Remember the next big Vintages sale is next weekend.
Also, had a terrific red last weekend, recommended by my favourite Vintages consultant (and you know who you are!).
It was APOLLONIO VALLE CUPA 2001
Rich, dark and voluptuous, a tremendous mouthfilling 50/50 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, it is crammed with dark, brambly fruits and liqourice character. Now why am I thinking of Prince and Purple Rain - no wait that was Appollonia! Ah but she was dark and voluptuous too!
But I digress, the wine was perfect with Lamb Shanks done Osso Bucco-esque style over Couscous. At $19.95, this could have been a $40 to $50 Super Tuscan just as easily. Check the LCBO site to find some.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February 20th - Rhone reds and some other terrific buys
Some great wines and some real sub $15 values highlight this week’s release. From the Southern Rhone come 2 Gigondas that I expect to be outstanding accompanied by some terrific Cotes Du Rhones and Vacqueyras .
An earlier release of the baby Super Tuscan Monte Antico was great at $12.95, it’ll be interesting to see if it maintains the pace now that it’s a couple of $’s more!
Picks from the Rhone
ORTAS GIGONDAS 2007$23.95
DOMAINE DE DIEUMERCY CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC This wine earned the highest honours at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange: a Gold Medal with Congratulations from the Jury. $12.95
DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $22.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 $31.95
Rest of the Rhone
TERRES D’AVIGNON LES CARDINALICES GRANDE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC $14.95
LES VIGNERONS DE ROAIX ROAIX CÔTES DU RHÔNEVILLAGES 2007 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at
the 2008 Concours des Grands Vins de France. $13.95
LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007
AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins Gardois 2008 $13.95
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE VACQUEYRAS 2006 AC TASTING NOTE: One of the stars of the vintage, the 2006
Vacqueyras possesses a deep ruby/purple color, fabulous stuffing, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish displaying a classic Provencal combination of black fruits intermixed with lavender, garrigue, and forest floor. It should be consumed over the next 5-8 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker $25.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 AC TASTING NOTE: A superb offering, but needs some time to come around or open it and decant really early! The 2007 Gigondas 1806 reveals a saturated purple color, terrific fruit intensity (boysenberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plums), a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel, an unevolved style, good minerality, refreshing acidity, and a boatload of concentration and glycerin. 92 RP $31.95
Best of the Rest
TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 A notch above the usually excellent Broquel line from Trapiche, this one has a pedigree – should be terrific if you like big Cabs! $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 Barossa, South Australia You are getting Barossa fruit at a terrific price - enjoy tonight, decanted, with grilled rare steak. $15.95
TWO HANDS ANGELS’ SHARE SHIRAZ 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia Give this a year or so to rest in a cool dark place then enjoy it with anything grilled. You'll really enjoy the big smokey fruit driven offering from a terrific producer $24.95
MONTE ANTICO SANGIOVESE/MERLOT/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 IGT Toscana Formerly an unbeatable value, now $2 more than when originally released, this wine made Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 Wines of 2009, ranking #61. It is very good value – but are these the dregs or still the previous quality? TASTING NOTE: Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Very upfront, and perhaps a little short on the finish but for the price – wow. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling, $15.00
SANTA JULIA RESERVA MALBEC 2008 Mendoza – Always great value for the money! Score – 88. $13.95
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Offers black cherry and blackberry notes, with lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely finish of dark chocolate, smoky wood and berry. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling $29.95
VIÑA LA ROSA LA CAPITANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Chile - Another great value from previous years. Look for a purple tongue the next morning - not exactly a Robert Parker type review, but you're getting what you pay for here! $15.95
RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always well priced - Match it to a winter-barbecued steak or grilled lamb chops. $17.95
FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley Here’s a quintessential Napa Valley Cab. A touch of Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot are used to fill out this fine, beef-friendly wine. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. $29.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Mundus Vini, in Germany. TASTING NOTE: Ripe fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, plum, Indian spice, cola and black tea characterize this Riserva. The wine has good structure and tight tannins and offers impressive fruit intensity in the mouth. Sergio Zingarelli’s sunny personality seems to shine bright in this luminous wine from his storied Chianti Classico estate. Score – 89. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, June 2009) 930966 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2006 DOC, Veneto, Italy $17.95
DOMINUS2006 Napa Valley (Christian Moueix) Those of you who will buy this, will buy it regardless of what I say, so I say, just invite me over when you open it! Score – 96. (Robert Parker Jr., Dec. 2008) $124. 1500 mL $259.95
3 Chardonnays
It’s always interesting to see how three different styles and origins compare:
CROIX DE MONTCEAU ST-VÉRAN 2008 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009. TASTING NOTE: An appealing Chardonnay with
pear, green apple, citrus and floral aromas. Dry and fruity with very good structure. This wellpriced
wine will mature nicely over the next few years. It will also make a happy companion for pork tenderloin, grilled prawns or roast stuffed chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009) $21.95
LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench $40.00 – The Canuck icon.
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2006 California TASTING NOTE:
Crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits always characterize this wine, which seems to show very little evidence of oak, with gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style. It’s a remarkable value. Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., $19.95
An earlier release of the baby Super Tuscan Monte Antico was great at $12.95, it’ll be interesting to see if it maintains the pace now that it’s a couple of $’s more!
Picks from the Rhone
ORTAS GIGONDAS 2007$23.95
DOMAINE DE DIEUMERCY CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC This wine earned the highest honours at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange: a Gold Medal with Congratulations from the Jury. $12.95
DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $22.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 $31.95
Rest of the Rhone
TERRES D’AVIGNON LES CARDINALICES GRANDE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC $14.95
LES VIGNERONS DE ROAIX ROAIX CÔTES DU RHÔNEVILLAGES 2007 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at
the 2008 Concours des Grands Vins de France. $13.95
LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007
AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins Gardois 2008 $13.95
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE VACQUEYRAS 2006 AC TASTING NOTE: One of the stars of the vintage, the 2006
Vacqueyras possesses a deep ruby/purple color, fabulous stuffing, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish displaying a classic Provencal combination of black fruits intermixed with lavender, garrigue, and forest floor. It should be consumed over the next 5-8 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker $25.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 AC TASTING NOTE: A superb offering, but needs some time to come around or open it and decant really early! The 2007 Gigondas 1806 reveals a saturated purple color, terrific fruit intensity (boysenberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plums), a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel, an unevolved style, good minerality, refreshing acidity, and a boatload of concentration and glycerin. 92 RP $31.95
Best of the Rest
TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 A notch above the usually excellent Broquel line from Trapiche, this one has a pedigree – should be terrific if you like big Cabs! $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 Barossa, South Australia You are getting Barossa fruit at a terrific price - enjoy tonight, decanted, with grilled rare steak. $15.95
TWO HANDS ANGELS’ SHARE SHIRAZ 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia Give this a year or so to rest in a cool dark place then enjoy it with anything grilled. You'll really enjoy the big smokey fruit driven offering from a terrific producer $24.95
MONTE ANTICO SANGIOVESE/MERLOT/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 IGT Toscana Formerly an unbeatable value, now $2 more than when originally released, this wine made Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 Wines of 2009, ranking #61. It is very good value – but are these the dregs or still the previous quality? TASTING NOTE: Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Very upfront, and perhaps a little short on the finish but for the price – wow. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling, $15.00
SANTA JULIA RESERVA MALBEC 2008 Mendoza – Always great value for the money! Score – 88. $13.95
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Offers black cherry and blackberry notes, with lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely finish of dark chocolate, smoky wood and berry. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling $29.95
VIÑA LA ROSA LA CAPITANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Chile - Another great value from previous years. Look for a purple tongue the next morning - not exactly a Robert Parker type review, but you're getting what you pay for here! $15.95
RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always well priced - Match it to a winter-barbecued steak or grilled lamb chops. $17.95
FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley Here’s a quintessential Napa Valley Cab. A touch of Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot are used to fill out this fine, beef-friendly wine. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. $29.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Mundus Vini, in Germany. TASTING NOTE: Ripe fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, plum, Indian spice, cola and black tea characterize this Riserva. The wine has good structure and tight tannins and offers impressive fruit intensity in the mouth. Sergio Zingarelli’s sunny personality seems to shine bright in this luminous wine from his storied Chianti Classico estate. Score – 89. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, June 2009) 930966 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2006 DOC, Veneto, Italy $17.95
DOMINUS2006 Napa Valley (Christian Moueix) Those of you who will buy this, will buy it regardless of what I say, so I say, just invite me over when you open it! Score – 96. (Robert Parker Jr., Dec. 2008) $124. 1500 mL $259.95
3 Chardonnays
It’s always interesting to see how three different styles and origins compare:
CROIX DE MONTCEAU ST-VÉRAN 2008 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009. TASTING NOTE: An appealing Chardonnay with
pear, green apple, citrus and floral aromas. Dry and fruity with very good structure. This wellpriced
wine will mature nicely over the next few years. It will also make a happy companion for pork tenderloin, grilled prawns or roast stuffed chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009) $21.95
LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench $40.00 – The Canuck icon.
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2006 California TASTING NOTE:
Crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits always characterize this wine, which seems to show very little evidence of oak, with gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style. It’s a remarkable value. Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., $19.95
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Feb.06, 2010 release - Lots and lots going on!
A superior release by our government friends. It doesn't really matter what your preference is, there'll be someting for you this weekend. The highlights are a couple of WS Top 20's, but there are so many supporting values at substantially less $$ that your taste buds are bound to come away satisfied! Here are my choices in decending order:
Renato Ratti BAROLO 2005 DOCG, Piedmont This Barolo was number 7 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2009.– 96.(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, $ 49.95 – There’ll be battles on going for this one for the score and the fact it was a top10.
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2005 – Had the 2004 and it was all you’d expect from a big Barossa blend – this year ranked #16 on Wine Spectator’s list – 95 points Harvey Steiman,$ 42.95
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2007 One of my favourites. Had an ’05 on Saturday– tremendous – fruit and finesse - 90. (JamesMolesworth $ 22.95
OPI A.K.A. RODOLFO SADLER MALBEC 2008 Fabulous Bargain: Dark, rich cassis fruit with some oak. … juicy fruit on the tongue with complex earth and woodland tones, plus tingly tannins and a long and surprisingly elegant finish. Score – Trophy Winner. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2009) All this for $12.95??? Back up that truck if you can find it!!!!If it doesn't live up to it, remember you can return it but for $ 12.95???
CASTELLO DI MONASTERO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG, Tuscany A long, lovely red. Best after 2010. Score – 91. (James Suckling,www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2009) $ 24.95
2006 BUIL & GINÉ GINÉ GINÉ - $17.95
JUAN GIL TINTO 2006 $ 21.95
ATTEMS CUPRA RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO 2008 $19.95 - like the little hint o' pink
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO RESERVA CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT BLANC 2008 $ 12.95 - if I was more of a white fan, this would be top 5!
LUIGI BOSCA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $ 18.95
NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $16.95 – My bet for the sleeper of the release!
DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $14.95
DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $ 19.95 – Had a ’98 of this with lamb shanks on the weekend. Still standing up well and ’07 was a tremendous vintage up and down the Rhone.
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 19.95 – Usually a standout bargain from California
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2007 $ 19.95
REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2005 $19.95
MÀS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE 2007 $16.95
ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL ASSEMBLAGE 2007 $19.95
DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLLAGES RASTEAU 2007 21.95
Renato Ratti BAROLO 2005 DOCG, Piedmont This Barolo was number 7 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2009.– 96.(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, $ 49.95 – There’ll be battles on going for this one for the score and the fact it was a top10.
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2005 – Had the 2004 and it was all you’d expect from a big Barossa blend – this year ranked #16 on Wine Spectator’s list – 95 points Harvey Steiman,$ 42.95
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2007 One of my favourites. Had an ’05 on Saturday– tremendous – fruit and finesse - 90. (JamesMolesworth $ 22.95
OPI A.K.A. RODOLFO SADLER MALBEC 2008 Fabulous Bargain: Dark, rich cassis fruit with some oak. … juicy fruit on the tongue with complex earth and woodland tones, plus tingly tannins and a long and surprisingly elegant finish. Score – Trophy Winner. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2009) All this for $12.95??? Back up that truck if you can find it!!!!If it doesn't live up to it, remember you can return it but for $ 12.95???
CASTELLO DI MONASTERO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG, Tuscany A long, lovely red. Best after 2010. Score – 91. (James Suckling,www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2009) $ 24.95
2006 BUIL & GINÉ GINÉ GINÉ - $17.95
JUAN GIL TINTO 2006 $ 21.95
ATTEMS CUPRA RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO 2008 $19.95 - like the little hint o' pink
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO RESERVA CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT BLANC 2008 $ 12.95 - if I was more of a white fan, this would be top 5!
LUIGI BOSCA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $ 18.95
NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $16.95 – My bet for the sleeper of the release!
DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $14.95
DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $ 19.95 – Had a ’98 of this with lamb shanks on the weekend. Still standing up well and ’07 was a tremendous vintage up and down the Rhone.
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 19.95 – Usually a standout bargain from California
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2007 $ 19.95
REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2005 $19.95
MÀS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE 2007 $16.95
ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL ASSEMBLAGE 2007 $19.95
DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLLAGES RASTEAU 2007 21.95
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