Edna Valley Paragon Chardonnay 2009, San Luis Obispo County, California, USA

I made the mistake of opening this bottled as a sipping wine. This is not a sipping wine, more meant to be enjoyed at the table, paired with strong flavours, like fish or roast chicken.

This Chardonnay is bright yellow in color and opens up with aromas of peach, pear and pineapple fruit, butter, vanilla, baking spices and caramel. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, tropical fruit flavours, creamy with fresh acidity. The texture is a bit heavy by oak characteristics on the finish with vanilla, spices and caramel notes lingering. Initially nice and creamy but after a while it becomes a bit too sweet with too much oak for me. Not a bad wine (minds you at $20.00 not a great value), I am sure it will appeal too many, but not for me. Score 87 points.

Purchased August 4, 2012 LCBO New Release at $19.95

D’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2007, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

It has been a few years since I have been able to enjoy D’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz (the last 2 vintages prior to 2007 did not receive great reviews) but in this 2007 vintage, this Shiraz achieved a nice balancing act between power and elegance. 

This Shiraz opens up with aromas of ripe berry fruit, black plums, black currants, violet, mint, cedar and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied (14.5% alcohol) rich and fruit driven with good acidity and grainy tannins. This wine will leave you with a very good impression, long finish with layers of creamy richness, fined grained tannins and savoury notes lingering. This Shiraz is well structured and very tasty, drinking well right now but has all the elements to improve over the next 3-4 years. Very enjoyable, score 92 points.  

Purchased November 27, 2010 LCBO New Release (981183) at $54.95

Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2009, DOC, Veneto, Italy

This wine is made from the usual suspects, Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, with the first fermenting process carried out in autumn. At the beginning of spring it is then re-fermented (Ripasso) with leftover Amarone grape skins and seeds soaked in wine, which adds flavours and texture to the Valpolicella.

This wine opens up with attractive aromas of cherry, dark plums, raisins, chocolate and sweet spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%) with balance acidity, soft tannins and well integrated oak. Very tasty on the finish with a creamy texture and flavours of cherry, chocolate and spices lingering. Quit a lovely and enjoyable wine and represents excellent value for money. Strongly recommended, Score 89 points.

Purchased July 7, 2012 LCBO New Release at $16.95

Easton Zindandel 2010, Amador County, California, USA

It has been two years since I have seen Easton Amador County Zinfandel, I used to buy this wine in British Columbia (3 or 4 different vintage). I was quite happy to see this wine at the SAQ in Gatineau, Quebec.

This wine is from 40-60 old vines, planted on volcanic soil in the Sierra Foothills, maturation taking place in French oak for 10 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. 

This wine opens up with aromas of blackberry, black cherry/plum fruit, smoky, spicy and floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, with flavours of dark fruit, cedar, mocha, cinnamon, clove and white pepper spices, balance acidity and fine grained tannins. Very good depth of flavours on the creamy and elegant finish. 

For people who have not experienced Zinfandel in the past, this wine would be a good introduction to Zin. It may not be as big, rich and jammy as most, but for me, it works. In general, I prefer a more elegant, food friendly, less alcoholic (under 15%) style of Zin. This is a great all around Zin for summer entertaining and for the BBQ. For me, Easton Zindandel 2010, Amador County may not be as rich as previous vintage, but I find it to be very enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased June 30, 2012 at the SAQ (897132) AT $20.65

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of August 4, 2012 - German Single-Vin​eyard Wines and Selection of Old and New World Reds

Hello to all my wine friends,

Looking at this New Release (NR), apart from the featured wines in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to highlight for you. Starting with white wines, for fans of California Chardonnay, Edna Valley Paragon Chardonnay 2009 (984153) at $19.95; and for the fans of Chablis (Chardonnay from Burgundy, France) the strongly recommended Jean-Marc Brocard Vaucoupin Chablis 1er Cru 2010 from France (288019) at $29.95. Another Chardonnay to consider, from our province of Ontario, Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series, Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Niagara Peninsula (586347) at $18.95. Looking for a Sauvignon Blanc, two recommendations here, Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from South Africa (285221) at $18.95 and Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (009167) at $17.95. Now for the reds, my pick for the best wine of this release, Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (032508) at $38.95; next a robust red for the BBQ, Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2008 from Portugal (657452) at $18.95 and for fans of Ripasso style wines, Cesari Due Torri Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (159400) at $17.95. Well let’s get started;  


German Single-Vineyard Wines;  From John Szabom a master sommelier “You may not be aware, but there’s a secret society of German Riesling lovers across the world. They’re not easy to spot on the street, but you’ll be able to identify them by how they refer to themselves: sommelier” I couldn’t agree more, I don’t know of any sommelier who does not enjoy German Riesling. There is something about them that makes them so special, covering all the bases from dry wines to sweet dessert wines, their texture and complexity makes them so interesting.
 

• Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2006 from Mosel (282343) at $17.95 – I have always enjoyed Riesling Kabinett from Germany. Light body white wine, complex aromatics, off-dry with good acidity and low alcohol (usually between 6 to 8%). Riesling is one of those rare white wines which could age for many years in part because of the level of sugar and acidity. I have been buying wines from Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt for some time now, having reviewed two of them on my blog. A producer of textbook Riesling Kabinett and at almost 6 years of age, some kerosene notes should start appearing soon.
• Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese from Mosel 2008 (282350) at $26.95 – The translation of the German word Spätlese, its late harvest. Which means the grapes are usually picked at least 7 days after the normal harvest. Riesling Spätlese has a fair amount of residual sugar (riper than Kabinett) and naturally high acidity which keeps the wine refreshing. Pairing possibilities, a plate of hard cheeses or spicy Thai or Indian food to balance out the hot spices. If you have never tried a Riesling Spätlese, I strongly recommend wines from the very good producer Markus Molitor, a great place to start.

Selection of New and Old World Reds; Here is a selection of four red wines which caught me attention and made it on my shopping list;

• Valdivieso Single Vineyard Old Vines Malbec 2009 from Chile (273987) at $19.95 – Malbec is a varietal not as commonly grown in Chile compared to there neighbour Argentina. This wine is 100% Malbec from 80 years old vines with maturation for 12 to 18 months in 100% French oak of them 35% new barrels.

• Coriole Vineyard Estate Grown Shiraz 2009 from Australia (931600) at $26.95 – If you haven’t try wines from this winery, you are in for a treat. Less of a blockbuster style of Shiraz from McLaren Vale than most, but a ripe and savoury Shiraz with alcohol at 14%. Coriole Vineyard is also a pioneer of Italian varieties in Australia since 1985 growing the Italian red grapes of Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and the white grape Fiano.

• Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 (050393) from California at $34.95 – California may be an new world region but Beaulieu Vineyard wines are made in a more elegant Bordeaux style. Using all five Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot) with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. I always enjoy Beaulieu Vineyards purity of fruit and restrained style of wine making, strongly recommended.

• Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 from Italy (184937) at $17.95 – Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano are superb food wines with lower alcohol (in this case 13.5%) and food friendly acidity. This wine is a blend of 90% Prugnolo Gentile (regional name for Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo with maturation in Tuscan casks.  

My top three wines from this release;

1- Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (032508) at $38.95

2- Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 from California (050393) at $34.95

3- Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2008 from Germany (282350) at $26.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 from Italy (184937) at $17.95

2- Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2006 from Germany (282343) at $17.95

3- Domaine les Yeuses les Épices Syrah 2009 from France (177584) at $13.95

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;

1- Barlow Barrouge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (147603) at $47.95

2- Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 from California (050393) at $34.95

3- Frank Family Zinfandel 2009 from California (278283) at $33.95

4- Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (287367) at $29.95

5- BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Argentina (232637) at $17.95

6- Pascal Toso Reserve Malbec 2009 from Argentina (183897) at $19.95

7- Valdivieso Single Vineyard Old Vine Malbec 2009 from Chile (273987) at $19.95

8- Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2008 from Australia (027383) at $21.95

9- Coriole Vineyard Estate Grown Shiraz 2009 from Australia (931600) at $26.95

10-Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte de Brouilly 2010 from France (235127) at $18.95

11-Domaine les Yeuses les Épices Syrah 2009 from France (177584) at $13.95

12-Domaine du Grapillon D’Or Gigondas 2010 from France (981787) at $28.95

13-Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 from Italy (184937) at $17.95

14-La Velona Rosso Di Montalcino 2009 from Italy (285429) at $17.95

15-Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (032508) at $38.95

16-Rocca Delle Macie Riserva Di Fizzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2007 from Italy (699454) at $26.95

17-Cesari Due Torri Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (159400) at $17.95

18-Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2008 from Portugal (657452) at $18.95

White Wines;

1- Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2006 from Germany (282343) at $17.95

2- Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2008 from Germany (282350) at $26.95

3- Inniskillin Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Ontario (586347) at $18.95

4- Edna Valley Paragon Chardonnay 2009 from California (984153) at $19.95

5- La Crema Chardonnay 2010 from California (962886) at $28.95

6- McManis Family Vineyard Viognier 2010 from California (658112) at $18.95

7- Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from South Africa (285221) at $18.95

8- Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (009167) at $17.95

9- André Blanck Altenbourg Gewurztraminer 2011 from France (168906) at $17.65

10-Jean-Marc Brocard Vaucoupin Chablis 1er Cru 2010 from France (288019) at $29.95

11-Königschaffhausen Trocken Pinot Gris 2011 from Germany (597500) at $13.95

12-Terre Dora Fiano Di Avelinno 2010 from Italy (120048) at $18.95

13-Broglia La Meirana Gavi Di Gavi 2010 from Italy (280958) at $17.95

14-Abad Dom Bueno Godello 2010 from Spain (154302) at $14.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of August 18, 2012, where the featured segments are; “Southern Rhône: the 2010 vintages” and “Wines of the Pacific Northwest (BC, Oregon and Washington State)”

Cheers,
Paul YWG

Inspiración Valdemar Edición Limitada 2003, Rioja, Spain

This mature Rioja was strongly recommended by the  Product Consultant at my local LCBO, even at this price. A very elegant and sophisticated wine here, which opens up with aromas of cherry-plumy fruit, gentle wood spices and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (14% Alcohol), with soft seductive fruit, savoury spices, balance acidity and silky tannins. Medium length on the finish with a silky smooth texture. This wine is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 20% of other varieties, with 16 months maturation in French oak. Inspiración Valdemar Edición Limitada 2003 was released from the winery in November 2007 and in my opinion, drinking at its best right now. This wine is a real treat, very enjoyable and strongly recommended. Thank You Niki for the recommendation, score 92 points.  

Purchased July 20, 2012 LCBO (137000) at $45.00

My top three enjoyed wines in July 2012

When I look at the list of wines reviewed this month, a few things comes to mind. On the plus side, aromatics, the wines which left me with the best impression, were the wines with complex and sensuous aromatics. I often use this expression; you can’t score a run in baseball if you don’t get to first base. Well, the aromatics are first base for me. I find this element of winemaking very important, you get the aromatics right, you have me hooked. Now on the negative side, I still see a great deal of overly oaked wines. I would really like to see the oak toned down, which would make for fresher wines. This month four wines really stood out for me, apart from the top three, Paul Clover Chardonnay 2010 from South Africa left a very good impression on me. What a well made and enjoyable Chardonnay, first experienced with Paul Clover wines, not the last one, I am sure.


My top three enjoyed wine in July;


1-Wakefield St. Andrews Shiraz 2004, Clare Valley, Australia

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/07/wakefield-st-andrews-shiraz-2004-clare.html

I wish more Australian wineries would hold onto their wines until they are drinking at their best. This premium wine from Wakefield is absolutely stunning, what a treat.   

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

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/07/reichsgraf-von-kesselstatt-ockfener.html

What a well made and delicious wine for such a low price, a fantastic value. Riesling still seems to be a hard sell, I don’t understand why. On the plus side, it keeps the price down for lovers of Riesling like me.

3-Hester Creek The Judge 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/07/hester-creek-judge-2008-okanagan-valley.html

Another winner from Canada’s Okanagan Valley, and for this sommelier, the food pairing possibilities are endless. This is one of those well balanced wines which make your dish better and the dish should make the wine better.