Alan Kerr’s June 9th Vintages Release Notes
June 8th, 2018 | 
Author: 
Milestone Moments is the theme for June the 9th. Vintages is releasing wines that have changed the direction of the wine world. It’s an odd choice, but nonetheless, here are my thoughts on some of the wines available.
ONTARIO
068825 HIDDEN BENCH FUMÉ BLANC 2016 Rosomel Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment$29.95
Hidden Bench is clearly one of the top producers in the Niagara region. Their barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, AKA Fume Blanc, gives up aromas of tangerine, grapefruit, melon and honey. The palate has bench deep mineral flavours along with lime leaf, lemon Thyme, citrus and vanilla. It is beautifully balanced with good length on the finish. Find this wine
USA
046342 PAUL DOLAN ZINFANDEL 2015 Mendocino County $29.95
A mix of clay, mineral, dried herbs, plum, blueberry, red currant and spicy Szechwan peppercorn. Its palate is tight, but the fruit is there and will be released once the tannin subsides. Lovely plum and toffee notes on the finish. Find this wine
708982 STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 Napa Valley $84.95
This blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot has pure Cassis/Ribena essence that is supported with layers of Fry’s chocolate cream and raspberry ripple. However, there is far more to this wine than the shop floor of a candy factory. It also shows notes of mocha, espresso, plum and Asian spice. Tannins are gentle allowing the dark fruit to shine; the sweetness is balanced by perfect acidity. Find this wine
269357 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 Columbia Valley $21.95
Dark fruit, leather, forest floor and sweet spice aromas carry through to a palate of chewy chocolate, currant and plum. Find this wine
715979 RAYMOND RESERVE SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 Napa Valley $44.95
Warm blackcurrant, touch of clay and mineral, solid palate, chunky, but full of creamy dark fruit, cocoa and gentle tannins. Find this wine
NEW ZEALAND
063941 MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 Marlborough, South Island $20.95
All the usual suspects, gooseberry, kiwi and grapefruit line up. The palate is a little fat, but carries nice flavours of candied lime, tree fruit and melon. This is worth chilling and popping the cork for an opener to a summer barbecue. Find this wine
SOUTH AFRICA
556365 L’AVENIR FAR & NEAR CHENIN BLANC 2017 Stellenbosch $15.95
An interesting quaffer, laden with notes of honey, lime and pineapple leading to a high acid palate of guava, ripe pear and grapefruit. Find this wine
129353 THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2016 Swartland $39.95
This ripe and polished blend of Syrah with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut and Viognier is brimming with notes of blackberry, olive, blackcurrant, flint, mineral and chalk. Its palate is leathery, somewhat harsh, full of dark fruit and black pepper, but once this baby settles down, it will deliver much pleasure for sure. Find this wine
FRANCE
363101 CHÂTEAU DES LANDES CUVÉE PRESTIGE 2014 Lussac-Saint-Émilion $25.95
An interesting nose showing plum, currant, black raspberry, lead pencil and lavender. There is pleasing red fruit on the palate, but it is still so tannic and very astringent on the finish. Its future, who knows! Find this wine
711317 CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 $93.95
Layers of plum and black raspberry are pushed up by notes of tar, coal dust, juniper, dried cherry, black tea and Dutch licorice. Plenty of silky dark fruit on the palate, lively acidity, but the tannins are threatening and will soon shut this wine down. As usual, it will take time for it to rest and show its best. Find this wine
069518 DOMAINE POULLEAU PÈRE & FILS LES MONDES RONDES 2013 Côtes de Beaune $38.95
Floral and perfumed, lots of red fruit, macerated cherry, licorice root and earthy beet. As unique as the nose is, the palate shows overly mature fruit with cola flavours and sadly, the finish drops off way to soon. Find this wine
ITALY & SPAIN
216457 PIETRA PURA MANDUS PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2016 $18.95
Bold and revealing, whiffs of plum, blueberry, cake spice, lavender and Licorice Allsorts. It is quite sweet, but the creaminess and decent level of acidity tones it down. It is chunky, fun to drink and it finishes with notes of anise and burnt sugar. Find this wine
606921 MASI GRANDARELLA REFOSCO 2013 Refosco delle Venezie $28.95
Levels of dried fruit are high, but the notes of marshmallow, lavender, cake spice, and dried flowers stimulate interest. It has a silky palate featuring cherry brandy, strawberry coulis, dark fruit and balsa. Find this wine
209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2014 Rioja $34.95
Dark fruit, Chinese dried mushrooms, cherry liqueur and mocha on the nose. A ripe, but dusty palate with plenty of tannins powdery cocoa and bright acidity. Find this wine
FLAGSHIP WINES
Flagship wines are now not just for those residing in Ontario’s uppity neighbourhoods. Now these wines are available through the LCBO’s online ordering system.
496646 CHÂTEAU BROWN 2010 Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France $66.95
Bordeaux as Bordeaux should be, juicy blackcurrant, blackberry and plum reinforced by layers of wet earth, tar, leather and Maltesers. Its construction is solid, the fruit shines, but tannins are still powerful. Best to give this wine some time as it does has great potential. Find this wine
337048 MARCHESI DI BAROLO SARMASSA BAROLO 2013 Piedmont, Italy $77.95
Notes of caramel, cedar, plum, dark roasted coffee beans and mineral with a chewy palate full of blackberry, cinnamon, Moroccan spice and mocha flavours. . Indeed, it is a lovely wine, or it will be as the tannins grip tightly. It too will need years to show its best. Find this wine
327452 GLENMORANGIE SIGNET HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT Scotland $337.95
I wish I could drink Scotch. Due to an incident in my teens, I can’t tolerate. I always try it and I really love the aromatics this Scotch shows, dried orange peel, tangerine, candied citrus and treacle. The palate is where it goes pear shaped. I just can’t handle the heat! Scotch lovers will find much pleasure with this bottle.
Cheers,
CZ
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