Folks it’s that time of year again .. time for the California Wine fair! This is one of my favorite events of the year. There are a ton of wines, great foods and it’s held at the Royal York so is VERY convenient. Be sure to put this one on your calendar! Monday April 2nd in Toronto.
Another one from the Gourmet Food and Wine show. This wine is dark in color with an earthy nose. On the mid pallet the wine exhibits a lovely dryness and some dried fruits. The finish is medium in length. I enjoy Chianti’s and this is a good one for sure. I would give this an 88. Unfortunately not in the LCBO. $17.95
I had the pleasure of trying this at Corks that I have blogged about in the past. The wine is golden in color with a lovely varietal nose of vanilla. On the mid pallet this wine has vanilla, oak, and is slightly creamy. It has a medium finish that is best appreciated on it’s own. There’s a bit of acidity on the finish right out of the bottle but that soon passes. The flavors build nicely in the mouth as they coat the pallet. I paired it with sushi and it went quite well. I would give it a solid 90. Yumm. It’s available at the LCBO in half bottles for $16.95 or at the winery for $34.95. It’s not cheap by any means. This is another fabulous Niagara chard! I’m on a roll of great Niagara chards!
From the LCBO web site:
TAWSE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2009 VINTAGES 253518 | 375 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Tawse Winery
Release Date: Nov 12, 2011
Tasting Note
This is a blend of grapes from estate vineyards, the first time Tawse has released this wine. It’s aged in 100% French Oak barriques for a year followed by six months aging in stainless steel before bottling. The nose shows notes of fresh-baked apple pie, toast, vanilla, citrus and spice. Love the verve and energy on the palate to go with elegant oak stylings, apples and spice integration. A well-balanced and fresh Chardonnay through the long finish. Score – 91. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, July 27, 2011)
Another Okanogan wine we had at Big White ski resort. Dark in color with a subtle nose of black berries. On the mid pallet this started out dominated by blue berries with some sweetness. The fruit settled down as it breathed. On the finish the wine has some nice fine tannins along with a nice bit of spiciness. There’s some nice complexity on the finish with some nice dryness that builds nicely in the mouth. I would give it an 89 or so. We paired it with a red sauce and it held up nicely. Not available in the LCBO paid 24 for it in BC.
Another Okanogan wine we had at Big White Ski resort. Dark in color with a mild nose of red berries. On the mid pallet mild red cherries match the nose. On the finish the wine has some mild acidity, some medium tannins in a medium finish. We paired it with steak and it went ok. This is definitely not a fruit forward cab. It’s more subtle. I would give this an 88-89. Not a bad wine. Unfortunately not available at the LCBO 🙁
This is another Okanogon wine we tasted while at Big White ski resort. This is a traditional Bordeaux blend. Dark in color, deep rich red berries on the nose. On the, mid pallet there are deep rich red berries to match the nose. On the finish the wine has some firm tannins and some nice pepper and spice. A nicely complicated wine with lots going on in the mouth. I would give it an 89-90.
From the LCBO web site:
MOON CURSER BORDER VINES RED 2009 VINTAGES 281030 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 44.95
Made in: British Columbia, Canada By: Moon Curser Vineyards Inc.
Release Date: Aug 18, 2012
Wine, Red Wine 14.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 5 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Description
TASTING NOTE: This is the new name for what the winery used to call Six Vines – because it includes all six Bordeaux varietals. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Malbec (23%), Carmenère (23%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Production was 1,325 cases. It is a bold red, beginning with aromas of blueberries and cassis and with generous fruity flavours. The finish has a hint of spice and pepper, probably the contribution of the Carmenère. Score: 92 (John Schreiner, johnschreiner.blogspot.ca, April 26, 2011.
I had this wine as part of Winterlicous in Toronto at Pangaea Restaurant. This wine is dark in color with a nice nose of red berries and cherries. On the mid pallet the wine displays red berries and cherries to match the nose. Not as fruit forward as some but tasty. On the finish the wine is slightly tart with some acidity that fades as it breaths. The tannins are on the medium side. It’s medium in length. I would give it an 89.
From the LCBO web site:
DRY CREEK VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 VINTAGES 642207 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California, USA By: Dry Creek Vineyard Inc.
Release Date: Feb 4, 2012
Tasting Note
This excellent wine, which is made from the five classic Bordeaux varieties [80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec], shows the briary, tannic quality of Dry Creek Valley red wines. It’s a lusty, complex sipper with quite a lot of character and personality, and should provide good drinking over the next six years or so. Score – 90. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2011)
My frequent readers know I’m a big fan of California style chards. I enjoy the Inniskillin Three Vineyard chard as well as the J Lohr Riverstone chard.
I was walking out of the grocery store and they have a wine store. They were sampling this wine so after I tried it I bought one for a more in depth tasting. Slightly golden in color with a lovely nose of oak and vanilla. On the mid pallet this is a lovely smooth California style chard. Lots of vanilla, some butterscotch and just a hint of acidity. The finish is medium in length. This wine builds slightly in the mouth when drank without food. When enjoyed with a meal (we paired it with pan fried scallops) it takes more of a back seat to allow the meal to come through. This is a smooth elegant, gentle wine. I would give it an 89 or so. Only available at the winery or in their branded store. $18.95 so not a bad deal. It’s tough finding cheap, but good chards.
From the winery for their 2009 vintage:
Trius Chardonnay ‘Barrel Fermented’ has a beautiful bouquet of toasty oak, grilled pineapple, lemon and clove. Medium to full-bodied, this wine has a slightly rich mouth feel, and a wonderful splash of acidity that refreshes the palate. Flavors of lemon, hints of tart tropical fruit, toasty oak and spice gently caress the palate. The long lingering finish of spicy oak is perfectly balanced by refreshing lemon acidity.
Serve with roasted chicken; creamy pasta tossed with grilled chicken or shrimp; smoked gouda with water crackers. $18.95
I had this wine as part of Winterlicous in Toronto at Pangaea Restaurant. Darker in color with a rustic nose. On the mid pallet this is a milder pinot noir. Rustic flavors, some strawberries. On the finish the wine is on lighter side of medium with mild tannins. The alcohol and oak are well under control. This is a smooth, well made milder pinot. Very food friendly. I would give it an 89 or so. It’s $24.95 a bottle available at the LCBO.
I tasted this wine at the Gourmet Food and Wine show. Dark in color, with a lovely nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet this wine has that super dry pucker power that is in keeping with a Barolo. It builds very nicely with dried fruits, some raisiny tastes coming through on the long finish. This is a beefy well made Barolo. Yum, another one of my favorites of the show. I would give it a solid 90-91. It’s $52 a bottle but unfortunately not available in the LCBO. Only on consignment from LaCantina Imports so by the case.
One of the Red wine varietals Niagara does VERY well (in my opinion) is Cab Franc. They make some wonderful big bruising wines. Ready to stand up to steak or lamb! And this one is no exception (if you like them that way). Approach this too early, or without breathing and you will have a mouth where you won’t be tasting much of anything other than the wine! This ain’t no wine you sit on the patio sipping in the summer heat …
Inky dark in color with spot on varietal nose for a cab frank. Lots of dark berries and some oak. On the mid pallet is where this one comes alive. It is deep and rich with dark berries and cherries coming through in spades. The finish is dominated by firm tannins and a dry pucker power that leaves your mouth going yum (or yuk if you don’t like big wines). I would say this wine should age well and will likely be even better in another year or so as the tannins ease a bit. I would give this a solid 89-90. I tasted this one at Corks. $38 at the LCBO. I’m thrilled Stratus did not find it necessary to blend this wine in anyway. It can be appreciated 100% on it’s own, in all it’s grandeur!
Dark in color with a nose of black berries and a bit of an earthy tone coming through. Maybe even some oak. On the mid pallet this wine has some deep rich black berry flavors to match the nose. It’s almost a touch jammy in texture. The wine is medium in finish with some oak, some pepper and some spicy notes coming through. This is more of a fruit forward shiraz. Alcohol is well in check. We paired it with a steak and it went ok. Held it’s own. I woud give this wine an 88 or so. Not a bad wine but nothing earth shatteringly yummy either.
From the LCBO web site:
JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ 2009 VINTAGES 673897 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Morambro Creek
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012
Description This wine has won a multiple Gold and Silver Medals in competitions around the world.
Tasting Note Also outstanding, the 2009 Shiraz reveals a judicious touch of oak that provides an attractive spicy component that complements the blackberry and black currant fruit in the aromas and flavors. Full-bodied yet fresh and lively, without the alcoholic and oaky heaviness that sometime interfere with the appreciation of southern Australian wines, it should provide pleasure over the next several years. Score – 90. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, August 2010).
Dark in color with a nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet this wine has dried red fruits dominating. On the finish the wine has chalky tannins, nice pucker power, oak, noticeable alcohol and some acidity. It builds nicely in the mouth especially without food. This is a nice Chianti but not as complex as I would look for in this price range. I would give it an 88 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
FATTORIA LA RIPA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007 VINTAGES 984401 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Santa Brigida
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012
Description
Free sulphur: 7 mg/L.
Tasting Note
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and some almandine in the rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with alcohol and sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and some wet bark bitterness. It’s developing, but displays pleasant depth. On the palate it’s deft, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by clean sour berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that have a slight burr, and flow into a clean sour berry fruit finish. It’s pleasant, in a graceful key, and will become lacy with time. Worth seeking out if you prefer the more traditional style, and even if you prefer softer lusher wines you will enjoy it with a steak. Score – 88-90. (Kyle Phillips, Italian Wine Review, March 5, 2010).
I last reviewed the 2008 vintage of this wine and was impressed. This wine is dark in color with a lovely albeit mild nose of red fruits and some oak. On the mid pallet this wine is VERY disappointing. There was almost no fruit to match the nose. There’s some oak present and some tannins on the finish. It’s on the lighter side of medium. All in all there is next to nothing going on, very bland. I would give this an 87 or so. This one comes off my favorites list.
From the LCBO web site:
SMOKING LOON CABERNET SAUVIGNON LCBO 55517 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.2% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1
Made in: Region Not Specified, USA by: Don Sebastiani & Sons
Tasting Note
clear ruby red colour; chocolate cherry and ripe berry aromas; dry, medium body; ripe berry flavour and a touch of spice.
A while back I visited and wrote up a number of Hidden Bench wines. I was impressed. I’ve since run into them at a few Ontario events and been suitably impressed. So I needed to do a wine run to Niagara for gifts and Hidden Bench was on the list, specifically for this wine. I was interested to see if I was impressed enough to plop down cash this time. I’m a real value kinda guy. There’s always more wine to buy than money to buy it with. I have been heard to utter the phrase I don’t know what enough is … but I sure know what not enough is 🙂 Very appropriate for money, horsepower and well, one or two other items that come to mind. Deposit a dime into my account any time you choose to use that phrase. I’ve copyrighted it 🙂 I do digress … Hidden Bench wines while delicious are pricey. So I didn’t buy any last time. But this time … it’s for gifts. Nothing says great gift quite like something you wouldn’t buy for yourself. A treat! Yes believe it or not this is a wine review. If your still reading … bonus points for you!
Pale to golden in color with a lovely varietal nose of candied fruits with some sugar. On the mid pallet this wine is not as “thick” in texture as some chards can be. The wine shows some lovely vanilla and some butterscotch coming through beautifully in the mouth. The wine is medium in length on the finish with the vanilla lingering nicely. Oak and alcohol are well under control. It’s slightly buttery, slightly creamy. This is one big glass of yum. Pair it with scallops, or cod. I would give this wine a 90-91. For me this is the best chard coming out of Niagara (with price removed). You will have to go to the winery to get this one. A different chard from Hidden Bench has been in the LCBO but it was no where near as good. I was thoroughly disappointed in that one, not because it was bad, but because it was not as good as this one. $38 a bottle. Did I mention yum, and pricey? 🙂 Enjoy.
Inky dark in color with a nose of blueberries. On the mid pallet the flavor matches the nose with bright vibrant fruit jumping up at you. I get a mouth full of blueberry, almost jam like. It’s sweet but not over the top. On the finish the wine has some mild tannins backing up the sweetness but not a hint of that Aussie pepperyness I like in a good shiraz. Alcohol and oak are well under control. The finish is on the lighter side of medium. This is very much a fruit forward wine in my book. Frankly it’s not what I expect or look for in an Aussie shiraz. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad wine, just not to my tastes. I would give it an 87-88. A disappointment given the glowing words Parker gave it below. If I had more in the house, quite frankly, I’d take them back. We paired it with a BBQ filet mignon. I endured -15C to BBQ the steak! Gotta love Canada! It went ok with the steak but for me, just too fruity and not enough tannins.
Update: Day two after opening this wine showed a VERY different wine. The fruit forward nature of the wine had died down and the tannins and pepper were a lot more noticeable. I think this wine is just too young. In another year it might show better.
From the LCBO web site:
SMALL GULLY THE FORMULA ROBERT’S SHIRAZ 2006 VINTAGES 142935 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, Red Wine 15.9% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D
Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Small Gully
Release Date: Jan 7, 2012
Tasting Note
Deep garnet colored, the 2006 The Formula Robert’s Shiraz gives moderately intense aromas of crushed blackberries, black cherries, toast with marmite, earth, chocolate box and a whiff of fresh rolling tobacco. Concentrated and full-bodied, the palate is more forward than the nose with plenty of vibrant juicy fruit countered by crisp acid and medium to firm fine tannins lending support. It finishes long and spicy with lingering clove and fennel seed notes. Drink it now to 2015. Score – 90. (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010).
Pale in color with a mild nose of citrus. On the mid pallet this wine is a light sauv blanc dominated by citrus and some acidity. The finish is on the milder side with not a lot going on or lingering. To my tastes this wine is watery with not a lot going on. Quite a disappointing wine given the price point. There’s nothing horrible about this wine, but nothing great either. For my cash I’d look elsewhere. This wine is quite food friendly and if you have guest who are not wine lovers it would be a good choice. I would give it an 87 or so.
From the LCBO web site:
WOLF BLASS SAUVIGNON BLANC LCBO 611475 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, White Wine 11.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1
Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited
Tasting Note
Medium straw colour; aromas of pear, melon and hay aromas; dry, light to medium bodied, well balanced, with fresh cut grass, lime and herb flavours.
Serving Suggestion
Jambalaya, steamed asparagus, grilled veggies or herbed fish dishes.
Check LCBO Stock
I’ve had this one a couple of times and enjoyed it. It is golden in color with a mild nose, nothing particularly jumping out at me. On the mid pallet this wine is a smooth elegant varietal chard, with some lovely vanilla building nicely in the mouth. The finish is on the medium side with the vanilla and oak flavors dominating and lingering. I would give this wine a solid 89-90. This isn’t the most boisterous of chards and isn’t particularly creamy, but is quite good, and very food friendly. I quite enjoy this one and recommend it. And for $17.95 it’s not a bad deal at all.
I’ve had this one a number of times before and it has been consistently good. I’ve even aged it and it matures beautifully. So I thought I would give it a try again. Inky dark in color with a lovely nose of red berries. On the mid pallet are smooth red berries and some cherry. The wine has some nice acidity on the medium finish unfortunately the alcohol is quite noticeable. This wine needs some breathing or aging. I would give it an 89 now with good aging potential.
I’m not a big lover of Rose wines. This one is rose in color with a lovely nose of strawberries. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by strawberry flavors, not quite to strawberry jam but close. It’s sweet but not too over the top. On the finish the wine has some lovely tannins. The red they use for this Rose is pinot noir and it does a nice job of adding some nice complexity to this rose. We paired it with pizza and it went well with it. I would give it an 88-89. Very easy drinking. Perfect for the patio season. Hidden bench have made an exclusive deal with restaurants and thus can’t sell the wine as one offs. So you need to buy 6 to get them. Only available at the winery. I seem to recall it was around $16.
This wine is pale in color with grassy notes coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by green flavors. Some grassyness to go with the nose, some green tartness, and some acidity. This is a very dry wine. The wine is medium in length on the finish with the acidity living on nicely and building in the mouth. For me the sharpness is right on the edge. Any more and it would be unpleasant. I would give this wine an 88 or so. Not a bad Sauv Blanc and a good showing for a Niagara Sauv Blanc. For me, given the price, this is not a bad deal, but not a steal either.
From the LCBO web site:
STONEY RIDGE KASPER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 VINTAGES 513705 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, White Wine 11.6% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Stoney Ridge Cellars Ltd.
Release Date: Oct 29, 2011
Tasting Note
Gold Medal winner at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2010. Shows aromas of apple, pear, sweetgrass, mineral and hay. Dry, crisp and very lively. Good tart-apple replays play across the palate. Mouth-watering, long-finishing wine. A great match for grilled rainbow trout with lemon, roasted mini potatoes and butter. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2011)
I originally bought this wine in 2008 and have been cellaring it for a bit now. On the nose are some mild red berries in line with a typical cab sauv. On the mid pallet this wine straight out of the bottle is dominated by some strong pepper and bold acidity. Surprising given the age. With some breathing the edgeness gives way to allow the rich bold fruit to come through. This wine has held up well and likely will continue to hold up for a little while longer. Red berries match the nose. Some cherry for sure. On the finish the acidity comes through as well as some oak. I would say it’s a medium finish. I would give this a solid 90. The 2008 is in the LCBO now.Check LCBO stock. I haven’t tasted the 2008 but this has in the past been a consistent wine at a reasonable price. No bargain but does meet the target of <$20, 90 rated wine with some aging potential. I recently reviewed the 2002 and was disappointed in it. I had kept it too long. Seems like the 2004 might not have a whole lot left in it.
From Winecurrent.com
Like Peter Lehmann himself this Cabernet makes its presence felt in the room. It’s big brash and bold. There the analogy ends unless Lehmann is full of dark fruit and berry flavours with notes of licorice chocolate and coffee. It’s well structured well balanced and has a firm tannic grip. Drink it with red meats of course. (RP) (605741) $19.75 Rating 4.5/5
From the LCBO web site back when I bought it: PETER LEHMANN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002 Barossa South Australia Tasting Note: Lithe in texture not a huge wine but beautifully focused aglow with blueberry currant and subtle bay leaf and spice flavors that persist with refinement through a long harmonious finish. Drink now through 2010. Score – 90. (Harvey Steiman www.winespectator.com Nov. 30 2004) 605741 $19.95
Check LCBO stock for the vintage currently at the LCBO.
Copyright John Galea for CanadianWineGuy.com
Another wine from the Society for American Wines annual cab event. This was my third favorite of the evening. Dark in color with ripe cherries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine has some bold cherries to go with the nose. Another big bold wine in the mouth. On the finish are some firm tannins, slightly tart with some acidity backing up the fruit. This is a nice big California style Cab Sauv. I would give it a solid 90. Now given my number 1 and number 2 choice of the evening were less money and rated higher (by me) this one would likely get passed over.
From the LCBO web site for a different year:
SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 VINTAGES 45476 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 79.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California, USA By: Shafer Vineyards
Release Date: Oct 15, 2011
Tasting Note
The beautiful 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five … exhibits a dense purple color as well as a gorgeous perfume of boysenberries, black currants, subtle toast and spice and a slight floral component. The wine is medium to full-bodied with good acidity, a voluptuous texture and impressive purity and length. Drink this stunning Cabernet over the next 15 years. Score – 93. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)
Another one from the Gourmet Food and wine show. Pale in color with a lovely citrus nose. On the mid pallet the wine is lemony and slightly grassy. It is medium in length and would be very food friendly. I would give it an 88-89.
From the LCBO web site:
DEVIL’S LAIR FIFTH LEG SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC LCBO 212613 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : 1
Made in: Region Not Specified, Australia By: Devil’S Lair Vineyard
Tasting Note
Pale straw verging on water white; vibrant and fresh on the nose with vivacious tropical fruit character; crisp and zingy with mouth watering citrus and tropical fruit on the finish.
I tasted this wine at the Gourmet Food and Wine show. Dark in color, with an odd earthy nose. On the mid pallet this wine has that super dry pucker power, suck the moisture right off your tongue that is in keeping with a Barbaresco. It builds very nicely with some cherries and dried fruits coming through on the long finish. This is a beefy well made Barbaresco. Yum, one of my favorites of the show. I would give it a solid 90. It’s $35 a bottle but unfortunately not available in the LCBO. Only on consignment from LaCantina Imports so by the case.
