Robert Kischuk

13th Street Premier Cuvée 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Traditional Method

Tried a glass of the (recently released) 2008 vintage with lunch on the winery patio.
I bought a six-pack (and considered buying a dozen).
I won't be surprised if this batch sells out quickly!

Estate Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2010

I admit to retsina-phobia, but gave this a try...(thanks to Sara).
Simple and slightly sweet floral impact, with a typical but not overdone oaky finish.
Very nice indeed, esp for the price!

C.H. Berres Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2008, Prädikatswein

Glad I bought this. Nothing to add to what has been said by all.

Mas D'auzières Sympathie Pour Les Stones 2009, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc

If you LOVE top CdP and really LIKE Penfolds Bin 138, then you will quite like this.

I had muted my expectations based on the community feedback, but am pleasantly surprised by how nice this tastes.

More blackberry jam and tannic bite than the two mentioned above, but definitely a great value/20 buck GSM.

Astrolabe Province Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

Our current 'Go To' SB...love the bright citrus impact and balanced finish. Our friends fly through this stuff when served poolside.

Update: Whitehaven (278556) is now our new 'Go To' NZ SB now that local Astrolabe stocks are dwindling.

Fernández De Piérola Reserva 2004

Agree w the pros..it is a pleasure and a change of pace re styles.

Only 19 left in Ont as of Dec2 2012...grab one if u see it!

La Chablisienne Vaulorent Chablis 1er Cru 2009, Ac

Sara's comment re over-leesy sounds right.
I had some high hopes for this, and it is fine, but I won't be running around trying to buy more.
Any number of Ontario chards perform better at this price point.

Château De Chasseloir Cuvée Des Ceps Centenaires 2007, Ac Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine, Sur Lie

Tried because of Bill Zacharkiw's and John Szabo's recent articles.
We are flying through it! Light apple scents, but bright acidity and (dare I say) sea salt mid-palate. Crisp and pleasant/mildly yeasty finish.

People who 'love' the big name bland PGrigio should try this...and be converted!

TY to JS and BZ for shining the light on this beaut.

Jean Paul Mollet L'antique Pouilly Fumé 2010, Ac

A welcome change from our 'usual' NZ Marlborough SBs (which everybody likes). A nice woody evolution of flavor near the end of the palate and finish (I believe 'leesy' is how the pros describe it).
Worth the extra 5 bucks (on occasion) as a conversational counterpoint to the NZ faves.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough

Looked forward to trying this after reading the near-universal praise.
Glad I bought more than one.
Fresh fresh fresh from start to lingering finish.
Terrific tangy SB.