Paul's Picks from the LCBO Vintages New Release of August 3, 2013

Hello to all my wine friends,

As you may recalled my last newsletter mentioned that I would be unable to provide my picks for this week New Release (NR).  However, many of you have asked if I could provide a brief review with a list of recommended wines. I am more than happy to provide an abbreviated version of my newsletter. The central feature of this New Release (NR) showcases; "Fresh from France, refreshing whites", an interesting variety of grapes and sweetness level of which 4 are recommended out of the 13, with the remainder still a good option. The secondary feature is the "Syrah and Shiraz, one grape, two names, many styles" with only 1 wine recommended out of the 7 wines (from 6 different countries). For me, when you say Shiraz, the first country I think about is Australia but there is none to be found in the featured Syrah/Shiraz offering, which is a bit peculiar. If you are looking for an Aussie Shiraz, two of them are here, in the Australian section of the NR. My pick for top wines of this release, St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from the Barossa Valley (535104) at $34.95 and Swings & Roundabouts Shiraz 2011 from the cooler climate Margaret River in Western Australia (329839), at $21.95.

 

Now my favourite question;  If I were allowed to buy only one wine from this NR, which one would that be?  Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95. Syrah wines from Tuscany can be very sensuous and this wine is a full bodied blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Now here are a few wines I would like to bring to your attention;  

Starting with white wines;

 

• If you have never tried a wine made with Chenin Blanc grapes these two wines would be a great start; from the Chenin Blanc specialist in South Africa, Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 (231282) at $17.95 and Marc Brédif Vouvray 2011 from la Loire, France (685362) at $19.95 (I have reviewed there last two vintages of their Vouvray, 2009 and 2010), I love their wines.
   
   
• Here is a rich style of Pinot Gris from California to consider; Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris from Russian River Valley in Sonoma County (047787) at $19.95.

   

   
• For the off the beaten track adventurous out there, here are two of them to consider; Lua Cheia Em Vinhas Velhas 2011 from Portugal (336073) at $15.95 (from old vines native grapes) and Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira 2011 from Spain (218313) at $15.95 (made with Verdejo grapes)

 

Now for the red wines;

• My local pick from the very good 2010 vintage in Ontario, Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Niagara Peninsula (130997) at $31.95.
  
  
• For fans of Bodegas Lan, don't wait too long to pick a few bottles of Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007 from Spain (042929) at $21.95.
  
  
• Lovers of California Cabernet Sauvignon, here is a good value, mid price Cab to consider; Cameron Hughes Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (329854) at $24.95.
  
  
• And finally, here is my BBQ pick for you; Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95 with a nice medium rare steak would be awesome.

My top three wines from this release; 

1- St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from Australia (535104) at $34.95 

2- Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Ontario (130997) at $31.95 

3- Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95

 

My top three wines for value; 

1- Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 from South Africa (231282) at $17.95 

2- Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2011 from Italy (650713) at $17.95 

3- Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95

 

 

My wines picks from this New Release for your consideration;

Red Wines; 

1- Tawse Laundry Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 from Ontario (130997) at $31.95 

2- Cade Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (325027) at $104.95 

3- Cameron Hughes Lot 257 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (329854) at $24.95 

4- Decoy Zinfandel 2010 from California (327502) at $29.95 

5- Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from California (292300) at $115.95 

6- Altivo Balance Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Argentina (324202) at $21.95 

7- Ventisquero Grey Single Block Carmenère 2010 from Chile (325415) at $19.95 

8- St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2009 from Australia (535104) at $34.95 

9- Swings & Roundabouts Shiraz 2011 from Australia (329839) at $21.95 

10- Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010 from New Zealand (034827) at $24.95 

11- Château Puygueraud 2009 from France (189423) at $22.85 

12- Poggio Al Tesoro Mediterra 2010 from Italy (333567) at $23.95 

13- Monte Zovo Sa' Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2011 from Italy (650713) at $17.95 

14- Bodegas Lan Reserva 2007 from Spain (042929) at $21.95 

15- Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2005 from Spain (927913) at $29.95

 

White Wines; 

1- Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2010 from France (112227) at $19.95 

2- Marc Brédif Vouvray 2011 from France (685362) at $19.95 

3- Rolly Gassmann Riesling 2009 from France (328898) at $20.95 

4- Mac Murray Ranch Pinot Gris from California (047787) at $19.95 

5- Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2010 from California (329615) at $49.95 

6- Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile (328401) at $19.95 

7- Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2011 from South Africa (231282) at $17.95 

8- Lua Cheia Em Vinhas Velhas 2011 from Portugal (336073) at $15.95 

9- Pedro Escudero Fuente Elvira 2011 from Spain (218313) at $15.95

 

Sparkling Wines; 

1- Château Moncontour Tête de Cuvée Brut Vouvray from France (207936) at $16.95

 

That is all for me and my team. I hope you enjoy my picks this week and I am off for a small vacation in Newfoundland. We will be back for the next New Release of August 17, 2013, where the featured segments are Fine wines from the "other" Italy and Refreshing Aussie whites.

 

Cheers

Paul YWG

Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

A deep gold in color, this Chardonnay opened up with aromas of peach, pineapple, pink grapefruit, crème brulée and light minerality. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14%), rich, slightly creamy and fresh acidity. This wines finish is long with a rich combination of tropical / citrus fruit with a buttery texture. Overall a very nice Chardonnay, I would have preferred a little less oak, but the mouthfeel was very nice with enough acidity to balance all that sweetness. Score 90 points.

 

Purchased November 10, 2012 LCBO Vintages Essential (359513) at $29.95



Château Des Charmes St. David’s Bench Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada

 

 

What a great summer and food wine this Cabernet Franc has shown itself to be. It is a great departure from the full bodied, sweet and heavy wines. This wine opened up with aromas of wild strawberry, plum, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, oak vanillin, white pepper and floral-violet notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied (alcohol comes in at 13.5%), dry, flavourful and very elegant with balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. The length on the finish is very good, smooth with a sweet-sour edge, flavours of berries-plum fruit, vanilla, spices and fine grained tannins lingering. Lots of finesse and elegance in this Cabernet Franc with endless pairing possibilities. Really enjoyable, score 89 points.  

 

Purchased June19, 2013 at Château Des Charmes boutique in Ottawa at $25.95



San Giorgio Ugolforte Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

This wine is made with 100% Sangiovese, with the first year maturation in French oak (50% new and 50% one year old), than a further 24 months in Slovanian oak barrels. Finally, a further 12 months in bottle before being released, with alcohol coming in at 14.1%. 

 

This Brunello opened up with a maturing and complex bouquet of red cherry, plum, soft leather, cedarwood, savoury spices and light floral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with a silky smooth texture, seductive fruit and gentle wood spices flavours with fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long and elegant with flavours of sweet and sour fruit flavours, spices and fine tannins prolonging the length and pleasure of this Brunello. Just as gorgeous as their 2005 vintage, if not better, and drinking beautifully now. Score 92 points.

 

Purchased March 2, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (212431) at $47.95



Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah (all Napa Valley fruit) with maturation in French oak barrels (15% new) for 18 months. It was blended, than bottled in July 2012, with alcohol coming in at 14.3%.

 

Classic masculine Cabernet Sauvignon bouquet with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrants, tobacco, saddle leather, black olives and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, dried with robust flavours, low acidity and fine structured tannins. Very good weight and length on the finish with great flavours and a nice tannic grip. This is a very enjoyable well made Cabernet that walks a fine line between power and elegance. Enjoy now or over the next 3-4 years, strongly recommended. Score 90 points. 

 

Purchased May 30, 2013 LCBO Vintages Essential (255513) at $34.95 

Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuvée Chardonnay 2009, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, USA

 

 

This wine is produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes, and opened up with aromas of pineapple, peach, apple, crème brulée and light citrus notes. On the mouthfeel, a full bodied wine with alcohol coming in at 14.2%, rich, buttery with a sweet caramel flavours and low acidity. The length on the finish is good with a mixture of citrus and tropical fruit flavours and light minerals notes. Overall, this Chardonnay is enjoyable but I felt it could have been much better. For my palate this wine feels a little heavy, the product of too much toasty oak. When I think of cool-climate wines, I look for a wine with a vibrant energy and better acidity. Score 87 points. 

Purchased April 27, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (233981) at $23.95

Lornano Chianti Classico 2009, Docg Tuscany, Italy

 

 

This wine is 100% Sangiovese with maturation taking place in French oak for 12 months follow by 6 months in the bottle before being released with the alcohol at 14%.

 

Great vibrant nose on this Chianti, with aromas of red berry fruit, leather, floral notes and savoury spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, dry with sweet and sour edge flavours of berries, cherry and plum, lively acidity and fine dusty tannins. This wines finish is long, fresh and lively with excellent depth of flavours. Absolutely love this well made, traditional style of Chianti Classico and at this price it is a great value. Not to be missed for any lovers of Sangiovese based wines, score 90 points.

 

Purchased May 25, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (211599) at $16.95