Nov 1 – Special Items
by RossMorrison on Nov.06, 2009, under LCBO Reviews
Here are a couple of wines that may be of particular interest ($40, and $20) that are available in limited quantity.
Italy – Piedmont – Super Piedmont blend
2005 Tenuta Rocca Langhe Rosso Ornati $40
Drink now – 2014
Grapes: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Nebbiolo (Barolo), 25% Barbera
90 RM
ORDER FROM Ex Cellars (agent) in 6 packs for immediate delivery.
To order, email HYPERLINK “mailto:nuray@ex-cellars.ca” nuray@ex-cellars.ca or call her at 416-822-8187.
This is a consignment wine (brought in by the agent) that I tasted and wrote about back in March. This blend is the first of its kind I have seen and is in tune with the global trend towards blending big grapes of Bordeaux (Cab and sometimes Merlot) with local indigenous grapes of other regions. Nebbiolo is the grape that goes into Barolo (lots of depth and character). Barbera is one of Italy’s most prolific grapes and adds fruit and acidity. Only about 400 cases are made. This is an opportunity to enjoy a rare and tasty wine with good value for the price.
The 2005 Langhe Rosso Ornati has arrived and there are a few 6 packs still available. A good friend and I have both sampled this wine again now that it is here and were very impressed.
Oct 2009: Deep ruby colour. Black currant, plum, leather, earth, smooth, medium bodied, balanced. Drink over next 5 years. 90-91, 3.5/5 good value for the money. Good complexity. RM
Spain – Blend – Vintages Online only
2005 Solar de Urbezo Crianza DO Cariñena, $20
Drink now
Grapes: 40% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah
90 – Jay Miller (WA)
89 – RM
90 Bottles available at Vintages online.
Here is another blend of Bordeaux and local grapes, this time from Spain: Bright ruby colour, dark berry notes on nose, mineral notes and hint of spice, and slight earthy tone. Smooth and balanced on palate moderate tannins, medium bodied. Very nice. 89, 4.0/5 Very good buy at $20. Doesn’t need long in decanter. Decant and serve. After some time in decanter, darker, leather and dark fruit notes come out. Easy drinking. Very good. RM
‘…aged for nine months in French and American oak…nose of cedar, mineral, tobacco, cassis, blueberry, and blackberry … smooth, flavors, good balance, and a seamless finish. – 90. JM (WA) 0139527
Cheers, Ross
