Canadian Wino(s)

Visit the Summerhill LCBO this Saturday, June 20th from 11:30-3:30 to sample Angus the Bull Cab with Weber BBQ’d steaks! The perfect match!

Historically, Malbec is one of the 6 grape varieties used in the blends of Bordeaux. It is also grown in Cahors in South West France, and a few other places. In Bordeaux it is a minor grape, and more prominent in the lesser known wines of Cahors (blended with the Tannat grape). Argentina, particularly in the Mendoza Valley, is where Malbec has gained popularity in recent years. It is a tannic grape yielding deep purple colour, and big dark plumy or red berry fruit flavors. As a single varietal it tends to be tannic but smooth; sometimes with chewy tannins, always deep colour with big fruit- red fruit, plum, or spice. It can range from jammy quaffers to big full bodied and complex wines. Vintages presents Malbec as a good barbeque wine. I agree. It is big enough to stand up to the big flavours of barbequed fare and many fit a barbeque budget.

Argentina – Malbec

2008 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2008, Mendoza, $13.95

Drink now
Grapes: Malbec
87 James Molesworth – WS
Mendoza Malbec can be a source of value wines well under the $20 mark.  This one gets a good review from James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator. -RM
‘Ripe, with raspberry and boysenberry fruit laced with mocha and fruitcake…fleshy and round…’ – JM (WS) 640490

2007 Domino del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec, Mendoza, $27.95

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Grapes: Malbec
90 James Molesworth – WS
Here is a wine that should be a step up the quality ladder from the Altos Las Hormigas.  It gets a similar taste profile in Molesworth’s review.  The difference should be in evident in additional complexity and length.-RM
‘…mocha and spice filled nose, along with creamy raspberry and boysenberry fruit…lengthy pure finish…’ – JM (WS) 079798

Ontario – Viognier    Excellent Value

2007 Peninsula Ridge Viognier, VQA Niagara Peninsula, $14.95

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Grapes: Viognier
Peninsula Ridge has great whites.  Their wine maker is from Chablis; perhaps this is a factor. I tasted the 2006 Peninsula Ridge Viognier in 2007 and was very impressed: The Viognier was light with crisp acidity and floral notes on the nose.  This would be a good summer sipper.  Very nicely balanced, this stood up to what I would expect from a more expensive Viognier from Southern France (Midi) or Australia, a very good value. -RM
‘…Pale lemon gold colour…aromas of white flowers and apricots…Flavours of apricots and ripe citrus…hint of peach…silky textured..lively tangy acidity…’’ – Vintages 662601

Ontario – Cab/Merlot

2007 Mike Weir Estate Cabernet Merlot, VQA Niagara Peninsula, $18.95

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Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
The Mike Weir Estate wines tend to be good values for ‘buy and drink wines’.  This is a ‘Vintages Essentials’ item so if you enjoy it you can go back for more. -RM
‘…aromas of blackberries, black cherry, roasted bell pepper, Portobello mushrooms, vanilla…medium bodied…velvety smooth black fruit flavors’ – Vintages 000109

Ontario Dessert Wine – Cab Franc Icewine

Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine, VQA Niagara Peninsula, $29.95 200ml

Drink now -2012
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc, a Bordeaux varietal, is typically used in blends.  It is rather rare to see really good Cab Franc as a single varietal – except when it comes to Late Harvest or Icewine.  Then Cab Franc seems to shine with bright strawberry/raspberry flavours, great with berry or chocolate desserts.  Aromas explode from a good one but they can be expensive.  Try this with a special dinner. -RM
‘…aromas of strawberry and ripe cherry leap from the glass…nicely in balance by a seam of bright acidity.  Sip this Icewine well chilled with fresh fruit tarts, strawberry rhubarb pie… Vintages 053397

Chile – Carmenère

2007 Perez Cruz Reserva Limited Edition Carmenère, Maipo Valley, $24.95

Drink now -2013
Grapes: Carmenère
Carmenère is yet another ex-pat wine of Bordeaux that has done well elsewhere.  It is widely planted in Chile but tends to be young drinking (quaffers) generally.  Perez Cruz makes some very good value wines at the $15 level.  They also have a premium line of single varietals at the $25 level.  Try this for an example of a better Carmenère.  -RM
‘Deep purple colour…intensely concentrated…aromas of plum, leather, smoke, rhubarb, and mineral notes.  Dry and full bodied…plush black fruit…grippy tannins…’ Vintages 670539

Australia – Shiraz

2004 Evans & Tate Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia, $19.95

Drink now – 2014
Grapes: Shiraz
88 Harvey Steiman (WS)
Margaret River Shiraz tends to be a bit smoother and more elegant compared to the big Shiraz of Southern Australia.  At 5 years, this should be drinking nicely now.  Harvey Steiman suggests that it has the structure to last a few more years in your cellar.  -RM
‘Velvety in texture…mint tinged blackberry and roasted meat flavours…mildly chewy tannins on the long finish…’ – HS (WS) 606905

South Africa

2008 Porcupine Ridge Syrah, WO Coastal Region, $15.00

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Grapes: Syrah

If you like the smooth, big fruit Shiraz of hot climates this popular South African one could be for you. Previous vintages have been big and spicy with blueberry and notes of black pepper and spice. – RM 595280

Value Bordeaux

This release contains no less than 8 Bordeaux from the stellar 2005 vintage.  Of the 8 offered this time 6 are from lesser prominent AOCs such as Haut Medoc, Cotes de Bourg, Montagne St. Émilion and Cotes de Blaye.  These less prominent AOCs can be the source of good value as they don’t command the premium pricing of the top AOCs such as Pomerol and St. Émilion on the Right Bank and St. Julien, Margaux, Pauillac, and Ste. Estephe on the Left.  Also, many of these wines drink well when young.  Most will be good now or suitable for short term cellaring (another 3-5 years).  Although these are probably save bets, try one bottle and go back for more if you like it.  Here are a couple of Merlot’s.

2005 Chateau Faizeau Vieilles Vignes, AC Montagne St-Emilion, $19.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: 100% Merlot
90 Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)

While most Bordeaux wine is blended, there are a few Right Bank wines that are 100% Merlot.  Some of the most expensive, like Petrus, are all Merlot.  At $19.95 this is worth a try for anyone who likes Merlot. – RM
‘…deep ruby/purple…lovely nose of kirsch, licorice, and pain grille.  Full bodied, ripe…….’ RP (WA) 501882

2005 Chateau Gigault Cuvée Viva, AC Premières Cotes de Blaye, $30.00

Drink now – 2015
Grapes: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
91 James Suckling (Wine Spectator)

Here is another from the Right Bank that is nearly all Merlot.  James Suckling, who is very reliable on Bordeaux, has rated this Chateau most years since 1998.  It would be very interesting to taste these two side by side and compare. – RM
‘Ripe cherry and berry…fresh herbs, olive, and a hint of coffee and chocolate on the nose… Medium to full-bodied, intense and silky, with loads of fruit pushing through the long finish.’ JS (WS) 500819

Burgundy – 2006

There is no doubt that 2005 is the biggest and most consistent vintage we have seen for Burgundy for some time.  Even moderately priced Bourgogne and Village wines in the $20-25 range from 2005 have been great.  It is a tough act to follow.  For my own cellar, most of those low end 2005s are gone, and I now wait for the better examples to age.  So, while the 2006s may not have the depth and concentration of the 2005s, many will be approachable young, providing some good drinking while waiting for the better 2005s to be ready.  This is the scenario for many regions when a big vintage is followed by a lighter one.  In the case of 2006 I suggest sampling before loading up.  2006 has some good lighter but very elegant and tasty wines with good character, but also some that may be simply a bit thin. Try one bottle first!

2006 Domaine Pouleau Pere & Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir, AC, $21.95

Drink now – 2010
Grapes: Pinot Noir

Bourgogne is made from grapes from around the region.  In great vintages they present an opportunity to enjoy the vintage at a lower cost.  In vintages that are a bit more variable they reduce the risk of getting a single vineyard or village that didn’t do as well.  At $21 this is a good opportunity to get an impression of the moderately priced 2006 Burgundies that will be suitable for drinking now and over the next year or two.
‘…lovely red fruit, floral nettle and leesy aromas that carry over beautifully onto the palate…’ – Vintages 110270

Italy -Veneto – Ripasso

2006 Terre di Verona Ripasso Valpolicella DOC, $17.95

Drink now – 2011
Grapes: Valpolicella blend

If you are looking for a wine with big flavour, complexity and depth at a moderate price try Ripasso.  Valpolicella is passed over the left over grapes after the making of Amarone.  This one got a Silver Medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards.  Dark fruit and cherry are typical flavour components. – RM
‘Nose open, chocolate, quite rich, dark dried fruits. Balanced, very nice tannins, elegant, good fruits and length’ Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards, 2008 117127

Switzerland – Gamay/Pinot/local varietal blend

2007 Cave de la Cote Morges AOC Grand Viin de la Cotes Vaudoise, $18.95

Drink now – 2011
Grapes: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret, Garanoir (Gamay and Reichensteiner crosses)

The cool climate and vineyards on hillsides facing the sun produces some very good light and elegant Pinots.  Most stay in Switzerland.  This blend is a rare chance to try what could be very enjoyable.  Vintages recommends it with Salmon.  Chicken dishes would match well too. – RM
‘A sweet-centered wine featuring aromas of red berries, plum, black cherry and citrus.  Dry, fruity, lightly spicy with a good refreshing core of acidity’ – Vintages 123414
Cheers,   Ross