Welcome to our first Vintages Release blog post!  This release is a popular one as it contains wines rated at 90+ from around the world.  Although the ratings may give an indication of quality, the method to my madness is where does it come from (is it a region I loves), what is it going to smell/taste like (what's the aroma/flavor profile) and what's it going to cost me (if possible, $20 and under).  So, here are the Tasty Wines that made it home:

1. 2012 Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas ($17): From Yecla, Spain.  An area I wasn't familiar with (thank you Interscape), but Wine Folly (LOVE Wine Folly!) tells me it's a town South of Valencia, located in Spain's Mediterranean Coast wine region.  This region grows Monastrelle (aka: Mourvèdre) and Garnacha (Grenache), among other varietals, and this is a blend of these two, plus some Cab Sauv.  I fell in love with Spanish reds when we were in Southern Spain in 2012, so the descriptors of berries and pencil shavings combine with the 10 months in combined French & American oak sold me.
2. 2011 Sister's Run Cow's Corner Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro ($17): From the Barossa Valley in South Australia.  As above, a blend made with Grenache although this varietal is front and center (85%).  10% Shiraz and 5% of Matarro (aka: Mourvèdre.  I know, too many different iterations).  I think it would be great to do a side-by-side with the Spanish blend above.  Although different vintages, and different blends, seeing similarities and/or difference could make for interesting convos.  This one will have more earthy, pepperyness thanks to the Shiraz but still plenty of red fruit. Yum.
3. 2011 De Buxy Buissonnier Montagny 1er Cru ($20): The only white to make it home, I'll buy almost anything from this Region.  It's a Chardonnay.  It's from Burgundy.  It's $20.  'nuf said.  Should have bought 2 bottles...
4. 2012 Maipe Reserve Malbec ($15): From the Mendoza region in Argentina, the grapes were all hand-picked for this one, which should mean the best grapes ended up in the tanks.  Berries and chocolate notes: Yum!  
5. 2011 Cantina del Dolcetto di Dogliani Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore ($20):  Italy doesn't currently take up much room in the cellar, but I'm making an effort to test the waters and try more varietals from here.  Piedmont region is becoming a favorite for whites (hello, Moscato d'Asti!), so why give the reds a try.  Piedmont is on my "must visit" list.  I've never tried Dolcetto and the tasting notes intrigued me, so why not?  

Well, that's it folks.  I had two others on my list (the Blue Mountain Chardonnay from B.C., as well as a Tempranillo from Spain), but sadly my local LCBO couldn't not find them in their store. 

Wishing you all a wonderful end of Summer long-weekend filled with tasty wines!  

I really tried to do some research on this wine before I babbled on about my tasting notes.   You know, give you some background on how long it's been around, how the partnership between a Prince Edward County winery and an Ottawa restaurant came about, but, it doesn't exist!  I mean, it does exist, cause we ordered a bottle during our first-time visit to Whalesbone Oyster House for dinner this past Saturday night (http://www.thewhalesbone.com/oysterhouse/) and it was DEE-lightful, but try and search for it online, and nadda.  So, you'll just have to rely on my say-so. 

We ordered this bottle to pair with our platter of mixed oysters (please see the review on our meal on the Tasty Food page).  This was a beautiful bottle of white wine.  Very pale yellow in color, the nose and palate were a wonderful match for the oysters (a mix of both East and West coast oysters were enjoyed). Crisp and tart, with lovely notes of apples, stone fruit, lemon and minerality, I found that the wine's fruit and crispness played wonderfully with the briny, creamy and salty oysters.  

This wine would be delightful sipped on it's own or paired with light appetizers.  I just wish I could get my hands on s'more *sob*.   


That said, I'll happily find a reason to go back to Whalesbone to have more of this wine (and oysters!) and so should you.

http://www.normanhardie.com/
http://www.thewhalesbone.com