31 Days of German Riesling: Media Wine Tasting + Contest

On Monday, July 13th, I was thrilled to attend a media exclusive tasting at the iYellow Wine Cave to celebrate The 31 Days of German Riesling.

In all there were 8 German Rieslings available for tasting, including a Sparkling Riesling. There were also wines made from Rivaner, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and a pair of Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) wines. All of the wines were from Germany.

Personally, I'm a big fan of German Riesling and prefer the sweeter versions over dry Riesling. Furthermore, the quality of German Riesling with it's brilliant acidity makes it favourable for pairing with meals. Excellent German Riesling also tends be available at very good price points that are approachable for even the casual wine drinker. For fans of sweet wine, German Riesling is one of the first places you should look to when adding wines to your cellar, or if you're looking to sip on something mid-week or on a Saturday night.

Below you will find wine reviews of 6 of the wines I tasted and enjoyed at The Cave. The first two wines are readily available at the LCBO, while the other four wines were previously featured in VINTAGES and are either sold out or almost sold out (click on the product code below to find stock levels at your local store). Furthermore, nearly all of the wines I tasted will be poured at iYellow's Riesling Wine School on Wednesday night.

As part of Canada-wide celebrations running through July and August, there is also a fantastic contest to win a trip to Berlin, Germany.

If you're drinking any German wine or German Riesling over the next couple of months, be sure to use the official hashtags #SipGermany or #31DaysOfRiesling, or leave a comment in this post. I want to hear what you think about German wines.

Tasting Notes:

RE-THINK DRY RIESLING 2012 - Mosel, Germany (#394361) (D) - $12.80 $11.30 until July 19
Impressive medium-to-high aromatics featuring petrol, mineral aromas along with hints of tropical fruit and pineapple. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acids with flinty, orange citrus and tart lime flavours. Off-dry (slightly sweet) in style. The finish is medium-long and a touch hot. Score: 87 pts

VILLA WOLF RIESLING 2013 - Pfalz, Germany (#394023) (M) - $14.95
Focused, medium-high aromas showing elegant sweet lime, mineral, pink grapefruit notes. On the palate, it's medium+ bodied with lovely floral, lemon, and mineral flavours in a medium sweet profile. Racy acids give way to long, smooth finish. Elegant and classy. Score: 89 pts

BOLLIG-LEHNERT PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011 - Mosel, Germany (#284422) (S) - $17.75
Highly aromatic nose, elegant with petrol, citrus orange and hints of white peach, apricot, pink grapefruit and honey all make an appearance. It's medium-bodied with very nice, sweet aroma replays. Crisp, balanced acids and excellent length on the finish. Will continue to age gracefully over the next 8-10 years, but why wait? Score: 91 pts

WEGELER RÜDESHEIMER BERG SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING KABINETT 2012 - Rheingau, Germany (#378083) (M) - $25.95
Highly aromatic with elegant petrol, orange, and citrus nose. Medium+ bodied. Medium (sweet) aroma replays are nicely balanced on the palate by the bright, crisp acidity. Very long, minerally finish. Drink over the next 7 years. Score: 91+ pts

BECK HEDESHEIMER HOF GRAUER BURGUNDER KABINETT TROCKEN 2012 - Rheinhessen, Germany (#378349) (D) - $19.95
This Pinot Gris has complex medium intensity aromas of herbaceous, stone fruit, fennel and lime. Floral, herbal and hints of fruits on the medium-bodied palate. Just off-dry (slight sweet) with fine, beady acids. Long, crisp and minerally finish. Well done! Score: 90 pts

HEINRICH VOLLMER ALTUM SPÄTBURGUNDER 2008 - Pfalz, Germany (#375279) (D) - $21.95
This mature Pinot Noir has medium-high balanced rustic aromas of cherry, oak spices and light hints of earthy-smokiness. On the palate, it's medium-weighted dried cherry, black cherry and integrated oak flavours. It has dusty tannins, very good acids and a lengthy finish. Score: 89 pts

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Reichsgraf von Kesselstat Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Kabinett 2006 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Opened up this beautiful white wine last night. It was purchased from a VINTAGES release last August. For sweet wine lovers, stay tuned for future vintages as this is a consistently great wine!

REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTAT KASELER NIES'CHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2006 - Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany (#940809) (M) - $19.95

Tasting Note:

Orange citrus and peach aromas from the cork. Highly aromatic petrol, orange, candied ginger, white peach and a touch of honey. Medium+ bodied and medium sweet with very nice aroma replays. Impresses with bright, vibrant acids at 9 years old and balances the sweetness very well. Excellent length on the finish. Will continue to drink well over the next 5-8 years. Score: 91 pts

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May 2 LCBO Wine Picks: New Zealand + Germany + Rosés

The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves across Ontario on Saturday, May 2, 2015. With warm weather approaching in the coming weeks (days?), this release focuses on wines from two countries - New Zealand and Germany - that are primarily known for their white wines and make excellent warm weather sippers. Also in the release is a feature on rosé wines - another fine category of wines for warm-weather sipping.

Of the 11 wines featured as part of the feature on New Zealand, three made my list of wine picks. New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blanc. The Savvy from Sugar Loaf Wines, being from Marlborough, is on the tropical fruit side of the spectrum. New Zealand's take on Pinot Gris tends to lean towards to the robust, sweeter versions found in Alsace, such as the version from Waimea Estates that's found in this release. Also from Waimea Estates is a just off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Riesling that hails from Nelson on the South Island. Lastly, placed near the back of the magazine as part of the Flagship Store Exclusive is a stunning Pinot Noir from Dog Point Vineyard.

The feature on German wines is titled "Next-Generation Germany" and focuses on 8 winemakers who are making waves within the German wine world and abroad. Seven of the eight wines featured are included among my wine recommendations, with wines ranging from bone-dry to medium-sweet, and include grapes (styles) such as Pinot Blanc (Trocken/dry), Pinot Gris, Riesling, Riesling (Kabinett), and Gewürztraminer (Spätlese/late harvest.)

The rosé feature had 10 wines listed, three of which are included below. All three wines are dry in style (i.e. not sweet) - my preferred style of rosé. The version from Torres is a blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) and Cariñena (a.k.a. Carignan.) Meanwhile, the two rosés from Rhône both contain Grenache and Syrah, while the Mas des Bressades adds some Cinsault.

From the rest of the release, there is a trifecta of Spanish wines worth your attention. The Costaño is made with 70% Monastrell, 15% Garnacha Tintorera, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the mature 2005 Hacienda Lopez de Haro is a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Lastly, the 2005 Marqués de Cáceres is a blend of mostly Tempranillo, with small amounts of Grenache and Graciano added. More Grenache (75%) is found in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, along with 11% Mourvèdre, 11% Syrah and 3 other grapes making up the final blend.

Last, but definitely not least, is a dessert wine from Austria that's made using botrytis-affected grapes and blended as 41% Sämling (Scheurebe), 24% Muscat Ottonel, 22% Chardonnay and 13% Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc.)

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!


Red Wine:

• CASTAÑO SOLANERA VIÑAS VIEJAS 2012 - DO Yecla, Spain (#276162) (D) - $16.95
• GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC SYRAH/GRENACHE 2011 - AP, Midi, France (#413237) (XD) - $17.00
• HACIENDA LOPEZ DE HARO RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#357335) (XD) - $18.95
• TERRA NOBLE GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2011 - Maule Valley, Chile (#957050) (XD) - $18.95
• TRIVENTO GOLDEN RESERVE MALBEC 2012 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#588731) (XD) - $19.95
• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#976670) (XD) - $29.95
• BACHELDER LOWREY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2012 - VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#361816) (XD) - $44.95  Flagship Store Exclusive  reviewed here
• BOSQUET DES PAPES CUVÉE TRADITION CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#726687) (D) - $49.95
• DOG POINT PINOT NOIR 2012 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#329672) (XD) - $49.95  Flagship Store Exclusive

White Wine:

• SANDER PINOT BLANC TROCKEN 2013 - Qualitätswein, Pfalz, Germany (#413930) (D) - $15.95
• RUPPERTSBERGER LINSENBUSCH GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2014 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#320473) (MS) - $17.95  reviewed here
• WAIMEA PINOT GRIS 2014 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#408682) (D) - $18.95  reviewed here
• WAIMEA CLASSIC RIESLING 2014 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#408666) (D) - $18.95  reviewed here
• SUGAR LOAF SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#410001) (XD) - $19.95
• KLUMPP RIESLING 2013 - Qualitätswein, Baden, Germany (#409748) (D) - $19.95
• MARKUS MOLITOR HAUS KLOSTERBERG RIESLING 2013 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#409698) (D) - $20.95  reviewed here
• SALWEY PINOT GRIS 2013 - Qualitätswein, Baden, Germany (#409912) (XD) - $21.95
• FRIEDRICH-WILHELM-GYMNASIUM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT 2012 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#411249) (MS) - $22.95
• C.H. BERRES ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2012 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#207274) (MS) - $24.95  reviewed here
• PHILIPPE COLIN CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET LES CHAUMÉES 1ER CRU 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#299933) (XD) - $87.95  Flagship Store Exclusive

Rosé Wine:

• TORRES SANGRE DE TORO ROSÉ 2014 - DO Catalunya, Spain (#233437) (XD) - $13.95
• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ 2014 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#950576) (XD) - $15.95
• BROTTE LES EGLANTIERS TAVEL 2014 - AC, Rhône, France (#654970) (XD) - $19.95

Sparkling Wine:

• LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#401018) (XD) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• LENZ MOSER PRESTIGE TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE 2012 - Prädikatswein, Burgenland, Austria (#729657) (S) (375 mL) - $20.95

The rest of the wines from this release are here.

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Wine Review - Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling 2012 (Mosel)

Opened this delicious, sweet-flavoured white wine Sunday night. It was purchased last summer from the July 19th LCBO VINTAGES release with the intention of opening it for guests during my daughter's 1st birthday party. Unfortunately, I never got around to opening it that day.

DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER RIESLING 2012 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#596601) (M) - $13.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Medium+ intensity aromas featuring nectarine, petrol, limestone mineral, citrus and hints of lemon and smoke. On the palate, it's mid-weighted with crisp acids and medium-dry sweet flavours of stone fruit, lemon/lime, and minerals. Slightly chalky on the mid-palate. Interesting stone flavours on the crisp, lengthy finish. Yummy. Paired really well with Masala Fried Chicken. Score: 88+ pts

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Hoffmann-Simon Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Spätlese 2011 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was purchased back in 2012 from the September 29 LCBO VINTAGES release and opened tonight to celebrate our 7th Wedding Anniversary. Not surprisingly, this excellent white wine is no longer available, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a future vintage re-appear on our shelves.

HOFFMANN-SIMON PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#216499) (MS) - $21.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Elegantly perfumed nose of florals, orange peel, peach, nectarine, and hints of ginger and plum. Palate is lean with a fine seam of acidity that dances across your tongue. Balanced, medium-sweet orange, peach, nectarine, and honey flavour profile with a nice mineral streak running throughout. Slightly chalky texture on the mid-palate that continues on to the very long finish. Only 9% alc./vol. Superb. Highly recommended. Will be enjoyed with homemade Chicken Lasagne. Score: 91 pts

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Wine Reviews - August 16th Birthday Party

Here are wine reviews of some of the wines we enjoyed yesterday at my 1-year-old daughter's 1st birthday party. The big winners among guests were definitely the Minervois and the Crianza as I received lots of positive comments about both of those red wines.

Tasting Notes:
KÖNIGSCHAFFHAUSER VULKANFELSEN PINOT NOIR ROSÉ TROCKEN 2013 - Qualitätswein, Baden, Germany (#168237) (D) - $13.95
From the June 7 Vintages release and quite a few remain in stock depending on which LCBO is nearest to you. Fresh aromas of medium+ intensity with a nose of strawberry, rose, cherry and grapefruit. It's light-to-medium bodied and off-dry on the palate with more grapefruit, cherry and hints of honey flavours. Very fresh mouthfeel with zippy, refreshing acids. Good length on the finish. Score: 88 pts

ERRÁZURIZ MAX RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#273342) (XD) - $15.95
First tasted at the Errázuriz winemaker tasting last September. Highly aromatic gooseberry, cat pee, and herbal aromas from the glass. Light-to-medium bodied on the palate along with a slightly creamy texture. Balanced aroma replays, plus green pepper, lime peel notes on the palate. Has lively acidity and a lengthy finish. Classic Sauvignon Blanc. LCBO General List and on sale at select LCBO outlets. Score: 89 pts

VINELAND ESTATES SEMI-DRY RIESLING 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#232033) (D) - $13.95
LCBO General List product. Medium-high aromas that show lemon, pear, tropical fruit and hint of petrol. Slight spritz on the off-dry palate with lively acids, lemon, mineral, and touch of honeyed fruit flavours. Finish is lengthy, with sweetness tapering off to a dry finish. Even though designated as "semi-dry", was not as sweet as I expected. Score: 88+ pts

CHÂTEAU DE GOURGAZAUD CUVÉE MATHILDE MINERVOIS 2011 - AC, Midi, France (#958629) (XD) - $14.95
From this weekend's Vintages release. Blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Medium+ aroma intensity with blackberry, blackcherry and hints of violet. On the palate, it's medium-full bodied with round tannins that are nicely integrated. Pleasing aroma replays, along with black pepper and red cherry notes. Acids are well-balanced. Finish is long and smooth. Score: 88 pts

ABAD DOM BUENO CRIANZA 2006 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#244699) (XD) - $14.95
From the July 19 Vintages release and virtually sold out. Made using the Mencía grape and highly fragrant with sinewy black fruits, violets, smoky oak and hint of barnyard from the glass. On the palate, it's full-bodied with very nice aroma replays, earthy and elegant oak spice. Big, smooth tannins are still full and integrating nicely. Very good acids and length. Ageing gracefully at 8 years old, will reward further 4-5 years in cellar. Expect some sediment. Reminds me of a Brunello. Amazing value. Score: 90 pts

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May 10 Wine Picks: Twin Peaks + Germany + Rosé

The next LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves across Ontario this Saturday, May 10th. There are 3 themes in this release, with the major theme focusing on wines from the Twin Peaks of South America - Chile and Argentina.

Chile is known for it's Carmenère, and is increasingly mastering other French varietals. Thus, it's no surprise that of the 7 Chilean wines featured in this release, three made my list of wine picks and include a Carmenère, an (oaked) Chardonnay, and a red blend (74% Syrah, 14% Merlot and 12% Cab Sauv) from Tabalí. The other half of the "Twin Peaks" release features 7 wines from Argentina, but just one made my list - a Malbec/Cab Sauv/Cab Franc blend from Ojo de Agua.

Another 7 wines represent the second feature in this release - wines from Germany. Those who prefer sweeter wines will want to pick up Max Ferdinand Richter's Riesling Kabinett. This Mosel winery was founded in 1680 and has continued to be owned and operated by the same family, now into its 10th generation. There may be another Riesling worth your attention, but I am awaiting a price confirmation before I recommend it, as there appears to be either a misprint or a huge price jump from prior vintages. Stay tuned.

And last, but definitely not least, there are a dozen Rosés to (finally!) welcome Spring. These dozen wines come from all parts of the globe and vary in sweetness from dry (not sweet) to medium (mid-sweet). The 5 that I've recommended are all dry, from the 2013 vintage, and from the southern part of France. Nearly all are returnees to Vintages. From Rhône, the Mas des Bressades is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, while the Tavel is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvèdre. From Languedoc is a Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah-blend Rosé that is capped with a glass stopper and comes in an eye-catching bottle that could potentially be held as a keep-sake. Lastly, the Château la Tour de l'Évêque is an organic wine consisting of 64% Grenache, 29% Cinsault, 4% Syrah, 2% Rolle and 1% Sémillon.

From the rest of the release, the Valdemar is 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 10% Maturana, while the Bordón is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo (Carignan). And finally, if you've never tasted a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, there is a very good version from Famille Perrin that's in a half-size bottle and makes the price-point for this Grenache/Mourvèdre/Syrah wine very approachable.

Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!


Red Wine:

• VALDEMAR INSPIRACIÓN SELECCIÓN 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#166512) (XD) - $17.00
• OSCAR’S ESTATE VINEYARD SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#287961) (D) - $17.95
• VALLE SECRETO FIRST EDITION CARMENÈRE 2011 - Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#371153) (XD) - $18.95
• D’ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2009 - DOC, Basilicata, Italy (#971689) (XD) - $18.95
• RIOJA BORDÓN RESERVA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#194753) (XD) - $19.95
• FAMILLE PERRIN LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011 - AC, Rhone, France (#005975) (XD) - (375 mL) $19.95
• OJO DE AGUA CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 2011 - Mendoza, Argentina (#359141) (XD) - $20.95
• TABALÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL 2009 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#107540) (XD) - $22.95
• MASI SEREGO ALIGHIERI VAIO ARMARON AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2006 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#462812) (XD) - $69.95

White Wine:

• FEATHERSTONE BLACK SHEEP RIESLING 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#080234) (M) - $16.95
• THE NED PINOT GRIS 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#267138) (XD) - $16.95  reviewed here
• PAUL MAS NICOLE VINEYARD VIOGNIER 2012 - Pays d’Oc IGP, Midi, France (#370098) (XD) - $17.95
• MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY 2010 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#162040) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• MAX FERD. RICHTER WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING KABINETT 2007 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#998120) (M) - $20.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $23.95
• FLAT ROCK THE RUSTY SHED CHARDONNAY 2011 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#001552) (XD) - $24.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION SYRAH ROSÉ 2013 - AC Luberon, Rhône, France (#707281) (XD) - $15.95
• MAS DES BRESSADES CUVÉE TRADITION ROSÉ 2013 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#950576) (XD) - $15.95
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L’ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2013 - Hand harvested, AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $18.95
• FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL ROSÉ 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#680801) (XD) - $19.95
• GÉRARD BERTRAND CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ 2013 - AP Languedoc, Midi, France (#373985) (XD) - $19.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg Riesling Spätlese 2011 (Mosel) - Wine Review

This is the final wine in my German wine tasting series (links to all previous wines are provided at the bottom of this post).

There isn't much I can say to tie this white wine from Germany to today's Superbowl. However, it is low in alcohol with only 8.5% abv, so this could be suitable for serving early in the day or at very long gatherings. Also, the naturally high acidity in (German) Rieslings makes it favourable for pairing with all sorts of snacks and meals. Tonight, it was enjoyed with homemade chicken enchiladas.

This white wine was released in Vintages last June and was the only German wine featured in the entire release. It is still quite readily available at the LCBO, especially if you live in Oakville.

DR. PAULY-BERGWEILER BERNKASTELER ALTE BADSTUBE AM DOCTORBERG RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#140764) (MS) - $24.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Elegant aromas of mineral, rose petals, beeswax and hint of petrol. Full-bodied, round and full-flavoured in the mouth with apricot, peach, mango, orange zest flavours, and a slight spritz. Medium-sweet with lively, mouth-watering acidity. Notes of wet rocks and hints of honey on a lingering finish. Yum! It helped tone down the heat and paired well with the chicken enchiladas. Score: 90 pts

Part 4: Heitlinger Mellow Silk Pinot Noir 2011 (Baden)
Part 3: Henkell Trocken Dry-Sec Piccolo and Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2012
Part 2: Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling Winter Scene 2012
Part 1: Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Spätlese Late Harvest 2012 (Rheinhessen)

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Heitlinger Mellow Silk Pinot Noir 2011 (Baden) - Wine Review

Continuing with my German wines tasting, the next wine on the list is this Pinot Noir. This grape is the most widely planted red grape in Germany, and the third most widely planted overall - behind Riesling and not far behind Rivaner.

I opened this red wine Sunday night and paired it with oven-roasted chicken. This wine was part of the last year's October 12 Vintages release and is still available at the LCBO.

HEITLINGER MELLOW SILK PINOT NOIR 2011 - Qualitätswein, Baden, Germany (#344697) (XD) - $16.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Low to medium nose that features smoke, pepper, earth, and mushroom aromas. Light-bodied with delicate, yet firm tannins. It's dry with pepper, tomato leaf, herbal, earth and hints of mushroom and strawberry on the palate. Tannins a bit chalky at mid-palate and some heat on the medium-long finish. Chill slightly. Paired well with oven-roasted chicken that was seasoned in Mrs. Dash Chili Seasoning. Score: 87 pts

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German Wines - Part 3

Here are two more wines I received courtesy of Wines of Germany Canada. The first two wines were reviewed here and here.

The first wine reviewed below is a Sparkling Wine in the 200 mL size, which is (likely) available in packs of 3 at the LCBO. It's on the sweet side and makes a good alternative for those who like Moscato d'Asti. The second wine reviewed in this post is a medium (in sweetness) Riesling. Both of these wines are easy drinking wines that are suitable for gatherings where your guests enjoy sweeter wines.

HENKELL TROCKEN DRY-SEC PICCOLO - Baden, Germany (#009118) (MD) (200 mL) - $11.45

Tasting Note:
Comes in pack of 3. Screw cap on this 200 mL bottle. Medium-high intensity aromas of apple, floral and hints of barnyard from the glass. Good, crisp bubbles and fresh acidity. Palate is quite sweet with lemon/lime, citrus and honeydew. Fairly light-weight and finishing short-medium in length. For a Trocken Dry-Sec, it's quite sweet. Score: 83 pts


DEINHARD GREEN LABEL RIESLING 2012 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#008094) (M) - $11.95

Tasting Note:

Screw cap. This white wine has muted aromas of pink grapefruit, peach, and Flintstones vitamins. Medium in sweetness with white peach, floral, petrol, and wet rocks on the palate. Hints of honey linger on the medium-long finish. Good acidity and medium bodied. Score: 86 pts

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Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling Winter Scene 2012 (Mosel) - Wine Review

This is the 2nd wine I received from the fine folks at Wines of Germany Canada (the first was reviewed here). I opened this white wine earlier today because it's light and crisp, with only 10% abv and perfectly suitable for brunch or lunch.

MOSELLAND ARS VITIS RIESLING WINTER SCENE 2012 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germanyy (#589929) (MD) - $9.95

Tasting Note:
Low intensity aromas of citrus, lime and floral notes. It's mid-weight and has a slightly oily texture with a palate consisting of orange blossom, citrus and florals. Medium-dry sweetness with bracing acids and a slight spritz. Some tartness arrives at the mid-palate and continues through to the medium-length finish. Delicate - chill slightly. Paired well with homemade butter chicken. Score: 85 pts

What's really interesting is the "label". The entire bottle has a frosted glass finish. But on the front is a clear window that let's you peer through the bottle to view the graphic that's been printed on the back of the bottle. Pretty cool!

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Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Spätlese Late Harvest 2012 (Rheinhessen) - Wine Review

This is the first of a few wines that I received courtesy of Wines of Germany Canada. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be reviewing each and every one of them and posting my thoughts. If you like wines on the sweeter side, then you'll want to keep checking back. Alternatively, you can subscribe to my blog (it's free!) via the "Follow By Email" web form located on the right, near the top of this page, and get all my posts delivered right to your inbox.

The Niersteiner Spätlese is a Riesling-blend that comes in a unique clear Cobalt blue bottle. Ironically, I had this same bottle a couple of weeks ago at Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Toronto. It tastes much the same as it did over a week ago and was enjoyed by all at the table. I decided to open this one on New Year's Eve on the suggestion of my wife, and also knowing that my guests would enjoy it - which they did!

GUSTAV ADOLF SCHMITT NIERSTEINER SPÄTLESE LATE HARVEST 2012 - Prädikatswein, Rheinhessen, Germany (#262337) (MS) - $10.95

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. This white wine has fresh lime, mineral and floral aromas of low-to-medium intensity. Lots of honey flavours on the palate with undertones of ginger and candied peach. Slightly chalky mouthfeel and quite sweet with good acids. Finish lingers. Great value at $10.95. Part of the LCBO General List and widely available throughout the province. Score: 87 pts

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C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2009 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Purchased this white wine from a Vintages release last November and opened it Sunday night for a Thanksgiving dinner with roasted chicken. I was expecting good things and it definitely lived up to my expectations! If you like wines on the sweeter side of things, then you'll enjoy this one. My guests certainly enjoyed this one as well, as there was very little remaining for the second day.

I can't wait to open the 2008 vintage, which is also in my rack, because it is even better than the 2009. I can only hope you picked up either one (or both!) of these wines when I recommended them, as neither the '08 or '09 are available at the LCBO any longer. However, I predict the '10 and/or '11 vintage may be in Vintages soon.

C.H. BERRES ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2009 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#207274) (M) - $19.95

Screw cap. Medium-high intense aromas of slate, honeyed pear, floral, petrol, and minerals. Medium sweetness with zippy acidity that rushes across the palate and has very nice aroma replays. Slightly chalky mouthfeel. Finishes long and smooth with a honeyed tinge. Gorgeous! It paired well with the homemade oven roasted chicken. Score: 90 pts

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Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2007 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Opened this on Monday to celebrate the recent birth of my first born. Purchased in March 2012 from a Vintages release that focused on food-friendly wines for Easter. This is a white wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. I hope you bought this gorgeous wine last year, because it is sold out now.

STUDERT-PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2007 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#114777) (M) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Lime and orange aromas from the cork. Fresh floral and honey aromas waft from the glass, which turn into orange, tropical fruit and mineral aromas as it warms up in the glass. Crisp acidity, tropical fruits and orange on the palate. Nicely balanced with a lengthy wet stone finish. Fabulous and highly recommended if you can get your hands on it.

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2011 Vollenweider Wolfer Riesling (Germany) - Wine Review

Purchased this white wine from the May 25th Vintages release that had a minor focus on German Rieslings. Many of the German offerings in this release were very good to spectacular. Lucky for you - this wine is still available at the LCBO.

VOLLENWEIDER WOLFER RIESLING 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#324335) (D) - $19.95

Tasting Note:
Light floral aromas from the cork. Delicate slate, apricot, peach and hints of honey and lemon rind aromas. Slightly off-dry with a spritz that subdues the sweetness. Flavour notes of slate, beeswax, lemon peel and orange rind. Good acidity and a finish that is long and slatey with a beeswax-tinged finish. Nice! Enjoyed this with one of my favourite Indian comfort foods - homemade chicken curry.

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May 25 Wine Picks: Pinot Noir + German Riesling

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be on Saturday, May 25. The major focus on this release is on Pinot Noirs that show a sense of place. Most of this feature is quite disappointing. However, if you're heart is set on the heart-break grape, check out the version from Lailey that's from our own backyard.

The secondary feature is on German Rieslings. This noble white grape is very versatile and can range in style from bone-dry to very sweet (i.e. Eiswein). In all, there are only 5 wines from this feature and, unfortunately, no Eisweins (again!). In general, German Rieslings offer excellent value considering the superior quality that's in the bottle. I am sure I will be adding a couple of these Rieslings to my collection.

Daniel Vollenweider has 2 wines in this Vintages release. His Wolfer Riesling has a classic Mosel profile and is just slightly off-dry. Going up a notch in the sweetness level, and yet another classically styled Mosel Kab, is the Studert-Prüm Riesling Kabinett.

Last, and definitely not the least, is the 2005 Riesling Auslese from Dr. Hermann. Auslese wines take the sweetness levels further up the scale. The Dr. Herman hails from Ürziger Würzgarten (in Mosel), where the terroir consists of red sandstone and slate soil, helping create wines with a unique character. At 8-years-old, the Dr. Hermann is ageing gracefully and drinking beautifully now. A trademark of German Rieslings is their high acidity combined with low-alcohol levels. Both the Studert-Prüm and the Dr. Hermann follow this path, with just 8% alcohol/volume.

From the rest of the release, in white wine, the Malivoire Musqué Spritz is made from the clone 809 Chardonnay Musqué. From the red wines in this release, the Château le Grande de Bessan is a blend of about 70% Cab Sauv and 30% Merlot. The Château Rozier is also a blend, consisting of mostly Merlot, some Cab Franc, and trace amounts of Cab Sauv. And finally, the Rivera Il Falcone is a blend consisting of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano.

Enjoy my Vintages recommendations for this week. New wines will be on shelves this Saturday. Let me know if you buy and taste anything from my wine picks below. Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• IN SITU WINEMAKER’S SELECTION CARMENÈRE 2010 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#37952) (XD) - $13.95
• TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2010 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $17.95
• EVANS & TATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#327411) (XD) - $18.95
• BASTIDE MIRAFLORS VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE 2011 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Midi, France (#320499) (D) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU LA GRANGE DE BESSAN 2009 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#321331) (XD) - $19.95
• RIVERA IL FALCONE RISERVA 2007 - DOC Castel del Monte, Puglia, Italy (#177295) (XD) - $22.95
• LAILEY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#591404) (XD) - $24.95
• CHÂTEAU ROZIER 2010 - AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France (#024539) (XD) - $28.95

White Wine:

• HENRI POIRON FIEF GIRAUD MUSCADET SÈVRE & MAINE SUR LIE 2011 - AC, Loire, France (#327726) (XD) - $14.95
• VOLLENWEIDER WOLFER RIESLING 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#324335) (D) - $19.95
• STUDERT-PRÜM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT 2011 - Gutsabfüllung, Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#160853) (M) - $19.95
• DOMAINES SCHLUMBERGER LES PRINCES ABBÉS PINOT GRIS 2010 - AC Alsace, France (#21253) (XD) - $19.95
• MALIVOIRE MUSQUÉ SPRITZ 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#189670) (MS) - $19.95
• DR. HERMANN ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING AUSLESE 2005 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#324285) (MS) - $21.95  93 pts  wine review
• SIGALAS SANTORINI ASSYRTIKO 2011 - AP, Greece (#74781) (XD) - $21.95
• SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 10 CHARDONNAY 2010 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#317651) (XD) - $25.95
• DOMAINE ZIND-HUMBRECHT CALCAIRE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#320481) (S) - $29.95
• SAINTSBURY CHARDONNAY 2010 - Unfiltered, Carneros, Napa Valley, California, USA (#359281) (XD) - $29.95

Rosé Wine:

• DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL ROSÉ 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#739474) (XD) - $16.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Anselmann Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2011 (Pfalz) - Wine Review

Purchased this uncommonly found white wine from the current release with the intention of opening it when having guests over who enjoy wines on the sweeter side of things. Suffice it to say - it was enjoyed by our guests.

ANSELMANN GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT 2011 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#909697) (MS) - $14.95

Tasting Note:
Honeysuckle and pear aromas from the cork. Soft aromas of lychee, melon, rose, honeysuckle and lemon from the glass joined by citrus and more prominent rose notes on the palate. It's medium-sweet with an oily texture that gives way to a chalky-mouthfeel and moves to an off-dry, medium-length finish. Has enough acidity to pair with lightly spiced foods, such as the Chili Chicken that we enjoyed as an appetizer over the weekend.

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Aug. 4 LCBO Wine Picks: Blockbusters + Single-Vineyard German Wines

The next Vintages wine release will be in LCBO outlets across Ontario on August 4. The major feature is titled "Blockbuster" wines and focuses on customers' all-time favourite wines. I have tasted and enjoyed many of these wines from previous vintages, but in this release just one wine made my list of wine picks. It's definitely on the pricey side, but the Pinino Brunello di Montalcino (100% Sangiovese) can be decanted and enjoyed now, or wait at least 2 years prior to opening.

The secondary feature in this release is on single-vineyard German wines. I love German Rieslings because many samples are medium in sweetness, complex and have balanced acidity. The Reinhold Haart Kabinett from the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen vineyard is one such example, while the more expensive Markus Molitor Spätlese (late harvest) from the Zeltinger Himmelreich vineyard is also very nice.

From the rest of the release, I look to South America for yet another lovely Argentinean Malbec and a Chilean Carmenère. The Langeudoc region in France always serves up great value wines, so the Syrah from Domaine Les Yeuses comes as no surprise - it's a steal at $13.95. A rosé from Provence is in a very fancy bottle and consists of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The Castellani Filicheto Montepulciano is made up of 90% Prugnolo Gentile (the regional name for Sangiovese in Tuscany) and 10% Canaiolo Nero. The aromatic Terre Dora is made with the Fiano varietal.

Within Canada, we've got a medium-sweet sparkler from... Nova Scotia! Also in this release is an oustanding oaked Chardonnay made by Inniskillin right here in Niagara, Ontario. Enjoy my picks for this week!


Red Wine:

• PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE MALBEC 2009 - Barrancas Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina (#183897) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE LES YEUSES LES ÉPICES SYRAH 2009 - IGP Pays d’Oc, Midi, France (#177584) (XD) - $13.95
• CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2009 - DO Peumo, Ribera del Cachapoal, Chile (#274043) (XD) - $16.95
• PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#032508) (XD) - $38.95
• CASTELLANI FILICHETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#184937) (XD) - $17.95
• SOTER VINEYARDS NORTH VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2009 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#289470) (D) - $37.95

White Wine:

• INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER’S SERIES MONTAGUE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#586347) (D) - $18.95
• REINHOLD HAART PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2009 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#282335) (M) - $19.95
• CAPE POINT VINEYARDS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - WO Cape Point, South Africa (#285221) (XD) - $18.95
• CLOS MARGUERITE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#281014) (XD) - $18.95
• TERRE DORA FIANO DI AVELLINO 2010 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#120048) (XD) - $18.95
• MARKUS MOLITOR ZELTINGER HIMMELREICH RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2008 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#282350) (M) - $26.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE L’AUMÉRADE CRU CLASSÉ CUVÉE MARIE CHRISTINE ROSÉ 2011 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#282459) (D) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BENJAMIN BRIDGE NOVA 7 2011 - Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada (#256289) (M) - $25.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Kruger-Rumpf Riesling Spätlese 2006 (Germany) - Review

Purchased this beaut back in January.

KRUGER-RUMPF RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2006 - QmP, Münsterer Dautenpflänzer, Nahe, Germany (MD) (#189662) - $16.95

Tasting Note:
Petrol, slate, mineral aromas. Delicious melon, peach, citrus flavours. Smooth and refreshing. Off-dry. If you like off-dry Reislings, this is definitely one to try today or in 10 years. Not sure what I'll be having this with...

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