2008 Martin Codax Salterio Albarino

Albariño is Spain's big secret, for now. The signature grape of Galicia's Rías Baixas wine region, I never think to buy these - but I have never been disappointed. The pretty label grabbed me this time - wow, what a nice surprise!

The 2008 Martín Códax Salterio Albariño (Rias Baixas) tempts with notes of papaya, buttery croissant, apples and flowers. Soft and appley on the palate with a distinct minerality, not crisp but the minerals hold it together quite well. A delcious sipping wine yet flavourful enough to stand up to turkey kebabs...lots of fun!
plastic cork. 12.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$16.95 (LCBO)

2007 Masi Modello delle Venezie

What I love about Masi is the consistency - the wines are ubiquitous, and yet almost every Masi wine I have ever tasted has been above average quality and a great value for the price. I would have to think long and hard of a winery that comes as close to a sure thing - sure to be in the shop or on the restaurant menu, and sure to represent a good value (Campofiorin and Brolio labels come to mind). Tonight's wine further affirms this.

The 2007 Masi Modello delle Venezie was a "hey, never seen this before" pick, and Masi once again delivers. Dark, earthy, leathery raspberries, later some pruneyness ... so deep and brooding on the nose that I was rather surprised when this light, crisp, and fresh juice crossed my palate, delivering earthy, minerally berries and some enjoyable bitterness. A short finish, but who cares? Drink this tasty red now - great with food, at an astonishingly great price. Bravo! (made from local varietals Corvina and Raboso)
cork. 12% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$13.95 (SAQ)

2005 Mascaron par Ginestet

I love it when friends bring gifts of wine, especially when it is one of their personal treasures - critics and shopkeepers aren't the only ones to make great finds!

Tonight we go to Bordeaux for my first taste of the famed 2005 vintage, a gift from my good friend Eric. Eric has been raving about the 2005 Mascaron par Ginestet, and for good reason - lovely violet, currant and blackberry notes leap out of the glass, some prunes and an earthy greenness in there as well. Terrific on the palate, with really nice density, a velvety texture, juicy fruit, minerally black earth and a lingering finish. This Merlot (60%)/Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) blend is a big winner at this price point, and a reflection of just how good 2005 was for Bordeaux. Give it a short decant or stick it away for 2-3 years.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$17.80 (SAQ)

2006 Moillard Macon-Aze

I've had some success with the inexpensive whites from Burgundy's "Mâcon" appellations - Mâcon-Loché, Mâcon-Lugny, Mâcon-Villages - so it was a no-brainer for me to try a bottle of this wine from Mâcon-Azé. The 2006 Moillard Mâcon-Azé delivered: notes of lemony cream and yeasty ripe apples, some oak, bananas and chalk. Rather stern on the palate, but with a soft underbelly - riper than a Chablis yet better structured than those recent Mâcon whites. I highly recommend this for my Ontario friends.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: C$16.95 (LCBO)

Argentine Shiraz? The 2005 Catena Shiraz

Argentinian Shiraz? If it were another maker I might have passed, but Catena is so good that I couldn't resist a taste at the Montreal Salon des Vins (and a few bottles made it home) ...

The nose of the 2005 Catena Shiraz leads with leathery notes, followed by fresh red fruit and dark berry undertones, then some spicy oak. Simple, but oh so nicely structured on the palate, with crisp cherry fruit framed by fine acidity, a modest alcohol level for a New World shiraz. Just a little over the top with the oak, perhaps, but not offensively so - a must buy.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 16.5/20
Price: ~C$20 (SDV)

2006 Cave de Lugny Macon-Villages "Les Florieres"

The appellations of Mâcon are the southernmost in Burgundy and are notable for inexpensive white chardonnays, which in my experience are soft and luscious - stylistic opposites to the crisp, steely chardonnay from Chablis. I've had some success (1,2) as of late with some random Mâcon buying, but neither of those compared to this little gem:

The 2006 Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages "Les Florières" was very complex on the nose - lemon cream, vanilla, juicy apples, wildflowers, pears and wet ferns. Minerally pears on the palate, it was flavourful, poised and refreshing - a great match for a simple shrimp pasta. Amazing quality for this price point.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 17/20
Price: C$16.05 (SAQ)

A New York Minute with Brooklynguy, Rockss

Source: Wikipedia

Once again Neil (Brooklynguy) played the gracious host, this time welcoming Joe to his house in Brooklyn. With only 90 minutes to share a drink we had to work fast, competing with BrooklynBabyGirl who was trying to snitch our glasses for a quick olfactory evaluation (adding notes of banana and yogurt for our enjoyment...)

Noting the limited selections of Beaujolais on my site, Neil started with the 2005 Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon Javernières Côte-de-Py, a wine from one of Beaujolais' top appellations. On its second day this beauty exhibited a nose of earthy flowers and a hint of candy strawberry, a palate of velvety tannins, mineraliness (like mineral water), crisp acidity and tremendous length. Much too young, I would love to get a hold of a few bottles and stick them away. This impressive yet subtle wine may be the best bojo I have ever tasted - a tremendous value as well.

cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20

While great bojo is rare enough for Joe, Neil topped that with a 2002 Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvée Renaissance, a wine made from the very rare Romorantin grape. A deep golden hue in the glass with pleasing notes of lemon, honey, yeast and noble rot, it really impressed on the palate - softly textured with juicy lemon and minerals, everything in near- perfect balance. Slightly off dry, it made me think of Alsace for some reason, Alsace pinot gris perhaps (but it has been so long). Nice to sip, but it would have been even better with a nice plate of scallops, perhaps? Another great value.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score 16.5/20

So, some great wine, a neat trip to Brooklyn and an opportunity to meet Brooklynguy, BrooklynLady, and the very charming BrooklynBabyGirl (who is not really a baby anymore) - I look forward to hosting all of you up here this fall.

While brief, I should also mention a few minutes chatting with Lyle of Rockss and Fruit. This was actually a wine swap, the result of my Donnhoff Weissburgunder/Grauburgunder post in April. Lyle commented that those were difficult to find, so I agreed to deliver a bottle of each on my next trip to NYC. In return Lyle spotted me a German riesling and a Marcillac, wines he has recommended on his site. I am looking forward to both of those Lyle - many thanks.

Cheap Bubbles - 2004 Sieur d'Arques "La Bulle de Limoux"

With his "Friday Night Bubbles" series Neil has inspired me to drink more sparkling wine, from Champagne and beyond, and not just on special occasions. I have been especially intrigued by his French bubbly finds outside of Champagne, so I took a flyer on this "Blanquette de Limoux".

The 2004 Sieur d'Arques "La Bulle de Limoux" comes from the Blanquette de Limoux appellation in France and is made from the local grape Mauzac, with some Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay mixed in. A yeasty, lemony croissant with white flowers and a hint of oranges on the nose. Fresh and minerally on the palate with a modest mousse, this well-balanced and easy-drinking bubbly is a great value - serve it blind and guests will think you brought out an inexpensive chamapgne (only you will know you just saved 30 bucks).
cork. 12.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$18.25 (SAQ)

A nice surprise, and a compelling reason not to save the bubby for special occasions.

2006 Catena Chardonnay

I have spoken frequently about Catena's wines on this site. In my opinion, Catena's wines are in a "sweet spot" for those of you seeking out great wine values - wines that are amongst the best in the world, but listed at prices well below the much-hyped wines from places such as Napa/Barossa/etc. because of the word "Argentina" on the label.

The 2006 Catena Chardonnay (Mendoza) region is a case in point. An explosive nose of peaches, apricots and apples, spring flowers, toasty oak and minerals. Luscious, honeyed apples on the palate with a soft oily texture, nice acidity, minerality, persistency and great balance, it hides the elevated alcohol very well. This wine is equal to, or better than, most Napa/Somoma chardonnays at twice the price, and (for a special evening) worth the few extra $ over entry-level chardonnay. 
cork. 14% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20
Price: C$20.85 (SAQ)

2004 Vox Populi

My notes on the 2005 Champy night are incomplete, as I sprung a cheapo Romanian wine on Marcus - just for fun. While some might construe this as teasing (who guesses Romanian Pinot when blinded), it was an experiment for both Marcus and I as I had not tasted this wine before.

So just how did Joe come into posession of yet another bargain bin Romanian Pinot? Wandering (stalking is such a strong word) the SAQ, I overheard an employee say to a customer "You like Pinot? You have to try this! Its from Romania". Thinking she was touting one of my Under $12 finds, the Chevalier de Dyonis, I slinked over to see what she was recommending. It was Romanian all right, but not the bottle I had pitched - I had to buy it!

The 2004 Vox Populi Pinot Noir (Dealu Mare) was wet leather, fresh strawberries and pine resin on the nose ... light, crisp and flavourful on the palate. Short finish, but at this price...who cares?! The people have spoken (at least Marcus and I) - good Pinot juice for a measly 13 bucks.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 15/20
Price: C$13.60 (SAQ)

You will be lucky to find a bottle after I hit the stores tomorrow...

PS - Marcus' notes here.

2006 Marnay-Sorelles Hautes Cotes de Beaune "Les Frontenets"

Hmmm...an innocent comment on a variety of music led to threats and insults...maybe I'll stick to wine.

The 2006 Marnay-Sorelles Hautes Côtes de Beaune "Les Frontenets" led with crisp raspberry, wet fur and animally notes - simple but effective. The palate was light-bodied with bracing acidity and modest fruit - a touch awkward at first, but softened up nicely over the evening. An inexpensive take on classically-styled red Burgundy, and a great pairing for a pork tenderloin in a sweet soy-based marinade (and a great value).
cork. 12% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$17.60 (SAQ), but a gift from a friend

Stay tuned for more Burgs - Marcus and I dove into `05 Champys last night, and our tasting group is going Grand Cru in a week and a half.

2004 Chateau Peyros Magenta

It's no secret that I have a soft spot for the tannat-based wines of Madiran, a small french appellation in Southwest France. But I have mainly tasted the pricier offerings, Chateau Montus and Chateau Bouscasse. Here's a great, inexpensive Madiran...

The 2004 Chateau Peyros Magenta (Madiran) had a pleasing mustiness on the nose and was very vegetal (garden herbs) - leather, black liquorice, and floral notes as well. Very smooth and balanced, a modest finish - easy drinking, but simple. A great value for my Ontario friends. 
cork. 13.8% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$14.85 (LCBO)

Note that this Madiran was 50:50 Tannat and Cabernet Franc (Montus is 80% Tannat/20% Cabernet Sauvignon), which explains the vegetal notes and Peyros' accessibility for such a young Madiran.

Feelings Cafe: Cheap White Burgundy in the Big Easy

New Orleans is not a town that I associate with wine - alcohol, yes, but not wine. Facing spicy Cajun cooking every night (Jambalaya, Gumbo, Étouffée) I stuck to beer, for the most part (the local Abita is quite good), but our last evening in the Big Easy featured a family dinner at Feelings Cafe and I was pressed into service to pick the wine.

From a wine perspective, Feelings featured a short, but well-selected wine list. Unfortunately, the list did not show the wine vintages and the server had no idea about the wines on the list. The wine service was also lacking, as the red wine (see further below) was served warm and it was not decanted (yes, very anal). 

My white selection was the 2006 Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Lugny "Les Charmes", inspired by the great Mâcon-Loché I tasted in March. Attractive notes of lime and green apple on the nose, some minerality and floral aromas underneath. A smooth and luscious texture, it was minerally bitter-lemon on the palate. A charming wine, and a steal at this price (includes restaurant markup). It paired very well with my Étouffée and Red Snapper. 
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 15.5/20
Price: US$24 (menu)

I should also mention (1) that we ordered a 2002 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz, a big hit with those enjoying red wine that evening, and (2) the food was terrific - I highly recommend this restaurant (in a city of great restaurants) for the food alone.

And don't forget to check out Neil's Silver Burgundy post for more wines from Mâcon-Lugny and the Mâconnais.

2004 Pasqua Valpolicella Sagramoso

The 2004 Pasqua Valpolicella Sagramoso was a gift dating back to our Christmas party. Musty at first, followed by some pepper, black earth and dark cherry notes. It starts crisp, coating the palate with velvety green tannins, some almondy flavours. A modest finish, but very few faults in this flavourful, polished valpo after a 30 minute decant. Great Value.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$21.65 (for the '05 at SAQ)

Twelve Under $12: 2005 Marques de Marialva Reservera Tinto

A common theme for my Twelve under $12 has been a return to the familiar - random acts of wine buying result in too many bad surprises, so my fear is heightened in the $12 aisle. Tonight's selection follows a familiar path, as I have enjoyed a prior vintage at the recommendation of Malcolm Anderson, the former wine writer for The Gazette.

The red 2005 Marquês de Marialva Reserva comes from Portugal's Bairrada appellation. Light cherry red in the glass, an unexpectedly terrific nose of spicy oak and vanilla, black earth and truffles leapt out of the glass. Simple, crisp and light bodied on the palate with decent fruit - a "Bojo meets Rioja" treat. Probably the best wine I have ever tasted at this price point, and a wine that should pair easily with lighter or heavier meat dishes.
cork. 12.5% alcohol
Score: 15.5/20
Price: $10.95 (SAQ)

To quote my wife: "These have been really decent wines this week and there is no point in spending more on everyday wines." 'Nuff said

Twelve Under $12: 2006 Carmen Chardonnay

For my "Twelve Under $12" series I once again turned to an old favourite, a 2006 Carmen Chardonnay, and I was not disappointed. Pale gold with notes of lemon, petrol, fresh cut grass and almond extract. Fresh, green, and juicy on the palate, minerally with really nice balance, a terrific example of this varietal. My second $12 success with this winery, it is hard not to like at this price. (typically cheaper elsewhere)
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 14.5/20
Price: C$11.85 (SAQ)

Next up, a gem from Portugal, a disappointment from Mexico, cheap Torrontes and even a Romanian wine...

Twelve Under $12: Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon

Our fourth installment in my "Under $12" series led me to Chile in search of discount Cabernet Sauvignon. Sitting next to the Carmen Chardonnay that I have praised in the past, I thought I'd use that positive experience to lead me to a cheapo New World Cab.

Ruby red in the glass, the 2005 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon was all wet gravelly and earthy on the nose, some blackberry, and nice green peppery notes with very little oak. Definitely not an oaky/jammy New World cab on the palate, it showed good acidity, coarse tannins and subdued fruit. A short finish, and a bit rough around the edges, but a maybe just a step above the average Vin de Table - nicely done.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 14.5/20
Price: C$11.60 (SAQ)

Twelve Under $12: Codorniu Clasico Brut Cava

I don't deserve to be married working late on Valentine's Day and opening a $12 bottle of bubbly, but the bubbly was good enough to win back her love.

Returning to familiar territory with the Codorniu Clasico Brut (NV), I was impressed once again by this cheap Cava - pale gold with a decent mousse and attractive notes of toasty bread, white flowers, pears, and earthy tropical fruit - a prelude to its crisp, creamy mouthfeel, and smokey-apple flavours. Yes, you can have "champagne-like" flavour every day - bravo!
cork. 11.5% alcohol
Score: 15.5/20
Price: C$12.35 (SAQ)

WBW #40 - Petite Sirah

Sonadora got the nod from the Wine Blogging Wednesday committee and chose Petite Sirah for the theme. This presented two dilemas for me: (1) I have never tasted a good Petite Sirah, and (2) this was the first WBW that required me to go shopping - my cellar is usually well-stocked for such events.

Searching the SAQ (local wine monopoly) website, I found just 6 Petite Sirah wines online. Moreover, not all of the bottles were at stores nearby. In the end I found a Mexican Petite Sirah and a Aussie Durif nearby, making a few firsts for Joe's Wine - my first Mexican wine, my first Aussie Durif and my first blog entry in the Petite Sirah category. The wines were decanted and served blind.

Mexico? I actually thought it was Californian on the website, but realized my mistake when I got to the store. Could the land of tequila take one of California's signature grapes and make something nice at 12 bucks? The 2004 L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah (100%) comes from the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, Mexico. Dark cherry red in the glass, it was pleasant - but simple - on the nose, with some black cherry, vanilla and faint floral scents. On the palate was jammy fruit, supported by gripping tea-like tannins, but light on acidity and a bit "hot". Smooth, rich, it had decent length and could probably be cellared. At less than $12 this was a steal, and should be a serious consideration in the "fruity New World" category for upcoming holiday parties. Great Value!
cork. 14% alcohol
Score: 15/20
Price: $11.95 (SAQ)

Like the Cetto above, the 2005 Deen de Bortoli Vat 1 Durif was chosen because it was easily accessible. Dark cherry red, this wine showed a much more interesting nose - black cherry, smoke, leather, wet fur, and leafy/woodsy notes, very nice. Dry, with fresh acidity, pretty cherry fruit, and velvety tannins, this was a luscious and classy pour. Short finish, drink now.
screw top. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: $17.50 (SAQ)

Overall, I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't get a California Petite Sirah in here, but then I would never have discovered Mexico. Olé! Going into this I thought the wines would be tannic and alcoholic fruit bombs, brutes. The tannins in these bottles were soft and palatable, and the alcohol was lower than I expected. Still fruit bombs, but enjoyable sippers.

Thanks, Sonadora, for pulling me out of shell. I never go back in.

Breaking the Rules with Inexpensive Burgundy

Feeling a little cocky after a string of nice red burgundies this year (1,2,3,4,5) I went and broke a number of rules with this wine. First, I bought it based on the label (gasp!): no recommendation from friends, store employees or the usual media suspects - just a good vintage and a decent house on the label, and for $25 how could I go wrong? Second, I opened a Burgundy and drank it...without food (horror!). Yep, that's right, opened the bottle and drank some with my wife while watching an old Bond flick on TV. Surely random acts of Burgundy buying and drinking without food should be punished?

Wrong, the 2005 Joseph Drouhin Givry was a terrific bottle. Bright cherry red, with a perky nose of very ripe raspberry and damp forest undergrowth, later opening with some floral, truffle and meaty aromas. While the nose seemed overripe, that was not the case on the palate - the berries were crisp, with enough tannin and acidty that may allow this to keep for a few years. A pleasure to drink on its own, it might even go with food.
cork. 13% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$25.25 (SAQ)

A great pour, this wine plays into my thinking that randomly buying 2005 Burgs from the lesser domaines of decent makers should deliver some great values.

PS - I actually bought this to compare with the $35 2005 Drouhin Pernand-Vergelesses - looks like I have to go buy another bottle (bottles?)