Mar. 16 LCBO Wine Picks: California Icons + Classic Euro Whites

The next LCBO Vintages release continues the recent promotion California wines - a trend that looks like it will last the entire month of March go into the beginnng of April with the California Wine Fair. The last release focused on the latest Trends in California, while this edition features wines from some of California's most iconic names.

You really can't go wrong with any of the 18 wines that are featured, while, of course, some will offer better value than others. For me, the 2009 Calera de Villiers Vineyard Pinot Noir is one worth pursuing. If you'd like, also get the 2009 Calera Ryan Vineyard Pinot Noir (#058966, $49.95) and compare with the de Villiers Vineyard - same winery, same grape, same vintage, but different vineyard within the Mount Harlen AVA (American Viticultural Area).

The secondary focus in this release is on Classic Euro white wines - Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer are the three classic varietals. From this portion of the release, only the German Gewürztraminer Spätlese made the cut. Also in this release are three Irish Whiskies for St. Patrick's Day, and a maple-syrup-infused whisky from Quebec.

From the rest of the release, we have a 2009 Château de la Dauphine from Bordeaux that is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and the 2010 Château Hauchat Bordeaux that is 100% Merlot. From the fabulous 2010 southern-Rhone vintage, we have a red wine from Domaine des Amadieu that is made with 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. The Antinori is one to cellar away for at least few years and consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

New wines from this release will be in stores on Saturday, March 16. Enjoy my picks! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2010 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#123489) (XD) - $14.95
• CHÂTEAU LES ARMES DE BRANDEAU CUVÉE DE LA TRILOGIE 2009 - AC Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux, France (#308445) (XD) - $16.95
• DOMAINE DES AMADIEU CUVÉE DES GARRIGUES CAIRANNE 2010 - AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France (#310060) (XD) - $17.95
• FAMILIA MAYOL MALBEC 2009 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#301234) (D) - $18.95
• VICCHIOMAGGIO AGOSTINO PETRI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#993360) (XD) - $19.95
• CHÂTEAU DE LA DAUPHINE 2009 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#209742) (XD) - $29.85
• CALERA DE VILLIERS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2009 - Mt. Harlan, Central Coast, California, USA (#227504) (XD) - $44.95
• ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2008 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $99.95

White Wine:

• RUPPERTSBERGER LINSENBUSCH GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2011 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#320473) (MS) - $14.95
• CREEKSIDE LAURA’S WHITE 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#121764) (D) - $18.95
• LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE CHENEVIÈRES LES GRANDES VIGNES CHABLIS 2011 - AC, La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, Burgundy, France (#278952) (XD) - $22.95
• F. TINEL-BLONDELET L’ARRÊT BUFFATTE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2010 - AC, Loire, France (#169730) (XD) - $22.95
• DECOY CHARDONNAY 2011 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#311555) (D) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• MARENCO BRACHETTO D’ACQUI - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#320002) (S) - $16.95

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

Read More

Domaine les Grands Bois Cuvée Philippine Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2010 - Wine Review

Purchased this fabulous red wine from the August 18, 2012 Vintages release. Comprised of Syrah and Grenache, and 15% Carignan, this is a tremendous value from the outstanding 2010 Rhône vintage. that is drinking great now! I can only hope you bought this back in August when I recommended it, because it's essentially not available any longer.

DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE PHILIPPINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#286344) (XD) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Oak and rubber aromas from cork. Medium intensity violet, lavender, blackberries, crushed black fruits and hints of oak aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with blackfruits, garrigue, mint and undertones of cocoa on the palate. Oak comes through on the long, smooth finish. Mouth-watering acidity with juicy, ripe tannins that are well-integrated. Nicely balanced throughout, with good structure and clarity. Recommended buy (if you can get your hands on it).

Read More

Hope Family Wines - Portfolio Tasting

Last month I had the pleasure of tasting some new wines from the Hope Family Wines portfolio.

The Hope family arrived in Paso Robles (California) in 1978 and current President Austin Hope, at the age of 8 years, began learning in the vineyards alongside his father, Chuck Hope.

In the late 1980's, the Hope Family began selling their grapes to Chuck Wagner of the famous Caymus Vineyards, to produce Wagner's second label - Liberty School. In the mid-90's, the Hope Family acquired the Liberty School label from Chuck Wagner.

Hope Family Wines now encompasses five brands: Liberty School, Treana (est. 1996 and symbolizes the 3 natural elements: the sun, the soil and the ocean), Austin Hope (high-end, hand-crafted wines inspired by northern Rhône), Candor (multi-vintage Zinfandel and Merlot) and Troublemaker (multi-vintage GSM-blends).

The winery continues to be family-owned and operated, while being actively involved within the community. They have their own vineyards, but do source grapes from nearly 50 growers with an eye towards sustainable growing practices. To soften the filtration process of the wine, they recently purchased a made-in-Italy cross-flow filtering machine. Their 2010 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon (wine review below) has gone through this machine and the results look very good as it does appear to have more clarity and refinement.

All of these wines (except for the Troublemaker, unfortunately) can be purchased via Trialto Wine Group. Many of these are (or will be soon) available in the Vintages section at the LCBO.

Tasting Notes:
LIBERTY SCHOOL CHARDONNAY 2011 - Central Coast, California, USA (#960120) (XD) - $18.95
Consisting of 90% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier, and for the first time 5% Marsanne. Crisp orchard fruit, pear and earth aromas. Full bodied and dry with a creamy mouthfeel and oily texture. Very nice flavours of apple, pear, butter and sweet vanillan. Quite well-balanced with lively acidity. Finish is medium-length. Will be in Vintages on March 30th. Score: 88+ pts

LIBERTY SCHOOL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#738823) (XD) - $19.95
Part of the Vintages Essentials collection (i.e. always available). The 2010 just reached the shelves this weekend - if the 2009 is also available, take notice of the new label - it looks much sharper and cleaner! Lovely crushed black fruit, red cherries and cedar oak aromas. Medium-bodied with nice aromas replays on palate, with hints of blueberries and cocoa on the long, smooth finish. Has mouth-watering acidity and velvety tannins. Very nice! Score: 90 pts

LIBERTY SCHOOL SYRAH 2010 - Central Coast, California, USA (#942383) (XD) - $18.95
Was featured as part of the California Trends section of the latest Vintages release and contains small amounts of Viognier. Aromas of dark fruits, mushroom smoked meat, and violet. More dark fruits and violet on the palate, plus blackberry notes. Full-bodied with grippy tannins that are a bit tight. Could use 1-2 years to unwind. Smooth, medium-long finish that's well-balanced. Score: 87 pts

CANDOR LOT 3 ZINFANDEL (NV) - California, USA (#133389) (D) - $21.95
A blend of grapes from Paso Robles and Lodi appellations, from the 2008 (6%), 2009 (78%) and 2010 (16%) vintages. Smells very green with ripe fruits and sour cherry aromas. Medium-bodied, slightly off-dry with notes of raisins, red plums and is slightly jammy. Good acidity with medium-length finish. Will be in Vintages on March 30th. Score: 88

TREANA RED 2009 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#011221) (D) - $39.95
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah and high 15% alc/vol. Dark fruits and sweet vanillan aromas. Full bodied with grippy tannins and very good acidity. More dark fruits, black cherry and oak on the palate with hints of mocha. Has a long finish. Drinking well now, but can be enjoyed over the next 5 years. Score: 90 pts

TROUBLEMAKER (NV) - Paso Robles, California, USA (#) (XD) - $24.95
A blend of 4 grapes (67% Syrah, 22% Mourvedre, 8% Grenache, 3% Petite Sirah) from the 2010 and 2011 vintages. 14.5% alc/vol. Intense smoke and fresh wood plank aromas with undertones of sour cherry. Medium-bodied with flavours of black pepper, raspberry, oak and lots of pepper on the mid-palate. Very well-balanced with very good acidity and a smooth, medium-long finish. Score: 89+ pts

TREANA WHITE 2009 - Central Coast, California, USA (#011247) (M) - $29.95
Fresh floral aromas, plus pineapple and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied with an oily texture. Palate consists of lemon, orange rind and some evident French oak ageing. Nice, long finish. Score: 89 pts.

Read More

Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc Icewine 2007 (Niagara) - Wine Review

I first tasted this Icewine at the winery in January 2012 when I was in Niagara for the Icewine Festival. It was hard to resist buying this delicious Icewine when it was on sale for (less than) $20.

JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2007 - VQA (#264325) (S) (200 mL) - $19.95 (on sale)

Tasting Note:
Unpleasant raisins and prunes from the cork. Intense aromas of candied strawberry and raspberry, along with some cranberry. Creamy and full-bodied with more candied strawberry and cranberry on the palate. Good acidity, but fruit is fading slightly on the medium-length finish. Still quite delicious and paired well with a Lemon Raspberry Cake w/ White Chocolate Shavings from Sobey's.

Read More

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.

Read More

Mar. 2 Wine Picks: California Trends

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be in stores on Saturday, March 2. The main feature in this release is on the latest trends in California - which includes experimenting with new varietals, regions, and eco-friendly initiatives.

From this part of the release, we begin with the Bonterra Pinot Noir. It's difficult to find a Pinot under $20 from anywhere, nevermind a quality version from California that's made with certified organically grown grapes from Mendocino County, like this one from Bonterra Vineyards.

From Paso Robles - one of the fastest growing wine regions in California - we have an extra-dry (XD) white wine from Vina Robles that's blended with 4 varietals, only one (Sauvignon Blanc) of which is widely planted in California. It consists of 29% Viognier, 28% Verdelho, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, and 16% Vermentino.

The third and final pick from California is the Chalone Estate Chardonnay from the Chalone AVA in Central Coast. Chalone Vineyard is the only winery within this American Viticultural Area (AVA). It sits up high in the mountains within the Monterey County region and has a unique climate. You can read more about this unique area on the winery's website.

A minor feature in this release focuses on native grapes in Central and Southern Italy. The Selvanova Vigna Antica Aglianico from Campania (the "shin" of the Italy) is my lone pick and it's one to open right away. This varietal was originally brought to the region from Greece and thrived during Roman times. It was called Ellenico (the Italian word for "Greek") until the 15th century, when it acquired it's current name.

From the rest of the release, the Chilean Tabalí Reserva is a blend of 74% Syrah, 14% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Marqués de Cáceres from Spain, at 9 years old and ready to drink now or could be cellared for at least another 5 years, is composed of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano/Garnacha Tinta. From the fantastic 2009 Bordeaux vintage, we have the Château la Vieille Cure that consists of 74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enjoy my picks for this week! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• SELVANOVA VIGNA ANTICA AGLIANICO 2009 - IGP Terre del Volturno, Campania, Italy (#313494) (D) - $15.95
• NIETO SENETINER GRAN RESERVA MALBEC/PETIT VERDOT 2010 - Mendoza, Argentina (#295170) (XD) - $17.95
• BONTERRA PINOT NOIR 2010 - Mendocino County, California, USA (#317685) (XD) - $19.95
• ROLF BINDER MA I? HAVE THIS EVENING SHIRAZ/MATARO 2009 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#295899) (D) - $19.95
• TABALÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL 2009 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#107540) (XD) - $22.95
• MALIVOIRE STOUCK CABERNET MERLOT 2010 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada (#321836) (D) - $29.95
• MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 2004 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#976670) (XD) - $29.95
• CHÂTEAU LA VIEILLE CURE 2009 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#191452) (XD) - $36.85

White Wine:

• JEAN GEILER MÉDAILLÉ PINOT BLANC 2011 - AC Alsace, France (#315101) (XD) - $14.95
• VINA ROBLES WHITE 4 2010 - Paso Robles, California, USA (#313460) (XD) - $18.95
• TE AWA CHARDONNAY 2010 - Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#301135) (D) - $18.95
• SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS TRIOMPHE CHARDONNAY 2011 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#172338) (D) - $21.95
• CHALONE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010 - Chalone AVA, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, USA (#080226) (XD) - $29.95

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

Read More

Argiano Tasting at Fine Wine Reserve

I recently had the opportunity to taste some very fine wines from the historic Tuscan winery Tenuta di Argiano. The tasting event was hosted by Trialto Wine Group at the Fine Wine Reserve that is located in the King W and Spadina area.

There were 4 wines available for tasting and purchase - reviews are below. Two other wines - the Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($50) and Solengo 2004 ($80) - were available strictly for purchase. All of these wines were Consignment Wines, meaning that they are not available at the LCBO and only available in cases of 6 bottles via the wine agent, Trialto.

At the summit of a hill, southwest of Montalcino in Tuscany, the Villa of Argiano was built during the Renaissance-period by the Pecci's, a noble family from Siena. Remaining for some decades under the Pecci family, it then passed to the Counts of Pieri, who bequeath it to the Marquis of Ballanti Merli and to the Duchess of Caetani from the Counts Lovatelli.

In 1992, the estate was purchased by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and was sold just last week. Winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers joined Argiano in 2003 and is the craftsman behind the wines. He will remain with Argiano. On hand to pour the wines was the Marketing Director Bernardino Sani.

The Argiano Estate covers 100 hectares - with nearly half dedicated to vineyards - while being protected in the southeast by Mount Amiata. Being from the Old World, the Argiano vineyards have been cultivated by noble families since the 1500's. Argiano has some of the oldest vines in Montalcino, at over 60+ years old. Wines from these vineyards have garnered awards dating back to 1934 and are consistently high-quality.

ARGIANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $28.80
Hand-picked 100% Sangiovese grosso. The Rosso is considered the younger brother of the Brunello. Nice aromas of crushed blackcherry, red currant and cedar waft from the glass. Medium bodied on the palate with dark red fruits, cherry, oak, and hints of earth on the flavour profile. Very finely integrated tannins that is velvety smooth, with a medium-long finish and balanced throughout. Likely my favourite of the evening. Score: 89-90 pts

ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $45.00
First tasted last November. Light smoky oak, dried fruit and fig aromas from the glass. Full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. Palate consists of more dark fruits and fig. Quite well-balanced. Tannins still somewhat tight, will reward 3-5 years in cellar. Score: 91 pts

ARGIANO 'NC' NON CONFUNDITUR 2011 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#072397) (XD) - $23.95
The 2009 was released in Vintages last July and is virtually sold out. Non Confunditur's initials "NC" are often though to refer to Argiano's longstanding owner Noemi Cinzano. The truth is that Non Confunditur is a latin term meaning "don't get confused". The 2011 is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 20% Sangiovese and has fruity aromas of red fruits and cherries. Medium-full bodied and round with more red fruits, cranberry-cherry notes and oak. Very good acidity, but overpowering at mid-palate with a very long finish. Chalky tannins show this red wine is still a bit young. Very long finish. Give it 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts

ARGIANO SOLENGO 2009 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#) (XD) - $75.00
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah. Lovely violet, lavender aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with big tannins that need at least 7+ years to integrate. Nicely structured and shows finesse with black fruits and blueberries on the palate. Very nice wine that needs time, can be enjoyed up to 20 years from now. Score: 91+ pts

Read More