Signature Study - February 2 VINTAGES release

February 2, 2013 VINTAGES release

In this release, February 2, 2013, VINTAGES features:

• New World Signatures - a look at the New World's best grapes
• Ontario: Riesling & Chardonnay
• California: Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon
• Argentina: Torrontés & Malbec
• Chile: Carmènere & Cabernet Sauvignon
• Australia: Chardonnay & Shiraz
• New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir
• South Africa: Chenin Blanc & Syrah
• fabulous fizz
• Love is in the air - wines for Valentine's
• local talent - award-winning wines

I will provide a list of those most likely to make it into my bag ... the visual of my red sharpie & yellow highlighter has been replaced by bolded text (as to what caught my eye).  I must add that price plays a factor - I don't usually buy wine over $30 unless it is something spectacular.  Also, I need to make mention that my choices usually sway towards something I haven't tried before.  I like to challenge my nose & palate.


My picks include ...

EAGLE RARE SINGLE BARREL 10-YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON VINTAGES 604785 | 750 mL bottle Price $47.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Dive into Eagle Rare Single Barrel for aromas of toasted bread, vanilla, charcoal and almonds. Take a sip to find a very rich, oily mouthfeel and lots of oak that surfaces with sweet caramel and dry resin. Dried fruits, leather and cocoa hit mid palate, and then the finish: it's very peppery with lots of baking spices, but a honeyed background keeps things in check. The finish lasts seemingly forever. That's one serious whiskey. It hits all the typical bourbon notes, but adds another layer of depth. That complex, assertive and intense nature takes it beyond your usual suspects. And that alluring play between spicy and sweet keeps us coming back for more. (Kevin Gray, cocktailenthusiast.com, April 15, 2012)"

HECHT & BANNIER CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2010 VINTAGES 142802 | 750 mL bottle Price $23.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Tasted as a pre-assemblage from barrel, the Hecht & Bannier 2010 Cotes du Roussillon Villages is colorfully fruited with suggestions of black raspberry, blackberry, cassis, and blueberry, all alluringly wreathed in heliotrope and lily. Overtly chalky and smoky crushed stone and peat notes serve for counterpoint on a richly-textured, ripely-fruited yet vivacious palate, and hints of salt and dark chocolate at once add saliva-inducement, invigoration, and depth to a long finish. This impressive exemplar of vintage - not to mention Roussillon - virtues will hopefully gain in stature in the completion of its elevage and ought to be worth following for the better part of a decade. Drink: 2011-2021. Score - 91-92+. (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, June 2011)"

VOLKACHER KIRCHBERG TROCKEN SILVANER 2011 VINTAGES 314880 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Description:
"Franken, or Franconia, is the German wine region known for two things: the uniquely shaped Bocksbeutel or 'Franken bottle' (as opposed to a 'Franken stein'), and also zesty white wines made with the Silvaner grape. This dry version delivers crisp green apple and garden herb notes, with a vibrant streak of acidity giving delicious zip on the palate. A fine choice for lake fish or seafood."

ANETO RED 2009 VINTAGES 314930 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Lovely nose of fragrant, crunchy, creamy red and black fruit and violets. Tightly knit, silky palate with ripe, tarry, spicy and raisiny fruit. It has good integrity and elegant balance. Well structured, lovely wine. Drink: 2013-2018. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (decanter.com, undated)"

ARES CRIANZA 2008 VINTAGES 305912 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2008 Ares Crianza spent 12 months in French and American oak. Spice box, leather, violets, incense, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of a savory, elegantly-styled Crianza with excellent volume and balance. It can be approached now but has enough structure to drink well through 2020. It is an outstanding value. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011)"


There you have my picks from February 2, 2012 VINTAGES release.  Bottoms up!

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