Let's start with special thanks to Rick from Ottawa and Laura from Guelph for their comments on the Dandelion Shiraz. Don't be shy, folks, feel free to add your 2 cents worth!
This week’s focus is on another of the big 3 Italian regions. This time around it’s Veneto, home of Amarones and Valpolicellas among others but I didn’t see much to enthuse me. As well, there appears to be almost an afterthought entry for Father’s day. For that, there are some big buck selections that are just too much for this time of year.
Summer is here and I find myself really busy so for the next little while you’ll find me cutting back on my entries and just highlighting the wines I’m considering. My first choices are:
Gigondas La Cave L’intense Gigondas 2007 – From a renowned year in the Southern Rhone at $26.95 I’ll be picking up a few of these.
Castello De Gabbiano Chianti Classico Reserva 2007 – $22.95 Also great vintage in Chianti, this one can be enjoyed now or be good for a short lay down.
Pascuale Pelissero Bricco San Giuliano Barbaresco 2007 – Should be an excellent wine especially with food. Decant this one and let it breathe for a time. $27.95
Now lets move on to an under $20 Shirazfest. Ok so maybe it’s a syrahfest too but it’s a fest….
For me, the first choice in the fest will be the Thelema Shiraz 2006 – For a buck or two more than the following pair of Aussie Shiraz, spring for this South African beauty! It should be big and bold – a superb wine at this price point. $19.95.
A pair of entry level shiraz from two great Aussie producers, Elderton and Barossa Valley Estates. Both are within a buck of one another and both very good for the price. Elderton Friends and BVE E minor shiraz should be great BBQ wines for casual get togethers and BBQs.
Jean Claude Fromont Le Comte de Parme Crozes Hermitage 2009. A really well priced syrah from another great vintage in the Rhone. $16.95
Last entry in the ‘fest is the Falernia Reserva Syrah 2007 from the Elqui Valley in Chile. 90 points from Jay Miller and only $15.95, this should not disappoint. I’m not familiar with the producer, nor the region, so it slips down in my ratings.
The near misses:
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Argentina. Terrific producer, good solid wine. Are you grilling something red? You’ll never be disappointed with this one. $19.95
Vitalonga Terra di Confine 2006 $22.95 Might be the sleeper of the release, especially if you are a Vino Nobile de Montepulciano fan.
Castiglion Del Bosco Rosso di Montalcino 2006 – At $19.95, this should be a very nice on its own but even better with food.
Bodegas Hermanos Laredo Senorio de Laredo gran reserva 1998. Yes, 1998 and $25.95. For you fans of older wines who can’t wait for your own stash to age.
Last but not least, if you are looking for something really special for your wine cellar, there is an ISD that could be the ticket. A 3000 ml (4 normal bottles) of the 2006 Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico for $247.95. This wine was #5 on the WS TOP 100 of 2009 and is a terrific wine that’ll age gracefully until that special big event. Very few bottles of it are available though!
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