June 2010 Wines: 10 Tasted of 10

The long stretch

Cheers, Ww 

THE LINEUP:  grouped by reds, whites, rosés, sparklers and other

• George Wyndham Founder’s Reserve Shiraz Tempranillo 2007, 92-2  -- G, Barossa, Australia, #n/a $17.00* 
• Domaine Grand Veneur ‘Les Champauvins’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2007, 91-2  --  V, Rhône, France, #076331   $19.95 
• Villa Maria ‘Private Bin’ Pinot Noir 2007,  86  --  G, Marlborough, NZ, #146548 $19.95 
• Callia Alta Malbec 2009,  84  --  G, San Juan, Argentina, #160978 $10.95
• Rosehall Run Cuvee County Cabernet Franc 2007 VQA Prince Edward County, 80  --  V, Wellington, Ontario, #122267 $18.95

• Megalomaniac ‘Edra’s Vineyard’ Narcissist Rieslng 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  88-1  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #067587 $17.95

• Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé 2008, 84 -- V, Tavel, France, #712000   $9.95 (375mL) 
• Sogrape Gazela Rosé NV, 84 -- G, Beiras, Portugal, #125757   $8.95

• Codorniu Non Plus Ultra NV, 90-1 -- G, Penedès, Spain, #053660   $20.95

• Jose Maria da Fonseca Alambre Moscatel 2000, 92-3 -- V, Setúbal, Portugal, #357996   $13.95

(G - General Listing, V - Vintages, O - Other, r-v - rating-value)

TASTINGS:


DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR ‘LES CHAMPAUVINS’ CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2007, Rhône, France, 15.0% XD, #076331 $19.95 (Tasted June 4, 2010) 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: Last tasted December 16, 2009 with a rating of 92. Not much has changed in six months… still an attractive violet toned ruby with subtle aromas of earthy cherries and plums. The bite of the first sip starts the interest continued by fresh fruit flavours: red cherries, black berries, a streak of smooth mint chocolate then a long warm finish. Medium-bodied going on full-, very dry, a modest match for prime rib, a T-bone or a thick beef and barley soup. Cellar up to four years but drinking well now. 91



JOSE MARIA DA FONSECA ALAMBRE MOSCATEL 2000, Setúbal, Portugal, (Map It!) 17.5% MS, #357996 $13.95 (Retasted June 12, 2010) CS

My notes: Vintages released in 2005 and was last tasted in July 2008 and rated 95. A bright amber colour rather than the salmon pink and a milder aroma of butterscotch, the touch of wild floral now missing. Definitely needs decanting to settle fine particles altho’ not interfering with the flavour or smoothness. Sugar code was eight and remains with the warmth of the alcohol level integrating nicely for a spicy, mellow sipper full of caramel and slight apricot - have instead of that afternoon honey cinnamon bun. Serve chilled, with ice as a cooler or at room temp - the finish is long and scrumptious. Could cellar for a few more years. 92


SOGRAPE GAZELA ROSÉ NV, Beiras, Portugal, (Map It!) 10.0% D, #125757 $8.95 (Tasted June 3, 2010) CS

My notes: Last tasted in June 2009 with an 84 rating.This has a lighter strawberry colour than the Tavel, still cheery with a slight peach tone. The nose has a delicate mineral accent to a subtle strawberry scent. The spritz shows itself on pouring then dissipates until the first sip then dances spritely on the palate. Fruity - watermelon and cherry, a balanced tartness, refreshingly light-bodied, perfect for a sunny stint on the patio with friends. Add a slice of lemon or lime for a brighter sipper. Sip away leftovers since spritz is half of the enjoyment but not a ‘saver‘. A drink now - the LCBO considers this seasonal so may not be on the shelf all year. 84

CODORNÍU NON PLUS ULTRA NV, Penedès, Spain, (Map It!) 11.5% D, #053660 $20.95 (Tasted June 14, 2010) CS

My notes: Last tasted in Sept 2009 and Dec 2007 with ratings of 90 and 91 resp. This is a very creamy sip with a pronounced spritz from initially a stream of fine bubbles that subsides quickly. A light golden colour and aromas of subtle nettles and just a touch of grassiness. The cream follows through combining with spritz and a well balanced acid making this an interesting sipper. Have on any occasion… on the full-bodied side and although dry may not suit fresh oysters but would pair with bacon wrapped scallops. Cellared since 2007 this NV has developed more cream since last tasting. Would not disappoint anyone even the ingrained Champs addict.  90

CHÂTEAU D'AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2008, Tavel, France, (Map It!) 13.5% XD, #712000 $9.95 (375mL) (Tasted June 3, 2010) CS

A Vintages release on June 6, 2009 described by the Vintages panel (April 2009) as “This 2008 model marks the welcome return of a Vintages customer favourite. Dominated by blackberry drops, strawberry, floral and a hint of plum. Dry and quite vibrantly fruity with good weight and texture. There are some nice spice notes on the rather lengthy finish. An excellent choice for herb-crusted salmon or pan-fried sardines drizzled with balsamic vinegar, lime and garlic.”  My notes:A beautiful strawberry red, crystal clear in the bowl and going off chill encourages the nose to give up some soft cherry/raspberry aromas, a swirl shows an evenly receding film with slow tears. Smooth, a delayed intro of muted tartnness finishing with dry mineral and strawberry flavours. A very interesting three dimensional sipper with modest acid, light oils providing a base for building a flavour medley. Not the Tavel rosé I remember from my ’80s visit - somewhat flatter, less fresh fruit. Perhaps it doesn’t travel well? Without a prior tasting to compare, however, this makes for a decent sipper or match for any seafood dish or light creamy pasta. A drink now.  84

GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER'S RESERVE SHIRAZ TEMPRANILLO 2007, Barossa, Australia, 13.5% D, #n/a $17.00* (Tasted June 1, 2010)

My notes: Was available only in a Gift Pack and, given the price of the companion Shiraz (#107904), would be $17.00 if sold separately.  Last tasted in December 2009 with an Ww85 rating this shows a deep raspberry colour with a violet hue and has scents of earthy blackberry. The film is firm receding slowly with a few slow tears and a first sip is both smooth and peppery. A blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Tempranillo. Blackberries, currants and raspberries provide flavour highlights while an acid seam wakens the buds. The finish is long with fruit slowly declining then ending with just a touch of bramble. A delicious sipper if you like bright and bold fruit. Would be able to compete with rack of lamb, a seasoned T-bone or a beef bourguignon. Still has some cellaring left, two to four years.  92

ROSEHALL RUN CUVÉE COUNTY CABERNET FRANC 2007 VQA Prince Edward County, Wellington, Ontario, (Map It!) 12.0% D, #122267  $18.95 (Tasted June 10, 2010) CS

A Vintages release on August 29, 2009 rated 4 of 5 by Vic Harradine (July 13, 2009) and described as “This opens with a quiet nose of black plum and tell-tale Franc aromas of graphite. Racy flavours of pie cherry and ripe mulberry wash over the palate in a steady well-balanced stream. The lingering and lip-smacking finish layers on ripe cherry notes, and hints of sweet oak from a brief 5½ month barrel ferment and ageing in French oak barrels. This is 100% PEC fruit from an outstanding winery and vintage… “  My notes: A black cherry red and aromas of sun dried cherry skins with a bright edge, not too though. The fairly thin film recedes evenly with no tears to speak of and the first sip has a bright nip, a light red cherry flavouring becoming lighter then quickly adding tart and dry red currant. Well balanced, some fine tannin but perhaps the ‘cool climate’ has restrained the body seemingly based on less developed fruit. Sippable but not 'enjoyable' would be my call and too thin to pair with grilled meats - did not match with baked pork chops with a tomato sauce - could try with smoked salmon or a ham slice. A drink now.  80
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VILLA MARIA ‘PRIVATE BIN’ PINOT NOIR 2007, Marlborough, NZ, (Map It!) 13.5% D, #146548 $19.95  (Tasted June 7, 2010) CS

A General release described anonymously (undated) as “This Pinot Noir has dark cherry and spice aromas, and a long savoury finish. Serve with lighter Asian foods, red meats and cheeses.”  My notes: A dark cherry colour with a lighter edge and aromas of a red cherry strawberry blend. Medium-bodied, balanced acid, a smooth texture, a red cherry fruit touched with licorice warming quickly on the palate followed by crushed unsweetened fruit in a long dry finish. An unusual flavouring expressing the Marlborough terroir - some may prefer it as a sipper, not my favourite. Did not match sweet Italian sausage - likely would match pork tenderloin or grilled chicken breast. Cellaring is iffy altho’ texture is smooth and if fruit holds then two years is my guess. 86
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MEGALOMANIAC ’EDRA’S VINEYARD’ NARCISSIST RIESLING 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Vineland, Ontario, (Map It!) 10.9% D, #067587 $17.95  (Tasted June 5, 2010) CS

A Vintages release on May 23, 2009 unrated but described by Michael Pinkus (March 31, 2008) as “… This Riesling has lots of peach qualities both on the nose and in the mouth, the finish is limeade with a touch of sweetness. Velvety smooth so it glides right down and you're ready to sip again… “ My notes: A John Howard’s Cellars of Distinction wine. A nicely textured Niagara Riesling with more than a touch of sugar altho’ balanced with a tartness for an appealing sipper. Peach fuzz aromas and candied peach/apple flavours and tinge of petrol start a long sweetly layered limeade finish. A sociable mixer to have with cocktail shrimps, smoked oysters or scallops, an Asian buffet refresher or served chilled, a patio cooler. A drink now. 88
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CALLIA ALTA MALBEC 2009, San Juan, Argentina, 13.8% D, #160978 $10.95  (Tasted June 13, 2010) CS
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My notes:From Salentein Family of Wines which I couldn’t find googling… and an alternative to Fuzion Alta Malbec tasted October last year and rated Ww90. The Callia has a deep ruby colour and just perceptible scent of earthy plum or black cherry. Fairly thin for a red and leaving fast legs with a swirl the first sip has a brambly edge and flavours of red cherry and red currant, a touch of spice and a balanced bite. The finish continues to flavour the palate eventually with a bright bramble showing through. Should be good with a marinated sirloin steak and loaded baked potato (Canyon Creek style) or other grilled meats. Keep a few on hand up to a year for a family ribfest - essentially a drink now.  84