Kiwi Walk Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Very interesting sparkling!
Light straw color in the glass. bright, clear.
Very aromatic nose. Lot's of citrus, herbs, asparagus.
Soft mousse, dry on the palate. Long finish, fresh and crisp.

LUSTAU DELUXE CREAM CAPATAZ ANDRÉS SOLARA RESERVA SHERRY

This is real deal from Spain!
Classic cream sherry!

 Light amber color in the glass.
A rich, sweet, honey, caramel, roasted nuts,dates. Creamy on the palate, balanced acidity. Lingering finish with cinnamon,
figs, and baked apple notes.

Very nice!

Clos Des Cazaux Cuvée St. Roch Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

South Rhone.
France.
Semy opaque red in the glass.
On the nose oak, earth, mineral, spices.
On the palate very spicy, black pepper, herbs, dry, medium bodied. Good balance of acidity, light tannins.
Nice , medium finish.

Douro quinta cachao colheita 2009

Red wine from Portugal.
Traditional blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca.
Very rich dark red color, almost purple.
Lot's of oak, rustic flavors. Balanced even though high in alcohol, soft on the palate. Dry with pepper, plum, spice aromas
Long finish.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

I wish you all the best and let all your wishes come true!
Cheers!

From me to you!

Baronia Del Montsant Englora 2005, Do Montsant

Spain.

47% Red Grenache, 22% Carignan, 8% Syrah, 19 Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Tempranillo.

Great wine! needs decanting for a couple of hours.

Dark red in the glass, with garnet rim.
Dry, medium bodied.
Very complex aromas of cedar, vanilla, spices.
Very rich flavor with good balance of acidity and tannins.
Long finish filled with ripe fruit taste.

Bremerton Verdelho 2011, Langhorne Creek, South Australia

South Australia, Australia

Very light  and fruity wine.  Some pears and melon on the palate.
Fresh acidity, medium finish with floral notes.
Great with seafood!

Les Vignoles Terroirs Et Lieu Dieu De Loire Saumur Champigny 2009, Ac, Cabernet Franc

Loire, France 
I love Cabernet Franc! 
Very stylish and elegant wine. 
Garnet color in the glass.
Lovely aromas of raspberries,  spices. Light tannins and smooth acidity. Medium bodied, medium finish with floral notes.

I had this wine with various meat terrines. It was great pairing!

2008 Jean-Marc Brocard Bourgogne Blanc Kimmeridgien

Burgundy, France.
Chardonnay.

I loved this unoaked Chardonnay. Even though I usually prefer oaked Chardonnays.
Dark yellow color in the glass.
Buttery and citrusy flavors, fresh acidity, hint of minerality.
Very refreshing, great with seafood.

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2011, Ac Costières De Nîmes

Blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.
Light yellow in the glass.
 Floral and zesty wine packed with stone fruit flavor and mineral notes.

Wines from LCBO tasting table

SASSICAIA 2009

Price $ 179.95  

 Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc

  Dark, ruby colored in the glass.
Even though this wine is still young, it's very big, rich.
Concentrated flavors of dark fruit, leather, little bit of menthol and smoked meat.
Very complex and elegant wine, balanced tannins with long finish.

 MASSETO 2009

 
Price $ 499.00
 Tuscany 
 Merlo

Dark ruby color.
Aromas of ripe berries, cassis, chocolate and spices.
Very concentrated flavors of dark berries, licorice, great balance and some sweetness in the end.  
Full bodied, lovely wine, will get even better in a few years.





 DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2009

 

 Price $ 639.00

  Burgundy, France
 Chardonnay

  Pale straw in the glass.
Aromas of apple, spices, and whiff of floral aromas.
Delicious acidity, juicy, great classical finish.

Amazing experience to taste this wine!




PENFOLDS GRANGE 2006

 Price $ 499.00

 Barossa Valley
Australia
Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon.
 Deep red color.
Very aromatic, intense  aromas of baking spice, smoked meat, nuts.
Firm tannins with balanced acidity.
Long finish with flavors of dark berries, licorice, cocoa.




OPUS ONE 2008

 Price $ 364.95

 California
Napa Valley
Bordeaux blend. 

Very dark purple in the glass.
Elegant wine with aromas of cherry, raspberry, oak.
Dry, full bodied, very fruity, firm tannins, amazingly smooth, complex.
Long finish with tobacco,  and spice notes.
 







 CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2008

 Price $ 795.00

 Outstanding wine!
This Margaux is my favorite!
Dark ruby red in the glass.
Exceptional aromas of dark fruit, cherries,spices.
Complex flavors, of dark berries, graphite,  pepper, leather and oak.
Dry, full bodied with wonderful  tannins, balanced acidity, lovely texture.
Long finish full of flavors with coffee and berries.




 
 
 

Quady Elysium Black Muscat 2010

Delicious dessert wine!
Sweet honey, intense aromas of roses. Flavors of very rich and ripe  lychee and cooked berries, figs.
Sweet but not too sweet, good balance of fruity acidity. Long  divine finish.

Caves de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne rosé

Lovely bubbly! made by traditional method. Pinot Noir and Gamay.
Very fresh, good acidity. Lot's of strawberries, cranberries flavors. Nice finish with mineral notes.

Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010, Lontué Valley

Interesting wine from this solo variety. This grape is usually used in Bordeaux blends.
Wasn't really impressed. Not enough character there. But! Great value.
Flavors loaded with ripe fruit aromas. Very soft on a palate.

Roux Père & Fils Côte De Beaune Villages 2010, Ac

I love Pinot from Burgudy
Very elegant, light to medium body.
 Dry, with cherry and strawberry flavors. Then opens to more earthy side with spice notes. Lovely acidity, very balanced with great silky finish.

Dufouleur Père & Fils Brut Crémant De Bourgogne 2008, Ac, Méthode Traditionnelle

Pale straw in the glass.
Lovely aromas of  fresh fruit, toasted bread.
On the palate great soft mousse, flavors of stone fruits, little bit of minerality. Nice, crisp acidity, good fresh finish.

The Winemakers' Collection Cuvée No. 3 2007, Cuvée No. 3: Andrea Franchetti

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot .
Great Bordeaux style! Good balance of acidity and tannins. Layered aromas of fruit and spices. Light but complex, with long finish.Very nice!

Wine and food expo Toronto

Last week I had a great opportunity to taste some wonderful wines from all over the world without leaving Toronto!
Had amazing Amarone from Zenato.
Nice Pinot from Burgundy. For me real Pinot still comes only from this French region.
A few interesting whites from New York region. Dry Riesling, I loved, semi dry muskat, was really nice and fruity!
For the dessert wine- Italian white Passito wine,really amazing.
And an eye opener! Macedonian grape Vranec- really rich and flavorful. Also Macedonian Caberenet Sauvignon was very tasty and luscious.  will definitely look for those wines in the LCBO!

My wine tasting menues.

Here
http://ninawinetravel.com/category/my-wine-tasting-menues/

Terranoble Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Maule Valley

 Another great Carmenere!
The 2009 Carmenere Gran Reserva contains 5% Petit Verdot in its blend. The wine spent 12 months in new and first use French oak barriques and over a year in bottle prior to release. from wine align.
In the glass dark red color.
On the nose smoky, floral, red fruit, herbs.
On the palate rich, dry, well balanced, soft tannins and acidity. Full bodied, spicy, fruity with hint of herbal aromas.
Long finish filled with jammy flavors.

Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Aconcagua Valley

 In the glass dark ruby.
On the nose spices, oak, black currant.
On the palate dry, bright acidity and firm tannins, dark cherries, cassis, medium to full bodied. Smooth finish with dark fruit flavors.

Château Pontet Chappaz 2008, Ac Margaux

 In the glass bright dark ruby color.
On the nose dark fruit, dark berries.
On the palate dry, medium to full bodied, need decanting. Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, leather. Very soft tannins and acidity, velvety on the palate. Long finish with tobacco and fruit flavors.

Bricchi Astigiani Bricco Del Perg Barbera D'asti Superiore 2008, Docg

 

Bright dark ruby color in the glass.

On the nose aromas of berries, floral, vanilla. 

On the palate dry, fresh acidity, flavors of cherries,  little bit of minerality, spice notes. medium bodied, lingering fruity finish.

Napa Cellars Merlot 2010, Napa Valley

 Bright red cherry color in the glass.
On the nose mint, spice, cherry.
On the palate dry, medium bodied, round. Toasty, mix of blackberry, blueberry and plum notes, with vanilla aromas. Good balance of acidity and tannins.
Lingering finish with ripe fruit flavors.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Very refreshing sparkling wine!
Nice small, long lived bubbles.
Flavors of apple, bread, little sweetness of melon.
Lovely mousse, lingering finish.

Falernia Reserva Carmenère 2007, Elqui Valley

Best Carmenere I've ever tasted!
Rich dark red color, bright.
On the nose rich aromas of ripe fruit, spices.
On the mouth soft, dry, balanced tannins and acidity. Medium to full body. Concentrated flavors of fruit, chocolate, spices.
Amazing!

Cavino Grande Reserve Nemea 2006, Pdo

Greece.
Great find!
Mouthful of berry flavors, red fruit, little bit of tobacco.
Nice balance of light tannins and acidity, medium body.
Good length.

Giacosa Fratelli Madonna Como Dolcetto D'alba 2010

Very nice Dolcetto!
Perfect wine for food! Especially meat.
Lovely perfumed, cherry flavor, little bit of mint, easy to drink but lots of layers of flavors and aromas.
Again wonderful wine from Piedmont, my favorite region.

Wine and cheese tasting on google.

http://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/wine-and-cheese-tasting-on-google-video-hangouts-october-10/

I'll post details reviews soon!

Château Rocher Lideyre 2006, Ac Côtes De Castillon

Bordeaux-right bank.


Dark ruby color in the glass.

On the nose tobacco, cherry, smoke.

 On the palate dry. Needs decanting, medium bodied. Good balance of fresh acidity and well structured tannins. Flavours of blueberry, cassis, some floral aromas. Touch of minerality and earthy flavours.
Medium finish with black fruit aromas.

Good wine but needs more structure. I think couple of years in the cellar will make this wine more interesting.

 

Vineland Estates Select Late Harvest Vidal 2006, VQA Ontario

 One of my favorite dessert wines!

 In the glass bright, clear, light amber color.

On the nose floral,  sweet stone fruit, honey and vanilla.

On the palate sweet, but not too sweet, very good balance of sweet orange acidity. Aromas continue develop on palate, baked apple, honey. Long finish with candied fruit taste.

Ioppa Ghemme 2003, Docg

Grape Nebbiolo
Piedmont,Italy.

In the glass garnet core with brick on the rim.
On the nose floral, cherry, leather, mushrooms.
On the palate dry, medium to light body, acidic. Red fruit, little bit of minerality, light tannins.
Fresh long finish with earthy notes.
Great Nebbiolo! I love aged Piedmontian wine.

Rutherford Ranch Zinfandel 2008, Napa Valley

  Great fully flavored Zinfandel.

In the glass dark purple color, bright, opaque.
 On the nose rich aromas of cooked fruits, menthol, spices, mocha.
On the palate dry, medium to full body, with high alcohol. Fruity with touch of vanilla, floral notes with soft tannins.
Good balanced wine with very smooth and peppery finish.

Château Mazeris Bellevue Canon Fronsac 2006

Bordeaux, Right bank.


I wish I could have more experience with wine like that, 6 years old great wine.

In the glass bright and deep purple.
On the nose intense red berries and vanilla aromas.
 The wine is silky on the palate, fruity and acidic with firm tannins.

 I think this wine still will get better after a few years of aging.

Taste Ontario!

I was invited to a great event! Ontario wines.
There was vast range of wineries from all Ontario famous wine places. From Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara On The Lake, prince Edvard County and some emerging regions.

It was walk around tasting, great selection of wines. I thought it was impossible to taste everything, but I tried my best!:0)
There were great examples of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc,lovely lightly oaked Chardonnays.
Cold climate grapes that are doing great in Ontario, producing nice wines.


 I started with

 Colio Estate Wines 

http://www.coliowinery.com/our-winery/winery

CEV Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007 

That was a great example of Cabernet Franc!
Light and fruity, with little bit tobacco and raspberry on the finish.



Cooper's Hawk Vineyards 

http://www.coopershawkvineyards.com/index.php

presented lovely and aromatic Gewurztraminer 2011.

13th street winery.

Can't say that that was my favorite.
Their sparkling was nice and dry but, not enough aromas and structure and bubbles disappeared very fast from the glass.
Gamay also didn't have good structure and was a little bland.

Bachelder

http://winesinniagara.com/2012/02/thomas-bachelders-dream-trilogy-of-chardonnay-niagara-burgundy-oregon/

Their Chardonnay was really great! Oaked, just how I like it, but not overoaked. Buttery on the palate with nice nose.

Fielding Estate winery

http://www.fieldingwines.com/

Riesling 2001 was wonderful! very good nose, green juicy apple. German style, little bit off dry.

Flat Rock Cellars.

http://www.flatrockcellars.com/

I visited this winery, so I was familiar with their wines.
I tasted  Gravity Pinot Noir 2010
http://www.flatrockcellars.com/products/view/58

Lovely Pinot, nose little mushroomy, red berries on the palate, dry, light body. very cold climate style.

Talon ridge vineyard Pinot Noir 2009

Another Pinot. Some similarity on the taste. Lovely Pinot, little too acidic to my taste.

Then it was Pinot from Mike Weir Wine, 2009
Very elegant, red fruit, light tannins, dry, light body.

Next Pinot was from Lailey Vineyard
It was very juicy, floral, jammy. Lovely.

Also I've tasted Syrah from this winery. I liked very much this cold climate Syrah .
Dry, peppery, fruity. Unexpected and nice.

Then I tried two unfiltered Pinot from Norman HardieWinery & Vinyard.
County Unfiltered Pinot Noir 2010 from Prince Edvard County
http://www.winealign.com/wines/24981-Norman-Hardie-County-Pinot-Noir-2010
and
Unfiltered Pinot Noir from Niagara peninsula 2009

Both were very interesting and different, because the soil in Prince Edvard county is  broken limestone bedrock and stony.
 And in Niagara region clay mineral soil. All this difference you can taste in the wines.
I liked 2010 more.

 I finished this brilliant evening with the amazing red icewine from Stratus vineyards.
Red Icewine 2010. Great, nice balanced with acidity, pleasure!

And I can't forget to mention the great and tasty food we were served. There is just small part of it.

L'Oca Ciuca Chianti Docg Riserva 2008

Grape- Sangiovese
Italy, Tuscany.
In the glass  deep dark cherry color.
On the nose floral, spices, tobacco.
On the palate dry, medium bodied, intense, ripe, balanced tannins and acidity. Plum, black fruit. Soft finish, nice length.

Umberto Fiore Barbaresco 2006

Nebbiolo grape.
Piedmont, Italy.

Semi opaque in the glass, garnet color.
On the nose more floral aromas, licorice, red berries.
On the palate dry, medium bodied, I'd say still young. First acidity jumps to your palate, good balance of oak and tannins. Little high in alcohol. Overall little unbalanced, but  very food friendly.

Wolf Blass Wine Tasting: An Unforgettable Evening

With Natalie MacLean
http://www.nataliemaclean.com/blog/wolf-blass-wine-tasting-an-unforgettable-evening/

Two Amarone

DUE TORRI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008

 A fantastic Amarone!

On the nose chocolate, cherry, raisins, coffee. 

On the palate dry, with hint of sweetness, rich aromas replays  on the palate. Very intense. Tannins are soft and the acidity is nicely balanced. Full bodied with long and fruity finish

 We had in another glass of

 

  

Giacomo Montresor Fondatore Amarone della Valpolicella 2008

 

 Also it was very nice. And it was very interesting! Same year, but different wine. Even in the glass it wasn't as rich as previous one.

Dark ruby-red color, floral, dried fruit  cherry, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavours.

On the palate dry, full bodied, with balanced acidity but more pronounced. Firm tannins and good length.

A little minerality, pomegranate, floral notes and mint. Little less intensity than Duetorri. 

Both wines were wonderful, subtle and delicious, but the first one was softer, jucier. Different cheeses tasted opposite with those two wines.

 

Wolf Blass wine tasting with Natalie MacLean

I had a great chance to taste wonderful wines, meet famous wine maker, and talk to amazing Natalie MacLean. Got her new book signed by her and Wolf Blass! That evening was unforgettable and magical!
We had 7 very interesting wines and beautiful and tasty dishes.

At first we had 5 wines to taste.

First was

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2011

In the glass bright, light straw color with little bit of green on the rim.On the nose apple,  mineral, petrol.On the palate dry, mineral, lovely fresh citrus notes and apple. Some petrol.Medium finish with grapefruit aromas.

Next wine was

 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2010, Victoria, Southeastern Australia

Light cherry color, clean, clear.

Nose is very fruity, sweet cherry, berry pie, strawberry, caramel.

On the palate dry, medium to light body, cherry, whiff of nuts.

Medium finish with touch of sour cherry flavour.

Then it was Shiraz. it was wonderful!

  Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008

In the glass deep red-garnet color, opaque.On the nose stewed berries, black berries, spices.On the palate dry, medium to full body, nice crisp acidity, firm tannins, lots of black fruit, vanilla, plum.Long finish with lots of cherries. 

Another great wine was

 Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet 2009, Robe / Mt. Benson 

In the glass dark ruby color, semi opaque, pink watery rim.On the nose cassis, black berries, allspice. On the palate medium bodied,  dry, juicy, cassis, vanilla, very good balance.

 and

 

Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2007, Langhorne Creek/Mclaren Vale

 Deep garnet red in the glass, semi opaque, pink on the rim.On the nose spices, tobacco, very complex aromas.On the palate dry, very rich and spicy, high tannins, lots of wood, dark fruits, leather. Medium finish with hint of tobacco. Still can age a few years more. Very interesting wine.

Wine was getting cold, so I couldn't really appreciate the last one.

During the wine tasting Wolf was answering some of Natalie's questions and told  interesting and funny stories! 

Then we had the most amazing food! There is some of it!

 

With the food we had

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2011

Straw color, on the nose oak, tropical fruit, citrus.

On the palate a little frizzi, dry, oaked, buttery. Very refreshing with vanilla and melon notes.

Medium finish with touch of minerality. Loved its nicely balanced oak. 

And the last one

 

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, South Australia

Deep red purple color, semi opaque.Nose dark berries, cassis, plum.On the palate dry, very good balanced tannins and acidity,  dark fruit, blackberry.Long juicy finish with hint of eucalyptus. 

 

But that was not the end of the great evening! I met Natalie, got her book and she and Wolf signed it for me!

 

 After that I went home feeling great!