July 20, 2013 VINTAGES release
In this release, the features include:
- grill talk - global BBQ fare + wines to match
- chill out - cool-climate Chard
- distilled treasure: CRÈME YVETTE VINTAGES 260331 | 750 mL bottle Price $39.95
- local find: CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ ESTATE BOTTLED 2010 VINTAGES 640516 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95
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 so I might go back to a past favourite. 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.
→ ROSEWOOD HARVEST GOLD MEAD 2011 VINTAGES 346767 | 500 mL bottle Price $14.95 - Specialty Wines, 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.; LCBO Tasting Note: "As Niagara's first meadery, honey wine is something very dear to the Roman family who are third generation beekeepers. But this particular mead holds an extra special place in their hearts. The 2006 Harvest Gold was the first mead Rosewood produced and this 2011 is a proud successor. Full of lilies, camomile, clover, asian pear, pineapple and a touch of bees wax, it's a very pretty beverage ... The moderate acidity and medium-sweet finish make it a great alternative to the usual suspects of Gewürztraminer and off-dry Riesling, which are the go-to partners of spicy foods like chicken tikka. But the Harvest Gold might actually be a more prudent choice with its flavours standing-up better to the spice than many wines do. (Mike Di Caro, spotlighttoronto.com, Jan. 22, 2013)"
→ FINCA EL ORIGEN MALBEC ROSÉ 2012 VINTAGES 229682 | 750 mL bottle Price $12.95 - Rosé Wine, 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.; LCBO Tasting Note: "A powerhouse of a rosé, with bright aromas of bright red cherry, spring flowers, currants and rose bushes. The palate demonstrates a serious and flavourful pink wine that proudly shows off its Malbec character. Hugely versatile, this will make a big splash alongside a great range of foods, including lamb skewers and tzatziki, or barbecued chicken. (VINTAGES panel, June 2013)"
had me at popcorn ... CALITERRA TRIBUTO SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2011 VINTAGES 144709 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - White Wine, 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.; LCBO Tasting Note: "Aromas of apple, peach, cream, buttered toast, vanilla and popcorn give voice to the richness of this gorgeous wine. The palate picks right up on these clues. Creamy and with good weight and flavour. One taste of this Casablancan Chardonnay and you'll be quoting Humphrey Bogart's famous line: 'Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.' (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2012)"
→ SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC 2012 VINTAGES 981167 | 750 mL bottle Price $12.95 - White Wine, 13.8% Alcohol/Vol., LCBO Tasting Note: "The 2012 vintage of this wine has a cheerful screwcap. In youth it has a veritable tsunami of tropical fruit smells - guavas, a classical Chenin smell, some ripe slices of fresh pear and sweet melon. These all are evident on the palate and in the long aftertaste which is all about honey and white flowers. A delicious wine as an aperitif, though it goes so well with food, particularly Oriental foods like mild Thai curries. (Michael Olivier, michaelolivier.co.za, Feb. 22, 2013)"
PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2010 VINTAGES 261784 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - Red Wine, 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.; LCBO Description: "Gold Medal, Mundus Vini 2012. 115 bottles of the 2008 vintage of this wine were purchased by the Vatican following the election of Pope Francis in March 2013."; LCBO Tasting Note: "This one conjures notions of grilled herbs, blackberry, dark cherry, new leather, smoke and vanilla bean. Juicy, round and smooth as velvet. Brilliantly structured and well made with a bright acidity and ripe tannins creating a solid framework. The finish is long and chewy. This is a great food wine and will be superb with smoky ribs or steaks with rosemary (remember the grilled herbs on the nose?). (VINTAGES panel, May 2013)"
FARINA PARZIALE APPASSIMENTO 2011 VINTAGES 326702 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - Red Wine, 13.5% Alcohol/Vol; LCBO Tasting Note: "An elaborate and full nose offering plenty of dried perfumed fruit, spice, fig, mint, cranberry and cherry notes. The palate is ripe, round and smooth. Excellent fruit replays throughout this lush and spicy package. The tannins are beautifully integrated and smooth. This is a superb value wine that delivers well above its price point. So much to enjoy here, on so many levels. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012)"
there you have it ... my picks from July 20, 2013 VINTAGES release. bottoms up!
sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast
