2008 Senda 66 Tempranillo

Posted on November 13, 2012 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose of black berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays some rich jammie black berries to match the nose. Blueberries comes through. On the finish the wine displays some firm acidity and some tannins. This is definitely a more fruit forward tempranillo. The complexity of this wine is surprising given it’s low price. I would give it an 88-89. Quite nice.

From the LCBO web site:
SENDA 66 TEMPRANILLO 2008 VINTAGES 296475 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Made in: La Mancha, Spain By: La Candelaria S. Coop. de Castilla-La Mancha
Release Date: Oct 27, 2012
14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Varietal: Tempranillo Sugar Content: 4 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5-6 years. Score – 90. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010).

Share
Posted in JG Review, Spain, Wine | Leave a comment

Rivera Cappellaccio Riserva Aglianico 2005

Posted on November 11, 2012 by John Galea

Dark in color with a classic deep Italian nose of red berries. On the mid pallet on first opening this wine displays some strong acidity and some noticeable alcohol. This fades relatively quickly with some in glass breathing. 1/2 hour in the decanter would do the trick. Your left with some lovely some red berries, and some dried fruits in classic Italian style. On the finish the wine displays some solid tannins, some nice dryness. It’s best experienced without food, and some acidity that coats the mouth. This is a nice wine and goes well with hearty meals. We paired it with a well marbled striploin and the dryness was less noticeable. It complemented the meat well. I would give it an 89-90. Quite complex. All traces of this wine on the LCBO web site seem to be gone. I paid $19.95. Not bad at all …

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2011 Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio

Posted on November 9, 2012 by John Galea

I tasted this one at a tasting Vinexx had. I don’t usually like Pinot Grigios. I generally find them light summer sippers with little to no finish or body. This one is pale in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays some nice minerality as some nice dry acidity. The wine is medium in length with the acidity and minerality living on nicely. This would be a very food friendly wine. I was impressed. Add to that $13.95 a bottle and this wine is a good deal. Unfortunately, it is not available in the LCBO, but you can get it from Vinexx in cases of 12. Here’s the link to the winery’s web site. I would give it an 88-89. Contact Johanne Desautels at Vinexx for more info or to order.

Tasting notes from the winery:
Grape Variety 100 % Pinot Grigio
Region & Appellation Alto Adige, Delle Venezie
Tasting Notes
Brilliant straw yellow colour with a green tint. Very fine, fruity (apples and peaches), forward varietal aroma. Pronounced, clean, elegant, grapey flavour, light to medium bodied with a fresh mouth watering finish. When properly cellared, this wine may be kept for at least 2-4 years.

Winemaker’s Comments
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by maturation on the fine lees for four months.

Alcohol 12.5 % per volume
Cellaring 2-4 years

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

ANGELS GATE MOUNTAINVIEW MERLOT 2010

Posted on November 7, 2012 by John Galea

Light in color with a lovely inviting nose of light plums and some oak. On the mid pallet there are some light plums to match the nose along with some bright acidity. There are some mild cab like flavors as well. On the finish the wine has some nice tannins, some acidity on a medium finish that build nicely in the mouth and some spicyness. While not a strictly fruit forward merlot this is a lovely wine. I would give it a solid 89-90. We paired it with a BBQ salmon and it went well!

From the LCBO web site:
ANGELS GATE MOUNTAINVIEW MERLOT 2010 VINTAGES 299172 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 18.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Angels Gate Winery
Release Date: Oct 27, 2012

Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Rich and complex with notions of plum pudding, dark cherry, chocolate cake and woodsmoke. Vibrant cherry and plum notes on the smooth, structured palate.

Tasting Note
Here’s a rich, complex Merlot from Ontario’s ideally suited 2010 vintage — and at a fantastic price. Opens to attractive notions of plum pudding, dark cherry, cola, chocolate cake and woodsmoke. There’s a vibrancy of acidity on the palate, bringing elevated notes of tangy red cherry and plum backed by smoky and chocolaty accents. Lovely smooth texture and ripe, structured tannins on the way to a smoke-kissed finish. Pair with roast lamb and mushrooms, or some smoked provolone. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012).

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2009 Incrocio Manzoni 2.15 Az Agr Conte Collato

Posted on November 5, 2012 by John Galea

I encountered this one at an tasting at Jam Cafe. Incrocio Manzoni is an obscure grape. This one is a cross of Glera (formerly known as Prosecco) and Cabernet Sauvignon. The event was filled with this kind of unusual varietal wines. This one was one of the ones that stood out (for me). The wine is available from Appellation Wines. Dark in color with a nose of red berries reminiscent of a cab sauv. On the mid pallet this wine is a big round wine with lots of red berries again reminiscent of a cab sauv. The wine is on the lighter side of medium on the finish with fine tannins and nice dryness. I would give it a solid 89. $19.75 a bottle. Unfortunately not in the LCBO. Contact Appelation Wines for more info.

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

CHÂTEAU LESTRUELLE 2009

Posted on November 3, 2012 by John Galea

This was on the Oct 26th release and caught my eye as a reasonably priced bordeaux with a good rating. Dark in color with a lighter nose of reddish to black berries and some oak. On the mid pallet this is a big wine with lots of black cherries coming through along with some lovely chocolate and mocha. There’s some noticeable cab franc there too. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice hearty tannins, some lovely dryness that build in the mouth and some acidity. This is a big bordeaux but not too big. Just right. I would say this is smack in the middle of a drink now style with some aging potential. It seems like it ought to easily hold it’s own for another 2-5 years. Be sure and taste it right out of the bottle so you can appreciate how it evolves in the glass. Don’t decant it. We paired it with a striploin steak and it held up well. I would give it an 89-90. I think I’ll nip back and grab a few for the cellar!

From the LCBO web site:
CHÂTEAU LESTRUELLE 2009 VINTAGES 295840 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 18.95
Made in: Bordeaux, France By: Maison Bouey
Release Date: Oct 27, 2012

Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Nicely toasty, with vanilla and espresso notes up front, but the core of raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit rushes in behind it, with a long, licorice-filled finish. Should settle in nicely. Best from 2012 through 2017. Score – 90. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, March 31, 2012)

Share
Posted in Bordeaux, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John Galea

I first encountered Grüner Veltliner a while back and was impressed so when I saw one on this months release I had to jump at it. Especially given the price! Wikipedia says it “is a variety of white wine grape variety grown primarily in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It has a reputation of being a particularly food-friendly wine.”

This one is pale in color with lovely nice mild nose reminiscent of a sauv blanc. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely crisp and clean flavors. At first there were some effervescent notes on the tongue but this passed quickly. I’m a little hard pressed to place the specific flavors. They are somewhat reminiscent of a dry sauv blanc, not green, not citrus, kind of smack in the middle. On the finish the wine has some lovely bright acidity that builds nicely in the mouth. Some mild pink grapefruit. It’s a beautiful food friendly wine, and with food you don’t notice the acidity. I would give it an 88-89. For the price it’s a bargain and a wonderful example of this unique varietal. I have no idea how long it will keep but grab some!

From the LCBO web site:
STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 VINTAGES 295626 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Made in: Kremstal, Austria By: Weingut Stadt Krems

Release Date: Oct 27, 2012

Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Very impactful nose featuring apple, passion fruit, cinnamon, ginger and white flowers. Dry, round and mouthfilling texture upfront, but focused by a beam of laser-precise acidity. Well knit Grüner that will work wonders with turkey, glazed ham or roast pork. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2012)

Share
Posted in JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2008

Posted on October 30, 2012 by John Galea

Dark in color with nose of red berries and some oak. On the mid pallet this wine is displaying some nice fruit. Not overpowering but there. Red berries and some noticeable oak. On the finish the wine displays some nice fine tannins and a bit of dryness on a medium finish. This is a nice Chianti. I would give it an 89 or so. Not bad at all for the price! If you don’t feel like committing you can even get a half bottle of it! We paired it with a steak and it held it’s own well and complimented the steak nicely!

From the LCBO web site:
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2008 VINTAGES 111641 | 750 mL Price $ 15.95
Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Rocca Delle Macie S.P.A.
Release Date: Sep 29, 2012

Wine, Red Wine 13.9% Alcohol/Vol. Varietal: Sangiovese (Chianti)
Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Yet again, this Chianti Riserva is a solid value with the 2008 vintage. The nose is quite pretty and fairly intense with layered aromas of ripe red cherry, shoe polish, cedar, mocha, black raspberry, cigar box, vanilla bean and sandalwood. It’s dry, medium bodied with bright acidity and wiry tannins. There’s a decent amount of weight on the palate and good length to boot. Serve this stylish Chianti with a meaty lasagna, roasted lamb or grilled steaks. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012).

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | 1 Comment

2010 Cornalin La Crotta Di Vegneron

Posted on October 28, 2012 by John Galea

I encountered this one at an tasting at Jam Cafe. Cornalin is an obscure grape. The event was filled with this kind of unusual varietal wines. This one was one of the ones that stood out (for me). The wine is available from Appellation Wines. Garnet in color with a rustic pinot noir like nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays rustic notes, some strawberry flavors very reminiscent of a pinot noir. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in length with some soft tannins and some dryness. I would give it an 88-89. It’s $31.50 a bottle, but not in the LCBO. Contact Appelation wines for more information or the Winery. The wine is from the region of Valle D’Aosta in Italy.

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2007 Henry of Pelham Reserve Pinot Noir

Posted on October 26, 2012 by John Galea

I tasted this one at the Vintages Ontario wine event held at the Ritz Carlton. Garnet in color with a spot on varietal nose of strawberries. Lovely … On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with some lovely strawberries and red berries coming through. There’s a touch of acidity on the finish along with some mild tannins and some nice dryness. A very nice Niagara Pinot Noir. I think Niagara does Pinot well! This is a good example. I would give it an 89. $24.94 at the LCBO. Check LCBO stock 268391.

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

FRASCOLE CHIANTI RUFINA 2009

Posted on October 24, 2012 by John Galea

I’m normally a little leery of reviewers I haven’t heard before but thought I would give this one a try given the rating on it. Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet there are some mild red berries, but none of the dried fruits that can be there on a number of Italian wines. I was surprised how subdued, almost dead the fruit on this one tastes. I would say it’s too old but it’s only a 2009. On the lighter side of medium in length finish the wine displays some nice dryness that builds nicely in the mouth along with some fine tannins. I was quite disappointed by this wine. It’s not horrible, but it’s not great either. I would give it an 88. A far cry from what the rater gave it. And I can’t even imagine it lasting another year let alone 5-8 years. Either I had a tired bottle or the rater and I have completely different tastes. If I had more left, I’d take them back.

From the LCBO web site:
FRASCOLE CHIANTI RUFINA 2009 VINTAGES 85167 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95

Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Az. Ag. Frascole

Release Date: Oct 13, 2012

Wine, Red Wine
14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Varietal: Blend – Other
All other wines that match this varietal »

Sugar Content: 4 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
The most famed sub-region of Chianti outside of the Classico zone, Chianti Rufina rests in the northeast of the region and is sheltered by mountains, creating a more continental climate and leading to a great range of flavours in the wine.

Tasting Note
Lively pale ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is rich, with powerful cherry and forest berry fruit supported by pleasing vegetal accents and deft sour berry fruit acidity; it’s quite fresh and quite refreshing, a wine that invites repeated sniffs. On the palate it’s rich, and medium bodied, with full powerful cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish with slight bitter underpinning. Graceful, and will drink very well with foods, will also age nicely for 5-8 years or more. Worth seeking out. Score – 90. (Kyle Phillips, italianfood.about.com, Undated) .

Share
Posted in Italian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2010 Rosemount Shiraz

Posted on October 21, 2012 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a big dark berry nose that jumps out at you the minute the cork is popped. On the mid pallet the wine displays big dark berries with loads of fruit coming through. On the medium length finish the wine has some nice dry tannins and a bit of spicyness. There’s also a hint of noticeable alcohol. This is quite a nice wine. I would give it an 89.

From the LCBO web site:
ROSEMOUNT DIAMOND SHIRAZ LCBO 302349 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Rosemount Estate Pty
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 9 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry

Tasting Note
Deep purple red; very fragrant with dark berry fruit character; big and bold with a spicy finish.

Serving Suggestion
Grilled pepper steaks.

Share
Posted in Australian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

COFFIN RIDGE BACK FROM THE DEAD RED 2010

Posted on October 19, 2012 by John Galea

I first encountered this wine at the LCBO Ontario wine event. One of the items I liked about this event is that most of the wines at the event are in the LCBO. This particular wine comes from a winery near Owen Sound. It is considered an emerging area with no AVA designation. Dark in color with an unusual nose. Hard to place it. Kind of foosty, almost barnyard like. Maybe even some flint. Unusual. The varietal is a Marechal Foch which typically is kind of a rustic varietal. On the mid palette the wine displays the typical rustic flavors. Not for everyone but I like it. I last had a different Marechal Foch in Prince Edward County from Sandbanks. There’s even some similarities to a pinot noir. It’s smooth and round in the mouth. On the finish the wine displays some fine tannins and some nice dryness. I would give it an 89. I quite enjoyed it. I love the name of the winery, the wine and the label too! Checkout out the winery’s web site.

From the LCBO web site:
COFFIN RIDGE BACK FROM THE DEAD RED 2010 VINTAGES 260463 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.00

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Coffin Ridge Winery

Release Date: Oct 13, 2012

Wine, Red Wine 11.2% Alcohol/Vol. Varietal: Marechal Foch
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
Coffin Ridge is a pioneering winery in the exciting frontier of Grey County. This wine is made from Maréchal Foch, which is something of an Ontario specialty.

Tasting Note
Woodsy, savoury aromas of wild blueberry, sour cherry, plum, tilled earth, coffee grounds and campfire smoke. Vivacious acidity brings lift and verve. Medium body with chewy tannins. Calls for fatty cuts of beef or game, gourmet sausages or a beef stew. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012).

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2008 Kacaba Cab/Syrah

Posted on October 17, 2012 by John Galea

Kacaba are doing some great innovative stuff. I’ve enjoyed a number of their wines. Checkout my reviews of their wines. This one is inky dark in color with a nice mild nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet the wine displays lovely rich dark berries. Very shiraz like. Not quite to the point of blue berries. On the finish the wine has some lovely smooth tannins and lovely dryness that builds nicely in the mouth. I would give this a solid 89-90. Yumm. Another fine Niagara Cab/Shiraz.

Holly from Kacaba pass along that it will be a January 19th Vintages Release LCBO #317925, Price: $18.95. Thanks Holly! Great news!

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2000 Spring Valley Washington State Merlot

Posted on October 15, 2012 by John Galea

I tasted this one at a Merlot structured tasting event. I learn something new at every one of the events, and this one was no exception. What I learned from this one is don’t save a Merlot this long unless you don’t like fruit forward Merlots 🙂 As usual I digress. Light almost garnet in color with some browning around the edges with a mild nose. On the mid pallet this still displays some amount of Merlot fruit, some plums. On the finish the wine still has some tannins left. This wine was the best of the night. Smooth, well made and elegant. I would give it a solid 89-90. I would love to have tasted it 5 years ago. Shame. $75 a bottle! Wow.

Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2010 Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chard

Posted on October 13, 2012 by John Galea

New wineries are cropping up in Niagara at a brisk pace. I hadn’t heard of this one but encountered them at the Vintages Taste Ontario event. They buy all there grapes. They had three Chards there, this one was by far their best to my tastes. Pale in color with a big chard nose. On the mid pallet there’s some lovely rich chard fruit some vanilla, and a hint of butterscotch. It’s on the lighter side of medium on the finish. This is a nice well made chard. Not as complex as say Hidden Bench Felseck bench chard but nice none the less. At $44.95 this one isn’t cheap. I would give it an 89-90. Looks like this specific one isn’t in the LCBO.

Share
Posted in Canadian, Wine | Leave a comment

2009 CHATEAU DUCLA BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR

Posted on October 10, 2012 by John Galea

Inexpensive good Bordeauxs are a hard thing to find. I last tasted the 2005 and was impressed with how well it aged for an inexpensive wine. Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this is a smooth well made wine for the price. There’s a good amount of alcohol noticeable when first out of the bottle but this passes quickly. On the mid pallet there’s some nice dark berries, some nice oak and some noticeable Cab Franc flavors coming through. It has some firm acidity on the finish and some tannins. The wine coats the pallet nicely. It’s surprisingly well made and complex for the price. I would give it an 88-89. I can only imagine how well this will improve in a short period of time. I bet even a year will show an even nicer wine!

From the LCBO web site:
CHATEAU DUCLA BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR LCBO 255067 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Made in: Bordeaux, France By: Yvon Mau Et Fils

Style: Full-bodied & Firm Wine, Red Wine 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Deep ruby red colour; blackcherry, cedar, plum and earthy aromas; dry, medium to full bodied; rich fruit flavours with cedar and sweet spice notes; medium tannins wine will age 2 or 3 years

Share
Posted in Bordeaux, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2008 GRANT BURGE Miamba Shiraz

Posted on October 8, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from the Trialto Grant Burge tasting evening. Inky dark in color with lots of traditional black berries on the nose. On the mid pallet there lots of black berries. This is a boisterous, meaty shiraz. Wimps need to look elsewhere. On the finish the wine displays the traditional Aussie pepper along with some nice tannins on a medium length. I would give this one a solid 90. It suppose to be coming to the LCBO under product code 284091 but I am not sure where. It’s $21.95 a bottle available from Trialto. I really enjoyed this one! More info on Trialto’s web site.

Share
Posted in Australian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Fielding 2010 Cab/Syrah

Posted on October 5, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from the Vintages Taste Ontario event. I’ve been impressed with a number of Cab/Syrah blends from Niagara. The Gretzky one, and the Kacaba one for example. This one is 65% Cab Sauv, 29% Syrah and 6% Cab Franc. Dark in color with a nice dark berry nose. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose with lovely black berries dominant. This is a big bold wine in the mouth! On the finish the wine has some nice pepper and some tannins. I would give it a solid 89-90. It’s $24.95 a bottle.

On behalf of Brett Mr CWG and myself I want to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. May your glass be filled with great wine, your plates with great food and your home with lots of family and friends!We have lots to be thankful for!

The 2008 is in the LCBO:
FIELDING CABERNET/SYRAH 2008 VINTAGES 258657 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Fielding Estate Winery
Release Date: Dec 10, 2011
13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Description
TASTING NOTE: This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah and 19% Cabernet Franc introduces itself with a delicious suggestion of coffee, followed by cherry, blueberry, cassis, spice and oak aromas. The palate is dry, medium bodied with good weight and mouthfeel. Well-integrated, balanced tannins and acidity work very well with the satisfying fruit core. Spice-edged finish shows good complexity. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2011)

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

ANGELS GATE OLD VINES CHARDONNAY 2010

Posted on October 3, 2012 by John Galea

I tasted this one at the LCBO Vintages Taste Ontario event. The vines are some of the oldest in Niagara. They are 50 years old! Pale in color with a lovely chard nose. On the mid pallet the wine is a classic California style chard with vanilla and butterscotch coming through. It’s got some lovely mouth texture to it. There’s some mild acidity on the medium length finish. A very nice chard. I’d give it an 89-90.

From the LCBO web site:
ANGELS GATE OLD VINES CHARDONNAY 2010 VINTAGES 116350 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 23.95

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Angels Gate Winery
Release Date: Sep 28, 2012
13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 2 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
An incredibly skilful and delicious Chardonnay that’s a testament both to Ontario’s suitability for the grape, and to winemaker Philip Dowell’s considerable talents. The wine bursts from the glass with a beautifully rich nose of fresh peach, pear, baked apple, coconut, buttermilk and toast all backed by stony minerality. Ripe, creamy-textured and elegant with brilliant acidity and impeccable balance. A joy to drink, this will pair nicely with grilled lobster tail or roast chicken. (VINTAGES panel, July 2012) .

Check LCBO Stock.

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

2008 Rodney Strong Merlot

Posted on October 1, 2012 by John Galea

This wine is lighter almost garnet in color. On the nose the wine displays the varietal plum that indicates this may just be a good one! On the mid pallet this wine has lovely plum with a nice bit of complexity. On the finish the wine has some mild acidity and tartness on a medium finish. The tannins are silky smooth and best noticed without food and a bit of breathing. This is not a fruit forward merlot and not as boisterous as some but quite good and varietal. And we know how few and far between those are. I would give it an 89. I wouldn’t be keeping this one too long. I doubt it will last very long and fruit will fade quickly.

From the LCBO web site:
RODNEY STRONG MERLOT 2008 VINTAGES 497933 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.8% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: California, USA By: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Release Date: Mar 31, 2012

Tasting Note
Well-made Merlot that proves again that Miles, the character from Sideways was wrong. This is terrific. Aromas of strawberry, plum, sour cherry, bacon fat, cinnamon and new leather dominate. Dry with very good fruit nicely overlaid with moderate, tarry tannins. Could cellar 2-3 years, or enjoy it tonight with everything from slow-cooked beef in a red wine sauce, to gourmet hamburgers. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2012)

Check LCBO stock.

Share
Posted in American, JG Review, Wine, Wine Stuff | Leave a comment

Peter Lehman Clancy’s Red mini review

Posted on September 29, 2012 by John Galea

Another one I tasted this one at the Toronto Wine and Spirits festival. Inky dark in color with black berries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by deep rich black berries to match the nose. Blueberries almost to the point of jam but not that sweet. The wine is medium in length on the smooth finish. There’s some pepper coming through from the Shiraz that’s blended in this one and some nice dryness as well. It builds very nicely in the mouth. I would give this an 89-90. Unfortunately I did not take note of the year I tasted 🙁 This wine is a blend of 39% Shiraz, 38% Cab Sauv and 23% Merlot.

From the LCBO web site:
PETER LEHMANN CLANCY’S RED LCBO 611467 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Peter Lehmann Pty. Ltd.

Style: Full-bodied & Smooth Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Tasting Note
Deep ruby red colour; vanilla oak and earthy, blackberry, mint and plum aromas; dry, medium to full bodied, very fruity, with flavours of cassis, black cherry and vanilla; soft tannins, and a long oaky finish.

Check LCBO stock.

Share
Posted in Australian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

ST HALLETT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004

Posted on September 27, 2012 by John Galea

I’ve had this one in the cellar since 2006. The write up I had said drink until 2012. Dark in color with a with a nose of red berries and some wood. On the mid pallet the wine has some lovely red berries and some firm acidity. It coats the mouth with velvety tannins. On the finish the wine is still quite a big wine. The wine has a medium length finish. I would give it a solid 90. Originally paid $19.95, not currently in the LCBO. Yummy.

Notes from when I bought it (from the LCBO web site):
ST HALLETT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004
Barossa, South Australia While the Barossa Valley area is often noted for its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon vines have also thrived there for over a century. St Hallett’s winemakers Stuart Blackwell and Matt Grant employ a combination of traditional techniques with the latest technologies to craft this quintessentially Barrosan Cab. Stuffed with cassis and berry fruit flavours with notes of mint and chocolate this medium full-bodied wine is ready to drink with hearty venison stew or old-fashioned pot roast.

015164 (XD) 750 mL $19.95

Share
Posted in Australian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Daniel Chotard 2010 Sancerre

Posted on September 25, 2012 by John Galea

We stopped by Crush Wine bar for a quick glass of wine. I was shocked at the price they charge for wine by the glass. The glass costs about 80% of the price of the bottle in the LCBO. While I am use to paying high prices for wine, for me this was especially high. I digress.

Sancerre as you may know is a region in France whose white wine is 100% Sauv Blanc. Pale in color with a lovely grassy nose. On the mid pallet the wine is nice and grassy, matching the nose. On the medium finish the wine has some nice acidity that builds nicely in the mouth. This is a VERY nice traditional Sauv Blanc. Yummy. I’d give it an 89-90. Unfortunately not in the LCBO. I think places like Crush do this on purpose so you don’t have a clue just how much you over paid for the glass … Looks like about $25 a bottle outside Canada. The glass was $15 at Crush.

The winery web site says:
Blanc : (Sauvignon Blanc) Aged on the lees – brilliant pale yellow in colour – very pure nose reminiscent of citrus and white blossoms – refreshing and full-bodied on the palate – typical and elegant, well-balanced with good length – serve at approximately 10°C with saltwater and freshwater fish, seafood, white meats, and crottin de Chavignol goat’s cheese

Share
Posted in France, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment

Closson chase (Winery visit in Prince Edward County)

Posted on September 23, 2012 by John Galea

This write up is from our trip summer 2010 to the Prince Edward County area. See the entire article at my Prince Edward County trip blog

None of these are in the LCBO (for now).

Closson Chase

We encountered a very enthusiastic wine lover behind the counter and he imparted a lot of knowledge of their design points with which they use to make their wines. They use minimum fining, filtering, yiests etc and try and go for as natural a process as the area will allow. The tasting is the most expensive one we encountered. $10 for a flight of three and the price is not waved even if you buy a bottle.

2008 ccv sans Chene $25 Unoaked
Right on the bouquet you could get the tart minerality. Slightly Chard in flavor.

2007 CCV South Clos Chard $39.95 Oaked
This wine on the bouqet is spot on Chard. A lovely Chard fruit flavor on the mid pallet and then the typical tartness on the finish. This is one of the better Chards I had in the county and in spite of the high price, I bought it for it’s uniqueness. I personally wonder if given a year or two of aging if the two flavors will start to meld together. The fellow behind the counter thought it might age 5-7 years.

2006 Closson Chase Chard (VQA Beamsville)
A very light chard with nothing particularly distinctive to it.

Share
Posted in Canadian, JG Review, Wine | Leave a comment