Brouilly Pierreux Pierre-Marie Chermette 2010, Beaujolais, France

This is an interesting wine to be sure, but not meant for everyone. A beautiful deep ruby in color, this wine opens up with aromas dark fruit, smoke, violet, light licorice with strong, stoney, minerality notes . On the palate, medium bodied (even with a low alcohol of 12.5%), odd flavours and very concentrated, balance acidity and dusty tannins. This Beaujolais finish is long with flavours of crushed stone (you can almost taste the granite which these vines grows in) , slightly bitter fruit and those same dusty tannins lingering. Not what one might expect from a Beaujolais (light, easy drinking, fruity with light tannins) even for a Cru Beaujolais. This wine would be better enjoyed with food and a few years in bottle. Score 88 points.

 

Purchased April 28, 2012 at the SAQ (11305660) at $20.43  

Hester Creek The Judge 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Wow, what incredible aromatics on this wine, it brings me back to the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival where I first tasted and then purchased this wine. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, 100% estate grown fruit with alcohol coming in at 14.1%. On the nose, this blend opens up with aromas of cherry, figs, soft leather, black pepper, vanilla, savoury spices and attractive cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, big plumy fruit and cedar spices, fresh acidity and fine chewy tannins. This wine finish is long with a very smooth texture, seductive fruit and savoury spices lingering. In my view this wine is drinking at its best right now, with soft tannins and well integrated oak. And the verdict! The Judge is guilty of being damn delicious, what a treat. Score 92 points. 

Purchased at the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival in Vancouver, BC on March 2, 2012 at $45.00  

Col D’Orcia Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

What I like about Brunello’s, are the possibilities of what pleasures lay ahead. The complexity and elegance gained by added time in the bottle (the better ones, would mean ten years plus after the vintage year), everything from the color of the wine, the complex aromatic, the smooth texture and the pure enjoyment of the wine itself. I had the opportunity to enjoy this wine in its youth (late 2009) while leaving in Victoria, BC and I truly enjoyed the wine then. But the added time in bottle didn’t translate into what I had hoped for in a Brunello. 

This wine opens up with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, tobacco, spices and a strong hint of barnyard. On the palate, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%), fresh acidity, well integrated tannins, smooth texture but lacking energy. This Sangiovese finish is medium length with a damp black earth and exotic spices flavours lingering. Definitely not much elegance after almost 8 years after the vintage, I would guess that this Brunello is into a funky stage at the moment and I would hope that it will gain some elegance in the years to come. But at the moment, this is a laying down experience that didn’t pan out. Score 88 points. 

Purchased at the SAQ  August 19, 2010 at $51.25

Ridge Three Valleys 2009, Sonoma County, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 70% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 10% Petit Sirah, 3% Gernache and 2% Mataro with alcohol coming in at a reasonable 14.1%. Not very flashy on the nose for a Zin, with aromas of blackberry/black cherry fruit, licorice, smoke, pencil shaving, tobacco and wood spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dry, with lots of concentrated flavours, balanced acidity and dusty tannins. This wine finish is very long, very smooth with good texture and a lot of detail. I have been following Ridge Three Valleys for quite some time now, very interesting as always, seemingly different from year to year but they always seem to produce a more refined, tasty, savoury style Zin blend. It would certainly be interesting to sit at the same table and be part of the team that blend the final product. Very enjoyable, score 90 points.

Purchased March 3, 2012 LCBO New Release (652875) at $34.95

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008, Grampians/Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Another fine wine from Seppelt. This Shiraz opens up with aromas of blackberry, cherry, stewed plum, raisins, cedar and spicy notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied, with layered spicy dark fruit, creamy oak texture, balance acidity and fine grained tannins. This Shiraz finish is long, spicy, with mouth caressing rich flavours and spiciness. Here is a well made, well balanced wine, which managed to achieve both power and elegance quit well. I have never been disappointed by Seppelt yet, and there Chalambar Shiraz 2008 is quit delicious. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (029488) at $24.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of July 21, 2012 - Victoria's Secret "The Wine Kind" and Refreshing Summer Whites

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 highlight for you. Starting with white wines, for fans of Chablis, and one of the best wines of this release, the La Chablisienne Vaulorent Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from France (111666) at $31.95; and to consider, a very good value wine from Veneto, the Monte Vicario Soave Classico 2010 from Italy (282087) at $13.95. Now for reds, a couple of mid-priced wines suited for the BBQ seasons, Altocedro Reserva Malbec 2009 from Argentina (187880) at $24.95 and Summers Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (279380) at $29.95. Also, here are two very different wines from Italy, first from the Piedmont region, the high acid grape Barberra (not for everyone I might add) but fantastic paired with a tomato base pasta dishes, Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera D’Alba 2010 from Italy (744714) at $16.95; and finally my top pick from this NR, Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (287292) at $47.95. Well let’s get started;

Victoria's Secret “ The Wine Kind”;   With this title, I wanted to get your attention, did it work? I have found that the summer months are the perfect time to investigate the beauty of cool climate reds wines. Who wants to drink a tannic monster with high alcohol on a hot summer day? Which makes looking for cooler wine producing regions, like Victoria region in New South Whales, Australia, a good place to start. Better known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but when planted in the right location, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly used in blends) can produce elegant, balanced wine with soft tannins, food friendly acid and lower alcohol. The added bonus? Wines from Victoria region usually represent great value compare to Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Here are a few suggestions of cool climate reds from Victoria, in this NR;

• De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2010 from Yarra Valley (048587) at $17.95 – Yarra Valley is best known for their Pinot Noir, and here is a good value Pinot Noir from the Bortoli family owed vineyard. Ready to enjoy or short term cellar 2-3 years.

• Domaine Portet Fontaine Shiraz/Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Yarra Valley/Heathcote (281410) at $19.95 – The Shiraz grapes are from the warmer Heathcote region while the Cabernet fruit are from the cooler Yarra Valley. Ready to enjoy with lamb, Coq au vin or a strong flavoured pasta dish or cellar 2-3 years.

• Tar & Roses Tempranillo 2011 from Heathcote (280198) at $24.95 – This wine would make for an interesting pick for a Tempranillo blind tasting. The early ripening Tempranillo grape grown largely in the Rioja and Ribero Del Duero region of Spain. This wine is 100% Tempranillo grapes, 64% from the region of Heathcote and 36% from Alpine Valleys, alcohol at a modest 13% with maturation taking place in a combination of new French oak (10%) and older barriques.

• Camelback Shiraz 2008 from Heathcote/Sunbury (665125) at $27.95 - This wine is 100% Shiraz from a small family owned winery, with maturation taking place in French oak (30% new) and alcohol coming in at 14%. The fruits are from the two region of Heathcote and Sunbury, both of those region vineyards have been grown in volcanic derived red soils.

Refreshing Summer Whites; There are few things more enjoyable then sipping a nice white wine with friends on a hot summer day. I, like many of you, have a tendency to drink more white wines in the spring and summer. The white wines I prefer during the summer months, are thirst quenchers that are lower alcohol, aromatic, with good acidity and a minimum use of oak. Over the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to enjoy two examples of these type of whites; one from the June 9 LCBO New Release, Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010 from South Africa (277939) at $21.95 and from the June 23 LCBO NR, Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (606202) at $16.95.

• Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2010 from South Africa (231282) at $17.95 – The best South African Chenin Blanc I have ever tasted have been from Ken Forrester. This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from 35 years old vines, alcohol coming in at 14.5%, barrel (9 months French oak, 20% new) and tank fermented.

• Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (278556) at $19.95 – One of my favourite Sauvignon Blanc (SB) tasted at the New Zealand Wine Fair here in Ottawa last May 8, 2012. This is a fruitier style of SB with aromas of pink grapefruit, tropical fruit, gooseberry, pine nettle with crisp acidity. A very refreshing SB which over delivered at this price, worth multiple purchases and definitely on my shopping list.

• Hiedler Grüner Veltliner Thal 1er Cru 2010 from Austria (285056) at $23.95 - Looking for a partner for grilled white fish or seafood? How about this 100% Grüner Veltliner from Autria. Grüner Veltliner is mostly growed in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, usually better enjoyed with food and you should expect flavours of citrus and tree fruit, herbal and white pepper notes.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (287292) at $47.95

2- La Chablisienne Vaulorent Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from France (111666) at $31.95

3- Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir 2011 from Australia (281055) at $39.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Monte Vicario Soave Classico 2010 from Italy (282087) at $13.95

2- Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (278556) at $19.95

3- De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (048587) at $17.95

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

Red Wines;

1- De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (048587) at $17.95

2- Kooyong Massale Pinot Noir 2011 from Australia (281055) at $39.95

3- Pyrenees Ridge Shiraz 2009 from Australia (661918) at $20.95

4- Camelback Shiraz 2008 from Australia (665125) at $27.95

5- Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2009 from Australia (243592) at $35.95

6- Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2009 from California (363358) at $22.95

7- Sonoma-Cutrer Grower-Vintner Pinot Noir 2008 from California (140723) at $30.95

8- Summers Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (279380) at $29.95

9- Clos De Los Siete 2009 from Argentina (622571) at $21.95

10-Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Chile (606764) at $18.95

11-Laurent Gauthier Grand Cras Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2010 from France (279059) at $15.95

12-Delas Haute Pierre Châteauneuf du Pape 2009 from France (074195) at $37.95

13-Gabriel Meffre Laurus Gigondas 2009 from France (163113) at $26.95

13-Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera D’Alba 2010 from Italy (744714) at $16.95

14-Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (287292) at $47.95

15-Pasquale Petrera Fatalone Primitivo 2006 from Italy (279729) at $16.95

White Wines;

1- Bernard Reverdy & Fils Sancerre 2010 from France (200055) at $22.95

2- Vincent Raimbault les Terrages Demi Sec Vouvray 2010 from France (271973) at $17.95

3- Artesa Chardonnay 2010 from California (657585) at $23.95

4- Hiedler Grüner Veltliner Thal 1er Cru 2010 from Austria (285056) at $23.95

5- La Chablisienne Vaulorent Chablis 1er Cru 2009 from France (111666) at $31.95

6- Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko/Athiri 2010 from Greece (276535) at $16.95

7- Monte Vicario Soave Classico 2010 from Italy (282087) at $13.95

8- Martín Códax Albariño 2010 from Spain (984906) at $16.95   

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of August 4, 2012, where the featured segments are; “Summer Blockbusters” and “Single Estate German Wines”

Cheers,

Paul YWG 

Château Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Washington State, USA

Here is an easy drinking Cabernet Sauvignon which can be enjoy with or without food. This wine opens up with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum, cherry puree, tobacco, chocolate, black pepper and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%), concentrated flavours, low acidity and smooth tannins. Medium length on this Cabernet finish, with flavours of black fruit and slightly smoky. An easy drinking wine but for this wine to be fully memorable, I would have prefer less oak treatment, the fruit feel buried under all that oak. Score 88 points.




Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (269357) at $19.95

Château Signac Combe D’Enfer Cuvée Côtes Du Rhône Villages Chusclan 2007, Rhône Valley, France

I was quit intrigued when I saw that this wine was still available in our local stores. This wine was released at the LCBO, in Ontario, in November of 2010. I purchased a few bottles then, and remember liking it along with writing a review for WineAlign. Well, how well did this Rhône blend age over the last year and a half?

This wine opens up with aromas of black fruit, stewed fruit, licorice, bay leaves, earthy and violet notes. On the palate, full-bodied, with flavours of plums, cherries and spices, low acidity and fined grained tannins. Clean, soft and very smooth finish with good depth of flavours and lots of licorice lingering. This wine is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise, 5% Carignan and 5% Cinsault with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

Was it as enjoyable now, compared to a year ago? It all depends on how you prefer your wine. More fruitier with grittier tannins or smoother tannins and texture, with more secondary aromas and flavours. My opinion is that this wine has aged gracefully, but there is no need for further aging, it is drinking well right now. I think I preferred this wine a year ago; it had more energy and fresher flavours. At the end of the day, it was very a enjoyable, interesting, mature Côtes Du Rhône Village, score 90 points.

 

Purchased at the SAQ (00917823) at $19.55 on June 30, 2012

Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2010, Elgin, South Africa

A lovely barrel fermented Chardonnay (French oak, 45% new) with a very inviting bouquet of citrus, lemon-lime fruit, apple, light smoke, nutty and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, fresh acidity, well handle oak treatment with creamy ripe fruit covering the palate. Good weight and length on the finish with layers of creamy richness. This is an intensely flavourful, very enjoyable, well made Chardonnay and strongly recommended. Score 91 points. 

Purchased June 9, 2012 LCBO New Release (277939) at $21.95 

Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley, Australia

Wow, another spectacular, mature Claire Valley beauty from the excellent 2004 vintage. I first tasted Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2004 last May 2011, here in Ottawa, at the First Family of Australian Wine event. It was my favourite wine that evening, now one year older this wine is absolutely amazing. The nose is the first thing that grab you, it’s so sensuous with aromas of blackberry, plum, tobacco, soft leather, Indian spices, hint of violet and vanilla. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.4%), soft seductive fruit and spices, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, smooth texture and a bit of heat from the alcohol at the very end. What you get from this mature fragrant Shiraz is elegance, finesse, with all elements of this wine in fine harmony. An absolute joy, score 94 points.

Purchased through the First Family of Australian Wine event in Ottawa on May 2011 at $49.00

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile

The deep intense purple color of this Cabernet Sauvignon opens up with aromas of black fruit, cassis, dried figs, cigar box and crack black pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, black fruit, smoky and toasty oak flavours, low acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with oak characteristic and puckering, woody tannins lingering. I wish there would have been less oak and more acidity, on the palate, this Cabernet feels a bit heavy and somewhat clumsy. This wine was better on the second night, which meant  decanting would be a good idea or to cellar, mid-term 1-2 years. This wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in a supporting role, maturation took place in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5 %. Score 88 points. 

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (275594) at $17.95

Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina

What a great nose on this Malbec, with aromas of cherry, dark plum, blackberry, spices, vanilla and floral notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied, red fruit and gentle wood spices flavours with fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish with spicy, juicy red and black fruit flavours. This well balanced, youthful and easy drinking nature of this Malbec makes it a great value for entertaining over this summer BBQ season. I especially liked how well handled the oak treatment was on this Malbec, by doing so, it preserved the fruity character and freshness of this wine. This wine is 100% Malbec grapes, aging took place in first and second use French and American oak for 12 months with alcohol coming in at 14%. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (235085) at $14.95

Château de Nages JT Costières de Nîmes 2009, Rhône, France

Wow, what a beautiful and powerful wine, all for $21.95. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry and blackberry fruit, black currants, licorice, bitter chocolate and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with great energy and flavours, chewy tannins and balance acidity. This Rhône blend finish is long, lively, spicy with fine grained tannins. Very attractive wine with lots of detail. This wine is mostly Syrah at 95% with Mourvèdre in a supporting role at 5%, alcohol coming in at 14.5%, maceration for 30 days followed up by 12 months of barrel fermentation of which 25% are new French oak. Great value, score 91 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (736876) at $21.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of July 7, 2012 - A Wine Tour de France and Cool-Clima​te Chardonnay

Hello to all my wine friends,


This New Release (NR) is very much in the trend of a summer release from the LCBO. More than half of the new wines are under $20.00 and only 3 over $50.00, so not a collector's NR. That being said, this is a very interesting wine selection, rarely seen in this market, especially from France. 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, a very good value Loma Larga Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile (283630) at $14.95 and Sterhuis Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2009 from South Africa (285213) at $25.95. Now for the red wines, Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (029488) at $24.95 (I am indeed a fan of this winery), tasted at the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa in March and releases this weekend, the very good and elegant Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 (284018) at $44.95 and for fans of Chianti Classico a not to miss, Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009 (977629) at $25.95. Also worth considering, previously release on October 15, 2011 through Vintages, Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 (988055) at $25.95. I had bought three of this wine in October with only one left in my cellar. I loved this wine, but thought extra time in bottle would benefit the drinking experience, so 8 months later it should be pretty nice. You can see my review of Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 on my blog following this link;

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/10/poliziano-vino-nobile-di-montepluciano.html



A Wine Tour de France;   What an interesting idea to pay homage to the world famous cycling race, the Tour de France, by showcasing the wines from different stages of the tour. Kudos to the LCBO staff of Vintages who have put this brochure together. A great read, with beautiful photos and a interesting selection of wines, something rarely seen in our stores. I think it’s time to chill the only Champagne in this feature segment Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne (959643) at $56.95 in preparation for Victoria BC's, Ryder Hesjedal much hoped for victory at this year Tour de France. Here are four French wines for your consideration;

• Domaine Edmond Jacquin Altesse Rousette de Savoie 2010 from Savoie (277335) at $17.95 - Here is an interesting white wine rarely found in our store. The grape is named, Rousette (sometimes call Altesse), a small berry and late ripening from the region of Savoie. This wine is unoaked, expect flavours of tree fruit with floral, mineral and spicy notes. Would be fantastic with sole amandine or seafood with the wine served well chill.

• Château Ollieux Romanis Cuvée Classique Corbieres 2009 from Languedoc (281162) at $15.95 - Here is an affordable red wine for grilled meat on your BBQ. This wine from the south of France is a blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 30% Syrah, don’t be afraid to serve this wine slightly chilled (around 16 Celsius), it will bring out the fruity characteristic of this blend, as these wines from the South of France are often a bit rustic.

• Mas D’Auzière Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009 from the Midi (277046) at $19.95 – Originally to be released on May 26, and now finally arriving in our stores. Another wine which I had never seen before, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from the South of France. This region makes some very interesting, unique and slightly rustic wines at a good value, great for the BBQ season and should also be served slightly chilled.

• E. Guigal Gigondas 2009 from the Rhône Valley (331900) at $29.95 – Would you like to go a farm without having to get there? Well this wine always do that for me, with aromas of plums, spices, earth, saddle leather and hints of barnyard. Not all wines needs to be fruity to be interesting and enjoyable. A definite food wine to serve with beef stew or roasted leg of lamb. This wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah.
  
   

Cool-Climate Chardonnay;   The Chardonnay grape is the most popular white grape and is grown throughout the wine world because of its early ripening nature. I generally prefer Chardonnay from cooler growing regions of the world, like Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, cooler regions of California, Chablis in France, Tasmania in Australia, South Africa, Fruili region of Italy to name a few. The reason, a fresher wine with a more natural acidity. Here is a selection of three Chardonnays from cooler regions;

• Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (173377) at $24.00 – This is a very well reviewed barrel fermented Chardonnay from Ontario. You should expect a refreshing wine with tropical fruit flavours, vanilla, creamy texture with oak carefully restrained.

• Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2010 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95 – While living in British Columbia, I got to enjoy many of Blue Mountain family own vineyards wines. The wine is 100% Chardonnay (estate grown) were 50% of the grapes was fermented and aged in stainless steel and the remaining 50% was fermented and aged for 8 months in new to 3 years old (4th fill) French oak barrels. If you are to visit British Columbia, look for their delicious Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95 – I tasted through a line-up of Kim Crawford wines at the last Ottawa Wine and Food show this past November. Of all their wines, this unoaked Chardonnay was my favourite by far. This wine would qualify as a summer sipper, nice aromatics, lots of tropical fruit, citrus notes and very refreshing. If you have never tried an unoaked Chardonnay, I recommend you pick up a bottle. A pure expression of Chardonnay without oak barrel manipulation.

My top three wines from this release;
1-Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (977629) at $25.95
2-Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (029488) at $24.95
3-Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from California (284018) at $44.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009 from Argentina (235085) at $14.95
2-Alvaro Castro Red 2008 from Portugal (285288) at $16.95
3-Domaine Edmond Jacquin Altesse Rousette de Savoie 2010 from France (277335) at $17.95


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

Red Wines;
1- P. Ferraud & Fils Domaine Ferraud Les Charmes Morgon 2009 from France (268052) at $17.95
2- Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Prestige Mondeuse Vin de Savoie 2010 from France (272112) at $14.95
3- Domaine Durand Les Coteaux St. Joseph 2009 from France (272492) at $28.95
4- Château Ollieux Romanis Cuvée Classique Corbieres 2009 from France (281162) at $15.95
5- Malivoire Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (996777) at $29.95
6- Antica Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (266551) at $49.95
7- Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2009 from California (287193) at $24.95
8- Stag’ Leap Winery Merlot 2008 from California (655399) at $39.95
9- Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from California (284018) at $44.95
10-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile (275594) at $17.95
11-Henry’Drive Parson’s Flat Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 from Australia (271494) at $29.95
12-Château Sénéjac 2008 from France (265496) at $23.95
13-Domaine Gille Côtes de Nuits-Village 2009 from France (210864) at $28.95
14-Argiano NC Non Confunditur 2009 from Italy (072397) at $24.95
15-Poggio Bonnelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 from Italy (180067) at $27.95
16-Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 from Italy (988055) at $25.95
17-I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (739979) at $39.95
18-Torres Celeste Crianza 2009 from Spain (210872) at $21.95


White Wines;
1- Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (173377) at $24.00
2- Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2010 (089037) at $19.95
3- Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2010 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95
4- Pascal Marchand Meursault 2010 from France (285866) at $57.95
5- Bon Courage Prestige Cuvée Chardonnay 2011 from South Africa (278333) at $15.95
6- Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2009 from Ontario (241182) at $35.20
7- Ghost Pines Winemakers’ Blend Chardonnay 2010 from California (136408) at $19.95
8- Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2010 from California (275552) at $24.95
9- Loma Larga Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile (286630) at $14.95
10-Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95
11-Bastianich Adriatico Friulano 2010 from Italy (277467) at $18.95

Sparkling Wines;
1-Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne from France (959643) at $56.95
2-Huff Estates Cuvée Peter F. Huff Sparkling 2008 from Ontario (198754) at $39.95


That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of July 21, 2012, where the two featured segments are “Cool Australia, the wines of Victoria” which includes a wine with a funny name and label called, Ladies who shoot their lunch Shiraz 2010 and also featured are wines from the Loire Valley in France.

Cheers,
Paul YWG

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2008, Mosel, Germany

I have long been purchasing wines from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt for well over a decade. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt is an old vineyard dating back to the mid 14^th century. This wine opens up with aromas of pears, ripe apple, citrus fruit, honey, minerals and kerosene notes. On the mouthfeel, light bodied (with alcohol coming in at 7.5%) off-dry, with luscious fruit flavours, lively stony minerality and crisp acidity. This Riesling has a clean, refreshing finish with excellent depth of flavours and a touch of honey covering the palate. This was a very aromatic, elegant and delicious Riesling, served as an aperitif on a hot summer day and enjoyed by all five of us who shared this wine. Terrific value at $16.95 and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (606202) at $16.95.

My top three enjoyed wines for June 2012

An interesting lineup of wine tasted this month. I was reminded again that I much prefer Sauvignon Blanc, when it does not include Semillon. For me, I associate Sauvignon Blanc as dry, crisp and refreshing, Semillon adds sweetness and barrel fermentation which I am not a big fan, at least not in my Sauvignon Blanc.

Lately I find myself buying much older vintage wine like Spanish Reserva, Grand Reserva and is my number one wine this month. In my view, many wines are released way to young, newborn, if you will, straight out of the barrel. Wines from Argentina, Australia, Chile and California for example benefit from 2-4 years in the bottle, which allows them to gain
elegance and the oak to integrate with the wines with acquired complexity.

Two wines share the number three spot, I could not decide on only one; both were equally interesting and enjoyable.

My top three enjoyed wine in June;


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

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mitchell-mcnicol-shiraz-2003-clare.html

What a gorgeous wine here, with my cellar full of wines waiting to mature, to be enjoyed at their best. I am more then willing to spend a little more to experience a fully mature, complex and ready to drink red wine like this Shiraz. I returned to purchase two more.

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

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/poplar-grove-legacy-2006-okanagan.html

I became a fan of this winery when I moved to British Columbia in 2006, especially their reds, like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and my number 2 pick this month, a Bordeaux blend called The Legacy. Now if I can order these wines here in Ontario that would be fantastic.
  

3-Recanati Reserve Single Vineyard Merlot Kp 2007, Galilee, Israel

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/recanati-reserve-single-vineyard-merlot.html

If you have been following my blog, you may have realized my love of Merlot. Not just any style of Merlot mind you, I like them dry, smooth and plumy, nicely layered and well balance. Just like this interesting Merlot from Israel, which turned out to be quite a surprise for me. This is another example of wine with some age in a bottle, drinking beautifully right now. Great winemaking here. I returned to purchase more, before they all disappeared.

  Silvio Grasso Barbera D'Alba 2009, Piedmont, Italy

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/silvio-grasso-barbera-dalba-2009.html

I am a big fan of Barbera, not all wines need to be sweet. Italians have been making wines to be enjoyed with food for centuries. Like this delicious and really enjoyable Barbera, paired with a pasta dish with tomatoes, shrimp and dill.