Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of March 2, 2013 - Best from the California Feature and My picks for...

Hello to all my wine friends,
   
 

This newsletter is coming to you as I travel to the beautiful city of Vancouver where I will be attending the Vancouver International Wine Festival. California is the featured “Wine Country” this year at the festival with its 62 wineries, coincidentally so is the main feature in this week New Release (NR). Also in this NR, a very interesting and great value selection from the second feature segment, Central and Southern regions of Italy. Visiting the LCBO during the weekend of the last NR, someone asked me, “If you were allow to buy only one wine, which one would that be? “ I thought that this was a very interesting question, and last week my answer was; Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 and this week the answer would be; San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (212431) at $47.95, more expensive than the Poliziano but a real treat. Now let’s get started;

 

 

Best from the California Feature; A very timid Vintages release of wine from California, 12 products in all and four over $50.00 which few of us can afford. The funny thing is that the next NR, the main feature story is “California: pioneering producers”. I guess they are spreading the selection over the next few NR. My wish for the next NR, a Shafer Merlot please. For a more in-depth story on CA wines, look for my post from the Vancouver International Wine Festival in the next week or so. OK, now that I have that out the way, here are three California wines which I would like to highlight;

• Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2010 from California (080226) at $29.95 - This is a great wine for fans of carefully restrained and elegant style cool Chardonnay, soil type is the same as Burgundy; limestone and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.
  
• Bonterra Pinot Noir 2010 from California (317685) at $19.95 – A medium bodied, made with 100% organic Pinot Noir grapes with alcohol coming in at 14.1%. An easy drinking wine like this one with so many food pairing possibilities like; appetizers, pizza, mushroom risotto or BBQ chicken or pork.
  
• Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Napa Valley (932400) at $56.95 – From one of the most eco-conscious producers in California, fertilizing with compost instead of chemicals and dry farming fruits. This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 93% with Cabernet Franc at 6% and Merlot 1% in a supporting role, maturation taking place in French oak for 19 months and alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.5%. Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is always delicious but expensive in this market, in the US price varies from $36 to $42.
  
  
  
  

My picks for...; I thought that I might give you my picks by these predominant grapes or blend or region;

• My local white pick; Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (172338) at $21.95 – This wine is 100% Chardonnay grapes, certified organic & biodynamic with maturation in 100% French oak for 9 months and alcohol coming in at 12%.
  
• My local red pick; Konzelmann Heritage 2010 from Ontario (149179) at $24.95 – This wine is medium-bodied, savoury and fruity red blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and alcohol coming in at 13%.
  
• My red value pick; Fabiano Negraro Corvina 2010 from Italy (310110) at $14.95 – For fans of Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone), this wine is 100% Corvina grapes with maturation taking place in French oak for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 13.8%. Great everyday wine with Italian pasta or pizza.
  
• My Sangiovese pick; Casale Dello Sparviero Riserva Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (317313) at $18.95 – For fans of traditional style Sangiovese, best served with food like tomato based pasta dish, pizza and veal. I review this wine a few days ago, follow the link for my review;
  

  http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/02/casale-dello-sparviero-chianti-classico.html

• My Splurge pick; Giorgio UgolforSan te Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (212431) at $47.95 – From a great producer of elegant style of Brunello, this wine is also made with Sangiovese, actually 100% Sangiovese with maturation first one year in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old), than a further 24 months in Slovanian oak barrels finally a further 12 months in bottle, alcohol comes in at 14.1%.
  
• My mature red pick; Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (676670) at $29.95 – I still remember how stunning their 2001 Gran Reserva was. This wine was actually released at the SAQ in December of 2011 and I reviewed it in April of 2012. At the time, I enjoyed the wine but thought that it would improve with an additional 1-2 years in bottle. I am definitely buying one bottle again to see its progression, follow the link for my review from last April;
  

      http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/04/marques-de-caceres-gran-reserva-2004.html

My top three wines from this release;

1- San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (212431) at $47.95

2- Château La Tour Carnet 2009 from France (220178) at $51.85

3- Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (932400) at $56.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Fabiano Negraro Corvina 2010 from Italy (310110) at $14.95

2- Selvanova Vigna Antica Aglianico 2009 from Italy (313494) at $15.95

3- Te Awa Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (301135) at $18.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;

1- Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (932400) at $56.95

2- Bonterra Pinot Noir 2010 from California (317685) at $19.95

3- Konzelmann Heritage 2010 from Ontario (149179) at $24.95

4- Ridge Lytton Springs 2010 from California (982413) at $48.95

5- Altamira De Los Andes Reserve Malbec 2009 from Argentina (308338) at $28.95

6- Tabali Reserva Especial 2009 from Chile (107540) at $22.95

7- Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Chile (301200) at $15.95

8- Barossa Valley Estate E Minor Shiraz 2010 from Australia (295907) at $18.95

9- Devil’s Corner Pinot Noir 2011 from Australia (317966) at $20.95

10-Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2010 from Australia (246595) at $29.95

11-Château La Tour Carnet 2009 from France (220178) at $51.85

12-Château du Trignon Le Bossu Gigondas 2007 from France (309328) at $27.95

13-Selvanova Vigna Antica Aglianico 2009 from Italy (313494) at $15.95

14-Terreliade Nirà Nero D’Avola 2010 from Italy (120980) at $17.95

15-Casale Dello Sparviero Riserva Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (317313) at $18.95

16-San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (212431) at $47.95

17-Fabiano Negraro Corvina 2010 from Italy (310110) at $14.95

18-Finca Nueva Reserva 2005 from Spain (268425) at $18.95

19-Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (676670) at $29.95

White Wines;

1- Talley Vineyards Bishop’s Peak Chardonnay 2011 from California (318360) at $22.95

2- Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2010 from California (080226) at $29.95

3- Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (172338) at $21.95

4- Te Awa Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (301135) at $18.95

5- Terravin Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 from New Zealand (247205) at $29.95

6- Jean Geiller Médaillé Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (315101) at $14.95

7- Pascal Renaud Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuissé 2011 from France (303651) at $26.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the New Release where the featured segments are “California: pioneering producers” and “Alpine whites; Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris & Riesling”

Cheers

Paul YWG   

Antica Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

Italy meets California in this wine from Antica, produced through a business venture of the Antinori Family of Italy, in the Napa Valley. This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 98.5% with Petit Verdot at 1.5% in a supporting role, maturation in French oak (55% to 65% new oak) and alcohol coming in at 14%.

Beautiful opaque ruby in color, this Cabernet opened up with a robust bouquet of blackberry, black cheery, ripe plum, cassis, tobacco, smoke cedar and exotic spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, layered with dark fruit, minerals and smoke with balance acidity and chewy tannins. The finish is long and intensely flavourful. A structured Cabernet Sauvignon that balances black fruit and French oak with real finesse and sophistication. A very enjoyable wine which I paired with a BBQ steak, score 91 points.

 

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (266551) at $49.95

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008, Igt Veneto, Italy

This wine is a blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rhondinella, and 5% Sangiovese, 30% of grapes are dried Amarone style and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

Deep ruby in color, this red blend opened up with aromas of blackberry - plumy fruit, prunes, dried cherry, green peppers, fresh herbs and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, flavourful, rich and somewhat sweet, fresh acidity and soft tannins. The finish is long, creamy, smoky with flavours of raisins, chocolate and blackberry jam lingering. Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008 is not especially complex but the flavours are very nice, made in a crowd pleasing style which should appeal to many. Very nice, score 88 points.

Purchased December 8, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (672931) at $25.00

Mount Langi Ghiran Kneebones Shiraz 2007, Grampian, Victoria, Australia

This cool climate Shiraz opened up with blackberry-blueberry fruit, cassis, spice cake, dried fruit subtle, mint and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, harmonious well balanced texture, spicy crushed wild berries flavours, lively acidity and fine grained tannins. The finish is long, juicy, very smooth and delicious. This is a very enjoyable, mature wine with a great savoury personality. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (295527) at $21.95

Casale Dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes with ageing taking place in French oak barriques for 18 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opened up with a very interesting bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, violets, licorice, tobacco leaf and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, red fruit flavours, spicy with lively acidity and fine dusty tannins. It has a great depth and length on the finish with underlying earthiness and flavours of sour cherry, prune and cedar notes lingering. This is a very youthful, bright, traditional style of Chianti Classico Riserva and a definite food wine, best paired with Italian pasta in a tomato based sauce or an antipasto platter with strong cheese. This is a good value Chianti with an edgy personality, very enjoyable. Score 90 points.


*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Kolonaki Group prior to Vintages New Release of  March 2, 2013 (317313) at $18.95

Tenute Piccini Brunello Di Montalcino Villa al Cortile 2006, Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is a bit shy on the nose with aromas of dried fruit, bay leaves, leather, tobacco, smoky, earthy and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14%, dry, rustic, earthy palate, little fruit, balanced acidity and dusty tannins. Good length on the finish with an underlying earthiness and dry. Coming from the very good 2006 vintage, I was left a little disappointed, the result of too much oak, robbing the fruity character of this vintage. Score 88 points.

Purchased October 27, 2012 at the SAQ in Montréal (11794301) at $28.85

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, maturation taking place in stainless steel only (no oak) and alcohol coming in at 13.5%

Greeny straw in color, this Sauvignon Blanc opens up with aromas of gooseberry, white grapefruit, passion fruit, flinty and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, intense tangy, zesty fruit, light tropical fruit flavours and lively acidity. This wines finish is long, refreshing with bright flavours lingering. This is a textbook Sauvignon Blanc made to be enjoyed at the table paired with white meat or seafood. A very enjoyable wine, score 90 points.

Purchased September 29, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (677450) at $21.95

Reininger Syrah 2007, Walla Walla Valey, Washington State, USA

 

Made with 100% Syrah with maturation in French oak (0% new oak), bottled in August 2009 with a low production of only 553 cases and alcohol coming in at 14.8%.

This wine opened up with attractive aromas of blackberry-blueberry fruit, raisins, white pepper, toasty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious forward fruit, slightly creamy, balanced acidity and velvet tannins. The finish is very long, fruit focused, rich and flavourful. Nicely made wine here with well handled French oak, very seductive, well balanced and juicy Syrah. Worth the spurge, strongly recommended. Score 92 points.

Purchased February 14, 2013 LCBO Vintages (249227 at $39.00

Castello Di Verrazzano Rosso 2010, Igt Tuscany, Italy

A work colleague of mine dined at a local restaurant here in Ottawa (Play Food and Wine) and enjoyed this wine from Italy. He liked it so much that he located the importer, a wine agency (The Small Winemakers Collection) and ordered a case. Now I have dined on a few occasions at Play Food and Wine, they have great food, lots of small plates and their sommelier consistently puts together a great wine list, with many wines available by the glass. So when my colleague offered a chance to be part of the case purchase with him, I quickly said yes.

This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese with 15% Canaiolo and 5% Merlot in a supporting role, maturation taking place in big Slovenian oak barrels and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. Bright ruby red in color, this wine opened up with aromas of red fruit, sour cherry, violet, spicy and herbal notes. On the mouthfeel, light-medium bodied, dry, juicy, bright spicy flavours, lively acidity and smooth tannins. This wine finish is lively and edgy with fine chewy tannins lingering. There is a good reason why Castello Di Verrazzano Rosso 2010 is on Play's wine list, its mouth-watering acidity and its food friendly nature makes for many food pairing possibilities. You have most likely heard the expression "Super Tuscan", but have you heard "Mini Tuscan"? This term was on the wine label, talk about unpretentious, it is what it is, a delicious lighter bodied (like a spicy Pinot Noir) wine, which I paired with spaghetti and it worked beautifully. Very good value, score 89 points.

Available through The Small Winemakers Collection agency $17.35 / bottle ($208.10 a case).

Aneto Red 2009, DOC Douro, Portugal

This wine is a blend of 30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz and 10% Tinto Cão with maturation taking place in new and used French oak barrels for 12 months, bottled in May 2011 and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

What a lovely wine of the month at Vintages. This wine opens up with a very fragrant bouquet of ripe black fruit, raisins, figs, baking spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, luscious texture, balance acidity and fine chewy tannins. Very good depth and length on the finish, slightly creamy, spicy, ripe fruit concentration with a hint of minerality. Every once in a while, I have a wine and food pairing which I think is brilliant, this case was one of them. I paired this wine with a butter chicken lasagne, the settled hot spices of the dish and the fruity character of this wine made it very interesting and enjoyable. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased February 2, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (314930) at $19.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of February 16, 2013 - Tuscan Treasures and When Dining call for a White Wine

Hello to all my wine friends,

This is a pretty exciting New Release (NR), keeping myself on budget is going to be a challenge. The main feature of this NR is labelled “Tuscan Triumphs” and indeed it is, a triumph, especially if you love Brunello’s (more on Tuscany latter). The selection from France (both Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley) is also pretty outstanding. The second feature segment in this NR is “Kosher wines for Passover”, these offering left me unimpressed so I decided to pass on the passover feature instead and provide you with interesting white wines from this NR as my second featured story. 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.

        

 

For the white wines;

·        What Ontario does best are Riesling and Chardonnay and here is one of each for you consideration; Fielding Estate Riesling 2011 (251439) at $18.95 and Konzelmann 4 Generations Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 (148460) at $30.00.

·         Another Chenin Blanc from South Africa is been release this weekend, Spice Route Chenin Blanc 2011 (174623) at $16.95.

 

Now for the red wines;

·         People looking for wines from the very good 2009 vintage in Bordeaux, here are two of them to consider; Château De Pez 2009 (202697) at $58.95 and Château Teyssier 2009 (226035) at $23.95.

·         Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes which don’t make it Penfold flagship red Grange goes into the making of Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 (309625) at $44.95.

·         Here are my three picks from the Rhône Valley; Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2010 (701359) at $20.95, Domaine Saint-Pierre Vacqueyras 2009 (130013) at $24.95 and Domaine de Fontavin Terre D’Ancêtres Châteauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 (309427) at $37.95.

·         An unusual and interesting blend out of Piedmont (Nebbiolo, Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon), Tenuta Rocca Ornati Langhe 2006 from Italy (309369) at $21.95 and finally,

·        There is usually great value coming from either Argentina or Chile in each NR, this week my pick is Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Argentina (143206) at $16.95. 

 

Now let’s get started;

 

Tuscan Treasures; If like me you are a fan of Sangiovese and wines from Tuscany, there is quite an abundance of riches in this NR. All of 13 red wines releases in this feature section are Sangiovese base wines. Here are four of those wines which I would like to feature;

·         Giacomo Mori Chianti 2009 from Italy (068858) at $17.95 – If you enjoy a more traditional style of Chianti, this wine is produce from a family owned estate, established in 1790. A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, maturation in Slovonian and French (Allier) oak for 10-12 months and alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

·        Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 (384552) at $44.95 – A Chianti Classico Riserva at a Brunello price, but don’t worry, this is a wine with superb concentration and power, 100% Sangiovese with 14 months maturation in oak and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

·         Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 (988055) at $25.95 – This wine is a blend of 85% Prugnolo Gentile (local clone of Sangiovese) with the remaining 15% a blend of Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. After opening this wine, you will which that you had purchased more than one bottle. Do you get my message?

·         Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 (579094) at $41.95 – All four Brunello’s in this NR are recommended, and as per the appellation, they are 100% Sangiovese. That being said, I am looking for a Brunello which I can enjoy now.  Of these four Brunello’s my pick is the more elegant and feminine style of wine from Caparzo. Their 2006 Brunello was absolutely superb. 

 

When dining call for a white wine; I know that most of the wines I reviewed on my blog are red wines, but I do enjoy white wines and on occasion, the best pairing is a white wine. After studying the wines available in this NR, a number of white wines stood out for me has interesting and left me to think of possible pairing. Now here are four interesting food friendly whites;

·         Teruzzi & Puthod Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2011 from Italy (316976) at $15.95 – Listed as extra-dry, this wine is made with 100% Vernaccia grapes and only grown in the beautiful municipality of San Gimignano, maturation taking place in stainless steel tank and alcohol coming in at 12.5%. Food matching possibilities; aperitif, antipasto plater with dry cheese, white fish, seafood and sushi.

·         Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (009167) at $17.95– Listed as dry, this wine is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, maturation taking place in stainless steel tank and alcohol coming in at 13.5%. The Sauvignon Blanc grape would fall under the category of refreshing white with crisp acidity, food matching possibilities of; goat cheese salad, seafood, chicken salad, or roast chicken.

·         Salomon-Undhof Wieden & Berg Tradition Grüner Veltliner 2011 from Austria (670513) at $19.95 – Listed as dry, Grüner Veltliner is the most planted grapes in Austria with flavour profile of citrus fruit, white pepper with mineral notes and crisp acidity. Suggested pairing of sushi, spicy Asian, Indian or Thai food.

·         Château Roquefort Blanc 2011 from France (313346) at $14.95 – Here is an excellent value Bordeaux White, a blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sémillon with alcohol coming in at 13%. The addition of Sémillon would had a honey flavours to the wine and lower its acidity. Suggestive pairing; aperitifs, seafood and fish.

 

My top three wines from this release;

1- Château De Pez 2009 from France (202697) at $58.95

2- Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (384552) at $44.95

3- Ayala Majeur Brut Champagne from France (004143) at $48.95

 

 

My top three wines for value;

1- Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Argentina (143206) at $16.95

2- Giacomo Mori Chianti 2009 from Italy (068858) at $17.95

3- Teruzzi & Puthod Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2011 from Italy (316976) at $15.95

 

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

 

Red Wines;

1- Giacomo Mori Chianti 2009 from Italy (068858) at $17.95

2- Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 from Italy (650754) at $27.95

3- Antinori Badia A Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (384552) at $44.95

4- Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 from Italy (988055) at $25.95

5- Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (579094) at $41.95 

6- Altesino Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (994095) at $57.95

7- Mocali Vigna Delle Raunate Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (162552) at $46.95

8- Terre Nere Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (208462) at $34.95

9-Rosewood Estate Merlot 2010 from Ontario (211896) at $22.00

10-Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (024190) at $74.95

11-Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Argentina (143206) at $16.95

12-Majella Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Australia (301531) at $36.95

13-Penfold Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2009 from Australia (309625) at $44.95

14-Penmara Reserve Shiraz 2009 from Australia (912782) at $17.95

15-Schild Shiraz 2009 from Australia (066555) at $28.95

16-Château De Pez 2009 from France (202697) at $58.95

17-Château Teyssier 2009 from France (226035) at $23.95

18-Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2010 (701359) at $20.95

19-Domaine de Fontavin Terre D’Ancêtres Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 (309427) at $37.95

20-Domaine Saint-Pierre Vacqueyras 2009 (130013) at $24.95

21-Tenuta Rocca Ornati Langhe 2006 from Italy (309369) at $21.95

 

White Wines;

1- Teruzzi & Puthod Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2011 from Italy (316976) at $15.95

2- Fielding Estate Riesling 2011 from Ontario (251439) at $18.95

3- Zonzelmann 4 Generations Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 from Ontario (148460) at $30.00

4- Riverview Cellars Gewurztraminer 2011 from Ontario (319830) at $18.95

5- Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (009167) at $17.95

6- Spice Route Chenin Blanc from South Africa (174623) at $16.95

7- Salomon-Undhof Wieden & Berg Tradition Grüner Veltliner 2011 from Austria (670513) at $19.95

8- Château Roquefort Blanc 2011 from France (313346) at $14.95

9- Clos Floridène Blanc 2009 from France (189357) at $31.85

10-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2011 from Italy (707158) at $14.95

 

Champagne;

1-Ayala Majeur Brut Champagne from France (004143) at $48.95

 

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the New Release of March 2, 2013 where the featured segments are; “The new California, an insider’s peek” and The Star of Central and Southern Italy”. It’s interesting because this next newsletter will be coming from Vancouver, British Columbia where I will be attending the trade tasting portion of the Vancouver International Wine Festival where California is the featured “Wine Country” this year. There will be 62 wineries from California alone, look for my blog post in about a week or two, about my experience at this wine show.

Cheers

Paul YWG      

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial 2001, Rioja, Spain

This wine is a blend of 80 % Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha (Grenache), maturation taking place in American oak (averaging 4 years old) for 36 months, bottled in March 2004 and alcohol is 13.5%. The designation of Especial is reserve for these exceptional vintages; La Rioja Alta has only given this designation on two previous vintages, the 1964 and 1973.

This wine opened up with a very mature and sensuous bouquet of wild berries, dried strawberries, dark plums, soft leather, tobacco leaf, gentle wood spices, cinnamon and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with soft spicy seductive fruit flavours, balanced acidity and soft silky tannins. This Rioja finish is very smooth with a beautiful silky texture. This is one of the most elegant and attractive wines I have enjoyed in a while. When I cellar a bottle of wine, this is the result I am anticipating. However, I didn’t have to cellar this Rioja since it was already aged for me; at $36.95 it represented a great value. What else can I say? An absolute beauty. Score 93 points   

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages In-Store Discovery (315531) at $36.95