Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja, Spain

 

This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuela and 5% Graciano with maturation taking place in a combination of French and American oak barrels and alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.5%. The finished wine spent 48 months in bottle before being released.

 

This blend opened up with aromas of blackberry/cherry fruit, stewed plums, wood smoke and Asian spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, stewed fruit (prunes and figs) and smoky flavours, low acidity and fine grained tannins. A medium length on the finish, lacking freshness and energy, the vestige of barrels fermentation were still quite apparent. Most likely will be much better in a year or two but will never achieve elegance in my view. Still enjoyable but I was hopping for better. Suggestive pairing, leg of lamb, score 88 points.

 

Purchased September 5, 2012 at the SAQ in Gatineau (00325084) at $32.25  

Road 13 Rockpile 2009, VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

 

 

This wine is a blend of mostly Merlot and Syrah at 45% each with the remaining 10% is Cabernet Franc at 5%, Lemberger at 3%, Cabernet Sauvignon 1% and Dornfelder at 1%. Maturation took place in a combination of French and American oak for 16 months and alcohol arrived at 14.9%. The Lemberger and Dornfelder are rarely seen in this country but are commonly grown in Württember, Germany.

 

I had previously enjoyed this wine in a restaurant in Victoria, BC last May and decided to purchase a bottle to add to my cellar for enjoyment later. This wine opened up with aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla spices, black pepper, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, quite well structured and complex with flavours of ripe berry fruit, peppery, cedary and savoury spices, balance acidity and fine grained tannins. My favourite part of this blend was the finish, very smooth, very rich concentrated fruit and vanilla spice flavours lingering. Definitely much better than in May, the flavours and all elements are starting to blend nicely together with better days to come. I must admit here that I really like this wine label, I know that you shouldn’t buy a wine because you like the label but in this case, for me, its represents what a good wine should be about. There is little chance of making a great wine without great fruit, great wines start in the vineyard and farming is a very important part of wine making process. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended. Score 90 points.

 

Purchased at Spinnakers in Victoria, BC on May 5, 2012 for $22.99

Paul's Picks from the LCBO New Release of December 8, 2012 - An Encore Presentati​on and Pairing Wine with Turkey

Hello to all my wine friends,

Here is a great opportunity to start and / or wrap up your planned list of wines to enjoy over the holiday season.  You could expect that Vintages only new release (NR) in December and the last before Christmas would be loaded with eye popping temptations and gift ideas, that the crescendo that’s been building since the first release in November would culminate by a jaw dropping release. Unfortunately this is not the case, in this “hard to get too excited” NR; you get the first indication of the let down by the picture on the NR booklet, an un-inspiring and not very festive cover. The picture didn’t showcase great wines or Champagne, but instead what looks like a glass of blueberry juice and a plate of nuts. This is surely the time of year where people usually splurge on a special bottle for themselves or as a gift.  In this NR, the offering looks like an average release, actually more like the first two releases of January, which the LCBO would call their “Value Release”. If this NR looks like a January release, can you imagine what the January release will look like? I say you should stock up from the better offerings from the last 2 or 3 releases where very good to great wines at all price points including those valued between $15.00 to $20.00.

 

I looked back at the Vintages NR from December 2010 and 2011 (I keep all these books) where all regions were well represented and where more mature, ready to drink older vintages like Bordeaux or Spanish reds where released and where the selection of Champagne was outstanding. For those us living in Ottawa area, we always have the option to cross the provincial border into Quebec and visit their SAQ, where they have a superb selection, especially French wines including Champagne, Italian and Spanish wines. My thought on this NR, is that I feel that the LCBO thinks that most people will not be paying much attention to their wines; the stores will be so busy, there will simply grab a few bottles and get in line. But for the rest of us, who research before buying, here are a few suggested wines from this New Release, including the last two NR as well, for your consideration. Now, apart from the wines featured in the following two highlighted segments, here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention. 

 

First the white wines; 

• For fans of Chardonnay, in this NR, there is a pretty good selection from cool climates to the hot California climate; cool climate Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay from Oregon State (273334) at $29.95 and from the excellent 2009 vintage in France, Vincent Girardin les Vieilles Vignes Puligny-Montrachet 2009 (300293) at $52.95 now from warmer climate; Grigich Hills Chardonnay 2009 from California (184929) at $52.95 and La Crema Chardonnay 2009 from California (184929) at $39.95. 

• Two Chenin Blanc to consider, Kanu KCB Chenin Blanc 2006 from South Africa (907089) at $14.95 and from a very good producer, Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010 from France (685362) at $19.95.
  
  
• Finally, a very good alternative to Chardonnay, Alamos Viognier 2011 from Chile (507830) at $13.95. 

 

Now for the reds wines; 

• Red wines from the very good 2010 vintage in Ontario are starting to appear on our shelves. Here are two that should spend a little time in your cellar, to fully appreciate their complexity, Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet-Merlot 2010 (395855) at $24.95 and Jackson-Triggs Delaine Syrah 2010 (086553) at $32.95.
  
  
• Here one of the few splurge option in this NR and one of my favourite wines tasted at the California Wine Fair in Ottawa last March. This elegant Bordeaux blend from Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 2008 (710913) at $75.95 with its great nose and structure.
  
  
• Here is one of the better 2009 Bordeaux released at Vintages, Château la Tour Carnet 2009 from France (194555) at $51.85. A few years in your cellar and your patience will be rewarded.
  
  
• The selection of Tuscan wines is very solid I must say, with five of them for your consideration including; Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico 2010 (680496) at $21.95, Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 (642009) at $22.95, Fontodi Chianti Classico 2009 (933317) at $29.95, Pietranera Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 (189761) at $35.95 and Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2010 (147876) at $26.95.
  
  
• And finally a beautiful Rioja which I just enjoyed last night (06 Dec 12), savoury, ripe fruit with fine grained tannins ready to drink, Lealtanza Reserva 2007 from Spain (208223) at $19.95. Now let’s get started;

An Encore Presentation;  Here are three wines which have previously been released and reviewed on this blog;

 

§ Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (084996) at $24.95 – This wine was previously released on September 17, 2011 with the same price and product number. When released earlier this Cabernet was very tannic but I had the opportunity to open one of these over the last week and I am happy to report, its drinking beautifully.

To see my review, follow this link;

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wynns-coonawarra-estate-cabernet.html

 

§ Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot from Australia (976423) at $39.95 – This wine was previously release on December 11, 2010 and again on October 15, 2011. I have no doubt this wine is still drinking very well, it would be smoother since I reviewed it, but it still has lots of structure and is nicely layered. I reviewed it on October 13, 2011.

To see my review, follow this link;

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/10/elderton-ode-to-lorraine-2008-barossa.html 

 

§ Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (244715) at $26.95 – This wine was previously release on December 10, 2011 with the same number but $3.00 cheaper. I am not sure how it tastes right now but after I reviewed this wine last December. 

To see my review, follow this link;
 

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2011/12/ramon-bilbao-gran-reserva-2004-rioja.html

 

Pairing Wine with Turkey; There is always a lot of flavours happening on a Christmas dinner plate; the turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, bread or biscuits and French Canadian tourtière (my mother’s recipe is my all time favourite). Here are my recommendations in both red and whites from this NR and found in the last two NR in November.  

White Wines; My suggestions for white wines are Chablis (Chardonnay grapes from Burgundy, France), a light oak Chardonnay and no oak bombs.  A Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc with no oak or very little oak. You should look for wines with food friendly acidity like these; 

§ Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from New Zealand (010421) at $21.95 – November 10 NR.

§ Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from South Africa (933424) at $18.95 – November 10 NR.

§ La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Crus 2010 from France (656835) at $29.95 – November 10 NR. 

§ Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 from California (210039) at $34.95 – November 24 NR.

§ C. H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2009 from Germany (207274) at $19.95 – November 24 NR.

§ Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay from Oregon State (273334) at $29.95 – December 8 NR.

§ Alamos Viognier 2011 from Chile (507830) at $13.95 – December 8 NR.

§ Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010 from France (685362) at $19.95 – December 8 NR

§ St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2011 from Germany (995746) at $16.95 – December 8 NR.

 

Red Wines;  What you should be looking for is a lighter wine with low tannins and alcohol, good acidity with more fruit than oak. I usually recommend Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese based wines, Valpolicella, Zinfandel (preferably not above 15% alcohol) and mature Rioja like these;

§ Villa Ponciago La Réserve Fleurie 2011 from France (299917) at $21.95 – November 24 NR.

§ Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006 from Italy (685180) at $24.95 – November 24 NR.

§ Cennatoio Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (232561) at $15.95 – November 24 NR.

§ Musella Vigne Nuove Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Italy (205757) at $15.95 – November 24 NR

§ Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (307686) at $34.95 – This NR December 8

§ Domaine Gagey Clos du Roy Marsannay 2009 from France (124826) at $34.95 – This NR December 8

§ Lealtanza Reserva 2007 from Spain (208223) at $19.95 – This NR December 8

  

My top three wines from this release;   

1. Château la Tour Carnet 2009 from France (194555) at $51.85

2. Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 2008 from California (710913) at $75.95

3. Vincent Girardin les Vieilles Vignes Puligny-Montrachet 2009 from France (300293) at $52.95 

 

My top three wines for Holiday Gift; (around $30.00) 

1.  Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (084996) at $24.95

2.  Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay from Oregon State (273334) at $29.95

3.  Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2010 from Italy (147876) at $26.95

 

My top three wines for value;  

1.  St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2011 from Germany (995746) at $16.95

2.  Lealtanza Reserva 2007 from Spain (208223) at $19.95

3.  Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (299776) at $14.95 

 

My wine picks from this New Release for your considerations;

 

Red Wines; 

1.  Henry of Pelham Estate Cabernet-Merlot 2010 from Ontario (395855) at $24.95

2.  Jackson-Triggs Delaine Syrah 2010 from Ontario (086553) at $32.95

3.  Tawse Quarry Road Pinot Noir 2009 from Ontario (307686) at $34.95

4.  Borrowing Owl Syrah 2009 from British Columbia (073072) at $40.95

5.  Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages 2008 from California (710913) at $75.95

6.  Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from California (285098) at $49.95

7.  Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (084996) at $24.95

8.  Ben Glaetzer The Bishop Shiraz 2010 from Australia (627869) at $39.95

9.  Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot from Australia (976423) at $39.95

10. Tahnlik Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Australia (138818) at $22.95

11. Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009 from France (983650) at $34.95

12. Château la Tour Carnet 2009 from France (194555) at $51.85

13.  Domaine Chanson Beaume Clos des Marconnets 1er Cru 2009 from France (299792) at $49.95

14.  Domaine Gagey Clos du Roy Marsannay 2009 from France (124826) at $34.95

15. Castello Di Querceto Chianti Classico 2010 from Italy (680496) at $21.95

16. Fassati Pasiteo Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009 from Italy (642009) at $22.95

17. Fontodi Chianti Classico 2009 from Italy (933317) at $29.95

18. Pietranera Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 from Italy (189761) at $35.95

19. Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2010 from Italy (147876) at $26.95

20.  Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008 from Italy (672931) at $25.00

21. Lealtanza Reserva 2007 from Spain (208223) at $19.95

22. Ramon Bilbao Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2004 from Spain (244715) at $26.95

 
White Wines;

1.  Lailey Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 from Ontario (299776) at $14.95

2.  Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay from Oregon State (273334) at $29.95

3.  Grigich Hills Chardonnay 2009 from California (184929) at $52.95

4.  La Crema Chardonnay 2009 from California (184929) at $39.95

5.  Alamos Viognier 2011 from Chile (507830) at $13.95

6.  Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Dry Riesling 2011 from Australia (262469) at $19.95

7.  Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 2011 from New Zealand (680983) at $19.95

8.  Kanu KCB Chenin Blanc 2006 from South Africa (907089) at $14.95

9.  Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010 from France (685362) at $19.95

10. Vincent Girardin les Vieilles Vignes Puligny-Montrachet 2009 from France (300293) at $52.95

11. St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2011 from Germany (995746) at $16.95

12. Reichsrat Von Buhl Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling Spätlese 2009 from Germany (946673) at $24.95

 

Champagne and Sparkling Wines;

 1.  Beaumont des Crayères Grand Prestige Brut Champagne from France (903443) at $44.95

2.  Bonnaire Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Champagne from France (721035) at $59.95

3.  Tarland Rosé Brut Champagne from France (664680) at $49.95

4.  Blue Mountain Brut from British Columbia (206326) at $27.95

That is it for me. Please accept my best wishes and may you all have a wonderful Christmas, and a safe, healthy Holiday Season with your stockings overflowing with your favourite Vino. 

My team and I will be back for next year’s first New Release, on January 5, 2013.

Cheers

Paul YWG

Two Hands Sophie’s Garden Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Shiraz grape with maturation taking place in 45% new French oak hogsheads, the remainder in 2 to 4 year old French oak for a period of 16 months with alcohol coming in at 15.8%.

At four years old this attractive Shiraz is already showing intriguing maturing nose with aromas of blackberry, plum, currants, white pepper, mint, violet and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, flavours of blackberry preserve and savoury spices, balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. This wines finish is very smooth with soft seductive fruit flavours and exotic spices lingering. Even with the considerable alcohol, Sophie’s Garden 2008 still managed to be well balanced, thanks to the massive amounts of ripe fruit. An interesting Shiraz that was very enjoyable, scored 91 points.

Purchased October 15, 2011 LCBO New Release (62380) at $46.00

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 53rd Vintage, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, with maturation for 17 months in a combination of French oak barrels (31% new and 53% seasoned) and American barrels oak (2% new and 14% seasoned) with alcohol coming in at 14%.

This is another full bodied, robust wine from Wynns, with aromas of black cherry, black currant, toasty, minty, earthy, espresso roast with strong tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dry, layered by dark fruit, mint and wood spices, balanced acidity and firm tannins. Good weight and length on the finish with concentrated flavours and mild tannins lingering. I opened a bottle of this wine about a year ago and found the tannins to be very aggressive, but a year later, I found this Cabernet Sauvignon drinking very well. For fans of a robust and masculine style of Cabernet Sauvignon, you will not be disappointed. This wine is a great value that is drinking like a much more expensive wine, strongly recommended, score 92 points.

Purchased September 17, 2011 LCBO New Release (84996) at $24.95

P.S. This wine is about to be re-released on December 8, 2012, under the same number and price.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia

 

 

This is a rich and full bodied blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Shiraz and 6% Merlot with maturation taking place in French and American oak for 12 months with the alcohol coming in at 14%.

This wine opens up with a very masculine bouquet of cherry, plum, cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco, black pepper, minty and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dry, rich and concentrated flavours, mild acidity and tight tannins. The finish is long, well structured with excellent depth of flavours. It is sure to acquire some finesse over the next 3-4 years, but can still be enjoyed now with any BBQ red meat. Strongly recommended and most especially at this price. Score 90 points.

Purchased September 15, 2012 LCBO New Release (51600) at $19.95

My top three enjoyed wines in November 2012

I could have easily made a top six wine picks this month. Apart from the three wines which made the final list, three wines from Italy also left me with a very good impression. First, the best valued wine I enjoyed this month by far was Vigne Nuove Di Musella Valpolicella Superiore 2009 from Veneto; followed up by this very stylish and mature Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2006, from Tuscany; and finally this well priced and very elegant Poggiotondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2006 also from Tuscany. All three wines have a real sense of place, well made, and I would strongly recommend. Now here are the wines which made my top three list;



My top three wines in November

1-Marqué de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 2004, Rioja, Spain

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/marque-de-murrieta-castillo-ygay-gran_18.html

Another great wine from Spain which blew me away, the cellaring is all done for you, and what you have here is a very smooth wine with great flavour.

2-Nk’Mip Cellars Mer’r’iym 2008, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/nkmip-cellars-merriym-2008-okanagan.html

It seems that these days, that most British Columbia wineries are making a premium Bordeaux or Bordeaux/ Rhône blend. This one is a first effort from Nk’Mip and is absolutely superb. Their 2009 vintage of Mer’r'iym was just awarded one of the top wines at this year’s Wine Access Canadian Wine Competition.

 

3-Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County, California, USA

http://paulnjoywine.blogspot.ca/2012/11/seghesio-sonoma-zinfandel-2010-sonoma.html

Fans of California Zinfandel are definitely a very enthusiastic, loyal group with an annual convention dedicated to their favourite grape. Making great and balanced Zinfandel can be quite a challenge; so many things can get out of control, including high alcohol. But this Zinfandel, from one of my favourite producers, pulled it all together, quite a luscious example without going over the top, while still achieving great balance.