Friday, January 01, 2010

Favourites of 2009

My top picks from the 322 (omitting dessert and bubblies) wines tasted during 2009 are listed below. The wines were from twelve countries with the majority from Canada (74), Australia (53), Italy (38), Chile (35), Argentina (34) and the USA (25). Of the ninety-five in the 90+ range all but sixteen were from Vintages shelves… which is ‘good’ and ‘bad’: ‘good’ says that Vintages is a more likely place to find a 90+ wine at a reasonable price and ‘bad’ since good wines don’t stay in stock long. LCBO stock can be checked by clicking on the wine's Product Code. If it shows '0 results found' the wine has been delisted - it may come back at a different vintage. I've used the LCBO link as it will be current.
Some wines were purchased directly from an Ontario winery and I've included the winery link in the event they still have stock. WinerytoHome also represents many Ontario wineries.

 There was a 1 in 3 (red) or 1 in 4 (white) chance of picking a wine in the top range. Of the 322 the best selection of reds came from Australia and Argentina and of whites from New Zealand - although limited to Sauvignon Blanc - and Canada.

The list is in order of rating and value which doesn't tell a complete story without the tasting notes. These can be found by searching the blog by entering the Product Code at the sidebar. I hope the following is useful in some way. Most of the prices are below $25 and were at time of purchase.

Happy imbibing! Ww

 Red Wines - 63 of 187 Tastings (includes Rosés) 

(V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other r-v - Rating-Value)
  1. Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2002, 97 - V, Australia, #960468 $89.95
  2. Rosenvale Estate Grenache 2005, 96-3 -- V, Barossa Valley, Australia, #059881 $21.95
  3. Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2006, 95-3 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #050849 $19.95
  4. Saltram of Barossa ‘Mamre Brook’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 95-3 -- V, Barossa, Australia, #048579 $21.95
  5. Water Wheel ‘Bendigo’ Shiraz 2006, 95-3 -- V, Victoria, Australia, #700815 $18.95
  6. Vista Touriga Nacional Berias Red 2004, 94-3 -- G, Portugal, #613919 $13.20
  7. Concha Y Toro ‘Winemaker’s Lot 148’ Carmenère 2007, 94-3 -- V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #030957 $16.95
  8. Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 94-3 -- V, Napa Valley, USA, #025106 $19.95
  9. Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 94-3 -- V, Paso Robles, California, #738823 $17.95
  10. Sonsierra Rioja Reserva 2002, 94-3 -- V, Rioja Alta, Spain, #094920 $20.95
  11. Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 93-3 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #077776 $18.95
  12. Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon March 2007, 93-3 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #017111 $15.95 
  13. Viña Calina Alcance Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 93-3 -- V, Maule Valley, Chile, #079533 $19.95 
  14. d'Arenberg ‘The Custodian’ Grenache 2006, 93-2 -- V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #713040 $21.95 
  15. Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 93-3 -- V, Maipo Valley, Chile, #061937 $16.95
  16. Fess Parker ‘Santa Barbera County’ Syrah 2006, 93-2 -- O, California, USA, #Other, $24.95US
  17. Malivoire Old Vines Foch (Canadian Oak) 2002 VQA Ontario, 92-2 -- O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.00
  18. Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva ‘Apalta Vineyard Selection’ 2007, 92-3  -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile, #129973 $15.95
  19. Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2006, 92-3 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #677559 $16.95 
  20. Ferngrove Shiraz 2007, 92-3  -- V, Western Australia, #090282 $16.95
  21. Mitolo ‘Jester’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, 92-2 -- V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #043224 $22.95
  22. Stella Bella Shiraz 2006, 92-2  -- V, Margaret River, Australia, #048553 $20.95
  23. Clos de Los Siete 2007, 92-2 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #622571 $23.95
  24. Final Cut Montage Shiraz 2008, 92-2 -- V, South Australia, #108084 $19.95
  25. Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley, 92-2  -- V, California, USA, #314575 $24.95
  26. George Wyndham Founder’s Reserve Shiraz 2005, 92-2 -- V, South Australia, #107904 $22.95
  27. Domaine Grand Veneur ‘Les Champauvins’ Côtes Du Rhône-Villages 2007, 92-2 -- V, Rhône, France, #076331 $19.95
  28. Telteca Anta Reserve Malbec 2004, 92-2 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #093690 $20.95
  29. The Hedonist Shiraz 2005, 92-2 -- V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #090191 $19.95
  30. Mission Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 VQA Okanagan Valley, 92-2  -- V, BC, Canada, #553321 $22.95
  31. X & Y Cabernet Merlot 2004, 92-2  -- V, Margaret River, Australia, #107995 $17.95
  32. Chalten Gran Seleccion Malbec 2007, 92-2 -- V, Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina, #114215 $18.95
  33. Neudorf Tom’s Block Pinot Noir 2007, 92-2  -- V, Nelson, NZ, #120790 $26.95
  34. Pillar Box Red 2007, 92-2 -- V, Padthaway, Australia, #685941 $17.95
  35. No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estate ‘Estate Series’ Shiraz/Cabernet 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-2 -- O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery, $22.95
  36. Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2006, 92-1 -- V, Barossa Valley, Australia, #723940 $29.95
  37. Chakana Andean Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, 91-3  -- V, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina, #663161 $13.95
  38. Valentin Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, 91-2 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #677567 $15.95
  39. Pikes ‘The Assemblage’ Shiraz/Mourvedre/Grenache 2006, 91-2 -- V, Clare Valley, Australia, #014332 $18.95
  40. Ballast Stone ‘Currency Creek’ Merlot 2006, 91-2 -- V, South Australia, #127555 $16.95 
  41. Lailey Vineyard Cabernet-Syrah 2006 VQA Niagara River, 91-1  -- O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $30.20
  42. Erath Pinot Noir Oregon 2006, 91-1  -- V, Oregon, USA, #932541 $24.95
  43. Viu Manent Reserva Carmenère 2006, 90-2  -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile, #045161 $16.95
  44. Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Carmenère 2007, 90-2  -- V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #034942 $19.95
  45. Water Wheel Memsie 2007, (RP87-89), 90-2 -- V, Bendigo, Australia, #656637 $13.95
  46. Terre Domini Valpolicella Ripasso La Vigilia 2006, 90-2  -- V, Veneto, Italy, #103606 $18.95
  47. Bonterra ‘Mendocino County’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 90-2 -- V, Hopland, California, #342428 $19.95
  48. Malivoire Red 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 90-2 -- G, Niagara, Ontario, #141523 $14.95
  49. Julián Chivite Gran Feudo Viñas Viejas Reserva 2003, 90-2 -- V, Navarra, Spain, #948067 $19.95
  50. Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah 2008, 90-2  -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile, #037887 $16.95
  51. Truchard Zinfandel Napa Valley 2003, 90-2 -- V, Carneros, USA, #054858 $18.95
  52. Chakana Malbec 2007, 90-2 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #003509 $13.95
  53. Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 90-2  -- V, San Juan, Argentina, #060202 $17.95
  54. Volpaia Citto Toscana 2007, 90-2 -- V, Chianti, Italy, #134817 $13.95
  55. Alkoomi ‘Frankland River’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 90-2 -- V, Western Australia, #904227 $17.95
  56. Casa Tamaya ‘Estate Bottled’ Syrah Reserva 2008, 90-2  -- V, Limari Valley, Chile, #135418 $13.95
  57. Familia Zuccardi Fuzion Alta Reserve Malbec 2008, 90-2 -- G, Mendoza, Argentina, #135475 $9.95
  58. Monte Antico Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2006, 90-2 -- V, Tuscany, Italy, #069377 $14.95
  59. Zenato Valpolicella Superiore 2007, 90-2  -- V, Veneto, Italy, #995704 $16.95
  60. Pasión 4 Merlot 2007, 90-2  -- V, Uco Valley, Argentina, #059287 $11.95
  61. Clarence Hill Shiraz 2005, 90-1 -- V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #599811 $20.95
  62. Brancott Reserve Pinot Noir 2006, 90-1 -- V, Central Otago, NZ, #093708 $29.95
  63. Bodegas Ateca Atteca Old Vines 2006, 90-1  -- V, Calatayud, Spain, #103473 $22.95 
Whites Wines - 32 of 135 Tastings  (V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other, r-v - Rating-Value)
  1. Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 94-3 -- V, Margaret River, Australia, #108159 $19.95
  2. Rosewood Estates ‘Renaceau Vineyard’ Chardonnay Reserve 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, 94-2 -- O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.20
  3. Rosewood Estates ‘Renaceau Vineyard’ Riesling Reserve 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, 94-2 -- O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.20
  4. Cattail Creek Dry Riesling 2006 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, 92-3 -- O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $15.20
  5. Lailey Vineyard Vidal 2008 VQA Ontario, 92-3 -- O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $12.20
  6. Wandering Piano by Gravitas Sauvignon Blanc 2006, 92-3 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #091017 $15.95
  7. Calamus Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-3  -- O, Jordan, Canada, #Winery, $15.20
  8. Tedeschi Capitel Tenda Soave Classico 2008, 92-3 -- V, Verona, Italy, #730903 $15.95
  9. Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2006, 92-3 -- V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #045138 $13.95
  10. Grove Mill Pinot Gris 2007, 92-3 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #001693 $16.95
  11. Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-3 -- O, Beamsville, Ontario, #141531 $14.95
  12. Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2008, 92-3 -- V, Languedoc, France, #712638 $14.95
  13. Parri Estate Viognier Chardonnay 2007, 92-2  -- V, Southern Fleurieu, Australia, #017319 $17.95
  14. Hugo Grüner Veltliner 2008, 91-3  -- V, Niederosterreich, Austria, #641506 $13.95
  15. Château de Maligny Le Carré de César Chablis 2007, 91-2 -- V, Burgundy, France, #708339 $22.95
  16. Fairhall Downs Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 91-2 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #990580 $19.95
  17. Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chenin Blanc 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, 91-2  -- O, Jordan, Canada, #Winery $18.15
  18. Martin Steimer Pinot Gris 2008, 91-2  -- V, Alsace, France, #106807 $17.95
  19. McPherson Basilisk Marsanne Viognier 2007, 90-2  -- V, Central Victoria, Australia, #678599 $19.95
  20. Cattail Creek Chardonnay Musqué 2007 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, 90-2  -- O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $17.20
  21. Coyote’s Run ‘Red Paw Vineyard’ Pinot Gris 2007 VQA Four Mile Creek, 90-2 -- V, St. David’s, Niagara on the Lake, #116582 $17.95
  22. Bonterra ‘Mendocino County’ Chardonnay 2006, 90-2 -- V, Hopland, California, #342436 $18.95
  23. Bonterra ‘Mendocino County’ Chardonnay 2007, 90-2 -- V, Hopland, California, #342436 $18.95
  24. Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio 2007, 90-2 -- V, Fruili, Italy, #072389 $16.95
  25. William Fèvre Chile Gran Cuvée Chardonnay 2007, 90-2 -- V, Maipo Valley, Chile, #045146 $18.95
  26. Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2006 VQA Okanagan Valley, 90-2 -- V, BC, #377770 $19.95
  27. Soljans Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007, 90-2 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #091223 $17.95
  28. Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 90-2 -- G, Marlborough, NZ, #426601 $15.95
  29. X&Y Chardonnay 2006, 90-2 -- V, Margaret River, Australia, #048561 $18.80
  30. Malivoire Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment, 90-2 -- V, Beamsville, Ontario, #573147 $19.95
  31. Riff Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio 2008, 90-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #066415 $13.95
  32. Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2006, 90-1 -- V, Leyda Valley, Chile, #077693 $20.95 
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