February 15, 2015 Newsletter

The California Wine Fair dates are always worth recording—it visits eight centres across Canada from coast to coast.

Expect over 100 wineries represented and well more than 400 wines to taste in one gala event. It’s best to use the spit containers provided while sampling, and to arrange for public transportation.

Highly regarded as ‘the’ wine show of the year that one does not miss; it’s often sold out. Purchase tickets now @ www.calwine.ca and have questions answered via the California Wine Fair Hotline (905) 336-8932 or 1-800-558-CORK (2675).

There are NO tickets sold at the door! 

The California Wine Fair Tour moves across Canada on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 7th: Québec City, Espace Dalhousie
• Wednesday, April 8th: Montreal, Québec, Le Centre Sheraton
• Friday, April 10th: Ottawa, Ontario, Westin Ottawa ( $75. per person from 7 to 9:30 pm)
• Monday, April 13th: Toronto, Ontario, The Fairmont Royal York
• Wednesday, April 15th: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Halifax Convention Centre
• Wednesday, April 22nd: Edmonton, Alberta, Shaw Conference Centre
• Friday, April 24th: Calgary, Alberta, BMO Centre, Calgary Stampede, Palomino Room
• Monday, April 27th: Vancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Convention Centre

Newsletter highlights include:

• Exceptional value wine   – only 2 of 43 wines reviewed met the strict quality-price guidelines, priced at $13.95 and $16.95; both are identified by the   icon. What strict guidelines?  Click here.
• 5-star Wine – no wine rang the 5-star bell.
• Susan Selects – Ridgepoint Merlot Ripasso 2010 found under Ontario: Red Wine earning 4 stars @ $19.95
• Julie’s Jem – Mitolo ‘Jester’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 found under Feature: Australia’s 2012 Vintage earning 4½ stars @ $22.95
• Vic’s Pick – Edna Valley Vineyard ‘Paragon’ Chardonnay 2011 found under California: White Wine earning 4½ stars @ $18.95

Access the LCBO store nearest you with stock of any wine with an LCBO product number by clicking on the number shown in brackets in wine reviews then clicking on select stores and entering your postal code. The number of bottles available in each store near you is displayed. For Vintages Release wines, stock should be displayed the Friday before a Saturday release, some stores post earlier. For LCBO wines, it should closely reflect stock in stores, updated every 24 hours. It’s always best to phone first.

Vintages Release: February 21, 2015

Feature: Australia’s 2012 Vintage

Jim Barry ‘The Lodge Hill’ Dry Riesling 2012
Clare Valley $25.95 (262469) 12.5% alcohol
Straw-green, this is an outstanding Riesling displaying fabulous balance. Floral notes layer on citrus, green apple and a whiff of sweet herbs. Dry, almost spirtzy, the spine of vibrant acidity frames concentrated citrus flavours, a hint of mineral adding to the wonderful texture of the wine. The finish is long and cleansing. Savour this wine with sushi, soft shell crab, or charcuterie. (Susan Desjardins)

Ad Lib ‘Hen & Chicken’ Oaked Chardonnay 2012
Pemberton $19.95 (297697) 13.5% alcohol
You’ll think you’re nosing a bowl of ripe peaches with a side of buttered toast, almonds and apricots. It’s clean tasting and fresh—there’s nothing cloying here. Look for tropical fruit on the medium-bodied palate with an aftertaste of lemon-lime. A little pith adds to the interesting finish, sending you back for another sip. Chardonnay lovers should not miss this. (Julie Stock)

3 Rings Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley $18.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol
A velvety dark red colour introduces earthy with plum and red fruit flavours dancing on the tongue. It’s a little hot in a good way and definitely needs a hearty meat dish to help it shine. It has noticeable tannins and is peppery on the finish. Not for the faint of heart. (Julie Stock)

Leasingham ‘Winemakers Selection Bin 61’ Shiraz 2012
Clare Valley $25.95 (448241) 14% alcohol
This is ruby red with aromas of raspberries, mulberries and mint on the nose. Red fruit characters come to play amidst full-bodied, balanced structure with a herbaceous minty finish. It would be a great with a ‘loaded’ burger. (Julie Stock)

Heartland ‘Directors’ Cut’ Shiraz 2012
Langhorne Creek $35.95 (48496) 14% alcohol
The 14 months spent in French oak lends to the smoky rich aromas mingling with black currant and plum that carry through to the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with firm tannins and a little cocoa and sweet spice on the finish. This would be perfect with oven-baked pork tenderloin coated with piquant mustard and panko. (Julie Stock)

Fowles ‘Stone Dwellers’ Shiraz 2012
Strathbogie Ranges $19.95 (265967) 13.9% alcohol
Offering lifted aromas of spiced rose and pepper, plum and dark berries, this dry, medium-bodied red has a tangy, peppery mouth feel with tasty spiced berry fruit framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins. There’s great balance, intensity of fruit and juiciness to the texture. It finishes warm, peppery and fruity. Enjoy with roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

Yangarra Shiraz 2012
McLaren Vale $32.95 (911974) 14.5 %alcohol
Dried fruit aromas unveil a palate explosion of richness—blackberries and black currants. It’s full bodied and slightly peppery on the chewy tannic finish. This wine craves food and would be perfect with rare-grilled lamb chops. (Julie Stock)

Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 

Claire Valley, South Australia $19.95 (675223) 14.0% alcohol 

Aromas of espresso roast and black currant spill from this medium-bodied Cab. There are oodles of red fruit flavours throughout with cherry, currant and raspberry to the fore on the palate, joined by hints of sweeter, riper mulberry on the dry, tangy, mouth-watering finish. Give this a go with a rich beef or lamb daube. (Vic Harradine)

Mitolo ‘Jester’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
McLaren Vale $22.95 (43224) 14.9%alcohol
The dried grapes—similar to Amarone—provide a fabulous dense purple colour and blackberry aromas. There are tons of delicious dark fruit flavours on the well-balanced, bone-dry palate. It’s full bodied and full flavoured with tannin and acidity enveloped by concentrated dried cherry flavours with smoky bits entwined on the long delicious finish. This wine is approaching nirvana, there’s so much happening. A portobello sirloin stew should grace the table with this handsome jester. (Julie Stock)

Bleasdale ‘Mulberry Tree’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Langhorne Creek $17.95 (661892) 13.5% alcohol
A lovely, soft, garnet hue, it’s chockfull of red fruit and black currant aromas. The palate’s medium-bodied replaying fruit with a long cocoa/mint finish. The palate flavours and aftertaste are reminiscent of chocolate wafers with frosted mint in the middle—this is a very good thing. (Julie Stock)

Schild Estate ‘GMS’ Grenache/Mourvèdre/Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley $19.95 (108183) 14.3%alcohol
Anyone who follows my reviews knows that I love the GSM blend or any combination of this trinity. It’s dark ruby red with raspberry floral scents on the nose. Ripe black blueberries and currants meld creating a rich full-bodied mouth feel with perfect balance, good acidity and soft tannins. There’s peppery minerality on the impressive fruity finish with lots of guts. Try a crown roast of pork or prime rib. (Julie Stock)

Tait ‘The Ball Buster’ Red 2012
Barossa Valley $24.95 (269472) 15.5%alcohol
It’s not called the “Ball Buster” for nothing—you’re bound to enjoy lots of fruit-forward flavours in this 78% Shiraz, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aromas of violets abound robed in fruity notes. There are silky-smooth flavours of black currant, ripe plum and a long peppery finish. Think ripe strawberry dotted with fresh black pepper accompanied by quality vanilla ice and a cocoa brownie—an afternoon delight. (Julie Stock)

Dutschke ‘80 Block’ Merlot 2012
Lyndoch, Barossa Valley $23.95 (393744) 14.8 %alcohol
There are violets, dusty notes and sweet ripe plum aromas on the nose. It’s medium bodied, fruit forward, even a little jammy with loads of blackberries and raspberries on the palate. The finish is bone dry with good acidity accompanying soft tannins. Serve when friends come to the house for ‘just a glass’ and offer with parmesan crisps—divine. (Julie Stock)

The Main Release

Sparkling Wine

Veuve Ambal ‘Grande Cuvée Brut’ Crémant de Bourgogne
AOC Bourgogne $19.95 (209619) 12.0% alcohol
French sparkling wine, such as this Crémant de Bourgogne, are such great value they’re hard to resist. Floral notes, stone fruit, red berry and citrus tantalize the nose. This dry, medium-bodied blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay showcases a bold, persistent, mouth-filling mousse lifting the citrus, berry and white peach flavours that replay on the palate and the lengthy finish. It’s a great sipper on its own or with appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: White Wine

Château des Charmes ‘Old Vines’ Riesling 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $16.95 (277228) 12.5% alcohol
This double-gold winner deserves every accolade. On the nose there’s honeyed citrus, a whiff of petrol, mineral and earth. Just off-dry and medium bodied, the balance of acidity and fruit is beautifully orchestrated and in fine harmony. The palate’s bathed in focused lemon-lime flavours with vibrant acidity offering great poise and elegance. Masterfully vinified and showing great depth and length, this is one of the best-value wines produced in Ontario. (Susan Desjardins)

Ontario: Red Wine

  
Ridgepoint Merlot Ripasso 2010

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (270488) 14.0% alcohol 

Vinified in the classic Italian method, the fermented wine aged on fully dried Merlot and Cabernet grape skins to add depth and weight; this intensely flavoured wine offers notions of dried fruit, black berries, chocolate fudge, vanilla, and exotic spice. Dry, full bodied, the texture is satin-like, the structure subtle, the flavours of dried and dark fruits replaying on the palate, layered with notes of licorice, dried herbs, sweet spice and white pepper. Finishing long and flavourful, the wine’s a match for Porchetta-style roast pork. (Susan Desjardins)

California: White Wine

Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Lake County/Mendocino County $18.95 (86249) 13.0% alcohol
This delightful gem brings together tropical fruit notes, citrus and subtle grassy herbal notes. It’s dry and medium bodied with focused citrus flavours accentuated by bright acidity shining through. Pleasant herbal notes linger on the zesty finish. Serve with goat cheese and artichoke pizza. (Susan Desjardins)

Edna Valley Vineyard ‘Paragon’ Chardonnay 2011 

Central Coast $19.95 (984153) 13.9% alcohol 

Apple, pear, baking spice and vanilla aromas roll easily from this brilliant, medium-full bodied, satin-smooth Chardonnay. Flavourful, balanced and charming, ripe, juicy apple and white nectarine come to the fore supported by complexity, notions of tropical fruit and good lemon acidity. It finishes lengthy, luscious and lip-smacking good. Pour with roast fowl and root veggies, pork or veal. (Vic Harradine)

California: Red Wine

Clayhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Paso Robles $19.95 (57869) 13.5% alcohol
Aged 9 months—a portion in tank, the balance in barrel—this deep purple Cab appeals with minty notes, cedar, dark fruit, vanilla and spice. There’s perceptible tannins and fine acidity, it offers concentrated focused dark fruit flavours, spice, toast and a hint of smoked meat. Medium bodied, powerful and concentrated, it comes through with a big, dry finish. Serve with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)

J. Lohr ‘Los Osos’ Merlot 2012
Paso Robles $19.95 (27516) 13.5% alcohol
Aged 12 months in oak, this opaque, inky wine has quite subtle aromas—dark fruits, spice, smoke and a whiff of chocolate. There’s a basket of fruit on offer—ripe plum, cherry and berry, a taste of chocolate-coated cherries, all garnished with sweet spice, vanilla and delicate toast. It’s dry, medium-full bodied with good structure, balance and harmony through a lasting, savoury finish. Serve with duck with a cherry reduction. (Susan Desjardins)

Argentina: Red Wine

Juana De Sol ‘Single Vineyard Reserva’ Malbec 2012
Mendoza $15.95 (288381) 14% alcohol
Dusty aromas decorate the prune/plum aromas on the nose. Flavours of raspberry and blackberry waltz around on the palate with toasty notes of roasted hazelnuts. The tannins persist with notions of spice on the finish. It’s looking for grilled meat, try fatty sausages with spicy fruit chutney. (Julie Stock)

Chile: White Wine

Tabalí ‘Reserva’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Limarí Valley $14.95 (662999) 13.5% alcohol
This pale-straw Sauvignon Blanc offers piercingly clean, fresh aromas of citrus, asparagus, passion fruit and fresh-cut grass. It’s mouth-wateringly clean, fresh and medium bodied with herbal and citrus notes mingling with pithy notes of citrus zest that shine through the dry, zippy finish. Serve with halibut poached in this white wine. (Susan Desjardins)

Chile: Red Wine

Viña Casablanca ‘Nimbus Single Vineyard’ Syrah 2011
Casablanca Valley $19.95 (399386) 14.3% alcohol
This dense and inky Syrah presents a layered profile of meaty aromas, notions of chocolate, berry fruit and spice. It’s dry, full bodied, round and velvety. The palate’s bathed in rich berry fruit and toasty, peppery notes with a suggestion of balsamic. The wine finishes nicely balanced, rich and savoury, long and warm. Serve with rack of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

New Zealand: White Wine

Lawson’s ‘Dry Hills’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island $18.95 (214460) 13.5% alcohol
There are vibrant gooseberry and grassy aromas on the nose. Light on its feet and clean, it almost shimmers in the glass with fresh tastes of lemon lime and minerality on the palate. There’s crisp green apple creating great acidity and something vegetal on the finish that’s reminiscent of green peppers. This pairs well with salade niçoise or sushi; it’s a great lunch wine and it’s also refreshing on its own. (Julie Stock)

Wither Hills ‘Rarangi Single Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Marlborough, South Island $21.95 (288134) 14% alcohol
Aromas of fresh lime squirted over just-cut green grass approximates the aromas of this clean fresh Sauvignon Blanc. It’s bone dry with white and pink grapefruit on the palate along with minerality, herbaceous notes and a minty, crisp finish. It’d be perfect with bouillabaisse and crusty bread. (Julie Stock)

South Africa: Red Wine

Flagstone ‘Treaty Tree Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2012 

WO Western Cape $16.95 (278382) 14.0% alcohol 

Deep ruby, this Cabernet brings Merlot to the table, offering aromas of black currant, black cherry, plum, exotic spice and earth. Medium-full bodied, it’s fruity and tangy, round, generous and approachable. Blackcurrant and raspberry flavours caress the palate framed by ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Attractive savoury notes of toast, dried herbs and dark chocolate whisper through the dry finish. Excellent value and a great choice for grilled flatiron steak. (Susan Desjardins) 

France: White Wine

La Griffe Bernard Chéreau Muscadet Sèvre & Maine 2013
AOP Sèvre & Maine $15.95 (948182) 12.0% alcohol
Floral notes drift from the glass along with aromas of citrus, orchard fruit and mineral. Dry, light-medium bodied, this is delightful wine, the clean citrus flavours dominating, the finish fresh and tangy. Serve with pan-fried white fish or scallops. (Susan Desjardins)

France: Red Wine

Domaine de la Madone ‘Le Perréon’ Beaujolais-Villages 2013
AOC Beaujolais-Villages $14.95 (981175) 13.0% alcohol
There’s red fruit in abundance with pretty dried herbs, spice and a touch of vanilla combining to tantalize. Dry, medium bodied, fresh and juicy in texture, this is classic Beaujolais—subtle tannins frame bright red fruit and a touch of spice delights the palate. This is a great food wine that finishes tangy and lengthy. Try with cassoulet. (Susan Desjardins)

Château de Panigon 2011
AOC Médoc $19.95 (230367) 13.0% alcohol
Principally Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a red crafted for cellaring. Earthy notes and dried herbs complement berry fruit and fine smoky notes on the nose. It’s medium bodied with chalky drying tannins to the fore. Lively acidity highlight the tasty dark fruit. The tannin makes its presence felt through the dry finish, suggesting further cellaring prior to enjoying this with rare roast beef. (Susan Desjardins)

Château de la Bastide 2012
AOC Corbières $13.95 (360487) 14.0% alcohol
This approachable Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre blend offers exceptional value. Autumnal notes combine with spice, smoke and lifted ripe fruit aromas. There’s a core of intensely ripe fruit that steals the show with tasty notes of spice, sweet herbs and a hint of chocolate adding interest. It’s medium-full bodied with good balance and structure coupled with peppery warmth on the dry finish. Stock up and serve with hearty pizza or braised chicken thighs and sausage. (Susan Desjardins)

Gérard Bertrand Saint Chinian Syrah/Mourvèdre 2011
AOC Saint Chinian $18.95 (370247) 13.5% alcohol
Inky and intense, this attractive blend showcases rich, ripe, dark fruit garnished with notes of licorice, spice and olive. Dry, full bodied, spicy and peppery, there’s well-defined underlying structure and good acidity to balance the concentrated black fruit. Smoky, toasty notes evolve and the spicy, peppery texture carries through the potent finish of this big, bold red. Serve with flavourful stews. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: White Wine

Tedeschi ‘Filadonna’ Pinot Grigio 2013
IGT delle Venezie $17.95 (295881) 12.0% alcohol
This is lovely, flavourful Pinot Grigio, offering floral, citrus and subtle earthy aromas and flavours. Dry, medium bodied, it’s lively and fresh with a good juicy texture. Citrus and melon tantalize the palate while the earthy note develops and lingers on the finish. Serve with pork tenderloin with mustard and rosemary dressing. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy: Red Wine

Giribaldi Barbaresco 2006
DOCG Barbaresco $32.95 (101147) 14.0% alcohol
This elegant, garnet-hued beauty offers evolved red fruit aromas, dried fruit, rose petal and an autumnal, earthy note. There’s warmth on the refined, nuanced, medium-full bodied palate along with a firm frame of tannin and fine acidity. The earthy note replays with tobacco layered on red cherry and berry fruit with a fine note of spice carrying through the lengthy, dry finish. Serve with mushroom arrosto drizzled with truffle oil. (Susan Desjardins)

Lirica Primitivo di Manduria 2007

DOP Primitivo di Manduria $17.95 (326710) 14.0% alcohol

A cedar, black berry and roasted herbs bouquet provide segue for ripe, sweet, palate-bathing flavours of bramble berry and spice garnished with notions of tobacco and espresso roast. Good weight and mouth feel throughout, it’s bolstered by a supple tannin underpinning and moderating acidity on the long aftertaste. Good value and good to go now with grilled steak or burgers. (Vic Harradine) 

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2011
DOCG Chianti Classico $34.95 (933317) 14.5% alcohol
Based in the amazing ‘Conca d’Oro’ (golden shell) valley, south of Panzano, this long-standing producer uses natural viticultural methods to offer a finely wrought, impactful Sangiovese. Almost opaque, it displays lifted aromas of dark fruit, earth and violet. A notion of plum combines with ripe dark fruit, spice and savoury black olives on the palate. Showing good balance and lively texture, this dry, medium-full bodied red finishes long and warm. Serve with tagliatelle with a meat sauce. (Susan Desjardins)

Speri Pigaro Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012
DOC Valpolicella $21.95 (205286) 13.5% alcohol
This was aged 12 months in barrel after a 15-day re-ferment with the marc of Amarone. It delivers rich aromas of ripe and dried fruits, smoke, spice and vanilla. There’s great depth of fruit flavour balanced by fresh texture and fine-grained tannins. Spicy notes tantalize and complement the fruit on the medium-full bodied palate. This is a tasty, pleasant, dry red pairing well with chicken cacciatore. (Susan Desjardins)

Portugal: Red Wine

Parcelas 2010
DOC Douro $14.95 (397422) 13.0% alcohol
Give this time to knit together as it’s worth the wait; and it’s very good value. This opaque, purple blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousão aged 9 months in French oak. The nose is redolent of black fruit, tar and iron. Dry and medium-full bodied, it’s surprisingly warm, the tannins firm and the texture clean. The firm structure is perfect counterweight to loads of potent spiced black fruit and intense earthiness. (Susan Desjardins)

Spain: Red Wine

Viña Zaco Tempranillo 2011
DOCa Rioja $14.95 (146209) 14.0% alcohol
Finely crafted and generous, this is another great value from Rioja. Dry, medium-full bodied, it offers lovely aromas and flavours of flowers, spiced vanilla, ripe red fruits and black berry. It’s nicely balanced with velvety texture and delicious, juicy, ripe fruit accented by notions of white pepper and a replay of spice. It finishes dry with good length; serve with paella. (Susan Desjardins)

New in Ontario Wineries

Order the following five wines by the case of 12—mixed, if you like—with daily free delivery in Ontario to your home, office or restaurant from Riverview Cellars Estate Winery.

Dessert Wine

Riverview Cellars Late Harvest Vidal 2013
VQA Ontario $19.95 375 ml 11.7% alcohol
Aromas burst from the glass—honeyed citrus and apricot coupled with the sweetness of honeydew melon and tang of passion fruit. There’s weight, balance and a lovely opulent texture to this vibrant dessert wine with lively acidity offering great counterpoint to the ripe, sweet, honeyed fruit. Refined, well-defined and deftly crafted, this is great value. (Susan Desjardins

Red Wine

Riverview Cellars ‘Salvatore’s Reserve’ Syrah 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $29.95 13.1% alcohol
This well-crafted, deep-purple Syrah offers notes of pepper, dried lavender, licorice and ripe dark fruit. It’s silky in texture and firmly structured with tasty blueberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit agreeably framed by ripe tannins and lively acidity. The dry, medium-bodied, fruity finish displays a tasty savoury note with pleasant flavours of black cracked pepper delivering a touch of warmth. It’s well paced, deftly balanced and a good choice for rack of lamb. (Susan Desjardins)

Riverview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
VQA Niagar-on-the-Lake $16.95 13.0% alcohol
Interesting aromas of dried herbs, grilled peppers, cedar, blackberry and raspberry tease the nose. It’s fruit forward, dry and medium bodied, soft, round and loaded with flavours of raspberry jam, juicy black cherry, cocoa and spice. Straightforward, mellow and tasty, it’s a go-to wine for pizza, burgers or grilled Italian sausages. (Susan Desjardins)

Riverview Cellars ‘Salvatore’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
VQA Niagara River $29.95 14.0% alcohol
Ripe fruit shimmers on the nose, subtle notes of vanilla, exotic spice and cedar adding complexity. Dry, medium-full bodied, this signature wine has depth, intensity and structure. Tannins are somewhat chalky, but the berry flavours are rich and ripe, lifted by fresh acidity. Hints of licorice, cocoa and toasty oak embellish the dry, nuanced finish. A good candidate for the cellar, serve now with rare roast beef. (Susan Desjardins)

White Wine

Riverview Cellars Pinot Grigio 2013
VQA Niagara River $13.95 12.5% alcohol
No shrinking violet, this flavourful Pinot Grigio entices with lifted floral notes, aromas of melon, pear and apricot and an elusive whiff of spice. Just off dry, medium bodied and round, the delicious ripe fruit replays with refined acidity providing balance. A flavourful, enjoyable wine that will play well on its own or matched to spiced pork or veal dishes. (Susan Desjardins)

Cheers, Vic, Susan and Julie