February 4th - Cali Cabs for the 1 percenters

The February 4th release is focused on California Cabs which means there’ll be plenty of big wines available at equally big prices. Fiscal Restraint is in order lest you  suffer from the dreaded wallet lightening effect of these oft overrated beverages. There are 10 samples available in this release with an average price of over $60. If you remove the three that are available at under $25, the average price of the remaining 7 jumps to a staggering $77. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!



Ironically, and I really do think our friends at the LCBO do have a sense of irony in these time of ‘fiscal responsibility’, the other focus this week is Greece. Those of you who don’t get it should read the newspapers more often. The wines available have an average price of $17.80.


Enough about the politics of finances (or was that the finances of politics?), on with the picks!


Fizzies


Jackson Triggs Entourage Silver Series Methode Classique 2006 - $22.95 – I oft times shy away from Ontario wines with showy scores from local reviewers (call it a Canadian equivalent to the James Halliday effect) but I think this one might actually merit both good reviews.


Cordoniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava - $14.95 – A Spanish specialist in fizz, the price gives it the nod over the Cremant de Limoux.


Whites


MMMMMMmmmm, Not this week.


Reds


Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2007 – $15.95 - Ready for immediate consumption, this one has come down in price over the last few years. Yes I know it’s because the Canadian dollar has appreciated against the Yankee greenback (see paragraph 3 above). One of the better buys in the release from a Washington State producer of consistent high quality.


Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva 2007 – $19.95- This one also should be right in its drinking window, from my second favourite Chilean region.


Epsilon Shiraz 2009- $24.95 – I’m picking this one on its track record over the Stone Dwellers but just by a hair. And The Stone Dwellers is 5 bucks less and is one of the WoMs so there’ll be plenty of it anyhow.


The Best of the rest


Of all the California Cabernets, my pick is the Hall but it’s $59.95. Note to the LCBO, I’m not made of money and it is only February! Interestingly the 2007 is on sale in Buffalo for $39.09 ( the ’08 is $42.49). Yes, more than 40% less at a  3 store operation 1 hour away from me. Aren’t we lucky to have the LCBO buying power or we might be paying 50- 60- 70 % more! What’s wrong with that picture?


Of the rest from California, if you must have one and don’t have a huge bank account try the Sebastiani or the Dry Creek. Both have good track records for quality and consistency. I’m not buying either one. I’ll go for the aforementioned merlot and the Maycas de Limari. I expect big things there.


Lavau Vacqueyras 2009 - $19.95 – Should be good and if you want to compare it to a Gigondas, the same producer’s is (gasp) on sale at almost the same price. Try ‘em both!


M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes Hermitages 2009 - $22.95 – Rack of Lamb in your future? Here’s the wine to serve.


There is a quartet  of Malbecs from Argentina - sorted in price
Crios De Susana Balbo Malbec 2010 - $13.95 – Always good especially at that price point.


La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 - $15.95 – A burger on the bar-b kind of wine.


Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 $17.95 – My introduction to Argentinian Malbec 5 or 6 years ago. It was good then and still is but other producers have surpassed them.

And one new one that received 92 points from Jay 'Call me 90' Miller is the most expensive of the malbecs at $22.95, the Deceros Remolinos Vineyard 2008 is worth investigating too.






Last but not least, try the South African Barista Pinotage if you like your wine with a coffee flair – otherwise nahhh.