An abbreviated report of the March 20th release. Sorry for the late report but I’m just back from a week of not much wine in Costa Rica with my two bronzed beauties. We did have lots of Imperiales (beer) and one not bad Viu Manent Malbec Rose.
On our last night a Luigi Bosca 2007 Reserve Malbec was the perfact way to end our vacation. The latter accompanied some great tapas, classical guitar playing and flamenco dancers in the San Jose Marriot Hotel. What a hotel! It was the perfect end to a wonderful week! A night there is highly recommended to anyone with a morning flight out of San Jose. You’ll need to be very calm for that experience!
Ahhh but back to reality now!. There were some beauties in this release at the $15.00 Price Point as well as a few more sub $30’s that are even better, but perhaps not that much better!
A fizzie to start - SANTA JULIA EXTRA BRUT $14.95The other under $15.00 gems:
D’ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP SHIRAZ 2008 $14.95
RENZO MASSI ERTA E CHINA 2007 $14.95
DOMAINE CROZE-GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $14.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005 $15.00
The Best of the rest, in my order of preference
JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2007 $24.95
SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $19.95
DOMAINE DE LA COLLINE SAINT-JEAN VIEILLES VIGNES VACQUEYRAS 2007 $23.95
RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $19.95
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR’S CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $29.95
RANCHO ZABACO SONOMA HERITAGE VINES ZINFANDEL 2007 $19.95
MONSANTO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 $28.95
Two from Portugal for under 12 dollars! CASA DO LAGO 2006 and REDONDO LATITUDE WEST 2008 both $11.95
And if money is no object, chase this one down:TENUTA DI CASTELGIOCONDO LAMAIONE 2006 IGT Toscana
(Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi) TASTING NOTE: Dark in color, with intense aromas of mineral, spice, blackberry and coffee bean. Full-bodied, with a wonderful core of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Polished and very beautiful, with a lovely texture. A fantastic effort from the Frescobaldis. Best after 2011. Score – 95. (James Suckling) $63.95
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Chilean release of epic proportions - NOT!
A Chilean release punctuated by the presence of a couple of nice Carmeneres, but otherwise a pretty nondescript batch of wines for a highlighted wine country. I hope the Chilean photo montage was provided by the Chilean tourism board and not the result of a fat, all expenses covered contract paid by the LCBO to some bureaucrat’s brother in law. Talk about a colossal waste of paper.
Rant done, there are some good wines in the overall release but it is nothing special. If you miss this release, don’t lose any sleep!
My Picks:
RIVERA CAPPELLACCIO RISERVA AGLIANICO 2004 $17.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ APPASSIMENTO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007
$16.95
GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION WALKING TREE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $29.95
MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2007 19.95
The Best of the rest,
The Whites
PENINSULA RIDGE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 Earned Gold at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards and from the wonderful ’07 vintage. $24.95
EMILIANA NOVAS WINEMAKER’S SELECTION CHARDONNAY/VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2007
Organically Grown Grapes Some floral, ginger aromas. Fullbodied white wine, nice floral notes with a vanilla. Score – Silver Medal. (Decanter) $18.95
MULDERBOSCH CHARDONNAY 2006 … fresh, with bright orange blossom, white peach, melon and fig notes woven together with an elegant stitching of grilled hazelnut. The long finish has nice buried acidity. Drink now. Score – 90. (James Molesworth,) $21.95
ERRÁZURIZ SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 It is an excellent value. $14.95
And NOW the REDS
The Italians
RIVERA CAPPELLACCIO RISERVA AGLIANICO 2004 DOC Castel del Monte
TASTING NOTE: simply superb as dense layers of perfumed, jammy dark fruit flow from the glass in convincing style … Suggestions of violets, minerals, menthol and earthiness linger on the powerful yet refined finish. 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertpar -ker.com, April 2009) $17.95
CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG Dried flowers, with blackberry and dried cherry, lead to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Needs time to open. Score – 90. (James Suckling,) $24.95
CASTELLO DI MELETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Chianti Classico is
a sweet, fragrant offering redolent of perfumed red fruits. In this vintage it is especially soft and generous, and I would prefer to enjoy the wine on the young side. The Chianti Classico is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino and 5% Merlot that spends 12 months in cask. 19.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ APPASSIMENTO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007
a blend of 30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and the remaining 10% is a combination of Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara and Dindarella. The wine is richer than traditional Ripassos.and has been a perennial fave since, ummm, well since it was $14! $16.95
The Chileans
Chile is trying to make Carmenere its signature grape in the way Malbec has become Argentina’s. To my palate, a very nice Carmenere is superb. A bad one is drek. It does blend nicely, it was once one of the bit players among the 6 Bordeaux grapes ( which mostly have now become 5) but rarely held centre stage there. There are some good ones in today’s release:
MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2007 A Wine of the Month so there’ll be lots allowing you to try a bottle and get more if you like it. The review says, a superb aromatic array of spice, lavender, incense, smoke, and blueberry. Layered, plush, and concentrated, it has excellent depth and grip, Score – 91..$19.95
ERRÁZURIZ SINGLE VINEYARD DON MAXIMIANO ESTATE CARMENÈRE 2008 Deep ruby colour with raspberry, smoke, sweet herbs (marjoram), blueberry, vanilla and spice. Dry,intensely fruity and spicy, with balancing acids and mid-palate tannins. The fruit smooths the whole package out beautifully. Full bodied with a surprisingly long finish. Ageable 2-4+ years, but would make a lovely match tonight with roast leg of lamb.$18.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2008, Apalta Vineyard TASTING NOTE: The purple-colored 2008 Cabernet-Carmenere Limited Selection offers a reticent perfume of spice box, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry. With a firm under-pinning and spicy, savory flavors, it is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and offer pleasurable drinking from 2010 to 2016. $14.95
TABALÍ RESERVA MERLOT 2006 Limarí Valley Gord Stimmell liked this one saying: A stunning value red, one of the best buys in today’s release. Big black cherry,vanilla, violets and cedar aromas. Rich flavours showing black currants, black cherry, mocha and vanilla bean. His palate usually matches mine (or vice versa) - Score – 90+. (Gordon Stimmell,) $14.95
The rest of the world
Château de Fontenelles ‘Cuvée Renaissance’ 2006 - One of the Wines of the month – should be good and pretty well priced, from Corbières $19.95
Domaine Galévan ‘Paroles de Femme’ Côtes du Rhône 2007 A rerelease of the one of last year’s very pleasant Cotes du Rhones $15.00
MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2005 WO Stellenbosch: A full blown 5 yr old Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. this is smoky, with incense and coffee aromas and a palate of red currant, crushed plum and boysenberry fruit, layered with additional cocoa, grilled herb and mineral notes. The long finish lets both the fruit and herb notes linger. Drink now through 2011. Score – 90. (James Molesworth,) $20.95
GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION WALKING TREE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 I like the Geyser Peak wines especially their reserves. Grapes used in this wine are from a specific block within a specific vineyard ….tannins and ageability always characterize this Cab, which contains a splash of Syrah. it’s very dry, with herb-infused cherry and currant flavors, and new oak plays only a supporting role. It’s really an elegant wine …. An Editors’ Choice. Score – 91. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast,) $29.95
KAIKEN ULTRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Mendoza Expect it to improve further still over the next 2-3 years in bottle, or enjoy it tonight with herbed roast beef served rare. $19.95
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE GSM 2006: On the plus side, this wine used to be a favourite of mine – think of an Aussie Chateauneuf du Pape. But on the down side, this vintage (or is it the winemaker?) might not be up to previous ones and it is expensive considering the Aussie wine glut. As well, I can’t get my head around the new label and bottle – I don’t like either one. Both have cheapened the image of the product I think. $34.95
THE ONE LONELY Recommended IN STORE DISCOVERY – A transfer in from the VSO website, this one might be worth hunting down!
PRATESI CARMIONE 2005 IGT Rosso Toscana The intensity of this powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend is outstanding, and so is the density of its aromas. It presents a solid wall of blackberry, dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and cigar box. It's bold and syrupy and overwhelms the palate with its enormous bounty. Score - 93. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 2008)$44.00
Rant done, there are some good wines in the overall release but it is nothing special. If you miss this release, don’t lose any sleep!
My Picks:
RIVERA CAPPELLACCIO RISERVA AGLIANICO 2004 $17.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ APPASSIMENTO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007
$16.95
GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION WALKING TREE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $29.95
MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2007 19.95
The Best of the rest,
The Whites
PENINSULA RIDGE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 Earned Gold at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards and from the wonderful ’07 vintage. $24.95
EMILIANA NOVAS WINEMAKER’S SELECTION CHARDONNAY/VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2007
Organically Grown Grapes Some floral, ginger aromas. Fullbodied white wine, nice floral notes with a vanilla. Score – Silver Medal. (Decanter) $18.95
MULDERBOSCH CHARDONNAY 2006 … fresh, with bright orange blossom, white peach, melon and fig notes woven together with an elegant stitching of grilled hazelnut. The long finish has nice buried acidity. Drink now. Score – 90. (James Molesworth,) $21.95
ERRÁZURIZ SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 It is an excellent value. $14.95
And NOW the REDS
The Italians
RIVERA CAPPELLACCIO RISERVA AGLIANICO 2004 DOC Castel del Monte
TASTING NOTE: simply superb as dense layers of perfumed, jammy dark fruit flow from the glass in convincing style … Suggestions of violets, minerals, menthol and earthiness linger on the powerful yet refined finish. 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertpar -ker.com, April 2009) $17.95
CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG Dried flowers, with blackberry and dried cherry, lead to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Needs time to open. Score – 90. (James Suckling,) $24.95
CASTELLO DI MELETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Chianti Classico is
a sweet, fragrant offering redolent of perfumed red fruits. In this vintage it is especially soft and generous, and I would prefer to enjoy the wine on the young side. The Chianti Classico is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino and 5% Merlot that spends 12 months in cask. 19.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ APPASSIMENTO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007
a blend of 30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, and the remaining 10% is a combination of Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara and Dindarella. The wine is richer than traditional Ripassos.and has been a perennial fave since, ummm, well since it was $14! $16.95
The Chileans
Chile is trying to make Carmenere its signature grape in the way Malbec has become Argentina’s. To my palate, a very nice Carmenere is superb. A bad one is drek. It does blend nicely, it was once one of the bit players among the 6 Bordeaux grapes ( which mostly have now become 5) but rarely held centre stage there. There are some good ones in today’s release:
MONTES ALPHA CARMENÈRE 2007 A Wine of the Month so there’ll be lots allowing you to try a bottle and get more if you like it. The review says, a superb aromatic array of spice, lavender, incense, smoke, and blueberry. Layered, plush, and concentrated, it has excellent depth and grip, Score – 91..$19.95
ERRÁZURIZ SINGLE VINEYARD DON MAXIMIANO ESTATE CARMENÈRE 2008 Deep ruby colour with raspberry, smoke, sweet herbs (marjoram), blueberry, vanilla and spice. Dry,intensely fruity and spicy, with balancing acids and mid-palate tannins. The fruit smooths the whole package out beautifully. Full bodied with a surprisingly long finish. Ageable 2-4+ years, but would make a lovely match tonight with roast leg of lamb.$18.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2008, Apalta Vineyard TASTING NOTE: The purple-colored 2008 Cabernet-Carmenere Limited Selection offers a reticent perfume of spice box, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry. With a firm under-pinning and spicy, savory flavors, it is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and offer pleasurable drinking from 2010 to 2016. $14.95
TABALÍ RESERVA MERLOT 2006 Limarí Valley Gord Stimmell liked this one saying: A stunning value red, one of the best buys in today’s release. Big black cherry,vanilla, violets and cedar aromas. Rich flavours showing black currants, black cherry, mocha and vanilla bean. His palate usually matches mine (or vice versa) - Score – 90+. (Gordon Stimmell,) $14.95
The rest of the world
Château de Fontenelles ‘Cuvée Renaissance’ 2006 - One of the Wines of the month – should be good and pretty well priced, from Corbières $19.95
Domaine Galévan ‘Paroles de Femme’ Côtes du Rhône 2007 A rerelease of the one of last year’s very pleasant Cotes du Rhones $15.00
MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2005 WO Stellenbosch: A full blown 5 yr old Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. this is smoky, with incense and coffee aromas and a palate of red currant, crushed plum and boysenberry fruit, layered with additional cocoa, grilled herb and mineral notes. The long finish lets both the fruit and herb notes linger. Drink now through 2011. Score – 90. (James Molesworth,) $20.95
GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION WALKING TREE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 I like the Geyser Peak wines especially their reserves. Grapes used in this wine are from a specific block within a specific vineyard ….tannins and ageability always characterize this Cab, which contains a splash of Syrah. it’s very dry, with herb-infused cherry and currant flavors, and new oak plays only a supporting role. It’s really an elegant wine …. An Editors’ Choice. Score – 91. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast,) $29.95
KAIKEN ULTRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Mendoza Expect it to improve further still over the next 2-3 years in bottle, or enjoy it tonight with herbed roast beef served rare. $19.95
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE GSM 2006: On the plus side, this wine used to be a favourite of mine – think of an Aussie Chateauneuf du Pape. But on the down side, this vintage (or is it the winemaker?) might not be up to previous ones and it is expensive considering the Aussie wine glut. As well, I can’t get my head around the new label and bottle – I don’t like either one. Both have cheapened the image of the product I think. $34.95
THE ONE LONELY Recommended IN STORE DISCOVERY – A transfer in from the VSO website, this one might be worth hunting down!
PRATESI CARMIONE 2005 IGT Rosso Toscana The intensity of this powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend is outstanding, and so is the density of its aromas. It presents a solid wall of blackberry, dark chocolate, pipe tobacco and cigar box. It's bold and syrupy and overwhelms the palate with its enormous bounty. Score - 93. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 2008)$44.00
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