Trevor Sabourin
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Reviews (191)
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Algonquin College Certified Sommelier, and WSET Level 3 through Fine Vintage Ltd., Calgary
Reviews
Grand Vin De Glenelly Red 2009, Wo Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa$19.95
Very complex, well developed bouquet: cassis, prune, blackberry, tobacco, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, old leather, forest floor, and cocoa. After getting some air it offered touches of violet, burnt sugar, and roasted bell pepper. Repeats on the palate, but with some black pepper and the fruit leaning more toward dark cherry. Quite full-bodied and structured, with medium-high acidity and tannins, but at this point very supple and well-integrated. Excellent length, finishing with dried black fruit, cocoa, and black pepper.
4.0 Stars
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St Hubertus Riesling 2012, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$16.95
Incredible value BC Riesling. Opens with aromas of lemon/lime, yellow apple, tangerine, orange zest, some petrol/kerosene, lots of wet rock character, and savoury nuances of beeswax and nutmeg. On the medium-light palate, the fruit leans more toward green apple and pear, with the abundant minerality and citrus notes following through. The high acidity overwhelms whatever residual sugar there is, so the wine seems almost dry, or just on the edge of off-dry. The finish is medium-long, with the acidity and minerality really lingering.
3.5 Stars
Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Chardonnay 2012, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$19.99
This is a nicely balanced chardonnay: there is plenty of fruit to stand up to the oak, and it has held out and maintained freshness at five years old. There was a strong, slightly off-putting canned corn aroma upon pouring, but it mostly dissipated with time in the glass. The fruit character is of apple, pear, melon, pineapple, and some lemon and grapefruit. This is filled out nicely with butterscotch, clove, nutmeg, biscuit, hay, and menthol. The mouthfeel is round and creamy, and the acidity is vibrant. The finish is quite long. It is probably drinking at, if not a bit past, its peak right now. Tasted Mar. 2017.
3.5 Stars
Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge
Ontario, Canada$23.95
Incredibly vibrant, thanks to the tension between high, mouth-tingling acidity and just the perfect amount of residual sugar. The nose is dominated by wet stone minerality and lime, with sweeter suggestions of apricot, yellow apple, honey, beeswax, and white flowers. Some petrol too. On the palate there is tons of ripe, sweet citrus (candied lime, tangerine), stone fruit, yellow apple, and honey, all held in check by intense acidity and more wet stone character. Quite long, almost dry finish, with lemon/lime, peach, honey, and wet stone lingering.
3.5 Stars
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Bartier Bros. Semillon Cerqueira Vineyard 2013, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$19.90
Very fresh and mineral, with aromas of yellow pear, under ripe pineapple, apricot, lemon, beeswax, sage, white flowers, and wet stone. Equally bright and fresh on the palate, but round and textured, with a suggestion of mint. Very good length.
3.5 Stars
Château Des Arroucats 2012, Ac Ste. Croix Du Mont
Bordeaux, France$17.95
Complex bouquet of apricot jam, honey, fig, orange peel, ripe pineapple, and brown sugar. Full-bodied with a rich and honeyed texture. Nice repeat on the palate, along with a hint of almond and baking spice. Quite sweet, but nicely balanced by the acidity. Long finish. Great value, at a fraction of the price of a Sauternes.
3.5 Stars
Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$24.95
A massive yet balanced and structured Australian Cab. The nose is loaded with cassis, blackberry jam, mint/eucalyptus, and cocoa, but also features prune, raisin, burnt sugar, vanilla, green bell pepper, smoke, cedar, and a touch of black pepper. Not at all flabby on the palate. Great concentration. Some black cherry, menthol, clove, and black tea emerge on the palate. Great length, finishing with blackberry, cherry, prune, menthol, and mint/eucalyptus.
3.5 Stars
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Stoneboat Pinotage 2012, Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$24.90
Complex bouquet of blackberry, cassis, strawberry, plum, espresso, black licorice, smoked meats, dark chocolate, black olive, and cigar box. Great structure and balance. Firm, medium plus acids and tannins. Red fruit less present on the palate. Excellent length, finishing with dark fruit, and smoky, earthy tones. None of the over-the-top mocha, or burnt rubber/chemical so often found in some South African pinotages.
3.5 Stars
Fairview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013, BC VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$19.87
Excellent varietal typicity, though there is some semillon in this wine as well. Lots of grapefruit, green apple, bell pepper, fresh cut grass, as well as a bit of passionfruit and melon. Some white pepper spice on the palate. Very crisp, high acidity. Good length.
3.5 Stars
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2013
Mendoza, Argentina$14.95
This is mind-blowing value in terms of the complexity, depth and balance at the price point! Pure, fresh nose of blueberries and blackberries, mint, violet, cedar, leather, and subtle hints of smoke, vanilla, cocoa, and ink. Some gentle white pepper and baking spice come through on the round, full palate. The medium-high acids and medium tannins are well-integrated, but this wine could certainly develop more for a few years. Finishes almost long with cocoa, blueberry, and mint. Tasted Mar. 2016
3.5 Stars
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