November's First release is a bit of a dud....

I just checked the calendar. It is November 1^st not April 1^st !!!! Yet here we are, with about 7 wines   recommended from this entire release!  Seems like a cruel joke - how can we be at this late time in the year and only be recommending 7 wines (with an average price of about $35.00)?  Because, just because.

Next week I’ll take a look at the Vintages Christmas gifts – but they are less inviting! than last year and last year was not a great year.

WASHINGTON STATE

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON     335 cases $25.95  - Roast beef, roast pork, steaks? I expect this to be very good and one of the best buys  in this release.  It is ready to drink now with spice, cedar, currant notes, but flavours will age on the short term into more oaky vanilla and black cherry.

ARGENTINA

Argentina appears to be the Spain of this release, with quality across a number of price points. The two sub $20 wines are both very good for the money but my recommendation from the release is:

Manos Negras Malbec Atrevida 2010 - $22.95 – Should be right in its drinking window.  It behooves you to pair with anything with hooves (and then hoover it down). Look for this phrase next year in Vintages.

SPAIN

ALVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT 2013 321 cases $24.95 – Very young, so give it some time.

VIÑA REAL ORO RESERVA 2009   449 cases of 6  $29.95  - Almost a pick.  Almost.

BIG BUCKS

Expensive for Argentina so it’s in the big bucks, FINCA FLICHMAN DEDICADO 2011 $29.95 – Apparently produced only in exceptional years, this blend reflects the quality that can be achieved. Ageworthy but also ready to drink with some air and some red meat.  I’ll spring for one for that prime rib roast.

CHILE

CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO VINEYARD SELECTION CABERNET  2010 335 cases of 6  $34.95 – Among my favourite Cab Sauvs. To my palate and especially to my wallet this is a better buy than C y T’s  flagship Don Melchor as it is very close to just  as good most years.  

ONTANON GRAN RESERVA 2001   200 cases $39.95

LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012     148 cases $63.95  - If I were to buy one it would be  just to keep a vertical alive.