{"id":2513,"date":"2015-10-12T08:12:00","date_gmt":"2015-10-12T08:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2015\/10\/12\/saturday-october-17-2015-vintages-release-report\/"},"modified":"2015-10-12T08:12:00","modified_gmt":"2015-10-12T08:12:00","slug":"saturday-october-17-2015-vintages-release-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/2015\/10\/12\/saturday-october-17-2015-vintages-release-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Saturday October 17, 2015 – Vintages Release Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

Key to the 5-star rating system:<\/strong><\/em>
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good<\/em><\/p>\n

Wine colour indicators – Red<\/span>, Whites<\/span>, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Foci …<\/strong> Napa Gold Rush (NGR<\/strong>) and Barolo (BAR<\/strong>)
The Skinny …<\/strong> As we get closer to Christmas you’ll notice the average price of wines goes up, but then so does the quality; my “what I’m lining up for” gets a little above twenty bucks but these wines are worth it – I’d also like to say Ontario has some really good wines to pick up, especially the Cab from Lakeview.<\/p>\n

Argentina …<\/strong>
Alta Vista 2011 Atemporal<\/span><\/em> ($19.95 – #144352) – vanilla, cherry, smoky, woodsy; sit it down for 4-5 years.  (****)
Domaine Bousquet 2012 Grande Reserve Malbec<\/em><\/span> ($24.95 – #303701) – good dark fruit oriented wine with plum, black cherry and raspberry.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Australia …<\/strong>
Alkoomi 2012 Black Label Shiraz\/Viognier<\/span><\/em> ($21.95 – #203166) – silkier than expected, nice cherry, blackberry, violet and smoked meat with nice acidity and tannins.  (****)
Alkoomi 2014 White Label Semillon\/Sauvignon Blanc<\/em><\/span> ($16.95 – #428383) – citrus zest and pith seem to rule this wine with a long finish.  (*** ½+)
Mollydooker 2013 The Boxer Shiraz<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #246595) – eucalyptus, smoky, vanilla, plum, blackberry and spicy notes; really smooth and silky.  (****+)
Red Hill Estate 2013 Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($23.95 – #58073) – raspberry-cranberry and a tart lime-like sensation; quite tasty.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Canada<\/strong> (British Columbia) …<\/em><\/span>
Jackson-Triggs 2012 Sunrock Vineyard Illumina<\/em><\/span> ($34.95 – #424572) – a blend of Zinfandel and Shiraz from British Columbia that has a nice peppery-plummy sensations and totally enjoyable.  (****+)
Stoneboat 2012 Pinot Noir<\/span><\/em> ($29.95 – #429332) – vanilla, black cherry, spice and cigar notes; an interesting take on Pinot Noir.  (*** ½+)
Canada<\/strong> (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review<\/em><\/span>
Creekside 2013 Viognier Reserve<\/em><\/a> ($26.95 – #264168) – *** ½+
Featherstone 2013 Red Tail Merlot<\/a> ($19.95 – #131540) – *** ½+
Henry of Pelham 2010 Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir<\/em> <\/a>($34.95 – #657874) – ****
Hinterland 2014 Borealis Method Charmat<\/em><\/a> ($22.00 – #431817) – *** ½+
Lakeview Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/a> ($29.95 – #43390) – ****
Red Tractor 2013 Premium Collection Riesling<\/a> ($16.95 – #431627) – *** ½
Southbrook 2013 Triomphe Cabernet Franc<\/a> ($21.95 – #275958) – *** ½+
Tawse 2014 Sketches of Niagara Riesling<\/a> ($17.95 – #89029) – *** ½+<\/p>\n

Chile …<\/strong>
Valle Secreto 2012 First Edition Carmenere<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #371153) – mint, blackberry, black cherry and cedary oak; this is a big Carmenere.  (****)<\/p>\n

France<\/strong> (Beaujolais) …<\/em><\/span>
Georges DuBoeuf 2011 Morgon Cote de Py<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #424887) – candied cherry with subtle notes of white pepper.  (*** ½)<\/p>\n

France<\/strong> (Bordeaux) …<\/em><\/span>
Chateau Arnauton 2010<\/em><\/span> ($25.95 – #425454) – menthol, blackberry, black cherry with cocoa and a certain chalkiness to the finish.  (****)
France<\/strong> (Burgundy) …<\/em><\/span>
Domaine des Deux Roches 2012 Les Terres Noires Saint-Veran<\/em><\/span> ($26.95 – #429068) – nice pleasant smoky apple, buttery, poached peach, citrus zest and very flavourful.  (****)
Domaine du Meix-Foulot 2011 Clos du Chateau de Montaigu Mercurey 1er Cru<\/em><\/span> ($34.95 – #123927) – lovely raspberry and cherry with cranberry, violets and good acidity.  (*** ½+)
France<\/strong> (Loire) …<\/em><\/span>
Tresors de Loire 2014 Vouvray<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #427427) – sweet but in the right way, pleasant honey and pear notes with a little bitter \/ acid on the finish for balance.  (*** ½)
France<\/strong> (Midi) …<\/em><\/span>
Domaine de Bila-Haut 2013 Occultum Lapidem<\/em><\/span> ($25.95 – #643239) – chalky, cherry, blackberry and anise.  (****)
Villa Symposia 2012 L’Equilibre<\/span><\/em> ($22.95 – #298620) – rich black fruit, mocha, black cherry and white pepper.  (****+)
France<\/strong> (Rhone) …<\/em><\/span>
Domaine de Cristia 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape<\/em><\/span> ($43.95 – #67678) – pure red licorice, plum and blackberry jam.  (*** ½+)
Domaines Perrin 2013 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes-du-Rhone<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #48884) – sweet and spicy meet right here in this glass.  (*** ½+)
Famille Perrin 2013 Les Cornuds Vinsobres<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #566844) – raspberry, white pepper, smoke, cherry, violets; I’ve had better in past vintages but this is still good.  (*** ½+)
France<\/strong> (Rousillon) …<\/em><\/span>
Domaine Lafage 2013 Cuvee Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Granache Noir<\/em><\/span> ($18.95 – #354191) – interesting wine with a little grit, black cherry and smoke.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Italy<\/strong> (Molise) …<\/em><\/span>
Di Majo Norante Ramitello<\/em><\/span> 2011 ($18.95 – #973214) – spicy\/peppery number with nice tannins and sour cherry.  (*** ½)
Italy<\/strong> (Piedmont) …<\/em><\/span>
Prunotto 2010 Barolo<\/em><\/span> ($40.95 – #928721) – dried & spiced cherry with a slight herbal component and sweet\/dried red fruit on the finish.  (****) – BAR<\/strong>
Tenuta Rocca 2010 Barolo<\/em><\/span> ($36.95 – #395103) – cherry and sour raspberry, spiced and dried sweet fruit.  (*** ½+) – BAR<\/strong>
Italy<\/strong> (Umbria) …<\/em><\/span>
Adanti 2007 Sagrantino di Montefalco<\/em><\/span> ($35.95 – #424762) – robust with coffee, licorice, smoke, and herbal notes; mouthfilling and plenty of oak.  (*** ½+)
Italy<\/strong> (Veneto) …<\/em><\/span>
Zeni 2013 Marogne Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #220830) – rounded black cherry with gentle spice.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Portugal …<\/strong>
Casa Santos Lima 2013 Reserva do Monte<\/em><\/span> ($15.95 – #426452) – sweet cherry, easy drinking and supple.  (*** ½)
Fonseca 2009 Late Bottled Vintage Port<\/em><\/span> ($21.95 – #87551) – balanced Port with great black cherry, spiced plum, and all the things that make Port delicious.  (****)
Pilheiros 2011 Red<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #427856) – mocha, blackberry and smoke.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Romania …<\/strong>
Budureasca Feteasca Regala 2014<\/em><\/span> ($11.95 – #416800) – sweet apple, peach and pear with floral overtones; juicy and vibrant.  (*** ½+)<\/p>\n

Spain …<\/strong>
Dominio de Tares 2011 Cepas Viejas Mencia<\/span><\/em> ($29.95 – #379891) – smooth and silky with chocolate, black cherry and a lovely mocha finish.  (****)
Palacios Remondo 2012 La Montesa Crianza<\/em><\/span> ($21.95 – #674572) – nice creamy cherry and smoked raspberry.  (****)<\/p>\n

United States<\/strong> (California) …<\/em><\/span>
Ca’Momi 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span> ($25.95 – #315002) – cassis, blackberry with hints of leather and a smoky finish.  (*** ½+) – NGR
Duckhorn 2013 Chardonnay<\/em><\/span> ($39.95 – #418319) – forty dollars for a creamy, vanilla, fruit driven Chardonnay? One this tasty – sure.  (****+) – NGR
Stonehedge 2013 Reserve Chardonnay<\/em><\/span> ($22.95 – #311548) – vanilla cream, apple and peach; and then it has its good points.  (*** ½) – NGR
United States<\/strong> (Oregon) …<\/em><\/span>
La Crema 2013 Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($34.95 – #385757) – don’t expect California here, La Crema has made Oregon Pinot Noir in the Oregon style and not tried to make it conform to Cali.  (****)
________________________________________<\/p>\n

In-Store Discoveries – wines that appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet …<\/strong>
Barone Pizzini Animante Franchiacorta Brut<\/span><\/em> ($29.95 – #422691) – Italy … ****
Bosquet des Papes 2012 Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape<\/em><\/span> ($48.95 – #726687) – Rhone … ****+
Cakebread 2012 Zinfandel<\/span><\/em> ($49.95 – #214031) – California … *** ½+
Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rabource Rully 1er Cru 2012<\/em><\/span> ($35.95 – #200139) – Burgundy … ****
Joseph Phelps 2013 Sauvignon Blanc<\/em><\/span> ($59.95 – #965277) – California … ****
Lowburn 2013 Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($45.95 – #429472) – New Zealand … *** ½+<\/p>\n

If You Can Afford It – wines worth their high price …<\/strong>
Banfi 2010 Poggio Alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino<\/em><\/span> ($69.95 – #372250) – Tuscany … ****
Beringer 2012 Quantum<\/em><\/span> ($69.95 – #362400) – California … **** (NGR<\/strong>)
Caymus 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span> ($99.95 – #222877) – California … ****+ (NGR<\/strong>)
Paul Hobbs 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span> ($116.95 – #119065) – California … **** ½ (NGR<\/strong>)
Shafer 2012 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon<\/span><\/em> ($126.95 – #45476) – California … *** ½+ (NGR<\/strong>)
Silvio Grasso 2010 Bricco Manzoni Barolo<\/em><\/span> ($89.95 – #422105) – Piedmont … **** (BAR<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

What I’ll Be Lining Up For – October 17, 2015 …<\/strong>
Alta Vista 2011 Atemporal<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #144352) – Argentina
Palacios Remondo 2012 La Montesa Crianza<\/em><\/span> ($21.95 – #674572) – Spain
Villa Symposia 2012 L’Equilibre<\/em><\/span> ($22.95 – #298620) – France<\/p>\n

Happy Shopping<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Key to the 5-star rating system:5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good Wine colour indicators – Red, Whites, etc. The Foci … Napa Gold Rush (NGR) and Barolo (BAR)The Skinny … As we get closer to Christmas you’ll notice the average price of wines goes up, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-vintages-releases"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2513\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}