World Wine Watch Jan 31, 2009

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR  JANUARY 31, 2009
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By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing <deantudor@deantudor.com>
Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and
Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and
RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits.
My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are
QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated
wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the
release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective
or corked wines are not available for re-tasting.

 

WHITE WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Three Vineyards Chardonnay 2007
Niagara: balanced already, vanilla, apple, long finish. +105379,
$17.95, QPR: 89.
2. Hess Chardonnay 2006 Monterey: typical restaurant wine, nicely
compact with all you'd expect from Cal Chard. +986778, $19.95, QPR: 90
3. William Cole Mirador Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Casablanca:
excellent acidity and crisp finish for the price. +93948, $13.95, QPR:
91.
4. Kumkani Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Coastal South Africa: stressed out
sauvignon blanc, unbelievably herby and grassy. 14.5% ABV. +57539,
$14.95, QPR: 90.
5. Jean Geiler Gewurztraminer Reserve Particuliere 2007 Alsace:
finishes dry, very good MVC for Gewurz lovers. +106864, $17.95, QPR:
92.
6. Eugenio Collavini Sauvignon Blanc Fumat 2006 Collio Italy: body and
concentrated flavours. +93575, $16.95, QPR: 90.
 
RED WINES
^^^^^^^^^
1. Inniskillin Reserve Series Cabernet Franc 2006 Niagara: smoke and
herbs throughout, great finish. +91140, $18.75, QPR: 89.
2. Chakana Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza: soft North American style.
+663161, $13.95, QPR: 90
3. Canepa Reserva Privada Carmenere 2006 Rapel: wow factor is high at
this price. Full of juicy ripeness, black fruits. +82586, $13.95, QPR:
91.
4. Celestial Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Margaret River: MVC typicity
for the region, Euro style, some dust. +77669, $19.95, QPR: 90.
5. Hungerford Hill Fishcage Shiraz/Viognier 2006 SEAustralia: twist
top, with syrah intensity and viognier floral. 14% ABV. +77958, $13.95,
QPR: 90.
6. Chateau La Gorce 2005 Medoc: nice juicy bottle for the cellar.
+91397, $19.94, QPR: 89.
7. Enzo de Sette Rue Nero d'Avola 2006 Sicilia: full and ripe, fleshy,
nice value. +101436, $12.95, QPR: 90.
8. Trecciano Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2005: volumes of sangiovese
flavours, some wood, fullish body. +86314, $19.95, QPR: 90.
9. Gamba Gnirega Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Le Quare 2006:
intense dried fruit character. +94979, $17.95, QPR: 90.
10. Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell 2007 Jumilla: very North American in
style. +94888, $14.95, QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE"
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Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers
could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1. Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay 2005 Carneros, +83345, $26.95 retail.
2. Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Eden Valley, +903559, $23.95.
3. Kim Crawford Kim's Favourite SP Chardonnay 2006 Gisborne, +90126,
$24.95.
4. Maison Champy Bourgogne Signature Chardonnay 2006, +43455, $22.95.
5. Saltram of Barossa Mamre Brook Shiraz 2005, +32227, $21.95.
6. Couly-Dutheil La Baronne Madeleine Chinon 2005, +57059, $21.95.
7. Delas Domaine des Grands Chemins Crozes-Hermitage 2006, +101105,
$28.95.
8. Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 2001, +239277, $31.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com