An explanation of the scoring system and icons is included at the end of this newsletter.
Although there is no second Vintages release in December, there are a number of wines reviewed that are deserving of consideration for gifting over the holiday season and for your own pleasure. It includes reviews from a tasting with Jean-Pierre Colas of Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery.
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Australia
Amberton Shiraz 2004
South Australia $14.95 (619189)
One of those 'feel good' stories of a group of wine and food-loving friends (doctors) who talked about starting a winery - haven't we all? - then did it. Dried currant and spice waft from the glass of this medium-bodied and well-balanced drop. You will find up front fruit flavours of tangy black currant and red berries with a lingering warm (14% alcohol) finish of rich and concentrated ripe, black fruit. Pair to rack of lamb. (VH)
De Bartoli 'Vat 8' Shiraz 2004
South Eastern Australia $15.00 (621649)
This is an outstanding Shiraz that punches far beyond its price point. A beguiling nose of spice, incense and black, juicy berry aromas curl from the glass of this medium-weight red. You will find nuances of oak, a ripe tannin underpinning, deft balance, rich and concentrated cherry, dark chocolate and berry flavours and a luxurious finish of moderating tang with a replay of the aforementioned flavours. What's not to love? (VH)
Barton & Guestier 'French Tom' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Vin de Pays d'Oc $14.95 (619254)
Smoke and spiced red berry aromas waft from the glass of this light-bodied red. Pleasant and clean fruit flavours - cranberry, red currant and red cherry - form the mid-palate profile while the finish layers on a generous spoonful of tang. This would pour well alongside a baked macaroni casserole in a cheese and white sauce. (VH)
Bouchard Pere et Fils Petit Chablis 2004
AOC Petit Chablis $19.05 (51466)
The ultimate match for freshly-shucked briny oysters on the half shell. Mineral and citrussy aromas open up this light-bodied white. Flavours of minerality, lemon and white peach on the palate with more of the same on the cleansing and zingy finish. Splash a bit of freshly-squeezed lemon on the oyster to give the fruit flavours in the wine a lift. (VH)
Moselland 'Divinum' Riesling 2004
Qba Mosel-Saar-Ruwer $11.95 (619676)
One of those yin and yang, sweet and tang whites that match up so well to spicy Asian dishes such as spicy Thai noodles or spicy chicken done in a tandoor oven. This is light to medium-bodied with dollops of cleansing zest and touches of tropical fruit throughout. It is also fairly low alcohol (11%), making it a wise choice to serve guests at parties. (VH)
Vineland Estates Winery Semi-dry Riesling 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (232033)
A delicious white that starts off with slate and mineral notes on the nose and fills the senses with gorgeously textured and well-balanced flavours of lemon zest, green apple and Anjou pear. The finish is lengthy and luxurious. Pair with a dried fruit-stuffed pork tenderloin with apple sauce on the side, (VH)
Fleur de Cap Shiraz 2004
WO Coastal $13.00 (340422)
Prepare yourself for a lifted nose black, ripe cherry aromas. The flavours are an appealing mélange of currant, spice and more black, ripe and juicy Bing cherry. This offers much more than the price would suggest including a well-balanced and warm (14% alcohol) finish that layers on dark chocolate and coffee flavours. Excellent value here. (VH)
Frisky Zebras Sauvignon Blanc 2005
WO Western Cape $12.95 (27805) 1 Litre Tetra
Floral, grassy and honeyed tropical fruit aromatics form the beguiling nose of this tangy light-bodied quaffer. Expect flavours in the peach and red apple zones with good balance from moderating acidity plus a lovely textured finish. Good to go on its own this would also be lovely with a mesculan salad with crumbled chèvre chaud. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation. (VH)
Frisky Zebras Shiraz 2005
WO Western Cape $12.95 (27805) 1 Litre Tetra
Dark, almost purple-blue, this has sweet, candied cherry cordial aromas emanating from the glass. Expect a medium-bodied red with lovely texture and more sweet fruit on the palate and finish, which is warm (14.5% alcohol) and moderate in length. Fifty cents from each sale goes to help the Toronto Zoo Foundation. Very well-priced and extremely food-friendly, try with smoked and bar b qued ribs. (VH)
Golden Kaan Merlot 2004
WO Western Cape $10.95 (649988)
The price to quality ratio is skewed very heavily in your favour, making this an affordable everyday wine. A quiet nose of dusty cherries and earthy notes form the segue to this medium-bodied beauty. The palate is treated to spicy plum and bramble berry flavours and ripe tannins that provide grip and structure. (VH)
Ubuntu Shiraz 2004
WO Western Cape $10.95 (675281)
Another value brand from KWV that offers honest wine at a reasonable price. Blueberry and spice aromas are followed by a tangy and flavourful offering of cherry and currant on a medium-bodied frame. This has good balance with a touch of oak and moderating acidity. The finish is lengthy. Try with spiced beef. (VH)
Osborne 'Ducal' Shiraz / Tempranillo 2004
DO Tierra de Castillo $12.95 (11783) 1 Litre Tetra
Dark, almost opaque in the glass, this opens with lovely aromatics of spice and dark berry. Fruit flavours of crushed black currant and sweet black berry are interestingly entwined with nuances of creosote and tangy Montmorency cherry. The lengthy finish begs for pasta or pizza with a tomato-based sauce. Very well-priced. (VH)
Osborne 'Ducal' Merlot / Tempranillo 2004
DO Tierra de Castillo $12.95 (11767) 1 Litre Tetra
Aromas of dried and crushed herbs, spice and berry form the segue to this medium-bodied blend. There are gobs of sweet (14% alcohol) dark fruit throughout this well-balanced and mellow red that also offers good grip and a fruity finish. Will pair well to red meat dishes. (VH)
The following wines were tasted with winemaker extraordinaire, Jean-Pierre Colas of Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery. Shortly before coming to Canada in 1998, he made the Wine Spectator's White Wine of the Year, a 1996 Domaine de Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos. More recently and closer to home, he was named 2006 Winemaker of the Year at the 2006 Ontario Wine Awards. All these wines may be ordered from the winery by clicking on the link to Peninsula Ridge found on the winecurrent.com website.
Peninsula Ridge Fume Blanc 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95
Gorgeous aromatics of brioche, grassy nettles and a touch of floral waft from the glass of this medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. The texture is round and smooth as satin while the flavours of gooseberry and pleasant, almost unobtrusive citrus zest are underpinned by a hint of minerality. The finish is lengthy and clean. In the end, you have a tangy gem that is a taste treat on its own and a perfect match to freshly-shucked oysters. (VH)
Peninsula Ridge Chardonnay Reserve 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95
The lifted nose of vanilla, honeycomb and spiced baked apple aromas is quite beguiling. It is medium-textured and in perfect balance. Expect apple, spice and peach compote flavours that are in delicate harmony with moderating acidity. This is suggestive of Burgundy, in style and finesse, that speaks to the winemaker's nearby heritage. The lengthy finish portends life and liveliness to 2010. The quality to price pendulum is swung crazily in your favour. (VH)
Peninsula Ridge Equinox 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95
Jean-Pierre suggests serving this only slightly cooler than room temperature to enhance the delicate aromatic profile of the wine. The blend here is 40% Chardonnay, same for Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Viognier. Orange blossom, toast and honey drift from the glass of this medium-bodied beauty while the flavours are a mélange of tropical fruit and earthy, minerally notes. He suggests a pairing with a soft cheese like Époisses. (VH)
Peninsula Ridge Syrah 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95
If you are seeking something along the line of a big Aussie Shiraz, look elsewhere. This is definitely Syrah, displaying a peppery and spicy nose with red cherry and black plum flavours to the fore. The plush mouth feel, fine tannins and generous dollop of tang coalesce into a well-balanced red that adds a touch of cranberry on the lengthy finish. This would match up well to rack of lamb. (VH)
Peninsula Ridge Merlot 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $39.95
Toast, smoke and oak blow off this award-winning - Best Merlot at Cuvee - red. You will discover black plum, black licorice and black cherry flavours galore. You will also discover noticeable tannins. This deserves to be drunk now to 2012 after a 2 or 3 hour decant. It is concentrated and rich with a lengthy and luxurious finish. Pair to a hearty stew like beef daube Provençal. (VH)
Peninsula Ridge Vintners Private Reserve Merlot 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $99.95
This is for someone looking for a very special wine, possibly as a gift for a discerning oenophile. A whopping big red with oodles of smoke, oak and cherry aromas billowing from the glass. Gobs of black juicy fruit and spice flavours roll around the palate and are deftly balanced with moderating acidity and firm ripe tannins. One of those wonders of the wine world that is approachable now, after a 4 hour decant and paired to grilled rare red meat, and will cellar nicely on into 2015. (VH)
Leopard Frog "Kiss and Tell Reserve" Limited Release 2004
WO Stellenbosch $43.60
An absolutely stunning blend of 43% Shiraz, 42% Merlot, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Malbec. Black licorice, black berry and toasty notes emanate from the glass of this ethereal red. The palate is drenched with savoury and warm (14.3% alcohol) fruit-forward flavours including bramble berry and Bing cherry. There is deft balance from finely grained tannins and moderating acidity. You will luxuriate in the lengthy finish. Order by the 6 bottle case from Colio Wines 1-800-263-0802 or, if in Eastern Ontario, 613-447-9463. (VH)
Cheers and the very best of the Holiday Season!
Vic and Rod
We use the following symbols when rating wines:
| Wines achieving nirvana |
| | Wines of excellence |
 | Wines well worth trying |
 | Wines below average, but drinkable |
 | Wines better avoided, unless desperate |
 | Represents a half star |
 | We both agree —a brilliant wine! |
| Drink now and over the next 2 years |
| Drink now and over the next 5 years |
| Place in cellar |