BERINGER MERLOT 2009, Napa Valley, California

24 Thursday May 2012

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Beringer Merlot 2009, Napa Valley Bottle

Cost: $29.95
Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Foster’S Wine Estates Americas
Alcohol: 14.4 %
Description: Deep ruby in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Cedar, English fruitcake, cinnamon, cocoa, plums, blackberry, cherry cola & dry sage on the finish. Full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14.4% alcohol.

Interesting Point: In comparison to the Beringer Knights Valley Cab, just reviewed, which is very similar in price, the Knights Valley is superior.

Drink now on its own or cellar it for another 5 years. Pairs well with braised beef.

Tasted: 23 May 12,

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Tasted 25 May 12: I had left some wine to taste two days later and it was gorgeous, just as I had hoped for when I originally opened it up. The notes that rose to the forefront were: cassis, cloves, smoked bacon, cinnamon and espresso. I am upgrading my score to 9+/10, value: 9/10, total: 18.5/20 and out of 5 stars: 4.5

LCBO#: 919647

CÁLEM COLHEITA SINGLE VINTAGE TAWNY PORT 1998, DOC Douro, Portugal

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Fortified & Desert Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cálem Colheita Single Vintage Tawny Port 1998, Doc Douro, Btld. 2011 Bottle

Cost: $25.95
Grape Variety: Red Blend
Category: Fortifieds
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Sogevinus Fine Wine
Alcohol: 20.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Deep amber colour with high intense nose.

Positives: Its been a long time since I tasted such a beautiful complex & yet smooth Colheita. Plums, raisins, dates, nuts (macadamia, almonds & pecan), sandalwood, good acidity with a long finish.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: Tawnies are usually a minimum of 7 years in oak cask before bottling. This one spent 13 years.

Drink now & pair it with dark chocolates with almonds.

Tasted: 20 May 12

Top Pick. Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9.5/20, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 5

LCBO#: 264259

BERINGER KNIGHTS VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009, Knights Valley, Sonoma, California

24 Thursday May 2012

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Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Knights Valley, Sonoma County Bottle

Cost: $34.95 (in sale: $31.95 until 27 May 12)
Grape Variety: Cabernet-Sauvignon
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: LCBOO Vintages
Country: United States
Region: Sonoma County
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Beringer Vineyards
Alcohol: 14.3 %
Description: “This classic Sonoma Cab is brimming with sensuous aromas of cassis, toasty oak, black coffee, vanilla and spice. The dry palate is loaded with sweet fruit and toasted oak flavours which are nicely offset by a lively acidity. It’s a classy, medium-full-bodied wine, with a long, fruity and firm finish. This is an excellent companion for beef carpaccio, filet mignon or grilled lamb chops.” LCBO

Medium ruby in colour with an intense nose.

Positives: Lots of flavour on both the nose & taste showing cedar, cassis, plums, cloves, blueberries, blackberries, vanilla, leather, pencil shavings & turmeric. Full body, medium tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: A touch hot from the high alcohol.

Interesting Points: A quality consistent wine that is easy to drink on its own or to pair it with food & it taste more like a $50 wine. LCBO usually has this on sale a couple of times throughout the year. I love the black label with the silver detailing.

Drink now or cellar it for another 5 years. Pair it with beef Wellington.

Tasted: 23 May 12

Top Pick

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9+/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5+

LCBO#352583

DOMAINE SERGENT OAK AGED MADIRAN 2008, AC Madiran, Maumusson, South West France

20 Sunday May 2012

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Domaine Sergent Oak Aged Madiran 2008, Ac Bottle

Cost: $16.90
Grape Variety: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: France
Region: Madiran
Format: 750 mL
Producer: M.T. Vins
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lots going in this wine. The nose brims with cedar, sandalwood, leather, pencil shavings, cinnamon, sage, cloves, plums, blackberry & expresso. The taste has similar notes as the nose but with mint, red currants & pomegranates. Medium to full body with medium+ tannins, good acidity with a very long length.

Negatives: Quiet a bit of heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: This wine won gold in Paris in 2010. I would encourage everyone to try to explore wines that come from areas around the world that are generally not accessible unless you visit the specific location. Lucky the LCBO has brought us wine from Madiran.

Drink now or over the next 3 years. It’s enjoyable on its own but would pair even better with rack of lamb or grilled tenderloin steak.

Tasted: 19 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 251561

FRESITA NV, Patagonia, Chile

18 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Amazing Buys, Sparkling Wine

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Fresita Sparkling Wine, Chile Bottle

Cost: $13.95 (on sale $12.95 until 27 May 12)
Grape Variety: Strawberry
Category: Flavoured Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Chile
Region: Patagonia
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vina Casal De Gorschs
Alcohol: 8.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Beautiful rich strawberry colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Always a favourite of mine featuring the flavour of freshly picked sweet strawberry with soft creamy mousse. Medium body, off-dry, with good acidity, long length & low alcohol.

Negatives: If you don’t like strawberries you won’t like this.

Interesting Points: Fresita means strawberry in Spanish & Patagonia is where strawberries were discovered.  In 1714 it was introduced to the world. LCBO usually has this sparkling on sale several times a year. It also comes in the smaller 200 ml bottles.

Nice to drink anytime. Drink now on its own, great for parties, or pair it with spicy food.

Tasted: 18 May 12

Amazing Buy

Score: 9.5/10, Value:10/10, Total: 19.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 5

LCBO#: 56697

MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY 2009, DO Casablanca Valley, Chile

18 Friday May 2012

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Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2009, Casablanca Valley Bottle

Cost: $19.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Chile
Region: Casablanca Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Montes S.A.
Alcohol: 14.0 %
Description: Gold in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Medium toasted oak with bananas flambé, guava, tangerine, lemon candy & pineapple. Full body with medium acid, medium+ length & the alcohol is well integrated.

Negatives: Too much bananas flambé.

Interesting Point: This series is consistent year to year. I was able to get it on sale at the LCBO for $14.05.

Drink on its own now or pair it with BBQ herb & garlic scampi.

Tasted: 18 May 12

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10, Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 390203

CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT METHODE TRADITIONELLE NV, VQA, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Sparkling Wine

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CHATEAU DES CHARMES BRUT METHODE TRADITIONELLE VQA

Cost: $22.95 (on sale: $20.95)
Grape Variety: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wines
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Chateau Des Charmes
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium straw colour with fine mousse & medium intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lighter champagne style featuring lemon, baked apple, limestone, pear, biscuit with light toast.

Good acidity with medium+ length.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Point: I had it for Mother’s Day & my mom loved it. My wife and I had it for brunch on 21 May 12, and she really liked it too.

Drink now on its own or with fresh oysters.

Tasted: 13 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 145409

PASSADOURO VINHO TINTO 2008, DOC Douro, Portugal

13 Sunday May 2012

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Passadouro Vinho Tinto 2008, Doc Douro Bottle

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: Red Wine
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Quinta Do Passadouro
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Dark ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Violets on the nose with plum, cinnamon, peppercorns, cherry, figs, blackberry, mocha, leather, olives, vanilla & black currants. Full body with medium+ tannins, good & long length.

Negatives: Slight heat from the high alcohol.

Interesting Point: Classic Port notes without the sweetness of desert wine.

Drink now or over the next 3 years on its own or pair it with beef coq au vin.

Tasted: 12 May 12

Best Buy

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10 , Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

LCBO#: 267997

IRONY MERLOT 2009, Napa Valley, California

13 Sunday May 2012

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Irony Merlot 2009, Napa Valley Bottle

Cost: $17.00
Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Napa Valley
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Delicato Family
Alcohol: 14.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: “Classic Napa Merlot with aromas of black cherry, mocha, raspberry and vanilla. Elegant use of oak gives the whole package a fine structure and balance. The producers suggest enjoying this wine with roast beef, grilled chicken, baked ham, a classic cheeseburger or rich minestrone soup.” LCBO

Medium ruby with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Plums, milk chocolate, mulberries, sweet cherry, rhubarb, some leather, cumin, red liquorice, cinnamon & all spice. Medium body, medium tannins, good acidity & long length.

Negatives: Lots of heat coming from the listed 14.5% alcohol. Some bitterness on the finish.

Interesting Points: This wine should please those that like their reds with a slight sweetness & lots of alcohol.

Drink now on its own or pair it with BBQ beef ribs.

Tasted: 12 May 12, Score: 8+, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3+

LCBO#: 183186

LE CLOS JORDANNE CLAYSTONE TERRACE CHARDONNAY, 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

12 Saturday May 2012

Posted by in Canadian Wines, White Wines

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Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2008 Bottle

Cost: $40.00
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Canada
Region: Twenty Mile Bench
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Vincor International Inc.
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Description: Rich gold in colour with medium to medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positive: A complex wine featuring medium toasted oak, butter corn, lime, musky wood spice, butterscotch, walnut, apricots, quince & limestone. Medium+ body, good acidity, alcohol is well integrated & long length.

Negatives: A little sourness on the finish.

Interesting Point: I recommend the larger Chard glass as it cuts the bitterness that a smaller glass will accentuate. I lucked out & bought this wine at LCBO for $28.05.

Drink now or over the next 3-5 years on its own or paired with surf & turf.

Tasted: 11 May 12

Score: 9+/10, Value: 8.5/10 (on sale: 9+/10), Score: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 56929