Archive for the Vintages/LCBO Release Notes Category

Sorry to say that there was not a lot of wine to sample for this release. At least my pocket book will not go through a similar devastation that it took two weeks ago. The theme for this release is wine from the Southern Rhone and Kosher wines. Sadly the latter group had just a couple for sampling. Many of the Rhone wines were missing, but what I did taste for the most part was exemplary. I probably will buy those that I did not get to try as they are well priced and well touted by the pro’s, at least according to the write ups in the catalogue. Read the rest of this entry »

Moments after joining Facebook’s “I hate wine ratings” group, my Vintages catalogue arrived in my mailbox and guess what, the theme of the release is “North of Ninety,” showcasing a plethora of wines that critics believe warrant ninety points or higher. Good news is there are many exceptional wines to be found and if you are a numbers buyer, then this is the release for you. I also tasted several Northern Rhone Valley wines from the 2007 vintage that rock. Well priced, well balanced and really tasty. Do feel free to read on……… Read the rest of this entry »

It is good there is no charge to the reader to view my notes for this release as they are rather skimpy to say the least. This weekend showcases wines from Argentina. Sadly though, the LCBO shipped very few wines period for the tasting. I guess even the largest purchaser of alcohol in the world has to tighten the belt after the holidays. Siduri, a well renowned producer of Pinot Noir from California has two AVA wines making their debut in the catalogue. Asking prices are unfortunately, high according to friends south of the border who buy them regularly, but any Siduri I have tasted in the past has been stellar.  Perhaps I may splurge. Anyhow, as always, I found a couple worth picking out so please read on. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year and welcome to 2010. The premier release of the year is the annual “Great Wine Great Value”.  This basically translates as ‘you spent too much money in the last couple of months, so the board is going to be kinder and gentler on the pocket book.’  There certainly are several wines that offer a great drinking experience and are priced below fifteen bucks. All you need to do is read on to find them. Read the rest of this entry »

Having missed the last release, the one in which all the usual high end wines are sold, I am happy to report I am back in business and tasted a good deal of the wines from December’s single release. Interesting to note that six of the wines were corked including a bubbly and the Ridge Three Valleys Zinfandel blend that I was eager to taste. Oh well, best wishes to all for the holiday season and enjoy your wines. Read the rest of this entry »

Sad to announce, but I was unable to attend the last Vintages tasting due to my teaching schedule. This means I have no notes for wines released tomorrow, November 7th or November 21st. However, I will be back on track in the New Year and if I can I will get notes for December’s holiday release. In the meantime, there will be lot’s of other notes posted here by me mates so stop back in.

Cheers,
CZ

What’s new at Vintages on October 24th? The focus is on wines from both the land of Oz and port from the Douro Valley. Here are a few notes on the wines from the release. (Click to enlarge images)

130278 PIRATHON SHIRAZ 2005, Barossa Valley, South Australia $38.95
Lots of toasty oak, cedar, smoked meat, dried herbs, forest floor and briar. There is fabulous structure on the palate, showing pure blueberry fruit essence, lively acids and a super long finish. Find this wine

10223 TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia $20.95
A brawny wine that displays a dusty robe of dried mushrooms, blackberry, black raspberry, Szechwan pepper and coffee grounds. Powerful and spicy on the palate, it has good acidity and a long creamy finish.  Find this wine Read the rest of this entry »

Not a lot of wines to review for this release as the board was rather stingy with the amount of wines it shipped to preview. Featured wines this time around are from Italy’s big three, Tuscany, Veneto and Piedmont. Few wines wowed me, but as always, there are one or two bottles that are worth seeking out. Read the rest of this entry »

The release for September 26th features wines of the Napa valley.  Some are good and some are excellent. Only way you will find out is to read on……… Read the rest of this entry »