Providing a Unique & Affordable Selection of High Quality Red Wines and White Wines for Your Enjoyment. Also featured: Rosé, Port, Icewine, Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions. Cheers!
The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be on . 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
This red wine is from last November's Vintages release. I hope you picked up a bottle or two of this when I recommended it last November, as, understandably, there are only 2 bottles available in all of Ontario.
Lomond practices sustainable farming throughout all of their vineyards, and the grapes for this wine hail from the southernmost point of Africa.
LOMOND SYRAH 2008 - WO Cape Agulhas, South Africa (#146464) (XD) - $18.95
Tasting Note:
Violet and black fruit aromas from the cork. Crushed black fruits, red currant, prune, all surrounded by forest floor/earthy aromas. Medium-full bodied and complex with more dark fruits, prune, and pepper that give way to vanilla and hints of black licorice and milk chocolate on palate. Very good acidity. Light spice on smooth, long finish. Dusty tannins will still evolve for another 2 years, but drinking great right now. Highly recommended and a steal, if you can get your hands on it. Enjoyed with Chicken Korma.
After much delay, my wine reviews from the 2013 Niagara Wine Festival are finally posted. There were lots of delicious red wines, white wines, and, of course, Icewines tasted over the 2 days. Also check out my full review of the Festival. I hope you can join us next year!
Wine reviews from the Peller Estates dinner can be found here.
Tasting Notes: NCT DEAN'S LIST CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2010 - Donald Ziraldo Vineyard, St. Davids Bench, Niagara Peninsula (#) (S) (200 mL) - $29.95
Ripe, plummy fruit, honey and caramel aromas. Medium-bodied with jammy core of red fruits, strawberry and a tinge of caramel on palate. Well-balanced and long finish. Cheesecake softened the bright acidity very nicely. Score: 90 pts
NCT DEAN'S LIST PINOT NOIR 2009 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#) (XD) - $27.95
Quite aromatic with smoky beetroot aromas. Light-bodied with more beetroot, raspberry and mushroom on palate. Light, integrated tannins with cedar and smoke notes on the finish. Has very good acidity. Score: 89 pts
NCT DEAN'S LIST CABERNET FRANC DESSICATO (NV?) - (#) (XD) $47.95
Dried fruit, herbal, tea leaf and green aromas. Medium-bodied and quite smooth with dark fruit flavours on the palate. Also plummy and jammy. Mouth-watering acidity and a finish that is a bit short. Score: 88 pts
NCT DEAN'S LIST PRODIGY 2010 - (#) (S) (200 mL) - $37.95
Blend of white grapes that offer honey and apricot aromas, with some lemon in the background. Aroma replays on palate with touch of beeswax on the medium-length finish. Full-bodied, rich and creamy, and almost syrupy mouthfeel. Good acidity. Score: 89 pts
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula (#391300) (XD) - $14.95
Grass, herbal, floral, and white peach aromas. On the palate, there are balanced flavours of cat pee, citrus, lime. Crisp acidity and very dry. Score: 87 pts
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES 'OLD VINES' CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#222372) (XD) - $19.95
Sweet cedar, vanilla and dark fruit aromas. Has luscious flavours of coconut, cedar and currants. Very nice, integrated tannins in this full-bodied red wine. Score: 88 pts
JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE VINEYARD SYRAH 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#086553) (XD) - $32.95
Low intensity aromas of ripe dark fruits, oak, and some spice. Medium-bodied with currant and minty notes on palate. Mouth-watering acidity and quite smooth, integrated tannins throughout. Score: 88 pts
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE RIESLING ICEWINE 2008 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (S) (375 mL) - $59.95
Very nice, clear honey and peach aromas. Medium-bodied and sweet with nice aromas replays. Has good acidity, but a syrupy, highly-viscous mouthfeel. Nice, long finish. Score: 89 pts
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' RESERVE VIDAL ICEWINE 1996 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#594010) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95
Burnt sugar and molasses aromas. Rich mouthfeel and creamy with nice aroma replays and touch of orange citrus on palate. A Vintages Essentials product, but you will likely only find the current vintage on LCBO shelves. Score: 88-89 pts
COLANERI PROFONDO AUMENTO 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (MS) (375 mL) - $19.95
Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, this Recioto-style (i.e. Appassimento) features crisp citrus, lemon and orange and pineapple aromas with lovely replays on palate. Some oak and soft tartness on finish. Easy drinking. Would make a good apertif. Score: 88 pts
COLANERI PROFONDO FUMOSO BIANCO 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (MS) (375 mL) - $19.95
Also made in the Recioto-style, this is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Very nice guava and passion fruit aromas. Medium-sweet with guava dominating the palate, but also has grapefruit and tropical fruit flavours. Quite pleasurable. Score: 89 pts
SOUTHBROOK VIDAL ICEWINE 2005 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#) (S) (375 mL) - $29.95
Organically grown. Peach, burnt sugar, caramel and molasses aromas with nice replays on the palate. Medium-bodied with a syrupy feel. Seems to be past its prime. Score: 89 pts
SMALL TALK ANYONE VIDAL 2009 - (#) (MS) (200 mL) - $20
Peach, honey, and touch of floral rose aromas. Palate consists of peach and floral. Very short finish. Score: 86 pts
COYOTE'S RUN BLACK PAW VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula (#049775) (XD) - $21.95
Was in Vintageslast June. Very elegant buttery and apple aromas. Medium-full bodied with a crisp mouthfeel and bright acidity. Palate shows apple, butter, citrus and minerality. Good balance, with a finish that is a touch hot. Score: 90 pts
COYOTE'S RUN RED PAW VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula (#003060) (XD) - $24.95
"Red Paw" is named for the distinctively red Trafalgar clay loam from which these grapes come from. This soil is quite scarce for the Niagara-on-the-Lake region and is approx 450 million years old, stony and rich in iron. This red wine has aromas of red fruits, mineral, and red currant. Very fruit forward with red currant flavours on palate. Medium-full bodied with smooth, integrated tannins and a good, crisp finish. Score: 89 pts
COYOTE'S RUN BLACK PAW VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula (#050450) (XD) - $24.95
"Black Paw" vineyard is named for it's heavier, dark Toledo clay loam from which these grapes come from. This soil is rather new - 15,000 years old - and contains more organic matter than the Trafalgar gray, resulting in soil that holds more water and has higher heat retention. This wine has intense dark fruit aromas with some smokiness on display. Dark fruit, smoke and spice flavours on palate. Full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. Score: 89 pts
COYOTE'S RUN RARE VINTAGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula (#) (XD) - $39.95
The "Rare Vintage" line is only made during exceptional vintages, and 2010 was an exceptional vintage in Niagara. Smoky, black currant and cassis aromas. Big, juicy tannins that could use another 2 years in bottle. Very good acidity, is touch spicy on mid-palate and finishes a little hot. Score: 90 pts
COYOTE'S RUN RIESLING/VIDAL ICEWINE 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95
Very nice peach and honey aromas. Syrupy mouthfeel with very nice aroma replays, plus hints of melon. Finish is spicy. Score: 89 pts
STREWN SELECT LATE HARVEST VIDAL 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#107219) (MS) (375 mL) - $16.10
Peach, honey, lemon tart aromas. Medium-bodied with burnt sugar and caramel on palate. Alcohol shows on medium-length finish. Score: 87 pts
STREWN SELECT LATE HARVEST CABERNET 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (MS) (375 mL) - $19.05
Made from Cabernet Franc, this late harvest shows raspberry, strawberry and sweet cherry aromas with nice flavour replays. Finish is a bit hot. Score: 87 pts
RIVERVIEW VIDAL SELECT LATE HARVEST 2011 - VQA Niagara River (#) (MS) (375 mL) - $19.95
Light pear, peach and honey aromas. Sweet pear and light peach flavours, hints of orange. Good acidity with a short finish. Score: 87 pts
RIVERVIEW VIDAL ICEWINE 2011 - VQA Niagara River (#) (S) (375 mL) - $49.95
Very intense peach and honey aromas, with pronounced aromas replays on the palate. High acidity balances the sweetness very well. Very balanced throughout and finishes long. Score: 91 pts
RIVERVIEW RIESLING ICEWINE 2009 - VQA Niagara River (#) (S) (375 mL) - $65
Medley of citrus fruit aromas, plus petrol and mineral aromas. Lots of canned peach flavours on palate. Very bright acidity and long, long finish. Good balance, finishing slightly hot. Yum! Score: 91+ pts
RIVERVIEW CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2010 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#) (S) (375 mL) - $59.95
Lovely strawberry-cranberry jam, and cherry aromas. Very syrupy viscosity with more strawberry and sweet cranberry flavours. Finish is long and smooth. Delicious. Score: 90 pts
RIVERVIEW SALVATORE'S RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2010 - (#) (XD) - $34.95 (gone up?)
Intense smokiness, berry jam aromas. Lots of dark fruit, smoke, mocha and coffee notes on palate. Mouth-watering acidity, and a long, smooth finish. Nice! Score: 90+ pts
RIVERVIEW SYRAH 2010 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#) (XD) - $29.95
Blackberry, currant, min and vanilla aromas. Full-bodied, big tannins are very well-integrated. Flavour palate consists of peppercorn, currant and mint. Mouth-watering acidity and a lengthy finish. Drinking very well now, could be enjoyed 5 years from now. Score: 91 pts
TAWSE RIESLING 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (D) - $21.95
Smells slightly sweet with melon, citrus and lemon aromas. Flavour profile is similar to aromas, plus some petrol, mineral and beeswax notes. Score: 88 pts
TAWSE RIESLING ICEWINE 2009 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench (#204990) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95
Lovely peach and apricot aromas that follow through on palate, along with citrus notes. Very good acidity and long finish. Score: 91 pts
TAWSE CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore (#) (XD) - $????
Smoky, blackberry, currant and strawberry aromas. Medium-full bodied with dark fruits and oak showing on palate. Very good acidity, well-balanced and smooth throughout, with a lengthy finish. Score: 89 pts
TAWSE MERLOT/CABERNET 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of primarily Cab Franc, plus 27% Cab Sauv and 15% Merlot. Fresh berries, raspberry aromas. Dark fruit, dark cherry, mocha and black currant palate. Very good acidity. Good tannins are integrated and will reward 1-2 years cellar time. Score: 89 pts
TAWSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON ICEWINE 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95
Making Icewine out of Cab Sauv is quite rare. This one has lots of strawberry and blackberry aromas with sweet strawberry flavours on the palate. Ends with a tart, short finish. Score: 88 pts
TAWSE ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench (#253518) (XD) - $37.95
Blend of grapes from 3 different vineyards that practice organic and biodynamic farming. Intense apple, butter and pear aromas. Light-to-medium bodied with very lively acidity. Apple and pear replays, with under current of minerals and some floral notes. Long finish. Score: 91 pts
TAWSE LAURITZEN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2010 - VQA Vinemount Ridge (#) (XD) - $44.95
Red berries and cherry aromas. Beetroot and strawberry flavours showcase fruit really well. Good balance between fruit and oak. Medium-bodied with a medium-long finish. Score: 89 pts
TAWSE LAUNDRY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore (#130997) (XD) - $31.95
Organically farmed. Intense crushed red fruit aromas and vanillan. Medium-full bodied with very nicely integrated tannins. Dark fruit, currant and cedar on palate. Oak is very well integrated. Finishes smooth. Will reward 1-2 years in cellar. Score: 90 pts
FIELDING MERLOT 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula (#) (XD) - $30.15
Currant, licorice, and pepper aromas with replays on palate. Spicy pepper notes throughout palate, with hints of mocha. Good tannins, but could use 1-2 years ageing. Medium-bodied and finishing long. Score: 88 pts
FIELDING VIDAL ICEWINE 2010 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake (#086850) (S) (200 mL) - $22.95
Released in Vintagesin March. Gorgeous peach, apricot and honey aromas with lovely replays on the palate. Very sweet, but well balanced by acidity. Medium-long finish. Score: 90 pts
The next batch of wines from LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves on . The major focus of this release is on the "great, powerful and diverse" wines from Australia. However, in my opinion, the majority of these wines are rather uninspiring. So, we'll focus on the secondary feature - Rosé wines that are food-friendly.
Rosé wines are generally blends of various varietals and range from dry to off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet). Which do you prefer? Of the 11 Rosé wines featured, 4 made my list, 3 of which are made in the dry-style.
We'll begin with the dry Muga from Spain, which is made using 60% Garnacha (Grenache), 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo, and at $12.95, you really can't go wrong with this one.
All wines from the Tavel AOC in southern Rhône are Rosé wines. Tavel is historically famous because the French kings Philippe le Bel and Louis XIV both favoured wines from this region. Grenache and Cinsault are the primary grapes in grown in Tavel. The version from Domaine Maby is dry and made with 57% Grenache Noir and 27% Cinsaut. Seven other varietals make up the rest.
The dry Rosé from Château la Tour de l'Évêque is an organic wine and consists of 46% Cinsault, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Rolle.
And finally, we have a local off-dry Rosé wine from Status Wines called "Wildass". Most Rosé wines are a blend of red grapes only, but the Wildass is a blend of 30% Semillon, 25% Gamay, 22% Syrah, 12% Malbec, and 11% Cab Franc.
Not part of the Rosé wine feature, we also have a Sparkling Rosé Crémant d'Alsace that is dry and consists of 100% Pinot Noir.
From the rest of the release, we have the PI-3.1415 that is made using the local Spanish varietal Concejón (thought to be a clone of Tempranillo) from 80-year-old vines. The Famille Perrin is a red-blend consisting of mostly Grenache, with Mourvèdre and Syrah playing a supporting role. The Château Puech-Haut is a blend of 55% Grenache Noir, 35% Syrah and 10% Carignan.
Enjoy my wine picks for this week! Let me know if you buy and try anything. I'd love to hear from you! Cheers!
The next Vintages release will be on LCBO shelves on . The main feature in this release is on Italian wines that use the appassimento method to make wines, while the secondary feature is on organic wines.
Appassimento-method wines involve drying the grapes prior to pressing and fermenting. There are various ways to dry grapes, such as laying on racks or mats, mounting from rafters, often in barns; modern techniques of drying grapes involve temperature controlled chambers. The appassimento-style is usually applied to red wines using local varietals, while producing sweeter (off-dry) wines. However, the Masi Grandarella is a dry wine made using Refosco, and the international varietal Carmenère.
Amarone wines are also made using the appassimento method, however, these wines are allowed to ferment to full dryness, producing wines which have greater intensity of flavours and tannins. In this wine release, check out the Monte del Frà (80% Corvina veronese and Corvinone, 20% Rondinella) - you won't be disappointed.
Ripasso (meaning "repassed") is my personal favourite appassimento-style, and comes between the lighter Valpolicella and the robust Amarone. Essentially, leftover grape skins and seeds from Amarone (and Recioto) production are added to batches of Valpolicella to produce fuller bodied red wines that are more complex and flavourful than Valpolicella. The Remo Farina is a good example of this style and is made using 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, and 10% other grapes.
Recioto is the ancestor to both Amarone and Ripasso. Grapes for Reciotos are picked very late and very ripe, then dried on mats or racks for 4-6 months. This allows the sugars and flavours to concentrate, producing very sweet wines. If you'd like to taste this style, the Antolini is your best best in this release. It's made using a blend of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.
Eco-friendly winemaking and organic wines are the secondary feature in this release. It wasn't too long ago when one immediately thought that organic wine equated to poor tasting wine. Times have changed quickly. Of the 6 wines featured, 3 are on my list and worth pursuing. Weingut Wittmann has been organic since 1990 and biodynamic since 2004, and their Riesling in this release is dry (not sweet). La Cappuccina winery has been family-owned since 1890, with the 4th generation controlling the reins now; they've been practicing organic farming since 1985; their Soave is made with 100% Garganega. And finally, we have an organic California chardonnay from Frog's Leap, a winery that also practices biodynamic farming techniques. The name "Frog's Leap" actually comes from a combination of "Frog Farm" (where it's first wines were made) and "Stag's Leap" (where Winemaker John Williams began his winemaking career, and a place I visited recently).
From the rest of the release, we have a couple of fine Italian single-varietal red wines. The Torrevento from Puglia is made from Nero di Troia, while the Fontanafredda from Piedmont is 100% Nebbiolo.
Enjoy my wine picks for this week! Let me know if you buy and taste any of these. I'd love to hear from you. Cheers!
The California Wine Institute has been heavily promoting their wines all over Canada throughout March, and will continue to the beginning of May. Included among this promotion were the major features on California wine in the March 2nd and 16thVintages releases, and the rather large promotion in the General List wine section at the LCBO titled "California Style". The recent iYellow Wine Club California Cruisin', Hope Family Wines tasting, and California Wine Fair in Toronto (review coming soon) were (I'm sure) also timed to coincide with this promotion.
Given all this, it seems only fitting that I finally post a review of my trip to Napa Valley in , where I had the opportunity to visit and taste wines from 6 different wineries. There was also a planned visit to Sonoma-County and Russian River Valley during this trip, however, I unfortunately became quite ill and had to forgo the journey.
We arrived in Napa Valley in the early afternoon, travelling along the famous Silverado Trail. Our first winery visit of the day was Hagafen Cellars. This is a small, family-owned winery that generally does not sell to any of the "big box" operations, including the LCBO, due to their small lot bottlings. Hagafen produces a grand total of only 7,500 cases per year. Definitely visit this winery if you're in the area - because this is probably the only time you will get the chance to taste their wines, unless, of course, you are invited to the White House (Washington, D.C.), where Hagafen has been poured since 1981. The reason for this is simple - all Hagafen wines are certified kosher for Passover and Mevushal. This certification comes in handy when delegates from Israel come to visit the White House. A quick search shows that one Hagafen wine is available at an LCBO in Ottawa too.
HAGAFEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - Napa Valley (XD) - $21
Citrus and floral aromas. Soft and round on the palate with nice aromas replays. Good acidity and well-balanced. Quite nice. Would make a good appertif. Score: 89 pts
HAGAFEN ROUSSANNE 2011 - Ripken Vineyard, Lodi (D) - $18
This white wine has honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied with a creamy mouthfeel. More honeysuckle on the palate with some spicy vanilla notes on the mid-palate. Slightly off-dry. Score: 88-89 pts
HAGAFEN CHARDONNAY 2010 - Oak Knoll, Napa Valley (XD) - $24
Nice floral and mineral aromas. Round lemon and citrus on the palate. Medium-length finish. Crowd pleaser. Score: 89 pts
HAGAFEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $45
Dark berries, sweet vanilla, and light oak aromas from the glass. Medium-bodied with dark fruits, cassis and cocoa on the palate. Integrated tannins, well-balanced with good acidity, but finishes short. Score: 88-89 pts
HAGAFEN PRIX CHARDONNAY 2010 - Hall Vineyard, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley (XD) - $36
Refreshing lime and mineral aromas. Tropical fruits and butter on the palate with a creamy mouthfeel and some spiciness on the mid-palate. Very good acidity and a very long finish. My favourite white. Score: 90-91 pts
HAGAFEN PRIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - MJT Block, Napa Valley (XD) - $60
Rich, red fruit aromas on the palate with dark fruits, cassis and mint on the palate. Full bodied red with lots of tannin that is drinking really well right now. Score: 88 pts
HAGAFEN PRIX MÉLANGE RED TABLE WINE 2006 - Napa Valley (XD) - $75
Bordeaux-blend with Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Lovely ripe red fruit aromas with some tartness quality. More fruit on the palate. Nicely integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity. Very well-balanced with a medium-long finish. Yum! Score: 92 pts
HAGAFEN LATE HARVEST SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 - Sonoma Coast (S) (375 mL) - $30
Beeswax aromas from the glass. Blast of sweetness (honey) on the palate with vibrant acidity that dies quickly. Medium-length finish. Score: 91 pts
Our second stop of the afternoon was about 30 seconds up the road to neighbouring Signorello Estate. It turns out that nearly all the wineries in the area border each other and are just a quick, short drive from one to the next. Ray Signorello Sr. purchased a 100-acre estate during the mid 1970's with the intention of selling the grapes to other wineries, but the bountiful harvest of 1985 changed everything. In 1986, the Signorello's (both Jr. and Sr.) made plans to start a winery. The Padrone - meaning godfather or father-figure - is their flagship wine and made in tribute to Ray Sr., who passed away in 1998.
SIGNORELLO SETA 2011 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $45
"Seta" means "silk" in Italian. Blend of 62% Semillon and 38% Sauvignon Blanc. Light lemon and peach aromas, while the palate is intense with honeysuckle, floral and spice. Lacking balance. Score: 86-87 pts
SIGNORELLO HOPE'S CUVÉE CHARDONNAY - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $70
This wine is named in tribute to the wife of Ray Signorello Sr. and mother to Ray Jr. Unfined and unfiltered. Lots of butter aromas with nutmeg undertones. Creamy mouthfeel on the palate, full-bodied with mineral and spices notes that kick-in mid-palate and linger on the long finish with vanilla nuances. Score: 89 pts
SIGNORELLO CABERNET FRANC 2009 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $70
Old-world style with mulberry, brambleberry and cheddar cheese aromas with great aroma replays on the palate. Medium-full bodied, very good acidity and well-balanced. Finish is medium-long. Score: 90-91 pts
SIGNORELLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (#060152) (XD) - $100
Mostly Cab Sauv (75%) with Merlot (18%) and Cab Franc (7%) to complete the blend. Fig and jammy plum aromas from the glass. Ageing quite well, this full-bodied red wine has nice aroma replays, plus some mint, cassis and black currant notes on the palate. Very good acidity. Score: 90-91 pts
SIGNORELLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (#060152) (XD) - $90
Cab Sauv (93%) and Cab Franc (7%) has oak, barnyard, woodsmoke and dense blackcurrant aromas with balanced aroma replays on the palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and finishing long. Very nice! Drinking well now, could be cellared another 10 years. Score: 92-93 pts
SIGNORELLO PADRONE 2007 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $165
Consisting of 84% Cab Sauv, 8% Merlot and 8% Cab Franc. Sweet plum drops and incense aromas. Medium-full bodied and very smooth with blackcurrant, cassis, dark fruits on the palate. Very nicely integrated tannins and a long, dark finish that is silky smooth. Score: 93-94 pts
SIGNORELLO PADRONE 2008 - Estate Btld, Napa Valley (XD) - $155
Blend a bit different than the '07 with 89% Cab Sauv and 11% Merlot. Woodsmoke and plum aromas. Full-bodied with dark fruits and leather on the palate. Tannins are very chalky and need 2-3 years to settle down. Score: 93 pts
The third stop of the afternoon was 2 minutes north on the Silverado Trail, the independent winery of Clos Du Val. This winery was founded in 1970 and planted its first vineyards in '72 in what is now known as the Stags Leap District. Clos Du Val's '72 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of 6 wines selected for the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. At the 10 year anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the same wines were tasted again and Clos Du Val's '72 Cab ranked 1st overall. The "Three Graces" that have "graced" the winery's labels since its inception in 1972 come from the 3 mischievous daughters of Zeus that symbolize the independent mind, body and spirit of Clos Du Val.
CLOS DU VAL BRUT (NV) - (XD) - $???
Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend. Very smooth, creamy mousse on the palate. Extra dry. Quite nice.
CLOS DU VAL ARIADNE 2010 - Napa Valley (XD) - $19
Ariadne gets it's name from the wife of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Blended with 68% Sémillon and 32% Sauvignon Blanc. Melon, herbal, cilantro and fresh mint aromas. Palate is intense with a creamy mouthfeel and flavours of passion fruit, guava and citrus. Crowd pleaser. Score: 88-89 pts
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Napa Valley (#652925) (XD) - $38
84% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot, 6% Cab Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Ripe black fruit, cedar oak and toast aromas. Smooth mouthfeel with chocolate, blackberry and blackcurrant flavours on the palate. Silky tannins, but a touch spicy on the mid-palate. Finish is long. Score: 89 pts
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET FRANC 2009 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley (XD) - $65
Pleasant violet and oak aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with more violet notes on the palate. Slightly chalky tannins will reward ageing 2 years, but drinking excellent now. Good acidity and a smooth, long finish. Score: 92 pts
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley (#720961) (XD) - $80
94% Cab Sauv and 6% Merlot. Blackfruits, oak, smoke and toast aromas. Black fruits, mocha and coffee notes on the palate with velvety smooth tannins. Very good acidity and long finishing. Very nice! Score: 92 pts
CLOS DU VAL THREE GRACES RED 2009 - Napa Valley (XD) - $65
A blend of 82% Cab Sauv, 14% Cab Franc, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Intense aromas of ripe black fruits, dark chocolate, coffee and spice. Medium-full bodied with flavours of brambleberry, mocha and sweet vanilla. Mouth-watering acidity, with tannins that are well-integrated. Lengthy finish. Yum. Score: 91-92 pts
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2008 - Napa Valley (XD) - $120
With fruit sourced from vineyards in Rutherford, this is mostly Cab Sauv (93%), with 4% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cab Franc to complete the blend. Aromas of black/dark fruits, chocolate tobacco and cigar box. Full-bodied with nice aroma replays plus some leathery notes. Turns spicy at mid-palate. Tannins are very chalky and finish is long. Score: 91 pts
We travelled another 2 minutes north and stopped at Chimney Rock. A relatively young winery, Chimney Rock produced it's first wine in only 1989. The Terlato Family joined founders Hack & Stella Wilson in 2000 and assumed full ownership in 2004. Chimney Rock practices sustainable winemaking techniques and aims to leave the environment in better condition than how they found it. I wish all people would think like this. As for the winery experience - Chimney Rock was the busiest of all the wineries we visited. The crowds seemed too much for the pourers, and was a bit much for me as well. The Elevage is a stellar red wine, but otherwise this visit sort of left a bad taste in my mouth.
CHIMNEY ROCK ELEVAGE BLANC 2008 - Napa Valley (XD) - $39
A unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. Herbal, grassy, floral and guava aromas. Medium-full bodied with a crisp mouthfeel and nice aroma replays. Lively acidity and a long, lingering finish. Score: 88 pts
CHIMNEY ROCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON STAG'S LEAP DISTRICT 2008 - Napa Valley (#731810) (XD) - $66
Leather and spice dominate the aroma profile, with undertones of bramble, violet and sweet vanillan. Well-integrated tannins with finish that is spicy with chocolate & mocha notes. Delicious. Score: 90 pts
CHIMNEY ROCK ELEVAGE 2008 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley (XD) - $85
A blend of 56% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauv and 6% Petit Verdot. Ripe red fruit aromas. On the palate, it's very smooth with dark fruits, milk chocolate, and mocha flavours. Lively acidity and a medium-long finish that is very smooth. Score: 91 pts
CHIMNEY ROCK TOMAHAWK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley (XD) - $130
Comprised from a small group of vines planted in 2002, otherwise known as the Tomahawk Vineyard. This wine saw French oak for 18 months. Very nice sweet vanillan oak aromas. Extremely smooth at the beginning, but turns to spicy mid-palate. Flavour profile consists of blackberry, milk chocolate and light oak notes. Needs 2 years for tannins to settle. Score: 90 pts
Heading further north, we arrived in less than one minute at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. According to popular legend, the origin of the "Stags Leap" name comes from a stag (deer) who eluded hungry hunters by leaping to freedom across the District's landmark peaks. This winery (not to be confused with Stags' Leap Winery) was founded in 1970 and is widely-known for it's estate-grown Cab Sauv's - CASK 23, S.L.V. and FAY. Furthermore, this winery also has the distinction of winning the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting with their '73 S.L.V. Cab Sauv. Suffice it to say, I was really excited about this tasting.
We entered the winery and quickly noticed oak barrels that were on-end and scattered throughout the floor, while on the far left was the wine bar. It turns out that the barrels were used as mini-tables to be used by customers for tastings. We were greeted and offered one of these "barrel tables" to taste a flight Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignons. Our server brought over the bottles for our tasting flight, plus a couple of surprises that were not on the list. It was quite the experience being in this setting, and I would highly recommend you visit if you're in the area.
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS FAY ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Napa Valley (XD) - $95
Named after Nathan Fay, a pioneering grape grower, this wine's grapes come from the FAY vineyard. Sweet blackberry and dark fruits aromas. Medium-bodied with cassis and blackcurrant on the palate. Good acidity and medium-length finish. Fairly light in style for a Cab Sauv. Score: 89-90 pts
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Napa Valley (#708892) (XD) - $55
Blend of 88% Cab Sauv and 12% Merlot. Nicely balanced oak and chocolate aromas. Medium-full bodied with blackcurrant and violet on the palate. Very smooth and round. Tannins are integrated and overall is a well-balanced red. This is currently available in the Vintages section at the LCBO. Score: 89 pts
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS S.L.V. CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Stags Leap District, Napa Valley (XD) - $125
Some of the grapes in this wine are from original vines planted in 1970. Black cherry and smoke aromas. Medium-full bodied and plummy, dark fruit and violet flavours on the palate. Smooth, fine-grained tannins and high acidity. A big wine with a long, smooth finish. Very nice! Score: 93 pts
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS CASK 23 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - Napa Valley (XD) - $210
Originally got it's name "CASK 23" when, in 1974, winemaker André Tchelistcheff tasted a deliciously distinct barrel of S.L.V. labelled "Cask 23", and asked that it be bottled separately. Today, it a blend of distinctive fruits from both the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards. Lovely intense smoke, oak and black cherry and black fruit aromas. Medium-full bodied and balanced aroma replays on the palate. Smooth tannins and bright acidity, while finishing long. Nice! Score: 92 pts
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS S.L.V. CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Stags Leap Distric, Napa Valley (XD) - ???
Very nice smoke, black fruits, cassis, earth and oak aromas. Full-bodied and nice aromas replays on palate. Great acidity and smooth tannins. Ageing gracefully and still could be enjoyed 5 years from now. Score: 92 pts
STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS MERLOT 1998 - Napa Valley (XD) - $???
Lots of smoke and oak aromas, with undertones of dark fruit. Full-bodied and fruit forward with violets and mocha. Spicy mid-palate. Long finish. Score: 90 pts
Our final stop of the day - before we headed to dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni (lovely place, by the way) - was supposed to be Robert Mondavi Winery, located within the Oakville AVA. However, they were just closing up as we arrived. So, on the suggestion of the folks at Mondavi, and because we had a little bit of time to kill before dinner, we headed a few minutes south on St. Helena Hwy to Napa Cellars. Also poured in this tasting room are wines from Sonoma County-based Folie à Deux, and their other label Ménage à Trois. The tasting room felt dark and rustic, and contained many nicknacks, wine gear and lots of cookbooks for sale.
FOLIE À DEUX CHARDONNAY 2010 - Napa Valley (XD) - $24
Ripe lime and citrus aromas with replays on the palate. A bit spicy on the mid-palate. Bright acidity and medium-length finish. Score: 87 pts
FOLIE À DEUX PINOT NOIR 2011 - Sonoma Coast (XD) - $20
Aromas of cherry, strawberry, raspberry and hints of earth. Aromas carryover onto the light-bodied palate, joined by oak flavours. Score: 87 pts
NAPA CELLARS RESERVE STAGECOACH VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Napa Valley (XD) - $48
Cherries, sweet vanillan, and oak aromas. Red and black fruit flavours on the medium-full bodied palate. Medium acidity and tannins that are integrating nicely. Finish is medium-length and well-balanced. Quite nice. Score: 89 pts
NAPA CELLARS RESERVE DYER VINEYARD SYRAH 2010 - Carneros, Napa Valley (XD) - $28
Intense dark sweet fruit, mint and herbal aromas from the glass. Full-bodied with dark cherry and spice on the palate. Well-balanced overall with good acidity and integrated tannins. Finish is medium-length. Score: 88 pts
I hosted a small wine tasting. Invited were a few of our neighbours to taste some media samples of local Ontario wines from Diamond Estates Winery, and a red Lodi Zinfandel from Michael David Winery out in California.
Paired with these wines were some blueberries, watermelon, the L'Extra Brie, and the Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar. This cheddar from PEI has become one of my favourite cheeses - our guests enjoyed it too!
LAKEVIEW "GMR" SPARKLING RESERVE 2008 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (XD) - $24.95
The letters "GMR" come from the winemaking team of Thomas Green, Scott McGregor & Jason Roller. This sparkling wine was hand-harvested and made from 50.4% Chardonnay and 49.6% Pinot Noir. Medium intensity aromas of apple, pear and yeastiness. Extra dry with apple and pear on the palate, plus some lemon and toast. Mouthfeel is slightly chalky. Fine stream of bubbles and a finish that is medium-long. Pairs well with mild-flavoured cheeses. Only available through the winery. Score: 88 pts
20 BEES PINOT GRIGIO 2011 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#060707) (D) - $11.95
Screw cap. Honeysuckle, orange and tropical aromas from this white wine. Light-bodied with lots of floral and tropical fruits on palate, and hints of honey. Low acidity and finish is medium-length. Refreshing palate cleanser, good as an apertif. Even though classified as extra dry, this is an off-dry P.G. Score: 86 pts
EASTDELL GAMAY NOIR 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#214890) (XD) - $12.95
Screw cap. Red berry and cherry, oak and pungent smoke aromas from the glass. Light-bodied and fruit-forward with red fruits, cherry, raspberry, and red currant flavours on the palate. Medium levels of acidity. Tannins are integrating nicely, will reward in 1-2 years. Score: 86 pts
7 DEADLY ZINS OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2010 - Lodi, California, USA (#059311) (D) - $24.95
The 2010 was just released in Vintages and is part of the Essentials collection. Mostly Zinfandel and blended with Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. Medium-intensity crushed black fruit and sweet red fruit aromas with cedar undertones. Medium-bodied and very fruit-forward with red fruits, red berries and black cherry on the palate. Medium acidity and integrated tannins. Crowd-pleaser and a good introduction to new red wine drinkers. This was favourite of the evening. Score: 88 pts
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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