De Loach Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

Made with 100% Zinfandel with maturation in French, American and Hungarian oak barrels for 11 months and alcohol comes in at 14.2%.

This wine opened up with a very sweet aromas of ripe cherry/raspberry fruit, stewed plums, cola, vanilla and spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with spicy flavours, lively acidity and well integrated tannins. This Zin’s finish is short, but the flavours are nice and spicy.  For me, an enjoyable Zinfandel and I love that it’s not too jammy. However, at this price point, it lacks complexity and structure . Score 88 points.

Purchased June 8, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (980573) at $29.95

Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

This wine is made using 100% Chardonnay grapes, maturation taking place in 100% French oak for 13 months (26% new oak) which 10 months spent sur lie, a light fining was done before bottling but unfiltered, finally alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This Chardonnay opened up with an elegant bouquet of pears, mandarin, lemon custard, toasted hazelnut and light vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth entry with flavours of citrus, pears, vanilla and spices with refreshing acidity. This wine finish is long, slightly creamy with luscious fruit character, light spices and refreshing. Definitely my style of Chardonnay, a wine with lots of finesse and elegance where the oak treatment is carefully restrained leaving the quality of the fruit to shine. Gorgeous wine, strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased November 24, 2012 LCBO Vintages new release (210039) at $34.95

Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2009, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA

I have enjoyed the last 3 or 4 vintages of Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir, I truly enjoy it's elegance and easy drinking quality. This 2009 vintage opens up with aromas of wild ripe strawberries, plums, rhubarb, cherry coke and cinnamon spice.  On the palate, medium bodied, cherry pie and baking spices flavours, fresh acidity with silky smooth tannins. This Pinot’s finish is rather short, the alcohol at 14.5% is slightly noticeable with sweet and sour fruit lingering. Certainly as good as previous vintages, it is enjoyable, very aromatic and smooth, which should appeal to many. Score 89 points.    

Purchased April 28, 2011 LCBO Vintage product (954834) at $24.95

Anthill Farms 2008 Syrah, Windsor Oaks Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California

I have to say I was looking forward to a visit to my local wine bar. This wine came strongly recommended by our waiter, Ben, at Taylor's Food & Wine Bar here in Ottawa, Ontario. I was looking for a wine to match with our main course, which was a Rabbit Saddle (Rabbit wrapped in bacon with mushrooms served with Eggplant Caponata and chick peas).  The Anthill Farms Syrah 2008 arrived at the table a bit too warm, but after cooling down in an ice bucket. we were able to enjoy it. This wine's aromatics were very interesting with a meat counter smell, bacon, blackberries, plums, violet, dried mushrooms and smokey. On the palate, bright fruit, surprisingly lively acidity and silky tannins. The finish was long, smooth and elegant. The style of this Syrah is somewhere between an Australian Shiraz and a Northern Rhone Syrah. What was surprising about this wine was the explosion of flavour on the mouthfeel and the acidity which went beautifully with our main course (which was fantastic by the way). Thank you Ben for the great recommendation. This wine is best served around 16-17 Celsius. I had not heard of this winery before and I am sure this wine was purchased through consignment, which means it is not available at our Provincial Liquor Stores (LCBO), restaurant price for this wine $60.00.   NJoy!

http://www.taylorsgenuine.ca/