LCBO/Vintages new releases Aug 4, 2007 - post your comments here

[Royaljelly]

Hi Folks,

Here's my first attempt to start an ongoing discussion about the new releases from Ontario's LCBO/Vintages wine store. Depending on how well this one goes, I'll try to start a thread every 2 weeks with each new release. Feel free to also add comments from other wine discussion boards/review sites as well, since it'll save us time in having to read through many various websites.

Here are the links:
http://www.vintages.com/circular/2/finewines.html
http://www.vintages.com/circular/2/champagne_sparklingwines.html
http://www.vintages.com/feature/spain2007/index.html
http://www.vintages.com/circular/inst...

Here's a few particular wines that caught my eye:

PIRRAMIMMA PETIT VERDOT 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia
- I've been drinking lots of Shiraz from Australia, but never tried this one yet. Any thought on how it compares? I also saw a few others mention this wine on another board as well (?wine spectator).

CHÂTEAU CABARON 2003
AC Bordeaux (Château Roquefort/Frédéric Bellanger, Prop

)

BTW, I'm definitely NOT a wine expert by any means, just a regular guy who likes to find out what the more refined experienced palates have tried and would buy for their own cellar or dining table. My heart starts racing with the prospect of finding that one well priced sleeper of a wine.

[jayt90]

The Pirramimma really pleased me, elegant and worth getting next time it arrives.
I opened a bottle of Ch. Cabaron 2003 tonight, and was disappointed. It may mellow over 3-4 years, but it did not have a lot to offer, especially for a garagiste parcel.
Both wines were less than $25. Did you try these, Royaljelly?

[cybergod]

For a relatively inexpensive wine ($16.95) Flat Rock Cellar's Estate Riesling is really quite excellent. The estate bottling and their slightly more expensive Nadja's Vineyard have both won Riesling wine of the year awards at various Ontario and Canadian wine competitions (including those that aren't simply a big marketing scam type of affair).

And for something really offbeat: Viña Tondonia's Viña Gravonia might be worth checking out. It may not be to everyone's taste, but if you want to check out what a really old school Rioja white wine is like (and one that's had 11+ years of aging), Tondonia does this style better than anyone else. My wife and I had a couple of glasses of the Viña Tondonia 1996 Rosé at Casa Mono in NYC a couple of months ago, and it was really different: all nutty and waxy, really dry, but with a sort of candied fruit quality.

Also, the Martin Codax Albariño will probably be really good. I've had previous vintages and it's always been excellent. A great match to drink with shellfish/seafood.

[estufarian]

In my experience, Tondonia wines are always reliable. Definitely a 'house' style that one can pick out whenever encountered.
I do find the Martin Codax wine a little simple however - too much in the modern style. Commercial, reliable but lacks some personality.
And Ontario riesling is (IMO) its strongest varietal. Pity it doesn't sell!

[jayt90]

I have only tried one of my purchases of 10 days ago, the Nepenthe Tryst '05 Sauvignon Bl/Semillon, praised by RP. Very nice, flowery, peachey nose, good flavour, and no aftertaste. A good buy, but what was he thinking?

[spades]

Nice to see Spanish wines get a little more focus. I have had some excellent products from there, most recently the 2000 Abadal 3.9. A bargain at $24.

[jayt90]

Those are good choices, nicely priced.
I'll look for Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2006 ($15) as it has been a great value in the past, and sure to sell out.I got the last bottle of the 2003 at the Bayview Village store, but missed the '04 and '05..
There will be a lot of pressure on two wines with RP ratings,
Clos du Calvaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 ($30). I don't know the wine, but the year was fine.
Nepenthe Tryst Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon ($16). It gets a gushing review and qualifies as a sleeper.

I'll check store availability as soon as it is posted on the release date, and decide how much chasing to do. I may check with a Vintages consultant today to get an opinion.

[millygirl]

If I recall correctly, Cloudy Bay is being released this week....better get there early, it goes quickly.

[PaulV]

I see a couple from Toasted Head in California. I've enjoyed wine from them before (can't remember exactly what I've had), and the prices are not too high, so I'll probably try those ones. Also would like to try the Flat Rock. Not familiar with most of the other ones and don't know much about Spanish wine at all.