LANDMARK GRAND DETOUR PINOT NOIR 2009

Posted on April 21, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from the California wine show. Garnet in color with a nice varietal rustic pinot nose. On the mid pallet the wine is a smooth well made pinot with strawberries coming through nicely. The wine is medium in length with some lovely smooth tannins coming through. I would give it a 89-90. Not the best deal for the price but a nice wine none the less.

From the LCBO web site for a different year:
LANDMARK GRAND DETOUR PINOT NOIR 2008 VINTAGES 737890 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 39.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D

Made in: California, USA By: Landmark Vineyards
Release Date: Feb 18, 2012

Tasting Note
The pair from Landmark are both exceptional wines and, if one feels the need to choose between them, it is a choice within the world of small differences. Those who favor this wine will do so for its slightly greater restraint, slightly tighter structure and its seeming willingness to age very well for the next half decade. Its suppleness is given with less ease than its mate, but its balance is impeccable and time is on its side. Score – 92. (Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wines, June 2010)

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Landmark 2009 Chardonnay

Posted on April 19, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from the California wine show. Light in color with a deep rich nose of butterscotch. On the mid pallet the wine is lighter in flavor with some butterscotch coming through. I think the wine was again served a little on the cold side. It is a subtle well made chard with a lighter side of medium finish. I would give it an 88-89. Not a great deal when you factor in price.

From the LCBO web site for a different year:
LANDMARK OVERLOOK CHARDONNAY 2008 VINTAGES 356501 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 32.95
Wine, White Wine 14.2% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D

Made in: California, USA By: Landmark Vineyards
Release Date: Sep 18, 2010

Tasting Note
The top value is the excellent 2008 Chardonnay Overlook, 75% of which is accessed from Sonoma and 25% from Santa Barbara. Its medium straw/green color is followed by notes of poached pears, cloves, white currants, and nectarines, pure fruit, medium to full body, and a good finish. It should drink well for 2-3 years. Winemaker Eric Stern judiciously uses wood as a complementary seasoning, which is evident in all these Chardonnays. Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2010)

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PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCIA 2010

Posted on April 17, 2012 by John Galea

Dark in color with a mild nose. On the mid pallet … bam this wine reminds me a lot of a Port or a Douro. Slightly sweet rich flavors of dark berries with some complexity on the finish. I would give this wine an 88. A far cry from the 91 Parker gave it. Not a bad wine but not stellar either. It is 100% unoaked Mencia.

From the LCBO web site:
PAGO DE VALDONEJE MENCIA 2010 VINTAGES 268805 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 13.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Bierzo, Spain By: Viños Valtuille

Release Date: Mar 17, 2012

Description
This unoaked wine is 100% Mencía.

Tasting Note
The 2010 Pago de Valdoneje is a bit more expressive aromatically with a similar flavor profile [to the 2009 vintage which Mr. Miller describes in the same publication as displaying ‘an earth minerality, Asian spices, cassis, and cherry blossom…’]. It, too, is meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years. Score – 91. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2011)

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BLACKSTONE WINEMAKER’S SELECT CHARDONNAY 2010

Posted on April 15, 2012 by John Galea

This was one of the stars from the California wine show I attended at the Royal York. Pale in color with a lovely varietal nose with some butterscotch coming through. On the mid pallet this is a spot on California style chard! Lots of lovely butterscotch and some lovely fruit forward tastes coming through. On the finish this wine is medium in length with absolutely no tartness at all. Start to finish a very nice wine. And when you add in the price, $15.95 this is a great value. I will buy one and give it a more thorough tasting! I would give it an 89-90.

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OAKVILLE RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009

Posted on April 13, 2012 by John Galea

Deep in color with a lovely rich dark berries nose. On the mid pallet there are lots of lovely cassis coming through to match the nose. This is a beautiful fruit forward California style cab with some nice jammyness coming through. The wine has lovely smooth tannins on the medium finish. A well made cab. I would give it a 90-91. According to the agent Profile wine group this wine is going for $58.95 a bottle. Yikes.

From the LCBO web site for a different year:
OAKVILLE RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 VINTAGES 674952 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 37.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: California, USA By: Oakville Ranch Vineyards
Release Date: Jul 9, 2011

Tasting Note
The sleeper 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon offers impressive notes of creme de cassis, camphor, cedar, and subtle roasted herbs. Deep, full-bodied, and rich with velvety tannin and an opulent personality, this beautiful 2006 can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. Moreover, it’s a relative bargain in the luxury priced Napa sweepstakes. Score – 90. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

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FRANCOIS LURTON SAUVIGNON DE BORDEAUX 2010

Posted on April 10, 2012 by John Galea

Pale in color with a mild varietal sauv blanc nose of citrus fruit. On the mid pallet this wine matches the nose with citrus fruits, and some lemon. This is a smooth wine for the price. Nice and complex on the mid pallet. On the finish the wine has some nice acidity that builds nicely in the mouth. It’s medium in length. For the price this is amazing. I would give it an 89. It’s a solid wine and very food friendly. This is 100% Sauv Blanc.

From the LCBO web site:
FRANCOIS LURTON SAUVIGNON DE BORDEAUX LCBO 250381 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 11.95
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Bordeaux, France By: Francois Lurton Sa

Tasting Note
Very pale straw; forward aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon zest; medium body with crisp acidity.

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2011 LINDEMAN’S BIN 85 PINOT GRIGIO

Posted on April 7, 2012 by John Galea

This wine is pale in color, mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is crisp, smooth with some mild citrus flavors. The wine is on the lighter side of medium on the finish. This is a very food friendly wine. I would give it an 88 or so. A good deal for the money! A simple summer sipper, perfect for the patio!

From the LCBO web site:
LINDEMAN’S BIN 85 PINOT GRIGIO LCBO 668947 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 10.95
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Southcorp Wines

Tasting Note
pale straw colour; melon, soft tangerine and citrus aromas; dry, medium body; apricot and citrus flavour with clean, refreshing finish.

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2009 Prospect winery Haynes Barn Cab Merlot

Posted on April 5, 2012 by John Galea

We had this wine during our stay At Big White ski resort in BC. Carver’s Bar and Grill has a nice selection of Okanogan wines by the glass for very reasonable prices! Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this is a typically edgey Okanogan red. Its sharp,  with bright acidity and some red berries coming through. Not a hint of merlot. The wine has some sharp tannins and some prominent pepper. The wine has some dry pucker power on the long finish. This is a big wine for sure. And a bit young. I would give it an 89 to 90. Woohoo this one is in the LCBO!

From the LCBO web site:
PROSPECT WINERY HAYNES BARN MERLOT CABERNET VQA LCBO 145144 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1

Made in: British Columbia, Canada By: Artisan Wine Co.

Tasting Note
clear deep ruby colour; cherry, raspberry and plum with toasty oak notes in aroma; dry, medium body; black fruit and oak spice on palate, balanced acidity and medium tannins to finish

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ÁLVARO PALACIOS 2009 Las Lamas

Posted on April 3, 2012 by John Galea

Another wine from the WineAlign Spanish wine tasting at the Spoke club featuring wines from ÁLVARO PALACIOS. The event was run by David Lawrson and featured the wine maker, Alvaro Palacios, sharing his passion with wine making! Woodman Wines and Spirits carries all of their wines by the case, this one is not in the LCBO.

Dark in color with a lovely smooth nose of black berries. On the mid pallet it’s black berries all the way. Round and rich in the mouth. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in finish with some smooth tannins. I would give this wine an 89-90. It’s not in the LCBO but is a whopping $116 a bottle available in cases of 6 per from Woodman.

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2006 UMBERTO FIORE BARBARESCO

Posted on April 1, 2012 by John Galea

When I walk into an LCBO I’ve generally done my homework. I’ve researched what I want to buy, checked to see which stores have it and read the reviews. Every now and then I take a flyer and try something with absolutely no prior knowledge. Think of it as my equivalent to running with scissors! Remember that old Sprint commercial … most for the least! That’s my motto. So when I was walking through my LCBO the other day I saw a Barbaresco for $16.50 and thought hmmm … I wonder. So with that in mind I grabbed it. Let the chaos and mayhem ensue!

For those that don’t know a Barbaresco is an Italian wine made with the Nebbiolo grape. The same one used in Barolos.

This wine is slightly garnet in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this wine has some round red berries to go with the nose. The place a Nebbiolo shines is on the finish. This wine displays some lovely dry pucker power that builds in the mouth backed up by some mild acidity and some nice complexity. Alcohol and oak are well under control. For the price this wine is not a bad value at all. While not as good as a vintages essential I really enjoy Castello Di Neives for the money it’s quite good! I would give it an 89-90. I paired it with a beef ravioli with a tomato sauce and it held up very well.

From the LCBO web site:
UMBERTO FIORE BARBARESCO DOCG LCBO 254870 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.50
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Made in: Piedmont, Italy By: Manfredi/Umberto Fiore S.P.A.

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2009 Sandhill Syrah

Posted on March 30, 2012 by John Galea

Another one we tasted while at Big White. Dark in color with an earthy nose at first that quickly faded.  On the mid pallet the earthy taste matched the bouquet.  Some black berries but very subtle. On the finish there are the typical Okanogan tannins,  and some mild acidity.  This is by no means a horrible wine,  but not a great one either.  I would give this an 88 or so.  Not in the LCBO,  but $22 at the local wine store in BC.  There are definitely some better wines from Okanogan. 

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2010 WOLF BLASS YELLOW LABEL SHIRAZ

Posted on March 28, 2012 by John Galea

Inky dark in color with a nose of black berries. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by blueberry pie flavors. It’s slightly sweet but not over the top. On the finish this wine has some pepper and spice notes but not too over the top. This is a fairly smooth wine but a little on the sweet side for my tastes. I would give it an 88.

From LCBO web site:
WOLF BLASS SHIRAZ LCBO 506691 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.55

Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited

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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2006 Leonardo Da Vinci Chianti

Posted on March 26, 2012 by John Galea

We had this wine at Ruth’s Chris in Mississauga. Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this is a lovely varietal Chianti. Nice red berries coming through. Round in the mouth with lots to like. On the finish this wine has some lovely dry pucker power as well as some smooth velvety tannins on a medium finish. We paired it with steak and it held up quite well. I would give it an 90.

From the LCBO web site:
LEONARDO CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 VINTAGES 164707 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Dallevigne

Release Date: May 1, 2010

Description
Leonardo Chianti Riserva is made in the hills surrounding the ancient town of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo di Vinci. This fruit-forward, ripe and round Chianti is elegant and well-made. It is the ideal wine to enjoy alongside pasta with tomato sauce and fresh herbs.

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2010 Sterling Vintner’s collection chardonnay

Posted on March 23, 2012 by John Galea

Golden in color with a mild varietal chard nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a smooth well made California style chard with some lovely vanilla some butter and creamyness. This is a beautiful food friendly chard. It has a medium finish with some lovely flavors lingering in the mouth. It is best appreciated without food. We paired it with pan fried scallops. I have discovered for my tastes chards for very well with California style chards. I would give it an 89-90. For the price this is a good deal. It is in the regular section so very easy to find!

From the LCBO web site:
STERLING VINTERS CHARDONNAY LCBO 669242 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Region Not Specified, USA By: Sterling Vineyards

Tasting Note
Medium deep yellow straw colour; aromas and flavours of apple, pear and oaky vanilla; dry, medium to full bodied, well balanced with good length.

Serving Suggestion
Roast poultry,or lobster.

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ÁLVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT 2010

Posted on March 22, 2012 by John Galea

WineAlign held a Spanish wine tasting at the Spoke club featuring wines from ÁLVARO PALACIOS. The event was run by David Lawrson and featured the wine maker, Alvaro Palacios, sharing his passion with wine making! Woodman Wines and Spirits carries all of there wines by the case, most of them are not in the LCBO, although this one is! They served 10 wines at the event.

Dark in color mild on the nose with some red berries coming through. On the mid pallet the wine has some red cherries coming through to match the nose. On the finish the wine has some nice tannins and some acidity on a medium to long finish. It builds nicely in the mouth with some nice dryness. I would give it a solid 89.

From the LCBO web site (for a different year):
ÁLVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT 2008 VINTAGES 216291 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 22.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.8% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Region Not Specified, Spain By: Alvaro Palacios S.L.
Release Date: May 28, 2011

Tasting Note
(60% carinena, 30% garnacha, with the rest syrah and cabernet sauvignon) Bright ruby. Very sexy, perfumed aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, minerals and flowers; there’s a wild, aromatic character here. Quite fresh and juicy in the mouth, with good energy to the red berry, cherry and candied floral flavors. Perfumed and energetic, with silky tannins adding shape to a long, sappy finish. Score – 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2010)

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Borgogno 1998 Barolo Riserva

Posted on March 19, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from the Trialto Barolo tasting at the fine wine reserve! The 21 year old wine maker attended the event.

Dark in color with a nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet the wine has some lovely red berries and some dried fruits. On the finish the wine has some lovely dry pucker power that builds slightly in the mouth. On the medium finish the wine has some smooth tannins. I would give it a solid 90. Available by the half case for $115 a bottle from Trialto, not in the LCBO.

The winery.

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2009 Church and State chardonnay

Posted on March 16, 2012 by John Galea

Another Okanogan wine I had on our trip to Big White in BC! Light in color with a lovely varietal chard nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays some lovely varietal chard flavors. More leaning towards a chablis than a california style chard. Not overly buttery not overly creamy. Medium finish with some acidity. . Oak and alcohol are well under control. I would give it an 88 or so. Very food friendly. Not available in the LCBO 🙁 $40 at the winery.

Winery’s web site

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2007 Stratus Tollgate White

Posted on March 13, 2012 by John Galea

I love visiting wineries. The character and ambiance in some of them is amazing. Stratus on the other hand is a very sterile, and almost industrial feeling place. Way too much concrete and steel for my tastes. It’s fantastic living close to two wine regions! And they are so very different in the wines and the wineries that are there! I digress …

Some wineries find it necessary to blend just about everything. Stratus for me is one of those. And this wine is an example of just that. The other thing I find disturbing is not only do they play with the %’s of each grape year to year, they also play with the grapes they use. This vintage is a blend of Semillon, Chardonnay and Viognier. The 2008 is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, with small amounts of Sémillon.

The wine is slightly golden in color with a nose that is primarily that of a chard. I was surprised that neither the Viognier nor the Semillon really come through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is primarily a chardonnay, a milder one at that. Some caramel, some vanilla backed by some strong acidity. The wine is medium in finish. All in all not a bad wine. I would give it an 88 or so. Very food friendly. I paired it with sushi at Corks and it went well. This wine is not available at the LCBO but is $26 at the winery. For my $$s this is not a great deal and there are other better whites from Niagara.

From the Stratus winery’s web site (for a different year):
2008 TOLLGATE WHITE
This is a unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, with small amounts of Sémillon to round out the mouth-feel and aromatic profile. Each variety aged for two years in the finest French barrels to create a smoky, creamy and full-bodied texture balanced by an aromatic mix of citrus and tropical fruit, apple and melon.

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Borgogno 1997 Barolo Riserva

Posted on March 7, 2012 by John Galea

Trialto recently held a Borgogno Barolo tasting at the fine wine reserve! The 21 year old wine maker attended the event.

This wine was the highlight of the evening (for me). Dark in color with a nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet this is a classic Barolo with lots of dried fruits, superb dry pucker power that builds slightly in the mouth. On the long finish the wine has some smooth tannins. This wine has aged beautifully and has resulted in a smooth elegant Barolo. I would give it a solid 91. Available by the half case for $115 a bottle from Trialto, not in the LCBO. Yumm!

The winery.

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INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2009

Posted on March 4, 2012 by John Galea

Personal bias up front, I like my Chards in a California style. Not too over baked. This wine is somewhere between pale and golden in color. Mild on the nose with a slightly sulphur nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by some strong acidity. Almost tart but not necessarily in a good way. On the finish the wine is dominated by some strong tartness that build in the mouth. Not an overly food friendly wine either. We paired it with scallops and it went ok but not great. There isn’t a hint of vanilla or caramel. For me this wine is not a chard to my tastes. I would give it an 87-88.

From the LCBO web site:
INNISKILLIN OKANAGAN RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2009 VINTAGES 127696 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD
By: Vincor International Inc. – B.C.
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012

Tasting Note
Here’s a tasty Chardonnay from the Okanagan. Light gold in the glass, it opens with ripe pear, melon, applesauce and cinnamon toast. Lip-smacking, juicy ripe fruit and bright acidity is backed by toasty oak, leading to a spice-kissed finish. Lovely round texture and good flavour concentration throughout. A nicely balanced, eminently drinkable Chard for planked salmon steaks, or roast pork chops with homemade applesauce. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2011)

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2009 Girasole pinot noir

Posted on March 1, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from Quinn’s Steakhouse extensive by the glass menu. Darker in color than a traditional pinot with a mild nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays more cab flavors at first, then some subtle pinot earthy strawberry notes come through. Theres some pepperynesson the lighter side of medium finish. I would give it an 88-89. Quite food friendly but not what I would consider an awesome pinot. Not available in the LCBO but $16 at the winery in San Francisco.

From the winery’s web site:
Aromas of fresh raspberries just plucked from the vine. Elegant, juicy red fruit flavors framed by elegant, toasty oak.

Winery web site

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2009 Willowglen shiraz

Posted on February 28, 2012 by John Galea

Another one from Quinn’s Steakhouse extensive by the glass menu. Dark in color with a nose of black berries. On the mid pallet are some lovely fruit forward blueberry flavors. On the finish the wine has some lovely spiceyness when tasted on its own but with food is not overwhelming. Another food friendly wine. 89-90. Not available in the LCBO, roughly $15 a bottle.

From the Winery’s web site:
Region South East Australia (40% Riverina, 30% Mudgee, 15% King Valley)

Appearance Deep red with a purple hue.

Bouquet Sweet dark fruits (plum and blackberries) a touch of spice and well integrated toasty mocha oak.

Palate A full rich red wine showing nice ripe primary fruits upfront, a fleshy mid palate and finishing with silky chocolate like tannins.

Vintage Conditions The lead up to the 2009 harvest in the Riverina was one of the best on record, with refreshing rains during spring and mild December temperatures. this lead to fruit with flavour intensity and acid structure not seen for a few
years. This all changed at the end of January with an unprecedented heat wave of plus 40 degrees for 14 days which saw ripening stall for 3 weeks. Overall the vintage was good to excellent.

Winery web site.

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2009 Sandhill Cab Franc

Posted on February 23, 2012 by John Galea

2009 Sandhill Cab Franc

We had this wine on our visit to Big White Ski resort. Okanogan wines are featured prominently throughout the village at Big White. This one was recommended by our server.  Crying shame we don’t get more of the Okanogan wines in Ontario.  Lighter in color with a lovely nose of dark cherries consistent with a Cab Franc.  On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by red berries and some lovely Cab Franc varietal flavors.  On the finish the wine has some firm tannins and some nice dry ppucker power that builds in the mouth.  I would give it an 89-90.  $22 a bottle in BC but not available in the LCBO.

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2002 Angel’s Gate Cab blend

Posted on February 21, 2012 by John Galea

I’ve been reviewing my cellar and found this one begging to be tried. Niagara reds can be big tannic wines. The benefit of that is they can age VERY well. So I was curious how this one held up. Angel’s Gate don’t tend to tame the tannins much. This wine is dark in color. The cork on opening was inky black. On the nose the wine has some mild cherries. On the mid pallet this wine rewards one’s patience. Lovely deep rich red cherries. It’s quite smooth. On the finish the wine is medium in length with tannins that are well under control. It has some nice dryness that builds nicely in the mouth. This wine has aged amazingly. It is delicious. Perfect time to try it. I only wish I had bought more 🙁 According to my notes I bought this at the winery in 2006 for $22. I would give this a solid 90-91.

Update: I heard back from the winemaker AJ at Angel’s Gate and the blend of the wine was 68% Franc, 32% Sauv. The Cab Franc was certainly very prominent in the flavors for sure!

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Silk oak cab sauv 2009

Posted on February 19, 2012 by John Galea

We stopped by Quinn’s Steakhouse before a play. We were given a gift certificate to the place with our theater tickets. We saw Blue Dragon at the Royal Alex. Man is Toronto ever starved for culture when a play of this caliber is put on a big stage like Royal Alex. And they charged $80 a seat for it? You’ve got to be kidding. I digress …

We had this wine off the extensive by the glass menu. Dark in color with lovely smooth red berries on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays beautiful fruit forward California cab flavors with cherries coming through nicely. The finish is on the lighter side of medium with fine tannins and some mild acidity. A beautiful food friendly wine. I paired it with lamb shanks and it went well. 89-90. Unfortunately not in the LCBO so you will have to take a trip out to Lodi California to visit the Winery. Looks like the bottle is worth $14 at the winery. Wow. What a bargain!

According to the web site G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski Sales in Ontario, Canada (209) 369-2020.

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