September 2017 wines

September 2017 wines – 15 tasted of 15

 South American Treasure Hunt 

Cheers, Ww

LINEUP: Reds, Whites, Bubblies:

• Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2015, 88-1 -- V, Uco Valley, Argentina, #167619 $16.95
• Monte Zovo Sa’ Solin Ripasso Valpolicella 2014, 87 -- V, Veneto, Italy, #650713 $18.95
• KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz 2014, 85  --  V, Western Cape, S. Africa,   #561142  $16.95
• Sterling Vintner’s Merlot 2014, 84 -- G, California, USA, #622837 $16.15
• Trapiche Pure Black Malbec Ltd. Ed. 2015,  83a --  G,  Mendosa, Argentina, #462861  $15.95
• 19 Crimes Shiraz Durif 2014, 83a  --  G,  Victoria, Australia, #369777  $19.20

• Rockway Vineyards Fergie Jenkins Limited Edition Riesling 2014 VQA Twenty Mile Bench,  91-3 --  V, Ste Catherines, Ontario, #485326  $13.25
• The Foreign Affair Enchanted 2015 VQA Ontario, 90-2  --  V,  Vineland Station, Ontario, #389767  $17.95
• Sterling Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay 2015, 90-1  --  G, California, USA, #669242 $16.15
• Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2015, 90-1  --  V, Marlborough, New Zealand,  #009142  $19.95
• Penmara The White Ribbon Semillon 2016,  89-2  --  V,  Hunter Valley, Australia, #474031   $14.95 
• Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2016, 89-1 -- V, Marlborough, New Zealand, #010421 $19.95*
• Peninsula Ridge INOX-Unoaked Chardonnay VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016, 87-1  --  G, Beamsville, Ontario,  #594200   $14.95 
• Marynissen Platinum Sauvignon Blanc 2014 VQA Niagara Lakeshore,  86 --  V,  Kasper Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario,  #472506  $18.25
• Cave Spring Dolomite Riesling VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015, Jordan, Ontario,   85  --   #Winery  $Gift

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

TASTINGS:

PENINSULA RIDGE  INOX-UNOAKED CHARDONNAY VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016, Beamsville, Ontario, 13.0% XD 4g/L, #594200 $14.95 (Tasted August 25, 2017)

A General listing.  My notes: A polished light yellow and a welcomed sipper on a hot summer day. The light film etches a wrinkled edge as it quickly drops. A grassy scent is barely noticeable when served chilled needing some warmth to release it from the crushed grapes grip. The first sip stings before drying the palate - once dry further sips maintain a long finish with a warm mineral flavour. Pair with cod on basmati rice, seared tiger shrimp or grilled rainbow trout and greens. Can cellar several years. 87

ZUCCARDI SERIE A MALBEC 2015, Uco Valley, Argentina, 13.0% XD 2g/L, #167619 $16.95 (Tasted July 7, 2017)

Released by Vintages on May 13, 2017. My notes: Rated 90 by Tim Atkin, MW 2016. The colour is a rich plum shade appearing as full-bodied although a swirl shows a light film. The first sip is dry with a bright blackberry cranberry intensity on the throat. Aerating reduces or delays some of the brightness tho’ still extending as a long finish. Aerating is not required, nor recommended, if served soon after purchase. I miss the softness of mature grapes but appreciate the moderately ‘youthful fruit’. Pair with pepperoni pizza or, for a spicy touch, include chorizo sausage. Serve at ‘log cabin’ temperature. The finish has a pleasing warmth. 88

ASTROLABE PROVINCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016, Marlborough, New Zealand, 13.0% D 4g.L, #010421 $19.95* (Tasted July 18, 2017)

A Vintages release on April 3, 2017. My notes: Normally priced at $22.95. *Reduced to $19.95 until July 16, 2017.  Grapefruit yellow with a tender grapefruit/lime aroma and having a rounded film followed by flowing tears. Consume early for fuller flavours and textures. Sharpness balances well with a touch of sweet and drying tannin for a long finish. Have with seafood, shell or fin, and fowl.  89


MONTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2014, Veneto, Italy, 14.0%  D  10g/L,  #650713  $18.95   (Tasted July 14, 2017)

Released by Vintages on April 3, 2017. My notes: There’s a hint of charcoal in the dark cherry colouring and the nose has a soft cherry/plum scent complete with a slight acid. A sip displays more bite along with warm thin tannin residual. A dozen fast tears spread as a theatre stage curtain falls on closing, lights to floor. Airing has removed any herbal taint allow fruit to dominate a long finish. Sipping rather than quaffing keeps perspective on the natural elements – three years in the cellar has mellowed this to a basic red. Pair with meaty pizzas and firm cheeses. 87

ROCKWAY VINEYARDS FERGIE JENKINS LIMITED EDITION RIESLING 2014 Twenty Mile Bench, Ste Catherines, Ontario, 10%  M  23g/L, #485326 $13.25 (Tasted July 31, 2017)

A Vintages release on March 4, 2017. My notes:A light yellow with a hint of almond showing against a clear background. A mild pear scented to match and a crinkled rim hanging a fine film slowly receding to leave a crystal palette. The first sip shows a finely balanced Riesling nicely tart still retaining a noticeable sweet Bosc pear and adding a delicate lime. Pair with seafood or fowl. Sipped, it has a luscious finish. We paired with chicken pieces sliced and covered with a creamy sauce on white rice. A value purchase. 91  

STERLING VINTNER'S COLLECTION CHARDONNAY 2015, California, USA, 13.5% XD 5g/L, #669242 $16.15 (Tasted July 18, 2017)

A General listing.  My notes: Best served chilled then allowed to show off its flavour and terroir. The colour is that of the flesh of a ripe pineapple. A touch of brine and flavours of mostly apple and lime combine for an interesting sipper. An underlying tannin strikes a balance for a long dry finish. Not expected as a kiwi one to expand the range available. Pair with any seafood, shell- or fin- or fowl. Should add a plus to a cellar collection for a few years. 90

THE FOREIGN AFFAIR ENCHANTED 2015 VQA Ontario, Vineland Station, Ontario, 11.8% M 23g/L, #389767 $17.95 (Tasted August 7, 2017)

Released by Vintages on June 24, 2017. My notes: Blending riesling with chardonnay and fermented ripasso style this Niagara white attains a class of its own. Enjoy as a sipper for its brightness, sensing a touch of sweet. Balanced nicely with a nudge of lime, and you may find a hint of Macintosh apple, to pair with coconut shrimp or seared scallops. An almond hue gives elegance in the right light. Trying with spring rolls wouldn’t be misplaced. Or with cod over a soft rice sided with asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto or side bacon. Luscious where extra dry is a contradiction – but could be true giving the long flavourful finish. And cellaring is a mystery – I’d say not given the pleasure of today. 90

MARYNISSEN PLATINUM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Kasper Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 12.6% XD 2g/L, #472506 $18.25 (Tasted July 26, 2017)

Released by Vintages on March 18, 2017. My notes: A sense of Ontario dandelion among fresh grass, bright as the colour is lasting. A light film displays on the glass fragmenting at the rim and flowing fast tears. The first sip attacks the palate with extra dry gooseberry, a cold climate variety. We served with reheated roast chicken and broiled turnip cubes. Sampling solo it tends to be tooth cleaner finishing on the pungent side. Pair with white fish seared in a tomato and caper sauce. Showed more body at 14oC.  86

PENMARA THE WHITE RIBBON SÉMILLON 2016, Hunter Valley, Australia, 10.5% XD 2g/L, #474031 $14.95 (Tasted July 21, 2017)

Released by Vintages on February 18, 2017. My notes: A pale gold with a well defined film releasing full tears, crystal clear. An aroma of fuzzy apricots subtle yet matched to the nose that reinforces the terroir and winemaker’s style. Definitely a popular sipper at a banquet… perhaps set aside a few for late arrivals. Have with a green salad side or shellfish hors d’oeuvre or repas on a shaded patio. Balanced acid and soft fruit this is near scrumptious. 89


STERLING VINTNER'S MERLOT 2014, 84 -- G, California, USA, #622837 $16.15  (Tasted July 21, 2017)

A General release.  My notes: A charcoal tainted ruby with a thin film showing negligible viscosity. The nose is non-intrusive but pleasantly cherry. The first swallow is bright, extra dry and having a cherry base. The second sip, a tad deeper, is demonstrably warmer. Sugar free with a tannin touch and staying power - definitely needing a nibble or two. Politely pick up a mushroom stuffed with bacon bits or two. The tang shows restraint and can contribute without overdoing the stay as it mellows out. Extend a bottle with grilled lamb or a beef steak. An economical dinner red and a drink now.  84

BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand, 13.0%  XD  2g/L,  #009142  $19.95  (Tasted August 11, 2017)

Release by Vintages on November 12, 2016.  My notes: Pleasing by sight, aroma, texture and flavour blend. The first sip highlights a papaya blend with good overall balance. There’s an unusual twist that evolves from the traditional tangy gooseberry that may take time to adjust. ‘Tropical’ adds a quiet fullness that carries through a long finish. Serve chilled with a shrimp ring, pineapple/ watermelon chunks, fruit cakes or sushi. A cool drink now. 90



KWV CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ 2014, Western Cape, S. Africa, 14.0%  D  4g/L,  #561142   $16.95   (Tasted July 27, 2017)

Released by Vintages on July 8, 2017. My notes: A charcoal ruby that lays a viscous film fragmenting at the rim and releasing a few long slow legs. A warm blackberry aroma softened by the smoke of smouldering moss but having a pungent edge. The intensity shifts to high gear from the fist sip ending only when the palate has a brief recovery. Provide cheese nibbles to relieve much of the sharpness leaving only a woody texture. Pair with rare beef steak, Osso buco or a pizza layered with artichoke and chorizo slices. Cellaring could mellow however there’s a bitterness that may remain. Aerating did not help.  85   


CAVE SPRING DOLOMITE RIESLING 2015 VQA Niagara Escarpment, Jordan, Ontario, 11.5%  D  15g/L,  #Winery  $Gift from Winery  (Tasted July 24, 2017)

Gift of winery at their International Cool Climate Chardonny Celebration (i4C) event on July 22, 2017. My notes: Tasted a few times at earlier vintage levels this has the same gentle pouring but with less discernible ‘dolomite’. A delicate grapefruit colour and, when served at 10oC there’s no nose per se but a gentle chill of freshness. A swirl brings a fragile film with minute fracturing around the rim. A note of sweet touches the palate along with a balanced lime tang and a dryness that leaves its impression throughout a moderate finish. Citrus sherbert flavours develop as the temperature rises to 14oC, my preference, and the combination becomes unctuous. Pair with mild cheddar, salty crackers and selections from a mixed buffet. An ’enjoy now’ drink. 85

TRAPICHE PURE BLACK MALBEC LTD. ED. 2015, Mendosa, Argentina, 14.0%  XD  2g/L,  #462861  $15.95  (Tasted August 13, 2017)

A General listing and produced by Penaflor/Trapiche.  My notes:My notes: Gazing into the abyss… not quite… the deepest charcoal tinted ruby gives that appearance when peering into a freshly poured glass. The nose has a smooth plum scented aroma, a controlled tang and a viscosity shown by several trails of slow tears on the glass. The first sip has an essence of ripe plum filled with an earthy warmth. Delaying ten minutes for the initial tasting lets the initial bottle impact settle. Aeration balances an otherwise astringent rawness of a smooth finish. Partner with appetizers of stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped asparagus and entrées of grilled lamb chops or rubbed ribs. A meal red. 83a   

19 CRIMES SHIRAZ DURIF 2014, Victoria, Australia, 14.5% XD xg/L, #369777 $19.20 (Tasted August 14, 2017)

A General listing produced by Treasury Wine Estates. My notes: The first sip of an aerated sample gave a tart grab to the palate. Hot and dry with leather and dried blackberry leaves a firm sense before settling across my throat. A second and fuller sip prompted a reach for a toasted crisp. Letting the aerated portion breathe softened early sampling although partnering with grilled beef is recommended. Letting it breathe longer on opening, thirty minutes, makes this marginally palatable - unless you enjoy ‘rough and ready’. Try cellaring several years. A meal red. 83a