SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

++ Stratus Tollgate Merlot 2010 VQA Niagara, +344101, $24.95:
originally for licensees, the Tollgate label appears to have gone in
the same direction as their Wildass label – direct to the consumer.
Here, the classic modal varietal character of merlot is preserved
through the hotish, ripe summer of 2010. Spicy oak tones from 567 days
in French oak (50% new), along with concentrated red and black berries
with mocha casings, and the velvet soft finish. 14.9% ABV, twist top.
Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Stratus Tollgate Fume Blanc 2009 VQA Niagara, +335711, $24.95: a
great example of what a "fume" should be – concentrated stone fruit,
zesty grass on the mid-palate, and spicy oak on the finish. 584 days in
French oak, all second-fill, from a low-yield 2009 harvest. 14% ABV,
twist top. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic
Epicures.

 

++ Bottega Vino dei Poeti Sparkling Rose, +277202, $12.95 LCBO: another
winner in the wine sweepstakes for summer enjoyment. It is 60% raboso
piave and 40% pinot nero, coming in at 11.5% ABV. Very pale colour
(skin contact is 12 hours), with aromas of peaches and red berries,
continuing on the palate, and finishing dry. Great for aperitif or with
starters. Medal winner. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor
of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Enopart Topazio 2009 Douro, +324566, $12.95 LCBO: just out for
summer, a relatively lighter version of heavy-heavy Douro reds, a blend
of the three tourigas (nacional, roriz, and franca). Expect cherries,
some mocha, soft finish in a North American appeal. 13% ABV, and with a
twist top instead of a cork. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean
Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

I recently had the opportunity to taste a range of KWV chardonnays…

 

++ KWV Classic Chardonnay 2013, n/a in Ontario but found in three other
provinces at prices averaging $11. Just bottled, my first taste of any
2013 wines thus far. Light oaking, some nuttiness on finish, basic
entry level but all the elements are there: slight vanilla and lime
tones. A good value wine, twist top, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is
89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ KWV Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2012, n/a in Canada, but selling
for about $11 CAN in South Africa. Barrel Fermentation for 80 days.
13.5% ABV. Fragrant, fresh lime zest, balanced with oak tones, lingers,
smooth. Twist top. Very close to Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay in style,
perhaps more oak and less lime. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by
Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2012, +328559 Vintages, $14.95: not
sure how to describe this since it is very close to the Reserve – I
tasted both side-by-side. Again, barrel fermentation for 80 days. 13.5%
ABV. Fragrant, fresh lime zest, balanced with oak tones, lingers,
smooth. Cork finish, within same price range as Reserve. 50% new French
oak, rest second and third fill, nine months maturation. 31% of fruit
from Elgin Vineyards. Fuller body. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by
Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ KWV The Mentors Chardonnay 2012, n/a in Canada, about $18 CAN in
South Africa. Made from all Elgin Vineyard fruit, expected to mature
well for three to five years. 13% ABV. Lemony, minerals, some lime,
rich from the lees. Stone fruit aromas, woodsy, nine months barrel
aging (same as Cathedral Cellar). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by
Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com