December 2014 Wines - 17 Tasted of 17

Town of Minden, Ontario from The Lookout

   



   

Photos by Peter:
Haliburton, Ontario

 

THE LINEUP: (Reds, Whites, Bubblies)

• Michael David Petite Petit 2012,  92  --  Lodi, California, #213017  $24.95*
• Majella 'The Musician' Cabernet/Shiraz 2012, 91-2  --  V, Coonawara, Australia, #142018  $19.95
• Dandelion Vineyards 'Lioness of McLaren Vale' Shiraz 2012, 91-2  --  V, McLaren Vale, South Australia, #357475 $19.95
• Stags' Leap Napa Valley Petite Sirah 2011, 91  --  V, Napa,  California, #590356 $39.95*  
• Don Luis L. A. Cetto Selecion Reserveda Terra 2010, 90a-2  --  V, Mexico, Baja California, #388520  $19.95 
• Kilikanooon Killerman's Run Shiraz 2012, 88a-1  --  V,  Penwortham, Australia, #925453  $19.95 
• L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2012, 84  --  V, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, #983742  $11.95
• Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2012, 84  --  V, Marlborough, NZ, #598813  $40.95
• Jekel Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 83  --  V  Monterey, California, #967893  $19.95 
• Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir 2012, 81  --  V, Tasmania, Australia, #162990  $22.95    

• The Show California Chardonnay 2012, 90-2  --  V, Napa, California, #382184   $17.95
• O Chardonnay by Gilles Louvet Organic 2012, 88-1  --  G, Languedoc, France, #320432  $14.95
• Konrad Sauvignon Blanc 2013, 87  --  V, Marlborough, NZ, #616243 $19.95
• Jekel Vineyards Gravelstone Chardonnay 2010, 86c  --  V, Monterey, California, #421016  $17.95
• Danzante Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2013, 85  --  G, Veneto, Italy,  #026906 $14.95 
• Gloria Ferrer Carneros Chardonnay 2011, 85  --  V, Sonoma, California,   #083345  $24.95 
• Villa Maria Private Sauvignon Blanc 2014, 80  --  G, Marlborough, NZ, #426601  $14.95*           

        (V - Vintages, G - General, O - Other, r-v  - Rating-Value, a - aerated, c - cellar, NR - Not Recommended)

TASTINGS:


MICHAEL DAVID PETITE PETIT 2012 , Lodi, California, 14.5% D  8g/L, #213017  $24.95  (Tasted November 26, 2014)

 Released by Vintages on November 8, 2014.  My notes:  $18.00 at the winery*. The 2008 vintage was tasted in April 2011 and rated 93.  A deep ruby with a purple hue. The film has a viscosity that builds on the glass then sheds a rim of long legs. Dark plums, a tangy edge and an aroma slow to fade going into a warm finish. The first sip has a freshness that stays with red cherry and blackberry flavours touched with liquorice - a bolder variation of the Michael David's 6th Sense Syrah (November).  Pairing with a rib-eye or beef short ribs would take advantage of the concentrated fruit. Cellar for several years or, if wanting a younger red, drink now.  92 

O CHARDONNAY BY GILLES LOUVET ORGANIC 2012, Languedoc, France, 13.5%  XD  4g/L, #320432  $14.95  (Tasted November 27, 2014)

 A General listing.  My notes: The same vintage was tasted in May this year priced at $14.40 and rated 89.  Tasted in May this year priced at $14.40 and rated 89.  A bright tawny yellow, crystal clear in the glass - inviting. The film sticks leaving a jagged rim that slowly recedes shredding into islands. A mild lemon zest adds to a straw aroma while the first sip has a contrasting chalk texture, a tangy citrus and seam of mineral from start to long finish. Pair with tilapia, halibut or a sweet pickerel - went well with baked cod. Ageing several years may bring out some smoothness and would be an economical table white - less of a sipper in the short term. 88

MAJELLA ‘THE MUSICIAN’ CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2012, Coonawara, Australia, 14.5% XD 10g/L, #142018  $19.95   (Tasted December 3, 2014)

Released by Vintages on April 18, 2014. My notes: The 2008 vintage was tasted on January 21, 2011 and rated 92(Cellar). The 2009 vintage, on November 8, 2011 rated 92. A conservative nose, well endowed but also restrained with plum, wild berry, a touch of tart and a hint of cherry. The film adheres well taking its time to recede not breaking a slow stride to a circle of tears. There's a bright seam dry and fruity warming the palate with luscious sip after sip. Pair with grilled T-Bone or Beef Wellington, lamb chops, liver and caramelized onions or ham slices. Cellaring several more years may switch bright fruit for more depth. 91

JEKEL VINEYARDS GRAVELSTONE CHARDONNAY 2010, Monterey, California, 13.9%  XD  5g/L, #421016  $17.95  (Tasted December 4, 2014)

Released by Vintages on August 17, 2013.  My notes: A Fetzer Vineyards wine. The 2007 vintage was tasted on November 11, 2009 and rated 86. A mid yellow, crisp and clear as are so many California Chardonnays. Has a slightly burnt butter, a tang of acid and a film that sticks then quickly releases as a screen of fragmented islands. Initially round, has a silky layer covered with a strong mineral and marmalade flavouring appealing for its uniqueness. A chalkiness is stronger slightly off chill - a meal white. Might improve if cellared -four years- rather than consumed now. 86c

GLORIA FERRER CARNEROS CHARDONNAY 2011, Sonoma, California,  13.5%  XD 6g/L,  #083345  $24.95  (Tasted December 2, 2014)

Released by Vintages not listed. My notes: A mid yellow, crisp and clear with a citrus straw aroma, pleasingly tangy. The film lays a thin layer fragmenting at the rim and receding leaving droplets on the glass. The first sip almost stings and flavours of unripe grapefruit/lemon/oak carries a sour theme through a long extra dry finish. Fresh and cleansing, a suitable match for curried chicken, hot Thai or sliced ham dishes. Chardonnay lovers may endure this as a sipper although flavours lean toward a tangy straw. Cellaring several years may bring some caramel forward - or is it past it?  85   

THE SHOW CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY 2012, 13.5%  XD  6g/L, #382184   $17.95  (Tasted December 7, 2014)

Released by Vintages on August 30, 2014.  My notes:  There's a touch of bronze in the golden yellow shining from the glass. A soft floral, citrus and burnt toast aroma frames the first sip then a flavour of tangerine zest starts a long mineral finish chalk dry and mildly tart. Midway crushed walnut interjects a nutty presence giving a oddly uniqueness to the partnership. Have with pork ribs broiled in a sauce of dark coffee/ brown sugar/ Worcestershire/vinegar/lemon and ketchup (Wendy's Sauce). I suspect there's American oak involved somewhere. Cellar for several years to integrate or introduce more cream -yum!  90

JEKEL VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012,  Monterey, California, 14.3%  D 8g/L, #967893  $19.95  (Tasted December 7, 2014)

Released by Vintages on Aug 30, 2014 and a Fetzer Vineyards wine. My notes:  A dense purple hued ruby with a spicy plum nose. A swirl leaves a viscous film slow to accumulate a rim that eventually drains through long slow legs. A sharp attack comes with the first sip mellowing with further sips. A thick tannin layers the mouth. A dull plum flavour begs a partner... we had with pork ribs roasted in a sauce of dark coffee/ brown sugar/ Worcestershire/ vinegar/ lemon and ketchup (Wendy's Sauce). Aerating had little effect when sipped by itself and the strength of the acid and tannins in the finish. An overwhelming drink-now where process obliterates the grape and a sparring partner for any savoury or spicy meal. 83

L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH 2012, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, 13.5%  XD  4g/L, #983742  $11.95  (Tasted November 28, 2014)

Released by Vintages on June 22, 2013. My notes:  The 2010 vintage was tasted on February 23, 2013 and rated 87, the 2008 vintage, on February 9, 2011 rated 92.  The 2012 vintage stains the glass a deep black cherry and a moderate film drains to leave scattered islands. A scent of crushed black cherries freshens the first sip drying the palate readying it for the second although much of the fruit has left leaving a pleasing acid. Smooth, tangy and extra dry continues for a long finish, no black pepper but there's a hint of basil. Went well with hamburgers and would with beef grilled rare to well. Will keep but not much to gain cellaring - a drink now. 84

DON LUIS L.A. CETTO SELECION RESERVEDA TERRA 2010, Mexico, Baja California, 13.5%  XD  xg/L, #388520  $19.95  (Tasted December 1, 2014)

Released by Vintages on November 8, 2014.  My notes: A balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in which each contributes without being predominant. Aerating lessens a background acid aspect and is recommended. A swirl leaves a jagged rim. Dark plum, red currant, blueberry and raspberry provide a berry medley with soft tannins and a mild tang as a platform to prepare a long dry finish. Fruit fades slowly while bringing out an appealing dark chocolate for sipping. Pair with grilled meats, savory simmered stews or saucy tomato pastas. Cellaring several years should continue softening the current base. Bottle weight is just over 1.5lbs.  90a      

CLOUDY BAY PINOT NOIR 2012, Marlborough, NZ, 13.5%  XD  5g/L, #598813  $40.95  (Tasted November 30, 2014)

Released by Vintages on November 8, 2014 and rated 90 by MaryAnn Worobiec (July 15, 2014).  My notes: A dull charcoal tinted ruby for viewing and a lively black cherry starts the nose before dropping quickly bringing forward a hint of BRETT. Tannin and acid balance nicely  looking for fresh fruit but finding none. I had some difficulty identifying this as Pinot Noir - more of a Languedoc blend and a flat full-bodied meal red. Curious for its aftertaste - and difficult to match at the dinner table - try with roast chicken or turkey slices. Expect some character changes if cellared several years staying on the uninteresting side. 84 

JOSEF CHROMY PEPIK PINOT NOIR 2012, Tasmania, Australia, 13.5% XD 7g/L, #162990  $22.95  (Tasted December 1, 2014)

Released by Vintages on November 22, 2014 and rated 91 by Ben Edwards (July 11, 2013). My notes:A dusty see-through red cherry juice with a film that accumulates a sparse rim eventually dropping a ring of tears. A sniff senses crushed cherries, bramble, a lime edge and a touch of smoke. The first sip brings a dry tannic flatness, a thin cherry flavour finishing long and dry - a drink-now light on body and character. 81

DANZANTE PINOT GRIGIO DELLE VENEZIE 2013 , Veneto, Italy, 12.0% XD 5g/L, #026906 $14.95  (Tasted December 14, 2014)

A General listing:  My notes: Crystal clear and bright yellow in the glass. Airing for a few minutes leaves a soft lanolin aroma, to me, unusual but likely characteristic of a pinot grigio from the north of Italy. I let this go off chill for a broader flavour spectrum: chalk for mineral, touch of lemon for freshness, medium-bodied with balanced flavours that fade slowly through a long dry finish. Sufficiently delicate to pair with sautéed shrimp or scallops in a creamy sauce with fettuccine. A drink now. 85

VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN SAUVIGNON BLANC MARLBOROUGH 2014, Marlborough, NZ, 12.5%  D 8g/L, #426601  $14.95*  (Tasted December 7, 2014)

A General listing. Reduced $2 from list price of $16.95 until January 4, 2015.  My notes: A slight green hue to a light yellow colour and a nose tainted by floral, tart lemon and touch of gooseberry. A thin film fragments from a swirl then quickly recedes. The first sip has a grapefruit lime gooseberry with acid  added to freshen the palate. A social sipper for a mixed crowd looking for an economical 'sauvignon blanc', medium-bodied with a touch of sweet. Have with mild seafood raw or seared: surimi or crab. A commercial drink now.  80

STAGS' LEAP NAPA VALLEY PETITE SIRAH 2011 , Napa,  California,  13.9%  XD  7g/L, #590356  $39.95*  (Tasted December 15, 2014)

Released by Vintages on October 25, 2014 and rated 90 by Virginie Boone (October 2014).  My notes: Produced by Treasure Wine Estate - contains small percentages of Syrah, Grenache, Carignane, Mourvèdre and Viognier with the Petite Sirah. *Priced at $45.00US on the winery's webpage. A deep purple, opaque to view, and having a subtle crushed blackberry scent. The film sticks before running fast legs. The first sip combines fine tannins, dried blueberries and a hint of dark chocolate. Quaffing builds flavour and texture for pleasant sipping with a long extra dry finish. Pairing with lamb: as in chops, osso bucco, souvlakis, completes evening dining. Cellar a dozen to have as an alternate red.  91


KILIKANOON KILLERMAN'S RUN SHIRAZ  2012, Clare Valley, Australia, 14.5%  D 7g/L, #925453  $19.95  (Tasted December 6, 2014)

 Released by Vintages on April 18, 2014. My notes: Several vintages of Kilikanoon's Shiraz have been tasted over the years with varying results. The 2002 retasted in 2008 was rated 84, the 2006 in 2010 an 82 and the 2011 vintage on May 19, 2014 a 92. On opening the 2012 has a distinct BRETT odour that carries into the flavour. Airing forty minutes or aerating (recommended) reduces this leaving an aroma of dusty blackberry with matching flavour. The colour is a charcoal hued ruby and a swirl lines the glass with a static film. The first sip has a chalky texture and an extra dry, long finish. I preferred quaffing and sloshing for the intensity. Would go well with  roasted or bbq'd beef, lamb and savoury sauces. Keeping a few on the shelf short term (two years?) is possible. 88a


DANDELION VINEYARDS 'LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE' SHIRAZ 2012, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 14.5% XD  7g/L,  #357475 $19.95   (Tasted December 12, 2014)

Released by Vintages on December 6, 2014.  My notes: Complete with four Gold Medals across it's label, just like a General, so it must demand attention! I rated the 2011 Lionheart of Borassa Shiraz tasted on July 11, 2013 93 with a recommendation, as a drink now, to aerate to bring fruit forward.  A purple colour shows vividly in the glass, a deep blackberry with a hint of spice in the aroma - aerating not recommended. A viscous film lays a rolled rim with fast legs before draining through a ring of tiny tears. Smooth as velvet and dry as a bone from the first sip to a long, warm crushed seed finish. Add a remnant of black chocolate to pronounced tannins and the warmth of an Australian sunset for a pleasing sipper or pair with a rack of lamb simmered in a rosemary sauce and the visit is complete. At peak now or cellar a few years.  Barossa's the General and McLaren Vale, the First Lady. 91 

KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, Marlborough, NZ, 13.0%  XD  4g/L,  #616243 $19.95  (Tasted December 12, 2014)

Released by Vintages on December 6, 2014 and rated 92 by Natalie MacLean  (September 2, 2014).  My notes: Two vintages previously tasted were the 2006 in August 2008  and the 2012 in June this year rated 90 and 91 resp. The 2013 is a mid yellow with a green tint.  The aroma has a pea pod whiff to citrus that softens in several minutes - surprising when you expect gooseberries. Fresh and dry from the first smooth, medium-bodied sip with a long finish ending with flavour remnants start to finish. A swirl leaves a fragmenting rim that slowly recedes to the meniscus. Surprising compared with the 2012 vintage (Vintages online listed this correctly as 2013) but otherwise a well made alternative - just not my Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now or shelve for several years. Have with seafood. 87