Vintages Release – October 1, 2011

Today’s release is the start of the great fall programs at the LCBO as we move towards the holiday season. The next 6 releases will feature some of the best wines of the year. For this week there are some amazing dessert wines that are never available when you want them for a special dinner party. Now is the time to pick them up, to insure that you have them when you need them.

I have also picked two lovely value reds that will last you through the winter. It would be a good idea to pick up at least 6 bottles of each at these prices.

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only a week away and I have selected several different whites and reds that will compliment your meal. I have also posted a recipe for the most delicious turkey (below). We cooked our turkey like this two years ago and it was definitely the tastiest and juiciest bird I have ever eaten. The dry rub we used had wonderful flavourings and made for even better soup. I will also post a recipe for the leftover turkey soup next week.

http://www.thechefupstairs.com/Dry_Rubbed_Roast_Turkey.html  

The traditional pairing with turkey is white Riesling and for red wines, either Pinot Noir or Gamy grapes. I have featured several of each and would put a bottle of white and a bottle of red on the table to satisfy the palettes of all of your guests.

The weather doesn’t look very good for outdoor work or activities today, so head out to your local fall market to pick up some of the amazing fall bounty and don’t forget to hit the LCBO on your way home.

 

Red Wines under $20

Wild Rock Gravel Pit Red 2008, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
LCBO #163600; Rating – 87; $15.95

A blend of 71% Merlot, 25% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc produces a smooth and silky wine. From the producers of Craggy Range in the Gimlett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay. It is elegant and mid-weight with very good length. Enjoy this good value now to 2015.

Goats Do Roam The Goatfather 2009, Wo Coastal Region; South Africa
LCBO #11072;  Rating – 87;  $14.95

A very interesting blend of Italian Sangiovese and barbera grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon makes for a full soft and earthy wine that is very drinkable for the price. We bought a case of this last year and it was a very enjoyable wine during the colder winter months. Will pair well with grilled meats or even Spaghetti and Meatballs.

White Wines under $20

Domaine De Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #251454;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #89037;  Rating – 89; $19.95

Dessert Wines

Fleur Du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2008, Wo Coastal Region (375ml); South Africa
LCBO #173781; Rating – 94;  $20.95

Dessert wines such as this classic are created by introducing the botrytis (noble rot) to the Riesling grapes. The result is a deep dark orange colour, that is very sweet, luscious with excellent to outstanding length. Enjoy with hazelnut chocolates or any dessert that is sweet and or chocolate.

Château De Rayne Vigneau 2007, Ac Sauternes, 1er Cru (375ml); Bordeaux, France
LCBO #98236;  Rating – 91;  $31.00

The sauternes of Bordeaux are rare and scooped up quickly in Ontario. They are beautiful rich wines. My favourite pairing is with seared foie gras, served with either an apricot, mango or apple chutney.

Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszu 2006 (250ml); Hungary
LCBO #972836;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner

Reds

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granits Fleurie 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #207886;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Part of the great Beaujolais class of 2009. It is medium weight and very smooth, with very good length. Good value at this price.

Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #242933;  Rating – 90; 17.95

Central Otago is New Zealand’s best location for growing great Pinot Noir. It is mid-weight with very good length. Chill slightly.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #146548;  Rating – 90; $19.95

This is a very affordable Pinot in a lighter style. It has very good length and is always in stock at most LCBO locations.

Pierre Andre Bourgogne Pinot Noir Reserve Vielles Vignes 2009, Burgundy, France
LCBO #168427;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

This is  a light-mid weight pinot noir with typical sour cherry, woodsy scents; ideal with roasted poultry.

Whites

Dr. Hermann Riesling Kabinett 2008, Qmp, Erdener Treppchen; Mosel Germany
LCBO #189647;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

This a wonderful Mosel Riesling that is off-dry but well balanced. Rich and honeyed in character with excellent finish.  A great price for this quality wine.

Vineland St. Urban Riesling 2009, VQA Niagara Escarpment; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #38117;  Rating – 89; $19.95

This is elegant but intense Riesling in a slightly off-dry style. A good sipping style or will pair nicely with salmon with lemon or poultry. Very good to excellent length.

Angels Gate Riesling 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #160523;  Rating 88;  $13.95

This is great value for $14 - a serious Riesling nicely opening up. It's mid-weight, firm, dry and a bit tart  with very good length.

Vintages Release - September 17, 2011

The September 17^th release at Vintages features some 2008 Bordeaux wines. Unfortunately, it was a mediocre vintage, which suggests that you will be paying high prices for only average wines. If you are really interested in trying some truly great wines I suggest the two Exceptional wines listed below.

I have also selected three wines that will be outstanding after a few years of aging. If you can store them in a consistently cool and dry space, you will be rewarded for your patience.

If I was to buy only one wine this week it would be the Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009. I love this food friendly style of wine and while it may seem sweet to some, it is actually a very fruity wine that pairs extremely well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Finally, don't miss the Red and White Value selections for under $20. 

Enjoy and have a great weekend ...Greg

 

Exceptional Wines

Te Mata Coleraine 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island;  New Zealand
LCBO #640656; Rating – 93;  $59.95

A Bordeaux style blend that is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot. It is classy, elegant and medium-full bodied on the palate with excellent finish. This beauty is drinkable now but will also get better with time over the next 6 years. Why pay $60 for a $20 wine in a restaurant, when you can have this delicious gem.  Pair with rack of lamb and a peppercorn sauce.

Clawson Creek Angela Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon,  USA
LCBO #254177;  Rating – 92;  $49.95

This is a stunning, complex pinot that is medium-full bodied. It is a truly impressive wine with excellent finish. It will get better over the next 2 to 4 years and will hold for double that time. A truly great value that will pair nicely with classic beef bourguignon.

Red Wine – Excellent Value ($20 to $30)

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia,  Australia
LCBO #84996;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

This is a nicely balanced Cab, that is medium-full bodied teamed with elegance and excellent length. It is drinkable now, but will certainly get better with another 2 years of aging. Drink 2014 – 2020. Certainly a nice wine for your cellar.

Domaine Grand Veneur Clos De Sixte 2009, Ac Lirac; Rhone, France
LCBO #76349;  Rating – 90;  $23.95

This is a sensational wine that will challenge many Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines at twice the price. It is full bodied, with class and power that will evolve over the next decade.  Excellent length. Pair with hearty winter fare.

Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley; Oregon, USA
LCBO #949909;  Rating – 90;  $28.95

Oregon produces some wonderful Pinots that we seldom get to buy. It is light to mid weight, focused and elegant. Drinkable now, but even better with another year before drinking. Would pair nicely with coq au vin.

 

Red Wine – Good Values under $20

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
LCBO #673897;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

A very impressive wine for $16.95. It is full bodied but without the heavy oak that characterizes many Aussie Shiraz from the south. Drink now to 2015.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah/Mourvèdre 2007, Los Robles, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #243394;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

A Rhone style blend that is dark ruby red and provides great value for the money. Excellent length that is drinkable now, but will get better over the next year or two.

Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007, Doc Dão; Dão, Portugal
LCBO #986075;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

This is a medium-full bodied red that is made from the same grape that produces port wines. Quite classy for the money with very good length.

Tenuta Sant'antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008, Doc; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #29850;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A nice simple easy drinking wine with very good length that will pair well with a meaty pasta dish.

First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley; California, USA
LCBO #188110;  Rating – 88;  $19.95

If you like the typical commercialized California Cab, you will like this. It’s medium-full bodied, oaky with very good length.

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #46268;  Rating – 87;  $15.95

A very nice mid-weight wine, but not a typical cab. It has great focus, is smooth and has very good length. Worth a try for this price. Pair with grilled leg of lamb and roasted rosemary potatoes.

White Wines – Good Values under $20

Rudolf Rabl Reserve Vinum Optimum Grüner Veltliner 2009, Dac Kamptal; Austria
LCBO #216473;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

David Lawrason’s description says it all; “This is lovely ripe, rich yet lively gruner veltliner with classic white pepper, honey, apricot and orange bread aromas. It's medium-full bodied, rich yet lively with fine acidity and warmth. Excellent length and focus. Delicious and very classy. Great value.” Pair with paprika spiced chicken.

Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace; Alsace, France
LCBO #224626;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

Classis Gewurz that was a gold medal winner in 2010 at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. It’s full bodied, generous and mouth watering with excellent to outstanding length. Grab a bottle or two to pair with a nice curry dish or your favourite spicy Asian food.

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #981670;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A very nice classic New Zealand Sauvignon with a nose of green herbs and grapefruit. Smooth, crisp with excellent length. Chill well and enjoy.

Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2009, San Antonio Valley, Chile
LCBO #246405;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A nose of fresh herbs, grape fruit with a nicely balanced palate. Very good length. Try a bottle and compare it to the Mount Riley above.

Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Wo Darling; Swartland, South Africa
LCBO #235895;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

A typical Cape style sauvignon that features green apple, chive, lime and mineral flavours. Excellent length.  It would be interesting to compare this with the two other sauvignon wines listed above.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

LCBO / Vintages - July 9, 2011 New Wines Release

The LCBO / Vintages release for July 9, 2011 includes some nice red wines that feature both quality and value. There is also a nice 10 year old Tawny Port for $21.95 and several nice summer whites.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting 5 lovely wineries in Essex County (near Windsor along the Lake Erie shore).  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their Chardonnay wines, Rieslings and Cabernet Blends. We also toured a local B&B which is located in close proximity to all of these wineries. La Roos Maison B&B is a beautiful lakeside home that is wonderfully appointed and well priced. What a great place for a quick getaway www.laroosmaison.com  The five rooms are priced from $99 to $179 per night or get 5 couples together and book the entire place.

My most memorable imbibing occurred at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Their Sangria was outstanding and given the 32C weather that day I could have consumed a keg of this, it was so good. I will try to duplicate it this weekend and will post the recipe in my next Blog.

Red Wines

Pléyades Reserva 2005, Do Cariñena; Spain
LCBO #214163;  Rating – 91;  $12.95

A tasty Spanish blend for a great price. You can’t go wrong at this price. Will pair nicely with grilled red meats.

Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County California, USA
LCBO #224147; Rating – 91;  $21.95

Good Zinfandel is often hard to find these days, so this a good one to put away for a rainy day. A nice fruity medium-full bodied wine with great depth and excellent length. Try with aged cheddar.

Dominique Piron Les Pierres Morgon 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #231969;  Rating – 91;  $22.95

This was a great vintage and this is a wonderful example. Supple, fine and rich. You will want to quaff this it is so good. Pair with roast chicken or pork.

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, Docg, Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #212571;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Good value for an authentic Tuscan wine. It’s mid-weight with great flavours and very good to excellent length. Try with rosemary crusted leg of lamb.

Lomond Syrah 2008, Wo Cape Agulhas; South Africa
LCBO #146464;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

A northern Rhone style Syrah  that is medium-full bodied and a good value at this price.

Baglio Di Pianetto Shymer 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #219501;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

A blend of merlot and syrah with structure that you’d normally find at twice the price. Very good length.

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #58081;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A medium-full bodied and dense cabernet that is very tannic and dry. Try now, but could be better in two years.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #224915;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

A very good Rhone wine at a very good price. Try with your favourite charcouterie.

White Wines

Château Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #228924;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A classic Chenin nose with honeyed pear character. It’s medium weight, slightly off dry with excellent focus.

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #214437;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A good example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a nose of citrus fruit and green herbs.  Good length and value.

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #127720;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A fresh style, with lime, tarragon, green plum and green apple notes, backed by a finish that turns creamy at the very end. Drink now.

Andrian Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Alto Adige; Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy
LCBO #234914;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

Pinot Grigio is a great patio wine that is ideal for sipping or for light seafood salads.

Port

Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Doc Douro; Portugal
LCBO #223958;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

A wonderful Tawny Port at a reasonable price. Buy now as these are always hard to find at Christmas time.

LCBO / Vintages - June 11, 2011 Release

Hi Everyone ...this is one of my favourite weekends of the year. Not because there are some great wines being released at Vintages because it is my turn to give back to a cause that is very important to me. I will be participating in the Princess Margaret Hospital Ride to Conquer Cancer. It is an epic 2-day 200 mile bike ride that benefits cancer research. It is important to me, not only because I have lost over a dozen family and friends to this horrible disease, but because I know of more than 20 survivors who have beaten the odds and won. so yes, my bum will be sore, my knees will ache, my back will be stiff and my hands will be numb ...but in my mind, it is nothing compared to the toll that chemotherapy and radiation treatments can have on your body.
So please, if you haven't donated to this great cause, please support my ride by clicking on the link below ...it's never too late to save a life!!  Donate to Greg's Ride to Conquer Cancer 

  

Wine Selections for the 06.11.11 Release

RED WINES UNDER $20

This week’s release features 5 wonderful reds scored at 90 and all for under $20. Each is a different style, so it is a good time to try a few and see for yourself the subtle differences terroir, climate and varietal can make in the finished product.

Alvento Elige 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula; Ontario, Canada
LCBO #226019;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

If you only buy one wine from this release, this is the wine to try. It is a Bordeaux style blend with great colour, nose and excellent length. It is mid-weight, but will show best if cellared for a year or two. Buy one to try now and a few to drink later. Most people would never know that this was an Ontario wine!

Falernia Reserva Syrah 2007, Elquí Valley Chile
LCBO #208371;  Rating – 90;  $15.95

This is a wow from a region not known for Syrah. Made in the Rhone style with impressive flavour and very long finish. Drink now or even wait a year for it to develop more. Will pair beautifully with beef tenderloin and peppercorn sauce.

Château Bégadanet 2005, Ac Médoc; Bordeaux, France
LCBO #138875;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is another wow. A mature six year old Bordeaux for under $20 is time to celebrate. Very complex, with an intense nose and very good to excellent length. Drink now or over the next 5 to 7 years. Very food friendly, enjoy with a rack of lamb or with Roquefort, Beaufort or Emmental cheeses.

Château De Chatelard Les Vieux Granits Fleurie 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #207886;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is a wonderful summer red to sip on the patio. Very smooth, medium weight and very good length.

La Sauvageonne Pica Broca 2008, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #223669;  Rating 90;  $18.95

A delicious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, it’s mid-weight, packed with flavour and has very good length. Enjoy with grilled steak.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Los Morros, Maipo Valley; Chile
LCBO #208397;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

This is from an entirely organic estate. It is a medium-full bodied classic which is fairly dense and well balanced. Though, shame on the Vintner for using such a heavy bottle!

Monte Del Frá Bardolino 2010, Doc; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #134544;  Rating – 88;  $11.95

A great summer sipper for under $12! Medium bodied and good length. Serve with a slight chill and pair with grilled chicken or pork.

Zeni Costalago 2008, Igt Rosso Veronese; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #220848;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

From Sara d’Amato at Wine Align. “An attempt at a "super Venetian" blend of local Corvina with Cabernet and Merlot. Medium-to-full bodied, rich and a touch smoky. Blackberry, plum and some big, warm alcoholic notes. A hearty red that is best served with rich stews and smoked meat.” Drink now or over the next 2 years

WHITE WINES UNDER $20

This week I’m featuring four different style whites, that pair nicely with light summer fare.

Nicosia Etna Bianco 2009, Doc Etna; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #212928;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A blend of local Sicilian varities with aromas of pear, melon, flint and white peach. An excellent sipper that will pair well with grilled fish or seafood pasta.

Domaine Des Malandes Chablis 2009, Ac; Burgundy, France
LCBO #111658;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

A very reasonably priced Chablis. Crisp and clean with very good length. Sip it on the deck or pair with grilled sole.

Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza; Argentina
LCBO #1461;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

Simple, soft and clean. A great value vs commercial styles such as Yellow Tail.

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Acongagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #510339;  Rating – 87;  $15.95

This winery is a partnership between Errazuriz and Robert Mondavi. They are dedicated to producing premium and super premium wines. This wine will not disappoint and is good value. Try with oysters on the half shell or just sip it on the dock. Very good length.