Oh the Vintages wordsmiths earned their salaries with their staggeringly sophomoric plays on words in the latest (Oct.29th) release. Sonoma County becomes Sonoma Bounty and Fait accompli, a translation of something that has already happened has been changed to fête accompli which I guess we're to think means an accomplished party. Or did they just plagiarize a copyrighted book title of the same name? I suppose the latter might also actually be a real French phrase, but I highly doubt it.
The good news is there are a few good buys to be had in the overall release, the bad news is I recommend you avoid most of the Sonoma County options. Best among them appears to be the FREI BROTHERS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Alexander Valley, Score: 90 (Robert Parker Jr.,) $23.95
The following are good wines but worth avoiding due to QPR issues. Too much bucks for too little wine!
KENWOOD JACK LONDON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Sonoma Valley, California $34.95 Google says $18.62 US south of the border.
SIMI LANDSLIDE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Alexander Valley, $44.95. A quick Google shows 33 vendors in the States selling it for substantially less.
STONESTREET ALEXANDER MOUNTAIN ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Score: 92 (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2009) $39.95. Close to the US prices I could find.
From the ‘fête accompli’ focus, there are two worth considering mainly due to the seductive $15 price point. Both wines have garnered 90 points from international reviewers.
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Maipo Valley, Chile $15.00. One of the better wine regions in Chile.
SABOR REAL VIÑAS CENTENARIAS TEMPRANILLO 2007 DO Toro, Spain (Bodegas Campina) $15.00. We can only hope this is as good as the Bodega LAN that was available earlier this year for the same price. I’m not familiar with the producer but am in a Spanish frame of mind after having a good one this past weekend. If you want a great Spaniard try to find some Bodega Ondarre ($19.95). Released in May, it was a 2010 WS Top 100 wine and was delicious with short ribs - fruit, tannins, long finish….but I digress.
Also in ‘fête accompli’ I would also consider either of the following:
FINCA EL ORIGEN GRAN RESERVA MALBEC 2009 Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (Viña Santa Carolina) $19.95
MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 McLaren Vale $21.95- This one barely creeps into the under $30 group but it’s better value than most of the others in the group.
The rest of the recommended Reds (in increasing price)
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2008 $14.95 – Always a standout for the price. If you’re considering hosting a Christmas open house, this is a good one to buy along with the other two at $15.
PORCUPINE RIDGE SYRAH/VIOGNIER 2010 $16.95 – Always well made, at a reasonable price.
SALCHETO ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO 2008 - $17.95 for a well crafted Rosso, ready for immediate consumption.
VENTISQUERO QUEULAT GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2008 $17.95MEANDRO DO VALE MEÃO 2008 92 (Kim Marcus,winespectator.com,) $23.95 – A Portuguese blend. Big and ripe.
RIOJA BORDÓN GRAN RESERVA 2001 92 (Wine & Spirits, Dec. 2010)$23.95
BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007 93 points (wineandspiritsmagazine com,) $24.95. 2007 was a standout year in Tuscany and this CCR is better than most.
NK’MIP QWAM QWMT MERITAGE 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley $26.95. Wine spectator recently gave 3 or 4 Mission Hill red wines scores of over 90 points. While NK’MIP is a much younger winery I think the location is better and the grapes will be. Future years should make this a standout and you can say “Oh I’ve been drinking Inca meep (NK’MIP) for years!”
A couple of fizzies for your enjoyment.
Celebratory times are just around the corner and you can never go wrong with a nice bubbly aperitif.
LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE RARE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE 2007 $19.95
TOTUS TUUS RESERVA CAVA $15.95
The Whites
ZENATO PINOT GRIGIO 2010 $13.95 - Rounds out your quartet of party wines.
NATURA CHARDONNAY 2011 $15.95 – unoaked Chilean Chard – nice fruit essence.
CAVE SPRING CHENIN BLANC 2008 $17.95 - An Ontario Chenin. Pretty rare.
STONEY RIDGE KASPER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $16.95
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