Ahhh, summer time and my wallet gets to take a breather. The best pick is sub-$12, from the great ’07 Rhone vintage. I wish there was more variety in the B.C. selections but then, I don’t expect to see many Ontario wines in B.C. either!
There are a few other picks as well and only one makes it over $25. - it’s an (as always) overpriced Californian.
DOMAINE DU GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2007 - should be terrific and who can beat the price?! $11.95
CHÂTEAU DE NAGES RÉSERVE 2007 – Should also be very tasty $14.95
DE MARTINO LEGADO RESERVA SYRAH 2006 Score - 90. Sounds like a lovely Syrah from Chile. If you liked last year's Antu Ninquen, take a run at this bad boy (90 pts. Molesworth, winespectator.com,) $16.95
Best of BC? Well Best they can do at the LCBO anyway…
I love the SEE YA LATER RANCH CHARDONNAY 2007 but at $20.95 it’s a bit expensive, go for the Inniskillen Okanagan Chard at $13.95 instead.
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 $22.95- Try the equivalent from Niagara and serve them blind!
SANDHILL MERLOT 2006 – Interesting to compare it to the Columbia Crest from Washington St. $19.95
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE SHIRAZ 2006 $22.95
COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT 2005 A terrific winery , annually their Merlot is very good. – 88 points seems too low. $19.95
BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 NZ- Typical NZ quality at $17.95
GRANT BURGE BAROSSA VINES SHIRAZ 2006 - Probably an 88 or 89 to my palate $17.95
DE BORTOLI DB SELECTION ROSÉ 2008 Nothing says summer quite like a rosé even if you’re having it while sitting watching the rain fall like we are this summer! - $12.95
ROBERT HALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – A bit expensive for what you get but not bad - $29.95
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Vintages July 18th release - some terrific selections for under $20
A strong Aussie release punctuated by bargains from southern France and Italy. Primitivo/ Zin fandel fans should find plenty to enjoy this time around as well.
The Picks – Lots of them and finally a release where they’re all under $20!
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 $13.95
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 $18.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ $19.95
*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007$19.95
*** GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 $14.95
The whites
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 Might be less grassy than some NZ SB - 90. (Harvey Steiman, $18.95 it’ll be interesting to compare with the Peninsula Ridge.
PENINSULA RIDGE WISMER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 ... The Wismer Vineyard delivers flavours that are rich, sweet and pungent.... beautifully balanced and refreshing, but the acidity in the Wismer is softer and broader ... Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips) $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 An underappreciated white wine that South Africa should work harder to make this their signature white wine. Intriguing scents of apple, lemon cream and vanilla, with a floral element emerging with aeration. Rich, supple and round, with nicely concentrated apple and pear nectar flavors along with an exotic note of honey. $13.95
The Reds
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) and 20% Shiraz is sourced from old vines with an average age of 70 years! Should be a great wine for the price. $18.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 - Terrific producer across the board. This’ll be a new one for me but I love their Shiraz and Petit Verdot so…. $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ Gold Medal winner at both the Adelaide Wine Show 2008 and the Canberra Wine Show 2007. The James Halliday Score - 95. but even if you knock off 3 or 4 points for palate differences it’s still a great buy at $19.95
*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – The review is too good to pass up…I’ll try one to see…Dark and juicy, with a nice bittersweet cocoa edge to the currant, black cherry, fig cake, tobacco and loam flavors. Score - 91. (James Molesworth), $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, the less expensive DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 should be ready for immediate consumption, DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007 will drink well now or can sit in the dark for a few years. Both are from the wonderful 2007 vintage. $19.95
The best of the rest
KATNOOK FOUNDER'S BLOCK SHIRAZ 2005 - 92.from James Halliday, probably more like 88 or 89 but priced right $17.95
BLACKJACK SHIRAZ 2004 Campbell Mattison of the The Wine Front (Nov 27, 2006) was also enthusiastic about this wine, awarding it a score of 93 points. - 90. (Harvey Steiman, WS. $28.95
PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE TERRA ROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 At six years of age, this fine Coonawarra Cabernet is just entering into its prime drinking years. $29.95
RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2006 Deep ruby. Jammy raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with notes of fresh rose and baking spices adding complexity. 90-91. (Josh Raynolds $22.95
GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 Deliciously spicy, aromatic and robust is Primitivo (Zinfandel's Italian twin) at its best. This 2006 is true to form, with brambly black fruit, sage, tar, and meaty notes all combining on the velvety, medium-bodied, mouth-coating palate. $14.95
FEUDI DI SAN MARZANO PRIMITIVO 2007 Very modern fruit filled character. Rich, lush and very satisfying - warm, fruity damsons, lively. $13.95
LA PALAZZETTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $42.95
TERRE DA VINO ESSENZE BAROLO 2004 $44.95
TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Here's the half-bottle size of a very popular wine from our VINTAGES Essentials Collection. No way it’s a 90 POINT WINE but the CONVENIENCE of a small bottle is niec $9.95
SANTADI GROTTA ROSSA CARIGNANO 2006 - Score - 89. $16.95
The ISD’s – Big $$’s, hard to find and in limited stores only
STERLING RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1999 Napa Valley . Score - 91. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2002) $65.00
VERAISON KRUPP VINEYARD MERLOT 2004 Score - 91. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2007) $63.00
CLARENDON HILLS BLEWITT SPRINGS GRENACHE 2003 … exotic, full-throttle, high velocity, mouth-staining, unctuously textured, dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs is classic southern Australian Grenache. Score - 95. $65.00
CLARENDON HILLS HICKINBOTHAM SYRAH 2001 Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $75.00
PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001 Complex aromas of prune, berry and lightly toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very ripe underlying fruit, hints of vanilla and a long finish. Best ever from here. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James Suckling) 64.95
MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES MC 2005 This syrupy red delivers blueberry and blackberry fruit and bitter chocolate flavors in a dense texture, with muscular tannins and notes of mineral and licorice.. Score - 90. $37.00
The Picks – Lots of them and finally a release where they’re all under $20!
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 $13.95
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 $18.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ $19.95
*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007$19.95
*** GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 $14.95
The whites
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 Might be less grassy than some NZ SB - 90. (Harvey Steiman, $18.95 it’ll be interesting to compare with the Peninsula Ridge.
PENINSULA RIDGE WISMER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 ... The Wismer Vineyard delivers flavours that are rich, sweet and pungent.... beautifully balanced and refreshing, but the acidity in the Wismer is softer and broader ... Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips) $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 An underappreciated white wine that South Africa should work harder to make this their signature white wine. Intriguing scents of apple, lemon cream and vanilla, with a floral element emerging with aeration. Rich, supple and round, with nicely concentrated apple and pear nectar flavors along with an exotic note of honey. $13.95
The Reds
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) and 20% Shiraz is sourced from old vines with an average age of 70 years! Should be a great wine for the price. $18.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 - Terrific producer across the board. This’ll be a new one for me but I love their Shiraz and Petit Verdot so…. $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ Gold Medal winner at both the Adelaide Wine Show 2008 and the Canberra Wine Show 2007. The James Halliday Score - 95. but even if you knock off 3 or 4 points for palate differences it’s still a great buy at $19.95
*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – The review is too good to pass up…I’ll try one to see…Dark and juicy, with a nice bittersweet cocoa edge to the currant, black cherry, fig cake, tobacco and loam flavors. Score - 91. (James Molesworth), $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, the less expensive DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 should be ready for immediate consumption, DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007 will drink well now or can sit in the dark for a few years. Both are from the wonderful 2007 vintage. $19.95
The best of the rest
KATNOOK FOUNDER'S BLOCK SHIRAZ 2005 - 92.from James Halliday, probably more like 88 or 89 but priced right $17.95
BLACKJACK SHIRAZ 2004 Campbell Mattison of the The Wine Front (Nov 27, 2006) was also enthusiastic about this wine, awarding it a score of 93 points. - 90. (Harvey Steiman, WS. $28.95
PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE TERRA ROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 At six years of age, this fine Coonawarra Cabernet is just entering into its prime drinking years. $29.95
RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2006 Deep ruby. Jammy raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with notes of fresh rose and baking spices adding complexity. 90-91. (Josh Raynolds $22.95
GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 Deliciously spicy, aromatic and robust is Primitivo (Zinfandel's Italian twin) at its best. This 2006 is true to form, with brambly black fruit, sage, tar, and meaty notes all combining on the velvety, medium-bodied, mouth-coating palate. $14.95
FEUDI DI SAN MARZANO PRIMITIVO 2007 Very modern fruit filled character. Rich, lush and very satisfying - warm, fruity damsons, lively. $13.95
LA PALAZZETTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $42.95
TERRE DA VINO ESSENZE BAROLO 2004 $44.95
TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Here's the half-bottle size of a very popular wine from our VINTAGES Essentials Collection. No way it’s a 90 POINT WINE but the CONVENIENCE of a small bottle is niec $9.95
SANTADI GROTTA ROSSA CARIGNANO 2006 - Score - 89. $16.95
The ISD’s – Big $$’s, hard to find and in limited stores only
STERLING RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1999 Napa Valley . Score - 91. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2002) $65.00
VERAISON KRUPP VINEYARD MERLOT 2004 Score - 91. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2007) $63.00
CLARENDON HILLS BLEWITT SPRINGS GRENACHE 2003 … exotic, full-throttle, high velocity, mouth-staining, unctuously textured, dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs is classic southern Australian Grenache. Score - 95. $65.00
CLARENDON HILLS HICKINBOTHAM SYRAH 2001 Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $75.00
PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001 Complex aromas of prune, berry and lightly toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very ripe underlying fruit, hints of vanilla and a long finish. Best ever from here. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James Suckling) 64.95
MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES MC 2005 This syrupy red delivers blueberry and blackberry fruit and bitter chocolate flavors in a dense texture, with muscular tannins and notes of mineral and licorice.. Score - 90. $37.00
Friday, July 3, 2009
Vintages July 4 release - Nothing too special, you might want to wait for the Monday sale
Not a brilliant release by any stretch of the imagination, there are still some products that caught my eye. The top selections that people will be lining up for are probably the two WS Top 100 choices, but I’m leaning toward the Celeste and the Cono Sur ISD.
LAN RESERVA 2004 Smart Buy. WS top 100– Score 90 points - $23.95
QUERCIABELLA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Score 91 $34.95
CELESTE CRIANZA 2005 - 90. $19.95
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95
Of the Whites
BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY CHARDONNAY 2006 Okanagan Valley, expensive but a terrific Canadian producer - where was this for the Canada Day release? $28.95
CLAY STATION VIOGNIER 2007 Lodi could be the one white to buy! $17.95
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 California, Jackson Estate Grown - Of the two KJ OFFERINGS, THIS IS BETTER VALUE $12.95/half bottle
KIM CRAWFORD UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2007 Always good $19.95
A Pair of ROSÉs
SLOWINE ROSÉ 2008WO Overberg $11.95
STREWN CABERNET ROSÉ 2008VQA Ontario $12.95
Washington St.
Three high priced and well made products each with its own well known winemaker. From Long Shadow Vineyards in Washington St. too rich for me at $75 each
FEATHER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 winemaker: Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards
PEDESTAL MERLOT 2004 The winemaker is Mr. Frequent Flyer, Michel Rolland,
SEQUEL SYRAH 2005 Former Penfolds' winemaker John Duval
A Chilean Reprise
MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – a big bottle of a perrenial favourite $43.95 This large-format bottle will typically need more time in the cellar.
Three from OZ
ROCKBARE SHIRAZ 2006McLaren Vale, Should be a good buy at $19.95
CHATEAU REYNELLA BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2005McLaren Vale, really big but slightly overpriced now at $34.95
CORIOLE VINEYARDS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006McLaren Vale, South Australia $24.95
3 from California
Z-52 AGNES' VINEYARD OLD VINES ZINFANDEL 2005Lodi Z-52 specializes exclusively in vineyard-designated Zinfandel.- 90. $28.95
GALLO FAMILY FREI RANCH VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003Dry Creek Valley – always good fruit, lots of tar ( to my palate) $35.95
RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER'S CROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005Alexander Valley, Single Vineyard $39.95
In store Discoveries
Of the Instore discoveries that I can afford, two stood out:
VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2006 Score - 96. – remember that’s a James Halliday score but still 96 points!. $50.00
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95
LAN RESERVA 2004 Smart Buy. WS top 100– Score 90 points - $23.95
QUERCIABELLA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Score 91 $34.95
CELESTE CRIANZA 2005 - 90. $19.95
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95
Of the Whites
BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY CHARDONNAY 2006 Okanagan Valley, expensive but a terrific Canadian producer - where was this for the Canada Day release? $28.95
CLAY STATION VIOGNIER 2007 Lodi could be the one white to buy! $17.95
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 California, Jackson Estate Grown - Of the two KJ OFFERINGS, THIS IS BETTER VALUE $12.95/half bottle
KIM CRAWFORD UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2007 Always good $19.95
A Pair of ROSÉs
SLOWINE ROSÉ 2008WO Overberg $11.95
STREWN CABERNET ROSÉ 2008VQA Ontario $12.95
Washington St.
Three high priced and well made products each with its own well known winemaker. From Long Shadow Vineyards in Washington St. too rich for me at $75 each
FEATHER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 winemaker: Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards
PEDESTAL MERLOT 2004 The winemaker is Mr. Frequent Flyer, Michel Rolland,
SEQUEL SYRAH 2005 Former Penfolds' winemaker John Duval
A Chilean Reprise
MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – a big bottle of a perrenial favourite $43.95 This large-format bottle will typically need more time in the cellar.
Three from OZ
ROCKBARE SHIRAZ 2006McLaren Vale, Should be a good buy at $19.95
CHATEAU REYNELLA BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2005McLaren Vale, really big but slightly overpriced now at $34.95
CORIOLE VINEYARDS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006McLaren Vale, South Australia $24.95
3 from California
Z-52 AGNES' VINEYARD OLD VINES ZINFANDEL 2005Lodi Z-52 specializes exclusively in vineyard-designated Zinfandel.- 90. $28.95
GALLO FAMILY FREI RANCH VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003Dry Creek Valley – always good fruit, lots of tar ( to my palate) $35.95
RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER'S CROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005Alexander Valley, Single Vineyard $39.95
In store Discoveries
Of the Instore discoveries that I can afford, two stood out:
VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2006 Score - 96. – remember that’s a James Halliday score but still 96 points!. $50.00
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)