SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH –

1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $22.95. Now available at Marks and Sparks, er, Marks and Spencer UK for 15.99 pounds (about the same price as here in the Vintages Essentials program). It's an organic wine also certified as biodynamic by Demeter. It is an intense, well-developed cabby savvy, typically North American, with twist top and 12.9% ABV. The many times that I have had it, I gave it a ranking of 89 – 93 depending on the wine's development at the time. Lately, it has been higher. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

2.Mike Weir Vinyasa 2013 VQA Niagara, +379131 $13.95: another entry in the local lo-cal winemaking. Vinyasa refers to a Sanskrit term used to describe the flowing movement between poses as a way to inhale and exhale or breathe. Comprised of riesling (48%), chardonnay (48%), and pinot grigio, the wine comes in at 70 calories. There's a Nutrition Fact table showing 1 gram of sugar per serving (137mL, about 5 oz). The alcohol is 9.5%. It's a great alternative to pinot grigio (123 calories) at the same price but with about a little more than half the calories. Very aromatic and pleasant, clean and brisk for sipping. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

3.Chateau des Charmes Merlot 2012 St David's Bench Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $29.95 at winery: made only in the best years, 2010 was the last vintage. Rich and ripe cassis, cherry, cedar tones from one year barrel aging in French oak. As is typical with merlot, you'll get a velvet soft finish with enjoyable finishing tannins. Give it two more years. 553 cases. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

4.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2012 Paul Bosc Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +287268, $21.95: one of many chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for a year, with lees stirring. Burnt cream and buttery complexity, baked pie, vanilla-caramel arcing tones on the palate. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 491 cases. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.Sauvion Carte D'Or Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2012, +143016, $12.95: one of the better values at the LCBO, at the lowest price point for muscadet in Ontario. Clean, clear, crisp, flavours of green apples and lemons, some minerality. Best with briny  crustaceans and bivalves rather than with fish. 12% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 20123 South Africa, +22251 LCBO, $11.95: green and herbaceous, great as a first course wine, lightly tropical but good finish. 14% ABV, twist top. Overall, light and crisp. Sponsoring Canada Braai Day September 20. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Nederburg Winemaster's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, +111526 LCBO, $11.95: with some cassis sweetness and red fruit showing, with a suggestion of mushroom or forest floor. Medium bodied but 14% ABV. Velvet tannins, under cork closure. Sponsoring Canada Braai Day September 20. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com