Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley, Australia

Wow, another spectacular, mature Claire Valley beauty from the excellent 2004 vintage. I first tasted Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2004 last May 2011, here in Ottawa, at the First Family of Australian Wine event. It was my favourite wine that evening, now one year older this wine is absolutely amazing. The nose is the first thing that grab you, it’s so sensuous with aromas of blackberry, plum, tobacco, soft leather, Indian spices, hint of violet and vanilla. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.4%), soft seductive fruit and spices, fresh acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, smooth texture and a bit of heat from the alcohol at the very end. What you get from this mature fragrant Shiraz is elegance, finesse, with all elements of this wine in fine harmony. An absolute joy, score 94 points.

Purchased through the First Family of Australian Wine event in Ottawa on May 2011 at $49.00

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Maipo Valley, Chile

The deep intense purple color of this Cabernet Sauvignon opens up with aromas of black fruit, cassis, dried figs, cigar box and crack black pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, black fruit, smoky and toasty oak flavours, low acidity and dusty tannins. Medium-long finish with oak characteristic and puckering, woody tannins lingering. I wish there would have been less oak and more acidity, on the palate, this Cabernet feels a bit heavy and somewhat clumsy. This wine was better on the second night, which meant  decanting would be a good idea or to cellar, mid-term 1-2 years. This wine is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc in a supporting role, maturation took place in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels for 14 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5 %. Score 88 points. 

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (275594) at $17.95

Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina

What a great nose on this Malbec, with aromas of cherry, dark plum, blackberry, spices, vanilla and floral notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied, red fruit and gentle wood spices flavours with fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish with spicy, juicy red and black fruit flavours. This well balanced, youthful and easy drinking nature of this Malbec makes it a great value for entertaining over this summer BBQ season. I especially liked how well handled the oak treatment was on this Malbec, by doing so, it preserved the fruity character and freshness of this wine. This wine is 100% Malbec grapes, aging took place in first and second use French and American oak for 12 months with alcohol coming in at 14%. Strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release (235085) at $14.95

Château de Nages JT Costières de Nîmes 2009, Rhône, France

Wow, what a beautiful and powerful wine, all for $21.95. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry and blackberry fruit, black currants, licorice, bitter chocolate and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with great energy and flavours, chewy tannins and balance acidity. This Rhône blend finish is long, lively, spicy with fine grained tannins. Very attractive wine with lots of detail. This wine is mostly Syrah at 95% with Mourvèdre in a supporting role at 5%, alcohol coming in at 14.5%, maceration for 30 days followed up by 12 months of barrel fermentation of which 25% are new French oak. Great value, score 91 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (736876) at $21.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of July 7, 2012 - A Wine Tour de France and Cool-Clima​te Chardonnay

Hello to all my wine friends,


This New Release (NR) is very much in the trend of a summer release from the LCBO. More than half of the new wines are under $20.00 and only 3 over $50.00, so not a collector's NR. That being said, this is a very interesting wine selection, rarely seen in this market, especially from France. 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, a very good value Loma Larga Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile (283630) at $14.95 and Sterhuis Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2009 from South Africa (285213) at $25.95. Now for the red wines, Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (029488) at $24.95 (I am indeed a fan of this winery), tasted at the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa in March and releases this weekend, the very good and elegant Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 (284018) at $44.95 and for fans of Chianti Classico a not to miss, Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009 (977629) at $25.95. Also worth considering, previously release on October 15, 2011 through Vintages, Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 (988055) at $25.95. I had bought three of this wine in October with only one left in my cellar. I loved this wine, but thought extra time in bottle would benefit the drinking experience, so 8 months later it should be pretty nice. You can see my review of Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 on my blog following this link;

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/10/poliziano-vino-nobile-di-montepluciano.html



A Wine Tour de France;   What an interesting idea to pay homage to the world famous cycling race, the Tour de France, by showcasing the wines from different stages of the tour. Kudos to the LCBO staff of Vintages who have put this brochure together. A great read, with beautiful photos and a interesting selection of wines, something rarely seen in our stores. I think it’s time to chill the only Champagne in this feature segment Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne (959643) at $56.95 in preparation for Victoria BC's, Ryder Hesjedal much hoped for victory at this year Tour de France. Here are four French wines for your consideration;

• Domaine Edmond Jacquin Altesse Rousette de Savoie 2010 from Savoie (277335) at $17.95 - Here is an interesting white wine rarely found in our store. The grape is named, Rousette (sometimes call Altesse), a small berry and late ripening from the region of Savoie. This wine is unoaked, expect flavours of tree fruit with floral, mineral and spicy notes. Would be fantastic with sole amandine or seafood with the wine served well chill.

• Château Ollieux Romanis Cuvée Classique Corbieres 2009 from Languedoc (281162) at $15.95 - Here is an affordable red wine for grilled meat on your BBQ. This wine from the south of France is a blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache and 30% Syrah, don’t be afraid to serve this wine slightly chilled (around 16 Celsius), it will bring out the fruity characteristic of this blend, as these wines from the South of France are often a bit rustic.

• Mas D’Auzière Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009 from the Midi (277046) at $19.95 – Originally to be released on May 26, and now finally arriving in our stores. Another wine which I had never seen before, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from the South of France. This region makes some very interesting, unique and slightly rustic wines at a good value, great for the BBQ season and should also be served slightly chilled.

• E. Guigal Gigondas 2009 from the Rhône Valley (331900) at $29.95 – Would you like to go a farm without having to get there? Well this wine always do that for me, with aromas of plums, spices, earth, saddle leather and hints of barnyard. Not all wines needs to be fruity to be interesting and enjoyable. A definite food wine to serve with beef stew or roasted leg of lamb. This wine is a blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah.
  
   

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, cooler regions of California, Chablis in France, Tasmania in Australia, South Africa, Fruili region of Italy to name a few. The reason, a fresher wine with a more natural acidity. Here is a selection of three Chardonnays from cooler regions;

• Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (173377) at $24.00 – This is a very well reviewed barrel fermented Chardonnay from Ontario. You should expect a refreshing wine with tropical fruit flavours, vanilla, creamy texture with oak carefully restrained.

• Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2010 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95 – While living in British Columbia, I got to enjoy many of Blue Mountain family own vineyards wines. The wine is 100% Chardonnay (estate grown) were 50% of the grapes was fermented and aged in stainless steel and the remaining 50% was fermented and aged for 8 months in new to 3 years old (4th fill) French oak barrels. If you are to visit British Columbia, look for their delicious Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95 – I tasted through a line-up of Kim Crawford wines at the last Ottawa Wine and Food show this past November. Of all their wines, this unoaked Chardonnay was my favourite by far. This wine would qualify as a summer sipper, nice aromatics, lots of tropical fruit, citrus notes and very refreshing. If you have never tried an unoaked Chardonnay, I recommend you pick up a bottle. A pure expression of Chardonnay without oak barrel manipulation.

My top three wines from this release;
1-Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (977629) at $25.95
2-Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008 from Australia (029488) at $24.95
3-Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from California (284018) at $44.95

My top three wines for value;
1-Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009 from Argentina (235085) at $14.95
2-Alvaro Castro Red 2008 from Portugal (285288) at $16.95
3-Domaine Edmond Jacquin Altesse Rousette de Savoie 2010 from France (277335) at $17.95


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

Red Wines;
1- P. Ferraud & Fils Domaine Ferraud Les Charmes Morgon 2009 from France (268052) at $17.95
2- Jean Perrier & Fils Cuvée Prestige Mondeuse Vin de Savoie 2010 from France (272112) at $14.95
3- Domaine Durand Les Coteaux St. Joseph 2009 from France (272492) at $28.95
4- Château Ollieux Romanis Cuvée Classique Corbieres 2009 from France (281162) at $15.95
5- Malivoire Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (996777) at $29.95
6- Antica Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (266551) at $49.95
7- Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2009 from California (287193) at $24.95
8- Stag’ Leap Winery Merlot 2008 from California (655399) at $39.95
9- Thomas George Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2009 from California (284018) at $44.95
10-Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile (275594) at $17.95
11-Henry’Drive Parson’s Flat Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 from Australia (271494) at $29.95
12-Château Sénéjac 2008 from France (265496) at $23.95
13-Domaine Gille Côtes de Nuits-Village 2009 from France (210864) at $28.95
14-Argiano NC Non Confunditur 2009 from Italy (072397) at $24.95
15-Poggio Bonnelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 from Italy (180067) at $27.95
16-Poliziano Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007 from Italy (988055) at $25.95
17-I Castei Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (739979) at $39.95
18-Torres Celeste Crianza 2009 from Spain (210872) at $21.95


White Wines;
1- Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (173377) at $24.00
2- Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay 2010 (089037) at $19.95
3- Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2010 from British Columbia (350108) at $23.95
4- Pascal Marchand Meursault 2010 from France (285866) at $57.95
5- Bon Courage Prestige Cuvée Chardonnay 2011 from South Africa (278333) at $15.95
6- Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2009 from Ontario (241182) at $35.20
7- Ghost Pines Winemakers’ Blend Chardonnay 2010 from California (136408) at $19.95
8- Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2010 from California (275552) at $24.95
9- Loma Larga Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile (286630) at $14.95
10-Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from New Zealand (991950) at $17.95
11-Bastianich Adriatico Friulano 2010 from Italy (277467) at $18.95

Sparkling Wines;
1-Henriot Souverain Brut Champagne from France (959643) at $56.95
2-Huff Estates Cuvée Peter F. Huff Sparkling 2008 from Ontario (198754) at $39.95


That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of July 21, 2012, where the two featured segments are “Cool Australia, the wines of Victoria” which includes a wine with a funny name and label called, Ladies who shoot their lunch Shiraz 2010 and also featured are wines from the Loire Valley in France.

Cheers,
Paul YWG

Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett 2008, Mosel, Germany

I have long been purchasing wines from Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt for well over a decade. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt is an old vineyard dating back to the mid 14^th century. This wine opens up with aromas of pears, ripe apple, citrus fruit, honey, minerals and kerosene notes. On the mouthfeel, light bodied (with alcohol coming in at 7.5%) off-dry, with luscious fruit flavours, lively stony minerality and crisp acidity. This Riesling has a clean, refreshing finish with excellent depth of flavours and a touch of honey covering the palate. This was a very aromatic, elegant and delicious Riesling, served as an aperitif on a hot summer day and enjoyed by all five of us who shared this wine. Terrific value at $16.95 and strongly recommended, score 90 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (606202) at $16.95.

My top three enjoyed wines for June 2012

An interesting lineup of wine tasted this month. I was reminded again that I much prefer Sauvignon Blanc, when it does not include Semillon. For me, I associate Sauvignon Blanc as dry, crisp and refreshing, Semillon adds sweetness and barrel fermentation which I am not a big fan, at least not in my Sauvignon Blanc.

Lately I find myself buying much older vintage wine like Spanish Reserva, Grand Reserva and is my number one wine this month. In my view, many wines are released way to young, newborn, if you will, straight out of the barrel. Wines from Argentina, Australia, Chile and California for example benefit from 2-4 years in the bottle, which allows them to gain
elegance and the oak to integrate with the wines with acquired complexity.

Two wines share the number three spot, I could not decide on only one; both were equally interesting and enjoyable.

My top three enjoyed wine in June;


1-Mitchell McNicol Shiraz 2003, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/mitchell-mcnicol-shiraz-2003-clare.html

What a gorgeous wine here, with my cellar full of wines waiting to mature, to be enjoyed at their best. I am more then willing to spend a little more to experience a fully mature, complex and ready to drink red wine like this Shiraz. I returned to purchase two more.

2-Poplar Grove The Legacy 2006, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/poplar-grove-legacy-2006-okanagan.html

I became a fan of this winery when I moved to British Columbia in 2006, especially their reds, like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and my number 2 pick this month, a Bordeaux blend called The Legacy. Now if I can order these wines here in Ontario that would be fantastic.
  

3-Recanati Reserve Single Vineyard Merlot Kp 2007, Galilee, Israel

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/recanati-reserve-single-vineyard-merlot.html

If you have been following my blog, you may have realized my love of Merlot. Not just any style of Merlot mind you, I like them dry, smooth and plumy, nicely layered and well balance. Just like this interesting Merlot from Israel, which turned out to be quite a surprise for me. This is another example of wine with some age in a bottle, drinking beautifully right now. Great winemaking here. I returned to purchase more, before they all disappeared.

  Silvio Grasso Barbera D'Alba 2009, Piedmont, Italy

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/06/silvio-grasso-barbera-dalba-2009.html

I am a big fan of Barbera, not all wines need to be sweet. Italians have been making wines to be enjoyed with food for centuries. Like this delicious and really enjoyable Barbera, paired with a pasta dish with tomatoes, shrimp and dill.