Appassimento - a drying art ~ April 27, 2013 VINTAGES release

 April 27, 2013 VINTAGES release

In this release, April 27, 2013, VINTAGES release features:

• Appassimento: a drying art - Appassimento, Amarone, Ripasso, Recioto
• eco-friendly wines/green power: Southbrook, Wittmann, Familia Zuccardi, La Cappuccina, Domaine Saint-Rémy, Frog's Leap
• local find: WILDASS RED 2011 VINTAGES 86363 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95
• distilled treasures: MARC DE BOURGOGNE ÉGRAPPÉ RÉSERVE DU CARDINAL VINTAGES 321422 | 700 mL bottle Price $36.95

Recently, I have noticed that the price point of new releases is somewhat higher so I'm changing my focus for my selections.  In the past, I made a list of those most likely to make it into my bag but that leaves many intriguing choices out.  As always, my picks usually sway towards something I haven't tried before - I always like to expand my sommelier horizons.  Having said that I'm a sucker for a good wine for sipping.  Bolded text continues to indicate what caught my eye. An → signifies that it is most likely going in my shopping bag.

My picks include ...

MARC DE BOURGOGNE ÉGRAPPÉ RÉSERVE DU CARDINAL VINTAGES 321422 | 700 mL bottle Price $36.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Floral and generously aromatic. Notes of vanilla, pear, carob bean, spice and wood. Rich and delicious (if you'll pardon the obvious but it is true!). Additional notes of earth and nuts in the mouth deliver even more complexity. The perfect digestif for that special evening when making the right impression is key, or for simply treating yourself like royalty - and why not, you deserve it. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2012)"

→ MIGUEL TORRES SANTA DIGNA ESTELADO SPARKLING BRUT ROSÉ 2011 VINTAGES 317669 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "(100% pais): Light orange-pink. Redcurrant and cherry on the pungent, spice-accented nose. Lithe, precise and dry, with good lift to its spicy red berry and bitter blood orange flavors. Finishes silky and dry, with lingering floral and spice notes and very good energy. This suave bubbly rose matches up to plenty of non-vintage versions from Champagne, but a far more reasonable price Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, May 2012)"

PREVEDELLO ASOLO SUPERIORE EXTRA DRY PROSECCO 2011 VINTAGES 262881 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Description: Produced by noted Toronto restaurateur Franco Prevedello, and from his family-owned hillside vineyard in the heart of the Prosecco region. Less dry than a brut Champagne, you will find this to possess a rounded, more mouthfilling profile. Lively bubbles and nuances of apple and pear with a crisp acidity. Excellent with grilled prawns and calamari, but will also work as a beautiful aperitif.

STONEY RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 VINTAGES 327809 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This is a well-made cabernet from an Ontario vintage that permitted cabernet to ripen fully. Look for good complexity in the fruit, which is solid and consistent right through the palate, an attractive texture, and good fruit-acid balance. The tannins are easy-going, and this is drinking well now through 2015. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, Feb. 15, 2013)"

→ MCMANIS CHARDONNAY 2011 VINTAGES 265983 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Chardonnay with a twist. This intense wine with some oak aging has a smack of alcohol -- 13.5 percent -- and wonderfully intense apple, pear and pineapple notes with an underpinning of tropical fruit and acidity. It has viscous texture in the mouth. It paints the palate. It has the body to stand up to spicy Asian dishes, bold grilled chicken dishes and roast or grilled pork. It's a great value from this multi-generational farming family in Ripon, Calif. (Sandra Silfven, The Detroit News, Aug. 1, 2012)"

DOMINUS NAPANOOK 2009 VINTAGES 212357 | 750 mL bottle Price $66.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2009 Napanook is simply glorious. Sweet dark cherries, mint, tobacco, wild flowers and licorice all jump from the glass. The 2009 is a juicy, extroverted Napanook that impresses for its sheer pleasure and total harmony. Layers of fruit continue to build to the huge, creamy finish. As good as the 2009 is today, I have a hard time thinking it won't be better in another few years. If anything, this is too serious a wine for an entry-level offering. The 2009 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)"

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 VINTAGES 260919 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "[Tasted at the winery, February 2012] The signature is that of Susana Balbo, one of Argentina's foremost winemakers. Selecting grapes (there's 10% malbec here) from three sub-regions of Mendoza, she has created a red with bold and luscious flavours. The layered complexity is impressive, the acidity pitches to make a juicy tanginess, and the tannins are forward and ripe. Best drunk 2013 to 2018. Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, Jan. 5, 2013)"

→ MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH 2009 VINTAGES 269423 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Deep inky-black colour; really intense and perfumed nose here, with a fine range of spicy, black pepper, violet, fresh cassis and blackberry as well as integrated, wood-derived spices. The palate is fullish, fleshy, structured, terrifically intense, with marked wood but so much supporting fruit as to ensure integration over the next 1-3 years on the cellar. All in all, this is an exceptional value wine with quality, complexity and class way, way above the asking price. Outstanding. Tasted January 2011. Score - 91. (John Szabo, M.S., winealign.com, Feb. 23, 2011)"

ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 VINTAGES 225557 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.00 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2011 vintage is a good buy. Vibrant and racy, with punchy melon and green-capsicum flavours, it shows excellent freshness, intensity and immediacy. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2012)"

MOUNT RILEY CHARDONNAY 2011 VINTAGES 32318 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Aromas of apple, pear, white peach and citrus. The palate is very fresh and nervy, with a very light mouth feel that runs wonderfully counter to expectation, but in a rewarding and satisfying way. Refreshing and crisp, it will make a very nice pairing for seafood salads or sautéed scallops. (VINTAGES panel, March 2013)"

WAIMEA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 VINTAGES 714295 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Always a good buy. The 2011 vintage, estate-grown on the Waimea Plains, is very punchy and crisp, with good acid spine and strong melon, lime and slight spice flavours, vibrantly fruity, tangy and long. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2012)"

LAMMERSHOEK ROULETTE BLANC 2010 VINTAGES 225458 | 750 mL bottle Price $21.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2010 Roulette Blanc is a blend of Chenin Blanc (around 50%) plus Viognier, Chardonnay and Clairette. It has a truly wonderful bouquet that leaps out of the glass: lime cordial, honeysuckle, jasmine and broom all with stunning delineation. The palate is very well balanced with a touch of orange peel on the entry. It has brilliant balance with such clarity on the complex, waxy-textured, white Chateauneuf-inspired finish. Drink now-2020. Score - 93. (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)"

CAVE DE TURCKHEIM VIEILLES VIGNES RIESLING 2009 VINTAGES 315036 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Fantastic characteristic notes of wet stone minerality and lime citrus with grapefruit and orange tones too. The nose is also beginning to show a very nice petrol quality. Quite racy in the mouth, with very strong reflections of the aroma profile. This old vine Alsatian is an impressive win; try it out with friends and some deep-fried calamari. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012)"

DOMAINE SAINT-RÉMY RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER 2011 VINTAGES 61150 | 750 mL bottle Price $18.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Very exciting aromas of spiced apricot, lychee, honey, peach and ginger. Wonderful replays and spice, with a touch of sweetness on the palate and a gorgeous flavour intensity throughout. Enjoy it with paprika chicken or a lightly spiced curry dish. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012)"

CLOS DE NOUYS DEMI-SEC VOUVRAY 2011 VINTAGES 322669 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Aromas of yellow melon, apple, and hazelnut. Citrus and pear on the palate with some mushroom notes and a flinty minerality. Enjoy this with a blue cheese, or with a seafood platter. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012)"

DOMAINE DE LA GRENAUDIÈRE MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE 2011 VINTAGES 326827 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A very engaging nose here, with melon, grapefruit, lemon, mineral and floral notes offering up a lovely aromatic experience. The palate is crisp and refreshing with a massive return on the investment as promised by the nose. Great depth of citrus fruit flavours, wet rock and bright apple fruit. Try this with baked oysters and wild mushrooms. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012)"

DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010 VINTAGES 169771 | 750 mL bottle Price $41.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A blend of two-thirds Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah and Mourvedre with a touch of Cinsault from 60-year-old vines, all aged in old wood foudres, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is deep and full-bodied. One of the great buys of the vintage, it exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as abundant notes of black raspberries, incense, Asian plum sauce, garrigue and licorice. With stunning concentration and purity, a full-bodied texture and a long finish, it still has some tannins to shed, so give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-20. Drink: 2014-2034. Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)"

KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSER VULKANFELSEN PINOT NOIR ROSÉ TROCKEN 2012 VINTAGES 168237 | 750 mL bottle Price $12.95 - LCBO Description: "The vineyard name refers to the volcanic soils that are a significant element of Baden's composition. A refreshing rosé that will offer lovely aromatics including rose petals, strawberry and red apple. The palate will be dry, with tangy fruit and a considerable acidity that will make this an ideal sipper, but it will match very well with grilled white fish."

→ GAIA THALASSITIS ASSYRTIKO 2011 VINTAGES 315010 | 750 mL bottle Price $21.95 - LCBO Tasting Note
The 2011 Thalassitis is one of Greece's most recognizable Assyrtikos, and this vintage looks like a big winner. From very old vines (approximately 80 years old), this Assyrtiko has laser beam acidity, very fine concentration in the mid-palate, focus and intensity. The grip on the finish is notable and it lingers very nicely. It actually becomes more penetrating with aeration and warmth. It doesn't even really begin to show its stuff until Day 2, though. Of all the young whites I opened for this report, this was certainly one of the most intense and deepest. It was unevolved even when retasted on Day 2, the acidity zipping through the concentrated fruit. Yet, it was never shrill, the solid mid-palate easily holding its own. This is a stunner that should be closer to peak next summer. If you want to drink it this summer, it is not infanticide, it will still drink quite well, but it won't be at peak. Since it is also a terrific value, of course, you can probably afford to squander a bottle or two. Drink now-2019. Score - 93. (Mark Squires, erobertparker.com, April 2012)

FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2007 VINTAGES 943290 | 750 mL bottle Price $39.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Thanks to new ownership and recent dynamic changes, the historic Fontanafredda estate is poised to bring us many beautiful surprises in the future. This gorgeous Nebbiolo from the opulent 2007 vintage delivers delicate floral aromas of red rose and violet in front of espresso, chocolate, cola and black cherry. Drink after 2018. Score - 94. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2011)"

IL MARRONETO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 VINTAGES 190108 | 750 mL bottle Price $46.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Marroneto is striking. Freshly cut roses, sweet red berries, mint and licorice are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. Firm tannins provide the backbone to the fruit. The 2007 impresses for its freshness, vibrancy and fabulous overall balance. Bright, high-toned floral notes add lift on the finish. Most important of all, the wine is flat-out delicious. This is a fabulous showing from Il Marroneto. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Score - 94. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)"

MOCALI MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2010 VINTAGES 317115 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Description: "'What is currently the most 'wine-tastic' corner of Tuscany? ... the coastal zone of the Maremma ... [and] Morellino di Scansano, the quintessential wine of the Maremma, is now the Tuscan wine of choice in the chicest enoteche (wine bars) of Rome.' (Harry Eyres, The Telegraph, July 14, 2011); LCBO Tasting Note: "A wine with dried fruits, chocolate and light coffee character follow through to a full body, with integrated tannins and a fruity finish. Delicious all around. Excellent Morellino. Drink now. Score - 91. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Sept. 7, 2012)"

→ CARPINETO DOGAJOLO ROSATO 2012 VINTAGES 699934 | 750 mL bottle Price $13.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Made with the classic Chianti grapes, Sangiovese and Canaiolo, this dry-farmed Tuscan rosé is perfect for springtime - and for the dinner table. Sports pretty notions of strawberry-rhubarb jam, watermelon, sour cherry and wildflowers. Crisp, clean and elegant with a savoury herb-kissed finish. Match it to a pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, or tapas featuring marinated olives and chorizo. (VINTAGES panel, March 2013)"

LANGA TRADICION CENTENARIA GARNACHA 2008 VINTAGES 194795 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Description
Jay Miller of erobertparker.com gave this wine a score of 90 in 2011. LCBO Tasting Note: "Opaque ruby. Exotic spices and potpourri accent blackberry, cherry and cassis on the heady nose. Lush and creamy, with ripe dark berry flavors and a suggestion of candied flowers. Finishes on a juicy black raspberry note, with gentle tannic grip and impressive length. Score - 91. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept. 2012)"

There you have it - my picks from this release.

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