MIONETTO PROSECCO D.O.C. TREVISO

Posted on March 13, 2013 by John Galea

A while back a friend of mine Jason introduced me to Prosecco an Italian Sparkling wine. Later another friend Rosanne introduced me to a few new ones. She loves them. So I grabbed this one. There seems to be a number of Proseccos in the LCBO. It is considered to be a less expensive alternative to champagne. Personally I don’t drink a lot of bubbly. Mostly at New Years, but I thought I would pop this one because it was a special day today. It ended in Y and to top it off … it’s Monday, and they only come by once a week!

Pale in color with a lovely dry minerally nose. Reminds me a bit of a sauv blanc on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine has a nice bit of bubble effervescent but nothing too over the top. The flavors are minerality to match the nose, and some nice dry light citrus flavors. On the medium length finish the effervescence lingers a bit on the tongue as does the nice slightly tart, slightly acidic flavors. It’s surprisingly long in finish. The bubbles are just right for my tastes. I would give this one an 89. Very nice. There doesn’t seem to be a year anywhere on the bottle. I paired it with a pork tenderloin and it went very well. The minerality paired well with the meal and the light bubbles did not get in the way or make me feel full. Yumm …

From the LCBO web site:
MIONETTO PROSECCO D.O.C. TREVISO LCBO 266023 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 16.95
Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Mionetto S.P.A
Style: Light & Fruity Wine, Sparkling Wine, White
11.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 16 g/L

Tasting Note
Pale lemon-green colour; ripe pear and fresh melon aromas; dry, medium body and balanced acidity; flavours of crisp pear and toast with a clean fresh finish.

Serving Suggestion
Raw oysters and grilled calamari

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2011 Southbrook connect red

Posted on March 11, 2013 by John Galea

I tasted this one at the iYellow Ice wine event and then bought a bottle for a more in depth tasting. Dark in color with nice nose of red berries, even a little dried fruits coming through. Quite nice. On the mid pallet the wine has lovely red berries and again dried fruits to match the nose, with a touch of sweetness. On the finish the wine has some nice dryness, some nice tannins, some earthy notes and some acidity. The alcohol is noticeable so I would suggest a bit of breathing. I would give it an 88. Not a bad wine for the price.

From the winery’s web site:
Estate grown in our organic and demeter certified vineyard. Harvested for “fresh fruit level of maturity”; this intense flavour window provides full expression of red fruits, blueberries and cassis. 39% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Appellation: VQA Niagara Peninsula
Alcohol: 13% Titratable Acidity: 6.2 g/l ph: 3.66

Grapes were handpicked and cluster sorted before destemming and crushing. 50% fermentation in oak vats and stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks total maceration time before gentle pressing, settling and aging in oak vats for 3 months. Blending Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon then sterile filtration prior to bottling. No fining.

From the LCBO web site:
SOUTHBROOK ORGANIC RED CONNECT VQA LCBO 249565 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Southbrook Farms Winery
12.9% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 9 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Ruby-purple in colour; fragrant aromas of black currant, raspberries and vanilla oak; dry and medium-bodied, with balanced acidity and moderate tannins; flavours of blackberry-cherry, spice, earth and a medium long finish.

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2010 Wolf Blass Yellow label Shiraz

Posted on March 9, 2013 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nose of blueberry and some sweetness. On the mid pallet the wine displays fruity blueberries to match the nose. Straight out of the bottle it displays some acidity but this passes quickly. The wine is one the lighter side of medium in length on the finish with some mild tannins and soft pepper. We paired it with spaghetti and meat balls and when it was enjoyed with food the tannins and pepper were almost unnoticeable. This is definitely a softer gentler shiraz. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
WOLF BLASS SHIRAZ LCBO 506691 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95
Limited Time Offer Was: $ 16.95 Now: $ 14.95 Until Mar 3, 2013
Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Inky purple; notes of cassis, mulberry, and pronounced eucalyptus; the full-bodied palate explodes with berry, and leads to a pleasing peppercorn finish.

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2011 Unoaked O’Leary chardonnay mini review

Posted on March 6, 2013 by John Galea

A wine from Mr. Wonderful (from Dragons Den), who could ask for more :). Ok bias up front unoaked chards are not to my tastes. Pale in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a very mild slightly fruit forward, slightly sweet chablis style chard. It’s on the lighter side of medium on the finish and builds slightly in the mouth. This is a good summer sipper for sitting on the patio. I would give it an 87-88 or so. Not a bad wine, but I wouldn’t be rushing out to grab them either, but remember it’s not my style of chard anyway.

From the LCBO web site:
O’LEARY CHARDONNAY UNOAKED VQA LCBO 307751 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Vineland Estate Wines Limited
Style: Off-dry & Fruity
12.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 12 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Pale straw green colour; aromas of green apple, citrus, peach stone with notes of mineral and white flowers; dry, medium bodied with balanced acidity, flavours of citrus, stone fruit, peach with peachy, honeyed tones.

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QUINTA DA LIXA POUCO COMUM ALVARINHO 2011

Posted on March 4, 2013 by John Galea

A friend of mine Manuel introduced me to Alvarinho a white that more often comes from Spain and now this one from Portugal. Since then I keep an eye open for them. Pale in color with a nice citrusy nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by strong tart, lime flavors that stick to the tongue and linger. The finish is medium in length with the acidity dialing down quickly. The lingering flavor is kind of sauv blanc like. This is a lively Alvarinho for sure. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
QUINTA DA LIXA POUCO COMUM ALVARINHO 2011 VINTAGES 316968 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95
Made in: Vinho Verde, Portugal By: Quinta Da Lixa
Release Date: Mar 2, 2013
Style: Aromatic & Flavourful
12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 10 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
This alvarinho has citrus lime flavours. Medium-bodied with high acidity, which is balanced with residual sugar that’s reminiscent of a riesling. The wine serves well as an aperitif but is also a good accompaniment to traditional Cantonese dishes. Try it with a double boiled soup made from duck, pork, ginger and aged tangerine peel. (Sarah Wong, South China Morning Post, July 12, 2012)

0316968

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ASCHERI PISAPOLA BAROLO 2007 mini review

Posted on March 2, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose of dried fruits. On the Mid pallet are some lovely cherry flavors along with some nice spicy notes. This is a smooth Barolo. On the finish the wine has some nice tannins, and some nice dry pucker power one expects from a Barolo. I would give it an 89-90. This is not the big bruiser one can find in Barolos, this a smoother gentler Barolo.

From the LCBO web site:
ASCHERI PISAPOLA BAROLO 2007 VINTAGES 739920 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 42.95
Made in: Piedmont, Italy By: Ascheri Giacomo
Release Date: Nov 24, 2012
14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Classically proportioned, with cherry, licorice, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors married to a chewy texture. This is elegant and well-toned at once, with a hint of truffle on the finish. Very harmonious. Best from 2014 through 2028. Score – 92. (Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2011)

0739920

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2010 Cave Spring Sauv Blanc

Posted on February 27, 2013 by John Galea

I love Sauv Blancs, they are very food friendly. There aren’t a lot of Sauv Blancs from the Niagara Bench area. Pale in color with a mild minerally nose. On the tongue there is a hint of effervescence. On the mid pallet the wine has some strong grassy notes, some strong acidity as well as some minerality to match the nose, as well as some flint. The wine has a long finish that builds in the mouth with the acidity lingering. The alcohol is quite noticeable on the finish. Careful not to breath in or you will be choking. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
CAVE SPRING SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA LCBO 529933 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Cave Spring Cellars Ltd

Style: Light & Crisp
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

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SOL DE ANDES RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH 2008

Posted on February 25, 2013 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a rich nose of red berries, cassis and some earthy notes. On the mid pallet the wine has some deep rich, semi sweet cassis flavors to match the nose. It’s slightly jammy in texture. There’s some strong acidity that will likely pass with aging or breathing. The wine has some light tannins on the medium length finish that builds in the mouth. This is definitely more of a fruit forward syrah. I would give it an 88-89 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
SOL DE ANDES RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH 2008 VINTAGES 274159 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: Colchagua Valley, Chile By: Agricola Y Comercial Santacamila Sa
Release Date: Feb 16, 2013
14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Smoke, game spice box, lavender, and blueberry; concentrated with structure; drink 2012-2020. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)

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California wine fair is coming to town!

Posted on February 24, 2013 by John Galea

The California wine fair is coming back to town! With dates in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary and Halifax. I go to the Toronto event every year and love it. Lots of great wines and good food. The price is quite reasonable for what you get. The Toronto event is at the Royal York right next to Union station so public transit is right there! Very convenient. If you get a chance, be sure and check it out!

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Foxglove 2010 Chardonnay

Posted on February 23, 2013 by John Galea

Sometimes the write up about a wine is so glowing you just think this is going to be the best wine I’ve ever had at the world’s most reasonable price. I submit this wine as evidence. Page down a bit and read the glowing review Antonio gave this. Now I admit personal preferences are a huge bias and when it comes to chard there’s always the California style buttery, creamy, vanilla and the French chablis style, more fruit forward. Ok enough of all that lets talk about this wine. Slightly golden in color with a mild varietal chard fruit nose. On the mid pallet there are some chard fruit flavors coming through backed on the lighter side of medium length finish by some acidity. There’s little to no butter, cream or vanilla but then again their description didn’t say it did. This is definitely more of a fruit forward, chablis style wine. I would give it an 88-89. Even without food (I paired it with scallops) this wine does not have the complexity that Antonio raved about to my tastes. I bought more of these and will be returning them. So not my style 🙁

From the LCBO web site:
FOXGLOVE CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 262022 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: California, USA By: Varner Wine
Release Date: Jan 5, 2013
Wine, White Wine
13.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here, never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Score – 90. (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)

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BODEGAS BALBÁS ARDAL CRIANZA 2005

Posted on February 21, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a nice nose of red berries and some wood. On the mid pallet the wine has some lovely red berries to match the nose. This wine lives in the finish. It displays some strong tannins, some acidity and some lovely big dryness. This is a big wine, with lots of complexity especially for the price. It can easily hold it’s own against some big meals. On it’s own without food the acidity is fairly strong, some age or breathing would ease this. I would give it an 89-90. Yumm (of you like tempranillos and if you like big wines!). Wimps need not apply 🙂

From LCBO web site:
BODEGAS BALBÁS ARDAL CRIANZA 2005 VINTAGES 167601 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 16.95
Made in: Ribera Del Duero, Spain By: Bodegas Alitus
Release Date: Feb 16, 2013
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
The wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy it with a thick barbecued porterhouse steak.

Tasting Note
Smoky and earthy notes frame black cherry and boysenberry flavors in this fresh, firm red. There’s plenty of sweet vanilla, but enough fruit and acidity to balance. Lively and polished. Drink now through 2013. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2009)

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2010 Duck Shoot Pinot Noir

Posted on February 19, 2013 by John Galea

Pinot Noir is one of those love em or hate em grapes. Top that off with how varied they can be and it’s challenging. Ontario makes some great Pinot Noirs! I digress. Slightly garnet in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet there are some slightly fruity rustic flavors. This wine lives almost exclusively in the finish. So much so dwelling on the mid pallet is a challenge to the taste buds. The finish is dominated by some acidity and some firm tannins. Some of the typical strawberry fruits and rustic notes are present in the after taste along with some wood. The wine definitely builds in the mouth, especially without food. I would give this wine an 88-89.

From the LCBO web site:
DUCK SHOOT PINOT NOIR 2010 VINTAGES 311373 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Angove’S Pty. Ltd.
Release Date: Feb 2, 2013

13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
A well-priced pinot from the Yarra Valley, with earthy characteristics. Tight and taut, but with soft cherry flavours. Not overly complex, but attractive herby/leafy notes with some oak apparent, but not overpowering. Score – 92. (David Prestipino, The Sunday Times (Australia), Feb. 18, 2012) .

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2008 Ridgepoint Riesling

Posted on February 17, 2013 by John Galea

Back in 2010 I visited the winery and picked up this wine as well as wrote it up. This has become one of my favorite Rieslings. I pulled this one out of the cellar the other day and decided to see how it’s holding up. I’m pleased to tell you it is holding up very well.

Pale in color with a lovely varietal nose for a Rielsing, some honey suckle and a bit of sugar coming through. On the mid pallet the wine is getting a little bit thicker in texture and the sugars and fruit are still nicely there. This is not as dry as a Kabinett but no where near as sweet as a Spatlese, right in between. This is a very food friendly wine. At the time I paid $15.26 for it and it is well worth it. I would give it an 89-90 still. Yumm. Well done Ridgepoint!

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2011 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay

Posted on February 13, 2013 by John Galea

Pale in color with a mild varietal California style Chard nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some varietal chard fruit along with some vanilla backed on the medium length finish with some minerality. The wine has a thicker texture to it. Not syrupy but slightly. It has some lovely flavors that build in the mouth especially if your sipping it on it’s own. This is definitely a milder chard. I would give it an 88-89. Very food friendly. Not a bad deal for the money!

WOLF BLASS CHARDONNAY LCBO 226860 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 14.95
Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited
Style: Full-bodied & Rich 12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Bright yellow gold; tropical fruit and citrus with toasty, buttery oak aromas; full-bodied with intense flavours; smooth, warm spice and a long finish.

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2011 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay

Posted on February 10, 2013 by John Galea

I loved the 2010 vintage of this wine so I was looking forward to the 2011! With the loss of one of my favorite Niagara chards the 2008 Hidden Bench Felseck Block , the 2009 is not my style, I was nervous about loosing another … I tasted this one at the iYellow Ice Wine event. Pale in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some citrus notes, some minerality and even some pear. The wine is on the lighter side of medium length on the finish. There’s no buttery, no vanilla, no cream at least to my tastes. Sadly this wine is more of a chablis styled wine vs a California style (which I prefer). I would give it an 88. While not a bad wine, it’s not what I’m looking for in a chard. Pooh another one goes off my favorites list 🙁

From the winery’s web site:
Wine Lovers’ Notes:
The wine is pale lemon in colour. The nose presents citrus, pear, floral notes with nuances of flint and green pea. The palate is rich, biscuity and balanced with good acidity and structure, bringing focus to the wine and creating a medium long length.

From the LCBO web site:
11 CHARDONNAY TRIOMPHE (SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS) VINTAGES 172338 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 21.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Southbrook Vineyards
12.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 7 g/L

0172338

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ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2010

Posted on February 8, 2013 by John Galea

Pale in color with a varietal chard nose along with some flint coming through. On the mid pallet there’s some creamyness, some butteryness and a little vanilla coming through. There’s also some minerality present. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in length on the finish. I would give it an 88-89.

From the LCBO web site:
ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 299867 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: Burgundy, France By: Maison Roche De Bellene
Release Date: Jan 19, 2013
13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Some fruit from the Côte Chalonnaise. Sweet and creamy and open. Lemon oil. Lipsmacking. Drink 2011-2013. Score – 16 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com, Jan 24, 2012)

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2010 Le Roselle Ripasso.

Posted on February 6, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries and some wood. On the mid pallet the has some nice red berries but on the milder side. On the finish the wine has solid firm tannins, firm acidity and it burned a bit on the throat. I would give it an 88 or so. It’s a bigger wine for sure.

From the LCBO web site:
NEGRAR RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC LCBO 620831 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95
Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Cantina Sociale Valpolicella
13.1% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 10 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Dard ruby red colour; aromas of vanilla, black berry, black liquorice and mint; dry, medium to full palate, balanced structure, with rich berry fruit centre and a long finish.

Serving Suggestion
Mousaka and meat dishes, especially those with tomato sauce.

0620831

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SILENI CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

Posted on February 2, 2013 by John Galea

Pale in color with a mild nose of green grass. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with some mild green flavors and some acidity. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with acidity lingering. It’s definitely a milder sauv blanc. I would give it an 88 or so.

SILENI CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 VINTAGES 662882 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: Marlborough, New Zealand By: Sileni Estates
Release Date: Sep 1, 2012
12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Here is another delicious New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that is simply laden with aromas of tropical fruit and gooseberry, with grass and herbal notes fleshing out the experience. Impeccably balanced with lip-smacking replays and a bright citrus expression all kept perfectly harmonized by a vibrant acidity. This delivers across the board. Perfect as an aperitif or with grilled prawns or crab cakes.

0662882

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LUZÓN SELECCIÓN 12 MESES CRIANZA 2008

Posted on January 31, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some subtle dark berries. This wine lives in the finish. It shows some firm tannins along with some lovely spiciness and the same dark berries. There’s a bit of acidity to boot. This is not a subtle wine but not a bruiser either. I would give it an 88-89.

From the LCBO web site:
LUZÓN SELECCIÓN 12 MESES CRIANZA 2008 VINTAGES 310219 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.95
Made in: Jumilla, Spain By: Bodegas Luzon S.L.
Release Date: Jan 19, 2013
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 6 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Situated inland in southeastern Spain, Jumilla is a continental semi-desert known for big blockbuster red wines.

Tasting Note
[50% Monastrell, 20% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon,10% Merlot.] This supple red delivers black cherry, smoke, mineral and licorice flavors that build on the palate through the smoky, meaty finish. The tannins are light but firm in this fresh, lively wine. Drink now through 2016. Special Designation: Smart Buys. Score – 90. (Thomas Matthews, winespectator.com, April 30, 2012)

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FLEUR CHARDONNAY 2010

Posted on January 29, 2013 by John Galea

I picked this one up at the recommendation of the local product specialist. Like any rater you need to find a product specialist who’s taste is similar/in line with yours. With that said I decided to give this one a try in spite of the fact my research had said pass on it. Pale in color with a mild varietal chard nose along with some minerality. On the mid pallet the wine has some creamyness, and some mild vanilla. On the finish the wine displays some bright acidity on a lighter side of medium length finish. This is not a bad chard but frankly at this price I wouldn’t be jumping out to get more. I would give it an 88. Not fabulous, but not horrible either. Somewhat more of a cold climate style wine with minerality present. I paired it with a pan fried pickerel and even this mild fish overwhelmed this wine. I tried warming up the wine that didn’t change it much either. So all in all … yawn. This is all about the style not being what I look for in a chard.

From the LCBO web site:
FLEUR CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 311522 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: California, USA By: Fleur de California
Release Date: Jan 5, 2013
13.8% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Ripely fruity yet nicely restrained, this Chard is brimming with tropical fruit, apple, cream and floral notes. Smooth, round and medium bodied with a ribbon of fresh acidity. Firm, dry finish. Pair with pork chops or crab legs. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012)

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SEÑORIO DE RUBIOS ALBARIÑO 2011

Posted on January 27, 2013 by John Galea

Pale in color with a citrus nose. On the mid pallet the wine has some light citrus flavors. Quite subtle and complex at the same time. On the lighter side of medium on the finish this is a very food friendly wine. I would give it an 88-89 or so. I paired it with roasted chicken and it went very well. Yumm …

From the LCBO web site:
SEÑORIO DE RUBIOS ALBARIÑO 2011 VINTAGES 314427 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: Rias Baixas, Spain By: Bodegas Coto Redondo
Release Date: Jan 19, 2013
12.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Situated along Spain’s northwestern coast, Rias Baixas is cooled by ocean surf and known for its refreshing white wines.

Tasting Note
A juicy, vibrant Albariño with plenty of lemon, orange, white peach and floral notes joined by a touch of minerality. Light on its feet with tangy mouth-watering acidity giving good focus. Nice length too. A fine partner for grilled fish or shellfish with a squeeze of lemon. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012)

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BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2010

Posted on January 25, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a bit of sweetness coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some deep rich fruit forward dark berries. On the finish the wine displays some sharp acidity along with some tanins that almost sting the tongue when sipped in it’s own . After some breathing the fruit forward eases and the acidity definitely dies down. I would say this wine is a little to young. The wine is medium in length lingering in the mouth. I would vie it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2010 VINTAGES 273748 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: Campo de Borja, Spain By: Bodegas Borsao S.A.
Release Date: Jan 19, 2013

Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Just south of Rioja and inland from the cooling Ebro River, the heat-soaked little Campo de Borja region is home to robust, ripe wines.

Tasting Note
One of my favorite offerings from the Bodegas Borsao … Made from 100% Garnacha aged in equal parts stainless steel and French oak, this is the Bodegas Borsao’s interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape. (But when’s the last time you saw a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape priced at $17 – about 30 years ago?) Deep notes of roasted herbs, sweet black cherries and raspberries, peppers and spice soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Full-bodied, rich, ripe, silky textured, pure and long, this unbelievable value should drink well for 3-4 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)

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PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2011

Posted on January 23, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine is fruit forward with blackberries coming through. It’s moderately sweet. Somewhat of a varietal Zinf. On the finish the wine has some tannins on a lighter side of medium length finish. I would give it an 88. Not a bad wine, but not a fabulous one either. I wouldn’t be rushing out for more.

From the LCBO web site:
PREDATOR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2011 VINTAGES 219485 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: California, USA By: Rutherford Wine Company
Release Date: Jan 5, 2013
15.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 14 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Description
Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2012 New York World Wine and Spirit Competition.

Tasting Note
Tremendous crowd-pleasing Zin with aromas of plum, pine boughs, sour cherry and hickory smoke. Dry to slightly off-dry, this flavourful wine is a must-have for your pizza, burgers, or sausage night. No pretensions, just a good, rich, honest, fun-food wine. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012).

0219485

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2010 Ribl GRÜNER VELTLINER

Posted on January 20, 2013 by John Galea

Slightly golden in color. On the front of the tongue there is a hint of effervescence. On the mid pallet the wine has some mild Riesling like sweetness, some honeysuckle. On the finish the wine has some minerality along with some mild acidity. It’s quite food friendly. Not one of the best GRÜNER VELTLINERs I’ve had but still not bad. I would give it an 88. Not available in the LCBO unfortunately.

The winery’s website says “Fine green pepper and mineral spice flavours, bouquet of fresh fruit with delicate nuances of grass; loess soils.”

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SMALL GULLY MR BLACK’S LITTLE BOOK SHIRAZ 2008

Posted on January 18, 2013 by John Galea

Dark in color with a lovely nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet this wine is fruit forward shiraz with lovely black berries to match the nose. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with moderate tannins. This is a smooth well made elegant Shiraz. Even the pepper is moderate. If your looking for a boisterous big shiraz this ain’t it. Wow this is a lovely wine. I would give it a 90. Yum. Want more!

From the LCBO web site:
SMALL GULLY MR BLACK’S LITTLE BOOK SHIRAZ 2008 VINTAGES 287979 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Small Gully
Release Date: Jan 5, 2013
15.2% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Deep garnet colored, the 2008 Mr Black’s Little Book Shiraz gives pronounced notes of nuts, warm chocolate, star anise and blackberry preserves, with nuances of date pudding, figs, black olives and sandalwood. Full-bodied, ripe and rich in the mouth, with crisp acidity to balance and a medium to firm level of grainy tannins to contribute texture, it has a long, dried fruit and savory finish. Drink it now to 2016+. Score – 90+. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)

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