S. CRISTINA MASSONI LUGANA 2009

Posted on March 10, 2011 by John Galea

I had no idea what to expect from this wine. My knowledge of Italian wines, especially the unique white grapes of Italy could definitely use some enhancing. The wine is pale in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dry, crisp with some minerality to it. For me it reminded me a lot of a dry Riesling or a German Kabinett Riesling. The wine is on the lighter side of medium with not too much sugar present. This was quite a pleasant bottle of wine. We paired it with shrimp cocktail and pan fried cod and it held it’s own complimenting the food quite nicely. I would give this wine an 89-90. We enjoyed it enough to go back and grab a few more. This one got the Raines two thumbs way up approval!

From the LCBO web site:
S. CRISTINA MASSONI LUGANA 2009 VINTAGES 200097 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Azienda Zenato
Release Date: Mar 5, 2011

Tasting Note
Lugana wines are based upon Trebbiano di Soave, the better clone of the second-most widely planted grape in the world. This white has a fresh floral and citrus nose, with tantalizing notes of yellow plum, peach, pear, melon, apple and light spice. There’s crisp acidity here, and a nice, lengthy finish too. Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean lemon chicken, or risotto with shrimp, leek and spinach. (VINTAGES panel, June 2010)

From winecurrent.com
Santa Cristina ‘Massoni’ Lugana 2009
A polished wine, this Trebbiano di Soave offers fragrant aromas—floral, soft citrus and orchard fruit. Sweet and fruity, it’s light-medium bodied with a soft, smooth texture. Subtle flavours of pear, peach and tangerine flow across the palate on a fine seam of soft acidity with a tangy citrusy note defining the mid-length finish. It’s a fine match for vegetable risotto. (Susan Desjardins) 4/5 stars.

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SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008

Posted on March 8, 2011 by John Galea

Cab sauvs are some of my favorite wines. I enjoy the flavor especially when well aged and find them VERY food friendlly. A salmon fillet was on the menu tonight. I found this wonderful coating mix that brings out the salmon amazingly. I marinade the fish in red wine (red fish red wine) and a coating of this on top:

then slip it onto the BBQ. Yum, a fast and delicious meal! You came for a wine review and got a recipe to boot!

So this cab sauv was chosen for the task. It is dark in color with a lovely bouquet of dark berries, cherries and the like coming through. On the mid pallet this is a smooth slightly fruit forward cab with the same dark fruits coming through. The wine is on the lighter side of medium in length with some oak present but little to no tannins. Very food friendly. This is a smooth well made cab that went extremely well with the salmon. It would not hold up as well to a firm steak or lamb but it was perfect for the salmon! I would give it an 89-90. Very nice.

From the LCBO web site:

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 VINTAGES 684597 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Chile, Chile
By: Vina Santa Carolina

Release Date: Mar 5, 2011

Description
A fine match tonight with a butterflied rack of lamb.

Tasting Note
Medium purple, Asian spices, incense, black fruits; 2-3 years aging potential; approachable now. Score – 91. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)

From winecurrent.com:
This inky red was aged 12 months in French oak, now displaying attractive aromas of mint, cassis and vanilla. Dry and full bodied, it has good texture, ripe tannin and a replay of the concentrated fruit on the palate. Notes of pepper and exotic wood persist on the fruity finish. An enjoyable wine that gets an extra half star for value. (Susan Desjardins) 4/5 stars

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RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2007 Zinfandel

Posted on March 3, 2011 by John Galea

We stopped by Lord Nelsons one of my favorite restaurants in Burlington for a special celebration and chose this wine to go with our veal cutlets. The wine is dark in color with lots of dark fruits coming through on the nose. The wine on the mid pallet is dominated by the same dark fruits, with Cherries, blackberries all screaming for attention. The sugar is nicely under control as are the alcohol and oak. This is a well made smooth Zinf. Not as edgy as some. There was not a lot of jammyness to this one. The finish is on the lighter side of medium and was not as dry as one would expect from the XD on the LCBO web site. The wine held up well to the veal and complimented it quite nicely. I would give it a 90. Yummy.

From the LCBO web site:
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2007 VINTAGES 982413 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 44.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: California/Californie, United States
By: Ridge Vineyards

Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Description
Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine (Jan. 2010) awarded this wine a score of 91 points.

Tasting Note
The 2007 Lytton Springs Proprietary Red (71% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, and 7% Carignan) exhibits a similar dark ruby/purple hue [to Ridge’s Monte Bello Proprietary Red] as well as more black fruits and spice in the impressive aromatics. It is a fuller-bodied, richer wine with beautiful texture, purity, and length. Enjoy it over the next 7-10 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2010)
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Naked Grape Sauv Blanc

Posted on February 28, 2011 by John Galea

I was at Jack Astor’s this weekend and chose their Butter chicken so I wanted a nice Sauv Blanc to go with it. I previously reviewed this wine and enjoyed it. So I chose it again … The wine is pale in color mild on the nose with some citrus coming through. On the mid pallet this is a varietal Sauv blanc with some nice lemon, and grass coming through. It cut through the butter chicken nicely and complimented it well. On the finish the wine is on the lighter side of medium. Not sweet at all. This is a pretty well made Sauv Blanc and for the money is a good deal. I would give it an 88 or so. Yumm. Be sure and give it a try!

From the LCBO web site:
NAKED GRAPE SAUVIGNON BLANC LCBO 665224 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 9.95
Wine, White Wine 11.7% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Vincor International Inc.

Tasting Note
Pale straw with aromas of lemon lime and apple. Like flavours with fruity apple pear flavors.
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KONZELMANN BARREL AGED CHARDONNAY 2007

Posted on February 26, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is light golden in color mild on the nose. Not a lot to give away what might be waiting for you. On the mid pallet are some chard flavors but the finish is dominated largely by sharp almost Sauv Blanc like acidity. The finish is on the lighter side of medium. This is not what I would call a varietal Chard, to my tastes. If you treated it more like a Sauv blanc it’s not bad. There isn’t a lot to hate here but there isn’t a lot to love either. I would give it an 87-88. Don’t be racing out to grab one. There are much better chards for the money. The LCBO description mentions butterscotch which I did get a little of, and they also mention racy acidity which for me domainated the finish.

From the LCBO web site;
KONZELMANN BARREL AGED CHARDONNAY 2007 VINTAGES 364869 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.20
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
This is a VQA wine

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Konzelmann Vineyards Inc.
Release Date: Jan 22, 2011

Description
The barrel-ageing adds a lovely butterscotch and toast quality to the nose here, offering an additional layer of complexity to the apple and pear notes. The palate is dry, medium bodied with great structure and a refreshing seam of racy acidity, closing with a nice oaky depth to the medium-long finish. Match this with chicken in a creamy sauce.

From Winecurrent.com:
Golden-hued, this wine is a treat for the palate and the wallet. Expect and enjoy aromas of crème caramel, toast and apple pie. On the palate it’s medium bodied, rich, buttery and a harmonious balance of lively acidity, ripe tree fruit and well-integrated, toasty oak. The smooth, round, silky texture brings the glass back to your lips. Don’t miss this, it’s great value! (Susan Desjardins) 4/5 stars.

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2008 Blackstone Winemakers Select Merlot

Posted on February 7, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is dark in color with a nice plummy nose on it. A hint that this may well be a John Galea varietal Merlot. On the mid pallet are some plums, some cherries and dark berries. On the finish right out of the bottle was a hint of pepperyness and some Oak. With some breathing the pepperyness (which for me does not belong on a Merlot) gave way leaving a reasonably varietal Merlot. This wine is somewhere between a Merlot and a cab. The sweetness is under control as is the alcohol and oak. It is slightly fruit forward. I would give it an 89-90. Not a bad Merlot at all.

From the LCBO web site:

BLACKSTONE WINESMAKER’S SELECT MERLOT 2008 VINTAGES 606327 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D

Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Constellation Wines U S
Release Date: Jan 22, 2011

Tasting Note
Inky, almost opaque, rich and luscious, this will bowl you over with its deft balance and concentrated fruit flavours. Delectable aromas and flavours – black plum, dark, ripe cherry and spicy pomegranate – are consistent throughout gliding along on a bed of ripe tannin and wonderful moderating tang. It’s structured, medium bodied with a lengthy finish. This punches well above the price with the price-quality ratio skewed in your favour. Score – 4 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, Nov. 11, 2010)
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2007 Greg Norman Cab/Merlot

Posted on February 3, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is dark in color with lots of dark berries on the nose. On the mid pallet are some deep rich cherries and dark berries to match the nose. This wine is big in the mouth with lots of complexity. On the finish the wine is big with lots of tannins and some nice dry pucker power. This is dare I say again a BIG wine. If you like your Cabs fruit forward, don’t buy this one. This is typical raucious Aussie style. Lots to like. And it should keep well for a number of years. I can see why they added some Merlot to take some of the edge off this puppy. I would give it a 90. Nice wine. It was given to me as a gift! Thanks Caroline!

From the LCBO web site:

GREG NORMAN CABERNET/MERLOT (V) VINTAGES 552075 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: Mildara Blass Limited

Release Date: May 15, 2010

Description
Always an exceptional value, this Cab/Merlot is also a critic’s pick. This standout has made the cut — not once but twice — for Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 list! Expect more sweet swings with this version. Aromas of blackcurrant, mint and toasty oak lead to lovely currant and plum flavours with hints of cedar and toast. Serve it with grilled steak and you’ve got yourself a hole-in-one.

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California wine fair in Toronto

Posted on January 31, 2011 by John Galea

It’s that time of year again … One of my favorite events. The California Wine Fair held at the Royal York on Monday April 4th. The location is great, conveniently located close to Union Station. Hope to see you there!

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2007 Ravenswood Old Vines Zinfandel

Posted on January 30, 2011 by John Galea

If you’ve been wondering what’s been keeping me busy (and not posting so frequently), I’ve been working on one of my other hobbies. My hi tech gadgets. Check out my tech blog for reviews of Android phones, tablets, Amazon Kindle and much more. If your curious and wanna get your geek on check it out!

Dark in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine is deep, rich, and slightly sweet with loads of black fruits coming through. On the finish its got strong firm tannins a slight pepper taste and is slightly tart. Thus is a big wine. I would give it an 89. We paired it with beef wellington which was delicious by the way and it held up well!

From the LCBO web site:

RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2008 VINTAGES 942599 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D

Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Constellation Wines U S
Release Date: Jan 22, 2011

Tasting Note
Medium-deep ruby colour. Impressive array of aromas, including blackberry, sweet black cherry, bumbleberry pie, freshly turned earth, and masala spice. Dry and quite flavourful, and very nicely balanced by a racy freshness and velvety tannins. This hefty but vibrant wine is an ideal match for Korean-style ribs. It will also reward 1-3 years in a cellar. (VINTAGES panel, Nov. 2010)

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Beef Wellington

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2007 Montecillo Crianza

Posted on January 24, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is deep inky in color with wood and dark fruits on the nose. On the mid pallet are dark fruits lots if wood and smoke coming through. In the finish the wine is slightly bitter and could use some breathing. There’s tannins and wood persisting through the medium finish. I would give it an 88 or so. There’s lots of value in this bottle.

From the LCBO web site:
MONTECILLO CRIANZA LCBO 144493 | 750 mL bottle Price: $14.95

Wine, Red Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Made in: Rioja, Spain By: Osborne Y Cia

Tasting Note
Clear ruby red colour; cherry and spice aromas with a hint of vanilla; rich chocolate cherry flavour, well balanced with a smooth finish

Serving Suggestion
serve with grilled lamb chops

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2007 Yorkville Cabernet Sauv

Posted on January 20, 2011 by John Galea

I stopped by E11even last night (E11even on Yelp). They have an The Enomatic just like Corks that I blogged about previously. It is an interesting machine. They have 4 of them.

This wine is Deep in color lovely dark berries on the nose. On the mid pallet are some deep fruit forward classic California cab flavors cherries some oak, some chocolate. This is a rich wine for sure. On the finish are some mild tannins and a slightly sweet lingering flavor that grows is the mouth. This is definitely a smooth well made fruit forward California style cab. The oak is present but not overwhelming.  Alcohol is also nicely under control. I would give this a 90. It is sadly not available in the LCBO. It is $28 at the Winery . Yum. Eleven charged $20 for the glass … ouch.

I was impressed with Aaron behind the bar who had a good level of knowledge of wine and has his level 2 sommelier. I’m always impressed when establishments commit to ensuring their staff are knowledgeable about wines.

Here was a review I found of the wine where they said “There are people that believe it takes Napa Valley heat to make a good Cabernet. If you are one of them, try Yorkville’s and judge for yourself. The nose wraps up your senses in raspberry, cherry, plum, and semi-sweet chocolate aromas. When sipped, the cherry, plum, and dark chocolate all return. Easy to drink now but with enough tannins to age for a few years, at under $30 a bottle, it’s a much better value than most Napa Cabs. FBWorld Panel Score: 91”. From Food and Beverage.

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2008 Vineland Estates Elevation Riesling

Posted on January 19, 2011 by John Galea

Ok, I have to start out by saying the name of this one made me giggle. Niagara’s escarpment is a mere bump in comparison to any kind of mountain range so I find it amusing to think Niagara has the gall to call anything “elevation”. To top it off they hyped this wine as being sold to their Wine of the month club first as an “exclusive”. Ok so I admit, I’m already a little biased before I even pop the cork. Always better to admit it. This was a wine review wasn’t it … right, right, back to our regularly scheduled program 🙂 The wine is pale in color mild on the nose. This bodes well … On the mid pallet the wine is slightly thicker, not watery and then it starts … this is quite a sweet Riesling. Lots of honey suckle. If I had to put it on a German scale I would say this is a Spatlese. No where near as sweet as an Auslese and definitely not as syrupy. On the finish the wine is again dominated by sugar. I would have to say this is not to my tastes. I prefer the drier Rieslings. I would give this no better than an 87. They say a good marketer can sell anything … well, good luck with that 🙂 $25.20 at the winery (not in the LCBO). Yikes.

Notes from the winery: Product Description
Subtle aromas of flint and lemon zest reveal a hint of effervescence on the nose. The palate is as refreshing as having delicious sweet pink lemonade on a hot summer day. Even before tasting this wine you won’t be able to wait for the next sip.

The balance of this wine is remarkable. The acidity, sweetness, alcohol and extract are all in perfect concert delivering a taste sensation that fills you from head to toe. The light spritz that is found upon opening (original carbon dioxide from fermentation) magnifies the zesty lemon lime characteristics and is also a testament to the gentle care this wine has received since it’s birth. It’s youthful punch and perkiness will please us now but it’s deep inner greatness will only be revealed with years of mindful cellaring.

Appellation: Niagara Escarpment
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Alcohol Percent: 8.0 %
LCBO Sugar Code: 3
Residual Sugar g/L: 32.5 g/L
Brix at Harvest: 17.8
Total Acid g/L: 9.90 g/L
Cases Produced: 1,142
Drinking Through: Now – 2015
Service Temp.: 8 – 10 oc

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Cookoothama 2008 Chardonnay

Posted on January 13, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is pale yellow in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a bit confusing. It has some mild varietal chard flavors blended with some Sauv blanc tartness. It did not work all that well in the mouth. There was some oak as well as some vanilla (my GF got caramel). The wine was medium in length with the finish more on the watery side of a chard. This was by no means an aweful wine, but I wouldn’t rave about it either. I would give it an 87-88. I won’t be running out for more. I paired it with lobster and it went ok, holding up to it just fine.

From the LCBO web site:
COOKOOTHAMA CHARDONNAY LCBO 619403 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 13.95
Wine, White Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: New South Wales, Australia By: Nugan Estate Pty.

Tasting Note
Pale straw yellow colour; aromas of citrus and vanilla; dry, medium bodied, crisp with apple, citrus flavours. Grilled or roast poultry.

Serving Suggestion
Grilled or roast poultry.
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QUINTA DO CERRADO 2007

Posted on January 13, 2011 by John Galea

This wine is garnet in color with some black berries and some oak on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine has a reasonably strong alcoholic presence along with a nice bit of dryness. On the finish the wine has firm tannins a nice bit of dry pucker power and a little hint of alcohol. A bit of breathing is definitely in order on this one. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
QUINTA DO CERRADO 2007 VINTAGES 194720 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, Red Wine 12.6% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Dao, Portugal
By: Uniao Comercial De Beira

Release Date: Dec 11, 2010

Tasting Note
Dão is one of Portugal’s most important wine-producing areas. The ageable Quinto do Cerrado is a deep youthful ruby in the glass, with appetite-whetting aromas of raspberry, sandalwood, milk chocolate and dark fruit. The palate is dry, medium bodied and simply bursting with flavours of spice, dark fruit, raspberry, and chocolate. The oak is very nicely integrated, and the tannins are firm but not overwhelming. The medium-long, velvety, and very satisfying finish will leave you hankering for more as you savour a roast pork loin. (VINTAGES panel, April 2010)

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1994 S. Osvaldo Pinot Bianco

Posted on January 11, 2011 by John Galea

A little while ago my GF’s brother gave us a few bottles of wine that had been in his basement for a VERY long time. The first one a 2000 Pelee Island Monarch Vidal turned out to be quite enjoyable. He also gave us two VERY old Pinot Biancos. Now the varietal would not seem to be one I would think of as ageable. But then I was surprised by the Vidal … The wine had turned a color somewhere between yellow and orange. I would expect this started out as more of a pale almost Sauv blanc shade. Popping the cork it was still in tact with no nasty odors or colors on it. Pouring it into the glass it seemed a little thick, almost syrupy. On the nose the wine was dominated by alcohol, which was shocking given it started out at only 12.5%. So onto the tasting. I tried a little sip … and thus the excitement was lost. What was left was somewhere between a vinegar and a vermouth. Not being a vermouth drinker I was not enjoying it at all. So sadly, after being neglected for so long … it went down the drain. Ah alcohol wasted. It’s a sad day … It’s good my priest isn’t Irish or I’d be banished 🙂 The quest was an interesting one. Seems the LCBO don’t carry this one any more. Shame, it would have been interesting to see what it once tasted like …

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CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2008

Posted on January 9, 2011 by John Galea

Some chards are really sensitive to temperature, and this is one of those. Out of the fridge it was too cold. The wine is slightly golden in color. On the nose are some mild chard varietal smells greeting you. When it was cold the wine was dominated by lemon and citrus. It reminded me more of a Sauv Blanc than a chard. As the wine warmed up the chard flavors started coming through. Slightly buttery, some nice oak coming through on a medium finish that built nicely in the mouth. The lemon and tartness totally disappeared. There’s some nice complexity and depth to the wine as well. This is a pretty good chard when served at the right temperature. I would give it an 88-89.

From winecurrent.com:
The price-quality balance in this flagship Gran Reserva tips well in your favour. Alluring aromas of green apple spiced white peach and toasty mineral notes are replayed as flavours on the palate. Its mid weight generously textured almost buttery with a well-balanced refreshing aftertaste of ripe tropical fruit lip-smacking citrus and a wisp of seamlessly integrated French oak. Pick up more than one. (Vic Harradine) New in Vintages (961276) $14.95 Rating 4.5/5

From the LCBO web site:
VIÑA CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2008 VINTAGES 961276 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : D

Made in: Chile, Chile By: Vina Carmen
Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Description
The vines for this Reserve Chardonnay are a minimum of 25 years old, sourced strictly from Carmen’s estate vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The wine is aged in a 50/50 split of stainless steel and French and American barriques. All wines are given extended lees contact to give them an extra dimension. Look for tropical fruit, green apple, pear and mild toast aromas and flavours. This dry, fruity, fresh wine is a good choice for grilled fish or roast chicken.
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D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2007

Posted on January 7, 2011 by John Galea

We cracked this one as part of our New Years eve celebration. The wine is dark in color with lots of lovely dark berries coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this is a smooth well made, refined shiraz, more in the style of a Syrah. On the finish the wine is medium in length with soft gentle tannins, some chocoloate and almost no pepper. It is a well made wine with oak and alcohol well under control. I would give it an 89-90. Very nice!

From the LCBO web site:
D’ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2007 VINTAGES 981183 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 49.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: South Australia, Australia By: D’Arenberg Wines
Release Date: Nov 27, 2010

Tasting Note
D’Arenberg’s flagship is the 2007 The Dead Arm Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, the nose gives up aromas of meat, game, truffles, chocolate, blueberry, and blackberry. Firm, layered, and complex, this beautifully rendered Shiraz demands 5-7 years of cellaring. It will be at its best from 2015 to 2027. Score – 92. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2009)

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2007 limited edition Magnotta

Posted on January 3, 2011 by John Galea

I got given this one for Christmas. The wine is dark in color with some black berries and plum coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet are some plum and cherries, reminiscent of a Merlot. This is more of a fruit forward wine for sure. On the finish the wine is medium in length with some firm tannins and some oak coming through. It was an enjoyable wine for sure. I would give it an 88-89. The wine is not available in the LCBO but is available at the winery for $19.95. We paired it with a venison roast and it went well. Thanks Ray!

From the Magnotta web site:
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Edition VQA 750 mL

Red Sugar: 0 13.8% alc./vol. Body: Full

Flavour Profile: Cassis, black grapes, earth and spice with hints of cedar, peppercorn and raisins
Food Pairing: A definitive pairing to a superb filet mignon, beef tenderloin or well seasoned venison plate

Regular Price: $19.95

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Hogue Cellars Cab Sauv

Posted on January 3, 2011 by John Galea

I have been to a few tastings covering off the Washing State. They are doing some fabulous stuff down there with great results. So when I was at Milestones the other day and I saw a Washing State cab I had to give it a whirl. I unfortunately did not get the year of the wine I tasted. The wine is dark on color with lots of cherries on the nose. On the mid pallet is a big complex, not fruit forward cab with some oak, some leather coming through. Lots of cherries to match the bouquet. The write up on the web site for the winery mentions cinnamon and while that didn’t come immediately to mind it was there. On the finish the wine has nice smooth well balanced tannins in a medium finish. This is a lovely cab. I would give it a 90. Yummy. Unfortunately not available in the LCBO. Strangely I couldn’t find the price on the web site.

From the winery’s web site;
Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington

Eastern Washington’s warm days and cool nights provide the perfect conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon that is rich and complex, with excellent structure. Our 2008 vintage has big, bold flavors of dark plum, rich cassis and currant, with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla and persimmon. The wine is soft and smooth on the palate, and the well-integrated oak adds a pleasing spice note. Pair with bold beef dishes—teriyaki flank steak or marinated tri-tip roast with rosemary, garlic and mushrooms.

RECENT PRESS:
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: 89 pts Best Value, Wine Spectator. 3.09
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: 87 pts Best Buy, Wine Enthusiast. 5.09
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: Gold Medal, Tasting Panel. 5.09

The winery.

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2007 Peller Estates Merlot Private Reserve

Posted on December 29, 2010 by John Galea

Dark in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet are some plum and some cherries. On the finish are some tannins and some metallic flavors. It has some of that Niagara terroiir taste and a med to long finish.88 or so. A nice Merlot. Not as fruit forward as some. Not available in the LCBO, $19.95 at the winery.

From the Winery web site:
A medium-bodied wine that has silky tannins and moderate acidity. Flavours of juicy cherries and plums fill the mouth while red berries and plums linger on the finish.

AWARDS: SILVER – Grand Harvest Awards 2010

Winery web site.

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2000 Pelee Island Monarch Vidal

Posted on December 26, 2010 by John Galea

Yes you read the year right … Back in Engineering (surely by now you’ve figured out I am an Engineer not an English major :)) one of the lessons we were taught was to not let what you know (or think you know) get in the way of what you don’t. A valuable lesson I try to take to heart. So my GF’s brother had this bottle in his basement for a LONG time. When I had a look at it the color had turned almost orange. There was a ring of sediment on the bottom of it. I thought to myself what are the chances that a $9 bottle of wine is drinkable this many years later. But I gave it a try anyway. When I opened it the cork was in tact, looked fine and smelled fine. Golden in color with a nose that is slightly sweet, slightly floral and absolutely fine. I was shocked. On the mid pallet the wine displays characteristic slightly sweet flavors. Nothing over the top and not vinegary at all. On the finish the wine has some alcohol present with a medium length tartness. I couldn’t get any oak at all, not sure if this was oaked. I was shocked to discover that this wine was quite reasonable. I would give it an 88 or so. Vidal is the grape commonly (although not exclusively in Icewine).

From the LCBO web site:
PELEE ISLAND MONARCH VIDAL VQA LCBO 393405 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 8.95

Wine, White Wine 12.2% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 2
This is a VQA wine

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Pelee Island Vineyard Inc.

Tasting Note
Pale straw yellow; light floral aroma; fresh citrus flavour with balanced acidity

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2009 Ironstone Symphony

Posted on December 24, 2010 by John Galea

Christmas is almost upon us and soon to be New Years! On behalf of Brett and myself we wish to extend to you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Hopefully there will be lots of lovely wine under the tree for you to share with your family and friends!

This is a mini review from the food and wine show. This wine is pale in color with a nose of honey suckle sweetness. Reminded me of a Riesling. On the mid pallet the wine matches the nose and it is dominated by sweetness. Not syrupy but sweet consistent with a medium dry wine which is what the LCBO calls it. I didn’t hate this wine, but it’s not to my tastes. I would give it an 87 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
IRONSTONE OBSESSION SYMPHONY 2009 VINTAGES 355784 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : MD

Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Ironstone Vineyards
Release Date: Aug 7, 2010

Description
Symphony is not a brand name Ironstone gave this wine; it is actually the name of the grape. Developed at the University of California at Davis, Symphony is an aromatic variety that is a cross between Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria. It creates wines that are aromatically complex and very pleasurable, such as this fine example. A must for spicy Asian dishes.
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2007 Creekside Laura Red

Posted on December 22, 2010 by John Galea

I tasted this wine at Corks when I was there. The wine is dark in color with lovely dark berries and some oak on the nose. On the mid pallet the tastes match the nose. You can definitely taste the cab sauv and cab franc in the wine. The finish is medium in length and nice and smooth, The tannins and alcohol are well under control. It’s a big wine, but not too over the top. I’d give it an 88 or so. Quite enjoyable. I enjoyed it with pizza and it went well, holding it’s own nicely.

From the LCBO web site:
CREEKSIDE ESTATE LAURA RED 2007 VINTAGES 117960 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine 12.7% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Creekside Estate Winery
Release Date: Dec 11, 2010

Description
For the first time, Creekside has produced a full Bordeaux blend – consisting of 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 0.5% Petit Verdot – and the results are spectacular. This wine won Double Gold at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Championships, and 1st Place at the 2009 Royal Winter Fair Wine Competition. The producer suggests enjoying with pulled pork sandwiches or with a hearty soup.

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2008 Ménage à Trois Red

Posted on December 18, 2010 by John Galea

This is a mini review from the Gourmet Food and Wine show.
Gimicky name aside, this wine is dark in color mild on the nose. The wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Cab and Merlot. The Zinfandel comes through for sure on the mid pallet. On the finish the cab comes through with a bit of spice coming through. The finish has a bit of sweetness coming through (but not bad) and there is a definite jammyness as well. Some strawberries are also there. Not a bad wine. I would give it an 88 or so. It’s unfortunately not available in the LCBO right now but does come through from time to time under LCBO number 665158. $17.95 when it’s here.

From the winery’s web site:
2008 Ménage à Trois Red PRICE – $12 PER BOTTLE

Even if red wine is not your speed, give our Ménage à Trois Red a try. This wine exposes the fresh, ripe, jam-like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Three saucy grapes make up the blend. Zinfandel adds a juicy character, Merlot mellows and Cabernet adds backbone. Forward, spicy and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect trio.

Winery web site

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No 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates 2007 Shiraz/Cab

Posted on December 16, 2010 by John Galea

The last time I tasted one of the wines from No 99 I was not impressed.
These wines are dedicated to supporting the Wayne Gretzky foundation with all profits going there. A charity that brings hockey to underprivileged kids. Yet another example of Wayne being a gentleman and giving back to the country that made him who he is.

I tasted the wine at Corks.
The wine is dark in color lots of dark berries on the nose. On the mid pallet the taste matches the nose with dark berries and some deep rich flavors. On the finish the wine has some lovely silky tannins with a medium finish. The shiraz is not peppery at all and the cab is dominant in the tastes. It is reasonably complex wine. I would give it an 89 or so. I paired it with pizza and it went very well.

From the LCBO web site:

WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATE SERIES SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2007 VINTAGES 162180 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 22.95 Wine, Red Wine 12.7% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D This is a VQA wine

Made in: Ontario, Canada By: No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates
Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Description
From the lauded 2007 vintage comes this well-made Shiraz/Cabernet blend from The Great One’s winery. The Shiraz plays forward on the nose with aromas of blackberry, pepper and underbrush. The Cabernet is nicely represented by cassis, with the Shiraz contributing peppery spice. Dry, crisp and fruity with soft tannins for balance. Medium-full bodied with a crisp, medium-long, fruit-filled finish. A great wine to enjoy with a rich pasta sauce while tuning into Saturday-night hockey.

The Winery

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