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WHITE 87/100 Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Region del Valle Central, Chile This the ninth vintage reviewed at gismondionwine.com and it is certainly among the best.
WHITE
87/100 Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Region del Valle Central, Chile
This the ninth vintage reviewed at gismondionwine.com and it is certainly among the best. Casillero sauvignon is harvested from several cool sites and fermented and aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks. Look for a clean super fresh white with bright gooseberry flavours and flecks of peaches, honey and citrus. It finishes clean with a touch of minerality and lime rind. Crazy quality for the price. Oysters and sushi work for me.
Tasted: 2009-06-04 by AG
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NS $12.50 (750 ml); ON $11.40 (750 ml); SK $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 578641; UPC: 078044320301174
Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A.
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
87/100 St. Hallett Poacher's Blend Semillon Sauvignon 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
The Poacher's Blend has evolved over the years to a sémillon sauvignon blanc mix, dropping the riesling colombard and chenin blanc. Look for a zesty grapefruit, green pea, mineral nose with a wisp of residual sugar in its fig, apple, honey, butter flavours and aftertaste. Perfect for spicy Pan Asian food. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-05-22 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $11.95 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.95 (750 ml); NS $15.00 (750 ml); ON $14.15 (750 ml); QC $15.10 (750 ml)
CSPC: 535963; UPC: 9316920000329
Producer: St. Hallet Wines
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
86/100 Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2008
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Clean zippy, fresh style with bright acidity and green apple fruit up front. Thirty per cent of the wine is fermented in French oak and aged eight months on the lees but you hardly notice it save for a bit of texture and richness in the finish. As always solid, well-made and eminently affordable.
Tasted: 2009-06-09 by AG
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NF $11.57 (750 ml); NS $12.95 (750 ml); SK $13.10 (750 ml)
CSPC: 270355; UPC: 07804320256900
Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A.
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
86/100 Mil Piedras Viognier 2008
Mendoza, Argentina
Light lees, grassy, citrus, melon, green apple aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat leaner style with grassy, green apple, lees, butter, green melon skin, and honey flavours. Should be fine with food. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-05-19 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Great Legs International
CSPC: 897835; UPC: 00626990078210
Producer: Benvenuto de la Serna
Distributor: Great Legs International Wines Inc.
86/100 Serame Viognier Reserve 2007
Languedoc, South of France, France
Lemon oil, pine, citrus, honey, herbal aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with good viscosity. Honey, orange, mineral, ginger, butter, guava flavours. Nose is a bit odd, (it is cork finished) but the palate is solid. This wine needs a screwcap.
Tasted: 2009-05-19 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 879148; UPC: 3258691345253
Producer: Chateau de Serame
Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Vins et Vignobles Dourthe
86/100 Terramater Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard Reserve 2008
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Straight-up sauvignon form the relatively cool Isla de Maipo zone. The palate is a fresh mix of mango grapefruit and melon flavours with a grassy undertone. Clean fresh and simple it would be perfect with summer salads and light seafood dishes.
Tasted: 2009-06-04 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) estimated retail
UPC: 007804452004462
Producer: Terramater S.A.
Distributor: Vinterra Wine Merchants
86/100 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa has a flair for sauvignon and you can see it even in the bargain bottles. The grapes are picked from across the Cape on a variety of soils. Look for a fresh, green fig character, with bits of grass and honey. The palate is balanced and fresh with a clean tropical fruit finish. Excellent styling and value for the price.
Tasted: 2009-06-04 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml)
UPC: 6001497600616
Producer: Bergkelder, The (Distillers Corporation)
Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
85/100 Deinhard Riesling Piesporter 2006
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Petrol, slate, struck matchstick, cooked apple skin aromas. Soft, round, easy style with grapefruit, baked apple, bitter pear rind, guava flavours. Simple, easy sipping patio white.
Tasted: 2009-06-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $10.50 (750 ml); BC $15.00 (750 ml) Specialty; SK $12.95 (750 ml)
CSPC: 106328; UPC: 4003310651104
Producer: Deinhard KG Koblenz
Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
85/100 Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
South Eastern Australia, Australia
Consistently fresh and dry and pretty good value for the money describes this South Australian sauvignon. Crisp lemon nettle melon fruit with bits of grapefruit and grass throughout. A painless patio white for a variety of appetizers.
Tasted: 2009-06-04 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.50 (750 ml); NB $13.00 (750 ml); NF $13.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml); SK $13.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 181388; UPC: 012354081826
Producer: Lindemans Wines
Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada
ROSÉ
87/100 Domaine Le Pive Gris 2008
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Domaine Le Pive hails from the Vin de Pays des Sables du Golfe du Lion a region that lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the two arms of the River Rhône delta. The blend is a mix of grenache noir with merlot and cabernet franc. As in previous editions the colour is spot on pink-y/orange with an aromatic nose of dried herbs and berries. The palate is fresh with strawberry citrus leafy notes and a dry crisp finish. A classic summer luncheon rosé that only gets better with food. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-06-09 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 416180; UPC: 3186127715540
Producer: Vignobles Jeanjean
Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.
87/100 Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2008
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, Chile
This cabernet rosé comes with a bit of heft and spice. The nose is fresh the palate bright with big citrus leafy notes mixed with sweetish cran-cherry flavours. A fun patio sipper well-chilled or let it warm up a touch and serve it with a variety of charcuterie and cheese.
Tasted: 2009-05-27 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 207035; UPC: 08410113005366
Producer: Miguel Torres Chile
Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
86/100 Pascual Toso Malbec Rosé 2008
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
This is the full meal rose with big spicy aromatic notes on the nose with bright cherry, watermelon and plum fruits. Look for a smooth sweet entry and warm long fruity finish. The weight and power suggest spicy barbecued meats would be a great match.
Tasted: 2009-05-24 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $12.00 (750 ml); QC $13.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 250761; UPC: 00718742003097
Producer: Pascual Toso
Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
RED
87/100 Quinta do Encontro Merlot Baga 2006
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Meaty, cedar, rooty, peppery, smoky, vanilla, roasted, floral aromas. Dry, slightly tannic, fresh, full bodied style. Smoky, peppery, meaty, black cherry, herbal, spicy, roasted pepper flavours with a touch of cooked carrot and chocolate on the finish. Good solid Euro style food wine.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 576975; UPC: 0056045750014145
Producer: Dao Sul
Distributor: Red Dog Sales and Marketing Wine & Spirits
87/100 Wolf Blass Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Red Label 2006
South Eastern Australia, Australia
Big spicy, peppery, black cherry, cassis, liquorice, mocha, black olive nose. Round, dry, supple, warm palate with more spicy, liquorice, black cherry and plum flavours. Very fruity-tutti and warm on the finish but still an attractive style. For many consumers.
Tasted: 2009-06-22 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.50 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NF $16.00 (750 ml); NS $17.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); PEI $17.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml); SK $16.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 311795; UPC: 23859000229
Producer: Wolf Blass Pty Ltd
Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates
86/100 Chateau de Cabriac 2006
Corbières, Languedoc, South of France, France
Black cherry, earthy, rooty, peppery, cedar, meaty, floral nose. Round, dry, somewhat astringent palate with smoky, plum, licorice root, resin, peppery, cedar flavours. A solid wine for grilled meats and the summer.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 315119; UPC: 33488822101152
Producer: Chateau de Cabriac
Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing
86/100 Frescobaldi Remole Chianti 2007
Tuscany, Italy
Peppery, spicy, meaty, tobacco, rooty, saddle leather, dried cherry nose. Dry, round, slightly lean and tannic palate but solid balance. Cassis, prune, rooty, meaty, leather, peppery flavours. Good balance, simple, solid Euro-style food wine.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $12.40 (750 ml)
CSPC: 149435; UPC: 8007425200017
Producer: Marchesi de' Frescobaldi
Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing; The Bacchus Group Inc.
86/100 Lujuria 2006
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, Spain
Look for a soft, round, dry pleasant entry from this 70/30 blend of monastrell (mourvèdre) and merlot. The flavours mix coffee, dark chocolate, plummy red fruit with spice and smoke throughout. A well made, simple, easy-sipping dry red from Spain that will work well around the barbecue. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 077149; UPC: 8422445001178
Producer: Bodegas Mediterraneo
Distributor: The Delf Group
86/100 Masi Modello delle Venezie 2007
Verona, Veneto, Italy
Decidedly fresh and elegant on the nose this simple red delivers for the price. Expect a lightweight red with floral overtones and red fruit flavours with a dash of earth and pepper. Your classic Margherita pizza red.
Tasted: 2009-05-23 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $13.00 (750 ml); ON $11.95 (750 ml); QC $14.00 (750 ml); SK $13.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 533026; UPC: 008002062001522
Producer: Masi Agricola
Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
86/100 Mil Piedras Malbec 2007
Mendoza, Argentina
Tobacco, peppery, black cherry, smoky, meaty, savoury nose. Round, fresh, supple palate with black cherry, vanilla, mocha, savoury flavours. A bit sweet on the finish but will be widely accepted for the price.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Great Legs International
CSPC: 826982; UPC: 00626990078203
Producer: Benvenuto de la Serna
Distributor: Great Legs International Wines Inc.
86/100 Trivento Reserve Malbec 2007
Mendoza, Argentina
Spicy, savoury, peppery, meaty, tobacco, cherry jam nose. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate with peppery, tobacco, rooty, cherry, plum, licorice flavours. Good overall balance if a bit light. Solid food wine for the money. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG
Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $15.95 (750 ml)
CSPC: 484618; UPC: 07798039590342
Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A
Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
85/100 Golden Kaan Shiraz 2007
Western Cape, South Africa
Spicy, black cherry, tobacco leaf, savoury, herbal, dill, Band-Aid aromas. Dry, round, slightly hard palate with a tart edge. Weedy, cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf, flavours with a meaty, Band-Aid, garlic, smoky finish. Ordinary
Tasted: 2009-06-21 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $12.25 (750 ml); BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.95 (750 ml); NB $11.95 (750 ml); SK $12.95 (750 ml)
CSPC: 147728; UPC: 00748294422299
Producer: Golden Kaan
Distributor: Vinterra Wine Merchants
85/100 Stork's Tower Tempranillo - Shiraz 2006
Castilla-Leon, Spain
Meaty, sausage, tobacco leaf, green bean, caraway, peppery, coffee aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet entry with light tannins and vibrant acidity. Plum, black cherry, meaty, coffee, cologne, peppery, tobacco leaf flavours with a bit of green herbs and vanilla on the finish. An easy, commercial style for consumers.
Tasted: 2009-05-19 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 366062; UPC: 0084159002139
Producer: Hijos de Antonio Barcelo, S.A.
Distributor: International Cellars Inc.
85/100 Vinha do Alqueve 2005
Ribatejo, Central and Southern Portugal, Portugal
Any red made from trincadeira, tinta roriz, touriga nacional, cabernet sauvignon and touriga franca is okay with me. It is dry, rustic and a bit tart on entry but there is some depth of flavour and weight and I'm sure it would be just fine with hamburgers, ribs or chicken. What is does not have is a lot of heavy oak mucking up the finish. An interesting excursion to the Euro side.
Tasted: 2009-05-23 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 239558; UPC: 005607158287328
Producer: Pinhal da Torre
Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.
