Paul Forget

Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005, Doc

A classic version of Amarone with aromas of prune, fig, dates, dried raisins, stewed fruits, chocolate and leather. This full body mouthfeel of 15.5% alcohol has rich and sweet texture, low acidity and well integrated tannins. Great length and velvet on the finish. Loved it

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Calistoga, Napa Valley

This wine is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, maturation taking place in French and Eastern European oak (14%) and alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.8%.

This wine opened up with aromas of black cherry, plum, clove/vanilla spice, leather, smoky and espresso notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, rich and concentrated flavours and texture yet well balanced by good acidity and firm but not overbearing tannins. The length is very good on the finish with dark fruit flavours, spicy, smoky and silky tannins lingering. In a cool vintage, this 2009 managed to achieve both power and elegance, a solid, robust Cabernet yet approachable in its youth or cellar 4-5 years. More French in its style than California, very enjoyable, enjoyed on October 28, 2012.

Elderton Ode To Lorraine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

I love this blend. A bit shy on the nose with red and black fruit, clove, vanilla and toasty oak. The palate is rich, smooth and well structure. Medium to full body and great length. Ode to Lorraine is very enjoyable now and will only get better over the next 4-5 years. Tasted in January 2011.

Altocedro La Consulta Reserva Malbec 2007, Mendoza

Intense on the nose; blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar and smoky. Full bodied with rich mouth feel. Lots of power on the finish, with concentrated flavour, dusty tannins, generous alcohol but very smooth.

Beringer Bancroft Ranch Single Vineyard Merlot 2005, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley

This wine opens up with great and complex aromatics; cherry, black currants, violet, chocolate, cedar, savoury spices and vanilla. The mouthfeel is rich and elegant, with concentrated fruit flavours and toasty oak with great balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. The finish is long, savoury with fine integrated tannins. A fine maturing beauty, great stuff.

Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2007, Napa Valley

This wine is mostly Petit Syrah with 84% and in a supporting role, 8% Syrah, 4% Grenache and 2% Viognier with alcohol coming in at 14.3%.
A deep aubergine in color, almost black, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, espresso, damp earth, dried leaves, incense and white pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, structured, with bold flavours, low acidity and firm tannins. This wine finish is long, intense with flavours of dark fruit, bitter sweet chocolate, espresso and persistent tannins lingering. There is nothing “Petit” about this wine, it’s a big, bold, structured wine which needs a further cellar period of 2-3 years for optimum pleasure. What it lacks in finesse and elegance, it more than made up by sheer power, for those who like them big. Be aware of the noticeable sediments as you get closer to the bottom of the bottle. Enjoyed on March 11, 2013.

Stonestreet Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Alexander Mountain Estates, Alexander Valley

This wine opened up with aromas of plumy-blackberry fruit, dried currants, bitter chocolate, savoury herbs, clove and smoky notes. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied, dry with rich and concentrated flavours, mild acidity and firm grainy tannins. Very good length on the finish with layered dark fruit, vanilla and peppery notes and noticeable tannins lingering. This is a wonderful full bodied well structured and complex California Cabernet which could be enjoyed today (I paired this wine with a BBQ steak) but should keep improving over the next 8-10 years. Strongly recommended.

Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2007, Napa Valley, Biodynamic

From the very good 2007 California vintage, this wine is 100% Merlot, certified organic and biodynamic. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in a mixture of large and small French oak barrels with 30% new barrels. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry, cherry, dark plum, dried violet, cedar and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol at 14.8%), balance acidity, fine grained tannins with fine texture and harmony. The finish is long smooth and savoury. This is a aromatic, stylish, elegant wine with excellent balance and drinkability. I say it is drinking pretty close to its peak right now. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended

Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009

A wine of deep purple, which opens up with aromas of blueberry- blackberry fruit, licorice, burnt toast, black pepper and dried floral notes. On the palate, full bodied, concentrated flavours, balanced acidity and firm tannins. A wine of many layers on the finish including dark fruit, sweet oak, savoury notes and those same firm tannins lingering 'till the end. Drink now or over the next 5-6 years. Strongly recommended.

Charles Cimicky Autograph Shiraz 2004

Very aromatic; fruit cake, dark plums, date and cinnamon. Full bodied, silky tannins with every component well integrated. Nice to see a mature Australian Shiraz on the LCBO shelf. Will try to locate a few more bottles of this. Tasted December 2010.