sit. sip. savour.: 05/01/2014

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Rhône Roundup - May 24, 2014 VINTAGES release

May 24, 2014 VINTAGES release

This VINTAGES release features:

Rhône report
fresh perspective - fresh white wines: classic cool & new school cool
local talent: MIKE WEIR LIMITED EDITION BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2012 VINTAGES 367813 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 24.95

There are so many choices in every Vintages release. How do I choose? First I narrow it down by tasting notes that intrigue me the most (indicated by bolded text). Next, my picks usually sway towards something I haven't tried before. Having said that, I'm a complete sucker for a good sipper so I might return to a past favourite. An → signifies the bottles that it is most likely going in my shopping bag. I also list my wishlist (if budget was not part of the equation) and my "long list" (if I won the lottery). Please follow along as I go page by page.

those most likely to make it into my bag ...

→ "smoking value & straight up delicious" ~ E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC 2012 VINTAGES 290296 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Starting out the whites and a smoking value, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a blend of 65% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne, 5% Clairette, 3% Bourboulenc and 2% Grenache Blanc that's vinified and aged all in stainless steel. It offers beautiful white peach, flowers and hints of citrus in a clean, balanced and juicy style. Medium-bodied and straight up delicious, it sells for a song, and is a great intro into Rhone Valley whites. Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2013)

→ "elegant but serious intensity" ~ KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSER VULKANFELSEN PINOT NOIR ROSÉ TROCKEN 2013 VINTAGES 168237 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: So elegant, but shows serious intensity and flavour too. Rosehips, red cherry and strawberry-rhubarb pie delight the senses. Lightly chill and sip with turkey sandwiches or salmon burgers. (VINTAGES panel, April 2014)

→ classic Chianti grapes ~ CARPINETO DOGAJOLO ROSATO 2013 VINTAGES 699934 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Made with the classic Chianti grapes Sangiovese and Canaiolo, this dry-farmed Tuscan rosé is perfect for warm weather. Pretty aromas of raspberry, strawberry, savoury herbs and wild roses introduce a fresh, tangy wine with a brilliantly crisp finish. Match it to pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, a charcuterie platter or salmon burgers. (VINTAGES panel, April 2014)

→ "most amazing wine ... at this price" ~ BRECA OLD VINES GARNACHA 2010 VINTAGES 329086 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: The estate's oldest vines are utilized for the 2010 Breca, also 100% Garnacha from vines that were planted between 1925 and 1945 in decomposed slate and gravelly clay soils. Yields were less than one ton of fruit per acre, and the wine was aged in old large French oak foudres. This is an amazing terroir of steep hillsides and ancient head-pruned vines. Black raspberry, truffle, kirsch, lavender and liquid rock-like characteristics emerge from this astonishing wine. Frankly, I was at a loss for words when I tasted it. It may be the most amazing wine I have ever tasted at this price in over three decades. The wine world is changing, and Jorge Ordonez and his associates deserve a huge amount of credit for producing something this remarkable at this price point. Consumers should fill their trunks with these beauties. Score - 94. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)

my wish list of top picks ...

I love bourbon. period. ~ 1792 RIDGEMONT RESERVE BARREL SELECT KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON VINTAGES 208918 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 49.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: In the spirits department in this Vintages offering, I was most impressed with the 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon...with its tangerine peel, butterscotch, caramel, oak stave and vanilla extract nuances. It is big, mellow, rich and spicy. Score - 93/94. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, July, 6, 2013)
camomile grappa is an absolute favourite of mine ~ MAROLO MILLA LIQUORE ALLA CAMOMILLA CON GRAPPA VINTAGES 211433 | 700 mL bottle Price $ 69.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: This liquor shows an intense straw yellow color and brilliant green nuances, limpid and crystalline. The nose reveals intense, clean and pleasing aromas of chamomile, pear, hazelnut, walnut and plum, with almost imperceptible alcohol pungency. In the mouth has intense flavors, a pleasing sweet attack and perceptible alcohol pungency which tends to dissolve rapidly, good smoothness, good correspondence to the nose. The finish is persistent with intense flavors of chamomile and a sweet hint. This liquor is produced with chamomile flowers infused for 11 months in grappa of Nebbiolo grape distilled in bainmarie discontinuous alembic still. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (diwinetaste.com, Oct. 2005)
loyalty to my deep Hungarian roots ~ DOMINIUM CUVÉE LATE HARVEST TOKAJI 2006 VINTAGES 371617 | 500 mL bottle Price $ 28.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Here's a fine value, very nicely balanced late harvest wine from Tokaj, produced from botrytis affected grapes but without skin contact or barrel maturation as for more traditional style tokaji aszú. The nose is still relatively fresh, although I appreciate the developing quince and dried floral notes. Acids are lively and balanced, keeping this light on its toes, with fine and lingering finish. A fine way to spend the afternoon or wind up the evening with fruit-based desserts or soft cheeses. Score - 90. (John Szabo, M.S., winealign.com, Dec. 13, 2013)
"over-delivers" ~ QUINTA DO RONCÃO RESERVA 2011 VINTAGES 147942 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: This over-delivers now and will only improve in bottle over the next 2-7 years; you wouldn't go wrong in starting, or adding this to, a modest collection. Fashioned from premium Port grapes, this red blend sports alluring aromas and delicious flavours of sweet, ripe mulberry, dark, juicy cherry and tangy, black currant interwoven with good acidity and a solid tannin underpinning. A three-hour decant will soften the tannin, as will pouring with grilled, seasoned steak. Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5 (Excellent)). (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, June 20, 2013)

others that made the "long list" ...

There you have my lists. Only bringing 2 rosés home with me this time around. Bottoms up!

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

Friday, May 9, 2014

Twin Peaks ~ May 10 VINTAGES release

May 10, 2014 VINTAGES release

In this release, May 10, 2014, VINTAGES release features:

twin peaks: Argentina & Chile

Argentina: Malbec, Bonarda, Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends
Chile: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends

chic German wines: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Silvaner & Siegerrebe
a dozen rosés for spring
local talent: Chard feelings

those most likely to make it into my bag ...

→ superb value for rosé ~ MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2013 VINTAGES 999821 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 12.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Lots of red fruit, redcurrant, red pepper jelly, apple and watermelon aromas here. Bright and flavourful red-tinged fruit on the palate. Tangy and easy-drinking. A good match for pork kebabs or stuffed peppers. (VINTAGES panel, March 2014)

→ this bottle is gorgeous inside & out! ~ GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ 2013 VINTAGES 373985 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: This eye-catching bottle with its glass stopper has great keepsake potential, and there's certainly a lot to want to remember here. The nose is richly layered with aromas of garrigue, wild strawberry, apricot and rhubarb jelly. Juicy, bright and pretty, this will make a mouth-watering companion to turkey sandwiches or to gently spiced dishes. (VINTAGES panel, March 2014)

→ a perennial favourite ~ MUGA ROSÉ 2013 VINTAGES 603795 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 12.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Nice depth on the nose with aromas of strawberry, peach, clementine and rhubarb. Bright, racy and crisp with oodles of tangy red fruit. A touch of pink grapefruit emerges alongside the rhubarb on the finish. The acidity makes this a great match for a range of foods - try it with fish, seafood, turkey sandwiches or summer salads. (VINTAGES panel, March 2014)

my wish list of top picks ...

I love bourbon. JEFFERSON'S RESERVE VERY OLD VERY SMALL BATCH KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY VINTAGES 367649 | 750 mL bottle Price $67.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Amber color. Aromas of buttery caramel and kettlecorn and grain cereal with a silky dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a cherry cola, brown spice, honeyed nut and mossy limestone finish. A very nice sipper. Score - 94. (tastings.com, Feb. 8, 2012)
FAIRVIEW PETITE SIRAH 2011 VINTAGES 366252 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 23.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: 2011 packs quite a punch of black fruit - plums & plumcake - with charry, oaky spice. Upfront tannins need time to integrate but concentrated flavours should ensure happy ending. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5 (Excellent)). (Cathy Marston, Platter's South African Wine Guide, 2014)
"serious intensity" - FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2008 VINTAGES 943290 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 39.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Fontanafredda's 2008 Barolo Serralunga wraps around the palate with serious intensity and muscle. This is pure Serralunga in its dark fruit, iron, tar and scorched earth. Powerful tannins frame the incisive, long finish. I see Fontanafredda's straight Barolo as an excellent restaurant wine, despite its considerable power and sheer exuberance. Overall, this is an impressive showing from Fontanafredda. I look forward to seeing what winemaker Danilo Drocco and his team did with the single-vineyard Baroli at Fontanafredda and their sister property, Mirafiore. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)
REMO FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 VINTAGES 171587 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 37.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: A concentrated, powerhouse Amarone with luxurious layers of black fruit, anise, mocha and vanilla smoke. This DOC wine offers extraordinary value for the price. It's a cellar keeper but why wait? Highly recommended. Pair with: grilled meats, rich stews, blue cheese, polenta dishes, venison. Drink: 2014-2022. Score - 93. (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, Nov. 17, 2013)

others that made the "long list" ...

There you have my lists. Apparently, I'm only bringing rosé home with me. Bottoms up!

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

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

New Zealand in a Glass 2014

You know me ... I simply cannot resist a wine tasting. Especially when it is in the name of practice for my WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma "Light Wines of the World" exam coming up March 2015. I hear it's a doozy so much practice is in order. nota bene - that's my excuse & I'm sticking to it!

I jumped at the opportunity when New Zealand Winegrowers presented New Zealand in a Glass to trade (afternoon) and consumers (evening) on Monday May 5th. To be completely honest, I am not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc but I will always sample it to check my palate - after all, tastes do change. I found almost all were not the over-the-top-cat's-pee version but crisp, fresh, elegant & well-balanced. Nary a complaint will be heard over featured New Zealand blends & dessert wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir & Syrah. Oh, and, don't forget the sparkling - added bonus for me is rosé sparkling!

The wineries featured were as follows ...

Astrolabe Wines

Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Astrolabe Province Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013
Astrolabe Valleys Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012
Astrolabe Valleys Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012

Babich Wines

Babich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Babich Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013
Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Babich Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012
Babich The Patriarch Cabernet Sauvignon Hawke's Bay 2011

Elephant Hill

Elephant Hill Le Phant Blanc Hawke's Bay 2013 (Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer)
Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2013
Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2013 (upcoming ~ August 1st Vintages release)
Elephant Hill Le Phant Hawke's Bay 2012

Huia Vineyards

Huia Sparkling Marlborough 2009
Huia Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Huia Pinto Gris Marlborough 2012
Huia Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011
Hunky Dory Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Hunky Dory Tangle White Blend Marlborough 2013
Hunky Dory Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013

Hunter's Wines

Hunter's Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012
Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Hunter's MiruMiru Sparkling Marlborough NV
Hunter's Chardonnay Marlborough 2012

Loveblock Vintners

Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2012

Marisco Vineyards

Marisco Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Marisco Vineyards Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011
The Ned Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
The Ned Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013
The Ned Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013
The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc Dessert Wine Marlborough 2012
The Kings Favour Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
The Kings Thorn Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013
The Kings Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2012
The Kings Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012
The King's A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc Dessert Wine Marlborough 2011

Oyster Bay New Zealand

Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut Hawke's Bay NV
Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé NV
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay 2013
Oyster Bay Chardonnay Marlborough 2013
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012
Oyster Bay Merlot Hawke's Bay 2013

Pask Winery

Pask Roy's Hill Merlot Hawke's Bay 2011
Pask Gimblett Road Cabernet Merlot Malbec Hawke's Bay 2010
Kate Radburnd Vine Velvet Pinot Noir Martinborough 2012
Kate Radburnd Sun Kissed Pinot Gris Hawke's Bay 2012

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

Stoneleigh Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013
Stoneleigh Vineyards Chardonnay Marlborough 2013
Stoneleigh Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé Marlborough 2013
Stoneleigh Vineyards Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013
Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012 (upcoming ~ June 1st Vintages release)
Brancott Estate Letter Series "B" Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012