El Albar Lurton Barricas 2008

SWIC Score: 92 (JMG)

Tasting notes: Dried fruits, cocoa, black pepper, powerful, complex, elegant.

Available: QC (SAQ 10358006 - $ 20.20)

 

Winery: El Albar Lurton

Region: V.T. Castilla y León

Varieties: 100% Tinta de Toro

Ageing: 12 months in oak barrels (1/3 of them new)

Alcohol level: 14.4% alc./vol.

François and Jacques Lurton settled El Albar winery outside the village of Villafranca de Duero, close  to the famous wine-river in the 90s. Although this El Albar Lurton Barricas is not labelled under any D.O. brand (but a lower regulation level V.T.), shows an amazing quality, due to a combination of power, complexity and elegance. The grapes used for this wine comes from the Toro region, and they are of an average of 50 years old. It matches ideally with game recipes, as well as roasted red meat and lamb.

Vintage tasted: 2008 (October 2012)

Tilenus Envejecido en Roble 2007

SWIC Score: 88 (JMG)

Tasting notes: Red fruit, vanilla, bay leaf, round, fresh, pleasant.

Available:

QC (SAQ 11664152 - $ 19.85)

ON (VINTAGES 297143 - $ 17.95)

Winery: Bodegas Estefanía

Region: D.O. Bierzo (Castilla y León)

Varieties: 100% Mencía

Ageing: 10 months in French and American oak barrel

Alcohol level: 14.5% alc./vol.

Bodegas Estefanía is a family owned and operated winery of Ponferrada (Bierzo region). It was founded in 1999 by the Frías family, aiming to produce high quality wines, capable to transmit the Bierzo’s personality. This Tilenus (the name comes from Teleno, an ancient local god of war) Envejecido en Roble 2007 (‘envejecido’ means aged, and ‘roble’ means oak) ages in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels less than a year, in a complex balance between the varietal nuances from Mencía grapes and the spicy notes from the wood. It becomes pleasant to drink and a good partner for a wide range of recipes.

Vintage tasted: 2007 (November 2012)

Torres 20 Hors d'Age

SWIC Score: 98 (IFS)

Tasting notes: Nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, elegant, velvety, warm.

Available:

QC (SAQ 507517 - $ 71.00)

ON (VINTAGES 286740 - $ 81.95)

Winery: Torres

Region: Catalunya

Varieties: Parellada, Ugni Blanc

Ageing: up to 20 years in French oak barrel

Alcohol level: 40% alc./vol.

Torres 20 Hors d’Age is a multi-prized brandy produced by Torres at its own distillery at the Penedès region (Catalunya). It is obtained by double distillation of selected wines (high in acidity and low in alcohol) made from grapes of the white varieties of Parellada and Ugni Blanc. Then it ages for up to 20 years in French oak barrels. The result is this elegant brandy, that was elected “Best Brandy Worldwide” by the Wine & Spirit Competition (UK) in 1997 and again in 2006.

Vintage tasted: n/a (November 2012)

Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

SWIC Score: 88 (JMG)

Tasting notes: Redcurrant, liquorice, clove, direct, warm.

Available:

QC (SAQ 610188 - $ 12.50)

ON (LCBO 610188 - $ 10.95)

BC (BCLS 610188 - $ 11.99)

Winery: Bodegas Osborne

Region: V.T. Castilla (Castilla La Mancha)

Varieties: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Ageing: 4 months in new American oak barrel

Alcohol level: 12.5% alc./vol.

Osborne, one of the most traditional wine families of Spain (winemakers since 1772), produces this great value-for-price Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon in an area not included in any D.O. (Denominación de Origen), but under the umbrella of the lower level of V.T. (Vino de la Tierra) at Castilla La Mancha. They own a fertile 2,500 acres estate at the municipality of Malpica del Tajo, where they grow the vines for this intense but easy-to-drink red wine. Regarding at its potential pairings, it is quite versatile, matching very well with any meat as well as pasta and cheeses.

Vintage tasted: 2010 (October 2012)

Gran Feudo Rosado 2011

SWIC Score: 86 (IFS)

Tasting notes: Strawberry, raspberry, herbal, intense, fresh.

Available: ON (LCBO 165845 - $ 11.95)

 

Winery: Julián Chivite

Region: D.O. Navarra

Varieties: 100% Garnacha

Alcohol level: 13% alc./vol.

Navarra has a long-lasting tradition and prestige for its rosé wines, mainly made with Garnacha grapes. And Julián Chivite is one of the biggest and more solid producers of that area, located between Rioja and the French border. This Gran Feudo Rosado 2011 is a good example of the rosés from Navarra: medium to deep pink colour and intense aromas and flavours. It matches perfectly with poultry and rice dishes, and can be an excellent option for spicy Asian food.

Vintage tasted: 2011 (November 2012)