Number of Wines Recommended: 67
Review date: March 19, 2011
There are some amazing reds from Spain and Portugal in this release, plus Californian cult wines and more bargains to stock for parties …
White Wine
2009 Colmello Di Grotta Pinot Grigio, D.O.C., Isonzo Del Friuli, Italy: VC: Pinot Grigio from the tiny region of Friuli has rightly become renowned, and Colmello di Grotta’s version features many of this variety’s great strengths. Light straw in colour, this is crisp and light with melon and apple tones. Traces of candied fruit, accented by mushroom and nut, add complexity and depth. There is a seam of refreshing acidity here, and a nice medium-long finish. This is a wine to enjoy as you salute the approaching spring. My note: A darker, robust version of pinot Grigio with notes peach and honeysuckle. Pair with: poached sole. Drink: 2011-2014. 206797 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 87/100. Best Value White Wine.
2009 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, D.O., Walker Bay, South Africa: Classic chardonnay with lovely, generous layers of flavour. Toasty oak and butter wrap around a core of mouth-watering green apple and lime. Almond-infused finish. Lovely! Drink: 2011-2016. 931006 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. Favourite White Wine.
Red Wine
2009 Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Alamos, Mendoza, Argentina: Lovely, savoury blend of blackberry preserves, dark spices, dried herbs and smoke. Masterfully made, especially at this price point. Stock up for summer barbecues while you can. Drink: 2011-2016. 467944 14% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Red Wine.
2006 Mission Hill Syrah Merlot Quatrain, V.Q.A., Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada: Big black fruit with mocha and dark chocolate notes. Savoury and meaty with years of life ahead of it. This wine is a blend of 41% Syrah, 32% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented and matured in French oak for 15 months. One of Canada’s finest robust reds. Drink: 2011-2018. 218636 13% XD 750 mL $44.95 Score: 94/100. Favourite Red Wine.
Sparkling Wine
Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris Dynastie Brut Crémant D’alsace, A.C., Alsace, France: VC: Pierre Sparr uses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the blend for this elegant wine. Expect classic bread dough, apple, pear and melon aromas and flavours on this fizz. It is a fine aperitif at your late-winter dinner party. My note: terrific, toasty and robust with wow flavours that taste twice the price. Terrific bread and green apple notes. Pair with: fish, seafood courses. Drink: 2011-2015. 952796 12% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 89/100. Best Value Sparkling Wine.
Dessert Wine
2004 Quinta Da Romaneira Port Unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage Btld. 2010, D.O.C., Douro, Portugal: VC: Unlike regular LBVs, unfiltered versions, such as this, can age – this beauty is just beginning to hit its stride – and should be decanted before enjoyment. My note: A lovely after-dinner sipper for a great price. All you need is a few ounces so a little goes a long way and it’ll keep for several weeks. Treat yourself. Drink: 2011-2018. 196758 19.5% S 750 mL $19.95 Score: 88/100. Favourite Dessert Wine.
Rose
2009 Prieuré De Montezargues Grenache Cinsault, A.C., Tavel, Rhône, France: I want it! I love these bone-dry deep and rich roses from Tavel. Dark raspberries and savoury dried herbs. There’s absolutely nothing like them and they’ll pair with just about any dish. This wine is a blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and the rest Clairette grapes. Drink: 2011-2013. 216390 13% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. Favourite Rose.
Here is the complete shopping list for all 67 wines recommended with wine names, tasting notes, scores, food matches & recipes: March 19 Wine Reviews.
You can see a complete free sample set of reviews here.
Posted with permission of the LCBO.
