Paul’s Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of February 2, 2013 – Wines I line up for and Special Wines for Valentine’s

Hello to all my wine friends,

One of the featured stories of this New Release (NR) is the “Signature Study”, a look at the New World’s best grapes. Which means showcasing 7 countries or regions and highlighting two of the grapes which they are best known for or grow best for their terroir or climate. Examples would be; Argentina (Torrentés & Malbec), California (Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon), etc. I think that the selection of grape varietals for each region is bang on, the choice of wines however, could have been much better. I am recommending 6 out of 14 and will integrate some of them into my two feature segment. As for the Valentine feature, I passed and will provide you with my own selection of wines spread throughout this NR. Now, apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attentio.

 

First the white wines;

 

• If you are looking for an Ontario Riesling, Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 (089029) at $17.95 previously released on October 29, 2011 is being re-released. I did a review of this Riesling on my blog on November 11, 2011. I was not assigning a score then, I gave it a 90 points when I posted my review on WineAlign. Now I know that my review is more than a year old but Ontario makes world class Riesling and Riesling has a great ability to age. I expect this wine to be even more complex. Here is the link to my review on my blog;

          http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/11/tawse-sketches-riesling-2010-niagara.html

• Another excellent Ontario wine being released; Malivoire Chardonnay 2010 from Niagara Peninsula (573147) at $19.95; and
  
  
• Here is a textbook buttery California Chardonnay for fans of this style, La Crema Chardonnay 2010 from California (067231) at $37.95.

Now for the red wines;

• For fans of Rhône region of France, Les Halos de Jupiter 2010 from Costières de Nîmes AC (309153) at $14.95 represent very good value and is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache.
  
  
• Talking about good value and Syrah, here is another great wine to consider, Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2009 from Chile (301903) at $17.95.
  
  
• For those looking for something special, my pick for best wine of this release, Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (704254) at $68.95; and
  
  
• This classy Sangiovese wine from Tuscany, Tenimenti Angelini Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (713719) at $49.95.

Now let’s get started;

Wines I line up for; I thought to explain how some wines end up on my shopping list;

• Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2010 from South Africa (231357) at $18.95 - When looking at my cellar, my inventory of white wine is mostly Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. I do like to have a variety of choices available to better paired with dinner. Have you ever tried a glass of Chenin Blanc? This is the flavour profile of Chenin Blanc; soft texture, light-medium bodied, high-acid grape and produces dry to semisweet wines with flavour of apples, pear, guava, pineapple, honey and minerals. The Chenin Blanc grape also makes a great wine from the appellation of Vouvray in la Loire region of France. Chenin Blanc is the most planted grape in South Africa and this one is from one of the better producers.
  
  
• Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2010 from Australia (222323) at $24.95 – This Shiraz is on my shopping list because I am a repeat customer having purchased multiple vintages. I reviewed there 2009 vintages on my blog on gave it a 92 points. I love Shiraz from cooler region of Australia (this one is from Victoria region of South Australia), they have better acidity then warmer regions, but this one is still full bodied with 14.5% alcohol and would be great with BBQ ribs, hamburger or steak. Worth multiple purchases.
  
  
• Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes du Rhône 2010 from France (076331) at $18.95 – Another producer which I am a big fan, Alain Jaune & Fils wines; Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueras and Côtes du Rhône to name a few are just superb. I love the style of this house, their Les Champauvins Côtes du Rhône 2010 is a blend of mostly Grenache (70%) with Syrah and Mourvèdre in a supporting role, alcohol comes in at 13%.
  
  
• Poderi Angelini Primitivo Di Manduria 2008 from Italy (268136) at $17.95 – This purchase will achieve two things; my love of Italian wines and my love of Zinfandel since Primitivo and Zinfandel are the same grape. Most Italian wines I review are from the region of Tuscany, Veneto and Piedmont, I need to venture into other exciting regions of Italy, and this one is from Puglia. This wine is made with 100% Primitivo with maturation for 6 months in barriques and alcohol coming in at a “generous” 15%

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

• Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (970129) at $16.95 – Personally, if I would go for a white wine, I would go for a German Riesling Kabinett. Off-dry with low alcohol at 7.5% with a luscious, complex mouthfeel.
  
  
• Villa Girardi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (159913) at $41.95 – Hard to beat the sensuous mouthfeel of an Amarone, this one is a blend of Veneto varietal; Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. Maturation taking place in Slovonian oak for three years and alcohol coming in at a warm 15%.
  
  
• Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (684308) at $33.95 – For those of you who have been to California to drink their wines, this wine should bring you back to California. It drinks like sunshine in a glass, a full bodied (14.5% alcohol) rich Cabernet with maturation taking place in 225L American oak barrels for 18 months (28%). This Cabernet is on my shopping list, I sure can use a little sunshine right now.
  
  
• R. Pouillon & Fils 1er Cru Brut Rosé Champagne from France (314518) at $44.95 – If you are looking for a Champagne or Sparkling wine, is there not a more sexier choice than a rosé Champagne. My other three recommendations (see below) in that category would all be good but why not go for something truly special.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (704254) at $68.95

2- Villa Girardi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (159913) at $41.95

3- Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 from Australia (971705) at $40.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2009 from Chile (301903) at $17.95

2- Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (970129) at $16.95

3- Les Halos de Jupiter 2010 from France (309153) at $14.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;

1- Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (684308) at $33.95

2- Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (704254) at $68.95

3- Kendall-Jackson Jackson Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (304196) at $44.95

4- Marilyn 25 Silver Anniversary Merlot 2009 from California (306738) at $39.95

5- Marimar Estate La Masia Pinot Noir 2007 from California (303974) at $34.95

6- Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Carmenère/Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Chile (066746) at $15.95

7- Carmen Gran Reserva Syrah 2009 from Chile (301903) at $17.95

8- Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 from Australia (971705) at $40.95

9- Best’s Great Western Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2010 from Australia (222323) at $24.95

10-Cirrus Syrah 2007 from South Africa (054338) at $33.95

11-Château Pey de Pont 2009 from France (307967) at $23.95

12-Hecht & Bannier Côtes du Rousillon-Villages 2010 from France (142802) at $23.95

13-Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes du Rhône 2010 from France (076331) at $18.95

14-Les Halos de Jupiter 2010 from France (309153) at $14.95

15-Tour de L’Isle Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (309849) at $39.95

16-Skouras Saint George Aghiorghitiko 2010 from Greece (162321) at $17.95

17-Poderi Angelini Primitivo Di Manduria 2008 from Italy (268136) at $17.95

18-Fattoria La Ripa Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (984401) at $25.95

19-Tenimenti Angelini Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (713719) at $49.95

20-Villa Girardi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (159913) at $41.95

21-Aneto Red 2009 from Portugal (314930) at $19.95

22-Juan Gil Red 2010 from Spain (001677) at $21.95

White Wines;

1- Malivoire Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (573147) at $19.95

2- Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 (089029) at $17.95

3- La Crema Chardonnay 2010 from California (067231) at $37.95

4- Hill-Smith Estate Chardonnay 2010 from Australia (361584) at $19.95

5- Graham Beck Bowed Head Chenin Blanc 2010 from South Africa (231357) at $18.95

6- Eric Forest L’Ame Forest Pouilly-Fuissé 2009 from France (301911) at $27.95

7- Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2008 from Germany (970129) at $16.95

Champagne and Sparkling Wines;

1- R. Pouillon & Fils 1er Cru Brut Rosé Champagne from France (314518) at $44.95 – Extra Dry

2- Loosen Bros. Dr. L. Sparkling Riesling from Germany (296095) at $13.95 – Dry

3-Ricossa Antica Casa Moscato D’Asti 2011 from Italy (072272) at $15.95 – Sweet

4- Muga Conde De Haro Brut Cava from Spain (168559) at $19.95 – Extra Dry

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the New Release of February 16, 2013 where the featured segments are; “Tuscan Classics” and “Kosher wines for Passover”

Cheers

Paul YWG

Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Mountain Estate, Alexander Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in French oak for 16 months (of which 76% is new oak) and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of plumy-blackberry fruit, dried currants, bitter chocolate, savoury herbs, clove and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied, dry with rich and concentrated flavours, mild acidity and firm grainy tannins. Very good length on the finish with layered dark fruit, vanilla and peppery notes and noticeable tannins lingering. This is a wonderful full bodied well structured and complex California Cabernet which could be enjoyed today (I paired this wine with a BBQ steak) but should keep improving over the next 8-10 years. Strongly recommended, score 93 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO Vintages new release (285098) at $49.95

Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

This wine is made using 100% Chardonnay grapes, maturation taking place in 100% French oak for 13 months (26% new oak) which 10 months spent sur lie, a light fining was done before bottling but unfiltered, finally alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This Chardonnay opened up with an elegant bouquet of pears, mandarin, lemon custard, toasted hazelnut and light vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth entry with flavours of citrus, pears, vanilla and spices with refreshing acidity. This wine finish is long, slightly creamy with luscious fruit character, light spices and refreshing. Definitely my style of Chardonnay, a wine with lots of finesse and elegance where the oak treatment is carefully restrained leaving the quality of the fruit to shine. Gorgeous wine, strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO Vintages new release (210039) at $34.95

Ridge Lytton Springs 2009, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

This delicious wine is a blend of mostly Zinfandel with 72%, Petit Sirah at 23% and in a supporting role, Carignan with 5%, maturation taking place 100% American oak for 14 months (25% new, 20% one year old and 55% four to five years old) and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with a sexy bouquet of blackberry-plumy fruit, raisins, grilled toast, cigar, incense and sweet, exotic spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, well structured by rich briary fruit, mild acidity and firm but not overbearing tannins. With an excellent depth of flavours on the finish, fine texture, soft seductive fruit and gentle oak spices lingering. This is my go to producer of great zin blend wines and in this vintage; Ridge Lytton Springs 2009 is especially delicious. Very enjoyable. Score 92 points.   

Purchased May 26, 2012 LCBO New Release (982413) at $46.95

Sivas Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 93% Zinfandel and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, maturation taking place in 80% American oak and 20% French oak with alcohol coming in at 14.9%.

This Zin opened up with a very fragrant bouquet of red cherry-wild berry fruit, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, cedar and wood smoke aromas. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, ripe spicy fruit and slightly jammy, lively acidity and mild tannins. An interesting sweet and tart tug of war with crisp acidity, fine structure and a long staying power on the finish. This is a big wine, big alcohol and very comforting Zinfandel especially on these cold winter days (4 days in a row @ -30C with the windchill). Very good value and strongly recommended, score 89 points.

Purchased January 5, 2013 Vintages LCBO New Release (291096) at $18.95

Gemma Gibblin Riserva Barolo 2005, DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

 

This wine is made using 100% Nebbiolo grapes as per the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) rules with maturation in French oak and alcohol coming in at 14%. Bright pale ruby in color, this Barolo opened up with lively aromas of sour cherry, wild strawberry, dried roses, white pepper and soft leather notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, with great energy and texture, lively acidity and mouth drying tannins. This wine finish is long, intensely flavourful with mild tannins lingering. This is a very elegant, spicy, floral and pretty Barolo which is drinking well right now or cellar no more than 2-3 years. It is interesting that such a pale color wine can pack such a punch? Strongly recommended, score 92 points

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (185025) at $36.95

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2009, Wo Stellenbosch, South Africa

Bordeaux meets South Africa in this red blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Maturation taking place in 225L French oak (60% new and 40% 2^nd fill) for 18 months, a variety of cultured yeasts were used, a light fining and filtration was applied just before bottling and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

An interesting bouquet to be sure, with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, blackcurrant, dried mushroom, tobacco leaf, vanilla, toast, gamey and a hint of barnyard. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with a silky smooth texture, balanced acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish with soft seductive fruit, farmy/leathery character lingering.

These wine descriptors are not usually associated with this kind of blend, the earthy funk and the soft maturing character of this wine leads me to believe that Brettanomyces or Bret (a wine fault) is at play here. In moderation, Bret can add complexity and give the wine a more mature feel in a young wine but when out of control the wine would be clearly undrinkable. For me, the level of Bret gives me quite an oral experience which I find charming. So is the finish, very smooth and soft, almost too easy to drink. In the end the bottle was empty way to fast and I quite enjoyed it. Score 88 points.

Purchased December 28, 2012 at the SAQ (10678384) at $22.95

Don Jacobo Reserva 2004, DOCa Rioja, Spain

This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and the remaining 10% a combination of Grenache and Mazuelo with 14 months ageing in casks, bottled in September 2008 and alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

Light ruby in color, this Rioja opened up with a very maturing bouquet of wild strawberry, sour cherry, plum preserve, cedar, gentle wood spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with a silky textured, fresh acidity and fine dusty tannins. Medium length on the finish with flavours of sweet and sour fruit, cedar, exotic spices and a underlying earthiness lingering. Where else other than Spain can you find an 8 year old mature wine, ready to enjoy for $17.95? I am a fan of a more traditional style of Rioja just like this one. Perfect pairing? How about a cheese platter with charcuterie, dried fruit and nuts? Strongly recommended, score 89 points.

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (313270) at $17.95

Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010, Ac Loire, France

This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc grapes with fermentation in stainless steel tanks and alcohol coming in at 13%. This wine is light gold in color and opened up with aromas of apple peals, lemon, pears, honeysuckle and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, off-dry with a rich texture and bright zippy acidity. Very good length on the finish, almost creamy with loads of energy and honey coated lemon flavours lingering.

Chenin Blanc may be well loved by sommelier and connoisseurs but almost unknown otherwise, is well worth seeking out for its endless pairing possibilities (linguini in a cream sauce, seafood and roast chicken) and age ability. A classic and very enjoyable Chenin Blanc, strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (685362) at $19.95

Legón Reserva 2005, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain

This wine is 100% Tempranillo grapes with maturation taking place in new French oak and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. 

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dried figs, exotic spices, leather and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, nicely structured by rich and concentrated flavours, balance acidity and firm tannins. Legón Reserva 2005 finish is long, robust, masculine with lots of dark fruit, spices and a nice tannic grip.

Drinking well right now when paired with beef or lamb but should keep improving and acquired some elegance over the next 3-4 years. For me, this wine hits all the right notes, starting with an exotic bouquet, great and powerful mouthfeel and a long flavourful finish. This wine is a great example as why I think Spanish wines represent value. Returned to repurchase, strongly recommended. Score 91 points.

  

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (303511) at $23.95

Castellani Poggio Al Casone La Cattura 2010, Igt Toscany, Italy

Wow! What an interesting wine, a blend of 90% Teroldego and 10% Syrah with alcohol coming in at 12.5%. The Teroldego grape is a sibling of the Dureza variety in France, which is one of the parent of Syrah and is grown primarily in north eastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige in Italy. It can also be found as far away as California. 

This wine opened up with an expressive bouquet with aromas of cherry, wild berries, plum, white pepper, violet, smoky and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, youthful, fresh with bright flavours, lively acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish, silky smooth texture, juicy with great flavours lingering. A different kind of blend from Tuscany for sure, to serve with food and slightly chilled (to warm and the finish is a bit tart). An interesting wine, very enjoyable and great value as well. Worthy of a few purchases, score 89 points.      

LCBO New Release January 19, 2013 (121194) at $18.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of January 19, 2013 - The Best from the Spanish Feature and Wines from British Columbia

Hello to all my wine friends,

Here are my observations about this New Release (NR); when a country is given centre stage of a NR (in this case Spain) with the cover page plus 14 pages of beautiful pictures of wine & food, and informative story about their wine industry, the best wine's or the stars of the NR should come from that featured country. Case in point, in this NR a strong Italian selection and a California Cabernet Sauvignon steal the spotlight from Spain. What was needed here was to showcase a few premium wines from the region of Priorat, Ribera del Duero or Rioja. It seems that these premium Spanish wines can only be found in LCBO's Classic Catalogue, and if you are lucky, your local product consultant may order them to stock their shelves. A big thank-you to the product consultant at my local store (thanks Niki).

Having said that, this is a very interesting NR with a strong selection of really good valued wines in the $17 to $24 dollar range, call them “blue chip” wines. This would be a good occasion to stock up on wines which are ready to drink now or would benefit from a short term in your cellar. Now, apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention.

First the white wines;

• The most interesting, off the beaten track wine of this entire release is McNab Ridge Shadow Brook Farms Roussanne 2009 from California (312892) at $18.95. Roussanne is a highly aromatic grape mostly grown in the Rhône Valley in southern France.
  
  
• Speaking of off the beaten track choices, how about Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo 2011 from Spain (312900) at $15.95. Made with 100% Verdejo grapes, very fruity, great value to pair with grilled fish or tapas.

Now for the red wines; 

• Starting with a surprising full bodied Shiraz from here in Ontario, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz 2010 from Ontario (317941) at $19.95. I had the opportunity to taste this wine about a month ago, great structured wine to pair with a strong dish of beef or lamb.
  
  
• For fans of full bodied California Cabernet, here is one for your consideration and my pick for the best wine of this NR, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (708842) at $49.95.
  
  
• Speaking of a strong Italian offering, here are four well priced, good valued Italian wines; Marchesi Mazzei Zisola Nero D’Avola 2009 from Sicily (303925) at $25.95, and three wines from Tuscany, Castellani Poggio Al Casone La Cattura 2010 (121194) at $18.95, Fattoria Di Piazzano Rio Camerata Chianti Riserva 2006 (301929) at $24.95 and I Greppi Greppicante Bolgheri 2009 from Italy (170381) at $23.95.
  
  
• Finally a superb robust Portuguese wines and definitely on my shopping list is Quinta De Foz De Arouge Red 2008 (303545) at $19.95, now let’s get started with the main featured.

The Best from the Spanish Feature;  If you have never experienced the beauty of drinking a mature wine, there are two of these wines in this selection. I am a big fan of Spanish wines, especially those made with Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache). I think they represent great value in the wine world. Here is a selection of three Spanish red wines from different regions, which would be a great starting point if you would like to experience the wines of this beautiful country;

• Planets De Prior Pons 2008 from Priorat (314559) at $22.95 – This wine is a blend of 40% Cariñena, 40% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah with maturation taking place in seasoned French & American oak for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14.5%. Expect a big inky coloured wine to pair with red meat.
  
  
• Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 from Rioja (313270) at $17.95 – Where else can you find an 8 year old mature wine like this one, which has been cellared for you at the vineyard and ready to drink for $17.95? This is my pick for best value of this NR, a blend of 90% Tempranillo and the remaining 10% combination of Grenache and Mazuelo with 18 months ageing in casks, bottled in September 2008 and alcohol coming in at 13.5%.
  
  
• Legón Reserva 2005 from Ribera del Duero (303511) at $23.95 – This is a mature, ready to enjoy or short term cellar (2-4 years), 100% Tempranillo wine from Ribera del Duero along the Duero river. Maturation took place in French oak for 18 months and alcohol coming in at 13.5% 

Wines from British Columbia;  I lived 3 1/2 years in British Columbia and can attest to the quality and charm of BC wines. Unfortunately, few of these wines manage to find their way onto our LCBO shelves. I have reviewed 20 BC wines on my blog over the last two years (most of them I carried with me from BC) with many more in my cellar waiting to be enjoyed. Here are my top three picks from the British Columbia feature; 

• Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2011 from Okanagan Valley (377770) at $20.95 – From this small winery in Kelowna, this Chardonnay is a mix of 50/50 tank and wood fermented with only 20% new French and American oak and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. If you ever visit this winery, try to squeeze in a visit to their great restaurant with amazing views of the vineyards.
  
  
• Mission Hill Quatrain 2008 from Okanagan Valley (218636) at $44.95 – Mission Hill is a short five minutes drive from Quails’ Gate but benefits from owning vineyards all over the Okanagan Valley including the warmer region in the south of Oliver and Osoyoos. It’s in these regions of Oliver and Osoyoos where the fruit in the Quatrain is grown. I reviewed Mission Hill's Quatrain 2008, last November, here is the link.

            http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/mission-hill-quatrain-2008-okanagan.html

• Burrowing Owl Merlot 2009 from Okanagan Valley (585737) at $41.95 – I love the style of wine made from Burrowing Owl, located in Osoyoos, especially their Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This wine is 100% Merlot with maturation taking place in a mixture of French, American and Russian oak, bottled unfiltered with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. Unfortunately, this wine sells for $12.00 more in Ontario compared to BC.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (708842) at $49.95

2- Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2010 from Australia (311480) at $29.95

3- Mission Hill Quatrain 2008 from British Columbia (218636) at $44.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 from Spain (313270) at $17.95

2- Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo 2011 from Spain (312900) at $15.95

3- Castellani Poggio Al Casone La Cattura 2010 from Italy (121194) at $18.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;

1- Albret Crianza 2009 from Spain (306555) at $19.95

2- Planets De Prior Pons 2008 from Spain (314559) at $22.95

3- Don Jacobo Reserva 2004 from Spain (313270) at $17.95

4- Legón Reserva 2005 from Spain (303511) at $23.95 

5- Mission Hill Quatrain 2008 from British Columbia (218636) at $44.95

6- Burrowing Owl Merlot 2009 from British Columbia (585737) at $41.95

7- Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Select Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010 from Ontario (175174) at $22.95

8- Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz 2010 from Ontario (317941) at $19.95

9- Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (708842) at $49.95

10-Pascual Toso Alta Reserve Malbec 2009 from Argentina (261958) at $32.95

11-Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2010 from Australia (311480) at $29.95

12-Heartland Shiraz 2009 from Australia (661934) at $19.95

13-Mount Langi Ghiran Kneebones Shiraz 2007 from Australia (295527) at $21.95

14-Château de Puisseguin Curat 2010 from France (307140) at $19.95

15-Les Hauts de Castellas Vacqueyras 2010 from France (177634) at $19.95

16-Marchesi Mazzei Zisola Nero D’Avola 2009 from Italy (303925) at $25.95

17-Castellani Poggio Al Casone La Cattura 2010 from Italy (121194) at $18.95

18-Fattoria Di Piazzano Rio Camerata Chianti Riserva 2006 from Italy (301929) at $24.95

19-I Greppi Greppicante Bolgheri 2009 from Italy (170381) at $23.95

20-Quinta De Foz De Arouge Red 2008 from Portugal (303545) at $19.95

White Wines;

1- Señorio De Rubios Albariño 2011 from Spain (314427) at $17.95

2- Cuatro Rayas Viñedos Centenarios Verdejo 2011 from Spain (312900) at $15.95

3- Quails’ Gate Chardonnay 2011 from British Columbia (377770) at $20.95

4- McNab Ridge Shadow Brook Farms Roussanne 2009 from California (312892) at $18.95

5- Sanford Chardonnay 2010 from California (956003) at $31.95

6- D’Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (702845) at $18.95

7- Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (686675) at $19.95

8- Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2010 from France (299867) at $19.95

9- C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2010 from Germany (301952) at $24.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the New Release of February 2, 2013 where the featured segments are “New World Signature Grapes”, Versatile Sparklers” and Wines for Valentine’s Day”.

Cheers
Paul YWG