Remember the next big Vintages sale is next weekend.
Also, had a terrific red last weekend, recommended by my favourite Vintages consultant (and you know who you are!).
It was APOLLONIO VALLE CUPA 2001
Rich, dark and voluptuous, a tremendous mouthfilling 50/50 blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, it is crammed with dark, brambly fruits and liqourice character. Now why am I thinking of Prince and Purple Rain - no wait that was Appollonia! Ah but she was dark and voluptuous too!
But I digress, the wine was perfect with Lamb Shanks done Osso Bucco-esque style over Couscous. At $19.95, this could have been a $40 to $50 Super Tuscan just as easily. Check the LCBO site to find some.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February 20th - Rhone reds and some other terrific buys
Some great wines and some real sub $15 values highlight this week’s release. From the Southern Rhone come 2 Gigondas that I expect to be outstanding accompanied by some terrific Cotes Du Rhones and Vacqueyras .
An earlier release of the baby Super Tuscan Monte Antico was great at $12.95, it’ll be interesting to see if it maintains the pace now that it’s a couple of $’s more!
Picks from the Rhone
ORTAS GIGONDAS 2007$23.95
DOMAINE DE DIEUMERCY CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC This wine earned the highest honours at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange: a Gold Medal with Congratulations from the Jury. $12.95
DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $22.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 $31.95
Rest of the Rhone
TERRES D’AVIGNON LES CARDINALICES GRANDE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC $14.95
LES VIGNERONS DE ROAIX ROAIX CÔTES DU RHÔNEVILLAGES 2007 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at
the 2008 Concours des Grands Vins de France. $13.95
LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007
AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins Gardois 2008 $13.95
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE VACQUEYRAS 2006 AC TASTING NOTE: One of the stars of the vintage, the 2006
Vacqueyras possesses a deep ruby/purple color, fabulous stuffing, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish displaying a classic Provencal combination of black fruits intermixed with lavender, garrigue, and forest floor. It should be consumed over the next 5-8 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker $25.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 AC TASTING NOTE: A superb offering, but needs some time to come around or open it and decant really early! The 2007 Gigondas 1806 reveals a saturated purple color, terrific fruit intensity (boysenberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plums), a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel, an unevolved style, good minerality, refreshing acidity, and a boatload of concentration and glycerin. 92 RP $31.95
Best of the Rest
TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 A notch above the usually excellent Broquel line from Trapiche, this one has a pedigree – should be terrific if you like big Cabs! $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 Barossa, South Australia You are getting Barossa fruit at a terrific price - enjoy tonight, decanted, with grilled rare steak. $15.95
TWO HANDS ANGELS’ SHARE SHIRAZ 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia Give this a year or so to rest in a cool dark place then enjoy it with anything grilled. You'll really enjoy the big smokey fruit driven offering from a terrific producer $24.95
MONTE ANTICO SANGIOVESE/MERLOT/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 IGT Toscana Formerly an unbeatable value, now $2 more than when originally released, this wine made Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 Wines of 2009, ranking #61. It is very good value – but are these the dregs or still the previous quality? TASTING NOTE: Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Very upfront, and perhaps a little short on the finish but for the price – wow. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling, $15.00
SANTA JULIA RESERVA MALBEC 2008 Mendoza – Always great value for the money! Score – 88. $13.95
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Offers black cherry and blackberry notes, with lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely finish of dark chocolate, smoky wood and berry. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling $29.95
VIÑA LA ROSA LA CAPITANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Chile - Another great value from previous years. Look for a purple tongue the next morning - not exactly a Robert Parker type review, but you're getting what you pay for here! $15.95
RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always well priced - Match it to a winter-barbecued steak or grilled lamb chops. $17.95
FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley Here’s a quintessential Napa Valley Cab. A touch of Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot are used to fill out this fine, beef-friendly wine. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. $29.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Mundus Vini, in Germany. TASTING NOTE: Ripe fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, plum, Indian spice, cola and black tea characterize this Riserva. The wine has good structure and tight tannins and offers impressive fruit intensity in the mouth. Sergio Zingarelli’s sunny personality seems to shine bright in this luminous wine from his storied Chianti Classico estate. Score – 89. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, June 2009) 930966 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2006 DOC, Veneto, Italy $17.95
DOMINUS2006 Napa Valley (Christian Moueix) Those of you who will buy this, will buy it regardless of what I say, so I say, just invite me over when you open it! Score – 96. (Robert Parker Jr., Dec. 2008) $124. 1500 mL $259.95
3 Chardonnays
It’s always interesting to see how three different styles and origins compare:
CROIX DE MONTCEAU ST-VÉRAN 2008 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009. TASTING NOTE: An appealing Chardonnay with
pear, green apple, citrus and floral aromas. Dry and fruity with very good structure. This wellpriced
wine will mature nicely over the next few years. It will also make a happy companion for pork tenderloin, grilled prawns or roast stuffed chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009) $21.95
LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench $40.00 – The Canuck icon.
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2006 California TASTING NOTE:
Crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits always characterize this wine, which seems to show very little evidence of oak, with gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style. It’s a remarkable value. Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., $19.95
An earlier release of the baby Super Tuscan Monte Antico was great at $12.95, it’ll be interesting to see if it maintains the pace now that it’s a couple of $’s more!
Picks from the Rhone
ORTAS GIGONDAS 2007$23.95
DOMAINE DE DIEUMERCY CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC This wine earned the highest honours at the 2008 Concours des Vins Orange: a Gold Medal with Congratulations from the Jury. $12.95
DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $22.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 $31.95
Rest of the Rhone
TERRES D’AVIGNON LES CARDINALICES GRANDE RÉSERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC $14.95
LES VIGNERONS DE ROAIX ROAIX CÔTES DU RHÔNEVILLAGES 2007 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at
the 2008 Concours des Grands Vins de France. $13.95
LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007
AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins Gardois 2008 $13.95
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE VACQUEYRAS 2006 AC TASTING NOTE: One of the stars of the vintage, the 2006
Vacqueyras possesses a deep ruby/purple color, fabulous stuffing, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish displaying a classic Provencal combination of black fruits intermixed with lavender, garrigue, and forest floor. It should be consumed over the next 5-8 years. Score – 92. (Robert Parker $25.95
DOMAINE DU GRAPILLON D’OR 1806 GIGONDAS 2007 AC TASTING NOTE: A superb offering, but needs some time to come around or open it and decant really early! The 2007 Gigondas 1806 reveals a saturated purple color, terrific fruit intensity (boysenberries, blueberries, black raspberries, plums), a juicy, full-bodied mouthfeel, an unevolved style, good minerality, refreshing acidity, and a boatload of concentration and glycerin. 92 RP $31.95
Best of the Rest
TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 A notch above the usually excellent Broquel line from Trapiche, this one has a pedigree – should be terrific if you like big Cabs! $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 Barossa, South Australia You are getting Barossa fruit at a terrific price - enjoy tonight, decanted, with grilled rare steak. $15.95
TWO HANDS ANGELS’ SHARE SHIRAZ 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia Give this a year or so to rest in a cool dark place then enjoy it with anything grilled. You'll really enjoy the big smokey fruit driven offering from a terrific producer $24.95
MONTE ANTICO SANGIOVESE/MERLOT/ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 IGT Toscana Formerly an unbeatable value, now $2 more than when originally released, this wine made Wine Spectator’s list of the Top 100 Wines of 2009, ranking #61. It is very good value – but are these the dregs or still the previous quality? TASTING NOTE: Full-bodied, with fine tannins and refined berry and cherry flavors. Very upfront, and perhaps a little short on the finish but for the price – wow. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling, $15.00
SANTA JULIA RESERVA MALBEC 2008 Mendoza – Always great value for the money! Score – 88. $13.95
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Offers black cherry and blackberry notes, with lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a lovely finish of dark chocolate, smoky wood and berry. Drink now. Score – 90. James Suckling $29.95
VIÑA LA ROSA LA CAPITANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Chile - Another great value from previous years. Look for a purple tongue the next morning - not exactly a Robert Parker type review, but you're getting what you pay for here! $15.95
RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always well priced - Match it to a winter-barbecued steak or grilled lamb chops. $17.95
FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley Here’s a quintessential Napa Valley Cab. A touch of Merlot and a smidge of Petit Verdot are used to fill out this fine, beef-friendly wine. It will also reward 2-4 years in a cellar. $29.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Mundus Vini, in Germany. TASTING NOTE: Ripe fruit flavors and aromas of black cherry, plum, Indian spice, cola and black tea characterize this Riserva. The wine has good structure and tight tannins and offers impressive fruit intensity in the mouth. Sergio Zingarelli’s sunny personality seems to shine bright in this luminous wine from his storied Chianti Classico estate. Score – 89. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, June 2009) 930966 (XD) 750 mL $21.95
VALPANTENA TORRE DEL FALASCO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2006 DOC, Veneto, Italy $17.95
DOMINUS2006 Napa Valley (Christian Moueix) Those of you who will buy this, will buy it regardless of what I say, so I say, just invite me over when you open it! Score – 96. (Robert Parker Jr., Dec. 2008) $124. 1500 mL $259.95
3 Chardonnays
It’s always interesting to see how three different styles and origins compare:
CROIX DE MONTCEAU ST-VÉRAN 2008 AC Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2009. TASTING NOTE: An appealing Chardonnay with
pear, green apple, citrus and floral aromas. Dry and fruity with very good structure. This wellpriced
wine will mature nicely over the next few years. It will also make a happy companion for pork tenderloin, grilled prawns or roast stuffed chicken. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2009) $21.95
LE CLOS JORDANNE LE CLOS JORDANNE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2007 VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench $40.00 – The Canuck icon.
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2006 California TASTING NOTE:
Crisp orange marmalade and lemon oil notes as well as some tropical fruits always characterize this wine, which seems to show very little evidence of oak, with gorgeously lush fruit, and zesty acidity in a fresh, lively style. It’s a remarkable value. Score – 89. (Robert Parker Jr., $19.95
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Feb.06, 2010 release - Lots and lots going on!
A superior release by our government friends. It doesn't really matter what your preference is, there'll be someting for you this weekend. The highlights are a couple of WS Top 20's, but there are so many supporting values at substantially less $$ that your taste buds are bound to come away satisfied! Here are my choices in decending order:
Renato Ratti BAROLO 2005 DOCG, Piedmont This Barolo was number 7 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2009.– 96.(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, $ 49.95 – There’ll be battles on going for this one for the score and the fact it was a top10.
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2005 – Had the 2004 and it was all you’d expect from a big Barossa blend – this year ranked #16 on Wine Spectator’s list – 95 points Harvey Steiman,$ 42.95
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2007 One of my favourites. Had an ’05 on Saturday– tremendous – fruit and finesse - 90. (JamesMolesworth $ 22.95
OPI A.K.A. RODOLFO SADLER MALBEC 2008 Fabulous Bargain: Dark, rich cassis fruit with some oak. … juicy fruit on the tongue with complex earth and woodland tones, plus tingly tannins and a long and surprisingly elegant finish. Score – Trophy Winner. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2009) All this for $12.95??? Back up that truck if you can find it!!!!If it doesn't live up to it, remember you can return it but for $ 12.95???
CASTELLO DI MONASTERO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG, Tuscany A long, lovely red. Best after 2010. Score – 91. (James Suckling,www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2009) $ 24.95
2006 BUIL & GINÉ GINÉ GINÉ - $17.95
JUAN GIL TINTO 2006 $ 21.95
ATTEMS CUPRA RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO 2008 $19.95 - like the little hint o' pink
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO RESERVA CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT BLANC 2008 $ 12.95 - if I was more of a white fan, this would be top 5!
LUIGI BOSCA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $ 18.95
NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $16.95 – My bet for the sleeper of the release!
DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $14.95
DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $ 19.95 – Had a ’98 of this with lamb shanks on the weekend. Still standing up well and ’07 was a tremendous vintage up and down the Rhone.
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 19.95 – Usually a standout bargain from California
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2007 $ 19.95
REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2005 $19.95
MÀS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE 2007 $16.95
ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL ASSEMBLAGE 2007 $19.95
DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLLAGES RASTEAU 2007 21.95
Renato Ratti BAROLO 2005 DOCG, Piedmont This Barolo was number 7 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2009.– 96.(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, $ 49.95 – There’ll be battles on going for this one for the score and the fact it was a top10.
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2005 – Had the 2004 and it was all you’d expect from a big Barossa blend – this year ranked #16 on Wine Spectator’s list – 95 points Harvey Steiman,$ 42.95
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2007 One of my favourites. Had an ’05 on Saturday– tremendous – fruit and finesse - 90. (JamesMolesworth $ 22.95
OPI A.K.A. RODOLFO SADLER MALBEC 2008 Fabulous Bargain: Dark, rich cassis fruit with some oak. … juicy fruit on the tongue with complex earth and woodland tones, plus tingly tannins and a long and surprisingly elegant finish. Score – Trophy Winner. (Decanter World Wine Awards, 2009) All this for $12.95??? Back up that truck if you can find it!!!!If it doesn't live up to it, remember you can return it but for $ 12.95???
CASTELLO DI MONASTERO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG, Tuscany A long, lovely red. Best after 2010. Score – 91. (James Suckling,www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2009) $ 24.95
2006 BUIL & GINÉ GINÉ GINÉ - $17.95
JUAN GIL TINTO 2006 $ 21.95
ATTEMS CUPRA RAMATO PINOT GRIGIO 2008 $19.95 - like the little hint o' pink
CONCHA Y TORO TRIO RESERVA CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT BLANC 2008 $ 12.95 - if I was more of a white fan, this would be top 5!
LUIGI BOSCA SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina $ 18.95
NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $16.95 – My bet for the sleeper of the release!
DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $14.95
DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $ 19.95 – Had a ’98 of this with lamb shanks on the weekend. Still standing up well and ’07 was a tremendous vintage up and down the Rhone.
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 19.95 – Usually a standout bargain from California
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2007 $ 19.95
REMO FARINA MONTECORNA RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2005 $19.95
MÀS QUE VINOS ERCAVIO TEMPRANILLO ROBLE 2007 $16.95
ALTA VISTA ATEMPORAL ASSEMBLAGE 2007 $19.95
DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLLAGES RASTEAU 2007 21.95
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 23rd Vintages Release - ForGaucho fans
The Best Buy right now is the Vintages Essential Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon – three dollars off at $16.95 but the sale ends on the 24th.
Otherwise a nice Argentina release of very good but nothing earth shattering, guaranteed to sell, Cab’s and Malbecs. However my picks are not from gaucho land. I like the Santa Rita Medalla Real Cab from Chile and the Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva from a great 2006 Italian vintage.
Among the others, “the Show” from California has been well received, the Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc is always good and I like the blended Clos de Los Siete.
SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $ 19.95
BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 $24.95
THE SHOW
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $ 17.95
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC
2009 $ 18.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 $23.95
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC
2007 $ 19.95
ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2007
Mendoza, Argentina
$ 18.95
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON and Malbec $ 19.95
VIÑA COBOS FELINO $ 19.95
ZUCCARDI Q
TEMPRANILLO 2006 $ 18.95
LA RÉSERVE DU CROUZAU
ST. GERVAIS 2007 $14.95
Next release is the annual '90pointer release' for those who keep score. There are a few real winners in that one.
Otherwise a nice Argentina release of very good but nothing earth shattering, guaranteed to sell, Cab’s and Malbecs. However my picks are not from gaucho land. I like the Santa Rita Medalla Real Cab from Chile and the Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva from a great 2006 Italian vintage.
Among the others, “the Show” from California has been well received, the Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc is always good and I like the blended Clos de Los Siete.
SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $ 19.95
BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 $24.95
THE SHOW
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $ 17.95
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC
2009 $ 18.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 $23.95
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC
2007 $ 19.95
ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2007
Mendoza, Argentina
$ 18.95
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON and Malbec $ 19.95
VIÑA COBOS FELINO $ 19.95
ZUCCARDI Q
TEMPRANILLO 2006 $ 18.95
LA RÉSERVE DU CROUZAU
ST. GERVAIS 2007 $14.95
Next release is the annual '90pointer release' for those who keep score. There are a few real winners in that one.
Friday, January 8, 2010
A New Year and a New Bargain Release!
Another new year of picks and another January full of pretty good bargain wines. Remember too that January usually means a big Bin end sale, so watch for it.
My Top 5 Picks
MONTGRAS QUATRO 2007 Colchagua Valley TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Quatro is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauv, 30% Malbec, 25% Carmenere, and 15% Syrah. Score – 89+. (Jay Miller, Oct. 08) $ 15.95
D’ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2008 – A WS Top 100 choice for under 15 bucks.$ 14.95
GIORDANO VESPERO 2005 IGT Toscana Rosso – My palate and Gord Stimmell’s often seem to match up so at this price for a Tuscan red it’ll be worth a try $ 16.95
TEDESCHI VIGNETO VALVERDE VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007 DOC, Single Vineyard $ 14.95
CHÂTEAU DE VAUGELAS LE PRIEURÉ CORBIÈRES 2007 AC, Midi In 2009, this wine won a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. $ 12.95 for a gold medal winner, should be worth a shot.
The Best of the rest!
LOS VASCOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Colchagua (Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite))
$ 13.95
GROVE STREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 17.95
ST. HALLETT SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2008 – On par with the Stump Jump in past years.$ 14.95
SIMONSIG LABYRINTH CABERNET SAUV 2006 WO Stellenbosch -Great region and
producer for $15.95
GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR MONTPEYROUX 2007 – Good producer, just try one and if you like it, go back for more - $17.95
ROUGES DES KARANTES 2007 Score – 89. (Kim Marcus,.winespectator, May 31, 2009)$ 16.95
LINDEMANS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Coonawarra, For Cab fans, well priced and a great region. $ 14.95
ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU 2008 A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. Ortas is always high on quality for this ‘named Cotes du Rhone Villages. $15.00
QUEEN OF SYRAH COOL CLIMATE SYRAH 2007 Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes (Cave de Tain) $11.95 - If you are a syrah lover, this is a rarely seen example from the Northern Rhone.
The Big Dollar and ISD’s
SORI’ PAITIN BARBARESCO 2005
The only big dollar pick in the release ( other than the ISD’s) but be prepared to lay it down for a bit.$ 39.95
BANFI MANDRIELLE MERLOT 2004 DOC Sant'Antimo (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) $42.00
BANFI TAVERNELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 DOC Sant'Antimo Score – 91. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2008) $45.00
IL DRAGO E LE SETTE COLOMBE 2004IGT Toscana A new wine. Il Drago ("the dragon") is consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, and the seven doves are the women who work in the winery. Sangiovese, Merlot and Alicante. Best after 2009. Score – 92 $34.00
My Top 5 Picks
MONTGRAS QUATRO 2007 Colchagua Valley TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Quatro is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauv, 30% Malbec, 25% Carmenere, and 15% Syrah. Score – 89+. (Jay Miller, Oct. 08) $ 15.95
D’ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2008 – A WS Top 100 choice for under 15 bucks.$ 14.95
GIORDANO VESPERO 2005 IGT Toscana Rosso – My palate and Gord Stimmell’s often seem to match up so at this price for a Tuscan red it’ll be worth a try $ 16.95
TEDESCHI VIGNETO VALVERDE VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2007 DOC, Single Vineyard $ 14.95
CHÂTEAU DE VAUGELAS LE PRIEURÉ CORBIÈRES 2007 AC, Midi In 2009, this wine won a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. $ 12.95 for a gold medal winner, should be worth a shot.
The Best of the rest!
LOS VASCOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Colchagua (Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite))
$ 13.95
GROVE STREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Sonoma County $ 17.95
ST. HALLETT SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2008 – On par with the Stump Jump in past years.$ 14.95
SIMONSIG LABYRINTH CABERNET SAUV 2006 WO Stellenbosch -Great region and
producer for $15.95
GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR MONTPEYROUX 2007 – Good producer, just try one and if you like it, go back for more - $17.95
ROUGES DES KARANTES 2007 Score – 89. (Kim Marcus,.winespectator, May 31, 2009)$ 16.95
LINDEMANS RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Coonawarra, For Cab fans, well priced and a great region. $ 14.95
ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU 2008 A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. Ortas is always high on quality for this ‘named Cotes du Rhone Villages. $15.00
QUEEN OF SYRAH COOL CLIMATE SYRAH 2007 Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes (Cave de Tain) $11.95 - If you are a syrah lover, this is a rarely seen example from the Northern Rhone.
The Big Dollar and ISD’s
SORI’ PAITIN BARBARESCO 2005
The only big dollar pick in the release ( other than the ISD’s) but be prepared to lay it down for a bit.$ 39.95
BANFI MANDRIELLE MERLOT 2004 DOC Sant'Antimo (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) $42.00
BANFI TAVERNELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 DOC Sant'Antimo Score – 91. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2008) $45.00
IL DRAGO E LE SETTE COLOMBE 2004IGT Toscana A new wine. Il Drago ("the dragon") is consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini, and the seven doves are the women who work in the winery. Sangiovese, Merlot and Alicante. Best after 2009. Score – 92 $34.00
Monday, December 7, 2009
Highlights of a nice weekend
The highlight of the weekend was a bottle of Frescobaldi's 2007 Tenuta di Castiglioni. This blend of Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Merlot is traditionally an 89 - 90 point wine. An apparent addition of a bit of Cab Franc (and do I detect a drop of Petit Verdot) combined with the spectacular growing conditions of the 2007 vintage makes it an over the top bargain equivalent to Super Tuscans 3 times the price and more! At $21.95 it is a screaming buy. Rich, red and black fruit on the front of the palate, dark espresso flavours that ebb and flow then linger as the bottle is exposed to air. Tannins ,soft upon opening, gaining grip, then over a short time, softening again. Seems improbable but that's what I got. This wine will age and change gracefully if allowed to but who can wait? Buy cases.
Also over the weekend, we had a houseful of friends for a little pre Christmas cheer. Finger foods were the order of the day and ranged from cheeses ( brie, Bleu, and 6 year old cheddar), to coldcuts, to tortellinis on a skewer with a creamy pesto dip, to a full filet of beef BBQ'd for small, make your own sandwiches, thru sushi and all the way to chili. The filet was given an ample covering with cracked black pepper then coated with Barberian's steak spices and thrown onto a searing hot bbq. 8 minutes, one quarter turn for 3, one quarter turn for 8 then another quarter turn for 3 then off onto a platter and immediately covered in tin foil for 10 minutes more or so to let it rest. Winter BBQ'ing can be dicey time wise and heat wise, but this one turned out almost perfect - maybe a little too seared, but you have to keep the heat up when it's 0 degrees Celsius outside.
Wines served were Luigi Bosca Chardonnay, Luigi Bosca Malbec 2006, les Cardinalices du Rhone 2007, and a couple of Cabernets Sauvignons from Columbia Crest Two Vines to Rex Watson from OZ.
The Malbec seemed to be the overall favourite among the crowd, however the Cotes du Rhone more than held its own (poetry from the host). The malbec was terrific with the rare filet, the CdR a very tasty accompaniment to the basil infused flavours of the creamy pesto. The chardonnay seemed to go nicely with it too but I couldn't drag myself from the reds.
What a great time of year! To everyone who came and especially to everyone who so generously brought us a gift, thank you so much and a very, Merry Christmas!
Also over the weekend, we had a houseful of friends for a little pre Christmas cheer. Finger foods were the order of the day and ranged from cheeses ( brie, Bleu, and 6 year old cheddar), to coldcuts, to tortellinis on a skewer with a creamy pesto dip, to a full filet of beef BBQ'd for small, make your own sandwiches, thru sushi and all the way to chili. The filet was given an ample covering with cracked black pepper then coated with Barberian's steak spices and thrown onto a searing hot bbq. 8 minutes, one quarter turn for 3, one quarter turn for 8 then another quarter turn for 3 then off onto a platter and immediately covered in tin foil for 10 minutes more or so to let it rest. Winter BBQ'ing can be dicey time wise and heat wise, but this one turned out almost perfect - maybe a little too seared, but you have to keep the heat up when it's 0 degrees Celsius outside.
Wines served were Luigi Bosca Chardonnay, Luigi Bosca Malbec 2006, les Cardinalices du Rhone 2007, and a couple of Cabernets Sauvignons from Columbia Crest Two Vines to Rex Watson from OZ.
The Malbec seemed to be the overall favourite among the crowd, however the Cotes du Rhone more than held its own (poetry from the host). The malbec was terrific with the rare filet, the CdR a very tasty accompaniment to the basil infused flavours of the creamy pesto. The chardonnay seemed to go nicely with it too but I couldn't drag myself from the reds.
What a great time of year! To everyone who came and especially to everyone who so generously brought us a gift, thank you so much and a very, Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Last release of the year- Dec.05, 2009.
Ahhh technology, I'm ending the year by trying something new. Embedded links to the Vintages Catalogue...you might need to adjust your browser settings for this to work but let me know if you like this format or if you prefer the old tried and true list.
I've provided links to what I consider the good ones below, but my top picks right now are the Pirramimma Shiraz, Helfrich Pinot Gris, and Bertrand's L'Hospitalet but I might switch for a Cotes du Rhone(see note below), all under $20.
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/39
The Luigi Bosca reserve Chardonnay and the Le Mascota Cab from Argentina should both provide real pleasure at very reasonable prices.Both are $17.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/41
If you want to splurge on a big buck Cabernet, go for the Don Melchor. It's overpriced at $69.95 but what the hell, it's Christmas! This wine was in the mid -$40's a few years ago!
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/43
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Aussie Shiraz or Shiraz Blends, but I've always been partial to the Pirramimma, and at $19.95 this is a superior product for the price.
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/44
Go for the Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc from NZ if you're looking for something to acompany any seafood. $19.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/46
From France, the Helfrich Pinot Gris seems a wonderful buy at $13.95 for a WS 90 pointer!
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/49
Bertrand's Chateau L'Hospitalet 2005 was a fave two years ago. The '07 Vintage should be really good and it is one of my picks, but it did not stand out at the tasting according to a palate-wise Vintages Consultant friend of mine. So while it's still a pick, it'll be a 'buy one and taste it' pick to see how it stacks up. $19.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/50
Two Cotes du Rhones - One the WoM from the terrific Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur@$19.95, the other 5 bucks less, both should be very good.
And there are a number of Big Buck wines in this release - I'd go for the Don Melchor then stick it in the basement for a few years, but the Antinori Guado al Tasso is a close second at $89.95. The Schaefer One point Five and the Silver Oak are good but too much for me!
Proof that the economy is suffering, The Bacio Davino 'Call Me Crazy' has come down in price by $30 bucks from a few years ago - well LCBO price anyway.
Meantime, in spite of the Australian wine glut, The St. Henri is going the other way price wise. Kudos to Penfolds propaganda er sorry, marketing team for linking its origins to the wildly expensive Grange (making it "The Baby Grange" if you will) but sorry, it's just too much now.
And last but not least, remember, January's first release is usually a bargain release and there is usually a big bin end sale early in the new year so keep watching for it!
I've provided links to what I consider the good ones below, but my top picks right now are the Pirramimma Shiraz, Helfrich Pinot Gris, and Bertrand's L'Hospitalet but I might switch for a Cotes du Rhone(see note below), all under $20.
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/39
The Luigi Bosca reserve Chardonnay and the Le Mascota Cab from Argentina should both provide real pleasure at very reasonable prices.Both are $17.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/41
If you want to splurge on a big buck Cabernet, go for the Don Melchor. It's overpriced at $69.95 but what the hell, it's Christmas! This wine was in the mid -$40's a few years ago!
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/43
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Aussie Shiraz or Shiraz Blends, but I've always been partial to the Pirramimma, and at $19.95 this is a superior product for the price.
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/44
Go for the Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc from NZ if you're looking for something to acompany any seafood. $19.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/46
From France, the Helfrich Pinot Gris seems a wonderful buy at $13.95 for a WS 90 pointer!
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/49
Bertrand's Chateau L'Hospitalet 2005 was a fave two years ago. The '07 Vintage should be really good and it is one of my picks, but it did not stand out at the tasting according to a palate-wise Vintages Consultant friend of mine. So while it's still a pick, it'll be a 'buy one and taste it' pick to see how it stacks up. $19.95
http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/50
Two Cotes du Rhones - One the WoM from the terrific Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur@$19.95, the other 5 bucks less, both should be very good.
And there are a number of Big Buck wines in this release - I'd go for the Don Melchor then stick it in the basement for a few years, but the Antinori Guado al Tasso is a close second at $89.95. The Schaefer One point Five and the Silver Oak are good but too much for me!
Proof that the economy is suffering, The Bacio Davino 'Call Me Crazy' has come down in price by $30 bucks from a few years ago - well LCBO price anyway.
Meantime, in spite of the Australian wine glut, The St. Henri is going the other way price wise. Kudos to Penfolds propaganda er sorry, marketing team for linking its origins to the wildly expensive Grange (making it "The Baby Grange" if you will) but sorry, it's just too much now.
And last but not least, remember, January's first release is usually a bargain release and there is usually a big bin end sale early in the new year so keep watching for it!
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