The Chef Upstairs: September 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.