LCBO has another sale upcoming beginning March 30th. Some OK wines, but no screaming deals. Some research required but if you want a list, try here:
http://www.freewebs.com/nickswine/
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 28th Vintages release
A release for fans of tempranillo and Pinot Noir. I'm not a big fan of either, so I'll try a few things but continue to hold off for the next 2 releases.
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Vintages March 14 release - Few gems, methinks
Ontario whites are the focus along with Kosher wines. Forget the Kosher ones…Of the Ontari-ari-ario whites, let’s go with an unoaked Chard and a Pinot Grigio. For the rest of the release, I don’t see a lot to get too excited about, but I see desparation in the LCBO’s eyes, so more sales are going to be coming. I’ll be buying ones where I bought 3’s before!
DANIEL LENKO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
REIF ESTATE PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Should be tasty, and well priced. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer,) $17.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2006 – excellent producer, ready to drink now – terrific value -89 points, WS - A Pick!!!! $16.95
ZUCCARDI Q. TEMPRANILLO 2005 I’m not usually a tempranillo fan, but this could be good. Score - 88. (Tom Cannavan $18.95
TRICYCLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC 2007- well priced blend from chile $15.95
D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006- Always excellent, try it against the Spnish Grenache to compare styles - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2004Barossa, South Australia - not the WS top 100 vintage, but should be tasty. I’d buy a Bin 61 and a Wakefield for the same price though and have two great bottles instead of one! Score - 91. (Joe Czerwinski,) $37.95
LEASINGHAM BIN 61 SHIRAZ 2005 - A favourite of mine -A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Score - 95. (James Halliday, - James, maybe 91 but 95? No way!) $25.95
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Always good value at a great price - A Pick- $15.95
WATER WHEEL SHIRAZ 2006 – should be $14.95! not $18.95
YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2006 Big Barossa fruit - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
CASTEL OUALOU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – to my mind, the buy of the release -based on vintage data - at $13.95
DOMAINE DE LA PÉQUÉLETTE CUVÉE ÉMILE 2005 - Ready to drink $17.95
DOMAINE LA HAUTE MARONE GIGONDAS 2005 –I like Gigondas after a few years, unlike Vacqueyras which I like right away! Try one but put it in a dark spot for a while. $26.95
MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA 2006 - Sicily’s signature red – very good. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni) $16.95
BODEGAS ATECA ATTECA OLD VINES 2006 The 2006 Atteca is 100% Garnacha old-vines ranging from 80-120 years. This is the one to try against the D’Arenberg Grenache in a new world meets old faceoff Score - 91. (Jay Miller,) $22.95
DANIEL LENKO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
REIF ESTATE PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Should be tasty, and well priced. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer,) $17.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2006 – excellent producer, ready to drink now – terrific value -89 points, WS - A Pick!!!! $16.95
ZUCCARDI Q. TEMPRANILLO 2005 I’m not usually a tempranillo fan, but this could be good. Score - 88. (Tom Cannavan $18.95
TRICYCLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC 2007- well priced blend from chile $15.95
D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006- Always excellent, try it against the Spnish Grenache to compare styles - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2004Barossa, South Australia - not the WS top 100 vintage, but should be tasty. I’d buy a Bin 61 and a Wakefield for the same price though and have two great bottles instead of one! Score - 91. (Joe Czerwinski,) $37.95
LEASINGHAM BIN 61 SHIRAZ 2005 - A favourite of mine -A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Score - 95. (James Halliday, - James, maybe 91 but 95? No way!) $25.95
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Always good value at a great price - A Pick- $15.95
WATER WHEEL SHIRAZ 2006 – should be $14.95! not $18.95
YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2006 Big Barossa fruit - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
CASTEL OUALOU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – to my mind, the buy of the release -based on vintage data - at $13.95
DOMAINE DE LA PÉQUÉLETTE CUVÉE ÉMILE 2005 - Ready to drink $17.95
DOMAINE LA HAUTE MARONE GIGONDAS 2005 –I like Gigondas after a few years, unlike Vacqueyras which I like right away! Try one but put it in a dark spot for a while. $26.95
MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA 2006 - Sicily’s signature red – very good. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni) $16.95
BODEGAS ATECA ATTECA OLD VINES 2006 The 2006 Atteca is 100% Garnacha old-vines ranging from 80-120 years. This is the one to try against the D’Arenberg Grenache in a new world meets old faceoff Score - 91. (Jay Miller,) $22.95
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