January 07 release - another year is upon us!

Another January comes around and we’re presented with another of the traditional  ‘bargain’ Vintages releases. Funny how these used to be 12, 13 and 14 dollar entries but now seem to be pushing the 15.95 and 16.95 range and the ones that used to top out at $19.95 now seem to be bumped to $24.95. Did they really think we wouldn’t notice? As it happens, the over $24 range is where almost all the best wines of the release can be found.

 Below $20, there are a few good pizza wines, burger wines, bar-B –Q wines but overall  if you miss this release, don’t get too upset.

Under $18

SMALL GULLY  THE FORMULA ROBERT’S SHIRAZ 2006 $17.95 – a rerelease  of a very popular Aussie.

JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ 2009 $16.95 – I think it’ll be better than the Formula and a dollar less.

SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2007  $14.95 – two inexpensive Argentinians

TRIVENTO AMADO SUR MALBEC/BONARDA/SYRAH 2009 $15.00

KOYLE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008  $15.95

SÉ MARIA DA FONSECA &

Cavino Nemea Reserve 2006 $14.95 – In the ‘Off the beaten path in Europe’ portion of the release, this is the only red I’d recommend.

PERRIN & FILS PEYRE BLANCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE 2009 $17.95

DOMAINE SAINT ANDÉOL SÉDUCTION CAIRANNE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES

2007 $17.95

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2009 $16.95

CAPEZZANA BARCO REALE DI CARMIGNANO 2008  92 points and $15.95 – Terrific recent review from the WS.

VICCHIOMAGGIO RIPA DELLE MANDORLE 2009 $15.00 – Baby brother to the Ripa delle More. OK wine.

Over $18…..

RIVERA CAPPELLACCIO RISERVA AGLIANICO 2005  $18.95 – some age and licorice notes.

VAN ZELLER VINTAGE PORT 2003 $19.95 – age worthy vintage port at a terrific price.

$19.95
CHAPEL HILL BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2008 $24.95- might be the best overall wine in the release.

DOMAINE DU GRAND MONTMIRAIL VACQUEYRAS 2009 $24.95 -

ALTOCEDRO RESERVA MALBEC 2008  $24.95 –in spite of the price point,  this is the Argentinian I’d buy in this release.

LA PIEVE BAROLO 2007 DOCG, Piedmont, Italy $28.95 – A Barolo for under $30!

FATTOI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006 $34.95 – Very well priced Brunello if you like them.