Rhône Roundup - June 22, 2013 VINTAGES release

June 22, 2013 VINTAGES release

In this release, June 22, 2013, VINTAGES release features:

• Southern Rhône 2009, 2010, 2011: variations on a theme
• South Africa steps up - Cape Crusader: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage
• Celebrate Canada Day: Red & White & loved all over
• Blithe Spirit: THE ARRAN MALT PORT CASK FINISH SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY VINTAGES 328815 | 700 mL bottle Price $80.95
• Local Find: ROSEWOOD SÉMILLON 2011 VINTAGES 177758 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95

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.  Please follow along as I go page by page.

My picks include ...

CÁLEM LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORT 2006 VINTAGES 912550 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Wonderful peppery spice notes are woven through the black fruit aromas like the remarkable floral patterns on an intricate medieval tapestry, adding to the richness of the nose without drawing focus. Beautiful. The palate is fruit-driven, with a crisp acidity and a lovely raspberry tone to the mid-palate. The long finish gracefully postpones the need to say farewell to this very enjoyable LBV. (VINTAGES panel, Oct. 2012)"

this sweet beauty never disappoints ...  TORRES FLORALIS MOSCATEL ORO VINTAGES 642173 | 500 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "You'll see my review in the Vintages catalogue from last summer, where this wine scored a 90. I think it has gotten even better since, with developed complexity and depth. It shows a clean, pure, intense, highly aromatic and complex profile, and sweet yet balanced palate. The sort of wine you agree to have a couple of ounces of after dinner, but then end up drinking the whole bottle without noticing ... Score - 91. (John Szabo, M.S., wineaccess.ca, March 30, 2010)"

Pinot Meunier as a single varietal is very interesting to me ...  VINELAND PINOT MEUNIER 2011 VINTAGES 225508 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "You can look around long and hard and not come up with too many stand-alone Pinot Meunier wines. Pinot Meunier is the third grape in a Champagne blend and usually makes up no more than 10% of the mix. Winemaker Brian Schmidt has been making this grape into a stand-alone red for a few years now and he's getting better at coaxing more out of this grape. The nose here is sour cherry with raspberry and a touch of something floral-esque. On the palate it has plenty of red fruit flavor, good balancing acidity and some anise notes on the finish. For such a pale coloured wine it's quite bright and fruity ... nice alternative for turkey dinners. Score - 3 1/2+ Stars (out of 5). (Michael Pinkus, ontariowinereview.com, Oct. 17, 2012)"

SEBASTIANI CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 30791 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "... This wine is a classic California chardonnay, with a buttery warmth suggestive of toasted bread. Depending on how active your imagination is, this quality can influence your perception of the wine's considerable fruit. Apple flavors may suggest apple butter slathered on that toast. A fillip of lemon paired with that butter may make you think of toast topped with lemon curd and creme fraiche and a suggestion of burnt sugar, while the wine's creamy texture could evoke Smucker's Butterscotch Topping. These elements, while bold on their own, are subtle and balanced ... (Michele Anna Jordan, pressdemocrat.com, Oct. 24, 2012)"

I just love it when chardonnay has the aroma of buttered popcorn ... STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2011 VINTAGES 655381 | 750 mL bottle Price $34.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "With its rich and hedonistic aromas of buttered popcorn, pineapple, applesauce and coconut oil, this is not a shy Chardonnay by any stretch. The palate is beautifully structured continuing the go-for-the-gusto feel with a great depth of fruit and oak. Big and sure, but smooth as velvet this will be exquisite with grilled lobster tail, or pork chops. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

UVAGGIO VERMENTINO 2011 VINTAGES 279281 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Made from a hard-to-find variety in California, this bright, beautifully aromatic wine expresses gorgeous scents of jasmine that follow through in flavor to the finish. Its layers of lime, apple and a generous level of minerality are perfectly executed and waiting for seafood. Special Designation: Best Buy. Score - 92. (Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2012)"

VINA ROBLES RED 4 2009 VINTAGES 261628 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Inky colored and opaque, the 2009 Viña Robles RED4 (42% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 22% Syrah, and 8% Mourvedre) is a superb value that delivers smoked black fruits, cherries, tar, and coffee-like aromas and flavors. Concentrated and rich, this medium to full-bodied effort stays fresh and balanced on the palate, with good acidity, an elegant texture, and a clean, dry finish. It is borderline outstanding and should drink nicely for 4-6 years, possibly longer. Score - 89. (Jeb Dunnuck, therhonereport.com, Dec. 2012)"

oak, racy acidity & superb fruit - you have my attention! ...  FAMIGLIA BIANCHI CHARDONNAY 2012 VINTAGES 1461 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Description: "Hand-picked and 100% barrel fermented, this is a profoundly rich Chardonnay that will suggest coconut, vanilla, apple and melon in a creamy style. Though Famiglia Bianchi is not gentle with their use of oak, it is skillfully applied and exquisitely balanced by the racy acidity and superb fruit to create a hefty, and tasty, wine. This one is ideal for planked salmon, or sea bass in a cream sauce."

MALLORY & BENJAMIN TALMARD MÂCON-UCHIZY 2011 VINTAGES 733956 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This astoundingly well-priced white Burgundy is like a walk along a country road lined with fruit trees - notions of ripe apple, peach, orchard blossoms and wet stones. There's a ripe apple-y fruit core (no pun intended) to this balanced, attractive Chardonnay. Nice length too. At this price, Burgundy fans will want to pick up a case. Drink over the next 3-4 years with lake fish and a squeeze of lemon. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

very good value for a Pomerol - my good friend, Michael, will love this! ... CHRISTIAN MOUEIX POMEROL 2009 VINTAGES 903013 | 750 mL bottle Price $29.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A Merlot-dominated 'house wine' from right-bank specialists JP Moueix. ... So, so, so much better than most basic Bordeaux. Brilliantly flattering fruit spreads right across the palate. I honestly find it quite hard to believe this is as cheap as it is. Maybe it won't go anywhere much but it is VVGV (Very, Very Good Value). Drink: 2012-2015. Score - 16.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com, Oct. 16, 2012)"

all you have to say is, "garrigue" ... CAVES D'ESCLANS WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 325076 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The second wine from a producer who specializes in rosé. The aromas of this wine - white rose, clementine, garrigue and apricot - rise effortlessly from the glass. The palate is quite animated, eagerly expanding upon the message of the nose, offering tangy peach and nectarine along with the garrigue notes. The finish carries a pleasant sour orange zest. Pair with salmon and capers. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

traditional amphora-like clay vessels lined with beeswax planted in the earth ... love it! ... TBILVINO QVEVRIS 2011 VINTAGES 315044 | 750 mL bottle Price $13.95 - LCBO Description: "This is an interesting and unusual white, not surprising given that it has been produced in accordance with an ancient tradition. Qvervi are amphora-like clay vessels that are lined with beeswax and planted in the earth while the wine ferments. How old-school-cool is that? Furthermore, this white wine is made with skin contact, like a red. An original orange wine for a song." LCBO Tasting Note: "Earthy with spice and dried peach notes. Crisp acidity and lovely spice notes accented by red currant preserve. Those who know wines made in this style, and the Rkatsiteli grape in particular, love them, and they offer a highly rewarding opportunity for the adventurous wine consumer as well. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012)"

DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER BERNKASTELER ALTE BADSTUBE AM DOCTORBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011 VINTAGES 140764 | 750 mL bottle Price $24.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Apple and white cherry flavors are well-rounded in this juicy style. Glazed apricot lingers on the lacy finish, with notes of mango and passion fruit. Drink now through 2026. Score - 92. (Kim Marcus, winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2012)"

PODERI DI LUIGI EINAUDI DOGLIANI 2011 VINTAGES 232454 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2011 Dogliani (Dolcetto) is a gorgeous wine. Bacon fat, game, tar and licorice give the 2011 an exotic, wild air that is highly appealing. At times the 2011 resembles Aglianico in its sheer complexity. Layers of fruit continue to build to the deep, resonant finish. This is a gorgeous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)"

BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 VINTAGES 378257 | 750 mL bottle Price $59.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a textured fabric of dark red berries, licorice, spices, tobacco and leather. Layers of fruit continue to build as the wine blossoms in every direction. Flowers, spices and leather reappear on the silky finish. The Brunello was aged in casks and smaller French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)"

"clearly outstanding" ... CASTELLO DI MELETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009 VINTAGES 332114 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "A wine, with a lovely core of ripe fruit that gives a cherry and spice character. Full and velvety with a polished and caressing texture. Clearly outstanding. Drink now. Score - 91. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Aug. 22, 2012)"

DONATONI MASSENÀ APPASSIMENTO 2010 VINTAGES 332403 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "So opaque and inky purple you'll be tempted to dip your quill in it and pen a thank you note to the producer. Aromas of plum, blueberry pie and clove are enhanced by notions of cherry liqueur. Soft, generous and gushing with sweet fruit, the palate also offers baking spice and plum on the finish. This will write a stunning meal-time narrative when paired with blackened steaks, or pasta with grilled mushrooms. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

SAN JACOPO DA VICCHIOMAGGIO ROSATO 2012 VINTAGES 322867 | 750 mL bottle Price $13.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Aromas of red grapefruit, melon, and persimmon begin the conversation here. The thread continues with added zeal on the juicy and ripe palate. Red grapefruit notes have the final say, adding a touch of fruit sweetness to the taste. A lovely sipper that will also work with grilled stuffed red peppers or a tomato-lovers' pizza. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

QUINTA DO RONCÃO RESERVA 2011 VINTAGES 147942 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO Tasting Note; "A blend of 50% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz, and 20% Touriga Nacional, this offers up suggestions of raspberry, pomegranate syrup, and spiced plum on the nose. The palate is voluptuous and alluring, simply overflowing with sun-drenched fruit. The tannins are big, curvy and supple. This will cellar to 2016-17 but will be delicious now with smoky burgers, steaks or a platter of flavourful cheeses. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

Vinho Verde rosé - now that's something I haven't tried before ... MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 322883 | 750 mL bottle Price $12.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Vinho Verde isn't always 'green wine,' as this blushing beauty proves. This lovely little pink wine with its gentle spritz and sunny flavours is perfect for summertime. Aromas and flavours of tangerine and orange slices, summer berries and a kiss of sweetness are punctuated by a nice tangy note on the finish. A fresh, fruity crowd-pleaser that'll delight with lightly herbed grilled fish, veggie kebabs or summer salads. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"

Enjoy!

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