In this release, June 8, 2013, VINTAGES release features:
- Argentina - Land of Plenty: Malbec, Bonarda, Torrontés, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon
- gifts for Father's Day
- local talent: refreshing Ontario rosés
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. Please follow along as I go page by page.
My picks include ...
by now you must know that I am a bourbon girl ... BLANTON'S SINGLE BARREL SPECIAL RESERVE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON VINTAGES 558320 | 750 mL bottle Price $79.95 - LCBO Description: "This unique and intense Bourbon has the complexity of flavours, not to mention the swagger, to satisfy the connoisseur while offering superb approachability for those only beginning to explore the world of whiskey. Brown sugar, candied orange and nutmeg aromas, backed by an ample woody smoke. Smooth and spicy in the mouth with a long and layered finished. Enjoy this neat."
PONDVIEW CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ 2011 VINTAGES 241802 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "... The Pondview Cabernet Franc rosé has a laser beam of smoked sweet cherries, marshmallows and hyped up cranberries. Aggressive acidity and power ready to leap out and proclaim it is the best rosé in town. Cranberry, gingerale-ish quasi fizz on the palate. Solid and broad finish that refuses to be edged out until it is ready to depart which is quite some time. Simplicity and beauty in motion ... Score - 92. (Robert K. Stephen, CSW, windsorsquare.ca, Feb. 6, 2013)"
COOPER MOUNTAIN RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2011 VINTAGES 324491 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 20.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The Cooper Mountain 2011 Pinot Gris Reserve deliciously illustrates two things that winemaker Gilles de Domingo professes to love: reduction and lees. From the former, this wine derives its sense of vibrancy and finishing 'ping'; from the latter an enhancement of this cepage's natural tendency toward textural richness (notwithstanding that to taste 90% of the Oregon exemplars I did, you would never guess Pinot Gris had that inherent proclivity!). Ripe peach and Persian melon, subtly brown-spiced and mingled with fresh citrus juices and bittersweet candied citrus rind inform a luscious yet invigorating performance you won't be able to resist. I have no idea how this might age but wouldn't be surprised if it held up beautifully for several years. (I wanted to cry after tasting this and then learning that Cooper Mountain also grows my beloved Pinot Blanc, but had not supplied me a sample.) And did I neglect - do I even need - to note that this humbly-priced Pinot Gris picked at the end of October represents absurdly fine value? Score - 90. (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)"
IRONSTONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 VINTAGES 537597 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95 - LCBO Description: "Ironstone is so consistent they could change their name to: Ironclad. Having a sure-fire-no-miss product like this Cabernet in your back pocket when you are looking for a timely mealtime solution can never be underestimated. Whether you need something quick to go with burgers, or with that excellent cut of steak your father-in-law just surprised you with, this wine has you covered from helm to greave."
SANTA CAROLINA BARRICA SELECTION PETIT VERDOT 2011 VINTAGES 7484 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Petit Verdot, one of the lesser-known Bordeaux grapes, stars in this fine Chilean red. Full of blackberry, dark chocolate, floral and toasty notes; it is deeply flavourful, full-bodied and satisfying. Enjoy it tonight with a pepper steak. Terrific quality for the money! Pair with: lamb burgers, braised beef with root veggies, chicken, beef, pork. Drink: 2012-2015. Score - 90. (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, Jan. 4, 2013)"
Gimblett Gravels always catches my eye + I love the texture of Viognier ... C.J. PASK GIMBLETT ROAD VIOGNIER 2011 VINTAGES 309559 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This white from the stable of Gimblett Gravels pioneer Chris J Pask captures the essence of viognier in this release nicely. Stone fruits, apricot kernel, a flash of citrus, a touch of soft spice, stone and a waft of orange blossom. Balanced, lively and decidedly moreish; there is plenty to like here. Score - 91. (Nick Stock, goodfood.com.au, Nov. 29, 2012)"
LES VIGNES BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2011 VINTAGES 168716 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A spectacular wine, let alone for this price. Get yourself a case or two if you love juicy, full-bodied reds with racy, spicy dark red fruit, cedar notes and long-lasting pleasure. This wine would complement so much hearty meat dishes. Chapoutier is a true master. Drink: 2012-2017. Score - 91. (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, June 8, 2012)"
LES HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2010 VINTAGES 276956 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Made with fruit from both Cairanne and Domazon, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Cotes du Rhone (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah) is a sleeper of the vintage. With excellent texture as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel, this sensational Cotes du Rhone exhibits lusty black cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit intermixed with hints of lavender, subtle smoke and earth. Full-bodied and opulent, it will provide gorgeous drinking over the next 2-3 years. Buy this one by the case. Drink: 2011-2014. Score - 90-92. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)"
rosé ... what a surprise! ... GASSIER SABLES D'AZUR ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 33621 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95 - LCBO Description: "This charming wine offers aromas of strawberry, lavender, fresh apricot, rosehips, and citrus zest aromas. Allow it to evoke the romance of day-to-day life in the warm Mediterranean climate of Côtes de Provence. Poised, dry and vibrant, with a crisp finish, it makes an excellent sipper, or enjoy with pan-fried freshwater fish with lemon, or with cucumber sandwiches."
I adore the sense of history ... HERENCIA ALTÉS GARNATXA NEGRA 2011 VINTAGES 332353 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Another incredible value and full-throttle wine made from 100% Grenache, Herencia Altes's vineyards are situated high on the hillside above the village of Batea, where grapes have been grown since the 15th century. This offering, from very old vines and aged completely in concrete, is a naked, unadulterated, unmanipulated effort with great minerality (from the chalky, limestone soils) and an intensity and richness (from the old vines) that are normally found in $50+ wines. As I told Eric Solomon, at these ridiculously low prices, consumers will never suspect the wines are at this level of quality. This outstanding 2011 offers loads of kirsch, raspberry, licorice, garrigue and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied and dense, it is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. A killer value, it is a custom cuvee made for Eric Solomon by proprietor Nuria Altes. Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, June 2012)"
There you have my picks from this release.
sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast
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