This release features Californians (mostly from Napa) which I
chose to completely ignore. The sky high prices for these wines make them unfit
for my consumption. I almost had to ignore those in the Brunello feature as
well but having been in Montalcino last summer, I must confess a twinge of fondness and
interest. The price I paid for the Piccolomini Pianrosso single vineyard
offering compared to the price the LCBO is charging for the normale is a like
an ice cold shower. Reality really bites. That said, the March 05 release has
some wines that are worth your consideration.
Spain figures prominently in my selections from this release
and with good reason. There are a number of apparently fine wines
Baron de Ley 2010 Reserva at $21.95 One of the WOMs, it’s an ok priced Rioja
that’ll age nicely for years and provide
ample pleasure with food right away.
Bordon Rioja Reserva 2009 $19.95 -Equally
good, with one more year of age on it,
and two fewer dollars expense, this
subtle food wine will not overpower but rather complement your meals.
Jardin de Luculo 2012 – Are you
looking for something other than Tempranillo? Here’s a well scored Grenache
that will be good for a few years to come.
Descendientes
de J. Palacios Petalos 2013 - $24.95 - A collaboration of
Alvero Palacios and Ricardo Perez, the
wine is produced using 100% Mencia grapes from the Bierzo region. It is annually a treat both visually
and to your tastebuds. Give it a bit of time or decant.
Sisters Run Cow’s Corner GSM 2014 $16.95–
So far in 2016 it seems Sister’s Run is this year’s Gerard Bertrand, seemingly
a new offering available in each Vintages release. The GSM is a new one for me
but I’ll try it just because of my fondness for this blend. Think of it as a
slightly expensive Cotes du Rhone.
Xavier COTES Du RHONE 2012 -$17.00 – One of
The Food and Drink ‘Specials’-No need to rush for this one. There are almost
3500 cases of it. Upper priced for most Cotes du Rhone but from this negociant/ producer it might be a worthwhile selection. If you’re a penny pinching C d R
fan I suggest you look around for some leftover 2013 Domaine le Grand Retour
Plan de Dieu or drop into the Languedoc for some leftover 2012 Chateau des
Aladeres Vielle Vignes. Both were $14.95
JOSH Cabernet Sauvignon 2013- $17.00 – The
other Food and Drink Special. Seems like a not bad price for a Cali cab from a
good year but I’m not familiar with the producer. 3000 cases minus 1 means
there’ll be lots. If you’re a cab fan, compare it to the Columbia Crest in this
release to see if it’s as good. Reviews do seem OK.
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet
Sauvignon 2012 - $17.95 – Ready for short term consumption, this is
a solid, well made wine if a little heavy handed with oak sometimes.
Castello di Bibbione Chianti Classico Reserva
2010 - $22.95 – OK priced Chianti from a good vintage.
John X Merriman – Rustenberg 2012 $24.95 presents a Bordeaux blend from
South Africa that can be enjoyed for the next 5 – 8 years.
Finca el Origin 2013 Malbec –
$19.95 – The other WOM will provide a great accompaniment to burgers or
sausages from the grill.
NK’MIP CELLARS QWAM QWMT 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - $28.95 -A flashy, fleshy, sophisticated
cabernet from the Southern Okanagan. The native Canadian band’s land may be the
best grape growing soil in the entire valley.
Pronounced as
follows, (Nk'Mip: in-Ka-meep. QwAM
QwMT: kw-em kw-empt), Winemaker Randy Picton said some years ago, "It
took a leap of faith for the band to use a name that was so hard to
pronounce," but the name honours
both the terrior and the heritage of the band.
BIG BUCKS
It’s very hard to pass up the Brunelli in the release but
one of my New Year’s resolutions was to hold the line at an absolute max of $50.
So far so good! Let’s start the big buck options with:
LUCA G LOT Chardonnay
2013 $34.95 – OK, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way
immediately. Yes I am recommending an Argentinian Chardonnay that sells for $35
bucks! Were this a Cali chard of this quality, it’d be at least two or three
times the price. It would be fun to have a Chard-off among this one, something
from Napa, a premiere cru Chablis, the Hamilton Russell and say Norman Hardie’s
or last year’s Closson Chase PEC County chardonnay. After the tasting, enjoy
them all with fresh, pan fried pickerel, bass or even some shrimp on the bar-b.
Life doesn’t get better.
Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo 2010 $49.95
– Don’t spring for the litre and a half when their 750 ml slides in under the
$50 mark. You‘re better off buying two of them but there is something to be
said for those big bottles!
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