2010 2nd Half Summary: Whites+

67 Total:  48 Rated 83+, 14 Rated 90+   (return)

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

1. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  94-3  --  V, Marlborough, NZ,  #035386 $18.95 (Nov)
2. Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo 2009 IGT, 92-3   G,  Veneto, Italy,  #620773 (Dec)
3. Angels Gate Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-3   G, , Ontario, Canada,  (Gift Pack #189969 CS ) (Dec)
4. Daniel Lenko Estate 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-2  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 14.0% D,  #091173 $20.05 (June)
5. Daniel Lenko Estate 2008 White Cabernet VQA Niagara Peninsula, 92-2  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% D, #Winery  $20.05 (June)
6. Concilio Pinot Grigio Trentino 2008,  91-3 --  G,  Volano, Italy, #637595 $12.40  (July)
7. William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2009, 91-2 --  G, France, #276436 $20.70  (Dec)
8. Fontanafredda Gavi ‘Del Commune di Gavi' 2009, 91-2  --  V, Piedmont, Italy, #075440 $15.95 (Nov)

9. Rosewood Estates 'Renaceau Vineyards' Sémillon 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, 91-2  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #177758 $18.00 (Oct)
10. Weingut Stadt Krems Lossterrassen Grüner Veltliner 2009, 90-2  --  V, Austria, #180778 $14.95  (Dec)
11. Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2008, 90-2  --  V, Canada, #246579 $15.95  (Dec)
12. William Fèvre Sauvignon Saint-Bris 2008,  90-2  --  V, Burgundy, France, #626523  $16.95  (Sep)
13. Zenato Soave Classico 2008, 90-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #413146 $12.95  (July)
14. Daniel Lenko Estate 2007 Reserve Riesling VQA Niagara Peninsula,  90-1  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 11.5% D, #075655 $20.05 (June)
15.  (return)
16. Concilio Pinot Grigio 2009,   89-2  --  G, Trentino, Italy, #637595 $12.40   (Sep)
17. Mike Weir Wine Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  89-2  --  V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #000026 $15.95  (Aug)
18. Stella Bella Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc 2008,  89-2  --  V, Margaret River, Australia, #048546 $17.40 (Oct)
19. Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  89-1  --  V, Marlborough, NZ, #734798 $17.95 (Oct)
20. Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Riesling 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   89-1  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #089029 $17.95 (Nov)
21. Gray Monk Gewurztraminer 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley,  89-1  --  V, Okanagan, BC, #321588 $18.95 (Nov)
22. Angels Gate Riesling 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench, 88-1  G, , Ontario, Canada,  (Gift Pack #189969 CS ) (Dec)
23. Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 88-1  -- G, Ontario, #141531 $14.95 (Dec)
24. Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2009, 88-1 -- G, California, #175430 $16.45 (Dec)
25. Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay 2008,  88-1  --  V, Casablanca Valley, Chile, #494443 $14.95 (Nov)
26. Peninsula Ridge Viognier 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  88-1  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario,  #662601 $12.95  (Sep)
27. Ceravolo Unwooded Chardonnay 2009,  88-1  --  V, Adelaide Plains, Australia, #166975 $13.95  (Aug)
28. Sauvion `les Bosquets`Vouvray 2008,   88-1  -- V, Vallet, France, #169698 $13.95  (Aug)
29. Abad Dom Bueno Godello 2008,  88-1  --  V, Bierzo, Spain, #154302 $14.95 (July)
30. Rosehall Run Chardonnay Sur Lie 2008 VQA Ontario,  88-1 --  G, Wellington, Ontario, #111914 $15.05  (July)
31. Sileni ‘Cellar Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  87-1  --  V, Marlborough, NZ,  #662882 $15.95  (Oct)
32. Homegrown ‘Vineyard 4379’ Riesling 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  87-1 --  G, Vineland, Ontario, #183061 $13.00  (Sep) 
33. Château de l’Ecochère ‘Côteaux de la Loire’ Muscadet sur Lie 2008,  87-1  --  V, Loire, France, #169649 $13.95  (Aug) 
34. Amayna 'Leyda Valley' Sauvignon Blanc 2008,  87 -- V, Leyda Valley, Chile, #077693 $17.95 (Oct)
35. Copper Moon ‘Moonlight Harvest’ Pinot Grigio,  86-1  --  G, Canada, #158303 $9.45   (Aug)
36. Laurenz und Sophie 'Singing' Grüner Veltliner 2008,  86  --  V, Österreich, Austria, #087627 $14.95  (Aug)
37. Round Hill Chardonnay 2008 (DL86)(JS85),  86  --  V, St. Helena, California, #311415 $14.95  (Aug)
38. Thirty Bench Riesling 2008 VQA Beamsville Bench,   86  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #024133 $18.70 (Oct)
39. Daniel Lenko Estate 2004 Old Vines Chardonnay (French oak) VQA Niagara Peninsula, 86  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.7% D, #Winery  $30.05 (June)
40.  (return)
41. OGIO Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2009,  85-1 --  G, Abruzzo, Italy, #086199 $8.85  (Aug)
42. Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley,  85  --  V, Okanagan, BC, #118638 $19.95 (Oct)
43. McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2007,  85 --  V, Ripon, California, #658112 $19.95 (July)
44.  Tilia Torrontes 2009,  84  --  G, Salta, Argentina, #186403 $12.95 (Nov)
45.  Inniskillin 'Winemaker's Series' Barrel Aged Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 84  --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #177766 $19.95  (Nov)
46.  J. Lohr ‘Riverstone’ Chardonnay 2009*,  83  --  V, San Jose, California, #258699 $18.95 (Nov)
47.  Château de Quincay Sélection Tradition Sauvignon 2009. Loire,  83  --  V, France, #066183  $13.95 (Nov)
48. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  83  --  V,  Marlborough, NZ, #304469 $29.95  (Oct)
49. Pascual Toso Chardonnay 2010,  83  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #162636 $12.00*   (Sep)
50. Kapuka Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  83  -- V, Marlborough, NZ, #163576 $14.95 (July)
51.  (return)
52. McManis Family Vineyards Viognier 2008,  82  --  V, Ripon, California, #658112 $19.95  (Aug)
53. J.P. Chenet Côtes de Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc 2009,  82  --  G, Bordeaux, France, #161224 $9.95 (Oct)
54. Coyote's Run Unoaked Chardonnay 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  82  --  V, St. David's, Ontario, #026740 $14.95 (Oct)
55. Sundance Riesling 2008,  82  --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #158667 $8.95  (Aug)
56. Rosewood Estates Natalie's Sussreserve Riesling 2008 VQA Creek Shores,  82  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #164483 $18.00 (Nov)
57. Domaine de Vedilhan Viognier 2009,  81  --  G, Languedoc, France, #162081 $13.00 (Dec)
58. Cavit Collection Pinot Grigio 2008,  81  -- G, Venezie, Italy, #099218 $12.00  (July)
59. Vinecol Torrontés 2009, 80  --  V, Argentina, #032748 $13.95 (Dec)
60. Copper Moon ‘Moonlight Harvest’ Sauvignon Blanc, 80  --  G, Canada, #173518 $9.50  (Aug)
61. McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2009,  80  --  V, Ripon, California, #181453 $17.95 (Oct)
62. 13th Street Winery 'June’s Vineyard' Riesling 2008 VQA Creek Shores,  79  --  V, Jordan Station, Ontario, #147512 $16.95 (Oct)
63. Collavini 'Black Label' Pinot Grigio 2009,   79  --  G, Fruili, Italy, #033340 $13.95  (July)
64. Naked Grape Sauvignon Blanc,  78  --  G, Niagara Falls, Canada, #665224 $9.95  (Aug)
65. McWilliams Hanwood Chardonnay 2008,  78  --  G, New South Wales, Australia, #557934 $13.05* (Nov)
66. Barefoot Pinot Grigio NV,   77  --  G, California, USA, #053983  $9.95 (Nov)
67. Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner 2008,  77  --  G, Krems, Austria, #589002 $11.00  (Aug)
68. Naked Grape Unoaked Pinot Grigio,  75  --  G,  Niagara Falls, Canada, #099184 $9.95 (Aug)
69. Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2009,   75 --  G, Australia, #668947 $10.95 (Aug)
70. The Bend in the River Riesling 2008,  73  --  G, Falz, Germany, #501080 $10.95 (Oct)

(return)   
 

Rosés

1. Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto 2007,  88-2 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #045203 $12.95  (Sep)
2. Mezzomondo Sparkling Rosé NV,  86-1 --  G, Puglia, Italy, #143321  $10.75 (July)
3. Château la Tour de L’Évêque Rosé 2009,  86  --  V, Provence, France, #319392 $18.95  (Aug)
4. Duca di Castelmonte ‘Simply Pink’ Spumante Rosato Brut NV,  84 --  V, Marsala, Italy, #176719 $14.95 (July)
5. Côtes de Provence Carte Noire Rosé 2009,  83  --  V, Presqu’ile de Saint-Tropez, France, #319384 $13.95  (Aug)
6. De Bortoli ‘dB Selection’ Rosé 2008,  82  --  V, Australia, #120238 $8.95  (July)
7. Bieler Pere & Fils Sabine Rosé 2009,  81  --  V, Provence, France, #071423 $12.95 (July)
8. Familia Zuccardi Fuzion Shiraz Rosé 2009,  75  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #122424  $7.45  (July)

 (return) 


Dessert Wines

1. Mountain Road Wine Company 1999 Vidal Icewine VQA Niagara Peninsula,  98-3 --  O, Niagara, Canada, #Winery, $? (200ml) (July)
2. Daniel Lenko Estate 2004 Select Late Harvest Vidal VQA Ontario,  94-2  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 11.5% MS, #Winery $13.05  (375mL)  (June)
3. Flat Rock Cellars ‘Sweet Revenge’ Vidal Icewine 2007 VQA Short Hills Bench,  94   -- V, Jordan, Ontario, #047803  $44.95 (375mL)  (July)
4. Mountain Road Wine Co. Botrytis Affected Riesling 2005 VQA Beamsville Bench,  89-1  --  O,  Niagara, Canada, #Winery, $9.95 (375mL)  (Aug)

Sparkling wines

1. Domaine de Vaugondy Brut Vouvray NV,   90-2  --  V, Loire, France, #154567  $15.95   (Sep)
2. Mike Weir Sparkling Brut 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  89-1  --  V, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #187294 $24.95  (Aug)
3. Katnook ‘Founder’s Block’ Sparkling Shiraz 2008,  89-1  --  V, Coonawarra, Australia, #053330 $24.95 (Dec)
4. Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV, 87-1  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #687582 $17.95 (Dec)
5. Val d'Oca Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut 2009,  83  --  G, Veneto, Italy, #340570 $14.10  (Sep)
6. Villa Sandi Prosecco DOC NV,  81  --  G, Veneto, Italy, #249722  $14.95 (Dec)

(return) 

2010 2nd Half Summary: Reds

101 Total:  77 Rated 83+, 19 Rated 90+    (return)

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

• Sterling Vineyards Merlot 2005, 95-3  --  V, California, #330241 $24.95 (Nov)
• Zenato Cormi 2006,  94-3  --  V, Veneto, Italy, #108282 $17.95 (Oct)
• Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,  93-2  --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #730374 $23.95  (Aug)
• Antonin Rodet Côtes Du Rhône 2009, 92-3  -- G, France, #008979 $12.95 (Dec)
• Collin-Bourisset les Terres Bleues Côte de Brouilly 2009, 92-3  --  V, France, #590521 $15.95  (Dec)
• Chakana ‘Andean Wines’ Malbec 2007,  92-3  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #003509 $13.95  (Sep)
• E Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2006*,  92-3  --  V, Rhône, France,  #259721 $16.95 (Nov)
• Beringer ‘Napa Valley Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,  92-1  --  V, Napa, California, #091058 $39.95  (Sep)
• Mitolo Jester ‘McLaren Vale’ Shiraz 2007,  91-2  --  V, Virginia, South Australia, #659607 $21.95 (Oct)
• Collin-Bourisset les Terres Bleues Côte de Brouilly 2009,  91-2  --  V, Burgundy, France, #590521  $15.95   (Sep)

• Alkoomi ‘Frankland River’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,   91-2 --  V,  Western Australia, #904227 $19.95  (Sep)
• Grant Burge ‘Barossa’ Shiraz 2008,   91-2  --  V, Barossa, Australia, #738567 $16.95  (Aug)
• Familia Schroeder ‘Saurus Select’ Pinot Noir 2008,  91-2  --  V, Patagonia, Argentina, #055442 $17.95 (Oct)
• Trapiche Broquel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,  91-2 --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #017202 $15.95  (Oct)
• Rosemount Traditional Show Reserve Cab Sauvignon/ Merlot/ Petit Verdot 2005,   91-1  --  V, South Australia, #484097 $34.95 (July)
• Hickinbotham ‘Clarendon’ Shiraz/Cabernet 2008,  90-2 Cellar   --  V,  McLaren Vale, South Australia, #159632 $15.95 (Nov)
• Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,  90-2  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #112177 $20.00  (Oct)
• Liberty School Zinfandel 2007,  90-2  --  V, Paso Robles, California, #041095 $18.95 (July)
• Amity Vineyards 'Willamette Valley' Pinot Noir 2007,   90-1  --  G, Amity, Oregon, #124594 $23.95 (Oct)

 (return)

• Angels Gate Cabernet Merlot 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  89-2  G, , Ontario, Canada,  (Gift Pack  #189969) (Dec)
• Angels Gate Merlot 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  89-2  G, , Ontario, Canada,  (Gift Pack  #189969) (Dec)
• Balma ‘Beaumes de Venise’ 2008,  89-2  -- V, Côtes du Rhône, France, #652206 $13.95 (July)
• J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot Cabernet 2009, 89-2  --  G, France, #621995 $11.95 (Dec)
• Domaine de la Madone le Perréon Beaujolais-Villages 2009,  89-2  --  V, Burgundy, France, #981175  $13.95  (Sep)
• Casa LaPostolle Carmenère 2008, 89-2  --  G, Rapel Valley, Chile, #168740 $15.95 (Nov)
• Mezzacorona Novio 2010 Vino Novello di Teroldego,  89-2  --  G, Trentino, Italy,  #669275 $9.95 (Nov)
• Rutherford Ranch ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,  89-2  --  V, Napa, California,  #073817 $19.95  (Sep)
• C. J. Pask Gimblett Road Syrah 2007, 89-2   --  V, Hawkes Bay, NZ, #163998 $18.95 (Nov)
• Zenato Rosso Veneto IGT 2008,  88-2  --  G, Veneto, Italy, #208579 $11.95  (Dec)
• Pasqua ‘Villa Borghetti’ Rosso Veneto 2007 Metodo Passimento,  88-2 --  G, Venezie, Italy, #141952 $13.10 (July)
• J.P. Chenet Vin de Pays d’Oc Cabernet Syrah 2009, 88-2  --  G, Languedoc, France, #090472 $9.95  (Sep)
• Richard Hamilton Gumprs’ Shiraz 2008,  88-1  --  V, McLaren Vale, Australia, #600122 $18.95  (Aug)
• Joseph Drouhin 2010 Beaujolais Villages Nouveau, 88-1  --  V, Beaune, France, #113266 $14.95 (Nov)
• Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau, 88-1  --  V,  Romanèche-Thorins, France, #932780 $14.95 (Nov)  
• Alamos Malbec 2009,  88-1  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina,  GP#601252  $15.95* (Nov)
• Fielding Estate ‘Red Conception’ 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  88-1  --  V, Beamsville, Ontario, #189183 $18.95  (Sep)
• Masi Campofiorin Rosso Del Veronese 2007 IGT, 88-1   G,  Veneto, Italy,  (Gift Pack  GP#187948)  (Dec)
• Daniel Lenko Estate 2006 Old Vines Merlot VQA Niagara Peninsula, 88  --  O, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% D, #075622 $30.05 (June)
• Philippe de Rothschild Pinot Noir 2009, 87-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #628289 $11.95  (Sep)
• Sundance Cabernet Sauvignon 2007,  87-1  --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #177832 $8.95  (Aug)
• Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,  87-1  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #163428 $12.95 (Nov)
• Domaine de Sérame Réserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,  87-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #035006 $11.95* (Oct)
• Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Gamay Nouveau,  87-1  --  G, Ardèche, France, #891846 $8.95  (Nov)
• Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage 2007, 87  --  V, France, #572230 $17.95 (Dec)
• Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2008, 86-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #184069 $12.95 (Dec)
• Cave Spring Gamay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 86-1 -- G, Canada, #228569 $13.95 (Dec)
• Cantina 2010 Novello del Veneto IGT,  86-1  --  G, Negrar, Italy, 12.0% D, #899955 $9.95 (Nov)
• Pascual Toso Malbec 2008,  86-1  --  G, Maipu, Argentina, #035170 $12.95 (Oct)
• Domaine Bassac Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 86-1 --  G, Côtes de Thongue, France, #164152 $13.00  (Sep)
• Chakana ‘Yaguereté Collection’ Bonarda 2009,  86-1  --  V,  Mendoza, Argentina, #003525 $13.95 (Oct)
• Georges DuBoeuf Crus du Beaujolais Brouilly 2009,  86 --  G, Romanèche-Thorins, France, #070540 $16.95 (Dec)
• Domaine de Poujo Madiran 2007,  86  --  V,  Southwest France, #719674 $14.95  (Aug)
• Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley, 86  (Cellar)  --  V, Oliver/Osoyoos, BC, #553321 $22.95  (Sep)

 (return)

• Yvon Mau Merlot 2009, 85-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #336743 $8.95   (Sep)
• Dona Paula Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,  85  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, #095281 $17.95  (Sep)
• Pasqua ‘Le Soraie’ Rosso Veronese 2006 Metodo Appassimento,  85 --  V, Verona, Italy, #097568 $18.95  (July)
• Montresor Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006,  85   --  G, Verona, Italy, #240416 $28.40  (Sep)
• The Foreign Affair ‘Abbraccio’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  85  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #127324 $37.95  (Sep)
• Señorio de Uñuela Edicion Limitada Reserva 2001 (DL89),  84  --  V, Rioja Alta, Spain,  #172536 $16.95  (Aug)
• Godo Rosso Veronese IGT 2008, 84 --  V, Veneto, Italy, #171595 $13.95 (July)
• J.P. Chenet Limited Release Pinot Noir 2008,  84-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #142406  $11.95  (Sep)
• Coyote`s Run `Red Paw Vineyard` Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Four Mile Creek, 84  --  V, St. David's, Ontario, #079228 $22.95 (Oct)
• Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2009,  84  --  V, Mendoza, Argentina, GP#601252, $13.95 (see #467944 ) (Nov)
• Rodney Strong Pinot Noir 2008,  84  -- V, Sonoma County, California, #954834 $22.95 (Nov)
• Casa LaPostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,  83  --  G, Rapel Valley, Chile, #168732 $15.95 (Nov)
• Pérez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 83  -- G, Chile, #694208 $14.95 (Dec)
• Casa LaPostolle Merlot 2008, 83  --  V, Rapel Valley, Chile, #405712 $16.95 (Nov)
• Tilia Malbec 2009,   83  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #160945 $13.00  (Nov)
• Mirassou California Pinot Noir 2008,   83  --  G, San Jose, California, #185249 $12.95 (Oct)
• Pisse-Dru ‘Noémie Vernaux’ Beaujolais 2008,   83  --  G, Beaune, France, #002881 $11.50  (Sep)
• Pasqua ‘Villa Borghetti’ Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2007,  83  --  G, Verona, Italy, #602342 $17.05  (Sep)
• Fuzion Alta Reserve Malbec 2008,   83  --  G, Mendoza, Argentina, #135475 $10.00   (Aug)
• Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico 2008,  83   --  V, Verona, Italy, #917864  $14.95 (July)
• Cave Spring Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  83  --  G, Jordan, Ontario, #417642 $16.95 (Oct)
• Skuttlebutt Shiraz - Cabernet 2007,   83  --  V, Margaret River, Australia, #058131  $15.95 (Oct) 
• MacMurray Ranch ‘Central Coastal’ Pinot Noir 2008,  83  --  Healdsburg, California, #Costco $14.89US (Nov)
• The Fool Reif Estate Gamay Nouveau VQA Niagara River,  83  --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #220483 $10.95 (Nov)

(return)

• Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinto Noir 2008,  82  --  G, Bourgogne, France, #162073 $18.60  (Dec)
• Chateau Ste Michelle ‘Indian Wells’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008,  82  --  Columbia Valley, Washington State, #Costco  $13.99US  (Nov)
• Featherstone Red Tail Merlot 2008 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,  82  --  V, Vineland, Ontario, #131540 $19.95  (Aug)
• Philippe de Rothschild Merlot 2009,  82  --  G, Languedoc, France, #407544  $10.95   (Sep)
• Cave la Romaine Côtes de Rhône Villages Grenache-Syrah 2009,  81  --  G, Rhône, France, #028779 $12.00  (Sep)
• Farnese Casale Vecchio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2009,  80 Cellar  --  G,  Abruzzo, Italy, #612788 $9.85  (Sep)
• De Loach Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (DL83),  80  --  G,  Santa Rosa, California, #089250  $14.95  (Sep)
• Sundance Merlot 2007,  80  --  G, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, #158675   $8.95  (Aug)
• Copper Moon ‘Moonlight Harvest’ Merlot,  80  --  G, Canada, #173526 $9.45  (Aug)
• Patriarche Pére et Fils Pinot Noir 2008,   80 Cellar  --  G, Provence, France, #522649  $10.50  (Oct)
• Stonehedge Merlot 2008,   80  --  V, California, #657577 $13.95 (Oct)
• Rosemount ‘Diamond’ Merlot 2008,  80  --  G,  Nuriootpa, Australia, #542431 $15.95 (Oct)
• Hollick  ‘Wrattonbully’ Shiraz 2006,  79  --  V, Coonawarra, Australia, #165944  $23.95 (July)
• Hob Nob Merlot 2008,  78  --  G, Languedoc, France, #184077 $11.95 (Dec)
• Konzelmann Pinot Noir Spaetburgunder Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,  78  --  G, NOTL, Ontario, #200584 $11.80*  (Oct)
• Les Hautes de Janeil Syrah Grenache 2008,  78  --  G, Languedoc, France, #162214 $12.95 (Dec)
• Cuvée du Comte Côtes du Rhône 2007,  77  --  V,  Drôme, France, #178822 $15.95 (Oct)
• Fuzion ALTA Malbec Reserva 2009,   76  --  Mendoza, Argentina, #DutyFree $6.99US (Nov)
• Claymore ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ Shiraz/Viognier 2007,   76  --  V, Clare Valley, Australia, #166983 $19.95  (Aug)
• Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2009,   76  --  V, Casablanca Valley, Chile,  #037937 $14.95  (Aug)
• Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Okanagan,   75  --  V, Oliver, BC, #183541 $18.95 (Oct)
• Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula,   74  --  G, St Catherines, Ontario, #013904 $16.95 (Oct)
• XOXO Shiraz Cabernet,  74  --  G, Canada, #016568  (Aug)
• Copper Moon ‘Moonlight Harvest’ Shiraz,  71  --  G, Canada, #158311 $9.45  (Aug)

(return) 

2010 Picks for the Season: 12 Tasted of 12

Listed are twelve wine selections for the Holiday season. They are meant to cover most situations which call for wine except for 'toasting' and dessert - there's no bubblies nor fortifieds. I’m not calling these ‘recommendations’ since I don’t claim to have a universal palate and, more importantly, I won’t know what I think until I’ve tasted the current vintage from LCBO shelves. For now they're 'my selections'. Starting with this blog, for ratings, I've dropped the Ww and the format is rating-value as outlined in the side panel.

I’ve enjoyed these wines in the past and hopefully there’s consistency in the vineyards, the winery and the winemaker’s skill for them to be enjoyable this season. In order to compare I’ve included notes for the previous vintage and will add notes for the current vintage as the wine is tasted over the next week or so. Wines are sequenced by rating and grouped red then white. For inventory at a local Outlet click on the link to WineAlign, #nnnnnn or the LCBO link, CS.

Cheers, Ww


SELECTIONS

Reds
Antonin Rodet Côtes Du Rhône 2007
Pérez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 
Collin-Bourisset les Terres Bleues Côte de Brouilly 2009 
Cave Spring Gamay 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula
Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage 2003
J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot Cabernet 2007

Whites
Vinecol Torrontés 2007
Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2006
Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula
Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2008
Weingut Stadt Krems Lossterrassen Grüner Veltliner 2009 
William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2004
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THE LINEUP -  Wine appears in Bold with a rating (r-v) when Tasted

• Collin-Bourisset les Terres Bleues Côte de Brouilly 2009, 92-3  --  V, France, #590521  $15.95
• Antonin Rodet Côtes Du Rhône 2009, 92-3  -- G, France, #008979 $12.95
• J.P. Chenet Premier de Cuvée Merlot Cabernet 2009, 89-2   --  G, France, #621995 $11.95
• Cave de Tain Crozes Hermitage 2007, 87   --  V, France, #572230 $17.95
• Cave Spring Gamay 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 86-1 -- G, Canada, #228569  $13.95 
• Pérez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, 83  -- G, Chile, #694208 $14.95
 

• William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2009, 91-2  --  G, France, #276436 $20.70
• Weingut Stadt Krems Lossterrassen Grüner Veltliner 2009, 90-2  --  V, Austria, #180778 $14.95
• Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué 2008, 90-2 --  V, Canada, #246579 $15.95
• Malivoire White 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 88-1  -- G, Ontario, #141531 $14.95
• Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2009, 88-1 -- G, California, #175430 $16.45
• Vinecol Torrontés 2009, 80  --  V, Argentina, #032748 $13.95

(G - General listing, V - Vintages release,   r-v - rating-value)

TASTING NOTES:
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ANTONIN RODET CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007, Rhône, France, 13.6% D, #008979 $12.95 CS  (Tasted November 18, 2008)

The 2007 vintage tasted in November 2008 had a black cherry colour in the bowl with a thin film followed by slow tears and a fragrance of smoke tinged cherry skins, soft and subtle. Its smoothness carries flavours of cherries brightened by a slight spice everything lasting through a long, delicate finish. This is more of an elegant sipper for a reception or buffet luncheon with flavours that build with each sip - scrumptious. Have with finger sandwiches or save for a prime rib entrée, mild sausages, game bird or beef bourguignon. Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $12.95 13.5% (Tasted December 14, 2010) ... A raspberry ruby colour with a pink meniscus and a smoky cherry raspberry subtly spiced nose. The film is thin receding evenly into slow tears and the first sip has a light touch of tannin, a hint of tobacco and an earthy cherry flavour. Smooth at the front and spicy at the back gives an ever changing finish ending with a light leather.  Further sipping comes easy with an interesting combination of textures and depth of flavour. A medium-bodied sipper with/without a buffet spread or pair with veal, ham steak, dark fowl or vegetarian pizza. Drink now or cellar a year.  92
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PÉREZ CRUZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile, 14.5% XD, #694208 $14.95 (Tasted November 14, 2008)  CS

The colour of a black cherry skin with deep smoky cherry aromas and slow legs. Very smooth and spicy from the first sip lasting for a good while fading into a sumptuous layer of fine tannins and ripe cherry/berry flavours - a bit (8%) of carmenere and syrah in the blend. An excellent combination of fruit and spice full-bodied and silky smooth. A delectable sipper giving with each sip. Should go very well with grilled meat: T-bone, seared veal, rosemary'd rack of lamb. Drinking well now but could cellar another few years if you want to buy ahead. Very different from the bottle last tasted.  Updated notes: Vintage 2008  $14.95  14.0%  (Tasted Dec 15, 2010)   A deep ruby colour and a scent of currant tinged blackberry with a noticeable spicy note. Silky textured, blackberry and a touch of cherry as a flavour with light tannins and touch of pepper gives some interest for a social crowd. The finish doesn’t have a pronounced flavour carry over quickly fading to silken tobacco and very little warmth from the alcohol. Full-bodied with a light-bodied profile. A polite sipper or have with sausage patties, grilled steak or beef tenderloin. Nothing to cellar.  83
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COLLIN-BOURISSET LES TERRES BLEUES CÔTE DE BROUILLY 2009, Burgundy, France, 13.0% D, #590521  $15.95  (Tasted September 10, 2010)  CS

A blueberry-raspberry and faint floral scent along with a purple tinted garnet ruby and a swirl leaves a firm film with lots of slow tears. There’s a light tannin dryness in the first sip, medium-bodied with acid supporting a smooth texture and, almost as second thought, soft boysenberry flavours. An elegant, delicate sipper lacking prominence for many grilled entrees but otherwise a very flexible red - fowl, pork, tuna, creamy salmon pastas, gnudis. Still young and cellaring for several years is likely but I’d try a year at a time. If I had room I’d buy a case.  Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $15.95  13.0%  (Tasted Dec 18, 2010)   Tasted in September this year the scent is still mostly berry with a layer of floral, one needing time to develop, and a regal purple ruby adds lustre. The film sheds lots of tears, slow to form and slow to fall and the first sip has a silkiness that is a main feature then a subtle expression of raspberries slowly turns an acceptable mix of tobacco and bramble. A smooth sipper with balanced tannin and tang makes a red to linger over. I can imagine this paired with Michael’s Backdoor tenderloin and lamb chops - super! Two to four years cellaring could be interesting although it’s full- and flavourful now so why wait?  92

CAVE DE TAIN CROZES HERMITAGE 2003, Rhône, France, 12.5% XD, #572230 $16.85 (Tasted March 1, 2008)  CS

Not tasted for awhile but from a winery known for consistency - hope the weather cooperated. A delicate aroma of berries and spice, a solid garnet ruby colour and a velvet layer of tart, medium- to full-bodied blend of raspberries and currants then finishing forever with dry, dark fruit, bright pepper and mushroom tones. Quite a nice sipper or as a quencher with stuffed mushroom caps or mild cheeses. Have with grilled meats or prime rib. A good value now and worth cellaring for many more years.  Updated notes: Vintage 2007  $17.95  12.5%  (Tasted Dec 17, 2010)  A real plum hue to the ruby and a firm film and long legs with each swirl gives this some initial interest. The nose is a light blackberry edged spicy cherry that carries through to the first sip and, given the deep colour, surprisingly lightly flavoured with red currant and tobacco. Medium-bodied with a fine tannin and light acid the finish is subtle ending with a touch of tobacco. Chill a tad and sip or have with veal scaloppini, bbq’d pork ribs or strips of rare tenderloin. A polite sipper. 87
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J.P. CHENET PREMIER DE CUVÉE MERLOT - CABERNET 2007, Languedoc, France, 14.0% D, #621995 $11.95 (Tasted April 26, 2010)  CS

Definitely the label to look for is the 2007 vintage with the Orange sticker of a Gold medal from Concours National Des Vins de Pays 2008. However, the 2009 is on the shelf. A pleasing ruby with a sombre tint and aromas of bright raspberry softened by blackberries. Let air a short while, twenty minutes, for a full-bodied, silky smooth, oozing with luscious spicy berries sipper. After three years cellaring this is a solid value. Full flavoured black fruit is carried through a long finish along with fine tannins ending dry with a bit of chalky mineral. Have with anything grilled: sausage, steaks or lamb. Cellaring for another few years is likely.  Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $11.95  13.5%  (Tasted Dec 12, 2010) … A deep ruby, regal in the glass, and a soft spice aromas of rasp- and blackberries. The first sip has a minty raspberry and currant flavour, smooth but tart with well balanced acid. The finish tapers off slowly leaving flavour remnants along with a slight dry cedar edge. An appealing dry sipper for a social gathering - a flexible medium-bodied red to go with party hors d’oeuvres: wraps, sausages, black olive or mushroom focaccia or pair with light grilled beef entrees. A hint of sweetness never really shows. A drink now.  89
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CAVE SPRING GAMAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Jordan, Canada, 12.5% D, #228569 $12.41 (Tasted May 1, 2009)  CS

A mid ruby with a dull cast and light film sending fast tears down the glass. This has an aroma that needs time to develop in the bowl, a combination of earth, a ripe berry blend and white pepper. Then a delicate first sip that builds on the roof with warmth and spicy berries and leaving a velvet fuzz on the tongue. On the thin side of medium-bodied, with well developed flavours but not overpowered by fruit, ie. well balanced. Have as a companion to prime rib roast or a grilled rib eye. This should cellar well adding satin and a deeper complexity to make this an excellent value.  Updated notes: Vintage 2008  $13.95  12.0%  (Tasted Dec 17, 2010)  This vintage as well is a mid ruby with a dull cast and a thin film sends fast tears down the bowl. The aroma is a woody cherry evenly balanced so the fruit isn’t dominant - a whisper of BRETT in the background. Light-bodied, silky textured with acids, cherries and smoky wood also evenly balanced. The finish is long, smooth, dry with a seam of light acid. Serve slightly chilled as a conversational sipper or pair with party sausages, mushroom caps, with cold crab or lobster, a shrimp ring or cheese puffs. A drink now.   86
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VINECOL TORRONTÉS 2007, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.3% D, #032748 $13.95 (Tasted August 18, 2008)  CS

A pleasant fragrance of wild flowers and honey fading into sweet grass. A light golden colour having a soft texture with flavours of citrus, melon and mild minerals. Leaves a softness on the lips with a bright reminder of citrus and a clay finish. A sociable summer sipper for a mixed crowd – no one would refuse a refill and may lead to a guessing game for a ‘varietal’. Serve well chilled with a fruit tray, with brie, gruyere and edam, or a shrimp ring. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey breast and lingonberry, pork chop with apple sauce or a seasoned seafood dish. A drink now.  Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $13.95  12.8%  (Tasted December 16, 2010)  An aroma of softened butter, more nutty than floral becoming perceptible as the chill goes. The first sip is round, tart, with a mix of mango and citrus fading slowly retaining some flavour and tartness finally ending with just a touch of chalk. Leaves an impression of late ripening fruit picked early. As a sipper it’s drinkable but uninteresting. Have with battered halibut/haddock and chips or roast chicken. A drink now. 80
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WEINGUT STADT KREMS LÖSSTERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2009, Krems, Austria, 12.0% XD, #180778  $14.95  (Tasted August 30, 2010)  CS

A pale straw with honeyed layered floral and citrus aromas initially taming to a delicate lemon floral. An even film and a penetrating but appealing tang to the palate says this is a refresher, perhaps an amuse bouche. Dry in the finish, with a mineral, pear and grapefruit. Served chilled, a very interesting a sipper but begs a mixed buffet: stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped scallops, proscuitto wrapped asparagus for starters. Move on to lobster or crab pieces with a creamed risotto dish. This should keep well for a year but is meant to be consumed soon.  Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $14.95  12.0%  (Tasted December 20, 2010)  The same light floral as sniffed last August and the same scent of lemon and honey needing time to develop. A yellow blond colour with the first sip bringing an evenly cascading film, fast tears and an interesting flavour of lemon and d’Anjou pear, missing the grapefruit this time, any sweetness balanced by a creamy fullness and firm acid. The finish is silky, long, full of flavour and the scent of the nose. The tartness is more suitably paired with a fish stew: e.g. cod covered with tomato pieces in a mornay sauce. A meal white now to a year.  90

CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ 2007 VQA Beamsville Bench, Jordan, Canada, 13.0% MD, #246579 $15.28 (Tasted May 12, 2009)  CS

Cave Spring has consistency producing a lightly sweetened Musqué. A pale golden colour and aromas of orange and peach fill the bowl making this an inviting sipper. The firm nip and flavours of green melon and spice refreshes the palate going well with seafood dishes, cold and sliced chicken breast or Asian fare. I’d say it’s leaning toward being full-bodied with a noticeable touch of sweetness, a viscous mouthfeel and lasting melon grassiness to the long finish. Save for a mixed social including ABC imbibers. Showing some youthfulness now and should keep up to two years.  Updated notes: Vintage 2008  $15.95 (Tasted December 18, 2010)   A green tinge to a gold colour and the nose is a mix of orange and olive. Nicely clean and creamy with the first sip with an infusion of orange and melon carrying to a long smooth concentrated flavour fading slowly leaving a smooth citrus as a reminder. Not obviously a chardonnay nor a musqué and tart enough for oysters, fresh or Rockefeller, adding enough flavours to pair with fish dishes. Cellaring up to two years may develop character without losing too much fruit and be an overall plus.  90
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MALIVOIRE WHITE 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Beamsville, Ontario, 12.0% D, #141531 $14.95 (Tasted December 1, 2009)  CS

Shiraz, the winemaker, has introduced a fresh style to all of Malivoire`s wines, red and white. This is a blend of 80% Chardonnay, 15% Riesling and 5% Gewurztraminer and tasted this past October, 2009. 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.  Updated notes: Vintage 2008  $14.95  12.0%  (Tasted December 13, 2010) ... A light straw colour with a nutty taint to chilled orange and lime nose, a soft touch of dry almond orange in the first sip of nicely balanced fruit and tart. A well made delicate sipper that wouldn‘t offend anyone looking for a refesher on a hot day or as an intro to light conversation at anytime. A quaffer with a moderate finish ending with citrus and mineral. Have with  grilled whitefish entrees. A drink now. 88
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WENTE MORNING FOG CHARDONNAY 2008, Livermore Valley, California, 13.5% D, #175430 $16.45 (Tasted January 3, 2010)  CS


The 2008 is a mid gold, crystal clear in the bowl and has a clean light scent of butterscotch. Flavours of lemon and faint orange with balanced acid and a sweet edge makes this an elegant white. A smooth butter starts then a clean tang takes over for a long finish. Serve chilled and it’s a super aperitif. Let go off chill and the smoothness makes sipping interesting and refreshing. Have with grilled whitefish, crab cakes or creamy lobster pieces on thins. Should cellar a few years.  Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $16.95  13.5%  (Tasted December 22, 2010)  A golden blond with a faint scent of lemon zest complete with spicy edge and there’s an intense tang with the first sip and flavours of orange and soft butter. Full-bodied, a burst of acid surrounds flavours that fade slowly to a dry, grassy finish. A meal white or for a finger food buffet. Have with light/dark meat fowl, bacon bits on focaccia, or grilled portabello slices. Cellaring for a few years should do well.  88
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WILLIAM FEVRE CHABLIS CHAMPS ROYAUX 2004, Burgundy, France, 12.5% D, #276436 $21.80 (Tasted May 16, 2008)  CS

From a reputable winery and likely a later vintage will be on the shelves. This had a delicate fragrance of nettles, soft gooseberry and hint of citrus, a light golden colour with scant legs. The first sip is very interesting, steely edged with a tactful nip followed by a light citrus, straw, pear and faint gooseberry finishing round, with well balanced acids and a clay mineral feel. Could do for a sipper until the entrée: vinaigrette on greens with feta then a grilled whitefish with herbed risotto… or have with planked salmon, shrimp kebob, bacon wrapped scallops or a creamy mushroom pasta. Updated notes: Vintage 2009  $20.70  12.5%  (Tasted December 23, 2010)  A delicate nettles and gooseberry are there in this vintage as well as short legs slowly lengthening and a light golden colour. Flavours of gooseberry and apple, citrus for a polite tang and a light buttery smoothness give this appeal as a sipper. The finish stays faithful to the flavours continuing long until fading quietly - doesn’t  need nibbles. Chicken or light fowl, grilled seafood, crab cakes, trout on greens or curried mussels could match nicely tho'. Lighter than the 2004 and a drink now.  91

Price & Availability: BC & ON

One of Anthony Gismondi’s Tweets compared the BC price of a bottle of wine from the Okanagan Valley with the price of the same wine in Ontario - one of only a few BC wines that make it to LCBO customers. This prompted a review of the wines I’ve purchased in the second half of this year to compare prices in each Province as well as the availability of these wines to BC consumers.

Speaking of @Spitter (Gismondi's Twitter ID, also at Gismondi on Wine) Vancouver's Global TV Morning News interviewed the noted wine expert with his season’s wine suggestions.  And, No, none of the seven wines are available at an Ontario Outlet.  (the video is no longer available.)

Of 112 wines I've purchased at the LCBO  in the latter half of this year as of this date twenty seven (15 reds and 12 whites) are available in BC Liquor Stores .  These wines are listed below with the LCBO Product Code (not the same as BC's) and the current price of each, first in Ontario then in BC.

Of the twenty seven only wines from BC had a lower price in BC. The remaining imported wines were priced $1 to $5 higher in BC. Since the source of the wine is the same in both provinces I assume any price difference is tax and possibly shipping costs. Does it make anyone feel better knowing consumers in another Province are paying more than those in Ontario? I don’t think so.  Hope this is of some value. Cheers, Ww


REDS:  15 available in BC of 73 in Ontario

1. Chakana ‘Andean Wines’ Malbec 2007, Argentina --  #003509 ,  $13.95/$14.99
2. Alamos Malbec 2009, Argentina -- #467951 ,  $13.95/$14.99
3. Pascual Toso Malbec 2008, Argentina --   #035170 ,  $12.95/$13.99
4. Grant Burge ‘Barossa’ Shiraz 2008, Australia  -- #738567 ,  $16.95/$19.99
5. Rosemount ‘Diamond’ Merlot 2008, Australia  --  #542431 ,  $15.95/$16.99
6. Mitolo Jester ‘McLaren Vale’ Shiraz 2007, Australia -- #659607 ,  $21.95/$26.00
7. Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Pinot Noir 2008 VQA, BC  --  #183541 ,  $18.95/$18.99
8. Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 VQA, BC  --  #553321 ,  $22.95/$21.99
9. Sterling Vineyards Merlot 2005, California  --  #330241 ,  $24.95/$27.99
10. Mirassou California Pinot Noir 2008, California  --  #185249 ,  $12.95/$13.99
11. E Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2006, France  --  #259721 ,  $16.95/$21.99
12. J.P. Chenet Limited Release Pinot Noir 2008, France  --  #142406 ,  $11.95/$12.99
13. Georges DuBoeuf Crus du Beaujolais Brouilly 2009, France  --  #070540 ,  $16.95/$19.99
14. Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2008, France  --  #184069 ,  $12.95/$15.99
15. Masi Campofiorin Rosso Del Veronese 2007 IGT, Italy  --  #155051 ,  $17.95/$19.99

WHITES:  12 available in BC of 39 in Ontario

1.  McWilliams Hanwood Chardonnay 2008, Australia  --  #557934 , $13.95/$13.99
2. Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2009, Australia  --  #668947 ,  $10.95/$11.99
3. Laurenz und Sophie 'Singing' Grüner Veltliner 2008, Austria  --  #087627 , $14.95/$21.99
4. Gray Monk Gewurztraminer 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC  --   #321588 , $18.95/$16.99
5. Gray Monk Pinot Gris 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley, BC  --  #118638 , $19.95/$16.99
6. J. Lohr ‘Riverstone’ Chardonnay 2009, California --  #258699 , $18.95/$22.99
7. The Bend in the River Riesling 2008, Germany  --  #501080 , $10.95/$11.99
8. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, NZ  --  #304469 , $29.95/$31.50
9. Sileni ‘Cellar Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009, NZ  --  #662882 , $15.95/$14.99
10. Barefoot Pinot Grigio NV, California  --  #053983 , $9.95/$9.99
11. Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo 2009 IGT, Italy  --  #620773 , $14.95/$16.99
12. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009, NZ  --  #035386 , $18.95/$21.99

Wine Trials 2011: A review

The theme, ‘Brown Bag Blind Tastings show that tasters prefer low-priced over high-priced wines’ continues in the 2011 edition of Wine Trials… as it likely will in 2012. I find ‘Trials’ in the title to have interesting implications: a judicial system arguing the guilt or innocence of an accused in doing harm to a plaintiff or complainant. 

In this case are you, the wine consumer, the plaintiff? and is the accused the collective critics, commercial corporations and wine columnists presenting their view and influence? Or, alternatively, are the participants in the Trial the higher priced wines and the over 500 low priced wines included in this year’s tasting runoffs? In either case readers reap the results: an exposé of the weaknesses of professional wine industry (Part I) and 175 Wines (Part II), the Winners, Finalists and Bargains from the tastings.

The mantra carries through the first eight chapters and is one that is supported by hundreds of tasting sessions as well as many investigative journals and experiments conducted by third parties. Selections from the over 500 along with higher priced wines are tasted by general and specific demographics in sessions held in many States across the US. These sessions support and reinforce the verdict initially set forth in the 2010 edition. Yes, the collective does not represent the taste of the consuming public: “the more we learn to trust our palates…. The better off we’ll be as drinkers” - and less exposed to recommendations of wines at inflated prices.

Experienced Tasters generally rate higher priced wines higher than less experienced consumers. This begs the question ’Why?’  ‘Taste’ has been found to be a sense far beyond that originally thought. Give this edition a read and see if you’re not convinced. Many factors come into play whether it’s you sitting and sipping or the wine judge in a hall with 5 to 500 compatriots. According to Wine Trials, peripheral elements such as colour, the label, knowing the vintage, vintner, region or vineyard and price have not so subtle influences when wines are judged. The extent to which these elements have an effect is greater if the one doing the evaluation is a professional.

Sometimes preferences coincide. Sometimes tasting results find the same components and express them in similar terms. It’s when they differ that’s under scrutiny. A critic has tuned his/her senses to those elements in a wine, those not hidden by bagged bottles, and is able to segregate and categorize tiers of wines very quickly, and attribute some positives/negatives subconsciously. Whether numbers are assigned or verbal descriptions are tabled the trained palate backed by studies of wine history, lineage and geographies is a convincing judge. A simple example: you and I taste a wine and say it smells and tastes like ’barnyard’. But ‘barnyard’ to the trained palate can be quite acceptable.  If, for instance, the Blind Tasting is announced as covering wines of Languedoc and the region around Carcassonne a novice would infer nothing. On the other hand, a critic will know the wine styles and terroir of the area and could judge accordingly.

Introduced in this edition of Wine Trials is a new investigative procedure. fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) studies of brain activity show that there are many other influences, not suspected previously, that contribute to forming judgments. This work is ongoing.

To illustrate let me pose examples taken from the music industry: Tina Turner is distinguishable from Toni Braxton as is Justin Beiber from Bruce Springsteen . Each has their fan clubs and each fan has a library of

MP3s, Concert ticket stubs and videos giving a thumbs up for their idol. Stripping away the bio, the concert colour and enthusiasm is not likely to sway the fan’s listening preference. The fan has ‘history‘. However a newbie will hesitate, he will listen, he will form an appreciation, a like or dislike. Given a sampling of each entertainer he will, if independent, develop a set of criteria then form his own likes/dislikes.

Equating this to wines… price, label style or virtual/live interviews and travels through wine country form positions and pattern brain receptors. The wine critic has ‘history‘. (Note that I DID NOT SAY 'baggage').  Be a newbie: hesitate, listen, form your own appreciation, a like or dislike. Then given a tasting, be independent, develop a set of criteria and judge for yourself. For straight talk listen to your own palate. 

Hope this has value in some way.
Cheers, Ww

PS. Of the 175 wines there is 1 of 7 Best of the Wine Trials Winners and 6 of 17 Best of the Wine Trials Finalists on LCBO shelves. On average the bottle price is $2 above the US price.


PPS.  Click here for last November's brief review of Wine Trials 2010 .