Alain Jaune & Fils Terrasses de Montmirail Gigondas 2009, Rhône, France

 

The majority component of this blend is Grenache with 80% with the remaining 20% Syrah. The Grenache sure comes through on the nose with attractive aromas of plum, cassis, raisins, exotic spices, floral, vanilla and light cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%), savoury spices and ripe berry flavours, balanced acidity and silky tannins. Very good length on the finish, seamless texture with ripe spicy berries flavours lingering.

 

This is definitely the style of Rhône blend I enjoy the most, with a high proportion of Grenache, with little or no Mourvèdre. The biggest strength of this Gigondas for me is its mouthfeel, so smooth and very stylish. I have always enjoyed wines from Alain Jaune & Fils, you can sense the attention to details in every one of their wines, like Domaine Grand Veneur Clos de Sixte Lirac 2009, reviewed on my blog in November 2011. If you ever have the opportunity to taste their Châteauneuf-du-Pape, do not miss out, an absolute treat. As for Alain Jaune & Fils Terrasses de Montmirail Gigondas 2009, a very enjoyable wine and strongly recommended, score 92 points.

Purchased at the SAQ (11095973) in Montréal December 2, 2011 at $27.40



Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 87% with a dash of Merlot at 9% and Petit Verdot in a supporting role at 4%, maturation taking place in French oak for 14 months of which 40% is new oak with alcohol coming in at 14% (on the label) but tastes a little higher.

 

Great nose on this Cabernet with aromas of dark plum/cherry fruit, cassis, violet, spicy with forest floor notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with fine texture, spicy ripe berry flavours and fine grained tannins. Great flavours and spicy on the finish, with a bit of heat from the alcohol at the finish.  This wine definitely benefited from 2 years in my cellar with the result, a Cabernet with well integrated tannins and robust flavours and texture which you would expect from a good Cab. Very enjoyable and a very good value, score 91 points.

Purchased October 2, 2010 LCBO New Release (059956) at $19.95

Miguel Torres Cordillera Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Maule Valley, Chile

 

 

It sure was nice to revisit this wine, previously tasted at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival last March, where Chile was the featured country. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

This Syrah has an awesome aromatic, with aromas of cherry, blueberry, red licorice, dried herbs, violet, meaty and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (alcohol coming in at 14%) with a solid core of ripe fruit, slightly spicy with fresh acidity and well integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish with good fresh energy and a silky texture. Well crafted, well balanced wine with great finesse and delicious, strongly recommended. Drinking very well right now, score 92 points.

Purchased at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival March 1, 2012 at $35.99

Poggio Bonelli Chianti Riserva 2006, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is already 6 years old but the color his still very dark, opaque ruby. On the nose, the aromas are dominating by oak characteristics; roasted coffee, leather, smoky, vanilla and concentrated cherry/dark plum. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (alcohol coming in at 14%), soft texture, concentrated flavours, balance acidity and woodsy tannins. Medium length and a mild dryness on the finish, with a more masculine, intense example of Sangiovese (this wine is 100% Sangiovese).

What I like about Sangiovese is the see saw tug of war between sweet and sour fruit, earthy and floral notes but in my view and for my palate this wine is overripe, over concentrated and over oak. This shows that the obsession with the over use of oak maturation is not limited to the new world wines unfortunately. Score 87 points.

Purchased October 2, 2010 LCBO New Release (180067) at $28.95

Rust en Vrede Estate 2007, Wo Stellenbosh, Stellenbosh, South Africa

Since 1981, Rust en Vrede has been making red wine only and there Estate wine is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 9% Merlot. Maturation took place in 50% French and 50% American oak for 23 months, blending took place 3 weeks before bottling. A further 18 months in bottle before release with alcohol coming in at 15%.

 

The strong Cabernet component comes through on the nose with lovely aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, pine needles, wood spices, smoke and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with great flavours of black fruit, coffee and savoury spices, light acidity, rounded tannins but hot from the alcohol. Decent length on the finish, great flavours initially but then again, the hot alcohol quitly kills the flavours.  There is no doubt that there is a lot of effort that went into making this wine; I just wish the alcohol wasn’t over the top. It makes this wine a little un-balance.  I strongly recommend decanting for at least one hour before serving. I was left a bit disappointed, was expecting much better. Score 89 points.

Purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release (997742) at $37.95    

Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg, Tuscany, Italy

This lovely wine is so Italian, just smelling this wine and I think I could be in a little pizzeria in Tuscany. It opens up with aromas of red plum, sour cherry, sundried tomatoes, soft leather and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (with alcohol coming in at 13.5%), ripe fruit and herbal and spicy flavours, lively acidity and dusty tannins. The finish is long with bright spicy flavours and loads of energy. This is a very charming and traditional wine with a real sense of place. A blend of 90% Prugnolo Gentile (regional name for Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo, with maturation in Tuscan casks. Strongly recommended and a fantastic value at this price. Score 90 points.

 

Purchased August 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (184937) at $17.95

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of October 13, 2012 - Australia's Makeover and Interesting and Unusual Wines

Hello to all my wine friends,             

Looking at this New Release (NR) I see a very exciting selection from 5 small wineries in Australia (more on that latter), a better selection of white wines than normal, again, few bargains in this NR but some very good wines in the 25$ to 50$ range. There are few wines on my shopping list, but I am going for quality and good value. 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;

· For fans of a classic style of Sauvignon Blanc, and at a good value, Leyda Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (099309) at $16.95;

· A top notch cool climate (Mornington Peninsula in Victoria) Chardonnay which is also featured in my main feature story, Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Australia (138628) at $39.95; and

· People may associate Soave with cheap Italian white wine, but when made well and not over cropped, these wines can be delicious just like Prà Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (074534) at $19.95.

Now for the red wines;

· Two wines from Chile, also a pick for best value of this NR, Falernia Reserva Syrah 2009 (208371) at $16.95 and a ready to enjoy. Also a great value Cabernet, Tres Palacios Family Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (299743) at $17.95.

· An expensive collector Cabernet Sauvignon from California which no doubt will have many lining up for, Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (071407) at $74.95;

· A perennial Malbec favourite from Argentina, BenMarco Malbec 2010 from Argentina (657601) at $17.95; and

· And finally, for fans of mature Traditional Spanish Rioja (like me) from a very good producer, Lan Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (928622) at $27.95. Well let’s get started;

Australia’ Makeover;  I am happy to see Vintages showcasing smaller producers from various regions of Australia. Sales of Australian wines have been on the decline for a while now. I believe this is what Australia's wine makeover will look like; moving away from sweet syrupy wine, with cute animals on the labels, that fill wine shelves, to smaller operations or family own vineyards with a focus on unique products with a accent on quality and a dryer wine. Over the last few years I have been paying more attention to the sugar listing in our Vintages NR booklets. I now rarely by red wines listed as dry, but instead buying reds listed as extra-dry. For sommeliers working in fine dining, it is much easier to suggest Australian wines if there are extra-dry. They pair much better with food, which makes the dining experience that much more memorable. I am happy to report that of the 9 Australian reds will be released this weekend, 6 of those are extra-dry.

• Oakridge Over The Shoulder Chardonnay 2011 from Yarra Valley (285759) at $24.95 – Lean Chablis style, cool climate Chardonnay from the cool 2011 vintage, aged in a combination of stainless steel and older French oak barrels with alcohol coming in at 12.3% and listed has dry.
  
  
• Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010 from Margaret River (283077) at $29.95 – This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and in a supporting role Malbec 2%, Cabernet Franc 2% and Petit Verdot 1%, maturation taking place in French oak for 10 months. This wine is unfined, but filtered and listed as dry.
  
  
• Oakridge Pinot Noir 2010 from Yarra Valley (284059) at $38.95 – Highly rated from a Pinot Noir specialist, this Pinot Noir maturation took place in French oak for 10 months (15% new), alcohol coming in at 12.9% and listed as extra-dry.
  
  
• Spinifex Bête Noir Shiraz 2010 from Barossa Valley (284141) at $49.95 – Spinifex winemaker Peter Schell has worked many vintages in France and his French born wife, Magali Gely family were vignerons for generations, which explains the French names of their wines. Shiraz grapes were sourced from 20-95 years old vines, 70% from Barossa Valley and 30% from Eden Valley, maturation taking place in French oak (30-40% new). This wine is listed as extra-dry.

Interesting and Unusual Wines;  Many new products become available each NR, usually between 125-150 (133 in this issue). There are always new wines which will languish on the shelf because shoppers don’t know about them, or don’t know what to pair it with. Well here are three of those wines (2 whites and 1 red) for you to consider;

• Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2011 from France (350124) at $12.95 – My pick for best value of this NR and featured on my shopping list. From a winery founded in 1932, in the region of Languedoc, south of France, this wine would fall under the category of Dry, Light and Fruity, are usually green-gold in color with flavours of citrus and floral notes. This wine is made using 100 % Picpoul Blanc, is un-oaked with alcohol at a low of 12.5%. Wines made with Picpoul Blanc usually have crisp acidity and are better served has an apéritif or better yet with seafood.
  
  
• Artemis Karamolegos Santorini 2010 from Greece (295642) at $15.95 – This white wine from the beautiful Island of Santorini in Greece (I have been there and the island is absolutely breathtaking) and is made using the Assyrtiko grape. Santorini has a hot, dry and windy growing conditions, volcanic soil and this wine would fall under the category of Dry, Light, Crisp with strong mineral character. In Santorini, wine made with Assyrtiko grapes are pair with fresh, grilled seafood.
  
  
• Spice Route Chakalaka 2009 from South Africa (160481) at $24.95 – This wine is name “Chakalaka” after the spicy South African relish and represent a fusion of flavours, in this case a blend of 37% Syrah, 21% Mourvèdre, 18% Carignan, 10% Petit Sirah, 10% Granache and 4% Tannat. Each component spent 15 months in French oak with the exception of the Mourvèdre, where maturation took place in 50% French and 50% American oak, also for 15 months. Suggestive pairing, BBQ lamb or steak.
  
  

My top three wines from this release;

1- Fraser Gallop Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Australia (283069) at $45.95

2- Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (071407) at $74.95

3- Spinifex Bête Noir Shiraz 2010 from Australia (284141) at $49.95

My top three wines for value;

1- Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2011 from France (350124) at $12.95

2- Falernia Reserva Syrah 2009 from Chile (208371) at $16.95

3- Leyda Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (099309) at $16.95

My wines picks from this New Release for your considerations;

Red Wines;

1- Paxton AAA Shiraz/Grenache 2010 from Australia (149898) at $19.95

2- Spinifex Bête Noir Shiraz 2010 from Australia (284141) at $49.95

3- Spinifex Papillon Grenache/Cinsault/Carignan/Shiraz 2010 from Australia (285205) at $29.95

4- Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010 from Australia (283077) at $29.95

5- Fraser Gallop Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Australia (283069) at $45.95

6- Oakridge Pinot Noir 2010 from Australia (284059) at $38.95

7- Falernia Reserva Syrah 2009 from Chile (208371) at $16.95

8- Tres Palacios Family Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Chile (299743) at $17.95

9- Agustinos Gran Terroir Pinot Noir 2010 from Chile (296616) at $19.95

10-Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir 2010 from British Columbia (585760) at $24.95

11-Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from California (071407) at $74.95

12-Ravenswood Teldeschi Single Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 from California (684589) at $44.95

13-Brandborg Bench Lands Pinot Noir 2008 from Oregon State, USA (295238) at $28.95

14-BenMarco Malbec 2010 from Argentina (657601) at $17.95

15-Flechas De Los Andes Gran Malbec 2009 from Argentina (164095) at $21.95

16-Seresin Raupo Creek Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 from New Zealand (285379) at $45.95

17-Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2009 from New Zealand (586081) at $18.95

18-Spice Route Chakalaka 2009 from South Africa (160481) at $24.95

19-Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010 from France (298612) at $32.95

20-Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2010 from France (048884) at $29.95

21-Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo 2006 from Italy (168179) at $168179) at $34.95

22-Ornellaia Le Volte 2010 from Italy (964221) at $29.95

23-Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (075127) at $54.95

24-Tedeschi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007 from Italy (695395) at $20.95 for Half Bottle

25-Lan Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (928622) at $27.95

26-Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2008 from Spain (323345) at $39.95

White Wines;

1- Fraser Gallop Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (288449) at $28.95

2- Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 from Australia (138628) at $39.95

3- Oakridge Over The Shoulder Chardonnay 2011 from Australia (285759) at $24.95

4- Casa Lapostolle Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay 2011 from Chile (947937) at $24.95

5- Leyda Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (099309) at $16.95

6- Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 from Onatrio (276261) at $38.00

7- La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2010 from California (158683) at $24.95

8-Wither Hills Single Vineyard Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (288134) at $21.95

9- Pascal Jolivet Les Caillotes Sancerre 2010 from France (287086) at $31.95

10-Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2011 from France (350124) at $12.95

11-H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese 2010 from Germany (295667) at $24.95

12-Artemis Karamolegos Santorini 2010 from Greece (295642) at $15.95

13-Terredora Falanghina 2010 from Italy (642074) at $14.95

14-Prà Soave Classico 2011 from Italy (074534) at $19.95

 

Champagne;

1-Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée from France (384529) at $69.95


Fortified Wine;

1-Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Premium Sweet Sherry fron Spain (047944) at $17.95

That is all for me and my team. We will be back for the next New Release of October 27, 2012, where the featured segments are Bordeaux 2009 vintage and California boutique wineries. You know what this means, it’s going to be an expensive NR.  

Pace yourself, Christmas is closing in (only 3 more NR follow October 27), the LCBO and Vintages will soon be rolling out the trophy wines. It’s nice to splurge once in a while but it’s still nice to find good or great wines at a decent price.

Cheers

Paul YGW