August 20th release

August 20th , 2011 Vintages release.
 
This is a quick and dirty list as I am on vacation…..I thought a couple of Roses might be nice in this heat we’re having here in Ontario
 
REDS
 
Moncigale ‘Minéral’ Rosé Bandol 2010 
AOC Bandol $18.95 (226670)
This is light on its feet with good balance, pairing well with pan-seared salmon, a mixed deli board or creamy cheese. Aromas of red berry fruit and spice-infused cherry provide segue for subtle flavours of rhubarb and pomegranate on the palate and a mid-length, crisp, refreshing finish.
 
Château de Fontenelles ‘Tenue de Soirée’ Rosé de Syrah Corbières 2010 
AP Corbières $13.95 (225011)

A little darker-hued than most Rosé, this delivers a lovely bouquet of aromas—mixed spice, floral notes and berry fruit. It’s light-medium bodied and bone dry with a laser-like surge of racy red currant, strawberry and tangy, ruby red grapefruit persisting through the mouth-watering aftertaste. Lovely sipped on its own, it shines with pizza or chèvre
 
Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2007 

DOC Douro $19.95 (657452)


This winery spent a fortune modernizing their plant and equipment. Coupled with old-vine, premium ‘Port’ grapes planted on prime sites, you’ve got a name worth following. Raisin, roasted herbs and dark berry fruit on the nose, there’s a glass full of rich, concentrated flavours—bramble berry pie, black currant and plum. It’s full bodied and generously textured, turning racy and gamy on the rustic, tannic finish. This a BIG red worth cellaring or having along with a rare steak or lamb…as it will require plenty of fat to smooth out the tannins.
WHITES
 
 
Cave de Hoen ‘Vieilles Vignes’ Pinot Gris 2009 
AOC Alsace $17.95 (224261)

Peach-skin gold, this wine entices with attractive floral aromas and fruity intensity—tropical fruit, pear and cantaloupe. Off dry (so semi-sweet), medium bodied, it displays a lovely satiny weight on the palate and a refined balance of acidity, sweet fruit and spice. Notes of pear and golden apple linger on the extended finish. With an extra half star for value, this is a wine you can sip chilled on its own, or paired with spicy Thai foods of all descriptions
 
Gérard Bertrand ‘Réserve Spéciale’ Viognier 2009 
Vin de Pays d’Oc $14.95 (147975)
Displaying a lovely classic character, appealing floral and fruit aromas, this medium-bodied Viognier is dry, yet creamy on the palate. Lively acidity frames stone fruit, honeyed pear, mango and notes of spice box. The focused finish is long and fruity with a tangy peppery bite. A great match with grilled salmon.
 
Chalone ‘Monterey County’ Chardonnay 2009 
Monterey County $16.95 (80226)

Benefiting from the cooling effects of the Pacific air flow, this dry, medium-full bodied wine is lively on the palate while offering quite delicious aromas and flavours of roasted pear, rich apple and tropical fruit nuances. Buttery, creamy in texture, it’s mouth filling and luxuriously long on the finish. Enjoy it with a creamy chicken Caesar salad.