Silvio Grasso Barbera D'Alba 2009, Piedmont, Italy

This is my first experience with the wines from this 1927 family owned winery. This wine is 100% Barbera grapes, with grapes that went through a brief maceration on the skins in steel for 4-5 days followed up by 7-8 months in steel tanks (no oak). This wine opens up with aromas of red fruit, black cherry, spices and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (alcohol at 13.5%), with flavours a black pepper and spices, lively acidity and soft tannins. This Barbera's finish is long, fruity, spicy and refreshing. This wine is so good, so refreshing, so interesting, well made and very a good value. Need I say, strongly recommended. Score 92 points

Purchased April 28, 2012 at the SAQ (11580080) at $20.20

Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añon Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja, Spain

By Spanish labeling laws, Gran Reserva must have a minimum aging of 5 years, with at least 18 months in oak and a minimum of 3 years in bottles. This wine is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha with the remaining 15% Mazuelo and Graciano, alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

This wine opens up with aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, stewed plums, vanilla and spice. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, intensely flavourful with balance acidity and silky tannins. This Rioja finish is long with a rich combination of fruit, toasty oak and a creamy Cherry Blossom (chocolate bar by Hershey Canada) texture. This Gran Reserva is made in a more modern style (sweeter with toasty oak characteristic) and even if I prefer a more traditional style of Gran Reserva (dryer with more rustic and dusty tannins). I really enjoyed this wine. It was very flavourful and the sweetness and toasty oak are not overdone, but well integrated at this point. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (190827) at $24.95

Duckhorn Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 86% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Maturation took place in 100% French oak Château -style barrels (60 Gallons), 20% new barrels and 80% second vintage for 16 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wines opens up with aromas of cherry, plum, spice box, baking spices floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth and complex flavours, mild acidity and fine grained tannins. Medium length and a bit hot on the finish but with soft seductive fruit flavours lingering. This wine may not represent value but is another very enjoyable wine from Duckhorn. Definetely more Bordeaux than California in style, score 90 points.  

Purchased May 28, 2011 LCBO New Release (995529) at $54.95    

Seresin Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, New Zealand

This wine is a blend of 94% Sauvignon Blanc and 6% Sémillon, all certified organic grapes, with 10% of the Sauvignon Blanc and all of the Sémillon fermented in seasoned French oak, with alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opens up with aromas of grassy herbaceous notes, citrus fruit, ripe tropical fruit, honey and minerals. On the palate, medium bodied, citrus fruit flavours, creamy texture and lively acidity. Short finish on this SB with sweet and tart flavours and noticeable heat from the alcohol. This is a SB which needs spicy food like Indian or Thai. This is not the style of SB I enjoy, a little too creamy for me and not refreshing enough. Score 87 points.     

Purchased April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (735043) at $21.95    

Le Sughere Di Frassinello 2007, IGT Maremma, Toscany, Italy

From the Italian coastal region of Maremma, this Super Tuscan wine is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

A bit too easy removing the cork from the bottle, and as you can see on the photo, wine leak almost to the top of the cork (on two sides). I thought it might have been slightly oxidized, as the wine was much softer than I expected and drinking like it was a much older wine.

This blend opens up with aromas of small berry fruit, plum, fig, dried raisin, soft leather, exotic spices, earthy and violet notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied, silky smooth texture, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Very good length on the finish with soft seductive fruit and savoury flavours. This wine has elegance with seamless aromatics and great finesse. It may have been a cork situation here, but I don’t think that this wine would gain much more with age. I am not sure how it would drink in a year from now, but on this day Le Sughere Di Frassinello 2007 was very enjoyable. Score 91 points.

Purchased February 5, 2012 LCBO New Release (25700) at $31.95    

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of June 23, 2012 - White Wines for Summer Sipping and Exciting Old World Reds

Hello to all my wine friends,

This New Release (NR) is certainly the least exiting NR I have seen in a while, including a very disappointing feature segment call “A Toast to Canada”. In the last NR, the publicity around this NR highlighted a segment called “A Canada Day Celebration” . So you would think that we would find some hard to find, great Canadian wines, from small boutique wineries maybe? Instead, we get only six wines and a odd selection at that; a sparkling apple cider, a love it or hate it grape Gewürztraminer wine, and a Chardonnay. Now this next wine has received great reviews, the Ravine Vineyard Meritage 2010 from Ontario (285627) at $24.95, followed by a Sparkling Vidal Ice Wine and a rosé. I don’t mean to say that all these wines are mediocre. But if you are going to label a feature segment “A Canada Day Celebration”, is it too much to ask for an exciting selection of awesome, harder to find, award winning Canadian wines. Like some of the wines from this year 2011 Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards. Half of these wines are from British Columbia, and hard to find here in Ontario. This Canada Day segment would be a great opportunity to make some of these wines available here. I guess we will have to wait for the private member Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (Interprovincial importation of wine for personal use) be passed by the Senate after receiving unanimous support by all parties in the House of Commons. Once approved by the Senate, this bill will amend a 1928 Act which makes it illegal to purchase and transport wine across provincial borders and would allow wineries to ship their wines across the country. This is long overdue in an era of free trade and could help wineries bottom line. Well, now that I have made my point, let’s get started;

White Wines for Summer Sipping;   With summer now officially here, this is when people rediscover how refreshing and enjoyable white wines can be. The white wines I prefer during summer months, are thirst quenchers that are lower alcohol, good acidity, aromatic and with minimum use of oak. I would stay away from heavy oak Chardonnay but cool climate Chardonnays are usually lower in alcohol, fresher with better acidity. Here are four recommendation all under $20.00, including two sparkling wine.

• Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (141499) at $19.95 – This is a not to be miss for fans of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Would be nice served with a grilled salad on a hot summer night.

• Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (606202) at $16.95 – From the best producing Riesling region in the world, this Riesling Kabinett from the Mosel region of Germany, is a typical light bodied wine with low alcohol, off-dry, with great aromatics and refreshing. You should expect lively acidity, tree fruit, citrus fruit flavours with some minerality.

• Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato D’Asti 2010 from Italy (942888) at $16.95 – This would be a delicious wine to pair with a nice summer day brunch, serve nicely chilled or paired with dessert like crème caramel, cheese cake or any whip cream type dessert like a strawberry trifle cake. Moscato is the grape and Asti is the town in Piedmont, Italy were this delicious wine is made. Moscato wines are made in an off-dry or sweet style, slightly spritzy and usually low in alcohol (4.5% to 5.5%) with crazy ( in a good way) aromatics.

• Prevedello Asolo Superiore Extra Dry Prosecco 2010 from Italy (262881) at $16.95 – If you are looking for a fun, cheerful, inexpensive Sparkling wine either as an aperitif or sipping on the patio, produced by Toronto restauranteur Franco Prevedello, in his home town of Asolo, in the region of Veneto in Italy.

Exciting Old World Reds;   When referring to Old World Wines, we are taking about European countries who have been growing grapes for centuries. The bulk of these wines are from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal. European wines are usually lower in alcohol and better suited for warm summer days. Here are four wines for your consideration;

• Château de Lancyre Coste D’Aleyrac 2010 from France (074765) at $19.95 - From the very warm vintage of 2010, this wine is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Carignan, alcohol coming in at 14.0%. No barrel fermentation for this wine, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. These type of wine are always delicious with lamb or a pasta dish with dry mushroom and sausage.

• Château de Nages JT Costières de Nîmes 2009 from France (736876) at $21.95 - Also from a very good vintage in the Rhône Valley, this is mostly Syrah at 95% with Mourvèdre in a supporting role at 5%, alcohol coming in at 14.5%, maceration for 30 days follow up by 12 months of barrel fermentation of which 25% are new French oak. This wine was bottled without filtration and it is recommended to decant.

• Quinta Do Quetzal Reserva 2007 from Portugal (277376) at $27.95 - This wine is a blend of Trincadeira Alfrocheiro and Alicante Bouschet, alcohol commes in at 14% with maturation takig place in 225 litre French oak barrels for 12 months.

• Bodegas Olarra Cerro Anon Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (190827) at $24.95 - For fans of Spanish Gran Reserva, the 2004 vintage is starting to trickle in our stores of late. By Spanish labelling laws, Gran Reserva must have a minimum aging of 5 years, at least 18 months in oak and a minimum of 3 years in bottle. This wine is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha with the remaining 15% Mazuelo and Graciano.

My top three wines from this release;
1-Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (281238) at $41.95
2-Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2005 from Italy (185025) at $36.95
3-Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2008 from Australia (309625) at $39.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Domaine de la Tourlaudière Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie 2010 from France (171694) at $13.95

2-Château de Lancyre Coste D’Aleyrac 2010 from France (074765) at $19.95
3-Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (606202) at $16.95

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

Red Wines;
1- Ravine Vineyard Meritage 2010 from Ontario (285627) at $24.95

2- Mahle Wind Gap Syrah 2007 from California (242776) at $59.00

3- Sonoma-Cutrer Grower-Vintner Pinot Noir 2008 from California (140723) at $29.95

4- Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (708982) at $46.95

5-Maysara Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir 2008 from Oregon, USA (065680) at $39.95
6- Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (322586) at $19.95
7- Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2008 from Australia (309625) at $39.95

8- Greystone Pinot Noir 2009 from New Zealand (271312) at $37.95
9- Gemma Giblin Riserva Barolo 2005 from Italy (185025) at $36.95
10-Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (281238) at $41.95

11-Ramon Bilbao Reserva 2005 from Spain (281097) at $17.00

12-Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2008 from Spain (194795) at $13.95

White Wines;
1- Calera Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Vintage Chardonnay 2010 from California (713313) at $24.95
2- Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2009 from California (059576) at $27.95

3- Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2010 from California (241646) at $49.95

4- Stag’ Leap Winery Viognier 2011 from California (597369) at $34.95
5- Ferngrove Cossack Riesling 2010 from Australia (275206) at $24.95
6- Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (468728) at $18.95

7- Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (010421) at $21.95

8- Seifried Riesling 2011 from New Zealand (989541) at $17.95

9- Domaine de la Tourlaudière Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie 2010 from France (171694) at $13.95

10-Maison Foucher La Vigne aux Sandres Pouilly-Fumé 2010 from France (277350) at $20.95

11-Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2011 from Italy (954024) at $17.95

Sparkling Wines;

1- Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato D’Asti 2010 from Italy (942888) at $16.95

2- Prevedello Asolo Superiore Extra Dry Prosecco 2010 from Italy (262881) at $16.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of July 7, 2012, where the featured segments are; A wine tour of France, Cool-climate Chardonnay and White wines from South Africa, some Chenin Blanc perhaps?

Cheers,

Paul YWG

Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

From one of my favourite regions of Australia, Clara Valley (cooler climate, better acidity and less jammy character), this 2003 Old Vine Shiraz from Mitchell is their current release. It’s nice to see that some vineyards hold on to their wines until they feel it’s drinking at its best.

This wine opens up with aromas of sweet berry fruit, dark plum, coco powder, baking spices, eucalyptus and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (alcohol comes in at 14.5%), soft seductive fruit, mild acidity and silky tannins. Very good length and smooth on the finish. This is a wine with lots of detail, fine texture and harmony with oak well integrated. This mature Shiraz is a real treat, strongly recommended. Score 93 points.    

Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (278572) at $45.95 

Poplar Grove The Legacy 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

I have always been a fan of Poplar Grove's flagship wine the Legacy, the 2004 vintage is the most memorable for me. This 2006 vintage is a blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, wild indigenous yeast was used to begin fermentation, maturation took place in French oak for 21 months, than 18 months in bottle before release. Fairly small production with 1090 cases, the latest in store is the 2007 vintage (tasted at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival last February).

In the glass, this wine is starting to show its age with slight bricking on the rim. This wine opens up with a very sensuous aromas of black cherry, plum-prune flavours, tea leaves, baking spices and savoury notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied (with alcohol at 14.8%), the entry is smooth, finely textured with great flavours, balanced acidity and fine grained dusty tannins. This blends finish has a very good length with soft seductive fruit plus fine grained savoury flavours. This vintage of Poplar Grove Legacy doesn’t disappoint, very smooth, complex and sophisticated. Score 92 points.

Purchased at Everything Wine in Langford, British Columbia on May 5, 2012 at $57.99

Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot with alcohol coming in at 14%. This wine opens up with an attractive and exotic nose cherry-plum fruit, prune, chocolate, Asian spices, cedar and underbrush notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, rich and concentrated flavours of sour cherry, cedar and savoury spices, fresh acidity and dusty tannins. Very good length on the finish with nice savoury notes, dark fruit, cedar plus a nice tannic grip making their presence felt till the end. A textbook Sangiovese wine with its nice sweet and sour flavours, oak is starting to integrate with the wine and lose some of its grip. Best in 1-2 year, a wine with lots of flavour, very enjoyable. Score 90 points.

Purchased June 11, 2011 LCBO New Release at $22.95

Swanson Oakville Merlot 2006, Napa Valley, California, USA

This 100% Merlot has a classic aroma of cherry, plum, blackberry, cedar, toast and a hint of spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.8%), rich and concentrated flavours, well structured by balance acidity and fined grained tannins. Good energy on the finish with soft seductive fruit and cedar and smoke flavours lingering. Time in bottle (375ml bottle also helping) has allowed this wine to come together nicely, somewhere between the style of a California Merlot and Right Bank Bordeaux. What you get from this Merlot is elegance, great flavours and texture, drinking at its best right now. You must remember the movie Sideways line, "I am not drinking any f..... Merlot", well if you are not drinking Swanson Oakville Merlot 2006, you are missing something good. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased January 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (262444) at $21.95 (for a 375 ml bottle)

Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009, Elqui Valley, Chile

This wine was definitely made in a style to please the North American palate. A big imposing wine, overly fruity with high alcohol at 15%. This Carmenère opened up with aromas of blueberry, ripe berry pie, tobacco, leather, cedar with savoury and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with an explosion of sweet ripe fruit covering the palate, low acidity and mild tannins. The finish is flavourful with a velvety texture and sweet. This wine was much better with food (I paired it with Indian Food) than alone after a meal. The spiciness of the Indian food with all its flavours tame the sweetness of this Carmenère. For fans of this style, it’s a great value. But for me, it felt a bit too much manipulated and overdone. Fruit is overripe, alcohol is too high and too much toasty oak. Score 88 points.


Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (90035) at $17.95

Quinta da Romaneira Douro 2007, Douro, Portugal

This wine is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca and 5% Tinta Cão and a wine that looks very pretty in the glass with a deep ruby color. This wine opened up with aromas of dark red fruit, Asian spice, smoke and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (alcohol at 14%) flavours of bing cherries, blackcurrants, spices, with low acidity and fine grained tannins. This wine finish is long, tasty, juicy with good depth of flavours.  While I really enjoyed this wine, I don’t feel a sense of place with this wine. It could have been from Argentina, Australia or California, sweeter than I expected and I would have preferred a little more structure at this price. Interesting wine none the less, score 90 points. 

Purchased March 31, 2012 LCBO In-Store Discovery (218750) at $34.95 

Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009, Rhône, France

Another very good wine from the 2009 Rhône Valley, a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. A wine of deep purple, which opens up with aromas of blueberry- blackberry fruit, licorice, burnt toast, black pepper and dried floral notes. On the palate, full bodied, concentrated flavours, balanced acidity and firm tannins. A wine of many layers on the finish including dark fruit, sweet oak, savoury notes and those same firm tannins lingering 'till the end. A Rhône blend with definitely more complexity and texture then the previously reviewed Rhône blend. Drink now or over the next 5-6 years. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (280966) at $24.95   

Brotte Château De Bord La Croix De Frégère Côtes Du Rhône Villages Laudun 2009, Ac Rhône, France

A very aromatic blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah aged 12 months in French oak. This Rhone blend opens up with aromas of sweet raspberry, black cherry, plums, licorice, sweet and savoury spices and dried floral notes. On the palate, fresh with white pepper notes, medium-full bodied (alcohol coming in at 14.5%), balanced acidity and dusty tannins. The finish is tasty and spicy with good depth of flavours. Well priced and strongly recommended, score 88 points.

Purchased April 14, 2012 LCBO New Release (263218) at $16.95   

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of June 9, 2012 - Tasting Chilean Terroir and Celebratio​n for Dad

Hello to all my wine friends,


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. Starting with white wines, the not to be missed, for fans of Sauvignon Blanc, Hunter’s Jane Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (280271) at $19.95; a very well reviewed Chardonnay from South Africa, Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010 (277939) at $21.95; and if you are fan of aromatic wines and looking for something different, from Northwest Spain, Abanico Tempestad Godello 2010 (276071) at $17.95. Now for the reds, for fans of elegant Pinot Noir, the well priced Macrostie Pinot Noir 2007 from California (674911) at $24.95; looking for a traditional style of Chianti? Giocomo Mori Castelrotto Chianti Riserva 2008 from Italy (180026) at $25.95. Well let’s get started;


Tasting Chilean Terroir;  Most people know Chile as a good producer of value priced wines in the $10 to $15 range, dating back to the 1980s. Now those early generations have moved on to more balanced and complex wines. If Chile wants to kept that share of the market, the Chilean wineries have to adapt, which means moving up in the mountains where cooler climate will give the wines better acidity, lower yields for better concentration and good use of blending. Of course, this means extra investment and cost, but consumers don’t mind paying more for such premium wines. These four recommendations are all under $20.00 and represent a great value;

• Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Limari Valley (162040) at $19.95 – Limari Valley is a fairly new wine growing region where ocean breezes blow inland and cool this otherwise hot, dry area. Clear skies, abundant sunshine, rain-free summers contribute to produce crisp white wines like this Chardonnay.

• Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Elqui Valley (090035) at $17.95 – The Carmenère variety originally planted in Médoc region of Bordeaux in France but is now almost exclusively grown in Chile. Carmenère in Chile for 150 years was originally mistaken for Merlot until 1998 when DNA testing proved otherwise. The Carmenère grape is related to Cabernet Sauvignon and produce a deep colour wine with flavours red fruit, wild berries and savoury notes. The tannins are softer than Cabernet Sauvignon. Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 is my pick for the best value of this release, to enjoy now and over the next couple of years.

• Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Colchagua Valley (274159) at $17.95 -  There are some fine Syrah being made in Chile, in the Mediterranean climate. In the near future, we should see more Carignan, Syrah, Viognier which are more associated with the Rhône region in France. Looking forward to the summer BBQ season, Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 is a good choice, and best among affordable reds for summer entertaining. 

 

• Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2009 from Rapel Valley (939827) at $19.95 – I had the opportunity to taste this Merlot at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival this past February. I am a fan of Merlot but this one almost drinks like a Cabernet, a big wine with concentrated flavours and plenty of oak. This is a wine which would benefit from a few years in your cellar and should appeal to fans of bigger bolder wines.  

Celebration for Dad;  With Fathers Day fast approaching (June 17), if you are looking for a fine bottle of wine to show your appreciation to your father, here are a few recommendations. Most men that I know prefer a full bodied red wine, I have four of those wines for you to consider and I will try to cover all the bases with these four picks; a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile; two wines from Italy; a Barolo and a Brunello and finally, a Pinot Noir from the very good 2009 vintage in Burgundy. My suggestion, if your father prefers a white, how about Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 from (127498) at $24.95. 

• Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (562918) at $29.95 –  If like my father, your father prefers Cabernet Sauvignon, this full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will not disappoint. This is a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, rich, concentrated flavours and good acidity, thanks to their high elevation vineyard in  proximity to the Andes Mountain. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years.

• Poggiotondu Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (276576) at $34.95 – There are few wines which are as intriguing as Brunello Di Montalcino. The appellation rules require that only Sangiovese grapes be used in the making of Brunello, the wine should age a minimum of three years in barrel and one year in bottle before being released to the market. These wines often show best up to a decade after being bottled.

• Marziano Abbona Pressenda Barolo 2007 from Italy (276584) at $43.95 – If you have never had the opportunity to try a Barolo in the past, you should not let the color fool you. Made with 100% Nebbiolo grape, these wines are quit tannic in their youth. The flavours and aroma profiles include dark fruit, primarily blackberry with loads of complex flavours of smoke, tar, liquorice, roses and rustic notes. This wine is a candidate for your dad's cellar, to be enjoyed in 3-4 years. 

• Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003 from Australia (278572) at $45.95 -  We cellar our Bordeaux, Barolo, Brunello, why not Australian Shiraz like Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003. The best and most complex Australian Shiraz are much better after spending some time in your cellar. From one of my favourite regions of Australia, Clare Valley (cooler climate, better acidity and less jammy character), this Shiraz is now entering its optimum drinking period. This mature, complex Shiraz is ready to go and is sure to get the wine discussions going on Father’s Day.

  

My top three wines from this release;

1- Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003 from Australia (278572) at $45.95 

2- Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1er Cru 2009 from France (932855) at $52.95

3- Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (562918) at $29.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009 from Chile (090035) at $17.95

2- Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (274159) at $17.95   

3- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Chile (162040) at $19.95 

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

Red Wines;

1- Shafer Merlot 2009 from California (346262) at $59.95

2- Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (111880) at $59.95 - Cellar Candidate   
3- Altos Las Hormigas Reserva Malbec 2008 from Argentina (678987) at $27.95
4- Altaïr Sideral 2007 from Chile (660837) at $26.95

5- Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Merlot 2009 from Chile (933827) at $19.95 - Cellar Candidate

6- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (269423) at $19.95

7- Sol De Andes Reserva Especial Syrah 2008 from Chile (274159) at $17.95 

8- Engine Room Shiraz/Cabernet 2009 from Australia (280180) at $20.95

9- The Lackey Shiraz 2009 from Australia (005199) at $17.95 
10-Mitolo Savitar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (659581) at $54.95 - Cellar Candidate      

11-Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Les Avaux 1er Cru 2009 from France (932855) at $52.95 - Cellar Candidate

12-Marziano Abbona Pressenda Barolo 2007 from Italy (276584) at $43.95 - Cellar Candidate     
13-Barone Ricasoli Castello Di Brolio Chianti Classico 2008 (942607) at $59.95 - Cellar Candidate   
13-Giacomo Mori Castelrotto Chianti Riserva 2008 from Italy (180026) at 25.95 – Cellar Candidate

White Wines;

1- Coyote’s Run Black Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (049775) at $21.95

2- Grich Hills Fumé Blanc Dry Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from California (346296) at $29.95

3- McManis Chardonnay 2010 from California (265983) at $19.95
4- Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (678656) at $13.95

5- Cono Sur Limited Edition 20 Barrels Chardonnay 2008 from Chile (127498) at $24.95

6- Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2010 from Chile (162040) at $19.95

7- Hunter’s Jane Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (280271) at $19.95
8- Jean Geiler Réserve Particulière Gewurztraminer 2010 from France (106864) at $17.95
9- Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling 2010 from Germany (568634) at $13.95
10-Abanico Tempestad Godello 2010 from Spain (276071) at $17.95  

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of June 23, 2012, where the featured segments are Summers Sippers and what else? Our Canada Day celebrations, of course.

Cheers,

Paul YWG

William Fèvre Les Champs Royaux Chablis 2010, Burgundy, France

Wow, I just love the nose on this wine, it is so fresh and clean with great aromatics. Beautiful bright greeny straw in color on this 100% Chardonnay, this wine opens up with aromas of melon, lime, green apple and mineral scents. On the palate, medium bodied (12.5% Alc.) with green apple flavour and lively acidity. Clean finish with excellent depth of flavour, refreshing and slightly creamy texture. This wine is so well made, with very little manipulation. A pure expression of Chardonnay, clearly a very classy wine. Strongly recommended, score 92 points.

Purchased at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival at $28.99

Beringer Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

Not much information to be found on this wine, from the winery web site, must be a recent release. This Merlot opens up with aromas of bing cherry, blackberry, fruit cake, cedar and burnt sugar. On the palate, medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.4%, ripe black fruit flavours, low acidity and firm tannins. Medium length on the finish with flavours of plums, spices and cedar wrap up by fine grainy tannins.  I remember purchasing half a dozen of Beringer Merlot 2006 from Napa Valley release in November of 2010. Compared to that vintage (2006), this 2009 vintage lacks complexity and structure with no energy on the palate. I expected more for a $30.00 Merlot, it may get better with a few years in bottle, score 87 points.               

Purchased April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (919647) at $29.95 

Recanati Reserve Single Vineyard Merlot Kp 2007, Galilee, Israel

Well, this is a first for me, a kosher wine from Israel. It is always interesting to try something new and further expand my wine knowledge. These grapes are grown in a high-altitude vineyard in the Northern Galilee, where Israel’s rich, ancient soil, warm days, and cool Mediterranean nights produces a wine similar to St-Emilion in Bordeaux, France. This wine is aged 15 months in French oak (40% new oak) with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.  

This wine opens up with an exotic nose of blackberry, blackcurrants, black tea, herbs and spices, spicy cedar wood and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, dry, medium-full bodied with flavours of dark fruit, cloves, black olives, soft acidity and grainy tannins. A very good length on the finish with flavours of savoury spices, rich concentrated fruit, smoky and minerals notes lingering. The most interesting wine I have had in a long time. Strongly recommended and very enjoyable, score 90 points.

Purchased May 12, 2012 LCBO New Release (282590) at $28.95

Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, DOCG Tuscany, Italy

From a very good 2007 Tuscan vintage, this Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. On the nose this wine opens up with aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit, exotic spices, wood smoke, floral and earthy notes. On the palate, dry with concentrated black fruit, espresso and dark chocolate flavours, hard tannins and balanced acidity. Very good length on the finish with dark berry fruit flavours, savoury notes and firm, persistent tannins. This Chianti Classico Riserva has everything in abundance with fine potential but needs time. I would cellar this wine for 2-3 years, if opened now, decant for 2-3 hours. Score 89 points.    

Purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release (650754) at $27.95