Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of August 3, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

As you may recalled my last newsletter mentioned that I would be unable to provide my picks for this week New Release (NR).  However, many of you have asked if I could provide a brief review with a list of recommended wines. I am more than happy to provide an abbreviated version of my newsletter. The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases; "Fresh from France, refreshing whites", an interesting variety of grapes and sweetness level of which 4 are recommended out of the 13, with the remainder still a good option. The secondary feature is the "Syrah and Shiraz, one grape, two names, many styles" with only 1 wine recommended out of the 7 wines (from 6 different countries). For me, when you say Shiraz, the first country I think about is Australia but there is none to be found in the featured Syrah/Shiraz offering, which is a bit peculiar. If you are looking for an Aussie Shiraz, two of them are here, in the Australian section of the NR. My pick for top wines of this release, St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from the Barossa Valley (535104) at $34.95 and Swings & Roundabouts Shiraz 2011 from the cooler climate Margaret River in Western Australia (329839), at $21.95.

 

Now my favourite question;  If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be?  Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95. Syrah wines from Tuscany can be very sensuous and this wine is a full bodied blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;  

Starting with white wines;

 

• If you have never tried a wine made with Chenin Blanc grapes these two wines would be a great start; from the Chenin Blanc specialist in South Africa, Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 (231282) at $17.95 and Marc Brédif Vouvray 2011 from la Loire, France (685362) at $19.95 (I have reviewed there last two vintages of their Vouvray, 2009 and 2010), I love their wines.
   
   
• Here is a rich style of Pinot Gris from California to consider; Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris from Russian River Valley in Sonoma County (047787) at $19.95.

   

   
• For the off the beaten track adventurous out there, here are two of them to consider; Lua Cheia Em Vinhas Velhas 2011 from Portugal (336073) at $15.95 (from old vines native grapes) and Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira 2011 from Spain (218313) at $15.95 (made with Verdejo grapes)

 

Now for the red wines;

• My local pick from the very good 2010 vintage in Ontario, Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Niagara Peninsula (130997) at $31.95.
  
  
• For fans of Bodegas Lan, don't wait too long to pick a few bottles of Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007 from Spain (042929) at $21.95.
  
  
• Lovers of California Cabernet Sauvignon, here is a good value, mid price Cab to consider; Cameron Hughes Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (329854) at $24.95.
  
  
• And finally, here is my BBQ pick for you; Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95 with a nice medium rare steak would be awesome.

My top three wines from this release; 

1- St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from Australia (535104) at $34.95 

2- Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Ontario (130997) at $31.95 

3- Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95

 

My top three wines for value; 

1- Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 from South Africa (231282) at $17.95 

2- Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2011 from Italy (650713) at $17.95 

3- Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95

 

 

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines; 

1- Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Ontario (130997) at $31.95 

2- Cade Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (325027) at $104.95 

3- Cameron Hughes Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (329854) at $24.95 

4- Decoy Zinfandel 2010 from California (327502) at $29.95 

5- Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (292300) at $115.95 

6- Altivo Balance Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Argentina (324202) at $21.95 

7- Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95 

8- St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from Australia (535104) at $34.95 

9- Swings & Roundabouts Shiraz 2011 from Australia (329839) at $21.95 

10- Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010 from New Zealand (034827) at $24.95 

11- Château Puygueraud 2009 from France (189423) at $22.85 

12- Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95 

13- Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2011 from Italy (650713) at $17.95 

14- Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007 from Spain (042929) at $21.95 

15- Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2005 from Spain (927913) at $29.95

 

White Wines; 

1- Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2010 from France (112227) at $19.95 

2- Marc Brédif Vouvray 2011 from France (685362) at $19.95 

3- Rolly Gassmann Riesling 2009 from France (328898) at $20.95 

4- Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris from California (047787) at $19.95 

5- Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2010 from California (329615) at $49.95 

6- Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (328401) at $19.95 

7- Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 from South Africa (231282) at $17.95 

8- Lua Cheia Em Vinhas Velhas 2011 from Portugal (336073) at $15.95 

9- Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira 2011 from Spain (218313) at $15.95

 

Sparkling Wines; 

1- Château Moncontour Tête de Cuvée Brut Vouvray from France (207936) at $16.95

 

That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week and I am off for a small vacation in Newfoundland. We will be back for the next New Release of August 17, 2013, where the featured segments are Fine wines from the "other" Italy and Refreshing Aussie whites.

 

Cheers

Paul YWG

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

A deep gold in color, this Chardonnay opened up with aromas of peach, pineapple, pink grapefruit, crème brulée and light minerality. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%), rich, slightly creamy and fresh acidity. This wines finish is long with a rich combination of tropical / citrus fruit with a buttery texture. Overall a very nice Chardonnay, I would have preferred a little less oak, but the mouthfeel was very nice with enough acidity to balance all that sweetness. Score 90 points.

 

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO Vintages Essential (359513) at $29.95



Château Des Charmes St. David’s Bench Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada

 

 

What a great summer and food wine this Cabernet Franc has shown itself to be. It is a great departure from the full bodied, sweet and heavy wines. This wine opened up with aromas of wild strawberry, plum, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, oak vanillin, white pepper and floral-violet notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (alcohol comes in at 13.5%), dry, flavourful and very elegant with balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. The length on the finish is very good, smooth with a sweet-sour edge, flavours of berries-plum fruit, vanilla, spices and fine grained tannins lingering. Lots of finesse and elegance in this Cabernet Franc with endless pairing possibilities. Really enjoyable, score 89 points.  

 

Purchased June19, 2013 at Château Des Charmes boutique in Ottawa at $25.95



San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese, with the first year maturation 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 before being released, with alcohol coming in at 14.1%. 

 

This Brunello opened up with a maturing and complex bouquet of red cherry, plum, soft leather, cedarwood, savoury spices and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with a silky smooth texture, seductive fruit and gentle wood spices flavours with fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long and elegant with flavours of sweet and sour fruit flavours, spices and fine tannins prolonging the length and pleasure of this Brunello. Just as gorgeous as their 2005 vintage, if not better, and drinking beautifully now. Score 92 points.

 

Purchased March 2, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (212431) at $47.95



Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah (all Napa Valley fruit) with maturation in French oak barrels (15% new) for 18 months. It was blended, than bottled in July 2012, with alcohol coming in at 14.3%.

 

Classic masculine Cabernet Sauvignon bouquet with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrants, tobacco, saddle leather, black olives and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dried with robust flavours, low acidity and fine structured tannins. Very good weight and length on the finish with great flavours and a nice tannic grip. This is a very enjoyable well made Cabernet that walks a fine line between power and elegance. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years, strongly recommended. Score 90 points. 

 

Purchased May 30, 2013 LCBO Vintages Essential (255513) at $34.95 

Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuvée Chardonnay 2009, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, USA

 

 

This wine is produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes, and opened up with aromas of pineapple, peach, apple, crème brulée and light citrus notes. On the mouthfeel, a full bodied wine with alcohol coming in at 14.2%, rich, buttery with a sweet caramel flavours and low acidity. The length on the finish is good with a mixture of citrus and tropical fruit flavours and light minerals notes. Overall, this Chardonnay is enjoyable but I felt it could have been much better. For my palate this wine feels a little heavy, the product of too much toasty oak. When I think of cool-climate wines, I look for a wine with a vibrant energy and better acidity. Score 87 points. 

Purchased April 27, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (233981) at $23.95

Lornano Chianti Classico 2009, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

 

This wine is 100% Sangiovese with maturation taking place in French oak for 12 months follow by 6 months in the bottle before being released with the alcohol at 14%.

 

Great vibrant nose on this Chianti, with aromas of red berry fruit, leather, floral notes and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with sweet and sour edge flavours of berries, cherry and plum, lively acidity and fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long, fresh and lively with excellent depth of flavours. Absolutely love this well made, traditional style of Chianti Classico and at this price it is a great value. Not to be missed for any lovers of Sangiovese based wines, score 90 points.

 

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (211599) at $16.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of July 20, 2013 - My picks from the Global BBQ fare offering and Cool-Clima​te Chardonnay

Hello to all my wine friends,

 

The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases BBQ wines from around the world, with the secondary feature being a solid selection of “Cool-Climate Chardonnay”. When you take a closer look at this NR, there is only one wine over $50.00, which is a bit unusual, but maybe not so much for a summer release. That means, if you are looking for a premium wine for a gift, Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (189795) at $87.95 has no competition here. That being said, I have recommended many red wines at the $20.00 mark, ideal for summer entertaining and your budget.

 

 

Now my favourite question;  If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (642496) at $29.95. I always love the elegant and mature wine coming out of this winery. This wine is 90% Tempranillo with maturation in French and American oak for 30 months and alcohol comes in at 13%. This wine is ready to enjoy now or could be cellared for a further 2-3 years. 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 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc like me, here is a SB to be considered, Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (663286) at $19.95

   
• Here is my pick for of the off the beaten track white of this NR, Casal Farneto Crisio Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Riserva Classico 2010 from Italy (326926) at $19.95. This is a medium bodied white, made with the Italian grape Verdicchio and ideal for a pasta dish in a cream sauce, or with chicken, pork or seafood.

 

Now for the red wines;
 

• Here is a not to be missed reasonably priced wine from Tuscany, Fontalpino Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (275859) at $23.95
   
• For fans of a cooler wine region of Australia, Leasingham Winemakers selection Bin 61 Shiraz 2009, (448241) at $25.95 is from the Clare Valley region of South Australia. This is one of those wines which would benefit from 1-2 years in your cellar.
   
•  As for my recommended off the beaten track red of this NR, Château de Ventenac la Grande Réserve Cabardès 2009 from France (336255) at $17.95. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Merlot 30%, Syrah 35% and Grenache 5%. Now let’s get started;      

 

 

My picks from the “Global BBQ fare” offering;  What I look for in a summer BBQ wine is a wine with lots of flavour, good acidity (refreshing), low tannins, not to high in alcohol (when possible) and a decent price. Of the 20 wines featured in this Global BBQ fare, I would only recommend four. Now I know that to be featured in a segment like this, wineries have to pay extra for the added visibility. However, there are many other wines in this release which would work very well during this BBQ season. So here are a few affordable reds, for your summer entertaining;

 

• Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenère 2009 from Chile (325365) at $17.95 – This is a new product at the LCBO from Chile. Interestingly, Carmenère was for a long time mistaken for Merlot. This winery uses French oak for their wines and alcohol comes in at 14%.

   
• Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2010 from Australia (327387) at $18.95 – For fans of full bodied, rich McLaren Vale Shiraz, this wine is 100% Shiraz with maturation in French oak for 10 months. Alcohol comes in at 14%. This wine is a perfect match with a juicy steak from the Barbie.
   
•  Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2008 from South Africa (053124) at $16.95 – An elegant blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with 14% Merlot in a supporting role and alcohol comes in at 14.4%.
   
•  Porca de Murça Reserva Tinto 2010 from Portugal (684753) at $17.95 – One of two great wines in this NR from Real Companhia Velha the other being their Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2009. A wine company dedicated to producing high quality wines made with native Portuguese grapes in a mixture of traditional and modern style. This wine should be paired with BBQ steak or lamb.  It could benefit from 1-2 years of additional time in your cellar to allow the tannins to soften, if you prefer.   

 

Cool-Climate Chardonnay;  The Chardonnay grape is the most popular white grape and is grown throughout the wine world because of its early ripening nature. I generally prefer Chardonnay from cooler growing regions of the world, like Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, the cooler regions of California, Chablis in France, Tasmania in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Friuli region of Italy to name a few. The reason, cool-climate regions improve the wines natural acidity which makes them lighter, dryer and more refreshing. This of course depends on how the grapes are handled at the vineyard, meaning judicious use of oak. Here is my pick of three of these Chardonnays from cooler regions; 

 

• Nautilus Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (657569) at $24.95 – The same region in New Zealand which produce fantastic Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) also produce some very nice Chardonnay. This wine is produced with 100% Chardonnay, maturation in French oak (20% new) and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.
  
  
•  Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011 from South Africa (931006) at $32.95 – For a few years now I have been reading about this winery that produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It seems that they pay a great deal of attention to the important details in their wine making of which they are all well rated. This wine is made with 100% estate Chardonnay fruit with maturation in French oak for 8 months (34% new and the rest is 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th use) and alcohol comes in at a low of 13%.
  
  
•  Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (345819) at $44.95 – The winemaker responsible for this stunning Chardonnay (Thomas Bachelder) sure is a busy man. Bachelder is a “virtual” winery and his project is making both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from three different regions; Niagara Peninsula here in Ontario, the state of Oregon in the United States and Burgundy in France. This wine is a full bodied and rich style of Chardonnay with alcohol coming in at 13.9%.   

 

My top three wines from this release;

1- Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011 from South Africa (931006) at $32.95

 

2- Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (345819) at $44.95

 

3- Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (642496) at $29.95

 

 

My top three wines for value;

 

1- Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2008 from South Africa (053124) at $16.95

 

2- Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenère 2009 from Chile (325365) at $17.95

 

3- Porca de Murça Reserva Tinto 2010 from Portugal (684753) at $17.95

 

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

 Red Wines;

1- Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (189795) at $87.95 

2- Altocedro Ano Cero Malbec 2011 from Argentina (322768) at $19.95 

3- Bisquertt Ecos De Rulo Carmenère 2009 from Chile (325365) at $17.95

 

4- Tamaya Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Chile (292367) at $14.95

 

5- Leasingham Winemakers selection Bin 61 Shiraz 2009 from Australia (448241) at $25.95

 

6- Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2010 from Australia (327387) at $18.95

 

7- Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2008 from South Africa (053124) at $16.95

 

8- Château Pindefleurs 2009 from France (195263) at $28.85

 

9- Château de Ventenac la Grande Réserve Cabardès 2009 from France (336255) at $17.95

 

10- Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2010 from France (643239) at $24.95

 

11- Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2010 from France (280966) at $26.95

 

12- Fontalpino Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (275859) at $23.95

 

13- Renieri Invetro 2010 from Italy (330696) at $19.95

 

14- Porca de Murça Reserva Tinto 2010 from Portugal (684753) at $17.95

 

15- Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2009 from Portugal (657452) at $19.95

 

16- Baron De Ley Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (642496) at $29.95

 

 

White Wines;

 

1- Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (345819) at $44.95

 

2- Nautilus Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (657569) at $24.95

 

3- Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (663286) at $19.95

 

4- Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2011 from South Africa (931006) at $32.95

 

5- Maison Roche de Bellène Rully les Cloux 1^er Cru 2011 from France (339226) at $29.95

 

6- Rolly Gassmann Rotleibel de Rorschwihr Auxerrois 2007 from France (328872) at $19.95

 

7- Billaud-Simon Vaillons Chablis 1^er Cru 2009 from France (330175) at $35.95

 

8- Casal Farneto Crisio Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Riserva Classico 2010 from Italy (326926) at $19.95 

 

That is all for me and my team. I will be taking a small vacation and won’t be reviewing the next New Release of August 3, 2013. For those of you who are wondering, the featured segments will be "Fresh French whites" and "Syrah and Shiraz around the world". My world is a bit hectic at the moment, but I will try to provide my recommendations for the following New Release in August.

 

Cheers

Paul YWG

Domaine des Aubusières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011, AC Loire, France

 

 

Pale straw in color, this wine is made with 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, with fermentation and maturation in thermo-regulated vats and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

 

This wine opened up with aromas of peaches, apple, citrus fruit, minerals and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, off-dry (with 12 g/L of residual sugar) with a mouth coating sweetness of ripe tree fruit and honey but well match by lively acidity. This Vouvray’s finish is long, with a beautiful rich honeyed texture and light mineral notes. This is the third time I have enjoyed this wine over the last month, twice before with friends and all of us were in agreement that this was well made, very enjoyable and a superb value. Strongly recommended, score 89 points.

 

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (057042) at $17.95

Sterling Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California. USA

 



This wine is blend of 82% Merlot, and in a supporting role 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Zinfandel and the remaining 6% on specific (other) varietals with maturation in French and American oak for 14 months, alcohol comes in at 14.4%.

 

You would think will all these different grapes that this wine would be complex and interesting, but unfortunately this is not the case. What we have is a muted bouquet of stewed berries, dirty leather, oak and spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dry and not that fruity, with low acidity and fine grained tannins. This Merlot’s finish has a medium length with flavours dominated by oak characteristics.  Not the kind of Merlot I would usually prefer, which is juicy, plumy, savoury and easy drinking. This one feels highly manipulated and actually feels more like a Cabernet. Disappointing, especially at this price, score 85 points.

 

Part of LCBO Vintage Essential (330241) at $27.95



Pinyolet Garnacha 2011, DO Montsant, Spain

This wine is 100% dry farmed and organically grown Garnacha (Grenache) from 50 (plus) year old vines, aged completely in stainless steel on its lees for 6 months (no oak barrels) and alcohol comes in at 14%. 

This wine opened up with ripe aromas of strawberry-raspberry fruit, soft leather, herbs and spices with a stony minerality notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, spicy and very flavourful with fresh acidity and silky tannins. This Grenache has a juicy fruit driven finish with loads of energy and length. A great summer wine, but I can’t emphasize enough that this wine is better served slightly chilled (around 16 to 17 °C). As it was warming up it almost felt like a different wine, with the ripe fruit character of this Grenache turning slightly tart. Overall a charming and very interesting wine, score 89 points.  

Purchased July 6, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (271791) at $17.95

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Merlot 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

 

From the very good 2010 vintage here in Ontario this Merlot has been sold out since last fall. This wine is 100% Merlot grapes with maturation in French oak for 18 months and alcohol comes in at 13%.

 

This Merlot opened up with a very sensuous bouquet of cherry, plum, vanilla, chocolate, toast, cedar and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, slightly creamy and very smooth, balanced acidity and silky tannins. The wine finish is long, tasty, with flavours of creamy bakers chocolate, soft seductive fruit and gentle wood spices lingering. I love the savoury personality of this well made and beautifully balanced Merlot. A real treat, score 91 points.  

 

Purchased September 26, 2012 at the Glebe Wine Rack store in Ottawa at $19.95