2008 Bordeaux + Pinots + New Zealand: September 17 Vintages Release

The next LCBO Vintages Release on September 17 doesn't appear to be your typical release because it focuses on 2 rather unique, and interesting subjects - the sleeper 2008 Bordeaux Vintage, and comparing Pinot Noirs from Oregon & Burgundy. The 3rd highlight in this release are high-scoring (but very pricey) wines from New Zealand.

Among the 2008 Bordeaux's, only one made my list - the Vintages "Wine of the Month" Fayan (#243295). I'm a big fan of good Pinot Noirs - most people love this grape or hate it. Which side of the fence are you on? The Red Shot Lane from Willamette looks very intriguing and is a must buy for any Pinot lovers.

The rest of my selections from this release all look very good, included among them is a rare Pinot Gris from B.C. Also noticeable is the absence of any Ontario wines this week, as they had their own "Special Edition" Release last weekend. Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• RED SHOT LANE PINOT NOIR 2009 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#242560) (XD) - $18.95
• EMILIANA WINEMAKER’S SELECTION SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2007 - Los Robles, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#243394) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU FAYAN 2008 - AC Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#243295) (XD) - $18.95
• VIÑA COBOS FELINO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Mendoza, Argentina (#132365) (XD) - $19.95
• JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ 2009 - Padthaway, South Australia, Australia (#673897) (D) - $16.95

White Wine:

• GEHRINGER BROTHERS PRIVATE RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2009 - VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#347203) (XD) - $17.95
• JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#224626) (D) - $16.95

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2008 Château la Verriere (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

CHÂTEAU LA VERRIÈRE 2008 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#199000) - $14.95

Tasting Note:

Cork was a bit dried out, even though it was purchased only in April 2011. Nevertheless, it did taste/smell like very delicious dark chocolate. Gold medal winner in 2010. Aromas of cherries, herbs, smoked wood aromas. On the palate - lots of lilac/violet flavours, plus some toasty smoked oak. Medium-full bodied with lovely, rich tannins. Long finishing fruit. Could have been held for another year, but definitely ready to drink now. Having this with cheese strings right now. ;)

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2008 Chateau d'Argan AC Medoc: Review

Opened this Bronze Medal winner on Saturday evening:

CHÂTEAU D'ARGAN 2008 - AC Medoc, Bordeaux, France (#199018) - $16.95

Tasting Note:

Cassis, blackberry and black cherry notes. Some fine tannins remain, could have been aged for 1-2 years, but definitely enjoyable now. Dry, medium-bodied. Very good!

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Review: Château la Chèze 2005, Bordeaux, France

Choice for tonight was a 2005 Bordeaux.

CHÂTEAU LA CHÈZE 2005 - AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, France (#191007) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Blackberry, currant, earth aromas and flavours. Spicy palate at mid-length. Medium-long finish. Still tannic and very chalky. Probably could have used another year or two in bottle for tannins to settle. It paired nicely with chicken and lamb meatballs.

Bordeaux

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