Thursday, July 22, 2010

Mid Year Summary 2010*

I’m a tad late summarizing the first half of my 2010 tastings.  Of 153 wines 62 were rated in the 90’s. Although a rating isn’t complete without tasting notes (found using the search option at the side) it’s the starting point for finding value in wine selections. I purchase wines with little discretion - often the look of the label, a vintner that’s familiar or a label or grape mentioned in a tweet. Both the ratings and notes shown here are based on my tastes with numbers derived using the Wine Advocate Rating System. A summary is in the side panel. If by some stroke of luck there’s a sameness with your tastes the list could be meaningful.

A US publication read this month, The Wine Trials 2010, is written from a consumer perspective and has several pertinent conclusions from blind tastings as well as independent studies of consumers and their wine preferences.  The early chapters describe various influences when tastings are not ‘brown-bag blind’ - influences that alter pyschological and physiological aspects affecting the tasting experience. Generally wine is consumed as an integral part of a social setting consequently other factors - visual sensors, information from labels or discussion - come into play and further influence wine appreciation at the moment. Chapter 4 introduces the term ’conspicuous consumption’ by which a Brand is marketed as exemplary of success, socially or in business, and is priced inordinately high. The Brand association drives consumer purchases rather than the merit of the product.  Also found particularly interesting is a commentary relating to the role of ‘Critics and critiques’ which offers insight into a dissenting view.

The bulk of the book is dedicated to ’Winners of the 2010 Trials’ and lists wines $15 and below found through ‘brown-bag blind tastings’ as those preferred by a majority of us common folk.  I found the book a ‘meaty read’ and at just over 200 pages can be digested in short order. It can be a basis for putting in perspective the formidable volume of 'wine trade information'.

Now on to my Mid Year Summary… Reds, Whites, Rosés, Sparkling and Dessert wines are separately listed.  The wine, vintage and price shown were at  time of purchase and may no longer be current - and if the LCBO link (#nnnnnn) doesn't find a wine it's no longer in inventory.  I've highlighted wines rated 83+, 83 being considered 'fringe enjoyable' - see sidebar.   *Now updated with Value levels. 
Cheers, Ww  

 (G - General Listing, V - Vintages, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value)


 REDS:

  • Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 94-3 -- V, Paso Robles, California, USA, #738823 $18.95
  • Rosenvale Estate Grenache 2005,  94-3 --  V, Barossa Valley, Australia, #059881 $21.95
  • Liberty School Syrah 2007,  94-3 -- V, Paso Robles, California, USA, #942383 $18.95
  • Terra d’Aligi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007,   93-2 -- G, Abruzzo, Italy, #028530 $11.95
  • Manzone Dolcetto D’Alba ‘La Serra’ 2001,   93-2 --  V, Piedmont, Italy, #715680 $16.95
  • Sartori Vigneti di Valdimezzo Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2007,  93-2 --  V, Negrar, Italy, #160374 $16.95
  • Campo de Borja Aragonia Crianza 2001,   93-2 --  V,  Fuendejaron, Spain, CP151-2664 (Opimian) $13.42
  • Wyndham Estate Show Reserve Shiraz 2003,  92-2  --  G, South Australia, #GiftBox $35.95
  • d'Arenberg ‘The Galvo Garage’ 2006,   92-2 --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #907584 $27.95
  • George Wyndham Founder’s Reserve Shiraz Tempranillo 2007,   92-2 -- G, Barossa, Australia, #n/a $17.00
  • Vista Touriga Nacional Berias Red 2004,   92-2 --  G, Portugal, #613919 $13.20
  • Clos de los Siète 2005,   92-2 --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #622571 $23.95
  • Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,   92-2  --  V, Napa Valley, USA, #025106 $19.95
  • Errazuriz Max Reserva Shiraz 2006,  92-2 --  G, Chile, #614750 $17.75
  • Domaine Grand Veneur ‘Les Champauvins’ Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2007,  91-2 --  V, Rhône, France, #076331 $19.95
  • Ortas Tradition Rasteau 2008,   91-2 --   V, Rhône, France, #998716 $15.00
  • Sogrape Vila Regia Reserva 2006 Douro DOC, 91-2 -- G, Douro, Portugal, #613950 $12.50
  • J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot Cabernet 2007,   90-2 --  G, Languedoc, France, #621995 $11.95 #621995 $11.95
  • St. Hallett ‘Faith’ Shiraz 2007,  90-2  --  V, New South Wales, Australia, #980631 $19.95
  • Zenato Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa 2006,  90-2 --  V, Veneto, Italy  #479766 $24.95
  • Casa Nueva Carmenère 2003,   90-2 --  O, Molina, Chile, CP152-2746 $13.08
  • Santa Julia Magna 2005,   90-2  -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #093799 $14.95
  • Wolf Blass Yellow Label ‘Victoria’ Pinot Noir 2008,  90-2 --  G, Victoria, Australia,  #611509 $17.30
  • Pikes ‘The Assemblage’ Shiraz/Mourvedre/Grenache 2006,   90-2 --  V, Clare Valley, Australia, 14.5% XD, #014332 $18.95
  • Ventisquero Queulat Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005,  90-2 -- V, Maipo Valley, Chile, #061937 $16.95
  • Wyndham Estate Shiraz Bin 555 2005,   90-2 --  G, South Eastern Australia, #189415 $16.15
  • Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz 2008,  90-2 -- V, Leasingham, Australia, #072652 $25.95
  • Vigne & Vini Zinfandel Primitivo Del Salento 2006 IGT,  90-2 -- V, Puglia, Italy, #136002 $14.95
  • Jeanneret Grace & Favour 2005,   90-2 -- O, Clare Valley, Australia, B&W Wines, $22.46
  • Muga Reserva Rioja 2005,  90-2 -- V, Rioja, Spain, #177345 $24.95
  • William Hill Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 1981,   90   - O, Napa Valley, USA, #Winery,  $* 
  • Chakana ‘Andean Wines’ Malbec 2008,   89-2 --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #003509 $13.95
  • Gemtree Bloodstone Shiraz/Viognier 2008,   89-1 --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #022111 $18.95
  • Stella Bella Shiraz 2006,    88-1 --  V, Margaret River, Australia, #048553 $20.95 
  • Nyarai Cellars Syrah 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,    88-1 --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery  $20.20
  • Konzelmann Pinot Noir Spaetburgunder 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   88-1 -- G, Niagara -on-the-Lake, Ontario,  #200584 $12.70
  • Katnook Estate ‘Founder’s Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,  88-1 -- G, Coonawara, Australia,  #620070 $17.95
  • Farnese ‘Casale Vecchio’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008,   88-1 -- G, Abruzzo, Italy, #612788 $9.95
  • Z-52 Lodi Zinfandel 2006,   88-1 --  V, Morgan Hill, California, #161588 $17.95
  • Stoney Ridge ‘Warren Classic’ Pinot Noir 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   87-1  --  G, Vineland, Ontario, #156125 $12.00
  •  J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,  87-1 -- V, Paso Robles, California, #656561 $21.95
  • Louis Mousset Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1999,  87   - O, Rhone, France, #Opimian,  $*
  •  Kleine Zalze ‘Vineyard Selection’ Shiraz 2006,  86-1 -- V, Stellenbosch, S.A., #906081 $21.95
  • Malivoire Old Vines Foch 2002 (Canadian Oak) VQA Ontario,   86-1 --  O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.00
  • Villa Maria ‘Private Bin’ Pinot Noir 2007,   86-1 --  G, Marlborough, NZ,  #146548 $19.95
  • De Bortoli ‘dB Selection’ Petite Syrah 2007,   85-1 --  V, Barossa, Australia, #694802  $14.95
  • Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2007,   85-1 -- V, Italy,  #606541 $19.95 
  • Cave Spring Gamay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   85-1 -- G, Jordan, Ontario, #228569 $12.95
  • No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates Merlot 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   84-1 -- G, Vineland, Ontario, #063966  $15.95
  • Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,   84 -- G, California, USA, #534263 $19.95
  • Alamos Malbec 2008,  84-1 -- V, Mendoza, Argentina, #467951 $13.95 
  • Callia Alta Malbec 2009,    84-1 --  G, San Juan, Argentina, #160978 $10.95
  • Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône 2007,   84-1 -- V, Rhône, France, #363457 $14.95
  • Mezzomondo Negroamaro Salento Daunia 2008 IGT,   84  --  G, Puglia, Italy, #588962  $8.95  
  • Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005,  83  --  G, Victoria, Australia, #145326 $14.95
  • Grant Burge `Cameron Vale`Cabernet Sauvignon 2002,   83  --  V, South Australia, #937276 $19.95
  • Malivoire Red 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  82  --  G, Beamsville, Ontario, #141523 $14.95
  • Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 2008,   82 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #626390 $19.95
  • Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Shiraz 2006,   82  --  V, South Australia, #925453 $18.45   
  • Pierre Jean Saint-Émilion 1990,   81   - O, Gironde, France, CP97-920   $22.50
  • Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio Classico 2008 DOC,   81 -- G, Marches, Italy, #024422 $10.95
  • Rosehall Run Cuvee County Cabernet Franc 2007 VQA Prince Edward County,   80  --  V, Wellington, Ontario, #122267 $18.95
  • Viña Carmen Carmenère Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006,   80  --  G, Maipo Valley, Chile, #439166 $14.75
  • Antonin Rodet Côtes du Rhône 2007,    80  --   G,  Rhône, France, #008979 $12.95
  • MontGras Quatro 2007,   80 -- V, Colchagua Valley, Chile,  #050641 $15.95
  • Pérez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,   80 -- V, Maipo Valley, Chile, #694208 $14.95 (pg147)
  • Borgo Scopeta Chianti Classico 2006 DOCG,   80 -- V, Tuscany, Italy, #023325 $19.80
  • Katnook Estate ‘Founder’s Block’ Merlot 2004,  76 -- G, Coonawara, Australia, #141267 $16.95
  • Bellingham Shiraz/Viognier 2006 ,   75 -- G, Coastal Region, S. Africa, #554360 $13.95
  • Château Perrin Merlot 1998 Cuvée Barriques,  74  --  O, Côtes de Castillon, France, CP143-2207 $15.58
  • Château Roquefort Bordeaux 1997,   74  --   O, Gironde, France, #Opimian $20.42
  • Château Glaudet Bordeaux 2000,  72  --  O, Bordeaux, France, CP148-2490 $12.92
  • Mezzomondo Sangiovese Merlot 2008 IGT,  68  --  G, Puglia, Italy, #079327 $9.95
(G - General Listing, V - Vintages, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value)

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WHITES:
  • Lillet Blanc (NV),  94-3 -- V, Podensac, Bordeaux, France, #322297 $13.95
  • Fielding Estate Rock Pile Pinot Gris 2009 VQA Lincoln Lakeshore,  94-2 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $25.95
  • Fog Head Reserve Chardonnay Monterey 2008,  93-3 -- V, Manteca, California, #158568 $19.95 
  • Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2007,   93-3 --  V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #045138 $13.95
  • 20-27 Cellars ‘Fox Croft Vineyard' Riesling 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,   93-2  --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery $25.15
  • Conundrum 2006,   93-2 --  V, Rutherford, USA, #694653 $26.95
  • Jose Maria da Fonseca Alambre Moscatel 2000,   92-3 -- V, Setúbal, Portugal, #357996  $13.95
  • Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2008,   92-3 -- G, Livermore Valley, California,  #175430 $16.45
  • Hidden Bench Estate ‘Felseck Vineyard’ Gewurztraminer 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench,   92-2 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $31.70
  • Rosewood Estates ‘Renaceau Vineyard’ Chardonnay Reserve 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench,    92-2 --  O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.15
  • Rosewood Estates ‘Renaceau Vineyard’ Chardonnay Reserve 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench,   92-2 --  O, Beamsville, Canada, #Winery $25.15
  • J.J. Vincent & Fils ‘Marie-Antoinette’ Pouilly-Fuissé Chardonnay 2006,  92-2 --  V, Burgundy, France, #525113 $27.95
  • Peninsula Ridge ‘Inox’ Chardonnay 2008,  91-2 -- G, Niagara, Ontario, #594200 $12.95
  • Lammershoek Barrique Chenin Blanc 2007,   91-2 -- V, Swartland, South Africa, #058206 $18.95
  • Hidden Bench Estate ‘Roman’s Block’ Riesling VQA Beamsville Bench,   91-1 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $35.90 
  • Nyarai Cellars Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   90-2 --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery  $16.20
  • Irony ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay 2008,   90-2 --  V, Manteca, California,  #027409 $19.95
  • Trius Riesling VQA Niagara Peninsula 2008,    90-2 --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #303792 $13.25*
  • Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay Musqué 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench,    90-2  -  V, Niagara, Ontario, #246579 $15.95 
  • Concilio Pinot Grigio Trentino 2008,  90-2 --  G, Volano, Italy, #637595 $12.40
  • Fielding Estate White Conception 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  90-2 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $18.95
  • Nyarai Cellars Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   90-2 --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery  $16.20
  • Featherstone Estate ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  90-2 --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery $17.15 
  • Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008,   90-1 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #304469 $29.95
  • Southbrook Vineyards ‘Triomphe’ Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake,   90-1 --  V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,  #172338  $21.95
  • Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench,   90 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $36.95
  • Craggy Range Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2007,  90 --  V, Hawkes Bay, NZ,  #132043 $34.95*
  • Anakena Single Vineyard Viognier 2009,   89-2 -- V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #045138 $12.95
  • Steltzner Oak Knoll Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 1992,   89-1  - O, Napa Valley, USA, CP96-898  $23.51
  • Lailey Vidal 2008 VQA Ontario,  88-2 --  O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $12.20 
  • Peninsula Ridge Viognier 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  88-1 -- Beamsville, Ontario, #662601 $12.95
  • La Chablisienne Sauvignon Blanc Saint-Bris 2008,   88-1 -- V, Burgundy, France, #641753 $14.95
  • Domaine des Aspes Viognier 2008,  88-1 --  V,  Languedoc, France, #712638 $14.95
  • Megalomaniac ‘Edra’s Vineyard’ Narcissist Riesling 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  88-1 --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #067587 $17.95
  • Gérard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Viognier 2008,   88-1 --  V, Languedoc, France, #147975 $16.95
  • Loredona Pinot Grigio 2008,   87-1 -- V, Monterey, California, #059188 $16.95
  • Konzelmann Pinot Blanc Weissburgunder 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  87-1 -- G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #219279 $10.95 
  • McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2007,  87  --  O, San Joaquin Valley, California, #658112 $21.95
  • 20-27 Cellars ‘Featherstone Vineyard’ Riesling 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,    86  --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery  $25.15
  • Trius Unoaked Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2008,  86 -- G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #497248 $14.25
  • Malivoire Pinot Gris 2009 VQA Niagara Escarpment,  86 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery, $19.95
  • Domaine Marcel Deiss Pinot d’Alsace 2004,  85 --  V, Bergheim, Alsace, #165365  $17.95
  • Malivoire Musqué Spritz 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench, 85 --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery, $19.95
  • Sileni Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008,  85 -- V, Hawke's Bay, NZ, #032292 $15.75
  • Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery ‘The Census Count’ Chardonnay 2006 VQA, 84 -- G, Okanagan Valley, Canada, #092296 $14.95
  • Malivoire Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Escarpment,  84  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #573147 $19.95
  • Mountain Road Wines Co. Reserve Chardonnay 2003 VQA Beamsville Bench, 84  --  O, Beamsville, Niagara, #Winery $26.15
  • Lailey Vidal 2008 VQA Ontario,  83 -- O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #Winery $12.20
  • Fielding Estate Riesling 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench,  83  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery $15.95 
  • Fielding Estate Lot No. 17 Riesling 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench,  83  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery  $24.95
  • Antonin Rodet Puligny-Montrachet 2006,  83 -- Burgundy, France, #084541 $34.95
  • Le Clos Jordanne ‘Claystone Terrace’ Chardonnay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 82  --  V, Lincoln, Ontario, #056929  $40.00
  • Highfield Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008,  82 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #012674  $19.95
  • Jaffelin Pouilly-Fuissé 2007,  81  --  G, Burgundy, France, #242909 $25.95
  • Bouchard Père & Fils Pouilly-Fuissé 2007,  80  --  G, Burgundy, France, #056580 $27.85
  • Mike Weir Sauvignon Blanc 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 80 -- G, Beamsville, Ontario, #686972 $15.95
  • Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  80 -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #316570 $18.95
  • Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2008,  80  --  V, West Coast, S. Africa, #328559 $14.95
  • Featherstone Estate Winery 'Canadian Oak' Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,  79  --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery $22.15 
  • Featherstone Estate Winery 'Canadian Oak' Chardonnay 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,  79  --  O, Vineland, Ontario, #Winery $22.15
  • Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2006,   78  --  V, Leyda Valley, Chile, #077693 $20.95
  • Vineland Estates Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   77  --  G, Vineland, Ontario, #669374 $12.85
  • Yering Station ‘Little Yering’ Chardonnay 2008,   68  --  G, Victoria, Australia, #145318 $14.95
  • Jackson-Triggs Pinot Grigio Proprietors Selection CIC NV,  65 -- G, Niagara, Canada, #621110 $9.95
(G - General Listing, V - Vintages, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value)


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 Rosés:
  • Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2009 VQA Niagara Escarpment,  89-2  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #559088 $15.95
  • Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto 2007,   88-1 --  V, Veneto, Italy, #045203 $12.95
  • 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

Sparkling:

  • Villa Sandi Prosecco NV,   91-2 --  G, Veneto, Italy, #249722 $14.50
  • Codorniu Non Plus Ultra NV,   90-1 -- G, Penedès, Spain, #053660  $20.95
  • Konzelmann Estate Winery ‘Methode Cuvee Close’ Sparkling Wine NV VQA Ontario,   88-1 --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,  #031401 $14.95
  • Katnook ‘Founder’s Block’ Sparkling Shiraz Coonawarra 2004,    88-1 --  V, South Australia,  #053330 $19.95
  • Santa Julia Extra Brut ‘Sustainable by Nature’ NV,   85-1 --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #142042 $14.95
  • Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Crémant d’Alsace NV,   84 -- V, Alsace, France, #039016 $18.95

Dessert:

  • Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Late Harvest Riesling 2007 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake,    92-2 --  V, Niagara, Ontario, #432930 $21.95  (375mL)
  • Cave Spring ‘Indian Summer’ Select Late Harvest  Riesling 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  91-2 --  V, Niagara, Ontario, #415901  $24.95 (375mL)
  • Konzelmann ‘Special Late Harvest’ Vidal 2006 VQA Ontario,   89-1 --  V, NOTL, Ontario, #409474 $19.95 (375mL)
  • Malivoire Cabernet Franc Icewine 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  87  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, #Winery, $* (187mL) 
  • NCT Winery Late Harvest Vidal 2002 VQA Ontario,  84  --  O, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, #Winery $21.95 (375mL)
(G - General Listing, V - Vintages, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value)

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