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.
On behalf of Brett (Mr CWG) and myself I would like to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. I hope your holidays are filled with family, good friends and of course a great bottle (or two) of wine! Enjoy!
Pale in color, mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this is a smooth, elegant light sauv blanc dominated by some citrus flavors and some acidity on the lighter side of medium as a finish. This is not a bad sauv blanc and is extremely food friendly. The wine has some nice mouth grip that builds. I would give it an 88 or so. For the price I think there are better more distinctive wines.
From the LCBO web site:
ET CETERA SAUVIGNON BLANC VINTAGES 264812 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.95
Wine, White Wine 14.2% Alcohol/Vol.
Made in: California, USA By: Via Pacifica Us, Inc.
When I first was offered this wine at my GFs place the first though that crossed my mind was … huh … I didn’t know Alsace did a Pinot Gris? The next though was how curious, a French label that actually means something to the layman? 🙂 I’ve had some Pinot Gris that are so clear they could be mistaken in the right lighting for water. This one is pale in color with a slightly sweet nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays some slight sweet honey suckle which for me was dead on reminiscent of a Spatlese Riesling. The wine is on the lighter side of medium on the finish with sugar being the dominant taste. This is by no means a terrible wine. But not exactly to my taste either. They call this a terroir wine which would seem accurate cause not far away in Germany there they are making Rieslings. I could easily close my eyes and be convinced I was drinking a Riesling. The one thought that would not come into my mind is wow this is a lovely Pinot Gris 🙂 But then I am sure you already figured that out! I would give this one an 87. For the money, $19.95 look elsewhere.
Check LCBO stock I have to admit I find myself wondering … is there any point to putting a link to check stock after slagging the wine? Hmmm
I’ve had this one before and it is consistently yummy. Pale to golden in color, mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this is a smooth well balanced California style chard with some lovely vanilla coming through. On the finish the wine when first opened had a bit of tart acidity but that faded quickly. Don’t serve this one too cold or you will miss the best parts of this wine. It is medium in length with some buttery notes coming through. I really enjoyed this wine. It is VERY food friendly. We paired it with pan fried cod and it was a delightful match. I would give this wine a 90. It’s tough to find cheap, good chards, and while this one isn’t cheap, it’s a fair price for what your getting! Enjoy!
From the LCBO web site:
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2009 VINTAGES 369686 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 19.95
Wine, White Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California, USA By: Jackson Wine Estates International
Release Date: Oct 1, 2011
Tasting Note
There are several million cases of the 2009 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay (100% estate grown Chardonnay that is, remarkably, 100% barrel fermented), which comes primarily from Jess Jackson’s coastal properties in Monterey and Santa Barbara. Winemaker Randy Ullom told me he manages to stir the lees on all the barrels once a month, which is astonishing. Abundant aromas of white peach, honeysuckle, green apple skins and a hint of tropical fruits jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, crisp, dry, fruity, well-made Chardonnay. It is a sensational bargain. Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines. , , Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011)
Pale in color with a nice varietal chard on the nose. On the mid pallet when first taken out of the fridge displays mostly a fruit forward light chard, more reminiscent of a chablis. Once the wine warms up the California style comes out displaying some lovely vanilla, and caramel. The wine is medium in length with some lovely vanilla and complexity living on as well as a little bit of tart acidity gripping the tongue. This wine is a bit too young right now and the complexity this wine has to offer will come out in a year or so. For the price $13.20 this wine is a good deal as a lot of the J. Lohr’s are. I would give this a solid 89-90. Check LCBO stock.
If your looking for an inexpensive chard for every day consumption this is a good choice!
Pale in color with citrus on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine displays lots of lovely smooth, well balanced citrus flavors and a touch of green. The wine is medium in finish displaying the same finesse. The wine with food takes a a softer approach. Without food you get a more expressive wine and really get to appreciate all that this wine has to offer. I was quite impressed with this wine. I would give it a 90. Very food friendly. Not a cheap wine but quite good. I would put this up against a New Zealand Sauv Blanc!
From the LCBO web site:
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 VINTAGES 933424 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 18.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Western Cape, South Africa By: Mulderbosch
Release Date: Jun 25, 2011
Tasting Note
Light lemon-yellow in the glass. Fresh and invigorating aromas of green grass, asparagus, lime blossom, fresh herbs and mineral. Dry, medium bodied, with bright and tangy acidity. Crisp finish features savoury herbaceous notes. Good length. A very nice South African Savvy with some Loire and New Zealand influence evident. Enjoy with garden salads, steamed clams, or grilled chicken breast. (VINTAGES panel, May 2011)
Recently Trialto held a try and buy event at the Fine Wine Reserve. I tasted this one at the event it was the highlight of the evening for me. The wine is deep ruby in color with a slightly earthy nose typical of a pinot noir. On the mid pallet the wine displays the usual rustic notes with strawberry coming through nicely. The wine is medium in length on the finish with some lovely smooth tannins and a bit of dryness coming through. I would give this wine a solid 90. Wine Advocate gave it a 92. The wine is $39.95 available on consignment from Trialto by the case.
Ben Hodson is the ” Liquid Art Specialist Ontario” on this wine. Feel free to contact him for more information on how to purchase this yummy wine!
From Trialto:
THE STORY:
Patricia Green Cellars is located in the Ribbon Ridge district of Yamhill County on the 52 acre estate purchased in 2000 by Patty Green and Jim Anderson. The winery, and thus the two friends, are noted for producing a tremendously broad selection of Pinot Noirs from far flung vineyards representing some of the better sites in the Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills, Chehalem Mountains, and the Eola Hills growing regions.
They produce Pinot Noirs that show the distinctions of the sites that they work with. All of the vineyards (whether estate or sourced) are extremely well-tended sites that seek to grow the best fruit possible through rigorous attention to detail on every single vine. To ensure that our sites truly show the characteristics of the soil, micro-climate and clonal material none of them use irrigation.
Oregon has shown itself to be one of the few truly great wine growing regions in the world. Patty strives to work within small sub-sections of this vast growing region to find areas particularly suited to growing great fruit. The wines are made in a very traditional fashion that emphasizes the quality of the raw materials with which we begin, the experience we have with making wine and the intuitive decisions we make during each harvest to produce top quality wine.
With only 10,000 cases in total production, Patricia Green’s wines are some of the most boutique in Oregon. Only three wines were made from their estate fruit in 2008, with a tiny production for all three.
Another one from the Trialto Try and Buy event. I’ve had a number of Sancerre wines but they’ve always been whites. I had to check and sure enough Sancerre Appellation red is a Pinot Noir! Always good to try something new you’ve never had before. This wine is ruby in color with a rustic nose. On the mid pallet this wine is a varietal smooth easy drinking Pinot Noir with some rustic notes and some strawberry coming through. The finish is medium in length with some nice tannins, some slight tartness as well that build nicely in the mouth. This is a lighter, smooth, well made pinot noir that would be very food friendly. I would give this a solid 89-90.
The wine is $37 available on consignment from Trialto by the case.
Ben Hodson is the “Liquid Art Specialist Ontario” on this wine. Feel free to contact him for more information on how to purchase this yummy wine!
Dark in color with a nose of red berries, dried fruits and oak. On it’s own the tempranillo is deep and rich on the mid pallet with some lovely dryness and a long finish along with some acidity. Dried fruits not to the point of raisiny but similar are dominant. The flavor builds nicely in the mouth as it coats your pallet! With food the wine is much smoother. Still, it’s best to not try this food that’s too mild or you won’t be tasting much of anything of the food! I would give it an 89-90.
From the LCBO web site:
SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2007 VINTAGES 244772 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.00
Wine, Red Wine 14.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: Toro, Spain By: Bodegas Campina
Release Date: Oct 29, 2011
Description
‘Bodegas Sabor Real was created in 2003; most of its Tinta de Toro [aka Tempranillo] vines are 70-100+ years of age.’ (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010). This is a very good partner for your steak and lamb courses.
Tasting Note
The 2007 Vinas Centenarias was aged in French and American oak, some of it new, some for one year. Its nose is a bit more brooding and on the palate it is richer, riper, and a bit more serious. With outstanding concentration, excellent length, and impeccable balance, this awesome value will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2022. Score – 91. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)
A red wine gets it’s color from being in contact with the skins after the grapes are crushed. (Except when the center of the grape is red). By removing the crushed grapes from the skins as quickly as possible. The limitation of this is that a fair amount of the flavor and the tannins come from the skins.
I recently have encountered a number of traditionally red wines that are white. This includes a white Pinot and this white cab.
I recently visited Ridgepoint winery. I had the pleasure of having lunch there. I love their country style Italian kitchen. Reasonably priced yummy foods. Stop by if your in the area!
Ridgepoint are doing some great work on their wines as well. I had the pleasure of chatting with the two owners the Scarsellones as well as the winemaker Arthur Harder during my visit.
On the white side their Riesling has surpassed Cave Springs as my favorite in Niagara. I bought some of this years and look forward to trying a bottle for a future review. On the red side Mauro explained they are working on softening their reds and removing some of the edgey tannic reds of past. Ridgepoint is also making some Nebbiolo a traditional Italian grape used in Barolo and Barbarescos.
Being a unique wine I had no idea what to expect from this one. The wine is pale in color. On the nose it is very reminiscent of a dry Riesling. On the mid pallet the taste matches the nose. It is somewhere between a Riesling and a Gewürztraminer. As the wine warmed up the length of the wine improved. All in all this was an interesting tasting! I would give it an 88 or so.
Copyright John Galea for CanadianWineGuy.com
I stopped by the iYellow Bordeaux after work party at Crush wine bar. This was my second one. I really like the way these events have been laid out. By having them early after work it made it easy to stop by on your way home. They were conveniently located at downtown bars, were inexpensive and a geat opportunity to try out a few wines and mix and mingle. I hope iYellow choose to do them again. Sadly there are no more scheduled at this time.
This particular wine is a Sauv Blanc as is typical of a white Bordeaux. Pale in color with a nose of citrus. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by a tart grapefruit flavor. The wine is medium in length with this tartness gripping the tongue and holding on for a bit. To my tastes this is a rough, poorly made wine that I found fought in the mouth. Not well balanced at all. I would give it maybe an 87. Which for the price is by no means a good deal. If I had any I would take it back. Given the number of terrific Sauv Blanc’s I’ve reviewed here I would definitely recommend you look elsewhere.
Another wine from the Society for American Wines annual cab event. This was my second favorite of the evening. Dark in color with bold nose of red berries coming through. On the mid pallet this wine is big, bold, round, California style cab with lots of red fruits, cherries and the like coming through nicely. On the finish the wine has some lovely smooth tannins that build nicely as you sip. I would give this a solid 90-91. The current offering in the LCBO is $34.95.
I love well aged cabs. They become so smooth, so elegant, a beautiful glass of yummy in a glass! I belong to Society for American Wines and one of the reasons is because their tastings draw from their extensive cellar of aged wines. The Cab event is one of my favorites. Brett (Mr CWG) and I attended together and this wine was by far our favorite of the night. Dark in color with lots of red fruits, cherries and the like on the nose. On the mid pallet you get some lovely deep rich, round cherries, well integrated. They fill the mouth. The wine is smooth on the medium finish with tannins, alcohol and oak all well under control. The years have been very good to this wine. I would give it a solid 91!
From the LCBO web site for this wine but for a different year:
CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 VINTAGES 718452 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 54.95
Wine, Red Wine 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California, USA By: Chateau Montelena
Release Date: Apr 2, 2011
Tasting Note
This is one for the cellar. Firm tannins are wrapped all around the fruit. Leave this in a cellar for 5-10 years (though, it may be enjoyed, decanted, with a rare steak or roast beef). Cedar, blueberry, cassis, pipe tobacco, mineral and dried cherry are the prime aromas here. Dry, tannic, and fairly tight at this stage, with fruit and a mineral tone in behind. Medium-full bodied with a long, firm finish. A promising wine that will deliver great pleasure over years to come. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2011)
The Nebbiolo grape is an Italian grape that is used in making Italy’s famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. In Italian form these wines are big bruisers with lots of super dry pucker power! Problem is Barolo’s can be quite expensive. Barbaresco’s are a good alternative at a lower price point. One of my favorites is CASTELLO DI NEIVE BARBARESCO at $21.80 it is a great wine at a great price. I digress …
I have never been to Alvento winery but encountered them at the Gourmet Food and Wine show. When I saw they had a Nebbiolo I had to try it. I had no idea there was anyone other than Ridgepoint making a Nebbiolo in Niagara. Dark in color with a lovely nose of dark berries. On the mid pallet this wine is brimming with Red berries, and deep rich flavors that fill the mouth. On the finish this wine has the super dry pucker power a Nebbiolo ought to deliver. Lots of firm tannins that build VERY nicely in the mouth. I was HUGELY impressed with this wine. They have recreated the Italian experience very nicely. I had a Barolo and a Barbaresco at the show just before trying this one and it was clear to me how authentic it is! I would even say they have done it better than Ridgepoint. I would give this wine a SOLID 90. Perfect with a steak or any big hearty meal. The 2006 is in the LCBO but the 2007 isn’t. Based on the price difference $21.35 for the 2006 and $34.90 for the 2007 I would say they are having some year to year variability. Not a surprise as they figure out how to grow this grape in our climate. The 2007 for now is only available at the winery or off the website.
I’m thoroughly impressed how people like this are doing incredible pioneering work in Niagra wineries. Taking risks planting unique varietals like this. Hats off to you! I had the pleasure of meeting the wine maker at the show.
I went to the Gourmet Food and Wine show last night! If you’ve not been before, be sure and check it out. You pay $40 to get in, and then pay for sampling tickets. The cost of samples varies depending on what the bottle is worth. It’s a great opportunity to sample a lot of different wines in a short period of time for reasonable money. My GF and I went through about $60 in sampling tickets. Most of which I used 🙂 There is food at the event but we chose to eat first to save our money for the wine! The show is located conveniently in the convention center and the crowds last night were quite manageable. Be sure and take public transit because it is almost impossible to tell how many you have had by the end of the night. Union station is a 15 minute walk which you can do entirely inside. It runs all weekend. Be sure and check it out! Gourmet Food and Wine show
Another reception wine from the Society for American Wine annual cab tasting event. Pale in color with some petrol coming through on the nose. I also got some sulfur but others did not. On the mid pallet this is a slightly sweet varietal Riesling, well made, smooth food friendly wine. The wine was on the lighter side of medium in length. This is not a bad wine, but given how many terrific Rieslings come out of Niagara for less money I’m afraid I would be passing this one over. I would give it an 87-88. Worth around $20, not in the LCBO.
I previously had this one at a Society for American Wines event so when it came upon this recent release I jumped at it. Dark in color with a lovely nose of red berries. On the mid pallet this is a fruit forward traditional California style Cab. Lots of ripe cherries coming through. There are lots of layers to this wine! On the finish this wine has some lovely dryness coupled with some smooth tannins. The wine continues to build in the mouth. I would give this a solid 90. Yum! And to top it off this one is a keeper with 10 years left in it! Woohoo!
From the LCBO web site:
FREI BROTHERS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 VINTAGES 38075 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 23.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: California, USA By: E. & J. Gallo Winery
Release Date: Oct 29, 2011
Tasting Note
Another outstanding effort as well as a sleeper of the vintage is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. Composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the rest Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, it possesses a dense ruby/purple color, deep, medium to full-bodied flavors, lots of black currant, underbrush and loamy soil notes intertwined with a hint of oak, and a robust, extroverted, impressive finish. This wine should drink well for at least a decade. Score – 90. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011
Another reception wine from the Society for American Wine annual cab tasting event. Golden in color with some nice vanilla coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet the vanilla and oak are there with some tart green apple flavors. The wine is quite light on the finish with not a lot going on. This is a light summer sipper for sure. I would give it an 87-88. Not available at the LCBO, $20 or so …
We had this as a reception wine at the Society for American Wine annual cab tasting event. Brett and I attended this one together. This wine is quite golden in color with a mild nose with some citrus and minerality coming through. On the mid pallet this wine is dominated by some strong acidity, tart grapefruit flavors that grip the tongue. The acidity over powers an underlying fruity chard that displays some toasty notes. The wine is medium in length again dominated by acidity. The wine improved as it warmed up, it was served way too cold. I find a number of chards really don’t do well when they are served too cold. I would give this wine an 87 or so. This wine is about $20, but for my money there are much better chards out there. I also don’t think this would be a very food friendly wine. Too tart. A better chard to my tastes for example, from Niagara the Inniskillin Three Vineyards Chard has become one of my regular wines. Goes amazingly with scallops!
