Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of March 3, 2012 - French Classics Grapes and Chile's Carmenère

Hello to all my wine friends,

I am sending you this newsletter from Vancouver while taking part in the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival 2012, where the featured wine country is Chile. I will be updating my blog with a feature article, complete with photos, list of favourite wines tasted and purchased while at the show. Looking at this New Release (NR), apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention. Looking for great value white wines? Two you may consider are; from the northern region of Veneto in Italy Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2010 (707158) at $13.95 made with Italian grape Trebbiano; and from Argentina, Arboleda Chardonnay 2010 (606772) at $15.95. For the reds, a very good value Casa Emma Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (056952) at $18.95, two full bodied Shiraz, one from British Columbia Jackson-Triggs Gold Series Sunrock Vineyard Shiraz 2008 (271031) at $26.95 and the other from Australia Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz 2008 (510628) $34.95. Finally one of my favourite wine for the past several years, Ridge Three Valleys 2009 from California (652875) at $34.95, a blend of mostly Zinfandel at 70%, blended with these four other grapes, Carignane, Petit Shirah, Grenache and Mataro. Well lets get started.

French Classic Grapes; The main feature of this NR, is a selection from 14 classic grapes made famous from a country rich in wine history, France. A total of 15 wines will be released this weekend, I would like to highlight these five grape varietals; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Carignan and Merlot.

* La Chablisienne Montmains Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from Burgundy (265090) at $24.95 - In the appellation of Chablis, Chardonnay is the only grape grown. Chardonnays made in this region are very crisp (cool climate region), with strong minerality and little to no oak influence. This wine is made by La Chablisienne which is a cooperative, at $24.95 for a 1er Cru a very good value.

* Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2010 from the Loire Valley (264945) at $24.95 - Before New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (SB) became all the rage, the region of Bordeaux and la Loire have been making SB since the middle ages. Of these two French region, for SB I prefer la Loire. Those wines are more refreshing with better acidity. When you see Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre on the label, these are two French appellation situated across from each other and produce Sauvignon Blanc.

* Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Constance 2008 from the South of France (168690) at $18.95 - This wine is a blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Carignane from the very warm Mediterranean coast in Southeastern France, a region blessed with consistent excellent vintage. Not as well known, Carignane makes some very nice wines here in the South of France, Chile and California.

* Château la Fleur D'Arthur 2008 from St-Émillion in Bordeaux (251702) at $37.95 - The wines of St-Émilion are less tannic and generally more fruit driven than those of the Left Bank. Vines have been cultivated here since the Roman times and Merlot is the Emperor here. The style from St-Émilion is generally soft, rich, savoury character, generous fruit profile and tend to be early maturing. Château la Fleur D'Arthur 2008 is made with Merlot and would benefit from 2-3 years in your cellar.

Chile's Carmenère; No grape varietal says Chile like Carmenère. A formerly obscure red grape from Bordeaux, the Carmenère has proven to be very successful in Chile. An accidental success story occurred in early 1990s when winemakers discovered that many of the Chilean vines they called Merlots were actually Carmenère. Characteristics of this grape are; low tannins and big, bright blackberry fruit, to drink on its own or paired with red meat. Here my top three Carmenère from this NR;

* Montes Purple Angel 2009 from Colchagua Valley (062364) at $56.95 - The bench mark for super premium Carmenère, which includes 8% Petit Verdot. A definite candidate for your cellar, between 2-4 years for maximum pleasure.

* Choncha Y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenère 2008 from Cachapoal Valley (562892) at $29.95. I had the opportunity to sample this wine at the Vancouver Wine Show today, mostly Carmenère with 85% with the remaining 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Big, bold wine with aromas of ripe berry fruit, black cherry, cassis, spices, cedar and tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, very dry, concentrated flavours, balance acidity and chalky tannins. The finish is long, dark fruit and cedar notes lingering with hard tannins. The bad news, this wine is not ready for prime time yet, 2-3 years in your cellar will do the job. The good news, the price in Ontario his $5.00 cheeper than the BC price. Lots of potential.  

* Misiones De Rengo Gran Reserva Cuvée Carmenère 2010 from Rapel Valley (264937) at $19.95 - Mostly Carmenère at 89% with Cabernet Sauvignon at 7% and Syrah at 4% adding to the complexity of this wine. To be enjoyed with beef, lamb and strong cheese.

My top three wines of this release;

1-Montes Purple Angel 2009 from Chile (062364) at $56.95 Cellar Candidate 

2-Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz 2009 from Australia (510628) at $34.95
3-Ridge Three Valleys 2009 from California (652875) at $34.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Arboleda Chardonnay 2010 from Argentina (606772) at $15.95
2-Casa Emma Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (056952) at $18.95
3-Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Constance 2008 from France (168690) at $18.95

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

Red Wines;

1-Domaine Poulleau Père & Fils Oak Aged Volnay 2009 from France (265025) at $39.95 Cellar Candidate
2-Domaine Tour Saint Michel Cuvée du Lion Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (265454) at $48.95 Cellar Candidate
3-Château Cordet 2008 from France (243949) at $34.95
4-Château la Fleur D'Arthur 2008 from France (251702) at $37.95
5-Montes Purple Angel 2009 from Chile (062364) at $56.95 Cellar Candidate
6-Jackson-Triggs Gold Series Sunrock Vineyard Shiraz 2008 from British Columbia (271031) at $26.95
7-The Watcher Shiraz 2008 from Australia (219196) at $19.95
8-Domaine La Montagnette Signargues Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2009 from France (235002) at $13.95
9-Antinori Guado Al Tasso 2008 from Italy (986380) at $89.95 Cellar Candidate

White Wines;

1-Turckheim Hengst Gewurztraminer 2007 from France (259705) at $24.95
2-Arboleda Chardonnay 2010 from Argentina (606772) at $15.95
3-Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2011 from Australia (624502) at $15.95
4-Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (734095) at $17.95
5-Seresin Chardonnay 2008 from New Zealand (019190) at $24.95
6-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2010 from Italy (707158) at $13.95

That is it for me and my team, I need to return to the tasting tables and enjoy some fine wine here at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival... hard work in deed. I will be back for next New Release of March 17, 2012 where one of the features is a Signature Spanish Flavours, can't wait.

Cheers
Paul YWG