Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of August 31, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

 

 

The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases; “Settling the Scores, All about 90+ Wines” plus a small secondary feature of 5 super-stars of Champagne ranging from $62.95 to $287.95 that coincides with the arrival of big hitters from the entertainment industry, in town (Toronto) for the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). As for the 90+ feature, I am not a big fan of this feature; I would prefer that Vintages would showcase wines from countries that don’t have much exposure like Greece, Portugal, New Zealand and South Africa. These scores represent the opinion of one wine expert; I am sure that for many of these wines, if you researched, that you would most likely find scores for many of them, under 90 points. As for the remainder of this release, the overall selection of both reds and whites from France is very solid, and finally, a wine from one of my favourite Amarone producer.

 

 

 

Now my favourite question; If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2011 from Argentina (024737) at $24.95. Always delicious, this is a great example of a full bodied, concentrated, but well balanced Malbec from low yielding, old vines. The only disappointment here is the price, the 2010 vintage was released at $19.90 and this year, it is priced at $24.95...yikes. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

 

 

 

Starting with white wines; 

• From the French offering, here is a strongly recommended dry Riesling from Alsace, Zind Humbrecht Turckheim Riesling 2010 from France (031039) at $26.95; also from Alsace, Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (224642) at $15.95; and for fans of Chablis (Chardonnay from Burgundy),  Jean-Marc Brocard Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2011 France (329995) at $24.95.
 
• One of my favourite wines tasted at the German Wine Fair in Toronto last will be released this week, Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Germany (338186) at $20.95. This is soooo delicious and at a great price for the quality, the sweetness level is medium.
 
• A must try for those of you who would like to venture into the interesting whites of the island of Santorini; Santo Assyrtiko 2011 from Greece (627760) at $16.95. To see my review follow this link.

 

  http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/02/santorini-assyrtiko-2011-pdo-santorini.html

 

 

Now for the red wines;

 

• For fans of Pinot Noir, here are two of them for your consideration. From the Pinot Noir motherland of Burgundy and my top wine of this release; Louis Jadot Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru 2010 France (121319) at $52.95 and a great value Pinot from Central Otago, NZ; Thornbury Pinot Noir 2010 from New Zealand (329706) at $24.95.
  
• Also from France, wines from the 2011 Rhône Valley vintage are starting to make their way into our stores. Here are three of them for your consideration; Perin Peyre Blanche Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Village 2011 France (650960) at $17.95, Domaine Fontaine du Clos Reflets de L’Âme Vacqueyras 2011 from France (343392) at $20.95 and Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas 2011 France (017400) at $24.95.
  
• From one of my Amarone producer; Farina Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (995910) at $35.95. I just love the style from this house, always very rich and sensuous.
  
• And Finally, here are two BBQ picks for your long weekend coming up; Lupucinus Reserva 2009 from Portugal (336297) at $19.95 and Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (025221) at $24.95.

 

 

 

 

My top three wines from this release;

 

1- Louis Jadot Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru 2010 France (121319) at $52.95

 

2- Farina Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (995910) at $35.95

 

3- Zind Humbrecht Turckheim Riesling 2010 from France (031039) at $26.95

 

 

 

 

My top three wines for value;

 

1- Perin Peyre Blanche Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Village 2011 France (650960) at $17.95

 

2- Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Germany (338186) at $20.95

 

3- Santo Assyrtiko 2011 from Greece (627760) at $16.95

 

 

 

 

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

 

Red Wines;

 

1- Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (287367) at $31.95

 

2- Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (025221) at $24.95

 

3- Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2011 from Argentina (024737) at $24.95

 

4- Nugan Estate McLaren Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2010 from Australia (076603) at $24.95

 

5- Thornbury Pinot Noir 2010 from New Zealand (329706) at $24.95

 

6- Château Haut Selve 2009 France (738120) at $20.95

 

7- Louis Jadot Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru 2010 France (121319) at $52.95

 

8- Perin Peyre Blanche Cairanne Côtes du Rhône-Village 2011 France (650960) at $17.95

 

9- Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Gigondas 2011 France (017400) at $24.95

 

10- Domaine Fontaine du Clos Reflets de L’Âme Vacqueyras 2011 from France (343392) at $20.95

 

11- Domaine le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011 from France (224592) at $13.95

 

12- Rivera Cappellaccio Riversa Aglianico 2006 from Italy (305276) at $17.95

 

13- Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (977629) at $24.95

 

14- Mandrarossa Cartagho 2009 from Italy (346593) at $19.95

 

15- Farina Amaronne Della Valpolicella Classico 2009 from Italy (995910) at $35.95

 

16- Lupucinus Reserva 2009 from Portugal (336297) at $19.95

 

 

 

 

White Wines;

 

1- Two Rivers of Marlborough Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand (277707) at $24.95

 

2- Zind Humbrecht Turckheim Riesling 2010 from France (031039) at $26.95

 

3- Champy Pernaud-Vergelesses en Caradeux 1er Cru 2010 France (344143) at $49.95

 

4- Joseph Cattin Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (224642) at $15.95

 

5- Jean-Marc Brocard Sainte Claire Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2011 France (329995) at $24.95

 

6- Bollig-Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spätlese 2011 from Germany (338186) at $20.95

 

7- Santo Assyrtiko 2011 from Greece (627760) at $16.95

 

 

 

Champagne; (For Reese Witherspoon or Hugh Jackman if they read my blog)

 

1- Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne (724559) at $91.95

 

2- Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Brut Champagne (158550) at $99.95

 

3- Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne (280461) at $222.95

 

4- Cristal Brut Champagne (268755) at $287.95

 

 

That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week and we will be back for the next New Release of September 14, 2013, where the featured segment will be “Top tastemakers take a shining to Ontario wine”

 

Cheers

Paul YWG

Henry’s Drive Dead Leather Office Shiraz 2008, South Australia, Australia

A blend of fruit from Padthaway (62%) & McLaren Vale (38%). This Shiraz is purple-black in color and opened up with aromas of red and black fruit, vanilla, spices, chocolate mint and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 15.1%, rich, creamy and slightly jammy texture but silky smooth with balance acidity and fine grained tannins. A very good length and depth of flavours on the finish. This wine should appeals to fans of rich and concentrated Aussie Shiraz. Score 90 points.

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (243659) at $23.95

Boutari Naoussa 2008, PDO Naoussa, Greece

This wine is made with a Greek indigenous grape call Xinomavro, aging took place in French oak for 12 months (225 litre casks) and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

A pale ruby in the glass, this wine opened up with aromas of raspberry, cherry, plum, licorice, earthy and minerally notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry, rustics in the best sense of the word with lively acidity and firm, dusty tannins. Medium length and weight on the finish, bright fruit flavours and a nice tannic grip lingering. For those of you who have never   experienced  Xinomavro before, this one reminds me of two Italian grapes; Aglianico and especially Nebbiolo. This wine is most interesting and a superb value,  strongly recommended to fans of old world wines. It will need a little time  to open up (1 hour decant would be a good idea), as recommended by the winery on its label, best serve at 16-18 °C. Final note, this wine was even better the next day, score 89 points.



*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Kolonaki Group prior to Vintages New Release of August 17,2013 (023218) at $12.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of August 17, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases; Fine wines from the "other" Italy, which means, other than the big three wine producing regions of Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto. There is usually some very good wines to be found in some of these other regions like Campania, Friuli, Puglia and Umbria to name a few. Researching before buying is always recommended, but wines from these region can be very interesting, food friendly and a great value. As for the smaller feature of “Summer Whites – BBQ friendly Aussie wines”, only the Viognier from Yalumba made my cut. There are also some fine Bordeaux from the 2009 and 2010 in this NR. Finally worth noting, the release of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie rosé from there Provence estate Château Miraval; Miraval Rosé 2012 (342584) at $24.95. I am not a big fan of extra-dry French rosé and at $24.95, I often find it to be a bit expensive, but I am sure that with the hype and novelty alone it should sell quickly.

 

 

Now my favourite question;   If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be? For me, this question is harder to answer in this release but I would have to go with; Torres Celeste Crianza 2010 from Spain (210872) at $22.95. This wine is from the very reputable producer Miguel Torres and their Celeste wine from the region of Ribero del Duero, that definitely has a great following in this country. This wine is made with 100% Tempranillo and the quality is very consistent from vintage to vintage. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;

 

 

Starting with white wines;

• From the other Italy feature; Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco di Tufo 2011 from Italy (983197) at $17.95. Made with Greco di Tufo, sweetness level listed as extra-dry, alcohol comes in at 13.5%, pairing possibilities; Mediterranean or exotic food dishes.
  
  

• In the style category of aromatic and flavourful whites, two recommendations for your consideration; Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (141499) at $19.95 and André Blanck et ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (626606) at $14.95. Both of these wines are extra-dry.

 

Now for the red wines;

• My three picks from the other Italy feature are; Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Puglia (177527) at $14.95 a blend of mostly Negroamaro and a small portion of Malvasia Nera, Argiolas Perdera 2010 from the Island of Sardinia (297556) at $17.95, a medium-bodied wine made with Manica di Sardegna. Finally, Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 from Umbria (342394) at $19.95 a full bodied wine made with Sagrantino di Montefalco.
  
  
• For fans of Spanish Gran Reserva wines, here is another mature wine from the 2001 vintages; Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95. The 2001 vintage was one of the best vintage in Spain over the last 20 years.
  
  
• My number 1 pick for value of this release is this wine from Greece, which could have easily have been from Italy. I had the opportunity to experience Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95 this week. For me I say a lot of similarities to a Nebbiolo wine out of Piedmont and some characteristic to Aglianico. This is a medium bodied wine with firm dusty tannins.
  
  
• And finally, here are two affordable BBQ picks for you; De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2010 from Chile (236059) at $15.95 and Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95.

 

 

 

My top three wines from this release;

 

1- Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (944843) at $39.95

 

2- Volpaia Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (953828) at $24.95

 

3- Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95

 

 

My top three wines for value;

 

1- Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95

 

2- Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95

 

3- Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Italy (177527) at $14.95

 

 

 

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

 

Red Wines;

 

1- Argiolas Perdera 2010 from Italy (297556) at $17.95

 

2- Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino Rosso 2009 from Italy (177527) at $14.95

 

3- Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 from Italy (342394) at $19.95

 

4- Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (133376) at $21.95

 

5- Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from California (944843) at $39.95

 

6- De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenère 2010 from Chile (236059) at $15.95

 

7- Emiliana Winemaker’s Selection Syrah 2011 from Chile (212407) at $19.95

 

8- Paxton Shiraz 2011 from Australia (327403) at $17.95

 

9- Tournon Mathilda Victorian Shiraz 2010 from Australia (336966) at $19.95

 

10- Jules Taylor Pinot Noir 2011 from New Zealand (329805) at $24.95

 

11- Château Peyrabon 2010 from France (336925) at $28.95

 

12- Château Prieure Canteloup 2009 from France (194415) at $18.85

 

13- Boutari Naoussa 2008 from Greece (023218) at $12.95

 

14- Volpaia Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (953828) at $24.95

 

15- Villa Annaberta Amarone Della Valpolicella 2009 from Italy (338921) at $35.95

 

16- Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001 from Spain (976811) at $30.95

 

17- Torres Celeste Crianza 2010 from Spain (210872) at $22.95

 

 

 

White Wines;

 

1- Terredora Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2011 from Italy (983197) at $17.95

 

2- Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2012 from Australia (624502) at $16.95

 

3- Truchard Chardonnay 2011 from California (060459) at $34.95

 

4- Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from New Zealand (141499) at $19.95

 

5- André Blanck et ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011 from France (626606) at $14.95

 

6- Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2010 from France (041780) at $19.95

 

 

That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week and we will be back for the next New Release of August 31, 2013, where the featured segments are “Keeping score; 90+ wines” and “Celebrated Champagnes”.

 

 

Cheers

Paul YWG

Mission Hill Compendium 2009, VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This wine is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. All fruit is from the warmer region of Oliver and Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley, with maturation taking place in French oak for 14 months and alcohol comes in at 14%.

A very Bordeaux nose on this blend with aromas of blackberry/black cherry fruit, cedar, savoury herbs, tobacco, mocha and peppery notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with a rich and concentrated textured, layered dark spicy fruit, balance acidity and firm grainy tannins. This finish is long, muscular with tannins gaining traction on the finish. This is a solid, beautifully made wine which should blossom in the cellar, give this another 2-3 years and you should be rewarded. Score 91 points.

Purchased January 10, 2013 at the Artisan Wine Shop in Victoria, BC at $50.00

Nautilus Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

This wine is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes with maturation taking place in French oak (20% new) and alcohol comes in at 14%.

This wine opened up with aromas of grapefruit, apple, pear, pineapple, vanilla and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, slightly creamy with flavours of citrus and tree fruit, crisp, refreshing acidity and a long, lively and very pleasant finish. What a lovely cool-climate wine, with a great deal of elegance and finesse. Best Chardonnay I have enjoyed this year by far, strongly recommended. Score 92 points.

  

Purchased July 20, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (657569) at $24.95

Marchesi Di Barolo Maràia Barbera Monferrato 2011, DOC Piedmont, Italy

This wine is 100% Barbera fruit and opened up with aromas of sour cherries, plums, toasty oak, spices and violet notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%) with flavours of spicy dark berry fruit, zesty acidity, fine grained tannins with a juicy medium length finish. All things taken into account, this wine has a strong varietal character, not overly complex but easy drinking and tailor made to be enjoyed at the table, serve slightly chilled. Enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased July 6, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (748277) at $16.95



My top three enjoyed wines for July 2013

When I look back at all the wines I reviewed this month, nine of them stood out for me. Three of these are Canadian wines and two of them, Cabernet Franc. I am not sure if this is a Canadian thing but I really enjoy Cabernet Franc. Apart from being well suited to our climate, for me, Cabernet Franc is not just a blending grape but has a great deal to offer on its own. I also really enjoyed two white wines this month, Domaine des Aubusières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2011 and Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2009. Now here are my top three this months; 

My top three wines in July

1- Château des Laurets 2009 Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France


http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/07/chateau-des-laurets-2009-puisseguin.html

 

I still can’t believe the great value that this 2009 Bordeaux represented. Well structured and age-worthy yet drinking beautifully now. Give it another 3-4 more years and it should achieve the same elegance has my number 2 pick, the Brunello.

  

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


http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/07/san-giorgio-ugolforte-brunello-di.html

I am a big fan of Brunello and this one offers beautiful and complex aromas, smooth and subtle texture and an elegant finish. Worth the splurge. 

3- Lornano Chianti Classico 2009, Docg Tuscany, Italy


http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2013/07/lornano-chianti-classico-2009-docg.html

I still vividly remember how beautifully, how enjoyable this Chianti Classico was. Great wine making at play here where the winemaker let the fruit and region express themselves without over manipulation.