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This red wine is from the March 16th Vintages release and was gifted to me. It was opened on the weekend, knowing that my afternoon guest would surely enjoy this - and he did! I've had mixed emotions with Pinot in the recent past, and this is the first Chilean Pinot I've tasted in a while (perhaps since last year's Wines of Chile event) and I was pleasantly delighted with this one. I believe the price has come down on this wine since I last checked, and there are a few bottles remaining, if you are inclined.
KINGSTON FAMILY VINEYARDS TOBIANO PINOT NOIR 2009 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#313148) (D) - $19.75
Tasting Note:
Red berry and oak aromas from the cork. Medium-high intense aromas of earthiness, beetroot, strawberry, and hints of red fruit. Palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Quite easy drinking with nice aroma replays and a medium-length finish that is a touch spicy. In terms of palate, this is what I currently enjoy in Pinot. Chill slightly. This one is a crowd pleaser that has the stuffing to be served with lamb. Score: 87 pts
I attended an exclusive tasting with Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle at the Trialto Wine Group's office in downtown Toronto. Charles represents the 7th generation of the Marnier-Lapostolle winemaking family and was recently named Chief Executive Officer of the company's Chilean arm.
Lapostolle was founded in 1994 by Charles' parents Alexandra Marnier and Cyril de Bournet. Alexandra Marnier is the great grand-daughter of the creator of the famous brandy liqueur - Grand Marnier. They chose to expand their wine production to Chile because it was (and still is) free of phylloxera. A major reason why Chile is free of this disease is because its longitudinal borders - the Andes Mountains to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West - help to naturally protect the vines from this grape-killing disease.
Lapostolle's first ever wine was the 1994 Sauvignon Blanc. I tasted their latest iteration (the 2012) on this evening and compared it with a Sauvignon Blanc from Lapostolle's French arm - Château de Sancerre in the Loire Valley. Tasting notes for these two wines, along with the other 4 wines I tasted are below.
My favourite wine of the evening was the Carmenère, for which Chile is famously known for, and I personally love. This varietal's leaves turn red first, before all other grapes. The shade of red is called "Carmin". It is from this interesting fact that the grape gets its name - Carmenère.
The winery is very much devoted to help protecting our environment. 100% of their vineyards certified organic. All of their vineyards are also certified biodynamic, creating self-sustainable eco-systems. One of the ways they help protect the environment is by using the cool-maceration process. Grapes are picked at night when it's cooler (who wants to pick grapes during the hot, Chilean day?) so the freshness of the flavours are captured. This also eliminates the need to machine-cool the grapes.
It was a pleasure to meet Charles, he is very knowledgeable and passionate about wine. I am sure he could talk about wine for hours (in a good way). I look forward to seeing him again and visit Lapostolle's estate when I visit Chile. Perhaps I'll even get the chance to pick some grapes. =)
Tasting Notes: CASA LAPOSTOLLE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 - Rapel Valley, Chile (#321554) (XD) - $14.95
From the LCBO General List and always available, the 2012 version has herbaceous, citrus, lemon rind, butter aromas of medium intensity. Palate is medium-bodied and extra dry with unexpected pear and butter notes. Nice acidity with a lingering finish that shows hints of spice. Also contains 8% Semillón and 2% Sauvignon Gris. Easy drinking and food friendly. Score: 88 pts
CHÂTEAU DE SANCERRE BLANC 2011 - Loire, France (#340893) (XD) - $25.95
100% Sauvignon Blanc. This version from Loire has aromas of fresh tropical fruits and herbal/green notes. Light-bodied with crisp acidity, flavour profile consists of herbal, mineral, and slate. Zippy acidity goes into high gear mid-palate, but tapers quickly thereafter. Length finish and highly recommended to serve with food. Score: 89 pts
CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CHARDONNAY 2011 - Atalayas Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile (#947937) (D) - $20.75
Made with organic grapes, quite aromatic with smooth and pleasing butter, apple and pear. Creamy and oily on the medium-full bodied frame, and lovely aroma replays. Balanced, long finish. Good acidity for pairing with food. Very nice! Score: 90 pts
CASA LAPOSTOLLE CASA GRAND SELECTION CARMENÈRE 2011 - Rapel Valley, Chile (#168740) (XD) - $15.95
Blended with 6% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Lovely red & black fruits, meaty, earthy and wood aromatics. Full-bodied with nice aroma replays. Mouth-watering acidity and a long, smooth finish. Shows great balance with nicely integrated tannins. Could be aged 2 years, but is definitely (very) enjoyable now! Amazing that this is part of the LCBO General List. My favourite of the tasting. Highly recommended. Score: 90 pts
CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE MERLOT 2011 - Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#459206) (XD) ~ $35
Made with organic grapes and also contains 15% Syrah. Aromas of black fruits, planked wood and meaty notes. Full-bodied with crushed black fruits and cherry flavours, with hints of mint and cedar. Big tannins are integrating nicely. Well-balanced overall with mouth-watering acidity. Subtle hints of spice on the medium-length finish. Still a bit young, I would give this another year or two in cellar. Expect this red wine to be in Vintages in the Fall. Score: 90 pts
CASA LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#947929) (XD) ~ $25
Made with organic grapes and is blended with 7% Cab Franc and 5% Syrah. Low-to-medium intensity aromas of cassis, red fruits and oak aromas. Full-bodied with chalky tannins that are integrating nicely. Cedar, black fruit, cassis and sour cherry on the palate. Mouth-watering acidity and a smooth, lengthy finish. Expected in Vintages this Fall. Score: 90 pts
This very nice Syrah from Chile was purchased from the Vintages Release and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. If you're interested, this red wine is still available in the Vintages section at the LCBO.
Tasting Note:
Intense aromas of blueberry, raspberry, vanilla and hints of coffee. Medium-bodied and fruit forward with peppercorn leading to long, smooth finish. Quite well-balanced with refined tannins. Tasty!
The next Vintages wine release will be in LCBO outlets across Ontario on . The main feature in this release is on five impressive artisanal wineries from Australia. Four of these wineries have wines among my picks in this release.
Australia is known for its Shiraz. But these four wines show that they are more than capable of producing outstanding wines using other varietals. In white wine, there is a delicious Chardonnay from Yabby Lake in the Mornington Peninsula. In reds, we have a Cabernet Sauvignon from Fraser Gallop in Margaret River, and a Pinot Noir from Oakridge in Yarra Valley. We also have a red blend from Spinifex in Barossa that consists of old vine Grenache, Cinsault and Mataró (a.k.a. Monastrell/Mourvèdre). All four wines will provide pleasure over at least the next 5 years, but I wish none of these start at $29.95.
The secondary feature in this release is on wines from some of Chile's finest vineyards. From Chile's most northern wine region, we have a fabulous Syrah from the Elquí Valley - it's also my top value red from the entire release. There are also two whites worth consideration - a Sauvignon Blanc from the Garuma Vineyard in Leyda Valley, and a Chardonnay from the Atalayas Vineyard in Casablanca Valley.
Among the rest of my wine picks, the Sasso Al Poggio is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet, and 20% Merlot. The Guardian Peak is also a red blend, consisting of 60% Syrah, 31% Mourvèdre, and 9% Grenache. The Barolo from Piedmont is 100% Nebbiolo. One final note - don't miss the gorgeous Reif Vidal Icewine! Enjoy my picks for this week!
CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA CARMENÈRE 2010 - Peumo Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile (#169862) (XD) - $17.00
Tasting Note:
Plum and cherry cola nose from the cork. Alluring spice box and cherry aromas from the glass. Medium-bodied with savoury black cherry and dark red fruits on the palate. Very light tannins are backed by mouth-watering good acidity. Short finish is a touch hot. Could cellar for 2 years, but definitely enjoyable now. Tip: Serve this straight out of the cellar or even chill for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. Will pair well with the homemade pizza we're having tonight.
Opened tonight is the first of two wines that I have in my cellar from Maycas del Limarí, a brand of wine produced by Concha Y Toro. This white wine was purchased from the June 9 VINTAGES wine release, where Chilean wine was the major theme.
MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY 2010 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#162040) (XD) - $19.95
Tasting Note:
Citrus, apple and pear aromas from the cork. Toasty apple, buttered popcorn and pear aromas from the glass. On the palate, the bright acidity jumps at you, followed by layers of apple, pear, and spice. Medium-full bodied with a long finish. Extra dry. Will be enjoying this tonight with chicken biryani.
The next VINTAGES Wine Release will be in LCBO outlets across Ontario on . The major feature in this release is on food-friendly Chilean wines - and there are some good values to be had.
We've got two wines from Concha y Toro's "Maycas del Limarí" label. Their Reserva Especial Syrah and Chardonnay are both very good. Chile is known for it's Carmenère and is one of my favourite varietals; if you've never tried this grape, the Mayu Reserva is a good place to start.
The 1st of two secondary features in this release focuses on wines from the South of France. In general, I have found that this region in France offers the best value wines in the country. Among these wines, the Syrah/Carignan/Grenache blend from Mont Tauch made my picks. The 2nd minor feature in this release is all about Father's Day. From this section, the Barolo from Marziano Abbona is a heavy-hitter and would make an excellent cellaring candidate.
A couple of wines that struck me, but aren't listed below, are worth a look if you want to try something a bit different. Firstly, the Domaine Boyar Royal Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (#259747, $13.95) is a nice introduction to wines from Bulgaria. The second wine is an unusual Italian red that tastes like a Gewürztraminer - the Ramosceto Lacrima di Morro d'Alba 2010 from Marche (#277889, $14.95).
Enjoy my picks for this week! Let me know if you try any of these. Cheers!
Red Wine:
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#269357) (XD) - $19.95
MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL SYRAH 2008 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#269423) (XD) - $19.95
MAYU RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2009 - Elqui Valley, Chile (#090035) (XD) - $17.95
Tonight's red wine was purchased from the October 29 Vintages release and opened tonight with the idea that it would still evolve and taste pretty good on the second day. Why the second day? Because the food pairing on Sunday night will match better than what's on the menu tonight, coupled with the fact that I haven't had a sip of wine since Tuesday. :)
CONCHA Y TORO WINEMAKER’S LOT 54 SYRAH 2008 - Los Brujos Vineyard, San Javier Valley, Maule Valley, Chile (#227496) (XD) - $16.95
Tasting Note:
Aromas of mulberry and black pepper from cork. Ripe blackberry, pepper, earth, bacon and touch of mocha aromas in the glass. Mulberry, ripe red fruits on the palate. Full-bodied. Alcohol comes to fore at mid-palate of long finish. Ripe tannins. Will reward ageing another 2-3 years, but definitely enjoyable now.
It's chicken fajita night. To celebrate, I turned to one of my favourite grapes: Carmenère. This little-known varietal is making its trademark in Chile and gaining popularity. Purchased in August, 2009 from the "Chile's Brilliant Showstoppers" release, it needed to be aged to soften the tannins and is now ready for primetime.
CONCHA Y TORO WINEMAKER'S LOT 148 CARMENÈRE 2007 - Las Pataguas Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile (#030957) (XD) - $16.95
Tasting Note:
Cork smells of plums, dark fruit and hints of raisin. Inky, smoky, chocolate, cassis, pomegranate and hints of mocha aromas from the glass. Cassis, herbal, white pepper, mocha, milk chocolate notes on the palate. Full bodied red with ripe tannins. Could be aged another 1-2 years, but can be savoured today. Recommended.
SOL DE ANDES RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2009 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#254334) (XD) - $13.95
Tasting Note:
Cork smells of gorgeous guava, pineapple, and tropical fruit aromas. More guava and tropical fruit waft from the glass. Very aromatic. Buttered popcorn, pear on the palate. Nice structure. Full-bodied white. If you like Chardonnays, this is definitely one to try! Will be enjoying this with homemade veggie pizza. Yum!
Tasting Note:
Cork smells of fresh berries. Cassis, raspberry, dark fruit, finishing with earthy/forest aromas. Offers berries, tar, oak and touch of mocha on the palate. Tannins could use more time to develop. Full bodied with a long finish. Overall, this wine that provides good value at $13.95, but could use another 1-3 years in cellar to mature further. An aerator or decanter would also benefit. Will be enjoying this with dal dhokli.
TIERRA ALTA RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2007 - Maule Valley, Chile (#236067) (XD) - $13.95
Tasting Note:
Lovely blackberry, mocha, wet earth, flower aromas. Palate has ripe fruit with raspberry at the fore. Dry with a touch of tannin. Medium-bodied. Will pair nicely with the spicy, creamy chicken dish that I will be enjoying tonight.
I'm a big fan of Chilean wines, so tonight's wine is an Organic version from Nativa. Purchased only last month as part of the April 30th Vintages Release.
NATIVA SINGLE VINEYARD GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Organically Grown, Maipo Valley, Chile (#975359) - $19.95
Tasting Note:
Gorgeous herbs (eucalyptus), pepper/spice, earth aromas. Raspberry, blackberry, herbal, cocoa/coffee flavours. Prevalent tannins would reward some years in cellar. Oak lays in (far) background. Dry. Medium-full bodied. Very nicely made for an organic wine. Recommended. Will be having this with Cajun Chicken Sliders and Fries.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Tasting Note:
