Billy Munnelly – Billy's Best Bottles Wine Blog » Chile

LCBO Vintages Saturday Feb.4, 2012

Billy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:41:56 +0000

Last year I offered a lot of Italian whites with the suggestion that they may be the ‘style’ of the future. While Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are likely to remain the pillars of white wine I’ll be surprised if we don’t see a strong third player emerging. A dry white wine with a ‘less obvious’ flavour profile. And a light, pure feeling – something along the lines of Pinot Grigio, but more interesting. It might be a blend of grapes and it might be a return to a regional personality over a grape one.

Winemakers all over the world are tired of producing Chard & Co and are excited by the potential of grapes that have been ignored and almost forgotten. All it takes now is for us to get involved by purchasing and drinking. This Vintages release offers six really good examples of this third style, from Italy, France, Austria, Greece and Argentina. I’ve included a sparkling as it fits the fresh, frank style of the other wines. All best suited to summer, so stock up.

In reds I’m also hoping for a bit of swing back to something lighter and less showy – bistro wines. My Bordeaux and Rhone picks are very bistro, as is the new-style Aussie Shiraz. There’s a coffee theme to my final two reds. And I don’t mean Tim’s.

White wines ‘THIRD STYLE’ – light and refreshing
1. BORGO CONVENTI 10 Pinot Grigio, Isonzo del Friuli, Italy 13276 $16.95
Here’s a fantastic white for the purist. Very dry with wonderful mineral freshness – in the Chablis-style. The lowly Pinot Grigio can be upscale if the producer tries hard enough. Classy aperitif.

2. CAVE de VIRE 09 Vire-Clesse, Burgundy, France 243782 $16.95
Vire is a parish in the Macon region – the home of non-oaked (pure) Chardonnay. This one is very dry, down-to-earth, but somehow also feels classy. It’s the French thing! Aperitif or seafood appetizer.

3. TSELEPOS 10 Moschofilero, Mantinia, Greece 724583 $16.95
I love the honest, unadorned feeling here – so simple and so good. A must-by for warm summer evenings. Super dry and refreshing with the appetizing savoury flavours typical of Greek whites. Has the seaside-salty-spray-feeling that’s so good in a summer wine. Aperitif or seafood.

4. WEINGUT ZAHEL 10 Gruner Veltliner, Austria 181594 $15.95 (from a previous release)
Gruner has the purity and lightness of a dry Riesling along with a citrussy zing. Spring day feeling – as suggested by the lime green label. Wonderful refresher or patio lunch wine.

5. GRAN LURTON 10 ‘Corte Friulano’, Mendoza, Argentina 66829 $19.95
Francois Lurton makes wine all over the world – sometimes it has French flair, and sometimes it’s commercially crowdpleasing. This is one of his most brilliant creations – a blend of four grapes crafted in the very pure style of Italian whites from the Friuli region (see wine #1). Super fresh and very dry with a slight earthiness. But the overall feeling is of elegance and poise. Very different from the bold flavoured whites we’ve become used to over the past few decades. What a great ambassador for blended whites. And a possible role model for our local white blends. And a kick in the pants for the theory that hot climates cannot produce cool-feeling whites. One sip and you’re not going to let the bottle get away. Treat yourself and good friends over the summer season. Great just to sip, or to start an alfresco meal.

6. CODORNIU Brut Cava ‘Seleccion Raventos’, Spain 521773 $14.95
This is not news to those who know, but Codorniu ‘Raventos’ is probably the best budget sparkling wine on the planet. Very dry, yeasty and loaded with Champagne-like teases. All of this at an everyday price.

OTHER WHITES
House Chardonnay
BLACKSTONE 10 Chardonnay, Monterey, California 994509 $15.95
Blackstone always wins me over with the frank feeling and value of their wines. This is good, mid-range, house Chardonnay – with great drinkability.

Something different
SMALL GULLY 08 Viognier ‘The Formula – Helen’s Harmony’, Barossa, Australia 269332 $19.95
Viognier is often peachy pretty but this is more punky. A livewire with appetizing savours flavours and lots of electricity. Sure there’s something exotic too but mainly what you get is a good-time-summer-evening feeling. Would be sensational with BBQ’d chicken smothered in fresh herbs.

Good local
KACABA 09 Chardonnay ‘Barrel Fermented’, VQA Niagara 262436 $22.95
Big Chard flavours with a suggestion of richness. But it’s also wild and zingy. Refreshing aperitif, and nourishing food wine.

Traditional Chardonnay
Mac MURRAY RANCH 09 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California 262063 $21.95
Huge flavours and richness. Lush and very Californian. For the fan of big. Almost a dessert!

REDS
Bistro Red
CH. HAUT-CANTELOUP, Blaye, Cotes de Bordeaux, France 264747 $13.95
Earthy, refreshing and honest. A merlot/Cab with some punk – the original form. Appetizing, refreshing and not too alcoholic. Wine for everyday.

Bistro plus
LAVAU 09 Vacqueyras, Rhone, France 104927 $18.95
Regular readers will know of my fondness for Southern Rhone reds and lately I’ve been recommending lots in the rich, warmhearted style. This guy is lighter, more rustic, refreshing – not unlike a Burgundy (Pinot Noir). Rhone often has this feature. Wonderfully suggestive, very bistro – wine to impress the food as well as the company. Best with simply grilled meats.

Bistro
PLUNKETT–FOWLES 08 Shiraz ‘Stone Dwellers’, Victoria, Australia 265967 $19.95
Here’s something different in Aussie Shiraz – wine with an edge, and an earthiness. There is a suggestion of Shiraz’s home in the Rhone – a perfect Aussie/French combo experience. Part of the new Aussie styling – crafting wines that are as good with food as impressing people.

Rich, crowd-pleaser
MONTES 09 Carmenere, ‘Limited Selection’, Chile 256685 $14.95
Montes keeps scoring with wines at this price. This is over-the-top with crowdpleasing spicy flavours and smoothness. Red wine for the Grande, Mocca Latte drinker.

Novel Red
BARISTA 10 Pinotage, South Africa 172585 $15.95
Pinotage is a South African speciality that could be likened to our Baco Noir. Tart, wild and back-woodsy. An interesting detour when you’re tired of nice. This one has some ‘coffee shop’ flavours and warmth – hence the name. Best with braised or BBQed meats – winter or summer.

SWEET
G. MARQUIS 09 Vidal Icewine, ‘Silver Line’ VQA Niagara 262477 200ml/$27.95
From Magnotta winery who always deliver the most concentrated icewines, at the most reasonable price.

Drinkability, Satisfaction & Value

Billy — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 04:00:49 +0000

DRINKABILITY, SATISFACTION & VALUE IN WHITES

Sauvignon is one of life’s great aperitif wines. So much energy and vitality. But some warm climate regions are crafting Sauvignon in richer style – charming and seductive too. Delicious stuff to sip anytime. Check out Errazuriz for your Holiday parties.

ERRAZURIZ 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Chile 263574 $11.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday Nov 26

Billy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:43:37 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: This release is loaded with big name, hundred dollar-plus wines. I tasted most of them – felt like being in a boardroom. Lots of power. But there’s wasn’t a wine I’d want to splurge on, or invite to dinner.

My picks include some fabulous Holiday wines and a few others for Winter drinking.

Enjoy.

WHITES
Crowd-pleasing bubbly
BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI N/V Prosecco, Veneto, Italy
53215 $17.95
Delicious fruitiness and drinkability. Off-dry and perfect for any Holiday moment.

Oysters or any seafood
GROTTA DEL SOLE 09 Falanghina, Campania, Italy
247940 $15.95
Crisp, pure and refreshing. Not unlike a $25 Chablis. Perfect seafood partner. Falanghina is an underrated native Italian white grape.

Gorgeous sipper
KURT DARTING 08 Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz, Germany
963207 $19.95
Honeyed flavours combined with lemony freshness. Super light with a suggestion of sweetness. Semi sweet but also feels dry. Exotic/sexy but also pure as snow. Welcome to the German Spatlese (late harvest) experience. Gorgeous anytime sipper. Or partner for the big bird.

REDS
Light red for cold nights
REICHSRAT VON BUHL 08 Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany
249649 $19.95
Light Pinot with mature flavours. Woodsy and cuddly. Yes, Germany does Pinot.

Raunchy
ERRAZURIZ 10 Pinot Noir ‘Wild Ferment’, Chile
510396 $19.95
Gamey, raunchy Pinot – strictly for the fan. Drier and more real than most New World Pinots. Needs well seasoned meats, and company. Fermented with natural yeasts – the old fashioned way.

Almost rich red – for almost any situation.
LA FERME DU MONT 09 Cotes du Rhone ‘Le Ponnant’ France
171371 $17.95
Tasty fruit/spice/earthy flavours. And great vitality. Lovely combination of wine character and sense of fun. Guaranteed to please.

Bistro-style
DUCA DI SALAPARUTA 08 Nero d’Avola, ‘Passo delle Mule’, Sicily
250928 $19.95
If the French grew Nero d’Avola it would be poured at every Bistro in that country. A gutsy red with bright flavours and a drink-lots feeling. Works with just about any food.

Winter nourishment
FATTORIA VALIANO 06 Chianti Classico ‘Poggio Teo’ Tuscany, Italy
250563 $17.95
Mature Chianti with a warmhearted, fireside feeling. Soulful too. Best with grilled meats. Sure to appeal to your Italian spirit.

Really wild
FLAGSTONE 09 Pinotage ‘Writer’s Block’, South Africa
243337 $19.95
Think Baco on steroids. Red wine with intense gamey, backwoods character. Wild and really good at it. A novel experience for a winter night.

Formal local
STRATUS 07 Merlot, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
131003 $42.20
Not the usual flamboyant Merlot, but one crafted the very dry, Bordeaux style. Concentrated and earthy with a traditional/formal dinner party feeling. Deep at first, becoming delicious later. Needs big glassware and a primo roast of beef or lamb. Impressive gift.

SWEET
Exotic Aussie Port
GRANT BURGE 10-Year-Old Tawny, Barossa, Australia
58388 $30.95
Feels warm, exotic and powerful. Somewhere between Tawny Port and a liqueur. Lots of Pow! Sip after dinner, or with all the Christmas candy!

Great mixer
ST-GERMAIN Elderflower Liqueur ‘Delice de Sureau’, France
180695 $49.95
The delicate and hard-to-describe flavours in this liqueur put a lovely spin on just about any cocktail. Shake it up with vodka/gin or add to sparkling wine. Stylish Art Nouveau bottle.

LCBO VINTAGES – HOLIDAY WINES

Billy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:55:29 +0000

LCBO VINTAGES – STOCKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Wines released October 29, 2011

These and all my November picks will be selected with the Holidays in mind. Start building your stash now so you can relax and enjoy yourself – with a collection of wines that you simply cannot put together on a cold, busy afternoon in mid-December.

Italy is bringing something new to white wine that is not really new but an updated version of how it used to be before the popularity of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A return to bone dryness and savoury flavours. Wines that flatter the food more than the drinker. Wines for those tuned into the overall experience and not just a pleasant first sip. Mas des Bressades also falls into this category. I’m offering a fun Californian white just in case you think I getting too serious.

A lovely Valpol, a Piedmont blend and a traditional Chianti are my picks in rustic reds. Spain offers a blockbuster, and a charming Pinot, while Chile’s Concha y Toro over delivers with its Syrah. Lastly I’m recommending a Zinfandel that’s delicious beyond words.

WHITE WINES

Wine Style: NICE ‘N EASY White
ET CETERA 09 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, California
264812 $14.95
Crowd-pleasing white that could be related to Pinot Grigio. Laid back, fun, Californian feeling. Lovely anytime sipper.

Wine Style: FRESH White
ZENATO 10 Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy
37648 $13.95
Zesty Pinot Grigio with novel savoury flavours. Characterful, general purpose/house white.

Wine Style: FRESH White
INAMA 09 Soave, Veneto, Italy
949768 $17.95
Very dry with earthy flavours and the feeling of something handcrafted. Not a trace of prettiness – the purpose here is to stimulate the appetite and flatter food.

Wine Style: RICH White
MAS des BRESSADES BLANC 10, Costieres de Nimes, France
701094 $14.95
Feels like it could be related to the above Inama. Similar earthy character but feels richer. Whites from the South of France have the same low-keyed quality as most Italian whites. Would be a perfect white partner for the big bird.

RED WINES

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
TEDESCHI 09 Valpolicella ‘Valverde’, Veneto, Italy
155309 $14.95
Wonderful mid-size Valpolicalla. Bright fruity flavours and a solid, feeling. Down to earth, but also feels special. Perfect for food and friends.

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
LA QUERCIOLA 08 Langhe Rosso, Piedmont, Italy
225227 $13.95
Classic trattoria red. Lots of vitality and flavours that go beyond fruitiness. Very refreshing, very cheerful and very right for any good-times event/meal. Lightly chill.

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
CASTELLO di QUERCETO 08 Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
680496 $21.95
Woodsy, traditional-style Chianti. Bone dry, invigorating and well mannered. Good company for drinkers who enjoy a little mystery in their glass. Excellent partner for grilled or braised meats.

Wine Style: RICH Red
CONCHA y TORO 08 Syrah ‘Winemaker’s Lot 54’, Chile
227496 $16.95
Concha y Toro delivers Rhone-style Syrah with a hit of crowdpleasing spicy/sweetness. Sure to please everyone at your next steak dinner. This winery always over delivers.

Wine Style: RICH Red
EL ARTE de VIVIR 09 Ribera del Duero, Spain
137679 $15.95
Solid as a brick wall. But knows how to boogie too. This region does heft really well.

Wine Style: RICH Red
MIGUEL TORRES 09 Pinot Noir ‘Mas Borras’, Penedes, Spain
673483 $29.95
Delicious mid-size Pinot. Earthy, along with delicious spicy/sweet flavours – and great drinkability. Worth the splurge if you’re a Pinot fan.

Wine Style: RICH Red
QUIVIRA 08 Zinfandel, Sonoma, California
249250 $26.95
This is drop dead gorgeous. An amazing amount of delicious spicy/fruitiness – that feels very natural. Tons of charm and sweet kisses. Happy day feeling. You gotta try this. And buy a case.

Rich Chardonnay @ Workingman’s Price

Kato — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:07:03 +0000

Chile is the current champion of rich Chardonnay at everyday prices. They make it look effortless. And maybe it is – with their perfect climate, high tech wineries and top notch winemakers.

While Chile is happy that we’re buying their wine, they’re less happy about giving it away for low prices. But such is the nature of the worldwide wine surplus. Enjoy the bargains while they last.

Santa Rita Chardonnay is certainly a big babe. Hollywood-style show of richness and glam – nicely balanced with an earthy tang. Wonderful stuff that’s been in almost every edition of my book. An excellent partner for grilled/roasted white meats. Must admit I end up drinking most of the bottle before food. An LCBO best buy.

SANTA RITA 09 CHARDONNAY RESERVA, Chile 348359 $13.75

LCBO Vintages Saturday June 11, 2011

Kato — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:18:59 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Couldn’t attend the catalogue tasting but here are a few wines I’d previously experienced. A great value rich Chard and three even better value big reds for BBQs. And one of my favourite refreshing, summer reds.
Enjoy the weekend!
Billy

WHITES
wine style: rich white
KWV ‘CATHEDRAL CELLARS’ 09 Chardonnay, South Africa 328559 $14.95
Big, over-the-top Chardonnay at a Costco price. A great partner for hot ‘n spicy BBQ’d white meats.

REDS
wine style: fresh red
MONTE DEL FRA 10 Bardolino, Veneto, Italy 134544 $11.95
Every bit as good as all the previous delicious wines from Monte del Fra. Bardolino is Valpolicella’a young cousin. A light red offering brisk, tangy refreshment – with a bowl of cherries feeling. Very summery. Lightly chill and have with lunch, a picnic, early in the evening or anytime the mood is lighthearted.

wine style: rich red
KWV ‘CATHEDRAL CELLARS’ 09 Shiraz, South Africa 561142 $14.95
An upscale edition of the excellent KWV reds in regular LCBOs. Rich with very appealing peppery, spicy sweetness. A steak lovers delight.

wine style: rich red
CONO SUR ‘Vision’ 07 Syrah, Chile 24661 $15.95
Loved the earthiness of this wine when it appeared last year. Now you also get a mellow warmth. Very suggestive of the South of France. Very suggestive period.

wine style: rich red
CONO SUR ‘Vision’ 09 Pinot Noir, Chile 689992 $15.95
Cono Sur produces some of the best New World Pinot. Sensual, but with a firm handshake. I can see this working well with almost any summer BBQ.

LCBO Vintages Saturday March 5, 2011

Kato — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:27:31 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Hits of the release are the Chilean pair from CONCHA y TORO. I remember tasting these Limari wines a few years also and thinking “if only they were available”. And now they are! Grillo and Teroldego are worthwhile ‘new’ Italian experiences along with the seldom seen Lambrusco.

Thank you Vintages for offering the excellent Irish whiskeys from the Cooley distillery.

WHITES
wine style: fresh white . . . upscale
CHARLES BAKER 08 Riesling ‘Picone Vineyard’, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara 126433 $35.20
Flinty dry with just a tease of flavour. Delicate but characterful. Classic local Dry Riesling from one of the best vineyards in Niagara. Worth the splurge for a special summer lunch.

wine style: fresh white . . . refresher
THELEMA SUTHERLAND 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin, South Africa 203877 $13.95
Exuberant Sauv with some tropical fruit flavours. A good partner for well spiced white meat dishes.

wine style: fresh white . . . classy
CH. de la GREFFIERE 09 Macon-la-Roche Vineuse, Burgundy, France 205898 $14.95
Beautiful non-oaked Chardonnay with the perfect mix of vitality, friutiness and gulpability. Ideal all-evening white.

wine style: nice & easy white . . . house white
CARUSO & MININI Grillo ‘Timpune’, Sicily, Italy 203943 $13.95
Not a singing duo but a delicious all-round white. A lot of luxury for the price. Would be a good introduction to the Grillo grape, and to the high quality of Sicilian whites in general.

wine style: rich white . . . manly
CONCHA y TORO 07 Chardonnay Reserva ‘Maycas del Limari’, Chile 162040 $19.95
Super rich with the earthy character of a mature Burgundy. Great white wine experience. The opposite end of the spectrum from today’s popular fruity-style Chardonnays.

REDS
wine style: fresh red . . . novel
ERMETE MEDICI A FIGLI 09 Lambrusco ‘Concerto’, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 208967 $14.95
This off-dry sparkling red wine hails from the home of proscuitto. Naturally they’re good partners, as are any foods from the deli counter. Low in alcohol. One of my favourite alfresco lunch wines.

wine style: rustic red . . . different
PISONI 08 Teroldego, Alto Adige, Italy 209353 $14.95
Teroldego is the Baco of Italy. Lively, slightly odd red that will grow on you – or not. Refreshing and a very good food partner for everyday foods. Lightly chill.

wine style: rich red . . . amazing value
CONCHA y TORO 09 Syrah Reserva, ‘Maycas del Limari’, Chile 209916 $14.95
New World ripeness and richness but there’s no mistaking Syrah’s Rhone Valley ancestory. Very appetizing. Very good and very reasonably priced.

wine style: rich red . . . charmer
VINA LEYDA 09 Pinot Noir ‘Las Brisas’, Chile 209908 $16.95
Rich, spicy/sweet style Pinot. Very seductive and a great partner for hot and spicy foods, or times.

wine style: rich red . . . warmhearted
DOMAINE des MASCARONS 09 Cotes du Rhones-Villages, France 142174 $15.95
Blockbuster, super-rich and smooth Rhone. Fireside red.

IRISH WHISKEY Take a break from the smooth Jameson and explore the wilder side of Irish with these rogues from a real Irish distillery

COOLEY DISTILLERY ‘Connemara’ Peated Single Malt 27946 $54.95
. . . not only peat but wild, mountain herbal flavours.

COOLEY DISTILLERY Locke’s 8-Year-Old Single Malt 913475 $54.95
. . . more vigour here. manly and tangy.

COOLEY DISTILLERY ‘Inishowen’ Peated Single Malt 656017 $34.95
. . . some peat but lots of other stuff too. Spirited and exciting for the price.

Best Everyday New World Sparkling

Kato — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:15:45 +0000

Regular readers will know that I’m a big fan of the Cono Sur Winery from Chile. High quality wines at everyday prices. The latest addition to the line-up is a seriously good sparkling to challenge the Cava and Prosecco boys. The style is bright, fresh and fun – as are all the Cono Sur wines. The wine expert will love the Champagne styling, your best friends will love the friendliness. I enjoy both features along with the stylish package. Impressive all around.

Wine style: Dry Sparkling
CONO SUR Sparkling Brut, Chile 215079 $13.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday May 15

Kato — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:22:09 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Jazz up your white wine repetoire with Soave, Viognier, Torrontes, Macon and an Aussie Pinot Grigio. Locals are the stars in the Rosé feature. (Unfortunately I didn’t get to taste the MALIVOIRE 09 ‘Ladybug Rosé’, VQA Niagara 559088 $15.95. I’ll report on it later) I only found three reds to recommend – a pair of big heftys and the charming Cono Sur Pinot Noir. The French drink a lot of Ruby Port and the delicious Delaforce offering may temp us to take up the habit. Whiskey lovers should not miss the great value Inishowen.

Sláinte,
Billy
ROSÉ
wine style: Dry Rosé
SOUTHBROOK 09 Cabernet Rosé, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 168492 $18.95
Rosé in the Provence style – and colour. Refreshing but also substantial enough for food. Charcuterie, paella, Indian food.

wine style: Off-dry Rosé
FEATHERSTONE ESTATE 09 Rosé, VQA Niagara 117861 $14.95
Delicious, off-dry, fruity Rosé for summer sipping. Such as lunches, family gatherings and patio parties.

WHITES
wine style: Fresh white
CASA CAMBRAGO 08 Soave ‘Vigne Maiores’, Veneto, Italy 161679 $13.95
Soave makes a comeback! Interesting, savoury flavours and lots of refreshment. Summer aperitif, and a super partner for seafood. Give ‘nice’ a rest and excite your palate with this.

wine style: Fresh white
DOMAINE ROMANIN 08 Macon-Solutré-Pouilly, Burgundy 160218 $17.95
Macon is the original non-oaked Chardonnay – refreshment with savoury/earthy flavours. Jolting, refreshing, and good pucker fuel for the palate. Wonderful aperitif, or seafood partner.
wine style: Nice & easy white
ROBERT OATLEY 08 Pinot Grigio, South Australia 159806 $17.95
Not your typical Aussie – this is pure and refreshing. Medium-bodied and the perfect all-evening white.

wine style: Rich white
BISQUERTT 08 Viognier ‘La Joya’, Chile 168542 $13.95
Care to try the prettiest white wine in the world! Caresses and charmes. Delicate and delicious. Sip your cares away.

wine style: Nice & easy white
ALTA VISTA 08 Torrontés, Argentina 37127 $13.95
Here’s another pretty one. Torrontes is Argentina’s edition of Gewurztraminer – spicy, exotic flavours. And great drinkability.

REDS
wine style: Rich red
BOTALCURA 07 Reserve Syrah/Malbec, Chile 18630 $13.95
Solid, dense, he-man stuff. Yummy too. Sure to impress. And great value.

wine style: Rich red
CONO SUR 08 Pinot Noir ‘Vision’, Chile 689992 $15.95
One hell of a delicious drink. Combines traditional Pinot woodsy character with modern bright flavours. Spicy and seductive. One of the best under twenty dollar Pinots in the world.

wine style: Rich red
MANGA del BRUJO 07, Calatayud, Spain 15073 $15.95
Big impact red. Earthy, mysterious flavours add interest to the richness. Shades of Rhone with more heft. Should be wonderfully satisfying for at least three years.

SWEET WINE
Wine style: Port
DELAFORCE Fine Ruby Port, Douro, Portugal 164608 $12.95
Lovely, lovely Port at an everyday price. Nitecap with a chunk of chocolate!

WHISKEY
INISHOWEN Irish Whiskey, Cooley Distillery 656017 $37.95
Some peat but a lot of other stuff too. Earthy, spirited and exciting for the price. Aperitif whiskey perhaps!

Big Bottle of Party White

Kato — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:52:09 +0000

Chile is number one for value these days (and doing well for quality too). My first impression of the Gato Negro was that it lacked Sauvignon character, but my understanding of the wine improved on the second gulp. “Hey, this has the friendly, easy drinking quality of a Pinot Grigio.” Maybe they got the label wrong! Who cares?! Save money and buy for summer parties.

SAN PEDRO ‘Gato Negro’ 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Chile 79129 (magnum) $14.95 (regular size $8.95)

LCBO Vintages Saturday March 6

Kato — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:26:29 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: The feature wine country for the March 6th Vintages release is Chile – so it’s going to be a mixed feelings release due to the tragic earthquake. While there might not have been loss of life at the wineries, there is talk of substantial loss of wine stocks. This is an unfortunate set back for a country that is poised to become the most exciting New World producer. My five recommendations are all stars for charm and value. Once again, the south of France steals the show in reds and Germany invites you to experience one of its white wine treasures.

WHITES
wine style: fresh white
WYNNS 08 Riesling, Coonawarra, Australia
528216 $16.95
Aussie Riesling is one of the most exciting Summer whites on the planet. Exhilarating, lemon fresh and thirstquenching. A great upper.

wine style: fresh white
BURGERSPITAL 07 Silvaner, Wurzburger Pfaffenberg, Franken, Germany
944504 $19.95
Here’s something different to buy for the Summer season. German wine with the rasping dryness of NZ Sauvignon. But you’ll enjoy lovely delicate honey and lime flavours too. The Boecksbeutel (Mateus-shaped bottle) is fun to behold and hold. Overpriced but worth the splurge.

wine style: rich white
EMILIANA NOVAS 07 Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne, Chile
63909 $18.95
Meet the Amarone of white wine. Big, exotic flavours, super rich and high alcohol. Mind and palate blowing stuff to sip long after the kids go to bed. Organic wine.

REDS
wine style: rich red
CHATEAU FABRE 07 Corbieres, France
148783 $13.95
Rich, earthy red with a lively spirit. All my favourite characteristics, and nice price tag too. Just add Herbs de Provence to whatever you’re cooking and enjoy the bistro experience. (Vintages ‘Wine of the Month’ Corbieres #148692 $19.95 is solemn, serious, expensive and not very bistro).

wine style: rich red
TABALI 08 Pinot Noir Reserva, Limari, Chile
47514 $19.95
Lively with delicious bright flavours. Refreshing and charming. My favourite, gulp me style Pinot. A not-to-be-missed wine by Pinot fans.

wine style: rich red
MONTES ALPHA 07 Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile
143214 $19.95
X-Rated Pinot. Lush, rich ‘n lovely. Your Hollywood idol in a bottle. Could be the most seductive $20 red on the planet.

wine style: rich red
CASA LAPOSTOLLE 08 Merlot, Rapel Valley, Chile
405712 $16.95
New World richness in Old World clothing. Crowdpleaser meets classic. Beefeaters dream wine. Most would charge $50 for this.

wine style: rich red
MONTES ALPHA 07 Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile
143230 $19.95
The ultimate hefty, manly red. Feels like a perfect combination of Cabernet and Shiraz

IRISH WHISKEY
GREEN SPOT, Mitchell & Son, Ireland
699827 $89.95
The four Irish whiskeys offered are good drinks but Green Spot is the most interesting. Very pure, Sauvignon Blanc-style flavours combined with a honeyed richness. I love the elusive character. A sippers delight. Only 6000 bottles produced annually, under contract for the wine merchants, Mitchell. Read more on Wikipedia.

LCBO Vintages Saturday Feb 20

Kato — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:28:43 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: My favourite wines from the previous two releases were Côtes du Rhône, and now this release features that region (the southern Rhône). Yippee!! My five picks this week are out-and-out charmers. So warm and cuddly you may not want the winter to end.

I’m also recommending a pair of New World rich reds that are crafted with the northern Rhône Grape, the Syrah. From the Kosher feature there’s a lovely, mid-range, South African Chardonnay, and a superb Cava from Spain.

WHITES
wine style: fresh, sparkling white
ELVI WINES Cava ‘Adar’, Spain 156737 $17.95
Classic Champagne-style sparkling at a bargain price. Yeasty and super refreshing. A super wine to kick-off any event. Kosher.

wine style: fresh white
MASSERIA ALTEMURA 08 Fiano, Puglia, Italy 159475 $13.95
Lovely mineral freshness, pure, delicate flavours and gulpability. The Fiano grape is an Italian original. Ideal summer house wine.

wine style: fresh white
PLANALTO 08 Douro, Portugal
586420 $13.95
Here’s a crisp refresher to bring out on a summer’s evening. Shades of Sauvignon Blanc, but different.

wine style: nice ‘n easy white
VINELAND ESTATES 07 Riesling ‘St. Urban’, VQA Twenty Mile Bench 38117 $20.00
Dry Riesling that feels a touch sweet because the flavours are honeyed and delicious. Spring-like purity and a carefree feeling. Low alcohol. An afternoon, or anytime sipper.

wine style: fresh/nice n’easy white
BACKSBERG 09 Chardonnay, Paarl, South Africa 156661 $16.95
This non-oaked Chardonnay delivers freshness, fruitiness and friendliness. Feels classy too. Just a lovely glass of wine. Kosher.

wine style: rich white
CHRISTOBAL 09 Chardonnay ‘1492’ Mendoza, Argentina 144402 $11.95
A real crowdpleaser. Fruity, spicy and slightly sweet – yummy. Partygoers delight.

wine style: rich white
MARGAN 08 Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, Australia 141986 $15.95
Aussie Chard with a down to earth feeling. Refreshing too. A good drink and, a good food partner. Very bistro.

wine style: rich white
PELLER ESTATES 07 Chardonnay ‘Private Reserve’, VQA Okanagan Valley 618298 $17.95
Super, super rich Chard for a lot less than twenty dollars. Huge concentrated, vanilla sweet flavours – the Jack Daniels of white wine. A sipper.

REDS
wine style: rustic red
ASCHERI 08 Barbera d’Alba ‘Fontanelle’, Piedmont, Italy 982462 $17.95
The vigour and vitality of Italy. Gutsy, up-and-at-them wine. To start your evening and to partner with traditional tomato sauced foods.

wine style: rich red
DOMAINE de DIEUMERCY 07 Côtes du Rhône, France 155507 $12.95
Warm feelings combined with spicy, peppery, earthy flavours. Very nourishing. A lot of wine character for the price. Any food, anytime.

wine style: rich red
LES VIGNERONS de ROAIX 07 Côtes du Rhône Villages, France 156000 $13.95
Rich, lush and concentrated. A best friend on Winter nights. Luxury at an everyday price.

wine style: rich red
TERRES d’AVIGNON 07 Côtes du Rhône ‘Les Cardinalices’, France 155473 $14.95
All the lovely Rhone features with a lively, gutsy feeling. Dangerously gulpable. Get two bottles, cook dinner and live the bistro life.

wine style: rich red
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE 06 Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône Villages, France 130013 $25.95
A whopper of richness, spicy flavours and charm. Deep, dark and mysterious. Be prepared to be seduced. A Middle Eastern style lamb dish would be heavenly. Or just hit the couch.

wine style: rich red
CAVE de RASTEAU 07 Gigondas ‘Ortas’, Côtes du Rhône Villages, France 155440 $23.95
Here’s another couch red. Smooth, super rich and yummy. Fireside in a glass.

wine style: rich red
CONO SUR 07 Syrah ‘Vision’, Chile
24661 $15.95
Rich meets rustic. Chile meets France. Big wine with an earthy tang. Rich wine that’s good with food. Cono Sur scores again.

wine style: rich red
LOMOND ESTATE 08 Syrah, Cape Agulhas, South Africa 146464 $19.95
Another New World red with a French feeling. There’s vitality to partner the dark, earthy flavours. Could be aged a year or two.

LCBO Vintages Saturday January 9, 2010

Kato — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:55:42 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Best Vintages release in a long time. Lots of great tasting and distinctive wines for only $12.95. But you must try the Rasteau for $15.

anytime sipper
wine style: fresh white
RAPAURA SPRINGS 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z. 142919 $14.95 New Zealand Sauv in a mellow mood. Well, almost. The usual exuberance is tempered with fruitiness and a little richness. Gentle refreshment. An anytime sipper.

yummy white
wine style: nice & easy white
ANAKENA 09 Viognier, Chile 45138 $12.95 Zesty, fruity and pleasant. All in moderation. The nice guy/girl. The perfect party pleaser. Yummy champion for the month.

great value Chard
wine style: rich white
DONA PAULA 08 Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina 93898 $12.95 Rich, exotic flavoured Chard. Manages to feel both citrussy dry and seductively rich – with charm to burn. Go get it.

rich Chardonnay alternative
wine style: rich white
MICHEL GASSIER 08 Viognier ‘Les Piliers’, VDP d’Oc, France 669531 $16.95 A whopper! Super rich white wine in the Chardonnay style. Warming, spicy and quite seductive. White meats or fish with lots of herbs.

seafood partner
wine style: fresh white
DOM de la SEIGNEURIE des TOURNELLES 08 Saumur Blanc, Loire, France 141879 $12.95 Wow! Takes your breath away – seriously tart and dry along with an earthy sense of place. A great example of cool climate wine. Challenging, a bit raunchy and in need of a platter of seafood. Produced from the Chenin Blanc grape.

buy for summer
wine style: fresh white
QUINTA de AZEVEDO 08 Vinho Verde, Portugal 727115 $11.95 White wine doesn’t get more refreshing and exuberant. Low alcohol, lighthearted and dying for seafood on a hot summer evening. Worth the wait.

buy for summer
wine style: fresh white
PACO de TEIXEIRO 08, Minho, Portugal 21469 $12.95 Vinho Verde style – light and tart with the herbaceous flavours of Sauvignon Blanc. Another wine to buy for summer guzzling.

winter warmer
wine style: rich red
TERRA d’ALIGI 06 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo ‘Tatone’, Abruzzo, Italy 994616 $15.95 A blockbuster. Deep and hearty with an old world, rustic feeling.

bistro red
wine style: rich red
Ch. de VAUGELAS 07 Corbieres ‘Le Prieuré’, France 154617 $12.95 Lots of warmth and richness, backed up with a rustic tang. Bistro wine. Enjoy with hearty winter foods.

vive la France!
wine style: rich red
CAVE de RASTEAU 08 Rasteau ‘Ortas’, Cotes du Rhône-Villages’, France 998716 $15.00 Plush and lush. Lots of comfort, peppery flavours and a warmhearted feeling. Chateauneuf-style wine at a THIRD of the price. Wonderful stuff. You may never buy another Aussie Shiraz. (**Kato’s favourite pick!)

LCBO Vintages Saturday Dec 5

Kato — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:18:19 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Vintages always produce glitzy catalogues for the holidays, but the wines are seldom as good as the photography. Good wine don’t appear on demand. Regular readers will know that I frequently recommend something for Christmas in June and summer wines in the winter.

I will be covering Sparkling, Sweet and other holiday favourites over the next few weeks but you should consider the following for novelty and down right good value. The Chilean Pinot and Chardonnay, or the French Fitou and Vouvray pair would wow most dinner party guests. Grüner Veltliner would be a lively start for your holiday parties and Mas Donis would hit the spot later in the evening. If you’re favouring local, Le Clos Jordanne is a world champ in Pinot Noir at its price point.
Slainte,
Billy
WHITES
Wine style: Fresh white
Markus Huber ‘Hugo’ 08 Grüner Veltliner, Austria 641506 $13.95
Lively, super refreshing and jazzy. Lots of energy. The perfect opening act for your holiday events. Or for after work chilling out. In screw cap. You may never go back to Pinot Grigio!

Wine style: Fresh white
Donatien Bahuaud 08 Vouvray ‘Les Grands Mortiers’, Loire, France 140889 $16.95
Something different. Tart white with gorgeous honey sweet flavours. A yin yang of refreshment and charm. And modest alcohol. A lovely anytime sipper, aperitif or brunch wine.

Wine style: rich white
Tabali 07 Chardonnay ‘Reserva Especial’, Chile 663005 $18.95
The glamour of Chardonnay without the usual overkill. Understated richness and tons of zest. Refreshing enough for an aperitif, big enough for the main course.

REDS
Wine style: rustic red
Le Clos Jordanne 07 Pinot Noir ‘Village Reserve’, VQA Niagara 33894 $25.00
Gutsy edition of Pinot with the earthy character of Burgundy. Bravo! If you enjoy traditional wines this is a super value. And a role model for the future of local Pinot. Partner with bistro-style foods. Or the big bird on the 25th.

Wine style: rich red
Errazuriz 08 Pinot Noir ‘Wild Ferment’, Chile 510396 $18.95
The ripe fruit flavours and richness of New World Pinot combined with something earthy and funky. Lots of vitality too. Pinot to flatter food. Another good partner for Christmas dinner.

Wine style: rich red
Mont Tauch 07 Fitou ‘Tradition’, France
142810 $16.95
A semi-rich south of France red (Syrah, Carignan, Grenache) with lots of flavour – including earth. Wine with a sense of place. The perfect partner for any home cooked meal.

Wine style: rich red
Cellers de Capacanes ‘Mas Donis’ 07 Monstant, Spain 705863 $16.95
A Spanish edition of Côtes du Rhône – with more octane. Delicious flavours, warming richness and vitality. All my favourite qualities in a winter red. Hearty foods.

SWEET/SPARKLING
Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine, VQA Niagara 560367 375ml/$69.95
One of the most decadent wines on the planet. The exotic tropical flavours of Icewine combined with tingling bubbles. A glorious holiday treat. Chill well and sip slowly. After dinner, or late afternoon before dinner.

LCBO Vintages Saturday November 21, 2009

Kato — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:07:35 +0000

LCBO Vintages Saturday November 21, 2009

THE LOW DOWN: Fancy wines at fancy prices are the features in this release. Go get em! For something more interesting and affordable check out the following.

P. S. Hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the premium local offerings.

WHITES
wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Aveleda 08 Alvarinho ‘Follies’, Portugal 59048 $15.95
Imagine the zest of Vinho Verde combined with the pretty, pleasantness of Pinot Grigio. This is one yummy, anytime sipper. Treat self or friends.

wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Kurt Darting 07 Riesling Kabinett, Pfalz, Germany 950212 $16.95
Medium-dry wine with heavenly flavours and tingling freshness. A low-alcohol, Sunday afternoon sipper. You MUST get some for the holidays.

wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Cave de Frontignan 08 Muscat Sec ‘Terres Blanches’, VDP d’Oc, France 653188 $13.95
Dry Muscat is one of the most exotic wines on the planet. Shades of Gewurztraminer but less of a show-off. Drier and more refreshing. This would be a great Holiday season house wine. You’ll get a lot of wows.

REDS
wine style: RICH RED
Bodegas Martin Codax 07 Mencia ‘Cuatro Pasos’, Bierzo, Spain 39313 $16.95
A mix of richness, hearty flavour and a rustic edge. Spain does a version of Ontario Baco! The feeling of being at the dinner table in winter – with good conversation.

wine style: RICH RED
Tabali 07 Syrah Reserva, Chile 662692 $16.95
Big and lush. But not overdone. Crowd-pleasing, winter warmer.

wine style: RICH RED
Mission Hill 07 Syrah ‘S.L.C.’, Okanagan, British Columbia 68379 $36.95
Dark. dense, earthy and very dry. Seriously good. Shades of the original from the Northern Rhone. Cellar a year or two.

SWEET
wine style: SWEET WHITE
Open 07 Vidal Icewine, VQA Niagara 149799 375ml/$29.95
Value-priced Icewine that’s really good. Luscious tropical flavours and lemony zest. Low alcohol too. Would be a lovely afternoon sipper, or add a splash to dry sparkling wine for a festive cocktail.

wine style: SWEET RED
Quinta de Ventozelo 10-Year-old-Tawny Port, Portugal 141044 $27.95
The exotic, tangy experience of Tawny. Sexy meets earthy. Port with a Middle Eastern feeling. Sip after dinner, or anytime.

LCBO Vintages Saturday October 24

Kato — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:18:58 +0000

VINTAGES Oct 24
THE LOW DOWN: It’s the calm before the storm! Just a few picks – but I’m sure the next few releases will get more tempting. Stay tuned.

WHITES
Tamar Ridge 08 Riesling ‘Devil’s Corner’, Tasmania
138289 $18.95
wine style: FRESH WHITE
Refreshing and friendly. A lovely mix of citrus tang and delicate flavours. Weekend sipper.

Crabilis 08 Vermentino, Sardinia, Italy
52068 $13.95
wine style: SEMI-RICH WHITE
Those of you who follow my Vintages reports will know that I’m in love with the new era of Italian whites made with indigenous grapes. They bring something different in this age of sameness. And usually without the help of oak casks. The Vermentino combines freshness and richness with savoury flavours. A wonderful all-evening white.

REDS
Papa Luna 07 Calatayod, Spain
39883 $16.95
wine style: SUPER-RICH RED
If you like blockbuster reds, here’s one produced from a blend of Rhône grapes. Rich and peppery but earthy too. Very ripe and sweet now but if you have a cellar this should turn out really well in a year or two.

Terra Noble 07 Carmenere Gran Reserva, Chile
957050 $16.95
wine style: RICH RED
Big, bold, plummy red. Imagine Merlot on steroids.

Wallace 07 Shiraz/Grenache, Barossa Valley, Australia
47605 $24.95
wine style: RICH RED
The Barossa expression – hearty manly and heart-warming. Wine to get you through a Canadian winter.

PORT
Sandeman 2000 Quinta do Vau, Vintage Port, Portugal
973768 $29.95
wine style: SWEET
Vintage style Port that’s already at peak – mellow sweet and mighty seductive.

Cono Sur Viognier

Kato — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:00:11 +0000

Cono Sur put a lot of effort into developing lesser known grape varieties such as Viognier, Taste their 08 and you’ll be delighted that they’re doing this. I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t rock your world big time. It’s a bit like Chardonnay but more delicate and elegant. Rich white that’s refreshing and god at the tease. Charm shows up on the second glass and after that, you’ll have to surrender as exotic flavours appear out of no where. Plan the night.

Available at LCBO Vintages on August 29th.

Cono Sur 08 Viognier ’Vision’, Chile
671131 $14.95 Vintages
Wine style: rich white

Don’t Forget the Fresita

Kato — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:38 +0000

Don’t let the Summer go by without a Fresita day. This strawberry infused sparkling wine from Chile is delicious and fun. Need I say more?

Vina Casal de Gorchs ‘Fresita’, Chile 56697 $13.95

LCBO Vintages, Saturday August 15, 2009

Kato — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:40:38 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Fabulous Furmint, a Chardonnay alternative, a blockbuster local and a fun Riesling are my white recommendations. In reds, you’ll find good value Syrah from the producers of Fuzion, a classic Bordeaux style wine from Chile and a Ripasso that’s perfect for fall meals and moods. The dry Rosé – buy of the year – rounds out my picks.

WHITES
LINGENFELDER 07 Riesling ‘Bird Label’, Pfalz, Germany
568634 $14.95
style: nice & easy
Delicious semi-dry Riesling with refreshing lime/lemon zest. Summer day in a glass.

ROYAL TOKAJI 05 Furmint, Hungary
653220 $13.95
style: rich white
For once I’m going to quote the catalogue: ‘Strong wine with enough personality to tweak many people’s interest.” The feeling is of rich Chard mixed with the mineral freshness of Riesling. The falvours are apple fresh and the overal experience is excitingly different. Try with foods in a cream sauce. Furmint in the Hungarian grape variety responsible for the famour sweet Tokaji wines.

MAS des BRESSADES 08 Tradition Blanc, Costieres de Nimes, France
701094 $13.95
style: rich white
Why pay high prices for Chardonnay when you can have this gem? Combines richness with refreshment and intriuging herbal falvours. Has a lovely pure, natural feeling. Rich white that gets more interesting with each sip, and which doesn’t try to overpower food. Fantastic now and will evolve over a few years.

WILDASS 06 White, Stratus Winery, VQA Niagara
85100 $19.95
style: rich white
Novel blend of just about all the locally grown whites. Made in the Stratus winery style of great concentration and richness. Shades of a big Alsace white that partners well with chicken or pork dishes.

REDS
CASA GIRELLI ‘Villalta’ 06 Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy
117242 $14.95
style: rich red
Many Ripassos have cooked flavours but this guy achieved richness without losing the gutsy, vibrant fruit quality of Valpolicella. Rich meets rustic – lots of vigour. Very Italian. My style of red for hearty pasta, casseroles or anything off the Q.

SANTA JULIA 07 Reserva Syrah. Mendoza, Argentina
127613 $13.95
style: rich red
New World richness with a solid, earthy feeling. Hearty red that’s both invigorating and nourishing. Fall and winter stuff. Another great value from the producers of Fuzion.

CONCHA y TORO 07 Carmenere ‘Winemaker’s Lot’, Chile
30957 $16.95
style: rich red
Chile does a version of Bordeaux at a bargain price. Concentrated, with Old World flavours – combined with modern drinkability. A great value. For a lamb or beef dinner. Set the table nice.

DRY ROSÉ
BIELER P&F Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France
71423 $12.95
style: rich red
Yippee! A very decent Provence Rosé at an everyday price. Spicy and super-charming. Lovely lush, creamy richness…suggesting late summer suppers on the patio. Handy screw cap. Buy of the summer in dry Rosé.

Taste Spring in a Glass

Kato — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:15:49 +0000

It’s time for my favourite Spring ritual – a glass of Sauvignon Blanc
on the patio, or in the garden. On a warm day in early May I like to
take a well chilled bottle of Sauv Blanc to a spot in the sun – pour
myself a glass – and feel this great season.

Sauvignon Blanc is the extremely fresh member of the white wine
family. Invigorating for sure. The flavours are herbal, grassy and
just what we need to blow away the cobwebs of winter. It’s like having
a spa day.

I’m recommending a value priced Sauvignon for this event because it delivers wonderful freshness and fun. And it would not let you down should you decide to party on. Look for more Sauvignon Blanc and other fresh white wine recommendations in a few weeks when the local asparagus seasons hits.

CALITERRA 08 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Chile 275909 $11.00

Released at LCBO Vintages MAY 2. SANTA JULIA 07 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina (#93781 $13.95) is an invigorating Cab that hits a middle ground between gutsy and yummy. New World ripe flavours with the refreshing character of a Chianti. The perfect candidate – style and price – for summer house red. Tastes a lot like a $25 wine. Don’t miss this one, which is produced by the Zuccardi family, (the creators of ‘Fuzion’ at regular LCBO stores).