Château Le Castelot 2006, AC St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

This Merlot has very intense and masculine aromatics, with aromas of dark fruit, spice box, cedar, underbrush and leather. Medium to full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13%), dry, finely textured with fresh acidity and firm tannins. The finish is medium length, savoury spices and leather notes with fine grained tannins. A very serious and enjoyable Merlot, to drink now or cellar mid-term 1-2 years. Score 89 points.

Purchased January 21, 2012 (245472) at $34.95

Orin Swift The Prisoner 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

This is one of those wines which became a luxury treat for me back when I was living in British Columbia. I simply have naught seen it for sale either in Ontario or Québec. A delicious blend here with Zinfandel at 51%, Cabernet Sauvignon at 19%, Syrah at 18%, Petit Sirah at 7%, Charbono (also know as Bonarda) at 3%, finally the Grenache and Malbec with 1% each. This wine opens up with sensuous aromas of blackberry, wild berries, plum, black currant, cedar, vanilla and sweet and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, OMG, this wine is so smooth, well balanced with soft seductive ripe fruit, fine acidity and velvety tannins. A tasty, aromatic, savoury style red blend. Needless to say, very enjoyable and strongly recommended. Score 91 points.

Purchased April 2, 2011 BC Liquor Store at $ 49.99

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Plan de Dieu Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Rhône, France

From the very good 2009 Rhône vintage, this wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. A beautiful lively violet in colour with aromas of red plums, blueberry, white pepper, violets, underbrush, incense and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium to full bodied, bright and spicy flavours, fresh acidity, fine grained tannins but the surprising alcohol at 15% dominates everything else. A good length on the finish with spicy red fruit flavours and chest warming heat. An enjoyable wine overall, however I wish that the alcohol would have been about 1% less, it would have made this wine more balanced, more elegant. Recommended, score 88 points.

Purchased on February 18, 2012 LCBO New Release (252270) at $22.95

Muratie Shiraz 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa

This wine arrives somewhere between a Rhône Syrah and Australian Shiraz, with aromas of black fruit, cocoa, tobacco, spices, meaty and floral notes.  This medium to full bodied Shiraz mouthfeel is rich, dry, intense with concentrated flavours, lively acidity and smooth ripe tannins. This wine finish is long with excellent depth of flavours, savoury and meaty style of Shiraz. On a more technical note, this wine is 100% Shiraz, aging took place in 90% French oak and 10% American oak with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. I am no longer surprised by the quality of South African wines around the $25.00 price range. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (663278) at $24.95

Duckhorn Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

This past weekend friends invited us for an evening of socializing and dinner. My friend Roger had decided to treat all of us with a Duckhorn Merlot 2009. He had read about Duckhorn on this blog. A wine I had recommended in the New Release posting in February (posted below). Nice, since this wine wasn’t on my shopping list. I do like Merlot and it gave me the opportunity to review it.

A blend of mostly Merlot at 84%, Cabernet Sauvignon at 10% and 6 % Cabernet Franc, adding texture and complexity to the overall package. Ageing took place in 100% French oak barrels (25% new and 75% second vintage) for 15 months. This Merlot opened up with very sensuous aromas of blackberry, cherry, red plum, sage, licorice, earthy and vanilla notes. Dry, medium to full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%) with exquisite balance between soft seductive fruit and savoury flavours, fine acidity and framed by silky tannins.  The wine finish is very enjoyable, with lots of finesse, sweet and sour fruit, vanilla and fine grained tannins. This wine is better served with food now, or give it 1 or 2 years in your cellar for all the elements of this wine to come together.  It is always very nice to catch up with friends, enjoy a nice meal over a great bottle of wine. Thank you Michel and Roger.  An awesome wine with lots of sophistication and elegance, score 91 points.

LCBO New Release of February 18, 2012 (992529) at $56.95

Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand

This Sauvignon Blanc from Kim Crawford is a definite step up in quality compared to there regular offering and well worth the extra dollars. On the nose, a very fresh and intense aromatics with aromas of grapefruit, passion  fruit, sweet tropical fruit, minerals and hints of fresh herbs. The mouthfeel is almost creamy (partly barrel fermented?) with loads of energy, refreshing and food friendly acid with flavours of citrus and sweet tropical fruit flavours and minerals notes. This Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc finish is fresh and lively, very refreshing. A definite food wine, score 90 points.   

  

This wine was purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (038240) at $24.95

Bodegas El Nido 2002, Jumilla, Murcia, Spain

A big wine in every sense of the word, a big package (very heavy bottle), with loads of flavours, structure, substantial price tag but high on the enjoyment factor. I had purchased this wine while living in Victoria, BC, around Christmas in December of 2008. This wine opens up with aromas of sweet cherry and wild strawberry, stewed rhubarb, spices, cedar and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, full body with alcohol coming in at 15.5% but well balanced by massive fruit, almost too sweet, fine acidity and now, well integrated tannins. An explosion of sweet ripe fruit on the finish with fine grained tannins. On a more technical note, this wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Mourvedre aged for 26 months in 100% new French and American oak. Very nice and comforting wine here, score 93 points.

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of February 18, 2012 - Popular Front / Customer Favourites and In The Sweet Zone

Hello to all my wine friends,

I was able to gather a decent list of wines from this New Release (NR) that caught my attention, most of them in the sweet zone of $15.00 to $25.00 range. Apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few other wines I would like to bring to your attention, first, a couple of reliable California Cabernet Sauvignon; McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (212126) at $19.95 and Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (331603) at $22.95 (also available in half size bottle for $12.95), definitely good wines for house party. Also from the very good 2009 Rhône Valley vintage; Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cuvée des Galets Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Village 2009 from France (252270) at $22.95 (now that is a long name), and from a winery with a leading role in the movie Sideways; Hitching Post Hometown Pinot Noir 2008 from California (256644) at $26.95. Finally, from my top three for value, a Chardonnay from Argentina worth multiple purchase Xumek Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 (265231) at $15.95. Well lets get started.

Popular Front / Customer Favourites;  In this NR, there is a pretty decent selection of wine which have become over the years, some of Ontarions favourite wines. How popular are these wines? Some people will purchase these wines by the case. Here are four wines of very good quality which should appeal to new or returning customers;

• Beronia Reserva 2006 from Rioja, Spain (050203) at $19.95 - Of all 22 wines featured in this section, this is the wine I am the most excited about. A blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano, aging took place in mixed American and French oak for 18 months. A favourite of mine, I expect it will sell out pretty quickly.

• Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin 2007 from Veneto, Italy (976092) at $24.95 - This Ripasso style wine (sometimes call baby Amarone) is a blend of the usual Veneto grapes of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara, aging took place in a combination of French and Slovenian oak barrels for 18 months.

• Pirramimma Shiraz 2009 from McLaren Vale, Australia (987784) at $26.95 - This Shiraz from Pirramimma is always very good, the last vintage released at the LCBO was the 2006 vintage, last February 5, 2011 (I am not to sure what append to the 2007-2008 vintage) I gave it 92 points on WineAlign. My final comment was "yummy", unfortunately the price went up by $3.00 since the 2006 vintage.

• Duckhorn Merlot 2009 from Napa Valley, California (992529) at $56.95 - Life would be so wonderful, if I could afford this wine as my house wine. A blend of mostly Merlot with 84% with Cabernet Sauvignon at 10% and Cabernet Franc at 6% adding texture and complexity to the overall package. Ageing took place in 100% French oak barrels (25% new and 75% second vintage) for 15 months. This price of this wine is a little steep, but people who will purchase this Merlot should not be disappointed.

In The Sweet Zone;  I have had many requests to feature more wines which I will call "Sweet Zone" wines between $15.00 to $25.00. My concern, sometimes red wines at the lower end (around $15.00) are often to sweet. Here are a few dry (not sweet), food friendly, well priced wines for you to consider;

• Helfrich Pinot Gris 2010 from Alsace, France (141788) at $14.95;  If you are looking for an off-dry, well priced wine to pair with spicy Thai or Indian food or to serve as an aperitif wine, this wine should definitely be considered.

• Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007 from Rioja, Spain (166538) at $15.95;  This is another well priced, ready to enjoy, easy drinking 100% Tempranillo aged 12 months in French and American oak. This wine would be great served with appetizers, cheese platter or veal.

• Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Maipo Valley, Chile (275594) at $19.95;  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine, aged in French oak for 12 months, a big and generous red to serve with steak, hearty stews, casseroles and hard cheese.

• Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2009 from Niagara Peninsula, Ontario (089037) at $19.95;  This gold medal winning Chardonnay is from Tawse Winery, the winner of 2010 and 2011 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards for the best winery of the year. This is a good opportunity to try some wines from great local talents.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Piccini Villa Al Cortile Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 2005 from Italy (205724) at $41.95

2-Manuel Olivier Gevrey-Chambertin 2008 from France (265371) at $47.95 Cellar Candidate

3-Banfi Riserva Chianti Classico 2007 from Italy (998328) at $27.95

My top three wines for value;

1-Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007 from Spain (166538) at $15.95

2-Xumex Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Argentina (265231) at $15.95

3-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (275594) at $19.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (331603) at $22.95

2-Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin 2007 from Italy (976092) at $24.95

3-Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2009 from California (590216) at $23.95

4-McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (212126) at $19.95

5-Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007 from Spain (166538) at $15.95

6-Duckhorn Merlot 2009 from California (992529) at $56.95

7-John Glaetzer John's Blend Margarete's No. 13 Shiraz 2007 from Australia (927657) at $39.95 Cellar Candidate

8-Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008 from Australia (098392) at $21.95

9-Manuel Olivier Gevrey-Chambertin 2008 from France (265371) at $47.95 Cellar Candidate

10-Santa Duc Les Garancières Gigondas 2009 from France (234989) at $27.95

11-Castello Di Nipozzano Mormoreto 2008 from Italy (951210) at $59.95 Cellar Candidate

12-Piccini Villa Al Cortile Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 2005 from Italy (205724) at $41.95

White Wines;

1-La Crema Chardonnay 2009 from California (962886) at $28.95

2-Xumek Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Argentina (265231) at $15.95

3-Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 from California (210039) at $34.95

4-Helfrich Pinot Gris 2010 from France (141788) at $14.95

That is it for me and my team. I will be back for next New Release of March 3, 2012. I will post my picks a few days earlier than usual as I will be attending the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival Trade Tasting March 1 & 2.

Stay tuned for a post on the Wine Festival in early March.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate 2006, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Ridge Zinfandels have been one of my favourite Zins for quite some time now, but this is my first experience with a Bordeaux blend from this vineyard. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon at 56%, Merlot at 42% and as a supporting role, Petit Verdot at 2% with alcohol coming in at 13.7%, surprisingly low for a California wine. The best part of this wine is the aromatics, with aromas of red and black fruit, cassis, savoury and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with chalky tannins, very thin in mid palate with sharp acidity. Medium length on the finish with red cherry fruit, tart, dry with persistent tannins lingering. With these tannins you would think that this wine needs time to come around, but there isn’t enough fruit and structure for this wine to improve. At this price, not a good value, next time, I will stick with there lovely ripe zinfandels. Score 88 points.

This wine was purchased March 5, 2011 LCBO New Release (089284)at $49.95

Domaine Gille Côtes De Nuits Villages 2008, Burgundy, France

Pale ruby in colour, now imagine if you close your eyes, you could believe you are in a garden with aromas of beetroot, dried mushroom, earthy barnyard, cherry, rhubarb and violet notes. Now that’s Pinot Noir for you, love it.  On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (13% Alc.), lively acidity, dusty tannins and sour cherry with sweet baking spices flavours. Good length on the finish, slightly gritty, rustic tannins with an interesting earthy notes duking it out with the sour edged flavours of cherry and plum. Very nice wine here with excellent value for money Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Score 89 points. 

This wine was purchased April 2, 2011 LCBO New Release (210864) at $24.95

Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Limary Valley, Chile

This wine is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with 12% Syrah, the result of course adds extra layers of flavours and complexity. Aging took place in French oak barrels for 16 months, than 8 months in bottles before release. Very robust aromatics with dark plums, blueberries, blackcurrants, cedar, underbrush, black pepper  and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, this Cabernet is medium-full bodied (with 14.5% alc.) with loads of flavour, well integrated oak, fresh acidity and firm tannins. This wine has a medium to long finish, very rich and smooth. What I like about this wine is that it can easily be paired with food like steak, roast beef or lamb or just as enjoyable on its own. Drinking well now or hold mid term 2-3 years in your cellar. Very nice wine here and strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

This wine was purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (256701) at $19.95

Jim Barry The McRae Wood Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, Australia

This wine is 100% Shiraz grapes from low-yielding vines, aged 15 months in 2/3 new American oak and 1/3 older American oak. The nose is so sensuous with aromas of blueberry, plum, cassis, Asian spice, vanilla and toasty notes. Full bodied with the alcohol coming in at 15.5%, but it is well integrated with complex flavours of dark fruit, tobacco and spices, balanced acidity and velvet tannins. What you get from this Shiraz is a big wine with lots of flavour, creamy, very smooth and above all, awesome aromatics. Could smell this all night, great wine here. Score 93 points.   

This wine was purchased November 13, 2010 LCBO New Release (737817) at $54.95

Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2007, Tuscany, Italy

This wine taste's like Bordeaux meets Tuscany, with mostly French grapes grown in Italy. From the superb 2007 vintage, this is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the remaining 10% Sangiovese, the length of maturation was 12 months in barrels and two years in bottle before release with alcohol coming in at 14 %. I originally purchased three bottles of this wine and sadly this is my last remaining bottle. A beautiful sophisticated nose here with aromas of blackberry, black currant, sour cherry, dried herbs, cedar and toasty notes. On the mouthfeel, medium to full bodied, loads of flavour with fine acidity and gritty tannins. Very good length on the finish with savoury and rich concentrated flavours, fine texture and persistent grainy tannins. If you are lucky enough to still hold this superb wine on your cellar, it is drinking well with a great deal of life left.  I would say peak drinking window here is 2014-2016. A fantastic wine and great value, score 92 points.

This wine was purchased May 29, 2010 LCBO New Release at $21.95

Montes Alpha Merlot 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile

There seems to be two different styles of Merlot produced; a softer, easy drinking, aromatic and plumy version and the more intense, darker, with plenty of oak and tannins and more age worthy. I personally prefer the softer, easy drinking style much better. Isn’t that what a Merlot is about? I enjoy Merlot with structure of course, but still want balance, with quality fruit shining through and not a Merlot which is a Cabernet wanna be.   

This wine is predominantly Merlot at 90%, with the remaining grape being Carmenère at 10%, maturation took place in French oak for 12 months. I enjoyed this wine, but unfortunately neither the nose or the mouthfeel tells me that this wine is a Merlot. Deep opaque ruby in colour, this wine opens up with aromas black fruit, coffee, tobacco leaf and earthy notes. Full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, more oak derived flavours than fruit, balance acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with rich creamy flavours. I have no doubt that quality grapes went into making this wine but unfortunately was buried in oak, stripping off the soft plumy texture of Merlot, better acidity would have also given this wine a little lift. I was expecting much better for wine at $23.30 from Chile. I enjoyed the wine, but if I am looking to drink a Merlot, this one is not for me. Score 86 points.

This wine was purchased December 2, 2011 at the SAQ (564617) for $23.30

Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2008, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

This single vineyard Malbec grape from Remolinos vineyard (3500' above see level), in the region Agrelo, in Mendoza, maturation took place in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. This wine has a very appealing nose with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, cedar and violet notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied with concentrated fruit and oak flavours, balanced acidity and dusty tannins. On the medium length finish, this Malbec delivers dark fruit flavours, coffee and cedar notes followed by the same dusty tannins that make a reappearing act. As a note of caution, my bottle had a great deal of sediment, be careful when you are getting close to the end of the bottle. Enjoyable wine here, score 88 points. 

This wine was purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (247304) at $22.95

Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial Rioja 2005, Rioja, Spain

I had tried this wine at an SAQ tasting stations (great idea here) prior to purchasing. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache and 10% Mazuelo/Graciano, this wine aged for 24 months in 80% French oak and 20% American oak. A complete wine that strikes all the right notes, with beautiful deep ruby colour with aromas of dark cherry and plum, cassis, cedar, tobacco and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14%, fresh acidity and an abundance of firm tannins. This Rioja finish has loads of rich concentrated fruit, coffee, cedar notes and firm, dusty but not overbearing tannins. Drinking well now, after 1-2 hours in a decanter, should age brilliantly over the next 4-5 years. An awesome wine, with lots of detail, love the tannins (good quality oak for sure), strongly recommended. Score 92 points.

This wine was purchased December 27, 2011 at the SAQ (11155593) for $37.00

Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia

The region of Strathbogie Ranges is located northeast of Melbourne, in an elevated and cooler climate, characterised by ancient granite boulders. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks using cultured yeast, maturation was done with  40% American oak and 60% French oak in all new barrels. It also spent some time maturing in older 300 litre hogshead barrels. This Shiraz is dark purple in colour and opens up with aromas of dark plums, blackberry/blueberry jam, burnt sugar, eucalyptus and savoury notes. On the palate, full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 15%), rich and creamy mouthfeel, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. This wine finish is long, slightly sweet with flavours of stewed fruit, eucalyptus, pepper and savoury notes lingering. This wine is better served slightly chilled, around 16-17 C, its gives the wine a more creamy mouthfeel, tames the alcohol and improves fruitiness. Definitely lots of toasty oak on this shiraz, but not over done, overall very good. I know that this wine will appeal to many of of my friends. Recommended to people who enjoy this style, and at this price a good value.  Score 89 points.

This wine was purchased February 4, 2011 LCBO New Release (265967) at $19.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of February 4, 2012 - California Cabs and Special wines for Valentine'​s

Hello to all my wine friends,

This was such an exciting New Release (NR) magazine to go through, with many wines that caught my attention. This NR starts with a very good selection of (but expensive) Cabernet Sauvignon from California. Not including the California Cabs and wines featured in my Valentine picks here are a few wines which I want to highlight; a couple of Malbecs from Argentina, starting with a less expensive and always popular, La Posta Angel Paulucci Malbec 2008 (075515) at $15.95 and with a little more structure Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2008 (247304) at $22.95. If you are looking for a great value Cabernet Sauvignon not from California, I strongly recommend purchasing this one early, before there are all sold out, Maycas Del Limari Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Chile (256701) at $19.95. For fans of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (SB), a release this week is one of there premium SB, Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (038240) at $24.95. And finally I would like to mention two Shiraz from South Atmosphere, one from Australia Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008 (265967) at $19.95 and from South Africa, Muratie Shiraz 2007 (663278) at $24.95 both are worth a serious consideration. Well let's get started.

California Cabs; A definite departure from the last two NR, where few wines were priced over $50.00. Six California Cabs over $50.00, one, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 at $69.95 came out with three mediocre reviews all saying the same thing, too sweet. The sugar index is listed as dry, not extra dry. When you are paying $70.00 for a bottle of wine 86 & 87 points doesn't represent value. On the flip side Beaulieu Vineyard George De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (080218) at $89.95 came highly rated. I did have a good laugh while reading Robert Parker's review of Beaulieu Cabernet, he said "The good news is 11,000 cases were produced...it's time once again to fill your cellar" and I would add, the bad news is the price, very few of us buy wine at $89.95 a bottle. Out of the nine CA Cabs, here are four which I want to feature;

• Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Sonoma County (640573) at $19.95 - A more easy drinking and commercial style, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 82%, with Merlot at 8%, Petite Sirah at 5%, Syrah at 3% and 1% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
• Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Napa Valley (186174) at $32.95 - I think this is best value Cabernet of all nine. This is the second label from Duckhorn, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, aged in 100% French Oak with and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.
• Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Napa Valley (932400) at $58.95 -From one of the most eco-conscious producers in California, fertilizing with compost instead of chemicals, dry farm fruits and alcohol coming in at 13.7%, pretty rare for a Napa Valley Cabernet.
• Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Napa Valley (193854) at $87.95 -My pick for the best wine of this release when you considered price vs. quality.

Special wines for Valentine's; Here are my picks for a memorable Valentine Day. What I am looking for here are wines that are easy and fun to drink, that are smooth, aromatics and sexy.

• Rosé ; What is more fun than a Rosé Champagne or Sparkling Rosé ? Here are a few options, one is from this NR, the others are either from the LCBO general list or a product from Vintages.
• Roederer Estate Brut Rosé from California (479758) at $35.95 (from this week NR)
• De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut from France (211466) at $17.30 (General List Product)
• Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catherine Rosé Brut from Ontario (217505) at $26.95 (General List Product)
• Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé Champagne from France (267039) at $56.95 (General List Product)
• Bille Cart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne from France (924670) at $49.95 for a 375ml Bottle (Vintages Product)

• Merlot; Merlot is a very popular varietal that is softer and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon provided the fruit is not over cropped. Good quality Merlot should have soft plumy fruit flavours, vanilla, cedar and spices notes. To be safe on Valentine choose a Merlot between $20 to $30 from regions like Argentina, California and Canada. And from this NR lets show British Columbia some love by purchasing Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2008 (553313) at $25.95. The 100% Merlot grapes are from the southern region of BC (Oliver & Osoyoos), harvested in September & October 2008 and aged in French oak for 15 months.

• Brunello Di Montalcino;  Wines from the region of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy are crafted exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Groso ( a clone of Sangiovese) and aged for a minimum of 4 years in barrels. From this NR a very good Montalcino is being released, Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 (237263) at $49.95. This wine is full bodied, with beautiful aromatics and complex flavours.

• Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico ; What could be more sexy than an Amarone? A big, rich and beautiful wine from the region of Veneto in Italy, usually a blend of these three Italian grapes; Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella. After harvest (usually in early October) the grapes are laid on wooden mats or crates to dry, which concentrates the flavours. The end result, is a big, ripe, raisiny, full bodied wines with low acidity, high alcohol (usually well over 15%). A wine to enjoy on its own after a meal, with braised meat or dark chocolate. I have two recommendations for you here; in this NR Antolini Moropio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006 (247957) at $34.95, surprisingly still available in some markets, and from LCBO NR of October 29, 2011 is Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007 (247890) at $36.95. You can read my review of this delicious wine on my blog, here is the link;  http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/pasqua-vigneti-black-label-amarone.html

My top three wines of this release;

1-Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193854) at $87.95 Cellar Candidate

2-Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (237263) at $49.95

3-La Gravette de Certain 2009 from France (256792) at $69.95 Cellar Candidate

My top three wines for value;

1-La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (075515) at $15.95

2-Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2010 from Italy (013276) at $16.95

3-Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile (256701) at $19.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193854) at $87.95 Cellar Candidate

2-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (640573) at $19.95

3-Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (932400) at $58.95 Cellar Candidate

4-Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (642207) at $24.95

5-Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (080218) at $89.95 Cellar Candidate

6-La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (075515) at $15.95
7-Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 from Argentina (178657) at $17.95

8-Kilikanoon Testament Shiraz 2007 from Australia (050047) at $39.95

9-La Gravette de Certain 2009 from France (256792) at $69.95 Cellar Candidate

10-Xavier Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (244814) at $39.95 Cellar Candidate

11-Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2007 from Italy (597534) at $17.95

12-Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (237263) at $49.95

White Wines;

1-Tselepos Moschofilero Mantinia 2010 from Greece (724583) at $16.95

2-Grand Lurton Corte Friulano 2010 from Argentina (066829) at $19.95

3-Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (038240) at $24.95

4-Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Kabinett from Germany (249730) at $21.95

5-Domdechant Werner Hocheimer Kirchenstueck Riesling Auslese 2003 from Germany (931386) at $27.95

Dessert Wine;
1-G. Marquis The Silver Line Vidal IceWine 2009 from Ontario (262477) at $27.95 (200 ml)

That is it for me and my team. I will be back for next New Release of February 18, 2012

Cheers

Paul YWG

My top three enjoyed wines for January 2012

It could have been easily an Italian hat-trick, until I opened up the Yalumba The Signature Cabernet/Shiraz, knocking out the San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 for the number three spot. During the winter months, bigger and fuller bodied wines are usually more comforting and indulgent. These types of wines are reflected on this list, well, apart from the surprising pick at number two.

My top three enjoyed wines in January;

1-Pasqua Vigneti Black Label Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, Veneto, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/pasqua-vigneti-black-label-amarone.html

Talk about a wine which is beautifully made and at $36.95, represents a superb value for an Amarone. This wine was released last October, and still available in our market (of Ontario). Need I say, strongly recommended.

2-Casanova Di Neri Sant'antimo Rosso 2008, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/casanova-di-neri-santantimo-rosso-2008.html

Another terrific value from Tuscany, a superb food wine with great aromatics, great energy and length. I loved the quality and texture of the tannins. A wine with a real sense of place with strong varietal characteristics. Could not say enough good things about this wine.

3-Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/yalumba-signature-cabernet.html
 
A full bodied blend where both grapes bring something special to the end product. The Shiraz offers beautiful fruit and style while the Cabernet Sauvignon offers deeper, richer texture and structure. A robust, tasty and savoury wine with great use of oak. Awsome stuff here.