Hello There!
We’re back after an extended hiatus. The tasting room was under renovation. That, coupled with demanding work schedules prevented our attendance at release tastings.
We tasted in the new, state-of-the-art tasting room and lucky for us – the focus was Tuscany and California. Most Tuscans (Chianti & Brunello) and iconic Californian wines (Caymus, Duckhorn, Dominus) are not in the Vintages Value budget this time round. There are a few Chianti(s) priced under $25, but not very palatable relative to other offerings in this price range – there are two exceptions.
For those of you who don’t know, Italy has very strict regulations for their winemakers. There are four different classifications. We will provide these classifications in the tasting notes. DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita and it is the highest classification of four Italian wine classifications. DOC is the second highest and stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. IGT stands for Indicazione di Geografica Tipica and represent ubiquitous wines that are grown in specific geographical growing regions. However, there are exceptions - some of Italy's best wines do fall under this category just to avoid more stringent regulations associated with DOC or DOCG – these are often referred as “Super Tuscans”. The last classification is Vino di Tavola = table wine.
There are some fabulous wines in this Saturday’s release at great prices. Here
they are:
Sparkling Wine
039016 Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé Crémant D’Alsace (Alsace - $19.95)
Aromas and flavours of almost ripe strawberries, a hint of biscuit and refreshing citrus acidity. Pull up a chair and bring on the bubbly this is a nice deck sipper!
White Wine
095976 Te Awa Left Field Chardonnay 2007 (New Zealand - $16.95)
Pure fruit, peach pit and lemony crisp acidity makes for a refreshing sipper or paired with light summertime foods.
057042 Domaine Des Aubuisières Cuvée de Silex Vouvray 2008 (Loire - $17.95)
A lovely floral nose, with some honey and pears, some citrus and a tad minerally, good viscosity. Simply delish!
Red Wine
108282 Zenato Cormi Merlot/Corvina 2006 (IGT Veneto, Italy - $19.95)
Corvina is the main grape in Valpolicella and it certainly blends well with Merlot, flavours of blackberries, dark cherries, cocoa and more, full and smooth rounding out to a good finish.
969428 Rocca Delle Macìe Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano 2006 (DOC Italy - $18.95)
This is a fantastic wine from a fantastic winemaker. Black cherry and mocha notes abound. It is dry, smooth, very Old World. Delish!
121194 Castellani Poggio Al Casone La Cattura 2006 (IGT Toscana - $19.95)
Smooth berry fruit meets a little wood, and then comes the slight smoked meat finish. Wine Spectator gave this one a 90.
093781 Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Argentina - $13.95)
This is a well priced Cab. with loads of blackcurrant, spice and vanilla that is mouthfilling and smooth!
056853 Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2008 (Chile - $13.95) Organic
A superb, well-priced swiller. This wine is a blend of Cab Sauv., Carmenere, Syrah & Malbec. Baked plums, vanilla and a smoky nose predominate.
904227 Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Western Australia - $17.95)
This wine hails from Australia’s premiere wine region. Alkoomi is a talented house that makes such revered brand like “Blackbutt”. This Cab is expressive up front with sexy sweet notes segueing to cedar, tobacco and a musky finish.
682005 Jim Jim (The Down-Underdog) Shiraz 2007 (South Australia - $14.95)
If you like the Aussie fruit bomb or New World styles – you’ll definitely like this one. It’s well-made, a bit spicy, bold fruit – an excellent Shiraz, an excellent price!
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