We are pleased to bring you a scaled down version of the Imbiber’s Report halfway through November which unfortunately is a little late off the presses.  Vintages  released a gutsy little wine from Lirac and re-issued some Dead Arm from d’Arry’s this past weekend.  Reviews are pouring in by the bucket full and we will share some of them with you here.  We’ll save staff picks and food ideas for a later issue since we have been busy with show preparations. 

VINTAGES RELEASE – November 7, 2009

Our Dirty Little Secret…

Rocca Maura
Les Vignerons de Roquemaure       
Lirac AC 2007
France
(64601) $16.95
300 (12 pack) cases available

There is a red wine making renaissance happening in Lirac and the region is enjoying a bit of a comeback.  Lirac has had its ups and downs over the years and has been credited with the development of the AOC system and blamed for the introduction of phylloxera to France, a heavy burden indeed.  Situated directly across the Rhône River from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac has had a reputation for producing wines that were a little ‘wilder’ than some of its neighbours.  More recently, producers have been focusing on what they like to call power and elegance, that fine balance only achieved in a few regions around the world.  This remarkable wine from Les Vignerons de Roquemaure proves that their efforts are paying off.

The wine is mid ruby red with purple hints in colour.  On the nose find dark, ripe fruit aromas intertwined with rich spice, leather and a bit of barnyard.  On the palate the wine is medium-full bodied, dry and fleshy with well-integrated tannin and fruit.  Flavours of wild blueberry, dark plum, mint and olive finish long and dry.  This is amazing value at $16.95.  Pasta with a robust tomato sauce that includes capers, olives and goodly dollop of garlic (sorry Chris) would be in order as would any grilled sausage or red meat, especially game.  Wondering what to serve with your holiday rabbit? This is it.

Nat Decants

2007 Rocca Maura Lirac
Grenache Mourvèdre Syrah Cinsaut
Les Vignerons De Roquemaure, A.C.
Rhône, France 

Score: 89/100. Lirac wines must contain at least 40% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsaut in support. This example features aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, and garrigue (i.e., the smell of rosemary, thyme, sage and lemon verbena that pervades the air of the Rhône and Midi). Dry, juicy fruity, with a long, spicy, finely balanced finish. My note: Rustic and tasty! Notes of black cherry and cedar cuddle up with some smoky blackberries. Pair with: Asian beef stir-fries.  

Calling All Deadheads…

d’Arenberg
The Dead Arm Shiraz 2006   
6 x 1500 ml.
Australia
(37283) $102.41
7 (6 pack, 1500 ml) cases available

d’Arenberg
The Dead Arm Shiraz 2006  
6 x 750 ml.
Australia
(981183) $39.95
343 (6 pack, 750 ml) cases available

Vintages re-issued previous releases of The Dead Arm this past weekend and the 750 ml is a super price.  The 1500 ml bottle format would make a great Festivus gift.  It goes with traditional Festivus meatloaf and because of its size, might also be used when conducting feats of strength.

ACCOLADES

As mentioned above, our wines have been getting some great ink in Toronto and Ottawa.  We’ll have even more for you in the next report.

www.winecurrent.com
4 Stars
Willm ‘Reserve’ Riesling 2008
AOC Alsace, France
$14.30 (11452)

“A consistently well-made Riesling, it reflects the minerality of its terroir and offers floral and fresh citrus aromas. Fermented in stainless, the wine is medium bodied with a crisp texture and soft citrus notes—think lemon pie and sweet pink grapefruit. The finish is mouthwatering and has great length. Drink now alongside a mesclun salad with goat cheese dressing or cellar it for a few years. This is a Vintages Essentials wine that is always available in select stores”.

www.winecurrent.com
4 Stars
Wente Vineyards
‘Southern Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Livermore Valley-San Francisco Bay
$14.30 (301507)

“Spicy and floral with red field berry fruit aromas on the nose, this well-paced Cab has purity of fruit and good structure to offer. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and balanced flavours—spiced black cherry, ripe pomegranate and black currant galore. The fruity finish lingers. Pour alongside grilled rib eye or meat-laden pizza”.

www.winecurrent.com
4 ½ Stars
Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2008
Livermore Valley-San Francisco Bay
$13.87 (175430)

“From grapes cooled by early morning fog, this showcases balance and complexity. Expressive aromas roll off glass—vanilla, spiced pear and tropical fruit—while surging fruit flavours of nectarine, ripe citrus and delicious apple coat the palate. It’s mid weight, generously textured with seamlessly integrated oak and a lingering delectable finish This is an outstanding Chardonnay from the oldest-continuous-family-owned (5th generation) winery in the country”.

www.winecurrent.com
4 ½ Stars
Pol Roger
‘Extra Cuvée de Réserve’ Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne, France
$50.03 (51953)

“Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite, one mouthful and this could become your go-to bubbly for over the holidays—it’s certainly full value. Golden-straw coloured, it’s defined by rich flavour, a very small bead of bubbles and lip-smacking crispness without being acidic. Flavours of lemon biscuit, green apple and ripe succulent tree fruit abound carried throughout by generous texture into a balanced finish. Family-owned for generations, it’s one of the most highly regarded and respected Grande Marque houses”.

www.winecurrent.com
3 ½ Stars
Robertson Winery Shiraz 2009
WO Robertson
$9.99 (610949)

“Aged in a combination of French and American oak for 6 months, this well-priced Shiraz has an intense sweet fruity nose of dark berries with a hint of tapenade and pepper. It’s medium bodied with a fine seam of acidity that carries the luscious dark fruit throughout the palate. Well balanced with delicate vanilla notes, the wine has a medium-long fruity finish”.

National Post
Drinks Quarterly
The Best Bottles
Gold Medal Winners
InterVin International Wine Awards
 

Chardonnay Oaked under $20
Wente Vineyards
'Morning Fog' Chardonnay 2008
#175430  $13.87

Red Blend
d'Arenberg
d'Arry's Original Shiraz / Grenache 2006
#942904  $16.86
 
National Post
WINE PICKS
by Margaret Swaine

"These wines are well priced, tasty and quite broadly distributed.  I'd happily have any of them for dinner"
 
Willm Riesling Reserve 2008
LCBO No. 11452 $14.30

"I had to fight off my husband to get a second glass of this classic dry Alsatian Riesling from a winery with roots dating to 1896.  Racy and expressive with a crisp lemon lime zing and whiffs of florals and minerals in the bouquet, it's a natural with fish, crustaceans, vegetable quiche or roast chicken with onions.  Deservedly, it's a Vintages Essential".
 
Chateau de Gourgazaud 2007
LCBO No. 22384  $10.89
"A perennial listed red from Minervois in the south of France, this almost always delivers good taste from vintage to vintage and the value is constant.  Medium bodied, spiced and softly open, it's a blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes.  With rounded red berry flavours touched by an earthy, gamey edge that's well balanced, it's satisfying with beef stews and braised short ribs".

The following promotions are available now to November 28th at the LCBO:

Patriarche Vin de Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir (522649)
4 Bonus Air Miles

Cheers!

- Mark Donaldson, Editor and Factotum

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Telephone: 416-368-5108 Fax: 416-368-1349
mark@churchillcellars.com