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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South African Wines

I'm taking a break from reviewing German Wines to review a couple of South African wine samples that landed on my desk after our Ice Storm.

The Sauvignon Blanc is from Nederburg Wines, an award-winning winery that first established its roots back in 1791. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this white wine at all, as it's a steal at $11.45.

Both of these wines are from the Western Cape, which includes the legislative capital (and famous) city of Cape Town. From the LCBO's General List, both of these wines are readily available for purchase today.

Tasting Notes:
NEDERBURG WINEMASTER'S RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#382713) (XD) - $11.45
Screw cap. Medium-high intense aromas which are complex featuring an intriguing mix of lemon peel, herbal, gooseberry, asparagus, and hints of butter. Medium bodied with a slightly oily viscosity, and crisp, mouthwatering acids on the palate. Pleasant lime and gooseberry flavours with hints of melon on the medium-long finish. Nicely balanced throughout. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

OBIKWA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#665323) (D) - $9.45
Screw cap. Closed nose of sweet, ripe red cherries, blackberry, and fresh oak barrels. This red wine is medium-bodied with dusty oak and slightly sweet aroma replays on the palate. Has balanced acidity and slightly dusty tannins. Medium-length finish. Drink now or hold up to 2 years. Score: 86 pts

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2011 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa) - Wine Review

Received this white wine as a gift over the holidays. Typically, Sauvignon Blancs are meant to be opened while still young, and this one is no exception.

TWO OCEANS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#340380) (D) - $9.95

Tasting Note:
Screw-top cap (which doesn't necessarily mean cheap or low quality). Classic gooseberry, grass, nettle aromas, with a touch of mineral, petrol and melon. Gooseberry, kiwi, lemon/lime citrus on the palate. Off-dry and quite the nice sipper. Provides really good value at this price point. Will be enjoying this with spinach and potatoes (similar recipe) because the saltiness of this dish should pair well with the grippy, lip-smacking quality of Savvy's.

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2009 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand - Review

Purchased this one back in April as part of the New Zealand / Easter release.

JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#224428) - $18.95

Tasting Note:
Classic gooseberry, nettle, some grass, and tinge of orange blossom aromas. Palate: Citrus with touch of honey. Flavourful. Dry. Long finish. Quite nice on this fine spring evening. Having this with vegetable lasagne.

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