Good value from Southern France

I was introduced to this wonderful value at a friend's as a great everyday wine and there is no doubt they are correct. This is a youthful, blackberry, slightly smokey GSM(C) wine is from the Southern Rhone, near Nimes. Enjoy! Even better, enjoy with friends. Happy New Year!

CHÂTEAU MAS NEUF TRADITION ROUGE COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2008
VINTAGES 177097 | 750 mL bottle XD - $ 11.35
Tasting Note
This Syrah/Grenache blend is a deep, youthful ruby colour, and opens with a blackberry nose with a hint of black licorice. Aromas of sweet spice follow, along with some peppery notes. Velvety, full bodied and a great value, this can be cellared for a while, or enjoy it tonight with a mild lamb curry or pasta with carbonara sauce. (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2010)

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=177097

http://www.chateau-mas-neuf.com/en/wine-range.htm

With a little help from my friends...

With the holidays coming, my studies have really fallen by the wayside and my focus has been on sparkling which is really over-exposed in my blog. So I polled some friends for help and I thought a handy list of inexpensive everyday wines might help to keep the dinner wine budget down over the holidays. With a little help from my friends, here are some best buys, Cheers!

RED

MISTERIO MALBEC
LCBO 28803 | 750 mL bottle $ 8.20

CHRISTIAN MOUEIX MERLOT (V)
VINTAGES 961227 | 750 mL bottle $ 14.95

WHITE

CONO SUR VIOGNIER
LCBO 64287 | 750 mL bottle $ 9.95

BIG HOUSE WHITE
LCBO 173286 | 750 mL bottle $ 12.95

Ice Cool Gifts from Ontario...

What a crazy time of year, my day job is exciting but busy and the holiday events are starting to pile up so I haven't been doing "my homework" for this blog. It seemed time to just suggest some really good value Ontario Icewines, Late Harvest and other cool gift choices:

STONEY RIDGE CRANBERRY WINE 2008
VINTAGES 392191 | 750 mL bottle $ 14.95
- Makes a great cocktail too!

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=STONEY+RIDGE+CRANBERRY+WINE+2008&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN

http://www.stoneyridge.com/

MALIVOIRE RIESLING ICEWINE 2008

VINTAGES 591321 | 200 mL bottle $ 34.95

- beautiful wine, great value.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=591321

http://www.malivoirewineco.com/

CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE
VINTAGES 565861 | 200 mL bottle $ 25.95
-a lovely wine

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=565861

http://www.chateaudescharmes.com/


DANIEL LENKO VIDAL ICEWINE 2002
VINTAGES 121814 | 375 mL bottle $ 39.95
- yummy icewine!

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=121814

http://www.daniellenko.com/


FIELDING ESTATE SELECT LATE HARVEST CABERNET FRANC 2007
VINTAGES 193409 | 375 mL bottle $ 23.95
- red ice, nice twist!

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=193409

http://www.fieldingwines.com/


COLDHEARTED RIESLING ICEWINE
Meglomaniac | 200 mL bottle $ 29.95
- Great Price for a Riesling Icewine

http://www.megalomaniacwine.com/main.php

Turkey or tofurkey wine? A classic Pinot Noir always works but a dry Rose from France or Ontario will do the trick too. Oh yes, and of course lots of white wine selections like a crisp unoaked Chardonnay.

Italy to Ontario, fabulous finds...

This time of year is always packed with social events, fortunately last week I had two that directly relate to my blog so it certainly makes my research easier.

The first was a meeting of my wine tasting group where Tuscany was our theme. Surprisingly there were no super-Tuscans, just a fantastic grouping Sangiovese based wines. There were a couple of bottles of the always decadent Brunello di Montepulciano. One was an incredible bargain at $20 below the average price:

FATTOI - BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $34.95
Wonderfully complex nose, earth, barnyard, coffee, chocolate, ripe dark fruit with a hint of herbaceousness. Well balanced wine with velvety tannins and a long finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=33498

On the weekend I attended a French language vin et fromage at Tawse Winery. Although challenged to speak and hampered by the muffled sound of the barrel room, I managed to understand the vast majority of the discussion and really enjoyed the event. Nathalie from Chez Fromage in Fenwick gave a very enthusiastic presentation of fabulous Quebec cheeses (slipping one in from P.E.I.). Rheal treated us to an in depth tour of the winery and Daniel presented us with some lovely wines (which isn't hard for Tawse). For the purpose of price point I have reviewed the rosé below:

TAWSE - SKETCHES OF NIAGARA ROSÉ 2009, Vineland, On (D) $14.95 Delicate nose of strawberry, apple blossom, tart cherry and slight minerality. Lots of bright fruit on the palate with a cleansing streak of lemon-acid to balance.
http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=172643

http://www.tawsewinery.ca/

With this wine we had a wonderful Quebec truffle brie. The earthiness and creaminess of the cheese was beautifully contrasted by the fruity-acidity of the wine. Check out the fabulous selection at Chez Fromage:
http://www.chezfromage.ca/

Winter warm-up Primitivo and Ontario Sparklers

FEUDI DI SAN MARZANO- SUD - PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2008, PUGLIA - $21.00*

Stewed plum, raisin, clove (all spice), hint of pepper, juicy but slightly hot (not unexpected at 14%).
It feels more like an Amarone than its relative Zinfandel.

Well priced alternative with that in mind, but high-range for a Primitivo. I did get mine through an agent but note that my American friends are only paying about *$14, which would make it a fantastic buy!

http://www.feudisanmarzano.it/ita/home.html

I have said this before but with the holidays coming I will say this again. There are lots of affordable Champagne alternatives and Ontario is the home to many of them:

THE GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD - SPARKLING BRUT 2007 - XD - $29.75

Fresh notes of lemon and grapefruit with tinge of biscuit. tangy, long finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=183228

http://grangeofprinceedward.com/grange-wines/


FIELDING ESTATE - SPARKLING RIESLING - $28.15

A nice twist to use Riesling grapes, fresh apples and lemon freshness - beautifully balanced and a great value.

http://www.fieldingwines.com/page/whites

13th STREET WINERY- PREMIER CUVEE BRUT - XD - $29.95

I loved this at traditional method sparkler at Taste Ontario and now the LCBO is finally releasing it... nose of mineral, lemon zest and orchard fruit with lengthy finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=142679

Great deals - Portuguese Red and Ontario Rieslings

WINE VISION - BATUSSI 2007 (Trincadeira, Aragones/Tempranillo, Syrah) - Alentejano, Portugal (D) $10.85
Approachable, pretty wine - slightly smoky and earthy on nose with whiffs of cherry. Pleasant acid, low tannins and fresh red fruit on palate.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=147934

http://www.snooth.com/wine/wine-vision-vinho-regional-alentejano-batussi-2007/


13TH STREET - JUNE'S VINEYARD - RIESLING 2008 - (D) Ontario $16.95

Lovely lime, white flowers and stone fruit. Perfectly balanced but refreshing acidity.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=147512

http://www.13thstreetwinery.com/index.php?/wines/

STAFF WINERY- ROBERT'S BLOCK - RIESLING 2008 - (D) Jordan, Ontario $21.00

A tasty and very memorable wine from my "Wrapped up in the Valley" tour. Lime, peach and mineral nose that follows through on the palate with a refreshing streak of acid. This wine dances in your mouth.

http://www.staffwine.com/

Super Syrah deal from Washington State and more Taste Ontario

Smokey, earthy, complex wine - black cherries with a hint of pepper - nice balance of tannins and acid. At this price a wonderful accompaniment with dinner, any day of the week - hard cheeses, lamb, pasta dishes.

WASHINGTON HILLS - 2006 SYRAH - WA - $15.00*

http://preceptwinebrands.com/media/cms/plugins/wine_collateral/file_sets/000000725/WMN_WH_Syrah_06_new.pdf

http://www.wineonline.ca/shop/results/?cid=1&spid=9&price=&wsid=&sid=&gid=&mid=690&btls=&vin=2006

More From Taste Ontario - this week value for money - Chardonnay

A well integrated, nuanced wine - apple compote and lemon - lingering finish.

TAWSE - SKETCHES OF NIAGARA - CHARDONNAY 2008 (XD) $19.95

http://www.tawsewinery.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=57

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=89037


Beautiful wine - silky, toasty, earthy- ripe apple and a hint of tropical fruit. 

COYOTE'S RUN - BLACK PAW VINEYARD - CHARDONNAY 2008 (XD) $21.95

http://coyotesrunwinery.com/wines.html

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=49775


A big wine with a lovely balance - mineral touches and stone fruit, minimal oak with long, complex finish.

CLOSSON CHASE - SOUTH CLOS - CHARDONNAY (XD) $39.95
http://clossonchase.com/our-wine/2008-south-clos-vqa-prince-edward-county/

Taste Ontario and more from the vaults...

A lovely blend, from Alsace, of Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat and Sylvaner. To be honest I have not tried the 2008 but have had both the 2004 & 2006 and find this to be fairly consistant vintage to vintage because it is a blend. 2008 had great reviews so once again it is likely really good value for money. 
Hugel et Fils - Hugel Gentil (MD) 2008 - $15.95

Links to the 2008 tasting notes:

http://www.hugel.com/en/desc.php?N=220

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=367284

I attended Taste Ontario again this year and here is the first in a series of recommendations for great values!

Beautiful Bordeaux style blend -  fine tannins, ripe blackcurrant, leather, hint of white pepper.

Coyote's Run Estate - Meritage 2007 (XD) - $24.95

http://coyotesrunwinery.com/wines.html

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=42820

Very pleasant  - aroma of rasperries, complex layers of flavour - sour cherries, (pink grapefruit?) Nice streak of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Cattail Creek - Late Harvest Meritage 2008 (MS) - $30.00

http://www.cattailcreek.ca/current.html

Sonoma beauty

At the Sonoma tasting the other week I had one of the most enchantingly aromatic and beautifully balanced Sauv Blancs I have ever had! And so well priced too....

For us Ontarians, happily it is now available on LCBO release. For my American friends, I am certain it is readily available..

GEYSER PEAK BLOCK COLLECTION RIVER RANCHES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 (202036) $23.95

Gold - 94 Points, California State Fair Wine Competition

http://www.vintages.ca/vmail/sonoma_en.shtml?utm_source=eNov4&utm_medium=Vmail&utm_campaign=SonomaOffer

http://www.geyserpeakwinery.com/2009-river-ranches-block-sauvignon-blanc-russian-river

Excellent Italian IGT

My Value pick from the Italian Trade Tasting this week. This wine is well-rounded with sound tannins, juicy and long-lasting -fabulous deal!

http://www.frescobaldi.it/or for Ontarians, recent Vintages release http://www.vintages.com/lcbo-ear/vintages/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=145920

MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008 - $21.95
VINTAGES | 145920 | 750 mL bottle

Wine, Red Wine
13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy
By: Marchesi De Frescobaldi

Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Tasting Note
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese; aged for two years in new oak) Medium red. Floral red berry aromas complicated by chestnut and graphite. Sweet and smooth on entry, with juicy red berry and dark plum flavors and a fresh, moderately long aftertaste. Delicious, easygoing wine. Score - 88. (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2010)

More from the vault...

Good value - nicely balanced medium+ bodied wine, fall-winter BBQ perhaps?

Ortas Tradition Rasteau (Cotes du Rhone) 2008 (D) $15.00
Spicy, wild herbs, blackberries, raspberries - warming @ 14%

http://www.rasteau.com/produits.asp?idproduit=25&couleur=5

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=998716


Excellent value - although this Bordeaux-style blend is not VQA it is very tasty and very well-priced.

Eastdell (Beamsville, On) 2007 Cabernet Merlot (0) $12.95
Dark berry fruits with subtle vanilla and oak spice

http://www.eastdell.com/wine_boutique

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=155705

From the vaults

Every once and a while I will add some wines I tasted pre-blogging, but these will be limited because they have to meet the QPR standard and still be available (or that would simply just be unfair). Here are the first few, one of each colour...

Great QPR Gewurtztraminer - you either love them or you don't. I do, so I wanted to share this fabulous value.

Jean Geiler - Gewurtztraminer 2007 (Alsace, France) - $16.95
off dry - nose of lychee, rosewater and hints of honeyed spice

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=106864

http://www.geiler.fr/index.php?sid=fjt9WKASLS3xr56&docid=282

Excellent value for Rioja blend (Tempranillo, Garnacha) and popular amongst my friends as an easy-drinking everyday wine.

Palacios Remondo - La Vendimia 2008 (Rioja, Spain) - $15.95
- toasty, strawberry, herbal, licorice nose - wonderfully balanced

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=674564

Very good value for money especially when comparing to a Rose Champagne but still holds up (QPR-wise) with other traditional method rose sparklers. If you live in Ontario the other bonus is that it is local.

Henry of Pelham - Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut VQA (1) (Niagara, Canada) - $29.95
- crisp wine with biscuity, floral and gentle cherry notes on the nose.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=4051

http://www.henryofpelham.com/wines.php?sub_id=23

Local Value

Marketing people love acronyms and this one also loves wine… when a good acronym and a good wine come together I take note.

Warren Classic Pinot Noir VQA 2007 ($15.20) was written up in one my newsletters as a QPR, , I have sampled this wine and enjoyed it greatly.

Unfortunately the LCBO doesn't carry it but a drive to Stoney Ridge Winery on an autumn weekend is a lovely one...

Champagne quality Sparklers at a excellent price

Like (to drink) things that sparkle? Last weekend LCBO had a cremant release whether it is Cremant d'Alsace, Bourgogne, Bordeaux or Loire.... I just wanted to share that this is a very affordable solution to bubbly... using the traditional method so they are Yummy!

http://www.vintages.com/circular/101016/index.shtml?utm_source=eOct14&utm_medium=Vmail&utm_campaign=Oct16RelMain