nealf

Concha Y Toro Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Maipo Valley

In one sentence ... plonk of the worst kind!

In a few more .... harsh, tastes like barnyard funk, bitter unintegrated acidity, absolutely no fruit, an extremely poor Cab from Chile.
Returned to the LCBO for a refund.

I can't possibly see how the critics gave this one a 90+ ... surely they're drinking a different bottle?!

Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2007, Barossa, South Australia

My introduction to Barossa Shiraz and Oh MY what an introduction. Now I won't drink a Shiraz if its not sourced from Barossa. Complex, full bodied, initial impressions of salty seaweed (iodine?), mint, terroir, dark brooding fruit, white pepper and spice. This is a contemplative wine that will seduce you with its depth, strength and elegance. I couldn't stop drinking it. As it aired it developed smoother vanilla and cherry overtones. Well integrated tannins, finishes with a kick of spice. Unfortunately it doesn't keep too well and needs to be quaffed at one sitting.

Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2006, Napa Valley

Maybe I got a bad bottle but I thought this was terrible. Over the top alcohol, overly sweet (port?), harsh, cork was encrusted with sugar crystals ....
Returned to the LCBO.

Errázuriz Single Vineyard Don Maximiano Estate Carmenère 2008, Aconcagua Valley

What a Carmenere! Inital strong nose of black cherries and black-currants with a hint of wood and earth, after a few hours it had turned into a solid chewy wine with espresso
, iodine, tobacco, eucalyptus and cedar flavours - almost over-powering. The nose turned to that of a fine espresso with the black cherry fading to a faint undertone. Stronger earthy flavours than any Barossa Shiraz. If you like a very chewy thought provoking wine try this.

Ontañón Crianza 2005, Doca Rioja

Very light bodied, linear with minimal complexity, the nose is so subtle as to be almost non-existent, my initial thoughts were this is so light its like drinking grape juice! Drank better the following night. Well integrated tannins, definitely an easy sipper but found it lighter than most Pinot Noir. Not impressed enough to buy again.

Porta Boldo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Aconcagua Valley, Single Vineyard, Made With Organic Grapes

A wonderful wine and very different from the fruit explosion that characterizes many cabs. Nose of spice and black pepper, upon sipping its a very peppery and herb explosion on the palate with an underlying faint base of slightly tart sweetness. An easy yet contemplative sipper; soft, lush with exceedingly well balanced tannins. Its a wine that makes you recheck the label every now and again with doubt ... "do they make wines this good in Chile" ... the answer is a resounding yes!!

Bodegas Penascal Tempranillo 2007

The best red in the LCBO at this price point, a hidden gem. The sour cherry notes tend to diminish greatly with airing. It evolves very well and keeps extraordinarily (wonderful for a glass a day drinkers like myself).

Hoya De Cadenas Reserva 2004

Fruit aromas, ripe black cherry taste, a bit of wood (cedar?), medium bodied, integrated tannins and a smooth finish an easy drinker. Needs a bit of air to soften the rough wood initially.
I usually drink this a glass a day over the week and it keeps exceedingly well - becomes smoother with vanilla flavours developing the longer its open.
This is my house red - enough said!

Château Desvignes Chénas 2007, Ac

Strong strawberry jam aroma (quite mouth watering). Hits the mouth with full on strawberry flavour rapidly dissipating to rhubarb, beet, terroir. Light bodied and easy drinking but apart from the beautiful nose there is very little complexity here. Very true Pinot Noir character. A good summer afternoon sipper.