February 18th release - In a word, weak. In two words - price gouging!

Oh we’re going to have some fun discussing this latest weak LCBO vintages release. In spite of the catalogue's title, there is very little to enthuse me. It’s titled Popular Front. Now most Popular Fronts that come to mind are associated with either communist or terrorist organizations. Should we draw a subtle conclusion about the leanings of our beloved LCBO’s marketing team or should we just wonder if this is how they perceive their customers? It’s an unusual choice for the title of a Vintages release containing what are supposed to be ‘our favourites’. By the way, the other three focal points in this release are Terroir (some say that’s French for April Fool), Kosher wines (avoid ‘em), and Ontario Gold Winners (ho hum).



Let’s delve deeper into the main focus of the release, shall we? The Popular Front is divided into ‘Old Friends’, ‘For the Wine Pantry’, ‘Party Favourites’ and last but not least ‘Icon wines’. One would expect me to be picking many more this week but there just aren’t that many that excite me. Also, in these times of strong Canuck buck, fiscal restraint, tough negotiations, the U.S. buying American first, and the LCBO’s supposed volume buying power, why are so many of these prices going up?


OLD FRIENDS


ALLEGRINI PALAZO DELLA TORRE 2008 - $24.95, WS Top 100. This one has never been one of my old friends but one or two are worth a shot.


D'ARENBERG THE FOOTBOLT SHIRAZ 2009 574cases $22.95 – Big, juicy, OZ’s take on the traditional Cote Rotie blend of Shiraz and Viognier. Not that long ago this was under $20 at the Board. Strong dollar, weak wine market, rising prices. Which one of these three doesn’t belong? I thought old friends didn’t screw old friends over a few bucks. As a result, I’ll pass.


FOR THE WINE PANTRY




BERONIA RESERVA 2006 749 cases $19.95 A tie for my top pick is the always good Beronia but it was a real favourite at $17.95, not $19.95. Is the LCBO really so dumb as to tell us it’s a favourite and then jack up the price? Well, in a word, yes.


PIRRAMIMMA SHIRAZ 2009 959 cases $26.95 – My second in the tie for favourite of the release, there are lot’s of cases of this one.  I really enjoy this producer's wines - Cabernet, Shiraz or Petit Verdot.


CHATEAU ST. ROCH CHIMERES 2009 – From the Cotes de Rousillon, but I have to ask a question here, if this was so wildly popular, why did the LCBO have to mark it down in the last couple of releases to get rid of it?


PARTY FAVOURITES


Party Favourites of the LCBO, not necessarily us


BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2007 1000 cases $15.95 – Another hugely successful wine but last time out the Board blew through about 5,000 cases of this one priced at $15 even. While not crazily expensive, this reflects a price increase of about 6 and a quarter percent in a year. How’s your portfolio been doing?


MCMANIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 1999 cases $19.95 – An under $10, great big Cali wine that earned infamy when Parker scored it 90 a number of years ago. Expect a great summer BarBQ fruit bomb but also expect to bend over (pricewise) and get royally ripped by the governmental wood rasp again. South of the border, this is available for under $9 per bottle with a case discount of 20% on top of that. Here a case will cost you $239.40 Cdn, there it costs $86.40US. Is that an eye opener?


ICON WINES


Few if any of these are icons so I think the marketers must mean icon as in, (said with a haughty British accent)”ICON very easily say NO THANK YOU to all of these wines!”


On to the rest of the release:


AUSTRALIA


YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2008 384 cases $21.95 - I’m a Yalumba fan so I’ll go with this one but that entire page of James Halliday reviews and scores is hilariously inflated.


BRITISH COLUMBIA


TOWNSHIP 7 SYRAH 2007 111 cases $24.95 – Love those Okanagan wines. One to match to an Ontario Shiraz but it should be from ’07 or ’10 to make it a fair fight.


CHILE


SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET 350 cases $19.95 – New world meets Bordeaux. Big, tannic, black fruit, good for short term ageing too, probably my 3rd pick overall.


ARAUCANO SYRAH 2009 (François Lurton) 451 cases $14.95 – Massive doses of black and blue fruit with hints of smoked bacon and perhaps some chocolate. Quite a combo.


PORTUGAL


Two entries under $15.95 and both are new to me and to Vintages. The AZUL Portugal 2008 is $13.95 and the Lua Nova Em Vinhas Velhas 2009 comes in at $15.95. The review of the latter reads like it’ll be the better wine – I might try one.

February 4th - Cali Cabs for the 1 percenters

The February 4th release is focused on California Cabs which means there’ll be plenty of big wines available at equally big prices. Fiscal Restraint is in order lest you  suffer from the dreaded wallet lightening effect of these oft overrated beverages. There are 10 samples available in this release with an average price of over $60. If you remove the three that are available at under $25, the average price of the remaining 7 jumps to a staggering $77. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!



Ironically, and I really do think our friends at the LCBO do have a sense of irony in these time of ‘fiscal responsibility’, the other focus this week is Greece. Those of you who don’t get it should read the newspapers more often. The wines available have an average price of $17.80.


Enough about the politics of finances (or was that the finances of politics?), on with the picks!


Fizzies


Jackson Triggs Entourage Silver Series Methode Classique 2006 - $22.95 – I oft times shy away from Ontario wines with showy scores from local reviewers (call it a Canadian equivalent to the James Halliday effect) but I think this one might actually merit both good reviews.


Cordoniu Seleccion Raventos Brut Cava - $14.95 – A Spanish specialist in fizz, the price gives it the nod over the Cremant de Limoux.


Whites


MMMMMMmmmm, Not this week.


Reds


Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2007 – $15.95 - Ready for immediate consumption, this one has come down in price over the last few years. Yes I know it’s because the Canadian dollar has appreciated against the Yankee greenback (see paragraph 3 above). One of the better buys in the release from a Washington State producer of consistent high quality.


Maycas Del Limari Especial Reserva 2007 – $19.95- This one also should be right in its drinking window, from my second favourite Chilean region.


Epsilon Shiraz 2009- $24.95 – I’m picking this one on its track record over the Stone Dwellers but just by a hair. And The Stone Dwellers is 5 bucks less and is one of the WoMs so there’ll be plenty of it anyhow.


The Best of the rest


Of all the California Cabernets, my pick is the Hall but it’s $59.95. Note to the LCBO, I’m not made of money and it is only February! Interestingly the 2007 is on sale in Buffalo for $39.09 ( the ’08 is $42.49). Yes, more than 40% less at a  3 store operation 1 hour away from me. Aren’t we lucky to have the LCBO buying power or we might be paying 50- 60- 70 % more! What’s wrong with that picture?


Of the rest from California, if you must have one and don’t have a huge bank account try the Sebastiani or the Dry Creek. Both have good track records for quality and consistency. I’m not buying either one. I’ll go for the aforementioned merlot and the Maycas de Limari. I expect big things there.


Lavau Vacqueyras 2009 - $19.95 – Should be good and if you want to compare it to a Gigondas, the same producer’s is (gasp) on sale at almost the same price. Try ‘em both!


M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes Hermitages 2009 - $22.95 – Rack of Lamb in your future? Here’s the wine to serve.


There is a quartet  of Malbecs from Argentina - sorted in price
Crios De Susana Balbo Malbec 2010 - $13.95 – Always good especially at that price point.


La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2008 - $15.95 – A burger on the bar-b kind of wine.


Don Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2008 $17.95 – My introduction to Argentinian Malbec 5 or 6 years ago. It was good then and still is but other producers have surpassed them.

And one new one that received 92 points from Jay 'Call me 90' Miller is the most expensive of the malbecs at $22.95, the Deceros Remolinos Vineyard 2008 is worth investigating too.






Last but not least, try the South African Barista Pinotage if you like your wine with a coffee flair – otherwise nahhh.

Jan.21 - Australia and Lesser Knowns make the Vintages Lineup

It’s time for OZ again and if I recall correctly, I complained about the Vintages Australian release not having enough GSM’s last year. Was someone at the LCBO reading me? This year’s Aussie release has a number of them, across price points from under $18 to almost $35. That’s good news boys and girls! Even better is we have a number of old world GSM blends with which to compare them in this release. That’ll make doing an ‘Old world vs. new world’ throwdown even easier!

Also in the release are wines from 6 relatively under appreciated grapes. Some are quite well known, others, perhaps not so much. A few make it into my picks below.

 My Top Three (ok, there are 4)

HECHT & BANNIER ST-CHINIAN 2009 A terrific score and a review from David Schildknecht that reads like a Harlequin romance novel. The only thing missing was sweating, heaving bosoms. An excellent producer, how do you pass up a wine with a ‘resonant, baritonal finish’? I expect it to have me singing, especially at this price $23.95


LUCA LABORDE DOUBLE SELECT SYRAH 2009 A smokin’ Argentinian to compare to the Aussies in this release. Great producer, Laura Catena is from arguably the first family of Argentinian wine, and it’s well priced at $22.95


TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES 2009 $29.95 – This is priced where the Penfolds Bin series should be. This’ll be comparable to a Gigondas or CdP but with an Aussie palate


JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2009 $24.95 – Another wonderful wine from a terrific producer. The Clare valley is a cooler climate so this will not be a Barossa fruit bomb but a very good (and still big) wine.

 The Best of the Rest (and they are all excellent)

DOMAINE DE CABASSE GIGONDAS 2007- $29.95 – Oh so close to the top four, this should be coming into its drinking window right about now. I'm not sure why Molesworth says best before 2011.


DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2009 – Made from the Mencia grape in the ‘still under the radar’ region of Bierzo in Spain, I think ‘Pin-ache-yrah when I taste this wine. Some Pinot noir notes, some Grenache and hints of syrah are all there. This wine was ranked #26 on the 2011 Wine SpectatorTop 100. Readers might remember my anticipation for last year’s release of this wine and my disappointment in it. Harsh almost astringent and too drying on the finish. Watch for that in this year’s because it won't go away with time. But, this year’s appears to be back on track based on the accompanying review, and is well priced at $22.95. Also, if you buy a wine for its label, this has one of the most stylistic ones going.


Turkey Flat SGM 2009 - $19.95 –Ignore the 94 from Halliday, he’s always too high – 90 points from LPB – but this’ll also be a tasty Aussie take on a Rhone blend at a very good price.

EDGE WINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Last year's was pretty tasty. Not cheap compared to the Wakefield but for Napa, this is close to a bargain! $27.95

WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 $17.95 – Good value for the price always from Wakefield.

HEWITSON MISS HARRY 2009 $23.95 – worth a try.

PIRRAMIMMA PETIT VERDOT 2008 – One of my go to producers from OZ. Chocolate and black cherry and in the past big, bold licorice flavours. $26.95

Five Red Cheapies
SISTER’S RUN SHIRAZ 2009 - $15.95 – A bargain and reads like a Pia wine if ever there was one!

ALAMOS MALBEC 2010 – At $13.95, the bargain in the release.

CHÂTEAU SAINT MAURICE LAUDUN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 $15.95

ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2008 - $15.95

CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - $14.95 – A new product line from a consistent, high quality, producer. Fire up the BarBQ - Burgers anyone?

The Big Bucks entries
DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009 -$42.95

PETER FRANUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - $45.95 - For a Napa Cab this is pretty well priced - scary huh?

BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2001 - $32.95 – The big brother to the always terrific Beronia reserve, at 11 years old this one has some age on it. If you want an older wine for a special meal, this is the ticket.

PENFOLDS BIN 138 GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2009 $34.95 – I’m a big believer that the BIN series from Penfolds is well made and will provide drinking pleasure but it’s too expensive by about 5 bucks a bottle.

Last but not least, some Whites!
WAKEFIELD CHARDONNAY 2009 $14.95

JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL DRY RIESLING 2011 $19.95 A cool climate riesling from OZ – take a chance on it!

SPICE ROUTE CHENIN BLANC 2009 $17.95 - A South African take on a Loire standout.

BOUGRIER VOUVRAY 2010 -$13.95 – Slightly sweeter so better with spicey foods than the S.A. above.

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.

The Last Vintages Release of 2011 and some WS Top 100 comments

Before I get into my release notes, a couple of comments on the Wine Spectator Top 100 issue that just hit the streets.  To me there are two big winners. The first is Washington State. They’ve placed 7 wines in the Top 100, but if you look more closely all 7 are actually  in the Top 50! Considering the number of wineries globally and even taking into account the WS proclivity for jingoism, this is a terrific showing. Perhaps we’ll see more products come thru the LCBO as a result. The second big winner is a huge surprise. WS columnist Matt Kramer picks his own wines of the year – wines that have made a huge impact on him over the previous 12 months – and his first choice was Norman Hardie’s 2008 (and ’09) PEC Chardonnay. He gives Norman, his white wine, and the County  a glowing write up. Congrats to Norman .

 The final release of 2011 is about to hit the shelves and here I am unable to drink! Where’s the justice in that , I ask you? After the last couple of releases,  price wise  this one seems positively penurious. That’s not to say we aren’t getting  gouged on the pricing of a number of the wines but overall they’re back  down from the recent stratospheric offerings.

And it is a good release, a very good release with which to say goodbye to 2011.

Fizzies

The Top 3 for me ‘Quality for the Dollar’  wise are the Cremant D’Alsace from Pierre Sparr at $16.95, the Carles Andreiu Brut Nature Cava from Spain at $15.95 or the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Sparkling wine at $21.95.

Reds

From BC comes the latest vintage (2007) of the critically acclaimed Osoyoos Larose. Yes it’s $99.95 but it’s a big 1500ml bottle for that price.

Two Cabs from California

There are a number of really good wines in this release from California but many are priced out of range. To me, the  better buy is the 2008 Directors Cut from Francis Ford Coppola. At $34.95, this isn’t cheap but last year’s was a terrific wine – smoke, currant, cedar and hints of loam. Great with a roast beef or rack of lamb. Close on its heels and 10 bucks less expensive is the Raymond Family Classic 2008. Lots of fruit with ample tannins to support it but ready to drink.

Argentina

If the Southern Rhone component of this release wasn’t so good, I ‘d have said this is an Argentina focused release! You can’t go wrong with any of the wines from Argentina in the release.

My pick is the Cicchitti Edicion Limitada Malbec 2008 at $23.95 and I always enjoy the Clos De Los Siete.   2008 should be no different. Cab Fans? Try Suzanna Balbo’s Signature Cab blindfolded against the Raymond family above – but decant it first!

If you’re looking for an upscale malbec, try  the Trapiche  Jorge Miralles Single Vineyard offering. It’s expensive at $39.95 but remember each year Trapiche picks the 3 best of their vineyards and bottles the wines under the vineyard owner’s/ manager’s  name. One of them made the WSTop 100 in 2010. Michael  Schachner preferred this one to the one the WS put in its Top 100 so I’m thinking it’s more than good. Where’s that prime rib?

Chile

Is this a price error? Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexander has always been $31 to 34bucks, hasn’t it?! $24.95? Perhaps there really  is a Santa Claus!

Montes Alpha  Cabernet Sauvignon2009 – Can never go wrong with this wine at this price.

OZ

I like the D’Arenberg High Trellis and better still I like that it’s keeping the price point unlike a few of the D’arenberg wines  $19.95 

The Rhone

If the Argentinian  component of this release wasn’t so good, I ‘d have said this is an Southern Rhone  focused release! You can’t go wrong with any of the wines from the Southern Rhone in the release.

You know I’m going to pick the Vacqueyras ( Les Haut de Castillas @ $19.95)  and the Gigondas at $27.95 but the Cotes du Rhone  at $14.95 is a good buy as is  the CdR Villages Rasteau from Perrin et Fils @ $19.95.

Of the two Chateauneuf du Papes, I had an ’05 Clos Du Calvaire recently and was blown away by the mouthfeel and gobs of fruit on the palate. At $34.95, the 2009 in this release strikes me as the better of the two choices.

Spain

The Pesquera Crianza 2008 $27.95 for laying down .

Nov.26th Release - The LCBO says "Buy into this release and act like Greece or Italy!"

Another of the LCBO’s “Break your Bank” releases, replete with $90 Aussies, $100+ Cali Cabs,

Super Tuscans and Bordeaux. Fiscal restraint and common sense have prevailed unlike in Greece or Italy so I will not even consider reviewing any of these massively priced offerings, tempting though they may be. Instead, think of the release this way: While reading through the Vintages catalogue, you’ll have to pass a lot of pretty pics to get to my pretty picks!

So here they are sorted by nation not by preference…

Two Italians

GEOGRAFICO MONTEGIACHI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007 $23.95 – A three glass winner from Gambero Rosso, this one will reflect both the region’s terroir and the fruit from the terrific vintage in 2007.

MARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008 21.95 – Always a very good wine, the 2008 might not be  quite up to the last couple of last years’ (’06 and ’07) standards but served with lamb chops or rare beef, you’ll be happy with it!

Three from the South of France

Two Gold Medal winners from the Languedoc should provide plenty of sub $20 pleasure:

CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES- SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN 2009 $16.95

DOMAINE PIERRE FIL CUVÉE ELISYCES MINERVOIS 2007 - $19.95

And a Cotes du Rhone - LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 $17.95 – repeat after me, 2009 great vintage, well priced.

New Zealand

MOMO PINOT GRIS 2010 $18.95 – great producer.

Oz

KAESLER STONEHORSE SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE 2008 - $22.95 – I like Kaesler wines and I like GSMs, especially at this pricepoint so I’m thinking this’ll be a good buy. One thing that I found in a previous vintage of this wine was a delicate effervescence that stubbornly held on despite spending time in the cellar. Would a cork have allowed it to dissipate? The previous vintage of this wine was under screw cap, like this one.

Don’t cry for me……Argentina

BENMARCO MALBEC 2009 - $16.95 – Need something to accompany slabs of rare beef for a big crowd? Here’s a well priced option for you.

A couple of Yanks

BOMBING RANGE RED 2007 - $19.95 – From the Horse Heaven Hills region of Washington St. This area is well known for the H3 line from Columbia Crest and many other higher priced offerings as well. If this wine is up to any of those standards, you’ll be pleased but don’t go to their website. It’s $12 from the winery without any US retailers’ discounts taken into account – so it costs them $12 to grow the grapes, bottle the wine, age it and make a profit selling it to the public. And we get to pay $20? Merry Christmas to us, I suppose.

J. LOHR CAROL’S VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 $27.95 – a very good producer of midpriced wines, this one is a little expensive for what you’ll get, but I think it’ll be worth it.

Bigger Bucks but not nearly the Biggest Bucks

With all the huge $$’s Cali Cabs in this release there are a couple that are worth seeking out  if only because they appear to be relative bargains. Both scored well and at this time of year to have a big Napa Cab under or around $50 is a surprise!

CUVAISON CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $49.95 Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

CHIMNEY ROCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - $54.95 Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

And last but not least, “Buy one for the name alone?”

LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH SHIRAZ 2008 - $34.95 – From Plunkett Fowles, makers of the Stone Dwellers Cabernet. This is expensive but what a great name for a wine -  I’m tempted to buy a bottle on that alone. Combining the name with the region it’s from, the Strathbogie Ranges, makes it even more difficult to say no.  But wait, it gets better! If you’re tired of squirrels buggering around in the attic, pop them with your pellet gun, roast them and  serve them up with a bottle of this fine wine. Don’t believe me? Check their website! And, if this grosses you out, in the finest of Oz tradition Chopper says “Harden Up.”

 

November 12th - The Beginning of the Big Buck Brigade

Ahhhh, November and the LCBO’s thoughts turn to big buck exclusives to lighten our wallets, damage exercise our kidneys, and send our tastebuds into paroxysms of desire for more! The first release of the month of November presents an amazing compendium of grape based delights. And the good news is some are even below $20! But most of the really high scoring wines will likely require an RRSP raid. So here we go, sorted from ’cheap and cheerful’  to  “You spent how much on wine this month??!!’   

The Cheapies (OK, under $20)

QUINTA DE CABRIZ SELECCIONADA COLHEITA 2008 - Not a port, don’t be confused! $14.95 and a Best Value with ‘sauvage allure’. How can you even question buying a wine that has suavage allure?

STALKING HORSE SHIRAZ 2008 $17.95 – Harvey Steiman says 90 points. I’d trust his palate over Jay Miller’s. Buy this one.

DELAS FRÈRES SAINT-ESPRIT  CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2009 - $14.95 – At the risk of sounding like a broken record, 2009 - Terrific vintage, terrific producers.

MAIPE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 $17.95 – Another Argentinian with 90 points from Parker’s minions.

AGRELO LAMADRID SINGLE VINEYARD  MALBEC 2009 90 points from Jay (Just call me 90) Miller but for $14.95, it’s a good one.

MONTES ALPHA SYRAH 2009 – Always very good, softer than some Chileans - $19.95

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 $17.95 – A perennial 90 point wine. In a lighter bottle than some previous years. Too bad,  I like those big,  heavy ones.

CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS NINE LIVES SHIRAZ 2009 $17.95 – Last year was good but this one gets lost among all the other choices in this release.

SAMPIETRANA VIGNA DELLE MONACHE RISERVA SALICE SALENTINO 2006 $15.95

CHUSCLAN LES GENÊTS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 – At $19.95, this is on the upper end of the CdR-V range, but ’09 was a terrific vintage.

And one lonely white bargain

VINUM AFRICA CHENIN BLANC 2009 $14.95 – Tired of Chards, SauvBlancs or Pinot Grigios? Nicely priced for a different white varietal.

The Midpriced beauties ($20 to $30)

RUFFINO MODUS 2007 $28.95 for a 96 point wine? This’ll be roller derby on Saturday morning!   Needs some serious cellar time but this wine was #25 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2010.

E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS 2007 $29.95 – Another terrific wine and if you compare Gigondas to Chateauneuf du Pape it’s a steal. Released previously in Vintages.

THE HEDONIST SHIRAZ 2008 $23.95  - Is it worth 6 bucks more than the Stalking Horse or the Cat Amongst? You’ll have to decide.

FERRATON PÈRE & FILS LA MATINIÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2009 $20.95. Very nice wine but gee there are so many!

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 – At $21.95, this is a better buy than the Castello di Querceto  methinks.

SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA RESERVA 2001 90 pts. $29.95 Ten years old.

 ‘Consider taking out a Mortgage’ Wines

If money was no object, this is the order I’d buy them in. If only money was no object!

LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009    $57.95 90-92 RP – Keep the vertical going!

TWO HANDS ZIPPY’S BLOCK SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2008  Barossa Valley,$59.00 95 WS

RUBICON ESTATE CASK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Rutherford, Napa Valley $74.95 95 WE

TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2008 $74.95 - 96 points from the usually conservative Antonio Galloni.

REININGER ASH HOLLOW  SYRAH 2006 Walla Walla Valley, Washington State  $39.95 93 WS

KILIKANOON PARABLE SHIRAZ 2007 McLaren Vale, Australia  $39.95  94 + (The review on this one begs the question How many palates can tell the difference between 94+ and 95 points?)

CAPANNA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006 94 RP

PODERI COLLA BUSSIA DARDI LE ROSE BAROLO $49.95 94+ RP (Hmm, what cost it the half point?)

TRAPICHE FAUSTO ORELLANA DE ESCOBAR SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2007 $39.95 94 RP, 93 WS

MITOLO SERPICO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 McLaren Vale, Australia  $54.95 94 RP

ORNELLAIA LE SERRE NUOVE DELL’ORNELLAIA 2009 $59.95 92 RP

MISSION HILL QUATRAIN 2008 VQA Okanagan Valley, B C – 90 points in the WS  $41.95

BURROWING OWL SYRAH 2008 $41.95

JONATA TODOS RED 2007 . Score: 92-94 $59.95

GEMMA COLAREJ BAROLO 2006 $34.95 for a Barolo? Very good buy.

MOLLYDOOKER THE BOXER SHIRAZ 2008 - I reviewed the Mollydooker Boxer a while back. To call it a real mouthful is understating it! Should be $29.95 not $34.95

TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2009 $49.95 from the producers of Sassicaia

VAL DE FLORES MALBEC 2005  Mendoza, Argentina  $49.95  94 points for another of the Michel Rolland efforts from Argentina.

One Big Bottle to watch out for

BODEGAS LAN RESERVA 2005 - $39.95 for a 1500ml  bottle of a Top 100 wine? Seems like the loan  (sorry Bad pun) the lone good buy among all the Christmas gifties. Just to clarify, the '04 LAN Rioja and the 06 LAN crianza made the WS Top 100, not the '05. My mistake!