The Vintages August 2nd Release

Some Smokin’ Cabs and Shiraz from South Africa. Any marked with an *** should deliver real pleasure!
*** MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2007 For the last 3 or 4 years this has been My Favourite Rose. Strawberries on the nose and the palate. Terrific with antipasto on a sunny deck! $12.95
*** VERGENOEGD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001 TASTING NOTE: An opulently rich wine from very ripe fruit giving soft tannins, a delicious layer of red berries and mature Cab flavors. There is structure there, buried under all the ripeness, but this is a wine to sink into, ready for immediate drinking. Score - 91 $23.95
STARK-CONDÉ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 TASTING NOTE: Offers a solid mix of briar, grilled sage, tobacco and dark currant fruit backed by a structured finish that shows a nice tangy iron note. Drink now through 2009. Score - 90. Of the two, I’d spend the 4 bucks more for the previous. But hard to beat a 90 point cab for under $20! $19.95
*** BLACK ROCK RED 2006 If you like Aussie GSM’s, this one from S.A. should be super!: Southern ­Rhône inspired exotic blend, individual & compelling. Shiraz-led 06 doesn't falter: violets, dried herbs, campfire smoke & crushed blueberries.. this is pure hedonism. $23.95
NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE SHIRAZ 2006 This Shiraz won a Gold Medal at the Michelangelo Inter-national Wine Awards 2007.They've produced a lovely Shiraz that's full of rich flavours that are nicely defined and layered. It's generous, plush and smooth in the mouth, with some tanginess from the balanced acidity. If you're looking for a different take on Shiraz, try this one. It's a natural for lamb and other red meats. $16.95
***ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC 2006 Always a great buy!. QPR value leader! TASTING NOTE: Bright, deep ruby-red. Dark raspberry, mocha and dark chocolate on the nose, plus a heavy layer of oaky vanilla, spice and coconut. Last year's was really mocha-y and very rich especially for the price point.Sweet, lush and fine-grained but fresh and not at all confectionery. In fact, this boasts enticing fresh fruit and good texture, density and lift. Finishes firm and persistent. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Jan./ Feb. 2005) $12.95
*** SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2006 This Lady makes great Cabs and Malbecs!Rich and polished, with almost gushing raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry fruit that's harnessed by suave toast, spice and licorice notes. Long, well-rounded finish has nice buried acidity. $22.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Pirramimma makes one of my favourite Shiraz and their Petit Verdot is also great...you can't go wrong!100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Aged in oak for 2 years (60% new American), it's a powerhouse with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries and cedar. Dry and full-bodied, it has masses of ripe fruit balanced by gripping tannins, leading to a long finish. Enjoy it over the next five years with grilled steaks or game. Doug, could be an Elderton stand in for you! $23.95
And now the Big Boys!
DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE DE L'ANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005 – As I've said before '05 was an amazing vintage almost everywhere, but especially in the Rhone.One of two higher priced choices this week.: A gutsy, structured style, with lots of fig, black currant, braised chestnut, bittersweet cocoa and espresso notes carried by robust but ripe tannins. The finish is long and smoky. Best from 2008 through 2022. $37.95
BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001 – One of my favourite Brunello’s. Usually ready to drink relatively young…but let it breathe if you do! Just a note, this one has jumped up in price by at least 5 bucks….it was carried before by the LCBO and I’m sure it was no more than 44.95
TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino, a dark ruby, displays a perfumed nose along with dark fruit and scorched earth nuances on a structured, long frame supported by building tannins. Made in a style that is at once delicate and powerful, today it comes across as backward and austere in its expression (but remember this review was written almost a year and a half ago!). As it sits in the glass it continues to put on considerable weight, but ideally several years of cellaring are called for. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Score - 90. $49.95

BP, Why a Blog??

Welcome to my Blog. A bit of history here. I got tired of emailing everyone every week....too much typing, led to too much whining and not enough Wine-ing. So here we are with a Blog!