La Fiole Du Pape Nv Châteauneuf Du Pape, Rhône Valley

Rhone, South.
$34.95 at LCBO

Well, first of all, you have to wash a bottle! And your hands.
Not a bad wine for non vintage. Needs a good pairing. I had a coq au vin and gratin Dauphinoise. Creamy gratin and light chicken in wine sauce were great for this wine.

In the glass ruby red,bright.
On the nose sweet fruit, berries, spice.
On the palate dry, full bodied, ripe berries, vanilla, fresh acidity of raspberries.
Fruity finish with clove notes.
Nice but not the best.

Michele Satta Bolgheri Rosso 2009, Doc

Beautiful, beautiful wine!
 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
$19.95 at LCBO

In the glass dark red, bright, healthy.
On the nose  loads of dark fruit, cherry, tobacco.
On the palate, dry, medium to full body. On the palate flavors continue develop of dark fruit, meat, oak. Very smooth and silky with soft but firm tannins and balanced acidity.
Long pleasant finish.

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Colchagua Valley

Chile. Colchagua Valley
$16.95 at LCBO


One of the best Cabs I've ever had!!

In the glass opaque, dark ruby color.
On the nose aromas of dark berries, vanilla.
On the palate dry, medium to full body. Very juicy, nice, mellow tannins and acidity. Blackberries, chocolate, plum,  some smokiness, beautiful!
Nice long finish with fruit flavors.

Domaine Besancenot Beaune Theurons 1er Cru 2009

France
Burgundy

$39.95 at LCBO

Beautiful, beautiful Pinot Noir!!
Really enjoyed it! And great value to, for this wine!
In the glass semi opaque, bright red color.
On the nose cherries, plum, cedar aromas.
On the palate medium bodied, great balance of fresh acidity and soft tannins! Dry, lots of fruit,floral flavors.
Long and lovely, fruity finish.
I had it with smoked trout gouger. Paired really well.

Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2011, Ac

 Rhone
France

In the glass clear,healthy light  straw color. 
On the nose aromas of stone fruit,  backing spices.
On the palate very fresh, good acidity, dry. Very elegant, aromatic, with fruit and little bit of ginger and honey flavors. Medium finish with lemony taste.
I love Rhone wines!

Les Hauts De Castellas Vacqueyras 2010, Ac

Rhone, France.

In the glass ruby red semi opaque. 
 On he nose floral and earthy aromas.
On the palate dry, medium bodied. Flavors opening to dark fruit, spices, little bit of minerality.
 I think in a few years this wine will get even better. But still very good now!
Balanced acidity. Nice lingering finish.

2006 C.G. di Arie Syrah Amador County

 Califronia
Sierra Foothils
Amador County


In the glass dark, deep red color.
On the nose amazing concentrated flavors of dark berries, smoke, meaty aromas.
On the palate dry, full bodied, very rich but velvety.
Flavors of cherries, dark berries,  spices, smoke, some earthiness. Long and rich finish with mushroom and meaty aromas.
 Very big and wonderful wine. I would say typical New World but also typical Syrah flavors from the Old World.