April 13, 2013 VINTAGES release
In this release, April 13, 2013, VINTAGES features:
- treasure island: fave wines from New Zealand
- Dog Point
- Oyster Bay
- Kim Crawford
- Cloudy Bay
- a passion for Portugal
- local talent: visit Prince Edward County
- Hinterland
- Huff Estates
- Norman Hardie
- Rosehall Run
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 ...
HINTERLAND WHITECAP 2012 VINTAGES 332809 | 750 mL bottle Price $22.00 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Very pretty nose of fresh honey, field flowers, apple, peach and botanicals. It's bright and frothy on the palate with nice fruit replays, a subtle leesy note and a crisp finish. Pair with veggie appetizers or breaded lake fish. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013)"
going in my shopping bag → CODORNÍU SELECCIÓN RAVENTÓS BRUT CAVA VINTAGES 521773 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A lovely, balanced and very good value Cava here that might fool one into believing it is Champagne. Elegant floral notes and a touch of yeast enliven the palate. A serious effort with very good length. Tasted January 2012. Score - 88. (Sara d'Amato, winealign.com, Jan. 29, 2012)"
ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 132928 | 750 mL bottle Price $21.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Winemaker Dan Sullivan delivered impressive ripeness with this 2010 chardonnay from Prince Edward County. And it's beautifully balanced - full-bodied and round, with a buttery quality and flavours of peach and tropical fruit lifted by mouthwatering acidity. Crowd-pleasing and complex, it would be a perfect match for creamy squash soup. Score - 90. (Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Sept. 19, 2012)"
VIEWPOINTE ESTATE AUXERROIS 2011 VINTAGES 327239 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Aromas of nectarines, yellow apple and plum, with a gently floral note. Gently kissed by sweetness, this is ripe and quite attractive in the mouth. The palate is flavour-packed, far more so than the nose. A delightful wine, from a largely unknown grape. This will impress with a paprika spiced chicken, or pad Thai. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013)"
NORMAN HARDIE COUNTY UNFILTERED PINOT NOIR 2011 VINTAGES 125310 | 750 mL bottle Price $35.00 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Another very fine expression of the County from Pinot maestro Norm Hardie. Opens with alluring notions of beetroot, red roses, red cherry, raspberry which echo in bright, juicy and lively fashion on the palate. Tons of attractive red fruit here. Most impressive, though, is this wine's understated elegance. Look for this wine to show well over 5+ years. A good choice tonight with herbed roast beef. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013)"
CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 706580 | 750 mL bottle Price $57.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This offers an expansive mix of ripe fig, apricot, mango and tropical fruit, holding a rich posture on the long, layered finish. Drink now through 2020. Special Designation: Highly Recommended. Score - 92. (James Laube, winespectator.com, April 13, 2013)"
BREWER-CLIFTON MOUNT CARMEL PINOT NOIR 2009 VINTAGES 311647 | 750 mL bottle Price $64.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2009 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel impresses for its generous, radiant personality. Constantly changing in the glass, it shows off a multi-dimensional expression of dark raspberries, crushed flowers, licorice and spices. I especially like the way this blossoms through the mid-palate and onto the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)"
CADE NAPA CUVÉE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 VINTAGES 296509 | 750 mL bottle Price $79.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "So good. Chocolate and cassis aromas blend wonderfully with dark fruit, vanilla spice and coffee. Excellent structure, with artfully interwoven tannins, acidity and fruit. Very, very nice chocolate and coffee replays and a fantastic length. This one just keeps on coming. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2012)"
ESTANCIA PINOT NOIR 2011 VINTAGES 421586 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Estancia pride themselves on their handcrafted artisanal approach to winemaking, and the care they take translates wonderfully into their wines. This is quite bright on the nose with lots of red fruit and red cherry representation. Very well structured, balanced and solid. More red fruits supported by bright acidity. A lovely wine. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012)"
OPUS ONE 2009 VINTAGES 26310 | 750 mL bottle Price $385.00 - LCBO Tasting Note: "(a blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot, 4% merlot and 1% malbec): Full medium ruby. Wild, flamboyantly expressive aromas of black raspberry, crystallized blackberry, smoke, leather, licorice, bitter chocolate and cedar, lifted by violet and spices. Smooth, mouthfilling and decidedly dry, with a lightly dusty character to its flavors of dark fruits, minerals and game. The broad, very long finish features building tannins. Quite different in style from the higher-pitched 2008, which was tighter and more floral at the same stage of its evolution. Score - 93. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May 2012)"
STONESTREET FIFTH RIDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2007 VINTAGES 201749 | 750 mL bottle Price $36.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Given the quality and value of this superb Stonestreet, one's mouth simply waters for a taste of their more expensive offerings. The nose is rich and full, with chocolate, plum, and dark fruits and cedar. The palate has pleasing structure, more fruit and firm ripe tannins. Lovely balance throughout. Enjoy with grilled steak, and someone you really wish to impress. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012)"
BODEGA SÉPTIMA SÉPTIMO DÍA MALBEC 2011 VINTAGES 219295 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A very full nose of anise, red berry, leather and chocolate. Lovely mouthfeel, with more dark fruit and some earth. Well structured and very well made. This remarkable Malbec is sure to add a perfectly restful element to preparing any meal, be it on the seventh day or not. You won't have to think twice when you pair it with creations off the grill, be they steak, chicken or pork. (VINTAGES panel April 2012)"
MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY 2009 VINTAGES 162040 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2009 Chardonnay Reserva Especial spent 12 months in 38% new French oak in which malolactic fermentation was blocked. It reveals a light touch of oak, spiced apple, poached pear, and stony minerals. Medium-bodied but with greater density than the Reserva cuvee, it exhibits a vibrant, Chablis-like personality, excellent balance, and a lengthy, refreshing finish. It will provide enjoyment over the next 4-5 years. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)"
MITOLO JESTER SHIRAZ 2009 VINTAGES 180430 | 375 mL bottle Price $11.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Bright purple. Lively aromas of blackberry, cassis and spices. Spicy, bright and very fruity, with good energy to its dark berry flavors. This is far from a stereotypical Aussie shiraz. Finishes with smooth, gentle tannins and lingering spiciness. Offers considerable upfront appeal. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2011)"
PIRATHON SHIRAZ 2010 VINTAGES 130278 | 750 mL bottle Price $29.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Matured in a mix of American, French, Russian and Hungarian oak. Bottled without fining or filtration. Has quickly developed a reputation as one of the best value Barossan reds on the market. This is a tip top release. Easy-going ripeness with seamless, integrated tannin and juicy, fruity length. Style and substance in an easy-to-like package. Flavours of blackberries and raspberry jubes, streaky dried herbs and kirsch. It's a sweet style of shiraz but it's an excellent example of what the Barossa does so well. Drink : 2012-2017. Score - 92. (Campbell Mattinson, winefront.com.au, Sept. 4, 2011)"
PYRENEES RIDGE RIDGE RED SHIRAZ 2010 VINTAGES 311381 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "I know this is a second label, but if I were winemaker/owner Graeme Jukes I wouldn't hide the (shiraz) light under the (Ridge Red) bushel - this is a thoroughly nice shiraz. Bright crimson, it has a vibrant and spicy palate built around medium-bodied blackberry and plum fruit, with nice touches of American oak and dark savoury/spicy notes to the tannins on the finish. Drink it or keep for 5+ years. Drink [until] 2019. Score - 90. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, July 17, 2012)
RUSTENBERG CHARDONNAY 2011 VINTAGES 598631 | 750 mL bottle Price $22.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Matured in 40% new and 60% second-fill 300-liter Burgundian oak barrels for 12 months, the 2011 Chardonnay has a competent bouquet of citrus lemon and a touch of tangerine, although it is laconic and conservative, refusing to put its head above the parapet. The palate is crisp on the entry with subtle orange peel and passion fruit notes that build nicely in the mouth, leading to a poised, vivacious finish. This is a delicious Chardonnay - but I sense it could give more with bottle age. Drink now-2017. Score - 90. (Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)"
HUGEL GENTIL 2011 VINTAGES 367284 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This Gentil feels appropriately delicate, lemon-pithy in its fruit character and scented with a floral musk that brings witch hazel to mind. The vintage pulls predominantly from pinot blanc and sylvaner (24 percent of each), with gewurztraminer contributing its mild, savory spice - fennel seed and caraway - and riesling its fine, mineral-tinged line of acidity. Score - 89. (Peter Liem, wineandspiritsmagazine.com, Dec. 2012)"
BACHELDER BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 272005 | 750 mL bottle Price $29.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Lovely subtleties in this Bourgogne Blanc with cream, mineral, beeswax, citrus and apple fruit aromas. It is nicely integrated already with classic mineral, smoke, flint and fine fruit on the palate that presents itself in a clean, textured style. Score - 90. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Aug, 6, 2012)"
CHÂTEAU FAVRAY POUILLY-FUMÉ 2011 VINTAGES 323642 | 750 mL bottle Price $21.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Herbaceous, flinty and floral ... lemon-lime, ripe pineapple and orchard fruit riding a racy river over the palate. It's mid weight and nicely textured with a crisp, mouth-watering aftertaste. Well balanced and brimming with fruit flavour and good moderating acidity, it delivers on all counts. Pair with dressed arugula under crumbled chèvre. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Aug. 1, 2012)
CHÉREAU-CARRÉ LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE 2011 VINTAGES 948182 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Description: "Producers in this region began experimenting with lees contact for their Muscadet wines in the mid 1980s. Vintage after vintage, this charming wine bears witness to the worth of that effort. Tart-and-tangy, floral, and citrus flavoured, it sparkles with pan-seared scallops, mussels, or simple seafood dishes, particularly when a splash of the wine is included in the cooking process."
going in my shopping bag → CHÂTEAU DE CLOTTE 2010 VINTAGES 307215 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Côtes de Castillon was established in 1989, and these wines represent an exciting new voice in an historic region. Aromas of plum, black fruits and cassis dominate. Quite fruit forward in style, with a sweet fruit core, some spice and tar notes in the mouth. Typical of 2010 this offers great fruit and aging potential at a tremendous value. (VINTAGES panel, June 2012)"
CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DE QUEYNAC 2009 VINTAGES 138636 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "An exceptionally fine Bordeaux and an excellent value. Blackberry, licorice and sage aromas lead into intense blackberry, black plum and cedar flavours. A very dense, intense red for the money. Food suggestion: spicy sausage penne. Score - 90. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Jan. 7, 2012)"
LE CIRQUE CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE/SYRAH 2011 VINTAGES 277079 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The brilliant 2011 Le Cirque Vin de Pays ... is a sensational value. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by abundant aromas of blueberries, cassis, garrigue and pepper as well as a meaty character. This powerful ... unoaked, mouth-saturating, dry red should drink well for several years. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)"
going in my shopping bag → CLAUDE RIFFAULT LA NOUE SANCERRE ROSÉ 2011 VINTAGES 323626 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Light pink. Pungent herb and spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry and blood orange. Supple and expansive, with good heft to its raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Finishes on a gently chewy note, with persistent red fruit and honeysuckle qualities. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July 2012)"
going in my shopping bag → CHÂTEAU GASSIER CUVÉE LOUBIERO CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 323535 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Take a moment to enjoy the freshness of spring captured here. Delicate notes of watermelon, red cherry, wild strawberry, apple and garrigue echo on the palate of this lithe and very pretty charmer. Spring is here, so sip away the winter and enjoy with a variety of salads or with chicken empanadas. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013)"
DR. HERMANN ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2007 VINTAGES 313528 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Lemon and peach on the nose, with excellent mineral and touches of petrol tones indicating development. The palate picks up where the nose leaves off, and shows that this wine still has plenty of vigour and potential to continue developing for another 5-6 years , easily Enjoy with a medium-spicy Thai dish. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012)"
KELLEREI KALTERN CALDARO PINOT GRIGIO 2011 VINTAGES 317867 | 12x62 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This gorgeous Pinot Grigio displays the fresh aromatic fragrances associated with cool-climate, mountain winemaking. Layers of jasmine, tangerine, cut grass and white almond appear on the bouquet, giving this wine a delicate and feminine personality. A spicy touch of acidity drives the clean, bright finish. Score - 90. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2012)"
PRINCIPESSA GAVIA GAVI 2011 VINTAGES 250696 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Description: "According to legend, all it took for Principessa Gavia, daughter of the King of the Franks, to have a village and a wine named after her was for her was to fall in love with a soldier and flee to northwest Italy in order to escape the wrath of her father. We could all learn a thing or two from those bygone simpler days. Made from the local Cortese grape, this refreshing wine is a crisp offering of layered citrus fruit and peach, with a graceful white-floral character. A perfect aperitif, or with lighter fish dishes."
going in my shopping bag → RESTA SALICE SALENTINO 2009 VINTAGES 324731 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The wines of Salice Salentino are renowned for the depth of colour flavour, and value. All factors prominently on display here. Deep ruby with aromas of black currant, earth and leather. The palate is quite savoury, juicy and with flavourful fruits and spice. Perfect for spicy pasta dishes, lamb or gourmet burgers. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2012)"
BORIN VIGNA COSTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 VINTAGES 317610 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Cherry jam, pomegranate, red licorice and vanilla tones abound on the nose. Plenty of sun-kissed fruit on the palate. A very fun take on Cabernet with a distinctively Italian sensibility. the finish is elegant and long. This will stand up to the meatiest of pastas, or a lamb risotto. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2013)"
There you have my very long list of VINTAGES releases that I find interesting. I really had to pare down what I would actually put in my shopping bag!
sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast
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