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Saturday, April 6, 2013

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --
 
1. Chateau des Charmes Aligote 2010 VQA St. David's Bench, $13.55,
+296848 LCBO: made from a rare French vinifera (seldom seen outside
Burgundy) that Paul Bosc has cultivated since 1978, loaded with orchard
fruit (apples and pears) and ending with a finishing acidity suggesting
food more than sipping, although partial MLF was used. 13% ABV. 1200
cases. Rated 89 points by Dean Tudor.
 
2. Chateau des Charmes Equuleus 2010 Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard VQA St.
David's Bench, +319525, $40 Vintages: a traditional blend of 50% cab
sauvignon, with 25% both cab franc and merlot. Aged separately for one
year in best French oak barrels, and then the best barrels are blended
for another year in bottle. Last vintage was 2007. The quality was not
there for 2008 and 2009. With plenty of black fruit and some smoke,
you've got to keep this wine another 7 years, or else do a double
decant (maybe even more) to accelerate the aging process. A good wine
for strong grilled meats. Rated currently at 91 points by Dean Tudor.
 
3. Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2009 Napa, +221887 Vintages $22.95: from
two vineyards, including the famous To Kalon for older vines. 10%
Semillon added for mellowness, 60% sauvignon blanc underwent barrel
fermentation, and all of the wine aged sur lie in French oak. Even so
it is a crisp, citric finish with little toast or oak components beyond
buttery vanilla and tropical melons on the palate. 13.5% ABV. Rated 90
points by Dean Tudor.
 
4. Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Vine Lodi 2010, +942599 Vintages $19.95:
from low-yielding vines, with concentrated black fruit (especially
cherries) and some underbrush and spices from barrels. Assertive, and
needs some time. 14.5% ABV. Rated 89 points by Dean Tudor.
 
5. Paso Creek Zinfandel Paso Robles 2011: in the system previously as
2009 at Vintages, +279810 at $19.95. This one is more exuberant, more
fresh, with concentrated compelling black fruit, cherries, chewy mocha-
chocolate tones, complex berry finish, buttery and long finish. Plummy,
juicy and 15% ABV. Rated 90 points by Dean Tudor.
 
 

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