Here is a selection of four (4) sparkling wines and two (2) Champagne, all should be easy to find at the SAQ. Also a few slightly more expensive reds that should make lovely gifts for the Holidays. And two excellent whiskies for the spirit enthusiast.
Wishing all of you great Holidays and an amazing 2018 !
SPARKLERS :
Cuvée Prestige 2014 Franciacorta, Ca’ del Bosco, Italie 43$ 11008024
Very consistant, this excellent spumante from chardonnay (75%), pinot noir (15%) and pinot blanc (10%) displays a lovely fruity nose with hints of toasted bread. Flavourful, well balanced and good length. Better than many Champagnes. Score: 91/100
Brut Prestige, Mumm Napa, Californie 29,60$ 11442701
A very charming California sparkler! Fruity nose, quite fresh and elegant. Twelve (12) grams of sugar adds richness and volume, remains balanced and refined. Always amongst the best sparklers available! Score: 90/100
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut 2014 Louis Boillot, France 21,60$ 884379
This lovely Crémant from pinot noir (60%) and chardonnay (40%) is quite fresh and flavourful. A hint of bitterness adds complexity and length. Great value! Score: 88/100
Château Moncontour Brut 2014 Vouvray, France 19,60$ 430751
This Loire Valley sparkler is a real bargain ! A 100% Chenin Blanc Brut that displays typical fruity and floral scents. Lots of character (for 19$), with good length and a refreshing finish. Score : 88/100
CHAMPAGNES : 2 Champagnes at affordable prices!
Champagne Premier Cru Brut, Gardet 41,75$ 12398600
This Premier Cru Cuvée Blanc de Noirs is made without Chardonnay : Pinot Noir (60%) and Pinot Meunier (40%). Good character Champagne reasonnably priced. Toasted bread and oxidised apple scents. A hint of bitterness adds freshness and length. Score : 88/100
Champagne Grand Cru Rosé, Lallier 48,75$ 12560881
Rosé Champagnes are usually quite expensive, here is a bargain rosé from Lallier. From Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay (20%) it displays some evolution and complexity with fresh acidity and a hint of bitterness on the lasting finish. Score : 89/100
To offer as gifts : four upscale reds
Marsannay Cuvée St-Urbain 2014 Domaine Jean Fournier, France 37,25 $ 11853412
This lovely Pinot Noir is from a cool vintage. Its charming nose displays ripe red fruit scents. In a very seductive elegant style, light bodied, quite fresh and surprisingly flavourful. The perfect red for the Holiday turkey dinner. Score : 90/100
Brunello di Montalcino 2012 San Polo, Italie 68 $ 12941924
From the Sangiovese grape, this surprising easy drinking Brunello offers very supple flavours. Very ripe and soft, this charming red displays fruity, chocolaty and woody scents. It feels more evolved than expected with finely textured ripe tannins. Some potential: 3 to 5 years. Should work perfectly with grilled lamb chops. Score : 90/100
Côtes de Nuits Villages 2015 Fougeray de Beauclair, France 39,75 $ 10865294
A rather fresh and elegant red Burgundy for 2015! Lovely nose: ripe red fruit with floral hints. Light to medium bodied, surprising acidity and great balance. Easy drinking and very enjoyable! Great match with grilled poultry. Score : 88/100
Vina Tondonia 2005 Rioja, R. Lopez Heredia, Espagne 52 $ 11667901
A typical Rioja blend : tempranillo (75 %), garnacha (15%), graciano (5%) and mazuelo (5 %) in an evolved traditionnal style. Earthy, woody and floral scents. Surprisingly full and structured for this producer. A slightly evolved rojo with solid tannins for more potential (5 to 7 years). Great with braised veal cheeks. Score : 91/100
Two excellent whiskies :
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon USA 45,2% alc. 10323111 48,75$
The USA is reputed for its full bodied whiskies aged in new American oak. Woodford has been distilling fine whiskies since 1812. Like most Bourbons corn is the main cereal, but in this intense whiskey a high percentage of rye (18%) adds an obvious spicy character. Complex nose displaying woody, spicy and caramel scents. Fans of delicate or light whiskies abstain! Score : 93/100
Oban Distiller’s Edition Double Matured Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 43% Alc. 503094 145,25$
A Whisky bursting with flavour and character. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2015. Double matured : finished in Montilla Fino barrels from Spain. Butterscotch, dried fruits and slightly flowery. A classic whisky: velvety, balanced with a hint of sweetness. Excellent! Score : 95/100
NICK HAMILTON
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