October 2009 Wines: 22 Tasted of 22

Some of the following are from the September 26th Vintages release - no CICS here. When tasted, wines are listed red then white each sequenced by rating.
Cheers, Ww

• Pillar Box Red 2007, 92-2 -- V, Padthaway, Australia, #685941 $17.95
• Malivoire Red 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 90-2 -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #141523 $14.95
• Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2007, 90-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #995704 $16.95
• Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007, 90-2 -- V, Tuscany, Italy, #328997 $13.95
• J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot - Cabernet 2007, 89-2 -- G, Languedoc, France, #621995 $11.95
• Konzelmann Pinot Noir Spaetburgunder 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 88-2 -- G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #200584 $12.70 
• Farina Le Pezze Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2006, 88-1 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #134684 $14.95
• Vitae ‘Vino d’Italia’ Sangiovese 2007, 86-1   -- G, Puglia, Italy, #621029 $10.95
• J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot - Cabernet 2008, 83 -- G, Languedoc, France, #621995 $11.95
• Flat Rock Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, 78 -- V, Jordan, Ontario, #001545 $19.95
• Peller Estates ‘Peller Family Series’ Cabernet/Merlot 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 74 -- G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #058628 $11.45*
• Equifera Estate Red Wine ‘Pinot Noir’ 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 74 -- G, Niagara, Ontario, #134163 $16.95
  
• Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-3 -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #141531 $14.95
• Martin Steimer Pinot Gris 2008, 91-2  -- V, Alsace, France, #106807 $17.95
• Riff Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio 2008, 90-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #066415 $13.95
• Konzelmann Reserve Riesling 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 89-2 -- V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #200527 $15.20
• Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 89-2 -- G, Marlborough, NZ, #426601 $15.95
• Konzelmann Pinot Blanc Weissburgunder 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 88-2 -- G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #219279 $9.95*
• Lone Kauri Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 86 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #138974 $14.95
• Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 86 -- G, Casablanca Valley, Chile, #275677 $13.95
• Equifera Estate White Wine ‘Chardonnay’ 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 76 -- G, Niagara, Ontario, #134155 $14.95
• Hardy’s ‘Stamp of Australia’ Chardonnay / Semillon 2007, 64 -- G, South Eastern Australia, #129825 (250mL) $4.25

(G - General listing, V – Vintages, O - Other, n/a - no longer available, r-v - Rating-Value)
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TASTINGS:
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PILLAR BOX RED 2007, Padthaway, Australia, 15.0% D, #685941 $17.95 (Tasted October 12, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 rated 90/100 and described by Jay Miller (Feb. 2009) as “… a blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. Purple-coloured, it exhibits an expressive nose of spice box, earth notes, blueberry, and black currant. Ripe, sweet, and layered, this nicely rendered red has exceptional balance and length for its humble price.” My notes: The 2004 vintage ($14.95) was tasted on December 27, 2007 with a rating of Ww90. The 2007 vintage has reversed the roles in the blend giving Shiraz prominence over the Cabernet Sauvignon. The colour is a purple ruby, deep and vibrant. The nose has tones of blackberries, currants and raspberries with a delicate spice. Velvety smooth and cutting sharp, seems contradictory but they appear as layers on spicy currant, berry and a touch of liquorice. The long finish is very warm and raises a burr on the tongue with berry freshness. Have with braised ribs, rack of lamb or a T-bone. Full-bodied, drinking boldly now and could soften nicely over five years. 92
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FARINA LE PEZZE RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006, Veneto, Italy, 13.5% D, #134684 $14.95 (October 17, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 described by the Vintages panel (March 2009) as “… Approachable and food-friendly, this is a wine with pleasure written all over it. Red berries and dried fruit mingle with subtle spice notes, leading to a spicy/savoury finish. An ideal wine for baked lasagna, sun-dried tomato pizza, or a variety of rich pasta dishes.” My notes: The colour has earthy scarlet tones of darkened grape skins and a berry nose suitably mellowed by earth and wood, not French oak, ageing. A firm film with slow tears comes ahead of a full-bodied, smooth, bright burst of herbs and berries. A slight sting makes this ripasso stand out and the tang continues into a long dry, berry compote finish. Have with spicy Italian or grilled back ribs - not the boiled kind but coated with Barberian's rub and BBQ’d at a high heat. A bold, some would say rough, drink now or cellar for a few years. 88
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ILLUMINATI RIPAROSSO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2007, Tuscany, Italy, 13.5% D, #328997 $13.95 (Tasted October 11, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 rated 88/100 and described by Ian D’Amato (July/Aug 2009) as “Opaque medium dark ruby with purple highlights. The intense juicy fruitiness of the candied raspberry and bubble gum aromas had me thinking of carbonic maceration. Suave and sweet, with a dominant raspberry flavor and moderate concentration. Not especially long but finishes smooth, with a pleasant saline note. I'd drink this attractive wine now, or enjoy it over the next couple of years.” My notes: I rated the 2005 vintage ($12.45) Ww86 when tasted on January 7, 2008 saying it was a ‘good value for a dry house red’. The 2007 has cedar tainted blackberry aromas with a spicy edge to perk up the sniffer. A thin film with fast legs, lots of them, and the first sip is full of tangy fruit. Red berries with red currant makes it very interesting, followed by a finish that carries the best fruit forward to a long, dry, bright end. A delicious sipper that shouldn’t be alone. Have with a cheese tray, a pepperoni pizza, tomato pasta dish or veal parmigiana. Drink now or cellar for up to four years. 90
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ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2007, Veneto, Italy, 13.5% XD, #995704 $16.95 (Tasted October 7, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 described anonymously as “… dry, medium bodied with fresh and juicy blackcurrant and plummy fruit and an undertone of roasted almond. This is a charming, velvety wine to serve with pasta primavera or mushroom risotto.” My notes: The 2006 vintage ($17.95) was rated Ww90 when tasted on July 6, 2008. The 2007 has an opaque ruby colour and aromas of earthy sweet plum, black cherries and a spicy tinge but subtle. A luscious first sip like chomping on cherries soaked in cerise liqueur, smooth. Finishes very warm and full of fruit and lasting forever. A sipper you can meditate over, bright and bold. Have with rich tomato sauces and ground beef or cheesey pizzas covered with pepperoni and garlic. This should cellar well for several years gaining more velvet and flavour nuances. 90
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KONZELMANN PINOT NOIR SPAETBURGUNDER 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 12.0% D, #200584 $12.70 (Tasted October 6, 2009) CS
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A General listing described anonymously (undated) as “Ruby red colour; aromas of light berry, black cherry, red liquorice, a touch of spice/oak & earth; dry, med-bodied with good acidity, light earthy/mineral notes, ripe strawberry & raspberry fruit flavours; quite smooth with soft tannins & a fruity finish. Serve with grilled or poached salmon steaks; vegetable kebabs; pizza; pork; ham; poultry.” My notes: When this vintage was tasted on February 1, 2008, labelled as a ‘Reserve 2006 CIC’ ($12.05), it was “Not for cellaring and not a value” and rated Ww78. Now with a VQA label this has a garnet cast ruby colour and a subdued nose of earthy black cherries. A firm film with a few slow tears intro a silky smooth but tart flavouring of chocolate dipped cherries - a ‘sweet and sour’ pinot noir. The long finish is flavourful right to an ending that has a mineral twinge. I think this should lay down for two more years - may introduce more silk. A marginal sipper but improves as it breathes. Pair with rack of lamb, a pork tenderloin, or ham steak with cloves or raisins. 88
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FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Jordan, Ontario, 11.5% XD, #001545 $19.95 (Tasted October 3, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on May 23, 2009 described anonymously (undated) as “In a few short years, Flat Rock Cellars has emerged as one of Ontario's finest producers of Pinot Noir. This vibrant example shows pretty rose petal, raspberry, spice, beetroot and cedar aromas and flavours. A layer of crisp acidity and moderate tannins add balance. Enjoyable now with grilled veal chops or barbecued salmon fillet. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar.” My notes: The 2007 vintage was tasted on September 24, 2008 with a Ww88 rating suggesting it was ‘young‘ needing ‘several years hoping for some silkiness‘. The 2008 has a bright ruby colour and an almost imperceptible nose of black tea and slight berry. The film remains in place with no tears and the first sip has a moderate tartness and red currant flavour. Light-bodied, some silk and a finish consisting mostly of red currant retaining the tang then ending with a dry mineral edge. Not a sipper but could pair with light meat dishes: pork tenderloin, turkey or veal. 78
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EQUIFERA ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario 12.7% D, #134163 $16.95 (Tasted October 3, 2009) CS
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EQUIFERA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario, 12.8% D, #134155 $14.95 (Tasted October 4, 2009) CS
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General listings. My notes: The back label gives the same address as Pillitteri Estate on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. However, it also states Equifera Estates is located in Short Hills, the most easterly Bench before entering the NOTL area. Googling ‘Equifera’ leads to the Kruger website, a Quebec marketing and packaging company that has created ‘Domaine Equifera Estates‘. As confusing as the label is we can still taste and rate the wine inside the bottle.
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The Pinot Noir is described as “Ruby in colour, the Pinot Noir releases a spicy aroma accentuated with a seductive hint of raspberry and red berries. On the palate, this balanced wine is pleasantly fruity and offers a sustained finish. Pair with spiced meat, large game, duck, salmon, pork roast, chicken.” There’s a granite cast to the mid ruby colour with a nose imperceptible to my senses. A swirl gives a thin film that recedes evenly occasionally leaving a few tears. The first sip is silky smooth with, if I use my imagination, light cherry and a touch of tang on the tongue making this a somewhat bland sipper. Finishes round with a softness and ending with a mineral tang. Pair with salmon, chicken or a mild seafood pasta. A 'take it or leave it' red that won't flatter a family gathering. A drink now - not for cellaring - not recommended. 74
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The Chardonnay is described as “Brilliantly golden with greenish hues, this Chardonnay is complete with delicate woody and mineral aromas followed by floral and fruity notes. On the palate, it is pleasant and round, and presents a lovely acidity. Pair with seafood, poultry, fresh vegetables, pasta with light and creamy sauces.” My notes: This is a light blond colour in the glass with a delicate stone fruit and floral nose, easy to miss… and has a smooth texture, light medium-bodied, an orange tinted green apple flavour and a mild tartness on first sip. The finish is smooth on the lips with a diluted off-melon ending. An unusual flavouring but a tolerable sipper for unexpected guests or with mild pastas or fish dishes. A drink now - not for cellaring - not recommended. 76
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MARTIN STEIMER PINOT GRIS 2008, Alsace, France, 13.0% MD, #106807 $17.95 (Tasted October 14, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 described by the Vintages panel (May 2009) as “The 2008 vintage in Alsace shows early signs of being a classic. This off-dry Pinot Gris is a case in point, balancing its moderate sweetness with ripe cantaloupe, orange zest and peach fruit, as well as intriguing floral notes. Finely structured, sporting a lengthy, lip-smacking finish. Makes a spectacular sipper, or enjoy it with richer cheeses.” My notes: A pale golden in the glass with aromas of honey, lemon and floral but subtle. Very smooth, a refreshing acidity and more light honey, lemon and a taint of orange that carries through to a long luscious finish. This was great with whole wheat linguine in a tuna sauce and lobster tail. Cellaring for several years should be OK for this medium-bodied sipper or just indulge. 91
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RIFF TERRA ALPINA PINOT GRIGIO 2008, Veneto, Italy, 12.0% D, #066415 $13.95 (Tasted October 1, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 26, 2009 described by UK critic Jane MacQuitty (June 13, 2009) as “Italian wine producers, having doubled their acreage of pinot grigio vineyards from l990 to 2000... Pinot grigio has found itself planted out in superior single vineyard sites, yields have been cut and fuller-bodied, fuller-flavoured wines are the result ... try the finer, verdant, nutty Veneto fruit of Alois Lageder's 2008 Riff Pinot Grigio.” My notes: A shiny gold in the glass with aromas of spicy pear and apple. Medium-bodied and full of lemon, grapefruit and apple pleasantly tart and refreshing. Finishes fruity: fresh lemon, a smooth texture, chalk dry and long. Have with anything fishy and lightly sauced pasta - spicy green lipped mussels sounds good right now. A value meal white and OK to sip too. Lay down up to two years. 90
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LONE KAURI RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008, Marlborough, NZ, 13.0% XD, #138974 $14.95 (Tasted October 7, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on September 12, 2009 described anonymously as “… Made by the people behind Coopers Creek, this Sauvignon Blanc is filled with passion fruit, peapods, gooseberry and citrus aromas and flavour. Flavourful, without being aggressive, this fine wine is an excellent choice for a vast array of seafood dishes.” My notes: A faint golden colour with aroma of nettles, gooseberries and kiwi - didn’t get the passion fruit. There’s a flavour of spice and green gooseberries and a sweet edge to an acidic seam that leaves flavours to linger a long while. An unusual but interesting sauvignon blanc and a refreshing sipper. It also paired well with a chicken, zucchini, Italian herb and ricotta linguine dish. A drink now and up to two years. 86
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KONZELMANN PINOT BLANC WEISSBURGUNDER 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 12.5% D, #219279 $9.95* (Tasted October 2, 2009) CS
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A General listing described anonymously as “Straw yellow colour; floral, fruity peach & melon nutty tone in aroma; medium body and fruit flavour fresh finish, good food wine. Serve chilled with pasta or vegetarian dishes.” My notes: The 2007 ($10.95) was tasted on September 24, 2008 and rated Ww89: the 2006 ($10.10), on February 1, 2008 at Ww84. The 2008 is part of the current goLOCAL promotion supporting Ontario wines and has been discounted a dollar. It has a light blond colour and delicate aromas of stone fruit and apple. Fruity flavours of apple and light melon coming first then finishing with lemon, peach and ending with a dry mineral edge. A straightforward white with enough tang and a tinge of sugar to add to the interest. Have as a summer sipper or with lightly flavoured seafood or vegetarian fare. A drink now rather than cellaring. 88
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KONZELMANN RESERVE RIESLING 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 12.5% MD, #200527 $15.20 (Tasted October 9, 2009) CS
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A Vintages release on January 10, 2009 described by the Vintages panel (Nov. 2008) as “Pear, floral, lime, nectarine and red grapefruit aromas are front and centre here. Medium dry with a beautiful seam of acidity to make it lively and fresh. Medium full-bodied with an impressively long crisp/fruit finish. Try it with grilled prawns, vindaloo chicken and other spicy Asian dishes.” My notes: The 2005 vintage ($13.95), labelled ’Late Harvest’, was tasted August 19, 2007 before Ww ratings, I thought "Not everyone will come back for seconds…” . I expected a later vintage than 2006 and wondered where it’s been sitting for the three years? Still an attractive light golden colour and aromas of lime and stone fruit are just discernible. There’s a sweetness balanced by tart apple, melon and lemon making this a great companion for sushi or Chinese noodles. The flavours continue into a long smooth finish and fade slowly. Medium-bodied and succulent as a sipper and full flavoured enough begging an accompaniment after a few sips: crab cakes, veggies and dip, chicken wings, grilled shrimp etc. Cellaring for a few more years would be OK. 89
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HARDYS ‘STAMP OF AUSTRALIA’ CHARDONNAY / SEMILLON 2007, South Eastern Australia, 13.0% D, #129825 (250mL) $4.25 (Tasted October 13, 2009) CS
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A General listing without description. My notes: A label produced by a Constellation Wines Company. The last Hardy’s product I tasted was their regular sized 2007 riesling/gewurz blend (#448548, $9.95) in June 2008. Rated Ww72 it was reasonably priced for a fairly bland thirst quencher. Priced at $12.75 for 750mL the convenience of the package could be worth the extra if the contents were OK. The colour is a rust tinged yellow, not appealing unless you’re into a delectable Late Harvest. The nose is a combination of smoky lemon and ripe apricot but muted so it’s not invasive. Medium-bodied, the flavour starts as a tart butterscotch switching to overripe apples and ending woody - mindful of an oaked chardonnay found in my car trunk after a long summer trip. Not a sipper - not for cellaring - not recommended. 64
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MALIVOIRE RED 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% D, #141523 $14.95 (Tasted October 4, 2009) CS
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A General listing described by the winery as “An inviting nose of raspberry, cherry, vanilla and cedar emerge from this blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Gamay. The palate greets you with flavours of plum, black currant, dark chocolate and a long finish.” My notes: A deep ruby regal in appearance, a nose of subtle black cherry and spice, and a firm film with few slow legs all make this attractive in the glass. The first sip also has subtlety in its flavours along with a smooth texture and bright edge, medium-bodied. The finish starts mellow fading slowly as red cherry and plum mix with fine tannins, cedar and dryness that leaves the mouth refreshed. Have with grilled T-bone or rack of lamb, beef tenderloin or a seared pork chop - a very flexible, polite red. Young yet and could cellar for several years increasing in complexity. Gets points for potential. 90
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MALIVOIRE WHITE 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.0% D, #141531 $14.95 (Tasted October 5, 2009) CS

A General listing described by the winery as “Luminous golden colour with an aromatic nose of peach, lemon zest and subtle notes of vanilla. This blend of 80% chardonnay, 15% Riesling and 5% Gewürztraminer is round and full-bodied with a refreshing tropical fruit finish.” My notes: This has a gold taint, crystal clear in the glass with a thin film and no tears. The nose is softly aromatic with lemon zest and melon followed by a touch of sweetness evenly matched with tartness. The finish starts silky smooth and vapours linger warming the palate. I found this to be a delectable sipper - and pairing with rotisserie’d chicken pieces drizzled with lemon and rosemary went well. Cellaring for two years should do this white well building body while mellowing some of the tartness. A super value. 92
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SANTA RITA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 13.5% D, #275677 $13.95 (Tasted October 8, 2009) CS
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A General listing described anonymously (undated) as “Straw yellow colour; Intense herbal, grassy, cooked asparagus and gooseberry aromas; Dry, medium bodied with gooseberry/citrus and mint flavours; pronounced acidity on finish. A great starter wine; try with seafood, Goat's cheese, vegetarian dishes, herbed dishes.” My notes: Vintages 2004, 5 and 6 were tasted all prior to Ww ratings. The LCBO writeup hasn’t changed from first purchase in 2005. There has been consistency ‘though the price has increased from $12.45. The colour is a pale golden and there’s an aroma of gooseberries with a noticeable touch of nettles. A nice balance of fruit and acid cleanses the taste buds leaving them refreshed, drier this vintage with some citrus but mostly green gooseberries. An interesting drink now, fairly straightforward with not much potential for cellaring. Have before dinner with crab cakes or bacon wrapped asparagus and follow with a seafood dinner. 86
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PELLER ESTATES ‘PELLER FAMILY SERIES’ CABERNET/MERLOT 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 12.8% D, #058628 $11.45* (Tasted October 9, 2009) CS
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A General listing and an Andres Wine Ltd. winery described anonymously (undated) as :Ruby purple; aromas and flavours of black fruit & cocoa, with notes of fresh herb; dry, medium bodied, with crisp but balanced acidity. Great with vegetable lasagna and most vegetarian dishes. Try also with pizza a la marinara.” My notes: Sale priced a loonie lower as part of goLOCAL promotion. John Peller is President and CEO of Andrew Peller Ltd. of CIC note (some say infamy) so I wanted to try a VQA from a related winery. The colour of this blend is a mid ruby and a swirl shows a thin film with fast legs. There’s no discernible nose and the first sip is well balanced and has a good mouth feel. The body is shallow and flavour lacks interest, not definably fruity and lacking oak treatment or process finesse. The finish continues with the nondescript flavours altho’ doesn’t offend, and ends on a woody note. Not a drink now and would not complement a meal favourably - did not pair well with an Italian Subway Sub. Not recommended. 74
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VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008, Marlborough, NZ, 13.0% D, #426601 $15.95 (Tasted October 12, 2009) CS
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A General listing described anonymously (undated) as “Pale straw colour; intense aromas of gooseberry, lime, grass and asparagus; dry, medium bodied, crisp acidity, and flavours of bell pepper, gooseberry citrus; clean, crisp finish. Serve with goat cheese dishes, fish, vegetarian fare or herb roasted poultry.” My notes: A pale blond colour crystal and shining in the glass. A thin film recedes slowly and natural gooseberry aromas waft for sniffing. On the light side of medium-bodied, the first sip wakens the taste buds with a sharp flavouring of sweet gooseberries or the burst of passion fruit seeds and leaves a refreshed palate. Have with any seafood appetizer or entreé or, if the day is warm and sunny, just slowly sip. Cellaring for a few years likely will be OK but drinking well now. 89
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VITAE ‘VINO D’ITALIA’ SANGIOVESE 2007, Puglia, Italy, 12.5% D, #621029 $10.95 (Tasted October 14, 2009) CS
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A General listing with an anonymous (same as in 2006) description of: “Deep ruby colour; aromas of plum fruit, spice, sweet oak, earth and anise; medium-bodied, with good plum/cherry fruit, integrated with sweet oak, anise, tar, earth notes; medium finish. Serve with veal parmigiano.” My notes: An attractive package, bottle style, capping and labelling. Not tasted since the 2003 vintage ($10.60) on Feb 1, 2006 and this purchase was prompted by a question from an Anonymous reader. A ruby tinged with purple making this compatible with its attractive packaging. The nose has a smoky taint to a mild black cherry and blueberry mix. A smooth texture, tannin and mild acid frame flavours of blueberry and red currant for an acceptable sipper tho' ends a tad brambly. Have with Italian anything as long as it has some tomato in the recipe. Store up to a year. Would be a value as a house red. 86
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J.P. CHENET PREMIER DE CUVÉE MERLOT - CABERNET 2007, Languedoc, France, 14.0% D, #621995 $11.95 (Retasted October 21, 2009) CS

My notes: A name change since tasted in December 2008 and rated Ww89. A firm film with slow tears and an aroma somewhat subdued but showing a mild earthiness and berry plum scents. A rich ruby colour and the first sip includes fine tannins, a brisk acid and mineral notes on flavours of currants and berries. The finish is bright and long. The second sip reinforces the first with warmth and the blending of oak with ripe fruit. A bold sipper with enough zip to challenge the palate preparing it for grilled ribs, a seasoned T-bone or rich stews. Priced for value. Likely at peak. 89
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J.P. CHENET PREMIER DE CUVÉE MERLOT - CABERNET 2008, Languedoc, France, 13.5% D, #621995 $11.95 (Tasted October 25, 2009) CS

My notes: I went back to stock up on the 2007 and the 2008 was on the shelf - no orange Medal on the label for this vintage. The deep ruby has a purple cast to it and the aromas are a spicy and subtle black cherry. The film and tears are the same as the previous vintage, firm and slow respectively. The flavour has less black fruit with more tannin, a stemmy aftertaste and limited fruit to carry to the finish and ending on a liquorice note. Well made, medium-bodied, bright with a smooth texture that makes this acceptable but not a popular social sipper. OK at the price whereas the 2007 was a value. Perhaps a year or two in the cellar will make a difference - but I don't think so. 83
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