Canadian Wino(s)

Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Joseph Phelps Inisfree Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $36.95

Drink now -2014
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Phelps is a well established produced of quality wines, some of which are in the super premium category. 2006 was good for Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa, so the Inisfree should be a good benchmark in the $35 range. Drink now or hold for a few years. -RM
‘…forward and approachable…aromas and flavours of mulled spices, red fruit, coffee and cedar…long concentrated finish…’ – Vintages 038125

2007 Stonehedge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $24.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 could be a great year for Napa Cabernet. The Stonehedge Reserve provides a chance to try out the vintage at a reasonable price, and with a wine that should drink well now (decant). -RM
‘…ripe blackcurrant aromas and silky tannins…big enough to stand up to grilled steak but soft enough to be enjoyed on its own’ – Vintages 025122

2007 Rutherford Hill Chardonnay, Napa Valley, $24.95

Drink now – 2011
Grapes: Chardonnay
Rutherford Hill is another well established winery. 2007 may also be a great Chardonnay year for Napa. The description from Vintages for this wine sounds like classic Napa Chardonnay. -RM
‘…Delicate, gossamer like aromas of peaches, tropical fruit and buttery, smoky oak notes…dry, balanced, easy drinking… – Vintages 980433

2007 Southbrook Triomphe Syrah, VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.95

Drink now – 2013
Grapes: Syrah
90 – John Szabo (wineaccess.ca)
Syrah is another red variety that does well in Niagara. John Szabo gives this one a 90. -RM
‘…medium deep ruby red with purple…fresh, juicy peppery black and red fruit…lots of varietal character…surprisingly soft and plush tannins…’ JS (WA) 129809
Ontario – Dessert – Late Harvest

2007 Huff Estate First Frost Vidal, Prince Edward County, $19.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Vidal
4.5 stars – Vic Harradine (winecurrent.com)
The grapes for late harvest wines are left on the vine past normal harvest. The grapes lose moisture and concentrate, but not as much as the frozen grapes of ice-wine. The result is a concentration of fruit flavours, but medium sweetness. This one also uses some of the grape juice that is put aside and added back after fermentation (suss-reserve). This could be an interesting wine to try with blue cheese or fruit based desserts. -RM
‘…peach, apricot and tropical fruit…balanced with heady acidity…’ – VH (WC 713024

Mexico – Petite Syrah –Great value

2007 L.A. Cetto Petite Syrah, Guadelupe Valley, Baja California, $11.95

Drink now – 2013
Grapes: 40% Grenache, 40%Syrah, 20% Carignan
89 – Natalie MacLean (nataliemaclean.com)

Ok, this is a bit of a quaffer, and it’s been in these notes before, but for $11.95 it is difficult to beat in terms of a big fruit forward, easy drinking econo-wine. Try with grilled steak, BBQ fare or pizza. Natalie MacLean has a few matches below. – RM

‘…Juicy, round and ripe…aromas of black plums, black raspberry and vanilla smoke…matches: spicy black bean dishes, steak and cheese enchiladas…’ – NM 983742

France – Southern Rhone – Chateauneuf

2006 Domaine de la Cote de L’Ange Chateauneuf du Pape, AC, $34.95

Drink now – 2020
Grapes: Chateauneuf blend
91 – James Molesworth – Wine Spectator

At $35 this should be a great value, relative to other Chateauneufs. Compared to some of the premium cellar worthy Chateauneufs – Clos du Papes, Beaucastel, etc, the price is very reasonable. It is even reasonably priced compared to the mass produced Chateauneuf in the twisty sandblasted bottle found in general listings (woof). Try one bottle and go back for more if you like it. If drinking now give it and hour or more in the decanter. RM

‘Really dark aromatics of coffee, charcoal, and braised chestnut…structured palate of black currant, hoisin sauce, tar and bittersweet cocoa…old school with a gravelly feel on the finish.…’ – JM (WS) 074856

France – Vin de Pays (Southern France)

2007 Mas des Brassades Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, Vin de Pay du Gard, $18.95

Drink now – 2010
Grapes: Cab/Syrah

This wine is a perennial value pick for lovers of big fruit forward Shiraz like wine. The Vin de Pay produces both Cabernet and Rhone varietals such as Syrah. Here they are together; the Syrah dominates the Cab on this one with overall effect similar to new world (South Australia) big fruity Shiraz. Deep purple colour, big dark fruit on nose, and hint of tar and tobacco. Not too complex, but smoothened out and opened up nicely after and hour to 1 1/2 hours in decanter. Easy drinking – good with rib eye steak – very enjoyable. RM

‘…Cabernet Sauvignon vines are over 65 years of aged (good) and the Syrah vines average 35 years…medium bodied…packed with cassis, blackberry, earth and spice notes…ripe tannins and acidity providing structure …’ Vintages 712174

Italy – Ornellaia – Super Tuscan Collectible

2006 Ornellaia DOC Bolgheri Superiore, $174.95

Drink now 2016-2026
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
97 Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate)
95 James Suckling (Wine Spectator

Ornellaia is the Left Bank of Bordeaux done Tuscan style and done well…year after year. Many wines demand big prices because of reputation and name. Ornellaia is one that has delivered on the ‘wow’ factor every time I have tasted it. There are a few wine icons that have not delivered as well or consistently. It is expensive now, but will be more expensive later (the 1997 is in the $500 range per bottle at auction). Put some away and it will be a gem at age 10, and go for up to another 10 years. RM

‘…layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak…superb freshness and awesome balance…sheer intensity almost hides the tannins…will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar…’ – Antonio Galloni (WA) 722470

Italy – Tuscany – Chianti

2005 Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, $43.95

Drink now 2015 – 2020
Grapes: Sangiovese

This is Ruffino’s flagship wine. Chianti Classico is the location, Riserva denotes the premium wine, and DOCG is the value guarantee for indigenous grapes in Italy. Last year I tasted a Ducale Oro that was well aged but not from an outstanding year and it was very good. 2005 was a good year. If you like Chianti, buy a few and put them away. You’ll be rewarded in a few years. RM

‘…deep, rich and flavourful…lay it down for up to 10 years…’ – Vintages 353201

Italy – Tuscany – Sangiovese blend

2004 Sasso al Poggio IGT Toscana, $23.95 Super Tuscan Value

Drink now 2011
Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
90 James Suckling (Wine Spectator

Tuscany gained international repute over the last 30+ years by bringing in French grapes and growing them well. One of the trends to emerge is a variety of blends. Some, like Ornellaia mirror the traditional Bordeaux blend. Sassicaia, the original Super Tuscan, started out 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and now has 15% Cab Franc (watch for Sassicaia in November release). Others combine indigenous grapes, predominantly Sangiovese, with the grapes of Bordeaux, with excellent results. At $23 and 90 points from James Suckling, this Sangiovese – French blend may not be a Super Tuscan, but will be a Super Tuscan Value. RM

‘…very jammy for the vintage, with plum and raspberry character. Full and very soft with round tannins and a long caressing finish, best after 2009..’ – James Suckling (WS) 134809

Cheers, Ross

As with other wine regions, some years are better for Ontario than others.  Recent memorable Ontario vintages include 1998, 2002; 2005.  Hot and dry conditions produced small concentrated berries, wine with concentrated flavour and body.  Over the last few years I have been impressed with the Bordeaux style blends (Meritage) and whites, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.  Why not try something local from a good vintage.

Ontario – Niagara

2007 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Merlot/Cabernet, VQA Niagara, $19.95

Drink now -2013
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
The second label of Tawse gets the nod as a wine of the month from Vintages.  Wines of the month are generally a safe bet at the price point.  This should drink well now with some decanting time, or over the next few years.-RM
‘…appealing Bordeaux style…serious structure, remarkable purity of fruit and refreshing acidity…4/5 stars…’ – Christopher Waters (Vines) 130252

2007 Lailey Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara River, $24.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Wines from Lailey seem to sell out at the winery so we don’t see them in stores too often.  They produce consistently good reds. -RM
‘…black cherry, spring flowers, cocoa and beetroot aromas.  Dry, round and textured…moderate tannins…medium bodied’ – Vintages 591404

2007 Malivoire Gamay, VQA Niagara Escarpment, $17.95

Drink now – 2011
Grapes: Gamay
Gold Medal at 2009 Ontario Wine Awards
91- Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star
Ontario Gamay tends to be bigger and bolder than Gamay from the Beaujolais region in Burgundy.  This one got a gold medal at the recent Ontario Wine Awards.  -RM
‘…vanilla bean, sumptuous black cherry…hint of black currants in the aromas…cola, cassis and black cherry depth… – GS (TS) 591313

2007 Southbrook Triomphe Syrah, VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.95

Drink now – 2013
Grapes: Syrah
90 – John Szabo (wineaccess.ca)
Syrah is another red variety that does well in Niagara.  John Szabo gives this one a 90. -RM
‘…medium deep ruby red with purple…fresh, juicy peppery black and red fruit…lots of varietal character…surprisingly soft and plush tannins…’ JS (WA) 129809

Australia – Shiraz

2006 Elderton Shiraz, Barossa Valley South Australia, $29.95

Drink now – 2016
Grapes: Shiraz
91 – Jay Miller (WA)
Here is another wine from Elderton, one of Barossa’s better producers.  From Jay Millers’ description this wine should be a classic example of Barossa Shiraz. -RM
‘…deep crimson…multifaceted perfume of smoke, black pepper, bacon, and blueberry…smooth textured, ripe Shiraz…layers of savory fruit, soft tannins…’ – JM (WA) 713024

France – Midi – Value Cellar Pick

2004 Chateau Pech-Redon L’Épervier, AC Coteaux du Languedoc, $19.95

Drink now – 2013
Grapes: 40% Grenache, 40%Syrah, 20% Carignan
90 – David Schildknecht (WA)

The Languedoc is a good source of value wines, especially those with Grenache/Syrah blends.  This one is blended with Carignan, another grape of Southern France.  Try one to see if it measures up to the review then put a few away for 3-5 years and try again.  Give it some decanting time for tannins to soften up if opening now. – RM

‘…nose of kirsch macerated dried cherries, black currants and walnuts…sweet black fruits…herbs…slight firmness of tannin not being at all obtrusive…’ – DS (WS) 129965

Italy – Veneto – Quintarelli

2000 Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC, $89.95

Drink now – 2015
Grapes: Valpolicella blend
4 1/5 of 5 stars – Vic Harradine (winecurrent.com)
Quintarelli is a legend of the Veneto region.  His Amarone goes for hundreds of dollars a bottle.  If you want to try the best of Valpolicella this is the one, and from a great vintage.  RM

‘…rich and well structured…aromas of dried spicy berry fruit…mulberry and red cherry…moderated by a stream of zest and tang… well balanced…’ – VH (WC) 986117

Italy – Veneto – Amarone

2004 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella DOC, $44.95

Drink now – 2015
Grapes: Valpolicella blend
5 of 5 Stars – Tom Hyland (learnitalianwines.com)
This sounds like a modern styled (accessible young) Amarone that should drink well now and over the next few years.  Amarone, made with dried (concentrated) grapes by the appassimentto technique tends to be full bodied with big flavours.  Hyland’s description suggests a lighter than traditional Amarone, hence good early drinking but enough structure to cellar a few years.  RM

‘Light, bright ruby red with aromas of tobacco, coriander, and red cherry…medium-full…good to excellent concentration…long finish with excellent fruit persistence, lively acidity and polished tannins…’ – TH  685107

Spain – Rioja – Organic

2007 Navarrsotillo Noemus Joven DOC, $14.95

Drink now 2011
Grapes: 60% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 20% Mazuelo
Gold Medal at Millésime Bio 2009
Joven means short barrel ageing and wine suited to drinking young.  This Tempranillo Garnacha Mazuelo blend should be medium bodied and smooth with good fruit.  Wines like this one from Rioja tend to be nicely balanced with smooth tannins.  RM

‘Bursting with ripe berry fruit and a hint of raisin…round fleshy…fine balance and a bit of tannic grip…’ – Vintages  131839

Spain – Ribera del Duero

2004 Torrederos Tinto Crianza DO, Ribera del Duero, $24.95

Drink now 2015
91 Jay Miller (WA)
The Crianza designation means longer barrel and bottle ageing than Joven.  At 5 years this should be ready to drink, but some Crianza’s may develop in the cellar for a few years.  Wines from Ribera del Duero seem to have a bit more complexity and concentration compared to Rioja, but retain the smoothness and balance of Rioja wines.RM

‘…dark ruby…aromas of pencil lead, earth, mushroom, vanilla and blackberry…medium to full bodied…will evolve for several years…’ – JM (WA)  114314

Cheers,   Ross

Chile is divided by mountains into a number of valleys which generally run north-south.  Amongst the varied terrain and conditions, they grow a variety of both red and white varieties.  Although there are a handful of producers that command premium pricing, the bulk of wine produced seems to be economical ‘buy and drink’ wine or suitable for short term ageing.  They do make some nice full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.  Carmenère which was once mistaken (or touted as) Merlot is another French grape that is no longer planted significantly in France but has done well in Chile.  Two things to look at when you find a bottle of Chilean wine that you like are 1) the valley, and 2) the producer.  This will help you find others that you may enjoy as well.

Chile – Chardonnay

2007 Montes Alpha Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley Special Cuvee, $22.95

Drink now
Grapes: Chardonnay
90 – Josh Raynolds (Int’l Wine Cellar)
4 things indicate that this could be a good pick: 1) Montes Alpha is a reliable producer in the price range, 2) Casablanca Valley is a good valley, 3)  Vintages has picked it as a cover item (part advertising, part should be good) and finally 4) Josh Raynolds, a reliable critic likes it.  -RM
‘…light gold…aromas of white peach, tarragon, floral honey and smoky lees…citrus and pit fruit flavors…buttered toast and baking spices…’ – JR (Int’l Wine Cellar) 390203

Chile – Cabernet

2006 Santa Rita Medalla Real Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, $19.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
91 – James Molesworth (WS)
A Santa Rita was one of the first very enjoyable Chilean Cabs that I had, back in the early 1990’s.  Santa Rita continues to be a good name for Cabernet.   The Maipo Valley is one of the most successful. -RM
‘Ripe and concentrated…macerated current, fig paste, espresso, loam and black licorice notes…dense but integrated tannins…’ – JM (WS) 275594

Chile – Carmenère Vintages Wine of the Month

2007 Concha y Toro Winemakers Lot 148 Carmenere, Rapel Valley, Las Ptatuas Vineyard $16.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Carmenère
This Carmenère gets the nod from Vintages as a wine of the month, and won the Grand Trophy at Chile’s 2nd annual Carmenère Competition in 2009; that makes it worth a try. -RM
‘…deep ruby purple…nose of ripe cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar… – Vintages 146258

Chile – Syrah

2007 Montes Alpha Syrah, Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard, $22.95

Drink now – 2010
Grapes: Syrah
90 – James Molesworth (WS)
He I’m looking at 3 things: 1) Montes Alpha is a good producer, 2) The Colchagua is a good valley, and 3) Syrah might do well in a climate that produces good Cabernet and Chardonnay.  I would expect more of a cool climate Northern Rhone style vs. a hot climate Barossa Valley Shiraz.  For $22.95 it could be interesting to try if you enjoy a good Syrah. -RM
‘Alluring with roasted coffee and vanilla bean note…rich palate of dark cherry, mulled currant and blackberry fruit…’ JM (WS) 000612

Australia – Shiraz Cabernet Blend

2006 Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, $14.95

Drink now -2010
Grapes: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
88 Harvey Steiman (WS)
This is a lower end wine from the very good producer – Elderton.  At $15 this could be a very good quaffer and great with bbq fare or spicy chicken.  Just last night I shared a bottle of Elderton’s 2001 CSM (Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot) which was outstanding.  The CSM was great with a chicken baked and seasoned with a bbq sauce/allspice combo – very good.- RM
‘Smooth and round…peppery note riding over the dark berry and licorice flavours…mild grip of tannins.’ HS (WS) 108043

France – Midi – Viognier

2008 Domaine des Aspes Viognier, Vin de Pays d’Oc, $14.95

Drink now
Grapes: Viognier
Viognier is one of the grapes that goes into Chateauneuf du Pape (red) even though it is a white.  It is rich with floral aromatics.  Viognier does well on its own across southern France.  -RM
‘one of the most consistent Viogniers of the Languedoc…pit fruits, garrique, melon and pear…enjoy with spiced seafood dishes’ – Vintages 712638

France – Bargain Bordeaux

2005 Chateau Roquetaillade la Grange Vieilles Vignes, AC Graves, $21.95

Drink 2010 – 2012
Grapes: Left bank blend
90 James Suckling (WS)

We are still seeing wines from the big 2005 vintage, and prices are starting to improve due to the recession.  This moderately priced wine from Graves (for Gravel – a good thing) is only $22 and gets a 90 from Suckling of the Spectator.  He says best after 2010; it probably will be at its best from then to 2012 but can be enjoyed now with some decanting time. – RM

‘…aromas of crushed blackberry and light spices.  Full bodied with just a hint of new wood.  Needs time…’ – JS (WS) 125666

France – Southwest – Malbec

2005 Clos du Chene 100% Malbec, AC Cahors, $15.95

Drink now – 2012
Grapes: Malbec.
Malbec used to be a French grape before becoming renowned as an Argentinean grape.  Cahors is the region for Malbec and they are starting to grow it again.  Why not try one from a great vintage like 2005 that was great for all of France.  RM

‘Opulent damson, vanilla, licorice aroma.  Vibrant fruit on mid palate. Elegant, long…’ – Vintages 129064

Australia – Duo from a good Barossa producer

Barossa Valley is a good producer, and Ebenezer is a small village in the Barossa Valley.  Here are a couple of good single vineyard examples worthy of cellaring 3-5 years.

2004 Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon, $39.95

Drink now – 2014
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
94 James Halliday (Aussie wine critic)
‘…complex cabernet, dark chocolate and mocha…luscious black currant fruit…even better than the 05.  Drink until 2014’ – James Halliday 039537

2004 Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz, $39.95

Drink 2011 – 2014
Grapes: Shiraz
93 Harvey Steiman (WS)
‘…firm in texture, aromatically dramatic…smoky roasted coffee…blackberry, black cherry….just needs time…’ – Vintages 650713

Cheers,   Ross