of high quality and could easily pass for a $65.00 wine.

Smart Buy Red;

* Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2009 from Argentina (037036) at $15.00 Mostly Malbec with 73%, with Bonarda at 15% and 12% Syrah aged in French oak. Scoring a 90 points on Wine Spectator, is definitely worth considering.

* Capezzana Barco Reale Di Carmignano 2008 from Italy (508531) at $15.95. This wine is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Canaiolo (a native Italian grape) from Tuscany. A lighter red with generous tannins at this point.

* Sabor Real 2008 from Spain (172932) at $15.95. Produced from 70 years old vines, expect big and rustics flavours from the 100% Tempranillo grapes.

* Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Chile (169854) at $16.95. Chile sure knows how to make full bodied reds at a decent price. Try this Carmenère with steaks, lamb or hamburger on the BBQ, ready to drink or hold 1-2 years.

* Domaine Saint Andéol Séduction Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Village 2007 (248575) at $17.95 From 50 to 90 years old vines, this wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from the very good 2007 vintage. 

* Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Côte Du Rhône-Village Cairanne 2009 from France (650960) at $17.95. From a very good producer, this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah is from the very good 2009 vintage, ready to drink or hold for 1-2 years.

* Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (033498) at $34.95 Brunello's is one of Italy's best know and most expensive wine. Made 100% with Sangiovese grape, aged in oak for a minimum of 2 years and at least 4 months in bottle before release. The very good Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2004 was one of the first wine reviewed on my blog last March. Brunello usually sells for $50.00 and up, which makes in my view, this Fattoi Brunello a smart buy.

Smart Buy White;

* Loma Larga Chardonnay 2009 from Chile (257048) at $15.95. A killer value, well balanced Chardonnay from the cooler region of Casablanca in Chile.

* Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95. I tasted this unoaked Chardonnay last November at the Ottawa Wine and Food show. Of all the Kim Crawford wines, this one is my favourite, lots of flavour and very refreshing, almost creamy. Well priced.

* Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2009 from France (183574) at $19.95. This is another unoaked Chardonnay, this time from the region of Burgundy in France. Expect a wine with good acidity, minerality and refreshing finish. Would be fantastic with roast chicken.

My top three wines of this release;
1-Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (033498) at $34.95
2-Domaine du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras 2009 from France (251579) at $24.95
3-Domaine du Chardonnay Chablis 2009 from France (183574) at $19.95.

My top three wines for value;
1-Perrin & Fils Peyre Blanche Côte Du Rhône-Village Cairanne 2009 from France (650960) at $17.95.
2-Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2009 from Argentina (037036) at $15.00.
3-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Chile (169854) at $16.95.

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

Red Wines;
1-Rosewood Merlot 2009 from Ontario (211896) at $21.95.
2-Brutocao Hopland Ranches Estate Zinfandel 2007 from California (259325) at $22.95.
3-Trivento Amado Sur Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah 2009 from Argentina (037036) at $15.00.
4-Château Ampélia 2008 from France (136770) at $24.00.
5-Château de la Lamarque 2006 from France (194159) at $29.95.
6-Domaine du Roche-Guillon Fleurie 2010 from France (269514) at $17.95.
7-Uggiano Prestige Chianti 2009 from Italy (250852) at $15.95.
8-Vignamaggio Terre Di Prenzano Chianti Classico 2008 from Italy (164822) at $17.95.
9-Sabor Real 2008 from Spain (172932) at $15.95.

White Wines;
1-Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95.
2-Domaine Carrette Chardonnay Pouilly-Fuissé 2009 from France (264481) at $21.95.

My team and I will be back for the next New Release of January 21, 2012 where the main features will be Australia's diverse wine style and Great grapes to discover. As a fan of Merlot there will be a Selection of local talent - Ontario Merlot, looking forward to it.

Cheers
Paul YWG

San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2005, Tuscany, Italy

This is the essence of finesse and elegance with sensuous aromas of plums, figs, dried berries, sandalwood, soft leather and violets. Silky smooth on the palate, the alcohol is at 14.5% but it's so well integrated into the wine that it is barely noticeable, balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. The finish is long, savoury and so incredibly smooth. What a way to start the new year, a beautiful lighter style of Brunello Di Montalcino. Score 91 points.

This wine was purchased June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $48.95.

Ayala Majeur Brut Champagne, Champagne, France

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fantastic year with great health and a few outstanding bottles of wine. I don't often purchase Champagne, but if I am going to splurge and spend up to $50.00, I would prefer to spend my dollars on a full bodied red. But on this occasion of welcoming the New Year, spending the evening with my brother and his family, toasting the New Year with a great bottle of Champagne seems like the perfect thing to do. This is a bright and cheerful Champagne using all three grapes allowed within the Appelation; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Visually, very beautiful bubbles with aromas of citrus notes, green apple, buttered croissant and nutty. Medium bodied, dry and creamy with balanced green apple acidity and some minerality. This Champagne's finish is long refreshing and citrusy. Very enjoyable, score 90 points.

This Champagne was purchased December 10, 2011 LCBO New Release at $49.95.  

My top three enjoyed wines for December 2011

When looking at the list of wine reviewed this month, to my surprise, I had not reviewed a single white wine. Not that I did not drink any, but those enjoyed had previously been reviewed on this blog. Recently I purchased some Spiegelau white wine glasses and can't wait to try them. If the previous month was a great month for French wines, in December Italy took over this spot with some great food friendly wines. It is always difficult to narrow the list down to three wines, here are a few wines that did not make my list but are worth an honourable mention; Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz 2007, McLaren Vale, Australia and Mission Hill Quatrain 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada and Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja, Spain. Speaking of Italy, I could not pick one wine for the number 3 spot, which explains the two wines sharing this spot. Each of them for two very good and different reasons. Here are the wines that made the final cut.

My top three enjoyed wines in December;

1-Château Ségur de Cabanac 2004, AC Saint-Estèphe, Cru Bourgeois, France
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/12/chateau-segur-de-cabanac-2004-ac-saint.html

Mixing power and great structure with elegance, you get this fantastic Bordeaux which is drinking beautifully right now. An easy pick at number one.


2-Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Napa Valley, California, USA
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/12/stags-leap-cabernet-sauvignon-2006-napa.html

I am not sure that if this would have been a full size bottle, it would have been in this position. Benefiting from being in a small bottle, allowed this wine to mature quicker. A robust yet approachable Cabernet Sauvignon

3-Valiano Poggio Teo Chianti Classico 2006, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/12/valiano-poggio-teo-chianti-classico.html

I cannot say enough about this Chianti Classico with a real sense of place, love the fact that its 100% Sangiovese grapes, a wine which doesn't taste manipulated, where the winemaker let the grapes and region express themselves. An at $17.95 a fantastic value, I have already returned to purchase, twice.


  -Canonica A. Cerreto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2011/12/canonica-cerreto-chianti-classico.html

The right food and wine pairing should enhance and make each other better. When you achieve this in a restaurant; the wine arrives at your table at cellar temperature, is poured without overflowing your glass and when your glass is refilled with you hardly noticing it. Discovering a wine and vineyard which you haven't heard before, really make for an memorable evening.