Paul Forget

Domaine Du Chardonnay Chablis 2009, Ac

A beautiful greeny straw colour with aromas of lemon-lime citrus fruit, green apple, honeydew melon and hints of minerals. The palate has loads of energy and length, steely and minerals notes with good balance between fruit and racy acidity. On the finish this Chardonnay is long, pure and refreshing like a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a clean citrusy taste. I paired this wine with roasted chicken and it work beautifully.

Deumayen Trez Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza

Wow, great nose on this Malbec with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, dark plum, vanilla, smoky and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious forward fruit, savoury spices, smooth and very tasty, balance acidity with fine grained tannins. This wine's finish is long, very smooth with excellent depth of flavours that makes you look forward to the next sip. In the depth of Malbec choices available in our stores, while slightly more expensive than most, Deumayen Tres Reserva Malbec 2007 is definitely worth the extra dollars.

Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza

A very pretty nose on this Malbec, with aromas of blueberry, dark plum, currants, violet, light cedar and baking spices. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with delicious forward fruit and spices, well balanced by fresh acidity and firm tannins. This wines finish is long, spicy and very flavourful. I find that in this vintage, this Malbec shows a leaner more restrained style than the last few vintages, but I have to commend them on moving to a much lighter bottle. Definitely better for the environment and the bottom line I am sure. This wine should appeal widely, strongly recommended.

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Lake County

This young Cabernet Sauvignon is a little awkward at the moment. A little shy on the nose with aromas of dark fruit, dark chocolate, cedar, smoke and dust. On the mouthfeel this medium to full bodied Cabernet has loads of dark fruit, enough acidity and hard tannins. The back label says smooth and velvet finish, it is nothing but. I get a great deal of oak and aggressive tannins. Don't get me wrong, a good wine, at a great value, but it needs time in the cellar. This wine lacks finesse, right now.

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

Greeny straw in color, this Sauvignon Blanc opens up with aromas of gooseberry, white grapefruit, passion fruit, flinty and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, intense tangy, zesty fruit, light tropical fruit flavours and lively acidity. This wines finish is long, refreshing with bright flavours lingering. This is a textbook Sauvignon Blanc made to be enjoyed at the table paired with white meat or seafood. A very enjoyable wine.

Le Pupille Poggio Valente Morellino Di Scansano Riserva 2007, Docg

William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis 2010, Burgundy

Wow, I just love the nose on this wine, it is so fresh and clean with great aromatics. Beautiful bright greeny straw in color on this 100% Chardonnay, this wine opens up with aromas of melon, lime, green apple and mineral scents. On the palate, medium bodied (12.5% Alc.) with green apple flavour and lively acidity. Clean finish with excellent depth of flavour, refreshing and slightly creamy texture. This wine is so well made, with very little manipulation. A pure expression of Chardonnay, clearly a very classy wine. Strongly recommended,

Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This wine opens up with very lively aromas of pear, green apple, grapefruit and minerals. On the palate this off-dry Riesling is medium body with alcohol coming in at 10% and where the crisp acidity and sweetness are perfectly match. The finish is long with lemon zest and mineral note lingering. A terrific and well balanced refreshing Riesling. I paired this wine chicken curry and roasted cashews, it work beautifully.

Navarro Correas Structura Ultra 2006, Ip Mendoza, Limited Release

If Structure Ultra was a boxer, it would be competing in the Heavy Weight division; a big wine on all fronts. Big fruit, big alcohol 14.9%, big flavours, big and heavyweight bottle ( not a positive here), big… well you get the picture. The reaction of pulling the cork was an upper cut of flavours, with ripe black fruit (cherry and blackberry), plums, black currant, cedar and floral notes. This full bodied mouthfeel has rich and velvet texture, concentrated fruit flavours, toasty oak, fresh acidity and grainy tannins. This blends finish is long, rich and sensuous. An awesome wine, strongly recommended for people who enjoy this style.

Coriole Redstone Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

A rich and concentrated nose; dark fruit, cassis, earthy, cedar (lots of it) and licorice. Mouth feel is heavy with too much oak, a bit tart and drying tannins. Finish is long, dry and spicy. Food wine for sure. I would lay this one down for 1-2 years. Was actually much better the next day. Tasted February 2011.