I have had the opportunity to taste through some excellent wines as we head into fall. Here’s a roundup of some fun bottles to keep an eye out for at the LCBO. I think my biggest takeaway from this batch of wines is that I am going to be spending some more time enjoying Cabernet Sauvignon from various parts of the globe.
2017 Monte Creek Ranch Cabernet Merlot – Vintages 15770 – $23.95 – ***½+ – (October 31) I am always excited when a decent bottle of BC Cab Merlot at this price. Solid juicy red fruit – but more restrained than what I am used from out west. The aromas are strawberry, cherry, and cassis. On the palate notes of cedar and smoke start to poke through. Frankly, I say this every time I review wines like this (last one was the Culmina R&D) – but I really wish the LCBO would find a way to bring some more delicious entry level BC wines to Ontario.
2017 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux – Vintages 14447 – $25.95 – **** – There is a lot going on on the nose to this wine. This is brimming with cassis, blackberry, plum – but also a lovely violet note. On the palate this is soft and juicy with the floral note soaring high over the fruit. Tannin is soft and well integrated with a bit of grip fighting the back of your tongue when you swallow the first sip. Something tasty to enjoy now, or you could hold this in a cellar for 3-10 years.
2015 El Estero Altimus – Vintages 11974 – $50.00 – ****+ – A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot delivers a lot of intensity and soft tannin from the onset. Perfectly ripe but in perfect balance with acidity. What really makes this wine outstanding is the elegance of the texture. This is definitely made to spend some time in a cellar for a decade easily – but it is drinking great right now.
2017 Chateau De Nages – Vintages 40964 – $19.95 – **** – 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 5% Carignan make up the blend in this juicy bottle of rhone. I love finding great value from this region. Black licorice, cassis, and stewed prunes are what you will find in this bottle. This is broad on the palate with nice texture. Tasting this wine has me craving braised beef or lamb from the oven and I imagine enjoying this while sitting in a high backed leather chair and pondering world domination. Enjoy now or cellar for 3-5 years.
2010 Chateau Larose Perganson – Vintages 14457 – $38.95 – **** – This lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot comes at a reasonable price point and pre-aged. Honestly this would be a great gift for a budding oenophile who hasn’t had an opportunity to discover if they enjoy their wines with some age. That being said – the tannin has just fallen off in this bottle and the fruit notes are singing full voice – cherry, raspberry, and blueberry in perfect harmony. While drinking fantastic right now, there is room for it to go a little longer – I would hold onto my Perganson until 2023 if you want to enjoy the youthful fruit, but there’s another decade ahead if you want to let this continue to evolve.
2017 Jim Barry Barry Brothers Shiraz – Vintages 16036 (November 28 release) – $19.95 – ****+ – The wines from Jim Barry forced me to re-evaluate what I thought I knew about Australian wine – that journey continues with this wine. Delivering a beautifully balanced Shiraz that screams cool climate from start to finish. The aromas are black licorice, and blackberry. The moment it hits your mouth you will be stunned by the elegance. The acidity in this wine keeps it light and lifted on the mid palate – but the intense aussie shiraz flavours continue to fight for attention. The conflict on the palate just makes me want to drink it more.
