Canadian Wine Guy

Dark in color with a lovely mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely red cherries along with some cassis. The wine has some smooth tannins on it’s medium length finish. We paired it with a rack of lamb and it went perfectly. I would give the wine a solid 89. Yumm. I would consider this a drink now wine.

From the LCBO web site:
Aromas of cassis, cola and woodsmoke with an herbal undertone. Unabashedly Californian, it is round and generous with big fruit and a sensual touch of spice on the close. This calls for some superior cuts of meat, prepared the way God intended – grilled on a barbecue while wearing a Stetson. All joking aside, this is another stellar wine from Frei. (VINTAGES panel, April 2014)

Garnet in color with a nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some strawberry and raspberry to match the nose. The wine is one the lighter side of medium in length on the finish with some mild tannins. The sweetness lingers for a bit in the mouth. Not a bad wine but definitely on the fruit forward side of things with not a whole lot of complexity on the finish. I would give it an 87-88.

From the LCBO web site:
MIRASSOU PINOT NOIR LCBO 185249 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Made in: California, USA By: Mirassou Vineyards
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Light-bodied & Fruity Sugar Content: 14 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
pale ruby colour; raspberry, sour cherry and touch of vanilla in the nose; dry light to medium body; soft cherry and cranberry flavours, soft, smooth finish.

It’s always a thrill to hear a winemaker speak about the passion they have for making wine. And often this has been a passion that has been in the family for generations. When Barrel Select invited me to meet and taste Robert Biale wines I jumped at the chance.

I enjoy Zinfandels (the red ones not the blush ones). In California as you may know the older vineyards are often field blends (within the vineyard different grape types are intermingled). In Italy Zinfandel is referred to as Primitivo. I recently learned the grape is also linked to a Croation variety called Crljenak Kăstelanski. Huh … who knew 🙂

Very dark in color with a lovely red berry nose. Very typical Zinf coming through. On the mid pallet the wine displays some very nice red berries backed almost immediately by some firm pepper notes, some lively acidity and some smooth tannins. There’s also a hint of eucalyptus. This wine lives in in the bold finish but it does not linger long. The wine comes from a newer vineyard that has been planted with 100% Zinfandel. I would give it an 89-90. A very nice wine. It’s $68.99 available in cases of 6 from Barrel Select.

Pale in color with a lovely nose of citrus and minerality. On the mid pallet this is a crisp dry champagne style bubbly. The bubbles are nice and fine. The wine is medium in length with the citrus notes lingering nicely. I would give it an 88-89. Very nice wine and quite food friendly. For the price is it a good deal if your looking for bubbles 🙂 And who doesn’t like bubbles 🙂

From the LCBO web site:
MUMM CUVEE NAPA BRUT PRESTIGE LCBO 217273 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 25.95
Made in: California, USA By: Seagram Classics Wine Co.
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Medium-bodied & Flavourful Sugar Content: 13 g/L

Tasting Note
Clear golden straw with good mousse; apple and pear aromas with biscuit and citrus notes; dry, medium bodied; apple, buttered toast and citrus flavours; balanced acidity with a touch of hazelnut on a medium to long finish.

Pale in color with mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice varietal chard notes, apple, some vanilla and some butter. On the medium length finish the wine lingers nicely with some oak noticeable. The wine is subtle at first and it builds in complexity and depth. I would give it an 88-89. Quite nice.

From the LCBO web site:
CHALONE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 80226 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 25.25
Made in: California, USA By: Diageo Canada Inc
Release Date: Mar 2, 2013
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Full-bodied & Rich Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Crisp apple and melon fruit are joined by notions of orchard blossom, buttermilk, and hints of pineapple and coconut. Expertly balanced with great freshness and nerve, and a wonderfully creamy texture. Culminates in a gently toasty finish. Pair with lobster tail or crab legs. (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2013).

Dark in color with a nice nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays the classic Napa cab red cherries. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice smooth tannins along with some nice dryness. A lovely wine. I would give it an 89 or so. Very nice indeed. Available by the case from Vinexx for $28 a bottle.