25 Top LCBO Picks, Promo 2009

The following lists the eleven wines in LCBO’s 25 Top Picks For The Holidays (the season‘s best products) Promo. Of the 11, 7 were within my budget and of these I found Tasting Notes for 6, although not necessarily the same vintage, by using the Search app at the Sidebar:

• Folonari Chianti 2007, #140020, $13.95
• Fuzion Alta Malbec 2008, #135475, $9.95
• E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2005, #259721, $17.75
• Ganton & Larsen Chard, #092926, $14.95
• Stoneleigh Sauv Blanc 2008, #293043, $14.95
• Pascual Toso Merlot 2007, #035188, $11.95
• Cookoothama Chard 2007, #619403, $13.95
• Cantina Di Negrar Amarone 2006, #044784, $34.95
• Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut, #004051, $29.95
• Pol Roger Champagne, #051953, $58.80
• Dom Perignon Champagne 2000, #280461, $219.95

I haven’t had the Folonari Chianti before so I`ll try that - tasting notes will be included in the December 2009 Wines blog. The following lists reds, whites and bubblies from previous tastings as my recommendations for the holidays. All but the bubblies are from the General shelves, but check the vintages, and all were available at time of posting. If you try any and like them, THANKS for having faith. If you don’t like the ones you try, IT’S CHRISTMAS - BE KIND. Cheers, Ww

Ww Recommendations for the Holidays

Reds:

1. Familia Zuccardi Fuzion Alta Reserve Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina, #135475 $9.95
2. Familia Zuccardi Fuzion Organic Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina, #127456 $12.95
3. Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2007, Tupungato, Argentina, #620880 $13.95
4. Malivoire Red 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario, #141523 $14.95
5. Masi Campofiorin ‘Rosso del Veronese’ 2006, Veneto, Italy, #155051 $17.45
6. Konzelmann Pinot Noir Spaetburgunder 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #200584 $12.70
7. No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates Merlot 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Vineland, Canada, #063966 $15.95
8. Cave Spring Gamay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Jordan, Canada, #228569 $12.95
9. Osborne Dominio de Malpica Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Castilla, Spain, #032011 $12.95 

Whites:

1. Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, #141531 $14.95
2. Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, NZ, #426601 $14.95
3. Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Marlborough, NZ, #129528 $14.95
4. MontGras Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2007, San Antonio Valley, Chile, #058362 $9.95
5. Konzelmann Pinot Blanc Weissburgunder 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #219279 $10.95
6. Ridgepoint Wines Dry Riesling 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Vineland, Ontario, #117994 $15.95
7. Malivoire Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment, Beamsville, Ontario, #573147 $19.95
8. Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery ‘Census Count’ Chardonnay 2006 VQA, Okanagan Valley, Canada, #092296 $14.95
9. Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Grigio 2006, California, USA, #045641 $17.95
10. Palatine Hills Gewürztraminer VQA Niagara Lakeshore 2006, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #101493 $13.95  

And bubblies - all are Vintages releases:

1. Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine NV , California, USA, #100693 $23.95
2. Tenuta S. Anna Cuvée Rosé Brut NV , Veneto, Italy, #126300 $15.95
3. Codorniu Pinot Noir Rosé Brut Cava NV, Penedès, Spain, #665372 $16.95
4. Castillo Perelada Reserva Brut Cava NV, Penedès, Spain, #114488 $15.25

December 2009 Wines: 3 Tasted of 10

Most picked by chance… we'll see if they turn out to be values. Cheers, Ww

• Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Ww94 -- V, Napa Valley, USA, #025106 $19.95
• Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007, Ww88 -- G, Marlborough, NZ, #054353 $19.95
• Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2007 VQA Okanagan Valley, Ww80 -- V, Okanagan, BC, #060491 $17.95
• Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Shiraz 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ww -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #070052 $14.95
• Folonari Chianti DOCG 2007, Ww -- G, Tuscany, Italy, #140020 $13.95
• Errazuriz ‘Wild Ferment’ Pinot Noir 2008, Ww -- V, Casablanca Valley, Chile, #510396 $18.95
• Hugo Grüner Veltliner 2008, Ww -- V, Niederosterreich, Austria, #641506 $13.95
• Wolf Blass ‘Gold Label’ Sparkling Pinot Noir/ Chardonnay 2005, Ww -- V, South Australia, #606285 $19.95
• Domaine Grand Veneur ‘Les Champauvins’ Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2007, Ww -- V, Rhône, France, #076331 $19.95
• Flat Rock Cellars ‘Sweet Revenge’ Vidal Icewine 2007 VQA Short Hills Bench, Ww -- V, Jordan, Ontario, #047803 (375mL) $44.95 (g)
  (G - General listing, V – Vintages, O - Other, g - gift)

TASTINGS:

STONELEIGH MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2007, Marlborough, NZ, 13.0% D, #054353 $19.95 (Retasted December 5, 2009) CS

A General listing described anonymously (undated) as “Pale ruby colour; aromas of cherries, tobacco, and violets; dry, medium-bodied, soft tannins, flavours of strawberry, mineral, and oak spice. Perfect match with grilled salmon steaks.” My notes: This vintage was first tasted in April 2008 and then in February this year. The nose is a warm blend of cherry and strawberry fruit and floral with earthier aromas deep in the bowl. A dusty ruby colour and a light film receding slowly with tears forming evenly around the rim. Silky, tangy, drying, spicy all could describe the first sip. Medium-bodied with flavours that follow the nose finishing long and softly minty. Delicate fruit with a breadth of character makes this an interesting sipper. Have cooled slightly with a salmon steak or planked, seasoned crab cakes and béchamel sauce or lobster pieces. A pleasing drink now.  Ww88

IRONY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005, Napa Valley, USA, 14.5% D, #025106 $19.95 (Tasted December 4, 2009) CS

A Vintages release on November 21, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “We are not being ironic when we tell you that this may be Napa Valley's best bargain. Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, this delightful Cabernet is designed for everyday enjoyment. Look for blackberry and red berry fruits as well as hints of floral and mint characteristics in this charming, well-balanced red. Serve it alongside homemade beef stew or rare roast beef.” My notes: A rich ruby colour with a swirl causing a thin film receding evenly adding a few fast tears. Nicely tart, silky smooth, mouth drying fine tannins and fruit balanced with luscious blackberries, some currants going into a long warm finish. This the quintessential beef red: ribs, steaks, tenderloin, flavourful stews, etc. The spicy black currant aromas adds more interest for an exceptional sipper. Cellaring four years or more should be OK.  Ww94

PENINSULA RIDGE ESTATES WINERY SHIRAZ 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.5% D, #070052 $14.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A General listing described anonymously (undated) as “Deep ruby red. Classic aromas of spice, white pepper, plum and raisin. Full bodied and elegant, showing plum puree, spice and blackberry flavours. A long and savoury finish. Serve with game meats, stews.” My notes:

FOLONARI CHIANTI DOCG 2007, Tuscany, Italy, 12.5% D, #140020 $13.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A General listing described in the 25 Top LCBO Picks for the Holidays Promo as “… the Folonari’s family’s quintessential Chianti is full-bodied and meant for food…. Italian food!” My notes:

ERRAZURIZ WILD FERMENT PINOT NOIR 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 14.0% XD, #510396 $18.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A Vintages release on December 5, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “Wild ferment refers to the wild airborne yeasts that are naturally present on grapes in the vineyard which, according to some, create a more dramatic flavour profile during fermentation than the more conventional cultivated yeasts available. This wine shows brightly attractive cherry and raspberry fruit accented by floral and smoke notes, leading to a crisp, lengthy finish.” My notes:

HUGO GRÜNER VELTLINER 2008, Niederosterreich, Austria, 12.0% XD, #641506 $13.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A Vintages release on December 5, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “Even with its difficult-to-pronounce name, Grüner Veltliner … has become the white wine of choice amongst the smart set in Ontario. Grüner is known for producing quite aromatic and fruity wine with a vibrant, crisp acidity and spicy undertone. Huber's 'Hugo' was launched with the 2003 vintage as an opportunity for customers to experience the wonders of Grüner at a value price. Enjoy with spiced seafood or chicken paprika.” My notes:

WOLF BLASS ‘GOLD LABEL’ SPARKLING PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY 2005, South Australia, 12.0% D, #606285 $19.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A Vintages release on December 5, 2009 described by Daenna Van Mulligan  (July 2009) as “This delicious sparkler is made from Pinot Noir with 30% Chardonnay. It is a rich and moussey bubbly that expresses leesy aromas with plenty of honey and crushed floral, red berries and nectarine with talc and straw undertones. The palate has a kiss of berry sweetness, a creamy edge with a bright citric core. Crisp and fresh!” My notes: A Foster'S Wine Estates Americas product.

GRAY MONK PINOT NOIR 2007 VQA Okanagan Valley, Okanagan, BC, 12.5% D, #060491 $17.95 (Tasted December 7, 2009) CS

A Vintages release on December 5, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “Gray Monk produces a delicate, fresh, fruity and remarkably ripe Pinot Noir year after year. Its fruit is perfectly complemented by crisp acidity which imparts a refreshing, clean quality to the wine and makes it very well designed for food. Match it to a stuffed roast chicken or grilled salmon steaks.” My notes: The colour of ripe strawberries and a soft, floral scent of strawberries warming up as the nose hits the bowl, just perceptible. There’s a few slow tears from a thin film and the silky touch of faint bramble and red cherries left to be carried by drying tannins and tangy thread. Not much there to be interesting and the subtleties could be lost with a meal. Serve slightly chilled - did not pair well with mild stuffed pork tenderloin and green beans - perhaps better with Arctic Char or Lake Trout. A lightish medium-bodied drink now. Ww80

DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR ‘LES CHAMPAUVINS’ CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2007, Rhône, France, 15.0% XD, #076331 $19.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

A Vintages release on December 5, 2009 rated 91/100 and described by Robert Parker Jr. (June 2009) as “Impressive, with slightly more complexity, muscle, and depth, is the 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages Champauvins. A more spice-driven, fuller-bodied, earthier effort, it is a rich, well-balanced, full-throttle Côtes du Rhône that demonstrates the heights of quality that were attainable in 2007.” My notes:

FLAT ROCK CELLARS ‘SWEET REVENGE’ VIDAL ICEWINE 2007 VQA Short Hills Bench, Jordan, Ontario, 12.6% S, #047803 (375mL) $44.95 (Tasted tbd) CS

Release by Vintages on March 28, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “Winemaker Marlize Beyers hit a home run with the 2006 vintage of Sweet Revenge (her first-ever Icewine!) and now with a fabulous vintage on her side, she's prepared to top herself with the 2007. Expect another complex, soft and lusciously sweet wine with layers of honey, apricot, pears and peaches all balanced by a trademark seam of refreshing acidity. Remember, revenge is a dish that is best served cold ... and so is the wine.” My notes:

November 2009 Niagara Trip: 4 Tasted of 6

When we relocated to Burlington in 2000 it was following a couple of trips through the Okanagan, first on our way to a new home on Vancouver Island and them on our return to Ontario eight years later. We didn’t realize between the going and the coming that BC wines had patterned our palates - from a European old world style molded by years of wines purchased from the Opimian Society to a brighter fruit-biased style. We had started drinking Okanagan followed by New Zealand, Chilean, Australian and Argentinan wines. Niagara, at the time, was neglected as most wineries visited during our Ontario days had left us confused as to style of wines and terroirs.

On return, one of our first visits to Niagara Peninsula was to tour the Malivoire ( Map It! ) winery in 2001. Located in Beamsville and on the slope of the Escarpment, Malivoire was one of the first gravity flow or Newtonian wineries in Niagara. We enjoyed tasting their early releases combining them with tasty hors d’oeuvres. My impression was of full-bodied oaked reds, oaked Chardonnays and full Pinot Gris with soft fruit and herbaceous spices. Our case of 1999 Old Vines Foch (Canadian oak) purchased in 2001 mellowed nicely becoming an excellent red when retasted just this year (Ww92). The Moira Chardonnay 2000, initially full flavoured, in 2005 didn’t fare as well as cellaring turned butterscotch into burnt caramel and ‘herbaceous’ into straw. Much the same with the 2001 Chardonnay and the 2000 and 2002 Pinot Gris, purchased in 2001 and 2003 resp. when retasted in 2005 and 2006.

Prompting my trip last Sunday was the recent General listing of two Malivoire LCBO blends simply called ‘Red’ (Ww90) and ‘White’ (Ww92). On this visit each of the Malivoire’s wines tasted were much lighter with a silky mouth feel. The fruit was fresher, softer and had a depth warranting slow sipping or serving with milder foods. Time will tell how they cellar. I tasted four white and four reds, including two Ice Wines. The following were purchased for more casual sipping and for my BH to contribute her opinion.
Cheers, Ww

• Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ww92 -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #141531 $14.95
• Malivoire Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ww90 -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #573147 $19.95
• Malivoire ‘Guilty Men’ Red 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ww86 -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $19.95  
• Malivoire ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2006 VQA Beamsville Bench, Ww79 -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #996777 $24.95
• Malivoire Cabernet Franc Ice Wine 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, Ww -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #685602 $35.05
• Malivoire Gewurztraminer Ice Wine 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, Ww -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $35.05  

TASTINGS:

MALIVOIRE ‘GUILTY MEN’ RED 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% D, #Winery $19.95 (Tasted December 1, 2009)

Described by the Winery as “Spicy plum, black cherry and cedar on the nose. The mouth feel is round and smooth, awakening the palate to flavours of raspberry, black currant and dark chocolate. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Merlot 35%, Pinot Noir 15% and Gamay 11% and Cabernet Franc 4%. Hand harvested, each variety was fermented separately in stainless steel and oak. Each small lot was then aged in French and American oak for an average of 7 months.” My notes: Perfumed aromas (like a server wearing cologne): powerful at first pouring tapering to a blend of violets, cedar, raspberry and blackberry. A thin film and fast tears, transparent in the glass giving a cheerful ruby glow and a first sip that is silky smooth with soft tannins and tangy edge. The finish fades slowly taking most of the fruit leaving a slight oil and some spice. This could be popular in a mixed crowd: not likely staunch red drinkers tho’. I found the aroma crept through the flavours and detracted from a meal of meatloaf, green beans and baked potato - better paired with rosemary’d lamb. Was OK but a tad thin next day with a grilled steak.  A drink now.  Ww86

MALIVOIRE ‘ESTATE BOTTLED’ PINOT NOIR 2006 VQA Beamsville Bench, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.5% D, #996777 $24.95 (Tasted December 2, 2009) CS

The Winery says “A traditional Pinot Noir, red cherry and forest floor aromas are followed by complex flavours of sweet cherry pie, citrus, dried tobacco, clove and juniper twig. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, this wine finishes long, creamy and fresh.” My notes: A see-through ruby, clean and clear in the bowl with delicate, earth tainted scents of blueberry and cherry. Thin on the first sip with fine tannins and a light acid underpinning faint flavours of beetroot, red cherry and blueberry. Medium-bodied finishing with a warm, earthy reminder of the fruit. Serve cold it’s a mild mannered sipper although having little of interest - a red to have with a salmon steak, breast of chicken seasoned with herbs de province. Nicely made but I’d skip this vintage. Perhaps cellaring a few years will improve? Perhaps on the decline?  Ww79

MALIVOIRE CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% D, #573147 $19.95 (Tasted December 1, 2009) CS

Described as “ Although more oak was used than in previous years, fruit dominates. Aromas and flavours abound, suggesting pear, baked apple crisp, maple, candied orange and nutmeg. Well balanced, this full-bodied wine explodes with flavours, making way for a long, crisp finish.” My notes: A thin film with fast forming tears makes this a medium-bodied chardonnay with a pleasing smoothness to the first sip. Serve chilled and allow to go off chill, ~14C for a delicate nose of stone fruit and baked apple. This has a light golden colour, very crisp in the bowl and flavours include baked apple, maple for sure, a roundness while any sweetness is nicely balanced with a soft acid that persists through a long finish. A distinct Escarpment chardonnay with a light French oak butterscotch supporting the fruit. Have with lightly flavoured fish dishes, crab, lobster or scallops as well as being a polite sipper. Should cellar for a few years.  Ww90

MALIVOIRE CABERNET FRANC ICE WINE 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, Beamsville, Ontario, 10.0% S, #685602 $35.05 (Tasted tbd) CS

Described as “These grapes were hand harvested by friends of Malivoire at -12°C in the late evening hours of December 22nd, 2008 and pressed well into the next morning. Pressed in vertical basket presses delivering juice at 37.5 ° brix. This juice was then fermented cool in stainless steel.” My notes:

MALIVOIRE GEWURZTRAMINER ICE WINE 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, Beamsville, Ontario, 11.0% S, #Winery $35.05 (Tasted tbd)

Described as “The great 2008 vintage provided an abundance of concentrated flavours and aromas to be extracted from the grapes once frozen. These grapes were hand harvested by friends of Malivoire at -12°C in the late evening hours of December 22nd, 2008 and pressed well into the next morning. Pressed in vertical basket presses delivering juice at 39 ° brix. This juice was then fermented cool in stainless steel.” My notes:

MALIVOIRE WHITE 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.0% D, #141531 $14.95 (Retasted December 1, 2009) CS

My notes: A blend of 80% Chardonnay, 15% Riesling and 5% Gewurztraminer and tasted this past October so I thought I’d check the rating at the time(Ww92). Serve chilled, ~10 - 12C. A delicate aroma of vanilla and orange blossom greeting the senses makes this a crowd pleaser. A light golden, crystal and crisp in the glass with firm film and legs that develop slowly followed by a first sip having a round mouth feel, a tinge of sweetness, a tang of tart, stone fruit and lime flavours. The long, warm taste and smooth finish is also appealing - pluses all around. Cellaring for a year should be OK - drinking well now. Ww92

MALIVOIRE ‘ANNE’S RECIPE’ ROSEMARY WINE SYRUP, Beamsville, Ontario, 0.5% MS, #Winery $9.00 (355mL)

Produced for the Malivoire Wine Co. from ‘Fine wine, sugar, cider vinegar, herbs and spices’.