Category Archives: Red Wines

DÔLE DU VALAIS 2007, Swiss Valley. Pinot Noir & Gamay

18 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by in Best Buys, Red Wines, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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160697_web

Cost: $18.95
Grape Variety: Pinot noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Switzerland
Region: Swiss Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Provins
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Light garnet in colour. High intensity on nose. Love the aromas of cherry, cranberry, rhubarb, light milk chocolate mousse, earth tones with roses. On taste med- body, med+ length, low tannins & med acidity leads to a well balanced & excellent priced Pinot. Flavours as with the nose with addition of pomegranates & juicy red apples. I like the fact that this wine is not high in alcohol. Very food friendly, pairs well with Quail, lamb, pork & tuna. Also very pleasant on it’s own. Bought it on sale for $13.35, but even regular price still a Best Buy. Drink now.

Score: 9+/10 Value: 10/10, Total: 19+/20. One of the best light Pinot’s I’ve tried for under $20.

Tasted 17 April 2011.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#160697

THE PAIRING, RED, 2006 Santa Ynez Valley

12 Tuesday Apr 2011

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218909_web

Cost: $32.95
Grape Variety: Cab.-sauv./merlot/petit verdot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cool Hand Vineyards Llc
Alcohol: 15.2% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Opaque inky ruby colour, med+ intensity, I can smell the vapors of alcohol. Cedar, cassis, blackberry, menthol, basil, cigar box. High complexity showing warm climate style. Taste has med+ tannins, med acid, balanced, full body, with high alcohol. Taste is mild compared to the nose. Cedar, black currants, some cranberry, leather notes, twiggy, spinach which gives it a bit of a green bite. Not worth the price. Score: 7, Value: 4, Total: 11/20 After being opened up for 2hrs, the nose is more fragrant with carnations & blueberry pie. On taste it was still linear, but does open up with mulberry & dark cherry. The spinach turns more to artichoke. Long finish. Score improves a bit, 7.5. Nose is 9.5

52% cab, 42% merlot, 6% petit verdot

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3

LCBO# 218909

THE PAIRING, PINOT NOIR, 2008, Sta. Rita Hills

12 Tuesday Apr 2011

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218958_web

Cost: $32.95
Grape Variety: Pinot noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Cool Hand Vineyards Llc
Alcohol: 14.1% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Med garnet, med+ intensity on the nose. A lot going on with rhubarb, cranberry, strawberry, pine, allspice, violets & earth tones. On the palate, dry, soft tannins, med+ acidity, med- weight, balanced, long length. Rhubarb, cranberry, strawberry, pomegranate, cherry, suede, pine & light earth tones. Complex wine, good quality. Food friendly or drink on it’s own. Compliments turkey well. Score: 9+/10, value: 8+/10, Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Tasted: 8 April 2011

LCBO #218958

Montecillo Reserva 2006, Rioja

12 Tuesday Apr 2011

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621003_web

Cost: $18.45
Grape Variety: Tempranillo
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBO
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Osborne Y Cia
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Med ruby with a slight garnet colour. Nose & taste are classic Rioja Reserva, with med+ intensity of sandalwood, smoked meat, dark cherries, sweet basil & carnations. On the palate, good acidity, med tannins, balanced, med body, long length. Like the nose, sandalwood, smoked meat, sweet basil, cedar, black currants, dark & sour cherry. Overall med+ complexity that you can drink now or age for another 3-5yrs. Best with food such as smoked sausages or grilled lamb. Score: 8.5/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 18.5/20. For the price this a best buy. Solid wine from a solid winery.

Tasted 11 April 2011

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO #621003