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!
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)
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)
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) .
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!
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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).
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.”
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)
Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some mild red berries and cherries. On the medium length finish the wine displays come mild acidity and some tannins. It slightly coats the pallets. The wine is mild enough that when we paired it with a red pasta the wine was overwhelmed. I would give it maybe an 88. I wouldn’t be rushing out to get more.
From the LCBO web site: NOTE HALF BOTTLE
RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 VINTAGES 191700 | 375 mL bottle Price $ 11.95
Made in: California, USA By: Rutherford Wine Company
Release Date: Jan 5, 2013
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Description: Double Gold winner at the 2012 New York International Wine Competition.
Tasting Note
Medium-deep ruby colour with a youthful purple edge. Aromas suggest cassis, raspberry, blueberry preserves, woodsmoke and cherry. This dry, flavourful wine is an impeccably poised, well-constructed and streamlined Napa Cab. A definite worthy candidate for cellar consideration (3-4+ years). If you want to enjoy it tonight, a rare steak with mushrooms should be on the menu. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2012).
Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet are some light varietal cab franc flavors with some red cherry flavors. On the lighter side of medium finish the wine displays some subtle tannins and some nice dryness. This is a lighter, gentler cab franc typical of Niagara on the Lake cab francs. I would give it an 88 or so. Not available in the LCBO $22.95 at the winery. We paired it with a BBQ salmon and it went quite well. We bought this at their wine store and it seems it’s so new it isn’t even listed on their website.
Inky dark in color with a rose of black berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely rich black berries. A nice fruit forward flavor. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm acidity. I would give the wine an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site (For a different year)
PYRENEES RIDGE SHIRAZ 2009 VINTAGES 661918 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 20.95
Made in: Victoria, Australia By: Pyrenees Ridge Winery Pty. Ltd
Release Date: Jul 21, 2012
14.3% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Strong crimson-purple; a complex and powerful mainframe for this deeply flavoured shiraz, with its blackberry, plum cake, spice and licorice palate. Still very youthful and needs a minimum of five years to settle down, but will do so as the toasty oak integrates. Drink by 2024. Score – 93. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 2011)
Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine is dominant with plums consistent with with a merlot and some black berries. Where this wine shines is all on the finish where it displays a ton of complexity with lots of layers of flavors. There’s some beautiful dryness, some nice tartness and even some peppery spiceyness. Given the price the wine is quite impressive.I would give it an 89.
From the LCBO web site:
CALVET RESERVE RED LCBO 44032 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 15.25
Made in: Bordeaux, France By: J. Calvet & Cie – Bordeaux
Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
Bright ruby/red; aromas and flavours are bursting with cassis, plummy fruit and earthy undertones; dry, medium-full bodied, with ripe fruit supported by moderate tannins, balanced acidity and a vanilla/oaky backbone; light coffee/smoke on finish; good length.
I last tasted the 2010 vintage of this wine and was impressed. Pale in color with a lovely grassy nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays grassy notes consistent with the nose and along with some citrus notes. The wine is medium in length. It is a VERY food friendly wine. I would give it an 88-89.
From the LCBO web site:
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 VINTAGES 933424 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: Western Cape, South Africa By: Mulderbosch
Release Date: Nov 24, 2012
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 3 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
A perrenial customer favourite, this Savvy brings crisp aromas and flavours of apple, citrus, garden herbs and freshly cut grass. Position this in your mind somewhere between the Loire and New Zealand style. Zippy and dry with a medium body, it’s brilliantly refreshing. Quite food-flexible, this will shine alongside roast chicken, tuna steaks, herbed prawns or mild green curries. (VINTAGES panel, March 2012).
Chardonnay is one of the grapes that can be heavily crafted and as a consumer this means it can be a confusing and challenging to find ones you like. I was chatting with a colleague about this the other day and thought I would write a post on the subject. Hopefully you find it helpful. Let’s start off with some tid bits:
Champagne comes mostly from Chardonnay. If you see the term Brut, traditional method etc it means Chard.
Chablis from France is 100% Chardonnay.
Some chards can age well. (note the word some)
Chardonnay’s can be VERY sensitive to the temperature it is served at. Serve it too cold and sometimes (not always) you can totally miss the complexities of the wine. If your finding a particular chard thin and bland, leave it out for a bit and try it much warmer. It may help. Or, it just not be a good chard 🙂 This can be problematic at wine tastings and wine shows because more often than not they are served WAY too cold!
Now onto chard wine making processes. One of the most commonly used process is simple barrel ageing. There are lots of unoaked Chards out there and what this does is allow the chard fruit to come through more prominently. Unoaked will more often be more minerally, sometimes more tart.
Oaking often adds that caramel, and vanilla flavor. The type of barrel, size of barrel, length of time in the barrel and age of the barrel all determine how much flavor this adds to the wine. Barrels are also rated as to how “toasty” they are. This refers to charring from heat during the barrel making process. The more toasty the barrel is the more it can impart additional flavors.
Fermentation is the process whereby sugar is converted to alcohol. In some/most cases yeast is added to trigger this process. Sometimes natural yeast that is present is enough. The yeast basically “dies” as a part of this process. One of the processes used in Chards is called Sur lie, which is where they leave the wine in contact with this dead yeast called lees. This can impart that creamy flavor and texture a chard can have.
Lastly another of the common processes is called Malolactic fermentation (also called secondary fermentation). This process can lead to a buttery flavor.
With this knowledge you can glean from the wine makers notes and anticipate what a chard ought to taste like!
Some of my favorite chards are:
Sterling Vintners Reserve
Chateau St Jean
J Lohr Riverstone.
My personal preference is for oaked chards with vanilla, and some buttery/creamyness to them. Most of the ones I like are from California, but there are a few from Niagara that are good as well.
I hope you’ve found this helpful!
Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice black berries, varietal for a Shiraz. A little on the milder side, likely softened by the Cab/Merlot. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in length along with some tannins coming through. I would give it an 88-89.
From the LCBO web site:
DUTSCHKE WILLOW BEND SHIRAZ/CABERNET/MERLOT 2009 VINTAGES 285445 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 21.95
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Dutschke Wines
Release Date: Nov 24, 2012
14.3% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Good healthy colour; a blend with a 20-year history, uncommon in the Barossa Valley; the bouquet is fragrant, the palate smooth and supple, both with small berry red fruits adding spice; fine tannins to conclude. Drink [until] 2019. Score – 91. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, Aug. 11, 2011).
Dark in color with a nice nose of black berries. On the mid pallet this wine displays some lovely bold, rich complex flavors of black berries matching the nose. This is a fruit forward California cab. On the mid pallet the wine displays some nice dryness and some smooth tannins. I would give it a 89+ It’s suppose to be released Feb 2nd 2013 release for $17.95.
From the LCBO web site for a different year:
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 VINTAGES 640573 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 19.95
Made in: California, USA By: Sebastiani Vineyards
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 7 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
This gorgeous Cabernet includes splashes of Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. The result is a deliciously aromatic wine that offers a great depth of dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, chocolate and oak notes. The palate is dry and medium bodied with a wonderful mouthfeel. Very persistent fruit replays and sweet oak notes. Good balance and structure throughout, with well-integrated tannins and a tasty medium-long finish. Try with a an old fashioned beef stew with winter vegetables. (VINTAGES panel, May 2011).
