1. Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2007, $20.95 (500 mL), +980805): Hungarian nectar, full of apricot, dried peach and orange peel. 13.5% ABV. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.
From Mountain Road Wine Company, a comparative chardonnay tasting from vines planted since 1983. They need to be opened early and not served too cold:
1. Mountain Road Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2005 S. Kocsis Vineyard Niagara, $12 at winery: some underbrush, mushrooms, forest floor, higher acid, oaky wonder. Great value at this price. 13.7 % ABV. Gold Medalist at 2010 Royal Winter Fair Toronto. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor.
2. Mountain Road Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2006 S. Kocsis Vineyard Niagara, $15.95 at winery: delicious, balanced, more fruit than most, buttery and creamy. For the value of the dollar, best tasting wine of the four. 13.9% ABV. Quality/price rating 90 points by Dean Tudor.
3. Mountain Road Chardonnay Reserve 2005 S. Kocsis Vineyard Niagara, $22 at winery: on the label, this is also known as cHard Times. Short nose, but intense, long finish with higher acid. Very oaky, great for those who like the wood. 14.3% ABV. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.
4. Mountain Road Chardonnay Reserve 2006 S. Kocsis Vineyard VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, $25.95 at winery: buttery, toasty, very complex and still evolving, no real sign of aging. 13.4% ABV. Gold Medalist at 2010 Cuvee (Niagara). Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor.
From Amethyst Wine Agency,
1. Gann Family Cellars Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2007, $29.95, +311571 Jan Vintages: one of my recommended top wine values over $20 in the Jan 19 release, with full BF and BA, caramel, vanilla and butterscotch (but not too heavy), 14% ABV, from vines planted in 1978. There is to be a $3 LTO in Period 13. Quality/price rating 92 points by Dean Tudor.
2. McNab Ridge Winery Rousanne Mendocino 2009, $18.95, +312892 Jan Vintages: honeyed peach tones, some pie spices, all done up in stainless steel. This Rhone variety comes in at 14.5% ABV, bound to give viognier a run for its money. Aperitif wine or first course. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.
3. Quinta da Baixo 2008 Bairrada Tinto, $14.95, +293415 Vintages: from the baga and touriga nacional grapes, unfiltered, aged six months in French oak, 13% ABV, shows off top notes of red fruit and vanilla, could be served with meaty main, cheeses, or mocha-inspired desserts. Quality/price rating 87 points by Dean Tudor.
4. Southbank Estates Chardonnay 2010 Hawkes Bay New Zealand, $17.95, +278523 Vintages: aged 7 months in French oak, good balance between acid-vanilla-fruit, perhaps best in summer or with summer-y salad food, with a whopping 14.5% ABV (but no hot finish). Sustainably-produced, hand harvested Gold Medalist at New World Wine Awards. Quality/price rating 88 points by Dean Tudor.
From Groupe Kolonaki,
1. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Awatere Valley New Zealand, +225557, $17 April 27 Vintages: fairly typical of Kiwi Savvies, but with tropical/floral top notes and a lingering herbal finish that is best with food (not as a sipper). Usually a proven winner since the 2006 vintage. 13.5% ABV, a bit higher this time around than before (about 13%). 2408 cases available! Quality/price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor.
2. Casale Dello Sparviero Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, $18.95, +317313 March 2 Vintages: rare to find such value in Chianti Riserva under $20, selected as WOM by LCBO, 1400 cases available. Intervin Gold Medalist 2012, but still needs some time to come around with the tannins and 14% ABV. Berries dominate with pepper coming at the finish. If drinking now, do a double decant before serving. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.
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