We apologize for not being able to provide you with winecurrent.com reviews and ratings of the wines being released by Vintages in March. We taste each month’s releases at sessions scheduled by the LCBO, but we were both away when March’s wines were available for advance tasting. Vic was in New Zealand and Rod was in Australia.

But Rod will be able to taste the wines being released in April, and we will send out a newsletter with ratings and reviews for that month.

Meanwhile, this newsletter gives you a heads-up on some wines being released by Vintages in the next few months.



In the next few months (especially June) Vintages will release a number of wines from the Loire Valley. Although one of France’s major wine regions, and the source of excellent whites, rosés and reds, the Loire is often overshadowed by Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône. Many Loire wines are made in a lighter style that matches perfectly with cuisine as the weather warms up, and they’re worth looking at in the months to come.

Rod visited the Loire recently and tasted some of the wines coming to Ontario.

In March, look for:


Remy Pannier Saumur Rouge “Les Salaises” 2003
AOC Saumur (597740)

The extraordinarily warm 2003 growing season produced reds that are richer and fuller-bodied than usual. This shows bright, ripe, quite intense cherry, plum and raspberry fruit with hints of spice and smoke. The tannins are ripe and astringent, the balance is good, and the finish is dry and clean. Overall, it’s very well done and a good partner to simply-prepared red meat dishes. (RP)

In May, think of:


Château Soucherie Savennières “Clos Perrières” 2002
AOC Savennières (969881)

The producer says 2002 was a classic year for Savennières, and in order to preserve the purity of the fruit, no wood was used. There’s certainly lovely fruit here, with sweet pear and apple dominant and peach and apricot providing nuances. There’s a little fatness in the weight, but the acidity comes through with a touch of minerality, and the wine holds together well. You can drink this now, but easily put it away for ten years. (RP)

In June, look forward to:


Domaine Masson Blondelet Pouilly Fumé “Les Angelots” 2003
AOC Pouilly Fumé (702878)

100% stainless steel and 100% Sauvignon Blanc, this has appealing, pure fruit that spans the tropical and green zones, and well balanced citrus acidity. The follow through is good, and this will go very well with oysters and other shellfish simply prepared. (RP)


Musset Rouillier Anjou Coteaux de la Loire Moelleux 2002
AOC Anjou Coteaux de la Loire Moelleux (655050)

My tasting notes read: “Rich, elegant, lovely honeyed, ripe yellow apple with hints of apricot/ripe yellow peach, with very good acidity, unusual acidity that makes this an excellent sweet wine with food. A great tightrope walk of fruit and acidity.” I’d pair this with spicy chicken or pork dishes. (RP)


Frédéric Mabileau St Nicolas de Bourgeuil “Cuvée Les Gravières” 2003
AOC St Nicolas de Bourgeuil (939926)

Another of the 2003 reds, with well concentrated fruit (plum, berry, cherry) accented with spice and pepper. This has an attractively smooth texture with firm but approachable tannins and makes an excellent partner for grilled lamb. (RP)


Domane d’Orfeuilles Vouvray “Les Coudraies” 2002
AOC Vouvray (650076)

A beautifully poised wine with evident sweetness, but with pure fruit (pear, stewed apple) in perfect balance with acidity. This is lovely to sip but the flavours and texture come through best when it’s paired with salty or well-spiced food or with white meat in a cream sauce. (RP)

Cheers!

Rod and Vic