In this release, July 6, 2013, VINTAGES release features:
- golden state of mind: summery Cali wines
- perfectly pure whites: Riesling, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc & Albariño
- local talent - visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
- more Ontario to love: a collection of special, limited-release Ontario wines
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 ...
1792 RIDGEMONT RESERVE BARREL SELECT KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON VINTAGES 208918 | 750 mL bottle Price $49.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "
Glorious, with a
high rye component for
peppery spice, it shows
great
depth of flavour, hinting at
apple pie and licorice. I love the velvety
texture. Splendid. Score - 95. (Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail,
Feb. 15, 2011)"
SUNNYBROOK PEACH BLOSSOM WINE 2011 VINTAGES 331074 | 750 mL bottle Price $18.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Wonderfully aromatic with plenty of
intense peach nectar, though it's
also quite nuanced with notions of
apricot jam, super-ripe cantaloupe,
candied orange and white flowers.
Mouthfilling, flavourful and
nectar-like with lovely acidity that brings a cleansing finish. Chill
and sip on its own, or pair with poached salmon. (VINTAGES panel, May
2013)"
ST-NICOLAS ROSÉ CRACKLING CIDER VINTAGES 275362 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Made
80% from apples and 20% from strawberries, this is a crisp,
refreshing cider that makes a
delicious alternative to sparkling wine.
There's a
little sweetness, and the strawberries shine through the
apple. With
only 7% alcohol, it's a great idea for summer sipping, and
it pairs well with many not-too-sweet, fruit-based dishes. Score - 4
Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, April 11, 2013)"
CAVE DE LUGNY CUVÉE MILLÉSIME BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE 2010 VINTAGES 183764 | 750 mL bottle Price $18.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Aromas of
freshly baked biscuits, lemon, grapefruit, binned apple and
hayloft. Lithe, elegant and
quite complex. Crisp and refreshing with
focused bubbles. Refreshing and clean finish. Ideal for seafood tempura,
calamari or lightly grilled lake fish. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2012 VINTAGES 89029 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "This is
textbook Niagara Riesling in the Mosel style, if you allow
that textbooks can be utterly delicious. A
kiss of sweetness
counterpoints waves of
fresh-squeezed lime and stony minerality. This
exceptional value will pair nicely with grilled lake fish, sushi, or
chicken burgers with chimichurri sauce. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES ST. DAVID'S BENCH VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR DROIT 2010 VINTAGES 346742 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "
Never tried Gamay from Niagara? Don't wait any longer. This
intriguing wine is
gushing with blackberry and black plum backed by
bramble and woodsmoke accents. Juicy, balanced and tasty with lots of
ripe dark fruit, and enough tannic presence to last 5+ years.
Frankly an
astonishing value. Enjoy with char-grilled burgers or steak. (VINTAGES
panel, May 2013)"
I'm not a fan of Sauvignon Blanc but I love this one ...
ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2010 VINTAGES 221887 | 750 mL bottle Price $22.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Fumé Blanc is just another name for Sauvignon Blanc, and this is a
delicious one. Dry and racy in acidity, it has
deep citrus, tropical
fruit and gooseberry flavors. At this price, it's one of the best
Sauvignon Blancs on the market. Score - 90. (Steve Heimoff, Wine
Enthusiast, Oct. 2012)"
KUNG FU GIRL EVERGREEN RIESLING 2011 VINTAGES 273953 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Delectable scents of
basswood (Germans would say '
linden flower')
mingle with
honeydew melon, white peach, and lime that go on to render
the palate sorbet-like in its combination of succulent richness and
sheer cooling refreshment. The balance of acidity and sweetness (from 18
grams of residual sugar) is perfectly judged to support the
aforementioned impression and - with the help of a
lick of salt, mineral
dust, and citrus zests - advances an invigorating,
ultra-luscious and
lip-smackingly lingering finish. Whether you need to drink this up over
the next 12-18 months I can't say from experience but I very much doubt
it. (Not that cellaring will be on many purchasers' minds.) ... If you
are interested in the future of Riesling; Washington State wine; wine
value; or wine for the masses, this represents a huge glass of Hope you
can drain with a grin to Charles Smith's health. Score - 90. (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)"
CHARLES & CHARLES ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 340521 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95
- LCBO
Description: "This blend of
81% Syrah, 16% Mourvedre, 2% Cinsault and 1% Grenache
offers aromas and flavours of
strawberry, cherry and a stony minerality.
Charles and Charles would like you to know that (and we quote), '
Yes
you can drink rosé and still be a bad#ss'. All joking aside, these
unconventional dudes know their stuff: the 2011 scored 90 points and was
rated #42 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Values of 2011. This is perfect
for grilled salmon."
DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONHEART OF THE BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2011 VINTAGES 167189 | 750 mL bottle Price $20.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "From
vines over or approaching 100 years old,
open-fermented with
wild yeast, then spent 18 months in some new, mainly old, French oak
barriques.
Neither fined nor filtered. Even more deeply coloured than
Dandelion's Lioness of McLaren Vale, with a full array of
black fruits
on the medium-bodied palate. Some sophisticated handling in the winery
has produced a
remarkable result. Drink [until] 2025. Score - 94. (James
Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Feb. 14, 2013)"
DOMAINES DU CHÂTEAU DE RIQUEWIHR LES MURAILLES RIESLING 2008 VINTAGES 933069 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "A finely tuned Riesling, with flavors of
white peach, anise, apple
blossom, stone and candied lemon zest all bolstered by integrated
acidity. A
vibrant, elegant wine, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now
through 2023. Score - 91. (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Oct. 15,
2011)"
JOSEPH CATTIN MUSCAT 2011 VINTAGES 224634 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "What a lovely nose!
Botanical oils, honeysuckle, sweet white
grapefruit and the classic Muscat perfume. Simple pleasures are the
best. The palate has good presence and weight with a crisp acidity and
quite intense flavours. This is a
tasty off-dry Muscat by a top Alsatian
producer. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the
nutty note on the dry
and refreshing finish. Grilled fish, pork, sushi or spicy noodles.
(VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
CAVES DES VIGNERONS DE BUXY MONTAGNY LES CHANIOTS 1ER CRU 2010 VINTAGES 159020 | 750 mL bottle Price $22.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Montagny, in the Côte Chalonnaise, is
without question one of
Burgundy's best sources for quality wines. This is a particularly
attractive example, offering up nuanced aromas of
stone fruit, apple,
mineral and vanilla with a nice leesy pastry complexity.
Very well made,
balanced and structured, with excellent length. This will reward 2-3
years in the cellar, but could delight tonight alongside veal or salmon
dishes. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2012)"
→
DOMAINE JEAN-CHARLES GIRARD-MADOUX CHIGNIN 2011 VINTAGES 323576 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "A crystalline white, offering firm, focused flavors of
green pear and
crunchy apple, with a bite of pineapple. There's an
enticing chalkiness
as well, which lingers with
smoke and spice.
Jacquère. Drink now
through 2017. Score - 89. (Kim Marcus, winespectator.com, Sept. 30,
2012)"
CHÂTEAU DE JAU 2011 VINTAGES 955070 | 750 mL bottle Price $14.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "A
blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre with
plentiful red berry and sweet
fruit notes on the nose and palate. Soft and integrated tannins offer
just the right support for this easy-drinking wine. A
stunning effort,
at a very exciting price, this closes with a lightly toasted and fruity
finish. Give your backyard the full South of France treatment, and pair
this with French breads, and a variety of cheeses and sausages.
(VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012)"
XAVIER CUVÉE ANONYME CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE 2009 VINTAGES 337659 | 750 mL bottle Price $56.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "There are approximately 10,000 bottles of the sensational 2009
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme, which is fashioned from an
unusual
blend of 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah and the remaining 25%
Counoise, Vaccarese and other authorized varietals. Its
opaque purple
color is followed by a wine of extraordinary intensity. Copious notes of
licorice, garrigue, underbrush, blackberries, black currants and
graphite are present in this full-bodied, modern-styled, fragrant,
distinctive Chateauneuf. This
terrific, voluptuous 2009 should drink
well young and last for 15-20 years. Score - 96. (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)"
DOMAINE DE LA GARENNE BANDOL ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 323550 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Magnificently delineated aromas of
nectarine, apricot, thyme,
lavender -- heck there's so many
spring flower notes it's like someone
put a florist in a bottle. The palate is
superbly balanced, with
elegance and finesse meeting focus and intensity. This is an
absolutely
beautiful, serious, and seriously delicious rosé. Savour with grilled
salmon or chicken skewers, or simply sip and enjoy. (VINTAGES panel, May
2013)"
E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 225003 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "Based around
Grenache and Cinsaut with Syrah and Mourvèdre in
support, it offers
red cherry, watermelon and garrigue aromas. The
palate is packed with red fruit and is
unapologetically voluptuous
without ever being over the top. The crisp, dry finish brings some
apple
peel and cherry stone to the flavour replays. A versatile food wine:
pair with anything from chicken burgers to grilled veggie sandwiches.
(VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
LES GRANDES SERRES LA ROSE D'AIMÉE TAVEL 2012 VINTAGES 684951 | 750 mL bottle Price $18.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "
If it is true that love is a red, red rose - then this must be
bottled love. The prominent red rose aromas are joined
ripe red cherry,
and apple orchard. Love, at its best, is big, bold and all encompassing,
so it is no surprise that this is such a
hefty rosé with great flavour
intensity. There is even a bit of tannin evident. You can share your
love for this wine for 3+ years easily. Pair with grilled lamb or
sausages. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
BOLLIG-LEHNERT DHRONER HOFBERGER RIESLING AUSLESE*** 2009 VINTAGES 313536 | 750 mL bottle Price $21.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: 'The nose offers wonderfully
intense aromas of
lime cordial, lemon
custard, white peach, pear, mineral and an attractive kerosene note.
Very pretty and lithe, this has a very delicate feel and a balanced
sweetness in the mouth.
Great interplay of lime, pear and kerosene. This
beauty has a long life ahead; drink until 2020. A classic with spicy
Asian cuisine or salads with fresh sliced fruit, it'll also be a lovely
sipper after a fine meal. (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
→
COLLEFRISIO UNO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2008 VINTAGES 337857 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "
Fair to say, one thing many Italian wines do not lack is character.
Or soul, for want of a much better word.
Dark fruit, pepper, violet,
dried herb - all those
dark and rustic Italianate things that make such
wines so appealing, it has. It's medium to full bodied,
chewy and
earthy, full of fruit - volume without sweetness - with a balanced core
of acidity. Love the
long gravelly finish.
Savoury, rustic, charismatic
and, finances permitting, affordable. Fair to say I'm a big fan of
this. Drink: 2012-2018. Score - 92. (Gary Walsh, winefront.com.au, Feb.
13, 2012)"
MASTROJANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 VINTAGES 942508 | 750 mL bottle Price $49.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a
big wine loaded with
personality.
Sweet dark cherries, licorice, smoke and leather burst from
the glass in this
explosive, rich Brunello. Layers of flavor develop
with air, filling out the wine's broad-shouldered frame very nicely.
Firm tannins support the generous finish. This is a
fabulous showing
from Mastrojanni. The Brunello was fermented in cement and aged cask for
36 months. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Score - 93. (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)"
MAZZEI SER LAPO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008 VINTAGES 288530 | 750 mL bottle Price $24.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "
Very floral, with licorice, aniseed and blackberries. Full body, with
silky tannins and
lots of chocolate, coffee and berries on the finish.
Balanced, yet very rich. A
top Chianti Classico. Best in 2014. Score -
93. (James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, Dec. 19, 2011)"
→
PINYOLET GARNACHA 2011 VINTAGES 271791 | 750 mL bottle Price $17.95 - LCBO
Tasting Note: "The 2011 Pinyolet Garnacha (
100% Grenache from a vineyard planted in
1962 on pure limestone soils) was aged completely in stainless steel
on
its lees.
Basically a baby Priorato, it reveals
rich strawberry and
raspberry fruit intermixed with notes of
licorice, crushed rock and
earth, all offered in a medium to full-bodied, heady style. The
price is
a steal and the quality of the wine is impressive. Enjoy it over the
next 4-6 years or longer. Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)"
There you have it. My picks from July 6, 2013 release. Enjoy!
sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast
