Tried the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 this weekend. This has been out for a bit over a month as a sleeper release, not part of a structured release but it is in the Vintages section of most stores.Outstanding wine! The taste profile to my uneducated palate was much more California than Chile. Tremendous cassis/ black cherry notes with liqourice accents and a wee bit of cedar. Tannins are perceptable but soft already.
The Montes Alpha is worth hunting down - I'd like to tell you how it changed after an hour in a decanter but it didn't last long enough to even get to the carafe! Instructions from the boss were to 'buy more'.
Served with rare roast beef, it was terrific!
Absolutely an excellent buy at $22.95, it'll evolve for a couple of years but I wouldn't expect it to be too long lived.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 17th - Argentina Focus - Let's Tango with a few of them!
This is not a great release, and out only a week after the previous one, but there are a few goodies to be sure!
I'll be buying some of the 3 Southern Rhone selections including
PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS 2006 91 pts. $18.95 – OK, time to bore everyone with a lesson in some 'Old World, but in this case French' Wine Labelling. I hope I get it right. 'Vinsobres' is a specific named area ( or 'CRU') within the larger named area (appellation) called Cotes Du Rhone Villages. Vinsobres, like its neighbours Vacqueyras or Gigondas, is defined largely by the distinct quality and style of the wines produced within the area. The Vinsobres Cru consists of a selection of the best terroirs of Vinsobres. Only 1300 hectares of the 1800 have been selected based on the geology and exposition (south-exposed vineyards only have been included in the cru delimitation and the balance can only produce wines labelled Cotes du Rhone, not even Cotes du Rhone Villages). Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' comes from two specific vineyards that are right by the small village of Cornuds. By law, these wines must be a blend of a minimum 50% Grenache with a minimum 25% Syrah or Mourvedre. As it is, I think this one is a 50/50 split, grenache and syrah ( but could be 65/35). Because the wine blend is required by law, the French do not make a habit of defining the grapes in the wine on the label because everyone knows the laws and if you know the laws, you know the grapes. In the new world, all these nice laws are out the window, so people want to know what's in the bottle. ( see the Stump Jump for a new world equivalent label) . These are ready to drink or hold for up to 3 or 4 years.
DOMAINE DE L'OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2007 Love the Vacqueyras style of wine and this one happens to be organic for those of you wearing hemp clothing. $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA CROZE GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE 2006AC Côtes du Rhône Could be an exceptional value. Want to compare two equivalent wines but different styles? Try this and the Stump Jump. Price wise, it's a match. Dry and juicy ready to drink now with cassoulet or rare beef. (XD) $15.95
Argentina
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza A very good quality producer and their Cab is ready to drink now. Should be big - almost black in the glass - I'll pick up a couple of them. $19.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 – Mendoza- An annual favourite, this is always big, done in the modern style favoured by the seemingly ubiquitous winemaker Michel Rolland – the reviews indicate it's a little harsher than past years, might need some time to soften up $23.95
J & F LURTON FLOR DE TORRONTÉS 2007 -Uco Valley, Mendoza, Reserva - Have never tried this white, but the review is very interesting. Might try one. $13.95
CLOS DES ANDES 2005 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza -(Poesia) –Should be massive and ageworthy, but that’s a lot of $$’s for an Argentinian, especially one I’ve never had before! Score - 91. $29.95
OZ
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Could be one for Doug! This concentrated Cabernet offers juicy blueberry and blackcurrant fruit as well as notes of cedar and spice supported by fine-grained tannins. $23.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2007 - An Aussie Cotes du Rhone - Drink this easy-drinking quaffer over the next 2-3 years. Always a great buy - 88. $14.95
Italy
CONTE BRANDOLINI D'ADDA VISTORTA MERLOT 2005 - Score - (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) - Worth a shot - that's a great review - $28.95
ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Perenially excellent -medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and lots of flavor. Finishes long Drink now. Score - 90. 12.95 for the half bottle or $21.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006 - made using the Ripasso method, although it does not indicate this on the label. Tedeschi uses the recent variation on the process. They pick fully ripe grapes then allow them to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is much more flavourful and richer than the standard Valpolicella. I haven’t met a vintage I didn’t like.$18.95
MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 Wow, a sub $40 Brunello – I think this is a first for this producer at the LCBO. The 2003 was only their third vintage. This was a scorcher in Europe, so you can expect aromas of blackberry, cedar, truffle and new leather and look for lots of concentrated fruit balanced out by ripening tannins. Decant for a couple of hours and drink today or lay it down and forget about it for a while. $39.95
I'll be buying some of the 3 Southern Rhone selections including
PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS 2006 91 pts. $18.95 – OK, time to bore everyone with a lesson in some 'Old World, but in this case French' Wine Labelling. I hope I get it right. 'Vinsobres' is a specific named area ( or 'CRU') within the larger named area (appellation) called Cotes Du Rhone Villages. Vinsobres, like its neighbours Vacqueyras or Gigondas, is defined largely by the distinct quality and style of the wines produced within the area. The Vinsobres Cru consists of a selection of the best terroirs of Vinsobres. Only 1300 hectares of the 1800 have been selected based on the geology and exposition (south-exposed vineyards only have been included in the cru delimitation and the balance can only produce wines labelled Cotes du Rhone, not even Cotes du Rhone Villages). Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' comes from two specific vineyards that are right by the small village of Cornuds. By law, these wines must be a blend of a minimum 50% Grenache with a minimum 25% Syrah or Mourvedre. As it is, I think this one is a 50/50 split, grenache and syrah ( but could be 65/35). Because the wine blend is required by law, the French do not make a habit of defining the grapes in the wine on the label because everyone knows the laws and if you know the laws, you know the grapes. In the new world, all these nice laws are out the window, so people want to know what's in the bottle. ( see the Stump Jump for a new world equivalent label) . These are ready to drink or hold for up to 3 or 4 years.
DOMAINE DE L'OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2007 Love the Vacqueyras style of wine and this one happens to be organic for those of you wearing hemp clothing. $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA CROZE GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE 2006AC Côtes du Rhône Could be an exceptional value. Want to compare two equivalent wines but different styles? Try this and the Stump Jump. Price wise, it's a match. Dry and juicy ready to drink now with cassoulet or rare beef. (XD) $15.95
Argentina
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza A very good quality producer and their Cab is ready to drink now. Should be big - almost black in the glass - I'll pick up a couple of them. $19.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 – Mendoza- An annual favourite, this is always big, done in the modern style favoured by the seemingly ubiquitous winemaker Michel Rolland – the reviews indicate it's a little harsher than past years, might need some time to soften up $23.95
J & F LURTON FLOR DE TORRONTÉS 2007 -Uco Valley, Mendoza, Reserva - Have never tried this white, but the review is very interesting. Might try one. $13.95
CLOS DES ANDES 2005 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza -(Poesia) –Should be massive and ageworthy, but that’s a lot of $$’s for an Argentinian, especially one I’ve never had before! Score - 91. $29.95
OZ
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Could be one for Doug! This concentrated Cabernet offers juicy blueberry and blackcurrant fruit as well as notes of cedar and spice supported by fine-grained tannins. $23.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2007 - An Aussie Cotes du Rhone - Drink this easy-drinking quaffer over the next 2-3 years. Always a great buy - 88. $14.95
Italy
CONTE BRANDOLINI D'ADDA VISTORTA MERLOT 2005 - Score - (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) - Worth a shot - that's a great review - $28.95
ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Perenially excellent -medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and lots of flavor. Finishes long Drink now. Score - 90. 12.95 for the half bottle or $21.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006 - made using the Ripasso method, although it does not indicate this on the label. Tedeschi uses the recent variation on the process. They pick fully ripe grapes then allow them to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is much more flavourful and richer than the standard Valpolicella. I haven’t met a vintage I didn’t like.$18.95
MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 Wow, a sub $40 Brunello – I think this is a first for this producer at the LCBO. The 2003 was only their third vintage. This was a scorcher in Europe, so you can expect aromas of blackberry, cedar, truffle and new leather and look for lots of concentrated fruit balanced out by ripening tannins. Decant for a couple of hours and drink today or lay it down and forget about it for a while. $39.95
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Jan. 10 Vintages release - a few bargains.
THE LCBO STARTS OFF THE YEAR IN A STRANGE WAY - WITH A BARGAIN RELEASE FOLLOWED ONE WEEK LATER WITH AN ARGENTINA FOCUSED 2nd 'sort of bargain' RELEASE.
THE BARGAIN RELEASE IS FOR 2 REASONS. ONE, YOU’RE BROKE AND TWO, THEY USUALLY HAVE A SALE TO COMPETE AGAINST THEIR FIRST RELEASE. THIS YEAR THEY HAD A SALE IN DECEMBER, SO IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER IN JANUARY IT SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE. WATCH FOR IT!
BARGAIN OF THE RELEASE - ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 – Probably the BUY of the release if you can find it! Drink this hedonistic effort over the next three years.- 90. $14.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP WHITE 2007 – a perrenial bargain @ $14.95
KILIKANOON THE LACKEY SHIRAZ 2006. It is a Best Buy. Score - 89. $17.95
PILLAR BOX RED 2006 - this wine is unfined and unfiltered so if you don’t decant it be careful pouring the last glass. An good buy at $17.95
TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ 2005 – A favourite producer of mine. $20.95
ST. HALLETT FAITH SHIRAZ 2006 – Always good 88 to 91 points $19.95
MARQUEE CLASSIC ARTISAN WINES GSM 2006 - a well priced Aussie GSM- new to me though $18.95
LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2007 - partnership with 300 growers to create wonderful wines like this aromatic blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvédre. Packed with dense black cherry fruit and spice, both complex and elegant $20.95
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2006 AC Côtes du Ventoux unfined/unfiltered is a blend of 70% Grenache / 30% Syrah. Give it a bit of time - this should be a good wine to drink over the next 4-5 years.-90 $15.95
BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007- Very young but well priced $14.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 $14.95
TERRANOBLE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 One of the LCBO Wines of the Month ( theirs, not mine) but should be good nonetheless. $18.95
TAJA RESERVA 2003 This Reserva is compliments of the owners of Bordeaux's famed Château Palmer.- 90 points $16.95
ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO 2005 Wine Advocate rated this a 'Best Buy' This should be a wine with spicy black fruits, a silky texture, and ripe tannins. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015. Score - 90. $15.95
N SENTIDO 2005 The big priced wine of the release for me. $25.95
But remember, I'm watching for the sale.
THE BARGAIN RELEASE IS FOR 2 REASONS. ONE, YOU’RE BROKE AND TWO, THEY USUALLY HAVE A SALE TO COMPETE AGAINST THEIR FIRST RELEASE. THIS YEAR THEY HAD A SALE IN DECEMBER, SO IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER IN JANUARY IT SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE. WATCH FOR IT!
BARGAIN OF THE RELEASE - ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 – Probably the BUY of the release if you can find it! Drink this hedonistic effort over the next three years.- 90. $14.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP WHITE 2007 – a perrenial bargain @ $14.95
KILIKANOON THE LACKEY SHIRAZ 2006. It is a Best Buy. Score - 89. $17.95
PILLAR BOX RED 2006 - this wine is unfined and unfiltered so if you don’t decant it be careful pouring the last glass. An good buy at $17.95
TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ 2005 – A favourite producer of mine. $20.95
ST. HALLETT FAITH SHIRAZ 2006 – Always good 88 to 91 points $19.95
MARQUEE CLASSIC ARTISAN WINES GSM 2006 - a well priced Aussie GSM- new to me though $18.95
LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2007 - partnership with 300 growers to create wonderful wines like this aromatic blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvédre. Packed with dense black cherry fruit and spice, both complex and elegant $20.95
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2006 AC Côtes du Ventoux unfined/unfiltered is a blend of 70% Grenache / 30% Syrah. Give it a bit of time - this should be a good wine to drink over the next 4-5 years.-90 $15.95
BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007- Very young but well priced $14.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 $14.95
TERRANOBLE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 One of the LCBO Wines of the Month ( theirs, not mine) but should be good nonetheless. $18.95
TAJA RESERVA 2003 This Reserva is compliments of the owners of Bordeaux's famed Château Palmer.- 90 points $16.95
ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO 2005 Wine Advocate rated this a 'Best Buy' This should be a wine with spicy black fruits, a silky texture, and ripe tannins. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015. Score - 90. $15.95
N SENTIDO 2005 The big priced wine of the release for me. $25.95
But remember, I'm watching for the sale.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Proof that the economy is worse than we thought! Two Big Sales - Pre Christmas, no less!
Wow, check out Vintages website or your local store for 2 big sales beginning today! One is instore and there are some BP past picks that have been substantially reduced. The second is 'order from the warehouse' for delivery to and pick up at your local store!
http://www.vintages.com/
Happy bargain hunting!!!!
http://www.vintages.com/
Happy bargain hunting!!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Dec.06, aka the last of the "Suck up to the boss gifts" release
DECEMBER 6 , some really big dollar options, also lots of Champagnes for New Year's Eve Celebrations, both of which I largely ignored.
Of the Big $$ items, these caught my eye.
ONTARIO
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES EQUULEUS 2005 – A Niagara Delight from a great year. Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard -Excellent fruit from an excellent producer. Decant big time, but have a little sip on the hour to taste it as it evolves. $40.00
FIELDING ESTATE MERITAGE 2005 - A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Ontario Wine Awards. – super wine from a nice Niagara family vineyard. $35.20
The rest of the World
CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – Probably the best cab in the release if price were no object, but let’s face it , it is an object! $61.95 -
D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia – A perennial fave of mine, this is now officially overpriced. $55.95
YALUMBA THE MENZIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Coonawarra, South Australia
A terrific cab, but not a great buy! $49.95
TORBRECK RUN RIG 2004 Barossa Valley. When I’m lying on my death bed I’ll probably wish I had bought one of these to try but $275 bucks! 99+points.
ORNELLAIA 2005 DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2005 marks the 20th vintage of Ornellaia.
Spectacular Score - 95, $158.95 - Collectors will be lining up!
THE REGULAR RELEASE
California
CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $56.95
CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $51.95
FESS PARKER THE BIG EASY SYRAH 2004 $40.95 – That Daniel Boone makes some amazing Syrahs – my Pick from California – Should be Huuuuuuge!
RIDGE THREE VALLEYS 2006 $29.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 $33.95 – Good price for the wine.
Argentina
3 nice Malbecs, very well priced – go for the Kaiken for a buck or two more! But remember, serve with red, red meat!
GOULART RESERVA MALBEC 2006
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2006
ZOLO RESERVE MALBEC 2005
Chile
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
Looks like a tribute to Torres Mas La Plana – Black and gold label, Pinot style bottle – big Cab – less than half the price of Mas la Plana though for a terrific wine - $19.95
ESTAMPA GOLD 2004 – $18.95 BUT NOT AS GOOD A WINE AS THE TARAPACA
OZ
WALLACE BY BEN GLAETZER SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2006 – higher priced than most LCBO Wines of the Month, but worth it! $26.95
KILIKANOON - KILLERMAN'S RUN – anything - is always topnotch – $20.95 for each of the two .
THE RHONE
GIGONDAS LA CAVE LA RÉFÉRENCE GIGONDAS 2006 - $21.95 – If you want to try to understand terroir, try this and a Vacqueyras from a recent release. They’re neighbours in the Rhone Valley but are really different!
ORTAS RASTEAU TRADITION 2007 – 16.95 – Tremendous buy for a ready to drink, not too tannic, fruity wine.
ITALY
ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA POGGIO A'FRATI 2004 To Quote Gambero Rosso “a hymn to the sangiovese grape, has subtle red berries, dried flowers and aromatic herbs on the nose and a taut, succulent palate”. Any wine that is a hymn to a grape is good enough for me! $33.95
So what am I buying? This list pretty much describes me to a T – all over the map winewise! The Chianti, as long as it’s a hymn sung by Bocelli, The Fess Parker – Daniel Boone in a coonskin cap, and probably the Chilean Cab travelling incognito in the Pinot bottle!
Of the Big $$ items, these caught my eye.
ONTARIO
CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES EQUULEUS 2005 – A Niagara Delight from a great year. Paul Bosc Estate Vineyard -Excellent fruit from an excellent producer. Decant big time, but have a little sip on the hour to taste it as it evolves. $40.00
FIELDING ESTATE MERITAGE 2005 - A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Ontario Wine Awards. – super wine from a nice Niagara family vineyard. $35.20
The rest of the World
CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – Probably the best cab in the release if price were no object, but let’s face it , it is an object! $61.95 -
D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia – A perennial fave of mine, this is now officially overpriced. $55.95
YALUMBA THE MENZIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Coonawarra, South Australia
A terrific cab, but not a great buy! $49.95
TORBRECK RUN RIG 2004 Barossa Valley. When I’m lying on my death bed I’ll probably wish I had bought one of these to try but $275 bucks! 99+points.
ORNELLAIA 2005 DOC Bolgheri Superiore 2005 marks the 20th vintage of Ornellaia.
Spectacular Score - 95, $158.95 - Collectors will be lining up!
THE REGULAR RELEASE
California
CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $56.95
CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON $51.95
FESS PARKER THE BIG EASY SYRAH 2004 $40.95 – That Daniel Boone makes some amazing Syrahs – my Pick from California – Should be Huuuuuuge!
RIDGE THREE VALLEYS 2006 $29.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 $33.95 – Good price for the wine.
Argentina
3 nice Malbecs, very well priced – go for the Kaiken for a buck or two more! But remember, serve with red, red meat!
GOULART RESERVA MALBEC 2006
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2006
ZOLO RESERVE MALBEC 2005
Chile
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
Looks like a tribute to Torres Mas La Plana – Black and gold label, Pinot style bottle – big Cab – less than half the price of Mas la Plana though for a terrific wine - $19.95
ESTAMPA GOLD 2004 – $18.95 BUT NOT AS GOOD A WINE AS THE TARAPACA
OZ
WALLACE BY BEN GLAETZER SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2006 – higher priced than most LCBO Wines of the Month, but worth it! $26.95
KILIKANOON - KILLERMAN'S RUN – anything - is always topnotch – $20.95 for each of the two .
THE RHONE
GIGONDAS LA CAVE LA RÉFÉRENCE GIGONDAS 2006 - $21.95 – If you want to try to understand terroir, try this and a Vacqueyras from a recent release. They’re neighbours in the Rhone Valley but are really different!
ORTAS RASTEAU TRADITION 2007 – 16.95 – Tremendous buy for a ready to drink, not too tannic, fruity wine.
ITALY
ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA POGGIO A'FRATI 2004 To Quote Gambero Rosso “a hymn to the sangiovese grape, has subtle red berries, dried flowers and aromatic herbs on the nose and a taut, succulent palate”. Any wine that is a hymn to a grape is good enough for me! $33.95
So what am I buying? This list pretty much describes me to a T – all over the map winewise! The Chianti, as long as it’s a hymn sung by Bocelli, The Fess Parker – Daniel Boone in a coonskin cap, and probably the Chilean Cab travelling incognito in the Pinot bottle!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
November 22nd Pre Christmas release
This is the Christmas gift release – lots of high end options to suck up to the boss with.
My first reaction was ho hum, but upon further review, there are some beauts in the regular part of the release too.
The big big buck gift suggestions from the LCBO
CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
CLOS PEGASE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 92- $50.95
DUCKHORN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $78.95
JOSEPH PHELPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $73.95
HAZYBLUR SHIRAZ 2005 $77.95
HENSCHKE KEYNETON ESTATE EUPHONIUM 2004 $56.95
MITCHELTON PRINT SHIRAZ 2003 $44.95
WOLF BLASS BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MALBEC 2004 $98.95
CATENA ALTA MALBEC 2005 $60.95
LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 $61.95
FULIGNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $75.95
ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2004 $78.95
ALION 2004 96. $80.95
Corbec – Think Amarone from Argentina…very interesting and $29.95
DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2006 Probably the only high ender that I’ll buy! Should be very ‘different’. It also has a great label for the season.$25.95
HERMANOS PECIÑA SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA GRAN RESERVA 1998 $55.95
The best of the rest and in some cases the best of the best!
MONTES ALPHA SYRAH 2006 – Always excellent, last years was a WS Top 100. Can’t go wrong! - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, $22.95
SANTA CAROLINA VSC 2006 VSC is Viña Santa Carolina's flagship red. Should be good but maybe not up to the price tag $29.95
D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE 2006 – I think I’d take this over the VSC.This blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc won a Gold Medal at the Korea Wine Challenge 2008.TASTING NOTE: Nice wine. Lots of flavour. Full of dusty, cedary, tarry flavour. Sweet, soft heart. Firm dry tannins. $27.95
KILIKANOON THE MEDLEY 2006 Barossa Valley/Clare Valley, South Australia
The 2006 Medley is a GSM blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre.. Try this one against the Burge Holy Trinity and you’ll say, Gee I’m glad I saved $11 bucks a bottle ( unless you drink them in 10 years, that is) $26.95
MAWSON'S HILL BLOCK 3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Wrattonbully, South Australia (Yalumba Wine Company) I’m recommending this just cuz I like to say Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. There, now I don’t need to buy any.Good price tho and a good wine for it. $19.95
VIRGARA WINES SHIRAZ 2004 $29.95 – No that’s not Viagra wines….hmmm interesting concept tho…ahhh back to the wine…not a bad choice.
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 Always great, Score - 90. $18.95
VIGNERONS D'ESTÉZARGUES LA GRANACHA SIGNARGUES 2006 Expensive for a Cotes du Rhone but what the heck, I have this vision of a bunch of farmers standing around the grape press smoking Gaulloises discussing soccer and politics… Small is beautiful! $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA COLLINE SAINT-JEAN VACQUEYRAS 2004 - blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. You know me and my Vacqueyras….gotta have some and while ’04 wasn’t quite ‘05 it should be in it’s prime. $25.95
Château Larroque ‘Winter Label’ 2005 AOC Bordeaux $16.95 – labelled for the season…and not a bad QPR.
Terra D’Aligi Tolos Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2004 DOC Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $29.95 – should be excellent.
Lots of Chianti Classico reservas – I’d pick the Antinori or the Ruffino – but they’re not cheap!
And last but not least, two cheap Spaniards for under 20:
JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2006
VALLOBERA CRIANZA 2005
My first reaction was ho hum, but upon further review, there are some beauts in the regular part of the release too.
The big big buck gift suggestions from the LCBO
CLOUDY BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
CLOS PEGASE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 92- $50.95
DUCKHORN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $78.95
JOSEPH PHELPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $73.95
HAZYBLUR SHIRAZ 2005 $77.95
HENSCHKE KEYNETON ESTATE EUPHONIUM 2004 $56.95
MITCHELTON PRINT SHIRAZ 2003 $44.95
WOLF BLASS BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MALBEC 2004 $98.95
CATENA ALTA MALBEC 2005 $60.95
LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 $61.95
FULIGNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $75.95
ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2004 $78.95
ALION 2004 96. $80.95
Corbec – Think Amarone from Argentina…very interesting and $29.95
DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2006 Probably the only high ender that I’ll buy! Should be very ‘different’. It also has a great label for the season.$25.95
HERMANOS PECIÑA SEÑORÍO DE P. PECIÑA GRAN RESERVA 1998 $55.95
The best of the rest and in some cases the best of the best!
MONTES ALPHA SYRAH 2006 – Always excellent, last years was a WS Top 100. Can’t go wrong! - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, $22.95
SANTA CAROLINA VSC 2006 VSC is Viña Santa Carolina's flagship red. Should be good but maybe not up to the price tag $29.95
D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE 2006 – I think I’d take this over the VSC.This blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc won a Gold Medal at the Korea Wine Challenge 2008.TASTING NOTE: Nice wine. Lots of flavour. Full of dusty, cedary, tarry flavour. Sweet, soft heart. Firm dry tannins. $27.95
KILIKANOON THE MEDLEY 2006 Barossa Valley/Clare Valley, South Australia
The 2006 Medley is a GSM blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 10% Mourvèdre.. Try this one against the Burge Holy Trinity and you’ll say, Gee I’m glad I saved $11 bucks a bottle ( unless you drink them in 10 years, that is) $26.95
MAWSON'S HILL BLOCK 3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Wrattonbully, South Australia (Yalumba Wine Company) I’m recommending this just cuz I like to say Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. Wrattonbully. There, now I don’t need to buy any.Good price tho and a good wine for it. $19.95
VIRGARA WINES SHIRAZ 2004 $29.95 – No that’s not Viagra wines….hmmm interesting concept tho…ahhh back to the wine…not a bad choice.
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 Always great, Score - 90. $18.95
VIGNERONS D'ESTÉZARGUES LA GRANACHA SIGNARGUES 2006 Expensive for a Cotes du Rhone but what the heck, I have this vision of a bunch of farmers standing around the grape press smoking Gaulloises discussing soccer and politics… Small is beautiful! $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA COLLINE SAINT-JEAN VACQUEYRAS 2004 - blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. You know me and my Vacqueyras….gotta have some and while ’04 wasn’t quite ‘05 it should be in it’s prime. $25.95
Château Larroque ‘Winter Label’ 2005 AOC Bordeaux $16.95 – labelled for the season…and not a bad QPR.
Terra D’Aligi Tolos Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2004 DOC Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $29.95 – should be excellent.
Lots of Chianti Classico reservas – I’d pick the Antinori or the Ruffino – but they’re not cheap!
And last but not least, two cheap Spaniards for under 20:
JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2006
VALLOBERA CRIANZA 2005
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 8th Release
Bordeaux Special – most of these will need time but there could be some good ones in the lot. I’m not a huge bordeaux fan. I find them too Tobacco-y on my palate and won’t be buying any. Of the rest of the release, some good QPR malbecs, some good syrahs, a couple of cabs and some Brunellos for the big ticket fans. But, I think my two faves of the release are ISD’s. Columbia Crest Walter Clore Vineyard and the Leasingham Classic Clare Cabernet. Big Bucks for both but ….mmmmm.
Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU LA COURONNE 2005 AC St-Émilion(Mähler-Besse). Best after 2012. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) $29.95
CHÂTEAU LE CARILLON 2005 AC Pomerol Best 2008 to 2013. Score - 92. (David Lawrason, Toronto Life Wineblog, Nov. 13, 2007) $39.95
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS 2003AC Saint-Estèphe . Best after 2010. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006) $35.95
Best of the Rest
LA POSTA ANGEL PAULUCCI VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Malbec "Paulucci Vineyard" was aged for 10 months in 100% French oak, 20% new. Purple-colored, it offers a lovely bouquet of violets, smoke, black cherry, and blackberry. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007) $15.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE MALBEC 2006 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: Solid, with a juicy core of red plum, raspberry and red licorice flavors backed by alluring spice and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2008. Score 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) $16.95
RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2005 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Haven’t tried this one, I’m thinking it could be one of the sleepers this week.'Modern classic' Bordeaux-style blend ... A real charmer. Entices with fresh, ripe fruit perfume, silky sleekness, restraining ripe tannins. Merlot-led (54%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (6%), and Malbec (3%). French oaked [aged], 50% new, [for] 20 mths. $27.95
5 nice Syrahs
GRANT BURGE MIAMBA SHIRAZ 2006Barossa, supple, medium-bodied wine, with appealing spicy fruit nuances, fine tannins and subtle oak; bears testament to the vintage; long finish. Score - 93. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, March 2008) $23.95
JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE VINEYARD SYRAH 2005 – Compare this one to the CAlifornia following or the Crozes Hermitage from Caves de Tain VQA Niagara Peninsula This single-vineyard Syrah exhibits real, Rhône-like complexity, with smoked meat and white peppery notes adding interest on the nose and palate. Score - (out of 5). $29.95
TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ 2006 always tasty and very well priced. This one can be unfined and unfiltered so the last glass should be poured with care.it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007) $26.95
ARROWOOD LE BEAU MÉLANGE SYRAH 2002 Sonoma Valley, Unfined and Unfiltereda chocolaty, earthy effort revealing a hint of new saddle leather, full-bodied flavors, and an exuberant, typically California personality with its up-front fruit and precocious personality. Score - (90-93). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2003) $29.95
CAVE DE TAIN CROZES HERMITAGE FINE FLEUR DE CROZES 2005 classic northern Rhône Syrah is designed for early enjoyment. Barrel aged and fermented, it's deep ruby in colour with aromas of blackcurrant, spice, mineral and toasty oak notes. It's rich and silky with fresh black fruit flavours mingling with mineral notes, decent acidity and smooth medium tannins. Enjoy with roasted lamb sprinkled with rosemary or a spicy beef stew. $22.95
Couple of Cabs
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 may underwhelm in its tenderness, but has very good focus and length. Ripe cherry-berry, tobacco, earth and spice, all well combined. The wine is mid-weight, supple but not sweet, with fine acidity and tannin. Excellent length. Enjoy now to 2011. Score - 90. (David Lawrason, 2008) $22.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Highly Recommended.by Tastings.com Score - 88. $22.95
PIRRAMIMMA PETIT VERDOT A quality producer - This rare single-varietal offering of the lesser-known Bordeaux grape is considered among the world's best.Lots and Lots of Licorice as I recall.$23.95
PRIMA 2006 (Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos) (90% tempranillo and 10% garnacha) Deep ruby. Smoky cherry and blackberry aromas. Fresh and racy, with pure red and dark fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins and good tangy lift. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, Int’l Wine Cellar, 2008) $24.95
Christmas is coming and so are The BIG, BIG Buck Ones
COTO REAL RESERVA 2001- DOC Rioja Complex and expressive, this elegant red is rich with black plum, licorice, mineral, smoke and floral notes, all beautifully balanced, fresh and long on the palate. Still young and lively. Drink now through 2015.Score - 93. ( www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2007) $39.95
LEASINGHAM CLASSIC CLARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 Clare Valley, South Australia "Uncompromising full-bodied wine; masses of black fruits, but even more tannins; needs a minimum of 10 years before approaching ... Score - 94. (If you just can't wait, decant and try it with a rare steak. $51.95
COLUMBIA CREST WALTER CLORE PRIVATE RESERVE RED 2003 – Oh boy, this one should be amazing! But an ISD, so few bottles in few stores….Columbia Valley "A classy nose of smoky oak, vanilla, lead pencil, plum, black currant, and blackberry leads to a rich, still youthful wine with loads of extract, thick fruit, superb integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and a very long finish." Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, August 2007) $49.95
MASSOLINO BAROLO 2004TASTING NOTE: Raspberry, truffle, tobacco and cedar on the nose. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and ultrafine tannins. This is refined, yet structured and muscular. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling,) $58.95
TERRE DA VINO BAROLO ESSENZE 2003 Premier Vineyards TASTING NOTE: Shows a wonderful richness of fruit, with a spicy, decadent undertone. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Needs bottle age to mellow. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, $44.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MORMORETO CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO 2005 This always-impressive Tuscan-take on Bordeaux blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Regal in stature, this deep ruby/purple wine features dark berries, cinnamon, and leather characteristics. Full-bodied, classy, with firm tannins, this is a powerhouse red to pair with roast beef or lamb. $59.95
SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Nardi's 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant, finessed wine with remarkable clarity and precision in its ripe fruit. It offers notable persistence on the palate and a long, lingering finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, April 2008) $59.95
TENEMENTI ANGELINI VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG Offers pretty blackberry and raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, floral, berry aftertaste. Best after 2009.Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2008) $51.95
Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU LA COURONNE 2005 AC St-Émilion(Mähler-Besse). Best after 2012. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) $29.95
CHÂTEAU LE CARILLON 2005 AC Pomerol Best 2008 to 2013. Score - 92. (David Lawrason, Toronto Life Wineblog, Nov. 13, 2007) $39.95
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS 2003AC Saint-Estèphe . Best after 2010. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2006) $35.95
Best of the Rest
LA POSTA ANGEL PAULUCCI VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Malbec "Paulucci Vineyard" was aged for 10 months in 100% French oak, 20% new. Purple-colored, it offers a lovely bouquet of violets, smoke, black cherry, and blackberry. Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2007) $15.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE MALBEC 2006 Mendoza TASTING NOTE: Solid, with a juicy core of red plum, raspberry and red licorice flavors backed by alluring spice and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2008. Score 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) $16.95
RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2005 WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Haven’t tried this one, I’m thinking it could be one of the sleepers this week.'Modern classic' Bordeaux-style blend ... A real charmer. Entices with fresh, ripe fruit perfume, silky sleekness, restraining ripe tannins. Merlot-led (54%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) Cabernet Franc (4%), Petit Verdot (6%), and Malbec (3%). French oaked [aged], 50% new, [for] 20 mths. $27.95
5 nice Syrahs
GRANT BURGE MIAMBA SHIRAZ 2006Barossa, supple, medium-bodied wine, with appealing spicy fruit nuances, fine tannins and subtle oak; bears testament to the vintage; long finish. Score - 93. (James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au, March 2008) $23.95
JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE VINEYARD SYRAH 2005 – Compare this one to the CAlifornia following or the Crozes Hermitage from Caves de Tain VQA Niagara Peninsula This single-vineyard Syrah exhibits real, Rhône-like complexity, with smoked meat and white peppery notes adding interest on the nose and palate. Score - (out of 5). $29.95
TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ 2006 always tasty and very well priced. This one can be unfined and unfiltered so the last glass should be poured with care.it has an attractive array of pepper, spicy blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry muffin aromas. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, delivers gobs of meaty, full-flavored blue and black fruits to accompany its forward, easy-going personality. Drink this incredible value over the next 4-6 years. Score - 92. (Jay Miller, Oct. 2007) $26.95
ARROWOOD LE BEAU MÉLANGE SYRAH 2002 Sonoma Valley, Unfined and Unfiltereda chocolaty, earthy effort revealing a hint of new saddle leather, full-bodied flavors, and an exuberant, typically California personality with its up-front fruit and precocious personality. Score - (90-93). (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2003) $29.95
CAVE DE TAIN CROZES HERMITAGE FINE FLEUR DE CROZES 2005 classic northern Rhône Syrah is designed for early enjoyment. Barrel aged and fermented, it's deep ruby in colour with aromas of blackcurrant, spice, mineral and toasty oak notes. It's rich and silky with fresh black fruit flavours mingling with mineral notes, decent acidity and smooth medium tannins. Enjoy with roasted lamb sprinkled with rosemary or a spicy beef stew. $22.95
Couple of Cabs
KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 may underwhelm in its tenderness, but has very good focus and length. Ripe cherry-berry, tobacco, earth and spice, all well combined. The wine is mid-weight, supple but not sweet, with fine acidity and tannin. Excellent length. Enjoy now to 2011. Score - 90. (David Lawrason, 2008) $22.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Highly Recommended.by Tastings.com Score - 88. $22.95
PIRRAMIMMA PETIT VERDOT A quality producer - This rare single-varietal offering of the lesser-known Bordeaux grape is considered among the world's best.Lots and Lots of Licorice as I recall.$23.95
PRIMA 2006 (Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos) (90% tempranillo and 10% garnacha) Deep ruby. Smoky cherry and blackberry aromas. Fresh and racy, with pure red and dark fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins and good tangy lift. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, Int’l Wine Cellar, 2008) $24.95
Christmas is coming and so are The BIG, BIG Buck Ones
COTO REAL RESERVA 2001- DOC Rioja Complex and expressive, this elegant red is rich with black plum, licorice, mineral, smoke and floral notes, all beautifully balanced, fresh and long on the palate. Still young and lively. Drink now through 2015.Score - 93. ( www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2007) $39.95
LEASINGHAM CLASSIC CLARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 Clare Valley, South Australia "Uncompromising full-bodied wine; masses of black fruits, but even more tannins; needs a minimum of 10 years before approaching ... Score - 94. (If you just can't wait, decant and try it with a rare steak. $51.95
COLUMBIA CREST WALTER CLORE PRIVATE RESERVE RED 2003 – Oh boy, this one should be amazing! But an ISD, so few bottles in few stores….Columbia Valley "A classy nose of smoky oak, vanilla, lead pencil, plum, black currant, and blackberry leads to a rich, still youthful wine with loads of extract, thick fruit, superb integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and a very long finish." Score - 93. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, August 2007) $49.95
MASSOLINO BAROLO 2004TASTING NOTE: Raspberry, truffle, tobacco and cedar on the nose. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and ultrafine tannins. This is refined, yet structured and muscular. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling,) $58.95
TERRE DA VINO BAROLO ESSENZE 2003 Premier Vineyards TASTING NOTE: Shows a wonderful richness of fruit, with a spicy, decadent undertone. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Needs bottle age to mellow. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, $44.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MORMORETO CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO 2005 This always-impressive Tuscan-take on Bordeaux blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Regal in stature, this deep ruby/purple wine features dark berries, cinnamon, and leather characteristics. Full-bodied, classy, with firm tannins, this is a powerhouse red to pair with roast beef or lamb. $59.95
SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Nardi's 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant, finessed wine with remarkable clarity and precision in its ripe fruit. It offers notable persistence on the palate and a long, lingering finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, April 2008) $59.95
TENEMENTI ANGELINI VAL DI SUGA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG Offers pretty blackberry and raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, floral, berry aftertaste. Best after 2009.Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2008) $51.95
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)