Kunde Zinfandel 2008, Sonoma County, California, USA

Mostly Zinfandel with a small amount of Petite Sirah and Syrah, with maturation in a combination of American, French and Hungarian oak for 19 months, alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

A beautiful sensuous nose on this Zin, with aromas of black cherry, wild berries, raisins, toasty oak, saddle leather, vanilla and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with ripe fruit concentration, peppery, cola flavours, nice acidity and silky tannins. This wines finish is a medium length with ripe and rich fruit concentration, peppery and savoury notes and a beautiful velvety texture. Great flavours on this Zinfandel, awesome value and strongly recommended. Score 89 points.

Purchased June 22, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (965921) at $21.95

Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006, DOCa Rioja, Spain

This wine is a blend of mostly Tempranillo, with 88%, 7% Mazuelo, 3% Garnacha (Grenache) and 2% Graciano, ageing took place in 225 litre American oak barrels for 18 months followed by 24 months in bottles before being released. Finally, alcohol comes in at 14%.

An intriguing and mature bouquet on this Rioja, with aromas of wild berries, plums, dried strawberry, Moroccan spices, sandalwood, floral and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with bright flavours, smooth texture, great acidity and fine grainy tannins. This wines finish is long, with great energy, flavourful, with a little bit of alcohol heat lingering. For me, this wine hits all the right notes, starting with a very sensuous bouquet, beautiful, well structured mouthfeel and a long flavourful, smooth and elegant finish. Drinking well now but should improve with a further 2-3 years in bottle. The quality/price ratio is well in your favour, score 92 points.

Purchased June 22, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (209148) at $24.95

La Rioja Alta S.A. Grand Reserva 904 Cosecha 2001, Rioja, Spain

This wine is made with mostly Tempranillo at 90%, from vines over 40 years old. 10% is Graciano, with maturation taking place in 4 year old American oak barrels, then aged for 4 years. With an additional 6 1/2 years aging in bottle at the vineyard, the alcohol comes in at 12.5%.

This is another mature Spanish beauty, with aromas of sweet wild berries, sour cherry-plum, dried figs, leather, gentle wood spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, light-medium bodied, silky smooth texture with delicate flavours, more spices than fruit at this stage, balanced acidity and fine tannins. A medium length on the finish with flavours of plum, exotic spices and fine silky tannins lingering, this 2001 Spanish vintage is the gift that keeps on giving, and this Grand Reserva is a good example of a traditional elegant and refined style of Tempranillo. I prefer this winery, Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial from the same vintage which I enjoyed last February; it had a little more structure. But this is still a gorgeous wine, score 91 points.

Purchased May 11, 2013 at Crush Wine & Spirits in New York City for $41.95

Finca El Origin Gran Reserva Malbec 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

This wine is made with 95% Malbec, and the remainder of 3% Bonarda of 2% Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role, maturation in French oak barrels for 12 months. The alcohol coming in at 15%.

A very pretty nose on this Malbec, with aromas of blueberry, dark plum, currants, violet, light cedar and baking spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious forward fruit and spices, well balanced by fresh acidity and firm tannins. This wines finish is long, spicy and very flavourful. I find that in this vintage, this Malbec shows a leaner more restrained style than the last few vintages, but I have to commend them on moving to a much lighter bottle. Definitely better for the environment and the bottom line I am sure. This wine should appeal widely, strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

Purchased June 22, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (65425) at $21.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of June 22, 2013 - Best from the Rhône offering of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages and My picks for...

Hello to all my wine friends,

The main features of this NR showcases the wines from the Rhône Valley (more on this latter) with the secondary feature being the wines from South Africa, and as often is the case with the secondary feature unfortunately, the selection (6 products) is pretty un-inspiring. As for the rest of this release, when you look closer, there are a few gems spread thought this NR which are worth taking under consideration. From a strong selection of Chardonnay's, a classic Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinot Noir from Louis Jadot and a solid Brunello from the family-owned Castello Banfi.

Now my favourite question;  If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006 from Spain (209148) at $24.95. There is something real special about wines from Rioja in Spain. The style of wines from Marqués De Murrieta is very traditional, sensuous and very elegant. No time in your cellar, they have done all of that for you. If you have never tried a quality wine from Spain, this would be an excellent start. 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;

• There are many recommended Chardonnay's in this release, apart from the Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2011, which I will talk about later, here are three which are recommended; starting with an un-oak, Flat Rock Unplugged Chardonnay 2012 from Ontario (068015) at $16.95; also from the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist La Clos Jordanne, La Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (033936) at $30.00 and finally Penfold Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2012 from Australia (611228) at $19.95.

• An interesting wine and the only recommended from the South Africa feature, Avondale Cyclus 2010 from South Africa (295220) at $29.95. A blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Rousanne and Sémillon.

Now for the red wines;

• Looking for a good value red blend; Alvaro Castro Red 2009 from Portugal (285288) at $16.95. A medium-body and fruity red blend of Touriga National, Alfrocheiro and Tinta-Roriz.

• As for my premium Italian picks; for fans of Barolo, Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo 2006 from Italy (268516) at $35.95 and for fans of Sangiovese and fuller bodied Brunello, Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (378257) at $59.95. Now let's get started;

Best from the Rhône offering of the 2009, 2010 and 2011; I like the idea of showcasing three different vintages from the same region. But to really have an idea about vintage variation it would have been more interesting to offer a vertical. For example, Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas 2009, 2010 and 2011. The blend would have been very similar same with the maturation process. The differences would have been the three different growing seasons and the time already spent in bottles. Unless it was a very bad growing session, I usually would buy an older vintage. Most wines are usually best 7 to 10 years after the vintage year.

• Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas 2009 from France (718221) at $29.95 - Gigondas are usually more elegant and approachable in their youth than Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, average age of the vines are 65 years old with alcohol coming in at 13%.
•  Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (959627) at $39.95 - If you are looking for a more elegant style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this one would be it. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre and 2% Cinsault with alcohol coming in at 14%.

• Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (735407) at $43.95 - Château La Nerthe are known for being a very reliable producer and this wine is a blend of 42% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 4% Cinsault, with maturation taking place in barrels (51%) and the remaining 49% aged in casks, alcohol comes in at 13%.

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

• My Chardonnay pick; Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2011 from California (655381) at $34.95 - I rarely spend this money on a Chardonnay but after tasting at this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival, I purchased one of these at the festival store. A beautiful, full bodied, creamy but well balanced Chardonnay. 

• My Canada Day pick; Creekside Laura's Red 2010 from Ontario (117960) at $19.95 - From the very ripe 2010 vintage here in Ontario, this wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 47.3% with Merlot in a strong co-star role at 37.2% with Shiraz 10.8% and Malbec 4.7% in a supporting role. A strong candidate to pair with any barbequed red meat, including hamburgers.

• My summer BBQ pick; Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (065425) at $21.95 - This is a perennial favourite of mine, a big, luscious style of Malbec (95% Malbec, 3% Bonarda and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon) and this year a much environmentally friendly bottle. This Malbec is always delicious serve slightly chilled (a review to come in the next few days). 

• My Zin pick; Kunde Zinfandel 2008 from California (965921) at $21.95 - There is something about Zinfandel and summer which makes them such great partners. Mostly Zinfandel with a small amount of Petite Sirah and Syrah, with maturation in a combination of American, French and Hungarian oak for 19 months. This could have easily been my summer BBQ pick, ready to go.

My top three wines from this release;

1- Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (735407) at $43.95

2- Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2011 from California (655381) at $34.95

3- Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo 2006 from Italy (268516) at $35.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Alvaro Castro Red 2009 from Portugal (285288) at $16.95

2- Domaine de la Gravelle Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2011 from France (322610) at $12.95

3- Poggio IL Castellare Rosso Di Montalcino 2010 (330662) at $19.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas 2009 from France (718221) at $29.95

2- Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (959627) at $39.95

3- Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (735407) at $43.95

4- Creekside Laura's Red 2010 from Ontario (117960) at $19.95

5- Kunde Zinfandel 2008 from California (965921) at $21.95

6- Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2010 from Argentina (065425) at $21.95

7- Concha Y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Syrah 2009 from Chile (019042) at $19.95

8- Grant Burge Corryton Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Australia (317834) at $32.95

9- The Hedonist Shiraz 2009 from Australia (090191) at $23.95

10- Château Moulin de Clotte Cuvée Dominique 2008 from France (325928) at $18.95

11- Louis Jadot Beaune Theurons 1er Cru 2010 from France (042838) at $45.95

12- Cascina Dardi Bussia Barolo 2006 from Italy (268516) at $35.95

13- Banfi Brunello Di Montalcino 2007 from Italy (378257) at $59.95

14- Poggio IL Castellare Rosso Di Montalcino 2010 (330662) at $19.95

15- Alvaro Castro Red 2009 from Portugal (285288) at $16.95

16- Marqués De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva 2006 from Spain (209148) at $24.95

White Wines;

1- Avondale Cyclus 2010 from South Africa (295220) at $29.95

2- Flat Rock Unplugged Chardonnay 2012 from Ontario (068015) at $16.95

3- La Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (033936) at $30.00

4- Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay 2011 from California (655381) at $34.95

5- Penfold Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2012 from Australia (611228) at $19.95

6- Sileni Cellars Selection Pinot Gris 2012 from New Zealand (032292) at $17.95

7- Domaine Schlumber Kessler Pinot Gris from France (249623) at $25.95

8- Domaine de la Gravelle Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2011 from France (322610) at $12.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of July 6, 2013 where the featured segments are "A California-casual get-together" and "Perfectly pure wines" whatever that means. The New Release of July 6 will be my last newsletter, as I am preparing to move to Alberta. This should prove to be very interesting as there are no government or monopoly wine and spirit merchandisers in Alberta, all of them are privately run.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

 

 

This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and in a supporting role Malbec 2%, Cabernet Franc 2% and Petit Verdot 1%, with maturation taking place in French oak for 10 months. This wine is unfined, but filtered, listed as dry, and alcohol comes in at 13%.

 

This wine is a textbook Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black currants, blackberry, damp earth, mint, savoury spices, black pepper, espresso and toasty notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, robust, firm textured but not overbearing, low acidity and fine drying tannins. Very good length on the finish, very masculine with layered dark fruit, savoury and earthy notes with a fine tannic grip lingering. Definitely more Bordeaux than Australia in style with a lot of life left here, best enjoyed in 2-3 years. Well made, enjoyable, score 89 points. 

     

Purchased October October 13, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (283077) at $29.95

Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011, DOC Veneto, Italy

This wine is from a single vineyard, hand harvested blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano, ageing took place in ox tanks (no oak) and alcohol comes in at 12.5%.

This wine opened up with very fresh aromas of citrus fruit, gooseberry, pear and light mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with steely, salty and citrus flavours, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity. The finish is long, crisp, refreshing with lots of citrus/lime fruit, pear flavours and an underlying minerality. Such a superb value for a wine of this quality. As for a pairing possibility, I would suggest any dish with a cream sauce or white fish with a splash of lemon. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased June 8, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (134551) at $13.95

Quinta de Lubazim Grande Reserva 2008, DOC Douro, Portugal

 

 

This is the top wine, produced from this estate. A blend of 40% Touriga National, 30% Touriga Franca with the remaining 30% a mix of old-vine varietals, maturation taking place new French oak barrels of 200 and 300 litres for 12 months and alcohol comes in at 14%.

A beautiful nose on this wine, with aromas of ripe berry fruit, dried cherries, red currants, mocha, cigar box and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied almost creamy with a rich combination of fruit, burnt sugar and spice flavours, balanced acidity and fine grained-chewy tannins. The finish is long, intensely flavourful, smooth with a texture that is pure velvet. An old world wine which is more tailored to a new world palate, with a generous fruit concentration, lots of toasty oak but well integrated at this stage. Lots of everything but no excess, a Touriga National blend that is easy to enjoy. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased June 8, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (317073) at $28.95

Les Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône 2010, AC Rhône, France

This wine is a blend of mostly Grenache, at 85%, with Syrah at 10% and Mourvèdre at 5% with alcohol coming in at 15%.

This wine opened up with aromas of plumy-wild berry fruit, licorice, incense, toasty and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, dry, medium-full bodied and smooth with concentrated flavours, savoury, mild acidity and firm tannins. The finish is medium length with flavours of black fruit, savoury herbs and spicy. This is exactly what I expect from a nice Côtes du Rhône, easy drinking with great flavours, and at this price, a great buy. Strongly recommended, score 89 points.  

Purchased June 8, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (276956) at $17.95

Blue Mountain Pinot Noir 2011, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This wine is 100% Pinot Noir from 5 to 27 year old vines.  Over 50% of this vintage was fermented with wild yeast, with maturation in new to three year old French oak for 10 months and alcohol commes in at 12.5%

This wine opened up with a sumptuous bouquet of ripe berry fruit, red currants, savoury spices, light floral and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, light to medium bodied with a silky smooth texture, a delicious spicy, sweet and sour fruit profile, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Very nice finish on this Pinot, quite consistent, smooth with spicy fruit flavours and an underlying minerality. This is a very elegant Pinot Noir, loved the low alcohol, minimum amount of oak, very feminine and pretty. Gorgeous, score 93 points. 

Purchased at the Vancouver International Wine Festival February 28, 2013 at $24.90

Nk’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This Merlot opened up with aromas of cherry, plum, herbal, baking spices, tobacco leaf and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, fruity and spicy with balanced acidity and fined grained tannins. The finish is short but pleasant. The challenging 2008 vintage is showing in this wine, not as ripe or concentrated and savoury as there very good Qwam Qwmt Merlot 2006 and 2007 vintage, score 88 points.

Purchased July 18, 2011 at the Wine Barrel in Victoria, BC at $30.10

Erasmo 2006, Maule Valley, Chile

This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, dry farmed and all hand harvested, with ageing taking place in French oak for 18 months. This wine was bottled, unfiltered, in February 2008 and alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with a lovely bouquet of ripe berry fruit, stewed plums, fresh herbs, tobacco leaf, vanilla and toasty cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with rich and concentrated flavours, fresh acidity and firm, dusty tannins. This wine's finish is long, robust with great depth of flavours. I love the intensity and texture of this Bordeaux blend. The oak is well integrated at this stage and the flavours are maturing nicely. Ready to go with any red meat off the BBQ, a very good value and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased March 30, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (311837) at $21.95

Domaine de la Charbonnière Les Hautes Brusquières Cuvée Spéciale Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007, AC Rhône, France

From the very good 2007 vintage, this wine is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Each varietal is aged separately before blending and alcohol comes in at 15%.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, plum, cherry, light licorice, fresh herbs, floral, earthy and sandalwood notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious soft seductive fruit, herbs and spices flavours, mild acidity and fined grained tannins. Good length on the finish with flavours of sweet berry fruit, gentle wood spices, fine tannins but the last thing lingering is some hot alcohol heat. I enjoyed this wine with friends and we were all unanimous on the verdict, exquisite aromatics, great almost silky and spicy texture in the mouth but hot alcohol finish that was a real bummer. Just enough to score 90 points, but can’t see myself matching Robert Parker Jr. 95+ given in October 2009.

Purchased from the LCBO Classics Collection February 2011 (579581) at $54.00

Domaine Tournon Shay’s Flat Vineyard Shiraz 2010, Pyrenees, Victoria, Australia

Deep opaque purple in color, the majority of these Shiraz grapes was aged in French oak for 12 months with a small portion of the remaining wine aged in tanks; alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, exotic spices, forest floor, saddle leather and gamey notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with layered dark fruit and peppery flavours, rich almost creamy texture, fresh acidity and light tannins. Excellent depth of flavours on the finish with loads of dark fruit with leathery, earthy and peppery notes lingering. This is a flavourful and complex cool climate Aussie Shiraz, closer in style to a northern Rhône Syrah. Quite compelling, love the texture of this Shiraz, score 91 points.

Purchased January 19, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (311480) at $29.95

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

This wine is made with 100% hand harvested Sauvignon Blanc, with maturation in stainless steel tanks (no oak) and alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

Greeny yellow in color, this wine opened up with a very intense bouquet of passion fruit, fresh squeezed grapefruit/lime fruit with a stony mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with an intense citrus/lemonade flavours and lively acidity. This Sauvignon Blanc finish is long, edgy, clean and refreshing. It is best enjoyed with food like chicken, pasta in a cream sauce or a nice summer salad. Just as enjoyable as their 2011 vintage, strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (677450) at $22.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of June 8, 2013 - Wine gifts for dad and My top three picks for value

Hello to all my wine friends,

       

Looking at this New Release (NR) I see a better selection than usual of wines under $20.00, which I know will please many of you, with few high price temptations and a few off the beaten path options. If you are a fan of Australian wines this NR is not for you, with only one OZ wine being released, a Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2011 vintage, a baby straight out of the barrels, which means a cellar candidate. 

Now my favourite question;  If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (134551) at $13.95. With summer approaching ever so slowly, we will have more opportunities to drink white wine over the next 3-4 months. But Soave? Yes, give it a try, a beautiful complex and refreshing wine for $13.95. Here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

 

Starting with white wines;

• For fans of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (10421) at $21.95.

  
  

  
  
• Here is a fine Italian Pinot Grigio for summer patio sipping, Istituto Agrario San Michele All’Adige Pinot Grigio 2011 from Italy (249540) at $17.95.

 

Now for the red wines;

• Here are two BBQ options, first a Zinfandel from California, DeLoach Zinfandel 2010 from California (149237) at $29.95 and a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, Urraca Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Argentina (271080) at $19.95. In the summer don’t forget to serve slightly chilled around 16 °C to 18 °C, this will bring out the fruit and tame the alcohol and tannins.

  
  

  
  
• Lately I have enjoyed discovering red wines from Portugal and this one is highly recommended, Quinta De Lubazim Grande Reserva 2008 from Portugal (317073) at $28.95. Now let's get started; 

 

My Father's Day wine gift ideas;  With Fathers Day fast approaching (June 16), if you are looking for a fine bottle of wine to show your appreciation to your father, here are a few recommendations. Most men that I know prefer a full bodied red wine, I have four of those wines for you to consider and I will try to cover all the bases with these three picks; a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend from California; two wines from Italy; an Amarone and a Brunello. My suggestion, if your father prefers a white, how about this full bodied Chardonnay from California, Grigich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2010 from California (346304) at $54.95.

 

• Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2009 from California (89284) at $52.95 – For dad who likes them big, a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 77% and in a strong supporting role Merlot at 23%, ageing for 19 months in primarily used air-dried American oak barrels (only 15% new) and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

  
  

  
  

• Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (356220) at $49.95 – A few years back, I developed a slight addiction to Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004. I keep going back to my dealer to repurchase, that wine was so good. Very consistent from vintage to vintage, as for this 2009 vintage, a blend of 50% Corvina Veronese, 30% Rondinella, 15% Corvinone and 5% Molinara, ageing took place in Slavonian oak casks and alcohol comes in at 15%.
  
  

   

• Poggiotondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (276576) at $34.95 – If dad prefers a mature old world type of wine, here is a elegant, classic Brunello (100% Sangiovese), which I had the opportunity to enjoy last November. This Brunello, six months later, should be even smoother but I still recommend decanting before serving, follow the link below for the review. 

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/poggiotondo-brunello-di-montalcino-2006.html

 

My top three picks for value; I have often been asked to recommend wines under $20.00. Well in this NR, there are many wines of great value and worth stocking up, that I decided to elaborate on three of these wines. These wines should offer enjoyable drinking pleasure, delivering quality well above their asking price and not likely to disappoint.

 

• Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (134551) at $13.95 – I know that Soave can be a hard sell but when in good hands and not over cropped, you get a great wine like this one. This wine is from a single vineyard, hand harvested blend of 70% Garganega and 30% Trebbiano, ageing took place in ox tanks (no oak) and alcohol comes in at 12.5%. Food pairing suggestions; ideal as aperitif, hors d’oeuvres, vegetarian meal and white fish dish.

• Les Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône 2010 from France (276956) at $17.95 – I had the opportunity to visit this winery both at the Vancouver International Wine Festival this year and tasted all four of their wines. I am not a fan of their Rasteau and Gigongas 2010, but loved their Châteauneuf-du-Pape and this Côtes du Rhône 2010. A full bodied and easy drinking blend of mostly Grenache at 85% with Syrah at 10% and Mourvèdre at 5% with alcohol coming in at 15%. Now here is the kicker, this wine is sold in British Columbia for $24.99 and here in Ontario for $17.95. At $17.95, I feel it represents an awesome value.
  

• Lealtanza Crianza 2009 from Spain (114835) at $16.95 – For fans Spanish Rioja wines, here is a not to be missed, a red Rioja, made with 100% estate grown Tempranillo. Maturation taking place in French oak for 12 months plus an additional 12 months in bottle before release, alcohol coming in at a moderate 13.3%. Pairing suggestions; beef, lamb, game, grilled pork or chicken, cheese or tapas.

 

My top three wines from this release;

1- Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2009 from California (89284) at $52.95

2- Poggiotondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (276576) at $34.95

3- Altamira De Los Andes Navigato Family Selection Grand Reserve 2008 from Argentina (314872) at $46.95

 

My top three wines for value;

1- Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (134551) at $13.95

2- Les Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône 2010 from France (276956) at $17.95

3- Lealtanza Crianza 2009 from Spain (114835) at $16.95

 

My wine picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines;

1- Chakana Estate Selection Red 2011 from Argentina (322602) at $29.95

2- Altamira De Los Andes Navigato Family Selection Grand Reserve 2008 from Argentina (314872) at $46.95

3- Urraca Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Argentina (271080) at $19.95

4- DeLoach Zinfandel 2010 from California (149237) at $29.95

5- Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet/Merlot 2009 from California (89284) at $52.95

6- Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2010 from New Zealand (586081) at $16.95

7- Château Cap de Faugères 2010 from France (321372) at $34.95

8- Château La Clare 2009 from France (331751) at $29.95

9- Les Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône 2010 from France (276956) at $17.95

10-Paitin Sori’ Paitin Barbaresco 2008 from Italy (106591) at $32.95

11-Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2009 from Italy (597534) at $18.95

12-Poggiotondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (276576) at $34.95

13-Masi Brolo Campofiorin Oro Appaxximento 2009 from Italy (976092) at $24.95

14-Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (356220) at $49.95

15-Quinta De Lubazim Grande Reserva 2008 from Portugal (317073) at $28.95

16-Lealtanza Crianza 2009 from Spain (114835) at $16.95

 

White Wines;

1- Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2012 from Ontario (43281) at $16.95

2- Grigich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2010 from California (346304) at $54.95

3- Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2011 from Oregon (324491) at $20.95

4- Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (10421) at $21.95

5- Domaine Raoul Gautherin & Fils Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2010 from France (159236) at $28.95

6- Château de la Gravelle Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Gorges 2006 from France (656736) at $15.95

7- Istituto Agrario San Michele All’Adige Pinot Grigio 2011 from Italy (249540) at $17.95

8- Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (134551) at $13.95

 

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of June 22, 2013 where the featured segments are “Southern Rhône: the 2009, ’10 and ’11 vintages” and “Modern South Africa wines” 

 

Cheers

Paul YWG