Catching up on many, many bottles!

Distracted over the last few weeks with details of Epic Wine Trip '14, but of course while writing those blog posts we have been drinking much wine that has not yet been reviewed. I will endevour to catch up in a few posts, starting with this one.

Louis Jadot 2012 Pouilly-Fuisse ($25.99)

Ripe, supple, and medium-bodied; this Chardonnay delivers excellent complexity with fruit, minerality and a hint of oak all mingling together beautifully. A touch of vanilla on the end palate. An excellent buy for the price. 89.






Joseph Phelps 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($94.99)

Plum and blackberries on the nose and palate, with some spice, chocolate and a touch of vanilla on the palate as well. Tannins are supple and well-integrated. Drinking well now but like many big Napa Cabs, could age for another decade and improve. 93..




Wolf Blass 2010 Grey Label Shiraz ($36.99)

Licorice, blackberries, chocolate, some pepper notes as well. One of the most reliable producers of this varietal. Drinking beautifully now and would improve for another 2-3 years with careful cellaring. 90.





Church & State 2009 Meritage ($35.00)

I used to say the 2008 vintage was my all-time favorite $35 wine; but it has to move over and make room for this one, which is even better. It's almost frightening to imagine how good this is going to be after it ages; the winery website suggests this will age well until 2022, if not longer. I'm going to need quite a few bottles!

It's ultra-rich and decadent, with fruit flavors exploding on your nose and your palate. Deep red in colour; almost black. Beautiful. 91.



Pentage 2007 Chardonnay ($25.00)

Melon, citrus, vanilla and a hint of caramel on the nose and palate. Some nutty and buttery notes on the finish but not overwhelmingly so. 84.






Tinhorn Creek 2009 Oldfield Series Pinot Noir ($29.99)

My wife called this the "Pinot to renew my faith in Pinot Noir". Cherries, plums and some spice on the nose. The cherries are joined by a hint of mocha and pepper on the palate. Just beautiful. 91.






Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)

Wow, what an absolute steal at this price point. Immediately jumps to the top of my "cheap wines" list. Big red fruits on the nose and palate, with some coffee, chocolate and vanilla as well. Drinks beautifully but not a traditionally Cab Sauv; almost seems like there should be some Merlot and/or Syrah in there, which there isn't. 89.