Campigli Vallone ‘Terre Nere’ Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

A superb mature nose on this Brunello, with aromas of field berries, sour cherries, red currants, soft leather and lots of savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with alcohol coming in at 14%, excellent fruit-acid balance and silky tannins. The length on this Brunello finish is long, slightly hot with flavours of sweet berry fruit, savoury spices and a nice silky texture. This is a very nice Brunello, which is shows a beautiful maturing, elegant and feminine personality. At this price, strongly recommended. Score 91 points. 

    

Purchased February 16, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (208462) at $34.95

Château La Croix des Moines 2009, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

 

 

This wine is from the very good 2009 Bordeaux vintages and is a blend of 80% Merlot with the remaining 20% equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the grapes are hand-harvested and the wines are matured in oak barrels for 14 months, alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

A deep ruby in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, dried violets, damp heart and prunes. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with spicy fruit flavours, mild acidity and firm tannins. Robust with good weight and texture on the finish, rich flavours and persistent tannins lingering. Nice and enjoyable plummy Merlot, made to be enjoyed at the table. Score 88 points.

Purchased April 9, 2012 at the SAQ (973057) at $24.85

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010, Lodi, California. USA

 

 

This wine is made with mostly Zinfandel, at 77%, the remaining 23% is Petit Syrah with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

 

This wine opened up with aromas of red cherry, plum, wild berries, soft leather, spicy and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with ripe fruit concentration, spicy, fresh acidity and silky tannins. The finish is long, spicy with sweet and tart flavours and fine silky tannins. A lovely, well made Zinfandel, were the fruit is ripe and oak treatment is well handled, nothing overdone. Perfect paired with anything from the BBQ or can sip on its own, was very enjoyable. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.    

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (942599) at $19.95



Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of May 25, 2013 - Glorious German Riesling and My picks for...

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR), the two main focus of this NR are "Pinot Noir's Sense of Place" and German Riesling. When the warmer summer months approach, the choice of lighter wines with lower alcohol and light tannins are often a better and more enjoyable alternative. Which means that Pinot Noir would be a fine choice, but unfortunately most of the Pinot Noir's offered in this NR are uninspiring. As for the German Rieslings, if you are a fan, you will be very happy with the selection offered (more on that later). As for the rest of this NR, there is a very strong selection of both white and red French wines and a decent Italian reds on offer.

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, Which one would that be? Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Mosel (324285) at $21.95. Why? Are you kidding me, a mature German Riesling for $21.95. A definite most for fans of German Riesling. 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;

Starting with white wines;

·         For fans of Chardonnay's, here are three of them to consider from three different countries and price points; Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2011 from Chile (004515) at $17.95, Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (317651) at $25.95 and Saintsbury Chardonnay 2010 from California (359281) at $29.95.

·         Here is a well priced Sauvignon Blanc from la Loire Valley; Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2011 from France (172528) at $18.95.

Now for the red wines;

·         My only recommended Pinot Noir from this NR featured; Domaine Chofflet-Valdenaire Givry 2009 from France (330183) at $26.95.

·         For fans of traditional, good value, slightly rustic style of Chianti Classico; Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95.

·         If you have never tasted John Glaetzer Margarete's Shiraz before, this is definitely an interesting and rich style of Shiraz; John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95. Now let's get started;

Glorious German Riesling;  If you have been following my blog for a while now, you would most likely know that German Riesling are by far my favourite white wine. Which is why I am so excited to attend next week in Toronto, "The Wines of Germany" event on Tuesday May 28. People who live in Toronto are very fortunate, they are so many wine events organized in this city, which never make their way to Ottawa. I don't usually travel to Toronto just for a wine event, but these are wines of Germany after all and I felt that I still have a great deal to learn about German wines. Including the opportunity of tasting Silvaner and Pinot Noir. Now, here are three of those German Riesling which I would like to feature;

·         Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Mosel (160853) at $19.95 - sweetness level - medium, beautiful off-dry Riesling perfect for patio sipping with alcohol coming in at a low of 8%.

·         Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011 from Germany (324335) at $19.95 - sweetness level - dry, a light and crisp food friendly Riesling with alcohol coming in at 12.5%.

·         Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Mosel (324285) at $21.95 - sweetness level - medium sweet, I love Dr. Herman's wines, an awesome value for such a mature Riesling Auslese, alcohol coming in at 8%. Best paired with spicy Thai or Indian food.

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

·         My French wine pick; Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95 - Made with 100% Chenin Blanc with fermentation and maturation in thermo-regulated vats and alcohol comes in at 13.5%. Food suggestion; aperitif, chicken, pork, sushi, seafood and goat cheese.

·         My French red pick; Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 (719120) at $38.95 - This wine is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 3% Mourvèdre with Cinsault and other varieties 2%, maturation taking place in 60% in large oak barrels and 40% in old casks for 12 months, alcohol comes in at 14%, subjective pairing leg of lamb.

·         My Malbec pick; Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95 - This is also my best value of this NR, always delicious from one vintage to the next. This wine is made with 100% hand harvested Malbec, with aging in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

·         My Zinfandel pick; Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 from California (942599) at $19.95 - I could have also called this my BBQ pick. This wine is made with mostly Zinfandel, at 77% with the remaining 23% Petit Syrah with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. It would be fantastic paired with grilled steak hamburgers or stew.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (719120) at $38.95

2- John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95

3- Antolini Ca' Coato Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (320614) at $49.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

2- Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95

3- Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 from California (942599) at $19.95

2- Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (029280) at $17.95

3- Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (327411) at $18.95

4- John's Blend No. 14 Margarete's Shiraz 2008 from Australia (927657) at $39.95

5- Yering Station Village Shiraz/Viognier 2010 from Australia (311431) at $21.95

6- Domaine Chofflet-Valdenaire Givry 2009 from France (330183) at $26.95

7- Château Lyonnat 2006 from France (243774) at $19.95

8- Château Rozier 2010 from France (024539) at $28.95

9- Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes Syrah/Grenache 2011 from France (320499) at $18.95

10-Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (719120) at $38.95

11-La Gravillas Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2010 from France (264648) at $14.95

12-Lornano Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (211599) at $16.95

13-Poggio Verrano Chance 2005 from Italy (239707) at $34.95

14-Antolini Ca' Coato Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2008 from Italy (320614) at $49.95

15-Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011 from Italy (719294) at $18.95

White Wines;

1- Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling 2011 from Germany (324335) at $19.95

2- Studert-Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2011 from Germany (160853) at $19.95

3- Dr. Herman Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005 from Germany (324285) at $21.95

4- Saintsbury Chardonnay 2010 from California (359281) at $29.95

5- Emiliana Novas Limited Selection Chardonnay 2011 from Chile (004515) at $17.95

6- Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 from New Zealand (317651) at $25.95

7- Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris 2010 from France (021253) at $19.95

8- Domaine des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 from France (057042) at $17.95

9- Domaine Lecomte Quincy 2011 from France (172528) at $18.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of June 8, 2013 where the featured segments are "Argentina: Land of Plenty" and Fine Gifts for Father's Day" A superb value Côte du Rhône 2010 which I have tasted this year at the Vancouver Wine Show is being released in Ontario in this June 8 release.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010, VQA Ontario, Canada

 

Baco Noir is a hybrid red wine grape variety produced by the cross of a French vitis vinifera Folle Blanche (this is one of the grape use for making Cognac) and a unknown variety of vitis riparia indigenous to North America. Today it is grown almost exclusively in North America and is usually a bit rustic, high in acid and low in tannins. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 is made with 100% Baco Noir from low yielding vines, some of them planted in 1984, with maturation in a combination of new and one/two years old American oak barrels for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 13.5%. 

A deep purple in color, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, smoky, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with rich and smoky flavours, fresh acidity and low tannins. Very good length on the finish with a combination of jammy flavours, mocha, sour cherries and savoury herbs. Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir has always been an interesting wine with lots of flavours and a great performer during the BBQ season, paired with hamburgers, sausage, ribs or steak. Very enjoyable and flavourful, score 90 points.

Purchased September 15, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (461669) at $24.95

Ateca Atteca 2010, Aragon, Calatayud, Spain

This wine is 100% Garnacha (Grenache) from 85 to 125 years old vines with maturation in French oak for 10 months and alcohol coming in at 15%.

Beautiful deep ruby in color, this wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, wild strawberry, cedar, vanilla and spicy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with ripe fruit flavours and spicy, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Loads of energy, length and bright spicy flavours on the finish. This very flavourful and well made Grenache hits all the right notes for me, just as enjoyable has I remember it from the Vancouver Wine Show, absolutely delicious and a superb value, score 92 points.


Purchased March 1, 2013 at the Vancouver Wine Show for $26.99

Domaine Cros de la Mûre, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Massif D’ Uchaux 2007, Rhône Valley, France

 

This wine is a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah with Mourvèdre and Cinsault in a supporting role, maturation for 30 months in oak barrels and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

A deep purple in color, this Rhône blend opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, garrigue, spices, meaty, peppery and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with rich and concentrated flavours, detectable oak influences, low acidity and fined grained tannins. This wines finish is long, very smooth with spicy, fresh herbs and pruny flavours. We enjoyed this wine, with several foods, cheese (oh my god, the blue cheese from Vermont was so good), a charcuterie platter and it worked well. I think that this wine would have been much better without as much oak, but overall, very enjoyable, score 88 points.

As for my experience with Terroir Wine bar, I found it to be a very cozy and charming space. A decent but challenging wine list, the food was excellent, great small plates and very friendly staff. We actually went there twice over our five night stay in New York. A great and inexpensive way to enjoy a casual meal and I would go back tomorrow if I could, strongly recommended.

Enjoyed at Terroir Wine Bar at 413 E 12^th St. New York City restaurant price $67.00

Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Grigio 2011, Doc Alto Adige, Italy

This wine is made with 100% Pinot Gris, with fermentation at a controlled temperature of 18°C, 4 months ageing on the fine lees in stainless steel and alcohol coming in at 14%.

A bright yellow in color, this Pinot Grigio opened up with aromas of tangerine, pear, apple, nutty and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, crisp and lively flavours with excellent fruit-acid balance. Very good length on the finish, intense flavours of citrus and tropical fruit plus a noticeable minerality. This is a very enjoyable cool climate wine and a superb value at this price. Strongly recommended, score 89 points.

Matchbook Tinto Rey 2007, California, USA

Spain meets California in this interesting blend of 44% Tempranillo, 36% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Graciano and 2% Petit Syrah with alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.9%. 

This wine opened up with aromas of cherry, blueberry, soft leather, gentle wood spices and cigar box notes. On the mouthfeel, a medium-full bodied wine with soft seductive fruit, finely textured, balanced acidity and silky tannins. This blends finish is moderately complex, very smooth with mature, spicy flavours. This is a very interesting wine with aromatics similar to a Spanish wine but with a riper, and rounder, more velvety texture. Had I tried this wine about a year ago; it would have most likely had a little more structure and tannins. Very enjoyable wine served slightly chilled, over the next year or so. Score 88 points.

Purchased May 11, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (317859) at $21.95
 

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of May 11, 2013 - Best from the Australian Feature and Mother's Day?

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR), I see another featured countries wine offering, that could have been much better. Also as an observation, even after having been heavily featured in March and April, the presence of wine from California is still dominating this NR offering. Oddly enough, Australia occupies the front cover of this release, in the mean time, the California offering outnumbers Australia's 17 to 12. As for the second featured story, “Rosé on the menu” I will give it a pass. I rarely enjoy rosé, in that I find that quality is often lacking and dry rosé is definitely not my thing. For fans of Italian wines, again you are in luck as this offering has many temptations. 

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? My answer would be; Matchbook Tinto Rey 2007 from California (317859) at $21.95. Spain meets California in this interesting blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano and Petit Syrah, a very smooth medium bodied wine ready to enjoy. 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;

Starting with white wines;

• Many recommended Chardonnay's in this release are produced by Dashwood Chardonnay 2011, from New Zealand (312942), at $19.95 to Blue Mountain's Chardonnay 2011 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95. And the always very good wines from La Crema, their 2011 Chardonnay from California (962886) at $28.95.
• For fans of Pinot Grigio, it is worth spending an extra few dollars for Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2012 from Italy (954024) at $18.95.

Now for the red wines;

• The best Baco Noir from this province in my view and previously released on September 15, 2012 (for the same price), Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 from Ontario (461699) at $24.95. I have one of these in my cellar, and cannot wait to open this one over a BBQ steak this summer.
  
  
• Lighter wines are always best in the summer served slightly chilled, and this one from Veneto definitely would be a nice pick. La Montecchia Ca’Emo Colli Euganei Rosso 2009 from Italy (316141) at $18.95, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with alcohol coming in at a modest 12.5%.
  
  
• Finally another lighter, easy drinking Côte-du-Rhône-Villages previously released on August 18, 2012, Domaine Les Grands Bois Cuvée Philippine Côte-du-Rhône-Villages 2010 from France (286344) at $19.95. I thought that the previously release price of $17.95 was a good value, to read my review follow the link here; 

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/02/domaine-les-grands-bois-cuvee.html


Best from the Australian Feature; This is the annual Australia feature at Vintages (mind you that there will be a Australian White feature on August 17). Featured here are 12 wines in total, 9 reds and 3 whites from the region of Barossa, Victoria, New South Whales and Margaret River in Western Australia. As per my Australian regions of preference, I usually prefer cooler regions like Western Australia, Claire Valley, Hunter Valley, Coonawarra and Heathcote in Victoria. I do enjoy wines from the very hot regions of Barossa and McLaren Vale, but they are rarely ready upon release. They are usually big, concentrated wines which needs 5-7 years in bottle after release to be enjoyed at their best. As for my favourite Australian wine, I would say it has to be Jim Barry McRae Wood Shiraz from Claire Valley. A wine with great balance and texture and pretty consistent from vintage to vintage. Here are my top three wines picks and a non pick from this Australia feature;

• Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2010 from Barossa (311365) at $22.95 – A reasonably priced Shiraz for the BBQ session, a blend of Shiraz grapes from different vineyard site throughout Barossa Valley with maturation in seasoned French and American oak hogsheads for 18 months and alcohol comes in at 14.5%.
  
  
• Grant Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2010 from Barossa (236257) at $29.95 – Consistently one of Australia best Châteauneuf-du-Pape style wine, in this case a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.
  
  
• Ladies who Shoot their Lunch Shiraz 2010 from Strathbogie Ranges in Victoria (243592) at $35.95 – This is a cool climate Shiraz, full bodied wine with maturation in a combination of English oak casks, French oak hogsheads and puncheons and 1/3 in stainless steel with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. Best enjoyed after giving it 2-3 additional years in bottle.
  
  
• Stella Bella Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009 from Margaret River (047639) at $29.95 – This would be my non pick and let me explain why. I have been following this wine for many vintages, for vintage like 2007 this wine was very good and most years the wine is consistently good, reliable and around $20.00. The last vintage (2008) was released at the LCBO for $21.90 in November of 2011, but for this 2009 vintage, the price is $29.95. Think I will pass.

Mother' Day? Every year the LCBO Vintages New Release have a Fathers’ Day feature (this year will be the June 8 NR) but what about Mothers’ Day? Mothers’ don’t drink wine? What, they drink milk with their pasta dish or tea with their filet mignon. In general, women prefer white over red and for the reds not overly tannic. Well, let me pick three wines which my mother would truly enjoy over the next few months;

• Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2010 from Germany (678011) at $29.95 – It’s no secret that generally, both women and sommeliers are fans of Rieslings. The sugar level of this Riesling Auslese is medium-sweet with alcohol coming in at 9.5% and would be a nice treat with any spicy dish like Thai, Indian or Vietnamese, sushi or a cheese platter.
  
  
• Terredora Campore Fiano Di Avellino 2009 from Campania in Italy (905596) at $23.95 – Don’t go looking for this wine in the NR booklet, you won’t find it. It is actually part of the In-store-Discovery (ISD). ISD are products released without fanfare, no mention in any booklet except for the Vintages website and these products are usually in very small quantities and only in the bigger stores. This white wine is made with 100% Fiano, maturation in a combination of stainless steel tanks (50%) and French oak barrels (50%). This is a very special and classy Italian white wine worth seeking out, only 69 cases for the whole province.
  
  
• Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007 from Italy (318105) at $51.95 – From the region of Piedmont in Italy and my pick for the best wine from this NR. Made with 100% Nebbiolo, with alcohol coming in at 14.5% and with flavours you expect from a Barolo, like red fruit, liquorice, tar and floral notes.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007 from Italy (318105) at $51.95

2- Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2010 from Germany (678011) at $29.95

3- Lazzeretti Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (318352) at $37.95


My top three wines for value;

1- La Montecchia Ca’Emo Colli Euganei Rosso 2009 from Italy (316141) at $18.95

2- Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2012 from Italy (954024) at $18.95

3- Matchbook Tinto Rey 2007 from California (317859) at $21.95



My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2010 from Australia (311365) at $22.95

2- Grand Burge The Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2010 from Australia (236257) at $29.95

3- Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch Shiraz 2010 from Australia (243592) at $35.95

4- Henry of Pelham Reserve Baco Noir 2010 from Ontario (461699) at $24.95

5- Matchbook Tinto Rey 2007 from California (317859) at $21.95

6- Simi Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (067744) at $39.95

7- La Chamiza Legend of Polo Malbec 2010 from Argentina (301267) at $18.95

8- Château de Chantegrive 2009 from France (321356) at $34.95

9- Château Tour Saint-André 2010 from France (138677) at $26.95

10-Famille Perin Les Simards Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (005975) at $19.95 – 375 ml

11-Krastistos 2008 from Greece (067473) at $18.95

12-Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007 from Italy (318105) at $51.95

13-Travaglini Gattinara 2007 from Italy (713354) at $29.95

14-Antonori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (651141) at $59.95

15-Lazzeretti Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (318352) at $37.95

16-La Montecchia Ca’Emo Colli Euganei Rosso 2009 from Italy (316141) at $18.95



White Wines;

1- Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (256552) at $18.95

2- Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2011 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95

3- Hartford Four Hearts Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 from California (095919) at $49.95

4- La Crema Chardonnay 2011 from California (962886) at $28.95

5- Dashwood Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (312942) at $19.95

6- Main Divide Riesling 2010 from New Zealand (309567) at $19.95

7- Domaine Serge Dagueneau & Filles Tradition Pouilly-Fumé 2011 from France (323634) at $28.95

8- Dr. Pauly-Bergweiller Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2010 from Germany (678011) at $29.95

9- Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2012 from Italy (954024) at $18.95

10-Terredora Campore Fiano Di Avellino 2009 from Italy (905596) at $23.95 - In-store-Discovery 

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of May 25, 2013 where the featured segments are "Pinot Noir around the world" and "German Riesling: old school and new wave". I am especially excited with the German Riesling feature, hope I will not be disappointed.


Cheers
Paul YWG   

Delaforce Touriga National 2009, DOC Douro, Portugal

 

 

Most Portuguese wines are a blend of different native grapes but this wine is made exclusively using Portugal's most famous red grape, Touriga Nacional. Maturation in French oak for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.
 

This wine opened up with aromas of plum-blackberry fruit, black currants, spices, earthy and minerals notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with a rich combination of fruit, spices and bitter chocolate, balanced acidity and firm, dusty tannins. Loads of energy, power and concentration on the finish with a nice tannic grip lingering. Very interesting to try Touriga Nacional on its own, it give you a better idea what it brings in a blend; a deeper color, Cabernet Sauvignon like power and concentration and plenty of tannins for long term ageing. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.
 

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (324517) at $18.95



Miguel Torres Ibéricos Crianza 2010, Rioja, Spain

 

This wine is 100% Tempranillo with maturation taking place in oak barrels for 12 months and alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, plum, spicy, light cedar and earthy notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, youthful, fresh and spicy with refreshing acidity and fine grained tannins. This wine’s finish is long with great energy. If you are looking for a lighter, easy drinking fruity red wine to be enjoyed throughout the summer. This would be an awesome choice and it’s certainly not lacking structure. I love those fine tannins, which had a nice texture on the finish. Best served around 15-16°C, this brings out the fruity character of this wine. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased April 28, 2013 at the SAQ (11180342) AT $17.95  



Castello Di San Sano Guarnellotto Chianti Classico Riserva 2008, Docg Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of Sangiovese, at 90% with the remaining 10% Canaiolo, from 15 to 35 years old vines and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

Bright ruby-red in color, this Chianti opened up with aromas of sweet and sour cherries, raspberry, red currants, dried herbs, cedar and light floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, spicy with fresh lively red fruit, crisp acidity and light tannins. This finish is long, juicy, spicy and slightly tangy with sweet berry fruit and loads of energy. This is a delicious textbook Chianti Classico, ready to enjoy, paired with pasta in a tomato sauce, spaghetti or Italian pasta. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 27, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (317529) at $23.95

Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc with the remaining 4% Merlot and Petit Verdot, barrel aged for 10 months in a combination of oak (42% American, 39% French and 19% Hungarian oak), of those 6% is new barrels and alcohol comes in at 14.1%.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry-blueberry, dried currants, white pepper, spice box and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with nice fruit and spices flavours, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Perfect weight on the length and on the finish, with a silky smooth texture and excellent depth of flavours. An elegant, complex and well balanced wine, which I enjoyed with cheese and charcuterie platter. It worked beautifully. Score 91 points. 

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (987420) at $25.95

My top three enjoyed wines for April 2013

An interesting month for my continued wine education, which included  attending the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa earlier this month. When I look at the 16 wines reviewed this month, again my love affair with Italian wines are on full display, with my top two picks. What never seems to amaze me is the variety of grapes and styles of wine coming out of Italy. I reviewed 4 wines from Italy, from Veneto to Tuscany, and Sicily and they were all very good. Not making my top three list but deserving to be mention here, Jabob's Creek St-Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia and Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva 2009 from Portugal. 

My top three wines in April

1- Antolini Morópio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc Veneto, Italy

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/04/antolini-moropio-amarone-della.html

I love a new discovery. My first experience with wines from Antolini Morópio, and after this experience certainly not the last. A seriously good wine here, sensuous texture with great flavours and a superb value for Amarone. 

2- Cellole Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, Docg Tuscany, Italy

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/04/cellole-chianti-classico-riserva-2007.html

Here is a well made Chianti Classico Riserva tailor made to be enjoyed with a great meal. For me, at all stages of this wine, from the quality of the grapes used to make this wine, to the great work at the winery. Nothing is overdone. A beautiful, authentic Chianti experience, went back to repurchase. 

3- Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/04/jackson-triggs-niagara-estate-grand.html

For me, I find it very hard to purchase a Pinot Noir, to many of them try to be what they should not be, a full bodied red. In good hands, like the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate, this Pinot Noir hits all the right notes for me, aromatic, great flavours, well balanced and pretty.