Some new wines tasted this month

1. Puklus Tokaji Szamorodni 2006, +179374 Vintages, $18.95 for 500 mL:
a second-tier Tokay wines, usually medium-sweet and done naturally with
no added puttonyos. Botrytised grapes would vary from vintage to
vintage and from producer to producer. The last Puklus we had was 2002
vintage; this current version (2006) seems to offer more bitterish
apricot flavours and oxidative notes. A good dessert wine, certainly
affordable, and perhaps best with egg dishes such as custards. 13.5%
ABV.

 

2. Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Merlot 2009 NOTL VQA, +454991 LCBO,
$12.95: Equuleus was not made in 2009 since the grapes did not achieve
the brix level needed (they were off by only 0.4). So this CM (made
with cabernets franc and sauvignon plus merlot) is actually
declassified Equuleus. Here are 2079 voluptuous cases of most of
Chateau des Charmes' single vineyard red wine grapes (Paul Bosc and St.
David's). Expect terrific red fruit, cedar, and Bordeaux-like cassis
after 9 months in French oak. 12.5% ABV.

 

3. Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling MC 2009 NOTL VQA, +78055, $28.95:
a mix of pinot noir and chardonnay, pretty colour, reminiscent of
strawberry blush, three years lees contact and fermented in the bottle.
Full, rich, ripe yeasty biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with
food or apps. 13% ABV.

 

4. Colio Girls' Night Out Chardonnay 2011 VQA Ontario, $12.95 +89821
LCBO: basic stainless steel chardonnay with muted tones of apples and
tropical fruit, probably best as a sipper or first course wine. Light
and crisp style. The package has been redesigned, with a larger dress.
Not a critter wine. 12% ABV.

 

5. Colio Girls' Night Out Riesling 2011 VQA Ontario, $12.95 +134197
LCBO: lighter and more aromatic, some fruit-forward juicy style, best
as sipper. The package has been redesigned, with a larger dress. Not a
critter wine. 11.5% ABV.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com