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Birds
of a feather may flock together
But which wine to serve?
©
Michael Vaughan 2006
National Post
Weekly Wine & Spirits Columnist
Saturday,
December 16, 2006
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With dreams of that perfect holiday bird just over a week away, one has to seriously consider what wine to buy. While wine pairing is always influenced by personal preferences, there are good reasons why certain wines don't go well with poultry. For instance, big reds loaded with dusty tannins may be great with a rare steak or roast beef, but can be brutal when married with the delicate flesh of a freshly roasted turkey. This means that many Bordeaux and robust northern Italian reds fail to fly with the big bird. Ditto for some heavily-oaked whites. The intense oaky-vanilla flavours and possible bitter tannins imparted from long-term aging in barrels that are sometimes found in block-buster Aussi and California Chards can also be challenging with our feathered friends.
As a generalization, turkey and chicken generally call for fruitier,
lighter, wines, which are not weighed down by a lot of extract and high
alcohol. Acidity is important because it adds a refreshing quality to the
wine making it taste livelier. Of course, one has to distinguish between
wines that will marry white meat as opposed to more flavourful dark meat.
With this in mind, I have tasted a slew of recent Vintages releases and
come up with some best bets for the light fleshed turkey and/or chicken
(coded W) and others that would
go well with duck and/or goose (coded D).
Starting off with whites in the light bodied, bright, spicy vernacular
here are two change-of-pace selections might be presented with some more
traditional selections. First from Greece, Villaré
2005 Blanc de Blancs (W
- 13094) at $15.95 is one of those new, unoaked, stainless steel whites
from Aegean island of Rhodes made exclusively from the indigenous Athiri
grape. It has lots of refreshing, tangy grapefruit and ripe lemon-melon
flavours and would go well with seafood, as well as a succulent turkey.
From Hungary's Lake Balaton region at only $11.95 is the spicy St.
Donatus 2004 Irsai Olivér (W
- 12070) at $11.95. It has an intense, slightly honeyed, very spicy,
lychee-Muscat nose and dry, tangy, honeyed, lychee flavours - great with a
cheese fondue, spicy Chinese/Thai cuisine or your turkey.
From Italy, last November's Vintages release of La
Tunella 2005 Pinot Grigio (W
- 13250) at $15.95 hits to spot either for seafood or roast chicken. This
northern Italian Colli Orientali del Friuli has a fairly complex, lemonny
nose with flavourful, spicy, mineral-tinged, lemon-melon flavours and a
slightly nutty finish.
Those looking for a classic white Burgundy should check out the most
recent shipment of the Vintages Essential Louis
Jadot 2003 Bourgogne Chardonnay (W
/ D - 933077) at $19.95. It has
an attractive, spicy, ripe pear purée nose with well-structured,
clove-tinged, tangy, ripe lemon and pear purée flavours. Make sure that
you get the 2003 vintage, which is showing very nicely.
From Canada, two December releases hit the spot. The first is the
Vintages Essential Mission
Hill 2004 Chardonnay Reserve (W
/ D - 545004) at $18.95. This
VQA Okanagan Valley effort has clove-tinged, slightly sweetish, dried ripe
lemon-melon-pear fruit on the nose. It is quite forward, spicy and fairly
dry with honeyed, ripe pear flavours with a lingering, zesty, lemon
tinged, toasty finish.
Also from the Okanagan Valley is Sandhill
2004 Chardonnay Burrowing Owl Vineyard (W
/ D - 541193) at $17.95. With
14% alcohol (vs.13%) and perhaps a bit bigger than the latter, it is very
crisp, dry and nicely structured with tangy, cedary, key lime pie flavours
with a light caramel finish.
Finally, the following big, full flavoured South African white should
be winner with duck and/or goose: Cathedral
Cellar 2004 Chardonnay (D
- 328559) at $14.95. It is dry and quite rich with somewhat cedary, ripe
lemon-pear purée flavours complete with a lingering, caramel finish.
For reds, an offbeat choice from Sicily would be the reasonably priced,
juicy, ready-to-drink Vintages Essential Castelmonte
Cent'are 2003 Nero d'Avola (W
- 546192) at $12.95. Look for dry, medium bodied, harmonious, plummy
flavours with a slightly tart, lingering, raspberry finish.
A best buy for duck would be the juicy, cherry driven, Vintages
Essential Penfolds
2004 Thomas Hyland Shiraz (D
- 611210) at only $17.95 with the $2 LTO until December 31st. From South
Australia, it is solid, dry and fairly extracty with harmonious,
lingering, plummy-cherry flavours (to see which LCBO stores have it in
stock click
here).
My Christmas gift book list this year is shorter than usual. There is a
huge difference between some new atlas-wanabees and then the real thing.
Whenever I go to New Zealand, for instance, I take the cutout sections
(now in a three-ring binder) of certain regions I am visiting from Michael
Cooper's outstanding Wine Atlas of New Zealand
(published 2003, unavailable), as well as, the Hugh Johnson/Jancis
Robinson World Atlas of Wine
(last revised 2001).
From Australia, the brand new James Halliday Wine
Atlas of Australia (University of California Press) lists
at $50.95 but is available on the Chapters.Indigo website at only $31.94
(to see click
here). This superbly produced book, an essential
addition for fans of Aussi wines, has more than 90 detailed maps.
From Canada, we have just-released The Wine Atlas of Canada by Tony Aspler (Random House) at $60. As well organized and informative as this book is, it has some serious shortcomings. As a wine atlas, it misses the mark because the so-called maps provide virtually no detail. Sadly, there is no in-depth accounting of dramatic swings in quality from year-to-year or information on the ladybug taint infestation problems.
Also, as good as Jancis Robinson's new encyclopedia is (the third
edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine),
it isn't much fun for casual readers. Infinitely more engaging is the
beautifully illustrated, 664-page opus New
Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia 4th Edition (updated 2005) by
Tom Stevenson. It lists at $65, but goes for $40.76 on the Chapters-Indigo
website (to see click
here).
Other recent National Post recommendations include the ultimate guide
to sparkling wines is the 2003-edition of Christie's
World Encyclopedia Of Champagne & Sparkling Wine by Tom
Stevenson, which lists at $82.50 and is still available on the Chapters
website for $51.73 (to see click
here). Those wanting an update might take a look at
the newly released, recommended soft cover Wine
Report 2007 at $20, also by Stevenson (to see the $14.44
chapters.indigo website deal click
here).
Fans of Cognac should pick up a copy of the 2005 edition of the richly
illustrated book by Nicholas Faith entitled Cognac,
which lists at $50 and is available on the chapters.indigo website for
$31.35 (click
here). It includes a directory of over 100 top
Cognacs, including the author's favourites. Note that this book is
basically an illustrated version of Faith's 2004 hardcover also called
Cognac, which didn't have photographs from the Mitchell Beazley Classic
Wine Library series. Unfortunately, the new illustrated version has a bit
less text and does not include the appendix, glossary and bibliography.
The original 2004 book lists for $39.95 and is available at
chapters.indigo.ca $25.04 (click
here). To see my book recommendations from last
year's National Post column click
here
To see my extended list of poultry heaven recommendations to see click here.
White
Pick of the Week
Another well-made Vintages Essential is the IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) from Italy's Veneto region: the unoaked Anselmi 2005 San Vincenzo (948158) at $15.95. This ready-to-enjoy and versatile blend of Garganega, Chardonnay and Trebbiano has a gently honeyed, apricot-citrus nose with some beeswax notes and dry but not austere, harmonious, ripe apricot-citrus flavours with a long crisp finish. A fine starter, it works well with seafood, pasta and poultry.
Red
Pick of the Week
Made in Heaven for Roast Chicken
Move over Beaujolais. Just released on the LCBO General List is a
terrific, juicy, flavourful, bright red that is made in heaven for roast
chicken. From the Nemea sub region of the Peloponnese, Frésco
Averoff 2004 Agiorgitiko (622209) is priced at
$13.95. Made from 30-year-old indigenous Agioritiko vines (aka St.
George), the refreshing, ripe red cherry flavours show best when ever so
lightly chilled (16-18º C). The wine is named after Evangelos Averoff who
was a leading intellectual, an extremely prominent statesman and founder
of Katogi winery in 1959. It is made in a fruit-driven modern style that
goes perfectly with roast chicken or turkey.
Poultry Heaven
Recommendations
from Recent Vintages
Releases
Canada - British Columbia
Recommended • for Turkey
CHARDONNAY 2004
Burrowing Owl Vineyard, VQA Okanagan Valley • Sandhill
CSPC 541193 • $17.95 • 168 Cases • Dio Win
Solid *+/** (out of three stars)
Pale straw colour. Slightly spicy, faintly cedary, ripe lemon meringue nose with some hints of cedar and sandalwood. Crisp, dry, medium bodied, nicely structured, tangy,
cedary, key lime pie flavours with a light caramel finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Recommended • for Turkey
CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2004
VQA Okanagan Valley • Mission
Hill
CSPC 545004 • $18.95 • Mar Ant
Toasty *+ (out of three stars)
Medium light yellow colour. Intense, spicy, clove-tinged, slightly sweetish, dried ripe lemon-melon-pear fruit on the nose with some cedary notes. Fairly intense, forward, spicy, fairly dry, honeyed, ripe pear flavours with a lingering, zesty, lemon tinged, toasty finish. Best with poultry. Ready to drink.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
U.S.A. - California
Recommended • for Turkey
SELECT SERIES VIOGNIER 2004
California • Renwood
CSPC 18762 • $19.95 • 250 Cases • Reg Win
Floral Ripe Melon *+/** (out of three stars)
This blend of 89% Viognier, 10% Semillon and 1% Marsanne has a pale straw
colour. Spicy, honeyed floral, ripe melon nose. Crisp, dry, medium-light bodied, harmonious, refreshing, slightly honeyed, ripe melon-lemon
flavours.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Australia
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Duck
'ALMOND GROVE' CHARDONNAY 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia • Richard Hamilton
CSPC 741009 • $16.95 • 400 Cases • Bra New
Toasty Lime Puree ** (out of three stars)
Very bright light yellow colour. Intense, gently nutty, spicy, ripe lemon nose with lots of toasty, lime purée notes. Dry, very bright, medium bodied, well structured, slightly spicy, toasty, ripe lemon meringue flavours with a lingering, buttery, lime custard finish. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
New Zealand
Recommended • for
Turkey
'OYSTER BAY' CHARDONNAY 2006
Marlborough, South Island •
Delegat's
CSPC 326728 • $17.95 • Max Can
Crisp Ripe Lemon Melon *+/** (out of three stars)
Pale straw colour. Quite intense, gently spicy, slightly grassy, white peach and tangy ruby grapefruit aromas. Dry, very bright, quite zesty, medium to medium-light bodied, harmonious, ripe lemon-melon flavours with a long crisp finish.
Drinkability: { n S SM m }
Chile
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Turkey
'NOVAS' CHARDONNAY 2005
Casablanca Valley • (Viñedos Organicsos Emiliana)
CSPC 4515 • $15.95 • 299 Cases • Dia Est
Bright, Fresh & Well Balanced *+/** (out of three stars)
Very light yellow colour. Gently tropical, fresh pineapple-melon nose. Dry, quite well structured, medium bodied, gently toasty, ripe melon flavours with a hint of the tropics on the long finish. This organic wine contains 19 mg/L of free sulphur.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
South Africa
Recommended • for
Turkey/Duck
CATHEDRAL
CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2004
WO Coastal Region • KWV
CSPC 328559 • $14.95 • 600 Cases • Max Can
Cedary Ripe Pear *+/**
(out of three stars)
Very bright medium deep yellow colour. Intense, very spicy, cedary,
complex, ripe pear and lemon meringue nose. Fairly dry, quite rich, spicy,
medium bodied, fairly well structured, somewhat cedary, ripe lemon-pear
purée flavours with a lingering, caramel tinged, finish. this 2004 is a
flavour whopper - best with dark poultry meat.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
France - Burgundy
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Turkey
BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2003
AC Bourgogne • Louis Jadot
CSPC 933077 • $19.95 • Lif Age
Intense Juicy Pears ** (out of three stars)
Light yellow colour. Intense, attractive, spicy, ripe pear purée nose with some cedary notes. Surprisingly intense, well structured, medium-full bodied, ripe, spicy, clove-tinged, tangy, ripe lemon and pear purée flavours with a long finish. This shipment of 2003 is the best yet.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Germany - Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Turkey
RIESLING KABINETT 2004
QmP, Eitelsbacher Marienholz, Estate Btld. •
Bischoflichen Weinguter
CSPC 701557 • $18.95 • 150 Cases • Tor Tra
Honeyed Melon ** (out of three stars)
Light straw colour. Appealing, slightly honeyed, spicy, ripe melon aromas. Very zesty, honeyed, slightly sweet, medium-light bodied, fairly elegant, ripe melon flavours with a refreshing finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Turkey
RIESLING SPÄTLESE 1993
QmP, Saarburger Rausch • Zilliken
CSPC 949966 • $27.95 • 40 Cases • HHD Imp
*+/** (out of three stars)
A sample was provided by the agent Harry Drung. The cork does show signs of age so remove carefully. Considering its age, it has a surprisingly light yellow colour. Lovely, complex, mineral tinged, spicy, honeyed lime nose with some fine petrol notes. Gently viscous and yet vibrant with gently honeyed, slightly sweet, lovely, melon-grapefruit and ripe key lime pie flavours. Smooth succulent finish. A perfect appetizer wine, which would even go well with the big bird.
Greece
Explorer's Selection • for Turkey
VILLARÉ BLANC DE BLANCS 2005
VQPRD Rhodes • Enoteca Emery
CSPC 13094 • $15.95 • 180 Cases • Kol Gro
Tangy Grapefruit *+ (out of three stars)
Made from the indigenous Athiri grape, it has a light straw colour. Very tangy, slightly spicy, zesty, ripe lemon-lime nose. Crisp, dry, medium-light bodied, spicy, ripe lemon-melon flavours with a bright finish. Unoaked and best with seafood.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
Hungary
Recommended • for Turkey
IRSAI
OLIVÉR 2004
Balatonlelle • St. Donatus
CSPC 12070 • $11.95 • 250 Cases • Kar Kov
Fresh, Bright & Very Spicy *+
(out of three stars)
Made from Irsai Oliver grapes, this fragrant white has a very light straw
colour. Intense, slightly honeyed, fresh, very spicy, lychee-Muscat nose.
Dry, medium-light bodied, very bright and spicy with tangy, slightly
honeyed, lychee flavours. Great with a cheese fondue, spicy Chinese/Thai
cuisine or your turkey. Ready to drink.
Drinkability: { N S sm }
Italy - Friuli
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Turkey
PINOT GRIGIO 2005
DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli • La Tunella
CSPC 13250 • $15.95 • 350 Cases • Sma Win
Spicy Ripe Lemon Melon ** (out of three stars)
Medium-light yellow colour. Complex, forward, quite intense, spicy, mineral-tinged, stewed ripe lemon nose. Fairly rich, spicy, medium to medium-full bodied, flavourful, spicy, lemon-melon flavours with a lingering, slightly nutty finish. Try with roast chicken.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Italy - Veneto
Recommended • for Turkey
'SAN
VINCENZO' 2005
IGT Veneto • Anselmi
CSPC 948158 • $15.95 • Pre Mat
Flavourful *+ (out of three stars)
Very bright light yellow colour. Gently honeyed, fairly spicy, apricot-citrus nose with some beeswax notes. Dry but not austere, quite well structured, medium bodied, harmonious, ripe apricot citrus flavours with a long crisp finish.
Drinkability: { N S }
Canada - Ontario
for Turkey
GAMAY 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula • Henry of
Pelham
CSPC 291112 • $13.95 • Hen Pel
Very Dry & Tangy *+ (out of three stars)
Medium deep very red colour. Spicy, odd, very slightly herbal, slightly sour cranberry-ground cherry. Very dry, medium-light bodied, slightly tart, tangy, cran-cherry flavours with a very crisp finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
U.S.A. - California
Recommended • for Turkey
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2002
Knights Valley • Beringer
CSPC 352583 • $39.95 • Fos Win
Quite Juicy & Cedary **+ (out of three stars)
Very deep intense purple red colour. Complex, rather cedary, stewed plum and fairly juicy black cherry nose with some mocha notes. Quite spicy, medium to medium-full bodied, fairly well structured, dried ripe plum and cherry flavours with a lingering, slightly cedary finish. More structured than the 2001.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ML l }
Explorer's Selection • for Turkey
'ESTATE VINEYARDS' PINOT NOIR 2005
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County •
Rodney Strong
CSPC 954834 • $24.95 • Mar Ant
** (out of three stars)
I was told that the 2004 was currently available. I hade assessed it for
the October 24, 2006 release. I ended up picking up a sample from the
Queen’s Quay LCBO outlet and it turned out to be the 2005 vintage, which
is considerably lighter in colour with a very juicy, slightly honeyed,
cherry-ruby grapefruit nose. Dry, crisp, gently juicy, medium to
medium-light bodied, grapefruit-crancherry flavours with a tangy finish.
Great for you holiday turkey, the 2005 doesn’t seem as concentrated as
the 2004 and, although very pleasant.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
for
Turkey
ZINFANDEL 2004
'Vintners Blend', California •
Ravenswood
CSPC 359257 • $19.95 • Chu Cel
Juicy *+ (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Gently juicy, cedar-tinged, spicy cran-cherry fruit cocktail nose. Spicy, medium bodied, easy to drink, juicy, spicy plummy, ripe cherry flavours with a lingering finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
for
Turkey
ZINFANDEL 2005
California • Rosenblum
CSPC 284653 • $18.95 • Bar Win
Tropical Fruit Cocktail *+ (out of three stars)
Deep intense purple colour. Juicy, sweet strawberry and black cherry jam nose. Juicy, spicy, fairly well structured, tangy, plummy, strawberry-cherry flavours with a slightly sweetish, tropical fruit cocktail finish.
Drinkability: { N S sm }
U S.A. - California
Explorer's Selection • for Turkey
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Lodi • Ironstone
CSPC 571380 • $8.95 • 276 Cases • Lif Age
Juicy Plums & Strawberries *+
(out of three stars)
Medium deep red colour. Spicy, ripe plum, strawberry nose. Dry, spicy, pleasant, medium bodied and juicy, ripe, plummy, ripe strawberry flavours with a tangy finish. A ready to drink crowd pleaser.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Explorer's Selection • for
Duck
MERLOT 2002
Napa Valley • Rutherford Hill
CSPC 959338 • $28.95 • 600 Cases • Pre Mat
Solid Black Cherries **/**+ (out of three stars)
Very deep intense purple red colour. Quite spicy, rather cedary, stewed plum nose with some cooked, dried black cherry notes. Dry, quite spicy, medium bodied, fairly-well structured, cedary, baked plum, black cherry and chocolate flavours with a long, high acid finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ml l }
Recommended • for Duck
ANCIENT
VINES MOURVÈDRE 2003
Contra Costa County • Cline
CSPC 704387 • $19.95 • 300 Cases • Tor Tra
Spicy Black Cherries ** (out of three stars)
Deep purple red colour. Very juicy, slightly cedary, pleasant, plum purée nose with some black cherry notes. Solid, dry, medium bodied, fairly juicy, ripe plum and dried black cherry flavours with a long finish.
Explorer's Selection • for Turkey
AVANT-GARDE PINOT NOIR 2004
Carneros, Napa Valley • Domaine
Carneros
CSPC 11528 • $25.95 • 300 Cases • Hal Ent
Very Juicy ** (out of three stars)
Fairly deep purple colour. Very juicy, sweetish, spicy, cedar tinged, crancherry and tropical fruit cocktail nose. Dry, spicy, medium bodied, tangy, fairly juicy, plummy, dried raspberry and crancherry flavours with crisp finish.
Recommended • for Turkey
PALAZZIO PINOT NOIR 2004
Central Coast • Testarossa
CSPC 662783 • $47.95 • 100 Cases • B&W Win
Solid Spicy Black Cherry Purée **+/*** (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Very juicy, spicy, vanilla tinged, black cherry purée nose. Solid, dry, medium to medium-full bodied, intense, quite well structured, slightly spicy, gently juicy, dried ripe black cherry purée flavours with a long, slightly smoky finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
Australia
Recommended • for Turkey
'STONEHORSE'
GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia • Kaesler
CSPC 6551 • $19.95 • 1200 Cases • Lif Age
Juicy Ripe Cherries ** (out of three stars)
Deep purple red colour. Intense, very spicy, cedar-sandalwood, ripe plum purée nose. Dry, medium bodied, quite well structured, fairly juicy, ripe plum and cherry flavours with a lifted finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
Recommended • Best Buy •
for Duck
'RUFUS STONE' SHIRAZ 2003
McLaren Vale, South Australia • Tyrell’s
CSPC 542100 • $21.95 • Max Can
Solid, Ripe & Juicy **
(out of three stars)
It’s coming to Vintages this November as a “Rapid Release” but without a stich of fanfare. You will have to check its status on our winefind.ca search engine. I checked it out a sample with lot LAER033 07351002 imprinted on the upper part of the glass bottle. Very deep intense purple
colour. Gently spicy, plummy, black cerry purée nose. Dry, spicy, well structured, medium to medium-full bodied, ripe plum, cassis, gentle cedar-chocolate
flavours. Very good length.
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
Recommended • for Duck
THE RASCAL SHIRAZ 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia •
Hugh Hamilton
CSPC 595405 • $21.95 • 400 Cases • Vin Glo
Flavourful Ripe Cherries **/**+ (out of three stars)
Very deep intense purple colour. Attractive, juicy, black cherry purée nose with some vanilla stick notes. Solid, dry, fairly juicy, medium bodied, harmonious, tangy, juicy ripe plum and bright ripe red cherry essence flavours with a long toasty finish. Ready to drink. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
Recommended • for Duck
SHIRAZ 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia •
Yangarra
CSPC 911974 • $29.95 • 200 Cases • Dia Est
Spicy Black Cherry Purée **+ (out of three stars)
Very deep intense purple colour. Very attractive, complex, cedar tinged, very bright, ripe black cherry nose with some cranberry notes. Solid, medium to medium-full bodied, fairly extracty, ripe plum, crancherry flavours with a lingering, slightly cedary, mocha finish along with minty notes.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Duck
KILLERMAN’S RUN SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2003
South Australia • Kilikanoon
CSPC 9225 • $18.95 • 300 Cases • Bra New
Tangy Bright Cassis ** (out of three stars)
This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Shiraz has a very deep intense purple colour. Intense, complex, cedary, gently minty, spicy, black cherry-cassis nose. Big, medium-full bodied, extracty, rich, flavourful, ripe black cherry purée fruit with a long, refreshing, high acid finish. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ml l }
Explorer's Selection • for Duck
THE LAUGHING MAGPIE
SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia, Basket Pressed •
D’Arenberg
CSPC 936971 • $27.95 • 1200 Cases • Chu Cel
Spicy Crancherry ** (out of three stars)
Extremely deep purple colour. Spicy, very slightly earthy, complex, ripe plum and cherry fruit on the nose. Dry, tangy, medium bodied, slightly spicy, lifted, gently juicy, ripe plum and cherry flavours with a long finish. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { n SM SM M ml }
Recommended • for Duck
'THOMAS HYLAND' SHIRAZ 2004
South Australia • Penfolds
CSPC 611210 • $19.95 • Fos Win
Juicy Cherry ** (out of three stars)
Deep intense purple colour. Slightly spicy, plummy, dried cherry nose with some cedary notes. Solid, dry, quite well structured, medium to medium-full bodied, fairly extracty, harmonious, ripe plum and quite juicy, cherry purée flavours with a long finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ml }
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Duck
'D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL' 2004
McLaren Vale, South Australia •
D’Arenberg
CSPC 942904 • $19.95 • Chu Cel
Spicy Bright Plum Purée ** (out of three stars)
Extremely deep intense purple colour. Intense, complex, slightly cedary, ripe baked plum and mocha nose. Dry, very well structured, medium to medium-full bodied, harmonious, ripe plum and cherry purée flavours. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ml }
New Zealand
Recommended • for Duck
PINOT NOIR 2004
Marlborough, South Island • Spy
Valley
CSPC 734681 • $24.95 • 200 Cases • Kyl Win
Juicy Tangy Cherry Purée ** (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Very spicy, tangy, tropical fruit cocktail nose with some spicy, black cherry purée notes. Fairly intense, dry, very spicy, gently juicy, black cherry driven. Screwcap closure.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Austria
Explorer's Selection • for
Turkey
PRIVAT KREMSER ZWEIGELT TROCKEN 2005
Kremstal, Estate Btld. (Winzer Krems) •
Kellermeister
CSPC 684837 • $16.95 • 150 Cases • Eur Int
Bright Crancherries *+ (out of three stars)
Very deep purple colour. Spicy, slightly reedy, crancherry nose. Very spicy, dry, medium-light bodied, tangy, lifted crancherry flavours with a slightly tart, refreshing finish. Not as attractive as the tasty 2004 (ISD released on May 26, 2006 at $15.95).
Drinkability: { N S SM }
France - Burgundy
Explorer's Selection • for
Duck
CHARLES ALLEXANT Beaune BRESSANDES 2003
AC 1er Cru
CSPC 6783 • $56.95 • 40 Cases • Ne Plu
Juicy Spicy Black Cherries **+ (out of three stars)
Fairly deep purple red colour. Complex, slightly spicy, plummy black cherry and pimento nose. Very spicy, medium-full bodied, quite well structured, gently juicy, black cherry flavours with a long finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
Explorer's Selection • for
Duck
SAVIGNY-LÈS-BEAUNE SERPENTIÈRES 2003
AC 1er Cru • Joseph Drouhin
CSPC 726083 • $42.95 • 60 Cases • Phi Dan
Youthful **/**+ (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Very spicy, dried ripe cherry, maraschino cherry tinged nose with lots of red apple notes. Firm, very dry, medium bodied, dried ripe plum and red apple flavours with a fairly high acid finish.
Drinkability: { m ML L xl }
Recommended • for Duck
JEAN-CLAUDE BOISSET GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 2002
AC
CSPC 6916 • $51.95 • 150 Cases • Vin Int
Firm & Well Structured **+ (out of three stars)
Deep red colour. Gently juicy, ripe plum and spicy cherry nose. Very firm, dry, quite well structured, medium to medium-full bodied, extracty, ripe plum and crancherry flavours with a long, high acid finish.
Drinkability: { sm M ML L xl }
France - Rhône
Explorer's Selection • for Duck
DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2004
AC • Domaines Pierre Lançon,
Prop.
CSPC 984419 • $37.95 • 350 Cases • Nob Est
Spicy Ripe Cherry **/**+ (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Slightly spicy, ripe plum nose with hints of cherry, licorice and sandalwood. Dry, bright, well balanced, medium bodied, fairly fleshy, ripe plum and subtle dried red cherry flavours on the long finish.
France - Southwest
Recommended • A Best Buy •
for Duck
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE 2002
AC Cahors • Georges Vigouroux
CSPC 693952 • $22.95 • 300 Cases • Phi Dan
Spicy Ripe Plum **+ (out of three stars)
Extremely deep intense purple colour. Refined, intense, complex, gently cedary cassis and baked ripe plum nose. Dry, very well structured, medium bodied, slightly spicy, ripe plum and chestnut flavours with a long vanilla tinged finish. This very well made blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Merlot and 10% Tannat shows well now but can evolve for several years.
Drinkability: { n S S M ML l }
Italy - Sicily
Recommended • for Turkey
CASTELMONTE
'CENT'ARE' NERO D'AVOLA 2003
IGT Sicilia • Duca di
Castelmonte
CSPC 546192 • $12.95 • Maj Win
Gently Juicy *+ (out of three stars)
Deep purple colour. Complex, gently spicy, ripe nose with some sandalwood notes. Spicy, medium bodied, harmonious, ripe plum, slightly tart raspberry flavours with a fairly harmonious, lingering finish.
Drinkability: { N S SM }
Italy - Tuscany
Recommended • for Duck
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2003
DOCG • Carpineto
CSPC 682559 • $29.95 • 400 Cases • Lor Win
Dried Ripe Plums **/**+ (out of three stars)
Very deep intense purple colour. Slightly spicy, fairly earthy, sandalwood, dried ripe plum nose with some cedar notes. Intense, well structured, medium-full bodied, gently juicy, ripe plum and dried cherry flavours with a fairly high acid long finish. This Gold Medal winner at the 2006 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles was aged for 12 months in oak.
Drinkability: { N S SM M ml }
Recommended • for Duck
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2003
DOCG, Estate Btld. • Monsanto
CSPC 719864 • $29.95 • 500 Cases • Pre Mat
Ready to Enjoy ** (out of three stars)
Mature slightly ambering medium deep red colour. Complex, ripe plum purée nose with some sandalwood notes. Dry, medium bodied, plummy, spicy, bright, tangy, red pepper and sandalwood
flavours.
Recommended • for Duck
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2003
DOCG • Rocca delle Macie
CSPC 930966 • $23.95 • 500 Cases • Nob Est
Juicy & Well Balanced ** (out of three stars)
Deep intense purple colour. Spicy, red anise tinged, ripe plum nose with some sandalwood notes. Dry, medium bodied, quite spicy, fairly juicy, ripe plum flavours with a long finish. Quite ready to drink.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
for Turkey
CHIANTI CLASSICO 2004
DOCG • Rocca Delle Macie
CSPC 741769 • $18.95 • Nob Est
Bright *+ (out of three stars)
Fairly deep purple colour. Slightly spicy, dried red cherries and cooked plum on the nose. Very dry, bright, medium to medium-light bodied, very tangy, dried cherry and slightly tart plum flavours. Not as appealing as the previous 2003 vintage.
Italy - Veneto
Recommended • for Duck
MASI BROLO DI CAMPOFIORIN 2003
IGT Rosso del Veronese • Masi Agricola
Spa
CSPC 976092 • $24.95 • 3809 Cases • Max Can
Dried Ripe Cherries **/**+ (out of three stars)
From the walled Campofiorin vineyard (clos in French and brolo in Italian), this is a blend of two classic Veronese varieties (80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella). Deep intense purple colour. Complex, slightly spicy, baked plum and sandalwood nose with some chocolate notes. Firm, dry, well structured, medium to medium-full bodied, fairly extracty, dried ripe plum and dried red cherry flavours with a long finish. Great for dark-fleshed poultry - try with duck or goose.
Drinkability: { n S SM M ML l }
Spain
Recommended • for
Turkey
HERENCIA REMONDO LA MONTESA CRIANZA 2003
DOC Rioja • Palacios Remondo
CSPC 674572 • $21.95 • 300 Cases • Rus Woo
Juicy Tropical Fruit Cocktail ** (out of three stars)
This blend of 40% Grenache, 45% Tempranillo and Graciano and Mazuelo was aged in French oak. Bright deep intense purple colour. Very juicy, sweet, cedary, tropical fruit cocktail and maraschino cherry nose. Dry, medium bodied, well balanced, fairly spicy, gently juicy, ripe plum flavours with some hints of black cherry on the lingering finish. A repeat of the February 18, 2006 release.
Drinkability: { N S SM m ml }
Rosé Table Wine
Recommended • for Turkey
CHÂTEAU D’AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2005
AC • Jean Olivier
CSPC 319368 • $17.95 • 200 Cases • Lor Win
Crisp & Refreshing *+/** (out of three stars)
This fine Grenache-based Tavel has a fairly deep reddish pink colour. Spicy, slightly honeyed, ripe, plummy, apple purée nose. Crisp, dry, medium to medium-light bodied, refreshing, plummy, dried raspberry, fresh red apple flavours. A repeat of the June 10, 2006 release ($18.95).
Drinkability: { N S SM m }
2001-2002-2003-2004-2005-2006
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