Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2007, Tuscany, Italy

This wine taste's like Bordeaux meets Tuscany, with mostly French grapes grown in Italy. From the superb 2007 vintage, this is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the remaining 10% Sangiovese, the length of maturation was 12 months in barrels and two years in bottle before release with alcohol coming in at 14 %. I originally purchased three bottles of this wine and sadly this is my last remaining bottle. A beautiful sophisticated nose here with aromas of blackberry, black currant, sour cherry, dried herbs, cedar and toasty notes. On the mouthfeel, medium to full bodied, loads of flavour with fine acidity and gritty tannins. Very good length on the finish with savoury and rich concentrated flavours, fine texture and persistent grainy tannins. If you are lucky enough to still hold this superb wine on your cellar, it is drinking well with a great deal of life left.  I would say peak drinking window here is 2014-2016. A fantastic wine and great value, score 92 points.

This wine was purchased May 29, 2010 LCBO New Release at $21.95

Montes Alpha Merlot 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile

There seems to be two different styles of Merlot produced; a softer, easy drinking, aromatic and plumy version and the more intense, darker, with plenty of oak and tannins and more age worthy. I personally prefer the softer, easy drinking style much better. Isn’t that what a Merlot is about? I enjoy Merlot with structure of course, but still want balance, with quality fruit shining through and not a Merlot which is a Cabernet wanna be.   

This wine is predominantly Merlot at 90%, with the remaining grape being Carmenère at 10%, maturation took place in French oak for 12 months. I enjoyed this wine, but unfortunately neither the nose or the mouthfeel tells me that this wine is a Merlot. Deep opaque ruby in colour, this wine opens up with aromas black fruit, coffee, tobacco leaf and earthy notes. Full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14.5%, more oak derived flavours than fruit, balance acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with rich creamy flavours. I have no doubt that quality grapes went into making this wine but unfortunately was buried in oak, stripping off the soft plumy texture of Merlot, better acidity would have also given this wine a little lift. I was expecting much better for wine at $23.30 from Chile. I enjoyed the wine, but if I am looking to drink a Merlot, this one is not for me. Score 86 points.

This wine was purchased December 2, 2011 at the SAQ (564617) for $23.30

Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2008, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

This single vineyard Malbec grape from Remolinos vineyard (3500' above see level), in the region Agrelo, in Mendoza, maturation took place in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. This wine has a very appealing nose with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, cedar and violet notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied with concentrated fruit and oak flavours, balanced acidity and dusty tannins. On the medium length finish, this Malbec delivers dark fruit flavours, coffee and cedar notes followed by the same dusty tannins that make a reappearing act. As a note of caution, my bottle had a great deal of sediment, be careful when you are getting close to the end of the bottle. Enjoyable wine here, score 88 points. 

This wine was purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (247304) at $22.95

Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial Rioja 2005, Rioja, Spain

I had tried this wine at an SAQ tasting stations (great idea here) prior to purchasing. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache and 10% Mazuelo/Graciano, this wine aged for 24 months in 80% French oak and 20% American oak. A complete wine that strikes all the right notes, with beautiful deep ruby colour with aromas of dark cherry and plum, cassis, cedar, tobacco and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14%, fresh acidity and an abundance of firm tannins. This Rioja finish has loads of rich concentrated fruit, coffee, cedar notes and firm, dusty but not overbearing tannins. Drinking well now, after 1-2 hours in a decanter, should age brilliantly over the next 4-5 years. An awesome wine, with lots of detail, love the tannins (good quality oak for sure), strongly recommended. Score 92 points.

This wine was purchased December 27, 2011 at the SAQ (11155593) for $37.00

Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia

The region of Strathbogie Ranges is located northeast of Melbourne, in an elevated and cooler climate, characterised by ancient granite boulders. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks using cultured yeast, maturation was done with  40% American oak and 60% French oak in all new barrels. It also spent some time maturing in older 300 litre hogshead barrels. This Shiraz is dark purple in colour and opens up with aromas of dark plums, blackberry/blueberry jam, burnt sugar, eucalyptus and savoury notes. On the palate, full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 15%), rich and creamy mouthfeel, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. This wine finish is long, slightly sweet with flavours of stewed fruit, eucalyptus, pepper and savoury notes lingering. This wine is better served slightly chilled, around 16-17 C, its gives the wine a more creamy mouthfeel, tames the alcohol and improves fruitiness. Definitely lots of toasty oak on this shiraz, but not over done, overall very good. I know that this wine will appeal to many of of my friends. Recommended to people who enjoy this style, and at this price a good value.  Score 89 points.

This wine was purchased February 4, 2011 LCBO New Release (265967) at $19.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of February 4, 2012 - California Cabs and Special wines for Valentine'​s

Hello to all my wine friends,

This was such an exciting New Release (NR) magazine to go through, with many wines that caught my attention. This NR starts with a very good selection of (but expensive) Cabernet Sauvignon from California. Not including the California Cabs and wines featured in my Valentine picks here are a few wines which I want to highlight; a couple of Malbecs from Argentina, starting with a less expensive and always popular, La Posta Angel Paulucci Malbec 2008 (075515) at $15.95 and with a little more structure Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2008 (247304) at $22.95. If you are looking for a great value Cabernet Sauvignon not from California, I strongly recommend purchasing this one early, before there are all sold out, Maycas Del Limari Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Chile (256701) at $19.95. For fans of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (SB), a release this week is one of there premium SB, Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2001 (038240) at $24.95. And finally I would like to mention two Shiraz from South Atmosphere, one from Australia Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008 (265967) at $19.95 and from South Africa, Muratie Shiraz 2007 (663278) at $24.95 both are worth a serious consideration. Well let's get started.

California Cabs; A definite departure from the last two NR, where few wines were priced over $50.00. Six California Cabs over $50.00, one, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 at $69.95 came out with three mediocre reviews all saying the same thing, too sweet. The sugar index is listed as dry, not extra dry. When you are paying $70.00 for a bottle of wine 86 & 87 points doesn't represent value. On the flip side Beaulieu Vineyard George De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (080218) at $89.95 came highly rated. I did have a good laugh while reading Robert Parker's review of Beaulieu Cabernet, he said "The good news is 11,000 cases were produced...it's time once again to fill your cellar" and I would add, the bad news is the price, very few of us buy wine at $89.95 a bottle. Out of the nine CA Cabs, here are four which I want to feature;

• Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Sonoma County (640573) at $19.95 - A more easy drinking and commercial style, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 82%, with Merlot at 8%, Petite Sirah at 5%, Syrah at 3% and 1% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
• Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Napa Valley (186174) at $32.95 - I think this is best value Cabernet of all nine. This is the second label from Duckhorn, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, aged in 100% French Oak with and alcohol coming in at 14.5%.
• Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Napa Valley (932400) at $58.95 -From one of the most eco-conscious producers in California, fertilizing with compost instead of chemicals, dry farm fruits and alcohol coming in at 13.7%, pretty rare for a Napa Valley Cabernet.
• Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Napa Valley (193854) at $87.95 -My pick for the best wine of this release when you considered price vs. quality.

Special wines for Valentine's; Here are my picks for a memorable Valentine Day. What I am looking for here are wines that are easy and fun to drink, that are smooth, aromatics and sexy.

• Rosé ; What is more fun than a Rosé Champagne or Sparkling Rosé ? Here are a few options, one is from this NR, the others are either from the LCBO general list or a product from Vintages.
• Roederer Estate Brut Rosé from California (479758) at $35.95 (from this week NR)
• De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut from France (211466) at $17.30 (General List Product)
• Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catherine Rosé Brut from Ontario (217505) at $26.95 (General List Product)
• Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé Champagne from France (267039) at $56.95 (General List Product)
• Bille Cart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne from France (924670) at $49.95 for a 375ml Bottle (Vintages Product)

• Merlot; Merlot is a very popular varietal that is softer and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon provided the fruit is not over cropped. Good quality Merlot should have soft plumy fruit flavours, vanilla, cedar and spices notes. To be safe on Valentine choose a Merlot between $20 to $30 from regions like Argentina, California and Canada. And from this NR lets show British Columbia some love by purchasing Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2008 (553313) at $25.95. The 100% Merlot grapes are from the southern region of BC (Oliver & Osoyoos), harvested in September & October 2008 and aged in French oak for 15 months.

• Brunello Di Montalcino;  Wines from the region of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy are crafted exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Groso ( a clone of Sangiovese) and aged for a minimum of 4 years in barrels. From this NR a very good Montalcino is being released, Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 (237263) at $49.95. This wine is full bodied, with beautiful aromatics and complex flavours.

• Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico ; What could be more sexy than an Amarone? A big, rich and beautiful wine from the region of Veneto in Italy, usually a blend of these three Italian grapes; Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella. After harvest (usually in early October) the grapes are laid on wooden mats or crates to dry, which concentrates the flavours. The end result, is a big, ripe, raisiny, full bodied wines with low acidity, high alcohol (usually well over 15%). A wine to enjoy on its own after a meal, with braised meat or dark chocolate. I have two recommendations for you here; in this NR Antolini Moropio Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006 (247957) at $34.95, surprisingly still available in some markets, and from LCBO NR of October 29, 2011 is Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007 (247890) at $36.95. You can read my review of this delicious wine on my blog, here is the link;  http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/pasqua-vigneti-black-label-amarone.html

My top three wines of this release;

1-Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193854) at $87.95 Cellar Candidate

2-Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (237263) at $49.95

3-La Gravette de Certain 2009 from France (256792) at $69.95 Cellar Candidate

My top three wines for value;

1-La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (075515) at $15.95

2-Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2010 from Italy (013276) at $16.95

3-Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile (256701) at $19.95

These wines did not make my shopping list but are worth considering;

Red Wines;

1-Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (193854) at $87.95 Cellar Candidate

2-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (640573) at $19.95

3-Frog's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (932400) at $58.95 Cellar Candidate

4-Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (642207) at $24.95

5-Beaulieu Vineyard Georges De Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (080218) at $89.95 Cellar Candidate

6-La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 from Argentina (075515) at $15.95
7-Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 from Argentina (178657) at $17.95

8-Kilikanoon Testament Shiraz 2007 from Australia (050047) at $39.95

9-La Gravette de Certain 2009 from France (256792) at $69.95 Cellar Candidate

10-Xavier Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (244814) at $39.95 Cellar Candidate

11-Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2007 from Italy (597534) at $17.95

12-Corte Pavone Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 from Italy (237263) at $49.95

White Wines;

1-Tselepos Moschofilero Mantinia 2010 from Greece (724583) at $16.95

2-Grand Lurton Corte Friulano 2010 from Argentina (066829) at $19.95

3-Kim Crawford SP Spitfire Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (038240) at $24.95

4-Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Kabinett from Germany (249730) at $21.95

5-Domdechant Werner Hocheimer Kirchenstueck Riesling Auslese 2003 from Germany (931386) at $27.95

Dessert Wine;
1-G. Marquis The Silver Line Vidal IceWine 2009 from Ontario (262477) at $27.95 (200 ml)

That is it for me and my team. I will be back for next New Release of February 18, 2012

Cheers

Paul YWG

My top three enjoyed wines for January 2012

It could have been easily an Italian hat-trick, until I opened up the Yalumba The Signature Cabernet/Shiraz, knocking out the San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2005 for the number three spot. During the winter months, bigger and fuller bodied wines are usually more comforting and indulgent. These types of wines are reflected on this list, well, apart from the surprising pick at number two.

My top three enjoyed wines in January;

1-Pasqua Vigneti Black Label Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, Veneto, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/pasqua-vigneti-black-label-amarone.html

Talk about a wine which is beautifully made and at $36.95, represents a superb value for an Amarone. This wine was released last October, and still available in our market (of Ontario). Need I say, strongly recommended.

2-Casanova Di Neri Sant'antimo Rosso 2008, Tuscany, Italy
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/casanova-di-neri-santantimo-rosso-2008.html

Another terrific value from Tuscany, a superb food wine with great aromatics, great energy and length. I loved the quality and texture of the tannins. A wine with a real sense of place with strong varietal characteristics. Could not say enough good things about this wine.

3-Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2005, Barossa Valley, Australia
http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.com/2012/01/yalumba-signature-cabernet.html
 
A full bodied blend where both grapes bring something special to the end product. The Shiraz offers beautiful fruit and style while the Cabernet Sauvignon offers deeper, richer texture and structure. A robust, tasty and savoury wine with great use of oak. Awsome stuff here.