Wines I’ve Tried – California Fishing Spots

2011 Kaiken Malbec

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:16:11 +0000

Medium ruby with pronounced flavors of blackberry and blueberry with secondary hints of herbs, chocolate and earth.
Very smooth, with soft tannins and a medium-long finish.

Vintage: 2011
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 90

2012 Bayten Chardonnay

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:09:21 +0000

A delightful Chardonnay from Constantia Valley. Only $17.95 at the LCBO with limited quantities available. Boasting pronounced tropical fruit aromas highlited by pear and buttery flavors. On the palate, look for buttery popcorn, biscuits and further fruit flavors. Drink now or in the next few years, with Butter Chicken or Chicken Supreme. A certified Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $17.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Constantia, South Africa
Varietal: Chardonnay
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 92

2013 Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose

Fri, 30 May 2014 21:20:14 +0000

This wine comes with a beautiful presentation: cool bottle, glass cork, beautiful colour. The nose is also spectacular, feauturing aromas of unripe strawberries, orange, pineapple, minerality and a touch of spice. On the palate, all is lost. Were left with little to no fruit and just a flat, thin mess of a wine. Very disappointing, but still worth it just for the bottle!

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2013
Region: Midi, France
Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah
Abv: 13%
Mike’s Score: 81

2010 Speri Vigneto Sant’Urbano Appassimento Valpolicella Classico Superiore

Thu, 29 May 2014 02:28:25 +0000

A powerful bouquet of black currant, black cherry jam and spice opens up to loads of fruity aromas and flavours. Very aromatic. Strong acidic bite on the finish with well rounded tannins, a touch of sweetness and a medium finish. Drink tonight with spaghetti or lasagna.

Price: $24.95
Vintage: 2010
Region: Veneto, Italy
Varietals: Corvina, Rondinella, Molonari
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 89

2010 Leone De Castris Riserva Salice Salentino

Mon, 26 May 2014 21:07:25 +0000

Firm tannins, decent acidity and a nice, medium-long finish compliments the earthy, raspberry aromas. Plums, black cherry and earth make up the palate. A nice sipping wine, or it could be enjoyed with tomato-based pastas.

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2010
Region: Puglia, Italy
Varietal: Negroamaro, Black Malvasia of Lecce
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 88

2011 Bosquet Des Papes Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Sun, 25 May 2014 19:19:37 +0000

Where do I begin? This is a sensational offering from the Southern Cotes Du Rhone and features an evolving bouquet of spice, earth, pepper, black currant, plum, lilac and anise. The palate beautifully reiterates the bouquet while keeping a flawless balance of fierce, grippy tannins and sharp acidity. It finishes long and the taste lingers for quite some time. A masterpiece! A certified Mike’s Must Have! I would save this gem for anywhere from 5-7 years and drink with hearty beef stew or other gamey dishes.

Price: $50.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
Varietals: Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
Abv: 14.5%
Mike’s Score: 94

2011 Le Gravillas Cotes Du Rhone-Villages Seguret

Sat, 24 May 2014 20:44:01 +0000

This debuts with a bouquet dominated by spice, smoke and pepper but evolves into a fruit forward palate featuring ripe black cherry and plum flavours. Medium finish with a very smooth texture. Not bad, but I can think of better examples from the Rhone. Drink within the next three years with grilled pork chops or roasted root vegetables.

Price: $17.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: Cotes Du Rhone, France
Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Abv: 14%
Mike’s Score: 88

2012 Henri Bourgeois Les Baronnes Sancerre

Sat, 24 May 2014 18:52:27 +0000

Beautiful aromas of green apple, green grass, straw and a buttery minerality. Flavours of flinty steel, Asian pear, apples and a zesty minerality make up the majority of the palate. A medium bodied Sauvignon Blanc with a sharp finish and a rather subdued acidity. Drink tonight with oysters or pan seared scallops.

Price: $24.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Abv: 13%
Mike’s Score: 87

2011 The Dreaming Tree Crush Red

Fri, 23 May 2014 23:39:44 +0000

A decent little blend, represented by musician Dave Matthews. Very smooth with aromas of stewed raspberries and cherries, licorice and plum. Flavours of cooked strawberry and raspberry with undertones of spice make up the palate. It definately lacks tannin but the finish is smooth and lingers for a while. Drink tonight with BBQ hamburgers or beef stir fry.

Price: $16.95
Vintage: 2011
Region: North Coast, California
Varietals: Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 87

2012 McManis Cabernet Sauvignon

Fri, 23 May 2014 21:36:50 +0000

Medium-bodied, fruit forward and uncomfortably smooth, this Cab has been a consistent fan favourite among wine drinkers. Plenty of cassis, black cherry and vanilla mingle with light spice and smoke notes creating a beautiful myriad of flavour. A nice finish and an overall great wine! A Mike’s Must Have!

Price: $19.95
Vintage: 2012
Region: California
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Abv: 13.5%
Mike’s Score: 91