Joys of the Season - December 8 VINTAGES release

December 8, 2012 VINTAGES release

So instead of the usual photos, I am making a simple shopping list ... apparently, I have gone over my limit with pics.  I'll be damned if I'm going to pay to yack about wine & yummy food.  Please bear with my until I figure this out.  In the meantime, I will provide a list of those most likely to make it into my bag ... without the visual of my red sharpie & yellow highlighter.  I must add that price plays a factor - I don't usually buy wine over $30 unless it is something spectacular.  Bourbon is another matter.

In this release, December 8, 2012, VINTAGES features:

• Comfort & Joy - fine wines for cozy gatherings
• simply sparkling
• local find
• distilled treasures

My picks include ...

1792 RIDGEMONT RESERVE BARREL SELECT KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON VINTAGES 208918 $49.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Glorious, with a high rye component for peppery spice, it shows great depth of flavour, hinting at apple pie and licorice. I love the velvety texture. Splendid. Score - 95. (Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Feb. 15, 2011)

BALBI SOPRANI BRACHETTO D'ACQUI VINTAGES 298570 $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Piedmont's famous semi-sweet red fizz strikes again with this incredibly tasty version from Balbi Soprani. Bursting with aromas of juicy cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and a whiff of black pepper; the palate follows suit with a balanced sweetness, soft texture, gentle mousse and a pleasant easy-drinking elegance. Enjoy it tonight with berry desserts, baked peaches, or - if a cozy evening for two is on the menu - dark chocolate-covered cherries by candlelight. (VINTAGES panel, April 2012)

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR THE CONSPIRACY 2010 VINTAGES 149237 $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Rich and complex aromas of plum pudding, cassis, blueberry pie, chocolate cherry, cocoa, espresso beans and baking spices. Incredibly dry and elegant on the palate after all that decadent richness (in true Ripasso fashion) on the nose. It also contains plenty of bright, fresh acidity. An intriguing, food-friendly wine ideal for hearty winter fare like smoked meats, braised beef brisket, or meaty pasta, or mushroom risotto with Parmigiano-Reggiano. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2012)

FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2010 VINTAGES 677559 $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: The 2010 Valentin Bianchi Malbec exhibits a deeper color and more depth and concentration than the Elsa cuvee. Notions of cedar, spice box, lavender, damp earth, and cherry cola inform the nose of this firm, savory, nicely proportioned Malbec that offers very good value. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Score - 88. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)

DOMÆNE GOBELSBURG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 VINTAGES 965368 $13.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: As so few of its bottles reach [the UK], it can be a surprise to discover that Austria is one of the most exciting wine producers in Europe. At least its whites, such as this great example of the country's native trump-card variety grüner veltliner, are slightly easier to get hold of than the no-less-interesting reds. Here a gentle herbal lilt adds lift and complexity to the bright, rich flavours. (The Observer, July 8, 2012)

BÉRES TOKAJI HÁRSLEVELÜ SEMI-SWEET WHITE WINE 2010 VINTAGES 180216 $12.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: A wonderful late-harvest wine from Tokaji not made in the Puttonyos style. Features aromas of sweet orchard fruit, prune, apricot, marzipan and salt-water taffy. Medium-sweet with fine replays on the palate. A terrific choice for fruit flans, crème caramel or mature cheeses. (VINTAGES panel, April 2012)

TERREDORA AGLIANICO 2009 VINTAGES 602284 $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Bright ruby. Knockout nose offers fresh, pure strawberry and red cherry aromas of uncommon depth; smells like a bowl of perfumed, ripe red fruits. Vibrant and juicy thanks to firm but harmonious acidity, with above-average concentration to the red berry flavors lifted by a floral component. Finishes with fairly fine tannins and very good length; there's plenty of wine for the money here. Score - 90. (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, June 2011)

HERDADE DO ARREPIADO VELHO RED 2010 VINTAGES 295337 $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Made with Touriga Nacional, one of the prime grapes used to make Port. This terrific table-wine version does the variety proud. Features cherry, strawberry, blackberry and vanilla aromas. Dry and very rich with tons of fruit, but it is not jammy; there's a lot of elegance within its fruity roundness. Enjoy with rich lamb dishes. (VINTAGES panel, March 2012)

QUINTA DAS CAMÉLIAS RESERVA 2009 VINTAGES 305334 $13.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: A blend of two premium Port grapes, this opens with aromas of dark coffee bean, cherry and loads of mixed spice. It's medium-full bodied and overflowing with complex, rustic flavours that bloom in the glass and on the palate -- bittersweet chocolate, dark, succulent cherry and ripe briary berry interlaced with spice and roasted herbs. It finishes fruity, lengthy and full of promise. Aerate/decant three hours or tuck away until 2014. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, May 12, 2012)

CASTELL DEL REMEI GOTIM BRU 2009 VINTAGES 982736 $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: The red wines begin with the 2009 Gotim Bru, a perennial Best Buy in this journal. It is a blend of 5 grapes featuring 35% Tempranillo and 30% Garnacha aged for 10 months in French and American oak. Aromas of underbrush, brier, spice box, lavender, and assorted black fruits leads to a mouth-filling wine with good balance, some complexity, and 1-2 years of aging potential (not that there is any reason to defer gratification). Drink this outstanding value over the next 5-7 years. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, May 2011)

CAVE CIDIS TRADITION CUVÉE PRIMÉE LA BOISERIE VINZEL 2010 VINTAGES 296087 $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: La Côte white wines are made with the Chasselas grape. Here, unlike anywhere else, the wines tend to have a very aromatic, floral nose, and this fine example is no exception. Aromas suggest spring flowers, pear skin and applesauce. Dry with elegant floral and pear replays, with crisp acids adding nicely to the package. Good clarity with a very solid finish. A lovely sipper, or with a raclette and potatoes dish. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2012)

There you have it.

sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast