This release is called Holiday Finery so the price tags on
the big dollar purchases continue to mount. Once again this week the product
consultants are also quoted. I thought I might interject into product
consultant Voula’s thought on page 11 “Explore the world with our vast top
quality product selection. Re-explore countries you’ve visited and realize…
that wine you bought in a retail wine shop for 23 Euros is selling at the LCBO
for over $100!” Oh and Merry Christmas!
In spite of the big $’s theme of the release there are some OK
sub $20 and sub $30 wines available this week. Sorted by country, I have capitalized the ones that have an
inside track to my table.
Two Bubblies –
ignore the big $’s champers and go for the Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant
de Bourgogne and the Salatin Millesimato Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
2013. You can celebrate as though they were champagnes and after half a glass no
one will be any the wiser.
Lapostolle Canto de
Apalta 2012 - $19.95 – Carmenere takes the lead in this blend but try
not to hold that against it. Look for all the best of each ripe grape from a
hot Chilean vintage - Carmenere supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Might be the buy of the release.
Columbia Crest Grand
Estates Merlot 2012 - $17.95 –Always lots of oak and black fruits with enough tannins to go nicely with food. Almost
on par with the H3 Cab which happens to be on sale at this time.
Clos de Los Siete
2012- $23.95 – The vines continue to mature in this new world styled Bordeaux
blend from Michel Rolland. The older the vines get the better this wine is
becoming and it has always been good.
Susana Balboa Signature Malbec 2013 – At $19.95 this is a
good buy to accompany rare roast beef or grilled steaks.
Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 - $26.95 – Always a very
nice cab from the McLaren Vale. Plenty to like here (but probably not 94
points).
Dandelion Vineyards
Lioness of the McLaren vale 2013 - $19.95 – Festooned with enough medals
to be confused with the 2000 vintage Thorpedo, this is an always big and bold
red from Oz. If you like ‘em large, this is for you.
Nederberg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $16.95 -
This South African bargain while not a standout in any one area, does
everything well for the price.
KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2012 - $29.95 – an excellent shiraz,
give it a few months in a cool dark place. It will really come around.
Chateau Maris Las
Combes Minervois La Liviniere 2011 – $25.95 – A Chateau Maris sighting
is a pretty rare thing in Ontario but is among the very best producers in the Midi.
Think of this excellent Minervois as a named ‘Villages’ quality wine from the
Southern Rhone. Made from 100% Grenache.
M. Chapoutier Les
Vignes de Bila Haut CoTes du Roussillon Villages 2014 - $15.95 – a buy from the Midi holdings of the well known
Rhone expert Michel Chapoutier. Ready to
drink right now but this can also use a bit of bottle time to develop and mature.
Domaine de Vitalis
Cairanne 2013 –$16.95 - From a named village among the Cotes du Rhone
Villages, this should be good for immediate consumption or short term age.
Casa Castillo El
Molar 2013 - $17.95 – Terrific review for an under $18 wine. I might sink
my teeth into one or two (did you see what I did there?).
Castano Solanera 2013 - $16.95 – Another Spanish bargain
from old vines. Give it a bit of time to settle down then drink over the short
term. I popped and poured a 2012 recently and it was very difficult to say
whether I really liked it. I liked it…just not sure I really liked it. It was a
busy wine to be sure.
BIG BUCKS
Nothing over $50 GETS
mentioned. I’m becoming more stringent with my limits.
Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $46.95 - Superior
cabernet from Argentina. Brown bag it and you’d think $100 Napa, minimum.
Elderton Ode to Lorraine 2012 - $39.95 – A few years back
this made the WS Top 100. Last year I had one (2010, I think) and it was
shocking - It looked like a Pinot Noir in the glass. I’m really not sure what
to expect – big, dark and unctuous or a repeat of this previous disappointment.
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – Closer in price to
what it should be - it’s still only $35 from the winery but a good wine if you
can keep your hands off it for a few years.
Stags Leap Petit Sirah 2012 - $39.95 - Similar to what the
Ode to Lorraine used to be (and might be again) this should be a very
expressive, black coloured wine rich with floral scents and dark fruit.
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