G'day, fellow winelovers!
We have some new wines in, and some new vintages.
The 2000 Montes Alpha Merlot is in, and I've received some extremely
favourable comments on it.
Also, have it's new brother, the Montes Alpha Syrah.
Casa Lapostolle Merlot, '01, from Chile is a wine that is not a typical
Chilean merlot. It's a wine of elegance and finesse, fruity, full bodied and
supple with well-balanced tannins, all for about $15. You've gotta try this one.
A new merlot, just arrived in Alberta for the first time is the 2001
Miguel Torres Merlot. It has an aroma of intense plum and blackberry jam mixed
with spicy hints of vanilla and liquorice; long finish with lingering spice.
Good with white meats, grilled or fried fish. Under $13.
Like Pinots? How about the '00 Te Kairanga Reserve Pinot Noir? It's a
deep purple/red with excellent depth, a complex nose showing plum/chocolate and
underlying gamey aromas. Rich, concentrated with a silky texture. It will reward
those who cellar it. $37.
Another Pinot, this time a Canadian one that was an award winner at a San
Fransisco wine festival. It's the Mt. Boucherie Estate Summit Reserve 2000,
priced in the $20 range. Check out their website at www.mtboucherie.bc.ca.
A new grape variety has been created at the University of California at
Davis by crossbreeding Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria. From this grape
we have Baywood Symphony, a classic dry white with a hint of sweetness. It can
be enjoyed with food or on its own. Under $12.
The 2001 Cloudy Bay from New Zealand (in Wine Spectator's Top 100 is in.
Rated at 91 points, it's a lively jazzy style--racy lime, green apple, passion
fruit and guava. Flavours linger on a polished vibrant finish. About $20. Often
considered the best Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, which is reputed to produce
the world's best!
Another Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is Isabel which received rave
reviews at a recent social occasion in town. The '01 is bright, ripe and zingy
with grapefruit, pear and celery notes that linger enticingly through the vivid
finish. It rivals Cloudy Bay! About $20.
Australia has given us some more gems. Two are the Cookoothama Shiraz,
and Cookoothama Cabernet Merlot. The Shiraz is described by the agent as the
best value he has seen in his 30 years in the business. It has aromas of pepper
and spice that flow through to the palate. One can drink it now or cellar it (it
will improve for 2-3 years). Just let it breathe for 30 minutes or more--it's
still young. The Cab/Merlot has a sweet berry nose with hints of dark
chocolate-like aromas. Rounded berry fruit flavours on the palate are
complemented by well integrated oak and firm tannins. Can be cellared for 3-5
years. Both are just over $12. Great Value!
Fox Creek JSM, a 1999 from McLaren Vale in South Australia is a superb blend of
Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It can be drunk now or can be put
down for mid-term cellaring (preferably). It has blackberry and lifted spice
aromas and a palate of generous rich fruit supported by fine tannins. Excellent
length. Enjoy it on its own or with full flavoured foods or cheeses. About $23.
An Italian contribution, Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio comes highly
recommended by a consumer magazine. To be enjoyed with pasta, primavera, and
seafood such as scallops, prawns and mussels. Under $13.
Lingenfelder Bird Riesling from the Pfalz region of Germany has come
highly recommended by a wine magazine (I forget which one). It's a light, fresh,
elegant dryish wine to be enjoyed with a meal or on its own. By the way, some
Rieslings are one of the few whites that can be cellared for 8-12 years. They
can go into a dumb stage 2-3 years after release, but will open up again after a
few years of cellaring. Under $13.
For the bubbly fans, a great new Champagne with great reviews. Nicholas
Feuillate Brut Reserve Premier Cru Champagne. (Take a breath after that title!)
La robe jaune-or, au nez floral with aromas of pear, and an elegant nose. About
$35.
Armagnac you say? Caussade Armagnac is a "stack" of three 200ml bottles
of a 5 year, a 10 year and a 25 year armagnac. Want to try Armagnac without a
major investment? Here's an oportunity. Priced from $60 - $65.
Coming soon: Peter Lehamann 2001 Barossa Valley Shiraz (worth waiting
for), St. Hallet's Blackwell Shiraz, 2000 Condada de Haza and other delectables.
I have two bottles of the Dows 2000 Vintage Port left. $65.
The Beer Box gives a special discount for Wine Club tastings. Call me for
details.
