Hello Again Fellow Tipplers,
We had to call-in sick for the last release – one of our palates was under siege by a nasty cold and the other one found that post-Christmas analysis demands left a bit of a bad taste in their mouth! We are pleased that we were able to attend the last tasting as the theme is “Popular Front- 22 customer favourites”. This had us tasting some great wines of yore and we happily trotted down memory lane. Another funny element of this tasting occurred in the tasting room. We arrived in the room and there were yellow caution tapes strung over the sinks warning us not to use them. We spit in the usual flagon that was then dispensed into a large trash can on wheels – GROSS! The jokes were flying as the province had just made the announcement that they are planning to sell the Queen’s Quay head office to developers to raise much-needed cash. The place really is a “Tear Down” judging by the state of the plumbing!
Sparkling Wine
268540 De Stefani Brut Prosecco Superiore (Veneto, Italy) $17.95
This is a dry, pleasing Prosecco with apple, pear and pie spice notes. A great way to start the party off.
48801 Louis Bouillot Perle D’Ivoire Brut Blanc De Blancs (Burgundy) $18.95
Distinct citrus notes on the lees. Very well-balanced and good length. Score:90 (David Lawrason, winealign.com Aug 2010)
White Wine
141788 Helfrich Pinot Gris 2010 (Alsace, France) $14.95
Off-dry emanating layers of orchard fruit, pear, apple with mineral undertones and fresh acidity.
250696 Principessa Gavia Gavi 2010 (Piedmont, Italy) $18.95
Such a pretty wine here. It’s simple and light-bodied, crisp and refreshing. Enjoy it on its own or with light fare.
Red Wine
724674 Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2006 (Puglia, Italy) $13.95
Well priced and not shy on flavor cocoa, dark berries and spice are on order in this Italian Primitivo aka Zinfandel (California). Makes for a good mid-week pasta/pizza pairing.
682005 Jim Jim (The Down-Underdog) Shiraz 2009 (South Australia) $15.95
This Aussie number is full bodied and features flavors of ripe black plum, dark berries, peppery spice, and velvety smooth tannins.
166538 Bodegas Lan Crianza 2007 (Rioja, Spain) $15.95
Fabulous Spanish number here. Complex layers of fruit offset nicely by oak and a hint of violets. Balanced AND delicious!
119354 Château Saint-Roch Chimères 2009 (Midi, France) $18.95
A blend of Syrah, Grenache Carignan delivers on flavors of ripe dark plum, black cherry, black currant, licorice and spice, supported by fine tannins. Lay this beauty down for 3-4 years and you will be amply rewarded! Score: 91 David Schildknecht, eroboertparker.com.
50203 Beronia Reserva 2006 (Rioja, Spain) $19.95
LOVE this wine. The Reserva is better but it’s twice the price. Vanilla, cherry, strawberry and hints of chocolate. Score: 90+ (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Sep 23, 2010)
212126 McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California) $19.95
Big and round this Cali cab from the reputable McManis Family offers up dense dark berries, plums, spice and juicy acidity rounding out to an ample finish.
976092 Masi Brolo Di Campofiorin 2007 (Veneto, Italy) $24.95
If the label is a typo – this is good value for a Barolo – but it is “Brolo”. Regardless, this is a decent Italian wine with some age. Look for smoked meat, stewed plums, and tobacco is a lovely dry package.
55228 Rabbit Ranch Pinot Noir 2009 (Central Otago, New Zealand) $24.95
YUM! Silky and smooth with all the notes one would expect from an NZ pinot noir. Toasty notes, some cherry, and depth from some smokiness.
* 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 (Lodi, California) $24.95
This returning fave was not in the tasting room to taste - none the less it will be released this Saturday. Score 90 Robert Parker, erobertparker.com, drinking well over the next several years.
* this one is for you Valen
ALP
Rose & Karen
ps Don’t forget that the Vintages Value List can be found on www.cetoblog.com
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