This will be the last stop for the day. Remember this is on tomorrow, clickhere to get more info.
Having the 2011 Mima’s Riesling, first year ever produced from 3 year old plantings. Fruit forward and dominant. Mostly tropical (think pineapple and mango) but underlying petrol notes that hint at the year + in bottle. Nice wine, worth a summer patio break or two!
First picture is their young winemaker and vineyard manager Luke Orwinski, a talented young man with tonnes of potential.
Weather is threatening rain as the heat is near 30 with high humidity. This is not dampening spirits (very puny!)
Having the 2011 The Mischief and Fish Tacos.
Graze the bench visit #2: Fielding Estate. Having their 2012 Estate Riesling and sausage sliders.
Once again the event is on today and tomorrow: read more here.
Graze the bench day, first stop Hidden Bench. http://www.grazethebench.com/
On tomorrow as well.
2010 Estate Chardonnay and smoked meat on old post sour rye.
Very pale in color with a mild citrus nose. On the mid pallet the wine is dominated by some strong grapefruit flavors. The wine has a long finish with some nice mouth grip! This is a big, boisterous Sauv blanc. I would give it an 89! Careful what you serve it with, if it’s too mild in flavors, this wine will over power it.
From the LCBO web site:
DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 VINTAGES 677450 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 22.95
Made in: Marlborough, New Zealand By: Dog Point Vineyard
Style: Aromatic & Flavourful 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
If you buy no other 2012 New Zealand sauvignon currently on the shelves, don’t miss Dog Point. There’s a consummately crafted dimension to this wine that propels it above the vast sea of sauvignon, a wine of genuine character and interest. A one-fifth portion of wild ferment and lees ageing instils a mineral mouth feel and complexing nuances of struck flint. Carefully regulated yields have produced an impeccably gauged fruit profile that tactically dodges the extremes of underripe herbaceousness and overripe passionfruit, falling neatly into the middle ground of grapefruit, lemon zest, guava and golden delicious apple. A focused acid line and outstanding, lingering, textural persistence make not only for immediate appeal but promise medium-term potential. Drink 2012-2019. Score – 95. (Tyson Stelzer, tysonstelzer.com, Undated)
Dark in color with a mild nose of some red and dried fruits. On the mid pallet this is a bigger wine as some Ripassos are. Lots of red berries, some chocolate and some dried fruits. On the medium length finish the wine has some firm acidity, some nice tannins and some nice dryness that builds in the mouth. This is definitely a bigger wine. It could easily hold it’s own with lamb or steak. I would give it a solid 89. In case your not familiar with Ripasso’s I quote Wikipedia:
In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso (meaning “repassed”) emerged. With this technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of recioto and Amarone are added to the batch of Valpolicella wines for a period of extended maceration. The additional food source for the remaining fermenting yeast helps boost the alcohol level and body of the wines while also leaching additional tannins, glycerine and some phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine’s complexity, flavor and color.
From the LCBO web site:
TOMMASI RIPASSO DOC IL SESTANTE LCBO 267070 | 750 mL bottle
Price $ 16.95
Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Tomassi
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Ripasso Sugar Content: 10 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Deep ruby colour; floral, spice and dried fruit aromas; spice, dried fruit and chocolate flavours; medium-bodied and smooth.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with braised meats or gourmet pizzas drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
I last had the 2007 vintage of this wine and enjoyed it. This one is dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely red berries consistent with a California fruit forward cab. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice dryness and smooth tannins. This is a well made cab. I would give it an 88-89. Sadly not in the LCBO but it’s available from Vinexx for $23.95 a bottle.
While in Rome we decided to take a tour out to this winery. The wine is pale in color with a minerally nose. On the mid pallet this is a smooth crisp dry white wine. Some nice citrus notes. On the lighter side of a medium length finish the wine has some nice lingering minerality. This would be a very food friendly wine. I would give it an 88-89. Sadly not available in the LCBO. But you can get it from their local rep Small Wine Makers for $16.60 sold in cartons of 12x750ml, minimum order is one case. Pitty.
From the winery’s web site:
Grapes: malvasia del Lazio, trebbiano toscano, malvasia di Candia, bonvino, bellone
Vineyards: Casale Marchese winery estate; spur-trained vines on soils of volcanic origin. Vine density per hectare: 4,000. Average grape yield per plant is 2kg.
Production method: hand-picked in 15kg cases. Gentle grape pressing and selection of different must fractions. Static clarification and separation of dregs. Addition of selected yeasts. Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation (about one week). Cold tartaric stabilization in December. Bottled in several batches from January to June. Ready for sale one month from first bottling.
Nose profile: hints of tropical fruit are immediate, nuanced with light, herby floral notes.
Palate profile: a zesty wine, that is robust, with a soft, elegant, mouthfilling finish. Frascati should always be consumed before the next harvest starts. Casale Marchese Frascati is very drinkable even as early as February-March, but it comes into its own as summer approaches, enhanced by a brief stay in the bottle.
Food pairing: excellent aperitif, with fish recipes, meat and fish carpaccios, pizza, fresh goat cheese.
Technical Notes
Alcohol: 13.5% Residual sugars: 00g/l Total acidity: 5.5g/l pH: 3.45 Total extract: 24g/l Bottle: 750ml/350ml
I previously reviewed the 2009 Calamus red and was impressed. The new name doesn’t really grab me, not to mention the price bump to $19.95 from $16.20. What I like about Calamus is simple wines at reasonable prices.
Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet are some lovely rich red berries. On the medium length finish are some nice smooth tannins and just a nice bit of dryness that builds nicely and lingers in the mouth. This is a well made smooth red for the area. I would give it a solid 89-90 which for the price and for the area is not a bad deal. Another lovely Calamus Red!
From the lcbo web site:
CALAMUS COSMIC RED 2010 VINTAGES 258129 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Calamus Estate Winery
Release Date: Dec 8, 2012
12.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 7 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Surprisingly well structured, succulent – ripe black fruit – packed red here, with good freshness, gentle tannins and just a kiss of oak. Wine of the Week. (Zoltan Szabo, zszabo.com, Sept. 2012)
I have to admit, in spite of being Maltese I had no idea Malta had a wine industry. So when I recently travelled to Malta I had to try them! This one is dark in color with a lovely red berry nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some firm spicy notes on the finish but that eases as it breathes. Then some lovely red berries and cherries comes through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm tannins some rustic notes and some nice dryness. At first there was some firm acidity but that passed quickly. I would give it a solid 89. I paired it with lamb shank and it held up very well. Sadly not available outside Malta.
From the winery’s web site:
Dedicated to Marsovin’s late founder Anthony Cassar, affectionately known as Sur Tonin, Antonin Noir is a Private Estate Selection wine blended from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested at the Marnisi Estate in Marsaxlokk, the first and the largest in the series of Marsovin’s privately owned Estates, intended for the production of premium wines. The fruity characteristics of cherries, blackcurrants and blueberries make this wine enjoyable in its youth while the ageing in French oak barrels gives it a velvety finish on the palate and excellent ageing potential.
I’m not a big fan of bubblies but have been exploring Proseccos. They are versatile wines on there own and very food friendly. In my mind anywhere a Sauv Blanc can be paired they go well. This wine reminds me a lot of of a Prosecco. (I’m sure you figured there was a reason why I was going on about Proseccos:) ). Pale in color with a nice nose of minerality. On the mid pallet this wine is a nice, dry, crisp wine with some light apple flavours. It’s bubbles are light and unobtrusive. On the medium length finish the wine comes through with minerality that lives on nicely in the mouth. This is a very food friendly wine. I enjoyed it. I would give it an 88-89. A very nice wine for the money!
From the LCBO web site:
CASA DEA DEA’S CUVEE SPARKLING VQA LCBO 261263 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Casa-Dea Vineyards Ltd
Style: Light & Fruity Wine, Sparkling Wine, White 12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 28 g/L
Tasting Note
Pale straw colour; light citrus aromas with mineral, yeasty and biscuit notes; off-dry with light apple and citrus fruit flavours.
Serving Suggestion
Serve chilled with spicy appetizers or fried foods.
From the winery’s web site:
2011 Dea’s Cuvée $18.95
12.1% 750mL VQA Prince Edward County
We are very happy with this light and bubbly Sparkling wine. It has distinct stone fruit on the nose and County minerality on the palate. A perfect wine to celebrate life with.
Fabulous tasting of reserves, Oakvilles and whites. 2008 & 2009 Reserves are both amazing yet dramatically different. $145 and $125 respectively.
Another one from the County in the city event. I’ve had this wine for a number of years and enjoy it. Rieslings come in all flavours from sugar water to dry. My preferences lean in the direction of dry rather than sweet. This wine is pale in color with a nice nose of minerality. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely mineral flavors to match the nose. It’s nice, dry and crisp. On the long finish the wine has some nice zest that lives on in the wine. The wine has some nice mouth grip that allows it to linger nicely. This is exactly how I like my Rieslings and is a direct result of the minerality that comes from Prince Edward County terroir! This wine was my favourite white of the evening! I would give it a solid 89.
From the winery’s web site:
2009 Riesling $16.95 11.2% 750mL VQA Prince Edward County
This dry, zippy Riesling is a good representation of what the minerality of the county soil lends to our wines. The lemon zest “pops” your pallet, allowing the underlying hints of the tropics to follow.
A truly zesty Riesling, which pairs well with grilled salmon or chicken.
Another one from the Vinexx portfolio tasting. Another of my favs of the night. I will have to grab one to do a more thorough tasting. Dark in color with a mild nose, with some herbaceous notes coming through. On the mid pallet are some nice red berries coming through. Some nice deep flavors with some nice dried fruits coming through. On the finish the wine has some nice tannins and complexity. Lots of layers to explore. A lovely cab for the money. I would give it an 88-89. Yumm
From the LCBO web site:
VINACEOUS RACONTEUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON! 2010 VINTAGES 299768 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Luzerno Investments Pty Ltd
Release Date: Jan 19, 2013
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
One sniff of this wine and you think it might be all about hedonism. Thankfully it’s also got structure, giving good focus to a ton of juicy black cherry, cassis, and blackberry jelly. Ripe and velvety-smooth on the palate, with a full body and a dark fruit core. Subtle anise notes add a playful savoury element. Nice, dry, balanced finish. Try alongside pulled pork sliders with dill relish, or steak with mushrooms and Provençal herbs. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012)
Another one from the Vinexx portfolio tasting. Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely red berries. This is a nice fruit forward wine. On the finish the wine has some lovely smooth tannins and nice dryness. It builds nicely in the mouth. I quite enjoyed this wine! I would give it a solid 89. Not a bad deal for the money.
From the LCBO web site:
MUGA RESERVA (V) VINTAGES 177345 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 21.45
Limited Time Offer
Was: $ 23.95 Now: $ 21.45 Save: $ 2.50 Until May 26, 2013
Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Bodegas Muga S.A.
Release Date: Apr 18, 2012
Style: Full-bodied & Firm 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Description
From Spain’s famed Rioja region, this ready-to-drink Tempranillo-based blend features oodles of blackberry and cherry as well as hints of cedar and vanilla. Serve it alongside rotisserie chicken and roast potatoes or duck confit.
This is a grape I’d never heard of before a Savagnin blanc (no that’s not a typo). Pale in color with a mild nose of minerality as well as some butter. On the mid pallet the wine displays minerality to match the nose. It’s slightly tart and acidic on the finish. Being an unknown grape I had no expectations on what it should taste like. I had difficulty bucketing this wine. It was kind of Sauv Blanc like. I would give it an 88-89. For $28.95 there are a lot better wines for the money.
As you may or may not know primitivo and Zinfandel are the same grape with a different name. Primitivos can be more fruit forward. This one is dark in color with a mild nose of oak and dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some big dark berries, and some light dried fruits. The wine is medium in length with some firm tannins and some noticeable alcohol. It has some nice lingering dryness that build nicely in the mouth. This for me is one of the biggest, most complex primitivos I’ve had to date. Quite nice. I would give it an 89 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
LI VELI MONTECOCO PRIMITIVO 2009 VINTAGES 281436 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: Puglia, Italy By: Famiglia Falvo
Release Date: Sep 15, 2012
14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
The 2009 Primitivo Salento Montecoco is a gorgeous wine for the money. It shows lovely juiciness and plenty of varietal character while avoiding the excessive heaviness that plagues so many of its peers. A blast of dark red fruit punctuates the exuberant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Score – 89. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, June 2011)
The Hidden bench 2008 Pinot Noir was one of my favorite Niagara Pinot Noirs. So I popped down to the winery to pick up this years for Christmas presents. Niagara wines can vary quite significantly. Garnet in color with a lovely pinot nose, some nice strawberry, red berries and rustic notes. On the mid pallet the wine displays some milder pinot flavors to match the nose. Red berries, strawberry and rustic flavors. On the medium finish the wine has some tannins, as well as some acidity. Compared to the 2008 this is a much milder pinot. I would give it an 89 or so. Not available at the LCBO but $38 at the winery. Unfortunately this one is no where as good. Quite disappointing 🙁
From the winery’s web site:
The first impressions on the nose with this wine are sour cherry, smoke and a rich concentration that reflect the 2009 vintage. A creamy, generous texture holds together the dark, savoury red fruits. Great structure and well concentrated with typical “cool-climate” Pinot Noir characteristic of earthy beetroot are highlighted with subtle pencil shavings. The Beamsville Bench is well expressed through this wine.
Inky dark in color (you should have seen the cork!) with am earthy nose as well as some dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some dark berries and earth notes to match the nose. Maybe even some chocolate coming through. On the mid pallet the wine has some dry tannins and some mild acidity. I have to say this wine is better than I expected. I’ve previously had the wine and been a little underwhelmed. The reserve is so much more rich and complex. I would give it an 88-89!
From the LCBO web site:
HENRY OF PELHAM BACO NOIR VQA LCBO 270926 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Henry Of Pelham Family Est. Winery
Style: Full-bodied & Firm 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 14 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Deep ruby red colour with hints of purple; ripe blackberry and plum aromas with coffee, cedar and smoky notes; dry, full-bodied; black cherry flavour, well balanced with a long smokey finish.
I had the pleasure of attending the County in the City event at the Berkeley . A number of wineries from Prince Edward County came down to bring the fruits of their labour to our front door. I applaud those wineries that took the time to come and and spread the good word about the great wines coming out from the county. I last travelled to Prince Edward County in 2010 and was impressed with a number of the wines from there. One of the ones I was most impressed with was Casa Dea. Carmella Estates (Casa Dea’s previous name) had the distinction of being one of the longest Rieslings I had ever tasted. Paul Battilana the wine maker at Casa Dea came to the event and I enjoyed chatting with him about his passion and the great wines they are producing. I had a number of their wines at the event and I will post reviews of more of them in upcoming posts.
This wine was my hands down favourite of the night. And when you include the price I highly recommend it as a great bargain! Now Pinot Noir is one of those grapes that you either love or hate. This one is garnet in color with a nice rustic nose. On the mid pallet the wine has some lovely bold varietal pinot noir rustic flavours. This is not a fruity Pinot as some are. There’s lots to like here (if you like Pinots). On the long finish the wine has some nice dryness, minerality, and fine tannins that linger nicely in the mouth. I would pair it with some form of foul (chicken, turkey, Cornish hen) or red fish (salmon or trout) so that you can enjoy the lovely flavours of this wine. I would give it an 89. Paul thought it might keep for another couple years but personally I would be enjoying it now in all it’s glory! This one was so good I went back for more and ended my night with it!
Thanks Paul and your team for a great wine, please keep up the excellent work!
from the LCBO web site:
CASA-DEA PINOT NOIR 2009 VINTAGES 296210 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Casa-Dea Vineyards Ltd
Release Date: Dec 8, 2012
12.2% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Description
This lovely PEC Pinot offers exceptional value for Pinot Noir.
Tasting Note
Here’s a light, tight, juicy and mineral example of County pinot in the style that excels in the region. The palate is light and flavour intensity modest, but this displays a good dose of limestone minerality and delicate freshness that should be allowed to characterize the wines of the area. For current consumption or short term hold. Tasted September 2011. Drink 2011-2013. Score – 88. (John Szabo, M.S., winealign.com, Sept. 2011)
In the world of big wines Tempranillo’s can be big! Being an old vines I was excited. Dark in color with a subtle nose of black berries. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by big alcohol (that passes with some breathing) and some black berries. On the long finish this is a big wine with huge firm tannins, some strong acidity and some strong peppery spicy notes. This wine needs some breathing. It’s a big wine but I am surprised at how subtle the fruit is. I’m not sure if this is too too young, needs more breathing or what. The fruit is completely overwhelmed. I would give it an 88 or so. I wouldn’t be running out to grab more.
EL HALCÓN OLD VINE TEMPRANILLO 2009 VINTAGES 313783 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: Ribera Del Duero, Spain By: Ole Imports
Release Date: Mar 16, 2013
Style: Full-bodied & Firm Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Tempranillo
Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
The 2009 El Halcon is 100% Tempranillo sourced from 75-year-old head-pruned vines. The wine was aged for 8 months in 3-year-old French oak. Purple in color, it sports a fragrant nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and black fruits. Dense, rich, and round, it is a great value for drinking over the next 5-6 years. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011)
I quote from Wikipedia “Megalomania is a psychopathological disorder characterized by delusional fantasies of power, relevance, or omnipotence. ‘Megalomania is characterized by an inflated sense of self-esteem and overestimation by persons of their powers and beliefs’. Can you tell the name of this winery get up my nose? Nuff said.
Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some red berries a touch of tartness and some acidity. On the medium length finish there are some tannins, some dryness as well as some acidity coming through. I paired the wine with a filet mignon and the wine really did not hold up to the steak at all. I had to stop eating so I could focus on the wine to write this review. I would give it an 88-89. Not a bad wine, but sadly nothing outstanding either 🙁 But given the price it’s not a bad deal.
From the LCBO web site:
MEGALOMANIAC HOMEGROWN RED VQA LCBO 260364 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Limited Time Offer
Was: $ 14.95 Now: $ 13.95 Save: $ 1.00 Until Apr 28, 2013
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: John Howard Cellars Of Distinction
Style: Medium-bodied & Fruity 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 13 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Bright medium ruby; aromas of cherries and berry fruit with smoky and herbaceous notes; dry and medium-bodied, with balanced acidity and moderate tannins; juicy black fruit flavours lead to a finish that is long and smooth.
Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this wine is a deep rich cab, fruit forward with lovely dark cherries coming through. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice well balanced tannins and some nice dryness. It lives on nicely in the mouth with the rich dark cherries coming through without food but is not so strong as to overwhelm the food. I paired it with a Maltese baked rice (tomato based sauce). It went very well with the rustic flavors of the food. This wine is easily approachable now. This really is one of the better reds coming out of Niagara and when you factor in the price $21.95 this is not a bad deal at all. I applaud 13th St! I’ve been impressed with a number of their wines! I would give this a solid 89-90. Yumm. I bet it will keep pretty well too! Wish I’d bought more 🙁
From the winery’s website:
Tasting Notes
A nose of steeped black cherries, plums, sweet tobacco, bay leaf, earth and cedar with medium weight, balanced alcohol and fine mouth-coating tannins. This young wine will enjoy cellaring through 2018 or decant now for aeration and serve with roast duck, fine steaks, lamb stew or traditional moussaka, or firm aged sheep and cow’s milk cheeses.
Dark in color with a lovely red berry nose, a little on the milder side and even some jammy notes coming through. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice slightly jammy flavors, black berries, and some plums. The fruit comes out very nicely as it breaths. On the finish there’s some firm tannins, some acidity, some smokey notes, some oak and even some herbaceous notes coming through. This is a nice wine with a nice bit of complexity and nice dryness. It starts off fruit forward and then comes through in the end on the finish. The fruit flavors in the wine wine opened up as it breathed. This wine needs to either breath or age, it`s just too young to be appreciated in all it`s layers! I would give it an 89 or so. We paired it with a BBQ striploin steak and chocolate brownies and it went well, holding it`s own!
From the LCBO web site:
7 DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL VINTAGES 59311 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 24.95
Made in: California, USA By: Michael David Vineyards
Release Date: Apr 18, 2012
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth 14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Description
Zinfully delicious Cali Zinfandel that features all you are looking for in the state’s classic variety. The aromas suggest plum, black cherry, vanilla and spice cupboard. A fruity, rich, vibrant wine that is a perfect choice for discerning Zinfandel drinkers. it will be a happy partner for steaks or meat-based pasta dishes.
