Sunday, July 31, 2011

Vintages Shop Online July 28, 2011 Release

Here are my favourites of the 10 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which there’ll be a note for:

NB: Atalon Corestone Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon … not tasted

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Brooks 2008 Janus Pinot Noir ($39.95 - #0238543) – Oregon, USA
Craggy Range 2005 Sophia ($56.95 - #0057711) – New Zealand

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Brotte 2009 Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($49.95 - #0184234) – Rhone, France

Four Star Wines (****) …
Domaine Boisson 2009 Clos de la Brussiere Massif D’Uchaux ($24.95 - #0246017) – Rhone, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Keenan 2007 Mailbox Vineyard Reserve Merlot ($49.95 - #0104380) – California, USA

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Columbia Crest 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($48.95 - #0056515) – Washington, USA … this is one really good wine with lots of spice, dark fruit and vanilla oak, very old world in style yet with smooth, silky tannins and a cherry oriented finish; a touch of dried fruit gives this one added depth, while the 14.5% alcohol adds weight.

 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Saturday August 6, 2011 - Vintages Release Report

 

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

Today’s release looks at wines from that long thin country that calls itself Chile (CH) but is actually quite hot, in every sense of the word; there is also a small British Columbia (BC) release as well; plus look for the Ontario savings in the More for Less focus … there are also some excellent wines in the Best Buy section:  Best Buys, and there are plenty in this release …

Argentina …
Red - 
Kaiken 2008 Corte Malbec / Bonarda / Petit Verdot ($16.95 - #0236463) – another good wine from Kaiken with lovely fruit and a touch of spice. (*** ½)
Zolo 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0054098) – a real black cherry-chocolate bomb of lusciousness across the tongue with good tannins on the finish. (****+)

Australia …
Red –
Mildara 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.95 - #0919548) – nice fruit forward wine, smooth and easy. (****)
Henry’ Drive 2008 Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0199745) – big black fruit and very sippable. (***+)
Summerfield 2008 Merlot ($32.95 - #0228130) – real big fruit with lots of chocolate and some plum notes on the finish. (****+)

Canada … 
Red -
(British Columbia)
Laughing Stock 2008 Blind Trust ($41.95 - #0230110) – mocha, tobacco and pepper with a touch of cocoa nib; this needs time and will reward your blind trust. (****+) - BC
See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir ($22.95 - #0230078) – quite a nice light Pinot Noir with raspberry-strawberry notes and a spiced cherry/hint of mocha finish. (****) - BC
(Ontario)
Mike Weir 2008 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0000075)
Ridgepoint 2007 Reserve Pinot Noir ($20.00) – savings: $5
Rosehall Run 2008 Cuvee County Pinot Noir ($16.45 - 225748) - savings: $3.50
Sparkling -
(Nova Scotia)
Benjamin Bridge 2010 Nova 7 ($25.00 - #0256289) – a nose of ginger ale which follows to the palate then adds a little minerality, pretty serious stuff from down east, interesting and tasty. (***½) 
White –
(British Columbia)
Dirty Laundry 2010 Woo Woo Vines Gewurztraminer ($24.95 - #0246140) – one of my favourite places to visit in BC and tasting this G-wine will tell you why, there’s a hint of sweetness here but there is so much more going on.  Taste a great Gewurzt from the winery that does it best in BC. (**** ½)
(Ontario)
13th Street 2010 White Palate ($14.95 - #0207340)
Cave Spring Estate 2009 Bottled Gewurztraminer ($13.95 - #0302059) savings: $3
Fielding 2010 Pinot Gris ($21.95 - #0251108)
Lailey Vineyard 2009 Canadian Oak Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0225474) savings: $5

Chile …
Red -
Anakena 2009 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($13.95 - #0208439) – sweet with raspberry and cherry notes, a little bit earthy with sour cherry tannins and very quaffable. (****) - CH
Chateau Los Boldos 2007 Vieilles Vignes Merlot ($18.95 - #0016006) – smooth blackberry. (*** ½) - CH
Concha Y Toro 2007 Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenere ($29.95 - #0562892) – nice chocolate, spice, mineral, plum and blackberry. (****) - CH
Montes 2007 Purple Angel ($49.95 - #0062364) – one hell of a wine at one hell of a price, note the vintage date and consider this a lost in the warehouse discovery; break open the piggy bank it’s worth buying. (*****) - CH
Santa Ema 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.95 - #0175422) – full of blackberry, chocolate, violets and mocha. (****) - CH
White –
William Fevre Chile 2009 Gran Cuvee Chardonnay ($16.95 - #0045146) – French know-how making serious Chardonnay in Chile, and it works. (*** ½+) - CH

France … 
Red – 
(Beaujolais)
Domaine Piron-Lameloise 2009 Quartz Chenas ($22.95 - #0240481) – starting to see more serious Beaujolais and here’s another with lots of mineral and black cherry; tannins are more robust than expected. (****+)
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorees Cote de Brouilly 2009 ($18.95 - #0235127) – red cherry and raspberry but not in a frou-frou kinda way, this is some serious stuff. (****)
(Bordeaux)
Grand Juan du Chateau Haut-Rieuflaget 2008 ($13.95 - #0226134) – this wine has something going for it, spiced cherry and vanilla with a creamy mouth-feel. (****)
Seigneurs D’Aiguilhe 2009 ($19.95 - #0195172) – mocha, coffee notes dominate along with some black fruit, vanilla, blueberry and even some plum. (****)
(Rhone)
Domaine Armand Soleiador Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($16.95 - #0237560) – spiced cherry and white pepper with a hint of spice and nice mouth-feel. (*** ½+)
Domaine La Roquete 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($39.95 - #0070862) – bruiser on the nose but a puppy on the palate; good and tasty. (****)
Sparkling –
La Maison du Cremant Brut Cremant de Bourgogne ($16.95 - #0127811) – delightfully playful bubbles. (*** ½)
White – 
(Alsace)
Julien Schaal 2008 Riesling ($15.95 - #0225151) – lemon and mineral notes ... lots of mineral notes. (*** ½)
(Burgundy)
William Fevre 2008 Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0169805) – mineral driven fruit, if you like Chablis this is for you. (*** ½+)
(Loire)
Domaine Bois-Malinge 2009 Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($13.95 - #0224226) – lemon and peach makes for a nice mouth combination. (*** ½)

Italy …
Red – 
(Puglia)
Giordano Ricarico 2008 ($18.95 - #0230581) – delivers with dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate on the nose and carries it through to the palate with just the right amount of spice. (**** +)
(Sicily)
Nicosia Fondo Filara Nerello Mascalese 2008 ($14.95 - #0222653) – fruit forward with black cherry and spice leading to a rather spicy finish. (*** ½+)
(Tuscany)
Rocca delle Macie 2006 Chianti Riserva ($15.95 - #0111641) – offers good value in a rustic style Chianti yet with enough new world flair to bring everyone on board; pairs well with food. (****)
(Veneto)
Michele Castellani I Castei Costamaran Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore ($16.95 - #0972406) – plum and licorice with a little chocolate and smoke. (*** ½+)
Sparkling –
Bottega Prosecco Superiore ($16.95 - #0235044) – very fruity and lively, almost sweet in nature but very tasty. (*** ½)
White –
Tramin 2009 Gewurztraminer ($18.95 - #0117028) – quite a pleasant Gewurzt from a country not known for producing this grape; floral, rosy and spicy … it holds its own. (*** ½)

New Zealand … 
White –
Dog Point Vineyard 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0677450) – much restraint shown on this one, especially for a New Zealand Savvy B; it’s creamy on the palate yet still lively with acidity. (****)
Greywacke 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($21.95 - #0164228) – pretty wine that doesn’t smash you over the head with gooseberry and grapefruit, instead it tickles both the nose and taste-buds with its delicacy. (****)

Portugal …
Red –
Marques de Marialva 2007 Reserva Baga ($15.95 - #0245605) – here’s a unique grape from Portugal and I hope to hear from Baga … mint, mineral, raspberry and vanilla on the nose, and it tastes as good as it smells with soft juicy fruit on the mid palate; you’re gonna wanna pick up a couple. (****)
White –
Aveleda 2010 Follies Alvarinho ($15.95 - #0059048) – lime, herbs and grapefruit with floral and mineral riding on their coattails with a citrus and herbal finish, pretty intense. (*** ½+)

South Africa …
Red –
Café Culture 2010 Pinotage ($13.95 - #0072710) – this never changes in flavour only my mood for this wine changes, it’s all coffee, coffee, coffee a true breakfast wine. (*** ½+)
White –
Glen Carlou 2008 Chardonnay ($17.95 - #0915231) – mighty tasty little beast with buttered toast and caramel peach notes and a little spice to the finish. (*** ½+)

Spain …
Red –
Burgo Viejo Reserva 2004 ($18.95 - #0168823) – nice and smooth, the seven years have really softened this one and made it deliciously quaffable. (****+)
Otazu 2006 Crianza ($16.95 - #0245332) – lots of fruit here and nice tannins with a powerful finish. (*** ½)
Sparkling –
Mont-Marcal Brut Reserva Cava ($13.95 - #0229021) – bready and biscuity with a core of fruit and lemon curd. (*** ½)

United States … 
Red – 
(California)
Bogle Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0904565) – easy drinking Cali-Cab. (*** ½)
Rodney Strong 2008 Knotty Vines Zinfandel ($22.95 - #0363358) – a little restrained for a Zin but still with the flavours you’re looking for. (*** ½+)
Seghesio 2008 Old Vines Zinfandel ($39.95 - #0056879) – always a favourite, loaded with real Zin flavour: raspberry, cherry, plum and chocolate. (**** ½)
Signorello 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($59.95 - #0060152) – dense and full of fruit with a finish of chocolate and cherry.. (**** +)
Sonoma-Cutrer 2007 Grower Vintner Pinot Noir ($29.95 - #0140723) – has that Cali-fruit component that makes their Pinots juicy, there’s also a spiced-vanilla note in and amongst all that juiciness. (****)
White – 
(California)
Talbott Logan 2008 Chardonnay ($26.95 - #0716290) – creamy vanilla with a little butter and toasted caramel apple, really delicious with a sweet fruit mid-palate. (**** ½)
(Washington)
Three Rivers 2008 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0233445) – quite fruity but with enough vanilla and spice to keep it very honest Chardonnay. (*** ½)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …
Anakena 2009 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir ($13.95 - #0208439)
Grand Juan du Chateau Haut-Rieuflaget 2008 ($13.95 - #0226134)
Zolo 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.95 - #0054098)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on August 6, 2011:
Marques de Marialva 2007 Reserva Baga ($15.95 - #0245605) - Portugal
Domaine Armand Soleiador Cairanne Cotes du Rhone-Villages 2009 ($16.95 - #0237560) - France
Giordano Ricarico 2008 ($18.95 - #0230581) – Italy 

Happy Shopping.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Saturday July 23, 2011 - Vintages Release Report


I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

Today’s release looks at Cool Climate Chardonnay (CCC) and Italian wines (IT) … I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers:  Best Buys, and there are plenty in this release …

Argentina …
Red - 
Masi 2008 Corbec Appassimento Corvina/Malbec ($24.95 - #0079095) – Amarone comes to Argentina, deep, dark and delicious. (****)
White –
Alamos 2010 Torrontes ($13.95 - #0081539) – it’s like Gewurztraminer on downers, nice and light and easy to drink but not in too much quantity. (*** ½)

Australia … 
Red –
Small Gully 2006 The Formula Robert’s Shiraz ($18.95 - #0142935) – the nose lures and the palate sings and you should like this one very much especially because of the seam of chocolate and plum running through it – though drink soon. (*** ½)
St. Hallett 2008 GST Grenache/Shiraz/Touiga ($23.95 - #0660910) – surprised anybody had the balls to bring a GST to Canada, let alone Ontario, while not politically correct the wine is very tasty with lots of sweet black fruit on offer. (****+)
Stella Bella 2008 Shiraz ($24.95 - #0048553) – just what you’d expect in a Shiraz. (*** ½+)
Two Hands 2010 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon ($27.95 - #0219469) – always a consistent producer of good quality wines, this one is no exception; big 14.9% alcohol with loads of chocolate, blackberry, and white pepper – dark and delicious. (**** ½)
Wakefield 2009 Shiraz ($17.95 - #0943787) – juicy with blackberry along with white pepper and bacon notes. (*** ½+)

Austria …
White –
Loimer 2009 Trocken Gruner Veltliner ($18.95 - #0142240) – pea pod and grassy with lime/citrus and edamame notes; nice flavours and oh, pass the salt. (*** ½+) 

Canada … 
Red -
(British Columbia)
Quails’ Gate 2007 Merlot ($24.95 - #0169961) – red cherry and mocha with nice firm yet juicy flavour. (****+)
(Ontario)
Ridgepoint 2009 Cabernet Franc ($17.95 - #0245639)
Rosé - 
(Ontario)
Fielding Estate 2010 Rosé ($15.95 - #0053421)
White – 
(Ontario)
Hillebrand 2009 Trius White ($19.95 - #0054957)

Chile …
Red -
Concha Y Toro 2010 Trio Reserva Merlot/Carmenere/Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.95 - #0433920) – new packaging same good delivery with minty-dark fruit and a long finish. (****)

France … 
Red – 
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Brown 2005 ($46.95 - #0235465) – big rich flavour, gritty and black fruited with nice spice and vanilla notes. (****)
Chateau Diane de Belgrave 2006 ($24.95 - #0226050) – nice solid fruit core with a good mix of barrel influence; drinkable now or over the next 2-5 years. (*** ½+)
(Midi)
Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Saint-Drezery ($26.95 - #0237289) – big juicy black fruit flavour with a touch of vanilla and nice raspberry notes. (****)
Mas de la Deveze La 66 2007 ($19.95 - #0065797) – chocolate raspberries and blackberries, this one is fat, full and luscious. (****)
(Rhone)
Chateau de Nages JT Costieres de Nimes 2007 ($20.95 - #0736876) – black and spicy with a juicy core and licorice root finish. (****)
Domaine de la Presidente Nonciature Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 ($44.95 - #0237339) – sweet of fruit, sweet of flavour, very nice; long finish loaded with dark fruit and spice. (****+)
Domaine de la Vieille Ferme de L’eoune Rasteau 2009 ($17.95 - #0234658) – supple with lovely fruit and good tannins; raspberry is the most prevalent smell and flavor; the long finish is loaded with black raspberry and vanilla. (****)
White – 
(Loire)
Clos du Porteau 2009 Le Courlis Sauvignon Touraine ($14.95 - #0246041) – mineral and gooseberry; strong palate with just a hint of grapefruit pith and a nice finish. (****)

Germany …
White –
Kurt Darting 2009 Gewurtraminer ($16.95 - #0944181) – really rose petalish and positively perfumed; nice Gewurzt with mouth-stay-ability. (****+)

Italy …
Red – 
(Basilicata)
Cantina di Venosa 2007 Terre di Oazio ($17.95 - #0247494) – sweet black licorice, red plum, chocolate, this one really delivers on flavour and length. (****) – IT
(Campania)
Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2008 ($14.95 - #0120907) – nice juicy blackberry fruit with spice and toasted coffee beans. (****) – IT
(Piedmont)
Franco Molino 2006 Barolo ($29.95 - #0232967) – spices, herbs and dried raspberry. (*** ½+) – IT
(Puglia)
Feudi di San Marzano 2008 Sud Primitivo di Manduria ($14.95 - #0214692) – good plum and cherry notes and very, very juicy on the palate; it’s light with some elegance and real up front fruit. (*** ½+) – IT
(Tuscany)
La Castellina 2007 Chianti Classico ($18.95 - #0223313) – coffee/mocha, sour plum and nice finish. (*** ½) – IT
Mantellassi San Giuseppe Morellino do Scansano 2008 ($14.95 - #0226852) – fairly easy drinking red with a little rustic quality which keeps it honest. (*** ½) – IT
Prelius 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95 - #0224022) – lovely dark fruit with chocolate, juicy and plump; not at all what you expect from Italian Cab. (****+)
Rocca Delle Macie 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ($24.95 - #0232488) – toasted plum, mocha and vanilla. (*** ½+) – IT
(Tuscany)
Novaia Corte Vaona Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006 ($39.95 - #0234898) – nice sweet fruit on the palate with a good tannin backbone holding it together. (****+) - IT
Sparkling – 
Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco ($15.95 - #0169128) – great nose with brisk citrus notes, which continue onto the palate. (****+) - IT
White –
Vinea Garganega 2009 ($12.95 - #0230656) – palate has some funky flavours that some might find interesting and for 13 bucks it is worth experiencing this grape; also an interesting finish. (*** ½) – IT

Mexico …
LA Cetto 2008 Petite Sirah ($11.95 - #0983742) – my review appears in Vintages magazine, taken from February of 2010, I would now downgrade it to 3 ½ stars but this is still a good wine. (*** ½)
LA Cetto 2008 Zinfandel ($10.95 - #0405605) – this one is juicy as hell with plum and cherry notes with a raspberry finish, beautifully BBQ-ready. (****) 

New Zealand … 
Red –
Shingle Peak 2009 Pinot Noir ($19.95 - #0032441) – fairly traditional style with sour cherry, cranberry and earthy flavours. (*** ½+)
Thatched Hut 2010 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0242933) – coffee bean and toasted notes with some earthy black and sour cherry notes. (*** ½+)

Portugal …
Dessert -
Quinta da Pedra Alta Fine Tawny Port ($14.95 - #0225144) – lovely nutty-cherry-orange peel nuances, a real touch of elegance. (****+)

South Africa …
Red –
Cathedral Cellars 2009 Shiraz ($14.95 - #0561142) – good black fruit and pepper notes with little to no South Africa stink, there’s a nice meatiness to this wine. (*** ½+)
White –
Atraxia 2009 Chardonnay ($23.95 - #0232967) – tropical aromas with butter and vanilla notes, fairly standard but tasty. (*** ½) - CCC

Spain …
White –
Bodegas Shaya 2009 Verdejo ($17.95 - #0241554) – nose is quiet but there’s a grassiness to the palate that’s quite nice. (*** ½)

United States … 
Red – 
(California)
Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.95 - #0977173) – another juicy fruit loaded Cab, thoroughly enjoyable. (*** ½)
Irony 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95 - #0025106) – the best value in the tri-fecta of nice juicy Cabs from California in this release. (*** ½)
La Crema 2008 Pinot Noir ($44.95 - #0058024) – earthy, black cherry with juicy flavours, this is just simply lovely … you’ll find beet root and sweet tannins to round it all out. (****)
Santa Barbara Winery 2009 Pinot Noir ($20.95 - #0942946) – here’s you’re typical juicy Cali-Pinot with loads of black cherry. (*** ½+)
Starmount 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.95 - #0725150) – a juicy Cab … a really juicy Cab, the first of three I tried on this day; see above. (*** ½)
(Washington)
Columbia Winery 2007 Merlot ($16.95 - #0715870) – juicy red and black fruit with hints of sweet spice, decent value. (*** ½+)
White – 
(California)
Artesa 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0657585) – pretty nose and good palate makes for a complete wine; fruit and oak mingle in the mouth with peach pit, tropicality and vanilla with a nice edge of spice on the finish. (****+)
Beringer 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($22.95 - #0394353) – full and thick in the mouth, almost creamy, oaked just right helping to keep the fruit flavour intact. (****)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …
Vesevo Beneventano Aglianico 2008 ($14.95 - #0120907)
Feudi di San Marzano 2008 Sud Primitivo di Manduria ($14.95 - #0214692)
Cathedral Cellars 2009 Shiraz ($14.95 - #0561142)
Clos du Porteau 2009 Le Courlis Sauvignon Touraine ($14.95 - #0246041)
LA Cetto 2008 Zinfandel ($10.95 - #0405605)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on July 23, 2011:
Tenuta S. Anna Extra Dry Prosecco ($15.95 - #0169128) – Italy
Prelius 2008 Cabernet Sauvigon ($17.95 - #0224022) - Italy
Artesa 2009 Chardonnay ($19.95 - #0657585) – United States 
Bonus … 
Domaine de la Vieille Ferme de L’eoune Rasteau 2009 ($17.95 - #0234658) - France

Happy Shopping



Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Saturday July 9, 2011 - Vintages Release

 

I am using a 5-star rating system, which appears at the end of each review; here’s the key to the stars:
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good … 3 = Average

Today’s release looks at Sparkling Wine (SPARK), and wines that have scored over ninety points (90+); below are my selections of each and, of course, for the rest of the world … In addition to the "what I'll be lining up for" section at the bottom, I have also added a feature for you bargain seekers:  Best Buys - this week you'll find four bargains under $17 that over deliver at that price point …

Australia … 
Red –
Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018) – lovely raspberry finish, and that’s where this wine starts; nice elegant Shiraz with raspberry on the palate and that raspberry flavour just keeps coming back for more. (****+)
Saltram 2008 Mamre Brook Shiraz ($24.95 - #0032227) – wine is black as pitch but it’s tasty as anything you’ve ever tasted: mint, blackberry, spice and vanilla and it keeps on giving. (****)
Schild 2007 Shiraz ($27.95 - #0066555) – lots of chocolate and blackberry fruit, lush and lovely. (****) – 90+
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #0018796) – always a fan of these elegant wines and the ’08 Shotfire is no different. (**** ½) – 90+
Valletta 2005 Grenache/Shiraz ($37.95 - #0225136) – this has got nice fruit and spice; smoke, plum and blackberry, it's very pretty. (**** ½) – 90+

Canada … 
Red -
(Ontario)
Rosé –
Wildass Rosé 2009 ($1995 - #0071712)
Sparkling –
(Ontario)
Mike Weir 2008 Sparkling Wine ($24.95 - #0187294) - SPARK
White – 
(Ontario)

Chile …
Red -
Concha Y Toro 2008 Marques de Casa Concha Syrah ($19.95 - #0019042) – juicy and peppery at the same time; blackberry and somewhat meaty. (****) – 90+
Morande 2009 Reserva Carmenere ($13.95 - #0059436) – lots of cocoa, black cherry, vanilla and plum. (*** ½)
White –
Agustinos 2009 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc ($12.95 - #0213595) – pure Savvy B nose with flavours of tangerine; fun and flavourful. (*** ½)

France … 
Red – 
(Bordeaux)
Chateau Hourbanon 2003 ($21.95 - #0125922) – smooth, supple and ready to drink: tobacco, black cherry and aged nicely, notice it is already 8 years from vintage date … this is what I call a lost in the warehouse selection; well priced. (*** ½+)
Chateau Pipeau 2007 ($28.00 - #0102756) – smoke and coffee bean with an almost South African earthy taste. (*** ½+)
(Beaujolais)
Dominique Piron 2009 Cuvee Les Pierres Morgon ($22.95 - #0231969) – holy black cherry Batman this is not you mama’s Beaujolais with a mineral-earthy backbone that’s also got some smoky-vanilla and meatiness on the finish. (**** ½) – 90+
(Midi)
Domaine Boudau 2009 Le Clos ($16.95 - #0149989) – nice black fruit with chocolate cream and light spice on the finish. (****)
(Rhone)
Aubert Visan 2009 Cote du Rhone-Villages ($12.95 - #0224915) – this is a drink now kind of Cote du Rhone with lots of raspberry and hint of spice. (*** ½).
Domaine des Bosquets 2007 Gigondas ($31.95 - #0209718) – the lure of the nose is only outshone by the loveliness of the palate, great flavours. (**** ½) – 90+ 
Domaine Duseigneur 2007 Antares Lirac ($19.95 - #0213082) – this has got some real stuffing for an organic wine, nice spicy finish. (****) – 90+
Rosé –
Domaine des Carteresses 2010 Tavel Rosé ($15.95 - #0739474) – all the typical stylings of southern France: dry, pink and subtlety of flavour. (*** ½+)
White – 
(Burgundy)
Domaine des Malandes 2008 Vieilles Vignes Montmains Chablis 1er Cru ($29.95 - #0016626) – mineral pops on the nose while on the palate mineral mixes with fruit in a delicious display of tastiness. (****+) – 90+
(Loire)
Chateau Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray ($18.95 - #0228924) – nice flavour and easy drinking, creamy texture with apple and pear puree. (*** ½+)

Germany …
Sparkling –
Josef Drathen 2009 Riesling Sekt ($13.95 - #0226258) – mineral and apple leads the charge, nice flavour and persistent linger on the finish. (****) - SPARK
White –
Dr Pauly-Bergweiler 2009 Riesling ($12.95 - #0596601) – subtle yet sweet with all kinds of white fruit and floral notes; simple yet supple, worth an afternoon of your time, or at least an hour. (****)

Italy …
Red – 
(Piedmont)
Terre del Barolo 2004 Monvigliero Barolo ($33.95 - #0097535) – nice spice with sweet spiced fruit, ready to drink now. (*** ½)
(Puglia)
Paolo Leo 2006 Riserva Salice Salentino ($14.95 - #0214700) – rich and juicy with creamy vanilla and lovely red berry fruit, and there’s just a touch spice backing. (****)
(Tuscany)
Tenuta di Ghizzano 2007 Veneroso ($29.95 - #0103218) – big, rustic and leathery. (*** ½+) – 90+
Viticcio Bere 2007 ($17.95 - #0224311) – dark berries with a slight chalky sensation. (*** ½+) – 90+
(Veneto)
Cantine Riondo Palazzo dei Signori Amarone Valpolicella 2006 ($37.95 - #0218446) – fig, blackberry, cherry and chocolate; dry and well balanced. (****+)
Le Tobele 2008 Valpolicella ($15.95 - #0106914) – good fruit, red and black cherry with a touch of chocolate, very sippable, there are even some attractive spice notes. (*** ½+)
Zenato 2007 Cormi ($17.95 - #0108282) – smooth, luscious and easy drinking with chocolate-strawberry nuances. (****)
Zenato 2007 Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore ($14.95 / 375ml - #0043547) – nice compact flavour is a small bottle; ripe red fruit with lovely cherry and chocolate. (****+)
Sparkling –
Carrino Brich Menu Moscato D’Asti 2010 ($13.95 - #0159822) – a simple asti with all the sweetness and flavour, nice balance of acidity and bubble; great little summer sipper with a ginger ale finish. (****) - SPARK
Bellenda San Fermo Brut Prosecco Superiore 2010 ($17.95 - #0082347) – nice mousse and a creamy lemon curd mouthfeel. (*** ½+) - SPARK
White -
(Friuli)
Attems 2010 Pinot Grigio ($19.95 - #0707950) – nose of grapefruit rind and lemon peel, palate is also very citrus oriented. (*** ½)

New Zealand …
White -
Spinyback 2009 Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #0214569) – grapefruit cocktail with some peach, good length on the finish. (****)
Summerhouse 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 - #0218305) – very New Zealand in style, nice acidity with a pleasant mouthfeel, good citrus, melon and gooseberry. (****)

Portugal …
Red –
Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Reserva 2007 ($21.95 - #0951301) – this is a pretty wine with plum and floral notes along with red cherry, vanilla, smoke and a touch of spice. (****+) – 90+

South Africa …
Red –
Lomond 2008 Syrah ($19.95 - #0146464) – has a slightly off-putting nose but the pepper, blackberry flavour keeps you sipping and sipping and sipping; a really nice wine indeed, especially for the taste-buds. (****) – 90+

Spain …
Red -
Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868) – a real beauty with black cherry, vanilla, plum … loads of cherry appear with each sip. (****+) – 90+
Pago de San Gabriel Zubiolo 2007 ($20.95 - #0242438) – coffee and mocha, perfect breakfast red all it needs is some cinnamon. (****)
Sparkling –
Ferre I Catasus Brut Reserva Cava ($16.95 - #0224717) – quite toasty with bruised apple and peach pit, sweet kinda toffee note to the finish. (*** ½) - SPARK

United States … 
Red – 
(California)
Bonny Doon 2009 Contra Red ($19.95 - #0247031) – nice and fruity, very consumer ready. (*** ½+)
Gnarly Head 2009 Old Vines Zinfandel ($16.95 - #0678698) – typically good, flavours are right down the Zinfandel line with plum, vanilla and strawberry; sweet, supple and sippable. (*** ½+)
Grove Street 2008 Pinot Noir ($17.95 - #0231613) – juicy and tasty with a very complex finish of spiced herbs and coffee-cocoa. (*** ½+)
Oakville Ranch 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.95 - #0674952) – full bodied with good fruit and nice spice. (****) – 90+
Rodney Strong 2007 Merlot ($19.95 - #0497933) – this is a mellow and juicy Merlot. (*** ½+)
Siduri 2009 Pinot Noir ($37.95 - #0159293) – juicy upon entry then turns to sweet black fruit with cinnamon and spice. (*** ½)
Rosé – 
Fleur de California 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé ($17.95 - #0229674) – retains its earthy and strawberry notes along with a little pepper … nice. (*** ½)
White – 
(California)
Groth 2008 Chardonnay ($37.95 - #0225672) – vanilla and apple on the nose with a nice creamy mouthfeel and good acidity on the finish. (****) – 90+
(Oregon)
Firesteed 2009 Pinot Gris ($14.95 - #0568071) – dry pear with a touch of something nutty, a little mineral with acid bite on the finish. (*** ½)

Grape Guy Top 3 … what I’ll be lining up for on July 9, 2011:
Dominique Piron 2009 Cuvee Les Pierres Morgon ($22.95 - #0231969) – France
Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018)
Thorn-Clarke 2008 Shotfire Shiraz ($21.95 - #0018796)

Best Buys (wine(s) that over deliver at their price) …
Arrocal 2008 ($16.95 - #0067868)
Dr Pauly-Bergweiler 2009 Riesling ($12.95 - #0596601)
Dandelion Sister’s Run God’s Hill Shiraz 2008 ($15.95 - #0222018)
Josef Drathen 2009 Riesling Sekt ($13.95 - #0226258)

Happy Shopping



 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Vintages Shop Online June 16, 2011 Release

July 1, 2011 … At the Vintages tasting for the July 9, 2011 release (report coming soon), I had the opportunity to sample some of the ‘Vintages Shop Online’ wines, which were released to the public on June 16, 2011. 

Here are my favourites of the 12 wines tasted – no notes just star ratings; except for the top rated wine, which will have a note:

Three-and-a-Half Star Wines (*** ½) …
Antonin Rodet 2009 Puligny-Montrachet ($49.95 - #0084541) – Burgundy, France
Fuligni Ginestreto 2008 Rosso di Montalcino ($19.95 - #0957142) – Tuscany, Italy

Three-and-a-Half-Plus Star Wines (*** ½ +) …
Pol Roger 2002 Brut Rose Champagne ($99.95 - #0209254) – Champagne, France
Henri Boillot 2009 Bourgogne ($32.95 - #0626879) – Burgundy, France

Four-Plus Star Wines (****+) …
Pol Roger 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($94.95 - #0096685) – Champagne, France
Barnett 2007 Cyrus Ryan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.95 - #0221937) – California, United States
Hazyblur 2006 Kangaroo Island Shiraz ($44.95 - #0144642) – Australia

Four-and-a-Half Star Wines (**** ½) …
Valdez 2007 Quinn Vineyard Zinfandel ($44.95 - #0223321) – California, United States … really supple with dark fruit: plum, cherry, chocolate, spice, pepper and a nice backbone, lots of structure and nice acidity on the finish.