KATNOOK FOUNDER’S BLOCK SHIRAZ 2006, Coonawarra

10 Monday Oct 2011

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Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2006, Coonawarra, South Australia Bottle

Cost: $17.95
Grape Variety: Shiraz
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: Australia
Region: Coonawarra
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Wingara Wine Group
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Medium ruby going towards garnet in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Lower alcohol than your average Australian Shiraz. The nose & taste show a lot of spiciness with white, black & red peppers, eucalyptus, pimento, cedar, plum, blackcurrants, raspberry, leather, tobacco leaves & some slate. There is a lot of complexity for a wine that is under $20. This wine is medium body with mild tannins, good acidity & a long finish.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Notes: Screw cap

Drink now on its own or pair it with grilled lamb chops.

Best Buy.

Tasted: Score: 9+/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO:# 108167

GAINEY VINEYARD CHARDONNAY, 2008 Sta. Rita Hills, California

10 Monday Oct 2011

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Gainey Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, Santa Rita Hills Bottle

Cost: $17.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Appellation: VINTAGES
Country: United States
Region: Sta. Rita Hills, California
Format: 750 mL
Producer: The Gainey Vyd
Alcohol: 13.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Gold colour with medium+ nose.

Positives. Unmistakable Chard with medium toast and oak. The nose shows lemon, golden & granny apples with buttery corn. The taste is similar to the nose with creaminess & good acidity. Medium to full body with a medium+ finish.

Negatives:

  • There is some heat from the alcohol
  • Little bitterness on the finish.
Interesting Note: Even though this bottle is labeled as having 13.9% alcohol, US tax law gives the wine producer a margin of error for alcohol up to 1.5%. Therefore, this wine may in fact be 15.4%

Tasted 8 Oct 11.

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO#: 205484

STREWN CHARDONNAY BARREL-AGED, 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula

10 Monday Oct 2011

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Strewn Chardonnay Barrel Aged 2009, Niagara On The Lake VQA Bottle

Cost: $12.95
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Category: White Wine
Appellation: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Strewn Inc.
Alcohol: 12.5 %
Description: Medium gold in colour with a medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: A very nice Chard nose showing light oak & toast, buttery popcorn, lemon & golden apple. The taste is similar to the nose with a some added spice on the medium+ finish. The taste is smooth & creamy and still maintains good acidity. This medium body Chard is easy to drink on its own or pair it with rotisserie chicken.

Negatives: None.

Interesting Points: Use an old world or cool climate style Chard glass.

Best Buy.

Tasted 6 Oct 11.

Score: 9/10, Value: 10/10, Score: 19/20.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO#: 522730

PODERE CASTORANI AMORINO PECORINO 2007, IGT, Pescara, Abruzzo, Italy

10 Monday Oct 2011

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Podere Castorani Amorino Pecorino 2007, Igt Colline Pescaresi, Estate Btld. Bottle

Cost: $25.00
Grape Variety: Pecorino
Category: White Wine
Appellation: LCBO Vintages Online
Country: Italy
Region: Pescara, Abruzzo
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Colline Pescaresi, Estate Btld.
Alcohol: 13.0 %
Description:” ‘The peaceful vineyards in the hills near the Italian seaside town of Pescara are a vastly different world from the speed, glamour and noise of a Grand Prix weekend. But Jarno Trulli has a passion for both environments. Trulli has been competing in F1 since 1997 and racing since 1983. For the past 10 years, he also has been deeply involved in his other ‘profession’, making wine … Trulli was born in Pescara. When he eventually retires from the hectic world of F1, the peaceful vineyards in the hills near his hometown and his other profession as a vintner await him.’ (Dan Knutson, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, June 3, 2007) This engaging Pecorino conveys intense aromas of exotic fruits and white flowers, a rich, well-structured palate, and a finish full of ripe fruits. ” LCBO

Dark golden in colour with a medium intense nose.

Positives: Very aromatic and a good substitute for Chardonnay. Wild flowers, ginger, white sage, white pepper, lemon, golden apples, mango, tangerines and mineral notes.

Negatives: It has a little bit of an oxidative note to it that may turn some people away.

Interesting Things: This wine has similar notes to Fiano. Drink now on it’s own or pair it with Cornish hen.

Tasted: 8 Oct 11

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5

LCBO#: 111708

13th STREET WINERY, ST. CATHARINES, NIAGARA, ON

07 Friday Oct 2011

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Winery Review Series

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This is my first foray into reviewing wineries. I would like to thank Peter Rod, Sommelier at 13th Street for setting everything up and the owner, Karen Whitty, for her hospitality.
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                Peter in the Garden

A word of caution in attending this winery: If you think that you can fully appreciate everything they have to offer in an hour or two, that’s not going to happen. There is too much to experience here, from the tasting of the wines, to pairing of the wines with their selection of cheeses and meats, visiting the bakery and just walking around the grounds. They encourage people to stay awhile to enjoy the ambiance with wine and food while on the property. They have picnic tables as well as tables & chairs around the wine tasting house so you can sit, relax, drink and eat at your own pace. Inside the tasting house you will find more than just wine and cheese, but also art work. They have beautiful paintings and pictures from local artist as well as jewellery, and other art works. Outside you will continue with your experience in viewing larger pieces of art.

 

                      Gallery Room
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The Gallery Room Set Up For Wine Tastings
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                      The Grounds

                           Patio

The bakery is an artwork itself. Besides the novelties that they have for sale, the food looks amazing. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to eat there, but it looked extremely enticing. Karen gave me some heirloom tomatoes and blackberries that were just delicious. I will definitely go back and try their butternut soup and flat bread pizza.

IMG_1279
Karen Welcomes You to the Bakery
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                                  Bakery

I tasted 7 wines that Peter provided for me, and all were good, some better than others. My full review is posted below. Winemaker Jean Pierre Colas has done an impressive job making wines that are for the most part drinkable now, both food friendly or to be drank on their own.

IMG_1280
Me in the Blackberry Orchard

The only downside that I found here was that they are not open on Sundays. The owners and their staff work long hard hours during the week and due to their religious beliefs, they put their values ahead of business. Kudos for them.

This Winery is highly recommended.

13th STREET WINERY WHITE PALETTE 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

06 Thursday Oct 2011

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Cost: $14.95

Grape Variety: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay Musqué,
Category: White Wine
Appellation: Winery & LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer:  13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12% Alcohol/Vol.

Description: Light straw in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. 

Positives: I love the nose on this wine. It reminds me of late spring with all the flowers in bloom and freshly cut grass. Not surprising as the 3 major grape varietals are all very aromatic. The taste is just as wonderful with a myriad of layers from lychee, to peach & pear to grassy. This wine has a nice long length.  

Negatives: Found a slight bitterness and heat like radicchio & radish on the finish. 

Interesting Things: This is a blend of 6 grapes and they all seem to come out in this wine one way or another, either through the nose or taste. The Chardonnay Musqué is an aromatic clone of Chardonnay also known as Wente. (Yes same as the California Winery. Rumour has it they are credited with the clone). The varietal are: 32.4% Riesling, 24.8% Gewurztraminer, 21.6% Musqué, 7.7% Semillon, 7.7% Pinot Gris & 5.8 % Sauvignon Blanc. 

Drink now on its own or pair it with angel hair with olive oil, cracked pepper and Parmigiano Reggiano. 

Best Buy 

Tasted: 30 Sept 2011

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 10/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 4

LCBO#: 207340

13th STREET WINERY RED PALETTE, 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

06 Thursday Oct 2011

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Cost: $14.95

Grape Variety: 61.5% Merlot, 25.3% Gamay, 3.2% Cabernet Franc
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Winery & LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer:  13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Description: Medium ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. 

Positives: Nice cherry & plum notes followed by a little bit of fall leaves on both the nose & taste. There are some cranberry sauce & tamarind notes on the finish. This medium+ length wine is easy to drink on its own or pair it pheasant.  

Negatives: None 

Interesting Things: Similar to the Estate Series Gamay, but better due to the complexity and flavours that come out on this wine. 

Drink now. 

Tasted: 30 Sept 2011

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 3.5

LCBO#: 249458

13th STREET WINERY “ESTATE SERIES” PINOT GRIS, 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

06 Thursday Oct 2011

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Cost: $19.95

Grape Variety: Pinot Gris
Category: White Wine
Appellation: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer:  13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Description: Medium straw in colour with medium intensity on the nose. 

Positives: This is an easy going Pinot Gris with some oiliness on the taste which gives it more of a medium minus body rather than a lighter style Pinot Grigio. The nose and taste has some nice notes of sweet pear & limestone. Nice long length to it. 

Negatives: Too simple for my taste, but still nice to drink. 

Drink now on its own or pair it with tuna ceviche. 

Tasted: 30 Sept 2011

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 3

13th STREET WINERY “ESTATE SERIES” MERLOT, 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

06 Thursday Oct 2011

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Cost: $17.95

Grape Variety: Merlot
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer:  13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Description: Medium+ ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. 

Positives: Alluring floral notes of carnations followed by cherry & plum notes.   This is an easy drinking wine that has nice cherry, plum, red currants & red peppers on the taste. Good acidity makes this wine food friendly or drink on its own. Try pairing it with cooked ham. 

Negatives: None 

Interesting Things: This wine is un-oaked  

Best Buy 

Tasted: 30 Sept 2011

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

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 4

13th STREET WINERY “ESTATE SERIES” GAMAY, 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

06 Thursday Oct 2011

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Cost: $19.95

Grape Variety: Gamay Noir
Category: Red Wine
Appellation: Winery (Coming to Vintages in November)
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer:  13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Description: Medium ruby in colour with medium intensity on the nose. 

Positives: On the nose there are nice earthy notes followed by cherry & raspberry. The taste shows more wet earth notes of fall leaves, cranberry sauce & tamarind.  

Negatives: A little too much tartness for me. 

Interesting Things: Similar to Beaujolais village wine.  

Drink now on its own or pair with turkey dinner. 

Tasted: 30 Sept 2011

Score: 8.5/10, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 3