Justin's Wine Picks July 5, 2014

Wines hit the shelves on Saturday, July 5, 2014.

If you are glued to the World Cup of Soccer as am I, you will be wondering what type of wine Suarez takes with his Italians ( Headine: Uraguayan bites opponent!) Chianti would be too obvious. How about a nice, earthy Pinot Noir to complement the sweat.

Anyway national mourning has begun in Italy, England and Spain, with more losers set to join them soon. They could drown their sorrows with a stiff shot of Tomintoul 12 Years Old Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt @ only $97.95. These guys can afford it!

I am now officially cheering for Mexico, although they must play Netherlands next, and they will likely need large infusions of Tequila after that experience.

If the Mexicans should prevail I will toast them with any one of these new Bubblies.

Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose N.Z. $21.95. These Rose Bubblies have loads of flavour!

Ch. Moncontour Cuvee Predilection Brut Vouvray 2011 Loire $18.95. Classic Structure.

Loosen Bros. Dr. L. Sparkling Riesling Germany $14.95. Excellent Sekt.

OK, imagine that you are Christiano Ronaldo and the coach is coming to dinner. You need the Best White and Red available from this issue of new wines, bearing in mind that you must continue to exist on only 200,000 Euros Per WEEK.

Ronaldo is so taken with himself that ordinary bubbly would not do. Drappier Carte D'Or Brut Champagne at $48.95 will serve to accompany the hors d'oeuvres.

A spicy dish featuring chorizo needs Kulmann-Platz Muehlforst Gewurztraminer 2012 Alsace $18.95.

The Best Red is surely Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2011Napa $79.95. A huge red wine from an iconic winemaker.

Top Notch Niagara Whites

Cave Spring Estate Chardonnay 2012 $18.95. “Toasty, creamy butterscotch Chard.”

Ch. Des Charmes Chardonnay Musque 2012 $16.95. Chard Musque is Ontario's answer to Chablis!

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2013 $17.95. “Lovely, juicy Riesling.”

Superb White Wines

Jean Bousquet Cameleon Torrontes/Chardonnay 2013 $13.95. You get the richness of Chard and the lovely, intense floral notes of Torrontes.

LawsonDry Hills Gewurztraminer 2011 N.Z. $19.95. Serve with spicy Thai food.

Domaine Du Chateau De Riquewihr Les Murailles Riesling 2009 Alsace $19.95. Beautiful Wine!

Ch. Salmoniere Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sevre & Maine 2012 Sur Lie $13.95 “Like a seaside orchard in a glass...Aromas of sea spray, apple, pear and garden herbs.” Barbecued Shrimp anyone?

Cerrino Brich Menu Moscato D'Asti 2012 $16.95. I love the sweet bubbles in this wine. It is tailor-made for strawberry season!

Remarkable Red Wines

Muruve Roble 2011 Spain $13.95.”Simple but well-balanced, lively, joyful bouquet.”

Henry Of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 $24.95. Delightful cherry/plum profile!

Sartori Amarone 2010 $43.95. Tastes Wonderful right now, will age a long time!

Coltibuono Cancelli Rosso 2011 Tuscany $15.95. # 100 in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2013.

Pipoli Aglianco Del Vulture 2010 S. Italy $15.95. Peppery, cherry, licorice notes.

Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 California $23.95. Dense, Rich, cassis and cherry.

Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California $18.95. Super Winery!!

Ironstone Merlot 2013 $18.95 Ditto!!!

Lafond SRH Pinot Noir 2012 California $29.95. Rich, full New World Style.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot Washington 2011 $16.95. Huge Winery! Great Wines!!!

Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Argentina $16.95. Tannic but good!

Nugan Alfredp Dried Grape Shiraz Australia $26.95. Amarone style. Curiosity will make me try this one!

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 $39.95. Not for the faint of heart! Huge, thick and rich!

Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cab/Sauv 2012 $16.95. “Structured and balanced.”

Ch. Gachon Cuvee Les Petits Rangas 2010 Bordeaux $18.95. Lively fruit & acid!

Ch. Sociando-Mallet 2010 Haut-Medoc $63.85. “Inky Purple, big sweet kiss of blueberry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, camphor, licorice and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied, rich.”

Ch. De Gourgazaud Reserve 2010 Midi $16.95. “Blackcurrant, Boysenberry, cherry, vanilla.”

Great Reads: The Unwinding An Inner History Of America by George Packer. A remarkable History of The Decline of the USA told through a number of profiles of US Citizens, both famous and unknown. The book is worth reading just for the profiles of Sam Walton & Newt Gingrich.

Dead Water by Ann Cleeves. A fine mystery with interesting characters set in the Shetland Isles. This is the latest in a series of five books. First one is Raven Black.

The next Blog entry will be before the next Vintages Release of new wines on July 19, 2014.

Thanks,

Justin

Justins Wine Picks, June 18, 2014

Wines hit the shelves in Ontario on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

It is hard to concentrate on wine with the World Cup of soccer about to commence!

On the other hand I might need a stiff drink of port or whisky after I watch my favourite team, England, play.

My head tells me that Argentina or Brazil will triumph but my heart supports England or Holland.

Anyway here are a few new wines for sipping while you root for whomever. The only sure bet is that FIFA will score a bagful of money from the whole deal! Champagne for them I am sure.

This will be the last time you will receive this by e-mail. From now on you can check it out on line at my blog.

Simply Google Justin's Wine Picks and it will pop up.

The next release of wines will be on July 5. The blog will review it on or before Wednesday, July 2.

Mark that on your calendar.

“Burgundy makes you think of silly things, Bordeaux makes you talk of them and Champagne makes you do them.” Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Best White Wine: Chateau Ollwiller Clos De La Tourelle Pinot Blanc 2009 Alsace $16.95. This is every bit as complex as any red you may try.

White Wines That Will Make You Happy!

Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio 2013 N.Z. $18.95. Strong citrus fruit throughout!

Yalumba Organic Viognier 2012 Australia $18.95. “ pear, apricot and spice.”

Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2012 $19.95. “ Banana cream pie, grilled pineapple, applesauce.”

Peninsula Ridge Inox Reserve Chardonnay Niagara $18.95. This is always very good!

Bestheim Brut Cremant D'Alsace $19.95. Perfect with Hors D'Oeuvres.

Cape Point Sauvignon Blanc 2012 S.Africa $15.95. Lovely gooseberry profile.

Dr. Hermann Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2007 Mosel $18.95. Only 8% Alcohol. WOW!

Tommasi Adorato Appassionato Bianco 2012 Veneto $15.95. “Lovely depth & balance.”

#1 Red Wine: Muriel Rioja $19.95. #6 in Decanter's Top 50 wines of 2013. “A great, classic Rioja. Savoury, traditional style...complex & intriguing. This really is old style with a rich, menthol,vanilla/oak, deep flavour.

Several Wonderful Red Wines!

Capana Brunello Di Montalcino 2008 $48.95. This will need patience. Many years ageing.

Ch. La Nerthe Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2011 $49.95.”Suave blend of richness & vivacity.”

Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz 2010 Barossa $21.95. “Licorice, spice & charcuterie.”

Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa $31.95. A Big BIG wine!

Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $23.95. Also smooth, round & large wine!

Union Squared Red 2012 Niagara $17.95. A unique blend from a good new winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah 2011 Washington $17.00. “Blackberry, black olive, licorice flavours.”

La Posta Angel Paulucci Malbec 2011 Argentina $15.95. “Rich, ripe and substantial.”

Ch. D'Angles La Clape 2010 Midi. Very interesting blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre that would go beautifully with your next prime rib meal.

Cave De Rasteau La Domleliere 2012 Rhone $17.00. “Hugely flavourful and lively.”

Da Vinci Chianti 2011 $16.95. Taste this on it's own and then with some barbecued food. It is loads better with food!

Aleno tinto 2011 Portugal $15.95. Another BARGAIN!!! from Portugal. Sip this while watching Christiano Ronaldo zipping around the pitch!

Borsao Berola 2009 Spain $18.95 “Hefty, rich, impressive wine.

Great Reads: Astoria by Peter Stark. A lively, interesting history of John Jacob Astor's attempt to set up a fur trading empire in the unexplored West.

Between Summer's Longing And Winter's End by Leif GW Persson. Police procedural based in Stockholm. Great characters!

Thanks,

Justin

PS: remember to catch future publications online at Justin's Wine Picks.

Justin's wine pIcks June 4, 2014

Wines hit the shelves in Ontario on Saturday, June 7.

“ I never drink water; that is the stuff that rusts pipes. “ W.C. Fields.

Time to get used to reading this bi-monthly missive in the form of a blog. Starting in July the e-mails will cease. This makes sense with all the computer hacking and other nonsense that is out there in the e-mail world.

Simply Google Justin's Wine Picks and it pops up.

I cannot give you guaranteed dates for new issues as it depends on when the LCBO mails the new releases. In most cases it will be on or around the first and third weeks of the month.

The wines that you will need for summer dining include two SPECTACULAR GOOD BUYS @ just under $20.00! Don't miss out on Breca Old Vines Garnacha 2010 Spain $19.95. Yields of less than one ton per acre. Robert Parker says that “ It may be the most amazing wine I have ever tasted at this price in over three decades.” Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2011 Victoria Australia. “ Excellent length, dry powerful and focused.” Parker scored both of these wines @ 94.

Thinking far ahead for Christmas eve, buy some Pocas Junior Vintage Port 2009 $57.95. Elegant, complex and fruity. #20 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2012.

Also thinking of Christmas, how about this for an extremely well loved Scotch afficianado. The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Years Old Highland Single Malt is a deal at less than one thousand dollars.

Only $999.95. Listed in 1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die.

Delightful and Affordable Bubblies.

#1. Arthur Metz Brut Prestige Cremant D'Alsace $20.95. Double Gold Medal Winner.

Follador Extra Dry Prosecco Veneto $18.95.

Valldosera Brut Nature Cava Spain $19.95.

Best White Wine: Dominum Cuvee Late Harvest Tokaji 2006 Hungary $28.95 (500 ml ). Produced from Botrytis affected grapes. Sit with your loved one in a quiet garden some summery afternoon and enjoy this with soft cheeses and fruit.

Delectable Vin Blancs

Don David Reserve Torrontes 2012 Argentina $13.95. Highly floral aromas!

Sue-Ann Staff Loved By Lu Riesling 2012 $16.95. “Glorious gusher of tangy lime cordial.”

Lanzerac Chardonnay 2011 S. Africa $16.95. “ Mouthfilling, honeyed complexity.”

E. Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2012 $18.95. “Smoking Value!”

Domaine Chenevieres Chablis 2012 $22.95. Try this with simply grilled halibut.

Ch. Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2012 Washington $19.95. “Juicy Pear & Grapefruit.”

Best Red Wine: It may not cost a lot but Oyster Bay Merlot N.Z. $18.95 is one of my go to wines for a memorable occasion! Full bodied, intense fruit aromas and flavours. A treat!

Fine Red Wines

I Castei Amarone 2009 $43.95. Delicious now and will keep for at least 6 more years.

Feudi San Pio Valpolicella Ripasso 2012 $17.95. Amarone's little brother.

Licenciado Reserva Tempranillo 2006 Rioja $29.95. “vivid, red plums, raspberries, vanilla.”

Ch. Roc St-Michel 2009 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru $28.95.

Ch. Larose Perganson 2010 Haut-Medoc $36.95. “Powerful, flamboyant, concentrated.”

Finca Flichman Expresiones Reserve Shiraz/Cab. Sauv. Argentina $15.95. Food Wine!!

Marimar Estate Mas Cavalls Pinot Noir 2009 Sonoma $42.95 “Dazzling Pinot Noir.”

Creekside Laura's Red 2010 $19.95. Niagara. “Edgy, fairly dense and complex.”

Great Buys from Oz!

Hazelgrove First Cut Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2010 $18.95. Full-bodied, lots of blackberry.

Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz 2012 $16.95. Thick blueberry & raspberry fruit.

Mitolo G.A.M. Shiraz $39.95 Big but complex, with subtle layers of fruit.

Wynns Coonawarra Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $27.95. Rated # 85 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2013. Drink from 2015 to 2020.

Great Reads. I am currently reading two books that are so interesting and well written that I find myself reading slower so that they will not end. I want them to continue for a long time!!

Augustus by John Williams is a fictional account of the rise of Octavius Caesar. It is written as a series of letters between the protagonists, people such as Virgil, Horace, Julius Caesar, Brutus etc. It is absolutely enthralling!

Walking Into The Ocean by David Whellams is a new mystery series starring Scotland Yard's semi-retired detective Peter Cammon. A real page turner with some great characters.

My only problem with reading both concurrently is a constant angst about which one I have to finish first! Both from the Kingston Public Library.

Thanks,

Justin

PS Remember to mark “ Check Blog” on your calendar – Justin's Wine Picks.