Domaine de La Madone Le Perreon Beaujolais-Villages 2014

Beaujolais-Villages wines are produced by 39 commune/villages in the Haut Beaujolais in France are meant to be consumed within 2 years of their harvest. Beaujolais wines are made with Gamay grapes which have thin skins and are low in tannins.  

Beaujolais have been described as ‘White wines that happen to be red’ and wikipedia recommends that they be served at between 13 and 14 degrees Celsius (56-57F).  I usually prefer a bit warmer around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius to appreciate more of the flavours.  I chill mine in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before opening. These wines are often fruity with the berry flavours I prefer in the summer months.

Wine:  Domaine de La Madone Le Perreon Beaujolais-Villages 2014

Location: France

Alcohol content: 13.0%

Sugar content: 6g/L

Price: $14.95

Vintages number: 981175

This wines is a ruby red colour, perhaps slightly darker than other Beaujolais-Villages wines I have tried. The aromas are of sweet berry with a slight spice.

The flavours are of berry and spice also however the fruit flavours are not as pronounced as the Georges-DuBoeuf Beaujolais-Villages that is my staple summer wine. The wine is smooth, low in tannins with a pleasant, sweet berry finish.

While I don’t enjoy this wine as much as the DuBoeuf, it is a good wine that I would gladly drink again. For those who prefer more muted fruit flavours in their Beaujolais, you might like it more than me.

Recommendation:  Uncork

Rating:                  8.0 out of 10

El Guardian, Rioja Crianza 2011

Our latest selection in another Spanish rioja. I like trying different varieties from different countries but sometimes you just need to go to your comfort zone, and tempranillo wines are in my wheelhouse. 

I selected this wine not based on any recommendations or inside information. It is simply because I wanted a reasonably priced rioja and I kind of liked the label. 

Wine: El Guardian Rioja Crianza

Location: Spain

Alcohol content: 12.5%

Sugar content: 2g/L

Price: $13.95

Vintages number: 429670

El Guardian rioja is a medium-bodied wine, ruby red in colour with pleasant berry fragrances. The flavours are extremely mild.  You can taste slight strawberry and leather. The wine is balanced and smooth with a nice finish. Because the flavour profile is very neutral, this wine is extremely versatile and could be paired with many different meats and cheeses or enjoyed on its own.  I usually prefer slightly stronger fruit flavours but this wine is pleasant and I would drink it again.

Recommendation: Uncork
Rating:                  7.5 out of 10

The Year in Review

To make it easy to review what I have tried, there is a summary of the wines and ratings listed below. I will try to update this list periodically to make it easier to find the better reviewed wines.  I would welcome your feedback.  Let me know if you think my reviews are useful or if you disagree. You can reach me by e-mail:  odyssey_732@yahoo.ca

Happy drinking.

Rating	Wine
9	Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages
9	Radio Boka Tempranillo 2013
9	Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port, 2009
8.5	Beronia, Rioja, Tempranillo Elaboracion Especial
8.5	Borsao Tinto Garnacha
8.5	Purcari Rara Neagra de Purcari 2013
8.5	Villa Wolf Pinot Noir
8.5	Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon
8	Alazani Valley Red from Tbilvino
8	Ezimit Merlot
8	Plantaze Monte Cheval Vranac
8	Tamada Mukuzani 2011 - Kakheti Georgia - Red
8	Trapiche Vina Jorge Miralles Terroir Series Single Vineyard Malbec 2009
8	Vila Regia Douro 2013
7.5	Angels Gate Gamay Noir 2013
7.5	Domaines Vincon Feteasca Neagra 2009
7.5	LAN Crianza Rioja 2010
7.5	Radio Boka Tempranillo 2014
7	Domaine Boyar Cabernet Sauvignon
7	Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
6.5	Peljesac Plavac Mali
6.5	Solaz
6	Boutari Agiorgitiko Nemea Red 2012

Purcari Rara Neagra de Purcari 2013

You may not be familiar with the wines of Moldova, but this Eastern European country, bordering Romania and Ukraine, has been producing wines for some 5,000 years.

Most of it's commercial wines are produced for export and the industry is vital to the country's economy. Russia has been the main destination for Moldovan wines however that is changing as Russia has imposed bans on the importation of wines from the country due to 'Phyto-sanitary' concerns. In reality Russia is trying to discourage Moldova from seeking closer ties with Europe.

I have no concerns about the quality of Purcari wines.  The LCBO tests the products it imports and the Queen of England imports one of the 1990 vintages for personal consumption.  If it's fit for the Queen then it is fit for me.

This particular wine is made with babeasca neagra grapes.  This variety is cultivated in Romania and Moldova, but is also grown in Ukraine and New York State where it is known as Sereksia.

According to Wikipedia, the Romanian words mean "Grandmother's Black" but are known to produce light-bodied, fruity red wines. This wine however is full-bodied, as we will discuss below.

Wine:  Purcari Rara Neagra de Purcari

Location: Moldova

Alcohol content: 14%

Sugar content: 6g/L

Price: $20.95

Vintages number: 426262

The wine is an extremely deep red colour making the 'neagra' name understandable. The smells are subtle but I detect slight vanilla, spice and berry. At 14% alcohol, it is classically defined as a full-bodied wine (According to my sources at Winepair.com).  I have previously incorporated the flavour profile in my understanding of light, medium and full-bodied wines but this is apparently not the accepted definition.  Apparently it refers almost exclusively to the alcohol content of the wine. The more alcohol the more viscous the wine feels in your mouth.

For people who have been following my blog, this is a reminder that I am an amateur who appreciates wine but is definitely not a connoisseur.  I will correct this in future reviews but judge past reviews accordingly. 

Like the smells, the flavours are more subtle than one might expect. Plum, vanilla and slight spice with a slightly astringent finish. Of the previous wines I have reviewed, I would say the flavour profile is reminiscent of the Romanian Domaines Vincon and the feel similar to the first wine I reviewed, the Tamada Mukuzani from the Republic of Georgia.

Although this wine does not contain the strong berry flavours I usually prefer, this wine is a pleasure to drink.  Smooth with a clean finish, this is a wine I would gladly drink again.  

Recommendation:  Uncork

Rating:                  8.5 out of 10

Beronia, Rioja, Tempranillo Elaboracion Especial

At long last I am back with another review.  This one is a dry Rioja from Spain.  

Wine: Beronia Rioja Tempranillo Elaboracion Especial

Location: Spain

Sugar content: 6g/L

Price:$15.95

Vintages number: 426981

Is it possible for a full-bodies wine to have lighter delicate flavours? This is a question I am wrestling with. The LCBO describes this wine as full-bodied and smooth. While it is full-bodied for a wine made with Tempranillo grapes, I would describe it as medium-bodied with light fruity flavours. Strawberry, vanilla and mild tannins.  It is balanced and smooth with a clean finish. It is dry, but not like the Plantaze Vranac, despite only a slight difference in sugar content.  While the Vranac was so dry it felt like the moisture was being sucked out of the back of my throat, the Tempranillo is pleasant and refreshing. I definitely recommend drinking this wine on it's own, unlike the Vranac which is best paired with food.  

Fruity, fresh, balanced, clean, I definitely recommend this wine and hope to have it again soon.

Recommendation:  Uncork

Rating:  8.5 out of 10

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir

Possibly known more for their white wine, we are having a look at the Villa Wolf Pinot Noir from Germany.

Wine: Villa Wolf Pinot Noir
Location: Germany
Sugar content: 6g/L
Price: $14.95
Vintages number: 292971

The Villa Wolf is a medium to light ruby colour with aromas of spice cherry.

Typical of Pinot Noir wines, the flavours are mild. Cherry, cranberry and mild spice.  The flavours are nicely balanced, and the finish is smooth.

Pinot flavours are not bold enough for my palate. That being said, this is a nice wine that I would gladly drink again.

Recommendation: Uncork
Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Alazani Valley Red from Tbilvino

The Alazani Valley red is a blended wine from the Republic of Georgia. It is grown in the Alazani Valley of South-Eastern Georgia. It is a blend of Saperavi grapes, a very dark red grape native to Georgia and Rkatsiteli which means red stem but are actually white grapes. These grapes have apparently been used since 3000 BC but this is difficult to verify.

Wine:  Alazani Valley

Location: Republic of Georgia

Sugar Content:  38g/L

Price:  $14.95

Vintages number: 142109

A deep ruby red, this wine has sweet aromas of spiced plum and berries. This wine is the sweetest we have tried so far weighing in at a whopping 38g/L but is classified as semi-sweet. The flavours are reminiscent of a zinfandel.  The wine is balanced with a clean finish.  The flavours are of strawberry with a finish reminiscent of canned peaches which I assume is the influence of the Rkatsiteli grapes.

The flavours are pleasant but too sweet for my palate. If you enjoy zinfandel then you should give this a try. I chilled this wine in the refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to trying. You might want to chill it longer or you could even serve over ice and enjoy on a hot day with veggies, fruit and light cheeses.

I liked this wine but it is too sweet for me to enjoy on a regular basis. For people who enjoy semi-sweet white wines and zinfandel then I think you might want to give this a try.

Recommendation:  Uncork (For people who enjoy semi-sweet wine)

Rating: 8 out of 10

Solaz

Another Spanish wine.  This time it is the Solaz Tempranillo - Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Wine:  Solaz Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Location: Spain

Sugar content: 6g/L

Price: $11.45

Vintages number: 610188

A dark red, this wine  has very mild aromas of sweet berries with floral notes. 

The flavours are also mild. Currant, and stronger tannins than I like with a slightly astringent finish. This is not my favourite wine. The flavours are not unpleasant but not strong enough to make an impact. The finish is not bad, but not great. I have had many wines that are worse but a lot that are better. This wine would be fine with a meal but I wouldn't recommend drinking it on its own.  I won't be buying this wine again.

Recommendation: Cork

Rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Borsao Tinto Garnacha

We're going back to the future for this one. I tried to review this wine earlier but got a bad bottle.  Fortunately that wasn't a problem this time around.  

The Borsao Tinto Garnacha is a blend of of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Cabernet-Sauvignon grapes grown in the Campo de Borja area of Spain. 

Wine:  Borsao Tinto Garnacha

Location: Spain

Sugar content:  6 g/L

Price: $11.95

Vintages number: 386961

This wine is a deep red colour with floral and spice aromas. It tastes of fresh cherry and raspberry with slight vanilla and spice. It is a medium-bodied wine, smooth with a pleasant finish.

This wine has the fruit flavours I enjoy and is good enough to become a regular. I can't decide if I like this wine better than the Radio Boka so I guess I will have to try both of them again and see if I can decide. 

Bottom line:  I like the Borsao a lot and I will gladly drink it again. 

Recommendation: Uncork

Rating:  8.5 out of 10

LAN Crianza Rioja 2010

The LAN Crianza is a Spanish wine made with Tempranillo grapes.  This fruit is black, native to Spain and known to create full-bodied wines.

This wine was aged in French and American Oak in order to produce a balanced, flavorful wine.

Wine: LAN Crianza Rioja
Location: Spain
Sugar content: 5g/L
Price: $15.95
Vintages number: 166538

This wine is a dark ruby colour.  The odour is a mild spiced plum.  The flavour is much the same although I would describe it as spiced cherry as opposed to the plum bouquet. The flavours are nice but possibly over-powered slightly by the astringency.  This does not linger however and it has a mild, pleasant finish.

While this wine does not contain the full fruit flavours I prefer, and despite the slight astringency, it is a pleasant wine. It will not make my regular rotation but it's not bad.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  7.5 out of 10

Ezimit Merlot

Our latest tasting is the Ezimit Merlot from Macedonia. In the communist era, Macedonia produced a lot of wine and was responsible for about 67% of wine production in the former Yugoslavia. Post-communism, wine production decreased by about 75%.

Macedonia largely produces red wines (Accounting for 80% of production) and includes numerous varieties including the Vranac, Kratosija, Cabernet and Merlot.  It also has a domestic variety called Stanušina Crna which is relatively unknown outside of Macedonia.

Wine: Ezimit Merlot

Location: Macedonia

Sugar content: 10g/L

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $7.95

Vintages number: 261560

This Macedonian Merlot is a ruby red colour. It has an aroma of currants and slight vanilla. The flavours are mild plum and cherry.  It is smooth and balanced with a nice finish. There is no bitter or unpleasant aftertaste. Although the flavours are mild, this is a very refreshing young wine that is quite enjoyable. At only $7.95 a bottle, it is a wine I expect to enjoy with meals all summer long.  It is probably the best bargain brand I have tried.  I will gladly drink this wine again.

Recommendation:  Uncork

Rating:  8 out of 10

Domaine Boyar Cabernet Sauvignon

The Domaine Boyar Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine from the Thracian lowlands of southern Bulgaria. This Eastern European country was the world's second largest producer of wine in the 1980's but the industry collapsed after the fall of communism.  It is now starting to grow again at about 5% annually.

Wine:  Domaine Boyar, Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Location:  Bulgaria
Sugar Content:  7g/L
Alcohol:  13%
Price: $7.95
Vintages number: 340851

This deep purple wine smells of plum and spice.  I describe it as a young, medium-bodied wine with flavours including mild plum and slight spice. It is smooth with a slight astringency on the finish.

This wine is not going to win any awards.  It is young and simple but as the least expensive wine I have been able to purchase at the LCBO it is pleasant and quite drinkable. For cost conscious consumers who simply want an inexpensive wine with a steak at home, you could do worse.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  7 out of 10

Angels Gate Gamay Noir 2013

The Angels Gate Gamay Noir is a wine from the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada.  This is the largest wine region in Canada. It is at the same latitude as southern France and has a unique micro-climate created by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment which makes it a good region for growing tender fruit.

Wine:  Angels Gate Gamay Noir 2013
Location:  Beamsville, Ontario Canada
Sugar content: 4g/L
Alcohol:  13%
Price: $13.95
Vintages number: 107714

This a clear pale red wine with an aroma of sweet cherry.  The first taste is a mild, sweet berry, a flavor I enjoy in Gamay/Beaujolais wines.  Unfortunately it finishes with a slight, bitter astringency. It is similar to the finish of some of the ultra dry wines I have reviewed previously.

Apparently the astringency is caused by the tannins in the grape skins.  Some astringency is better than others and this astringency does not work for me.  Keep in mind, I am not a connoisseur and you may like it.  For more information about astringency and bitterness I will refer you to The Wine Guy blog.

Overall, I find this to be a pleasant, enjoyable wine with a slightly unsatisfactory finish. While I will probably not buy this wine again, I would drink it again if you are buying.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  7.5 out of 10

Radio Boka Tempranillo 2013

An update to this review.  The 2013 is far superior to the 2014.  I would rate the 2014 only a 7 to 7.5.  Get the 2013 if you can.

The Radio Boka is a wine from Valencia Spain made with Tempranillo grapes.  This grape, native to Spain, is black and makes full-bodied wines.

Wine:  Radio Boka Tempranillo
Location: Valencia, Spain
Sugar content: 16 g/L
Alcohol: 13%
Price: $10.95
Vintages number: 376145

This wine is a medium, ruby red wine with a floral bouquet.  This wine reminds me of Beaujolais I like.  It is fruity with notes of strawberry and black cherry.  Smooth with a pleasant fruity finish.  This wine is right in my wheel house.  I will gladly drink this wine again.

***After enjoying this wine a second time, I increased the rating from 8.5 to 9.0.  I liked it that much and maybe you will too.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:                   9.0 out of 10

Peljesac Plavac Mali

After a brief break I'm back with an offering from Croatian. It is made with the Plavac Mali grape, a cross of Crljenak Kaštelanski and Dobričić grapes, ancient varieties. According to wikipedia these grapes are the main red grown along the Dalmatian coast.  The grapes are known to produce wine high in alcohol content and tannins although this offering is only 11.9% alcohol.
Wine: Peljesac Plavac Mali
Location: Croatia
Sugar Content: 12g/L
Alcohol: 11.9%
Price: $11.95
Vintages Number: 983494

The wine is a light, clear red colour with a bouquet of black cherries.  Upon first tasting I can tell that this will not be my favourite wine.  It is high in sugar content and tannins and light on flavour. Light cherry an floral notes with a slightly sour finish. The flavours are not offensive, simply mild and not to my flavour palate. This is a wine I will not be adding to my regular rotation.

Recommendation:  Cork

Rating:  6.5 out of 10

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013

The last time it was Australia, now we're headed to New Zealand for a pinot noir.  While I like medium-bodied beaujolais, I am not that fond of mild wines so please judge my review accordingly. If you are a fan of pinot noir then you will probably feel much differently about this wine than I do.

Wine: Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 2013
Location: New Zealand
Sugar Content: 6g/L
Alcohol: 13%
Price: $19.95
Vintages Number: 54353

It is described as a medium-bodied wine but it is a rather mild offering in my opinion.  Low acidity, and mild pleasant flavors make this wine drinkable.  Slight berry and chalk are most noticeable.  What I have discovered in my personal wine education is that I should steer clear of pinot noir wines.  I usually don't mind them and they are very drinkable but they lack the stronger flavors and personality I enjoy. If you like mild wines of this variety then you will enjoy it more than I did.  It reminds me of the Greek St. George I reviewed earlier but with better flavors. A pinot noir at this price is not one I will buy again...but you might.

Recommendation:  Uncork if you like pinot noir
Rating: 7 out of 10

Wakefield Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is the first wine I am reviewing from Australia. The Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium ruby colour.

Wine: Wakefield, Promised Land Cabernet Sauvignon
Location: South Australia
Sugar Content: 8g/L
Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $14.70
Vintages Number: 358838

Smelling of dark cherry and mild spice, this is a medium-bodied wine.  The flavours include blackberry, spice, and slight vanilla.  The wine is smooth and balanced with a clean finish.  I sometimes find cabernets to be overbearing and obnoxious but that is definitely not the case with this wine.  You can taste the fruit and other flavours in balance.  I would gladly drink this wine again and probably will...soon.

Recommendation:  Uncork

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Vila Regia Douro 2013

The Vila Regia is an inexpensive wine ($8.00) from Portugal.  It is made with a blend of grapes local to the Douro region, which, according to Wikipedia is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world with production going back to the 3rd or 4th century AD.

Wine: Sogrape Vila Regia, Douro, 2013
Location: Douro, Portugal
Sugar Content: 5g/L
Alcohol: 14%
Price: 8.00
Vintages Number: 464388

The Vila Regia is a ruby-red wine with a light, fruity smell with floral hints. At least that is what my un-trained nose tells me.  lol

Young, simple and surprisingly tasty for an $8.00 bottle of wine. Medium-bodied with mild berry and slight spice.  This wine is not for connoisseurs but it is an enjoyable wine to drink with a meal or on its own.   For budget conscious wine drinkers, this is one to try. This would also be a great wine to use for sangria.  I would gladly drink this wine again.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  8 out of 10

Plantaze Monte Cheval Vranac

My latest selection is from Montenegro.  This European country is located in the Southeast and is bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Montenegro became an independent country in 2006 after a narrow victory in a referendum to separate from Serbia.

The Vranac grape is unique to Montenegro although it is grown in Macedonia and Serbia under a different name.  This grape is known to produce a very dry wine.

Wine: Plantaze Monte Cheval Vranac 2010
Location: Montenegro
Sugar Content: 5gL
Alcohol: 11.5%
Price: $10.00
Vintages Number: 542498

This wine is a deep red colour with a bouquet of plum and spice. The first flavour is of prune, leather and mild spice.  It is very dry, smooth, with a clean finish. The flavours are mild and pleasant. The bottle recommends drinking it with red meat, game and cheeses. With its mild flavours and clean finish I would not hesitate to drink this with red pasta sauces or duck.  Traditionalists may not agree with this so judge my recommendation accordingly.

It reminds me of the Agoritikio I reviewed earlier but, unlike the Greek wine, the Monte Cheval is not watery and has stronger flavours and a better finish.

I like this wine.  I would probably not have this wine on it's own but would gladly drink it paired with a meal, appetizer or snack.  I look forward to trying other Vranac wine.

Recommendation:  Uncork
Rating:  8 out of 10

I would welcome feedback on my reviews or hearing about great wines you have tried.  Feel free to e-mail:  odyssey_732@yahoo.ca